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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Royale"
#40272-138
Written by
Keith Mills
Directed by
Cliff Bole
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1989 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 This script is not for publication or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
JANUARY 10, 1989
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Royale"
CAST
PICARD BELLBOY
RIKER ASSISTANT MANAGER
DATA TEXAS
PULASKI VANESSA
TROI DEALER
GEORDI MIKEY D
WORF CROUPIER
WESLEY
O'BRIEN Non-Speaking
ROYALE HOTEL GUESTS
Non-Speaking
CREWMEMBERS
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Royale"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM PLANET THETA EIGHT
TRANSPORTER ROOM SURFACE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
THE ROYALE HOTEL
LOBBY
CASINO
SEVENTH FLOOR HALLWAY
RICHEY'S SUITE
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Royale"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around an ice-green planet with swirling white
cloud patterns.
RIKER (V.O.)
Ship's log, stardate 42625.4,
First Officer Riker reporting.
We have achieved orbit around
Theta Eight...
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON WESLEY
at helm, DATA at Ops, WORF at his Tactical position.
3 MOVE PAST THEM SLOWLY
as RIKER walks from Command to the Aft Science Station
where GEORDI is studying a sensor readout screen of
the planet's atmosphere and surface.
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... the planet furthest from its
sun in this previously unmapped
solar system. It is a world of
ruthless realities: particularly
harsh, barren, and inhospitable...
4 ANGLE UP ON GEORDI'S FACE
reflecting the screen's amber light. Riker STEPS INTO
FRAME behind him...
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
Our reason for being here -- a
passing Klingon cruiser reported
discovering pieces of a strange
vessel in the upper atmosphere.
We've come to investigate...
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - TEASER 2.
4 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(studying the screen)
Nasty. Nitrogen... methane...
liquid neon. Surface temperature
minus two hundred and ninety-one
degrees Fahrenheit. Winds up to
three hundred and twelve meters
per second.
RIKER
Not exactly a vacation planet,
eh?
GEORDI
Uh uh. Not unless you like
ammonia tornadoes. Or orange
lightning bolts for that matter.
RIKER
(smiling)
Not my cup of tea. Found anything
artificial in the atmosphere?
GEORDI
Nothing so far. We're just coming
around to the night side now.
RIKER
Keep me informed. The sooner we
identify what the Klingons think
they saw, the sooner we can get
the hell out of here.
GEORDI
Sounds good to me.
5 STAY ON GEORDI
as Riker walks away. He shakes his head as more data
return from the surface of Theta Eight...
GEORDI
(to himself)
Nasty.
6 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
PICARD sits on a chair staring at a tabletop viewer.
It has a number of equations and theorems on it -- like
a present-day blackboard. The door CHIMES.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - TEASER 3.
6 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Come.
Riker ENTERS, looks at the viewscreen.
PICARD
(continuing)
Fermat's last theorem. Familiar
with it?
RIKER
No. I'm afraid I spent too many
math classes daydreaming about
being on a starship.
PICARD
It's intriguing. When Fermat died
they found scrawled in the margin
of his notes that he had found
a "remarkable proof."
(beat)
Unfortunately he never lived to
write it down. And for the last
eight hundred years people have
been trying to rediscover it.
RIKER
And that includes you?
PICARD
I find the process relaxing.
RIKER
(changing the subject)
We've detected debris of some sort
in a loose orbit.
PICARD
Can you identify?
RIKER
I suggest we beam a section aboard
for analysis.
PICARD
Make it so, Number One.
7 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - PICARD (OPTICAL)
ENTERS and goes to where Riker is standing by the
platform. He nods to O'BRIEN standing at the console.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - TEASER 4.
7 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Energize.
Riker explains as a piece of the debris begins to
MATERIALIZE:
RIKER
We've locked onto something with
markings on it.
PICARD
What sort of markings?
RIKER
Uncertain, sir.
A large chunk of jagged metal MATERIALIZES on the
platform. It seems featureless, the color of brushed
aluminum. Picard is intrigued -- he touches it and
spots something as he turns it over...
PICARD
There's something here.
Riker goes to see what Picard has found.
PICARD
(continuing; frowning)
That symbol... Do you recognize
it?
RIKER
(quietly stunned)
Yes sir. I -- I think I do.
8 REVERSE ANGLE
to see what they're seeing.
9 MOVE IN ON THE SYMBOL
a white five-pointed star on a dark blue circular
background intersected by red and white horizontal
lines on either side.
It is the insignia of the United States Air Force...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
10 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
seen from a different angle, still in orbit around
Theta Eight.
11 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - PICARD
Riker, Data and TROI are gathered to discuss the
debris...
DATA
Metallic analysis bears out that
the object in question was
terrestrial in origin. Most
likely late twenty-first century.
PICARD
But that's not possible. No ship
of that time period could have
come this far.
DATA
Nevertheless, that is what our
tests indicate. And the markings
we discovered are consistent with
this hypothesis.
TROI
Any idea what destroyed it? An
explosion of some sort?
DATA
Unknown.
PICARD
The question is, how did it get
here?
Picard's train of thought is interrupted by the
INTERCOM...
WESLEY'S COM VOICE
Captain. We've detected a large
structure on the planet.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 6.
12 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON SCREEN
Wesley and the others are studying the sensor readout
screen.
