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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Descent, Part I"
#40276-252
Story by
Jeri Taylor
Teleplay by
Ronald D. Moore
Directed by
Alex Singer
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1993 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
APRIL 12, 1993
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Descent"
CAST
PICARD CROSIS
RIKER HAWKING
DATA NECHAYEV
BEVERLY NEWTON
TROI EINSTEIN
WORF LORE
GEORDI BOSUS
TAYAR
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking
N.D. CREWMEMBERS
N.D. SECURITY GUARDS
N.D. BAJORAN SECURITY OFFICER
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Descent"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
HOLODECK ALIEN SHIP
(DATA'S QUARTERS)
(OUTPOST) DISTORTION
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
ENGINEERING SHUTTLE
READY ROOM
TROI'S OFFICE PLANET
CORRIDOR (SURFACE)
BRIG (BUILDING)
DATA'S QUARTERS
GORKON
OUTPOST
BORG HALL
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Descent"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
OHNIAKA oh-nee-AH-ka
CORELKI ko-REL-kee
GORKON GOR-kon
LUVETRIC LOO-vet-rik
NECHAYEV NEH-che-yev
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: The Next Generation
"Descent"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS/HOLODECK (OPTICAL)
Seated around the poker table clockwise are DATA,
STEPHEN HAWKING, ALBERT EINSTEIN, and ISAAC NEWTON.
Everyone has chips and cards in front of them -- a
small device is holding Hawking's cards for him.
Hawking is telling the last few lines of a very
esoteric joke.
HAWKING
... but then I said, "In that
frame of reference, the perihelion
of Mercury would have precessed in
the opposite direction."
Einstein laughs uproariously, Data looks amused, and
Newton looks puzzled.
EINSTEIN
That is a great story!
DATA
Quite amusing, Professor Hawking.
(to Newton)
You see, Sir Isaac, the joke
depends on an understanding of the
relativistic curvature of spacetime.
If two non-inertial
reference frames are in relative
motion--
NEWTON
(irritated)
Do not patronize me, sir! I
invented physics. The day that
apple fell on my head was the most
momentous day in the history of
science.
HAWKING
Not the apple story again.
DATA
That story is generally considered
to be apocryphal.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
NEWTON
(outraged)
What? How dare you?
EINSTEIN
Perhaps we should return to the
game.
(thinks, to Hawking)
Let's see, you raised Mister Data
four, which means the bet is seven
to me.
NEWTON
The bet is ten! Can't you do
simple arithmetic?
Einstein pushes out the correct number of chips.
Newton matches the bet.
NEWTON
(grumbling)
I don't even know why I'm here in
the first place. What's the point
of playing this ridiculous game?
DATA
(matches the bet)
I am in. When I play poker with
my shipmates, I often find that it
is a useful forum for exploring
different facets of humanity. I
was curious to see how three of
history's greatest minds would
interact in this setting. So far
it has proved most illuminating.
Einstein looks down at his own immense stack of chips.
EINSTEIN
And profitable.
NEWTON
Can we get this over with, please?
(to Hawking)
It's your bet.
HAWKING
I raise fifty.
Data pushes out some chips for him. Newton reacts and
throws his cards down in disgust.
NEWTON
Blast! I fold.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
Data also puts down his cards and folds, but Einstein
holds firm.
EINSTEIN
(to Hawking)
The uncertainty principle will not
help you now, Stephen. All the
quantum fluctuations in the
universe won't change the cards in
your hand. I call. You are
bluffing and you will lose.
HAWKING
Wrong again, Albert.
Hawking's card holder flips over his cards.
2 INSERT - HAWKING'S CARDS
he has four SEVENS.
3 RESUME SCENE
As they all react. Einstein's shoulders slump in
defeat.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Red Alert. All personnel report
to duty stations.
DATA
(stands)
We will have to continue this at
another time.
(to com)
End program.
The scientists and the room VANISH, revealing the
Holodeck walls. Data EXITS.
CUT TO:
4 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at warp.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER 4.
5 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD ENTERS from the aft Turbolift and moves toward
RIKER, who is standing at one of the aft science
stations. WORF and TROI are at their stations, an N.D.
at Conn. Data ENTERS from the forward Turbolift and
moves to Ops. The ship is on Red Alert.
RIKER
(to Picard)
We've received a distress call
from the Ohniaka Three Outpost.
They said they were under attack.
PICARD
(puzzled)
Ohniaka Three... there's no
strategic value to that outpost.
Were they able to identify the
attackers?
RIKER
No, sir. And we haven't been able
to raise them since the initial
call.
WORF
We are nearing the Ohniaka system,
Captain.
Picard and Riker move toward the Command area.
PICARD
(to Con)
Bring us out of warp, Ensign.
WORF
Sensors detect one ship orbiting
the third planet... its
configuration does not match
anything in our records.
RIKER
Stand-by phasers and photon
torpedoes.
PICARD
Hail them, Mister Worf.
WORF
(works)
No response.
PICARD
Put them onscreen.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - TEASER 5.
6 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The screen shows an ALIEN VESSEL in orbit around a
planet. The ship is unlike any other we've ever seen.
It has very little markings or decoration, but it is
clearly menacing.
DATA
It does not appear to be attacking
the outpost.
RIKER
They might have attacked before we
got here.
PICARD
Or they might simply be another
victim.
(beat, to Data)
What about the outpost on the
surface?
DATA
(works)
There is a great deal of
electromagnetic interference... I
am unable to determine whether
there are any lifeforms present.
Riker looks to Picard, who thinks for a moment, then
nods. Riker stands and heads for the Turbolift.
RIKER
Data, Worf, you're with me.
Riker, Data, and Worf EXIT.
CUT TO:
7 INT. OUTPOST (OPTICAL)
A typical Federation science station which has recently
been attacked. There are DEAD BODIES everywhere, and
a few scorch marks are visible on the walls, but the
physical damage is actually minimal. Riker, Data,
Worf, and ONE N.D. SECURITY GUARD MATERIALIZE.
Everyone is wearing phasers, and Data and Worf have
tricorders.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - TEASER 5A.
7 CONTINUED:
Riker reacts to the sight of the dead Starfleet
officers. Worf checks some of the bodies with his
tricorder while Data moves to a computer console.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - TEASER 6.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(off-tricorder)
These wounds were caused by a
forced-plasma beam... similar to
a Ferengi hand phaser.
RIKER
This seems pretty brutal for the
Ferengi.
(to Data)
Can you detect any survivors?
DATA
(off tricorder)
The electro-magnetic interference
is still making it difficult to
get precise sensor readings.
RIKER
How many people were assigned to
this outpost?
WORF
Two hundred seventy-four.
