startrek-ml/Data/Tng/211.txt

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                        "Hero Worship" 
                          #40275-211 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                          Joe Menosky 
                              
                          Directed by 
                        Patrick Stewart 


THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT
 
                        OCTOBER 8, 1991

       STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "Hero Worship" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             TIMOTHY
                RIKER              ENSIGN FELTON
                DATA               TEACHER
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                TRANSPORTER CHIEF HUTCHINSON

                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  CHILDREN IN CLASSROOM
                  WAITER IN TEN-FORWARD

       STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/15/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "Hero Worship" 
                      
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     VICO
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              MAIN ENGINEERING
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              TEN-FORWARD
              CLASSROOM
              DATA'S QUARTERS
              TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS
              SICKBAY
          
            VICO
              CORRIDOR #1
              CORRIDOR #2

11:[5,#b],18:[1,#b]
     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - TEASER     1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                        "Hero Worship"                             
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at warp.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45400.3.
			Two days ago, Starbase
			Five-one-four lost contact with
			the research vessel Vico, which
			was sent to explore the interior
			of a Black Cluster. We are
			en route to investigate.

2    INT. BRIDGE

	PICARD, RIKER, DATA, WORF, ENSIGN FELTON at the conn.

					ENSIGN FELTON
			Captain, we are entering sector
			nine-seven.

					DATA
			Sir, I am picking up massive
			gravitational fluctuations...

					PICARD
			Take us out of warp, Ensign.

					ENSIGN FELTON
			Yes, sir.

	Ensign Felton touches the panel.

					WORF
			The Black Cluster is in visual
			range.

					PICARD
			On screen.

					WORF
			Aye, Captain.

     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - TEASER     2.

3    INCLUDE SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Everyone reacts to the awesome spectacle. A huge,
	black bending of space, seemingly an immense lens-like
	cloud, dotted throughout by tiny pulsars -- miniature
	stars that blink on and off like lighthouses or
	fireflies.

					RIKER
			Let's find that ship. Full sensor
			sweep, Mister Data.

					DATA
				(touching panel)
			Yes, Commander.

	Riker indicates the cluster.

					RIKER
			It's quite a sight.

					PICARD
				(nodding)
			One of the most ancient formations
			in the galaxy.

	Data looks up.

					DATA
			I have located the Vico. The
			vessel appears to be adrift.

					RIKER
			Let's see it.

	Data touches the console.

	The screen image shifts, and is replaced by a closer
	view: a mid-sized spacecraft, its hull sheared off in
	several places, hanging motionless against the starry
	background.

4    RESUME

	Everyone reacts to the sight.

					RIKER
			Life signs?

      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - TEASER 3-3A.         

4    CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Nothing, Commander.

					RIKER
			Damage report, Mister Data.

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			The outer and inner hulls have
			been breached. Decks seven
			through twelve are exposed to
			space.

					RIKER
			Set up a translink to their
			computer core. Let's see what
			happened.

	Data tries a few commands.

					DATA
			I cannot, sir. The emergency
			bulkheads on that deck are in
			place. Our linkup signal cannot
			penetrate them.

					PICARD
				(to Data)
			Structural status, Commander.

	Data hits a few controls on the console, looks at the
	results.

					DATA
			Stress readings indicate
			considerable pressure on the
			transverse supports.

					PICARD
			Is it stable enough for an away
			team?

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			Yes, sir. But the risk of
			structural collapse is high.

					PICARD
				(to Riker)
			Have transporter room one maintain
			a lock on each member of your
			away team.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - TEASER     4.

4    CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD (cont'd)
			I want you out of there at the
			first sign of trouble.

					RIKER
			Aye, Captain.
				(to conn)
			Ensign, take us to fifteen
			thousand meters.

					ENSIGN FELTON
			Yes, sir.

					RIKER
				(heading for door)
			Data, you're with me.

	Riker continues toward the turbolift, as Data gets out
	of his chair and joins him.

	OFF Picard, staring at the wreckage.

5    INT. VICO (OPTICAL)

	Riker, Data, and Geordi MATERIALIZE in a corridor-like
	chamber that has a couple of science consoles and small
	monitors against the wall. Data is carrying a small
	suitcase-sized, boxlike device. The corridor has been
	HEAVILY DAMAGED.

	Support beams are crashed through the ceiling, wall
	panels are exposed -- it looks like one false step will
	bring it all crashing down. When the away team moves,
	it is with great caution and awareness of their
	treacherous surroundings. They simultaneously spot
	a couple of bodies partially exposed beneath the
	rubble. Data takes out his tricorder and aims it
	toward the bodies -- but it only confirms what they
	already knew. The away team exchanges glances.

	Upon seeing the consoles, Data and Geordi start toward
	them -- suddenly a structural member shifts in the
	wall. The away team freezes. There is a metallic
	groan, a slight shake. And everything is again still.
	Data and Geordi again head for the consoles. One
	monitor is dead. The other is lit up, flickering,
	displaying a computer graphic of a graviton wave field.
	They touch the controls on both panels but nothing
	changes.

					DATA
				(re: dead monitor)
			This station is inoperable.

     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - TEASER     5.

5    CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(re: his console)
			This one's stuck in a feedback
			loop.

					RIKER
			Let's try to tap directly into
			the computer core.

					GEORDI
			There should be an ODN junction
			along here somewhere...

	They all start scanning the area. Geordi spots a
	promising panel against the wall.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			This looks like a good
			possibility...

	He reaches down to take hold of the panel --

					RIKER
			Careful, Geordi. You don't want
			to pull out the wrong brick...

	Carefully, Geordi removes the panel -- revealing the
	fiber optic trunk within.

					RIKER
			Data.

	Data brings over the device. Sets it three feet in
	front of the ODN trunk and touches a control.

	A LASER type beam shoots out of the box, connecting to
	the trunk. Data tweaks the controls and the beam
	changes color.

					DATA
				(off colors)
			Core transfer is engaged.

	Geordi looks at the instrumentation on the device.

     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - TEASER     6.

5    CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Exchange protocol verified.
				(takes reading)
			The files seem to be intact. Some
			of them, anyway.

					WEAK VOICE
			Is somebody there... ?

	All three react. Riker indicates the transfer device.

					RIKER
				(to Geordi)
			Stay here.
				(to Data)
			Data.

	He motions "follow me" with his head. Riker and Data
	cautiously move to the end of the damaged corridor and
	around the corner.

6    INT. SCIENCE SHIP CHAMBER - ON TIMOTHY

	a boy of ten. Trapped beneath a fallen bulkhead in an
	even more heavily damaged area. He looks up at Data
	and Riker -- panic on his face.

					TIMOTHY
			Are my parents alright?

7    RESUME RIKER AND DATA

	OFF their reactions.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE     7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

8    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship is facing the crippled Vico, the Black Cluster
	in the background.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. A
			young boy, shielded from our
			initial sensor scans, has been
			discovered alive by the away team.
			The degree of damage to the Vico
			is making our rescue attempt
			difficult...

9    INT. BRIDGE

	Picard, Worf, Ensign Felton.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Transporter room one, can you lock
			onto him?

10   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	Hutchinson at the controls.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			And transport directly to
			sickbay?

					HUTCHINSON
				(to com)
			I'll try, Captain...
				(doubtful)
			But there's a lot of shielding
			to pull him through.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE    7A.

11   INT. BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Acknowledged.
				(beat)
			Picard to Crusher.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Sickbay here, Captain.


     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE     8.

11   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Standby for emergency transport.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Aye, sir. Crusher out.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Picard to Commander Riker.

12   INT. VICO (OPTICAL)

	Data and Geordi are standing by. Riker is crouched
	down next to the trapped boy. Timothy appears almost
	numb with fright.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Is the boy ready, Number One?

