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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Timescape"
#40276-251
Written by
Brannon Braga
Directed by
Adam Nimoy
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1993 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction.
No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or
destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 3/29/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Timescape"
CAST
PICARD ROMULAN
RIKER ROMULAN/ALIEN
DATA ROMULAN/ALIEN #2
BEVERLY ENSIGN
WORF
TROI
GEORDI
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. CREWMEMBERS THREE ROMULANS
TWO N.D. MEDICAL SEVERAL ROMULAN N.D.'S
TWO N.D. SECURITY
TWO N.D. ENGINEERING
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 3/30/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Timescape"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
TRANSPORTER ROOM RUNABOUT
ENGINEERING
SICKBAY ROMULAN WARBIRD
DATA'S QUARTERS
RUNABOUT
COCKPIT
LIVING SECTION
ROMULAN WARBIRD
ENGINEERING
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Timescape"
TEASER
FADE IN:
A1 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
RIKER is sitting on a bed, a nasty-looking SCRATCH on
the side of his face. BEVERLY is scanning his face
with a medical tricorder.
BEVERLY
You really did it this time, Wil.
It's not just a scrape... it's a
deep cut.
Riker tries to move his face, winces in pain. Beverly
picks up a healing DEVICE and starts to wave it around
his face, HEALING THE WOUND.
BEVERLY
I can heal it... but it would
serve you right if I didn't.
Riker gives her a look.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
You can't keep playing Parises
Squares like you're twenty-one
years old. One of these days
you're going to fall and break
your neck... and I won't be able
to heal that so easily.
Riker looks a little sheepish through all this.
RIKER
Actually... I wasn't playing
Parises Squares...
Beverly continues the healing process.
BEVERLY
Mmm... Worf's calisthenic program
again...
RIKER
No...
Beverly cocks an eye at him, her interest piqued.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - TEASER 1AA.
A1 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Oh? What were you doing?
Riker is embarrassed.
RIKER
I was trying to feed Spot.
BEVERLY
Data's cat?
RIKER
(nods)
I told Data I'd feed it while he
was away...
Riker is disgruntled.
RIKER
All I remember is setting down the
food... and then a hissing ball of
fur came out of nowhere.
(beat)
I hate cats.
Beverly completes her scan.
BEVERLY
You've just got to know how to
handle them.
RIKER
Maybe you'd like to feed Spot.
BEVERLY
I'd be happy to...
WORF'S COM VOICE
Commander Riker to the Bridge.
RIKER
(taps combadge)
On my way.
Riker stands, heads for the door. He gets an idea and
stops, reaches into a nearby medical drawer -- and
pulls out a phaser.
RIKER
Oh, and Doctor...
Beverly looks at him.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - TEASER 1AB.
A1 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
You're going to need this.
Riker tosses her the phaser, and EXITS. OFF Beverly's
amused look...
B1 INT. BRIDGE
WORF at tactical; N.D.S. at various positions. Riker
ENTERS and moves to Command.
RIKER
Report.
WORF
We are picking up a distress call
on the long range sensors.
(beat)
It is Romulan, sir.
RIKER
Romulan?
WORF
(off console)
They claim they have suffered a
complete engine failure. Their
power levels are dropping... and
their life support is failing.
(dubious)
It could be a trick.
Riker considers.
RIKER
How long until our rendezvous with
Captain Picard?
WORF
Approximately thirteen hours.
Riker makes the choice -- it's a risk.
RIKER
Set course for the Romulan ship,
Mister Worf.
(beat)
Raise our shields, and go to Red
Alert. I want to be ready for
anything.
OFF Riker's tension...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - TEASER 1AC.
1 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46944.2.
Commander Data, Mister La Forge,
Counselor Troi and I are en route
to the Enterprise, after attending
a three day conference on the
psychological effects of long-term
deep space assignments.
2 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
DATA is at the controls. He hits a few controls.
DATA
(to computer)
Computer -- activate automatic
helm control.
COMPUTER VOICE
Helm control activated.
Data stands and moves to the rear of the ship...
3 INT. RUNABOUT - LIVING SECTION (OPTICAL)
This is a NEW SET: A large room with a table, chairs,
a couple of beds and a console. PICARD, GEORDI and
TROI are seated around the table, finishing the
remnants of a sparse lunch: a BOWL OF FRUIT,
sandwiches, drinks, etc. The mood is fun, light. Data
ENTERS and joins the conversation.
TROI
So just as I'm leaving the
reception, a Ktarian walks up to
me and says...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - TEASER 1A.
3 CONTINUED:
Troi impersonates someone's voice:
TROI
(continuing)
"So Diane... I understand you're
an empath. I'm a very...
sensitive man myself. I'm doing
a thesis on interspecies mating
rituals. Would you care to join
me in some empirical research?"
Picard and Geordi laugh.
GEORDI
Don't tell me -- Doctor Mizan.
TROI
(surprised)
That's right.
GEORDI
He's notorious. But he really is
an expert on interspecies mating
practices.
DATA
(to Troi)
Did you help him with his
research, Counselor?
TROI
Absolutely not.
DATA
But I thought that topic
interested you.
TROI
(awkward)
Yes... but...
Picard jumps in.
PICARD
I'll explain it to you later,
Data.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - TEASER 1B.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
The others exchange an amused look. Troi takes a seat
at the table.
GEORDI
(to Troi)
What did you think of the rest of
the conference?
TROI
To be honest... I was bored. I
spent most of my time in Doctor
Wagner's phylobiology seminar.
(beat)
I thought the idea of a seminar
was that we would all
participate... bring different
points of views to the
discussion...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - TEASER 2.
3 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI (Cont'd)
(beat)
He gathered two hundred scientists
from all over the Federation...
and all he did was put us to
sleep.
DATA
(to Troi)
I have a memory record of the
entire lecture, Counselor. I can
repeat the portions you missed, if
you --
TROI
(quickly)
No thank you, Data.
Picard leans back in his chair, fatigued.
PICARD
It wasn't any better at the
physiognomy workshop. Doctor
Vassbinder gave an hour long
dissertation on the ionization
effect of warp nacelles -- before
he realized the topic was supposed
to be psychology.
GEORDI
Why didn't somebody tell him?
PICARD
There was never an opportunity --
never a pause. He just kept
talking... like he was speaking
in one incredibly long, run-on
sentence.
(beat)
It was almost... hypnotic.
Troi smiles. They continue to eat and drink, trying to
relax.
GEORDI
Well, I had a good time. The warp
energy symposium was fascinating.
(beat)
I actually got the chance to touch
a plasma field.
TROI
Really. What was it like?
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
Geordi gestures with his hands, trying to describe it.
GEORDI
Incredible. I could feel the
plasma crawling up my arm. It was
warm... and it gave off a
tingling sensation that --
Suddenly, inexplicably, everyone except Troi FREEZES IN
MID-MOTION -- AS IF TIME HAS STOPPED. COMPLETELY
MOTIONLESS. Geordi in mid-speech and gesture. Picard
with a cup of tea half-way to his mouth. Data
listening, face placid. It's like a picture-still
photograph.
Troi reacts, stunned by the sight.
TROI
Captain?
(beat)
Data... ?
A moment later, TIME RESUMES. Everyone CONTINUES THEIR
MOTION as if nothing is wrong. Only Troi has noticed
what happened.
GEORDI
(continuing dialogue)
-- went all the way down my chest.
It was kind of like taking a bath
in pure energy.
DATA
It was not painful?
GEORDI
Not at all. In fact...
Geordi notices that Troi looks shaken.
GEORDI
Is there something wrong,
Counselor?
The conversation stops. All attention to Troi.
TROI
I'm... not sure...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - TEASER 4.
