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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
Skin of Evil
"f.k.a.'The Shroud'"
#40271-122
Story by
Joseph Stefano
Teleplay by
Joseph Stefano
and
Hannah Louise Shearer
Directed by
Joseph L. Scanlan
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 1988 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 This script is not for publication or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.
REVISED FINAL DRAFT
FEBRUARY 1, 1988
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Shroud"
CAST
PICARD ARMUS (THE SHROUD)
RIKER
BEVERLY
DATA
TROI
TASHA
WORF
GEORDI
WESLEY
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER LELAND T. LYNCH
NURSE
LIEUTENANT BEN PRIETO [PRONOUNCED: "PREE-ET-TOE"]
Non-Speaking
TWO MEDICAL TECHNICIANS
TRANSPORTER CHIEF
Voice-Over
COMPUTER VOICE
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Shroud"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
MAIN ENGINEERING SHUTTLECRAFT
TRANSPORTER ROOM
SICKBAY VAGRA 2 [PRONOUNCED: "VAY-GRA"]
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
PASTORAL AREA
SHUTTLECRAFT
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Shroud"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it travels through space on impulse power.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41801.3.
We are crossing through the Zed
Lapis sector, where we will
rendezvous with Shuttlecraft
Thirteen carrying Deanna Troi,
who is returning from a
psychology conference.
2 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE
The usual CREW is in place, except for Troi and Wesley.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
Because Engineering is taking this
opportunity to complete preventive
maintenance on dilithium
crystals, we are traveling on
impulse power.
Tasha and Worf are at the Aft station, working the
console.
WORF
Routine deep sensor probe
indicates no obstacles, no vessels
within a range of three light
years.
TASHA
Short-range sub-space radar
confirms.
Worf turns to her.
WORF
The martial arts competition is
in three days. Are you prepared?
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
TASHA
If you'll meet me on the Holodeck
later. I need your help on the
Mishiama wrist-lock and break.
If it works on you, I can use it
on anyone.
WORF
A valid assumption. Who is your
first competitor?
TASHA
The aikido match is with Science
Officer Swenson.
WORF
You will defeat him easily.
TASHA
(nodding)
I'm more concerned with Lieutenant
Minnerly's kick-boxing.
WORF
You are favored in the ship's
pool.
Tasha just looks at him, then smiles, surprised.
TASHA
You bet on me.
WORF
A sure thing.
2A ANOTHER ANGLE
GEORDI
Sir, estimated rendezvous with
the shuttle in one hour, ten
minutes.
PICARD
Very good, Lieutenant.
(to Riker)
It's not the same around here
without Counselor Troi, is it,
Number One?
Riker's not sure if Picard's needling him.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER 3.
2A CONTINUED:
RIKER
No, sir. It seems...
WORF
... Sir! I am receiving an
emergency transmission from the
shuttle!
PICARD
Put it on the Main Viewer.
GEORDI
I can't. We are receiving audio
only.
PICARD
Then open the frequency.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
BEN'S COM VOICE
(crackling; calm)
... what a jolt!
PICARD
Position report.
BEN'S COM VOICE
Sir, I have an onboard systems
failure. You'll have to tell
me where I am.
GEORDI
I read coordinates three-zero-seven
mark one-two-six. Confirm!
BEN'S COM VOICE
Can't confirm. My instruments
are haywire.
The bridge crew REACTS with concern.
PICARD
Lieutenant Prieto, is Counselor
Troi all right?
BEN'S COM VOICE
Yes, sir. Just a little shaken.
We're being buffeted a bit...
A GREAT STATIC ECHOES through the bridge.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER 4.
2A CONTINUED: (2)
BEN'S COM VOICE
(continuing; slightly
panicked; breaking up)
... losing more power! My flight
control computer's fried.
PICARD
Main Engineering!
3 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (INTERCUT WITH MAIN BRIDGE AS
NECESSARY)
where LIEUTENANT COMMANDER LELAND T. LYNCH and his
crew are working on DILITHIUM CRYSTALS. The door to
the chamber is OPEN. Lynch touches his insignia.
LYNCH
Engineering. Lieutenant
Commander Leland T. Lynch
reporting, sir.
PICARD
How long will it take to return
to warp power?
LYNCH
Captain! I'm in the middle of
realigning the dilithium
crystals.
PICARD
There's an emergency, Lynch. I
need warp drive. How long?
LYNCH
Twenty minutes. Maybe more.
PICARD
We don't have it.
LYNCH
I'll align it by hand. Then
power up the core.
PICARD
Whatever it takes.
A frustrated Lynch starts to move quickly.
LYNCH
Aye, sir.
(to his workers)
Let's go!
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER 5.
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
the crew is very tense.
GEORDI
Shuttle, this is the Enterprise.
Coordinates now read two-thirty-seven
mark one-oh-one. You're
moving in too close towards a
large mass.
BEN'S COM VOICE
I can see it. The planet's
getting closer.
More STATIC fills the bridge.
DATA
The planet is Vagra Two of the
Zed Lapis system. Uninhabited.
PICARD
Lieutenant, report!
TROI'S COM VOICE
This is Counselor Troi. I'll
relay, sir. The pilot is...
busy. We've lost most of our
impulse power.
PICARD
Engineering! Status report!
LYNCH'S COM VOICE
Working on it. Three minutes,
Captain. But there are no
guarantees.
PICARD
Deanna, we'll be right there.
Riker and the crew become very anxious as the STATIC
again fills the bridge.
TROI'S COM VOICE
... We're spinning around...
BEN'S COM VOICE
We're caught in the planet's
gravity.
TROI'S COM VOICE
(very controlled)
We're going to crash.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER 6.
4 CONTINUED:
The faces of her friends reflect their fear and
anguish, as WE:
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
still on impulse power.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental.