					RIKER
				(to boy)
			Everything's gonna be okay...

	A beat. The boy doesn't answer. But he nods his head
	almost imperceptibly.

					RIKER
				(touching combadge)
			Ready, sir.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			At your signal.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Aye, Captain.

	Riker again looks at the boy.

					RIKER
			Alright... here we go...

	Riker straightens up, backs away from the fallen
	bulkhead.

					RIKER
			Energize.

	The boy begins to DEMATERIALIZE.

12A  INT. SICKBAY

	Beverly watches as the boy MATERIALIZES in and out on
	a bio-bed.

     STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE     9.

13   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Hutchinson works the controls. A few seconds go by...
	Hutchinson shakes his head.

					HUTCHINSON
				(to com)
			The lock is holding. I just can't
			resolve the matter stream. Not
			with all that victurium alloy in
			the way.

13A  INT. SICKBAY

	As Beverly watches the boy completely DEMATERIALIZES.

14   INT. VICO

	The boy MATERIALIZES back in place.

					HUTCHINSON'S COM VOICE
			Commander Riker. You'll have to
			get him out into the corridor.

	Riker exchanges a glance with Data and Geordi.

	All three of them look at the bulkhead trapping the
	boy. They glance up at the structural beams that are
	in turn braced against the bulkhead. It all looks
	heavy as hell -- and extremely unstable.

	Riker indicates the bulkhead.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			That's gotta weigh over a ton,
			Data. Can you move it?

					DATA
			Yes, sir. However, that may
			initiate the collapse of the
			surrounding supports. I recommend
			that you and Geordi return to the
			ship.

	A beat. Riker reluctantly nods.

					RIKER
			Agreed.
				(turning)
			La Forge...

	They both head back toward the open corridor.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE    10.

15   TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Riker and Geordi MATERIALIZE on the transporter pad.
	Beverly is standing near the transporter chief.

					HUTCHINSON
				(to Riker)
			I'm locked onto Commander Data
			and the boy, sir. I'll energize
			as soon as they've cleared the
			bulkheads.

					RIKER
				(keys combadge)
			Whenever you're ready, Data.

16   INT. VICO

	Data is standing next to the trapped boy.

					DATA
				(to com)
			Yes, Sir.

	He crouches next to the boy, who stares at him,
	wide-eyed, puzzled to see him up close, amazed at what
	Data seems to be attempting.

					TIMOTHY
			You're gonna lift that?

					DATA
			Yes. Then I will carry you to
			the corridor. We will transport
			back to the Enterprise from there.
			Do you understand?

	The boy is still amazed.

					TIMOTHY
			How can you pick up something so
			heavy?

					DATA
			I am an android. My strength is
			many times that of a human.

	A beat as Data considers an appropriate way to reassure
	the frightened boy -- recalls Riker's words.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT ONE    10A.

16   CONTINUED:

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Everything is going to be... okay.

	Data puts one hand and shoulder to the bulkhead,
	leaving the other free.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/24/91 - ACT ONE    11.

16   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			I will count to three.
				(beat)
			One... two... three...

	Everything happens at once:

	-- with his android strength, Data forces the bulkhead
	upwards. The boy scrambles free, falling to the floor.

	-- a second structural member collapses as a result of
	the action.

	-- Data drops the bulkhead, spins, scoops the boy into
	the air and dashes back toward the opposite corridor.

17   DATA (OPTICAL)

	shoots into the open corridor, boy under his arm,
	tapping his combadge with his free hand.

					DATA
				(to com)
			Energize!

	He and the boy DEMATERIALIZE -- a piece of the ceiling
	falls right through them.

18   INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)

	Data and the boy MATERIALIZE, standing on the floor.

19   INCLUDE BEVERLY AND AN N.D. NURSE

	Timothy looks up from the security of Data's shoulder,
	still in shock from the experience. He stares at the
	unfamiliar faces watching him. Timothy buries his head
	into Data's shoulder.

	OFF Data's reaction.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT ONE    12.

19A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The wrecked Vico hanging near the Enterprise.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, supplemental. A
			thorough search of the Vico has
			revealed no additional survivors.
			Troi has begun the process of
			counseling the boy in regard to
			the tragedy.

20   INT. SICKBAY

	Timothy is on his back on a diagnostic bed, eyes open.
	His hand is still gripping Data's -- the boy clearly
	refuses to let go. Timothy has an edgy look in his
	eyes, bordering on panic. Beverly and Troi are
	standing next to Data.

					TIMOTHY
				(in a rush)
			We were in the Black Cluster.
			I don't know where they came
			from... but they had a big ship
			-- they kept shooting at us. Then
			they beamed over. They had purple
			helmets on and phaser rifles.
			I saw them. But they didn't see
			me...

	He runs out of steam. Beverly checks the diagnostic
	reading above the bed.

					BEVERLY
				(gently)
			You're safe now, Timothy. You're
			going to be alright.

	Timothy gives her a blank look.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			You must be hungry. Would you
			like me to get you something to
			eat?

	Timothy nods. Beverly turns and heads for a
	replicator. Data turns to Troi.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT ONE    12A.

20   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Counselor, I must join Commander
			La Forge in engineering. If you
			will excuse me --

	Data attempts to gently retrieve his hand -- but the
	boy grips it ever the more tightly.

	Data stops in his tracks. He and Troi look at Timothy.
	The boy averts his eyes. A beat.

					TROI
			Timothy, would you like Data to
			stay a little bit longer?

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT ONE    13.

20   CONTINUED: (2)

					TIMOTHY
			Yes.

	Data glances at Troi, then back at the kid -- who is
	still keeping his eyes down.

	OFF Data's head tilt reaction.

21   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	The away team's device is dumping its datastream into
	the computer console -- as before, the LASER makes the
	connection.

	Geordi is showing Picard a graphic of the wrecked Vico
	on a small monitor.

					GEORDI
			Sections of the primary and
			secondary hull were torn right
			off.
				(indicating)
			Shearing planes are here, here,
			and here.

	Picard studies the diagram.

	A beat.

					PICARD
				(re: datastream)
			How much longer until we can
			access their logs?

					GEORDI
			Less than an hour.

	Picard nods. He reaches toward the console and touches
	a command.

22   CLOSE ON: COMPUTER MONITOR (OPTICAL)

	as the external view of the damaged Vico is replaced
	by a cross-section graphic that exposes the interior
	architecture.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE    14.

23   INCLUDE PICARD AND GEORDI

	as Picard studies the graphic and indicates a central
	area of the ship.

					PICARD
			The boy was here.

					GEORDI
				(nodding)
			The hallway outside the computer
			core.

	Geordi glances up at Picard.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			His mother was the ship's systems
			engineer.
				(beat; indicating)
			The second away team found her
			body here -- inside the core.

					PICARD
			And the boy's father?

					GEORDI
			Ship's second officer.
				(off diagram)
			He was most likely on the bridge
			when it was exposed to space.

					PICARD
				(grimly)
			Most likely...

	A beat as Picard studies the diagram, imagining what
	it must have been like. OFF the look on his face.

24   CLOSE UP - DATA'S HAND

	as Timothy's much smaller hand slowly loosens its grip,
	slipping out of Data's palm.

25   WIDEN TO INCLUDE - INT. SICKBAY

	Timothy is on his back in bed, eyes closed, having
	obviously just fallen asleep. Data takes a careful
	step back, joining Troi and Beverly, who are standing
	nearby.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE    15.

25   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			He'll sleep for a few hours at
			least.
				(to Troi)
			There's no need to keep him here.
			But I will need to see him again
			tomorrow.

	Beverly looks at the boy for a moment.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing to Troi)
			You've got some work cut out for
			you.

	Troi nods her agreement with that assessment. Beverly
	moves to another part of sickbay, leaving Data and Troi
	still watching the boy.

