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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright"
#40276-242
Written by
Brannon Braga
Directed by
Rick Kolbe
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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or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
DECEMBER 10, 1992
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright"
CAST
PICARD SHREK
RIKER BA'EL
DATA GI'RAL
(DOCTOR SOONG)
BEVERLY L'KOR
TROI
WORF
GEORDI
BASHIR
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D SECURITY ROMULAN GUARD
VARIOUS N.D.'s KLINGONS
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE (DOCKED AT DS9)
SICKBAY
ENGINEERING SHREK'S SHUTTLECRAFT
CORRIDOR JUNGLE
TEN FORWARD
DATA'S QUARTERS
READY ROOM
WORF'S QUARTERS
DS9
PROMENADE
REPLIMAT
SHREK'S SHUTTLECRAFT
PRISON COMPOUND
GARDEN
MEETING HALL
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ALTURE all-TOUR
CARRAYA car-EYE-ah
GHOS GOSS
JAGLOM JAG-lom
KAHLESS KAY-less
KHITOMER KIT-oh-mer
MAJQA mazh-KA
MEGAJOULES MAY-ga-jewels
MOGH MOGH
NAGOR NAY-gore
NO'MAT no-MAT
SYMNAY sim-NAY
TAQUA tak-KWA
YRIDIAN yir-ID-ee-un
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
docked at DEEP SPACE NINE.
PICARD (v.o.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46578.4.
The Enterprise has arrived at
Station Deep Space Nine, where we
will assist in the reconstruction
of the Bajoran aqueduct systems
damaged during the Cardassian
occupation.
2 INT. DS9 - PROMENADE - LOWER LEVEL
PICARD and BEVERLY come out of an AIRLOCK and begin
walking down the street, past the storefronts and
activity. Picard is carrying a briefcase; Beverly has
a medical kit. Mid-conversation.
BEVERLY
I should be finished with the
water contaminant analysis in a
few hours. Then I'm going to try
one of the Holosuites.
(beat)
I hear they've got a relaxation
program here from Alture Seven.
First you get bathed in a protein
bath... and then a cloud of
chromal vapor carries you into a
meditation chamber... You should
try it.
Picard sighs at the thought.
PICARD
I'm afraid I won't have the time.
I'll be too busy discussing the
finer points of water management
with ten Bajoran bureaucrats.
(beat)
And they won't be carrying me on
chromal vapor...
Beverly smiles. As they ENTER a TURBOLIFT...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - TEASER 2.
3 INT. REPLIMAT
WORF and GEORDI are moving away from the wall of
replicators, having just made identical plates of FOOD.
As they head for a table...
WORF
(re: food)
What is this?
GEORDI
Pasta al fiorella -- you'll love
it.
They sit down.
GEORDI
I'd like to take a look at those
Ktarian antiques... I hear there's
a twenty-first century plasma coil --
in perfect condition.
WORF
First we eat... then we shop.
4 NEW ANGLE - JAGLOM SHREK
A thin, creepy-looking ALIEN who is pointedly watching
Worf from across the street. He slowly starts to make
his way toward the Replimat. OFF his intent...
5 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
DATA, RIKER, VARIOUS N.D.s at their positions. A small
WARNING ALARM sounds on Data's console.
DATA
(off console)
Commander -- I am reading a minor
power drain in the Starboard EPS
conduits.
RIKER
What's causing it?
DATA
(works)
The problem is originating in
Sickbay. There has been an
unauthorized access into the
computer's bio-imaging systems.
Riker is not overly concerned, but still...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - TEASER 3.
5 CONTINUED:
RIKER
You'd better check it out.
DATA
Aye sir.
Data stands and heads for the Turbolift...
6 INT. SICKBAY
JULIAN BASHIR is by himself, working on a TECH DEVICE --
a large, battered-looking cylinder. The device has
been connected to a medical console with a small cable.
Data ENTERS and reacts to the sight of this strange man
in Sickbay.
DATA
(to Bashir)
Excuse me. Do you have
authorization to work in this
area?
Bashir glances at Data, missing the question,
completely absorbed in his work. He waves Data over.
BASHIR
Come here... come here... I need
a hand with this field
generator...
Data walks over. Bashir touches a control on the
cylinder, then indicates a medical console.
BASHIR
See if you can boost the power
output to sixty-five percent.
Data looks at the cylinder.
DATA
I am sorry. Use of Sickbay
equipment is limited to the ship's
medical personnel.
Bashir turns to Data -- offers him a hand.
BASHIR
Doctor Julian Bashir -- Chief
Medical officer, Deep Space Nine.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - TEASER 4.
6 CONTINUED:
BASHIR (Cont'd)
(off Data's pips)
And you are Commander... ?
DATA
Data.
They shake hands. Bashir reacts to the name...
BASHIR
Commander Data... the synthetic
lifeform?
DATA
Yes.
Bashir smiles, delighted -- shakes Data's hand with
renewed vigor.
BASHIR
An honor to meet you, sir. I've
heard so much about you...
(beat)
You must have a fascinating
perspective on bio-cybernetic
research. I'd be delighted if we
could discuss the subject
sometime...
Bashir's charm catches Data off guard.
DATA
I would be happy to do so.
However, I must ask you to stop
your experiment.
A beat.
BASHIR
Yes, of course... you're right.
I realize I should have asked
before using your Sickbay.
Bashir disconnects the cylinder from the console.
BASHIR
(continuing)
It would've taken me days to
analyze this device with the
computer I have on DS Nine...
Data eyes the cylinder.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - TEASER 5.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
What type of device is it?
BASHIR
It was discovered in the Gamma
Quadrant. I think it may be some
kind of medical instrument.
Data examines the cylinder.
DATA
It appears to employ beam inputs.
BASHIR
(nods)
I'm hoping it's a medical scanner.
I want to use your computers to
find out how it works.
Beat.
DATA
I suggest we go to Engineering and
begin with a full circuit pathway
diagnostic.
Bashir smiles at the invitation.
BASHIR
Splendid.
Data lifts the cylinder. As they head for the door,
Bashir eyes Data with genuine curiosity.
BASHIR
I must admit, Commander... I
didn't think you'd be so...
personable.
Data gives him a look. As they EXIT...
7 INT. DS9 - PROMENADE - REPLIMAT
Geordi and Worf are sitting at the table. Geordi's
plate is still full and pushed away from him. Worf
eats with enthusiasm.
GEORDI
I'll have to talk to Chief O'Brien
about the replicators.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - TEASER 6.
7 CONTINUED:
GEORDI (CONT'D)
I don't know how you can keep
eating it...
(beat)
It tastes like... liquid polymer.
Worf's plate is almost empty -- he's just finishing.
WORF
Delicious.
Geordi pushes his plate away, stands.
GEORDI
I think I'll try the kiosk on the
other side of the Promenade. It
looked like they've got real food.
