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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Inner Light"
#40275-225
Story by
Morgan Gendel
Teleplay by
Morgan Gendel and Peter Allan Fields
Directed by
Peter Lauritson
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 1992 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
MARCH 24, 1992
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 03/24/92 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Inner Light"
CAST
PICARD ELINE
RIKER BATAI
DATA ADMINISTRATOR
BEVERLY MERIBOR
YOUNG BATAI
GEORDI
WORF
Non-Speaking
NURSE OGAWA TOWNSPEOPLE
INFANT SON
Non-Speaking SUPERNUMERARIES
SUPERNUMERARIES
MEDICAL TEAM
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 03/24/92 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Inner Light"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD'S QUARTERS PROBE
KAMIN MAIN ROOM KAMIN HOME
COURTYARD & GARDEN
TOWN SQUARE
OPEN FIELD
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV 03/27/92 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Inner Light"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BATAI b'TIE
ELINE el-EEN
EMIRISTOL em-er-IS-tahl
KAMIE KAY-mee
KAMIN KAY-min
KATAAN K'-TAHN
KENOMAY KEN-oh-may
MERIBOR MARE-ih-bore
NUCLEONIC noo-klee-AHN-ik
RESSIK RESS-ik
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Inner Light"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1
thru OMITTED
2
3 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at warp.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 45944.1.
We're en route to Starbase
Two-eighteen after a magnetic wave
survey of the Parvenium Sector.
We will give our report directly
to Fleet Admiral Gustafson.
4 INT. BRIDGE
PICARD, RIKER, DATA, WORF, and GEORDI at their
positions; N.D.'s as necessary. There is a
light-hearted mood on the bridge.
PICARD
The last time I encountered
Admiral Gustafson... I ended up
spending nine straight hours at
the opera.
GEORDI
Nine hours... ?
PICARD
The entire "Ring" cycle at one
sitting...
RIKER
That's a little too much Wagner
for me.
PICARD
And for me... but not, apparently,
for Admiral Gustafson. She went
back the next day and sat through
it all again. I warned her that
this time --
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - TEASER 2.
4 CONTINUED:
WORF
Sir, sensors detect an
unidentified object... twenty-two
thousand kilometers off the port
quarter.
PICARD
On screen.
5 ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
An alien object of unusual shape can be seen, though
still at quite a distance. Picard moves toward the
screen, between t conn and ops.
PICARD
Magnify.
The object springs into greater relief. It is strange,
and somehow foreboding.
PICARD
Mister Data?
DATA
It appears to be a probe of some
kind... but there is no Starfleet
record of this shape or design.
RIKER
Is it scanning us?
WORF
No sir... but it has assumed a
relative position and is holding
course with us.
DATA
The probe is composed of...
paricium and talgonite... a
ceramic alloy.
GEORDI
Not a very sophisticated
technology...
WORF
Sir, I'm detecting a low-level
nucleonic beam coming from the
probe.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - TEASER 3.
5 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Shields up; stand by phasers.
DATA
The beam is scanning the shield's
perimeter.
(frowns)
The probe is emitting an unusual
particle stream --
WORF
Captain, the beam is penetrating
our shields --
A point at the top of the probe seems to FLARE briefly,
as...
PICARD
Increase power to --
Suddenly Picard staggers backward, as though struck.
He sags, losing consciousness. Riker is already
rushing to him as he begins falling.
RIKER
Captain?...
6 CLOSER - PICARD
As he falls, losing consciousness, Riker's hand ENTERS
FRAME behind Picard's head so as to protect it, cushion
it, against the hard deck toward which it's
falling...
7 PICARD'S POV (OPTICAL)
Riker's face leaning in close...
RIKER
Captain, I've got you; it's
all...
Riker and his surroundings DISSOLVE in a DAZZLE OF
COLORS. A beat later the COLORS RE-DISSOLVE INTO...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - TEASER 3A.
8 PICARD'S NEW POV (OPTICAL)
ELINE, a fine looking mid-thirtyish woman -- whose
face becomes a thing of radiance when she smiles --
leans over him, blotting his forehead with a moist
towel.
ELINE
Well.. finally.
We'll now see that Picard and Eline are:
9 INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY
He realizes he's seated in a deep and comfortable chair
in the modest, certainly unusual (to us), but well-kept
and inviting main room of what is apparently a home.
In addition to the front entry, there are openings to
the (o.s.) kitchen and (o.s.) bedroom. Picard just
peers around; confused.
ELINE
(continuing, gently)
How are you feeling?
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - TEASER 4.
9 CONTINUED:
As she lightly strokes his face with the moist towel:
ELINE
(gently)
Kamin... can you answer me?
Picard rises to a sitting position, still scanning the
room, a little groggy and disoriented.
PICARD
Where is this... ?
A frown of concern on the woman's face.
ELINE
You're still feverish...
Picard looks around, getting control of his faculties.
Everything he sees is strange, unaccustomed. Might
he be in a holodeck program?
PICARD
Computer, freeze program.
(beat)
End program.
Nothing. The woman keeps moving, trying to blot his
forehead. He gets to his feet, automatically reaching
for his communicator.
PICARD
Picard to Enterprise --
But there is nothing there to hit. He looks down at
his garb -- strange and alien.
ELINE
Kamin, please don't try to get
up yet... you're still not well.
PICARD
I asked you... what is this place?
Her look is of loving concern.
ELINE
This... is your home, of course.
MOVE IN ON PICARD'S FACE, and HOLD, until we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
10 INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
Picard and Eline just as they were. He's up and
moving, inspecting the room.
PICARD
Where is my uniform? My
communicator?
She looks truly worried.
ELINE
I'd better call the doctor
again...
PICARD
I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of
the Federation Starship
Enterprise. I would like to speak
with whoever is in charge here.
ELINE
(frightened now)
If you'll just lie down, I'll brew
you some nice warm kenomay...
PICARD
Just tell me this -- am I a
prisoner here?
Her eyes widen in alarm.
ELINE
Please, dear... you've had a high
fever for three days... you
mustn't push yourself too
quickly...
Picard has discovered a panel in the wall which
contains a small metallic square in the center. He
touches it, it opens.
ELINE
You shouldn't go outside...
Picard moves to EXIT... a bit cautiously...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE 6.
11 OMITTED
12 EXT. COURTYARD FRONTING KAMIN HOME - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
The dwelling is smooth and pale, with the appearance
of a Mediterranean villa. There is a modest front
courtyard with a garden -- now blooming with odd and
alien flora. Picard steps out into the courtyard,
shading his eyes against the bright sunlight; stops
as the door closes behind him to survey the area.