We've lost all contact with
Shuttlecraft Thirteen -- and can
only assume they've crash-landed
on Vagra Two. Main Engineering
is working at top speed to return
us to warp power.
6 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING
where Lynch places the dilithium crystals on their
proper tray.
LYNCH
Forget the final check.
7 CLOSER ANGLE
as the tray with the crystals is placed within the
chamber and the door CLOSES. Lynch WALKS to the
Computer.
7A LYNCH AT THE COMPUTER
LYNCH
Computer -- initiate start-up
sequence.
COMPUTER VOICE
Beginning check list.
LYNCH
Override. We are going directly
to start-up.
COMPUTER VOICE
That procedure is not recommended.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 8.
7A CONTINUED:
LYNCH
Understood. Now. Prime
matter/antimatter injectors. Set
ratio at twenty-five to one...
COMPUTER VOICE
Ratio set.
LYNCH
Power engine core. Inject
reactants.
At which point the SOUND WHINES AND BUILDS TO A RUMBLE.
The ENGINE LIGHTS BRIGHTEN AND BEGIN THE FAMILIAR WARP
DRIVE EFFECT.
LYNCH
(continuing)
Captain, this is Lieutenant
Commander Leland T. Lynch. You
have minimum warp drive.
8 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
as Geordi watches his console closely. He waits for
Data's signal.
DATA
Computer indicates alignment of
matter-anti-matter completed, sir.
GEORDI
Course plotted and set for Vagra
Two.
PICARD
Warp eight.
LYNCH'S COM VOICE
Minimum warp drive, Captain.
PICARD
You heard the order. Make it so.
9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as the ship MOVES OUT IN WARP SPEED.
10 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 9.
11 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
The crew calmly but rapidly performs their duties.
Riker sits almost immobilized next to Picard. Beverly
puts her hand on his arm.
GEORDI
Approaching Vagra Two.
DATA
Strange, sir. No emergency
signal from the shuttle as yet.
RIKER
(reassuring himself)
They're designed to withstand
almost any impact.
WORF
Beginning a deeper probe, sir.
PICARD
What is this place, Mister Data?
DATA
There is no information in the
library computer, sir, other than
the fact of its existence. No
signs of any known higher life-form.
Virtually no vegetation.
RIKER
Atmosphere?
DATA
Minimum for our needs.
PICARD
Standard orbit.
GEORDI
Standard orbit, aye.
11A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 10)
as it ENTERS orbit around Vagra 2.
12 CLOSE ON PICARD AND RIKER
Riker's scared for Troi.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 10.
12 CONTINUED:
RIKER
I could have set up the rendezvous
in a dozen alternate sites.
Picard knows what he's really saying.
PICARD
She means a lot to all of us.
RIKER
She's not dead. I'd know it.
13 WIDER ANGLE
INCLUDING Worf.
WORF
I've located the shuttle!
PICARD
Life signs?
WORF
Not yet, sir.
Riker REACTS to the possibility that Troi is dead.
WORF
(continuing)
Still probing. It appears to be
buried under a lot of debris.
Worf shakes his head, then sees a FLICKER on the
console.
WORF
(continuing)
I may have something, sir!
He makes an adjustment on his instruments. Riker's
out of his chair instantly, looking over Worf's
shoulder.
WORF
(continuing)
Faint life signs. Very faint.
RIKER
How many?
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 11.
13 CONTINUED:
WORF
There's no way of telling from
here.
PICARD
Can we beam up the injured?
DATA
No. Our sensors are not fully
penetrating whatever the debris
is, sir. I cannot explain it.
A puzzled concerned REACTION from Picard.
PICARD
That's very unusual.
DATA
Yes. I cannot explain it.
Picard gets a call.
LYNCH'S COM VOICE
Captain, this is Lieutenant
Commander Leland T. Lynch. Can
I shut down the warp drive now
for a full realignment?
PICARD
(distracted)
Yes.
LYNCH
Thanks. That's fine...
PICARD
No. Wait.
(something is picking
at him)
Not yet.
LYNCH
You'll have full impulse.
PICARD
I understand, but for the moment
I want all systems at full
readiness -- especially propulsion.
LYNCH
As you wish, Captain.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 12.
13 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Assemble your team, Number One.
RIKER
Right away.
BEVERLY
I'll meet you in Transporter Room
Four.
Riker gets up quickly.
RIKER
Yar, Data.
They're already halfway out of their positions and
HEADING for the Transporter Room.
14 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM FOUR (OPTICAL)
The team is assembled on the pad when Beverly COMES
IN with TWO MEDICAL TECHNICIANS and gear. They MOVE
ONTO the pad.
RIKER
Do it.
The Transporter Chief works the console and the away
team DISAPPEARS.
15 EXT. VAGRA 2 (OPTICAL)
Vagra 2 is arid, desolate, with very rocky terrain.
It's always dusk. The team BEAMS IN about ten meters
from the crash site. The shuttle appears to have
crashed into a hill. It's almost completely buried,
obscured by ROCKS. There is an eerie stillness, a
deadness about the place. Tasha takes readings.
TASHA
Ben must have had no control
left, otherwise he would have
picked a better spot.
BEVERLY
Let's go. The life signs are
weak.
Tasha starts to lead the team quickly and cautiously
towards the shuttle.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 13.
16 ANOTHER ANGLE
As they near the shuttle, they run into an obstacle -
a BLACK, SHINY, VISCOUS MASS lying on the ground.
16A ANGLE ON THE AWAY TEAM
They STOP for a beat and look at the slime. Data
takes a tricorder reading.
RIKER
What is it?
No one has an answer.
TASHA
No idea. We'll go around. Just
to be on the safe side.
16B ANGLE ON TASHA
As she leads the away team around the slick, it MOVES
PARALLEL with them so it stays between them and the
shuttle. The team STOPS.
TASHA
We'll go the other way.