DATA
It is a building of some sort,
situated on a plane of frozen
methane, smack in the middle of
a tremendous storm belt. It is
incongruous; it simply should not
be there!
PICARD
Are you certain it's artificially
constructed?
DATA
Absolutely. The structure is
surrounded by breathable air.
Picard steps back, taking it all in.
RIKER
It's hard to accept...
PICARD
Yet it does seem to be down there.
Is there a connection between the
structure and the ship?
No one seems to have an answer to this.
PICARD
(continuing)
Suggestions?
RIKER
(small smile)
Only one, sir. Suggest we go down
and have a look.
PICARD
Form an away team, minimal
complement.
13 MOVE IN
on a thoughtful, determined Picard.
PICARD
Let's see if we can find the
architects.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 7.
14 OMITTED
15 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - ON DATA AND WORF
checking equipment, standing on the transporter
platform. Over at the transporter panel, O'BRIEN
looks up.
O'BRIEN
Give me a moment, gents. We're
dealing with an extremely narrow
access point.
16 OMITTED
17 RIKER (OPTICAL)
steps on platform.
RIKER
We're ready when you are...
(then to Worf)
Phasers on stun.
They adjust their phasers. Riker looks to O'Brien.
O'Brien nods.
RIKER
(continuing)
Energize.
O'Brien complies, and the party of three is BEAMED
AWAY.
18 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - DATA, WORF AND RIKER (OPTICAL)
MATERIALIZE in a featureless black void. It is
completely still, no sound, no movement. The calm is
unnerving.
RIKER
(tense)
Where are we?
Data checks his tricorder.
DATA
Exactly where Geordi said we would
be. The structure is directly
behind us.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 8.
18 CONTINUED:
They all turn and look behind them. All they can see
is blackness...
DATA
(continuing)
I am detecting vast ammonia storms
raging mere kilometers away. Yet
they do not appear to penetrate
this breathable zone.
RIKER
(soft, awed)
It's like the eye of a hurricane.
Data has wandered toward where he believes the
structure to be. He looks up, as though sensing the
hugeness of the thing.
DATA
It is here. It must be here, yet
we cannot see it.
19 INTERCUT WITH PICARD ON THE MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Enterprise, this is Commander
Riker. We have arrived in a very
unusual place... it is like being
in the eye of a hurricane. It
is completely calm, no sound, no
movement, yet a few meters away
a storm, which we can neither see
nor hear, is raging.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Describe the structure.
RIKER
We can't see it.
WORF
Commander, over here. I see
something!
Data and Riker hurry over to Worf. The Klingon has
discovered an old-fashioned revolving door, seemingly
situated in the middle of nothing. It turns slowly, as
though beckoning them...
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 9.
19 CONTINUED:
WORF
(continuing)
What is this thing?
PICARD'S COM VOICE
What is it, Commander?
RIKER
(to Picard, amazed)
I think it's a door. An antique.
DATA
Judging by its location, it may
be an entrance to the structure
we seek.
The three of them exchange wary glances...
RIKER
Well... this is what we came here
for.
(to Picard)
Captain, we are entering the
structure.
Riker cautiously steps in and the revolving door
automatically turns to the right. Riker disappears
into the darkness, and when the door stops revolving he
is gone. Worf looks at Data and then follows suit.
Data follows him...
20 INT. ROYALE LOBBY - DATA
steps out of the revolving door and joins the others
inside the structure. They are standing on a garish
carpet, scarlet with gold trim. All are looking around
incredulously as we HEAR THE SOUND OF A SLOT MACHINE
hitting a jackpot and the tumult of a casino in full
swing.
21 ANGLE TO REVEAL THEIR WHEREABOUTS
inside the lobby of a small Vegas-style hotel, roughly
our time period. To their right is a front desk beside
some elevators. To the left is a modest casino with
blackjack tables, crap tables and roulette wheels, all
flanked by a row of slot machines and a lounge with a
piano player.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 10.
21 CONTINUED:
There is a bustle of activity on all sides. People are
gambling, hotel workers are scurrying about. No one
is paying much attention to the three stunned
strangers. Riker touches his communicator.
RIKER
Riker to Enterprise. We have
entered the structure.
(then, realizing)
We're not getting through.
22 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - PICARD
stands between Wesley and an n.d. crewmember at Conn
and Ops. Troi can be seen sitting at the Command
Section with Geordi still at the Aft Station.
PICARD
Where's that interference
originating?
GEORDI
From the source, sir. Cause...
unknown.
PICARD
Lock onto the landing party.
Have the Transporter Room prepare
to beam them up.
Geordi shakes his head as he studies the screen...
GEORDI
We can't distinguish them as long
as they're inside that structure.
PICARD
Can they hear us?
GEORDI
We've got to recalibrate all
frequencies.
PICARD
Make it so.
23 INT. ROYALE LOBBY - RIKER
is touching his communicator, frustrated.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 11.
23 CONTINUED:
DATA
Without radio contact, we should
leave immediately.
RIKER
Agreed. We'll make a preliminary
sweep of this environment and then
return.
A BELLBOY, a Latino in his mid-twenties, nervously
looks them over as if he is expecting someone else.
BELLBOY
Checking in, gentlemen? You'll
have to go to the front desk.
He indicates the front desk and then moves off before
our people can respond. What follows plays off the
point of view of Riker and the others. Riker thinks
about what he said and then heads for the front desk.
