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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Evolution"
#40273-150
Story by
Michael Piller & Michael Wagner
Teleplay by
Michael Piller
Directed by
Ric 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 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
REVISED FINAL DRAFT
JULY 24, 1989
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/25/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Evolution"
CAST
PICARD STUBBS
RIKER (DATA/NANITE)
DATA
WORF
BEVERLY
TROI Non-Speaking
GEORDI ERIC'S GIRLFRIEND
WESLEY GUARD
GUINAN CREW OF ENGINEERS
SUPERNUMERARIES
WORK CREWMEMBER #1
COMPUTER VOICE
ERIC
ANNETTE
MALE NURSE
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Evolution"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
SHUTTLE BAY
CORRIDOR
SICKBAY
SICKBAY LAB
SICKBAY WAITING ROOM
ENGINEERING
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
WESLEY'S QUARTERS
TEN FORWARD
COMPUTER ROOM
STUBB'S QUARTERS
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/24/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Evolution"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse speed entering a double star system
composed of a small neutron star orbiting a red giant
star.
2 INT. SICKBAY LAB - CLOSE ON A TEXTBOOK
something in advanced genetics... lying flat on a lab
tabletop. The camera moves slowly along the table to
see the paraphernalia of a long night of studying --
containers, microscope, some half-eaten new generation
pizza and an almost finished glass of milk... finding a
still hand... and moving up the arm to find WESLEY;
face flat on the table, eyes closed... and for a beat
we may wonder what's happened to him... but then --
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Commander Riker to Ensign Crusher.
Wesley's eyes jerk open... head turns -- where am I,
omigod, I fell asleep....
WESLEY
(hoarse)
Go ahead....
INTERCUT:
3 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
On RIKER. DATA and WORF are at their stations.
RIKER
Forget to set your alarm, Wesley?
4 INT. SICKBAY LAB
Wesley scurrying around to clean up the lab top... put
away his experiment and equipment...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - TEASER 2.
4 CONTINUED:
he notices one of the containers is open, briefly
reacts, quickly closes it... it's barely noted and
buried in the humor of the moment.
WESLEY
Uh, yessir. I'm... very sorry.
I'll be right there.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
I didn't think you'd want to miss
this.
Wesley takes one more last look around the room...
exits quickly, brushing his hair into some semblance of
neatness.
5 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - VIEWSCREEN - THE DOUBLE STARS
(OPTICAL)
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43102.8.
We have entered a spectacular
double star system in the Kavis
Alpha sector on a most critical
mission of astro-physical
research.
Finding a slightly disheveled man in his sixties (DOCTOR
STUBBS) in casual clothes observing data processing
on the bridge. The sparkle in his eye is the only hint
of his excitement and anticipation... otherwise, he
has the confidence of a man who already knows the
answer to a question about to be posed.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
Our eminent guest, Doctor Paul
Stubbs, will attempt to study the
decay of globules of neutronium
expelled at relativistic speeds
by a massive stellar explosion
which will occur here in a matter
of hours.
Wesley ENTERS the bridge, looking embarrassed, glances
at Stubbs who smiles at him. Wesley sits at his
station.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/24/89 - TEASER 3.
5 CONTINUED:
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
It is virtually a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
as dictated by the forces of
nature. But frankly, Doctor
Stubbs seems much calmer about
it all than those of us who are
simply charged with the
responsibility of delivery and
observation.
RIKER
Ensign, our position....
WESLEY
Approaching ten million kilometers
from the neutron star...
RIKER
Slow to one third impulse power...
Stubbs stands by Wesley as the viewscreen shows a
stream of hydrogen and helium torn from the red giant
spiraling toward the neutron star.
STUBBS
Spectacular, isn't it, my young
friend?
His voice is as warm as a grandfather's.
WESLEY
Yessir.
And he might as well be in his classroom, the professor
sharing the excitement with a young student.
STUBBS
Over and over again, the intense
gravitational pull of the little
neutron star sucks up the star material
from the red giant, and
it builds up on the surface until
it explodes... every one hundred
and ninety six years. Like
clockwork. And it is but eighteen
hours away.
DATA
Eighteen hours, seven minutes,
and ... ten seconds, Doctor.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - TEASER 4.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
STUBBS
(acknowledges)
The interstellar counterpart to
Earth's "Old Faithful". The only
predictable burst of energy in
the universe that can accomplish
our goal.
PICARD ENTERS from the Ready Room.
PICARD
Doctor Stubbs, if you want to make
a final inspection of the unit...
STUBBS
Captain, I've been inspecting the
egg for twenty years... you may
lay it when ready.
Picard and Riker react to his offhanded confidence...
PICARD
Begin launch sequence.
RIKER
Shuttle Bay Two, stand-by to
launch the uh, "egg"...
6 INT. SHUTTLE BAY - THE UNIT
looks likes an egg... it's about the size of a Buick...
sitting aboard a small launch pad. In a control booth,
a TEAM OF OFFICERS acknowledge the command.
CREWMEMBER #1
Standing by, Commander...
7 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
STUBBS
Do you know how long the
experiment will last, Wesley... ?
WESLEY
One billionth of a second.
STUBBS
(reacts)
Now, how would you know that?
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - TEASER 5.
7 CONTINUED:
WESLEY
When I heard we were going to be
part of your experiment, I read
all your published works.
Stubbs reacts, impressed.
RIKER
Begin pre-launch sequence.
INTERCUT:
8 INT. SHUTTLE BAY (OPTICAL)
Crewmember #1 touches a panel. A wide door behind the
egg slides open to reveal the spectacular star system.
9 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
DATA
Five minutes to launch site.
Then, suddenly without warning... the Enterprise jolts
sharply... Doctor Stubbs is thrown down to the floor...
The jolts continue...
PICARD
Stabilize.
WESLEY
The ship is not responding.
10 INT. ENGINEERING - GEORDI
Working furiously at his controls --
GEORDI
Checking for failure of inertia
dampeners... Instruments say
they're working...
11 THE UNIT
rattles unstable on its launch pad...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/24/89 - TEASER 6.
12 THE MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The stellar-material roars from the red giant across
space in front of us... The jolts continue...
WORF
Captain, we're heading straight
into the path of that stellar
matter....
PICARD
Shields up.
WORF
Negative. The shields won't
respond.
On reactions --
13 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
hurtles toward the fire arc across space and...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As before, the ship is flying out of control.
15 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
DATA
Impact thirty seconds.
PICARD
Go to manual override to raise
shields.
WORF
Shields are rising.
RIKER
Reset dampeners.
INTERCUT:
16 INT. ENGINEERING
GEORDI
Dampeners not responding. Unable
to reset.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Reverse impulse engines.
GEORDI
Initiating reverse sequence.
17 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The engines reverse. The ship stabilizes.
