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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Masks"
#40277-269
Written by
Joe Menosky
Directed by
Robert Wiemer
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 1993 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 This script is not for publication or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
DECEMBER 9, 1993
STAR TREK: "Masks" - 12/09/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Masks"
CAST
BEVERLY ERIC
DATA/IHAT/MASAKA/BOY/ELDER/VICTIM
GEORDI
PICARD
RIKER
TROI
WORF
Non-Speaking
N.D. SECURITY
N.D. STARFLEET OFFICER
STAR TREK: "Masks" - 12/09/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Masks"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
CLASSROOM
BRIDGE
TROI'S OFFICE
TEN FORWARD
ENGINEERING
READY ROOM
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
DATA'S QUARTERS
CORRIDOR
TEMPLE
9:[5,#b],15:[2,#b]
STAR TREK: "Masks" - 12/09/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Masks"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
D'ARSAY dar-SAY
FORTANIUM for-TANE-ee-um
IHAT EE-hot
MASAKA mu-SAH-kuh
KORGANO kor-GAH-no
NARSU NAHR-sue
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: The Next Generation
"Masks"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. CLASSROOM
TROI and an N.D. TEACHER are supervising an art class.
SEVERAL N.D. STUDENTS, roughly junior high-school age,
are making CLAY SCULPTURES. Troi is here as a kind of
"guest-lecturer", and DATA is here as well, working on
a sculpture of his own.
Troi is standing with a twelve year old student, ERIC,
who's working his clay into a shape vaguely
recognizable as some kind of animal. Troi inspects his
work, not exactly sure what it's supposed to be.
TROI
(encouraging)
That's very nice.
Eric stops working and looks unhappily at his
sculpture.
ERIC
(frustrated)
No, it isn't. I just can't get it
right. Do you think the wings are
too big?
She now realizes what he's trying to make.
TROI
Not at all... birds have wings of
all sizes, Eric. But you
shouldn't worry about making it
look perfect.
Eric indicates the N.D. Teacher who's working with one
of the other students in the background.
ERIC
But Mrs. Narsu said we should try
to make our sculptures as
realistic as possible.
TROI
She's right... it is important for
you to be able to give the clay
the shape you want it to have.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
TROI (Cont'd)
But today you're not supposed to
concentrate on technique. I'm
here to help you focus more on the
feelings you want to convey with
your sculpture.
Eric still looks confused. Troi tries to coax it out
of him.
TROI
(continuing)
For instance... What do you think
about when you see a bird?
ERIC
(hesitant)
Flying?
TROI
Fine. Then try to make your
sculpture make me think of flying,
too.
Eric brightens, understanding, and begins eagerly
reshaping his clay. Troi smile and moves away...
2 FOLLOW TROI
as she leaves Eric and walks through the classroom.
She approaches Data.
TROI
How's it going, Data?
DATA
I have finished.
Troi reacts as Data shows her his sculpture: it's a
flawless CLAY REPLICA OF A PADD. Troi looks at it,
unsure how to react.
DATA
(continuing)
The dimensions are accurate to
within one-point-three percent.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED:
TROI
I'm sure they are...
(beat)
You obviously have no trouble with
realism, Data, but you're here to
work on using your imagination.
Maybe you should try something a
little more... abstract.
Troi picks up the clay PADD and puts it aside. She
continues talking as she gets another raw LUMP OF CLAY
and sets it down in front of Data.
TROI
(continuing)
I want you to start a new piece...
I'd like you to sculpt... music.
DATA
(puzzled)
Music?
Troi nods.
DATA
Counselor. Music is a collection
of acoustic vibrations. How can
I reproduce a sound with clay?
TROI
Think of the effects that sounds
have on people... the images that
music brings to your mind... then
give them a form.
Data thinks for a beat then pounds the clay flat. In
a few seconds, he has molded the clay into the form of
a large MUSICAL NOTE. He shows it expectantly to Troi.
TROI
(continuing, looks at
the shape)
It's a start.
Troi moves away. Data looks curiously at his clay, not
sure what to do next.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Data... please report to
the Bridge.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - TEASER 4.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
(taps combadge)
Acknowledged. I am on my way.
Data EXITS.
CUT TO:
3 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
is following a mysterious-looking COMET, a smoky chunk
of icy material with a small GLOWING TAIL of gas coming
off one side. On the opposite side of the tail, in the
far background behind the comet, is a star -- a small
disk at this distance.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 47615.2.
We have encountered a rogue comet
in sector one-one-five-six. It is
not native to this region of
space, and there is no previous
record of this object on any
Federation charts.
4 INT. BRIDGE
PICARD, RIKER, and Data are at their stations; N.D.
STARFLEET officers man the other positions. Everyone
is studying the Viewscreen.
DATA
(off console)
Based on its present trajectory,
the comet appears to have
originated in the D'Arsay system.
RIKER
That's over two sectors from
here...
DATA
That is correct, sir. This object
has been en route for eighty-seven
million years.
RIKER
That's a long time alone in the
dark.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to Data)
Begin a full sensor analysis,
Mister Data. Log the results for
the Federation Astrophysical
Survey.
DATA
Aye, sir.
Data begins to work his console.
DATA
(continuing)
The comet's outer shell is
composed primarily of gaseous
hydrogen and helium surrounding an
icy mantle. The inner core
consists of heavier elements--
Suddenly, the bridge LIGHTS FLARE, becoming
significantly brighter for a brief moment. Data cocks
his head sharply (it's not enough of a movement to be
suspicious, but in retrospect, we will realize that
something happened to him at this moment). As the
lights quickly return to normal, Data recovers and
returns his attention back to his console.
PICARD
What was that?
DATA
(off console)
There is distortion within the
comet's inner core. I believed we
experienced an intense sensor
echo.
RIKER
Can you correct for it?
DATA
I am attempting to do so now,
sir...
A beat as Data works his console...
DATA
(continuing)
I've compensated for the effect.
Sensors are reconfigured for a low
intensity sweep.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - TEASER 6.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (Cont'd)
We are still picking up some
interference, but the distortion
is manageable...
(beat)
At these settings, the scan will
be complete in thirty-nine hours.
Picard nods. OFF his expression.
CUT TO:
5 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
as Troi and BEVERLY ENTER, in mid-conversation.
Beverly is carrying the 24th century equivalent of a
GYM BAG.
BEVERLY
... Worf said he's going to be
teaching us some Mok'bara throwing
techniques today.
Troi moves directly to her dresser and takes out her
martial arts gi. She continues speaking as she puts
the gi into a bag similar to Beverly's.
TROI
More like falling techniques...
the last time we did that I was
sore for a week...
BEVERLY (O.S.)
What's this?
Beverly is looking at a strange, solid-looking ARTIFACT
sitting on the table. It is a rectangular column, on
the top of which sits an oval that is reminiscent of a
head.
Troi moves over to join her and stares at the artifact
for a puzzled beat.
TROI
I have no idea.
BEVERLY
Maybe Wil left it here... a little
present?
Troi picks it up and examines it more closely.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - TEASER 7.
5 CONTINUED:
TROI
It's not quite his style...
BEVERLY
Then maybe you've got a secret
admirer.
TROI
(smiles)
That's an interesting thought...
Beverly takes the artifact out of Troi's hands and puts
it back on the table.