Worf and Data follow him, still looking around in
wonder.
A SLIGHTLY BUILT MAN WITH PERFECT HAIR stands behind
the counter, underneath a sign that says REGISTRATION.
The name tag on his lapel reads "ASSISTANT MANAGER."
He's the type of assistant manager we've all met at
one time or another: polite in a routine, impersonal
and annoying way, fastidious and slightly effeminate.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Welcome, gentlemen. Have a nice
trip?
Riker looks at Worf quizzically.
RIKER
Uh... Do you know us?
ASSISTANT MANAGER
We've been expecting you. A trio
of foreign gentlemen.
RIKER
We're from the United Federation
of Planets --
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Of course. Welcome to The Hotel
Royale...
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 12.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
The Bellboy comes up beside the assistant manager,
interrupting:
BELLBOY
(urgently)
Did Rita call?
ASSISTANT MANAGER
No -- and for your own good you
had better quit thinking about
Rita.
BELLBOY
I'm not afraid of him.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Then you're a fool. Everybody
with any sense is afraid of Mikey
D.
BELLBOY
(waves off the thought
of Mikey D)
If Rita calls -- you let me know.
He then turns and walks away.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
(confidentially to
Riker)
The kid's just askin' for trouble
-- Rita's too much for him to
handle, and Mikey D will plant
his face in the pavement.
(then, handing them
to Riker)
Now, here are your room keys and
some complimentary casino chips.
Enjoy!
Riker and Worf don't know what any of this means.
WORF
What is this place? How did a
being like you get here?
The assistant manager finally looks up.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 13.
23 CONTINUED: (3)
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Why this is the Royale, of
course. And my personal life is
really none of your business,
thank you.
He looks back down again...
RIKER
What he means is, what planet
is this?
The assistant manager SIGHS and faces Riker...
ASSISTANT MANAGER
I beg your pardon?
RIKER
This planet. What do you call
it?
ASSISTANT MANAGER
(rolling his eyes)
Earth.
(very dry)
What do you call it?
Riker and Worf are stunned to hear him mention Earth.
WORF
We call it Theta Eight.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
How charming.
This time the assistant manager spins and begins to
EXIT the area behind the desk.
DATA
Commander...
RIKER
Yes Data?
DATA
(reading from his
tricorder)
None of these people... are
emitting life signs.
WORF
You mean they're not alive?
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT ONE 14.
24 OMITTED
25 MOVE IN ON RIKER
looking around at the "people" moving about the lobby
with more than a little concern.
RIKER
(more to himself)
Then what are they?...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT TWO 15.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
26 INT. ROYALE LOBBY - THE AWAY TEAM
are still examining their unexpected surroundings -- studying
the movements of the hotel's seeming
inhabitants.
WORF
(to Data)
These beings... are they machines,
(eyes narrow)
or mere illusions, designed to
deceive us?
DATA
(studying tricorder)
Not illusions, Lieutenant. They
do exist, but they do not register
as either man or machine.
Just then, a cheerful, burly, MIDDLE-AGED MAN wearing
a huge tan-colored Stetson (we'll call him TEXAS) comes
out of the elevator behind Data. The android turns
his tricorder on him...
DATA
(continuing)
For example, this creature
exhibits no DNA structure.
Texas overhears and replies in a Texas twang...
TEXAS
Look who's talkin'.
(to Riker)
He sounds just like my ex-wife.
Texas shakes his head and mutters to himself as he
hobbles OUT OF FRAME. We can hear him BELLOW OUT as
he reaches the casino O.S.
TEXAS
(continuing)
Aaaaall right!! Time to get back
to business!
DATA
What sort of business do you
suppose he is getting down to?
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT TWO 16.
26 CONTINUED:
Curious, Data wanders toward the casino. Worf and
Riker wander with him, as we:
GO TO:
27
thru OMITTED
29
30 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard stands and walks to the Aft Station, where
Wesley and Geordi are working on something together.
PICARD
Status report?
WESLEY
We're attempting to employ
alternate encoding schemes.
GEORDI
There are hundreds of possible
combinations, Captain.
PICARD
Is there an intelligence causing
the interference?
GEORDI
Impossible to tell, Captain.
Troi looks at Picard, concerned.
31 INT. ROYALE CASINO - ENTRANCE - THE AWAY TEAM
are standing at the edge of the casino. We can hear
occasional SHOUTS OF ENTHUSIASM AND DESPAIR from the
gaming tables. Data quietly walks up to a table where
TWO HIGH-ROLLERS are playing blackjack surrounded by
onlookers and supporters.
THE DEALER is a twenty-eight year old black man, cool
and laid back. Texas sits to his right, while VANESSA
sits to his left.
Texas notices Data and motions him to come up beside
him. The dealer shuffles his decks as Texas converses
with the android, Data holding his complimentary chips
in his hand.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT TWO 17.
31 CONTINUED:
TEXAS
You're new around here, aren't
you?
DATA
Yes. I have certainly never
visited this place, or its true
counterpart, before.
TEXAS
(re the game)
Sit down, boy. I'll show you how
this game is played.
(re Data's chips)
Go ahead. Ante up.
Texas does just that; Data follow suit. The dealer
has just finished shuffling. He slides the deck toward
Data... and waits.
DATA
(to Texas, frowning)
It seems he expects something of
me.
VANESSA
He wants you to cut the cards.
DATA
Ah, is this poker?
