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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Interface"
#40277-255
Written by
Joe Menosky
Directed by
Robert Wiemer
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1993 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
JULY 14, 1993
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/16/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Interface"
CAST
PICARD ADMIRAL HOLT
RIKER DOCTOR LA FORGE
DATA SILVA LA FORGE
BEVERLY
TROI
WORF
GEORDI
Non-Speaking
N.D. CREWMEMBERS
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/16/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Interface"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
JEFFERIES TUBE
LAB
BRIDGE
READY ROOM
GEORDI'S QUARTERS
BEVERLY'S OFFICE
DATA'S QUARTERS
SICKBAY
TROI'S OFFICE
OBS LOUNGE
SCIENCE SHIP
ENGINEERING
CORRIDOR
AUXILARY CONTROL
ENGINEERING
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Interface"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
DOOSODARIANS doo-so-DAIR-ee-nz
HERA HAIR-uh
LACUNAE luh-KOO-nye
MARINE muh-RAIN
PALIO PAL-ee-oh
RAMAN Ruh-MAHN
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: The Next Generation
"Interface"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE
GEORDI is rushing up a ladder in the tube. The RED
ALERT CLAXON is sounding around him -- this is clearly
an emergency. He is wearing his Starfleet uniform, but
not his VISOR; his eyes are not clouded and his temple
inputs aren't in place.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(concerned)
Geordi... Have you found it yet?
GEORDI
Not yet...
He reaches a point where tendrils of SMOKE start to
appear from up ahead.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Starting to get fumes... Ammonia,
fluorine, potassium cyanide...
Geordi continues through the smoke -- starts COUGHING.
2 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Close on Riker's face as he reacts with concern to
Geordi's cough.
3 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Geordi stops coughing, continues climbing.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I can feel the heat from here.
He reaches a horizontal juncture and sees the fire down
the tube.
GEORDI
(continuing)
There it is!
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - TEASER 1A.
3 CONTINUED:
He enters the horizontal tube and starts toward the
fire.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER 2.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER'S COM VOICE
How far?
GEORDI
About ten meters. Along the ODN
line. It's hot -- over two
thousand degrees.
(beat)
I'm going in.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Geordi, wait.
Incredibly, Geordi goes RIGHT INTO THE BLAZE; he
crosses to a panel and works some controls. We watch
for several incredible seconds as Geordi works,
seemingly impervious to the violent flames...
He trips a control and a plume of gas erupts, putting
out the fire.
GEORDI
We're okay... I've activated the
emergency supression system.
The walls of the room are streaked with black.
4 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
GEORDI
(continuing)
It's under control.
Geordi is hooked up to a complex INTERFACE UNIT, a
sleek headpiece that connects to his VISOR terminals..
He is wearing a body-suit, with a half-dozen blinking
nodes at points that correspond to his meridians.
There is a complex control and monitoring console
several feet away.
DATA is monitoring the interface unit on Geordi's body;
BEVERLY is studying the console; RIKER is standing by,
watching Geordi.
BEVERLY
(off console)
All his vital functions are
completely normal.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER 3.
4 CONTINUED:
DATA
The interface unit is operating
within expected parameters.
RIKER
Why did he start coughing when he
went through the gasses?
BEVERLY
(shrugs)
Psychosomatic response.
When Geordi speaks, he obviously can't see his
colleagues, since his eyes are covered. So his voice
has a certain removed quality, as if talking to them
from a distance.
GEORDI
I feel like I'm actually here...
I mean there -- in the Jefferies
tube. I saw the smoke and I
couldn't help coughing.
DATA
No one else has reported so
complete a sensory experience.
BEVERLY
The interface is perfect for
Geordi because his VISOR inputs
allow the probe to transmit
information directly into his
cerebral cortex.
Riker nods his understanding.
RIKER
It looks like this is going to
work. Let's get the probe out of
the Jefferies tube and into the
launch bay before we reach Marijne
Seven.
GEORDI
Will do...
5 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE - CONTINUOUS
Geordi goes to start down the tube ladder, but he has
trouble placing his foot on the lower rung.
GEORDI
Something's wrong. I'm having
trouble controlling my left leg.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER 4.
6 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Geordi's left thigh appears to be twitching slightly.
RIKER
(to Beverly)
What is it?
Beverly is studying the interface monitor.
BEVERLY
The probe is designed to respond
to the movements Geordi intends to
make -- when his brain sends a
message to move his leg, the
interface moves the probe instead.
DATA
Apparently the gain on the tactile
sensors is too low; I will
increase the input.
Data makes an adjustment and Geordi's leg stops
twitching.
GEORDI
There it goes.
7 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE - CONTINUOUS
Geordi successfully plants his left foot in the ladder
rung and starts down the tube.
GEORDI
I'm on my way down.
7A INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Riker is eyeing the apparatus.
RIKER
Why the body-suit?
DATA
It provides tactile sensations so
that Geordi will feel as if he is
in the same environment as the
probe.
Riker nods.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - TEASER 4A.
7B INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS
as Geordi leaves the Jefferies tube and crosses past
the pool table, he sees something offscreen that
startles him.
8 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Geordi has the same startled look on his face.
BEVERLY
What's wrong?
Geordi smiles, relaxes.
GEORDI
Nothing...
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - TEASER 5.
9 INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Geordi is looking at "his" reflection in a glass panel --
only it's not him looking back. He sees THE PROBE --
a two-foot long metallic CYLINDER. Tiny force beams --
like pencil-thin needles of light -- project constantly
from its surface, sweeping over everything around it.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I just saw my reflection in a
panel.
(wry)
I forgot what a handsome guy I am.
Off Geordi's smile...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
10 EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit above a huge, greenish, Neptune-like planet.
The swirling, violent quality of its atmosphere can be
seen even from here.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 47215.5.
We are responding to a distress
call from the science vessel
Raman, which is apparently trapped
inside the turbulent atmosphere of
an unusual gas giant planet. We
will use an experimental interface
probe in our attempt to rescue it.
11 INT. BRIDGE
Worf and the CON officer are at their posts.
PICARD ENTERS from his Ready Room and heads for the aft
science station where Riker, Data and Geordi are
working.
They're looking at an OKUDAGRAM that shows a cross-section
of the atmospheric layers of the planet. The
science ship is marked in one of the middle layers.
DATA
I have reviewed the vessel's
mission plans. The Raman was to
descend to the lower atmosphere,
eleven thousand kilometers below
its current position...
Data indicates two atmospheric layers deeper.
DATA
(continuing)
The crew was to sample the
atmosphere at that level, and then
return to a safer orbit.
Data indicates a position much higher than the ship's
present location.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT ONE 7.
11 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Something must have happened down
there. Maybe the shields failed,
or they had an inversion reaction
in the nacelles.
Picard nods.
PICARD
Any life signs?
GEORDI
Our bio-sensors are useless --
there's too much interference in
the atmosphere.
RIKER
The crew might still be alive.