BEVERLY
Well, you can figure it out later.
We're going to be late.
Troi nods, and with a last look at the artifact, the
two women EXIT.
6 CLOSE ON THE ARTIFACT (OPTICAL)
A short beat after they leave, a strange
MATERIALIZATION EFFECT occurs: four pairs of lines
suddenly appear on the "head" -- if there were a face,
the lines would be running up the forehead, down the
nose, and across both eyes in a four cardinal direction
COMPASS DESIGN. OFF the mystery...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
7 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse, following the comet.
8 INT. TEN FORWARD
Riker, WORF and GEORDI are at a table. Geordi has a
TRICORDER in front of him, a PADD is next to it. Riker
idly reaches for a small BOWL of bar-type snacks.
GEORDI
We've been getting some pretty
strange readings from that
comet... now it looks like
there's some kind of energy
generation coming from the core.
WORF
Is that unusual?
GEORDI
The core is normally just a chunk
of rock... it should be completely
inert.
RIKER
(shrugs)
Maybe we've discovered a new kind
of comet...
Riker takes a bite of a nut-like object from the bowl --
reacts with a scowl as he chokes it down.
RIKER
(continuing)
They must be changing the snacks
around here.
Geordi takes one of what Riker just had from the bowl,
inspecting it carefully.
GEORDI
I don't recognize it.
The waiter arrives with THREE DIFFERENT DRINKS, setting
them on the table.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 9.
8 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(re: snack)
Well, whatever you do, don't put
it in your mouth.
They each pick up their drinks and with a "cheers" tip
of the glass, take a sip. Again, Riker scowls.
RIKER
(continuing)
This is terrible.
He sets it down -- it is bluish and viscous. Worf
picks up Riker's drink and takes a sip.
WORF
I like it.
RIKER
Then you can have it.. but it's
not what I ordered.
Geordi playfully aims his tricorder at the glass.
GEORDI
(lightly)
Let's see what they're trying to
poison you with...
His face changes when he sees the readout.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Wait a minute... this stuff is bio-organic...
there are oxygenated
cells... serum electrolytes...
This looks like some kind of...
blood.
Riker reacts.
RIKER
You're joking.
GEORDI
I'm serious.
RIKER
I'm gonna have a little talk with
the bartender.
Riker stands.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 10.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
It might not be his fault. We
should check out the replicator.
With a final grimace at the glass, Worf, Riker and
Geordi leave the table, heading for the bar.
9 INT. CLASSROOM
The clay-modelling class continues as before --
including Data working next to Eric. But some of the
students have moved on to other projects. Eric is
working in front of a computer which displays a GRAPHIC
clearly visible as text.
Troi is walking slowly along, checking the clay-work.
TROI
Nice... Very good... I like
that...
When she gets to Data she reacts with surprise.
10 INCLUDE DATA'S SCULPTURE
A MASK -- a kind of cross between Venetian and Mayan.
The lower face is open to leave the mouth exposed --
the upper section covers the nose and has holes for
eyes. The cheekbones sweep down and outward -- like
wings. The mask is a striking combination of the
simple and the sophisticated.
TROI
Data... This is amazing. How did
you come up with this?
DATA
I followed your advice, Counselor.
I used my imagination.
Troi examines the unusual design of the mask.
TROI
That's an understatement...
DATA
For some reason, as I shaped the
clay, the image of the mask was
exceptionally clear in my mind...
the design seemed to flow quite...
naturally.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 11.
10 CONTINUED:
Data picks up a SMALL TOOL and begins to scribe another
design into the clay. It's the distinctive COMPASS
DESIGN: a small pair of lines running vertically up the
forehead, another pair down the nose, two others
horizontally across the eyes -- like cardinal points of
direction. Exactly like the COMPASS DESIGN on the
artifact in Troi's quarters.
TROI
(recognizing it)
Data, have you been in my
quarters?
DATA
No, Counselor.
TROI
Somebody left an object in my
room... it was some kind of
artifact... and it looked similar
to this.
(beat)
You don't know anything about
that?
DATA
I do not.
Eric is suddenly frustrated at his computer. He moves
to Troi.
ERIC
(re: screen)
Excuse me, Counselor, could you
help me with my terminal? It's
not working right.
11 INCLUDE THE COMPUTER SCREEN (OPTICAL)
which displays a few dozen, individually distinct,
alien-looking ideographic symbols -- ICONS -- which
themselves are arranged in the same paired line,
COMPASS DESIGN on the mask and artifact.
Data and Troi react.
DATA
Perhaps we should investigate this
matter further.
OFF their expressions.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 12.
12 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Geordi and Data are working intently at the consoles.
Riker is watching over their shoulders. A screen
displays rows of normal alphanumeric characters -- and
interspersed are several pockets of the alien ICONS,
always grouped together in the same COMPASS DESIGN
arrangement. (NOTE: As Riker and Geordi talk, Data's
attention will become progressively more focused on the
screen displaying the alien symbols.)
RIKER
(to Geordi)
These symbols don't match anything
in Federation linguistic banks.
GEORDI
Some kind of alien information has
been downloaded into our main
computer. I'm not exactly sure
how it's working, but it's
reconfiguring our systems.
RIKER
How did it get in?
GEORDI
I was able to trace its path from
the replicators to our sensor
array.
RIKER
The sensors?
(thinks)
They've been scanning that comet
for the last eighteen hours...
A beat as the implication sinks in.
GEORDI
(nods)
Those energy readings from the
comet's core... the sensor echo...
(beat)
We still don't know what's inside
that thing.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 13.
12 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Maybe it's time we found out.
(beat)
Could we use the phasers to melt
away the outer shell of the comet?
GEORDI
(considers)
A dispersed wide-field beam might
do the trick... it wouldn't take
long to come up with the firing
parameters...
(to Data)
What do you think, Data?
But strangely, Data does not respond immediately --
he's intently studying the alien symbols on the screen.
Geordi and Riker exchange a look, and then Geordi moves
closer to Data.
GEORDI
(continuing)
What's the matter?
Data slowly turns to his friend.
DATA
I believe I recognize these
symbols.
RIKER
How?
DATA
I do not know.
GEORDI
Do you think your systems may have
been affected?
DATA
It is a possibility. I do not
believe my systems are currently
impaired, but I will run a full
self-diagnostic to make certain.
RIKER
(beat; re: screen)
What do these symbols mean?
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 14.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
Data taps a control and one of the compass design
arrangements is isolated and expanded to fill the
screen. He points to one of the icons.
DATA
(continuing, as if
reading)
"Boundary."
He continues to point at what he recognizes.
DATA
(continuing)
"Border." "Road." "Companion."
"Message." "Messenger."
Data taps the console again, and the compass design is
replaced by that of a stylized sun image. Data studies
it.
DATA
(continuing)
"Death."
OFF their exchanged looks -- what is going on... ?
13 INT. BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Data and Worf at their posts. Geordi is
at the aft science station. Worf works his console,
glances up.
WORF
Captain, phasers are set for wide
dispersal, ten percent maximum
power. The beam will terminate
automatically when the comet's
core is reached.
PICARD
(nods)
Very well, Mister Worf. Fire...
Worf works his console, firing the phasers...
14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship fires a wide phaser beam that hits the comet,
which starts to vaporize slowly and spectacularly away.