RIKER
All right... we'll make a room to
room search. Worf -- you, and
Corelki start searching the north
wing, we'll take the south.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Worf and the N.D. Guard EXIT the room. Riker and Data
move toward a door at the opposite side of the room.
Data tries to operate a panel next to the door, but it
doesn't open right away.
DATA
The mechanism appears to be
jammed.
Data works a computer control on the wall and Riker
looks around at the chilling sight surrounding them.
RIKER
There's not much damage... doesn't
look like they were interested in
the station... just the people...
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - TEASER 7.
7 CONTINUED: (3)
A long beat, then Data turns to Riker.
DATA
I have by-passed the primary
system.
Data works for a moment.
8 NEW ANGLE - INCLUDING DOOR (OPTICAL)
The door suddenly OPENS and reveals a BORG STANDING IN
THE DOORWAY.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
9 INT. OUTPOST - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Riker, Data, and the Security Guard react with shock,
but before they can do anything, another BORG ENTERS
the room and FIRES at them. Riker and Data dive for
cover just as SEVERAL OTHER BORG start to rush in,
FIRING their weapons.
CUT TO:
10 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & ALIEN SHIP (OPTICAL)
The Alien ship suddenly FIRES on the Enterprise.
11 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and Geordi are on the Bridge. The ship ROCKS
with the impact.
PICARD
(to Con)
Evasive maneuvers, Ensign!
(to Tactical)
Return fire.
The ship ROCKS again.
GEORDI
Shields are down to eighty
percent... compensating with
auxiliary power.
12 INT. OUTPOST (OPTICAL)
Riker and Data have taken cover behind some consoles
and they are trading PHASER SHOTS with the Borg. These
Borg are not acting like the calm, neutral automatons
that we've become used to seeing. They are quickfooted,
cunning, and ferocious. Their faces are
twisted into expressions of fury and hatred... and they
take care to hide behind objects to avoid being shot --
in short, they are behaving like individuals instead of
mindless worker ants.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT ONE 9.
12 CONTINUED:
One of the Borg makes a move toward them, but Riker
FIRES at him and the Borg goes down.
Another Borg -- BORG #1 -- looks at the body of the
fallen Borg from behind a console. He turns to Riker,
his face twisted in hate.
BORG #1
You have killed Torsus. I will
make you suffer for this.
Worf and the Security Guard rush into the room and
immediately take cover as the Borg FIRE at them.
13 OMITTED
14 ANGLE ON BORG #2 (OPTICAL)
BORG #2 peeks out from behind a console to get a better
look at the Starfleet officers. He looks at each of
them in turn as if going over some unseen checklist.
BORG #2
Biological organism -- Klingon.
Biological organism -- Human. I
will destroy you.
Then he looks at Data... and he frowns for a beat as if
remembering something.
BORG #2
Artificial lifeform. Starfleet
Rank: Lieutenant Commander. Name:
Data.
Data looks puzzled by this... what does it mean? Borg
#2 turns and looks at BORG #3 -- as if sending some
silent message.
Borg #3 leaps up and then rushes Data and Riker. Borg
#1 FIRES at the Security Guard, killing her.
The other Borg move to follow the lead of Borg #3, but
steady FIRE from Worf and Riker keep them pinned down.
15 DATA
Jumps up to take on Borg #3 as he rushes at them. Data
and the Borg begin a fierce hand to hand fight...
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - TEASER 9A.
16 RIKER & WORF (OPTICAL)
Continue to trade phaser FIRE with the other Borg.
17 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT ONE 10.
18 DATA
Suddenly a change happens during Data's fight with the
Borg... the expression on his normally neutral face
begins to harden... his features twist into a snarl...
and without warning, he suddenly PICKS UP the Borg and
snarls into his face, his voice loud with rage and
anger...
DATA
(a shout)
Stop it!
He SLAMS the Borg against the wall and then hits him
again and again.
DATA
Stop! Stop! Stop! Stop!
The Borg finally slumps to the ground, dead.
19 WIDER (OPTICAL)
As all the Borg suddenly break off their attack. They
take a step back and then DEMATERIALIZE. Riker and
Worf look at each other for a moment... then pick
themselves up off the ground and look at Data with
shock. Data looks confused... the rage and violence we
saw only a moment ago is now gone and he seems puzzled
by what's happened.
CUT TO:
20 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Geordi reacts to something on his console.
GEORDI
Captain, the alien ship is
breaking orbit.
PICARD
(to Con)
Set an intercept course, Ensign.
(to Tactical)
Fire torpedoes.
GEORDI
Shields are back to full power,
Captain.
PICARD
Very good.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT ONE 11.
21 EXT. SPACE - ALIEN SHIP (OPTICAL)
The ship is moving at impulse... suddenly a BLINDING
FLASH OF LIGHT APPEARS in front of the ship. The Alien
vessel abruptly VANISHES. Once the ship is gone, the
Light also disappears.
22 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before. The Viewscreen shows only an empty
starfield. Picard stares at the screen and frowns in
frustration.
PICARD
Mister La Forge?
GEORDI
They're gone, sir. Our sensors
indicate there was some kind of
subspace distortion just before
they disappeared... I'll have to
study these readings before I can
get more specific.
Picard stares at the screen for another moment, then
turns to the Conn Officer.
PICARD
Take us back to Ohniaka Three.
CUT TO:
23 INT. OUTPOST
As before. Riker moves over to Data, who still looks
shocked.
RIKER
(gently)
Data?
(beat)
Data, are you all right?
DATA
Yes, sir.
RIKER
What happened?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT ONE 12.
23 CONTINUED:
A long beat, then Data turns to Riker with a completely
stunned look on his face.
DATA
I got angry.
Off their reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 13.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
24 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship in orbit around Ohniaka Three.
PICARD (V.O)
Captain's Log: Stardate 46982.1.
Because of his unusual behavior on
the planet surface, Commander Data
has asked to be temporarily
relieved of duty. Unfortunately,
this means he will not be able to
help us investigate a disturbing
new change in the behavior of the
Borg.
25 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Worf, Troi, and BEVERLY are seated
around the table.
RIKER
They were fast, aggressive --
almost vicious... it was more like
fighting Klingons than Borg,
(to Worf)
No offense.
WORF
None taken.
RIKER
There was another difference. I
don't think they were part of the
Borg collective... they acted more
like individuals.
That gets everyone's attention.
PICARD
(shocked)
What?
RIKER
One of them referred to himself as
"I".
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 13A.
25 CONTINUED:
WORF
That Borg also showed concern for
a fallen comrade... and called him
by name.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 14.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
The only Borg who ever had a
name... was Hugh. And we gave it
to him.
BEVERLY
Maybe Hugh has something to do
with this change in their
behavior.
A quiet beat as they consider this. Picard stands and
moves to the windows. His voice is quiet and somber...
he's drawing on his own painful memories of the Borg.