Eline follows him, concerned.
ELINE
Kamin... please come back
inside...
She follows him briefly as he makes his way out of the
courtyard, then stops in frustration, realizing he will
not listen.
13 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - HIS POV
More of the white stucco-like dwellings, a square area
in the center where SEVERAL TOWNFOLK have gathered.
A fine-looking, pretty-faced youngish woman crosses
Picard's path en route to the gathered group. She
smiles in recognition, and waves at him as she goes.
14 ANGLE ON GROUP (OPTICAL)
as Picard approaches. There is a small group of people
gathered around a man -- BATAI, a genial-looking man
in his 50's -- who is just finishing the planting of
a sapling tree, tamping down the earth and then rising
to address the group.
BATAI
This sapling is planted as an
affirmation of life... in defiance
of the drought and with
expectations of long life.
Whatever comes -- we will keep
it alive, as a symbol of our
survival.
The group applauds... and then Batai spots Picard.
BATAI
(happy relief)
Kamin! You're back on your feet!
How do you feel, my friend?
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE 7.
14 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Are you in charge here?
Batai is a bit taken aback by the brusque question.
BATAI
In charge... ?
PICARD
I want to be returned to my ship
immediately.
The group has a reaction to this... exchanging curious
glances. Batai moves closer to Picard.
BATAI
What... ship is that?
The honest confusion in the man frustrates Picard.
He looks around, takes a breath... tries again.
PICARD
Please... if you could tell me...
what is this place? Where am I?
BATAI
(getting it)
The fever... it's taken your
memory.
Picard stares at him... mind working quickly...
frustrated by his inability to get straight answers
from these people. He decides on a different tack.
He smiles a bit ruefully.
PICARD
That must be it. Perhaps you
could help me...
BATAI
Anything, my friend.
PICARD
My name is Kamin... and you are
-- ?
BATAI
(wary, this is strange)
Batai...
(helpful)
Council leader.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE 8.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Ah. And you say I've been ill...
BATAI
For over a week. Eline should've
put you in the hospital, but she
insisted on caring for you
herself.
PICARD
Eline.
BATAI
Your wife. If you don't remember
that, maybe it's safer not to go
home.
Picard allows himself a genial smile. He is at least
getting information.
PICARD
And... what is this place?
Batai becomes wary again, alarmed by his friend's total
memory loss.
BATAI
Perhaps you should see the
doctor...
PICARD
Please -- I'm sure it will come
back to me...
BATAI
(gesturing)
This... is the community of
Ressik. Northern province.
PICARD
What planet?
Batai appears mystified, then comes toward Picard, puts
an arm around his shoulder.
BATAI
Come... let me take you back home.
PICARD
I'm really quite all right. If
you'll just answer...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE 9.
14 CONTINUED: (3)
BATAI
(carefully)
This is the planet Kataan.
PICARD
Kataan... not a Federation
planet.
Batai looks at him, puzzled. Picard gives the group
a reassuring smile.
PICARD
I think I'll take a walk...
A hesitation.
BATAI
You've been ill for a week...
PICARD
Exercise will do me good. I'd
like to -- re-acquaint myself with
the surroundings.
He gives a nod, then begins to stride purposefully out
of the square. Batai stares after him, as do the
mystified townspeople.
15
thru OMITTED
16
16A EXT. FIELDS - DAY
Picard roams the hills beyond the town, searching for
clues to his mysterious abduction. He climbs a small
ridge, stares off in the distance, then climbs down and
proceeds on his way.
17 OMITTED
18 INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - NIGHT
Eline sits at a small table, idly stirring soup in a
bowl, when she hears something outside. She jumps up,
goes to the door, activates it. Picard is standing
there, bone-weary.
ELINE
Thank goodness...
She ushers him in and he settles in the chair...
grateful to be off his feet.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE 10.
18 CONTINUED:
ELINE
I've had people out trying to find
you everywhere. Why did you
worry us like that?
He is silent. She tries again.
ELINE
Are you hungry?
PICARD
Hungry, thirsty... weary... I
suppose that proves this isn't
a dream, doesn't it?
She stands, stunned, staring at him.
ELINE
You think this... your life...
is a dream?
The note of anguish in her voice catches him. His
reply is gentle.
PICARD
It's not my life... I know that
much.
Stricken, she blinks away tears, turns to get food.
ELINE
I've kept something hot for you.
He sits at the table and she carries a bowl of soup to
him.
ELINE
Where did you go?
PICARD
I walked. For hours.
He begins eating the soup.
ELINE
(concerned)
And you just out of bed...
She sits opposite him, grateful to have him back,
devotion in her eyes. Picard busies himself with the
soup.
PICARD
This is delicious...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE 11.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
ELINE
(pleased)
You always say that...
He looks up at her, reminded of his apparent history
with this woman. He decides to approach her head-on.
PICARD
Would you -- answer some questions
for me? No matter how strange
they might seem to you?
ELINE
Of course...
PICARD
Are there other planets in this
star system? Do you visit any
other systems... ?
Shocked, she literally just gapes at him. He reads her
response.
PICARD
All right. Is there any kind of
communication system here? How
do you send messages to... to
other communities? Other places?
ELINE
The usual way... by
voice-transit conductors. Do
you want to send a message?
PICARD
Yes. When can that be arranged?
ELINE
(shrugs)
Tomorrow.
(beat)
Don't you want to ask about...
us?
Picard hears the note of anguish in her voice. He sets
down his spoon, softens.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE 12.
18 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Of course. Anything you can tell
me would be helpful. We are...
married?
She nods, clearly in pain that he has no recollection
of this.
ELINE
Three years ago... the happiest
day of my life was the day we got
married.
(beat)
You're probably tired of hearing
it... but I've loved you since
I was seven years old. That's
when I decided I was going to be
your wife, and no one was going
to change my mind.
She smiles at him, reaches out and covers his hand with
hers.
ELINE
I'm glad I was so stubborn...
He stares at her. Her warmth, her sincerity are
obvious. It puts him in an uncomfortable position. He
tries to return to his agenda.
PICARD
What is it that I do... here in
Ressik?
ELINE
(great pride)
You're the best iron weaver in
the community. At least I think
so. You prefer playing the flute,
of course.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE 13.
18 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
The flute?
She rises, goes to a nearby shelf (or whatever) and
brings to him. It is a device much like a
penny-whistle. He holds it, turning it over in his
hands; it is completely unfamiliar.
PICARD
And when did I learn to play it?
ELINE
(laughing again)
I'm afraid you've never learned,
dear. You do keep trying.