But we'll never be able to tell
from up here.
PICARD
Will the probe be able to transmit
through the interference?
DATA
The probe sends information via a
focused particle beam that should
be able to cut through the
interference.
GEORDI
But we may have to operate the
interface at near tolerance
levels.
PICARD
Will your nervous system be able
to handle that much sensory input?
GEORDI
(nods)
We've tested the interface at up
to seventy percent of tolerance.
RIKER
There shouldn't be a problem going
higher -- the safety override will
kick in at ninety-eight percent
tolerance and disengage the
interface.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 8.
12 INCLUDE WORF
as he glances up from his console.
WORF
Captain, I am receiving a
transmission from Starfleet
Command -- Admiral Holt.
Picard looks up at Worf, a little surprised at the
message.
PICARD
In my Ready Room.
Picard stands, turns back to the others.
PICARD
(continuing)
The seven people on that ship are
our first priority. Is the probe
ready for launch?
DATA
Yes, Sir.
PICARD
Send it directly to the aft
section of the Raman, through the
secondary air lock. That'll put
it one bulkhead away from the
Bridge.
GEORDI
I'll interface with the probe as
soon as it's in place and take it
in the rest of the way.
PICARD
Make it so.
Riker stays at the console, Geordi and Data start for
the Turbolift.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 9.
13 FOLLOW PICARD
as he crosses the Bridge and goes into the Ready Room.
14 INT. READY ROOM - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Picard steps around to the monitor on his desk.
PICARD
Onscreen.
ADMIRAL HOLT appears on the small screen. Picard
smiles -- they are on familiar terms.
PICARD
(continuing)
Hello, Marcus.
ADMIRAL HOLT
Jean-Luc.
The Admiral returns the smile, but it's a little
forced.
PICARD
How's life on DS-Three?
ADMIRAL HOLT
We're hosting this year's palio.
The Ferengi have already been
accused of trying to bribe the
Breen pilot into throwing the
race...
Picard smiles.
PICARD
Nothing unusual about that.
ADMIRAL HOLT
(nodding)
Nothing at all...
A beat. The Admiral's face becomes serious.
ADMIRAL HOLT
(continuing)
I wish I could say I was just
calling to catch up on things.
(beat)
Nine days ago, the Hera left here
on a routine courier mission. We
were in contact with them for five
of those days. Then the ship
disappeared without a trace.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT ONE 10.
14 CONTINUED:
Picard reacts strongly.
PICARD
The Hera?
ADMIRAL HOLT
I'm afraid so.
A long silent beat.
ADMIRAL HOLT
The Excelsior and the Noble have
spent the last seventy-two hours
retracing its course. Nothing.
I'm going to keep them at it for
seventy-two more.
(beat)
But to be honest, I don't think
another week would make any
difference.
Picard nods. Another long beat.
PICARD
I'll tell Commander La Forge...
OFF Picard's grim face.
15 INT. LAB
Geordi is fiddling with the interface console as Data
is applying a pen-like instrument to the interface
unit, checking everything out.
The door opens and Picard steps over to where the pair
is working.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT ONE 11.
15 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Mister Data, I need a word with
Commander La Forge.
DATA
Yes, Sir.
(to Geordi)
I will be on the Bridge.
Picard waits for Data to go out the door, then turns
back to Geordi.
PICARD
I've just spoken to Starfleet.
(gently)
The Hera is missing.
Geordi is stunned.
GEORDI
Missing... ?
Picard nods. Geordi then asks the question to which he
already seems to know the answer.
GEORDI
What about my mother... ?
PICARD
Captain La Forge has disappeared
along with the rest of her crew...
Geordi nods. OFF his grave expression.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 12.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
16 INT. GEORDI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Geordi is watching a message on the monitor from
CAPTAIN SILVA LA FORGE, Geordi's mother. She is
dressed in a red Starfleet uniform.
SILVA LA FORGE
-- I saw your father last week and
your sister about ten days before
that. I decided I missed my
favorite son...
Geordi smiles sadly at the inside joke.
GEORDI
(quietly to himself)
Your only son, Mom...
SILVA LA FORGE
(continuing)
You're going to have to see the
Hera again. We've got a lot of
new faces on board. Including a
chief engineer who juices up the
nacelles every chance she gets.
I think she's the best technician
in the fleet.
(smiles)
Okay, second best.
Geordi smiles to himself. The door suddenly CHIMES.
Geordi touches a control and FREEZES the recording of
his mother.
GEORDI
Come in...
The door opens and Riker steps inside the room. He
pauses when he sees the still frame of Geordi's mother
on the monitor.
RIKER
I didn't mean to interrupt.
GEORDI
Don't worry about it.
Geordi touches the console and the message continues.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 13.
16 CONTINUED:
SILVA LA FORGE
Maybe you should meet her. We're
going to be in the same sector
next week. Take a shuttle over
and I'll introduce you.
GEORDI
(to Riker)
Mom's always trying to find me a
wife.
SILVA LA FORGE
But if you're too busy, I'll see
you at your father's birthday
party. Remember, if you talk to
him -- it's a surprise.
She puts her finger to her lips in the "shush"
position. The message ends with the insignia of
Starfleet across the screen.
GEORDI
(to Riker)
This came in about three weeks
ago.
(beat)
I never got back to her...
RIKER
(gently)
Geordi, the probe has entered the
planet's atmosphere. I'm ready to
move it inside the ship.
(beat)
If you want to take a couple of
days off, I'll run the interface.
GEORDI
The interface is calibrated
specifically for my VISOR inputs.
You'd need at least ten hours to
convert it. Those crewmen down
there can't wait...
RIKER
The interface doesn't have to be
fully compatible. I could use it
right now. I wouldn't have the
control you'd have, but it would
still work.
Geordi reacts a little too strongly.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 14.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
Forget it. I'm the best one for
the job, and there's no reason not
to go ahead as planned.
RIKER
(gently)
The Hera is reason enough.
GEORDI
The Hera is missing. That's all.
Until I hear something more, my
mother might just as well have
taken the crew on an unscheduled
holiday.
Geordi stands.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Let's go.
He heads for the door. OFF the concern on Riker's face
as he turns to follow.
17 INT. BRIDGE
Worf is at tactical, Riker is at aft science, Picard is
in his seat, and various N.D.s are at other posts.
Riker turns from his console.
RIKER
Sir, the probe is through the
airlock and in position aboard the
Raman.
Picard acknowledges with a nod.
PICARD
Picard to Commander Data. Report.
18 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Geordi is wearing the interface helmet; Data is
adjusting it and Beverly is working at a nearby
monitor.
DATA
(to Com)
We are ready to bring the
interface on line.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 15.
18 CONTINUED:
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Proceed.
DATA
Activating the remote sensors...
Data works the controls.
DATA
(continuing)
Initiating interface... now.
Data turns to Geordi, whose face changes, as if he's
suddenly somewhere else.