3 CONTINUED: (3)
OFF Troi's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
4 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
5 INT. RUNABOUT - LIVING SECTION
A few minutes later. Troi is on her feet, confused,
trying to make sense out of what happened. Geordi
scans Picard with a medical tricorder... then scans
Troi. Data looks on.
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
Our bio-scans check out. There
are no physiological anomalies.
(beat)
If something did happen, it didn't
leave any biological traces.
Troi looks troubled. Picard tries to help her
remember.
PICARD
(to Troi)
How long did it appear to you that
we were... frozen?
TROI
I don't know... four, maybe five
seconds. You just... stopped...
and then started again...
(beat)
I can't explain it...
Data thinks.
DATA
(continuing)
My memory record does not indicate
a pause or disruption during that
period of time.
Data turns and works the nearby console.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 6.
5 CONTINUED:
DATA
My internal chronometer and the
ship's computer are perfectly
synchronized. There does not
appear to be a temporal
discrepancy.
A beat. No one has an explanation.
GEORDI
Data -- let's run a ship-wide
diagnostic. Maybe there's
something we missed...
Data nods and they move to the cockpit of the Runabout.
Troi and Picard sit down at the table. (NOTE: The bowl
of fruit is still on the table.)
PICARD
Let's go through it again. You
were sitting there... and we were
sitting here...
(beat)
Describe the exact moment when
things appeared to freeze.
Troi thinks.
TROI
Geordi was talking about what it
felt like to touch the plasma
field... You were lifting the
cup, about to take a drink...
Beat.
PICARD
Did you sense anything from us
during that time? Any unusual
emotions?
TROI
No... not a thing. I was
empathically aware of you, right
up to the moment you froze, but
then it all stopped...
Troi sighs... tries to relax.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 7.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
The past few days have been
exhausting. Maybe it was my
imagination...
(lightly)
There were moments in that lecture
hall when I thought time was
standing still, too...
Picard smiles.
PICARD
There is another possibility,
Counselor. Perhaps this was
nothing more than a simple --
6 NEW ANGLE - FROM TROI'S POINT OF VIEW
IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE, THE ENTIRE SCENE HAS CHANGED.
Picard, Data and Geordi are now standing closely around
Troi, looking at her with concern. Geordi is scanning
her with a medical tricorder.
Troi is stunned -- it takes her a moment to realize
what has happened.
PICARD
Are you alright?
TROI
What happened?
DATA
You have been motionless for three
minutes, eleven seconds.
TROI
Motionless... ?
PICARD
It appears to be the same effect
you described to us.
(beat)
Can you remember anything?
Troi thinks, unsettled...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 8.
6 CONTINUED:
TROI
No... one second I was sitting
here talking with you... the next,
you were all standing around me.
Geordi works the tricorder.
GEORDI
(off tricorder)
Wait a second... this is weird...
TROI
What is it?
GEORDI
I had the tricorder run a
comparison between the bio-scan I
took of you earlier... and the one
I took just now...
(beat)
In the time between the two scans,
you should have aged twenty-three
minutes. But according to your
cellular decay levels... you've
only aged twenty minutes.
PICARD
(reacts)
What could account for the
discrepancy?
GEORDI
I don't know, sir. It's as if for
three minutes, time stopped for
Counselor Troi.
They consider the situation -- this is getting weird.
PICARD
Mister Data -- contact the
Enterprise. Tell Commander Riker
to get to the rendezvous point as
soon as possible. Have him begin
scanning the region for temporal
anomalies.
DATA
Aye sir.
Data EXITS into the cockpit.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 9.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
I'll take a look at the sensor
logs... see if I can find
anything.
Picard nods. Geordi starts to work a nearby console.
DATA (O.S.)
Captain.
Picard and Troi EXIT into the cockpit...
7 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Data at the controls. Picard and Troi join him.
DATA
The Enterprise is not responding
to our hails.
PICARD
Are we within sensor range yet?
DATA
No sir.
PICARD
Increase speed to the rendezvous
coordinates.
DATA
Aye sir.
Data works...
8 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
As it goes into WARP.
9 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT (OPTICAL)
A few minutes later. Data and Geordi at the helm.
Picard and Troi look on. A small warning alarm goes
off on the console.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 10.
9 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off console)
We have an engine failure warning
in the --
Suddenly, the ship JOLTS and VEERS TO THE RIGHT.
Picard and Troi hang on as the ship SHAKES.
PICARD
Report!
GEORDI
The starboard nacelle just cut
out!
Data works -- the ship STOPS shaking.
DATA
Attitude control has been
restored.
PICARD
Full stop.
(beat)
What happened?
Geordi reacts to the console, surprised.
GEORDI
The starboard antimatter pod is
completely drained. The fuel
reserves are empty.
PICARD
Is there a containment leak?
GEORDI
(works)
No sir. The containment field is
intact... all engine systems are
operational... The fuel is just
gone.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 11.
9 CONTINUED:
Data reacts to the console, surprised.
DATA
Geordi -- I believe I have an
explanation. According to the
plasma conversion sensor, the
starboard engine has been in
continuous operation for over
forty-seven days.
GEORDI
(reacts)
Forty-seven days? Let's take a
look at that sensor -- it must be
malfunctioning.
PICARD
I'll check the fuel consumption
logs...
Picard moves toward the living section...
10
thru OMITTED
11
12 INT. RUNABOUT - LIVING SECTION
Picard ENTERS and moves to the console. He works for
a moment... then something catches his eye. He
glances at the table, reacts to what he sees. He walks
up to the table, staring down at the bowl of fruit...
13 INCLUDE - THE BOWL OF FRUIT
The fruit is now completely ROTTEN -- shriveled and
black.
Picard reacts, curious. He reaches a hand toward the
fruit to take a piece... and stops, reacting to a
sudden pain in his hand. He yells out and jerks his
hand away --
14 INSERT - PICARD'S HAND
HIS FINGERNAILS HAVE GROWN A HALF INCH -- AS IF TIME
HAS ELAPSED.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 11A.
15 PICARD
falls back into a chair, gripping his hand in pain.
Data, Troi and Geordi quickly ENTER and move to him.
TROI
What happened?
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT ONE 12.
15 CONTINUED:
PICARD
My hand...
Picard holds out his hand, which is convulsing. Troi
takes out a medical tricorder and scans Picard's hand.
TROI
(off tricorder)
The cells in your hand are
metabolizing at an incredible
rate... almost fifty times
normal...
Picard reacts. The trembling starts to subside... he
takes a breath and flexes his fingers...
PICARD
The pain is going away...
TROI
Your metabolism is stabilizing...
Picard looks to the table.
PICARD
It happened when I reached for the
bowl of fruit.
Data glances toward the fruit, moves to a console and
begins to work. He reacts, surprised.
DATA
Captain. I am detecting a
temporal disturbance which
intersects the table.
(beat)
It would appear that within this
disturbance, time is moving at a
highly accelerated rate --
approximately fifty times faster
than normal.
They stare at the table a moment.
16 ANGLE ON BOWL OF FRUIT
the fruit has now completely DISINTEGRATED INTO DUST.
17 RESUME
Data continues his scan.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 13.
17 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off console)
The disturbance is roughly
spherical in shape. It extends
outward through the hull,
approximately seventeen meters
beyond the ship.
GEORDI
(realizing)
That would cover the starboard
nacelle. No wonder it used up all
its fuel.
PICARD
(to Data)
Check the hull integrity.
Data works the console.
DATA
It does not appear to be affected.
A tense beat.
PICARD
See if you can move us away from
the disturbance, Mister La Forge.
GEORDI
Aye sir.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT ONE 14.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
Geordi ENTERS the cockpit...
