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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Emergence"
#40277-275
Story by
Brannon Braga
Teleplay by
Joe Menosky
Directed by
Cliff Bole
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1994 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 This script is not for publication or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
FEBRUARY 17, 1994
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - 02/17/94 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Emergence"
CAST
PICARD CONDUCTOR
RIKER ENGINEER
DATA HAYSEED
BEVERLY HITMAN
TROI
WORF
GEORDI
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES FLAPPERS
MAN IN GREY FLANNEL SUIT
GUNSLINGER
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - 02/17/94 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Emergence"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
BRIDGE
CORRIDOR NEW YORK STREET/SUBWAY
SICKBAY NY STREET/CONSTRUCTION
ENGINEERING SITE
JEFFERIES TUBE NY STREET/INTERSECTION
HOLODECK
TRAIN/SALON CAR PROBE
TRAIN/ENGINE ROOM
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
CARGO BAY
READY ROOM
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - 02/18/94 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Emergence"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
CORDANNAS kore-DAN-us
GIORDANO jee-or-DON-oh
MEKORDA meh-CORE-da
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/24/94 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Emergence"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. REHEARSAL HALL
(Note: this is a re-dress of the Klingon outpost set
from "Firstborn".) The room is dark, the walls obscured
by a light fog. DATA is standing in the dim light of
a single burning TORCH. He is wearing loose-fitting,
ritual ROBES, and he holds a carved wooden STAFF in one
hand and a large, ancient-looking BOOK in the other.
The SOUND of the nearby ocean can be heard. Data's
voice is solemn, incantatory.
DATA
"I have bedimm'd the noontide sun,
call'd forth the mutinous winds,
and 'twixt the green sea and the
azur'd vault set roaring war: to
the dread rattling thunder have I
given fire, and rifted Jove's
stout oak with his own bolt; the
strong-bas'd promontory have I
made shake and by the spurs
pluck'd up the pine and cedar;
graves at my command have wak'd
their sleepers, op'd, and let 'em
forth by my so potent art."
Data dramatically holds up the book.
DATA
(continuing)
"But this rough magic I here
abjure; and, when I have requir'd
some Heavenly music -- which even
now I do -- to work mine end upon
their senses, that this airy charm
is for, I'll break my staff, bury
it certain fadoms in the earth,
and deeper than did ever plummet
sound -- I'll drown my book."
He stops suddenly, his face now completely "Data."
DATA
(continuing)
Captain, your attention is...
wandering.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/24/94 - TEASER 1A.
2 INCLUDE PICARD (OPTICAL)
standing nearby in the half-light.
PICARD
I can barely see.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
DATA
Sir, I am supposed to be
attempting a Neo-Platonic magical
rite -- the darkness is
appropriate to such a ritual.
(CONTINUED)
PICARD
This is a play, Data. The
audience has to see you.
Data considers for a beat.
DATA
Perhaps I have been too... literal
with respect to my set design.
(to computer)
Computer. Modify Holodeck program
Data seven-three, Shakespeare's
The Tempest, Act Five, scene one.
Increase torchlight by twenty-percent.
The torch flares up.
PICARD
Much better.
(beat)
Would you like to try it again?
DATA
Yes, sir... but I am not certain
I fully understand the character
of Prospero. I would appreciate
any insights you may have which
would improve my performance.
Picard nods, considering for a beat.
PICARD
Well... Shakespeare witnessed the
end of the Renaissance and the
birth of the modern era. Prospero
found himself in a world which no
longer had any use for his
powers...
Picard indicates the scene.
PICARD
(continuing)
Here he is about to perform one
final creative act before giving
up his art forever.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
There is certainly a tragic aspect
to the character.
Picard nods. In the far distance, we just begin to
hear an approaching SOUND.
PICARD
Yes, but he had a certain...
expectancy as well. A hopefulness
about the future...
The sound is now distinct enough so that both Picard
and Data begin to notice.
PICARD
(continuing)
Shakespeare enjoyed mixing
opposites...
Data is now staring into the distance in the direction
the sound appears to be coming from, puzzled. Picard
does the same, his voice trailing off...
PICARD
(continuing)
Past and future... Despair and
hope...
Now a growing POINT OF LIGHT can be seen, getting
closer as the sound starts to resemble a distant,
increasing roar.
PICARD
(continuing)
Data, is this part of your
program?
DATA
No, Sir.
The light and sound are much louder.
PICARD
Then what is it?
DATA
It appears to be a steam
locomotive.
PICARD
A train?
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - TEASER 4.
1 CONTINUED:
DATA
(nods)
If I am not mistaken.
PICARD
Computer, end program.
The glaring beam hits them like a horizontal spotlight.
The roar grows. Picard reacts.
PICARD
(continuing, louder)
Computer, end program...
Nothing. This is all too real. Picard and Data
simultaneously DIVE CLEAR of the tracks.
3 PICARD AND DATA (OPTICAL)
on the ground. They look up at the train as it
thunders by, catching glimpses of the car windows, the
cranking, screeching wheels. The roar and clatter
overwhelm any other sounds... And then suddenly it's
past them... and it's gone. The room is back to way it
was.
Picard has a slight SCRAPE on his forehead from the
fall. OFF their puzzled expressions...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
4 INT. CORRIDOR
The Holodeck DOORS OPEN and Picard and Data step out
(NOTE: Data is still wearing the Prospero costume).
Data notices the cut on Picard's forehead.
DATA
(concerned)
Captain, you are injured...
PICARD
It's just a scrape... I'll have it
seen to...
Data begins to work the Holodeck panel.
DATA
The train we encountered is from
one of Doctor Crusher's Holodeck
programs. It is a re-creation of
the Orient Express, a train which
ran from Paris to Istanbul from
the late nineteenth century until --
PICARD
Yes, yes, I know about the Orient
Express... but what was it doing
on Prospero's Island?
DATA
There appears to have been a
malfunction in the Holodeck's
database retrieval system. The
two programs were somehow
temporarily linked together.
PICARD
Could this malfunction affect the
other Holodecks as well?
DATA
It is a possibility. I would have
to run a diagnostic to be certain.
PICARD
All right, get to it. And shut
down all of the Holodecks until
you're finished, just to be on the
safe side.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT ONE 6.
4 CONTINUED:
DATA
Aye, sir.
Picard heads down the corridor, leaving Data as he
continues to work the panel.
5 INT. SICKBAY
Picard is sitting on a biobed as BEVERLY treats his
forehead with a MEDICAL INSTRUMENT, healing the scrape
as they speak.
PICARD
I never realized you were
interested in trains. Did you
know that at its peak, the Orient
Express carried over ten thousand
passengers a year?
BEVERLY
It's not really the train itself
I'm interested in...
PICARD
Then what?
BEVERLY
The experience.
(beat)
The Orient Express was... mystery
and romance. It was an elegant
way to see exotic places and meet
fascinating people...
(beat)
Did you know that on one trip,
both Sigmund Freud and Gertrude
Stein just happened to be on the
same car? They ended up having
dinner together every night.
Picard's intrigued by the notion.
PICARD
I wonder what they talked
about... ?
Beverly smiles.
BEVERLY
Why don't you take a trip
yourself... and find out?
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT ONE 7.
5 CONTINUED:
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Picard.