16C ANOTHER ANGLE
The away team CIRCLES AROUND the other way. And again,
the slick stays between them and the shuttle.
RIKER
(touching his
communicator)
Enterprise, this is Riker. We've
got a problem.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
What kind of a problem, Number
One?
RIKER
I'm not sure yet. There's some
kind of a slick blocking our
path. We'll keep you apprised.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Maintain an open frequency.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 14.
16C CONTINUED:
RIKER
Aye, sir.
17 CLOSER ANGLE
RIKER
Analysis, Mister Data.
Data takes readings.
DATA
Inconclusive, sir. I cannot tell
you what it is -- only what it is
not.
RIKER
Explain.
DATA
There is no evidence of neural
or circulatory systems. No
internal organs. Cellular
structure unknown. It does not
have any proteins which are known
to us.
The slime remains SILENT and STILL... Until:
BEVERLY
It's narrower over here. Can
we get over it?
They try -- but it EXPANDS, so they can't pass.
RIKER
Wait, Beverly. How is it moving,
Data?
DATA
I do not know, sir. It does not
appear to have any skeletal
framework or musculature.
RIKER
Then what's causing it to move?
DATA
Perhaps we are. It appears to
be following us, sir.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 15.
18 WIDER ANGLE
The slime continues to BLOCK THEIR PATH, BLOCKING ANY
WAY THEY TRY TO APPROACH the shuttle.
RIKER
No readings of intelligence.
No brain as we know it. But
evidence of thought, Mister Data?
DATA
Insufficient information.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Number One, can you beam around
it?
RIKER
Negative, not enough room, sir.
It seems to be trying to keep
us away from the shuttle.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Data, is it alive?
19 THE CREATURE
DATA
It is possible. It possesses
two of the requisites for life.
20 WIDER ANGLE
A SHRIEK is emitted, and the BLACK SHROUD, ARMUS, LIFTS
ITSELF off the ground and blocks the away team's path.
ARMUS
Very good, tin man.
They STEP BACK, startled... phasers ready. Riker
gathers himself and steps forward. Tasha's alert.
20A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and the others listening.
PICARD
What is it, Number One? What are
you seeing?
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE 16.
20A CONTINUED:
RIKER
I wish I had an answer, Captain.
The truth is... I'm not sure.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
A21 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as the ship orbits the planet.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental.
While on the planet Vagra Two to
rescue members of the crew who
were injured in a rather strange
and unexplained shuttle crash,
the away team, lead by Commander
Riker, has encountered a strange
creature which seems to be able
to take many forms, including
something which is humanoid.
B21 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard touches his arm panel.
PICARD
Go easy, Number One. Let's find
out what it is we are dealing with
here.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Agreed, Captain.
PICARD
And Number One, I don't believe
the location shuttle crash and
the proximity of this creature
is necessarily a coincidence.
C21 EXT. PLANET VAGRA 2
Riker moves a STEP CLOSER to the creature.
RIKER
I am Commander William Riker of
the USS Enterprise.
ARMUS
I am ARMUS. Why do you intrude
into my space?
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 18.
C21 CONTINUED:
RIKER
We mean you no harm. We have an
injured crew in that shuttlecraft.
We need to get to them. May we
pass?
ARMUS
That is important to you? That
they live?
RIKER
Yes. Preserving life -- all life
-- is very important to us.
ARMUS
Why?
RIKER
We believe that everything in the
universe has a right to exist.
ARMUS
Interesting. Irrelevant. But
you may now leave if you wish.
Riker and the crew are startled.
TASHA
We won't without the shuttle
crew.
The shroud REMAINS SILENT as Tasha makes a slight MOVE
TO GO AROUND IT.
ARMUS
You will not like it here.
TASHA
What are you saying -- that you
are going to try and deny us
access and attempt to force us
to leave without our comrades?
ARMUS
I told you what you can do. You
can leave.
Tasha has had enough of this and starts to move toward
the narrowest strip of slime.
TASHA
Enough. We have people who need
attention. We mean you no harm,
but do not interfere.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 19.
21 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as ARMUS FLICKS HIS FINGER, sending an ENERGY FORCE
towards Tasha, JERKING HER BACK and SLAMMING HER DOWN
to the ground.
22 ON THE TEAM (OPTICAL)
Everything from here on must happen in a blur of
action. Beverly and the medical personnel jump to
Tasha's side. Riker and Data MOVE BETWEEN the others
and BLAST ARMUS with their phasers.
23 OMITTED
24 ANGLE ON THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)
who appears to thrive and grow on the energy.
24A ANGLE ON RIKER AND DATA
They BACK AWAY - still FIRING.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Number One?
RIKER
The creature attacked us.
Lieutenant Yar is down.
DATA
It appears to feed on our phaser
energy.
RIKER
We have no effect on it.
24B INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and the others are monitoring.
PICARD
Transporter Room. Get them up.
Now!
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 20.
24C ANGLE ON TASHA AND THE OTHERS
Beverly quickly takes a reading. She can't believe the
instruments.
BEVERLY
She's dead.
24CC ANGLE ON THE BRIDGE CREW
stunned.
24D ANGLE ON RIKER AND DATA
They REACT to the words. Then look back at ARMUS.
24E ANGLE ON ARMUS
watching.
25 ANGLE ON BEVERLY AND TASHA
There is a piece of slime on Tasha's face. Beverly
digs at it, desperate to remove it.
25A ANGLE ON AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL)
The lock on is complete -- the away team is BEAMED UP.
Leaving only Armus and the shuttle.
26 OMITTED
26A INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
as the away team BEAMS IN. Beverly and the
Technicians are still working on Tasha. Beverly gives
her an injection in the neck. Riker and Data can REACT
for the first time.
BEVERLY
I need her in Sickbay right now!
Get a gurney.
27 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard is out of his seat -- the whole crew is alert.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 21.