TEXAS
No, it's blackjack.
DATA
Also known as twenty-one, a
number which defines the object
of the game. Tens and picture
cards are worth ten, ace -- one
or eleven -- the other cards face
value. The dealer must hit
seventeen -- five cards under pays
double.
TEXAS
Not at this joint -
(to dealer)
Run 'em, boy. And make 'em
friendly. There's no bread in
the house.
32
thru OMITTED
37
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT TWO 18.
38 WIDE ANGLE
The dealer deals. The other players look at their two
cards and the dealer shows a ten.
TEXAS
(to Vanessa)
Aren't you going to look at your
hand?
(aside to Data)
Poor girl needs to win.
Vanessa has a ten and a five.
VANESSA
Fifteen - do I hit, Texas, or
stand?
TEXAS
If you've got to win -- then you've
got to hit.
VANESSA
Hit me.
The Dealer slides her a new card -- a jack.
VANESSA
(continuing)
Damn!
She flips her cards toward the dealer; she's gone over.
Vanessa's spirits sink.
TEXAS
Hit me.
Dealer flips over a nine; Texas nonchalantly turns his
cards - a ten and a deuce.
TEXAS
(continuing)
Twenty-one -- a winner.
RIKER (O.S.)
Having fun, Data?
39 ANGLE TO INCLUDE RIKER
now standing with Worf among the onlookers. Data is
quickly self-conscious.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT TWO 19.
39 CONTINUED:
DATA
Fun, sir? While there is a
certain amount of enjoyment
involved I was mainly conducting
research into --
RIKER
-- Save it, Data. We're getting
out of here.
DATA
Understood, sir.
DEALER
Hey, you're holding up the game.
RIKER
Our apologies. Come on, Data.
Riker and Worf turn to exit the casino. Data follows
after, nodding at the other players and remembering
to take his two chips.
40 INT. ROYALE LOBBY - THE AWAY TEAM
approach the revolving door through which they came
into the Royale. Riker enters it first, followed by
Data and Worf. Much to their surprise, they find
themselves exiting right back into the lobby. They
are all disconcerted...
RIKER
Try it again.
And they try again... and come back out in the lobby
again.
DATA
Sir, there is no other exit point.
Unless we can find another way...
it seems we are trapped here.
Worf reacts, frustrated, claustrophobic; Riker puts a
steadying hand on his shoulder as he fights his own
fears, as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT TWO 20.
41 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 21.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
A42 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around the planet.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. We
remain in orbit around Theta
Eight, still out of contact with
the away team.
42 INT. ROYALE CASINO - RIKER AND DATA
stand at the edge of the casino, watching the goings on
from afar; Riker's concerned, Data's interested. Worf
approaches, frustrated.
WORF
Phasers are totally ineffective
on all surfaces.
DATA
(to Riker, showing his
own variety of concern
now)
I am checking options... they
seem quite limited --
RIKER
We don't have any. If we're ever
going to get out of here, we'll
have to do it on our own.
(then, heading off)
I'm going to get some answers out
of that desk clerk...
Riker strides off toward the front desk, as we:
GO TO:
43 INT. ROYALE LOBBY - FRONT DESK - THE BELLBOY
is beside himself with anxiety, waiting for the proper
moment before he does what he has to do. Finally, all
eyes are diverted and he steps behind the bell
captain's stand, opens a small drawer, and pulls out a
snub-nosed .38. He checks the load, snaps the cylinder
shut and slides the revolver into his waistband.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 22.
43 CONTINUED:
He sighs with satisfaction, suddenly starting as the
assistant manager puts a hand on his shoulder.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Are you crazy?
BELLBOY
Wrong. I'm finally getting some
smarts --
Riker approaches, quickly intrigued by the obvious
intensity of the conversation.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
You think you're gonna scare Mikey
D with that thing?
BELLBOY
I'm gonna make him leave Rita
alone.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Kid, she's a big girl... and she's
Mikey D's girl.
BELLBOY
Not any more. Not after tonight.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Look. I like you. I don't want
to see you get hurt... especially
over some dame --
BELLBOY
(bristling at that)
Don't call her that!
(then, eyes welling up
with anger)
You'll see! You'll see how tough
Mikey D is! He's nothin'!
With that, the bellboy stomps off; Riker seizes the
moment, quickly steps up to the assistant manager.
RIKER
I want some answers!
ASSISTANT MANAGER
The concierge can help you with
any --
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 23.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
We want out of here. Now.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
I'm afraid you've missed your
check-out time. We do have our
rules, you know.
RIKER
I mean out of the building. We
want to get outside --
ASSISTANT MANAGER
The Royale's exits are clearly
marked.
RIKER
That's not good enough.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
If you have a complaint about the
service you've received during
your stay, you can always take
it up with the manager.
RIKER
Fine! I'd like to see him
immediately!
ASSISTANT MANAGER
(calm smile)
I'm afraid the manager is very
busy.
Before the sssistant manager gives one of his typical
non-answers, RIKER'S COMMUNICATOR UNEXPECTEDLY COMES
ALIVE.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
(heavy static)
... Riker, can you read me?
Riker hits his communicator:
RIKER
Yes, go ahead.
Then, nothing. He tries again:
RIKER
(continuing)
Enterprise?... Enterprise?...
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 24.
44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON PICARD AND TROI
standing behind Wesley and Geordi.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(through static)
... Enterprise...