Hold for several dramatic beats.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT ONE 15.
15 INT. BRIDGE
The sound of the phasers stops.
WORF
(off console)
Phasers have terminated... the
outer shell is gone...
16 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
as Picard and the others watch the steaming mass on the
screen finally clear away. In place of the comet is an
incredible, huge, Mayan-esque, geometric piece of
technology, vestiges of the frozen gasses of the comet
still clinging to its alien surface. It is decorated
with the same type of ICONS that have appeared
mysteriously on the Enterprise.
OFF the reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
17 INT. BRIDGE - INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Continuous. Everyone stares at the awe-inspiring
object on the screen.
PICARD
Mister Data... What are we looking
at? Is it a ship?
Data is working his console, reading the results.
DATA
I do not believe so. The object
is nearly solid, composed
primarily of fortanium and several
unknown materials... It is more
than eighty-seven million years
old.
RIKER
That's older than the comet
itself. Could someone in the
D'Arsay system have built it?
PICARD
(considers)
There are no technologically
advanced cultures in that system
now... but perhaps there were
eighty-seven million years ago.
RIKER
But why would anyone hide
something like that inside a
comet?
PICARD
It's possible the frozen gasses
simply accumulated over time as it
travelled through space...
Geordi breaks in from his position at Aft Science.
GEORDI
In any case, it's definitely
responsible for the system
anomalies we've been experiencing.
It's been using our sensor beam as
a carrier wave to get information
into our computers and
replicators.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 17.
17 CONTINUED:
PICARD
But the question remains: why?
What is its purpose?
A beat as they all ponder the question. Data turns
away from his console before he speaks.
DATA
Captain, I believe this object is
an informational archive.
PICARD
What makes you say that?
Data seems a little puzzled by his statement himself.
DATA
I... do not know, sir. However,
I seem to have an intuitive
understanding of its function.
Everyone reacts -- it's a strange thing for Data to
say. Geordi moves over to Data's console and looks
over his shoulder, studying the readouts.
GEORDI
(to Picard)
The internal structure of that
thing is pretty complex... and
it's got a repetitive node
configuration which might suggest
a database of some kind... but it
could be practically anything.
(to Data)
I don't see how you could know for
sure what it is.
Picard looks at Data, concerned.
PICARD
Data... do you believe you're in
communication with that object?
DATA
It is a possibility, sir. I
recommend that we perform a level
one diagnostic of my positronic
net immediately to determine if
that is the case.
PICARD
Very well... Mister LaForge, give
him a hand.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 18.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
Geordi and Data acknowledge and move away, EXITING the
Bridge. An N.D. Starfleet Officer takes over Data's
position at Ops. Picard and Riker continue to study
the alien object.
RIKER
(to Picard)
Do you think it's just trying to
make contact with us?
PICARD
(thoughtful)
Perhaps. And if this really is an
archive from some ancient
civilization, we should allow it
to do so. But we must be
careful...
(beat)
Mister Worf, keep an eye on the
sensors. If the Archive poses any
danger to the ship, I want you to
sever the connection immediately.
WORF
Aye, sir.
OFF Picard's fascinated expression.
18 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship following the ancient object.
19 INT. READY ROOM
The room is now dotted with ARTIFACTS -- on the
shelves, on the desk, on the floor -- collected from
all over the ship. They all share the same vaguely
Mayan look we've seen before.
Picard is standing in the middle of the room, examining
the artifact from Troi's room. The cylinder has the
now-familiar COMPASS DESIGN carved on its surface.
Picard studies it carefully, jotting an occasional note
on a PADD -- if not for the surroundings, he might be
an archaeologist on a dig.
The door CHIMES.
PICARD
Come.
Riker ENTERS -- and stops short, reacting to the sight.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 19.
19 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Captain...
Picard motions Riker in but doesn't stop working.
PICARD
Come in, Number One...
Riker moves closer.
RIKER
We've confined the system
corruption. It's not spreading
any further, but we've still got
alien symbols floating around
inside our computer...
Picard merely nods and jots another note onto his PADD
and moves to study another object.
RIKER
This is quite a collection you've
assembled...
Riker picks up an object and looks it over...
RIKER
(continuing)
I've seen these things all over
the ship. They all look the
same... primitive and non-functional.
PICARD
(correcting him)
Ceremonial... and deceptively
primitive. Only an advanced
technological culture could have
built that object out there.
These artifacts must have played
a ritualistic role in their
society.
RIKER
Do you think Data's right? Have
we stumbled across some kind of
alien library?
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 20.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard clearly likes the notion.
PICARD
It's possible... and if so, this
could be a find of enormous
significance. This "library"
seems designed to do far more than
simply store information. Who
knows how much we could learn from
it?
Riker smiles at Picard's obvious excitement. He
glances at the COMPASS DESIGN carved on the stone
cylinder seen earlier.
RIKER
I keep seeing this design...
PICARD
(nods)
It seems to be a symbol of some
significance.
RIKER
What do you think it means?
PICARD
(offers)
The concept of the four cardinal
compass directions is common to
many different cultures...
RIKER
The words Data recognized on the
computer -- "boundary," "border,"
"road" -- they were also arranged
in that design.
PICARD
Perhaps everything with the
compass design is part of the same
theme -- movement. Finding a
direction, travelling a path,
crossing a boundary--
RIKER
And "death." One of the symbols
was "death."
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 21.
19 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
The ultimate boundary.
Picard turns and picks up a small STONE NECKLACE with
a stylized SUN-DESIGN PENDANT (similar to the symbol
seen in Act 1.) He turns it over.
20 INSERT - THE PENDANT
On the back is a small symbol -- off to one side, as if
not wanting to be the center of attention. It is the
symbol of what we will come to know as the moon.
PICARD'S VOICE
I keep seeing this symbol, too....
but it's never prominently
displayed...
21 BACK TO SCENE
PICARD
Always in the background...
smaller than the others...
RIKER
Do you know what it represents?
PICARD
I have no idea.
OFF their expressions as they share the mystery.
CUT TO:
22 INT. ENGINEERING
Data is sitting calmly; a section of his head is open.
GEORDI
Lower synaptic functions are
completely normal... Autonomous
systems all check out...
DATA
I suggest we examine the memory
sub-systems next.
GEORDI
All right...
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT TWO 22.
22 CONTINUED:
As Geordi begins to work a panel, Data suddenly makes
an abrupt head tilt. He looks puzzled.
GEORDI
(noticing)
Data... what's the matter?
DATA
I am... not certain. I am
experiencing a curious
sensation...
GEORDI
What is it?
DATA
An... impulse.
Geordi reacts.
GEORDI
Impulse? What kind of impulse?
DATA
I do not know.
GEORDI
I'm checking your higher
functions.
A beat. Data's voice is a little uneven.
DATA
Geordi... What does it feel like
when a person... loses his mind?
GEORDI
Data, you're scaring me. What's
the matter?
DATA
I... do not... know...
GEORDI
You're gonna be all right. You're
with me, okay?
Data glances up at his friend.
DATA
Okay.
Geordi turns back to the console -- sees a violent
change in the reading.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT TWO 23.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
What's going on... ?
He quickly rushes to Data, and sees that inside Data's
head is a web of alien circuitry, similar to the
artifacts we've already seen, as if the positronic
brain itself has been transformed.