PICARD
(taps combadge)
Picard here.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
All sections are ready to begin
the survey, sir.
PICARD
(to com)
Very good. I'm on my way.
Picard jumps down from the biobed and heads for the
door.
BEVERLY
Think about that trip, Jean-Luc...
You never know who you'll meet on
the Orient Express...
Picard EXITS.
CUT TO:
6 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 47869.2.
After weathering an unexpected
magnascopic storm in the Mekorda
Sector, we are continuing our
search for new Federation colony
sites.
7 INT. BRIDGE
Picard and RIKER are at their command chairs, Data at
Ops. N.D.s are at various stations. Riker hands
Picard a PADD.
RIKER
I don't see any possibility of
developing sites in this region.
Most of the stars are mainsequence
binaries with no M-class
planets.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - 02/17/94 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(reads PADD)
All right then, let's move on to
the next survey region... Have
stellar cartography begin a--
Suddenly, the SHIP LURCHES FORWARD.
PICARD
Mister Data, report.
DATA
(off console)
The ship has gone into warp, sir.
RIKER
Who gave the command?
DATA
(off console)
Apparently no one. Helm and
navigation controls are not
functioning.
(beat)
Our speed is now warp seven-point-three
and holding.
PICARD
(to com)
Picard to Engineering. Mister La
Forge, what's going on down there?
INTERCUT:
8 INT. ENGINEERING
GEORDI is frantically moving between consoles.
GEORDI
(to com)
I don't understand it, sir. The
impulse systems suddenly cut out
and the warp drive kicked in.
RIKER
Geordi, can you take the engines
off-line?
GEORDI
I'm working on it...
Geordi moves off to work another console.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT ONE 9.
8 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Data, what's our heading?
DATA
(off console)
Bearing one-eight-seven mark four.
I am unable to determine our
destination -- but we are heading
away from the Mekorda sector.
Picard and Riker exchange a puzzled look.
GEORDI
(breaking in)
Captain, the computer's locked-out
all the propulsion controls... I
can't access any of the
overrides...
(beat)
If you want us to stop, we'll have
to do an emergency core shutdown...
RIKER
(to Picard)
That'll leave us without warp
power for more than a week...
But Picard does not like having the ship out of his
control.
PICARD
Begin the procedure, Mister La
Forge...
A tense beat... and then there is a VIOLENT JOLT as the
ship suddenly drops out of warp.
DATA
(off console)
We are no longer at warp...
Impulse power has resumed... all
systems show normal.
RIKER
Where are we?
DATA
(off console)
We are approximately thirty-billion
kilometers from our
original position.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT ONE 10.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(to com)
Good work, Geordi.
Geordi is checking the readout of a console, shaking
his head.
GEORDI
It wasn't me that took us out of
warp, sir. I didn't have time to
complete the shut-down
procedure...
A puzzling beat. Picard doesn't like this one bit.
PICARD
(to com)
Well, I want an explanation.
Picard out.
OFF Picard and Riker's expressions.
CUT TO:
9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
moving at impulse.
10 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE
Picard walks up to the station where Data and Geordi
are carefully studying an OKUDAGRAM on the monitor.
The graphic shows the ship surrounded by a "sea" of
small, intense regions of energy.
PICARD
Have you found anything, yet?
GEORDI
Only that we've got more than one
mystery here, sir...
Picard reacts.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT ONE 11.
10 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(continuing)
We still don't know why the ship
jumped into warp... but it looks
like we're lucky it did.
Picard gives him a questioning look.
GEORDI
(continuing)
There was a theta flux distortion
building up around the ship.
Geordi indicates the monitor graphic which Picard
studies briefly.
PICARD
(concerned)
Why didn't the sensors alert us?
GEORDI
Our sensors were never designed to
detect theta flux distortions.
And yet -- there is a record of
the distortion in the sensor log.
That's the other mystery.
DATA
One fact is clear, however. The
distortion was gaining in
strength. If we had remained at
our original position one-point
seven seconds longer, the
distortion would have ruptured our
warp core.
GEORDI
If the Enterprise hadn't jumped
into warp when it did... we
would've been blown to pieces.
OFF Picard's reaction.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT TWO 12.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
11 OMITTED
12 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE
Data and Geordi are crawling along a horizontal section
of the tube.
GEORDI
I just don't get it, Data. What
could have caused the engines to
jump into warp drive on their own?
DATA
Perhaps the engines were activated
by a random power fluctuation.
GEORDI
(skeptical)
Which occurred just in time to
save the ship?
DATA
It is improbable... but it is
possible.
GEORDI
Well, I don't think I'm ready to
start believing in luck.
They have arrived near a MEESPANEL in the side of the
tube, and Geordi begins to remove it.
DATA
There is another possibility. The
sensors apparently detected a
dangerous anomaly that threatened
the Enterprise. It is possible
that they triggered a safety
response which caused the ship to
avoid destruction.
GEORDI
But there's no direct link between
the sensors and the warp
engines...
As he peers into the junction, he pulls back in
surprise.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT TWO 13.
12 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
What is this... ?
Inside the panel he sees...
13 A COMPLEX NODE OF INTERCONNECTIONS
completely different in color and appearance from the
circuitry around it.
14 RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)
as Geordi and Data begin scanning the mysterious node.
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
It's some kind of new circuit
node... and it's connected to at
least half a dozen points in the
sensor array...
DATA
(off tricorder)
It appears to be connected to
several other systems as well...
including the warp control
circuits.
GEORDI
I guess there is a link between
the sensors and the engines after
all..
Geordi takes out his tech instrument and attempts to
probe the strange node... suddenly, a FORCE FIELD
flashes briefly, forcing him back.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT TWO 14.
14 CONTINUED:
He pulls back, startled.
GEORDI
A force field... where did that
come from?
Data scans.
DATA
I am not certain -- possibly from
the node itself.
Geordi reaches toward the node once more, and again,
the force field FRITZES.
GEORDI
Well... wherever it came from...
it sure doesn't want us messing
with that node.
Data regards the strange node, puzzling over the odd
events, his positronic matrix working to solve the
mystery.
DATA
It appears to be protecting
itself.
OFF Geordi's look...
CUT TO:
15 INT. ENGINEERING
Data and Geordi are briefing Riker at the pool table.
A monitor displays a GRAPHIC of the Enterprise,
highlighting the locations of several connection nodes
scattered throughout the ship. The connection nodes
are all linked together, and the image suggests the
crude beginnings of spider's web.
GEORDI
(re: graphic)
We found these "nodes" in several
systems around the ship. At some
level, they were all connected to
each other.
DATA
There were nodes linking the
sensors to our warp control and
defensive systems. We believe
this is why the ship jumped to
warp.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT TWO 15.
15 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
When the sensors detected danger,
the defensive systems reacted to
the threat -- and activated the
warp engines to protect us.
RIKER
Where did these nodes come from?
DATA
It is possible that the
magnascopic storm we recently
experienced had an unexpected
effect on the ship's systems.
GEORDI
Wherever they came from, they seem
to be multiplying.
DATA
As they increase, it will become
progressively more difficult to
control the ship.
RIKER
What do you propose we do?
GEORDI
Well, it's not going to be easy to
get rid of them.
(beat)
When we attempted to examine the
circuitry of one of the nodes, it
generated a force-field to keep us
out.