INTERCUT:
18 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Geordi sits and works the helm.
GEORDI
(working)
Lateral thrusters on-line...
(to Data)
Data, plot a course away from the
disturbance. Make sure it doesn't
come in contact with our other
engine.
DATA
(working, to Geordi)
Course plotted. Adjust pitch to
twenty-seven point three degrees.
Set heading one-eight-zero mark
zero.
Geordi works.
GEORDI
Got it. Reversing at fifteen
meters per second...
We HEAR the SOUND of the engine powering up.
DATA
(off console)
We are clearing the phenomenon...
Suddenly, the ship JOLTS briefly. Data's console
BEEPS.
DATA
(quickly)
All stop.
Geordi works.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 14A.
18 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
What's the matter?
DATA
There is another temporal
disturbance directly behind us.
Geordi reacts to the console.
GEORDI
Captain, you'd better take a look
at this...
Picard, Data and Troi move to him.
GEORDI
(off console)
The sensors are picking up
temporal disturbances throughout
the region. Different
configurations... different
sizes... they're everywhere.
Geordi hits a few controls...
19 INTERCUT: CONSOLE MONITOR (CRT)
It DISPLAYS a GRAPHIC of the Runabout in space. The
ship is surrounded by dozens of irregular FRAGMENTS in
space -- like glowing shards of glass.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 15.
19 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off graphic)
Within each disturbance, it
appears that time is moving at a
different rate.
GEORDI
It's almost like something
shattered the space-time
continuum...
DATA
(off graphic)
The fragmentation effect increases
along a heading of two-seven-zero
mark one-five.
GEORDI
That's the direction of the
Enterprise.
An ominous beat.
PICARD
Can we navigate around these...
"fragments"?
GEORDI
We'll have to limit our
maneuvering speed to one half
impulse... but I think we can do
it.
PICARD
Get us to the Enterprise.
As they work...
20 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
as it takes off through space, at impulse...
21 INT. RUNABOUT
Later. Data and Geordi at the controls. Picard and
Troi standing nearby. Geordi looks out the window,
perplexed.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT ONE 16.
21 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
These are the coordinates...
They look out the window.
PICARD
Perhaps they've been delayed...
GEORDI
(off console)
I've got the long range sensors on
maximum, sir. No sign of the
Enterprise.
A silent beat as Geordi works.
GEORDI
(working)
But... I am picking up a faint
reading... possibly metallic, but
I can't tell for sure...
(beat)
The energy levels are practically
non-existent.
PICARD
Take us to it.
GEORDI
Aye sir...
Geordi works... a quiet beat as they wait...
DATA
(off console)
The fragmentation effect is
increasing...
GEORDI
Slowing to one eighth impulse...
A tense moment goes by... they watch out the window,
waiting... then they see it:
PICARD
There she is...
Their reactions turn to mounting disbelief -- then
shock.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT ONE 17.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
My God...
22 EXT. SPACE - THE RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
as it slows to a stop in front of an incredible sight:
THE ENTERPRISE AND A ROMULAN WARBIRD ARE FACE TO FACE,
HANGING IN SPACE, COMPLETELY FROZEN -- AS IF TIME HAS
STOPPED. They appear to be engaged in mid-battle. The
Warbird is firing a DISRUPTOR toward the Enterprise,
but the beam is FROZEN in mid-blast. The Enterprise's
SHIELDS are half-raised, and the ship is DAMAGED in a
few places.
It's like a photograph. Both ships frozen in time.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
23 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND ROMULAN WARBIRD (OPTICAL)
As before -- face to face in mid-battle, completely
motionless.
24 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT (OPTICAL)
Picard, Data, Geordi and Troi staring out the window,
stunned by the sight.
PICARD
Mister Data... ?
DATA
(off console)
The Enterprise and the Warbird
both appear to be trapped within
one of the temporal fragments.
GEORDI
The fragments seem to converge at
this point... I'd say we're
looking at the center of the
temporal disturbances.
PICARD
Scan for life signs.
DATA
Sensors cannot penetrate the
subspace field. I am unable to
scan within the vessels.
They stare at the ships a long moment, trying to make
sense of it all.
TROI
It looks like the Enterprise has
been damaged...
(points)
There, on the starboard nacelle...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT TWO 19.
24 CONTINUED:
Geordi stares out.
GEORDI
The Warbird doesn't look damaged
at all... I wonder if the
Enterprise even got off a shot...
TROI
The Romulans could've decloaked
before the Enterprise had a chance
to respond...
PICARD
There's a second energy beam.
It's coming from the Enterprise
deflector array... any idea what
it could be?
DATA
It is impossible to tell from a
visual inspection. But it appears
to be focused on the Warbird's
Engineering section.
They consider. Picard stares out the window,
frustrated by the situation.
PICARD
We're not going to figure out what
happened from here. We need to
get aboard the Enterprise.
DATA
That would be unadvisable, sir.
In each of the three instances we
came into contact with a temporal
fragment, we were integrated into
its time frame.
GEORDI
(off that)
If we beamed aboard the
Enterprise, we'd be frozen in
time, just like they are.
PICARD
Then we've got to find a way to
stay unfrozen...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT TWO 20.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard thinks... gets an idea.
PICARD
Mister La Forge... what about a
subspace forcefield like the one
we used on Devidia Two? Could
something like that protect us
from the effects of the temporal
fragment?
GEORDI
Possibly. But we'd need a pretty
sensitive phase discriminator to
modulate that kind of field...
Data gets an idea.
DATA
The emergency Transporter armbands
contain a type-seven phase
discriminator. It should be
possible to reconfigure their
subspace emitters.
GEORDI
Yeah... that would certainly
isolate us from the effects of the
other time frame...
As he talks, Geordi stands and opens a nearby storage
compartment. He takes out a couple of TRANSPORTER
ARMBANDS (as seen in "Best of Both Worlds II"). He
examines them...
GEORDI
(continuing)
But if we want to interact with
that environment... we'd have to
restrict the field. It would have
to be practically skin-tight.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT TWO 21.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
I will attempt to narrow the
field.
Data takes out the rest of the Transporter armbands.
GEORDI
(to Picard)
This might work, Captain. But
it's going to take some time...
Picard nods, looks out the window at the frozen ships.
PICARD
It would seem that time is one
thing we have plenty of...
25 EXT. SPACE - THE RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
As before. Near the frozen Enterprise and Warbird.
26 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Later. Picard, Data and Troi are each wearing a
Transporter armband on their arm. They each have a
phaser and a tricorder strapped to their waist. Geordi
is making the final adjustments to Picard's armband.
GEORDI
I've channeled communications
through the subspace relays in the
armbands. We'll be in continual
contact.
TROI
How long will the fields last?
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT TWO 22.
26 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
An hour, maybe less. Don't worry.
I'll monitor you very carefully...
Geordi completes the adjustment to Picard's armband.
He moves to a nearby console, works the controls...
27 NEW ANGLE - PICARD, DATA, TROI (OPTICAL)
As a FIELD FLASHES AROUND EACH OF THEM BRIEFLY. (NOTE:
The fields should look skin-tight, like electrical
"wetsuits.") Troi reacts to a dizzy feeling, puts a
hand to her head. Data takes note.
DATA
Is there something wrong,
Counselor?
TROI
I got a little dizzy there for a
second...
GEORDI
We're generating an artificial
pocket of time around you -- it's
probably playing tricks on your
equilibrium...
(beat)
It might take a little while to
get used to. Let me know if it
gets any worse.
PICARD
(to Geordi)
Beam us directly to the Enterprise
Bridge.
GEORDI
Aye sir.
Picard, Data and Troi step toward the Transporter
platform, offscreen. Geordi works the controls.