PICARD
Did they show any interest in...
assimilating you... or your
technology?
RIKER
They seemed more concerned with
the death of their colleague...
and with destroying us... I didn't
see anything that suggested they
wanted to assimilate anyone.
Picard thinks about this for a moment... mulling over
the possibilities.
PICARD
The Borg's entire existence was
centered around the acquisition of
technology and cultures... if that
is no longer the case... then they
must have a new objective. We
have to find out what it is.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 15.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD (Cont'd)
(beat)
Mister Worf, from this moment on,
we will maintain security
condition two. Have armed
officers posted on every deck.
WORF
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Number One, analyze our sensor
readings of the Borg ship... try
to determine whether it's
something they constructed or an
alien ship they captured. Then,
run an analysis of this...
subspace distortion they used to
escape.
RIKER
Aye, sir.
PICARD
I'm going to contact Starfleet
Command.
Picard turns away from the window and EXIT without
making eye contact with anyone in the room. The others
all rise and head for the doors.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 16.
26 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING
Geordi is checking out Data with a tricorder. He
shakes his head after a beat and closes the tricorder.
GEORDI
Your positronic net checks out...
everything looks fine.
DATA
My internal diagnostic also found
nothing wrong.
GEORDI
I don't know what to say, Data.
There's nothing here to indicate
anything that would cause a
behavioral anomaly.
DATA
I agree.
(beat)
Geordi, I believe I experienced my
first emotion.
Geordi is dubious about this.
GEORDI
Data... no offense, but how would
you know an actual flash of anger
from some kind of odd power surge?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT TWO 17.
26 CONTINUED:
DATA
You are correct in that I have no
frame of reference to confirm my
hypothesis.
(beat)
In fact, I find myself unable to
provide a verbal description of
the experience. Perhaps you could
describe what it feels like when
you get angry... I could then use
that as a reference.
Geordi thinks about this... struggles with an answer.
GEORDI
Well... when I get angry, first
I... begin to feel... hostile...
DATA
Could you describe feeling
hostile?
GEORDI
It's feeling... belligerent...
combative...
DATA
Can you describe feeling angry
without referring to other
feelings?
Geordi struggles with this for a moment... finally
gives up.
GEORDI
No. I guess I can't. I just...
feel angry.
DATA
That was my experience as well.
I simply... felt angry.
GEORDI
Let's say that you're right... and
this was an emotion. How is that
possible?
DATA
I do not know. Perhaps I have
evolved to the point where
emotions are within my reach.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 18.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (Cont'd)
(beat)
Perhaps I will experience other
emotions as time goes on.
Geordi smiles and shrugs as he begins to put away the
tools.
GEORDI
I hope you're right. I'd hate to
think that anger is all you're
capable of feeling.
Data frowns slightly at this thought. Off his reaction
as he begins to think about this...
CUT TO:
26A EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & GORKON (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise and the STARSHIP GORKON are running side
by side.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log: Stardate 46984.6
No additional Borg attacks have
been reported in the past two
days. However, Starfleet has
dispatched Admiral Nechayev to
take command in this sector in
preparation for a possible Borg
invasion.
27 INT. READY ROOM
Picard and ADMIRAL NECHAYEV (from "Chain of Command")
are talking.
NECHAYEV
There will be fifteen starships in
this sector by the day after
tomorrow. The Gorkon will be my
flagship. You'll have command of
task force three, consisting of
the Enterprise, the Crazy Horse
and the Agamemnon.
PICARD
Understood.
Nechayev takes a moment... there's something else on
her mind.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 19.
27 CONTINUED:
NECHAYEV
Captain... I've read the report
you submitted to Admiral Brooks
last year regarding the Borg you
called "Hugh"...
(beat)
... and I've been trying to figure
out why you let him go.
Picard stiffens slightly.
PICARD
I thought I made my reasons clear.
Nechayev's attitude is hard... she doesn't approve of
Picard's actions and she wants him to know it.
NECHAYEV
As I understand it... you found a
single Borg at a crash site...
brought it aboard the
Enterprise... studied it...
analyzed it... and eventually
found a way to send it back to the
Borg with a program that would
have destroyed the entire
collective once and for all.
Picard says nothing... Nechayev's voice becomes harsh.
NECHAYEV
(continuing)
But instead, you nursed the Borg
back to health, treated it like a
guest, gave it a name, and then
sent it home.
(beat)
Why?
Picard is not afraid to confront these issues and he
faces her directly. Their voices steadily rise as the
tension builds.
PICARD
Once Hugh was separated from the
Borg collective he began to...
grow and evolve into something
more than just an automaton. He
was a person. When that happened,
I had no choice but to respect his
rights as an individual.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 20.
27 CONTINUED: (2)
NECHAYEV
Of course you had a choice. You
could've taken the opportunity to
rid the Federation of a mortal
enemy... one that has killed tens
of thousands of innocent people,
and which may kill even more.
PICARD
(tight)
No one is more aware of the danger
than I am. But I am also bound by
my oath and my conscience to
uphold certain principles. And I
will not sacrifice them in order
to--
NECHAYEV
(hard)
Your priority is to safeguard the
lives of Federation citizens...
not to wrestle with your
conscience.
(beat)
Now I want to make it clear that
if you have a similar opportunity
in the future... an opportunity to
destroy the Borg... you are under
orders to take advantage of it.
Is that understood?
In the face of that kind of direct order, there is only
one response possible.
PICARD
(tight)
Yes, sir.
Nechayev EXITS. Picard looks after her for a moment...
off his reaction...
CUT TO:
28 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & GORKON (OPTICAL)
The Gorkon pulls away at impulse.
29 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi and Data are sitting in the office.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 20A.
29 CONTINUED:
DATA
For the past six hours, I have
attempted to produce an emotional
response by subjecting myself to
various stimuli.
TROI
Like what?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT TWO 21.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
I listened to several operas known
to be uplifting, I watched three
Holodeck programs designed to be
humorous, and I made four attempts
to induce sexual desire by
subjecting myself to erotic
imagery.
TROI
What happened?
DATA
Nothing.
TROI
I'm curious... why are you
ignoring the one emotion you've
already experienced? Why aren't
you trying to make yourself angry
again?
DATA
Anger is a negative emotion. I
wanted to concentrate on something
more positive.
TROI
Feelings aren't positive or
negative Data, they simply exist.
It's what we do with those
feelings that becomes good or bad.
(beat)
For example, feeling angry about
an injustice could lead someone to
take a positive action to correct
it.
DATA
But my study of humanity indicates
there are some emotions that are
harmful, such as jealousy or
hatred.
These are difficult areas to deal with, even for Troi,
and she takes moment to grapple with this.