BEVERLY
(off monitor)
Vital signs normal... How do you
feel, Geordi?
It takes Geordi a beat to answer.
GEORDI
Fine...
DATA
Do you have visual contact?
19 CLOSE IN ON GEORDI'S FACE
He answers as if from far away.
GEORDI
Not yet...
DISSOLVE TO:
20 INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR - GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)
Everything is dark, murky.
GEORDI'S VOICE
Increase the input signal, Data.
I'm not seeing anything...
DATA
Acknowledged.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 16.
20 CONTINUED:
A beat. Suddenly, the darkness clears -- we see the
corridor, mysteriously lit and clouded with tendrils of
gas. But everything is in BLACK & WHITE.
21 INT. LAB
Geordi's face suddenly becomes animated.
GEORDI
I can see. But no colors.
DATA
Increasing signal strength of
seventy-five percent of tolerance.
Data works the controls on the console.
22 INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR - GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)
As before in Black & White. Suddenly, the scene
becomes COLORED, and we can see the glare from the Red
Alert.
23 ON GEORDI
standing in the corridor, looking around (the same
convention we used when he was using the probe to fight
the fire in the Teaser).
GEORDI
That's better.
BEVERLY'S VOICE
Your pulse has gone up...
24 INT. LAB
Beverly is watching the monitor.
BEVERLY
It might take your nervous system
a little while to get used to this
input level.
GEORDI
I'm excited, that's all. This is
like being on a roller coaster.
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 17.
25 INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR
GEORDI
(continuing)
Or a first date... Everything's
okay.
BEVERLY'S VOICE
(lightly)
I'll be the judge of that, Geordi.
If your heart rate goes too high,
we'll disconnect you.
GEORDI
Understood. But don't pull the
plug yet...
A beat as he continues to look around.
GEORDI
(continuing)
It's a mess in here. There must
be a hull breach somewhere. I'm
picking up atmospheric gasses
inside the corridor -- methane and
ammonia primarily.
Geordi starts slowly to walk up the corridor.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm heading toward the Bridge.
He continues for a few silent beats. As he goes, the
fumes increase.
GEORDI
(continuing)
It's getting worse the closer I
get. The break in the hull might
be on the Bridge itself.
He rounds a corner, sees a collapsed piece of material --
and a body beneath it.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I found somebody!
DATA'S VOICE
What is your position?
Geordi hurries forward.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT TWO 18.
25 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
About twelve meters up the main
corridor! A section of the
bulkhead collapsed on top of him.
Geordi reaches the trapped crew member and puts both
hands underneath the bulkhead material.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I can't move it. I need more
power to the tractor beams.
26 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Data looks over to Beverly to see if he should comply
with Geordi's request. She checks Geordi's vital signs
for a beat, then nods a cautious go ahead.
BEVERLY
Go to eighty percent of tolerance --
no higher.
Data nods and works the controls.
27 INT. SCIENCE SHIP CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Suddenly, Geordi's hands move strongly upwards,
removing the fallen material and casting it aside. He
bends down to investigate the crew member.
GEORDI
He looks pretty bad.
Geordi places his hands on both sides of the man's
neck.
GEORDI
(continuing)
He's dead.
He goes a couple of meters up the corridor to a heavy
door. He tries to open it but can't.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Data, the door halfway down the
left corridor... what's it lead
to?
DATA'S VOICE
A magnetic storage bay.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT TWO 19.
27 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(nods)
If there was a breach on the
Bridge, that would be the safest
place to go.
He sees a control panel next to the door, gets an idea.
Geordi holds a hand out in front of him, palm up.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Data, I need a phaser burst. Wide
focus, level four intensity.
The control panel is hit by a sudden burst of phasers
from Geordi's hand -- it sparks and the door slides
open, revealing the storage bay behind it.
Geordi steps inside, sees six bodies.
GEORDI
I've found them!
Geordi gets closer, checks one of the bodies.
GEORDI
(continuing)
They're dead... all of them.
Suddenly FLAMES flash up directly in front of Geordi.
GEORDI
(continuing)
There's a fire in here...
The flames suddenly leap out at him... Geordi
instinctively raises his hands to shield his face, and
when the flames make contact with his palms he cries
out in pain. The flames seem to advance on him, and he
swats at them, again crying out on contact.
28 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
And again -- Geordi cries out in pain.
BEVERLY
Data! Disconnect him!
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT TWO 20.
28 CONTINUED:
Data quickly hits some controls and Geordi's face loses
its grimace.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
What happened?
GEORDI
(dazed)
I don't know... My hands...
Geordi slowly brings up his hands -- his palms are
burned.
BEVERLY
(stunned)
They're burned...
OFF everyone's reactions.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT THREE 21-21A
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
29 EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit above the huge, greenish planet.
30 INT. SICKBAY
Geordi has both hands inside a small clear BOX that is
bathing his burns in a blue light. His wounds are
partially healed and he's still wearing the interface
suit. Picard and Beverly are standing around him.
PICARD
How did this happen?
BEVERLY
There was some kind of energy
discharge in the interface suit.
PICARD
Shouldn't the safety over-rides
have prevented that?
BEVERLY
Yes... but I have a theory why
they didn't.
Picard nods that she continue.
BEVERLY
The tolerance levels on the
interface were set extremely high.
I think Geordi's neural response
to the input was so strong that it
created a feedback loop.
Geordi pulls a hand from the burn-box and looks at the
sensors that attach to his his hands.
GEORDI
The sensors that were transmitting
the sensation of heat to my hands
must've overloaded.
Picard considers for a moment.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 22.
30 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
I know it seems hard to believe,
but the probe was sending huge
amounts of sensory data directly
into Geordi's brain. The
tolerance levels on the interface
were set extremely high.
Picard nods -- if his experts are telling him it's
possible, that's good enough for him.
PICARD
The Raman's crew is dead. I'd
like to retrieve their vessel, but
not if it means risking Geordi's
safety.
GEORDI
If we turn down the sensory input
from the probe, I should be fine.
Geordi sees that Picard is still unsure.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Seven people lost their lives down
there... we should at least
retrieve the data they were
collecting. Otherwise their
deaths won't have any meaning.
Geordi's response is a little too emphatic. Picard and
Beverly exchange glances -- clearly recent events are
making Geordi feel strongly about this.
PICARD
Doctor?
Beverly considers for a beat.
BEVERLY
If we operate the interface at
lower input levels, I'd say the
risk is acceptable.
PICARD
Alright.
(touches combadge)
Picard to Riker.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker, here.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE 22.
30 CONTINUED:
PICARD
The Raman's crew is dead. I'd
like to retrieve their vessel, but
not if it means risking Geordi's
safety.
GEORDI
If we turn down the sensory input
from the probe, I should be fine.
Geordi sees that Picard is still unsure.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Seven people lost their lives down
there... we should at least
retrieve the data they were
collecting.
Geordi's response is a little too emphatic. Picard and
Beverly exchange glances -- clearly recent events are
making Geordi feel strongly about this.