					TROI
				(continuing to Data)
			His world is gone, Data. We're
			going to have to help him build
			a new one.

	Off the look between Troi and Data.

26   OMITTED

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO    16.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

27   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi and Data are at their consoles.

28   ON GEORDI'S SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Alphanumeric bits of information flash by on the two
	screens. There appear to be major chunks of data
	missing -- blocks of blank space.

29   RESUME (OPTICAL)

					GEORDI
			This isn't good. I think whatever
			hit the Vico set up an E-M pulse
			that flashed through their
			computer banks.

					DATA
				(agreeing)
			Nearly eighty-three percent of
			the records have been lost.

					GEORDI
			And all of their sensor logs.
				(sighs)
			Let's use what we got from our own
			sensors. Call up the structural
			analysis and the surface scans...

	Data complies by keying in the appropriate commands
	-- the alphanumeric data is replaced by an Okudagram
	of the wrecked Vico. As they study the information...

					DATA
			Geordi, as a child, did you ever
			experience a traumatic event?

					GEORDI
			You're wondering about Timothy?

					DATA
			Yes.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO    17.

29   CONTINUED:

	Geordi thinks for a moment, remembering.

					GEORDI
			I was trapped in a fire once, when
			I was five -- before I got my
			VISOR. It only took about two
			minutes before my parents found
			me and pulled me out. And nobody
			got hurt. But I tell you -- that
			was the longest two minutes of
			my life. And it was more than
			a month before I would let my
			parents get out of earshot. I
			absolutely needed to know they
			were there.

					DATA
			Timothy no longer has that kind
			of support.

					GEORDI
				(sadly)
			Yeah...

30   INT. SCHOOL

	A TEACHER, male, late-twenties, is slowly walking past
	a beautiful painting of a multitiered, very
	alien-looking temple. He is carrying a PADD.

					TEACHER
				(reading)
			Dara and her brother found
			themselves in the land of Tagas...

	The teacher continues his slow pacing, passing a young
	girl, aged ten, who is following along in a PADD of
	her own.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO    18.

30   CONTINUED:

					TEACHER
				(continuing)
			... where the ruler, Elamos the
			Magnificent, had proclaimed as
			law:

	He continues past several other children, also reading
	silently along in their PADDs.

					TEACHER
				(continuing)
			"No children will be tolerated
			within the Great Kingdom."

31   INCLUDE TIMOTHY

	who is working with a 24th-century equivalent of an
	erector set, adding to a large, three-foot-high model
	of the edifice depicted in the painting at the front
	of the classroom. He's ignoring the teacher entirely,
	his PADD on the floor next to him. His manner is
	intensely focused.

					TEACHER
				(continuing)
			When Dara saw the proclamation,
			she just laughed, saying "How
			magnificent a ruler, to be
			frightened by the likes of us... "

	The teacher pauses near Timothy, sees that the boy is
	still working on his model.

					TEACHER
				(gently)
			Timothy, we're done with sculpture
			for now.

	Timothy somewhat manically adds another piece to the
	temple.

					TIMOTHY
				(re: the model)
			It's not finished.

					TEACHER
			We'll come back to it next period.
			Why don't you pick up your
			mythology book and follow along?

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO    19.

31   CONTINUED:

					TIMOTHY
			But it's not finished...

	Timothy increases his efforts -- which result in a
	somewhat lopsided addition to the model. It only makes
	him more agitated.

	The teacher looks at him for a moment, then glances
	across the room to a large window. Follow his gaze
	to --

32   TROI

	who is watching the classroom from behind a large
	observation window. The look on her face says "What
	can I do for this boy?"

33   INT. BRIDGE - SCIENCE STATION (OPTICAL)

	Data and Geordi are showing Picard a monitor that
	displays a surface scan diagram of the Vico. All three
	are standing.

					GEORDI
			Magnetic residual analysis
			confirms that the Vico was
			attacked inside the Black Cluster.
			The graviton wave fronts pushed
			the ship to where we found it.

	Picard is looking at the information on the monitor.

					PICARD
			No sign of phaser burns on the
			hull.

					GEORDI
			No, sir. The torsional stress
			levels point to a disrupter-style
			weapon.

	Picard nods.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO    20.

33   CONTINUED:

	Data touches the console and a color pattern overlay
	appears on the graphic.

					DATA
			Fracture points indicate that the
			energy burst came from a range
			of less than three thousand
			meters.

	A beat as Picard considers this.

					PICARD
			That's a strategy consistent with
			a cloaked vessel. Romulan. Or
			Klingon... But we're quite a
			distance from either of their
			territories.

					DATA
			The Breen have outposts in this
			sector. The attack on the Vico
			is consistent with their battle
			tactics -- and their level of
			technology.

	Geordi nods in confirmation.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO    21.

33   CONTINUED: (2)

	A long beat as Picard thinks about this.

					PICARD
			But what would they have been
			doing inside the Black Cluster?

	It's a question none of them can answer. Picard starts
	to walk along the back perimeter of the bridge, Data
	and Geordi walking with him.

					PICARD
			The boy described a boarding
			party, with helmets and phaser
			rifles.

					GEORDI
			A boarding party?

	A turbolift door opens and Troi steps out, within
	earshot.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			I don't think that's likely,
			sir...

	Picard reacts -- motions Troi over.

					PICARD
			Counselor...

	Troi does so as they pause near the turbolift. Picard
	nods to Geordi to continue.

					GEORDI
			There was absolutely no evidence
			of anybody coming on board the
			Vico. We would have found a
			transporter field trace. Or if
			somebody had used the entry
			ports, we would have found an
			electrostatic differential in
			the docking latches. We didn't.
				(beat)
			Maybe he's got an active
			imagination.

	Picard half turns to Troi.

					PICARD
			Or he's lying.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO    22.

33   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
			If he is lying, I haven't been
			able to sense it. Perhaps his
			level of emotional trauma is too
			high.

					PICARD
			Why wouldn't he tell us the truth?

					TROI
			He's still in shock... it's hard
			to know what's going on in his
			mind.

					GEORDI
			I'll check the sensor readings
			again... but I'm almost sure we
			won't find anything.

	Geordi EXITS into the turbolift. Data starts to peel
	off toward his post -- but Troi stops him.

					TROI
			Data -- stay a moment.

	Data complies. Troi turns to Picard. A beat.

					TROI
			Captain -- I think we should ask
			Data to spend some time with
			Timothy.

					DATA
			I do not understand.

					TROI
			I'm worried about his
			behavior... And what you've just
			told me doesn't make me feel any
			better. Data, you're the only
			one Timothy's reached out to...
			because you rescued him. We can
			use your relationship with him
			to help his recovery.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT TWO    23.

33   CONTINUED: (4)

	A beat.

					PICARD
			Would Timothy also be more
			inclined to tell Data the truth
			about what happened?

					TROI
			That's a possibility.

					PICARD
				(to Data)
			Mister Data, proceed with the
			child as Counselor Troi suggests.

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

	Picard turns and enters the ready room. Data turns to
	Troi.

					DATA
			Exactly how shall I proceed,
			Counselor?

					TROI
			Just be with him. You're a
			presence he trusts. That's what
			he needs most right now.

	OFF Data's bemusement.

33B
thru	OMITTED
34

35   INT. TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS

	Timothy is sitting alone at a table in his foster
	parents' quarters. Timothy is using the "erector set,"
	building the Dokkaran temple he was working at in the
	classroom.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO    24.

35   CONTINUED:

	He works too quickly, agitated, and the result is a
	model that looks pretty sloppy.

	The door CHIMES. Timothy glances up. Doesn't answer
	it. He turns back to the model. The CHIMES ring
	again.

					TIMOTHY
				(impatient)
			What.

36   THE DOOR

	opens, revealing Data, who steps inside.