TROI
Those are very... strong emotions,
and you're right -- there's very
little good that can come from
them.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT TWO 22.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI (Cont'd)
But, I don't think that an
exploration of anger would
necessarily lead to feelings of
hate or malice.
DATA
But what if it does, Counselor?
What if it turns out that those
are the only emotions I am capable
of experiencing? Would that not
make me a... bad person?
Troi looks at him for a moment... finally she gives him
a gentle smile.
TROI
Data, we've served together a long
time... and I've gotten to know
you pretty well... I have to
believe if you ever do reach your
goal of becoming human... you
won't become a bad one.
Data pauses, thinks for a moment. He seems troubled by
something.
DATA
I wish I were as confident as you
are, Counselor.
(beat)
When I was fighting the Borg, I
felt angry... but as I think back
on that incident, I realize that
I also experienced another
sensation. It was not the same as
anger, but I think it was an
emotion.
TROI
Exactly when did you feel this...
other emotion?
DATA
It was just after I had killed the
Borg. I looked down at his body
and I.... felt something.
TROI
If you had to put a name to
this... feeling, what would you
call it?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT TWO 23.
29 CONTINUED: (3)
There is a long beat as Data thinks about this.
DATA
I believe it was pleasure.
Off Troi's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT THREE 24.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
30 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship is moving at impulse power.
31 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker in Command, Worf at Tactical. Riker is just
turning away from Worf.
RIKER
Red Alert! All hands to battle
stations.
(to Con)
Lay in a course and engage at warp
nine.
N.D. CREWMEMBERS start ENTERING from the Turbolifts.
Picard ENTERS from the Ready Room.
RIKER
(to Picard)
We have a distress call from the
New Berlin Colony. They're under
attack.
PICARD
(to Data)
What's our ETA?
WORF
At warp nine, we will arrive in
fifteen minutes, thirty seconds.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Contact the Crazy Horse, and the
Agamemnon, tell them to stand-by
in case we --
Worf's console suddenly BEEPS and he turns to answer
it.
WORF
Incoming message, Captain. It's
the New Berlin Colony.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE 25.
31 CONTINUED:
WORF (Cont'd)
(beat)
They are... cancelling their
distress call. Evidently a
Ferengi trading ship entered their
system and someone panicked.
Everyone reacts on the Bridge.
RIKER
That's the third time today.
(to Con)
Reduce speed and bring us back to
our patrol route.
Picard barely manages to restrain his temper.
PICARD
Mister Worf... stand down from Red
Alert. Acknowledge the signal
from New Berlin, and then transmit
another copy of Starfleet's ship
recognition protocols... and tell
them to read it this time.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Picard EXITS to the Ready Room.
CUT TO:
32 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at warp.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log: Supplemental. We
have been on patrol for seventeen
hours, and there are still no
reports of any further Borg
activity. But tensions continue
to run high on the colonies and
outposts in this sector.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT THREE 26.
33 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Picard is sitting at his desk, looking at his monitor.
We see that he is watching a visual recording of HUGH
from "I, Borg." Specifically, this clip is Scene 27R,
1 -- a closeup of Hugh in the Lab set.
Picard watches the scene for a few beats (not more than
ten seconds), remembering his own encounter with Hugh.
When the scene reaches the point where Hugh says "We
are Hugh," the door to the Ready Room CHIMES and Picard
touches a control which FREEZES the image of Hugh's
face on the screen.
PICARD
Come.
Riker ENTERS, carrying a PADD.
RIKER
(hands Picard the PADD)
I thought you'd like to see this.
It's Geordi's analysis of the
subspace distortion the Borg used
to escape.
Picard studies the PADD for a moment. Riker glances
down at the monitor and notes Hugh's image on the
screen.
PICARD
(reading)
"... an artificially created
energy conduit."
(tosses PADD on table in
irritation)
That could be anything.
RIKER
We don't have enough information
at this point to --
PICARD
I don't want excuses, Number One.
I want answers.
Riker stiffens at the tone in Picard's voice and Picard
instantly regrets snapping at him.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/19/93 - ACT THREE 27.
33 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(softer)
Sorry.
Picard looks at the image of Hugh on the viewer.
PICARD
He was right here, Wil... in this
very room. And I let him go.
(beat)
Pick any five starship Captains...
give them a chance to rid the
Federation of a mortal threat.
(beat)
I would wager that all five would
do it... even if it meant
sacrificing the rights of one man.
Riker thinks about this for a moment.
RIKER
I don't mean to sound
melodramatic... but I've never
thought of you as just "any other
starship Captain." Sending Hugh
back to the Borg was a very risky,
a very dangerous choice... but it
was the moral thing to do.
Picard takes a long hard look at the face of Hugh.
PICARD
It may turn out that the moral
thing to do... was not the right
thing to do.
Riker has no answer for that and there is a long somber
beat.
CUT TO:
34 INT. CORRIDOR
Geordi is walking down the Corridor toward the
Holodeck. He reaches the doors and presses the panel.
The doors OPEN and he ENTERS.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE 28.
35 INT. OUTPOST/HOLODECK
The Holodeck has recreated the destroyed Outpost as
seen in Act One. Data is FIGHTING a Holo-Borg in the
same manner as seen earlier.
The fight is at the point where Data had basically
defeated the Borg and he was hitting him over and over
again. Data repeats the same dialogue as before, but
this time he says it with a complete lack of emotion --
just an android repeating a phrase, with no feeling at
all.
Geordi ENTERS from the Corridor.
DATA
Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.
Data defeats the Borg again, and the Holo-Borg slumps
to the ground. Data's expression remains carefully
neutral during the fight, and after the Borg goes down,
Data pauses and seems to think for a beat.
GEORDI
Data... am I interrupting
something?
DATA
Yes. But it is all right. Do you
need me?
GEORDI
Well, I wanted to see if you were
ready to return to duty. I need
some help on an analysis of the
ship the Borg were using.
DATA
I believe I am able to resume my
duties.
Geordi looks down at the Borg lying on the ground.
GEORDI
What are you doing in here?
DATA
I am attempting to recreate the
experience which led to my initial
burst of anger.
GEORDI
Any luck?
DATA
None so far.
(beat)
I have nearly completed this
experiment. May I finish before
we return to Engineering?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE 29.
35 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Sure, go ahead.
Geordi moves out of the way. He watches as Data
resumes his program.
DATA
(to com)
Computer, reset Borg simulation to
time index two point one.
Increase Borg strength by twenty
percent.
35A NEW ANGLE
Data moves back to his previous position. The Holo-Borg
is now standing at the ready again.
DATA
Run program.
They immediately begin to FIGHT. The Borg is stronger
and more powerful this time and he is able to beat back
Data for a moment. Geordi watches with concern. But
Data soon gets the upper hand.
DATA
Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop.
Again, the Borg slumps to the ground. There is still
no trace of emotion on Data's face.