GEORDI
(stunned)
Data...
Data suddenly turns toward Geordi -- the compass design
he scribed on the mask is now on his own face, in
raised, tiny scars. A ceremonial NECKPLATE with a
distinctive design has also appeared around Data's
neck.
Data looks at Geordi and smiles, his voice animated and
playful.
DATA/IHAT
Masaka is waking.
Geordi reacts with a horrified look. OFF Data's
smile...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 24.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
23 INT. ENGINEERING
Data, his head plate now back in place, is moving
around the room in an energetic, very non-Data fashion,
curiously inspecting his surroundings as though he's
never seen this place before. Geordi watches him,
concerned.
Picard ENTERS with TWO N.D. STARFLEET Security Guards.
As the guards fan out cautiously, watching Data, Geordi
turns to Picard.
GEORDI
Captain, he just--
DATA/IHAT
(interrupting)
I waited for you, Captain. You
should feel honored... I don't
usually wait for anybody.
Picard reacts to Data's loose manner.
PICARD
(cautiously)
What is it you want?
DATA/IHAT
Masaka is waking.
PICARD
Are you Masaka?
Data/Ihat rolls his eyes and turns to Geordi.
DATA/IHAT
What were my exact words?
GEORDI
You said, "Masaka is waking."
DATA/IHAT
And isn't that what I've been
saying since we first met?
Geordi nods. Satisfied, Data/Ihat turns back to
Picard.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 25.
23 CONTINUED:
DATA/IHAT
I'm not "Masaka", Captain...
(proudly)
I am Ihat.
PICARD
What have you done to Commander
Data?
DATA/IHAT
Commander Data... ?
Data/Ihat seems to be momentarily at a loss, apparently
not understanding what Picard is referring to; but
then, he brightens, and indicates his own body.
DATA/IHAT
(continuing)
You mean the one who was here?
Picard reacts to the phrasing.
PICARD
Yes.
DATA/IHAT
He's gone. And who can say where?
Picard has seen enough to know that he's going to need
some help here. He discreetly taps his combadge.
PICARD
(to com)
Counselor Troi, report to
Engineering immediately.
Ihat is again moving around the room, taking in his
surroundings. While he waits for Troi, Picard is
trying to get as much information out of him as he can.
PICARD
(continuing)
Ihat. The place you came from...
Is it a cultural archive of your
species?
Data/Ihat doesn't seem to understand the question.
DATA/IHAT
(simply)
I come from Masaka's city.
Picard reacts.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 26.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Are there others like you there?
DATA/IHAT
(laughs)
There are no others like me.
PICARD
Who is Masaka?
There is a trace of wariness and fear when he responds.
DATA/IHAT
You will find out...
Picard and Geordi react. Data/Ihat indicates the room.
DATA/IHAT
(continuing)
I don't think Masaka will like
this place... at least not the way
it is now...
PICARD
(pressing)
I would like to know more about
this Masaka... perhaps we can
speak --
Data/Ihat whirls on Picard, intense.
DATA/IHAT
Do you understand pain? Death?
That is all you need to know about
Masaka... that is what she is.
Data/Ihat looks around furtively, as if someone were
after him.
DATA/IHAT
You must go... leave this place
before she finds you. It can be
done... I did it...
At that moment, Troi ENTERS.
TROI
What's going on, sir?
Data/Ihat whirls at the sound of her voice, surprised.
When he sees Troi, all trace of swagger vanishes,
replaced instantly and completely with fear.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT THREE 27.
23 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA/IHAT
Masaka... ?
He barely manages to gasp out the one, terror-filled
word before he jerks violently and falls to his knees
with a strangled cry.
GEORDI
Data!
Geordi rushes over to help his friend to his feet, but
when Data looks up, he has changed again: he's wearing
a NEW NECKPLATE with a different distinctive design
than before.
Data stares at Troi with wild eyes and a blissful,
toothy grin. He speaks with a fanatical, zealous
fervor.
DATA/VICTIM
Masaka! I am yours! Every part
of me is yours!
PICARD
(gravely, to N.D.
Security)
Get him to Sickbay.
As Geordi and the N.D. Security Guards move to take
Data away, Picard and Troi exchange a concerned look...
CUT TO:
24 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as before, travelling with the ancient archive.
25 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Beverly, Troi, and Geordi.
BEVERLY
Every time he saw Deanna, he'd
fall to his knees screaming "Take
me, Masaka -- take me."
TROI
Data was acting as if he were a
sacrificial victim of some kind...
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 28.
25 CONTINUED:
PICARD
And apparently one all too willing
to go to his death.
BEVERLY
I put him in isolation in his
quarters. He's under guard... he
seems to have calmed down a
little.
RIKER
Couldn't we just shut him down and
purge his memory systems?
Geordi shakes his head grimly.
GEORDI
I don't think it's going to be
that simple...
Geordi gets up, moves to the monitor, where there is a
GRAPHIC of a complex web of interconnections, but the
connections have been radically reorganized into
several centers -- nodal points with complex webs
radiating from each. The structure suggests the
vaguely Mayan alien designs we've seen before.
GEORDI
This is a micrograph of what's
happened to Data's positronic net.
As near as I can tell, these are
behavioral nodes... I've found
fourteen of them so far.
(beat)
I think the Archive is using Data
to create different "people" from
its culture... in the same way it
used our replicators to create
artifacts.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT THREE 29.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
As a result, his real personality
has been completely buried. In a
sense, Data has the android
equivalent of multiple
personalities.
GEORDI
And the Archive hasn't stopped
yet... Data's positronic net is
still being transformed. There's
no way to tell how many more
personalities might emerge...
There's a stunned beat as everyone takes in the
information.
RIKER
Our sensors are still in contact
with the Archive. Would there be
a risk to Data if we severed that
connection?
GEORDI
I don't know... but I wouldn't
want to take the chance. Right
now, our only link to the Archive
is that sensor beam. If there's
a way to reverse what's happened
to Data, I think we're going to
need that link to do it.
Picard takes a beat to consider his limited options.
PICARD
Mister La Forge, continue to scan
the Archive. Try to find some way
to access it. In the meantime,
I'll see what I can learn from
these "people" inside Data.
OFF Picard's grim expression.
26 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
The DOOR OPENS and Picard ENTERS. Two Security Guards
can be seen standing outside. Data is on the floor,
curled up tightly in a corner of the room (he is still
in his "Victim" personality). As Picard approaches
him, he recoils.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT THREE 29A.
26 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(gently)
It's all right... I'm not going to
hurt you...
DATA/VICTIM
Only Masaka can hurt me... I am
for her alone...
PICARD
(continuing)
I need to speak to Ihat. Do you
understand me? Ihat...
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 30.
26 CONTINUED:
For a moment, Data/Victim returns nothing but a fearful
stare, uncomprehending and empty. But then, Data jerks
suddenly -- when he turns back to Picard, he has
changed into his Ihat personality.
DATA/IHAT
Captain...
Picard is almost glad to see him. Data/Ihat goes into
his customary high-energy mode and starts pacing around
the room.
DATA/IHAT
(continuing)
That was a cruel joke to play on
me. For a moment -- a brief
moment -- I actually thought that
woman was Masaka.
PICARD
Whoever took your place wasn't
afraid of Masaka -- he almost
seemed eager for his fate.