37   INCLUDE TIMOTHY

	who is glad to see who it is.

					TIMOTHY
			Data.

					DATA
			Hello, Timothy. May I enter?

					TIMOTHY
			Yeah.

	Data steps inside. He reacts to Timothy's tabletop
	creation, moving closer.

					DATA
			I see you are attempting to
			recreate the Dokkaran temple of
			Kural-Hanesh.

					TIMOTHY
			Isn't it great?!

	Timothy is hyperenthused.

					TIMOTHY
				(indicating)
			See, there's the big archway
			the teacher told us about.
			That's where everybody came in.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT TWO    25.

38   CLOSE ON THE MINIATURE CITY

	which is on the whole unbalanced -- the building leans
	precariously.

					TIMOTHY (o.s.)
				(continuing)
			That's where they stood. And
			that's where the altar was -- by
			the big windows.

39   RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)

	Timothy smiles proudly.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing)
			What do you think?

	Data is about to speak then catches himself.

					DATA
			Do you wish a frank evaluation?

	Timothy nods. Data considers for a moment, arrives at
	his honest opinion, innocently offered --

					DATA
			It lacks the harmony that
			characterized this particular
			temple and Dokkaran culture in
			general.

	Timothy looks crushed.

					TIMOTHY
			You hate it.

	He knocks over the tower-like structure he was
	struggling with at the top of the scene. Data reacts.

					DATA
			I am not capable of hatred.

					TIMOTHY
				(upset)
			I can't do anything right.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO    25A.

39   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			You are making an unwarranted
			extrapolation. I was merely
			offering an aesthetic analysis
			of this particular model.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO    26.

39   CONTINUED: (2)

	He manically puts together more pieces but it just
	makes things even messier.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing; re: the
				 mess)
			I told you.

	Timothy again makes an attempt. It doesn't work. He
	throws down what's in his hands.

	Data studies him for a beat.

					DATA
			Timothy... ?

					TIMOTHY
				(not looking up)
			What.

					DATA
			May I suggest a different
			approach?

	No answer, but Timothy is listening.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			You are attempting to construct
			the upper tiers before you have
			completed the lower.

	Timothy looks up at him.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Observe.

	Data begins to build a model of a building,
	constructing the foundation as Timothy watches.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge to Data.

					DATA
				(to Com)
			Data here.

	Data continues working on the model.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT TWO    26A.

39   CONTINUED: (3)

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			I need your help with the shield
			modulators.

					DATA
				(to com)
			I will join you in a moment,
			Geordi. Data out.

	Data stops working. Timothy reacts.

					DATA
			Commander La Forge requires my
			assistance.

	Data moves to go -- but stops when he sees the
	disappointment on the boy's face. Data pauses, turns
	back to the model, and at DATA SPEED, quickly finishes
	the construction -- much to the boy's delight.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO    27.

39   CONTINUED: (4)

					TIMOTHY
			Incredible.

	He looks at Data with admiration.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing)
			How come you can do that?

	Data starts for the door, Timothy tagging along.

					DATA
			I am designed to exceed human
			capacity both mentally and
			physically.

					TIMOTHY
			Androids are better than humans?

					DATA
			"Better" is a highly subjective
			term. I do not, for example,
			possess the ability to experience
			emotions as humans do.

					TIMOTHY
			No emotions? You mean you can't
			be happy or sad?

					DATA
			That is correct.

					TIMOTHY
			Why not?

					DATA
			My positronic brain is not capable
			of generating those conditions.

	FOLLOW them out the door.

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT TWO    28.

39A  EXT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

	As they step into the corridor.

					TIMOTHY
			Can we build something else
			later?

					DATA
			That would be acceptable.

					TIMOTHY
			Bye.

					DATA
			Goodbye.

	Data turns and Timothy watches him enter the turbolift.
	When it closes behind him, Timothy maintains his stare
	for a few silent beats. FOLLOW him back inside.

39B  INT. TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS

	Timothy turns back to the model city, considers it for
	a moment.

	He turns away and goes to the mirror hanging on a
	nearby wall.

	He stares at his reflection. Then makes his face
	utterly impassive.

					TIMOTHY
				(Data-like)
			I am designed to exceed human
			capacity...

	He tilts his head in imitation of Data, watching the
	result in the mirror until he gets it right. Again,
	his voice is an imitation of Data's.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing)
			That is correct...

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT TWO    29.

39B  CONTINUED:

	OFF another head tilt, as -- in his own mind -- boy
	becomes android...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE   30.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

40   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise holding in space near the destroyed
	Vico, the Black Cluster in the background.

41   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi, Worf, Troi. Data is in
	mid-report, on a nearby monitor is a graphic of the
	interior of the Black Cluster -- a dully glowing
	center, a dozen bright points scattered through it.

					DATA
			The Black Cluster was formed
			almost nine billion years ago when
			hundreds of protostars collapsed
			in close proximity. The resulting
			gravitational forces are violent
			and highly unpredictable.

					GEORDI
			To get anywhere near the center,
			we'll have to push through the
			gravitational wavefronts -- just
			like the science vessel was
			designed to do. I've adjusted
			our shields accordingly.

					WORF
			The gravitational forces will
			affect sensor accuracy. Detecting
			an enemy vessel will be difficult.

					RIKER
			Maybe that's what happened to the
			Vico -- they didn't see anything
			coming until it was too late.

	Picard considers this, turns to Troi.

					PICARD
			Has the boy volunteered any
			further information?

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT THREE   31.

41   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			No. But we have an appointment
			in less than an hour.

	Picard nods then glances at the graphic.

					PICARD
			If there's any possibility of
			getting more from him, I'd like
			you to pursue it.

	Troi nods. Picard glances toward the graphic display.

					PICARD
			Regardless, we need to continue
			our investigation.
				(beat, informing the
				 room)
			We'll enter the cluster at
			oh-seven-hundred tomorrow morning.
			Dismissed.

	As they rise to exit...

42   OMITTED

43   INT. CORRIDOR

	Troi stops at Timothy's door and touches the panel --
	we hear the CHIME. A few moments later, the door
	slides open, revealing Timothy.

					TROI
			Hello, Timothy. Are you ready
			to go?

	Timothy is wearing similarly styled and exactly the
	same color clothing as Data does. His face is
	impassive and android-like (his hair is still in his
	own style and color). Unlike the agitated condition
	he exhibited earlier, the boy is the essence of calm
	self-control.

					TIMOTHY
			Yes, Counselor. I am ready.

	The boy's uniform and his calm, almost formal tone of
	voice are not lost on Troi.

					TROI
			How are you feeling, Timothy?

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/14/91 - ACT THREE   31A.

43   CONTINUED:

					TIMOTHY
			I am functioning within
			established parameters.

	Troi considers this for a moment.

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT THREE   32.

43   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
			Established parameters? You
			sound like Data.

					TIMOTHY
				(of course)
			I am an android.

	Troi reacts

					TROI
			I see... Well. Let's go for our
			walk, shall we?

	Timothy makes a characteristically Data-like head tilt.

					TIMOTHY
			That would be acceptable.

	OFF Troi's face -- she's in for a ride.

44   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Troi and Timothy are sitting at a table.

	A WAITER stands close by, waiting to take his order.

					TIMOTHY
				(to waiter)
			Androids do not need to eat or
			drink.

	A second waiter passes by with a tray full of
	attractive desserts -- Timothy reacts, then turns back
	to his waiter.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing)
			However, sometimes we like to
			taste things.
				(beat)
			A Tamarin frost, please.

	Timothy turns.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing)
			Would you like anything,
			Counselor?

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE   32A.

45   INCLUDE TROI

	taking this all in, cautiously trying to deal with this
	new development.

					TROI
			No, I'm fine, thank you.

      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE      33.