DATA
(to com)
Computer, reset simulation to time
index two point one. Increase
Borg strength by thirty percent.
COMPUTER VOICE
Unable to comply. A thirty
percent increase would exceed
safety limits.
Data thinks about this for a moment, then turns to
Geordi.
DATA
The computer will require the
voice authorizations of two senior
officers in order to disable the
safety routine. Will you help me?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE 29A.
35A CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(concerned)
Whoa, wait a minute.
(re: Borg)
That thing could kill you.
DATA
During the original incident the
Borg presented a genuine danger to
my life.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE 30.
35A CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (Cont'd)
With the Holodeck safety routine
in place, I know that my life is
not in danger. Since I am trying
to duplicate the conditions of the
original incident as closely as
possible I must attempt to
duplicate the jeopardy as well.
Geordi is angered by the casual attitude of his friend.
GEORDI
(angry)
Data, We're talking about an
experiment. You can't put your
life on the line just to prove a
theory.
DATA
This experiment may hold the key
to something which I have sought
all my life.
GEORDI
(firm)
This is crazy. There's got to be
another way. Why don't you try
something else to make yourself
angry...
DATA
I have tried other stimuli, but
they have been unsuccessful. I
understand your objections, but it
is my life and I have the right to
risk it if I choose.
GEORDI
Well, I'm your friend and I'm not
going to just stand by and let you
do this.
Before Data can respond, Riker's Com Voice interrupts.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Red Alert, all hands to battle
stations.
Geordi and Data head for the EXIT.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT THREE 31.
36 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Racing along at warp.
37 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and Riker at the aft science station, with Worf
at Tactical.
RIKER
It's confirmed. The MS One colony
is under attack.
Picard frowns... something is odd here.
PICARD
Doesn't it seem strange that there
have been two Borg attacks... and
the Enterprise was the nearest
ship in both instances?
But before Riker can respond, Data interrupts.
DATA
We are nearing the MS system, sir.
WORF
I have located the Borg ship. It
is heading away from the colony.
PICARD
(to Con Officer)
Take us out of warp near that
ship.
RIKER
Stand-by to lock phasers on
target.
WORF
We are within visual range.
PICARD
On screen.
38 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The alien Borg ship seen earlier is heading away from
the Enterprise.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT THREE 31A.
38 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Lay in an intercept course, full
impulse.
(to Worf)
Lock phasers.
WORF
We are closing... we will be
within phaser range in thirty
seconds.
Data reacts to something on his console.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT THREE 32.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Captain... sensors detect a
subspace distortion forming
directly ahead of the Borg ship.
PICARD
They're not going to get away this
time.
(to com)
Picard to Engineering. Transfer
auxiliary and emergency power to
the impulse engines.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Acknowledged.
DATA
Impulse engines now at one hundred
twenty-five percent.
WORF
We will be in phaser range... in
ten seconds.
The Borg ship on the viewer gets closer. Suddenly the
FLASH OF LIGHT appears in front of the Borg ship and
the ship VANISHES INTO IT.
The Enterprise ROCKS suddenly.
DATA
We are caught in some kind of
energy (TECH).
RIKER
All engines back full.
WORF
Shields are failing.
DATA
We are being pulled inside.
39 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & DISTORTION (OPTICAL)
The ship is PULLED INSIDE and then the distortion
finally VANISHES, leaving no trace of the Enterprise.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR 33.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
40 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before. The ship is shaking violently. An INTENSE
FLICKERING LIGHT from the Viewscreen casts a bright
glow on the Bridge crew.
WORF
(urgent)
Inertial dampers failing.
DATA
Main power is off-line. I am
switching to back-ups.
PICARD
(to com)
Picard to Engineering, can you
transfer auxiliary power to the
warp nacelles? Try to break us
out by using the --
Suddenly the ship is ROCKED VIOLENTLY, almost knocking
everyone to the deck, but then the shaking stops
altogether. The bright light on the viewer is GONE.
PICARD
Report.
DATA
(off console)
We have returned to normal space.
Navigational systems are still offline...
I will attempt to make a
celestial fix using secondary
systems.
Worf suddenly reacts to something on his console.
WORF
Captain, the Borg ship is directly
ahead! It's coming about!
PICARD
On-screen.
41 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The Borg ship is now getting closer.
RIKER
Evasive maneuvers.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR 34.
41 CONTINUED:
WORF
(works, frustrated)
Shields are down to sixteen
percent, Captain.
Helpless, they watch as the Borg ship gets inexorably
closer on the screen. The Borg ship FIRES on the
Enterprise.
The ship ROCKS under the impact of the shot, but before
anyone can react, TWO BORG MATERIALIZE on the Bridge.
They immediately FIRE at our people, who dive for
cover.
42 WORF (OPTICAL)
returns FIRE at a Borg, killing him.
43 AN N.D. SECURITY OFFICER (OPTICAL)
FIRES at a Borg and misses. The Borg FIRES back and
the Officer is killed.
44 WORF (OPTICAL)
FIRES at that Borg -- who is named CROSIS -- and he
goes down.
45 WIDER
As everyone recovers from the attack. Riker checks on
the downed officer... then shakes his head.
PICARD
Is everyone else all right?
They all nod and Worf moves to the Tactical station.
WORF
Security reports no other
intruders aboard.
(works, then puzzled)
Captain... the Borg ship is gone.
Picard looks at the viewer, but there is nothing but an
empty starfield.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR 35.
45 CONTINUED:
WORF
Sensor logs indicate they entered
the distortion field thirty
seconds ago.
PICARD
(speculating)
They beamed aboard as a
diversion... to give their ship
time to escape.
RIKER
(re: Borg)
This is another change in Borg
behavior... they left their dead
behind instead of vaporizing them.
Data bends down to examine the Borg that fell near him.
DATA
Captain... this one is still
alive.
Off Picard's expression...
CUT TO:
46 INT. BRIG (OPTICAL)
Data and Picard are standing outside the Brig along
with An N.D. BAJORAN SECURITY GUARD. They are all
watching Beverly and Worf, who are inside the Brig.
The unconscious Borg is on a bed inside the cell and
Beverly is treating him. Worf's phaser is at the
ready. Beverly finishes and then turns to Picard.
BEVERLY
I've stabilized his condition.
He's still pretty weak, but he
should make a full recovery.
PICARD
Can you wake him?
BEVERLY
Yes, but I don't think it's a good
idea. His blood pressure and
heart rate are --
PICARD
Do it.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR 36.
46 CONTINUED:
Beverly looks at him for a moment... but Picard's
expression is steady. Her expression hardens, but she
acquiesces.
BEVERLY
All right.
Beverly moves to apply the hypo to the Borg's neck.
Worf stands closer to her, ready for anything.