PICARD
Doctor?
Beverly considers for a beat.
BEVERLY
If we operate the interface at
lower input levels, I'd say the
risk is acceptable.
PICARD
Alright.
(touches combadge)
Picard to Riker.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker, here.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE 22A.
31 INT. BRIDGE - AFT SCIENCE STATION
Riker is at the station.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
I've decided to proceed with the
probe.
RIKER
(to COM)
We'll have to take it into the
Raman's auxiliary control room --
the Bridge is too badly damaged.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
How long before you can get it
into position?
RIKER
A few hours -- we're going to have
to cut through a bulkhead.
32 INT. SICKBAY
As before.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE 23.
32 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Acknowledged.
BEVERLY
(to Geordi)
Looks like you'll have some time
to recuperate.
Geordi nods.
GEORDI
There's something I need to do
anyway.
33 INT. GEORDI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Geordi is watching his father, DOCTOR LA FORGE, on the
small monitor. Doctor La Forge is wearing science
blue, and has three pips on his collar.
GEORDI
How are you, Dad?
DOCTOR LA FORGE
As well as expected, given the
circumstances. Are you okay?
GEORDI
Yeah...
His father nods. A beat.
DOCTOR LA FORGE
I talked to your sister this
morning. She said she'd get in
touch with you in a few days.
Right now she's pretty upset.
(beat)
The service for the Hera will
probably be on Vulcan -- most of
the crew was from there. But your
sister and I want to have a
private ceremony --
GEORDI
-- Dad. Don't you think
everybody's jumping the gun here?
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 24.
33 CONTINUED:
GEORDI (Cont'd)
Last I heard, two starships were
still out there looking. They've
found no debris, no residual warp
distortion --
DOCTOR LA FORGE
-- And no ship.
GEORDI
Not yet. That doesn't mean they
won't.
DOCTOR LA FORGE
Starfleet is considering the Hera
lost. The search isn't much more
than a formality at this point.
(beat; quietly)
Geordi, your mother's gone...
Geordi is harsh.
GEORDI
You can think that if you want.
But until I see some hard
evidence, I'm not going to give up
hope.
His father starts to say something, then changes his
mind.
DOCTOR LA FORGE
All right, Geordi. Call me if you
need anything...
Doctor La Forge touches a control and the screen goes
blank.
OFF Geordi's flat expression.
34 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
Data is staring at a blank computer screen. The door
CHIMES.
DATA
Come in.
The door opens and Geordi ENTERS.
GEORDI
Hey, Data. Still working?
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 25.
34 CONTINUED:
Data continues staring at the blank screen, as if
riveted.
DATA
No. I have completed the
adjustments on the interface. I
am now waiting for Commander Riker
to finish moving the probe.
Geordi nods, crosses over toward Data. Data turns to
his friend.
DATA
(continuing)
Do you wish to be comforted?
Geordi reacts a bit negatively to Data's bluntness.
GEORDI
No... I was just passing by.
Wondered what you were up to.
DATA
(re: monitor)
I am using the time to catch up on
my study of poetry.
Geordi steps closer, stares at the blank monitor.
GEORDI
Data, there's nothing on the
screen.
DATA
That is not entirely correct.
While it is true the display is
currently blank, this emptiness
has a poetic meaning. So it
cannot be considered "nothing" as
such.
GEORDI
Says who?
DATA
The ancient Doosodarians. Much of
their poetry contained such
"lacunae" or empty spaces. Often
these pauses measured several days
in length, during which poet and
audience were encouraged to fully
acknowledge the emptiness of the
experience.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 26.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
I remember some lectures at
Starfleet academy that seemed like
that.
A beat as Data considers his friend again.
DATA
Are you certain you do not wish to
talk about your mother?
Geordi again reacts to Data's overly direct manner.
GEORDI
Why do you ask that?
DATA
You are no doubt feeling emotional
distress as a result of her
disappearance. Though you claimed
to be "just passing by," that is
most likely an excuse to start a
conversation about this
uncomfortable subject. Am I
correct?
Geordi overreacts.
GEORDI
Well, no. Sometimes "just passing
by" means "just passing by."
Data thinks about this for a moment.
DATA
Then I apologize for my premature
assumption.
Data turns back to the monitor.
DATA
(continuing)
This particular poem has a lacuna
of forty-seven minutes. You may
experience the emptiness with me
if you wish.
GEORDI
(unsure)
Thanks...
Data and Geordi watch the blank screen for several
silent seconds. Geordi glances at Data who appears
perfectly content to stare at nothing. Geordi scowls.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 27.
34 CONTINUED: (3)
GEORDI
Data, maybe you gave up too fast.
Data turns from the screen -- with some hesitation, as
though very interested in what he was watching.
DATA
I do not understand.
GEORDI
When I said "just passing by"
means "just passing by" -- I
didn't really mean it.
Data cocks his head, realizing.
DATA
My initial assumption was correct.
You do wish to speak of your
mother.
GEORDI
Am I crazy to think she's still
alive?
DATA
Your sanity is not in question.
However, your evaluation of the
available information is...
biased.
GEORDI
She's the captain of a starship!
She's gotten herself into and out
of impossible situations before.
Why should this be any different?
DATA
Disappearances fitting the profile
of the Hera have rarely ended with
the safe recovery of ship and
crew.
GEORDI
(sharp)
That makes me feel better.
Data doesn't answer. Geordi feels a little guilty.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm sorry, Data. I didn't mean to
snap at you.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 28.
34 CONTINUED: (4)
DATA
I am not offended. You are upset
and your reactions are not
surprising.
Geordi quiets down.
GEORDI
I guess I am a little... on edge.
A long beat as Geordi looks away.
GEORDI
(continuing)
It's just that... If she really is
dead...
(quietly)
I don't know what I'm going to
do...
Geordi puts a hand on Data's shoulder for a moment in
silent thanks for his support, then turns and goes out
the door.
Data turns again to his blank monitor for a beat, then
pauses and glances toward where Geordi disappeared, as
if still thinking of his friend...
35 EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit above Marijne Seven.
36 INT. LAB
Beverly is checking over the interface unit on Geordi's
head as Data works with the console.
BEVERLY
(to Geordi)
We're receiving the probe's
telemetry.
DATA
The input levels are currently at
fifty-three percent of tolerance.
GEORDI
That's too low, Data. I won't be
able to do anything down there.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT THREE 29.
36 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
I want to start with as wide a
margin of safety as possible. We
can adjust upward as needed.
(beat)
Ready?
GEORDI
Go ahead.
Data works the console.
DATA
Initiating interface...
37 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)
Everything is dark.
GEORDI'S VOICE
I can't see anything.
DATA'S VOICE
I am increasing input now...
The room beings to take form in the slowly increasing
light -- a spare interior with several banks of control
consoles.
38 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Data works the controls.
GEORDI
That's better... but I need
more...
Data keeps going...