18 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Stubbs looks up dazed, from the floor...
DATA
Impact twenty seconds.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/27/89 - ACT ONE 8.
18 CONTINUED:
PICARD
The momentum is still taking us
into the path of the
stellar matter.
RIKER
Close the shuttle bay door...
Prepare for impact.
CREWMEMBER#1'S COM VOICE
Door is frozen, Commander...
19 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
as the stellar matter gently deflects off the shields...
20 INT. SHUTTLE BAY - THE UNIT
shakes.
21
thru OMITTED
22
23 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The shaking from the collison stops.
RIKER
Commander Data, check all
systems... Medical personnel to
the bridge.
Riker goes to help Doctor Stubbs... his back is hurt.
DATA
All systems functioning normally
again.
PICARD
Computer, explanation for control
malfunction.
COMPUTER VOICE
No control malfunction has been
recorded.
Off their reactions...
24 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in a holding pattern.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 9.
25 INT. CORRIDOR
Wesley moving... sees a trio of other teenagers, two
attractive girls and one boy, dressed in ski clothes...
ERIC
(friendly)
Hey, Wesley, you need some work
on your right turns...
Wesley pauses, responding a little too seriously for
a teenager.
WESLEY
They're running a check to find
out what happened. Everything's
okay now...
One of the girls, ANNETTE, is clearly interested in
Wes.
ANNETTE
We're going into the Holodeck to
ski in Switzerland, Wes... want
to come?
WESLEY
Oh... I can't... I have to check
on Doctor Stubbs. He's in
Sickbay...
Annette looks disappointed. Eric takes him aside out
of earshot... puts his arm around his shoulder.
ERIC
Wesley, I have this awkward
situation... Two gorgeous ladies,
only one of me and a terrific
program where we get snowed in
at the ski lodge... just the fire
and each other to keep us warm...
(looks for a reaction)
I can hold the storm for you...
meet us at the lodge later on.
WESLEY
I can't, Eric. There's just too
much to do...
ERIC
(strained)
Yeah, okay... next time.
Annette glances at him as they split up.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 10.
26 INT. SICKBAY
Several bruises from the incident are being treated...
DOCTOR CRUSHER treats Stubbs' back as Wesley ENTERS.
WESLEY
The captain asked me to tell you
that our systems are back to
normal and we can make another
launch attempt as soon as you're
ready.
Stubbs nods with a deceptively amiable grin. Beverly
uses a medical tricorder.
STUBBS
Quite a dynamic family team, you
Crushers....
BEVERLY
(smiles at her son)
It's nice to be back together.
I was at Starfleet Medical for
a year... I missed about two
inches of him.
And a lot more. We may sense here that as she listens,
Beverly is considering her relationship with her son...
STUBBS
I'm not sure I'd want my mother
to be flying through space with
me... no, I take that back. I
am sure. I wouldn't want her.
I love her dearly you understand.
BEVERLY
(poking)
Does that hurt?
He acknowledges. She treats it as Stubbs says to
Wesley--
STUBBS
My mother's a formidable woman
too. A woman of letters.
(with many layers)
A great critic.
WESLEY
I know.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 11.
26 CONTINUED:
STUBBS
Good Lord, son. You didn't read
that unauthorized biography too...
(off his acknowledgment)
I totally deny the story about
the consulate's wife on Beldoron.
We were only good friends. Is
that all the boy does, Doctor,
fly the ship and read? Doesn't
he have any fun?
BEVERLY
Sure he does...
WESLEY
(interrupting)
My studies keep me pretty busy.
I'm trying to get into the
Academy... I earn credits for
my work on the Enterprise... but
it's not the same as being
there...
Doctor Crusher finishes the treatment, nods to the
nurse.
NURSE
Ready to sit up?
Doctor Stubbs pulls himself up.
STUBBS
I am whole again, thank you,
Doctor.
(he stands)
Come along, Wesley, let's make
sure Humpty Dumpty is still in
one piece.
Beverly thinks about the conversation as Wes follows
Stubbs out. The doctor's attention is drawn to:
27 INT. SICKBAY WAITING ROOM (OPTICAL)
The refreshment dispenser is serving continuous cups
of drinks, food to no one... spilling over, falling
on the floor...
BEVERLY
Computer, fix the food slot...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 11A.
27 CONTINUED:
COMPUTER VOICE
The food slot is functioning
properly.
BEVERLY
Well, check it again...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 12.
27 CONTINUED: (2)
COMPUTER VOICE
The food slot is functioning
properly.
BEVERLY
Deactivate food slot.
It finally stops. Off her reaction...
28 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi on a com panel talking to the Captain... a CREW
OF ENGINEERS are working in the background...
GEORDI
We're analyzing the engineering
systems data, Captain... so far
nothing unusual in the computer
log for that time period...
29 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard on the com line as Beverly ENTERS. He motions
her to come in.
PICARD
Run a level one diagnostic series.
We need a computer that's one
hundred percent to run Doctor
Stubbs' experiment.
He signs off. For Beverly's benefit --
PICARD
(continuing)
... As well as the food slots in
Sickbay.
BEVERLY
It seems to be working again.
For the moment anyway...
PICARD
(sitting)
What can I do for you, Doctor?
She sits down, concerned, not sure how to express it
yet. But she's come to him as her old friend, not just
the captain --
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/26/89 - ACT ONE 13.
29 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Jean-Luc, how would you feel if
you were a seventeen year old and
the only starship officer whose
mother was on board... ?
Picard takes a moment... he's less comfortable in
dealing with her on a personal level... but tries his
best.
PICARD
If you're concerned about Wesley,
I see no evidence that there's
a problem.
BEVERLY
I know. In a funny kind of way...
that's exactly my point. We talk.
We smile. It's almost too
polite.
PICARD
Beverly, this is simply a matter
of time. I know how difficult
it was to be away.
BEVERLY
(vulnerable)
Tell me about him.
A beat as Picard is somewhat nonplussed at how to
respond to a mother who wants to know her son.
PICARD
He's... become a fine officer.
He works as hard as any member
of the crew... Riker says his
studies...
BEVERLY
No, tell me about him.
And this is way out of Picard's comfort zone.
PICARD
He seems well adjusted...
BEVERLY
Does he have many friends... has
he been in love... ?
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 8/2/89 - ACT ONE 14.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard taps a finger, realizes this is important
stuff... but he hasn't a clue what to tell her.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
Jean-Luc, he's come so far, so
fast. And since I've been back
I don't feel...
PICARD
His dependence?
(beat, as she considers)
He is seventeen, Beverly.
BEVERLY
What were you doing when you were
seventeen?
PICARD
Getting into a lot more trouble
than Wesley is, I can assure you.
BEVERLY
So was I.
They exchange a smile.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
Isn't that what seventeen is
supposed to be?