GEORDI
Energizing...
We HEAR them DEMATERIALIZE...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/31/93 - ACT TWO 23.
28 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Data and Troi MATERIALIZE in an open area.
They look around the room -- it's a startling sight:
29 WIDEN TO REVEAL - THE ROOM (OPTICAL)
EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE IS COMPLETELY STOPPED, FROZEN
IN PLACE. The ship is utterly SILENT. The Bridge has
been caught in mid-crisis. The ship is at Red Alert,
consoles and warning lights stopped in mid-flash. The
room is DAMAGED in a few places -- scorch marks on the
walls, etc. N.D. CREWMEMBERS are present, all of them
MOTIONLESS with looks of concern on their faces, some
of them gripping consoles for support.
30 A ROMULAN
is FROZEN at the Conn position, hands poised above the
console. An N.D. crewmember is lying on the floor next
to him, a nasty-looking scorch mark on his face -- he
appears to be dead. Another ROMULAN stands nearby,
watching.
31 RIKER (OPTICAL)
is backed up against a wall in another part of the room --
his hands raised in a defensive posture against a third
ROMULAN. Their expressions are tense, urgent -- they
appear to be frozen in mid-struggle.
32 PICARD, DATA, TROI
take in the picture-still scene. Picard starts to move
toward the Command Area, taking in all the details.
PICARD
Three Romulans... all armed with
disruptors... one at Conn...
(looks around)
There are none of our security
officers on the Bridge. They
must've taken us by surprise....
Data moves to the Ops position. Troi moves to Riker.
Picard moves to Riker's chair. He carefully reaches
down to the chair... and deliberately moves the swingarm
console.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT TWO 24.
32 CONTINUED:
PICARD
It would appear that we can move
objects in this time frame.
Troi is staring at Riker and the Romulan. Picard joins
her.
TROI
(re: Riker)
Maybe we can do something to help
Wil...
Picard is cautious.
PICARD
I'm wary about making changes in
this time continuum until we
understand more about what's going
on.
33 DATA
is studying the console at Ops. He carefully reaches
around the motionless crewmember and punches a few
controls on the console. No response.
DATA
None of the equipment is
functioning.
(studies console)
However, the information currently
displayed indicates that there was
a massive power surge in
Engineering.
Picard moves to the Tactical position -- studies the
consoles there.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - ACT TWO 25.
33 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(off console)
Security teams had just been sent
to Transporter Room Three... and
Sickbay.
Picard turns to the others.
PICARD
Counselor -- you go to Sickbay.
Have a look around. Data, go to
Main Engineering -- see if you can
determine the cause of the power
surge. I'll be in Transporter
Room Three.
(beat)
Picard to La Forge.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge here, sir.
PICARD
Lock onto our signals. I want you
to beam Counselor Troi to --
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
I'd rather not, Captain. We've
got limited power... and your
isolation fields consume a lot of
energy.
PICARD
Understood. We'll use the
Jefferies Tubes.
(to others)
Let's go.
As they all turn to go...
33A INT. JEFFERIES TUBE
Picard, Troi and Data are climbing downward (in that
order) through the cramped space. On the move:
PICARD
T-Sixteen is directly ahead --
it's the main junction for this
section of the ship. We should
have reasonably easy access to our
destinations from there...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - ACT TWO 25A.
33A CONTINUED: (2)
They come to the hatch in the platform floor. Picard
uses a door-opening device (as seen in "Starship Mine")
to pry it open.
He stops, startled to see a FROZEN FACE staring right
up at him on the other side of the hatch: a CREWMEMBER
stopped in mid-climb below, an urgent look on his face.
Two more CREWMEMBERS can be seen behind him, also
caught in mid-climb. They are carrying several pieces
of (TECH) equipment, making it impossibly cramped on
their side of the Tube.
Picard, Troi and Data eye the frozen crewmembers.
TROI
Maybe we can get around them...
A beat -- it looks unlikely.
PICARD
No. We'll find an alternate
route.
(beat)
Let's go back up.
As they start to climb up along the Tube...
33B EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as before -- frozen.
33C INT. ENGINEERING
ANGLE on the doors to the Jefferies Tube. Slowly, they
start to OPEN... and we reveal that Data is prying them
apart with android strength...
Data gets them open and enters the room. He glances
around, taking in the scene... then sees something in
the direction of the engine core. He reacts, clearly
concerned. As he moves toward the core...
34 INT. CORRIDOR
Troi walking down the utterly silent hallway. She
passes a FROZEN CREWMEMBER who has been caught in midstride.
She eyes him as she passes... it's a disarming
sight...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT TWO 26.
35 INT. ANOTHER CORRIDOR
Troi arrives at the entrance to Sickbay. TWO SECURITY
GUARDS are stopped in the open doorway, phasers drawn,
in the middle of ENTERING the room. Troi carefully
brushes past them and enters the room...
36 INT. SICKBAY - CONTINUOUS
As Troi ENTERS and looks around. The room has been
fixed in mid-moment. TWO MEDICAL N.D.S are visible
frozen in mid-work. They have urgent expressions.
Troi glances beside her. A frozen ROMULAN WOMAN is
standing against the wall by the door. Troi walks
further into the room... surveying the scene... and
stops at what she sees:
37 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
BEVERLY is standing a few feet away with her arms
spread apart, body in mid-jolt, eyes wide with shock.
A DISRUPTOR BLAST HAS PENETRATED HER CHEST -- THE
GLOWING BEAM CAUGHT IN MID-FLASH. A nasty-looking HOLE
has been burned through her chest.
A ROMULAN MAN stands a few feet away, firing the phaser
at her. It has all been FROZEN in time.
38 TROI
reacts. She takes a step toward Beverly, disturbed by
the sight. It looks hopeless.
Finally, Troi turns and heads for the door. As she
goes, she passes the Romulan who is standing by the
door...
39 CLOSE - THE ROMULAN WOMAN
A beat goes by. Then, inexplicably, the Romulan's eyes
follow Troi as she exits. She turns toward the door.
Clearly, she is not frozen in time.
OFF her unreadable face....
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/05/93 - ACT THREE 27.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
40 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As before. Motionless.
40A INT. CORRIDOR
Picard walking along the empty hall. He passes a
Turbolift whose doors are partially open... and
something catches his eye. He moves to the doors...
positions himself to get a good look inside the
Turbolift...
40B PICARD'S POV - TURBOLIFT
Just visible beyond to the half-closed door, a ROMULAN
and an N.D. CREWMEMBER are standing side-by-side,
motionless, apparently caught in mid-conversation.
40C PICARD
reacts to the sight, curious... then moves off down the
corridor...
41 INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
The scene is FROZEN in a tableau. THREE ROMULANS are
motionless on the Transporter stage. One is holding
his arm, injured, a look of pain on his face. Another
is helping him along. The third Romulan is stepping
down off the Transporter platform, his mouth open in
mid-speech. TWO SECURITY N.D.S are frozen at the foot
of the stage, facing the Romulans, phasers drawn.
42 PICARD
is moving from person to person, exploring the scene
for clues. He stops at WORF, who is FROZEN at the
Transporter console. Picard tries to read the console
display, but Worf's hands are covering it. Picard
considers... then gently slides Worf's hands out of the
way...
PICARD
Excuse me, Mister Worf...
Picard examines the console with interest...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - ACT THREE 27A.
43 TROI
ENTERS, looking shaken by her recent experience in
Sickbay. She crosses to Picard.
TROI
Captain...
PICARD
Counselor. Take a look at this...
Picard indicates the console.
PICARD
It appears that Mister Worf had
just beamed these three aboard...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT THREE 28.