RIKER
Whatever's going on here -- our
first priority is to get back
control of the ship.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT TWO 16.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Agreed...
Data indicates a point on the graphic.
DATA
(continuing)
All of the nodes intersect in
Holodeck three. It appears to be
a... focal point of some kind.
GEORDI
We might be able to find a way to
use the Holodeck circuits to
disable the nodes...
Riker considers for a beat.
RIKER
All right. Let's do it.
OFF their expression as they stare thoughtfully at the
graphic.
CUT TO:
16 INT. CORRIDOR
Riker, Data, and WORF are standing outside the
Holodeck; both Data and Worf have TRICORDERS. Data is
tapping commands into the control panel.
DATA
(puzzled)
Commander, the Holodeck appears to
be in operation.
RIKER
I thought you shut down the entire
system.
DATA
I did. However, it has reactivated
itself... and it will
not disengage.
WORF
Which program is running?
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT TWO 17.
16 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off panel)
Several different programs appear
to be running simultaneously.
RIKER
Well... this should be
interesting...
The three exchange a look and then step through the
door into...
17 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
It's a classic Victorian salon car, decorated in the
opulent, grand style of the time. There's a door at
each end and the WINDOWS are covered by closed DRAPES;
a SIGNAL CABLE runs along one of the walls, used by
passengers to signal the engineer. The HUMMING of the
rails and the CLACKETY-CLACK of the tracks can be heard
as the train speeds along.
Data immediately begins scanning the area as Riker and
Worf try to get their bearings, carefully observing the
bizarre scene:
Two 1920's Zelda Fitzgerald-style FLAPPERS sit at an
elegant table with a briefcase-wielding MAN IN A GREY
FLANNEL SUIT. They are engrossed in piecing together
a large JIGSAW PUZZLE of a strange, multi-colored THREE-DIMENSIONAL
MOLECULE...
A Medieval KNIGHT in shining armor is in another corner
of the car. He is carefully cutting a folded newspaper
with a large pair of SCISSORS. Beside him is a HAYSEED
wearing a floppy straw hat and overalls, a corncob pipe
stuck in his mouth -- a real hick. The Hayseed
watches, fascinated, as the Knight continues to cut...
A dangerous-looking GUNSLINGER straight out of the old
West stalks silently up and down the aisle. He moves
with what might be murderous intent to the Flapper and
the Flannel Man... he reaches for his belt... and pulls
out a PUZZLE PIECE. He places it just where it belongs
into the puzzle, then takes a seat to help them
continue...
RIKER
(a bit overwhelmed)
You weren't kidding, Data...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT TWO 18.
17 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off tricorder)
No, sir. I estimate that this...
scene consists of portions of at
least seven distinct Holodeck
programs...
RIKER
See if you can access the circuits
that have been affected by the
nodes.
Data and Worf acknowledge and move off, scanning the
cabin.
At that moment, the front door OPENS, and the CONDUCTOR
ENTERS the car. He is dressed like a typical American
trainman circa 1920 and has the typical cheery-but-take-no-guff
attitude of his kind.
CONDUCTOR
Tickets please... please have your
tickets ready...
The Hayseed fishes through his pockets for a TICKET and
hands it to the Conductor.
HAYSEED
(excited)
You know, I've never even been
away from home... and now I'm
goin' all the way to Vertiform
City!
As the Conductor punches the tickets, the Knight stops
cutting his newspaper and opens it out -- he has
fashioned it into a STRING OF PAPER DOLLS.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT TWO 19.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
He shows it expectantly to the Conductor.
CONDUCTOR
Very nice, sir. Enjoy your trip.
The Conductor hands the tickets back to the Hayseed and
continues down the aisle, moving past Riker, Data, and
Worf as if they didn't exist.
CONDUCTOR
(continuing)
Tickets please... please have your
tickets ready...
DATA (O.S.)
Commander...
Riker turns to see Data and Worf standing near a
section of the car's wall. They are scanning it
carefully with their tricorders. Riker joins them.
DATA
(continuing)
We have located a large
concentration of nodes behind this
wall... They appear to be
connected directly to the
Holodeck's main power coupling.
RIKER
All right... go ahead and
depolarize the entire power grid.
As Data moves toward the train wall --
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT TWO 20.
17 CONTINUED: (3)
CONDUCTOR (O.S.)
Get away from there...
The Conductor is standing right behind them. His voice
is cold and suspicious, and all traces of his earlier,
cheerful manner are gone. Everyone in the car is now
staring at the group, seeing them for the first time.
It's a spooky, unsettling moment.
CONDUCTOR
(continuing)
Would you gentlemen care to show
me your tickets?
He moves a little closer, menacingly... This is getting
really creepy. Riker tries to fake his way out.
RIKER
We... left them in our
compartments.
(to Worf)
I told you to bring the tickets.
WORF
I... forgot.
CONDUCTOR
I don't think you folks belong on
this train...
He starts to move in... and suddenly, the front door of
the car BURSTS OPEN, and the ENGINEER rushes in. He is
an excitable, bespectacled man in a traditional train
engineer's uniform. He moves straight for the
Conductor.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT TWO 21.
17 CONTINUED: (4)
ENGINEER
(to Conductor)
You leave these people alone!
They're only trying to help!
CONDUCTOR
Get back to the engine. This
doesn't concern you.
The Engineer puts himself between the Conductor and
Riker, Data, and Worf. He gestures to the Conductor
and the other passengers.
ENGINEER
They're trying to hijack the
train...
The Hayseed stands up and moves forward.
HAYSEED
Hey, if you're the Engineer, then
who's doing the drivin'?
But before the Engineer can answer...
BLAM! A SINGLE, LOUD PISTOL SHOT suddenly rings out.
The Engineer pitches forward into Riker's arms -- dead.
18
thru OMITTED
19
20 REVEAL THE HITMAN
standing in the doorway, a smoking Colt Army .45
AUTOMATIC PISTOL cradled comfortably in his hand.
HITMAN
I am.
21 INT. ENGINEERING
Suddenly, a console EXPLODES in a shower of sparks near
Geordi, sending him reeling backwards.
An N.D. STARFLEET ENSIGN rushes to his aid -- Geordi
is already struggling to his feet. He's all right,
just a little dazed.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT TWO 22.
21 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
I'm all right...
Geordi looks at the ruined console.
GEORDI
(continuing, disbelief)
It looks like the navigational
relays overloaded...
22 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
As Riker lowers the Engineer's body to the floor, The
Conductor tugs the cable several times, causing several
CHIMES to sound. Suddenly, the wheels SCREECH and the
train LURCHES, tossing everybody to one side. With a
LOUD BLAST from the train's WHISTLE, the train
straightens itself again and continues forward even
faster than before...
DATA
I believe we have changed
direction...
The Conductor rushes to the window and takes a quick
look outside. He steps back delighted.
CONDUCTOR
Now we're on the right track!
(to everyone)
Ladies and Gentlemen... we are on
our way!
The passengers begin to cheer wildly...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT TWO 23.
23 INT. ENGINEERING
Suddenly, the warp core -- which until now had been
idle with the ship at impulse -- comes to life and
begins to PULSE... the SHIP LURCHES FORWARD.
Geordi quickly moves to the pool table and studies the
readouts.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Picard to La Forge. What's going
on? We just went into warp...