Picard puts the device to him mouth... tries a few
notes... it sounds pretty awful. Even Picard can't
help but smile.
PICARD
I see what you mean.
He sets the flute down, rises.
PICARD
Thank you for the soup. And for
your help. Tomorrow will you help
me send a message?
She smiles as though indulging a child. She has him
back... he isn't saying strange things anymore. It's
enough for now.
ELINE
Of course. Will you come to bed
now?
He stares at her. This is a bit awkward. He looks off
toward a door which must lead to a bedroom, then back
at the reclining chair.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE 14.
18 CONTINUED: (5)
PICARD
I'll sleep here...
ELINE
Oh, no... please come with me...
In her voice, genuine concern. Picard tries diplomacy.
PICARD
I've been sick... I may be tossing
and turning... it wouldn't be fair
to you.
ELINE
(a smile)
Let me be the judge of that.
She moves toward him... stretches her arms to hold
him... and as she does, her dress falls open at the
neck. Picard stares at what he sees.
19 OMITTED
20 CLOSE - ICON MEDALLION
It is a replica, an exact miniature, of the probe.
PICARD (o.s.)
Where did you get this?
21 RESUME - SHOT
ELINE
(taken aback)
It's... the first gift you ever
gave me.
22 CLOSE ON PICARD
as he stares at her.
23 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON PICARD
as Riker's cushioning hand finishes lowering Picard's
head gently to the deck (in continuation of the action
in progress during the instant we were last on the main
bridge; as Picard was falling).
RIKER
... I've got you; it's all right...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE 15-17.
24 FULL SHOT
as Riker remains kneeling over the prone and motionless
figure of Picard.
RIKER
Riker to sickbay. The captain's
been hurt.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
A25 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
hanging in space.
25 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard's inert form remains where it was on the deck,
with Riker kneeling in close attendance. Geordi stands
just behind him; Data, Worf and the Conn Officer still
at stations -- as BEVERLY, with emergency medical
equipment, rushes in from the forward turbolift to
begin preliminary on-spot diagnosis.
DATA
The nucleonic beam is no longer
scanning, Commander. There is
a narrow reciprocating band
focused directly on Captain
Picard.
RIKER
Mister Data, find out how that
beam is getting through the
shields and what we can do to cut
it off.
DATA
Yes, Commander.
RIKER
Geordi, start scanning the probe
for any identifying marks,
anything that might tell us where
it came from.
GEORDI
Understood.
He goes to work at an aft station. Beverly is giving
preliminary readings.
BEVERLY
Pulse and blood pressure
normal... I'm getting hyperactive
fibrogenic activity... this is
odd...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 18A.
25 CONTINUED:
RIKER
What is it?
BEVERLY
There's no evidence of injury or
trauma... vital signs are normal,
but his neurotransmitter
production is off the scale.
What's going on?
Riker looks in frustration toward the viewscreen.
RIKER
That probe is doing something to
him... Data, any progress?
DATA
No, sir. The particle emission
is most unusual. I am unable to
block it.
WORF
Destroy the probe. Phasers are
armed and ready.
BEVERLY
(as she begins scanning)
I don't think that's wise. Not
until we know exactly what it's
doing to him...
RIKER
Agreed. Stand down phasers,
Mister Worf.
Worf reluctantly obeys.
RIKER
In the meantime, let's see if we
can move out of range. Ensign,
thrusters only... one hundred
kph... nice and easy...
There is a pause as the ship attempts to move from the
probe.
RIKER
Mister Data?
DATA
The probe is moving with us,
sir -- holding relative position.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 19.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
It's connected itself to him...
like a tether.
Perplexed, Riker looks from the main viewer to Picard,
then back again. HOLD on his FACE, before going to:
26 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY - CLOSE ON SMALL TREE
Reestablishing. The sapling has matured with five
years of growth.
27 EXT. KAMIN HOME COURTYARD - DAY
Picard stands in the courtyard, holding a sextant and
shooting the sun. He takes a measurement... then
records his findings in a journal that's lying on a
bench. Then he holds the instrument up to his eye
again, continuing.
28 ANGLE ON ELINE
who comes from the house and approaches Picard, who is
absorbed in his work. She watches him silently for a
moment, aware of his intense preoccupation. She moves
toward him.
ELINE
You've been dreaming of that
starship again, haven't you?
29 PICARD AND ELINE
He lowers the instrument, turns toward her. This is an
old conversation.
PICARD
I'm just charting the sun's
movements. It might give some
clues to the cause of this
drought.
ELINE
I think you're still trying to
figure out where you are... where
that ship of yours is... what you
can do to get back to that life...
Picard sets the sextant down.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 20.
29 CONTINUED:
PICARD
The memory's five years old now,
but it's still inside me.
(shrugs)
My other existence may be gone,
but I still wonder about it.
She regards him solemnly, then begins idly circling the
courtyard... breaking off a dead flower or branch now
and then. The garden has deteriorated; what were once
abundant blooms are now small sickly plants without
blossoms.
ELINE
Was it so much better than this
one?
He gives her a sharp look. Undaunted, she proceeds.
ELINE
So much more gratifying... so much
more fulfilling... that you cling
to it with such stubbornness?
PICARD
Eline...
ELINE
It must have been extraordinary...
but never once, in all the stories
you've told me... have you
mentioned anyone who loved you
as I do.
He is pained. She is right...
PICARD
It was real... as real as this
is. You can't expect me to forget
the lifetime I spent there...
ELINE
Yes, I can.
He looks at her. There is a new sound in her voice, a
tilt to her chin.
ELINE
I've been patient, Kamin. For
five years I have shared you with
that other life.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO 21.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
ELINE (cont'd)
I have listened, I have tried to
understand... and I have waited.
(beat)
When do I get you back?
He is silent for a beat... fully understanding her
frustration.
PICARD
I know this has been hard for
you...
ELINE
It's not as though it hasn't been
interesting... all this talk about
starships and distant planets...
I have never been bored.
(beat)
But I have been lonely. Knowing
that your heart is really...
somewhere else.
PICARD
You have been amazingly tolerant.
ELINE
When are you going to let go?
When are you going to start living
this life?
(beat)
When are we going to start a
family?
Before he can answer, a hail from behind them --
BATAI (o.c.)
Kamin, Eline!
They turn to see Batai approaching them, genial as
always.
BATAI
Good morning!
PICARD
Good morning, Batai...
But Eline is strangely silent.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 22.
29 CONTINUED: (3)
BATAI
Are you ready? The administrator
has already arrived.
PICARD
Yes...