27 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Yellow Alert, Lieutenant Worf.
I'll be in Sickbay.
REACTIONS from the bridge crew.
28
thru OMITTED
29
30 INT. SICKBAY
The medical team is easing Tasha onto the operating
table as Picard ENTERS. Beverly barely glances up at
him. He MOVES OFF TO THE SIDE and watches silently,
with Data and Riker, as:
31 CLOSE ON DIAGNOSTIC SCREEN
which shows her bodily readings to be totally askew.
32 WIDER ANGLE
Beverly and the Nurse work together as if they'd done
this a hundred times before, attaching the clamshell
device onto the bed, over Tasha's body.
PICARD
Status, Doctor?
BEVERLY
She's dead.
PICARD
Bring her back.
BEVERLY
I'm trying.
PICARD
You've saved people before. You
can save her.
BEVERLY
Neural stimulator.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 22.
32 CONTINUED:
The Nurse immediately helps her attach the device,
which clips onto the bed and slips over Tasha's head
like a loose headband. As soon as both devices are
activated, Beverly and the Nurse anxiously watch the
diagnostic screen. A FEW KEY INDICATORS APPROACH
NORMALITY. Picard is anxious and impatient.
RIKER
There. You did it.
BEVERLY
No. I've got her on total
support. There's no independent
brain activity.
Beverly grimly and quickly works the neural
stimulator. She pushes programming keys furiously,
then hits the start button. No reaction.
NURSE
She's not responding, Doctor.
Her synaptic network is breaking
down.
BEVERLY
No! Inject norep.
The Nurse complies as Beverly reprograms the
stimulator. Nothing happens.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
We're going for direct reticular
stimulation.
NURSE
Risky.
PICARD
What does that mean?
BEVERLY
Doesn't matter! Do it!
The Nurse punches it in, and Tasha's body TWITCHES
SLIGHTLY. Picard looks hopefully at Beverly.
PICARD
She moved!
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 23.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
NURSE
Neurons are beginning to
depolarize.
Beverly is desperate, but calm.
BEVERLY
Increase to seventy microvolts.
The Nurse complies. Beverly pushes the button. Tasha
MOVES SLIGHTLY -- VERY SLIGHTLY. Beverly checks the
readout. Data and Riker looks at each other -- it's
not good.
PICARD
(urgently)
Doctor?
BEVERLY
Eighty-five microvolts.
They quickly try again. And again. Finally, there is
NO MOVEMENT in Tasha at all.
33 ON BEVERLY AND PICARD
She slowly turns to him.
BEVERLY
She's gone.
PICARD
Gone?
BEVERLY
There's too much synaptic damage.
That thing just sucked all the
life out of her. There's nothing
I can do...
Picard, Riker and Data seem rooted to the spot.
34 ANOTHER ANGLE
Beverly reluctantly pushes in a code on the overbed
life support clamshell. She and the others look up
at the big diagnostic wall screen and watch all the
LIFE FUNCTION INDICATORS FALL TO ZERO. They REACT
to the finality of this.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 24.
35 EXT. VAGRA 2
as ARMUS SLITHERS AND SLIDES close to the shuttle.
36 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
It is greatly damaged. The PILOT, LIEUTENANT BEN
PRIETO, is slumped forward, unconscious. Troi tries
to move, but is in a great deal of pain. She touches
her communicator, but it doesn't work.
36A EXT. VAGRA 2 (FORMERLY SCENE 39)
ARMUS has slithered up the shuttle and covered the
little bit that isn't buried by rubble.
36B INT. SHUTTLECRAFT (FORMERLY SCENE 40)
Troi is startled. She feels very uncomfortable and
looks around, seeing nothing, but feeling -- an
intimate sense of evil.
ARMUS (O.S.)
Your friends have deserted you.
They're not coming back.
TROI
You're wrong.
ARMUS (O.S.)
I killed one of them.
Troi is very sad.
TROI
Yes. I know.
ARMUS (O.S.)
How could you be in there and know
that?
TROI
I felt her die.
ARMUS (O.S.)
Do you want to know why I killed
her?
TROI
Meaningless. That act had no
reason.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 25.
36B CONTINUED:
ARMUS (O.S.)
Exactly. I did it because I
could.
TROI
But you felt no satisfaction.
ARMUS (O.S.)
No, none. It was too easy.
TROI
You wanted her to suffer. You
have a great need.
ARMUS (O.S.)
I need nothing.
TROI
Liar.
(there is a pause)
End this. Let us go.
ARMUS
Not yet.
TROI
They won't give you what you want.
ARMUS (O.S.)
And what is that?
TROI
To break their spirit.
ARMUS (O.S.)
Oh, is that what I want?... Then
that's what I will have.
TROI
Never.
37 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits Vagra 2.
38 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
The bridge crew GATHERS around the table.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 26.
38 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
(enraged)
She didn't do anything, Captain.
Her phaser was lowered. She only
wanted to get to Troi and
Lieutenant Prieto.
RIKER
There was nothing provocative
about what she did.
Riker slams the table and fights back tears of outrage.
BEVERLY
It just killed her. No reason.
No justification. A senseless,
brutal act.
Picard waits, while the members of his crew purge their
anger.
PICARD
All right. This is very emotional
for all of us, but we still have
members of this crew down on that
planet, so, until the shuttle
crew is safely aboard this ship,
our feelings will have to wait.
There are QUIET MURMURS OF ASSENT.
PICARD
(continuing)
Lieutenant Worf, you are now chief
of security.
WORF
I will do my best, sir.
PICARD
Doctor, what is the status of
the shuttle crew?
BEVERLY
We're still receiving faint life
signs. But the sensor readings
are fluctuating -- and I don't
know how accurate they are.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 27.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
ARMUS is capable of creating
undefined forcefields. In
effect, we are powerless to
communicate or use our transporter
unless it allows us to.