43 CONTINUED:
PICARD (Cont'd)
(off console)
According to this, three other
Romulans were beamed directly to
Sickbay just seconds before.
TROI
I know. I just saw them...
Troi tries to find a way to tell Picard what she just
found. But Picard is absorbed in the mystery.
PICARD
Why would we be transporting
Romulans onto our ship in the
middle of a battle?
Picard gestures toward the Transporter stage -- at the
Romulans standing there... the Security N.D.s with
their phasers drawn...
PICARD
(re: Romulans)
They don't have any weapons... and
that one looks injured. If they
were part of an invasion, why are
they unarmed? It doesn't make
sense...
Troi hesitates, trying to find the best way to put
this. It's a difficult moment.
TROI
(continuing)
Captain... there's something I
have to tell you...
(beat)
Doctor Crusher has been hit by a
disruptor blast at point blank
range... if time returns to
normal, I don't see how she can
survive.
A grim beat as Picard absorbs the news. He heads for
the door, determined.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT THREE 29.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
There must be something we can
do...
DATA'S COM VOICE
(fritzed)
Data to Captain Picard.
PICARD
Picard here.
DATA'S COM VOICE
Please come to Engineering
immediately. It is urgent.
Picard and Troi exchange a concerned look. As they
EXIT...
44 INT. ENGINEERING
Data is studying the Pool Table read-outs. FOUR
ENGINEERING N.D.S can been seen FROZEN in the room.
One of them is working frantically; the other is
running toward the door, a look of concern on his face.
Picard and Troi ENTER through the opened Jefferies Tube
entrance and cross to Data.
PICARD
What's the problem, Mister Data?
Data turns to them.
DATA
I believe I have discovered the
cause of the power surge.
(beat)
There is a warp core breach in
progress.
They react. Data indicates the engine core. They walk
up to it...
INTERCUT:
45 ANGLE ON ENGINE CORE (OPTICAL)
A CLOUD OF VIOLENT BLUE-WHITE GAS IS BALLOONING OUTWARD
FROM THE CORE, FROZEN IN TIME. It is a warp core
EXPLOSION, stopped at its beginning -- a strange and
terrifying sight.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT THREE 30.
45 CONTINUED:
DATA
(re: explosion)
It is the flashpoint of a warp
core explosion.
(beat)
And it is expanding.
PICARD
Expanding... I thought time was
suspended on this ship.
DATA
We were incorrect. I have
determined that time is moving
forward at an infinitesimal rate.
TROI
Why didn't we notice it before?
DATA
Our initial conclusion was based
on our observations of the crew.
A warp core breach moves at a much
faster rate.
He indicates the breach cloud.
DATA
(continuing)
The motion of the cloud is within
my visual detection threshold.
Based on its current expansion
rate, it will consume the ship in
approximately nine hours,
seventeen minutes.
They react to the news -- troubled.
PICARD
Is there any way we can stop it?
DATA
It is no longer a question of
stopping it, sir. The explosion
has already occurred -- The fact
that it is moving slowly changes
nothing.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT THREE 31.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard stares at the breach cloud for a long moment...
becoming very thoughtful...
PICARD
Astonishing... to see it frozen
like this...
Picard studies the explosion... moves offscreen as Data
and Troi continue talking...
TROI
Do we know what caused the breach?
DATA
No. However, the console displays
indicate that there was a power
transfer in progress from the
Enterprise to the Romulan vessel
at the moment time decelerated.
(beat)
That is why there is a second beam
between the two ships.
TROI
Why would we be sending them
power?
DATA
Perhaps we should go aboard the
Romulan ship. The answer to that
question may --
From offscreen, Picard LAUGHS. They turn to see --
46 INCLUDE PICARD (OPTICAL)
standing near the breach cloud. He has just TRACED two
eyes and a mouth in the gaseous cloud -- a big smiling
face. He studies the result... then looks at Data and
Troi. He points to the face and starts laughing again.
Clearly, something is wrong with him.
DATA
Captain?
Picard reacts to a sudden pain in his head, dizzy...
stumbles backward and leans against the wall. Troi and
Data rush to him.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT THREE 32.
46 CONTINUED:
TROI
Captain, what's wrong?
Picard looks up at them, serious.
PICARD
My head... dizzy... I can't...
And he starts laughing again, uncontrollably. Data
reaches for him, but Picard pulls away, suddenly
panicked.
PICARD
No!
Picard struggles against Data, losing all control. He
looks deranged. Troi taps her armband.
TROI
Troi to La Forge. Get us out of
here, now!
47 EXT. SPACE - THE RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
As before.
48 INT. RUNABOUT - LIVING SECTION
Picard is sitting at the table. He has returned to
normal, but looks exhausted. Geordi is studying an
opened PANEL on one of the Transporter armbands. Data
looks on.
GEORDI
It looks like you weren't
completely protected from the
effects of the other time
continuum...
(beat)
The neuro-physical stress must've
been overwhelming.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT THREE 33.
48 CONTINUED:
DATA
In much the same way that deep sea
divers can experience nitrogen
narcosis -- you experienced a form
of temporal narcosis.
Picard considers -- it's a disturbing revelation.
PICARD
Can we modify the subspace
isolators to give us better
protection?
GEORDI
I don't think so. All we can do
right now is be careful -- limit
our exposure to their time frame.
We probably shouldn't stay any
longer than ten minutes per trip.
And we should stick together while
we're there... just in case.
Picard nods, stands.
PICARD
Very well. Our next step is to
find out why the Enterprise was
transferring power to the Romulan
ship.
(to Troi)
We'll begin our search in their
engine room. Counselor -- you
spent several days on a Romulan
ship -- you know more about their
lay-outs than anyone here.
Perhaps you can --
Picard reacts to a pain in his head, dizzy.
TROI
Captain. It might be better if
you stayed here this time and gave
yourself a chance to recover.
Picard is reluctant, but he knows she's right.
PICARD
You're right...
(to all)
I'll monitor your progress from
here. Ten minutes... no more.
OFF their apprehension...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT THREE 34.
49 EXT. SPACE - ROMULAN WARBIRD (OPTICAL)
hanging motionless.
50 INT. ROMULAN WARBIRD - ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
(Similar to the Engineering room as seen in "The Next
Phase.") Data, Geordi and Troi MATERIALIZE in a clear
space in the room. They look around --
51 NEW ANGLE - THE ROOM
EVERYTHING IS FROZEN. There are several ROMULAN N.D.S.
stopped in various activities. There is a sense of
urgency to their actions -- clearly, something urgent
was happening when time stopped.
52 DATA, GEORDI, TROI
take it all in.
TROI
Geordi, there should be a power
utilization monitor over there...
Geordi nods. They quickly move to different consoles
and begin to study the displays...
53 DATA AND TROI
stop at a console. They study the screen.
DATA
(off console)
This is highly unusual. The crew
is not at Battle Stations. The
ship is on Evacuation Alert.
TROI
Is that why Romulans were being
transported to the Enterprise... ?
They consider.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT THREE 35.
54 GEORDI
moves to a corner of the room and reads a console.
(NOTE: This corner is empty -- there are no Romulans
standing nearby). He reacts to the display.
GEORDI
(to others)
Take a look at this...
Data and Troi move to him.
GEORDI
(off console)
There's an energy feedback
returning through the transfer
beam. It's probably what
overloaded the Enterprise's
engine... and caused the core
breach.
They consider.
DATA
Perhaps the Warbird was trying to
destroy the Enterprise.
GEORDI
(off console)
I don't think so. According to
this, the Romulans were trying to
shut down the power transfer.
A puzzled beat.
TROI
Whatever happened, this is
beginning to look less and less
like a Romulan attack...
GEORDI
Let's take a look at their engine
output.