39 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
Geordi is standing in the room, staring straight ahead,
with a dumbfounded look on his face.
40 INCLUDE - SILVA LA FORGE
standing directly in front of Geordi, facing him.
DATA'S VOICE
Is this level sufficient?
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT THREE 30.
40 CONTINUED:
Geordi is too stunned to answer. He continues to stare
at his mother.
DATA'S VOICE
(continuing)
Geordi?
No answer.
DATA'S VOICE
(continuing)
Geordi, can you hear me?
OFF mother and son staring at each other...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR 31.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
41 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
Geordi is staring at his mother standing in front of
him.
GEORDI
(barely)
Mom...
42 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Data and Beverly react to Geordi as he says the words.
GEORDI
Mom, is it you?
INTERCUT:
43 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Silva La Forge stares at him for a moment -- there's a
confused look on her face.
SILVA LA FORGE
(hesitantly)
Is it you... ?
A beat, Geordi seems puzzled -- then suddenly
remembers.
GEORDI
I forgot! All you're seeing is a
probe. Yes, it's me. I'm on the
Enterprise. I'm interfaced with
this probe.
BEVERLY'S VOICE
Geordi. Who are you talking to?
(beat)
What are you seeing?
Geordi ignores her, too amazed by the woman before him.
GEORDI
But is it really you?
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 32.
43 CONTINUED:
SILVA LA FORGE
Yes, Geordi. It's me.
GEORDI
How can it be... ? How is it
possible --
SILVA LA FORGE
There's no time to explain. We
have to go down...
A beat as Geordi studies her.
GEORDI
Down where?
SILVA LA FORGE
The surface.
BEVERLY'S VOICE
Geordi. Report.
He seems to hear Beverly for the first time.
GEORDI
(to Beverly)
Hang on, Doctor...
He takes a careful step toward his mother.
GEORDI
Why? Why do we have to go to the
surface?
SILVA LA FORGE
We're dying.
Geordi is puzzled.
GEORDI
"We?" Your ship? The Hera is
down there?
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR 33.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY'S VOICE
Geordi, we're disconnecting you
right now...
GEORDI
(to Beverly)
No. Wait...
Beverly and Data pause.
Geordi takes another step toward his mother.
SILVA LA FORGE
We need your help. I need your
help... Geordi...
Geordi reaches out with both hands, placing them on her
arms -- at the contact, there is a violent SHOCKING
ARC. He cries out in pain --
44 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
The safety cut-off has disengaged the interface but the
overload has caused Geordi to lose consciousness.
DATA
(to Beverly)
The cut-off has been automatically
activated.
Beverly rushes to Geordi's side.
BEVERLY
He's in neural shock --
She grabs a MEDICAL DEVICE and begins to work on
Geordi. Data tries to give her room to work by
removing the interface from Geordi's head...
TIME CUT TO:
45 INT. SICKBAY
Geordi is now sitting on the big diagnostic bed, as
Beverly runs various scans on him. He's wearing the
interface suit and his VISOR and seems a little shaken
up. Picard and Data are standing by.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 34.
45 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
(to Picard)
The sensory overload didn't cause
any permanent damage -- but I
wouldn't want to expose his
nervous system to that much
stimulus again.
PICARD
Is there any indication of what
caused the hallucination?
Geordi reacts to this characterization of his
experience.
BEVERLY
His brain functions are normal --
Geordi interrupts:
GEORDI
I told you, I wasn't
hallucinating.
There is an uncomfortable moment -- Picard glances at
Data and nods that he should go ahead and report.
DATA
Geordi, I have analyzed the
probe's sensor logs -- there are
no readings that would indicate
the presence of a living human on
board the Raman.
GEORDI
She wasn't actually there. Her
ship is on the surface.
Picard tries to sort out what Geordi is saying.
PICARD
Then you believe you saw some kind
of... transmission?
GEORDI
(nodding)
Somehow she managed to contact me.
DATA
We have no indication of a
transmission of any kind.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR 35.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
Maybe I'm the only one who could
detect it -- because I was
interfaced with the probe.
Data sees what he's getting at.
DATA
The probe does allow Geordi to
sense quantum fluctuations,
subspace anomalies, and other
phenomena not perceptible to other
kinds of sensors.
PICARD
Granted. But why would he
perceive his mother visually, as
if she were standing in the room?
BEVERLY
I'm not sure... I do know that our
brains aren't designed to process
the kind of sensory information
Geordi was getting. When the
brain receives something it can't
understand, it interprets the
input as best it can -- sometimes
as a sound or smell, sometimes
visually.
Geordi seizes on the validation he thinks he's getting.
GEORDI
(to Picard)
You see?
Beverly knows what Geordi is going through, and she
tries to be as gentle as she can.
BEVERLY
Geordi, that doesn't mean you're
mother was really communicating
with you. I'm just trying to
explain why you might've thought
she was.
Geordi can't hide his frustration.
GEORDI
I'm telling you, my mother's ship
is trapped down there -- they need
our help.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR 36.
45 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
(gently)
The Hera's last reported location
was over three hundred light years
away. How could it have ended up
here?
Geordi has no answer.
DATA
If the Hera is on the surface, its
hull could not possibly withstand
the pressure of the atmosphere.
Geordi doesn't have an explanation but he knows what he
saw.
GEORDI
Just let me go back so we can be
sure.
It hurts our people to have to reject his plea.
BEVERLY
(to Picard)
I don't recommend he use the
interface again -- the sensory
overload nearly killed him.
GEORDI
I'll be all right.
PICARD
I'm sorry, Geordi. But I won't
risk your life.
Picard turns to Data.
PICARD
Mister Data, find another way to
salvage the Raman. I want to hear
an alternate plan in two hours.
DATA
Yes, Captain.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR 37.
45 CONTINUED: (4)
Data heads for the door. Picard turns to Geordi.
PICARD
(gently)
In the meantime, I'd like you to
talk with Counselor Troi. She's
expecting you.
Geordi seems about to object -- then he catches
himself.
GEORDI
Aye, Sir...
OFF Geordi's frustrated look.
46 INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi is seated in a chair, watching as Geordi (now in
uniform) paces slowly in front of her. He's impatient --
he doesn't want to be here.
TROI
What's your mother like, Geordi?
GEORDI
Counselor, if you think I'm going
to start talking about my
childhood, you're way off.
TROI
That's not what I asked.
Geordi stops pacing.
GEORDI
No, I guess not.
(beat)
She was --
(catching himself)
She is... brilliant, funny...
really perceptive. She knows
people. Knows what they're all
about even before they open their
mouths. She's always been like
that. A good judge of character.
TROI
When did you see her last?
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR 38.
46 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Seven months ago, when she first
took command of the Hera. I went
to a party she had for her crew...
Geordi takes a deep breath.
GEORDI
(continuing)
The Enterprise and the Hera were
in the same sector three weeks
ago. She wanted to see me. We
were both pretty busy though...