PICARD
(into com)
Why haven't you left the
building, Number One?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(through static)
... Tried... Trapped here... No
immediate danger...
45 INT. ROYALE LOBBY - NEAR ELEVATOR - RIKER
is conversing with the Enterprise; behind him, the
assistant manager is peering over, covertly listening
in.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Something at your location is
interfering with our exchange...
Working on the problem...
Picard's voice is completely drowned out by the static.
46 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - PICARD
is frustrated.
WESLEY
These frequencies aren't
working.
PICARD
(sharply)
Then find another.
WESLEY
Yes sir.
Picard returns to Command -- sighing with exasperation
as he sits down.
PICARD
(to himself)
What is going on down there?
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 25.
47 INT. ROYALE LOBBY - NEAR REGISTRATION DESK
Data is back at it with his tricorder, aiming it up
toward the ceiling...
DATA
(studying tricorder)
Commander... I am picking up
something most unusual in another
section of this structure.
Indications of DNA.
RIKER
Where?
DATA
Thirty-one point nine meters
above and to the right of us.
WORF
(indicates elevators)
Perhaps those turbolifts could
take us there.
48 INT. ROYALE - SEVENTH FLOOR HALLWAY - THE AWAY TEAM
move down the hallway -- Data using his tricorder like
a Geiger counter. He pauses in front of a door marked
"727."
DATA
The reading I got is behind this
door.
49 ANGLE ON THE DOOR TO ROOM 727
Riker's hand COMES INTO FRAME. It hesitates for a
moment... and then knocks... and knocks again. There
is no response, so he opens the door.
50 INT. ROYALE - RICHEY'S SUITE
is typical of what you'd find in a Vegas hotel. The
lights are on, the shades drawn, there is no sense of
movement; however, there is someone apparently sleeping
in the bed (we can see hair on a pillow as well as a
body buried under the covers).
DATA
My reading is intensifying.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 26.
50 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Life signs?
DATA
None.
Riker moves forward and pulls the cover off the body.
51 CLOSE ON WHAT IS SHOCKINGLY REVEALED
a skeletal figure -- long dead and decaying. Riker
recoils...
DATA
Definitely human. Male.
RIKER
Looks like the poor devil died
in its sleep.
WORF
What a terrible way to go.
Worf has moved to the window...
DATA
He has been dead for two hundred
eighty-three years. The lack of
any advanced decomposition is
attributable to the sterile
environment.
WORF
Commander, look here.
Worf pulls back the drapes, revealing a garish neon
sign blinding us to anything beyond its surreal imagery
of a long-legged cowgirl. Data crosses to a closet
in b.g.
WORF
Is that... this "Las Vegas" you
spoke about?
RIKER
I believe that's what the
illusion is meant to be.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 27.
51 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(moving, looking around
the room)
Why would anyone go to all this
trouble? It's all just... window
dressing for a dead man.
Data pulls out a pale-blue, sleek, one-piece space
suit. There's an American flag stitched on the right
sleeve.
DATA
Is this significant, sir?
RIKER
American. Fifty-two stars -- that
would date it between 2053 and
2079 A.D.
Riker examines the suit and finds a name embroidered
on the chest area.
RIKER
(continuing;
reading name)
Colonel S. Richey.
Riker looks at the skeleton and somehow feels sad...
RIKER
(continuing; soft)
Rest in peace, Colonel.
Riker's communicator comes alive again and Picard can
be heard clearly now.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Picard to Riker.
RIKER
Finally.
(touches communicator)
Riker. Go ahead.
52 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and Troi are standing behind Wesley and Geordi
at Science Two.
PICARD
What's your situation?
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 28.
52 CONTINUED:
RIKER
We are locked in a structure made
to resemble twentieth century
Earth -- all efforts to exit have
failed.
PICARD
We can't transport.
RIKER
I assumed as much. Captain, we
have located the remains of a
human.
53 INT. ROYALE - RICHEY'S SUITE - ON RIKER
RIKER
Request identity scan on a
Colonel Richey, American, first
initial S., roughly same time
period.
54 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - SAME SETTING
RIKER'S COM VOICE
We also need a computer library
check on hotel known as the
Royale; possible location, Las
Vegas, Nevada, circa twenty-first
century.
Static overwhelms Riker's voice, terminating
communication. Picard turns to Geordi and Wesley...
PICARD
Get on it.
55 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit.
56 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WESLEY
calls over to Picard:
WESLEY
Information retrieved, Captain --
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 29.
56 CONTINUED:
Picard steps over to a search/file screen which is
sizzling with readout. He studies it for a beat, then
intones:
PICARD
Colonel Stephen Richey was the
commanding officer of the
explorer ship Charybdis which
had a terrestrial launch date of
7-23-2067. It was the first
manned attempt to travel beyond
the confines of the Euclidian
solar system. Its telemetry
system failed and it was never
heard from again...
(then, intrigued)
Why is this of interest, Number
One?
There is no com response from Riker:
GEORDI
The frequency scramble remains
unpredictable, sir...
Picard sighs with the frustration of being out of touch
with his away team while:
57 INT. ROYALE - RICHEY'S SUITE - RIKER AND DATA
react to the information they just got on Richey as
Worf steps up with something in his hands.
WORF
Commander? Some curiosities...
RIKER
(taking them from Worf)
Books... A novel...