PICARD
A powerful creature against whom
we seem to have no defense.
Number One.
Riker begins PACING.
RIKER
This creature that calls itself
ARMUS is down on that planet
waiting for us to come back. It
wants us to come back. It killed
Tasha. It could have just as
easily killed us all. It didn't.
Troi and Ben Prieto are still
alive. For a reason. It wants
something -- and it knows we will
not leave so long as Troi and Ben
are alive.
PICARD
What does it want?
RIKER
The only way we're going to find
out is to go back down.
The crew REACTS.
DATA
Sir, request permission to
accompany Commander Riker. He
may need help -- and ARMUS may
allow us through its forcefield
only once.
BEVERLY
I am going too. There are
injured people down there.
GEORDI
Captain, perhaps I can see
something in the creature which
will be helpful.
(to Worf)
Worf -- are you coming?
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO 28.
38 CONTINUED: (3)
WORF
I will remain on the ship.
Everyone is mildly surprised.
WORF
(continuing)
The object here is not to engage
this creature in battle. The goal
is the safe return of Counselor
Troi and Lieutenant Prieto. I
can best accomplish this from the
Tactical Station.
Picard admires his courageous choice.
PICARD
Agreed, Lieutenant... Number One,
I see no other choice. Prepare
your away team.
39
thru OMITTED
40
40A INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker, Data, Beverly and Geordi prepare to beam down.
RIKER
Is there anything left to say?
SILENCE.
RIKER
Energize.
41 EXT. VAGRA 2 (OPTICAL)
as the away team BEAMS DOWN near the shuttle, which
is lying there, quiescent, waiting for them.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
42 EXT. VAGRA 2
The away team MAKES ITS WAY, very cautiously, towards
ARMUS. The shroud is still on top of the
shuttlecraft. Riker and the team take an involuntary
STEP BACK when they see this.
RIKER
Enterprise.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Number One.
RIKER
We're approaching the
shuttlecraft. The creature's
covering it.
42A INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Troi feels the presence of the away team.
ARMUS (O.S.)
I lied to you. They came back.
TROI
Let me talk with them.
ARMUS (O.S.)
No.
TROI
Why not? Does the thought of
my having contact with them make
you uneasy?
ARMUS (O.S.)
No, it makes them uneasy. They
are worried.
TROI
Yes. Yes, they are worried.
ARMUS (O.S.)
They care for you. You must be
very special.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 30.
42A CONTINUED:
TROI
We are members of a community.
We all care for one another.
ARMUS (O.S.)
Equally? None more than another?
TROI
Yes, equally.
ARMUS (O.S.)
Now it is you who lie. There is
one who is loved more.
Troi changes the direction of this conversation.
TROI
You were really surprised that
they came back.
ARMUS (O.S.)
Yes.
TROI
Why? Because the others did not?
ARMUS (O.S.)
(now it is the creature
who is uncomfortable)
What others?
TROI
You can't hide the emptiness from
me. The others. The ones who
hurt you. Who left you -- alone --
rejected. The ones who make you
so angry.
ARMUS (O.S.)
What do you know of them?
TROI
Only what you tell me.
42B EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT
ARMUS SLITHERS OFF the craft and MOVES TOWARDS the away
team.
RIKER
Enterprise, Armus is moving
towards us.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 31.
42C INT. MAIN BRIDGE (FORMERLY SC. 45)
WESLEY and Worf lean over the Aft console. On the
bridge they spot the change -- and again...
WORF
Captain. Look at this.
Picard APPROACHES the Aft station.
WORF
(continuing)
The force of the energy field
around the shuttle just took a
dip. It was almost low enough
for us to beam them out. Now,
as the creature approaches the
away team, the energy field
increases.
Picard is pensive for a moment.
PICARD
Chart it.
43
thru OMITTED
44
44A ANGLE ON AWAY TEAM (FORMERLY SC. 43)
The shroud is half-standing near the team.
ARMUS
She said you'd be back, but I
didn't think so.
RIKER
We have no choice.
ARMUS
I sense anger directed at me.
Riker deflects the statement.
RIKER
I'm here to negotiate. What is
it you want?
ARMUS
Maybe I want nothing.
RIKER
Then you would have killed us
all.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 32.
44A CONTINUED:
ARMUS
I still might.
RIKER
Do you want something? Tell me.
Maybe we can reach an
accommodation.
ARMUS
You would do that even after what
I did to the fair one?
RIKER
Yes.
ARMUS
If I tell you what it is... will
you give it to me?
RIKER
I don't know... I guess it
depends.
ARMUS
Not good enough.
45 OMITTED
46 ANGLE ON BEVERLY AND THE SHROUD
as she APPROACHES it.
BEVERLY
I'm a doctor. I need to treat
our injured friends.
ARMUS
Say please.
BEVERLY
Please.
ARMUS
Again.
BEVERLY
Please.
ARMUS
You ask nicely. I will allow it.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 33.
46 CONTINUED:
The team starts to move forward.
ARMUS
(continuing)
Stop! Only the "Doctor."
Beverly STARTS TO MOVE FORWARD.
ARMUS
Stop. I've changed my mind. Talk
to her from here.
BEVERLY
How?
(into com)
Troi, can you hear me? Troi?
47 OMITTED
48 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Deanna? Are you all right?
Troi touches her communicator.
TROI
Beverly...
49 EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Beverly relaxes with relief for a moment.
BEVERLY
Are you all right?
50 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT (INTERCUT AS NECESSARY WITH EXT.
SHUTTLECRAFT)
TROI
I'm not sure. Ben's really bad
-- I can barely feel his pulse.
BEVERLY
We have to get you out. It has
a forcefield preventing us from
transporting you.
TROI
I know.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 34.
51 EXT. VAGRA 2 - NEAR ARMUS
Riker makes a reflexive MOVE TOWARD THE SHUTTLE.