Worf nods. Geordi walks off down the Promenade. A
beat goes by as Worf eats... then:
SHREK (O.S.)
Klingon... you are the Starfleet
Klingon.
Worf looks toward the voice. INCLUDE Shrek -- the
alien seen earlier. He is standing near Worf's table.
WORF
Yes... I am Lieutenant Worf.
SHREK
Worf... son of Mogh?
Worf eyes him warily.
WORF
What of it?
Shrek sits down at the table. He leans in close to
Worf, speaks in a low voice -- manipulative but
articulate.
SHREK
I am Jaglom Shrek. A man with
information to sell.
WORF
You have no information I could
want.
SHREK
I wouldn't be so sure...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - TEASER 7.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
Worf is growing annoyed -- he stands to go.
SHREK
(quickly)
It is about your father... Mogh.
Worf stops, stiffens -- turns to Shrek.
WORF
My father died twenty-five years
ago at Khitomer.
Shrek fixes him with a look.
SHREK
That is what you believe...
(beat)
What if I told you... he is still
alive?
OFF Worf's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
8 INT. DEEP SPACE NINE - REPLIMAT
As before, Worf and Shrek. Worf is disbelieving.
WORF
My father is dead.
SHREK
He's not. I know where he is.
WORF
How is that possible?
Shrek leans back in his chair, eyes Worf shrewdly.
SHREK
I expect to be paid for my
information. Perhaps we can
negotiate an exchange. The
location of your father, for fifty
bars of --
Worf's temper flares -- he GRABS Shrek by the shirt.
WORF
(hard)
Tell me what you know.
Shrek is shaken, but determined to make a deal.
SHREK
Not all of the Klingons at
Khitomer were killed during the
massacre. Many were captured by
the Romulans... and placed in a
prison camp on a remote planet...
(beat)
Your father was among them.
WORF
Where is this planet?
SHREK
Not far from here... I can give
you the location... for a price.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 9.
8 CONTINUED:
Worf considers. He grows angry.
WORF
A Klingon would rather die than be
taken prisoner. I should kill you
for spreading lies about my
family.
(adamant)
My father was killed defending
Khitomer.
Worf lets go of Shrek, then storms off down the
Promenade. As Shrek watches him go...
CUT TO:
9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
docked at DS9.
10 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Later. RIKER, TROI, N.D.s at their positions. Worf is
standing at tactical, looking agitated. A SECURITY
N.D. ENTERS from a Turbolift and crosses to Worf. He
hands Worf a PADD and turns to go. Worf reads it.
WORF
(to N.D.)
Ensign Lopez.
The N.D. turns to Worf.
WORF
(snaps)
This duty roster is unacceptable.
The assignments must be listed in
order of priority. Prepare it
again.
The hapless N.D. takes the PADD and stares down at it,
confused by the harsh command.
WORF
I will expect it no later than oh
nine hundred hours. Understood?
The N.D. nods, cowed, and quickly heads for a
Turbolift. Worf continues working. Riker walks up
behind Worf at Tactical.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 10.
10 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Worf, I'll need that rendezvous
schedule sent over to Commander
Rudman on the Merrimac as soon as
you --
WORF
(cutting him off)
I am aware of your request,
Commander.
Riker reacts to Worf's abruptness, a little taken
aback.
RIKER
Lieutenant... are you alright?
Worf calms himself -- knows he's made a mistake. He's
on edge, and it shows.
WORF
I am... fine, sir.
(beat)
I will send the schedule... Excuse
me, sir...
Worf heads for a Turbolift and EXITS. As Riker and
Troi exchange a concerned look...
11 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
Later. Worf is dressed in his workout uniform,
practicing his martial arts (as seen in "Man of the
People"). His motions are slow and deliberate at
first, as he tries to clear his mind... calming
himself...
Gradually, it becomes clear that he is having trouble
concentrating. His actions grow sharper and faster --
more violent with emotion. Finally, his anger flares
and he yells out, SMASHING his arm down onto a table,
SHATTERING it into several pieces.
He stands there a moment, breathless, staring at it.
The door CHIMES.
WORF
Enter.
The door OPENS and Troi comes in, takes in the scene --
sees the broken table.
TROI
Did the table do something wrong?
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 11.
11 CONTINUED:
Worf is agitated.
WORF
No...
TROI
I'm glad you weren't that hard on
Ensign Lopez.
WORF
He made a mistake. The duty
roster was inaccurate.
TROI
(right back at him)
Would you like to talk about
what's bothering you... or would
you like to break some more
furniture?
Worf glances at the broken table and manages to calm
down a little. He takes a breath... this is difficult
for him to talk about.
WORF
Today on the Promenade... I was
approached by a Yridian. He knew
who I was... and tried to sell me
information about... Mogh.
TROI
Your father?
Worf nods grimly.
WORF
He claimed that my father is
alive... being held in a Romulan
prison camp.
TROI
(reacts)
My god... could it be true?
Worf begins to move about the room, restless, his
emotions stirring once again.
WORF
A Klingon would never allow
himself to be captured. A warrior
fights to the death.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 12.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF (Cont'd)
(beat)
If my father were alive... it
would dishonor his sons and their
sons for three generations...
(beat)
Even Alexander would bear the
burden of guilt.
TROI
So you're willing to ignore the
possibility... because you're
concerned about dishonor?
Worf's anger rushes to the surface.
WORF
My father is dead -- the Yridian
is selling lies!
Troi stares at him, unruffled.
TROI
If you're so sure of that... why
are you still upset?
A long beat. Worf doesn't have an answer.
TROI
(continuing)
Worf... you can't deny the
possibility just because you don't
want it to be true.
Worf is silent, fuming, struggling with his feelings
about the situation. Troi can sense that this isn't
going anywhere. She tries to comfort Worf.
TROI
(continuing)
If you want to talk about this...
you know where to find me.
Troi turns and EXITS. Worf is left to stare at the
broken table, Troi's words still hanging in the air...
12 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Data, Bashir and Geordi are examining the battered
cylinder seen earlier. Data indicates several input
ports on the cylinder.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT ONE 13.
12 CONTINUED:
DATA
If we transfer twenty megajoules
of energy from the dilithium
chamber into the plasma inputs, it
should be enough to activate the
device.
Geordi nods.
GEORDI
Sounds like it's worth a try.
(beat)
You two can start by connecting
the coil to the chamber. I'll
configure the energy transfer...
BASHIR
Right.
Data and Bashir move to the warp core. They begin to
connect a fiber optic cable to the cylinder. As they
work...
BASHIR
Data... may I ask you a personal
question?
DATA
Certainly.
BASHIR
Does your hair grow?
Data thinks a moment, taken aback by the question.
DATA
I can control the rate of my
follicle replenishment. However,
I have not yet had a reason to
modify the length of my hair.