DATA/IHAT
Pitiful, isn't it?
(mock Victim voice)
"Take me! Take me!" Ha. You
wouldn't catch me humiliating
myself for a woman -- even if she
were a queen.
PICARD
Then Masaka is your queen... ?
DATA/IHAT
She's a lazy creature... she
spends most of her time
sleeping...
(beat)
The problem is what she does when
she's awake.
Picard has no choice but to play along.
PICARD
Then should we try to keep her
asleep?
DATA/IHAT
(laughs)
Try to keep the sun from climbing
the sky? Only Korgano can do
that. And he's not here.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 31.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Where is he?
Suddenly, Data/Ihat collapses onto the floor, pulling
himself inward, knees huddled together, head down, arms
tight.
DATA/BOY
Help me... please...
Picard steps over and Data looks up. The Ihat
neckplate is gone. In its place is ANOTHER NECKPLATE
with yet another distinctive design -- Data has now
assumed the personality of a frightened Boy.
PICARD
What's wrong?
DATA/BOY
I'm afraid.
PICARD
Of what?
DATA/BOY
Of her.
PICARD
Masaka?
DATA/BOY
Her.
Suddenly, the SHIP TREMBLES. Lights go out; emergency
lighting comes on.
PICARD
(taps combadge)
Picard to Bridge! Report!
27 INT. BRIDGE
Lots of activity. Riker is on his feet, Geordi is at
Aft Science. Worf is heading quickly toward the
Turbolift.
RIKER
(to com)
The Archive just activated some
kind of tractor beam, sir. We
can't disengage it.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT THREE 32.
27 CONTINUED:
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Has there been any damage to the
ship?
RIKER
(to com)
Nothing major, sir, but Ten
Forward reported an emergency.
Worf's on his way.
Geordi glances up from his console.
GEORDI
(to com)
Captain, there's some kind of
energy pulse coming through the
tractor beam...
28 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
It's overriding our control
systems...
PICARD
(to com)
I'll be right there...
Picard starts to move away but stops short -- Data/Boy
has a vice-like grip on Picard's wrist.
DATA/BOY
Don't leave me.
Data's hand slowly grips tighter with his android
strength. Picard stifles a cry of pain.
PICARD
I... I... won't... leave you...
(beat)
Please... let go...
DATA/BOY
Does it hurt?
PICARD
(barely)
Yes...
DATA/BOY
She's going to hurt us all...
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT THREE 33.
28 CONTINUED:
Data stares at him for a moment longer and then
abruptly releases his grip. As Picard grabs his wrist
in pain, Data jerks and stares up at Picard -- he has
changed again and is now back in his Ihat personality.
He smiles ruefully at Picard.
DATA/IHAT
Now you've done it. Masaka is
awake.
OFF Picard's reaction...
29 INT. CORRIDOR
Worf and Two Security Guards are hurrying up a
corridor. They arrive at Ten-Forward and step quickly
through the entrance.
30 INT. TEN-FORWARD - CONTINUOUS
Worf and his officers are shocked at what they find.
The room has been transformed. Tropical foliage is
everywhere, green vines and huge, red, fern-like
fronds. Half the tables are gone -- stone slabs take
their place. The patrons are standing around in
stunned silence.
The bar has been partially transformed into rough
stone; a stone column stands near it, and inscribed
prominently on it is a LARGE FEMALE FACE IN THE RADIANT
SHAPE OF A SUN.
OFF their stunned expressions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 34.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
A powerful beam is being continuously projected from
the Archive into the saucer section of the Enterprise.
32 INT. TEN FORWARD
Like the rest of the ship, the room is dark and lit
only by emergency lights. All non-essential personnel
have been cleared, and Geordi and Worf are using
tricorders to scan the vegetation and stone slabs.
Picard circles around the sun image, studying it,
trying to fit things together as Troi watches nearby.
TROI
(re: sun image)
Who is this?
PICARD
I'd say it's Masaka. Ihat
referred to her as a queen... it's
not unusual in ceremonial cultures
for royalty to be symbolized by a
sun.
TROI
You said the personalities inside
Data were in awe of her... even
terrified.
PICARD
(nods)
According to Data, the sun image
is also the symbol for death.
They move to the back of the column, where Picard
notices something.
PICARD
There it is again... this U-shaped
symbol... small and
insignificant... almost like an
afterthought...
But before Troi can respond, Geordi and Worf approach.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 34A.
32 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Captain, this is incredible...
These artifacts weren't beamed
over here from the archive... the
matter in Ten Forward was
transformed.
PICARD
Into living plants? How is that
possible?
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 35.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
I'm not sure. But bit by bit, the
ship's being transformed.
WORF
We have received reports from the
rest of the ship. Part of deck
twelve is now an aqueduct.
TROI
What are we being transformed
into?
GEORDI
I'm not sure I want to find out.
Picard takes in the information. It's a difficult
decision for him to make, but there's no alternative.
PICARD
I don't think we have a choice...
we'll have to destroy the Archive.
Mister Worf?
WORF
Sir, our weapon control systems
are inoperative. However, we
could configure a photon torpedo
for manual launch...
PICARD
Make it so.
Geordi and Worf turn and EXIT. Picard and Troi look
around the strangely transformed room.
PICARD
There's so much here we could have
learned... I regret losing that
opportunity.
Troi acknowledges his ambivalence.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 36.
33 INT. ENGINEERING
Emergency lighting only. A PHOTON TORPEDO lies on a
cradle between the pool table and the warp core. A
control panel on the torpedo casing flickers with
several lights. Geordi works at the pool table console
as Worf scans the torpedo.
GEORDI
Okay... I've locked in the
targeting parameters... what's the
phase alignment now?
WORF
Less than point seven percent.
GEORDI
That'll do it. I'm setting the
yield at maximum...
But at Geordi works, the control panel lights on the
torpedo go dead.
WORF
(puzzled)
Sir... the onboard power systems
are not functioning...
Geordi crosses to the torpedo, tries to activate it
manually, but it doesn't work.
GEORDI
What's going on here... ?
Geordi opens up the casing and both men look inside...
34 INSIDE THE TORPEDO
It is full of writhing snakes.
35 RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)
Worf and Geordi react and jump back -- then they turn
around and see the awesome IMAGE OF MASAKA which now
fills the entire back panel of Engineering. A few
vines are hanging on the walls.
GEORDI
Something tells me we'd better get
out of here...
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 37.
35 CONTINUED:
They quickly move toward the exit -- only to be driven
back by a roaring WALL OF FLAMES that shoots up in
front of the them... The room around them has become a
nightmarish, hell-like place.
WORF
(taps combadge)
Engineering to Bridge -- emergency
transport! Two to beam out...
Geordi and Worf DEMATERIALIZE.
CUT TO:
36 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship still held by the beams from the Archive.
37 INT. BRIDGE
The Bridge is dark, lit only by the emergency lights.
The walls are hung with strange, ominous vines.
Picard and Troi are near the Aft Science station,
heading for the Observation Lounge when those DOORS
OPEN and Riker comes out onto the Bridge. He's a
little shaken from seeing something in that room.
RIKER
Maybe we'd better talk in here.
The Observation Lounge seems to
have become a swamp.
Nobody argues with him. They gather around the command
area, where Worf, Beverly, and Geordi join them.