Off Picard's reaction...
30 INT. SHUTTLE BAY
Wesley and Doctor Stubbs inspecting the unit.
STUBBS
No cracks in the armor... we'll
be just fine...
WESLEY
How can you be so calm about
everything? If I was about to
make this kind of breakthrough...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 8/2/89 - ACT ONE 15.
30 CONTINUED:
STUBBS
I've never doubted for a moment
that this day would come, Wesley.
And I suspect some day it will
come for you as well. I see a
lot of me in you.
(Wesley reacts, proud)
In my youth, they called me a
vunderkind... do you understand
vunderkind... ?
WESLEY
It's German, isn't it?
STUBBS
(nodding)
It means wonder child. It is
reserved for those of us who
achieve early in life. Now the
burden is yours.
WESLEY
The burden?
STUBBS
To fulfill your potential.
(looking inward)
You will never come up against
a greater adversary than your own
potential, my young friend.
Suddenly Red Alert alarms go off... Wesley reacts.
WESLEY
Red Alert. You should return
to your quarters immediately.
31 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON PICARD (OPTICAL)
PICARD
(urgent)
Still no visual contact?
Impossible... Mister Worf, same
magnification. Fifty degrees
starboard.
Find Riker before the Main Viewer ... it shows only
space -- nothing else...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 15A.
31 CONTINUED:
he moves to join Worf at his station... Geordi and
Data are also on the bridge.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 16.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
Worf, you're absolutely sure...
32 INSERT - SENSOR SCREEN (OPTICAL)
WORF (O.S.)
The sensors clearly indicate the
approach of a Borg vessel.
33 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER
Shields up.
WORF
Shields are not responding.
GEORDI
Manual overide is jammed. It's
not gonna work this time... we
don't have shields, Captain.
He keeps at it.
34 INSERT - SENSOR SCREEN (OPTICAL)
WORF (O.S.)
Captain, they've fired energy
weapons at us...
35 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Evasive action.
RIKER
Bring about to two-eight-five mark three.
PICARD
Predict current vector of the Borg
ship.
WORF
Vector... is gone.
(beat, reacts)
And so is the Borg vessel.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT ONE 17.
35 CONTINUED:
PICARD
You're telling me this was another
computer glitch?
DATA
It is conceivable that we were
viewing a synthetically
generated image... although there
is no precedent for it.
RIKER
(incredulous)
Our computer was daydreaming... ?
Suddenly, the Enterprise jolts hard... out of control
again...
PICARD
Computer, identify malfunction
immediately.
In the back, the turbolift doors start opening and
closing repeatedly as the computer babbles --
COMPUTER VOICE
Pawn to King Three... Knight to
Rook Four... Queen to Bishop
Three...
DATA
Controls are not responding.
Suddenly, the engines die.
GEORDI
Impulse engines are down.
Geordi tries to fire up the engine. Nothing.
RIKER
Try warp engines.
Geordi tries... nothing.
GEORDI
Sorry, Commander... I better get
back to engineering...
Picard at the viewscreen is frustrated beyond
description. On the move --
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE 18.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, you will
accompany Commander La Forge.
I want a full report on the
prospects for getting our shields
back. Commanders Data and Riker
will join me in the conference
room to consider the future of
this mission... if there is one.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 19.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
36 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker and Data...
PICARD
The fact of the matter is we're
dealing with a potential breakdown
of our main computer...
RIKER
That's hard to accept.
DATA
The system automatically provides
for self-correction, Captain.
There has not been a system-wide
technological failure on a
starship in seventy-nine years.
The door slides open and TROI ENTERS, already
concerned....
TROI
Excuse me, Captain, Doctor Stubbs
has been waiting to see you. I
think it might be wise if...
Without waiting for an invitation, Stubbs ENTERS,
interrupting. His casual devil-may-care shell is a
little shaky, but he still employs it.
STUBBS
Captain, I'm sure you have
everything under control, I'd just
like to know what's going on.
PICARD
Of course, Doctor. Sit down.
(join us)
Counselor...
Picard and Troi exchange a concerned glance.
PICARD
(continuing)
Commander La Forge is attempting
repairs as we speak...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/26/89 - ACT TWO 20.
36 CONTINUED:
STUBBS
"Attempting" ... that doesn't sound
particularly reassuring.
PICARD
Doctor, if it is at all possible,
we will continue this mission as
planned.
STUBBS
Captain, if we miss our chance
now we don't get another for two
centuries. There will be many
questions asked by Starfleet if
the Enterprise fails in its
duty...
PICARD
(sharp)
Nevertheless, my first and
foremost concern will be to insure
the safety of this ship and its
crew...
With that same charming smile --
STUBBS
Insure the safety, Captain or are
you really talking about playing
it safe?
PICARD
My dear Doctor, in our current
position, when that star explodes,
you'll get to watch your
experiment from the inside out.
STUBBS
(shrugs, casual)
I would rather die than leave.
PICARD
I don't believe you speak for the
majority, Doctor.
And Picard and Stubbs lock eyes as Troi studies Stubbs,
leans forward caringly --
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 20A.
36 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
Doctor Stubbs, I know how much
this means to you...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 21.
36 CONTINUED: (2)
And this is said with a smile and charm --
STUBBS
My dear Counselor, no insult
intended but please turn off your
beam into my soul. I will share
the feelings I wish to share...
She reacts, stunned by the anger she feels from him.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Lieutenant Worf to Captain Picard.
INTERCUT:
37 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi and Worf at the pool table... many workers in
the background.
WORF
Captain, all weapons systems are
down.
Reactions.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Estimated time for repairs?
GEORDI
Commander, I don't even know what
to repair yet.
38 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Signing off --
PICARD
Continue to advise.
STUBBS
Well, if we do not take our leave
in time, so be it... it's one sure
way into the history books, eh?
He EXITS. The others exchange a look.
TROI
His nonchalance is studied and
practiced...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 22.
38 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Even my sensory perception picked
that up today...
TROI
In fact, he's put his entire self-worth
on the line with this
experiment. He is telling the
truth when he says he'd rather
die than leave.
(reactions)
And one more thing... he doesn't
like women very much.
DATA
Odd. The research material on
Doctor Stubbs includes not a few
references from gossip columns.
It suggests females find him quite
attractive.
TROI
Not this one.
39 INT. SICKBAY
Eric helping in Annette, looking cold and shaken, she
has a broken leg....
BEVERLY
What happened to you?
ERIC
We had a little accident on the
Holodeck....
NURSE
(glances at Beverly)
On the Holodeck... but it's
programmed to prevent injuries...
The nurse helps get her on a table...
ANNETTE
I was making a great run down a
deserted slope when the ground
just seemed to fall away....
Beverly hits her com panel.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 23.