RIKER
She needs our help.
ARMUS
You have no permission to pass.
BEVERLY
There are people suffering a few
meters away, and you block our
path. Why?
ARMUS
You asked to talk. I allowed it.
Wasn't that enough for you?
BEVERLY
No. I need help to get to them.
ARMUS
You are ungrateful.
BEVERLY
You are evil and disgusting. What
are you made of?
DATA
It does not register on my
tricorder, Doctor.
ARMUS
"It?" Does that mean I am not
alive?
DATA
No. Clearly you are some kind
of intelligent form.
ARMUS pulls the tricorder out of Data's hands and sails
it over the horizon.
ARMUS
Then your instrument lies. It
is useless. Perhaps all your
instruments are useless.
The shroud instantaneously RIPS OFF GEORDI'S VISOR.
Data immediately REACTS to assist.
ARMUS
(continuing)
Don't help him.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 35.
51 CONTINUED:
Geordi helplessly MOVES TOWARDS THE VISOR. ARMUS
MOVES IT. Riker puts his hand on Beverly's arm. They
stay out of it -- both furious.
DATA
One meter to your left, Geordi.
Geordi moves that way, bends down and almost reaches it
when the shroud MOVES IT again, behind him.
DATA
(continuing)
Behind you.
Geordi turns and feels his way. The Shroud MOVES IT
again. Data says nothing more while Geordi searches.
ARMUS
Aren't you going to lead him to
his sight again, robot?
DATA
No. You will just move it again.
I will not help you hurt him.
RIKER
None of us will help you.
ARMUS
(disgusted)
Then give it to him. I will find
something else to do. Wait right
here.
51A EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT
as the away team watches ARMUS surround the shuttle.
51B INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Troi moves. She can feel that he's back.
ARMUS (O.S.)
You said I wouldn't enjoy it.
You were wrong.
TROI
Still the great emptiness remains.
You sound so alone.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE 36.
51B CONTINUED:
ARMUS (O.S.)
I am alone. I am the discarded
skin of a creature whose beauty
dazzles all who see it. But I
am its refuse -- left here.
TROI
You have my pity.
The shuttle SHAKES with the creature's rage.
ARMUS
Your pity! Save that for
yourself.
For the first time -- the first time -- WE SEE a ripple
of FEAR on Troi's face.
51C EXT. PLANET
ARMUS HAS MOVED OFF THE SHUTTLE AND as it APPROACHES
THE GROUP, Riker suddenly feels a great force pull him.
He calls out. Data MOVES to help him.
ARMUS
Touch him and he dies.
As the away team watches, Riker - fighting with all
his might -is pulled inexorably toward the slime. From
the other direction, Armus also MOVES toward the hole.
As the creature's SHRIEK joins RIKER'S SCREAM, the two
SLIP INTO THE SLIME HOLE and DISAPPEAR. For a beat
there is nothing. Then: WE CAN SEE only RIKER'S FACE
PRESSED AGAINST THE SKIN.
DATA
Enterprise, ARMUS has enveloped
and attacked Commander Riker.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
I'm beaming you up!
ARMUS
If any of you leave now, he dies.
And so do the survivors of the
crash.
As they REACT, WE:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR 37.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
52 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around Vagra 2.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental.
There is grave danger to the crew
on Vagra Two. My first officer
is missing - attacked by this
entity known as "ARMUS."
53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Wesley and Worf working on a solution to the ARMUS
energy problem.
WORF
Captain, perhaps you should look
at this.
Picard STEPS OVER and studies the graphic display.
WORF
(continuing)
We have a chart of the energy
field surrounding the shuttle.
PICARD
There are a great deal of
fluctuations.
WORF
Yes - but there is a pattern.
Here is when it killed Lieutenant
Yar, and here is when it absorbed
Commander Riker.
PICARD
(indicating points on
the graph)
And here -- and here? Where the
energy is lowest?
WORF
Both times it had enveloped the
shuttle and was involved with
Counselor Troi.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR 38.
53 CONTINUED:
PICARD
So when it is provoked in a
certain way its forcefield is
weakened... Troi must have the
answer. I'm beaming down. You
have the Conn, Lieutenant.
WESLEY
Sir, I'd like to...
PICARD
... Go with me? No, Wesley. You
can be of more help to Lieutenant
Worf.
WESLEY
But...
PICARD
...No.
WESLEY
Tell my Mom... I'm not worried.
PICARD
I'll tell her, Wes.
54 OMITTED
55 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
It's as if Troi realizes something else is wrong and
feels the pain Riker is in.
TROI
Imzadi. No... Stop hurting him!
ARMUS (O.S.)
What will you give me if I stop
hurting him?
TROI
Nothing. I can give you nothing.
ARMUS (O.S.)
You still resist. Not for much
longer.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR 39.
56 EXT. THE SHROUD (OPTICAL)
At that moment Picard BEAMS DOWN next to the away
team. The team REACTS to Picard's arrival.
ARMUS
Ah. Another human has arrived.
A very bold one, too. Perhaps
the party is complete.
The shroud LIFTS ITSELF TO ITS TORSO to greet the
Captain. At that moment A LIKENESS OF RIKER'S FACE
PUSHES THROUGH AND STRAINS AGAINST THE SHROUD, AND THEN
DISAPPEARS again. They see it and control themselves.
They will never mention what they've seen to ARMUS.
The captain and the creature face each other.
ARMUS
You must be the chief.
PICARD
Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
Enterprise. Is Commander Riker
dead?
ARMUS
Guess.
DATA
(to Picard)
I would guess that death is no
longer sufficient entertainment
to alleviate its boredom.
Therefore, Commander Riker is
alive.
ARMUS
Maybe.
Picard stares closely at ARMUS.
ARMUS
(continuing)
Don't you want to ask me what I
want?
PICARD
No.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR 40.