(beat)
Why do you ask?
BASHIR
Just curious...
Bashir finishes connecting the cable to the cylinder.
BASHIR
Power conduits ready...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT ONE 14.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
Data connects the other end of the cable to the
dilithium chamber. Bashir opens a PANEL on the side of
the cylinder and starts to make adjustments to the
circuitry. Data kneels beside him to assist.
They work for a moment... then Bashir glances at Data.
Something about his face catches his attention. He
moves closer, staring directly at his nose. Data takes
note.
DATA
Is there something wrong, Doctor?
BASHIR
You're breathing...
DATA
Yes. I do have a functional
respiration system. However, its
purpose is to maintain the thermal
control of my internal systems.
I am, in fact, capable of
functioning for extended periods
in a vacuum.
Bashir nods, fascinated. He reaches over and feels
Data's wrist.
BASHIR
And you have a pulse...
DATA
My circulatory system not only
produces bio-chemical lubricants,
but regulates micro-hydraulic
power.
Bashir looks impressed. They work for a moment.
DATA
(intrigued)
Most people are usually interested
in my extraordinary abilities.
How fast I can compute, my memory
capacity, how long I will live.
(beat)
But no one has ever asked me if my
hair can grow, or noticed that I
can breathe.
Bashir smiles.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 15.
12 CONTINUED: (3)
BASHIR
Your creator went to a lot of
trouble to make you seem human...
I find that fascinating.
Data considers. Geordi completes his work at the
console.
GEORDI
We're ready to begin the transfer.
Data completes the last connection on the cylinder.
DATA
The power connections are
complete.
BASHIR
(to Data)
I'll monitor the coil's saturation
rate. Will you keep an eye on the
transient power response?
DATA
Of course.
Data picks up a nearby tricorder and points it toward
the cylinder.
DATA
We are ready, Geordi.
GEORDI
(working)
Initiating energy transfer...
We HEAR a HUMMING NOISE from the warp core -- then the
cylinder's lights come ALIVE, blinking.
BASHIR
(off cylinder panel)
Power levels are holding steady...
DATA
(off tricorder)
Transient response is normal.
Suddenly, the cylinder's lights begin to pulse FASTER.
Bashir looks concerned.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 16.
12 CONTINUED: (4)
BASHIR
Hold on... I'm picking up a power
surge...
(beat)
Reduce the transfer rate...
Geordi works the console.
GEORDI
Reducing rate by... twenty
percent.
Without warning, a TENDRIL of ENERGY arcs out from the
coil and directly onto Data's tricorder. Data's body
CRACKLES with BLUE LIGHT and he is JOLTED BACKWARD onto
the floor.
13 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE
as he falls to the floor. Geordi and Bashir can be
heard talking, alarmed --
BASHIR (V.O.)
Geordi -- shut it down!
GEORDI (V.O.)
His net's been overloaded --
Their voices grow distant... then fade away into total
silence. Data's eyes are closed.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
14 INT ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR
Data is now lying on the floor in the corridor. He
gets to his feet, glances around, startled at the
change in setting. He begins walking down the
corridor. The hall is empty and totally SILENT. There
is an eerie and surreal quality to the scene, as in a
dream. WE ARE EXPERIENCING DATA'S INTERNAL VISION.
Data keeps walking, until a METALLIC BANGING SOUND is
heard echoing in the corridor, cutting through the
silence -- like metal on metal. Data stops, listens a
moment, then turns down a different corridor, following
the sound...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 17.
15 INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR
Data walking along. He sees something ahead of him...
slows down at the sight...
16 A BLACKSMITH
in full blacksmith attire, is sitting on a small bench
in the middle of the corridor, a few feet away from
Data. The man is pounding on a steel ANVIL with a
HAMMER. His head is turned down, his face obscured.
17 DATA
approaches the man... curious... He stops at the man,
stares down at him...
18 THE BLACKSMITH
looks up at Data -- it is DOCTOR NOONIAN SOONG. He is
a younger Soong than seen in "Brothers" -- a man in his
late forties, hair graying slightly.
19 DATA
reacts to the sight. Suddenly the scene...
FADES TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
20 INT. ENGINEERING
Data opens his eyes. He is still lying on the floor --
but a PANEL on the side of his head is now OPENED.
Geordi is working on the circuitry within. Bashir
stands nearby, watching anxiously. Data sits up and
glances around the room.
BASHIR
Data, are you alright?
DATA
I believe so.
(beat)
What happened?
GEORDI
A plasma shock overloaded your
positronic net. You were down for
a good thirty seconds.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT ONE 18.
20 CONTINUED:
Data thinks a moment.
DATA
That cannot be correct.
(beat)
I have a memory record for that
period of time. I can recall a
series of images.
Data tilts his head, perplexed -- he looks at Geordi.
DATA
(continuing)
I saw Doctor Soong... my father.
OFF their reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 19.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
21 INT. ENGINEERING
A few hours later. Data is running an internal self-diagnostic.
A PANEL on his head is OPEN. Geordi is
scanning Data's circuitry with a diagnostic INSTRUMENT.
Bashir looks on, concerned.
GEORDI
(off instrument)
I can't find anything wrong with
your positronic sub-processors...
or with your controllers...
Geordi shuts off the instrument.
GEORDI
No sign of a residual energy
fluctuation... cascade
overload...
DATA
My internal diagnostic indicates
that my memory systems are
functioning within normal
parameters.
(beat)
For the forty-seven seconds that
I was inactive, there is no record
of any cognitive activity.
GEORDI
There's no doubt about it, Data --
you were completely shut down.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 20.
21 CONTINUED:
A beat as they try to make sense out of the strange
situation.
GEORDI
Maybe you had some kind of random
power fluctuation... and it
accessed one of your memory files.
DATA
That is not possible. The image
I saw was of Doctor Soong as a
young man. I encountered him only
much later in his life.
Data is perplexed.
DATA
(continuing)
There does not appear to be a
rational explanation for my
experience.
They consider. Finally, Geordi CLOSES the panel on
Data's head.
GEORDI
I'll take a look at the diagnostic
log again...
(beat)
In the meantime, we'd better
disconnect that medical device...
Geordi moves to a console across the room. Bashir and
Data cross to the dilithium chamber and begin to
disconnect the cylinder from the core.
BASHIR
(casually)
Maybe we're going about this the
wrong way...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 21.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
What do you mean?
BASHIR
Maybe you had a dream... or a
hallucination...
DATA
I am not capable of either of
those functions.
BASHIR
But you can't account for what
happened today... can you?
DATA
At present, I cannot.
Bashir picks up the cylinder, turns to Data.
BASHIR
Maybe you should approach this
from a more... human standpoint.
You're right that machines can't
have hallucinations...
(beat)
But then again... most machines
can't grow hair.
Data looks at him. OFF his intrigue...