(quietly)
I guess I could have made the
time. But I didn't think... I
mean I just didn't think...
His voice trails off.
TROI
(gently)
You didn't think it would be your
last chance to see her...
Geordi is angered.
GEORDI
You don't know that! None of us
does!
A long silent beat.
TROI
I'm going to suggest something.
Call it a theory. Alright?
GEORDI
(calms down)
Alright...
Troi stands.
TROI
You're very worried about the
disappearance of your mother...
and guilty over not seeing her
when you had the chance. So
you're unwilling even to consider
that she might be dead. This need
to believe she's alive is so
strong, it manifested itself as a
physical image.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR 39.
46 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
But she told me she's trapped on
the planet! She's in danger! If
this was some kind of wish
fulfillment, don't you think I'd
fantasize her being safe and
sound?
TROI
No. Because that would end the
fantasy -- you'd know it wasn't
true. The more involved and
complicated and unending your
story is, the longer you can
believe your mother is still
alive.
Geordi stops pacing. He thinks for a moment, then
looks at her.
GEORDI
That's your theory, Counselor.
I've got a different one.
Geordi EXITS. OFF the concern on Troi's face.
47 INT. OBS LOUNGE
Picard, Riker and Geordi. Data is presenting his
report; Geordi looks impatient.
DATA
I have been exploring the
possibility of using a tractor
beam to pull the Raman from the
atmosphere. However, there is so
much interference that it prevents
a positive lock.
RIKER
If we could set up some sort of
relay system...
DATA
That is my conclusion as well,
Commander. Two shuttlecraft,
staggered between the Enterprise
and the Raman, with their shields
adjusted to refocus the tractor
beam.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
47 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Can we get those shuttles close
enough without putting them in
danger?
(to Geordi)
Mister La Forge.
GEORDI
(shrugs)
I suppose so.
(beat)
Yes. As long as you keep them
above the troposphere, they'll be
alright.
Picard nods, turns to Data.
PICARD
In that case --
GEORDI
(interrupting)
What about the Hera?
Everyone turns to him.
GEORDI
(continuing)
We'll be leaving my mother and her
crew stranded on the planet. We
have to save them.
Picard reacts, displeased but also concerned with
Geordi's insistence...
PICARD
Commander --
GEORDI
(interrupting)
-- I've been thinking about
this...
Geordi stands.
GEORDI
(continuing)
A few weeks ago I got a message
from my mother. She said she had
a new chief engineer who was
always experimenting with the warp
drive.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI (Cont'd)
Well, I've seen the Hera -- it
uses trionic initiators in the
warp coil. They have a history of
strange side effects -- especially
if you start playing around with
them.
Picard glances at Data for confirmation.
DATA
There have been reports of warp
bubbles and other subspace
deformations.
GEORDI
(nodding)
So what if that's what happened?
Not a warp bubble, but a subspace
funnel.
DATA
Connecting two points through
subspace.
GEORDI
(nods)
The Hera could have accidentally
created a distortion that emptied
out right here, on Marijne Seven.
It seems unlikely to everyone but Geordi.
PICARD
Why here?
GEORDI
The Hera passed near this planet
just ten days ago. There's a lot
of subspace distortion in the
atmosphere -- the ship might've
picked up some residual traces
that directed the funnel back
here.
RIKER
(disbelieving)
And the Hera is still in one
piece, down on the surface?
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 41A.
47 CONTINUED: (3)
GEORDI
Maybe it's surrounded by some kind
of subspace field that's keeping
it together. But who knows for
how long?
Geordi looks absolutely convinced.
PICARD
Do you have any evidence to
support this... hypothesis?
GEORDI
I did get some strange subspace
readings when I was interfaced
with the probe.
RIKER
Geordi, that could be anything.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
47 CONTINUED: (4)
GEORDI
I talked to her. She asked me to
take the Raman closer to the
planet.
Picard turns to Data.
PICARD
Is any of this possible?
Data considers the fantastic story for a couple of
beats.
DATA
Yes.
Geordi smiles.
GEORDI
There.
Data seems conscious of not wanting to offend his
friend, but he still has to do his job.
DATA
However, I believe it is...
(hesitates)
unlikely.
PICARD
How unlikely?
DATA
Nearly impossible, Sir.
Picard nods, considers for a moment.
PICARD
Proceed with the shuttle plan.
GEORDI
Captain --
PICARD
-- Mister La Forge. Stay here for
a moment.
Picard nods to the rest of the staff in dismissal.
Everyone heads out the door, as Geordi sits back down.
When the door closes behind the last one --
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
47 CONTINUED: (5)
PICARD
(continuing)
Geordi, I'm not unsympathetic
about what you're going through.
But I want you to consider my
position as well.
A beat. Geordi reluctantly decides to listen.
GEORDI
Yes, Sir.
Picard looks at him for a moment.
PICARD
Your mother's disappearance...
It's... a tragic thing...
(beat)
But I can't risk your safety on
the basis of a dubious hypothesis.
A beat.
GEORDI
If there's even one chance in a
million I'm right and she's
alive...
Picard reacts -- this is a no-win situation for him.
PICARD
I'm sorry, Geordi. I've made my
decision.
A beat. Geordi appears to have given up.
GEORDI
I understand, Sir.
Picard heads for the door to the Bridge. Geordi stays
for a beat. Then with resolve, heads for the opposite
exit...
48 INT. LAB - ON THE INTERFACE CONSOLE
As all its readouts and monitors light up.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
49 INCLUDE GEORDI
readying the unit. He is wearing the interface suit.
Suddenly the door OPENS and reveals Data standing
there. Geordi reacts; he's been caught.
DATA
I suspected you would decide to
operate the interface alone.
GEORDI
(surprised)
You did?
DATA
I am familiar enough with your
behavior patterns to predict
certain... decisions.
GEORDI
I guess you know me pretty well...
DATA
You are disobeying the Captain.
GEORDI
I can't just sit back and do
nothing when my mother might be
down on that planet.
DATA
I can not allow you to endanger
your well being.
GEORDI
If we leave here without knowing
for sure...
He stops, all the pent up emotions inside him finally
come to a head. He's so overcome that he turns away.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'll have to live with it for the
rest of my life... wondering... if
I left her to die... I couldn't
take that, Data... I couldn't...
There is an anguish in Geordi's voice that Data can't
ignore.
GEORDI
That's why I have to do this.

STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR 44A.
49 CONTINUED:
DATA
I could have you confined to
quarters for the duration of the
mission.
GEORDI
If you want to do that to me,
Data, then go ahead. Because
nothing less is going to stop me
from trying to save my mother.
Geordi turns and continues setting up the interface.
Data considers for a long moment, then takes up
position next to the console.
GEORDI
What are you doing?
DATA
I will monitor the interface and
attempt to keep you safe.
Geordi looks at him, surprised. Data is seizing on a
point of logic in order to rationalize helping him.
DATA
I can not have you confined to
quarters for something you have
not yet done.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
Geordi realizes what Data is doing.