56 CONTINUED:
ARMUS
Then, to protect your own
existence, maybe you'd better give
me a reason. Entertain me. Be
creative. Then perhaps I won't
kill your assistant. You do care
very much about that, don't you?
PICARD
Yes.
The shroud looks in Data's direction and suddenly --
completely against Data's will -- an unseen force causes
Data's hand to take his phaser and point it at Picard.
ARMUS
Robot, how would you feel if you
were the instrument of death for
your leader?
PICARD
Don't struggle, Mister Data.
Data relaxes into it.
DATA
I have no control over what you
do with the phaser. Therefore,
I would not be the instrument of
his death.
ARMUS ignores him - and TURNS THE PHASER ON BEVERLY.
ARMUS
Perhaps the kind doctor would
engender more feeling?
He SWINGS DATA'S ARM VIOLENTLY AROUND so the phaser
points at his own temple.
ARMUS
How does it feel facing your own
extinction? I won't call it
death. You're not alive.
DATA
It feels -- curious.
ARMUS stops the game - and DROPS THE PHASER. The
others REACT with quiet relief. Data stares at it.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR 41.
56 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
You are capable of great sadism
and cruelty. Interesting. No
redeeming qualities.
ARMUS
So what do you think?
DATA
I think you should be destroyed.
ARMUS
A moral judgment from something
that isn't even alive?
Before Data can answer:
PICARD
Mister Data...
(then:)
ARMUS, we are through dealing with
you.
ARMUS
I have your man in here... and
the others.
PICARD
It doesn't matter. We will no
longer amuse you.
ARMUS
I can kill them.
PICARD
Yes. You can. But only I can
make them perform. They follow
my orders.
ARMUS
Then it is you. Amuse me.
PICARD
Not until I know if the ones in
the shuttle are still alive. I
must see them.
ARMUS
Not possible.
PICARD
Then our business is complete.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR 42.
56 CONTINUED: (3)
ARMUS
And you claim you care about your
comrades.
PICARD
I do care.
ARMUS is silent.
PICARD
(continuing)
Shall I tell you what true evil
is? It is to submit to you. It
is when we surrender our freedom,
our dignity instead of defying
you. Do what you will. We will
take the consequences.
He and the others turn their backs on ARMUS and begin
to WALK AWAY slowly.
ARMUS
Wait!
57
thru OMITTED
58
59 ANGLE ON ARMUS
as it SPITS RIKER OUT in front of the away team. He
is covered with black slime and we can't tell if he's
dead or alive.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 43.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
60 EXT. VAGRA 2 - CONTINUOUS ACTION
Beverly and Picard lean over the fallen Riker. His
skin looks like he received a bad sunburn. She takes
readings as Data and Geordi stand slightly back.
BEVERLY
He's alive.
PICARD
But is he all right?
Riker shudders and opens his eyes. For a moment he
looks around wildly, not knowing where he is. When he
realizes he's free, he struggles to get up.
BEVERLY
Don't move.
(to Picard)
Everything shows normal, except
his skin sustained a mild form
of acid bath.
RIKER
(weakly)
So much distortion, so
frustrated... it had to get rid
of me.
PICARD
I want you all out of here.
(into com)
Enterprise, beam up the away team --
immediately.
ARMUS
You need my permission.
PICARD
Do I have it?
ARMUS
Yes. Are you going?
PICARD
No. Not yet.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 44.
60A ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Enterprise, four to beam up.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
The four BEAM UP, leaving Picard. Picard APPROACHES
ARMUS.
PICARD
I want to see my people on the
shuttle.
ARMUS doesn't answer. ARMUS makes a very slight
motion and Picard DISAPPEARS. (NOTE: This should not
look like our transporter effect. the OPTICAL should
be BLACKISH.)
61 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)
Picard APPEARS.
PICARD
Troi.
TROI
Captain Picard.
PICARD
We registered a weakening of
ARMUS' energy while he was talking
to you. What was going on?
TROI
ARMUS is very needy, but he can't
deal with that. He denies his
rage. I confronted him with it.
That must have been when he
reacted.
Picard REACTS thoughtfully.
62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit.
63 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
where Wesley anxiously works with Worf.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 45.
63 CONTINUED:
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Lieutenant Worf, I'm going to
try and break this impasse.
Monitor carefully.
WORF
Aye sir.
(to Wesley)
Set the computer. When the energy
level reaches two point six point
two-oh-five, automatically beam
up Troi and Prieto. We'll do a
parallel transport of the
captain.
64 EXT. VAGRA - NEAR ARMUS (OPTICAL)
The captain MATERIALIZES and faces ARMUS.
PICARD
How long have you been on this
planet?
ARMUS
Since they left.
PICARD
Someone was here before?
ARMUS
Long ago.
PICARD
They abandoned you. Who were
they?
ARMUS
A race of titans. So they
thought. Together, they perfected
a method of bringing to the
surface all that was evil and
negative within them. All this
erupted on the outside, spread,
and connected. In time, it formed
a second skin, dank and vile.
They found a way to rid themselves
of it, leaving them free of the
bonds of destructiveness. Then
they left. And here I am.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 46.
64 CONTINUED:
PICARD
It must be very lonely.
ARMUS
You cannot trick me by pretending
compassion, captain.
PICARD
Haven't you seen we humans are
capable of compassion?
ARMUS
Oh, yes. It is revolting. Time
and again you rise from despair
into hope. From hate into
understanding. From aloneness
into love. But you are puny.
Weak. Vessels that die from a
flick of my power.
PICARD
But our spirit soars. A great
poet once said "all spirits are
enslaved which serve things evil."
ARMUS
Picard, it is impossible for you
to accept that I am truly evil.
PICARD
Because you are not.
ARMUS
I am a skin of evil.
PICARD
Nothing in the universe is the
same as anything else -- but
everything has light and dark.
ARMUS is SILENT.