GEORDI
(off console)
We've lost engine and helm control
again, sir... but this time,
they're completely burned out.
(beat, grim)
I don't know if we can stop the
ship.
24 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
The Conductor reaches into the Engineer's bib and
withdraws a BRICK OF GOLD. He looks at it, pleased.
HITMAN
(to Conductor)
I was right -- he was tryin' to
make off with my brick.
He tucks it into his pocket.
CONDUCTOR
You take good care of that -- we
can't afford to lose it.
The Hitman pats his pocket confidently, then he and the
Conductor turn to face our people, the Hitman
brandishing his weapon.
CONDUCTOR
Are you people going to leave...
or are we going to have to throw
you off this train?
They look like they're ready to do it... Riker and Worf
are ready for a fight when Data pulls them back.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT TWO 24.
24 CONTINUED:
DATA
(quietly)
According to my tricorder, the
Holodeck safeties have been
disengaged. His weapon could be
lethal.
A tense beat.
RIKER
All right... let's get out of
here.
Riker, Data, and Worf move slowly to the exit as the
Conductor watches them leave...
CUT TO:
25 INT. ENGINEERING
Riker, Data and Geordi are gathered around the pool
table. A monitor GRAPHIC displays the connection nodes
throughout the ship; compared to the previous graphic,
the number of nodes has increased dramatically, and the
"spider's web" of connections has become far more
complex.
Data is studying it with keen interest.
DATA
The number of systems now affected
by the nodes has grown
considerably.
(beat)
Sensors, engines, replicators,
propulsion... they are all working
together now, almost independently
of the main computer. And the
nodes link all of them through the
Holodeck.
RIKER
But why the Holodeck? That
doesn't make any sense.
DATA
Commander, I think what happens on
the Holodeck has a direct effect
on the ship. When we attempted to
destroy the nodes -- the
characters on the train responded
immediately to stop us.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT TWO 25.
25 CONTINUED:
Riker considers the chain of events.
RIKER
And when the Engineer tried to
protect us -- one of the
characters shot him.
DATA
The Conductor then signalled for
the train to change directions...
and at approximately the same time --
GEORDI
-- the Enterprise took off in a
new direction, too.
The group considers this reasoning carefully.
RIKER
Are you saying... that the ship is
being controlled by the Holodeck?
DATA
Not precisely.
Data gestures again to the graphic.
DATA
Geordi, does the configuration of
the connection nodes look familiar
to you?
Geordi peers at the graphic, studying it carefully.
GEORDI
(realizing)
Yeah... it's... a little like the
structure of your positronic
brain.
DATA
That is correct. It appears that
the nodes are in the process of
creating a rudimentary neural net.
Riker and Geordi eye him in astonishment.
RIKER
Data -- what are you suggesting?
DATA
Unlikely as it may sound... I
believe that the Enterprise may be
forming an intelligence.
OFF their stunned reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT THREE 26.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
26 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at warp.
27 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Data is standing at the wall monitor, briefing Picard,
Riker, Beverly, TROI, Geordi, and Worf. The monitor
displays a GRAPHIC of THREE SEPARATE IMAGES.
Data indicates the first image.
DATA
This is a synaptic map of the
human neo-cortex...
(indicates second image)
This is a cross-section of my
positronic net...
(indicates third image)
And this is a schematic of the
connection nodes linking the
ship's systems...
The three images bear a striking similarity.
DATA
(continuing)
I believe some sort of neural
matrix is forming on the ship. It
is still relatively primitive, but
it is an intelligence nonetheless.
TROI
How could this happen?
DATA
I believe it is an emergent
property.
PICARD
Explain.
DATA
Complex systems can sometimes
behave in ways that are entirely
unpredictable. The human brain,
for example, might be described in
terms of cellular functions and
neuro-chemical interactions.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT THREE 27.
27 CONTINUED:
A beat as he looks around at the group.
DATA
But that description does not
explain human consciousness -- a
capacity that far exceeds simple
neural functions.
(beat)
Consciousness is an emergent
property.
GEORDI
In other words, something that's
more than the sum of its parts...
DATA
Exactly.
BEVERLY
How does that explain what's
happening to the Enterprise?
DATA
The Enterprise contains a vast
database of information which is
managed by a sophisticated
computer. This complex system
gives the ship many of the
characteristics of a biological
organism.
RIKER
That's true... it "sees" with its
sensors... "talks" with its
communications systems...
BEVERLY
In a sense, it even "reproduces"
with the replicators...
PICARD
(to Data)
And you think the ship has somehow
gone beyond those functions... has
developed a new capacity...
DATA
Yes, sir. I believe a self-determining
intelligence is
emerging.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT THREE 28.
27 CONTINUED: (2)
There's a beat as they consider the implications --
it's a difficult concept to accept.
WORF
If that is so... what does the
ship want? Where is it taking us?
DATA
I believe the key to understanding
the ship's behavior lies in the
Holodeck.
(beat)
All of the connection nodes
intersect at that location. It is
clearly some kind of processing
center.
PICARD
Processing center... ?
DATA
Yes, sir. A focal point... where
all the ideas and instincts of
this emerging intelligence are
first expressed in some form.
TROI
Almost like an "imagination... "
A beat as Troi considers this.
TROI
(continuing)
Sir, I'd like to go to the
Holodeck. I could interact with
the characters... maybe find some
clues that would help us
understand what's happening.
PICARD
Very well. Mister Data, Mister
Worf, you'll go along. See if
there's any way to re-establish
control of the ship without
destroying the nodes.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT THREE 29.
27 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD (Cont'd)
(beat)
If this ship truly is an emerging
intelligence, then it's our
responsibility to treat it with
the same respect we would give any
other being.
Data nods and the meeting breaks up.
CUT TO:
28 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
Troi, Data, and Worf ENTER from the rear door. Data is
carrying a small SCANNING DEVICE. They hear a loud
CLANG... CLANG... CLANG... and turn toward it...
29 THE SCENE
One of the Flappers is attempting to give the Knight a
drink from a beautiful CHALICE... but she keeps banging
it against his visor. CLANG... CLANG... CLANG.
Elsewhere, the Man in the Grey Flannel Suit sits in a
chair, calmly reading a newspaper. Beside him, the
Gunslinger is bound head-to-toe in a heavy rope, a gag
stuffed in his mouth.
The Hayseed and one of the Flappers are sitting at the
elegant table, still working on the jigsaw puzzle.
The Conductor is nowhere to be seen.
Troi reacts to the bizarre scene.
WORF
Welcome aboard, Counselor...
Data activates his device.
DATA
If you will distract these people,
I will attempt to depolarize the
power grid.
Data moves down the aisle.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT THREE 30.
30 TROI AND WORF
move to the elegant table where The Hayseed looks up at
them.
WORF
Have you finished the puzzle yet?
HAYSEED
Not yet... but we're gettin'
close.
Worf and Troi look curiously at the puzzle.
31 INCLUDE THE PUZZLE
The nearly complete puzzle is a picture of a strange,
multi-colored THREE-DIMENSIONAL molecule -- it suggests
a cross between a strand of DNA and an electronic
circuit.
WORF
Do you recognize it?
TROI
No...
WORF
(to the puzzlers)
I'd like to help.
Worf takes a seat... Troi moves off. Worf takes a
puzzle piece and after a brief search, places it
correctly in the puzzle.