45   CONTINUED:

					TIMOTHY
			As you wish.

	The waiter turns and leaves.

					TROI
			So... you're no longer a Human?

	He cocks his head in pure Data fashion.

					TIMOTHY
			I'm an android.

					TROI
			When did this happen?

					TIMOTHY
			I've always been an android.

					TROI
			What's it like... being an
			android?

					TIMOTHY
			I am designed to exceed human
			capacity both mentally and
			physically. But I do not
			experience emotions.

	A beat as this registers on Troi.

					TROI
			You don't? No emotions at all?

					TIMOTHY
			That is correct.

	OFF Troi as she wonders how to deal with this.

46   INT. READY ROOM

	Picard, Troi, Data.

					PICARD
			An android.

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE   34.

46   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			I know it sounds unusual - but
			it is understandable.
			Technically, it's called
			enantiodromia. Conversion into
			the opposite. Timothy went from
			Human to machine. From being
			emotional to being emotionless.
			But the underlying trauma is still
			there. He's just found a new way
			to repress it.

					PICARD
			How long will this behavior last?

					TROI
			As long as he needs it to.
			Timothy is rebuilding his identity
			as best he can. The android
			persona is only one step along
			the way. When he becomes stronger
			and more sure of himself, it
			should drop away naturally.

	Picard considers her words.

					PICARD
			I assume this is not a time to
			confront him about what happened
			to his ship.

					TROI
			Not yet. The best thing we can
			do right now is to let Timothy
			take us where he wants to go.
			We should support the process
			-- even encourage it.

	Picard nods, turns to Data.

					PICARD
			Mister Data -- I'd like you to
			make Timothy the best android he
			can possibly be.

	OFF Data's head-tilt reaction.

47   INT. TIMOTHY'S QUARTERS - ON TIMOTHY

	doing a head tilt that EXACTLY MATCHES the one Data
	just performed.


      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE      34A.

48   INCLUDE DATA

	standing next to him. Timothy is sitting in a chair,
	the wall mirror behind him -- like an impromptu barber
	shop set-up. Data is holding a small comb and is
	eyeing Timothy's hair.

      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE      35.

48   CONTINUED:

	Data attempts to put the comb to use, but the boy's
	android-like head tilts make it difficult -- it's like
	trying to hit a moving target. After a few attempts --

					DATA
			Timothy, your head movements
			are... counterproductive. Can
			you be still?

					TIMOTHY
			But you do it.

	Data reacts with a head tilt. Timothy mirrors it.

					DATA
			The servo-mechanisms in my neck
			are designed to approximate Human
			movements.
				(beat)
			I did not realize the effect was
			so... distracting.

					TIMOTHY
			I like it.

	Timothy does a couple more quick head tilts -- Data
	puts a hand on the crown of his head, holding him
	suddenly still.

					TIMOTHY
			Data, are there any other androids
			in Starfleet?

					DATA
			No. I am the only one.

					TIMOTHY
			How come you're not captain?

					DATA
			My service experience does not
			yet warrant such a position.

	Timothy nods. He's silent for a moment.

					TIMOTHY
			Data, what's the scariest thing
			that ever happened to you?

      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE      36.

48   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Fear is a quality that I do not
			possess.

					TIMOTHY
			Because it's an emotion.

					DATA
			That is correct.

					TIMOTHY
			But what if you had a nightmare?

					DATA
			I have never had a nightmare.
			I do not require sleep.

	Timothy is silent. Data continues adjusting the boy's
	hair for a moment, then realizes something.

					DATA
			Timothy, are you having...
			disturbing dreams?

	Timothy doesn't answer right away. There's a sense
	that he's hiding something -- even from himself. He
	looks straight at Data.

					TIMOTHY
			I do not require sleep.

	Data looks at him for a moment -- he isn't going to get
	anything further out of him for now. Data finishes one
	last touch-up on the hair, then lifts the chair and
	turns it barber style to face the mirror on the wall.

49
thru	OMITTED
50

51   ANGLE - THE MIRROR

	where we can see Timothy looking at his reflection --
	and his perfectly executed Data-like hairstyle. Data
	is visible over his shoulder.

					DATA
			Is it satisfactory?

      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE      37.

52   RESUME

	as Timothy looks at Data with tremendous admiration,
	then glances back at the mirror.

					TIMOTHY
			It's perfect.

53   INT. CORRIDOR

	Data and Timothy are striding along the corridor, in
	perfect step, their arms swinging in unison. It looks
	for all the world like there's a new android on board.

54   INCLUDE TWO N.D. CREWMEMBERS

	approaching from the opposite direction. As Data and
	Timothy pass by, the crewmembers simultaneously stop
	and do a double-take.

55   INT. SICKBAY

	Data and Timothy are sitting side by side with their
	legs hanging off the side of a diagnostic bed.

	Beverly is running a hand-held, medical scanning DEVICE
	over the length of Timothy's arm.

					BEVERLY
			Transfer circuits are functioning
			properly.

					TIMOTHY
			Within established parameters?

					BEVERLY
				(nodding)
			Absolutely.

	Beverly continues with the scan, moving it over his
	head.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			Input processing, pattern
			recognition... all within
			established parameters.

	She takes the scanner down, finished.

					DATA & TIMOTHY
				(simultaneously)
			Thank you, Doctor.

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT THREE   38.

56   OMITTED

57   INT. DATA'S QUARTERS

	Data and Timothy are each sitting at an easel, paint
	brush in hand, dabbing brushstrokes against their
	respective canvasses. Timothy's set-up is an exact
	duplicate. Data's painting is a tranquil landscape,
	we can't quite see what Timothy's working on...

	Timothy looks sleepy, like they've been going non-stop
	all day. Data is as fresh as always.

	The boy glances down at his palette and paint jars.

					TIMOTHY
			I ran out of red ochre.

					DATA
			You may use mine.

	Data hands him a jar.

					TIMOTHY
			Thank you.

	Timothy can't help but let loose with a huge yawn.

					DATA
			Perhaps you should return to your
			quarters.

					TIMOTHY
			I'm fine.
				(in explanation)
			The servo-mechanisms in my mouth
			are designed to approximate human
			movements.

	Data considers for a moment. Then attempts a yawn. It
	doesn't look too convincing. But Timothy doesn't want
	to discourage him.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing)
			Not bad.

					DATA
			Thank you.

	Data looks over at the boy's easel.

      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE      39.

58   INCLUDE TIMOTHY'S PAINTING

	It looks exceedingly violent -- we can't actually see
	a spacecraft ripped apart, but we can sense the feeling
	of one. The boy's trauma is making its presence
	known...

	Data reacts to the painting.

					DATA
			It is very... expressive.

					TIMOTHY
			Thank you.

	A beat. Timothy doesn't seem to be aware of what his
	own work suggests.

					DATA
			Is your painting representative
			of something?

					TIMOTHY
				(shrugs)
			It's just a painting.

	Timothy again yawns. Data thinks for a moment -- this
	is not his area of expertise and he knows to tread
	lightly...

					DATA
			Timothy, you understand that you
			may speak with me about anything
			you wish -- any subject.

	Timothy again yawns.

					TIMOTHY
				(drifting)
			I understand...

	Data watches him for a moment, but nothing further is
	forthcoming.

59   ON DATA

	turning back to his own easel, applying a few
	brushstrokes.

					DATA
			At times I too find it difficult
			to share my thoughts with others.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - 10/8/91 - ACT THREE      40.

59   CONTINUED:

					DATA (cont'd)
			I am not always confident that
			I am expressing myself in a way
			that Humans will comprehend. But
			I know that...

	Data turns --

60   INCLUDE TIMOTHY

	now slumped on his chair, fast asleep. Data reacts,
	stops speaking.

	A beat and Data stands, lifts Timothy off the chair,
	then carries and carefully deposits him on a nearby
	couch.