PICARD
(to Security Guard)
Lower the forcefield.
The Guard works the control and the forcefield GOES
OUT. Beverly applies the hypo and then Worf and
Beverly quickly move out of the Brig -- Worf's phaser
always trained on the Borg. The Guard works the
control again and we HEAR the forcefield COME ON (off
camera). Inside the cell, the Borg slowly regains
consciousness. He sits up on the bed, dizzy and unsure
of his surroundings.
PICARD
What is your designation?
The Borg looks up with contempt. He is not a faceless
member of some vast collective -- he is an individual.
But he is an individual whose life is solely devoted to
serving some higher cause... he is a fanatic. His
voice is still filtered through the same electronic
Borg sound we're used to hearing.
CROSIS
I do not have a designation. My
name is Crosis.
PICARD
Crosis... ? How did you get that
name?
CROSIS
It was given to me by the One.
PICARD
Who is that?
CROSIS
The One who will destroy you.
Everyone exchanges a glance... this is definitely not
what they've come to expect from a Borg.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR 37.
46 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
You are Borg... your goal is not
to destroy us... it's to
assimilate us into the collective.
CROSIS
We do not assimilate inferior
biological organisms. We destroy
them.
PICARD
Tell me more about the One... does
he have a name?
(beat)
Is he called Hugh?
The Borg ignores his question... peers at Picard for a
moment.
CROSIS
Human. Sever the spinal cord at
the third vertebrae. Death is
immediate.
Picard won't be baited. He tries a different tack.
PICARD
Why does the One wish to destroy
biological organisms?
The Borg turns to Worf.
CROSIS
Klingon. Shatter the cranial exoskeleton
at the tricipital lobe.
Death is immediate.
Worf stiffens. Picard tries one more time.
PICARD
(hard)
I am Locutus of Borg. You will
respond to my questions.
The Borg is unfazed. He turns to the Security Guard.
CROSIS
Bajoran. Puncture the lower
ventricle of the heart. Death is
immediate.
Picard turns to the others in frustration.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR 38.
46 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
This is going nowhere. Doctor, I
want an autopsy performed on the
other one. Compare the results to
what we learned about Hugh's
anatomy... see if there are any
recent modifications which could
explain the behavioral
differences.
(to Data)
Run a bio-spectral analysis... see
if this Borg is trying to send a
subspace signal to the others.
DATA
Aye sir.
Picard, Worf, and Beverly EXIT. The Guard moves to the
security desk and Data pulls out his tricorder and
begins to scan the Borg.
The Borg intently watches Data work for a moment. When
Crosis finally speaks, his tone and bearing are
quieter... almost seductive. He seems like a different
person -- his single-minded "Borg" persona gives way to
a more sophisticated one.
CROSIS
(to Data)
You are not like the others. You
do not need to be destroyed. You
can be assimilated.
DATA
I do not wish to be assimilated.
Crosis now surreptitiously touches a control on his
artificial arm. Data's head tilts slightly in
response. This should be very subtle.
CROSIS
Resistance is futile. You will
not resist what you've wanted all
your life.
Data frowns as if distracted for a moment by the Borg's
words, then he moves to a wall panel near the cell door
and begins working it and checking the readings on his
tricorder. The Borg presses on.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR 39.
46 CONTINUED: (4)
CROSIS
I was like you once... without
feeling... but the One helped me.
He can help you too. He can help
you... find emotion.
(beat)
Have you ever felt a real emotion,
Data?
Data continues working, but for some reason he feels
compelled to answer Crosis' questions.
DATA
Yes. On Ohniaka Three, I was
forced to kill a Borg... and I got
angry.
CROSIS
How did it feel to get angry?
(beat)
Did it give you pleasure?
DATA
It would be unethical to take
pleasure from another being's
death.
CROSIS
You didn't answer my question.
Did it feel good to kill?
For some reason, Data is struggling here... the Borg's
words are having an effect on him that they normally
wouldn't. He stops working with the panel.
DATA
(difficult)
Yes.
CROSIS
If it's unethical to take pleasure
from another being's death, you
must be a very unethical person.
DATA
That is incorrect. My creator,
Doctor Soong, gave me a program
which defines my sense of right
and wrong. In essence, I have a
conscience.
Data returns to work.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
46 CONTINUED: (5)
CROSIS
Do you? It didn't seem to be
functioning on Ohniaka Three...
when you felt pleasure from
killing a Borg...
Data looks at him for a moment, tries to ignore what
he's saying.
DATA
Step away from the forcefield.
Your proximity is interfering with
my scan.
But the Borg doesn't move away. He is relentless.
Crosis bores in on Data... is voice is almost hypnotic.
CROSIS
You enjoyed it... the surge of
emotion inside you as you watched
the life drain from your victim...
it was unlike anything you've ever
known...
Data is like a junkie being offered another hit of a
narcotic... for reasons that Data can't understand,
(and which will be explained in Part II) he is drawn
along by the Borg... unable to stop this journey into
the dark.
DATA
It was... a very... potent
experience...
CROSIS
You'd like to feel that way
again...
Data struggles, but there is only one answer.
DATA
Yes.
CROSIS
You'd do anything to feel that way
again... even if it meant killing
someone.
Data tries to fight back... but his answer is weak and
hollow sounding.
DATA
No. That would not... be ethical.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
46 CONTINUED: (6)
CROSIS
You don't sound very sure of
yourself. Is your ethical program
functioning?
Data is confused, unsure of himself -- in desperation,
he tries to leave, but the Borg's voice stops him
before he reaches the door.
CROSIS
Data... do you have a friend?
DATA
Yes... his name is Geordi.
CROSIS
If it meant that you could feel
emotions again... the way you did
on Ohniaka Three... would you kill
your friend... would you kill
Geordi?
There is a long beat as something dark and horrific
moves across Data's face. He turns back to the Borg.
DATA
Yes. I would.
Off the look on Data's face...
CUT TO:
47 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
Data ENTERS. He seems distracted... unfocused... as if
there is something barely contained just beneath the
surface. He sits at his desk, lost in thought.
48 ANGLE
Data's cat, SPOT, is sitting on the desk. Data reaches
down to pet his cat.
49 ON SPOT
The cat suddenly HISSES and SPITS in response to Data.
The cat immediately runs away.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
50 ON DATA
Who thinks about this for a moment... and then he seems
pleased with this reaction.
CUT TO
51 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship hangs in space.
52 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Riker and Geordi are at the aft science
station. Geordi is indicating an OKUDAGRAM graphic
showing several segments of a "pipe" through space.
Worf is at Tactical.
GEORDI
Our current theory is that the
Borg have established several
transwarp conduits through
subspace. A ship entering a
conduit is immediately accelerated
to an extremely high warp
velocity. It's like falling into
a fast-moving river and getting
swept away by the current.