PICARD
(to Geordi)
What's our status?
GEORDI
So far the Archive's transformed
over twenty percent of the ship...
and we've lost main propulsion and
weapons systems in the process.
RIKER
What about communications?
Sensors? Life support?
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT FOUR 38.
37 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
We have communications, and
limited sensor control. Life
support seems unaffected.
BEVERLY
I've been analyzing samples of
these alien plant forms. They've
been formed from biological matter
we have on the ship...
GEORDI
The stone, the artifacts...
they're made the same way --
extrapolated from the ship's own
alloys.
BEVERLY
Apparently the Archive can reorder
and transform molecular structures --
including DNA -- to make whatever
it wants.
PICARD
So it's using our ship -- our
alloys, our DNA, -- to create
elements of its own culture...
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 39.
37 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
But why is all this happening?
What is the Archive trying to
accomplish?
WORF
It could be a weapon.
They all look at him.
WORF
It is powerful and insidious. It
has completely disarmed us.
RIKER
Maybe it's more benign than that.
If a civilization were dying...
they might have created this
technology to preserve their
culture, and re-create it at some
later point...
Picard paces, trying to fit the pieces together.
PICARD
It could even be a sophisticated
terraforming device.
The others look at him quizzically.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
37 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
The Archive creates an
environment... all the elements
which enable a culture to exist...
They realize there are many possibilities -- and that
they may never know the real reason behind this
technology.
PICARD
But whatever the intent behind the
process, I don't want this ship
transformed into an alien city.
Mister La Forge, do you have any
ideas?
GEORDI
We still haven't been able to cut
off that beam... but I've managed
to access the Archive by sending
an energy pulse back along their
signal path. If I can locate the
transformation program, I might be
able to get control of it.
PICARD
Good, keep at it...
Picard turns to gaze at the Viewscreen.
38 ON THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
as Masaka's mask looms over them.
PICARD'S VOICE
But somehow... I believe the
answer lies there...
39 RESUME SCENE
PICARD
... with Masaka. We need to find
her... access her... talk to her.
The others acknowledge -- this must be done.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
40 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
Even darker than the Bridge. The door opens and Picard
steps inside. A small fire is burning on the other
side of the cabin -- on the now dirt-covered floor.
Data is crouched down besides it, warming his hands.
As Picard approaches, he sees that Data is wearing a
NEW NECKPLATE, one he hasn't seen before.
PICARD
(cautious)
Hello...
Data's voice is old and tired, and he moves slowly and
with difficulty like an old man.
DATA/ELDER
It's difficult... to stay warm...
Picard sits down next to him.
PICARD
The fire feels good...
Data/Elder looks at him quizzically.
DATA/ELDER
But it's not warm enough. Not for
an old man.
PICARD
Tell me... about Masaka.
DATA/ELDER
My daughter?
Picard reacts, amazed.
PICARD
Yes... how can I talk to her?
Data/Elder laughs -- a dry, cackling rasp.
DATA/ELDER
Talk -- to Masaka?
PICARD
Yes. It's important. Can you
tell her I must speak with her?
DATA/ELDER
Children grow... forget their
parents... no, only Korgano can
talk to Masaka.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
40 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Korgano... who is that?
Data/Elder seems to lose interest... stares back into
the fire.
DATA/ELDER
So cold... can't stay warm...
Suddenly, Data/Elder seems to crumple into a limp
heap... and then he jumps up, vital and hyper (NOTE: he
is now wearing his Ihat neckplate).
DATA/IHAT
Well, you're a persistent one,
aren't you?
PICARD
Ihat?
DATA/IHAT
Is anyone else so charming?
PICARD
Masaka is taking over my ship.
DATA/IHAT
I told you she would.
PICARD
I want to talk with her... but I'm
told only Korgano can do that.
Data/Ihat is wary, alert.
DATA/IHAT
Who told you that?
PICARD
An old man... Masaka's father...
DATA/IHAT
Ah, yes... legends say she chopped
him up and used his bones to make
the world.
(beat)
Any wonder he doesn't like to talk
about her?
PICARD
How can I find Korgano?
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
40 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA/IHAT
I don't know. He's not chasing
her anymore.
PICARD
Where has he gone?
Data/Ihat paces, agitated, uncomfortable with all this.
DATA/IHAT
Stop asking these questions. I
was fast enough to avoid her
once... I don't want her to find
me again. I'll end up on her
sacrificial slab.
PICARD
If Masaka is looking for a
sacrifice... she can take me
instead.
(beat)
Perhaps then she'd stop looking
for you.
DATA/IHAT
(a chuckle)
Well, there's an idea. Better you
than me.
PICARD
All right. Tell me what to do...
There is a hesitation, as though Ihat is coming to a
decision. Then --
DATA/IHAT
You must build Masaka's temple...
the Queen's temple. That will get
her attention.
PICARD
Very well. How do I do that?
DATA/IHAT
You need the sign.
(beat, coy)
I could give it to you... so could
the Old Man. But just try getting
it out of him.
PICARD
Give me the sign.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
40 CONTINUED: (3)
Data/Ihat in an agony of indecision.
DATA/IHAT
If she finds out...
(beat)
You can't imagine her rage... she
lets people die of thirst... a
terrible death. Sometimes she
burns them alive...
(beat, in awe)
She is glorious.
But Picard is impatient with all this.
PICARD
Ihat... the sign. What is it?
Data/Ihat looks around him, as though ascertaining that
no one else is around.
DATA/IHAT
If she comes... you'll take my
place?
PICARD
Yes.
DATA/IHAT
All right. Quickly. Give me your
hand.
Picard holds out his hand. Data/Ihat takes it, turns
it face up, and starts "drawing" a line with one finger
across Picard's palm.
DATA/IHAT
(continuing)
A line, as the unending horizon...
(beat)
A curve as --
Suddenly Data freezes. A look of terror crosses his
face.
DATA/IHAT
(continuing)
She has found me.
Picard looks for another change in Data.
PICARD
Masaka, show yourself. I'll go
with you...
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
40 CONTINUED: (4)
But Data/Ihat sinks to his knees.
DATA/IHAT
(continuing)
It seems... I was not fast
enough...
His head droops. Picard crouches down beside him.
Then Data looks up -- he's wearing the Elder's
neckplate. Data crumples into a seated position near
the fire, stretches his hands toward it.
DATA/ELDER
So hard to stay warm...
Picard needs to find a way to reach this man. He moves
closer to him and helps him build up the fire.
PICARD
Let me help you...
Data/Elder glances at him.
DATA/ELDER
Are you one of my children?
(turns to fire)
I don't remember anymore.
PICARD
I need your help. I need the sign
for the temple.
(beat)
Masaka's temple.
DATA/ELDER
It won't help you. Korgano no
longer pursues her. No one else
can stop her.
Picard cautiously reaches out and takes Data's hand,
guiding it to the floor, using Data's fingers to draw
a line in the dirt, repeating Ihat's words from memory.
PICARD
A line... as the unending
horizon...
(beat)
A curve...
Picard doesn't know any more. The old man doesn't
resist, but isn't responding either. Picard tries
again, tracing the pattern and repeating the words.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
40 CONTINUED: (5)
PICARD
(continuing)
A line... as the unending horizon.
PICARD DATA/ELDER
A curve... A curve...
DATA/ELDER
... as a rolling hillside.