CUT TO:
22 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as before, docked at DS9.
23 INT. TEN FORWARD
Worf is sitting alone by the windows, a drink on the
table. His back is turned to everyone in the room --
clearly, he does not want to be bothered. He is lost
in thought, reflecting on the day's events...
24 INCLUDE DATA
as he ENTERS and scans the room -- sees Worf and heads
for his table. He slows as he gets closer, not sure
how to approach the inpenetrable-looking Worf.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 22.
24 CONTINUED:
He opens his mouth to say something, thinks better of
it, then turns to go...
Worf sees him.
WORF
Wait.
Data stops. Worf turns.
WORF
(continuing)
What is it, Commander?
DATA
I am sorry to bother you. But I
have a question of a personal
nature. Do you have a moment?
Worf is not in the mood for this, but...
WORF
A moment.
Worf gestures to a chair and Data sits down.
DATA
I have heard you mention that you
once experienced a vision.
WORF
Yes... when I was young... my
adoptive parents arranged for me
to partake in the Rite of MajQa.
DATA
I understand it involves deep
meditation inside the lava caves
of No'Mat. Prolonged exposure to
the heat induces a hallucinatory
effect.
Worf thinks a moment... remembers his experience.
WORF
I spent six days in the lava
caves. For five days I saw
nothing. Then, on the sixth day,
as I was preparing to leave the
caves... Kahless came to me.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 23.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Kahless. The entity you invoke
during the Klingon Death Ritual?
WORF
(nods)
When he appeared before me... he
told me that I would do what no
Klingon had ever done.
Data considers.
DATA
You did become the first Klingon
in Starfleet.
WORF
Yes. It is as he said.
A beat as Worf remembers the event -- clearly, it has
great meaning in his life. He looks at Data.
WORF
Why are you asking me about this?
DATA
I have recently had an unexplained
experience, which might be
described as a "vision".
Worf leans forward, fascinated.
WORF
What happened?
DATA
An accident in Engineering shut
down my cognitive functions for a
short period of time. And yet, I
seemed to remain conscious.
(beat)
I saw my father.
Worf reacts -- the image strikes a chord in him.
WORF
You are fortunate. That is a
powerful vision.
DATA
If it was a vision, I am not sure
how to proceed.
WORF
(it's obvious)
You must find its meaning.
Data gives him a quizzical look.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 24.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
Worf contemplates.
WORF
(explains)
If it has anything to do with your
father, you must learn all you can
about it.
(beat)
In the Klingon MajQa ritual, there
is nothing more important than
receiving a revelation about your
father.
As Worf gives advice to Data, he suddenly realizes he's
talking to himself as well...
WORF
(continuing)
Your father is part of you...
always. Learning about him tells
you about yourself...
(beat)
That is why, no matter where he
is... or what he's done... you
must find him.
Data looks puzzled.
DATA
But I am not looking for my
father.
Worf looks at him.
WORF
Yes, of course...
Worf's next words are meant just as much for him, as
they are for Data.
WORF
(continuing)
Do not stop until you have the
answer.
Data thinks for a beat.
DATA
Thank you, Worf.
Worf nods. Data stands and heads for the door. Worf
takes a breath... stares out the window into space...
reflecting...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 25.
25 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
docked at DS9.
26 INT. DS9 - PROMENADE - LOWER LEVEL
Worf is walking past the storefronts, searching through
the crowd. He glances upward -- sees Shrek on the
upper level. He heads for the stairs with intent...
27 ANGLE - UPPER LEVEL
where Shrek is standing, munching on a snack, his eyes
sweeping the crowd as though on constant alert.
Suddenly he senses something behind him, turns -- and
sees Worf standing there, staring at him. He steps
back, startled.
SHREK
Lieutenant Worf... you have
reconsidered...
WORF
Yes. I wish to go to the Romulan
prison camp.
Shrek smiles.
SHREK
Excellent. I can provide you with
the coordinates...
WORF
No. You will take me there.
Shrek reacts.
SHREK
That is impossible. I have no
means of transportation --
Worf steps toward him, menacing.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 26.
27 CONTINUED:
WORF
I checked the station records.
You have a vessel capable of warp
speed.
SHREK
(stammering)
I do not... have the time... I
have other business...
Without warning, Worf GRABS Shrek by the shirt and PINS
him against the railing. Shrek glances nervously at
the promenade below.
WORF
What is the real reason you do not
want to take me? Is it because
what you have said is not true?
Shrek hesitates, nervous -- comes clean.
SHREK
The camp is located on the edge of
Romulan space. It is a dangerous
journey...
WORF
Dangerous...
(beat)
It would be more dangerous for you
to refuse.
Shrek is cowed.
SHREK
Very well... But I will require
full payment in advance...
WORF
I will pay you after.
SHREK
But --
Worf pushes him a little further off the railing.
SHREK
(quickly)
Yes... yes, of course. After.
Worf moves close to him, face-to-face.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT TWO 27.
27 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
And if you are lying... if there
is no prison camp...
(beat)
I will kill you.
Worf releases him, turns and walks away. OFF Shrek's
shaken expression...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
28 EXT. SPACE - SHREK'S SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
29 INT. SHREK'S SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)
(Redress of Enterprise shuttle.) Shrek and Worf at the
controls. Worf is dressed in DARK CAMOUFLAGE CLOTHING.
They are studying a console MONITOR that shows a
blurry, grainy GRAPHIC of a jungle and the surrounding
terrain -- like a reconnaissance photo.
SHREK
(re: graphic)
The Romulan guards have a
detection perimeter. It will be
necessary to transport you to the
surface thirty kilometers from the
prison camp.
Worf eyes the graphic.
WORF
The foliage is very dense. It
will take me approximately twelve
hours to reach the camp.
(beat)
I will have to travel during the
night.
SHREK
That would be unwise. This is not
an empty jungle. There are many
predators.
WORF
(confident)
I am prepared.
SHREK
Very well. But I would recommend
that you look up from time to
time. The arboreal needle snake
likes to attack from above.
Worf shoots a him a look. Shrek works the console.
SHREK
I will provide you with a map of
the camp...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT THREE 29.
29 CONTINUED:
Worf watches Shrek for a moment, curious.
WORF
How did you learn of this camp?
SHREK
That is not important for you to
know.
WORF
Why have you not informed the
Klingon government of this place?
SHREK
I sell information... I do not
give it away.
Worf grows angry.
WORF
(accusing)
You withhold this information...
for profit.
Shrek bristles at the accusation -- he fixes Worf with
a cold look.
SHREK
I have my reasons, Mister Worf.
WORF
What reason could you have for
letting these people suffer?
A tense beat. Shrek opts not to answer, turns back to
the console.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT THREE 30.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
SHREK
We will arrive in the Carraya
Sector in approximately three
hours. I suggest you get some
rest.