(reading the cover)
"The Royale Hotel"...
(hands it to Data)
Summarize.
Data smiles, takes the paperback, stares down at it as
he literally lets the pages fan past his eyes. That
done, he looks up at Riker with:
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 30.
57 CONTINUED:
DATA
The story of a group of compulsive
gamblers caught up in the web of
crime, corruption and deceit spun
by nefarious lothario Mikey D who
appears only at the climax to be
brought to his knees by a
heartbroken bellboy. There is
a subplot about an older man
conspiring with a younger woman
to murder her husband while
squandering her inheritance. The
writing is elementary, the
plotting predictable, the
characters one-dimensional. The
only thing of interest, quite
honestly, is the intriguing
setting, that of a Las Vegas
gambling casino-hotel --
RIKER
(interrupting)
This novel... and everyone in
it you've just described...
that's this hotel...
Riker picks up the other small book now.
RIKER
(continuing)
This... this appears to be a
diary... but with only one
entry...
(reading from it with
great interest now)
"I write this in the hope that
it will someday be read by human
eyes... I can only surmise at this
point, but apparently our
exploratory shuttle was
contaminated by an alien life-form
which infected and killed all
personnel except myself. I
awakened to find myself here in
The Royale Hotel... and for the
last thirty-eight years I have
survived here.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT THREE 31.
57 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER (Cont'd)
"I have come to understand that
this place was created for me
out of some sense of guilt,
presuming that the novel we had
on board was in fact a guide to
our preferred lifestyle and social
habits. Obviously, they thought
this was the world from which I
came. I hold no malice toward
my benefactors... they could not
possibly know the hell they have
put me through, for it was such
a badly written book, filled with
endless cliche and shallow
characters. I shall welcome death
when it comes... "
Riker looks up at Data and Worf, who realize:
RIKER
Then that is why... all of this
is here. But why can't we get
out?
And as they all react to that, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 32.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
58 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around the planet.
59 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard is there with Geordi and PULASKI.
PICARD
Suppose we phaser a slice in the
field which surrounds the
structure?
GEORDI
Yes...
PULASKI
That would mean the atmosphere
of the planet would instantly rush
in.
PICARD
How long would they live under
those conditions?
PULASKI
A minute -- maybe less.
PICARD
But you could revive them.
PULASKI
Well, that would depend on how
long they were exposed, how soon
I got to them, but Captain
realistically... I wouldn't give
them much of a chance. I'm a
doctor -- not a magician.
PICARD
I understand the risk, but I will
not warp off and leave them.
(to Geordi)
Make your preparations.
GEORDI
Yes, sir.
Off Pulaski's reaction:
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 33.
60 INT. ROYALE - RICHEY'S SUITE
The away team is searching the room for any other clues
when the PHONE RINGS. Worf looks to the others and
then awkwardly picks it up after figuring out how to
separate the receiver from the rest of the phone.
WORF
(into phone)
Yes?
(listens, frowns, turns
to others)
There is a female voice asking
if we want... "room service."
Data and Riker look at one another -- they have no idea
how to answer that question.
DATA
I believe they are asking if we
want the room cleaned.
RIKER
Tell them no.
WORF
(into phone)
No.
Worf listens to the response, shows surprise, and then
hangs up.
RIKER
What'd she say?
WORF
She said... "The kitchen's open
twenty-four hours if we change
our minds."
Data cocks his head, puzzled.
RIKER
I'm going to explore the other
floors; you two go down to the
lobby, see if we've missed
anything. Talk to the other
"guests" -- try and find out who
and what they are.
61 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 34.
62 INT. ROYALE CASINO - BLACKJACK TABLE - THE DEALER
looks up from his deal toward the entrance to the
casino.
63 ANGLE ON DATA AND WORF
just walking into the casino. Data turns to Worf...
DATA
I suggest we separate and blend
in with these beings. Casual
queries offered in an
inconspicuous manner might prove
most fruitful.
WORF
What?
Data shrugs.
DATA
Mingle, Worf. Mingle.
Data walks off into the casino leaving Worf to ponder
just how he plans to mingle.
64 INT. ROYALE CASINO - DATA
has wandered up to the "21" table where Vanessa and
Texas are still playing. Data comes up beside Texas.
Vanessa is looking more desperate, Texas more
confident, just as the dealer reveals his hole card.
Blackjack. Vanessa sags:
VANESSA
How much do I have left?
TEXAS
Honey, it's bad luck to count your
chips at the table...
Data sits beside Texas, cocks his head.
DATA
If I might inquire, where are you
from, sir?
TEXAS
Lubbock, Texas.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 35.
64 CONTINUED:
DATA
How did you get here?
TEXAS
To Vegas? Drove. Got a
ninety-six caddy with only eighty
thousand miles on her.
DATA
And where is your automobile now?
The Dealer deals a round. Comes to Vanessa.
DEALER
Hit?
She slides her cards under her chips; she's pat.
TEXAS
It's out front, I suppose. What
the hell difference does it make?
DATA
Could you take me there?
The Dealer reveals his hole card. Blackjack again.
VANESSA
(to Texas)
I'm losing my shirt here --
TEXAS
(ignoring her; to Data)
Now son, why would I wanna do
that? Can't you see I'm tryin'
to to help this little lady?
DATA
I do not believe you could go to
your car, even if it truly exists.