39 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Engineering, this is Doctor
Crusher. The Holodecks are to
be closed by my order until
further notice.
As she examines the girl's leg...
BEVERLY
(continuing)
We've been having control problems
today. There's a small fracture
here... this'll just take a
minute...
The nurse hands her an instrument.
NURSE
You look like you could use
something warm inside you... hot
chocolate, maybe?
Eric and Annette smile, nod yes enthusiastically. The
nurse moves away...
ANNETTE
(to Beverly)
Wes almost came along. It's
probably a good thing he didn't.
BEVERLY
I didn't know he was going skiing
with you...
ERIC
It was one of those last minute
things... we tried to grab him
on the way...
ANNETTE
We don't see much of him now that
he's been assigned to the bridge.
And that disturbs Beverly but she doesn't display it.
40 INT. SICKBAY WAITING ROOM (OPTICAL)
The nurse is at the food slot... preparing to remove
two cups of hot chocolate and as he reaches in...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/24/89 - ACT TWO 24.
40 CONTINUED:
a red arc of electricity snaps over his body... and he
slumps to the ground. Rushing to him...
BEVERLY
Omigod....
ERIC
What happened...
BEVERLY
He's not breathing...
She feels the pulse... uses all her resources to
ressucitate him... finally he begins to breathe... she
feels the pulse again, it's better...
41 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, standing, reacts to the news delivered by Doctor
Crusher. All the regulars except Geordi are present.
BEVERLY
If he had been alone, he would
have died.
PICARD
Advise everyone to remain in their
quarters when not on duty.
Protocol "B" access to all power
components. Nobody else uses them
unless it's cleared by Commander
Riker.
WORF
Sir, is it possible this is not
a computer breakdown?
(off Picard's look)
What if it is some form of attack?
RIKER
Our sensors showed no sign of life
in this stellar system.
PICARD
They also showed a Borg vessel
that did not exist. Counselor
Troi?
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/26/89 - ACT TWO 25.
41 CONTINUED:
TROI
I perceive no life force,
Captain... no feelings of ill
will. But I am not attuned to
every form of life.
Wesley begins to consider a terrible possibility...
PICARD
Data, stay on the sensors... see
if we can't pick up something
out there.
A beat as he sits down, thinking hard....
RIKER
It does almost seem as if
something... or someone is trying
to render the Enterprise helpless.
PICARD
They're not just trying, Number
One. If it's true, they're doing
a damn good job of it.
And Wesley is more than a little worried about what
he's thinking.
42 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi behind an open panel of components...
43 ANGLE - WESLEY (OPTICAL)
outside the panel... the control systems come on.
Wesley reacts... several other engineers are working as
well.
WESLEY
You got it. Nice going, Geordi...
As he comes around, to an engineer.
GEORDI
Call up the cross-section of
computer core processor
four-five-one, elements
zero-two-hundred through
zero-three-hundred.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 26.
43 CONTINUED:
As the engineer works at the computer board... various
graphs and circuit board construction flashes across
a terminal screen...
GEORDI
(continuing)
In order to get some power, I had
to by-pass the computer core and
essentially hotwire the
connection.
44 THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
stops at a cross-section of connections labeled "Core
Processor 451, Element 0299" and there is a clear
lesion visible there. Geordi points it out.
GEORDI (O.S.)
Look at that lesion. No wonder
we're coming apart at the seams.
45 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
GEORDI
It's some kind of continuing
disintegration. But from what... I
can't tell ya. And I haven't the
slightest idea how to stop it.
Wesley's face shows continued concern... something he's
hiding... hoping against hope it isn't true.
WESLEY
But it's just a mechanical
problem, right?
GEORDI
Increase magnification, factor
fifty.
The image grows fifty times.
GEORDI
I don't know, Wesley. Looking
at it... if it weren't...
impossible... I'd say someone had
climbed in there and started
taking it apart.
And that's the worst thing that Wesley could hear.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 8/1/89 - ACT TWO 27.
46 INT. SICKBAY LAB
Wesley ENTERS with urgency... gets out the materials he
was studying earlier. He opens the container that he
had discovered when he awakened and checks it with a
scanner. There is no response. He sighs deeply.
Something horrible has happened.
47 OMITTED
48 INT. TEN-FORWARD
The room is deserted due to the captain's order to
remain in quarters. Wesley moves around a corner down
on his knees... setting down a high tech trap...
49 ANGLE - WIDE
to reveal GUINAN sitting on a barstool, calmly
watching. Wesley's back is to her. He feels her
presence... turns...
WESLEY
Guinan... I didn't think anyone
would be here.
GUINAN
I've never been very good at being
confined to quarters. Any of my
husbands would testify to that.
She rises, comes over slowly to see what he's doing...
GUINAN
What are these things?
Feeling a little foolish --
WESLEY
I'm just setting... traps.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 28.
49 CONTINUED:
GUINAN
I run a clean place here.
WESLEY
I know. It's not that. I just...
He's obviously in trouble... their eyes meet. He can't
lie to her. Can anyone?
WESLEY
(continuing)
Guinan, I'm scared. Everything
that's been going wrong may be
my fault.
GUINAN
Pull up a stool, Wesley.
They sit.
WESLEY
I've been working on my final
project for Advanced Genetics.
It's on nanotechnology. And I've
been studying the nanites we have
in the Sickbay genetic supplies.
They're just like tiny little
robots with gigabytes of
mechanical computer memory, tiny
enough to enter living cells and
conduct repairs. They're supposed
to be strictly confined to the
lab.
GUINAN
Are you trying to say some nanites
are on the loose?
WESLEY
(sighs)
Two of them. That's all. See,
I just wanted to see how they
would interact and function in
tandem. In my project, I had
proposed a theory that they could
actually combine their skills to
improve their usefulness. And
it was working.
GUINAN
You made a better nanite.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/27/89 - ACT TWO 29.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
WESLEY
I was pulling an all-nighter to
get my final data... and I fell
asleep. When I woke up, I
realized the container was still
open...
(off her look)
It was just a science project.
GUINAN
A doctor once said the very same
thing to me... what was his
name... Frankenstein, I think.
WESLEY
They're really harmless. They
only have the most basic skills.
It's almost impossible that they
could be responsible...
GUINAN
Almost.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Doctor Crusher to Wesley Crusher.
WESLEY
(reacts)
Go ahead.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
I stopped by your quarters, Wes.
I assumed you'd be there, since
you're off duty.
WESLEY
I was just... I had some things
to do...
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Orders are orders, Mister Crusher.
Wesley sighs, glances at Guinan.
WESLEY
You won't tell anybody...
A beat as Guinan looks at him.
WESLEY
I know. I will. If it's true.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT TWO 30.
49 CONTINUED: (3)
He starts to leave.