PICARD
(continuing)
They did not leave you because
they hated you. They didn't
understand you.
ARMUS
You don't know that.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 47.
65 EXT. THE SHROUD (OPTICAL) (INTERCUT AS NEEDED)
Picard moves back a little bit from the shroud. The
next actions happen almost simultaneously.
WORF
(checking his readings)
Energy shields are way down!
Computer is beginning transport.
65A INT. THE SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)
Ben and Troi begin the BEAM UP.
65B EXT. THE SHROUD
as Picard begins to BEAM UP. The ARMUS REACTS slightly
late. All he can do is lean back his head and SHRIEK.
He's been left again.
66 EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)
As the Enterprise uses PINPOINT PHASER POWER TO
completely DESTROY THE SHUTTLE.
67 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it LEAVES ORBIT of Vagra 2.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. The
shuttlecraft has been destroyed
to prevent any possibility of
Armus leaving the planet. Vagra
2 has been declared an off-limits
planet, but the damage has been
done. One of the saddest duties
I have to perform is ahead of me.
68 INT. ENTERPRISE - PASTORAL AREA (OPTICAL)
It is set up as a kind of glade, filled with people
who loved Tasha. The bridge crew FILES IN, one by one.
Beverly ENTERS first. Troi is pale, and weak, but
recovering. She leans on Riker, whose face still shows
some effects of the shroud. Geordi and Worf COME IN,
followed by Data. Wesley is leading them to their
assigned seats.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 48.
68 CONTINUED:
WESLEY
(to Data)
This is where you're supposed to
sit.
DATA
Why?
WESLEY
I don't know. The captain gave
me a seating plan.
He sits down next to his mother, who smiles at him and
puts her arm around him. He moves in closer to her,
needing her comfort. Picard goes to the front.
Everything is quiet.
PICARD
We are here together to honor our
friend and comrade Lieutenant
Natasha Yar. We will have much
time to grieve for her in the days
ahead, but for now, she has asked
that we celebrate her life -- with
her. She has left a living will.
He moves to sit in his assigned seat in the middle of
the front row. The LIGHTS DIM. And as a HOLOGRAPHIC
IMAGE OF TASHA APPEARS in front of the group, there are
gasps of surprise -- each of the bridge crew REACTS to
the Image in front of them.
TASHA
Welcome, my friends. You are here
now watching this image of me
because I have died. It probably
happened while I was on duty, and
quickly, which is what I expected,
and what I wanted. Never forget
I died doing exactly what I chose
to do.
As Tasha speaks, she looks out at the gathering as if
she's really a part of it.
TASHA
(continuing)
What I want you to know is how
much I loved my life... and each
of you who shared it with me.
You are my "family."
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 49.
68 CONTINUED: (2)
TASHA (Cont'd)
Whoever I was before Starfleet,
where I came from, isn't
important. I have been blessed
with your friendship and your
love.
She looks directly at Riker.
TASHA
(continuing)
Will Riker, you are the best.
From the moment you beamed on
board, you never failed me. You
trusted me, you encouraged me
and most of all, you made me
laugh.
She smiles right at him and he can't help but smile
back. Troi holds his hand tightly.
TASHA
(continuing; looking
at Troi)
Deanna... you are capable of so
much love, you taught me without
ever having to say a word. I
realized I could be feminine
without losing anything --
something I never thought I could
achieve.
Troi wipes a tear from her cheek.
TASHA
(continuing; looking
at Worf)
Ah, Worf. I hope for your sake
I met death with my eyes open.
We are so much alike, you and
I, both warriors, orphans who
found ourselves this family.
Worf stares at her image, unbelieving and pained.
TASHA
(continuing; to Beverly)
My friend, Beverly. True to
yourself, your ideals. Your
fierce devotion comes from within.
It can't be diminished. From
you I have learned to strive for
excellence, no matter what the
personal cost.
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 50.
68 CONTINUED: (3)
Beverly and Wesley hold tight to each other.
TASHA
(continuing; to Wesley)
Wesley, I'm sorry that I won't
be able to see you grow into the
exceptional man you'll be. But
I have my vision of who you are
and your kindness and innocence
is ageless.
The Tasha hologram turns to face Geordi. Who knows how
he sees her in this half-state?
TASHA
(continuing)
Geordi, in those moments I felt
the most despair, you took my hand
and made everything better. Your
innate joy taught me to look
beyond the moment.
Geordi looks down -- he can't bear to see/not see her.
TASHA
(continuing)
Mister Data. Android...
automaton... robot.
(shakes her head)
No. You see things with the
wonder of a child, and that makes
you more human than any of us.
I love you just the way you are.
The Tasha image turns to Picard.
TASHA
(continuing)
Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I can't
say you've been like a father to
me, because I never had one and
I don't know what it feels like.
But if I could choose someone in
this universe to be like, someone
who I would want to make proud
of me, it's you. You who have
the heart of an explorer and the
soul of a poet. So you will
understand when I say "Death is
that state in which one exists
only in the memory of others...
which is why it is not an end."
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE 51.
68 CONTINUED: (4)
TASHA (Cont'd)
(beat)
No good-byes. Just "au revoir,"
my friends.
Picard waits a moment, and as Tasha's IMAGE FADES:
PICARD
Au revoir, Natasha.
He gets up before the group.
PICARD
(continuing)
The service is concluded.
As everyone FILES OUT, Data gets up and WALKS OVER to
where the Tasha image was standing. He looks puzzled.
Picard WALKS OVER to him.
DATA
Sir, the purpose of this gathering
has eluded me.
PICARD
Oh? How so?
DATA
My thoughts are not for Tasha,
but for myself. I keep thinking
how empty it will feel without
her presence. I missed the point.
PICARD
No, you didn't, Data. You got
it.
Picard TURNS AND WALKS OFF. WE PULL BACK, leaving Data
alone.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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