Data finishes the curve and makes a dot above it.
DATA/ELDER
(continuing)
A point... as a distant bird.
And another line drawn vertical to the horizon.
DATA/ELDER
(continuing)
A ray... as the rising sun.
He stops, finished. The symbol is complete.
PICARD
Thank you.
DATA/ELDER
Now sit with me... tend the
fire...
Data suddenly slumps over. He is completely still for
a beat, then he looks up, wearing the neckplate of the
Frightened Boy.
DATA/BOY
I'm alone... there's no one left
to help me... she's coming.
Picard pulls him upright.
PICARD
Are the others dead? Did Masaka
kill them?
DATA/BOY
No. She sent them away. It will
take them days to die.
Data suddenly freezes. His mouth opens in a circle and
holds perfectly still. And out of the open mouth comes
an eerie wail -- a child's scream plunging into a
bottomless nightmare.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FOUR 47.
40 CONTINUED: (6)
The voice finally disappears. Data slumps over.
Picard pulls back his head: the neckplate is gone and
there are NO SCARS on his forehead. Data stares into
space, his eyes wide, as if there were nothing behind
them.
OFF Picard's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship still being held by the Archive's beam.
42 INT. BRIDGE
As before, only the emergency lights are functioning
and ominous vines hang across several consoles; but
now, the normal command seats have been transformed
into simple STONE PEDESTALS.
43 ANGLE ON AFT SCIENCE
Picard, Riker, and Troi are gathered around Geordi.
The screen displays a GRAPHIC of the TEMPLE SYMBOL
drawn by the Elder.
GEORDI
I think I've found the Archive's
transformation program.
PICARD
Will it accept the symbol for
Masaka's temple?
GEORDI
I think so. I've isolated the
program's input pathways. They're
keyed to accept symbols...
He gestures toward the display.
GEORDI
(continuing)
If I input this one, it should
initiate the transformation
process...
RIKER
And create the temple?
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
43 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
I hope so... if this is the wrong
symbol, it might turn the
Enterprise into a big chunk of
rock. There's no way to be sure.
It's a tough choice.
TROI
The question is... can we trust a
personality from an alien Archive
that seems bent on taking us over?
PICARD
(considers)
Ihat risked his life to show me
that symbol... and Masaka killed
him for doing it.
(beat)
I think we have to risk it.
OFF their expressions.
CUT TO:
44 INT. CORRIDOR
as Worf rounds a corner, where he meets Picard and
Troi. Worf has a PHASER, Picard and Troi have
TRICORDERS.
WORF
Captain. The entire deck has been
cleared of personnel. We can
proceed.
Picard nods and taps his combadge.
PICARD
(to com)
Commander Riker, we're ready...
45 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE
Riker and Geordi. Geordi is tapping commands on his
console.
RIKER
Understood.
(to Geordi)
Initiate the transformation.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
45 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Aye, sir. I'm inputting the
symbol...
Geordi looks at the temple icon on his display and
takes a deep breath.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Now...
He taps a final button on his console...
46 INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
For a moment, nothing seems to happen. Picard, Troi,
and Worf exchange puzzled looks, and then suddenly, the
walls dissolve into...
47 INT. TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS
It's a huge, cavernous room that seems to have been
carved out of a rockface. Stone slabs and columns are
placed here and there, some adorned with engraved
figures and symbols. Sitting on a raised platform is
a GOLDEN THRONE in the shape of a solar disc. The
group turns around, looking at the trappings, taking
everything in.
PICARD
(re: throne)
This would seem to be Masaka's
temple...
Worf looks warily around the room.
WORF
There's no one else here.
PICARD
Ihat said creating the temple
would get her attention... it may
take time before she shows
herself.
WORF
And how will she do that?
PICARD
I don't know.
Troi has been off to one side, looking at the columns.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
47 CONTINUED:
TROI
Captain... look at this.
They join her and she gestures to --
48 A STONE COLUMN
In the face of the column is carved two different
images: Masaka's sun symbol is shown large and
prominent in the foreground; but smaller, and to one
side, as if receding into the distance, the small
"horns" symbol Picard has seen before is also evident.
49 RESUME SCENE
as Picard looks closely at the symbols.
PICARD
This is the first time I've seen
these two symbols paired... That
could be significant...
He glances around, sees other instances of the two
symbols together.
PICARD
(continuing)
There it is again... and again.
Clearly this is an important
pairing...
He stops, remembering something.
PICARD
(continuing)
"He's not chasing her anymore... "
They look at him quizzically.
TROI
Sir?
PICARD
Ihat said that someone named
Korgano was not chasing Masaka
anymore. And the old man said,
"he pursues her no longer... "
He gestures to the horn symbol.
STAR TREK: "Masks" 12/09/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
49 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(continuing)
In a sense, this smaller symbol is
chasing Masaka. Perhaps it
represents Korgano.
WORF
The symbol suggests antlers of
some kind... horns. Maybe it's
meant to represent an animal...
TROI
Animal gods are worshipped in many
cultures...
PICARD
Both Ihat and the old man said
that Korgano was the only one who
could control Masaka...
(beat, thinking)
Many ritualistic cultures
incorporate the idea of "balance"
into their belief systems. Masaka
is a queen, a powerful, god-like
figure... it's not unreasonable to
assume that she might have a
counterpart... or a consort...
Picard begins to look around the room.
PICARD
(continuing)
Spread out... see if you can find
that horn-like symbol anywhere
else.
And they begin to move around the room.
CUT TO:
50 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
Data is sitting on the floor, eyes closed, in the same
catatonic-like state he was in when last seen.
51 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE
as his eyes abruptly snap open.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
52 ON DATA - WIDER
As he stands. He moves toward a table which contains
a richly colored version of the MASK he first molded in
clay -- MASAKA'S MASK. He lifts it to his face.
53 INT. CORRIDOR
as the DOORS OPEN and Data, wearing the mask, steps out
into the hall. Before the two N.D. Security Guards
even have a chance to react, Data disables them both,
knocking them to the ground unconscious. Without
another look back, he walks on down the hall...
CUT TO:
54 INT. TEMPLE
Picard, Troi, and Worf are clustered in front of
another STONE COLUMN, studying another glyph showing
Masaka's sun image and the horn symbol. However, this
time, the horn symbol is large and prominent while
Masaka's sun is small and receding.
TROI
This is the most prominent
instance of the horn symbol we've
seen yet...
WORF
But now it appears as though
Masaka's sun is chasing it.
Troi is thinking aloud, trying to piece it together.
TROI
An animal chasing the sun... ?
PICARD
Maybe it's simpler than that.
(beat)
Maybe the relationship between
them is more like the sun and the
moon.
WORF
I see... Masaka and Korgano
changing positions... the sun
setting and the moon rising.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/14/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
54 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Exactly. Two powerful rulers,
changing places in a continuous
cycle...
A beat as they consider the notion.
TROI
And like the sun and the moon,
only one of them can be in
ascendance at any given time...
PICARD
If we could find Korgano within
the Archive and bring him out...
perhaps he could force Masaka to
leave.
WORF
But would we be any better off
with him?
PICARD
(considers)
Ihat and the others didn't seem to
be afraid of Korgano...
Suddenly, the SHIP TREMBLES. The group whirls to see
Data/Masaka as she ENTERS the temple and moves
majestically toward the throne.