Worf eyes him a beat, then stands and moves to work at
the rear of the shuttle.
30 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
docked at DS9.
31 INT. READY ROOM
Picard is at his desk, studying a computer terminal.
The door CHIMES.
PICARD
Come.
Data ENTERS.
PICARD
Yes, Mister Data?
DATA
I am sorry to disturb you, sir.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT THREE 31.
31 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Not at all. I'm just studying the
intricacies of Bajoran aqueduct
management...
(lightly)
I could use an interruption about
now. Please, sit down.
Data sits.
DATA
I require your advice. I have
come to an impasse regarding my
recent unexplained experience.
Picard leans forward, intrigued -- he's heard about the
incident.
PICARD
Oh yes... of course... your
"vision" of Doctor Soong. How's
your investigation coming along?
DATA
I have analyzed over four thousand
different religious and
philosophical systems, as well as
over two hundred psychological
schools of thought in an effort to
understand what happened.
PICARD
What have you found?
DATA
I have been unable to find a
single interpretation of the
images I saw during the time I was
shut down.
(beat)
The image of a hammer, for
instance, could have many
different meanings. Klingon
culture views the hammer as a
symbol of power. However, the
Taqua tribe of Nagor views it as
an icon of hearth and home. The
Feregni see it as a sign of sexual
prowess.
Picard considers.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/10/92 - ACT THREE 32.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
I'm curious. Why are you looking
at all these other cultures?
DATA
The interpretation of visions and
other metaphysical experiences are
almost always culturally derived.
(beat)
And I have no culture of my own.
PICARD
Yes you do. You are a culture of
one. And that's no less valid
than a culture of one billion.
Picard stands, begins to walk around the room,
compelled by Data's mystery.
PICARD
(continuing)
Perhaps the key to understanding
your experience is to stop looking
into other sources for meaning...
(explains)
You wouldn't look at
Michaelangelo's David... or
Symnay's Tomb... and ask "what
does this mean to other people?"
The real question is, "what does
it mean to you?"
Data considers this.
PICARD
(with emphasis)
Explore the image, Data. Let it
capture your imagination. Focus
on it... spend some time with
it... and see where it takes you.
Let it inspire you.
Data nods. He stands, driven by Picard's words.
DATA
I believe I understand, sir.
Thank you.
PICARD
Good luck, Data.
Data EXITS. Picard smiles after him for a moment...
then his face falls as he turns to the comparatively
mundane matters on his terminal...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT THREE 33.
32 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
Decorated as usual; including a large POTTED PLANT
visible in the corner. Data ENTERS and walks to his
desk. He sits down and begins to contemplate the day's
events. His CAT, Spot, hops up onto his lap. Data
pets him a moment, absorbed in thought...
He gets an idea. He glances across the room, toward a
CANVAS which sits on an easel. He eyes it a moment,
then stands and crosses to it. He picks up a paint
brush. A long moment goes by as he considers the blank
canvas... letting his thoughts form and take shape...
then he dips the brush into a palette of oils and
begins to PAINT...
After a beat, he stops to eye what he's done so far...
satisfied, he continues to paint... faster... and
faster...
MOVE TO REVEAL: THE PAINTING. It's the beginnings of
a blacksmith at an anvil. As Data paints, faster, now
at android speed...
33 EXT. JUNGLE - NIGHT
A small, moonlit clearing in a dense tropical FOREST.
From out of the foliage, Worf and Shrek appear. Worf
is in his dark clothing, a BACKPACK strapped to his
back. Shrek looks nervous. He takes a step forward,
eyeing the area... then points the way...
SHREK
The camp is in a Southeasterly
direction. After approximately
ten kilometers, you will reach the
edge of the sulfur canyons. Look
for a riverbank -- follow it
until you reach the camp.
Worf nods -- peers into the dark forest. He's anxious
to get going. Shrek hands Worf a small DEVICE.
SHREK
(re: device)
This is a homing device. It will
allow you to find my ship when I
return. I will not be landing in
the same location.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT THREE 34.
33 CONTINUED:
WORF
When will you be back?
SHREK
Fifty hours.
(beat)
Do not be late.
Shrek turns and walks away. Worf watches as he
disappears into the trees. Then he turns and peers
into the direction of the prison camp. A long beat as
he considers the dense and mysterious jungle. He takes
a few steps forward...
From somewhere in the distance, the SCREECH of a wild
animal is heard. Worf hesitates, listening... silence
again, except for the gentle rustling of the trees.
Worf nervously looks above him... just checking for
needle snakes... then tightens the backpack, steels
himself, then begins to walk through the forest.
As he disappears into the murky jungle...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 35.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
34 EXT. JUNGLE - NIGHT
Worf is moving through the trees, covered with mud and
brush -- he's been travelling for many hours, and it's
beginning to show. He stops at a tree, leans against
it to take a rest... takes off his backpack and pulls
out a CONTAINER of water. He takes a long, thirsty
drink. A quiet moment as he catches his breath...
Somewhere in the distance, the SOUND of splashing water
can be heard. Worf freezes at the sound, listens...
then quietly puts on his backpack and makes his way
through the jungle toward the noise...
35 NEW ANGLE
of Worf moving through the jungle, following the
splashing sound. The noise grows louder as he gets
closer... closer... until he stops and parts the
trees... peers out and reacts to something he sees...
36 WORF'S POV
of a POND in the jungle. Splashing around in the water
is a young and beautiful KLINGON WOMAN -- BA'EL. She
is nude, and oblivious to Worf's presence, enjoying her
bath...
37 WORF
steps back slightly and watches in silence... curious
about the woman... surprised at the sight of her...
38 BA'EL
rinses herself a few more times, luxuriating in the
water. Then she begins to make her way toward the
shore. As she emerges from the water...
39 WORF
moves back into the jungle so he cannot be seen. Ba'el
can be glimpsed in the background, partially obscured
by trees, as she comes out of the water and slips into
a loose-fitting robe...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 36.
39 CONTINUED:
Worf accidentally brushes against a branch -- it makes
a slight CRACKING sound.
40 BA'EL
stops at the noise -- glances around, startled.
BA'EL
Who's there?
Worf remains motionless, silent. Ba'el pulls the robe
against her body, covering herself. She takes a step
toward the trees...
BA'EL
Toq... is that you?
No answer. She peers hard into the dark forest -- and
can make out a shape behind the trees. She reacts,
annoyed.
BA'EL
I can see you...
(wry)
I hope you're enjoying yourself.
She takes a step toward the trees.
41 WORF
isn't sure what to do. He watches as the Klingon woman
makes her way toward him... closer...
BA'EL
Toq, I swear I will hang you by
your...
She pulls aside the branches and sees Worf. She gasps,
stumbling backward, alarmed at the sight of him.
Worf goes after her, tries to calm her down.
WORF
Stop, please...
She stops at the edge of the pond, shaken.