(to Eline)
Will you come along?
ELINE
No, thank you...
(with an edge)
... You do very well on your own.
And she strides back into the house. Picard turns back
to Batai, frowning. Batai smiles with understanding.
BATAI
She always was strong-minded.
Even when she was a child.
They start walking toward the town square.
PICARD
It isn't her fault. These last
few years have been difficult for
her.
Batai gives him a glance.
BATAI
And for you, I think.
Picard takes a breath. But makes no acknowledgment.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT TWO 23.
30 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY (CONTINUOUS)
A group of the townspeople are gathered near the tree.
The ADMINISTRATOR, a youngish man in an outfit which
distinguishes him from the others, stands inspecting
the tree. As Picard and Batai approach, he turns to
them.
ADMINISTRATOR
There you are, Batai. Perhaps
you can explain to me... when
crops are dying all over, how this
tree is flourishing?
Batai smiles his genial smile.
BATAI
This tree is our symbol... our
affirmation of life. Everyone
in this town gives a part of their
water rations to keep it alive.
(beat)
We have learned, Administrator,
that hope is a powerful weapon
against anything... even drought.
The Administrator eyes him, assessing. The young man
is a politician, and has learned not to interfere too
drastically in local government. He nods, accepting.
ADMINISTRATOR
A good point. Perhaps I will
recommend a symbolic tree in each
of my communities...
(smiling broadly)
Now. What business do we have
today?
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT TWO 24.
30 CONTINUED:
BATAI
We need help if we're to increase
the water supply. We think there
are ways to reclaim some of our
water...
ADMINISTRATOR
Batai, you're being a bit of an
alarmist. True, we're in a
drought... but water rationing
has produced a sizeable savings.
Picard can no longer keep quiet.
PICARD
If the weather pattern doesn't
change, rationing won't be enough.
We will run out of water.
The Administrator looks at Picard in some surprise.
ADMINISTRATOR
Who's this?
BATAI
Kamin, sir.
ADMINISTRATOR
Kamin... do I know you?
PICARD
No. I haven't spoken to you
before.
The Administrator smiles, acknowledging a new
constituent.
ADMINISTRATOR
Well, Kamin -- I'm open to all
the people of this town. I'm
delighted to hear what you have
to say. Did you have a specific
proposal?
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO 25.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
I suggest we build atmospheric
condensers which could extract
water from the air.
The Administrator chuckles a little... condescending.
He's very charming... but gives nothing.
ADMINISTRATOR
Well. Very ambitious. Kamin,
was it? And your occupation is
-- ?
PICARD
Iron weaving.
(beat)
And playing the flute.
The Administrator looks sharply at him... not sure if
he's being tweaked -- which he is. But Picard is
straight-faced.
ADMINISTRATOR
I don't mean to quash your very
creative idea... but building
atmospheric condensers would be
a monumental undertaking. We
could not hope to sustain such
a project.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 26.
30 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Each community would be
responsible for its own. These
condensers could mean the
difference between watering our
crops... or watching them die.
The Administrator is too experienced to get into a
wrangle. He smiles and agrees -- an effective
stonewalling.
ADMINISTRATOR
Well -- I'll be glad to pass
along your suggestion. You'll
see that this kind of
participatory government works
for everyone.
He starts away from the group, genial as ever.
ADMINISTRATOR
Be well, Batai. I shall see you
next month.
(to Picard, coolly)
Good to meet you, Kanin.
The mispronunciation is not intentional, just careless.
The Administrator turns and begins striding away.
BATAI
Go carefully, Administrator...
Batai turns back to Picard, who stands staring after
the Administrator.
BATAI
That went very well. I think he
was impressed with you.
Picard can't help but chuckle at this.
PICARD
We'll never see an atmospheric
condenser...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO 26A.
30 CONTINUED: (4)
BATAI
These things take time. It will
happen, I'm sure of it.
Picard changes the mood, claps him on the shoulder.
PICARD
Come to dinner tonight, my friend.
I'll make a vegetable stew. We'll
talk about building our own
condenser.
Batai nods, acquiescing. As Picard starts to turn away
--
BATAI
Kamin --
Picard turns back.
BATAI
Hearing you talk to the
Administrator... I realized that
for the first time in years, you
were speaking as though you were
truly a member of the community.
(beat)
It was good to hear that again.
He nods and walks off. Picard looks after him,
absorbing his statement.
31
thru OMITTED
32
33 EXT. KAMIN COURTYARD AND GARDEN - THAT NIGHT
Batai, beverage in hand, is sprawled on one of the
benches; Picard is seated, barefoot, playing his flute.
Not very well, and not any melody that we can
recognize. But he's playing nonetheless, and it's a
marked improvement from last time. He hits a couple of
sour notes, and stops, working his fingers over the
keys.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO 26B.
33 CONTINUED:
BATAI
You've been brooding behind that
flute all evening.
PICARD
I'm not brooding. I'm immersed
in my music.
BATAI
Music...
PICARD
(re: flute)
I've found it helps me think.
(a smile)
The real surprise is that I enjoy
it so much.
BATAI
The real surprise is that you may
actually be improving.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 27.
34 INCLUDING ELINE
as she emerges from within the home.
ELINE
Batai?
BATAI
Yes, ma'am.
ELINE
Go home.
BATAI
Yes, ma'am.
(Rises)
Goodnight, Kamin.
PICARD
Goodnight, my friend.
ELINE
Go carefully, Batai.
As Batai departs, Eline picks up Picard's shoes, which
are flung on the ground.
ELINE
Don't forget these. I won't put
them away for you again.
PICARD
Yes, ma'am.
She gives him a sidelong glance... sees the humor in
him, and smiles back.
ELINE
I've done nothing but nag today.
I'm sorry.
PICARD
I'm the one who's sorry.
(beat)
Everything you said this morning
was absolutely right.
She stares at him, surprised.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 27A.
34 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I've given you so little... and
you have given me so much...
tenderness, patience... and a good
talking to when I needed it.
(beat)
You've been more than I could ever
have hoped for. More than I
deserve.
Hearing these unaccustomed and longed-for words, Eline
hastens to reassure him.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 28.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
ELINE
You're a good man, a wonderful
husband... I didn't mean to imply
--
He touches her mouth gently with his fingertips.
PICARD
Not such a wonderful husband.
He puts his arm around her, musing.
PICARD
I spend my spare time charting
the stars... I disappear for days
at a time exploring the
countryside... and I never put
away my shoes. I lead my life
very much as I did -- before.
(quick glance at her)
Old habits.
ELINE
You're gentle and kind... you've
never raised your voice to me...