They move to a console near the ENGINE CORE... study
the readings.
DATA
(off console, surprised)
Geordi -- the engine core is
completely inactive.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT THREE 35A.
54 CONTINUED:
TROI
(reacts)
That's impossible. The Romulans
use an artificial quantum
singularity as their power source.
Once it's activated, it can't be
shut down.
GEORDI
Maybe we should take a closer
look....
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - ACT THREE 36.
54 CONTINUED: (2)
Data nods. They move to the engine core. Geordi
manually opens a large ACCESS PANEL on the core
chamber... looks inside... and steps back, a look of
surprise on his face.
GEORDI
I think we found the problem...
Geordi moves aside and Data and Troi look inside the
core.
INTERCUT:
55 ANGLE - ENGINE CORE (OPTICAL)
The core is filled with an otherworldly KALEIDOSCOPE --
AS IF SPACE ITSELF HAS BEEN FRAGMENTED, LIKE A
SHATTERED MIRROR. IT IS CONTINUALLY SHIFTING, MOVING.
(NOTE: Also visible within the kaleidoscope effect are
several DARK SPOTS -- which we will later learn are
ALIEN EGGS.)
Data pulls out his tricorder and takes a reading of the
vortex. Throughout the conversation, Data continues to
scan.
DATA
(off tricorder)
It appears to be a highly focused
aperture in the space-time
continuum. Its energy signature
matches that of the temporal
fragments we observed earlier.
However, it is approximately one
point two million times as
intense.
(beat)
I believe this may be the origin
of the temporal fragmentation.
Data continues to scan the core... intrigued...
TROI
What are these dark spots?
DATA
(continuing, off
tricorder)
I am not certain. They exhibit
complex bio-electric patterns.
Very possibly organic.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT THREE 36A.
55 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(surprised)
Organic?
DATA
From their molecular
configuration, it would seem --
Suddenly, the tricorder BEEPS.
DATA
The aperture is beginning to
fluctuate. I believe we are --
Suddenly, the vortex emits a BLINDING FLASH OF LIGHT.
56 WIDE ANGLE ON ROOM
TIME RESUMES. THE ENTIRE SCENE COMES TO LIFE,
CONTINUING ITS MOTION AND SOUND. Romulan N.D.s start
working frantically, yelling out commands.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT THREE 37.
56 CONTINUED:
A WARNING KLAXON is heard. Confusion, chaos.
57 ANGLE ON DOOR
as a distinctive-looking ROMULAN/ALIEN (MALE) rushes
into the room, concerned. He stops at the sight of
Data, Geordi and Troi. What are they doing here?
58 INT. RUNABOUT
Picard at the controls, concerned.
59 PICARD'S POV - OUTSIDE WINDOW (OPTICAL)
as the ENTERPRISE EXPLODES from the warp core breach...
60 RESUME
The cabin FILLS with BRIGHT LIGHT from the explosion.
Picard throws up his hands to shield his eyes --
An instant later, the bright light of the explosion
begins to...
FADE AWAY...
61 PICARD'S POV - OUTSIDE WINDOW (OPTICAL)
THE ENTERPRISE IS COMING BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. TIME IS
REVERSING ITSELF.
62 INT. ROMULAN WARBIRD - ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Everything we've just seen over the past few seconds --
Romulans working, voices, sounds, etc -- IS NOW MOVING
BACKWARD, TIME REVERSING ITSELF.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT THREE 38.
63 DATA, GEORDI, TROI (OPTICAL)
watch in utter amazement as EVERYTHING MOVES BACK INTO
ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AND STOPS AT THE EXACT POINT
WHERE TIME WAS ORIGINALLY FROZEN.
Utter silence. Everything completely motionless.
OFF their stunned reactions...
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - ACT FOUR 39.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
64 INT. ROMULAN WARBIRD - ENGINEERING
A few minutes later. Data, Geordi and Troi talking to
Picard on the com, mid-conversation.
DATA
(to Picard)
I believe my tricorder emissions
caused the temporal aperture to
activate. I suggest we avoid
exposing it to any further energy
emissions.
INTERCUT:
65 INT. RUNABOUT - COCKPIT
Picard at the controls.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
65 CONTINUED:
PICARD
When time resumed, did you observe
any activity in the engine room
that suggested what the Romulans
were doing?
66 INT. ROMULAN WARBIRD - ENGINEERING
They glance around the room.
DATA
It appeared they were trying to
eject the engine core.
TROI
I thought I heard one of the
Engineers say something about the
power transfer. Something about
an energy feedback...
GEORDI
It looks like they were trying to
stop whatever was happening
here...
A beat.
PICARD
Mister La Forge -- from where you
are can you determine what's
happening on the Romulan Bridge?
Geordi looks around.
GEORDI
I think so...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
66 CONTINUED:
Geordi moves to the empty corner of the room where he
was working in Act Three, and begins to examine the
console. A beat goes by, then Geordi stops working...
senses that something isn't quite right. He glances
around, curious...
GEORDI
Wait... something's different
here...
He finally sees it --
67 INCLUDE - THE ROMULAN MALE (OPTICAL)
last seen running into the room in Act Three, as time
moved forward. He is standing in the corner,
apparently motionless, staring in Geordi's direction.
He was not there before time moved forward.
Geordi eyes him.
GEORDI
Data... was this man always
standing right here --
The Romulan lunges at Geordi. Geordi jumps back,
startled. The Romulan grabs him with both hands --
As the Romulan makes contact, Geordi's isolation FIELD
FLASHES VIOLENTLY around them. They are both JOLTED
BACKWARD to the floor. The Romulan hits the ground,
unconscious. Geordi starts to convulse wildly.
68 TROI AND DATA
run to Geordi, kneel down to help him. Troi quickly
scans him with a tricorder while Data tries to hold him
down.
TROI
(re: Geordi)
He's going into neural shock!
DATA
We must get him back to the
Runabout.
TROI
There's not enough time -- he's
dying.
Troi hesitates, unsure what to do. Finally, she gets
an idea.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - ACT FOUR 41A.
68 CONTINUED:
She removes Geordi's Transporter armband...
69 ON GEORDI (OPTICAL)
As Troi removes the armband, GEORDI IS THROWN INTO
FROZEN TIME. He STOPS in mid-convulsion, a look of
agony caught on his face.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
70 TROI
turns to Data.
TROI
At least this way, he'll be alive
in the other time frame... we
might have a chance to save him
later.
(beat)
Is the Romulan still alive?
Data nods, crosses to the unconscious Romulan who
attacked Geordi. He scans the Romulan.
DATA
(to Troi)
Yes. However, I am getting
unusual readings from his bioscan.
(beat)
I am not sure that he is a
Romulan.
OFF Troi's reaction...
71 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
As before.
72 INT. RUNABOUT - LIVING SECTION (OPTICAL)
Later. Picard, Data and Troi standing by one of the
beds. Lying on the bed is the Romulan who attacked
Geordi. He's unconscious.
DATA
(re: Romulan)
His cellular structures do not
conform to any known species, and
his bio-electric patterns are in
a state of temporal flux.
(beat)
I do not believe that this being
is native to our time continuum.
They eye the Romulan.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
72 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Mister Data... you said you
discovered organic matter within
the temporal aperture...
DATA
That is correct.
PICARD
I want to take a closer look at
those readings.
Data nods and turns to work a nearby console. Picard
joins him. Troi keeps an eye on the Romulan.
As Data works, A MONITOR displays a GRAPHIC of the
TEMPORAL APERTURE seen earlier -- the DARK SPOTS are
visible.
DATA
(re: graphic)
This is a bio-spectral analysis of
the temporal aperture.
(indicates dark spots)
The organic readings originated
from these dark spots.
Picard studies the screen.