BA'EL
Who are you?
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FOUR 37.
41 CONTINUED:
WORF
I have come to help you...
She stares at him, confused.
BA'EL
Help me... ?
WORF
Yes...
(beat)
How did you get out of the camp?
Does anyone know you are gone?
BA'EL
Yes... I come here often...
Worf moves to her, urgent.
WORF
You must lead me to the camp.
She studies his face, amazed.
BA'EL
You are Klingon... Where have you
come from?
WORF
That does not matter. I am here
to take you home.
BA'EL
(confused)
Home... this is my home...
Before Worf can respond, a NOISE is heard from
offscreen. Someone is approaching. Worf reacts,
startled.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 38.
41 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(quickly)
It is important that you tell no
one you saw me.
Ba'el isn't sure what to make of him... or what he
says. But she nods anyway, intrigued with him.
Worf quickly hides amongst the trees.
42 A ROMULAN GUARD
appears from within the jungle and walks up to Ba'el.
The Romulan says something to her, but his words are
not clear. Ba'el nods, grim-faced, and the two of them
continue walking through the trees.
Worf watches them, tense. Then he begins to move after
them with Klingon stealth and speed. As he follows...
CUT TO:
43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
docked at DS9.
44 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS
CLOSE ON A PAINT BRUSH sweeping across a canvas,
quickly laying down bold strokes of color...
PULL BACK TO REVEAL: THE PAINTING. It portrays a bird.
Only Data's hand can be seen, working on the
painting...
The door CHIMES.
DATA (O.S.)
Enter.
45 ANGLE ON DOORS
as they open and Geordi ENTERS.
GEORDI
Data, where have you been? We
were supposed to...
Geordi trails off, amazed at what he sees...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 39.
45 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Data... what are you doing?
46 MOVE TO REVEAL: THE ROOM
There are at least TEN PAINTINGS of various shapes and
sizes spread around the room, many on easels, others
hanging where there is available space. Geordi
ventures into the cramped area and gazes at the various
paintings. Some of the paintings are complete; others
are works in progress. All of the images are
variations on a single theme: images derived from
Data's "vision."
Many paintings show various angles of a blacksmith, his
face obscured, working at an anvil. Others portray a
bird's wing -- full views and details of feathers. One
shows a blue sky, with a flock of birds visible flying
in formation. The image of smoke is prevalent, as well
as other details from the vision: The bucket. An
Enterprise corridor. An anvil. A hammer. A hand. A
piece of glowing hot metal.
47 INCLUDE DATA
who is standing between two canvases, a brush in each
hand, working on two paintings at once. One painting
shows a plume of smoke rising out of the bucket; the
other is a rough sketch of what appears to be his
father's face. Data wears an artist's smock, which is
colorfully splattered with paint.
DATA
I am painting.
GEORDI
I can see that...
Geordi tries to take it all in.
GEORDI
(continuing)
How long have you been at this?
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 40.
47 CONTINUED:
DATA
I have created twenty-three
individual illustrations over the
past six hours, twenty-seven
minutes.
(beat)
I believe you could say -- I have
been "inspired."
GEORDI
I'll say...
DATA
I have done as Captain Picard
suggested: I have tried to explore
the images.
GEORDI
Has it helped?
DATA
I am not sure.
Data stops painting and moves amongst the maze of
paintings. Geordi follows.
DATA
(re: paintings)
I began by painting the image of
the blacksmith. Then the anvil.
The hammer. Doctor Soong's face.
Data then stops at a painting of a BUCKET, out of which
a plume of SMOKE is blasting upward. Strange, violent.
DATA
(continuing)
The thought then occurred to me
that I should paint -- smoke.
Geordi reacts.
GEORDI
Smoke... why smoke?
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FOUR 41.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
I cannot explain it. It was not
an image I saw during my vision.
Geordi contemplates the painting.
GEORDI
Well... you have the smoke coming
out of a bucket of water.
Blacksmiths sometimes used water
to cool the metal. Maybe that's
why you painted it...
DATA
Perhaps.
Data moves to another painting -- the image of a BIRD'S
WING.
DATA
(re: painting)
After I painted smoke, it occurred
to me to paint -- a bird's wing.
Data gestures to various paintings:
DATA
I then drew an entire bird. A
flock of birds flying in
formation. An individual feather.
(beat)
If the image of a bird is related
to my vision, I do not understand
how.
(beat)
I am left with more of a mystery
than ever.
Data considers, lays down his paint brush. He has come
to a decision.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/16/92 - ACT FOUR 42.
47 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
(continuing)
Geordi, I would like to recreate
the experiment which caused my
initial shut down.
Geordi reacts -- he doesn't like the idea.
GEORDI
What for?
DATA
I do not know how much longer my
vision would have continued, had
I not been reactivated.
GEORDI
(dubious)
Your neural net was almost fused
by that plasma shock. I don't
think it's such a good idea to try
it again...
DATA
I am aware of the risks involved.
But I can see no other way to
investigate my experience.
(beat)
Will you help me?
Geordi considers -- he doesn't like the idea, but he
wants to help his friend. Finally...
GEORDI
Okay... I'll get Doctor Bashir.
DATA
And I will prepare the power
transfer.
Geordi nods and EXITS. Data turns to a painting of a
bird. As he stares at it, his face unreadable...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FOUR 43.
48 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
A few hours later. Bashir is present, and is setting
up the plasma coil cylinder seen earlier. He is
connecting the optical cable from the cylinder to the
dilithium chamber.
Everything is similar to the experiment in Act Two, but
now Data is sitting on a chair near the chamber. A
PANEL on his head is OPEN, and an optical cable leads
from his head to a console. Geordi is making a final
adjustment to his circuitry.
GEORDI
(to Data, re: cables)
We're going to monitor every subsystem
in your positronic net. If
I see any neural pathways overload
beyond sixty-five percent... I'm
shutting down the experiment.
DATA
Agreed.
Bashir finishes connecting the cable from the cylinder
to the dilithium chamber.
BASHIR
We're ready.
Geordi takes a breath, then moves to a console.
GEORDI
Initiating energy transfer...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FOUR 44.
48 CONTINUED:
The sequence of events are exactly as they were before;
but now the attitudes are markedly different: everybody
knows what is about to happen. Geordi and Bashir take
a few steps away from Data, keeping a safe distance.
GEORDI
Get ready, Data...
Data picks up a tricorder and makes a few adjustments.
He then points it at the cylinder, as he did the last
time.
We HEAR a HUMMING NOISE from the warp core -- then the
cylinder's lights begin to blink rapidly.
BASHIR
(off cylinder panel)
Power levels are rising...
The humming noise INTENSIFIES. Data braces himself.
GEORDI
Should be any second now...