PICARD
I'd like to ask your permission
to build something.
ELINE
Kamin, you've built your
telescope, your laboratory -- you
don't need my permission to build
anything...
PICARD
In this case, I think I do.
ELINE
What is it?
PICARD
A nursery.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 29.
34 CONTINUED: (3)
Beat -- as she digests the enormity of this. Then,
absolutely beaming, she wraps her arms around him.
ELINE
Really? Really?
PICARD
Unless you'd rather have a porch.
It'd certainly be easier to
build...
She laughs, flinging her arms around him; he smiles.
Then, tenderly, lovingly... he takes her face in his
hands... kisses her soft, generous mouth...
35
thru OMITTED
36
37 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard is still unconscious; more equipment is being
set up by a MEDICAL TEAM including NURSE OGAWA and one
other -- diagnostic apparatus, monitor, etc. Beverly
hovers over Picard.
BEVERLY
(to the team)
He's showing heightened activity
in the cerebral cortex...
OGAWA
Pulse and blood pressure are
slightly elevated...
BEVERLY
Systemic activity?
OGAWA
Increasing. And I'm getting
heightened tactile responses.
BEVERLY
Set up a galvanic scan.
RIKER
Geordi, any progress identifying
the probe?
GEORDI
Maybe. I've picked up some
residue on the probe's shell.
I think it's from the propulsion
system. Looks like it used a
solid propellant as fuel.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 30.
37 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Solid propellant?
GEORDI
Sensors read this stuff as
crystalline emiristol. It
produces a radioactive trail that
ought to be traceable.
RIKER
Then we can send out a probe of
our own. Trace it back to the
point of origin.
GEORDI
I'll get on it.
DATA
Commander, I have been analyzing
the nucleonic beam. I believe
it would be possible to reflect
the particles back toward the
probe in a way that would
disrupt the signal.
Riker turns to Beverly... with a tough question.
RIKER
Doctor... ?
But she has no easy answers.
BEVERLY
I don't know what it's doing to
him, or what'll happen if we stop
it...
RIKER
He could be dying by inches...
BEVERLY
His vital signs are stable.
There's no indication he's in a
life-threatening situation --
RIKER
I'm not willing to let that thing
keep drilling into him --
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO 30A.
37 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
I simply don't know the risk of
shutting down the beam. If
someone gets stabbed, you don't
necessarily pull the knife out
right away -- that might do more
harm than leaving it there.
WORF
The captain is under attack. We
must act.
A long moment as Riker weighs his choices.
RIKER
I'm inclined to agree. Doctor,
monitor him closely. Mister Data,
prepare to disrupt the beam.
We're going to try to cut this
cord.
38 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT THREE 31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
39 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY - FAVORING PLANTED TREE
The tree is now twelve years old. One of the N.D.
Townfolk is watering it (sparingly) from a hand-held
pot.
40 EXT. COURTYARD & GARDEN FRONTING KAMIN HOME - DAY
It is seven years since we were last here. What was
once the beautifully blossoming flower garden is now a
rock garden. The entry door stands ajar. In the rock
garden, an adorable little girl, MERIBOR, age six,
plays happily. She's dressed in her best. We hear
(o.s.) a lovely lullaby being played on a flute. The
music continues thru into:
41 OMITTED
42 INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY - ON PICARD
(MAKEUP CHANGE #1)
It is an older Picard who stands playing the lovely
lullaby. As he does, WIDEN to discover not only that
he's playing to the infant son cradled (and rocked
gently) in Eline's arms, but that Several N.D. Guests
are present... gathered to watch, with smiling faces,
this ritual ceremony. On a fairly long table set up
for the occasion, are (as yet untouched) food snacks
and stuff to drink for the guests. As the lullaby
continues --
43 ANOTHER ANGLE
Six year old Meribor, whom we've just seen outside,
comes running into -- and part of the way through --
the room, before stopping to watch. She swings her
arms a bit, and foot-fidgets (the way kids do who think
they're standing in place), until stopped by:
ELINE
(softly)
Meribor, this is your brother's
ceremony; now don't fidget.
And, as little Meribor dutifully complies, the lullaby
ends.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT THREE 32.
43 CONTINUED:
Picard turns and smiles at Eline, then addresses the
guests.
PICARD
We name this child for a dear
friend who died last year... but
who will now live on through his
namesake.
ELINE
(to baby)
We name you -- Batai. In his
honor.
Picard now turns to their guests:
PICARD
He's starting life in the warmth
of friends. Thank you.
(re: long table)
Please, help yourselves to
something to eat.
As the audience of guests becomes just a homogeneous,
relaxed group enjoying the fare on the long table,
MUSIC from an unseen source begins playing.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT THREE 33.
44
thru OMITTED
47
48 PICARD & ELINE
as a female guest comes and takes the baby from Eline.
She and Picard are now momentarily alone.
ELINE
It seems like just yesterday that
we had Meribor's naming ceremony.
PICARD
I remember. I was so nervous I
thought I might drop her.
(beat)
Now look at her... a little
lady...
ELINE
She's no lady... tromping through
the hills with you all day,
digging those soil samples you
insist on collecting... she's
her father's daughter.
Picard smiles, then grows a bit pensive -- Eline picks
up on it.
ELINE
What is it?
PICARD
(an admission)
I'd always thought I didn't need
children to make my life
complete... now, I can't imagine
life without them.
She gives him a warm smile and holds out her arms to
him... they embrace lovingly.
49 VERY CLOSE ON ELINE
her face reflecting her silent, joyously contented
knowledge of what he's experiencing.
50 VERY CLOSE ON PICARD
Another long beat... Now, suddenly, his face changes to
a surprised grimace of pain.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE 34.
51 ANGLE
Eline Reacts to Picard's expression of pain. And, as
he GRUNTS in still further pain, and clutches his left
arm:
ELINE
Kamin!
52 OMITTED
53 ON PICARD
Gasping for breath now, he goes first to his knees --
then to the floor on his back.
ELINE (o.c.)
Get the doctor -- hurry!
And as CAMERA MOVES in on his face --
54 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Riker stands well back; Data and Worf at stations.
Beverly is bent over Picard, frantically trying to
revive him, Ogawa at her side. Picard begins to gasp
for air.
BEVERLY
I'm losing him!
OGAWA
I'm getting massive somatophysical
failure...
BEVERLY
Two cc's delactovine...
Ogawa hands her the hypospray, which she administers.
Picard continues to gasp for air.
RIKER
Data, get that beam back.
OGAWA
There are severe fluctuations in
the isocortex... synaptic
responses are failing...