	Data straightens, watches Timothy for a moment. The
	boy curls up, looks like he's out for the night.

	OFF the look on Data's face -- if an android could feel
	tenderness and concern...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

    STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR    41.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

60A  INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi is at a console, inspecting a PADD that an N.D.
	ENGINEER has just handed him. The mood is relaxed --
	like the end of a work shift.

					GEORDI
				(re: PADD)
			That's fine.

	He hands it back to the Engineer.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Just make sure the tolerance
			doesn't slip more than point three
			one in either direction.

	The Engineer nods and walks away. Geordi turns back to
	the console, enters a few commands.

					DATA (o.s.)
			Hello, Geordi.

60B  INCLUDE DATA

	Approaching the console.

					GEORDI
			Hey, Data.

					DATA
			I hope I am not disturbing your
			work.

					GEORDI
				(re: console)
			Nope. Just finishing up here.

	He inputs a few more commands. Data watches him
	silently for several beats. Geordi finally reacts to
	his friend just standing there.

					GEORDI
			You need something?

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR       41A.

60B  CONTINUED:

					DATA
			I would like to confide in you,
			Geordi. However, I am finding
			my thoughts difficult to
			verbalize.

	Geordi stops working, gives Data his full attention.

					GEORDI
			It's about Timothy.

					DATA
				(surprised)
			How did you know?

					GEORDI
			If I had a boy going around
			pretending to be just like me,
			I might be a little uncomfortable
			too.

					DATA
			I am not capable of being
			uncomfortable. But I am
			undergoing a perceptual paradigm
			shift.

					GEORDI
			You better define that for me,
			Data.

					DATA
			I have spent my entire life
			emulating Humans. Now, I find
			myself confronted by a Human who
			is emulating me.

					GEORDI
			I got you... the shoe's on the
			other foot...

	Data processes that briefly, glances curiously at his
	foot... then...

					DATA
			Ah, the metaphor... yes, that is
			correct. I am forced to realize
			that I have largely ignored the
			aspects of myself that others
			would find attractive.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR       41B.

60B  CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			That's a very Human thing to do,
			Data.

	Data reacts with a look.

					GEORDI
			A lot of us have a way of not
			appreciating ourselves. We're
			too close to the subject.
				(beat)
			Keep an eye on Timothy... he might
			help you learn to understand
			yourself a little better.

	OFF Data's reaction.

61   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Moving slowly at impulse speed toward the Black
	Cluster.

62   INT. BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Worf, Ensign Felton.

					WORF
			We are approaching the perimeter.

63   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Approaching the Black Cluster -- the dark warping of
	space looms even closer.

					WORF
				(off instruments)
			I'm picking up the gravitational
			wavefronts.

	We can see something reminiscent of three-dimensional,
	transparent "waves" billowing toward us.

					RIKER
			Engage forward shields --
			thirty-five percent.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/23/91 - ACT FOUR       41C.

63   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Shields up.

	One of the waves makes contact and the ship BUMPS.
	A beat. Then another BUMP. And again.

	The mood is business as usual -- this is no surprise.

					PICARD
			Drop to one quarter impulse,
			Ensign.

					ENSIGN FELTON
			Yes, Sir.

	Felton makes the adjustments and the BUMPS come with
	less frequency.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Bridge to engineering.

64   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi is at the console. Another slight bump.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			Adjusting shield frequencies now,
			Commander. We'll have this
			smoothed out in just a second...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR        42.

65   INT. BRIDGE

	A BUMP, then another -- much quieter -- then a third,
	barely felt, then nothing but smooth sailing.

					RIKER
			Correct for any course deviations,
			Ensign.

					ENSIGN FELTON
			Yes, sir.

					RIKER
			Resume one-third impulse.

					WORF
			-- Captain!

	Everyone turns to Worf, who has his eyes glued to his
	instrument panel.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			I am reading something at four
			hundred thousand kilometers, off
			our starboard bow. Possibly a
			ship.

					RIKER
			Red alert.

	Worf hits a command and the CLAXON SOUNDS, the RED
	LIGHT flashes on.

					PICARD
			Take us to visual range, Ensign.

					ENSIGN FELTON
				(touching console)
			Adjusting course...

	A few moments...

					WORF
				(puzzled; off
				 instruments)
			Sensor readings have
			disappeared... Now picking up
			another reading at four hundred
			thousand kilometers -- off the
			port bow.
				(beat)
			It's gone... No -- it's back to
			starboard.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/15/91 - ACT FOUR       42A.

65   CONTINUED:

	Riker checks an instrument panel.

					RIKER
				(off instruments)
			Captain, the Black Cluster is
			distorting the sensors. We're
			picking up echoes of the Enterprise
			reflecting off the wavefronts.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR        43.

65   CONTINUED: (2)

	Everyone reacts.

					PICARD
			Cancel Red Alert. Adjust the
			sensors to compensate for the
			distortion.

					WORF
			Aye...

					PICARD
			Sensor difficulties have been
			reported by ships traveling
			through Black Clusters -- but not
			to this extreme.

					WORF
			This formation is seven times more
			massive than any previously
			explored. That could explain the
			difference.

	Picard nods, turns to the conn.

					PICARD
				(to Felton)
			Resume previous course.

					ENSIGN FELTON
			Yes, sir.

	OFF Picard's face as he considers this development.

66   INT. CLASSROOM - ON TIMOTHY AND CHILDREN

	Seen through the observation window. The teacher is
	wandering in the background, helping out when needed.
	Timothy still looks like Data. The kids are working
	at a counter on a project, putting together a chemistry
	experiment -- some glassware and colored liquids.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FOUR        44.

67   OMITTED

68   INCLUDE TROI AND DATA

	in the observation area, watching the scene. A boy
	makes a comment MOS and all the children laugh MOS --
	including Timothy.

					DATA
			He laughed.

					TROI
			Yes. It's nice to see, isn't
			it... ?

					DATA
			It is certainly not consistent
			with his android persona...

					TROI
			I'd say he's beginning the process
			of letting go of that fantasy...

					DATA
			Then my work with him is complete?

					TROI
				(beat)
			No, I don't think it is, Data...
			A laugh is one step in the right
			direction... we need to help him
			take a few more steps...

					DATA
			How, Counselor?

					TROI
			I'd like you to talk to him...
			about your own fascination with
			humanity.

	Data reacts.

					TROI
			If you can explain the appeal that
			humanity has for you... Timothy
			might find it easier to become
			a boy again.

	Data watches intently as Timothy again laughs MOS --
	much more "Human" than we've ever seen Data act. OFF
	Data's face.

   STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR     44A-44B    

69   INT. TEN FORWARD

	Data and Timothy are sitting at a table. Timothy is
	drinking a brightly colored, frosty, soda-like drink.
	Data has a bubbly, different colored dessert drink in
	front of him. Timothy finishes a long sip.

					TIMOTHY
			This is great. How's yours?

					DATA
			The complex polysaccharides, in
			reaction with the carbon dioxide,
			produces an unusual combination
			of texture and efforvescence.

	A beat.

					TIMOTHY
			But how does it taste? Is it
			good?

					DATA
			I am not capable of "tasting" in
			the manner which you describe.
			I can analyze the composition of
			a dessert and make comparative
			conclusions about its possible
			effect on the human palate.
			However, I neither like it, nor
			dislike it...

					TIMOTHY
			Oh. I didn't realize that.

	Data indicates the dessert.

					DATA
			I have often wondered what it must
			be like... to have one's mouth
			"water" in anticipation of the
			arrival of a confection... Or
			to feel the pleasure I have
			observed in people as they consume
			it...

	Timothy considers this for a second, staring at his
	soda.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR        45.

69   CONTINUED:

					TIMOTHY
			You sound like you don't want to
			be an android.