You are trapped inside the Royale,
just as I am.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 36.
64 CONTINUED: (2)
TEXAS
(chuckling)
Sure does feel that way when
you're losin', doesn't it? But
right now we're tryin' to turn
this lady's wagon and win back
some lost change. Otherwise she's
goin' to be in a desperate
situation with nowhere to turn.
(with a wink to Data)
Well, almost nowhere.
The dealer deals again while Texas lets his hand run
suggestively down her arm.
65 SCENE
Vanessa looks at her cards. She's got thirteen. The
dealer has a five showing.
VANESSA
I stay, right?
TEXAS
I wouldn't.
The woman is so desperate now -- all her money -- what
little that's left -- is on the line.
DATA
The odds favor standing pat.
Texas is confused -- it's as though no one has ever
interfered before.
VANESSA
What do I do?
The dealer is getting impatient.
DEALER
You want a card or what?
Vanessa looks from Data to Texas. Then she looks at
the dealer and nods "yes." The dealer lays down a card -- it's
a king.
VANESSA
Too many.
She turns and looks at Texas.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 37.
65 CONTINUED:
VANESSA
(continuing)
That's everything I had. I've
lost it all. What am I going to
do?
Texas puts his arm around her shoulders and pats her
gently.
TEXAS
There, there...
Then he looks up at Data with another knowing wink.
66 INT. ROYALE LOBBY
Worf joins Riker at the registration desk. The
assistant manager is talking with the bellboy. Both
are agitated -- nervous -- expectant. Suddenly both look
at the door. Their eyes widen.
67 RIKER AND WORF
turn to see:
68 DOORWAY
Through the revolving door comes a hard-looking man --
MIKEY D -- it's obvious he's got murder on his mind.
69 RIKER AND WORF
as they look from Mikey D to the bellboy.
70 SCENE
The bellboy moves off to the side -- he's young and
scared, but he's not the kind to back down. (All of
this has to be played through the eyes of Riker and
Worf.)
MIKEY D
You were told.
The bellboy nods.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 38.
70 CONTINUED:
BELLBOY
It's not for you to make the
call... it's for Rita.
MIKEY D
She sent me to tell you.
Mikey moves slightly to the side -- a gunfighter looking
for an edge.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Boys -- we can't afford to have
any trouble here -- take it
outside.
MIKEY D
Yeah -- I like that... come on,
baggage man... let's you and me
take it outside.
The bellboy hesitates.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Watch yourself.
BELLBOY
Don't worry.
The bellboy moves his hand back to where he has stashed
his gun.
71 RIKER
He looks from the bellboy to Mikey D.
72 MIKEY D
He smiles. His hand also moves.
73 RIKER AND WORF
Worf smells a firefight coming and his hand goes to his
phaser. With a look, Riker tells Worf to stay out of
this.
RIKER
It's all part of the novel. Don't
interfere.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 39.
74 SCENE
As the bellboy moves toward the door... Mikey D makes a
little circling move -- just enough to get the angle.
Without warning -- Mikey D pulls his gun and fires.
It's loud and smoky. The bellboy falls. Mikey D
quickly turns his attention on the room.
75 RIKER AND WORF
Neither moves -- they are both mesmerized by what they
are watching.
76 SCENE
Mikey D looks over at the bellboy.
MIKEY D
You should have listened, kid
no woman is worth dying for...
killing for... but not dying for.
Mikey D then turns and walks OUT of the hotel as Data
walks up to:
77 RIKER AND WORF
Riker reacts.
RIKER
(re Mikey D)
How can he leave?
DATA
It is on page 244.
Riker reacts, realizing:
RIKER
The book... Then... how does it
end?
DATA
A bad love affair ends in a bloody
shoot-out, the hotel gets bought
out and life goes on... such as
it is --
RIKER
The hotel gets bought? By whom?
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FOUR 40.
77 CONTINUED:
DATA
(re the book)
It is not very specific. The
acquiring party is simply referred
to as "foreign investors." Sale
price, twelve point five million.
RIKER
That's how we're getting out.
We're buying this place.
Riker leads Data and Worf off and we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 41.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
78 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around the mysterious Theta Eight.
79 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - PICARD
is in his Command Chair, weighing the impossible
situation.
PICARD
(sighs with
frustration)
Number One... If we don't take
some action, make some attempt -- however
dangerous it may be -- to
rescue you, you may very
well be lost to the confines of
that conundrum for all eternity.
That is certain death for you
all... and that...
(building angrily now)
... that is unacceptable! We
have set phaser focus with energy
ratios sufficient to penetrate
the structure --
RIKER
Hold on that. There may be
another way. I'll keep you
informed.
80
thru OMITTED
83
84 ANGLE - DATA, RIKER, AND WORF AT THE CRAP TABLES
where Data studies the action with curious intensity,
taking it all in:
DATA
It is a question of decimal
percentages. Quite simple, really
if one bets with any sequential
consistency.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 42.
84 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Can you do it?
DATA
Certainly.
Just then, someone moves aside to reveal Texas and
Vanessa standing beside the away team.
TEXAS
C'mon, sugar, seven-come-eleven
and we're on easy street --
Vanessa rolls the dice and a monotone tells us:
CROUPIER (O.S.)
Snake eyes.
Texas sags; she shoots daggers at him.
VANESSA
I'm almost broke!
TEXAS
Baby, relax! It's only money --
VANESSA
But if I lose it all, I won't
even have a place to sleep.