Picard begins to CONVULSE.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE 35.
54 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Begin full cardiac induction...
The other medical team member uses an instrument on
Picard.
OGAWA
Blood pressure is dropping
rapidly... seventy over twenty
--
BEVERLY
Data, you have to reestablish
that beam.
DATA
I am attempting to do so, Doctor.
OGAWA
Losing response in the isocortex
--
BEVERLY
Cortical stimulator...
The other medical team member hands her a pair of
blinkies that she affixes to either side of Picard's
head at the temples.
BEVERLY
Start at ten percent...
DATA
Doctor, the beam is fully
restored.
They wait for a tense beat as the device does its
thing.
OGAWA
Blood pressure up to ninety over
forty...
(relief)
... and rising...
BEVERLY
Isocortical functions are
stabilizing... vital signs
approaching normal levels...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE 36.
54 CONTINUED: (2)
Finally, Beverly removes the apparatus from Picard,
and, in totally spent relief, literally sags against
one of the command chairs. The others breathe a
collective sigh of relief.
55
thru OMITTED
60
61 EXT. KAMIN COURTYARD - DAY
A lovely, intelligent-eyed girl, MERIBOR, (age
sixteen, so another ten years have passed) kneels
using a portable core sample-extraction device. Having
taken a core sample, she'll now read it as the device
measures its chemical content.
PICARD (o.c.)
Meribor... ?
She looks around and up. She has a great grin,
reminiscent of her mother's.
MERIBOR
Happy day, father...
62 INCLUDING PICARD
He has just come from the house. We realize only
slowly, as he grows nearer, that this is a Picard who
-- despite his continued physical fitness -- is now
about seventy years old.
PICARD
That's my hobby; find your own.
MERIBOR
You're the one who taught me.
Don't complain if you turned me
into a scientist.
PICARD
And what has the scientist been
up to today?
MERIBOR
Analyzing soil samples.
(beat)
There's not even any anerobic
bacteria. The soil is dead.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT THREE 37.
62 CONTINUED:
She looks at him with grave, lovely eyes.
MERIBOR
This isn't just a long drought,
is it?
(no response)
I have entries in my log that go
back ten years. You have data
that precedes that by fifteen
years. You've reached the same
conclusion, I know you have.
Picard regards her... a loving father who would rather
protect his daughter from the awareness of dire things.
The result is a bit terse and testy.
PICARD
I haven't reached any conclusion.
A good scientist doesn't function
by conjecture.
MERIBOR
(unfazed)
A good scientist functions by
hypothesizing and then proving
or disproving that hypothesis.
That's what I've done.
PICARD
(beat)
Tell me... why don't you spend
more time with that young fellow
Dannick?
MERIBOR
You're changing the subject.
PICARD
I'm not; I'm hypothesizing that
he's in love with you.
MERIBOR
You've taught me to pursue the
truth -- no matter how painful
it might be. It's too late to
back off from that.
She rises, collecting her instruments.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT THREE 38.
62 CONTINUED: (2)
MERIBOR
I've analyzed the rings in old
trees. I've examined rock strata
to correlate evidence of climactic
changes over the centuries.
(beat)
Father -- this planet is dying.
He looks at her with a mixture of anguish and
adoration.
PICARD
Perhaps I should have filled your
head with trivial concerns...
games and toys and clothes...
She smiles gently at him.
MERIBOR
I don't think you mean that.
PICARD
No... but it saddens me to see
you bear the burden of knowing
things... things you can't change.
MERIBOR
It's no more a burden than you
bear.
PICARD
But I'm not sixteen. With my life
ahead of me.
A beat, and then, pensively --
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT THREE 39.
62 CONTINUED: (3)
MERIBOR
Father? I think I should marry
Dannick sooner rather than
later... don't you?
PICARD
I can only say...
(Beat)
... Live now, Meribor. Always make
"now" the most precious time.
"Now" will not come again.
MERIBOR
I love you, father.
She puts her arm around his waist, and he puts his
around her shoulder. They walk like that into the
house.
63 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Beverly and one of the medical team working over
Picard, with Riker watching from behind them; Geordi at
an aft science station; Data and Worf at stations.
BEVERLY
Vital signs are holding... he's
been stable ever since the beam
was restored.
(beat)
I don't know what more to do for
him.
Riker takes a few steps toward the viewscreen, staring
at the alien probe in frustration.
GEORDI
Commander, we're starting to
receive telemetry from the probe
we launched.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE 40.
63 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Go ahead.
GEORDI
(off console)
We've charted the alien probe's
radiation trail for just over
one light year.
RIKER
Can you extrapolate a point of
origin?
GEORDI
Our best guess would be a star
system in the Silarian sector...
Kataan.
RIKER
Kataan... I've never heard of it.
Data... ?
DATA
It is an unmapped system of six
planets.
RIKER
Any of them inhabited?
DATA
Not any longer, sir. The star
went nova. All life in the
system was destroyed
approximately one thousand years
ago.
HOLD on Riker's look, until we...
64
thru OMITTED
65
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT FOUR 41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
66 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT - ON TREE
Reestablishing. The tree, though thirty-two years old,
is now dead.
67 EXT. KAMIN COURTYARD - NIGHT
Ten years have passed since we saw Picard last. He
is peering through his telescope, occasionally entering
data in his journal. Eline emerges from the house.
ELINE
I put your shoes away for you
again.
PICARD
Ah. Thank you, dear.
She moves toward him, and as he turns away to enter
notes, she peers through the telescope.
ELINE
I've been looking through this
thing off and on for almost thirty
years... and I still can't see
what you and Meribor find so
fascinating.
He moves back toward her.
PICARD
Fine. Then maybe you'll sit down
and rest the way you're supposed
to.
ELINE
(relinquishing the
telescope)
You treat me like some frail
flower. People have surgery all
the time.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT FOUR 42.
67 CONTINUED:
At this moment, the sound of a flute being played in
the house draws Picard's look. He shakes his head a
little, moves again to his telescope. Eline sees the
reaction.
ELINE
He loves playing. And he's very
good at it, you know.
There is a hint of frustration in Picard's voice as he
discusses his son.
PICARD
He loves doing a lot of things
-- too many. One week he wants
to be a botanist, the next week
a sculptor. I wish he could find
some focus in his life.
ELINE
I think he has.
He looks at her, surprised and curious.
ELINE
Maybe you should talk to him.
Picard realizes something is going on.
PICARD
(calling)
Batai?
The MUSIC abruptly stops, and YOUNG BATAI, twenty,
emerges from the house, carrying a flute.