GUINAN
Wesley...
(he stops)
Think you'll get a good grade?
WESLEY
(glum)
I always get an A.
He EXITS.
GUINAN
(to herself)
So did Doctor Frankenstein.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT THREE 31.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
50 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. Our
computer core has clearly been
tampered with and yet there is
no sign of a breach of security
on board.
51 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Everyone at their stations... Troi is also on the
bridge.
PICARD (V.O.)
We have even considered sabotage,
but Counselor Troi has not
detected any such sentiments.
We have engines back and will
attempt to complete our mission...
but without a reliable computer,
Doctor Stubbs' experiment is in
serious jeopardy.
Stubbs watches this time with greater intensity.
RIKER
Manual restart sequence?
GEORDI
Manual restart successful...
impulse engine functions appear
normal.
Riker glances at Picard for orders.
PICARD
Proceed.
RIKER
Shuttle Bay Two, open hangar
doors.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/24/89 - ACT THREE 32.
52 INT. SHUTTLE BAY
The crew tries, but the doors do not open.
CREWMEMBER #1
Doors did not respond. Repeating
sequence.
As he does,
53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Suddenly over the loudspeakers, blasting music --
Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever"....
PICARD
What in heaven's name... ?
DATA
It is "Stars and Stripes Forever"
by John Phillip Sousa, a popular
American composer of band music
in the early twentieth century...
PICARD
Yes... yes... I know...
RIKER
Computer, shut off the music....
The music plays on.
DATA
The music is on all communications
channels, Captain.
RIKER
Power... weapons...
communications. We're being
stripped one system at a time...
PICARD
Shut off the power to the bridge.
The music stops and the lights go out... after a beat,
emergency lighting comes on. Picard looks at Troi...
TROI
I feel no hostile emotions
present. No friendly feelings
either. Nothing.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT THREE 33.
53 CONTINUED:
WORF
Only an enemy without honor
refuses to show himself in battle.
PICARD
We may be fighting a different
kind of enemy than we've ever
known... an enemy that fights a
war of nerves.
(beat)
Resume power to the bridge.
The main power does not return. Picard has no
alternative.
PICARD
(continuing)
Commander La Forge, can you get
us out of this star system
safely...
Moving forward to confront Picard...
STUBBS
No...
... intercepted by Riker.
RIKER
Not now, Doctor.
GEORDI
I'll try, Captain. I don't want
to overload the engines...
PICARD
Do it gently. But do it.
Geordi EXITS. Doctor Stubbs does not even look at Picard.
RIKER
We'll circuit in auxiliary power
to the bridge... and find some
way to silence Sousa if he tries
an encore.
Picard acknowledges, to Riker --
PICARD
The priority is to find out who
or what is doing this and why.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT THREE 34.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
(Riker acknowledges,
EXITS)
Those of us not involved in that
detail should get a few minutes
rest. Commander Data, the bridge,
or what's left of it, is yours.
He EXITS. Wesley glances at Doctor Stubbs who looks away
and EXITS.
54 INT. SHUTTLE BAY
Stubbs stands with his egg in a stark shot of a man
considering the meaning of his life. Moving to find
Wesley entering behind him...
STUBBS
The egg that Stubbs laid.
WESLEY
Nobody will say that...
STUBBS
Nobody will say... anything,
Wesley. We will not even be
mentioned.
Wesley can't speak, feeling guilty.
STUBBS
(continuing; sighs)
I could live with failure.
... Well, maybe not. But never
even to try. To miss your one
chance at bat. Do you know
baseball?
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/24/89 - ACT THREE 35.
54 CONTINUED:
WESLEY
My dad taught it to me when I was
little.
STUBBS
Once, centuries ago, it was the
beloved national pastime of the
Americas, Wesley. Abandoned by
a society that prized fast food
and faster games. Lost to
impatience. But I have seen the
great players make the great
plays.
WESLEY
Do you recreate them on a
Holodeck?
STUBBS
No, in here...
(his mind)
With the knowledge of
statistics... runs, hits and
errors... times at bat... box
scores. Men like us do not need
Holodecks, Wesley. I have played
seasons in my mind. It was my
reward to myself. For patience.
Knowing my turn would come. Call
your shot. Point to a star. One
great blast and the crowd rises.
A brand new era in astro-physics.
Postponed one hundred and
ninety-six years on account of
rain.
55 INT. SICKBAY LAB
Wes has collected his traps. He's scanning a few with
no results... but then there's an audio response from
his scanner on one. Before he can make a visual
check, the door slides open and his mother ENTERS.
BEVERLY
We have to talk.
He glances up at her -- does she know? Did Guinan tell
her? She sits by him.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/27/89 - ACT THREE 36.
55 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
You really look like you could
use some rest...
Relieved, moving ahead with his work --
WESLEY
I know. It's okay. Really.
BEVERLY
(gentle)
No, it's not. Really.
She takes his hand, stops him from the work.
WESLEY
I'm just checking some traps that
I set... to see if I can find out
what's happening to the ship.
BEVERLY
On someone's orders... ?
WESLEY
We're running out of time for
Doctor Stubbs...
BEVERLY
Wesley, you can't put everything
on your own shoulders. Even when
you're off duty, you're on duty...
WESLEY
Mom, you don't understand...
BEVERLY
You're a seventeen year old boy...
He looks at her... not used to be treated as a child.
WESLEY
I'm an acting officer... I have
responsibilities....
BEVERLY
(cautiously)
I'm beginning to think... maybe
we're all expecting too much of
you.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/24/89 - ACT THREE 37.
55 CONTINUED: (2)
WESLEY
(reacts)
I've done everything anyone has
asked of me and more. You don't
know... you haven't even been
here.
That pretty well gets down to it. And Beverly
understands that conflicts come with being a real
parent... and is ready to resume that role.
BEVERLY
I'm here now, Wesley.
Wesley, like any normal teenager, does not seem to get
it at all, but somewhere deep inside, a part of him may
begin to feel her love and concern. This is not going
to be resolved soon.
BEVERLY
C'mon, I'll help you finish this
up... what are you looking for?
He looks at her with guilty eyes, sighs...
BEVERLY
Wesley... ?
WESLEY
Mom, I think I've made a horrible
mistake.
She reacts, curious, but puts a comforting hand on his
shoulder as he focuses a microscopic camera on his
trap... they look together at --
56 A MONITOR - (OPTICAL)
an electronicly reproduced image -- six tiny,
startingly busy, mechanical devices in constant
motion...
From the next scene --
BEVERLY (O.S.)
Nanites. Tiny machines built from
the atom up.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/31/89 - ACT THREE 38.
57 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
The image is patched to a monitor. Picard, Riker,
Data, Beverly, Wesley and Doctor Stubbs are present.