					DATA
			I am an android. That will never
			change.

					TIMOTHY
			But... if you could change...
			would you?

					DATA
			I have always wished to be Human.
			I study people carefully in order
			to more closely approximate Human
			behavior.

					TIMOTHY
			Why? We're stronger and smarter
			than Humans... we can do more than
			they can.

					DATA
			But I cannot take pride in my
			abilities. I cannot take
			pleasure in my accomplishments.

	Timothy has begun scratching a little place in the
	table with the tip of his spoon. He concentrates on
	this task as though it were the most important thing
	in the world.

					TIMOTHY
			But we never feel bad, either...

					DATA
			I would gladly risk feeling bad
			at times... if it meant that I
			could also taste my dessert.

	Timothy glances up, very quickly, at Data. Then he
	goes back to scratching the place on the table with
	his spoon.

	OFF Timothy's face as he goes back to his soda.

70   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship under impulse power, the blurry wavefronts
	breaking across her bow.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FOUR       45A.

	INT. BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Worf, and Ensign Felton.

					WORF
			Captain, gravitational wavefront
			intensity is increasing steadily
			-- eleven hundred standard "G"
			units and rising.

	Picard nods, looks up at the viewscreen.

71A  OMITTED

72   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	as the wave-like blurs continue to come toward the
	ship.

	Picard studies it for a moment.

					PICARD
				(turning to Worf)
			Let's see if anyone's out there.
			Attempt a wide-range sensor sweep,
			Lieutenant Worf.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FOUR        46.

72   CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(touching controls)
			Aye, sir.

	A beat as Picard and the others continue to watch the
	viewscreen.

					WORF
				(shaking head)
			The gravitational distortion is
			too great, Captain. The scanning
			signal is again being reflected
			off the wavefronts. But I am
			unable to compensate.
				(looks up)
			The sensors are useless.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Mister Data to the bridge, please.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			Acknowledged.

					PICARD
				(to Worf)
			Adjust sensors to short range...
			attempt a limited positron scan...

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

	He works the console -- scowls at the result.

					WORF
			The distortion is still in effect.

					RIKER
			Try to jacket the scanning beam.

	Worf again works the console. Worf shakes his head.

					WORF
			The secondary beam is being
			distorted as well.

	The turbolift door opens and Data steps onto the
	bridge.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR       46A.

72   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Mister Data, our sensors have been
			rendered ineffective by the field
			distortion. I want your
			analysis...

	Data takes his position, studies his console.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Mister Worf, fire phasers, maximum
			intensity, narrow spectrum, zero
			zero one mark zero four five.

	Everyone reacts with puzzlement, then...

					RIKER
				(understanding)
			An experiment, Captain?

					PICARD
			Exactly.

					WORF
			Firing, Sir.

	Worf touches the controls.

72A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	inside the Black Cluster. Forward phasers fire -- at
	a distance several lengths away from the ship, the
	phaser beams SPLIT AND BOUNCE off the warped space
	around them, splitting again, bouncing, and then
	splitting again until finally dissipating entirely.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR        47.

73   OMITTED

74   INT. BRIDGE

	Everyone reacts to what they've just seen on the
	monitor.

					PICARD
			Explanation, Mister Data.

					DATA
			The phaser energy was reflected
			by the gravitational wavefronts.
			It is similar to the phenomenon
			distorting the sensor signals.

	Picard and Riker exchange a look.

					PICARD
			Our sensors and our phasers --
			both useless.
				(to Data)
			This reflection phenomenon --
			would it have the same effect on
			a disruptor-style weapon?

					DATA
			Yes, sir. Disruptors would be
			ineffectual.

					PICARD
			And a ship's cloaking field?

					DATA
			It would be extremely difficult
			to maintain.

	A beat.

					PICARD
			Mister Data, is it at all likely
			that the Vico was attacked inside
			the cluster?

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR        48.

74   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Given the effects we have
			observed, the probability is
			exceedingly remote.

	Picard nods -- it just confirms his suspicions. A
	beat.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Picard to Troi.

					TROI'S COM VOICE
			Yes, Captain?

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Please bring Timothy to my ready
			room.

75
thru	OMITTED
79

79A  INT. READY ROOM

	Starting on Timothy... moving to reveal Picard
	standing in front of his desk, Timothy is facing him
	with Troi and Data on either side.

					PICARD
				(gently)
			Timothy, can you tell us what
			happened to your ship?

					TIMOTHY
			I did tell you.

	Timothy's struggling to hold on to the android fantasy,
	but it's wavering. He gives a few Data-like head
	tilts. Picard glances at Troi.

					TROI
			Tell us again...

					TIMOTHY
				(evenly)
			We were attacked.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FOUR        49.

79A  CONTINUED:

					DATA
			That is highly unlikely. Our
			investigations have clearly
			demonstrated --

					TIMOTHY
			-- We were attacked! We were
			attacked!

					DATA
			Timothy, androids do not lie.

	A silent beat. Like a toppled wall, Timothy's fantasy
	crumbles.

					TIMOTHY
				(quiet; horrified)
			It was me.

	Everyone's taken aback.

					DATA
			Please explain.

					TIMOTHY
			It was me. I did it. I killed
			them all...

	OFF everyone's reactions.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FIVE        50.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

80   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship hanging inside the Black Cluster.

80A  INT. READY ROOM

	Picard, Troi and Data are still reacting to Timothy's
	revelation. Timothy speaks quietly, haltingly. He
	shivers, repressing sobs, as the agony of revealing
	his darkest secret emerges...

					TIMOTHY
			Everything was shaking. I lost
			my balance. I was just trying
			to hold on to something. I didn't
			mean to do it.

					PICARD
			What didn't you mean to do,
			Timothy?

					TIMOTHY
			My arm... it hit the computer
			panel. That's what destroyed the
			ship.

	The adults exchange a glance.

					TROI
			The ship was damaged when your
			arm hit the computer panel... ?

	Tears roll down his cheek as he nods silently.

					TROI
			Timothy, listen to me -- the
			damage to your ship might have
			occurred at the same time you
			touched the panel but it was only
			a coincidence... this was not
			your fault...

					TIMOTHY
			Yes it was...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE       50A.

80A  CONTINUED:

					DATA
			It is not possible. The onboard
			control systems for every starship
			require a user code clearance.
			You could not have inadvertantly
			affected any of the Vico's
			systems.

	Timothy doesn't quite get it.

					PICARD
			Your computer had safety
			precautions. There's nothing
			you could have touched that would
			have damaged your ship.

	Timothy is silent, trying to understand. Troi puts
	a hand on his shoulder.

					TROI
			You're not responsible for what
			happened to your parents.

	Timothy looks up at her, wanting to believe it...

					TIMOTHY
			But if it wasn't me...

					PICARD
			We're trying to determine what
			happened right now. And anything
			that you can remember that may
			assist...

	BUMP.

	The ship is suddenly rocked. It's not serious, but
	it catches everyone off-guard. On Timothy's face as
	he reacts...

					TIMOTHY
			That's just how it was... when
			it started on the Vico...

	Off reactions...

80B  INT. BRIDGE

	ANOTHER BUMP. The mood is still relaxed.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE       50B.

80B  CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Wavefront intensity has
			increased...

80C  INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	where a blurred wave front is coming toward them.

					RIKER
			Increase shields to seventy-five
			percent.

					WORF
			Aye.

	Worf executes the command. The wavefront fills the
	screen...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FIVE        51.

80C  CONTINUED:

	WHAM!

	The ship is rocked by a violent IMPACT. RED ALERT
	LIGHTS go on, the CLAXON SOUNDS.

					RIKER
			Damage, Mister Worf.

					WORF
			Minimal, Sir. The shields are
			holding.