YOUNG BATAI
Father... ?
PICARD
I get the feeling from your mother
that you have something to tell
me.
Mother and son exchange quick glances.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FOUR 43.
67 CONTINUED: (2)
YOUNG BATAI
Yes. I was waiting for the right
moment... but that won't ever
come.
(beat)
I'm leaving school.
PICARD
Leaving school -- ? No, you're
not --
YOUNG BATAI
I want to concentrate on my music.
It's what I care about.
PICARD
Last year, all you cared about
was mathematics. A year before
that it was botany. Now --
YOUNG BATAI
But through it all there was my
music. I think you know that,
father...
(beat)
This is the life I want.
Picard looks at him... realizing that children will
go their own way, regardless.
PICARD
We'll... we'll discuss it.
Young Batai smiles, suspecting acquiescence.
YOUNG BATAI
Thank you, father.
And he bounds back into the house. Picard picks up
his journal, leafs through it pensively.
ELINE
Even after all these years... you
have the ability to surprise me.
PICARD
If music is what he wants... why
should I stand in his way?
(beat)
Who knows how much time he'll
have to follow any dream.
Eline watches as he flips through his journal.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR 44.
67 CONTINUED: (3)
ELINE
Are you still planning to talk
to the Administrator tomorrow?
PICARD
Yes.
(beat)
It's possible he'll dismiss me
from the Council.
ELINE
Unless, of course, you keep quiet.
PICARD
The evidence is too pronounced.
I can't stay silent.
ELINE
(gentle smile)
What a surprise.
68
thru OMITTED
69
70 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NEXT DAY
Picard and the Administrator -- now having aged by
twenty-seven years -- are in the square. Although some
townspeople are seen in the B.G., they are alone.
Picard carries his journal.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR 45.
70 CONTINUED:
ADMINISTRATOR
Kamin, what do you hope to
accomplish? Spreading rumors that
the planet is doomed... there
could be chaos.
During the next, their voices rise slightly, each
topping the other.
PICARD
(brandishing journal)
The facts are here. At least show
them to someone who will recognize
what they mean.
ADMINISTRATOR
I won't be a party to your making
trouble --
PICARD
If you won't take them, I most
certainly will.
The Administrator suddenly realizes that they are
speaking loudly, and have drawn a few curious looks.
He lifts a warning hand to Picard, glances around,
then, casually, begins to walk. Picard falls in line
with him.
ADMINISTRATOR
(quietly)
Your observations... your
findings... our scientists reached
those same conclusions two years
ago.
Picard stares at him.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FOUR 46.
70 CONTINUED: (2)
ADMINISTRATOR
Well, what did you expect us to
do? Make it public? Can you
imagine the effect... ?
PICARD
Surely the technology exists to
save something of this world...
perhaps some people could be
evacuated...
ADMINISTRATOR
Evacuated to where? Our
technology is limited. We're just
beginning to launch small
missiles...
PICARD
A collection of genetic samples,
then -- something, anything --
you can't just let this
civilization die --
ADMINISTRATOR
Enough!
(beat; defeated)
There is a plan in the works. I
can't tell you more than that.
And before Picard can reply --
YOUNG BATAI (o.c.)
Father!
71 INCLUDING YOUNG BATAI
He comes barreling toward them, out of breath, his face
pale. Picard moves toward him.
PICARD
What is it -- ?
YOUNG BATAI
It's mother. Hurry.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR 47.
72 OMITTED
73 INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - MINUTES LATER
As Picard and Young Batai hurry in, a grim-faced Doctor
is just rising from his inspection of Eline, who lies
pale and blanket-covered on the chair. Picard goes
to her.
PICARD
Doctor -- ?
But the man simply shakes his head sadly.
ELINE
(wry)
You see... I'll go to any
lengths... to get your attention.
PICARD
(in kind)
You always had a flair for the
dramatic...
ELINE
Doctor... Batai... leave us alone
for a moment. I want to talk to
my husband.
As Young Batai and the Doctor EXIT:
ELINE
Did the Administrator look at your
evidence?
PICARD
He didn't have to. They already
know.
ELINE
So he didn't throw you off the
Council...
PICARD
(small smile)
No...
She reaches up and touches his cheek lightly.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR 48.
73 CONTINUED:
ELINE
Remember -- put your shoes away.
PICARD
I will.
And, without any indication that it's happening, Eline
is dead. Picard looks down at her for a long beat.
Then he buries his head in the folds of her blanket.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE 49.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
74 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, and all others, as we last saw them (with
Beverly moving between her equipment and her
patient) ...
74A ON PICARD
Still unconscious, breathing evenly... his features
composed and even.
74B ANGLE - RIKER (OPTICAL)
A picture of frustration, pacing, staring out at the
alien probe, stymied. Ogawa is studying the medical
monitors.
OGAWA
Doctor...
BEVERLY
What is it?
OGAWA
I'm not sure. He's showing
physiological alterations... His
systemic readings are changing...
BEVERLY
(moving to monitor)
So are his respiratory functions.
RIKER
Is he in danger?
BEVERLY
I don't know... I don't understand
what's happening. The changes
are subtle, but...
A beat as she looks up at him.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE 50.
74B CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
... If I didn't know better, I'd
say these are the metabolic rates
of an eighty-year-old man.
Off the look shared by Riker and Beverly...
75 INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY
An eighty-five-year-old Picard (somewhat frail,
bespectacled and slightly stooped) is on his hands and
knees at the moment, playfully "chasing" a giggling
six year old boy, KAMIE, around the large chair. Kamie
is playing keep-away with Picard's old flute. Picard
"hides" behind the chair; "scares" Kamie, who squeals
with delight as Picard catches him by the ankle, and
moves to begin tickling the boy.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FIVE 51.
76 INCLUDING MERIBOR
who, now in her mid-thirties, enters from the front
door to see the goings-on. She is wearing a
wide-brimmed hat.
MERIBOR
Some children are certainly making
a lot of noise in here.
PICARD
You shouldn't be out there for
so long. It's damaging, you know
that.
MERIBOR
I'm wearing plenty of your skin
protector.
PICARD
Mmnph.
(to Kamie)
Do you wear your skin protector
outdoors, young man?
Picard tickles him again, and the boy's only answer
is another spurt of giggling.
77 INCLUDING YOUNG BATAI
as he ENTERS. He's now about thirty, and he wears a
wide-brimmed hat, too.
YOUNG BATAI
Happy day, everybody! It's time
to go see the launching.
PICARD
What "launching"? What's he
talking about?