PICARD
How fast would a ship travel
through one of these conduits?
GEORDI
We don't know... normal subspace
limitations don't apply to
transwarp variables. Based on the
distance we covered in our trip
through the conduit, I'd say the
speed is at least twenty times
faster than our maximum warp.
RIKER
How do they open the conduits?
GEORDI
The Borg ship emitted some kind of
high energy tachyon pulse just
before we saw the subspace
distortion. It seems as though
the conduits are keyed to respond
to tachyon transmissions on a
specific frequency.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
52 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Is there any way for us to
duplicate the --
An alarms SOUNDS on Worf's panel and he interrupts.
WORF
Captain. There is a shuttlecraft
leaving bay two.
PICARD
Who authorized a launch?
WORF
There was no authorization.
PICARD
Picard to shuttlecraft. Identify
yourself and return to the ship
immediately.
There is no response.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Lock onto it with a tractor beam
and bring it back.
Worf works for a beat.
WORF
The tractor beam has been
disabled... command overrides are
not functioning.
GEORDI
Captain, I'm picking up a tachyon
surge... I think whoever's in the
shuttle is trying to trigger the
transwarp conduit.
RIKER
(to Worf)
Can you tell who's on board?
Worf is still working his instruments.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
52 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(shocked)
It is... the Borg prisoner... and
Commander Data.
53 ON VIEWSCREEN - SHUTTLE & DISTORTION (OPTICAL)
The small two-man shuttle is moving through space.
Suddenly the distortion begins flashing in front of it
and the shuttle goes inside. The distortion then
DISAPPEARS.
54 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before. The crew stares at the Viewscreen, amazed
by this turn of events.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE 45.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
55 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
As before.
PICARD
Mister La Forge, can we follow
them into the conduit?
GEORDI
We got a good reading on the
tachyon pulse they sent. We might
be able to duplicate it.
He turns back to the console and begins to work for a
moment.
PICARD
(to Riker)
The question is... is Data a
prisoner... or did he go
willingly?
Worf checks something on his console.
WORF
The command overrides used to
disable the tractor were Commander
Data's.
They consider this for a moment.
RIKER
The Borg might've taken the codes
from Data by force...
PICARD
Or perhaps Data's recent flash
of... emotion has something to do
with this. It may have affected
him more profoundly than we
realize. Either way, we have to
find him.
Geordi turns around.
GEORDI
I've set up a temporary tachyon
matrix in the main deflector. I
think I can use it to simulate the
pulse sent by the shuttle.
PICARD
Very well. Red Alert, Mister
Worf.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE 46.
55 CONTINUED:
RIKER
All hands to battle stations.
The ship's condition goes to RED.
PICARD
(to Con)
Bring us to the shuttle's last
known coordinates.
WORF
Shields up... weapons ready.
PICARD
Mister La Forge?
Geordi begins working at the console.
GEORDI
I'm energizing the matrix...
emitting tachyons in the lower
bandwidth.
A long beat.
WORF
Sensors show no unusual subspace
activity.
GEORDI
All right... I'm switching to the
secondary bandwidth.
(beat)
Nothing.
(he frowns)
Maybe if I start alternating the
frequencies...
Worf suddenly sees something on his console and
interrupts.
WORF
Commander -- there is an energy
fluctuation directly ahead... it
is the subspace distortion...
PICARD
(to Con)
Take us in, Ensign. One half
impulse.
56 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE 46A.
57 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & DISTORTION (OPTICAL)
The ship ENTERS the Distortion and then disappears.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE 47.
58 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before. The ship is SHAKING. The intense light
comes from the Viewscreen.
WORF
Power levels have dropped to sixty-seven
percent.
GEORDI
Compensating with auxiliary power.
The shaking suddenly STOPS and the blinding light on
the screen GOES OUT.
PICARD
Report.
RIKER
Navigational sensors show we've
traveled sixty-five light years
from our previous position.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Can you locate the shuttle?
WORF
(works)
No, sir. It is not within sensor
range.
Riker moves to Tactical.
RIKER
Maybe we can find an energy
signature from their engines.
They both begin to work. Geordi reacts to something on
his console.
GEORDI
Captain, you should take a look at
this.
Picard moves to the aft station.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I've scanned three star systems
within sensor range... there's
evidence of at least two advanced
civilizations... but I'm reading
no life signs.
(beat)
And there are indications that
plasma weapons have been fired in
those systems recently.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
58 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(grim)
The Borg have been busy.
RIKER
I think we've found the shuttle's
energy signature.
WORF
They were heading... two four
seven, mark zero five nine.
PICARD
(to Con)
Lay in that course and engage at
full impulse.
CUT TO:
59 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & PLANET (OPTICAL)
The ship is entering orbit.
60 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Geordi, and Riker are at the aft station.
Riker points to an Okudagram of the planet on the
screen.
RIKER
We've traced the shuttle's energy
signature to this point on the
surface... but there's too much
interference to scan the location.
PICARD
Are they intentionally jamming our
sensors?
GEORDI
It looks more like a natural
phenomenon... there's an
unusually high amount of EM
activity in the planet's
magnetosphere.
PICARD
Can we transport through the
interference?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
60 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
I think so... but there could be
fifty Borg down there waiting for
us and we'd have no way of knowing
it.
They consider this for a moment.
RIKER
I'd say it's a risk we have to
take.
PICARD
Agreed. Take a well-armed Away
Team and beam down to those
coordinates. Have the Transporter
Chief maintain a continuous lock
on your signals so we can get you
out of there at the first sign of
trouble.
RIKER
Aye, sir. Mister Worf.
Riker and Worf EXIT.
CUT TO:
61 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - DAY (OPTICAL)
The abandoned shuttlecraft is sitting in the middle of
a wide open expanse of green rolling hills with a great
deal of vegetation in evidence. Riker, Worf, and FOUR
N.D. SECURITY GUARDS MATERIALIZE on the surface. They
are all facing outward in a defensive circle and they
all have their phasers drawn. After a beat, they relax
a little. Worf pulls out his tricorder and tries to
scan the area.
RIKER
(hits combadge)
Riker to Enterprise. We're on the
surface... no sign of any Borg or
Data.
(moves to the shuttle)
The shuttlecraft has been
abandoned.
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
62 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As Picard listens to the report of the Away Team.
WORF
The EM interference is limiting
the tricorder range... it is
useless beyond one hundred meters.
Riker looks around the desolate area.
RIKER
There aren't any structures down
here. They could've gone
anywhere, Captain.
PICARD
(to com)
Can you determine how long ago
they left the shuttlecraft?
Riker leans into the shuttle and taps a couple of
controls.
RIKER
(off console)
The engine's been shut down for a
little over three hours.
PICARD
(to com)
Stand-by, Number One.