WORF
Tell me... exactly what are you
making?
HAYSEED
What do you think we're makin'? A
puzzle!
Worf tries again.
WORF
No, I mean the picture. What is
it?
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT THREE 31.
31 CONTINUED:
HAYSEED
(puzzled)
I don't know.
32 OMITTED
33 THE HITMAN
is playing gin rummy with the Gunslinger. The brick of
gold sits on the table near the Hitman.
TROI
Can you deal me in?
HITMAN
Sorry. It's a two-man game.
Troi sees the gold brick, and reaches for it. The
Hitman grabs her wrist and pushes her hand back.
HITMAN
Hey, hey, hey -- keep your hands
off that.
TROI
Is that why you killed the
Engineer -- to get this brick?
HITMAN
I had to get it back. You know
how much it's worth, lady?
Plenty.
(taps it)
And I gotta get it to Keystone
City.
TROI
Why? What's at Keystone City?
The Hitman looks at her, amazed.
HITMAN
That's where everything begins...
He lays his cards on the table.
HITMAN
Gin.
Troi reacts -- the Hitman has laid down five identical
cards, each one with a picture of the strange, THREE-DIMENSIONAL
molecule on it.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT THREE 32.
34 OMITTED
35 ANOTHER ANGLE - DATA AND WORF
Worf has joined Data, who is kneeling on the floor with
his device.
WORF
Are you succeeding, Commander?
DATA
I am ready to access the main
power grid.
CONDUCTOR (O.S.)
Keystone City, next stop.
Data and Worf turn to see the Conductor walking down
the aisle, calling out to the passengers, who are
reacting to the news with obvious excitement.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT THREE 33.
35 CONTINUED:
The Cnductor stops in front of Data and Worf. He looks
at them closely and raises an eyebrow -- he's annoyed,
but not violent like the last time.
CONDUCTOR
(continuing)
Well, look who's back.
WORF
We do not want any trouble, sir.
We are simply... passengers.
CONDUCTOR
Then I'm sure you wouldn't mind
showing me your tickets?
Worf grits his teeth -- not again...
CONDUCTOR
(continuing)
Right. Sorry, boys... You're
getting off right here...
With his words, the train HISSES to a stop. The
Conductor begins to force Data and Worf toward the
door...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT THREE 34.
36 TROI AND THE HITMAN
He suddenly stands up, grabs the brick.
HITMAN
This is my stop.
TROI
Wait -- tell me what happens at
Keystone City. Why are you taking
the brick there... ?
But he doesn't answer, moves quickly for the EXIT.
Troi follows.
37 INCLUDE DATA AND WORF
who are still being pushed out by the Conductor. The
Hitman brushes past them and out the rear door. Troi
approaches.
TROI
I think we should follow that man.
That brick may be an important
clue...
All three EXIT through the rear door...
38 EXT. HOLODECK/NEW YORK STREET - BROOKLYN SUBWAY - DAY
Troi, Data, and Worf emerge from the subway, walking up
the stairs into the middle of the street. The place is
completely deserted.
Troi looks around in vain for the Hitman.
TROI
(frustrated)
Where did he go... ?
Data immediately begins scanning the area with his
device. He moves out into the intersection...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT THREE 35.
39 FOLLOW DATA
as he carefully scans the street. He stops at a
MANHOLE COVER in the middle of the intersection.
DATA
I can access the power grid here.
Data makes an adjustment to his device. Troi keeps
looking around, searching for the Hitman.
40 THE MANHOLE COVER DISAPPEARS (OPTICAL)
revealing a HIGH-TECH INTERFACE underneath. The border
shows the yellow lines of the Holodeck grid.
41 RESUME SCENE
as Data bends down and begins to hook his device into
the interface.
DATA
I will attempt to depolarize the
grid by using a low-frequency
inversion field. That may
disengage the nodes without
destroying them.
Troi, still looking, suddenly spots --
42 THE HITMAN
as he moves furtively out of sight around a corner.
43 RESUME SCENE
TROI
There he is. I'm going after him.
WORF
I am coming with you.
Troi and Worf move away off-screen. Data continues to
work.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a 1940's era CHECKER TAXICAB
screeches around a corner, heading straight for Data...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - 02/17/94 - ACT THREE 36.
43 CONTINUED:
Data moves quickly out of the way as the TAXI races
past, barely missing him. It drives out of sight,
disappearing around a corner.
OFF Data's expression...
44 EXT. HOLODECK/NY STREET - CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
It's the front of an apartment building. The MAIN DOOR
is surrounded by SCAFFOLDING -- it's been almost
entirely bricked-in, and there's a PILE OF BRICKS on
the ground in front of it. It's a strangely
incongruous site on this nice, finished residential
block.
The Hitman appears from around a corner, moving quickly
towards the construction site. Troi and Worf arrive a
beat later.
TROI
What are you doing here?
They cautiously move toward him as he locates a
particular spot on the bricked-in door. There's a HOLE
in the middle -- one brick is missing, purposefully
left out.
The Hitman smiles and turns to them.
HITMAN
Laying the foundation...
The Hitman reaches into his coat and pulls out the gold
brick. He puts into the hole -- it fits perfectly.
45 THE BRICK (OPTICAL)
For a moment, the brick GLOWS brightly with a strange,
unearthly light... when the glow fades, the gold brick
is no longer visible -- the face of the brick wall is
one continuous whole... it's complete.
46 RESUME SCENE
HITMAN
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got
a train to catch.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT THREE 37.
46 CONTINUED:
He takes off. Troi and Worf move forward and examine
the brick wall curiously...
CUT TO:
47 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE
The ship is at RED ALERT. Geordi is working the
console as Picard watches with concern.
GEORDI
(off console)
I don't understand it, sir...
Cargo Bay Five suddenly started to
depressurize...
PICARD
Did everyone get out in time?
GEORDI
Yes, sir, and I've re-established
the containment field... But I'm
reading massive power surges in
the Cargo Bay, and all sorts of
transporter activity...
(beat)
There's something weird happening,
sir.
PICARD
Get a team down there immediately.
I want to know what's going on.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
Geordi moves away to the Turbolift. OFF Picard's
expression.
CUT TO:
48 INT. CARGO BAY
Geordi ENTERS with TWO N.D. STARFLEET OFFICERS -- and
they immediately see an incredible sight.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT THREE 38.
49 THE OBJECT (OPTICAL)
on the floor, GLOWING. It is solid and semitransparent,
a tiny shape, not unlike one of the
sections of the molecular image we've been seeing.
GEORDI
(taps combadge)
La Forge to Bridge...
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Picard here... what's going on?
GEORDI
I wish I could tell you...
OFF Geordi's astonished expression.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 39.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
50 EXT. HOLODECK/NY STREET - CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
Troi and Worf are still examining the brick wall,
trying to understand what just happened.
TROI
That man said he was "laying a
foundation"...
WORF
But a foundation for what... ?
The question hangs in the air... neither one has an
answer.
TROI
(taps combadge)
Troi to Data...
DATA'S COM VOICE
Data here.
TROI
(to com)
How are you coming?
51 EXT. HOLODECK/NY STREET - INTERSECTION - DAY -
CLOSE ON DATA
DATA
(to com)
I encountered a minor difficulty,
Counselor...