MERIBOR
They're sending up a missile,
father. We're going to watch it.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FIVE 52.
77 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Are we, indeed. I'm not going
anywhere to watch anything.
Meribor makes the mistake of moving to help her father
off his knees. Picard, crustily independent, wrenches
his arm away from her hand, and will make it (a bit
creakily) to his feet on his own -- as Meribor smiles her
affectionate understanding. Young Batai takes his
nephew's hand, and will lead him out after grabbing a
hat for him, too.
YOUNG BATAI
Come on, Kamie; let's go see the
launching.
As Young Batai and Kamie disappear:
PICARD
(looking after them)
Breaks my heart to look at him...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT FIVE 53.
77 CONTINUED: (2)
MERIBOR
Who?
PICARD
My grandson. Breaks my heart...
he deserves a full rich life, and
he's not going to get one.
Meribor collects a hat for herself and for Picard; she
puts her own on.
MERIBOR
He's my child, and I tell you he
is getting one. I wish it could
be longer, but it's as full and
rich as we can possibly make
it.
She turns to him, finds him staring at her, as though
looking at her when she was born. She gives him a
smile, puts his hat on his head, and takes his hand.
MERIBOR
Please come, father.
As she leads him out:
PICARD
Why didn't I hear anything about
a launching?
78 OMITTED
79 EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY
Picard and Meribor walk together toward a group which
has collected in the square, all looking toward the sky
in one direction.
PICARD
Did everyone know about this
except me?
He sits down on a bench.
PICARD
I can see all right from here.
She sits next to him. A beat, and then --
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT FIVE 54.
79 CONTINUED:
PICARD
You go on with the others. Go
hold onto my grandson, and watch
the damned thing go up... for all
the good it'll do. What is it
they're launching?
Meribor turns to him. There is a knowing look in her
eyes.
MERIBOR
You know about it, father.
You've already seen it.
PICARD
Seen it? What are you talking
about? I haven't seen any
missile.
BATAI (o.s.)
Yes, you have, old friend...
Don't you remember?
80 CLOSE ON PICARD
looking up, and off, in a different direction from that
of the townspeople.
PICARD
(in disbelief)
Batai?
81 ANGLE ON BATAI
who approaches, looking as he did those many years ago.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/27/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
81 CONTINUED:
BATAI
You saw it... just before you came
here.
He moves toward Picard, smiling.
BATAI
We hoped our probe would encounter
someone in the future -- someone
who could be a teacher... who
could tell others about us.
82 OMITTED
83 FAVORING PICARD
as he digests these last words. Through the memories
of thirty years, he struggles to comprehend.
PICARD
A probe... that encounters
someone...
The mists of recollection begin to part...
PICARD
... someone in the future...
(realizing)
... it's me, isn't it? I'm the
someone...
It becomes clearer and clearer now.
PICARD
I'm the one it finds... that's
what this launching is -- a probe
that finds me... in the future...
ELINE (o.s.)
Yes, my love...
Picard turns to see --
84 ANGLE ON ELINE
who approaches. She is the Eline from Act Two, when he
made his commitment to her.
PICARD
Eline...
ELINE
The rest of us have been gone for
a thousand years...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE 56.
85 OMITTED
86 ANOTHER ANGLE
Eline and Meribor stand together in their equally
loving farewell to Picard -- and will be joined not
only by Batai, but by Young Batai and Several Townfolk
-- who collect before Picard, during:
ELINE
If you remember what we were, and
how we lived... then we'll have
found life again.
PICARD
Eline...
He starts to reach out toward her -- when he hears the
deep (far o.s.) RUMBLE & ROAR which now takes his
attention. All the others continue looking at
Picard... Only he looks off, to see -- and the RUMBLE
& ROAR continues thru into:
86A MISSILE CONTRAIL AGAINST SKY (OPTICAL)
We see the glowing POINT of the missile, followed by
the vapor trail against the sky. The RUMBLE and ROAR
begins to die out.
86B CLOSE REACTION - PICARD
He's realized what that contrail is; what it
represents.
86C ON PICARD AND ELINE
ELINE
Now we live. In you. Tell them
of us... my darling...
87 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON PICARD'S FACE
as he stirs slightly.
BEVERLY (o.s.)
Something's happening...
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE 57.
88 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Picard has begun to regain consciousness. Beverly's
working; Riker's standing by.
DATA
The nucleonic beam has ceased,
Commander. The probe has shut
down.
BEVERLY
His cerebral functions are
stabilizing.
RIKER
Mister Worf, put a tractor beam
on the probe. I want it in
shuttlebay two for examination.
WORF
Yes, Commander.
PICARD
(very weak)
What...
He struggles upright.
BEVERLY
Please, Captain... don't get up
too quickly...
PICARD
How long? How long have I been...
like this?
RIKER
At least twenty, maybe twenty-five
minutes.
In typical fashion, Picard makes every effort to sit
up; to grasp his surroundings and gauge his acuity.
PICARD
(lost)
Twenty-five minutes?
Picard's been away for over thirty years. He's groggy,
trying to reorient himself to this reality after a
lifetime's journey.
BEVERLY
Captain, I need you in sickbay
now. I want to run a full
diagnostic.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE 57A.
88 CONTINUED:
Picard now gets to his feet... takes a second to
realize that he's no longer the old man he's just
been... no longer need walk stooped, or unsteady.
PICARD
Very well, Doctor. But as soon
as you're done... I have a great
deal to tell you.
He smiles and the others looks puzzled as --
89
thru OMITTED
90
91 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard is alone, walking about his quarters as though
reaquainting himself with these surroundings. The
door CHIMES.
PICARD
Come.
The doors open and Riker ENTERS, carrying a metal box.
RIKER
Hello, sir. Feeling better?
PICARD
Yes, thank you... but I find I'm
having to remind myself that this
--
(gesturing)
-- is really my home.
RIKER
We were able to open the probe
and examine it. Whatever it was
that locked onto you must have
been self-terminating. It isn't
functional any longer.
He holds out the box to Picard.
RIKER
We found this inside.
He hands the box to Picard, who takes it and opens it.
91A INSERT - THE BOX
Inside, rests Picard's old flute.
STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE 57B.
91B BACK TO SCENE
as he lifts it from the box; nods his thanks to
Riker, who, understanding that this is not a moment
for words, acknowledges silently -- and EXITS.
Picard carries the flute to a chair, and, facing away
from CAMERA, begins playing the now familiar lullaby.
The flute music continues into:
92 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
For a long beat, while the ship travels at impulse and
end credits appear, we continue to hear the same, sweet
lullaby.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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