PICARD
They appear to contain some sort
of energy patterns...
(beat)
Can you isolate one of them and
magnify?
Data works. The graphic MAGNIFIES to show one single
DARK SPOT. Within the spot is a pattern which suggests
a cluster of CELLS.
PICARD
(off graphic)
It looks like a cellular
cluster...
DATA
Its bio-electric patterns are
similar to that of the alien.
However, it is significantly less
complex.
(beat)
The cellular structures appear to
be in a state of mitosis.
Picard is struck by a notion.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT FOUR 43A.
72 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Data. This could be some sort
of... embryo...
DATA
It is possible. If I could scan
the aperture further, I might be
able to --
From offscreen, the Romulan GROANS in pain.
TROI (O.S.)
Captain.
Picard and Data quickly join Troi at the Romulan.
73 OMITTED
74 ANGLE ON ROMULAN (OPTICAL)
as he glances around, disoriented. He tries to sit up
but reacts to a pain in his head, dizzy. He falls back
down... looks up at the others with fear and confusion.
He tries to speak -- his VOICE is ALIEN, halting,
jerky, strange. Clearly, he is not a Romulan.
ROMULAN/ALIEN
Must... save... no...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
74 CONTINUED:
They react to his words. Picard eyes him.
PICARD
(to Romulan)
Who are you?
The Romulan looks at Picard. He's in pain -- it's a
struggle for him to speak.
ROMULAN/ALIEN
This body is... not mine... it was
necessary to assume it... to exist
in your... time...
Troi steps forward.
TROI
Why are you here?
The Romulan reacts to a pain in his entire body. He
writhes on the bed a moment... catches his breath...
tries to speak again...
ROMULAN/ALIEN
We had to come... to save them...
they were... in danger...
PICARD
Who was in danger?
ROMULAN/ALIEN
Our young... they will die... in
the gravity well... it is
artificial...
TROI
Artificial... gravity well...
(realizes)
You mean, the Romulan engine core?
ROMULAN/ALIEN
Yes... our young... are trapped...
We must get them out... return
them to our time...
The Romulan reacts to a pain, and his entire body
PHASES IN AND OUT IN A KALEIDOSCOPE EFFECT for an
instant. Data scans him with a tricorder.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
74 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
His molecular structure is
destabilizing.
The urgency in the room rises a notch.
PICARD
How did your young become trapped
in the core?
ROMULAN/ALIEN
We must use a natural gravity
well... to incubate our young...
(beat)
We thought the Romulan core...
would suffice... it did not...
Data realizes, turns to Picard.
DATA
Captain -- I believe his species
mistook the artificial
singularity, which the Romulans
use in their engine, for a natural
one... a black hole. They tried
to use it as a nest.
They piece it together...
TROI
That's what deactivated the
Warbird's engine core... so the
Romulans sent out a distress
call...
PICARD
(off that)
The Enterprise responded... found
the Warbird suffering an apparent
engine failure... and attempted a
power transfer.
The Romulan seizes onto the words -- speaks with
emphasis:
ROMULAN/ALIEN
Power transfer... we must stop the
power transfer... it has...
ruptured time... it will
destroy... our young...
DATA
(interpreting)
I believe that when the power
transfer made contact with the
alien nest, it disrupted the space-time
continuum.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - ACT FOUR 46-47.
74 CONTINUED: (4)
Picard nods, eyes the Romulan.
PICARD
(realizing)
Was it you who attacked the
Enterprise?
ROMULAN/ALIEN
Yes... we had to stop the power
transfer...
The Romulan PHASES IN AND OUT again -- he's fading
fast.
PICARD
Are there others like you here?
The Romulan is barely holding on.
ROMULAN/ALIEN
One other...
PICARD
Do you know where he is? Can he
help us restore normal time?
Suddenly, THE ROMULAN FRACTURES IN A KALEIDOSCOPE
EFFECT AND VANISHES. GONE.
Reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
75 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
As before.
76 INT. RUNABOUT - LIVING SECTION
Minutes later. Data is working the console. Picard
and Troi pacing the room, tense.
DATA
I estimate the core breach will
consume the Enterprise in
approximately seven hours, two
minutes.
Picard is frustrated, searching for a way out of the
situation.
PICARD
Is there a way to lock onto the
core itself... beam it into space?
DATA
No, sir. We would need to
surround the core with a subspace
isolation field. It is not
possible to generate a field of
that magnituide from the Runabout.
They consider -- it looks hopeless. Picard paces the
room as an idea starts to form in his mind...
PICARD
Mister Data... when you scanned
the temporal aperture with your
tricorder... it caused time to
move forward, and back again...
DATA
That is correct.
PICARD
What if we found a way to reverse
that process -- make time move
backward... then forward.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
76 CONTINUED:
TROI
(onto the idea)
We might be able to run time back
to a point before the warp core
breach occurred... and then find
a way to prevent the power
transfer. So when time moves
forward again...
PICARD
... The breach won't happen.
Data considers the radical notion.
DATA
I can attempt to modify the
tricorder's scan frequency. It
might allow us to manipulate the
temporal aperture's effects.
Picard nods, giving him the go-ahead.
PICARD
Make it so, Data.
Data moves off to work. Picard looks at Troi, intent.
PICARD
If this works, we may not have
much time to prevent the power
transfer. We'll have to decide
precisely where to be and what to
do the instant time begins to move
backwards...
Troi nods. OFF their determination...
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/30/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
77 EXT. SPACE - RUNABOUT (OPTICAL)
As before -- facing the frozen Enterprise and Warbird.
78 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
The scene frozen, as before -- except now, the GASEOUS
CLOUD OF THE CORE BREACH EXPLOSION IS LARGER.
79 NEW ANGLE - DATA
standing at a console, holding a small PADD-like
device. He taps his Transporter armband.
DATA
(to com)
Captain -- I have placed the
tricorder in the Romulan engine
room. Standing by.
INTERCUT THE FOLLOWING:
80 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Everything frozen. Picard at the aft science station,
standing ready.
PICARD
(to com)
Acknowledged. Counselor -- are
you in position?
81 INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
Troi standing a few feet away from Beverly, who is
still frozen in mid-death. She positions herself near
Beverly, phaser drawn, ready. (NOTE: The Romulan Woman
by the door -- who was seen watching Troi in Act Two --
is no longer present).
TROI
(to com)
Ready, sir.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/31/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
82 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING
Data as before.
PICARD
Alright, Mister Data.
DATA
Initiating tricorder emissions...
Data hits a control on the PADD-like device...
83 INT. ROMULAN WARBIRD - ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
A TRICORDER has been placed on the floor facing the
engine core. It is BLINKING. A moment later, the core
SENDS OUT a FLASH OF LIGHT...
84 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Picard waiting, looking around him...
85 NEW ANGLE - THE ROOM (OPTICAL)
Suddenly, EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE STARTS TO MOVE
BACKWARDS -- TIME RUNNING IN REVERSE. All of the
sounds and motions begin to move backwards. (NOTE: The
action here is the exact reverse of the forward action
in scene 94).
86 OMITTED
87 INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
ON BEVERLY AS THE ROMULAN DISRUPTOR BLAST REVERSES
DIRECTION AND GOES BACK INTO THE WEAPON.
88 OMITTED
89 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Data standing ready at the console. The gaseous cloud
of the warp core breach is now gone. N.D.S can be seen
in the background, WORKING BACKWARDS. Data speaks over
the strange NOISE of sounds running backwards.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/31/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
89 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off console)
Captain -- the warp core breach
has been reversed.
PICARD
Be ready, Mister Data.
DATA
Aye, sir.
Data poises his hands at the console, ready.