52 WIDEN TO REVEAL
Data is working with only one of his hands in the
manhole -- his other hand is holding the front bumper
of the taxi, which is spinning its wheels in a futile
attempt to run him over.
DATA
(continuing, to com)
But it has been dealt with. I am
ready to depolarize the power
grid.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 40.
52 CONTINUED:
Data taps a command on his device which begins to HUM.
A moment later, the ground begins to TREMBLE...
53 INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
Geordi and his team are scanning the mysterious object
on the ground, which is still in the process of
MATERIALIZING.
GEORDI
(to N.D., off tricorder)
It looks like the ship's
replicator and transporter systems
have been merged somehow...
they're working together to create
this... the question is, what is
it?
They stare at the strange "molecular" shape for a
moment.
GEORDI
(continuing, to N.D.)
Ensign, I want to run a full
spectral analysis on --
Suddenly, the ship begins to SHAKE and lights FLICKER.
Geordi reads his tricorder.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm picking up a massive power
fluctuation... the ship's losing
structural integrity...
54 EXT. HOLODECK/NY STREET - CONSTRUCTION SITE
The tremble has grown into a violent SHAKING. Troi and
Worf glance around in concern.
TROI
What's happening?
WORF
An earthquake... ?
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 41.
54 CONTINUED:
A sudden JOLT causes a flurry of BRICKS to fall off the
scaffolding around the door frame. Troi is nearest to
the bricked-in wall as it starts to collapse. She
dives for safety, but gets HIT by the falling debris.
WORF
(continuing)
Deanna!
Troi falls to the ground. Worf rushes to her, drags
her out of the falling debris to safety. She sits up,
alive but badly bruised and shaken.
55 EXT. HOLODECK/NY STREET - INTERSECTION - DAY
Data is still at the manhole with his device.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to Data -- stop what
you're doing!
DATA
Acknowledged...
Data quickly works his device. The HUM of the device
subsides... and the shaking quickly DIES DOWN. The
taxi's engine stops running; Data lets go of it.
56 INT. CARGO BAY
GEORDI
Data... I think we should get
together and compare notes.
He heads for the door.
CUT TO:
57 INT. SICKBAY
Troi on the biobed, Beverly treating her, Geordi and
Picard nearby.
TROI
The ship was protecting itself
again -- stopping us from
interfering. Whatever it's doing --
it intends to continue.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 42.
57 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
I'm betting it all has something
to do with the object that's
forming in the Cargo Bay.
TROI
I think he's right, Captain. Look
at the common themes that are
playing out on the Holodeck. A
puzzle being put together... a
foundation being laid... a paper
doll being fashioned. All images
of something being constructed.
GEORDI
And an object in the Cargo Bay
that's being constructed -- atom
by atom.
PICARD
What is this object?
GEORDI
I have no idea. It's composed of
silica polymers, duranium, and a
few other compounds we can't
identify.
(beat)
But creating it has put quite a
strain on our systems. Warp power
has dropped forty-seven percent...
Picard considers the situation.
PICARD
Counselor, were you able to draw
any other conclusions from your
experience on the Holodeck?
Anything that might help us handle
this situation?
TROI
I think the Holodeck is what might
be called the ship's
"imagination." It's full of
fanciful, metaphoric imagery -- as
though it's having some kind of...
daydream. It may not make literal
sense... but symbolically there's
probably some kind of logic to it.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 43.
57 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
The characters you spoke to... do
they have any particular
significance?
TROI
I think they represent various
aspects of the ship. The
Engineer, for instance... may have
represented the navigational
system. The Gunslinger could be
the weapon system...
PICARD
Is there any possibility that we
might be able to persuade them to
give back control of the ship?
TROI
I'm not sure it's possible to
reason with them. Many of them
seem genuinely unaware of what's
going on... and of their role in
it.
She hesitates, trying to find the right words.
TROI
It's as though this emergent
intelligence is still an infant...
acting on instinct, trying to
figure itself out as it goes. The
only source of experience it can
draw on is ours -- through our
Holodeck programs.
Picard ponders the situation.
PICARD
Is there a way to... relate to
them on their own level...
influence their behavior in some
way... ?
TROI
(considers)
Maybe there is.
(beat)
I'd like to go back and try.
Beverly doesn't like this idea.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 44.
57 CONTINUED: (3)
BEVERLY
Deanna, the injuries you got on
the Holodeck could have killed
you...
GEORDI
And so far, we haven't been able
to re-establish the safeties.
TROI
I'm aware of that.
She turns to Picard, waiting for an answer.
PICARD
Go ahead, Counselor. But keep
this in mind... so far, we've
tried to thwart the ship in all
its efforts. And that's gotten us
nowhere.
(beat)
Maybe it's time to try
cooperating.
OFF their reactions.
CUT TO:
58 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
Troi, Data, and Worf ENTER. The Conductor marches up
the aisle, angry.
CONDUCTOR
You don't belong on this train!
Worf hands the Conductor THREE TICKETS.
WORF
Three for Vertiform City.
The Conductor takes the tickets, surprised. With a
friendly look, the Conductor punches the tickets and
hands them back to Worf.
CONDUCTOR
Guess I was wrong about you folks.
Welcome aboard.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 45.
58 CONTINUED:
Suddenly, the car lights DIM, and FLICKER slightly.
The group reacts, looking around the car.
WORF
What was that?
The Conductor seems a little concerned himself.
CONDUCTOR
We've been having some problems...
the engine's running out of
steam... I hope we make it to
Vertiform City on time.
TROI
Is there anything we could do to
help?
The Conductor considers.
CONDUCTOR
Well, I could use a pair of strong
arms up in the Engine Room...
maybe we could get back on
schedule.
He looks pointedly at Worf.
TROI
Why don't you go with him, Worf...
We'll do what we can here.
Worf nods and moves off with the Conductor. Troi and
Data confer.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 46.
58 CONTINUED: (2)
HAYSEED
(concerned)
'Scuse me... are we goin' to get
there okay?
Troi approaches and sits with him. In her most
comforting manner --
TROI
Of course we are. Don't worry
about a thing.
(beat)
Now... I want you to tell me
everything you know about
Vertiform City.
HAYSEED
Well... they got a restaurant
there... where you can eat all
you want, any time... it's the
best food around...
CUT TO:
59 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - ENGINE ROOM
There is a coal-fired BOILER and a CONTROL BOX with
several gears and levers. The Conductor hands Worf a
shovel and opens the boiler door. He gestures off-camera.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT FOUR 47.
59 CONTINUED:
CONDUCTOR
Well, there's the coal and there's
the boiler.
(beat)
Sure obliged for your help.
Worf takes the shovel from him, dips into the off-camera
pile of coal, and begins shoveling it into the
boiler.
CONDUCTOR
(continuing)
Well done, sir. I think this will
make a difference, all right...
Worf keeps shoveling.
60 INT. BRIDGE
Picard and Riker. Riker is studying his chair console.
RIKER
(off console)
I don't know how or why, sir...
but power's almost back to normal
levels... life support systems
coming on line on all decks.
PICARD
What's our heading?
RIKER
It looks like we're on course
for... Tambor Beta-six. It's a
white dwarf star...
They exchange a puzzled look...
CUT TO:
61 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - ENGINE ROOM - THE FURNACE
The train is ROARING along faster than ever. Worf is
shoveling coal into the boiler; the Conductor acts as
cheerleader.