And it happens: A TENDRIL of ENERGY arcs out from the
coil and directly onto Data's tricorder. Data's body
CRACKLES with BLUE LIGHT and he is JOLTED BACKWARD --
49 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE
as he falls back into the chair. Geordi and Bashir can
be heard talking, but their voices grow distant... then
fade away into total silence. Data's eyes are closed.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL:
50 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR
He begins walking down the hall. It is empty and
silent. There is an eerie and surreal quality to the
scene, as in a dream.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 45.
50 CONTINUED:
We are experiencing Data's internal vision, as seen in
Act One.
Data keeps walking, until a METALLIC BANGING SOUND is
heard echoing in the corridor, cutting through the
silence. Data stops, listens a moment, then turns down
a different corridor, following the sound...
51 INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR
Data walking along. He sees something ahead of him...
slows down at the sight...
52 A BLACKSMITH
in full blacksmith attire, is sitting on a small bench
in the middle of the corridor, a few feet away from
Data. The man is pounding on a steel ANVIL with a
HAMMER. His head is turned down, his face is obscured.
53 DATA
approaches the man... curious... he knows this is the
blacksmith from his original "vision." He stops at the
man, stares down at him...
54 THE BLACKSMITH
looks up at Data -- it is Doctor Noonian Soong.
55 DATA
reacts to the sight. He looks down at the anvil...
56 ANGLE ON THE ANVIL
as the hammer moves away to reveal what is not a piece
of metal -- but a delicate BIRD'S WING.
57 THE BLACKSMITH/DOCTOR SOONG
stares at Data a moment, then picks up the bird's wing
with a pair of metal tongs... and dunks the wing into
a BUCKET. SMOKE bursts up out of the bucket.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 46.
57 CONTINUED:
Data steps back from the smoke. Then the smoke clears
away to reveal:
Soong is gone. The bucket is also missing -- in its
place is a live BIRD. Data stares at the bird,
confused.
Suddenly, the bird FLIES away -- and off down the
corridor. Data watches it go...
DATA
(to himself)
That bird did not appear in my
original experience. This vision
is different.
From offscreen:
SOONG (O.S.)
Of course it's different.
Data turns toward the voice. In the blink of an eye,
everything changes:
58 INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Data is now standing on the Bridge. It is empty,
except for the potted plant from his room, and a few of
his recent paintings, which hang on various walls of
the Bridge. His cat, Spot, is sleeping in the
Captain's chair.
Doctor Soong is standing in front of Data. There is a
whimsical quality to Soong.
SOONG
(continuing)
It's never the same. Always
changing. Unpredictable. It
doesn't make sense...
Soong begins to move about the room -- and the SOUND of
a FLOCK OF BIRDS is heard rushing overhead. Data looks
up, but sees nothing.
DATA
(to Soong)
Father, what is happening?
SOONG
I don't know, Data. What is
happening?
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 47.
58 CONTINUED:
Data glances around.
DATA
We are on the Bridge of the
Enterprise. My cat is present,
and my potted plant, and my
paintings.
Soong looks pleased.
SOONG
A wonderful beginning. Still a
little grounded in the mundane,
but showing promise...
Data looks puzzled.
DATA
I do not understand.
Soong moves toward Data. The SOUND of the blacksmith's
hammer POUNDING on metal can be heard with each step
that he takes. Surreal.
SOONG
You're not supposed to. No man
should know where his dreams come
from. It spoils the mystery...
the fun.
Soong reaches out a hand and touches Data's face.... he
smiles.
SOONG
(continuing)
I'm proud of you, son. I wasn't
sure you'd ever develop the
cognitive abilities to make it
this far...
(beat)
But if you're here... if you can
see me... it means you've crossed
the threshold from being a
collection of circuits and
subprocessors... and have started
a wonderful journey.
DATA
What type of journey?
In the blink of an eye, it all changes:
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FOUR 48.
59 NEW ANGLE - A BED
is now on the Bridge. Data is lying on the bed,
startled by the change in setting. Soong is standing
beside the bed. The sound of birds SINGING can be
heard.
Data looks around, startled by the change in setting.
SOONG
(continuing)
Think of it as an empty sky.
Soong begins to pull up the bed covers, as if tucking
in a small child. Data considers his words.
DATA
I do not understand.
Soong gently closes Data's eyes.
SOONG
(gently)
Shhh.... just dream, Data...
dream...
Soong leans in close to Data and whispers into his ear.
SOONG
You are the bird.
MOVE CLOSE ONTO DATA'S FACE -- as he opens his eyes,
suddenly understanding what it all means...
DISSOLVE TO:
60 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR
We are MOVING down the corridor in a floating POV -- as
though through the eyes of a bird. Faster down the
empty corridor... then we turn down another corridor
and see Soong the blacksmith working at the anvil...
and we SWOOP UPWARD into the light on the ceiling as
the scene...
DISSOLVES TO:
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - REV. 12/10/92 - ACT FOUR 49.
61 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
A bird's eye view, MOVING past the Enterprise... and
away from it... out into space... the stars whipping
past... exciting... vast...
The SOUND of a flock of BIRDS can be heard as we soar
off into space...
DISSOLVE TO:
62 INT. ENGINEERING
CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE as he begins to regain
consciousness. Geordi and Bashir are standing nearby.
As Data reacts to his extraordinary experience...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
63 INT. CORRIDOR
Data and Bashir walking along, mid-conversation. Data
is clearly back to normal again -- conscious and safe.
DATA
The images I saw during the time
I was shut down were generated by
a series of previously dormant
circuits in my neural net.
(beat)
I believe Doctor Soong
incorporated those circuits into
my base programming, intending
them to be activated when I
reached a certain level of
development.
BASHIR
(onto the idea)
But the plasma shock activated
them prematurely...
DATA
That is correct.
They walk for a beat.
BASHIR
I'm curious... now that those
circuits are active... what do you
intend to do with them?
DATA
I plan to shut down my cognitive
functions for a brief period of
time each day.
(beat)
I hope to generate new internal
visions.
BASHIR
It sounds like you're talking
about dreaming...
DATA
An accurate analogy.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FIVE 51.
63 CONTINUED:
Bashir finds this fascinating.
BASHIR
Remarkable... This is just the
kind of thing that could get me
published in the Starfleet
Cybernetics Journal...
(beat)
Would you mind if I authored a
paper about all this?
DATA
Of course not.
They reach a Turbolift. Bashir turns to him and
smiles.
BASHIR
Thank you, Data.
(beat)
And... sweet dreams.
Bashir enters the Turbolift and the doors slide shut.
OFF Data's face as he considers his words...
64 EXT. PRISON COMPOUND - NIGHT - ANGLE - A CONCRETE
WALL
as seen from inside the compound. It's a tall security
wall that surrounds the perimeter of the prison camp.
A HAND clamps down from the outside of the wall and
grabs hold of the edge... then a second hand appears.