GEORDI
Data, we could both end up in a
lot of trouble for this.
Data is already working the interface controls.
DATA
There is a high degree of
probability that you are right.
Geordi is touched.
GEORDI
Thanks, Data.
Geordi removes the VISOR and pulls the interface unit
over his head.
DATA
However, I have a request.
GEORDI
(surprised)
What's that?
DATA
I would ask you to consider the
possibility that what you see is
not real.
Geordi pauses for a moment -- Data has gotten through
to him.
GEORDI
(nods)
I will. I promise.
Data works the console.
DATA
I am establishing the interface...
OFF Geordi's face and the tension of the moment as the
interface comes alive around him...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 46.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
50 EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship in orbit above Marijne Seven.
51 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL
Geordi as probe is standing inside Auxiliary Control.
He glances around the room -- he is alone.
GEORDI
Mom... ?
SILVA LA FORGE (O.S.)
Hello, Geordi...
Geordi whips around at the voice.
52 INCLUDE SILVA LA FORGE
standing nearby, where Geordi was looking only a moment
before.
GEORDI
How did you get here?
A moment as Silva stares at him.
SILVA LA FORGE
I'm not really with you, Geordi.
I'm on my ship, on the surface.
We were pulled into a warp funnel.
GEORDI
That's just what I thought!
He stares at her -- it seems he was right.
GEORDI
How are we communicating?
SILVA LA FORGE
We found a way to send a subspace
signal that could cut through the
atmospheric interference.
DATA'S VOICE
Geordi, are you seeing the image
of your mother... ?
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 47.
53 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Data is carefully watching Geordi's reactions.
GEORDI
Yes, and she just confirmed
everything I've been saying.
DATA
I am reading some unusual subspace
energy in your vicinity -- similar
to what the probe sensors recorded
the first time you encountered
your mother.
GEORDI
That's how she's communicating
with me. It's the only kind of
signal they could send that would
get through the interference.
We see on Data's face that Geordi's story is starting
to seem more plausible.
54 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL
SILVA LA FORGE
We need your help.
GEORDI
I've been thinking about this --
I'm going to take the Raman into
a low stationary orbit and
initiate an inverse warp cascade.
SILVA LA FORGE
Why?
GEORDI
The subspace distortion from the
cascade should reverse the warp
funnel -- your ship will end up
right where it started.
55 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
DATA
Geordi, the atmosphere becomes
increasingly turbulent the farther
down you go -- you may not be able
to bring the Raman close enough to
the Hera before being destroyed.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
55 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
I have to try, Data.
56 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
SILVA LA FORGE
We're running out of time.
Geordi works the console.
GEORDI
(nods)
Shields back on line... we're
starting our descent...
He glances at his mother as she watches over his
shoulder.
GEORDI
(continuing; quietly)
Thank god...
SILVA LA FORGE
Thank... god...
GEORDI
That you're alive -- that I was
right about all this.
(beat)
I can't wait to call Dad. He and
Ariana had given up...
SILVA LA FORGE
We're going home...
Geordi reacts -- puzzled at her use of the word. He
turns to her.
57 GEORDI'S POV (OPTICAL)
GEORDI'S VOICE
Eventually, yeah.
His mother smiles. Suddenly everything in his field of
vision seems to fade.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
57 CONTINUED:
GEORDI'S VOICE
(continuing)
Data -- everything's fading in and
out.
58 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm losing the interface.
Data studies the console.
DATA
The probe is descending out of
range.
GEORDI
You're going to have to turn up
the input gain to maintain my
connection.
DATA
(hesitates)
It is already at seventy-five
percent of tolerance.
GEORDI
You can take it all the way up to
a hundred if you increase it
slowly enough -- give my nervous
system time to adapt.
DATA
That is theoretically true. But
even at this input level you have
already experienced dangerous
neural feedback.
GEORDI
Data, there are over three hundred
people on board the Hera. We're
the only chance they've got.
Data considers, then works the console.
DATA
I will increase the gain
incrementally as you descend.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 49A.
59 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
As he looks around:
GEORDI
It's working.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
60 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
DATA
When we are ready to disconnect
the interface, we must allow
sufficient time to lower the input
levels -- otherwise your nervous
system would go into shock from
the sudden drop in input.
61 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
As Geordi works the console.
GEORDI
Once I initiate the warp cascade
we can start dropping the gain.
Geordi glances back at his Mom and smiles that
everything will be all right.
GEORDI
(continuing)
We'll be in sensor range of your
ship within a few minutes.
He works the controls for a moment.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm sorry I didn't get over to see
you a few weeks ago.
SILVA LA FORGE
You were... too busy with work.
GEORDI
I'm sorry; it won't happen again.
61A INT. BRIDGE (FORMERLY SCENE 65)
Picard, Riker, Worf, the CON officer. Worf reacts to
his console.
WORF
(off console)
Captain, the Raman is descending
toward the planet.
Picard and Riker exchange a look.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
61A CONTINUED:
RIKER
Geordi...
62 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Data is studying a readout with concern.
DATA
Geordi, we are now at ninety
percent of tolerance.
Geordi reacts with concern.
DATA
(continuing)
My calculations show that you will
reach one hundred percent of
tolerance before you are in range
of the Hera.
GEORDI
Then we're going to have to go
beyond tolerance.
DATA
That is not advisable. You must
cease your descent.
63 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
Silva reacts with alarm to Data's words.
SILVA LA FORGE
Geordi, don't stop... please.
Geordi gestures that everything will be all right.
GEORDI
Data, I'm taking this ship down.
If you don't boost the gain past
tolerance levels, I'll lose the
interface when we go out of range
and my nervous system will go into
shock.
64 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
DATA
You are putting me in a very
difficult position. Please cease
your descent.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
64 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
I won't do it... so you'd better
increase the tolerance...
Data hears the resolve in his voice. After a beat he
works the console.
DATA
Disengaging safety systems...
going to full tolerance levels...
now.
GEORDI
Thanks, Data.
65 OMITTED
66 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL
Geordi continues to work the Raman's console, as his
mother looks on.
GEORDI
(to his mother)
We're getting close...
SILVA LA FORGE
Thank god...
PICARD'S VOICE
La Forge.
Geordi reacts.
GEORDI
Yes, Captain?
67 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Picard and Beverly are now with Data. Picard is facing
Geordi.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
67 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Stop your descent and prepare to
disengage the interface.
Geordi hates to do this, but he feels he has no choice.
GEORDI
I'm sorry, sir. But I can't do
that.
PICARD
Damn it, Geordi -- you're going to
kill yourself...
68 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
GEORDI
If I come back now, my mother and
her entire crew will die.
(reads monitor; to
Silva)
I'm scanning for your ship...
(puzzled)
I'm not getting anything.
SILVA LA FORGE
We're still too far away...
GEORDI
Not really. I should be picking
something up by now.
He turns back to the console. Though he can't see it,
Silva now has a look of fear on her face.