BEVERLY
Designed to have exposure only
to the inside of nucleii during
celluar surgeries. Until then,
they are kept tightly confined
in a non-functional state.
DATA
(studying them)
These are not ordinary nanites.
BEVERLY
No, these have... evolved.
STUBBS
(cynical)
Evolved... how does a machine
evolve...
WESLEY
It's true. I'm reponsible. I
allowed two of the nanites to
interact for my school project
to increase their capabilities.
And... they escaped.
PICARD
School... project...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/31/89 - ACT THREE 39.
57 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(continuing)
Just how far have these things...
evolved?
Beverly glances at Wesley who puts some microscopic raw
material into the device...
INTERCUT:
58 MONITOR - (OPTICAL)
As the material is added to picture, the nanite gets
even busier, apparently devouring it....
WESLEY
This is a sample of linear memory
crystal from our computer core.
RIKER
(reacts)
It's like candy to them...
But in a second, it's clear -- suddenly there are
twelve of the nanites.
59 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Reactions.
BEVERLY
They're now capable of
mechanically replicating
themselves. And who knows what
else....
DATA
It is conceivable that with each
new generation they enhance their
own design. The rate of evolution
would be...extraordinary.
PICARD
How many generations are we
dealing with here?
DATA
Engineering, display computer
core processor four-five-one,
element zero-two-nine-nine.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT THREE 39A.
59 CONTINUED:
The monitor makes the patch to the lesion...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT THREE 40.
59 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Increase magnification, factor
one thousand.
60 THE ENLARGED IMAGE - (OPTICAL)
reveals scores, millions of little nanite flecks...
61 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Reactions.
PICARD
(understatement)
A few.
(beat)
Can it be possible that they know
what they're doing...
RIKER
Why would they attack us?
STUBBS
Why does a mosquito bite your ear
and who cares? The answer is
simple. Call an exterminator.
BEVERLY
Doctor Stubbs, these nanites are
apparently operating with a new
collective intelligence... working
together, teaching each other
skills...
Data considers that, moves to examine... he is
processing all the facts before taking a position.
DATA
Doctor, are you suggesting they
are becoming a... civilization?
Beverly looks at him... if the shoe fits....
STUBBS
Oh really. I'm sorry but this
is nonsense. You can't have a
civilization of computer chips.
They're made in a plant in Dakar
Senegal. I've watched the
construction.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/31/89 - ACT THREE 41.
61 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Then how do you explain what
you've seen here?
STUBBS
It's no more mysterious than
watching a strain of the Leutscher
virus reproduce itself. And that
at least is a bona fide lifeform.
How many disease germs and viruses
have you destroyed in your time,
Doctor Crusher?
She is forced to acknowledge.
PICARD
I cannot exterminate... something
that "may or may not" be
intelligent.
STUBBS
(unbelievable)
My good Captain...
PICARD
(sharp)
There is still time.
(beat)
Ensign Crusher, work with Data
to find some way to remove them
safely. If things get worse,
we'll take stronger measures.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/31/89 - ACT THREE 42.
61 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard, Riker move out. Doctor Stubbs glares after
Picard.
62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
holding outside the double star system.
63 INT. COMPUTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Data and Geordi make further studies of the core
infestation as Wesley assists. Over the section in
which they are working, we read "Processor 451" with
various element numbers.
Doctor Stubbs ENTERS. Apparently calmer.
STUBBS
Gentlemen. I need a computer
functioning perfectly in less
than eight hours... and we still
have core reconstruction to
consider...
WESLEY
We're testing a low level gamma
field that might reduce their
processing speed.
STUBBS
Have you considered a high level
charge?
DATA
(reacts)
High level gamma radiation would
kill them, Doctor Stubbs.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT THREE 43.
63 CONTINUED:
STUBBS
I know.
And without warning, he calmly pulls a scanner from
his pocket... aims it at processor four-five-one.
Wesley reacts --
WESLEY
Doctor Stubbs...
Doctor Stubbs turns back to processor four-five-one and
fires the gamma charge...
64 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard and Riker.
PICARD
I can't get the story of David
and Goliath out of my head. How
long do we wait, Number One?
RIKER
We can continue to bypass parts
of the computer that are
affected... but if these nanites
are spreading all over the ship...
As if in answer to the question, he detects an odd
scent in the airflow...
PICARD
Do you smell a change in...
And suddenly both of them are racked with coughing,
struggling to breathe... they move quickly out to:
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/26/89 - ACT THREE 44.
65 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Where the SUPERNUMERARIES are also suffering from the
air, choking...
PICARD
(to com)
Picard to La Forge...
enviromental system malfunction
on the bridge... acknowledge...
No response. Riker moves into position at a console...
reading data display... struggling to stay conscious...
RIKER
Nitrogen oxide... toxic levels...
Riker keys in several commands... finally, moves to
a manual override.... there is a WHOOSH sound as a
change occurs in the air supply system...
RIKER
I've switched to manual control
of the air handling system...
Breathing becomes easier, but then the ship shudders...
the power goes on and off... a small electrical
explosion pops out of one control panel... someone is
trapped in the turbolift, pounding... finally, pulls
the door open and it's Worf holding Doctor Stubbs... Data
behind them.
WORF
He entered a computer access
room and sterilized one of the
processors with gamma radiation.
DATA
The nanites in the upper core
are all dead, Captain.
On Picard's reaction, as the chaos continues...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FOUR 45.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
66 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before. The shuddering... light failures...
turbolift opening and closing... it all continues. Troi
and Doctor Crusher have joined the others on the
bridge.
STUBBS
You have no choice now... it is
a matter of survival.
PICARD
If you were a member of my crew,
sir, I would...
STUBBS
(over-lapping)
But I am not a member of your
crew, sir... I am a representative
of the highest command of the
Federation... which has directed
you to perform my experiment...
PICARD
If one man, woman or child on my
ship dies because of your
experiment... I will have your head
before the highest command of the
Federation...
STUBBS
Good Lord, you are talking about
machines with a screw loose.
Simply turn them off. And be done
with them.
Troi studies Doctor Stubbs carefully, is worried about
what she feels. And then she suddenly feels something
else... she isn't sure at first what it is...
DATA
Doctor Stubbs, your own actions
have provided evidence to the
contrary. After you destroyed
the nanites in the core, they
immediately responded by
interfering with our life-support
systems.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FOUR 46.
66 CONTINUED:
DATA (Cont'd)
It is hard to accept these as
random actions by machines with
"loose screws". In effect, you
may have proven that the nanites
do have a collective intelligence.
TROI
Captain, I'm feeling a vague
presence. It wasn't there before.
It is not hostility... More like
a primitive sense of
self-preservation.
BEVERLY
If they have evolved this
far... into emotional growth... how
can we destroy them now?
WORF
The ship is at risk.