A moment later, Worf's head becomes visible as he
hoists himself up and peers into the camp...
INTERCUT:
65 WORF'S POV
of the large, dimly lit compound. A couple of small
BARRACKS are visible... a MEETING HALL... and a small
GARDEN area. The architecture is 24th Century, but
it's clearly a little rough around the edges.
TWO KLINGONS -- middle-aged, dressed in simple tunics --
round a corner and walk across the camp. Worf watches
them carefully, trying to ascertain the situation. The
two Klingons round another corner and disappear into
the center of the camp, which cannot be seen...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT FIVE 52.
65 CONTINUED:
Worf pulls himself up onto the wall, tries to get a
better view of the camp. FIRELIGHT can be seen
flickering on a barrack wall... and faint VOICES can be
heard. It is clear that people are gathering somewhere
nearby.
The faint strains of a haunting Klingon ARIA can also
be heard. Although the voice is weathered and a little
past its prime, it carries great feeling, and Worf is
momentarily caught up by it...
66 TWO ROMULAN GUARDS
suddenly round a corner. Worf immediately drops his
head below the wall's edge to avoid being seen. He
waits a tense moment before pulling himself up again.
He glances around to make sure the coast is clear, then
he pulls himself over the wall and DROPS to the ground
inside the camp...
67 NEW ANGLE - WORF
inside the compound. He stays close to the wall a
moment, silent and alert. Then he quickly runs to the
shadows afforded by a barrack wall, and flattens
himself against it. He looks around the corner toward
the center of the compound...
68 WORF'S POV - ON THE CENTRAL SQUARE
A half-dozen KLINGONS -- young and old -- dressed in
the tunics are gathered around a large CAMP FIRE,
listening to the gentle aria being sung by an elderly
looking Klingon -- L'KOR.
L'KOR
(sings)
"van'aj javDIch Qong DIr Sa'VIch
ghIH yot quelI'Pa qevas HoH Qa... "
(beat)
"teblaw'nghu mughato'Du ylja'Qo'
ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo'... "
L'Kor trails off, ending the lullaby. The crackle of
the fire a moment. Then L'Kor stands to go. He parts
the crowd as he leaves the central square and makes his
way across the camp. Worf watches him as he enters the
meeting hall...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT FIVE 53.
69 INT. MEETING HALL
A large, sparsely appointed room. Various rectangular
tables are located here and there, with accompanying
chairs. The room is dimly-lit.
L'Kor walks across the room, past a shadowy corner...
Without warning, Worf jumps out from behind the
darkness and GRABS L'Kor, clamping a hand over his
mouth.
L'Kor yells out in surprise, but his voice is muffled.
Worf drags the struggling Klingon back into the
shadows, where they cannot be seen. L'Kor continues to
thrash about, tries to call out.
WORF
(harsh whisper)
Quiet! I am a friend.
A beat goes by... then L'Kor stops struggling. Worf
removes his hand from L'Kor's mouth. L'Kor stares at
him, stunned by the sight.
L'KOR
Who... who are you?
Worf releases his grip on L'Kor, who turns to face him.
They stare at one another... tense...
WORF
I am Worf... son of Mogh.
L'Kor's eyes widen.
L'KOR
Why have you come here?
Worf takes an anxious step toward him.
WORF
I have come to find my father. Is
he alive? Is he here?
L'Kor's expression darkens...
L'KOR
Your father... fell at Khitomer.
Worf reacts to the news -- turns away. It's a shock.
Deep down, he wanted to believe his father was alive...
made the journey to find him... and now --
disappointment. After a beat, he recovers...
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FIVE 54.
69 CONTINUED:
WORF
Did he... die in battle?
L'KOR
(nods)
He was fortunate.
Worf eyes him.
WORF
You were captured...
L'Kor nods, uncomfortable speaking of the matter.
L'KOR
During the battle, many Klingons
were taken prisoner. We fought
our captors... but we failed...
Worf is angered by what has been done to them.
WORF
The Romulans robbed you of your
right to die with honor.
As if the memory were too much to bear, L'Kor nods
grimly. Worf takes action -- speaks quickly, urgent.
WORF
There is little time. How many
Klingons are being held here?
L'Kor hesitates.
L'KOR
Seventy-three...
WORF
How many Romulans guard the camp?
L'Kor isn't sure how to respond -- he tries to stall.
L'KOR
Worf... there are... things you do
not understand...
WORF
What do you mean?
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/15/92 - ACT FIVE 55.
69 CONTINUED: (2)
L'KOR
(halting)
I must... speak with the Elders.
L'Kor moves to the door and opens it... peers outside.
L'KOR
(summons)
ghoS! (Come!)
He turns back to Worf... moves to him... eyeing his
face... remembering...
L'KOR
I knew your father well, Worf...
L'Kor allows himself to become lost in the memory...
L'KOR
(continuing)
And I remember you... a boy...
barely able to lift a Bat'telth...
(beat)
Once... your father insisted we
take you on the ritual hunt. You
were so eager, you tried to take
the beast with your bare hands...
it mauled your arm...
Worf instinctively touches his arm, remembering...
WORF
Yes... I still have the scar...
Worf studies L'Kor's face...
WORF
I remember you now...
A moment between them. Then L'Kor turns away, his face
graven.
L'KOR
You should not have come here,
Worf.
Worf reacts.
WORF
I do not understand.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" -REV. 12/11/92 - ACT FIVE 56.
69 CONTINUED: (3)
L'KOR
(with sadness)
You should not have come.
Suddenly, THREE OLDER KLINGONS -- two Elders and
GI'RAL, a female -- ENTER. They stop at the sight of
Worf, stunned by his presence.
GI'RAL
(re: Worf)
Who is this?
Worf steps forward.
WORF
I am Worf... son of Mogh. I have
come to help you escape.
The Elders exchange an uncertain glance.
L'KOR
(to others)
He does not know.
Gi'ral is alarmed at the situation.
GI'RAL
He must leave at once...
L'KOR
No. It is too late for that. He
would bring others...
L'Kor gestures to Worf.
L'KOR
(a command)
vang ghaH! (Take him!)
Without hesitation, the two Elders move toward Worf in
a threatening manner. Worf reacts, makes a quick move
toward the side door to get away -- but is grabbed by
L'Kor.
STAR TREK: "Birthright" - 12/10/92 - ACT FIVE 57.
69 CONTINUED: (4)
A quick struggle -- until two of the Elders also seize
Worf... and they drag him to a chair and pin him
down...
Worf can hardly believe his eyes. Here are his fellow
Klingons, who he thought to be prisoners -- but their
actions are utterly inexplicable. It's a chilling
predicament, and Worf never stops resisting.
L'Kor looks down at Worf, his expression hard --
threatening.
L'KOR
We are not leaving here. And
neither are you.
OFF Worf's astonishment...
SUPER:
TO BE CONTINUED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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