PICARD
(continuing)
Masaka...
Data/Masaka sits down upon the throne and silently
looks out at her temple. Picard, Troi, and Worf
cautiously approach the throne.
PICARD
(continuing)
Masaka, I am Jean-Luc Picard of
the Federation--
DATA/MASAKA
(cutting him off)
Go away.
Data/Masaka doesn't even look at them when she speaks.
PICARD
(presses on)
Please listen to us. Your Archive
is destroying our ship--
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
54 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA/MASAKA
I do not hear you.
Worf slowly draws his phaser, but Picard stays his
hand. He motions to the other two to back down, and
they all move slowly away from the throne.
WORF
She won't even listen to us.
PICARD
Then we'll have to find someone
she will listen to.
OFF their expressions.
CUT TO:
55 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE (OPTICAL)
Geordi is working his console as Picard watches
anxiously; Troi and Riker are standing nearby. Worf is
in the b.g. at Tactical. The mood is tense and
serious.
GEORDI
I've found it, sir...
Geordi indicates his monitor which displays a single
GRAPHIC: it's Korgano's moon symbol.
GEORDI
(continuing)
This is the only place in the
Archive where Korgano's moon
symbol is by itself and not paired
with Masaka's.
Picard stares at the image for a moment, pondering.
PICARD
Mister La Forge, access the
transformation program.
Geordi begins working controls.
PICARD
(continuing)
When you're ready, input the
symbol.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
55 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Isn't that a little risky?
TROI
We have no way of knowing what the
result would be. The symbol might
generate anything from Korgano's
temple... to Korgano himself.
PICARD
In some sense, Korgano is Masaka's
nemesis. Whatever this symbol
represents -- it might give us a
way to control her.
(beat)
If you have a better idea, I'd be
glad to entertain it.
A brief silence.
GEORDI
I've accessed the program, sir.
Picard looks to the others, takes a breath...
PICARD
Initiate the transformation.
Geordi hits a command on his console. There's a tense
moment; no one's sure what's going to happen and
they're ready for anything. Then a simple, SILVER MASK
APPEARS -- on its forehead is Korgano's moon symbol.
RIKER
Another mask...
Picard picks up the mask and looks at it thoughtfully.
PICARD
Perhaps we've been approaching
this incorrectly. We're dealing
with a highly ritualistic
culture... a society based on
symbol and myth. Maybe we need to
confront them on those terms
instead...
(beat)
If I can incorporate myself into
their rituals, perhaps Masaka will
listen to me.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 56A.
55 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
(catching on)
You're going to pose as Korgano.
Picard nods and holds the mask up to his face, testing
the fit.
TROI
Captain, we know so little about
this culture... and even less
about Korgano himself. How will
you convince Masaka that you're
him?
PICARD
I'm not entirely sure. But there
are similarities between this
culture and others I've studied.
(beat)
I suppose I'll just have to
improvise.
There's a grim beat -- but they all know that there's
really no other choice.
PICARD
Mister Worf, what's our status?
WORF
(off console)
I estimate we have less than two
hours before there's nothing left
of the ship... at least nothing
that we recognize.
Picard nods grimly and heads for the Turbolift. He
holds the mask in his hands as he EXITS.
CUT TO:
56 INT. TEMPLE (OPTICAL)
Data/Masaka is sitting on the throne.
PICARD (O.S.)
Masaka!
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
56 CONTINUED:
Data/Masaka reacts as Picard approaches -- he is
wearing the Korgano mask. For the first time, we see
a real reaction from Data/Masaka -- she's shocked at
the sight.
DATA/MASAKA
Korgano... ?
Picard takes a step closer -- he's playing it by ear,
choosing his words carefully, taking it one step at a
time...
PICARD
Are you surprised to see me?
Data/Masaka rises from the throne, begins walking down
the stairs. She's regained her bearings now, and is
trying to maintain control of the situation.
DATA/MASAKA
I thought I had escaped you.
Picard smiles.
PICARD
You should know that's impossible.
DATA/MASAKA
You are a fine hunter... but I am
a powerful prey. You will never
catch me.
PICARD
Do you really want to be the
prey... forever?
Data/Masaka seems to consider this.
DATA/MASAKA
I thought I was alone here. I
thought I wouldn't have to share
the sky with you...
Picard moves toward Data, carefully, not threatening,
a reasonable man.
PICARD
But without me... you aren't
complete. I know you, Masaka...
you live for the chase just as
much as I do.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/10/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
56 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
(beat)
Won't you miss being the hunter...
pursuing me... forcing me from the
sky so that you can rise again?
A hesitation.
DATA/MASAKA
You know me well, Korgano...
Picard now senses he has the upper hand.
PICARD
I think you may be getting
tired... it's difficult to
brighten the sky forever...
Data/Masaka smiles wanly... does seem a little weary.
DATA/MASAKA
I am getting sleepy... you always
do that to me...
PICARD
Only so you can wake at dawn...
and begin the hunt again...
Another smile. Data/Masaka slowly sits on the throne,
head still erect and queenly, but eyes heavy.
DATA/MASAKA
Begin the hunt again...
(beat)
I am eager for that.
PICARD
As am I.
Data's eyes close. The ship TREMBLES. The room
DISSOLVES to --
57 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
The temple is gone. Everyone is back in the corridor,
reacting to the transformation. And to Data -- who
stands before them, not wearing a mask (neither is
Picard), blinking a bit in confusion.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Picard... I don't know
what you did, sir... but it looks
like everything's back to normal.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/15/93 - ACT FIVE 59.
57 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Acknowledged.
(to Data)
Mister Data -- are you all right?
DATA
I believe so, sir. But I am not
entirely certain what has
happened. Have I been dreaming
again?
Picard puts his hand on Data's shoulder.
PICARD
I'm afraid it will take some time
to explain.
He smiles reassuringly and Data accepts this, his old
equanimity having returned. Off their relieved
expressions --
58 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at impulse.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 47612.4.
Commander La Forge has managed to
disable the alien transformation
program. Starfleet will send an
archaeological team to study the
Archive further.
59 INT. READY ROOM
Data with Picard; Picard holds the mask Data wore as
Masaka, turning it in his hands.
PICARD
I don't understand... I thought
all the alien artifacts had
disappeared from the Enterprise.
DATA
This was not created by the
Archive... this is the clay mask
I originally made. I have since
glazed it.
Picard is intrigued.
STAR TREK: "Masks" REV. 12/13/93 - ACT FIVE 60.
59 CONTINUED:
DATA
Yes. Although I am relieved to be
rid of those alien
personalities... there is a sense
in which I am now... empty.
PICARD
I can imagine. Doctor Crusher
said there might have been dozens
of personalities inside you.
DATA
I suspect the number was much
greater.
Data pauses, reflecting on the unusual experience.
DATA
My impression is that there were
thousands... of all ages and walks
of life.
(beat)
It was a remarkable experience.
PICARD
Well, Data, you may never become
fully human... but you've had an
experience that transcends the
human condition.
(beat)
You have been an entire
civilization.
Data briefly ponders the significance of this... then
Picard hands him back the mask.
PICARD
(wry)
Nonetheless... it's time to stand
watch on the night shift.
DATA
Yes, sir. Good night.
He turns and EXITS.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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