81   RESUME

	Everyone recovers their positions as Picard, Troi, and
	Data -- with Timothy close by him -- ENTER the bridge
	from the ready room.

					PICARD
			Ensign, full about -- go to warp
			two.

	Picard moves into command... ANGLE REMAINS ON Data and
	Troi with Timothy for a beat as they observe the next
	frantic few seconds...

					ENSIGN FELTON (o.c.)
			The gravitational distortion is
			too high -- we can't maintain a
			warp field.

	Watching, almost to himself --

					TIMOTHY
			We couldn't get out either...

81A  COMMAND

					PICARD
			Full shields.

					WORF
			Aye.

	WHAM! The impact is even worse. Everyone holds on...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE       51A.

81B  TIMOTHY

	grabs Data's arm, doesn't let go... As they recover
	--
					ENSIGN LOCKLIN (o.c.)
			Captain -- impulse power has been
			disrupted. The helm won't
			respond.

	Timothy is mesmerized... reliving a nightmare...

					TROI
			Timothy, I think you and I should
			go below... get out of everyone's
			way, okay... ?

					TIMOTHY
			No...

	He hangs on to Data for dear life...

81C  COMMAND

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Riker to La Forge. Can you give
			me more power to the shields?

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Stand by...

81D  TIMOTHY

					TIMOTHY
			That's what they kept saying --
			"more shields," "more shields."

	Data's head cocks at that...

					DATA
			Timothy, accompany me...

	He moves toward the aft science station... Troi and
	Timothy go with him...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE       51B.

81D  CONTINUED:

					DATA
				(on the move)
			I want you to recall everything
			you heard people say aboard the
			Vico before it was destroyed...

					TIMOTHY
			I don't know. Just that. Just
			"more shields"...

	As Data reaches the aft science station and begins to
	enter commands...

82   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi working quickly at his console.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE        52.

82   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			I've transferred fusion reactors
			four through nine into the shield
			array.

82A  INT. BRIDGE - COMMAND

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			That should double the shield
			strength.

	Worf looks up from his console.

					WORF
			Wavefront intensity has increased
			by an order of magnitude. Impact
			in three - two - one.

	WHAM! Another hit -- even stronger.

82B  DATA, TIMOTHY AND TROI (OPTICAL)

	react. Data resumes working quickly at the console --
	numbers scrolling rapidly down the screen.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE        53.

82C  OMITTED

83   COMMAND

	The crew recovers from the last impact.

					WORF
				(off instruments)
			Wave front intensity is
			continuing to increase.
			Structural overpressure is
			exceeding one hundred eighty
			percent.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			La Forge...

84   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi has struggled to his feet and is making his way
	back to the console.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			I don't understand. That should
			have been enough.

	Geordi checks the instruments.

85   INT. BRIDGE

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			We could run the shield grid
			directly off the warp drive.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Make it so.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE        54.

85   CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(working instruments)
			Initiating warp transfer pathways
			now...

85A  ON DATA AND TIMOTHY (OPTICAL)

	Data, still rapidly working at the console.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Diverting warp power to the
			shields.

					TIMOTHY
			"Warp power to the shields"...
			they said that too, Data... I'm
			positive...

	Data reacts... continues to work the panels...

86
thru	OMITTED
87

88   INCLUDE WORF AND VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	An intense blurring of space is billowing toward them
	-- even more threatening than before.

					WORF
				(off instruments)
			Wavefront intensity has increased
			by a factor of ten. Contact in
			forty-seven seconds. Without
			additional power to the shields,
			the outer hull will not hold...

					RIKER
				(to com)
			La Forge...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FIVE        55.

89
thru	OMITTED
91

91A  ON DATA AND TIMOTHY (OPTICAL)

	Data looks like he's thinking at lightning speed
	evaluating the numbers that scroll past him on the
	monitor.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Warp transfer to the shields
			complete. That's as strong as
			they're gonna get.

91B
thru	OMITTED
91C

92   INCLUDE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	As everyone reacts to the words.

					WORF
			Impact in fifteen seconds.

	As the seconds count down, Data works like mad at the
	console. He taps in one last command. Data looks up
	from his console, alarmed.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/18/91 - ACT FIVE        56.

92   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Drop the shields.

	Everyone reacts.

					RIKER
			That's suicide, Data.

					DATA
			Captain, drop the shields.

	The wavefront fills the screen, Picard makes a split
	second decision, trusting their lives to Data.

					PICARD
				(to Worf)
			Drop the shields.

					WORF
				("what?!")
			Aye.

	As Worf executes the command, the wavefront breaks
	across the screen. Everybody hangs on...

	Contact. A slight BUMP -- nothing more.

	Everyone is taken aback by the turn of events. They
	all look toward Data for the explanation.

					DATA
			Our own shields caused the
			increase in the wavefronts...
			we induced harmonic
			amplification effects.

					RIKER
			The more energy we dumped into
			the shield grid, the worse the
			impact...

					DATA
			Precisely. And that is also what
			destroyed the Vico. When Timothy
			remembered similar procedures
			aboard his ship, I initiated an
			analysis of shield output to
			wavefront amplitude and discovered
			a correlation.

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/17/91 - ACT FIVE        57.

92   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			If we had transferred all that
			warp power to the shields, it
			would've torn the ship apart.

	A silent beat.

					RIKER
			Status, Ensign.

					ENSIGN FELTON
			Navigation is coming back on line.

					PICARD
			Full about, one quarter impulse.
			Take us out of here.

	The Ensign nods and executes the commands. OFF
	everyone's reactions...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE        58.

93
thru	OMITTED
96A

97   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at warp in normal space.

98   INT. CLASS ROOM - ON TIMOTHY

	at the edge of a scattered group of kids, fiddling with
	an experimental setup. He is no longer in "android"
	mode. His hair is back to normal, he wears clothing
	more appropriate to a child.

	A little girl -- his "lab partner" -- hands him a small
	piece of metal and he takes it, attaching it to the
	apparatus they're building. He's fitting in -- but
	still seems very tentative and fragile.

					TROI (o.s.)
			It would seem that our young
			"android" is finding his way back
			to humanity.

99   ON TROI AND DATA

	watching from behind the window.

					DATA
			It would appear so, Counselor.

					TROI
			It'll take a while for his
			emotions to catch up. Timothy's
			a boy feeling a great deal of
			pain. But he is a boy again.

	Data considers her words. She glances at him... A
	beat...

					TROI
			Is this.. difficult for you, Data?

					DATA
			Difficult?

					TROI
			To watch him... moving away from
			being like you...

        STAR TREK: "Hero Worship" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT FIVE        59.

99   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			No, Counselor. That would require
			an emotional context which I
			cannot provide.

	A long beat. OFF the moment...

100  ON TIMOTHY

	still working on the class assignment.

					DATA (o.s.)
			Hello, Timothy.

101  INCLUDE DATA

	as Timothy turns toward him.

					TIMOTHY
				(flat)
			How are you, Data?

					DATA
			I am operating within established
			parameters. How are you?

					TIMOTHY
			I'm fine.

	The boy looks away, almost embarrassed. Data picks up
	on it.

					DATA
			Is something wrong?

					TIMOTHY
			You probably thought I was pretty
			silly. When I had my hair like
			yours and everything.

					DATA
			On the contrary, it is said that
			imitation is the highest form of
			flattery. I was... flattered.

	Timothy lightens up considerably.

          STAR TREK: "Violations" - REV. 10/16/91 - ACT ONE         60.

101  CONTINUED:

					TIMOTHY
			Can we still do things together
			-- even if I'm not really an
			android?

					DATA
			I have many Human friends. I
			would be pleased to count you
			among them.

					TIMOTHY
			That would be...

	Timothy smiles -- the first time we've seen a genuine
	child's smile.

					TIMOTHY
				(continuing)
			...acceptable.

	OFF the moment.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END