90 NEW ANGLE - THE ROMULAN WOMAN (OPTICAL)
seen in Act Two. She is walking forward through the
room, clearly unaffected by the time reversal.
91 DATA (OPTICAL)
senses her and spins around -- too late. The Romulan
Woman comes at him -- speaks in the same ALIEN VOICE
heard earlier.
ROMULAN/ALIEN #2
You must stop!
The Romulan woman pushes Data away from the console.
As they make contact, Data's isolation FIELD FRITZES
around the two of them, then both fall to the floor...
92 NEW ANGLE - THE N.D.S (OPTICAL)
as they slowly COME TO A STOP, THEN START MOVING
FORWARD -- TIME HAS RESUMED ITS NORMAL COURSE. One of
the N.D.s starts to operate the console where Data was
standing ready.
93 DATA
gets to his feet, a little dazed. The Romulan woman
remains unconscious. A beat, then Data quickly moves
to the N.D. at the console.
DATA
(to N.D.)
You must not initiate the power
transfer.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/31/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
93 CONTINUED:
The N.D. turns to him.
ENSIGN
I'm sorry, sir. I already have.
Data immediately works the console.
DATA
We must shut it down.
ENSIGN
(off console)
The transfer beam is at
saturation, sir -- it can't be
disengaged.
DATA
(quickly, to computer)
Computer -- place a Level three
containment field around the warp
core.
COMPUTER VOICE
Containment field activated.
94 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
TIME MOVING FORWARD. We see the following action
happen quickly:
The ship is JOLTED. The Conn console EXPLODES,
knocking the Starfleet N.D. to the ground. A Romulan
quickly moves in to take control. Riker and the
Romulan Commander are thrown across Bridge. Riker
manages to catch him before he crashes into him. (This
is the moment where time was frozen).
The action continues without pause. Riker sees Picard
and reacts to the sight of him.
RIKER
Captain?
PICARD
(quickly)
No time to explain, Number One.
Continue the evacuation of the
Romulan ship. You'll find LaForge
in the Romulan engine room --
beam him directly to Sickbay.
Riker moves to a console --
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/01/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
95 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
Troi KNOCKS Beverly aside just as the DISRUPTOR BLAST
shoots by Beverly and HITS the wall. The Romulan takes
a step toward Beverly, but Troi immediately aims her
phaser at him.
TROI
(to Romulan, a threat)
Step away -- now.
Beverly looks at Troi, confused.
BEVERLY
Deanna, it's okay -- he wasn't
firing at me.
Troi looks at the Romulan.
ROMULAN
(to Troi)
There was an alien here... who'd
taken Romulan form. I was firing
at her...
(indicates Beverly)
The doctor got in the way.
Beverly looks around the room, alarmed.
BEVERLY
Where did she go... ?
OFF their concern...
96 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING
Data has moved to another console.
PICARD
Status, Mister Data?
DATA
(to com)
I was attacked by another alien,
sir. I was unable to prevent the
power transfer.
He rapidly works the console.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/31/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
96 CONTINUED:
DATA
(continuing)
It cannot be disengaged and the
containment field will fail in
seventeen seconds.
(beat)
A core breach is again imminent.
97 INT. BRIDGE
As before. Picard and Riker, urgent.
PICARD
(to Riker)
Can we move the ship?
Riker moves to his armchair console.
RIKER
The feedback from the transfer
beam would tear us apart.
Tension -- now what? Picard gets an idea -- rushes to
Tactical.
PICARD
(to Riker)
Patch me into the navigational
control on the Runabout.
Riker moves to the Conn, works. The ship SHAKES --
tension building
RIKER
Got it!
Picard hits a few commands at tactical.
PICARD
I'm bringing the Runabout in...
98 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND WARBIRD (OPTICAL)
The Runabout FLIES into the space between the
Enterprise and the Romulan ship, INTERRUPTING the
TRANSFER BEAM. The Runabout EXPLODES.
The Romulan Warbird FRACTURES IN A KALEIDOSCOPE EFFECT
AND COMPLETELY VANISHES.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/31/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
99 INT. ENGINEERING - (OPTICAL)
Data at the console. A few feet away, the unconscious
Romulan VANISHES IN A KALEIDOSCOPE EFFECT. Data
reacts.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Mister Data?
DATA
(to com)
The core breach has been
prevented, sir.
Data begins scanning the region where the Romulan was
lying.
INTERCUT:
99A INT. BRIDGE
Picard reading tactical.
PICARD
(off console)
Data -- it appears that severing
the power transfer has not only
prevented the core breach, but has
also restored space-time to
normal.
99B INT. ENGINEERING
DATA
The alien who attacked me has
vanished, sir.
PICARD
The Warbird has vanished as well.
DATA
(off tricorder)
Judging from the residual temporal
fluctuations... I believe they
have returned to their own time
continuum.
99C INT. BRIDGE
Riker looks at Picard, puzzled.
RIKER
Captain?
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - ACT FIVE 56A.
99C CONTINUED:
PICARD
It's going to take a little time
to explain, Number One...
OFF Riker's reaction...
100 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46945.3.
We successfully evacuated the crew
of the Romulan ship. We're on
course to the Neutral Zone to
bring them home.
101 INT. ENTERPRISE - DATA'S QUARTERS
A couple of days later. Data is sitting at a table,
staring intently at a small TEA KETTLE, which is on a
burner.
The door CHIMES.
DATA
Come in.
Riker ENTERS, glances around, a little nervous.
RIKER
(to Data)
Where's that cat of yours?
Data does not look up from the kettle.
DATA
Spot is sleeping, sir. Why do you
ask?
RIKER
No reason...
Riker crosses to Data, hands him a PADD.
RIKER
I've worked out the new rotation
schedules. I'd like you to cross
check the personnel assignments
and notify all department heads.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/06/93 - ACT FIVE 56B.
101 CONTINUED:
RIKER (Cont'd)
(beat)
Your new Bridge shift begins at
twenty-three hundred hours.
Data takes the PADD without looking up -- his attention
remains fixed on the kettle.
DATA
Understood, sir.
Riker eyes him.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 04/02/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
101 CONTINUED:
Data watches the kettle. A beat goes by. Then the
kettle begins to WHISTLE. Data looks thoughtful.
RIKER
Data, what are you doing?
DATA
Recent events have compelled me to
study how humans perceive the
passage of time.
(beat)
For example, I have often heard
people comment that time seems to
pass more "slowly" in one
instance, or more "quickly" in
another. Yet in reality, the
actual passage of time remains
fixed.
Riker considers.
RIKER
I guess everybody perceives time
a little differently... it depends
on the exact situation... how
you're feeling...
Data indicates the kettle.
DATA
I have been testing the aphorism
that "a watched pot never boils".
(beat)
I have boiled the same amount of
water in this kettle sixty-two
times. In some cases, I ignored
the kettle.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - REV. 03/31/93 - ACT FIVE 57A.
101 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (Cont'd)
In others, I watched it intently.
In every instance, the water
reached its boiling point in
precisely fifty-one point seven
seconds.
They stare at the kettle a moment.
STAR TREK: "Timescape" - 03/29/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
101 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
It would appear that I am not
capable of perceiving time any
differently than my internal
chronometer.
Riker thinks.
RIKER
Why don't you turn it off?
DATA
Sir?
RIKER
Data... people don't have internal
chronometers. See what happens
when you turn yours off.
Data looks intrigued.
DATA
Thank you, Commander. I will try
that.
Riker smiles.
RIKER
Just don't be late for your shift.
Riker gives Data a smile, and EXITS. Data watches him
a moment. Suddenly, we hear the kettle WHISTLE. Data
turns quickly at the sound. OFF his intrigued
expression as he watches the pot...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END