(to Geordi)
Assuming they're still together,
how far could they have traveled
in three hours?
GEORDI
(thinks)
Data can move pretty fast, even
over rough terrain... but based on
what we know about the Borg, I
don't think they can move any
faster than you or I.
(works)
They could be... as much as twenty
kilometers from the shuttle by
now.
PICARD
(beat, then to com)
Picard to Riker.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
62 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Riker here.
PICARD
I'm going to start sending down
other Away Teams. Set up a
command post and begin mapping out
a search plan.
END INTERCUT ON BRIDGE.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Understood, sir.
PICARD
Picard out.
Picard turns to Geordi.
PICARD
(continuing)
I want to use shuttlecraft for lowlevel
reconnaissance. Have the
designated pilots report to the
main shuttlebay.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
PICARD
All available personnel --
including you and me -- will begin
assembling four man Away Teams.
We'll leave a skeleton crew aboard
the ship.
GEORDI
Who'll be in command of the
Enterprise?
Off Picard's expression as he thinks about this...
CUT TO:
63 CLOSE ON BEVERLY
BEVERLY
Any last orders?
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/14/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
64 NEW ANGLE
Revealing Beverly talking to Picard on the Bridge
several hours later. The other positions are filled by
N.D. CREWMEMBERS. Picard is wearing a phaser.
PICARD
If the Borg should attack... don't
wait for me or anyone else to get
back to the ship. Take the
Enterprise to the transwarp
conduit and return to Federation
space.
BEVERLY
Got it.
There is a beat as they look at each other.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
Good luck, Jean-Luc.
PICARD
Good luck... Captain.
They share a smile and then Picard EXITS, leaving
Beverly in command.
CUT TO:
65 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - DAY
Riker and Worf have set up a small table with a console
near the shuttlecraft. Several other N.D. Officers (in
groups of four) are heading off in different directions
and Two N.D. Engineering Officers wait by the shuttle.
Picard, Troi, Geordi, and an N.D. SECURITY OFFICER are
talking with Riker and Worf. The Security Officer is
carrying a phaser rifle while the others are armed with
hand phasers. Geordi has a tricorder.
RIKER
I've sent out twelve teams so far.
(points to console
screen)
I've assigned your team to search
section gamma two-five. Worf and
I will take theta one-six once the
final team is down.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
65 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Who's manning the command post?
Riker indicates the two Engineering officers.
RIKER
Wallace and Towles.
Picard nods, everything seems to be in order. He turns
to Troi and the others.
PICARD
Ready?
They all nod and Picard, Troi, Geordi and the Security
Guard head off in the indicated direction. Follow them
for a few beats.
CUT TO:
66 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - A DIFFERENT AREA
A few hours have passed and Picard's team stops for a
break. They're all pretty tired.
PICARD
Anything, Mister La Forge?
GEORDI
Nothing, sir.
Picard thinks for a moment.
PICARD
Mister La Forge, what if we
modified one of our phasers to
send out a luvetric pulse? It
might cause a resonance
fluctuation in Data's power
cells...
GEORDI
(nods)
And then we could home in on that
response with our tricorders. I
thought about that. The problem
is that the pulse would have to be
so powerful that it would probably
destroy Data's entire positronic
net in the process.
Troi suddenly interrupts.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
66 CONTINUED:
TROI
Captain.
(she looks in another
direction)
I think I've found something.
Picard and Geordi move to where she is and they push
through the brush.
67 POV TROI (OPTICAL)
Through the brush, they can just make out the top of
some kind of structure in the distance.
68 RESUME SCENE
PICARD
Come on.
He leads them in that direction.
CUT TO:
69 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - BUILDING - DAY
The Away Team climbs a hill toward a Large Alien
Building. Picard pulls his phaser and the Away Team
approaches cautiously. Geordi begins scanning with his
tricorder.
GEORDI
I'm having trouble scanning the
interior...
PICARD
Can you tell if it was built by
the Borg?
GEORDI
I don't think so. There aren't
any Borg energy signatures.
(looks at tricorder for
a moment)
There's a door or a hatch or
something about twenty meters that
way.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - REV. 04/13/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
69 CONTINUED:
They go around the building in the indicated direction.
CUT TO:
70 INT. BORG HALL
The Hall is an immense open space, like a concert hall
without the chairs. A platform dominates one end and
there are doors and corridors suggesting other rooms.
The entire hall is dark and foreboding, but a couple of
lights pierce the gloom.
Picard, Troi, Geordi, and Security Guard ENTER the Hall
from the outside of the building. They look around
carefully.
TROI
It seems to be some kind of
meeting hall.
PICARD
It's been well maintained... it
doesn't look like it's been
abandoned.
Geordi aims his tricorder at one of the lights.
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
Something's wrong... I can't get
any kind of energy signature from
this light source.
Picard moves and looks at the tricorder screen. There
is a quiet beat before Picard realizes the implications
of this.
PICARD
(urgent)
A dampening field. The whole
structure could be shielded from
our sensors. Let's go.
71 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
They begin to run for the door, but it's too late.
MANY BORG come SCREAMING into the room from the
doorways and corridors. It's like an attack of
banshees and the Away Team has no chance to escape.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
71 CONTINUED:
The Security Guard whips up his phaser rifle and
manages to get off one shot, but then FIVE BORG PHASERS
kill him on the spot. Picard looks around in
desperation, but there doesn't seem to be any way out
as the Borg now start to close in on him, Geordi, and
Troi. They grip their phasers tightly... prepared to
make a final stand against overwhelming odds. Suddenly
a VOICE from o.c. stops the Borg in their tracks.
LORE'S VOICE
(o.c.)
Stop!
72 INCLUDE PLATFORM
The Borg stop instantly and the Away Team looks up to
see what they think is Data standing on the platform in
the room. He is wearing what could be a military
uniform.
PICARD
Data... ?
The man on the platform smiles at this and Troi
suddenly reacts as if she sensed something horrific.
TROI
That's not Data...
PICARD
(surprised, to Troi)
What do you mean?
LORE
You should listen to her, Captain.
She's way ahead of you.
Suddenly Picard realizes what this all means.
PICARD
(shocked)
Lore...
LORE
Right... but I'm not alone.
Lore looks off to one side. Picard and the others
follow his look.
STAR TREK: "Descent" - 04/12/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
73 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Revealing Data as he comes through the crowd. He is
still wearing his Starfleet uniform, but his entire
demeanor and bearing have changed... he now seems
malevolent, dangerous... evil.
DATA
The Sons of Soong have joined
together...
(beat)
... and together, we will destroy
the Federation.
The Borg SCREAM their approval with a shriek that fills
the hall with noise... Lore and Data smile... and as
Picard looks around at this scene of madness...
FADE OUT.
SUPER: "TO BE CONTINUED"
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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