69 GEORDI (OPTICAL)
works the commands. Behind him, we see Silva
approaching him -- an intense look on her face.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm not finding anything... No
warp funnel... No ship... There's
nothing there.
She reaches up to grab the sides of Geordi's head --
ENERGY TENDRILS arc from her hands to his head as she
makes contact. His head is shocked with wave after
wave of pain as she holds him, her eyes crazed with
fury and terror.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
70 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Geordi's face is contorting with pain. An energy pulse
is crackling around his VISOR inputs.
BEVERLY
(off monitor)
His neural synapses are
overloading.
(to Picard)
He can't survive this...
PICARD
Geordi -- what's happening to you?
71 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Silva La Forge continues to hold the sides of Geordi's
head -- his agony appears to increase.
PICARD'S VOICE
Geordi!
GEORDI
(barely)
Reverse tractors -- Reverse --
DATA'S VOICE
Reversing tractor beams...
Suddenly, Silva La Forge's hands spring away from
Geordi's head and she is pushed away from Geordi as if
by an unseen force.
Geordi recovers, no longer in immediate pain. As he
watches, her body transforms into a FLAME, like the
ones that seemed to attack Geordi before.
After a moment the flame transforms back to the form of
Silva La Forge.
GEORDI
What are you?
SILVA LA FORGE
You are killing us... We must go
down.
Geordi reacts to the statement.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
72 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
The energy arcs have stopped.
PICARD
Geordi... Report.
Everyone exchanges looks.
GEORDI
You're trapped... ?
(Geordi's dialogue is included on a page at the end of
the script and will play underneath the following:)
PICARD
Is there any way we can disconnect
him?
Data and Beverly consider the options.
BEVERLY
If we cut him off abruptly, he'll
go into neural shock.
PICARD
How can we lower the input
gradually and still get him out
before it's too late?
DATA
Perhaps we can deceive his neural
receptors.
PICARD
Deceive them?
DATA
By feeding them the sensory
information recorded from his
earlier experiences with the
probe.
BEVERLY
(catching on)
We could disconnect the interface
and still maintain the input
levels.
DATA
We could then lower them in a
controlled manner.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FIVE 55A.
72 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Like a decompression tank.
(off their nods)
Let's try it.
Beverly and Data get to work. Suddenly Geordi speaks
to our people.
GEORDI
Captain. I have to take the ship
into the lower atmosphere...
73 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS
Geordi is working the console. Silva is standing in
the background, as if waiting. Picard's voice is
barely audible.
PICARD'S VOICE
Explain.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/19/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
73 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
As I understand it... when the
Raman got close to the planet,
they accidentally picked up some
lifeforms that live in the lower
atmosphere. Subspace beings of
some kind -- intelligent. When
the ship went back into a higher
orbit, the beings were trapped.
PICARD'S VOICE
How do you know all this?
GEORDI
One of them is able to communicate
with me. It must have read my
thoughts through the probe
interface and took the form of my
Mother -- to try to talk me into
taking the ship closer to the
surface.
PICARD'S VOICE
Were these beings responsible for
the death of the Raman's crew?
GEORDI
Yes, but I don't think it was on
purpose. They probably tried to
communicate with them the same way
they're communicating with me --
by directly accessing their
thoughts. That must've been fatal
to the crew... I guess the
interface protected me.
74 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Everyone reacts to Geordi's report.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I have to take them back -- they
can't survive so far up in the
atmosphere.
75 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'll turn the ship around and come
back as soon as we're --
Suddenly the ship JOLTS VIOLENTLY. A console EXPLODES.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
75 CONTINUED:
PICARD'S VOICE
La Forge! What happened?
Geordi recovers and starts working the console.
GEORDI
The atmosphere is getting more
turbulent. It's overloading the
systems.
The ship rocks again. Geordi holds onto the console,
working like crazy. Small explosions can be heard
offscreen -- the ship is coming apart.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm having trouble keeping the
shields up.
SILVA LA FORGE
Geordi...
Geordi turns to her.
SILVA LA FORGE
(continuing)
We're safe now...
Geordi stares at her -- it's a strange moment, she is
and is not his mother.
SILVA LA FORGE
(continuing)
Good bye...
Before Geordi can say anything -- she becomes a flame.
And quickly moves straight through the bulkhead,
disappearing completely.
Geordi turns back to the console. Suddenly the ship
SHAKES and another console EXPLODES.
GEORDI
(continuing)
I'm losing power...
76 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
Beverly continues to work as fast as she can.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - 07/14/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
76 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(continuing)
Total shield failure in eight
seconds...
Picard turns to Beverly and Data.
PICARD
Are you ready to switch inputs?
BEVERLY
Almost.
77 INT. AUXILIARY CONTROL - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Geordi at the controls.
GEORDI
Shields are failing...
Geordi cries out as the ship suddenly EXPLODES and his
link to the probe is severed.
HARD CUT TO:
78 INT. LAB - CONTINUOUS
As Geordi continues the same cry, Beverly hits a
control on the interface console.
BEVERLY
Switching inputs!
Geordi's face suddenly seems to freeze in its
expression. Everyone watches for several tense beats.
PICARD
Is it working?
Beverly reacts to the monitor and administers a hypo to
Geordi's neck. After a beat, Geordi's face relaxes.
Beverly responds to what she sees on the monitor,
smiling.
BEVERLY
His vital signs are stabilizing.
He's going to make it.
Everyone reacts with relief.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT FIVE 59.
79 EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship is at impulse across a field of stars.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, supplemental. We
have succeeded in disengaging
Mister La Forge from the interface
and are en route to Starbase four-nine-five.
80 INT. READY ROOM
Picard is behind his desk, Geordi standing somewhat
formally in front of him -- he's been called on the
carpet.
PICARD
You disobeyed my direct order, and
you put yourself in grave danger.
(beat)
I'm not happy.
GEORDI
It's my fault, sir. Data was just --
PICARD
(interrupting)
I'll deal with Data at another
time. Meanwhile, I'll have to
write this incident into your
permanent record.
GEORDI
Yes, sir.
Geordi turns to go.
PICARD
Geordi...
A beat as Picard crosses around his desk. His tone
softens.
PICARD
(continuing)
I'm very sorry you didn't find
your mother.
Geordi nods sadly.
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/16/93 - ACT FIVE 59A.
80 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Thank you, sir.
(beat)
When I was down there... it was so
real. It's funny, but in a way...
I feel like I got a chance to say
goodbye...
Picard puts a comforting hand to Geordi's shoulder...
A moment between them...
81 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it moves slowly away...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
STAR TREK: "Interface" - REV. 07/20/93 - ACT FIVE 59B.
GEORDI'S DIALOGUE - PAGE 55, SCENE 72
GEORDI
You're trapped?
A long beat as he listens.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Caught on the ship...
Another long beat.
GEORDI
(continuing)
You killed the Raman's crew?
GEORDI
(continuing)
What do you want?
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