Extermination may be the only
alternative left.
STUBBS
A good point...
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, Doctor Stubbs
is to be restricted to his
quarters until further notice.
Worf nods to a GUARD who takes Stubbs by the arm and
escorts him out. Suddenly, the chaos ends. The ship
is eerily still. (Note: it is because Stubbs is on
the move that the attack has subsided but our crew
doesn't know that yet.)
PICARD
Data, can you find me a way to
communicate with these things?
DATA
With intelligence, they have the
capacity for language.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/31/89 - ACT FOUR 47.
66 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (Cont'd)
But it will depend on how far
their evolution has brought them.
We could modify the circuits in
the universal translator to make
it capable of communications with
them...
PICARD
Proceed.
67 INT. STUBBS' QUARTERS
He's inside as the door slides open and Troi stands
there. The guard is visible outside.
TROI
May I come in?
He gives her his best casual shrug.
STUBBS
You just can't resist, can you,
Counselor?
TROI
I only want to help.
STUBBS
("bored")
Yes, yes... to break the shell...
to get in touch with my true
feelings. What is this
preoccupation women have with
de-mystifying me? It must be the
challenge. Climb me. Because
I'm there.
TROI
I am only worried about your state
of mind, Doctor.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/31/89 - ACT FOUR 48.
67 CONTINUED:
STUBBS
All right, Counselor... what is
it that has you so worried?
TROI
Your single-mindedness, your need
to have this experiment work...
STUBBS
But it will. Picard has no choice
now. He must defend the
Enterprise.
(tossing it all off with
a grin)
Counselor, when this is over, I
will show you New Manhattan on
Beth Delta-One as you've never
seen it and we will laugh over
glasses of champagne.
TROI
(beat)
Your self portrait is so
practiced, so polished....
STUBBS
(smiles)
Yes, isn't it, though?
TROI
It is stretched so tight that the
tension fills this room. And if
you finally... fail... I fear it
will snap.
A long beat as she studies him sadly. She has failed
and they both know it. She prepares to leave.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FOUR 49.
67 CONTINUED: (2)
STUBBS
A good try, Counselor. But
sometimes when you reach beneath
a man's self portrait, as you so
eloquently put it, deep down,
inside... what you find... is
nothing at all.
She reacts and EXITS. Alone, we may see that, in a
way, he too is sorry she failed.
68 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - SCIENCE ONE (OPTICAL)
has now become a montage of symbols, numbers,
letters... a pause where a response might be... but
there is none...
INTERCUT:
69 DATA - CU (OPTICAL)
types at a keyboard at his station... broadcasting
these messages... waiting for a response... nothing.
70
thru OMITTED
71
72 INT. STUBBS' CABIN
As he lays alone... studying the ceiling... the sound
of a cheering crowd fills his head...
STUBBS
Lockman on first, Dark on
second... Thompson at the plate...
Branca on the mound...
Stubbs closes his eyes... and watches the game in his
mind as we move off to find... starting at the far
corner of the room... a computer terminal goes blank...
and then moving across the room toward Stubbs... a
light on a com panel goes dark... and any other power
components fall dead as though a plague were sweeping
across the room sapping the energy from everywhere...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FOUR 50.
73 STUBBS
lays unaware and...
74 THE LIGHTS OVERHEAD
are swallowed one by one by the "plague"...
75 HIS EYES
open with a start... and he sees
76 HIS POV - THE LAST LIGHT GOES OUT
and...
76A IN THE DARK (OPTICAL)
an arc of electricity surges from the lights above,
virtually raising him and as he screams...
77 EXT. STUBBS' CABIN
The guard hears... moves to the door... but it doesn't
open... and as the yelling continues... the guard
forces the door open and Stubbs staggers out, falls
unconscious.
78 INT. SICKBAY
Picard ENTERS as Beverly works on Doctor Stubbs.
BEVERLY
He's coming around...
His face is flushed and sweaty as though he has a
fever... he mumbles fearful groans...
PICARD
I have to believe this was not
an arbitrary attack...
BEVERLY
Has Data made any progress in
contacting them?
Picard shakes his head. Suddenly, Doctor Stubbs' hand
moves out and grabs Picard's wrist. In a hoarse voice:
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FOUR 51.
78 CONTINUED:
STUBBS
You must protect me. Kill them.
The ship shudders... the lights go off and on... the
attacks have begun again (as the nanites realize Stubbs
is still alive.) And Picard looks at the man, realizes
he has come to the end of his alternatives.
79 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - SCIENCE ONE (OPTICAL)
the montage of symbols, numbers and letters... no
response.
80 DATA - CU (OPTICAL)
at his station... intense, wanting a response...
getting nothing. Pull back to include Riker and Worf
watching the exercise. Geordi and Wesley are not
there. The attacks continue. Picard ENTERS.
PICARD
Commander Riker, on my signal,
we will gamma-irradiate all
computer systems throughout the
Enterprise to end this conflict.
RIKER
Worf, prepare to activate gamma
pulse generators.
Data continues to watch the screen.
WORF
Electromagnetic scanners ready,
Captain.
Picard pats Data on the shoulder -- nice try. Data will
not give up. As Picard takes a deep reluctant
breath...
81 ON SCIENCE ONE (OPTICAL)
A symbol appears in the pause space...
DATA
Captain...
Data types again... Picard watches... Worf and Riker
stop their sequence, watch... again the same symbol...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - 7/24/89 - ACT FOUR 52.
81 CONTINUED:
DATA
I have established contact.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 53.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
82 INT. SICKBAY
Doctor Stubbs looks better as he awakens, looks around,
sits up...
83 ANGLE - HIS POV - THE SICKBAY GENETICS LAB
where Wesley continues to study the nanites.
84 WESLEY
turns to see Stubbs standing at the doorway.
WESLEY
Are you okay?
STUBBS
I will be. As soon as we finish
off these pests.
Wesley looks at him with different eyes... and he's
not disrepectful but Stubbs can feel it...
STUBBS
Wesley, do not be too harsh in
your judgment of me... until
you've walked a lifetime in my
shoes.
Stubbs puts his hand on Wesley's shoulder. Wisely --
STUBBS
(continuing)
We are no different, you and I.
For you right now, it's getting
into the Academy. For me, it's
the egg. Others will never
understand how important our work
is to us. It's everything we live
for.
WESLEY
(a beat)
Doctor Stubbs, I want to go the
Academy. But if I don't, I have
other things to live for.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 54.
84 CONTINUED:
And it is clear and honest and now there is no one for
Stubbs to share his game with. Softly --
STUBBS
Of course you do.
And Wesley looks away and Stubbs stands there, a lonely
old man who knows exactly who he is.
85 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Data is at Science One working the keyboard as the
others, including Troi, watch as we...