CONDUCTOR
That's the way... keep it
steady... put your back into it!
Worf begins to shovel faster...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT FOUR 48.
62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it nears a WHITE STAR, a BEAM shoots forth from the
ship into the star.
63 INT. BRIDGE
Riker reacts to his console.
RIKER
The ship is using a modified
tractor beam to collect vertion
particles from the star.
PICARD
(to Picard)
Vertion particles... "Vertiform"
City. This is what the ship was
looking for...
The ship suddenly SHAKES.
RIKER
(off console)
Sir, the particles are being
routed through the transporter
system -- and into Cargo Bay Five.
Riker and Picard exchange a look.
PICARD
(to com)
Geordi... what's going on?
INTERCUT:
64 INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
Geordi and his team are standing near the object,
scanning it with their tricorders. The object is
beginning to GLOW BRIGHTLY FROM WITHIN. It is now much
larger than before and clearly resembles the strange
molecule we've seen before...
GEORDI
(off tricorder, to com)
The object's absorbing vertion
particles, sir... and it's growing
even faster than before.
(beat; amazed)
Sir... I'm picking up internal
energy emissions from this
thing...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 49.
64 CONTINUED:
RIKER
What do you mean?
GEORDI
It's beginning to generate its own
energy...
Riker and Picard react.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Can you be more specific?
GEORDI
I'm picking up coherent
emissions... matter conversion...
it's incredible...
Suddenly, the glow DIMS, begins to FADE... Geordi
looks at his tricorder in alarm.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Wait, something's wrong... we've
got power fluctuations... the
vertion absorption rate is
dropping...
(beat)
What's happening to the particle
beam?
Riker checks his console.
RIKER
The beam's exhausted the supply of
particles in the star... there's
nothing left to take out.
GEORDI
Captain -- the object's energy
output is decreasing...
65 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - ENGINE ROOM
The Conductor's checking the boiler, panicking...
CONDUCTOR
Something's wrong...
WORF
What is it... ?
The Conductor stares frantically out the windows...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FOUR 49A.
65 CONTINUED:
CONDUCTOR
(distraught)
This was supposed to be
"Vertiform" City...
66 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The particle beam BREAKS UP completely and
DISAPPEARS...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - 02/17/94 - ACT FOUR 50.
67 INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
The GLOW from the object FADES and DARKENS. The nearly
finished "molecule" now appears inert...
68 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN -ENGINE ROOM
The Conductor moves to the controls, grabs a lever.
CONDUCTOR
We've been on the wrong track all
along!
He pulls the lever back hard.
69 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
With an awful SCREECH OF THE TRACKS, the train lurches
from side to side -- Troi, Data and the other
passengers are thrown about in the terrible grinding,
CRASH. The train has DERAILED. Everything goes
black...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 51.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
70 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (STOCK OPTICAL)
hanging in space at an extreme angle -- as if
"derailed" itself.
71 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
It's a smoking wreck inside, and the train has come to
a complete stop. Data and Troi struggle to their feet --
Troi is battered and bruised but okay. As they try to
get their bearings, Worf ENTERS from the forward door.
WORF
Are you all right?
TROI
Yes... what happened?
WORF
The Conductor accidently derailed
the train.
DATA
(taps combadge)
Data to Captain Picard...
72 INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
Picard and Riker have joined Geordi in the Cargo Bay.
Geordi is running his tricorder over the now DIMLY-FLICKERING
Object.
PICARD
(to Com)
Picard here.
DATA'S COM VOICE
We have had an accident in the
Holodeck. Has anything happened
to the Enterprise?
PICARD
Yes -- a ship-wide shutdown.
We've lost attitude control and
most systems are off-line.
GEORDI (O.S.)
Captain, I think you better take
a look at this...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 52.
72 CONTINUED:
Picard turns to Geordi.
GEORDI
(continuing)
When the particle beam cut off,
the object was beginning to form
a coherent energy matrix...
Picard and Riker react.
GEORDI
(continuing)
... and if these readings are
accurate, I'd say the emission
patterns were almost... organic.
PICARD
Are you suggesting that the
Enterprise has been attempting to
create... a lifeform?
GEORDI
I think so...
A stunned beat. Picard stares at the object with a
curious wonder.
PICARD
Will it... survive?
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
Its energy levels are dropping
rapidly... Unless it gets an
infusion of vertion particles
pretty soon... I don't think so.
A grim beat.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 53.
72 CONTINUED: (2)
Suddenly, the ship LURCHES forward. Geordi checks a
nearby console.
GEORDI
Captain, our systems are back on
line... we're moving again -- at
warp nine.
Reactions. Picard heads for the door.
PICARD
Let's get back to the Bridge.
73
thru OMITTED
75
76 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
Troi, Data, and Worf look around in amazement: the room
has returned to normal. All of the passengers are
there (except the Conductor, the Hitman, and the
Engineer), and everyone seems happy as the train speeds
along.
Troi moves to the Hayseed.
HAYSEED
Whew... that was a close one,
wasn't it?
TROI
Where are we going now?
HAYSEED
"New Vertiform City," of course.
Troi and Data exchange a look.
DATA
(taps combadge)
Data to Captain...
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Picard here.
DATA
(to com)
The train has returned to normal,
sir...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 54.
77 INT. BRIDGE
Picard and Riker are in their command positions; Geordi
is studying the Aft Science console in the background.
DATA'S COM VOICE
(continuing)
... and our destination is "New
Vertiform City."
PICARD
(to Riker)
What's our course?
RIKER
(checks his console)
We're heading for the Cordannas
system.
PICARD
Another white dwarf star?
RIKER
Yes. It's the closest one to our
last position...
A beat. Geordi steps away from his console.
GEORDI
Captain, we've got a problem...
Picard and Riker turn to face him.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT FIVE 55.
77 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(continuing)
Even at warp nine, the Cordannas
system is over twelve hours from
here...
PICARD
Will the object in the cargo bay
survive that long?
GEORDI
I think it will, sir, but that's
not the problem...
(beat)
The ship's diverted all of our
systems to maximize propulsion --
including life support.
(beat)
We've got less than two hours of
reserve oxygen.
Picard takes in the news. His mind is racing, trying
to find a way out of this dilemma.
PICARD
(to com)
Mister Data, we have to stop the
Enterprise. That means you have
to get control of that train.
DATA'S COM VOICE
Understood, sir.
PICARD
(to Geordi)
The ship is looking for vertion
particles... and it believes that
the Cordannas system is the
closest source...
(beat)
Is there another source --
something closer?
GEORDI
White dwarf stars are the only
natural source, sir.
PICARD
Then what about artificial
sources? Is there any way to
create them?
OFF Geordi's intrigued expression...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 56.
78 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
The three confer.
DATA
How did the Conductor stop the
train?
WORF
There is a braking lever in the
engine room.
TROI
Let's go...
They turn to head to the front of the car... and stop
dead in their tracks.
79 THE FRONT DOOR
is blocked by all the characters we've seen on the
train (except the Conductor, the Engineer, and the
Hitman): the Knight, the Gunslinger, the Flappers, the
Man in the Grey Flannel Suit, and the Hayseed. They
have the look of a surly mob...
HAYSEED
Sorry, folks. But you ain't goin'
nowhere.