TEXAS
(protective)
Don't worry your pretty little
head. I'd never let that happen.
The croupier passes the dice to Data.
CROUPIER
It's your roll, sir...
Riker urges him forward.
RIKER
Go to work.
Data places one of his chips on the pass line.
TEXAS
Maybe this turkey'll change our
luck --
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 43.
84 CONTINUED: (2)
She sighs heavily; Texas shoves several chips out
behind Data's and now Data picks up the dice and
awkwardly rolls them down the length of the table. The
croupier barks out:
CROUPIER
Six. The point is six --
TEXAS
Six! Hell, my blind grandmother
can make a six! Let 'er rip, boy!
Data picks up the dice and rolls again, his face
reflecting a sudden realization as we hear:
CROUPIER
Seven. Seven and out...
Data's eyes widen as he sees his chips swept away by
the croupier. At his side, Vanessa tries to pull away
from Texas.
VANESSA
So much for your new turkey --
Texas pulls her back to the table.
Data turns to Riker and Worf as he picks the dice up
again:
DATA
These cubes are improperly
balanced. I believe that their
final resting position is
adversely affected --
Riker reacts, realizing:
RIKER
Loaded dice.
(then, to Data)
Can you... "repair" them?
DATA
I believe so...
85 ANGLE - DATA'S FINGERS
begin to apply android pressure to the dice.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 44.
86 DATA
blows on the dice and rolls again and now his face
lights up with the sound of:
TEXAS (O.S.)
Seven! A winner!
Data's money is quickly doubled; so is Vanessa's.
They both like it.
TEXAS
Attaboy! Just do that a few more
times and everybody's gonna get
well --
And as Data prepares to roll again now, we:
GO TO:
87 THE ASSISTANT MANAGER
as he walks to the table with a tray of $100,000
placques. Data has quite a crowd around him now as
he continues his hot streak.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
(to croupier)
Who has the dice?
The croupier nods toward Data. At his side, Vanessa is
doing just fine, with more money in front of her than
she ever dreamed. Now, of course, Vanessa is all over
Texas like a cheap suit.
VANESSA
Oh, Tex, darlin', you're
brilliant!
TEXAS
Yeah. An' good lookin' too, huh?
Worf studies the action, leans over to his comrades.
WORF
(to Riker)
Isn't that enough?
RIKER
Almost. I don't want to be short,
that's for sure...
(then, to Data)
You are keeping count?
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 45.
87 CONTINUED:
Data reaches down, touches the stack, pauses for a
moment, then whispers:
DATA
Eleven point three million.
(then, whimsically)
Perhaps I will bet it all --
Riker leans in to him, whispering urgently:
RIKER
No! Simply reach twelve million.
DATA
As you wish...
With that, Data rolls one last time and we hear:
ASSISTANT MANAGER (O.S.)
The man has the touch.
The croupier shoves more chips over to Data; Riker
leans in to Data with:
RIKER
Now.
DATA
(to the Croupier)
I would like to cash out, please.
The croupier blanches; he turns to the assistant
manager who steps up.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
I'm afraid you've broken the bank.
That's over twelve million --
RIKER
Twelve point five million to be
exact. The purchase price of
this hotel.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
That's impossible --
Riker smiles, holds up the novel.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 46.
87 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
Wrong. We're the "foreign
Investors" on page 244. We're
buying you out, lock, stock, and
barrel.
(slides the chips toward
the pit boss)
Consider it a "done deal."
The assistant manager reacts, stupefied, not knowing
how to react. Texas turns to them, wide-eyed.
TEXAS
Hey, y'know what? Y'all got
style! I like that! Let me buy
y'all a drink --
Riker smiles at him, reaches into Texas's coat pocket
and pulls out a big cigar. As he twirls it in his own
mouth:
RIKER
Enjoy the game, friend. And don't
let 'em change the dice on you.
With that, Riker leads Worf and Data away through the
crowd. The assistant manager, sweating nervously,
shouts out:
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Wait! You can't leave!
RIKER
Oh yeah? Watch us.
(then, wagging a finger
at him)
Don't forget, we own the joint.
Riker leads them toward the revolving door in the
distance. Worf looks a bit worried, puffs himself up,
anticipating a struggle with strange physical elements
beyond his ken.
WORF
You're confident about this,
Commander?
RIKER
Focus. Concentrate. See only
where we want to BE, not where
we are.
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 47.
87 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
Ancient philosophical overtones
of thought process... "Zen", I
believe --
RIKER
We own the place... and we're
walking through that door...
88
thru OMITTED
91
91A ANGLE - THE REVOLVING DOOR
And as they approach the door, we see each of our away
team members steel himself for the impossible... and
they step into the revolving door and we:
GO TO:
92 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - THE BLACK VOID
envelops them once again. Riker smiles confidently as
he intones:
RIKER
I think it's time to go home...
93 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - PICARD
smiles in relief as he hears those words. He turns to
his crew.
PICARD
Transporter Room, we have a fix
on our away team. Beam them up...
and please be quick about it!
Troi comes over to his side and shares his moment of
relief as:
93A EXT. PLANET SURFACE - THE AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL)
BEAMS UP and:
STAR TREK: "The Royale" - 01/10/89 - ACT FIVE 48.
93B THE REVOLVING DOOR
continues its perpetual motion as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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