80 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE
The monitor is displaying a STAR MAP as Geordi works
the console. Picard and Riker stand nearby, watching.
GEORDI
I've narrowed the search to the
MacPherson Nebula, which is a
supernova remnant... or Dikonalpha,
a class-nine pulsar...
Geordi indicates the star map.
GEORDI
(continuing)
They're both fairly close to our
current flight path... and either
one might produce vertion
particles if we detonated a
modified photon torpedo inside it.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT FIVE 56A.
80 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Vertions usually occur in
miniscule amounts. Do you think
either of these phenomena can
produce enough of them?
GEORDI
That's hard to say. I can't even
guarantee that we can create them
at all.
PICARD
Well, we have to give it a try.
The nebula or the pulsar? It's
your choice, Mister La Forge.
A beat -- Geordi knows how much is riding on this.
GEORDI
I think we should go for the
nebula.
PICARD
Very well. Begin the torpedo
modifications.
RIKER
(to Picard)
Now let's hope we can get the ship
to go where we want it to.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 57.
81 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR
Troi, Data, and Worf with the group on the train. Troi
is trying to communicate with the Hayseed.
TROI
Please listen to me. We
understand what's happening. We
know you must get to New Vertiform
City.
(beat)
And we want to help you get there.
The Hayseed listens, but seems helplessly confused.
HAYSEED
I dunno...
TROI
Please. We're your friends.
The Hayseed looks around at the others. They all seem
uncertain, not knowing what to do.
HAYSEED
Well... you're really gonna help
get us to New Vertiform City?
TROI
Yes. I promise.
The Hayseed hesitates, struggling with this decision.
Finally --
HAYSEED
Okay. But just one of you. The
rest stay here.
That's enough for Data. He's out the door.
82 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - ENGINE ROOM
Data ENTERS to see the Conductor and the Hitman
standing in front of the brake lever and control box.
The Hitman has drawn his gun. The boiler is burning
brightly behind them.
CONDUCTOR
All right, that's far enough.
Data stops.
HITMAN
Sorry to spoil your party, pal...
it's nothing personal.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 58.
82 CONTINUED:
DATA
I can get us there more quickly.
I know a shorter route.
HITMAN
Don't listen to him -- he's up to
somethin'.
CONDUCTOR
A shorter route... ?
DATA
Yes. If you will let me handle
the controls.
HITMAN
Don't do it!
CONDUCTOR
We're behind schedule now... if he
could get us there on time...
The Conductor stares at Data, a moment of decision.
Then he gestures toward the controls.
CONDUCTOR
Go on. But no funny stuff.
Data taps his combadge.
DATA
(to com)
Data to Captain Picard...
INTERCUT:
83 INT. BRIDGE
Picard and Riker at command; Geordi at Aft Science.
DATA
(continuing)
I have taken control of the engine
room.
PICARD
Stand by.
(to Geordi)
Are we within sensor range of the
nebula?
GEORDI
Yes, sir.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 58A.
83 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to com)
Mister Data, try to slow us to
impulse speed.
DATA
I will attempt to do so.
As Data puts a hand on the controls the Conductor takes
a step forward.
CONDUCTOR
I sure hope you know what you're
doing...
Data slowly pulls back the brake lever...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/18/94 - ACT FIVE 59.
84 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
drops out of warp. A NEBULA is visible in the
distance.
85 INT. BRIDGE
PICARD
Are the torpedo modifications
complete?
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Launch torpedo.
Geordi works the controls, and we hear the SOUND of the
torpedo launch.
86 EXT. SPACE - THE TORPEDO (STOCK OPTICAL)
blasts into the Nebula... a short beat later, the
Nebula explodes into a dazzling, shimmering GLOW.
87 INT. BRIDGE
GEORDI
(off console)
It's working, sir... the
reaction's producing vertion
particles...
Reactions.
88 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - ENGINE ROOM
Both the Conductor and the Hitman are looking curiously
out the window as Data watches them carefully.
CONDUCTOR
(scratches his head)
Well, what do you know... we're
here...
HITMAN
New Vertiform City...
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 60.
88 CONTINUED:
The Conductor shrugs. He smiles and steps up to the
control box and sounds the STEAM WHISTLE.
CUT TO:
89 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
A particle BEAM from the ship is tapping into the
glowing NEBULA.
90 INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
Picard, Beverly, and Geordi are watching the Object --
it's almost fully formed now, and is GLOWING with a
strong, powerful radiance. As they look at the forming
Object in wonder, Riker ENTERS and moves to Picard.
RIKER
The nodes are deactivating all
over the ship. Our systems are
beginning to function normally
again.
PICARD
Then the purpose of the ship's
intelligence... was simply to
bring that life form into being...
BEVERLY
There are entire species whose
sole purpose in life is to
reproduce. And when they finally
procreate... they die.
As they share the moment...
GEORDI
Captain, look...
The Object is now complete. It RISES off the floor and
begins to SPARKLE with a transporter-like effect.
Our people get one final, glimpse of the fully-formed
structure... weird, alien, beautiful... before the
Object DEMATERIALIZES...
91 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
and REMATERIALIZES outside the ship. Then the Object
moves gently away and disappears into space.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/22/94 - ACT FIVE 61.
92 INT. HOLODECK/TRAIN - SALON CAR (OPTICAL)
All the characters we've seen are in the car, champagne
glasses in hand, raised for a toast. Troi, Data and
Worf have joined them.
CONDUCTOR
Cheers.
As glasses touch -- the scene disappears.
93 INT. HOLODECK
Worf, Troi and Data are standing in an empty Holodeck.
OFF their expressions...
94 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at impulse across a field of stars.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, supplemental. The
Enterprise is back under our
control. All traces of the
emergent intelligence are gone...
and the object it created has
disappeared into space...
95 INT. READY ROOM
Picard is working at his computer when the door CHIMES.
PICARD
Come.
The DOOR OPENS and Data ENTERS.
DATA
Captain, I am staging a scene from
The Tempest this evening for a
small audience. I would like you
to attend.
Picard stands from the desk.
PICARD
I'd be honored. Which scene?
DATA
Miranda's first encounter with
other human beings.
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT FIVE 62.
95 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(smiles)
"Oh brave new world that has such
people in it."
DATA
It seemed appropriate.
Data pauses a beat.
DATA
Captain. You took a significant
risk in allowing the Enterprise to
complete its... task.
PICARD
Why do you say that?
DATA
Because the end product was
unknown. The object could have
been dangerous. It may in fact,
be dangerous...
PICARD
And I've allowed it to go off on
its merry way.
DATA
Yes, sir.
Picard considers for a moment.
PICARD
The intelligence that formed on
the Enterprise... it didn't just
come out of the ship's systems --
it came out of us. Our mission
records, our personal logs, even
our Holodeck programs -- our
fantasies.
Picard steps over to the window and stares out.
PICARD
(continuing)
If our experiences with the
Enterprise have been honorable...
He turns back to Data.
61:[4,#b]
STAR TREK: "Emergence" - REV. 02/17/94 - ACT FIVE 63.
95 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(continuing)
Then can't we trust the sum of
those experiences to be the same?
Data reflects for a moment, then nods, turns and leaves
the Ready Room. Picard glances again out the window,
sits back down at his computer and gets back to work...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END