INTERCUT:
86 ON SCIENCE ONE (OPTICAL)
where now Data's long "sentences" are answered by a
few symbols from the nanites... and a few more each
time...
DATA
They are virtually learning the
concept of communication as we
continue, Captain... each new
generation is making
modifications.
PICARD
Can we actually talk to them yet?
DATA
I think it is worth an attempt...
PICARD
Ask them for a cease-fire... put
it in whatever words you think
they'll understand.
Data types in his symbols... a response on the
screen...
DATA
(surprised)
Captain, their answer is... no.
PICARD
Tell them it is critical to their
survival as well as our own.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 55.
86 CONTINUED:
Data sends the message and receives a response.
DATA
Their answer is no.
The captain thinks hard, looking for the opening.
TROI
I sense that after the incident
in the computer core, there is
very little trust...
A thoughtful beat.
PICARD
Bring Doctor Stubbs to the bridge.
Riker EXITS to handle it personally.
WORF
The universal translator has its
limits. I prefer to negotiate
eye to eye with my enemy...
PICARD
I don't think there's much chance
of that here.
Data hears that... and an idea begins to form....
87 INT. CORRIDOR
Moving to the bridge... Riker escorting Doctor Stubbs...
STUBBS
(fearful)
But they have already tried to
kill me once...
RIKER
"One sure way into the history
books", Doctor...
And they ENTER...
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 56.
88 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard looks at Stubbs with ice in his eyes.
PICARD
Tell them the human who destroyed
their comrades is here and wishes
to address them...
STUBBS
(reluctant)
Captain, if I might...
PICARD
And you, sir will explain your
error and apologize and pray that
we can negotiate a peace we can
all live with... is that clear?
Stubbs acknowledges. Before relaying the message...
DATA
Captain, if a face to face
negotiation would be helpful,
I would like to volunteer myself
as a conduit.
RIKER
Yourself, Data?
DATA
I can easily furnish the nanites
with a schematic design of my
neurological structure. Entering
my neural network would require
only their most basic skills.
BEVERLY
That's what they were designed
for.
DATA
They could easily penetrate the
molecular fabric of my
hand-covering into the nerve
circuitry and interface with my
verbal programs.
A beat. Incredible reactions all around.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 57.
88 CONTINUED:
WORF
If they have control of a
Starfleet commander, they become
an even greater threat.
PICARD
How do we know we'll ever get them
out of you, Data...
DATA
There are considerable risks.
But it would also represent a
gesture of trust on our part.
It could be an important step
toward peace.
A long beat.
PICARD
All right. Propose it to the
nanites.
Data types it in... we see the code go out over the
viewscreen... followed by a quick set of schematic
designs of Data. After a long beat there is a short
response.
DATA
The answer is yes.
Off reactions --
TIME CUT TO:
89 INT. COMPUTER ROOM - ON DATA (OPTICAL)
Data is at the computer terminal, as before,
communicating with the nanites. Picard, Worf and
Stubbs are present.
90 WIDE ANGLE (OPTICAL)
DATA
They are ready, Captain.
PICARD
Proceed.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 58.
90 CONTINUED:
Data puts his hand under a magnification device.
91 DATA'S FINGER (OPTICAL)
appears on the screen of the magnification device.
Data touches a control; the image magnifies, and we see
glimmers of light passing into the skin.
92 INT. COMPUTER ROOM
After a beat, Data reacts to the invasion and his
movements become the slightest bit mechanical as though
he is being operated by remote control... he stands.
His eyes become less innocent, more curious. Data
moves to Picard and Riker, looks them over.
DATA/NANITE
You are very strange looking
creatures.
Picard and Riker exchange a look... it's worked.
PICARD
In our travels, we have
encountered many other
creatures... even stranger-looking
than we are... and all of us try
to co-exist peacefully.
DATA/NANITE
The urge among us to destroy all
of your kind is intense. Why did
you attack us?
PICARD
We misinterpreted your actions
as an attack against us.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 8/2/89 - ACT FIVE 59.
92 CONTINUED:
DATA/NANITE
We were only seeking raw materials
for our replication process.
PICARD
Yes, but you endangered the vessel
in which we all travel.
Data looks around at the room like he's seeing it for
the first time...
PICARD
You almost killed a crewmember.
DATA/NANITE
We meant no harm. We were only
exploring.
PICARD
We understand. We are also
explorers and we mean no harm to
any life-form.
Data stares at Doctor Stubbs. He knows his time has
come.
STUBBS
I am the one responsible for the
deaths in the computer core.
DATA/NANITE
We know who you are.
Stubbs blinks a bit, a lump wells up in his throat.
STUBBS
I... deeply regret the incident.
I am a scientist on an important
mission. Your... your colleagues'
exploration of the core memory
put our mission at risk. I only
meant to protect a lifetime of
work from being destroyed.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 8/2/89 - ACT FIVE 60.
92 CONTINUED: (2)
STUBBS
(continuing; beat, for
once lost for words)
I am at your mercy.
A beat. To Picard --
DATA/NANITE
What is "mercy"?
PICARD
He asks you to forgive him. This
conflict was started by
mistakes... on both sides. Let
us end it here and now.
DATA/NANITE
(a beat)
We agree.
PICARD
I pledge to you that we will
provide any assistance you need
for your continued survival.
DATA/NANITE
Thank you, but we have evolved
beyond any need for your
assistance. This vessel has
become too confining. We require
relocation.
Reactions.
93 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Back in the dual star system.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43104.7.
Doctor Stubbs has generously used
his influence to arrange the
designation of planet Kavis-Alpha-Four
as the new home of the Nanite
Civilization. Plans to negotiate
a treaty are underway.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 61.
93 CONTINUED:
PICARD (Cont'd)
Commander Data's neural network
has been vacated... He has been
returned to us, unharmed, and with
the help of the nanites, our
computer core has been
reconstructed in time for the
experiment...
93A INT. SHUTTLE BAY (OPTICAL)
The unit is launched into space...
94 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
All the main crew... Stubbs is at a back science
station. Data is Data again and at his post.
DATA
Ten seconds to stellar blast.
WESLEY
We're at forty million kilometers
from the neutron star.
RIKER
Hold your position.
On the viewscreen, the neutron star explodes in a
dazzling fireworks show... swallowing the unit in
blinding light.
95 STUBBS
at Science One, completely enthralled in his work...
collecting data as it pours into the computer...
96 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD
Doctor?
Doctor Stubbs doesn't hear Picard or at least doesn't
acknowledge... we don't know if the experiment has been
successful or not... he is awash with numbers, facts
figures. Picard and Riker exchange a glance.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 61A.
96 CONTINUED:
But the last look is Wesley's who watches the doctor
alone in his own world, obsessed with the moment he's
given his life for.
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 8/2/89 - ACT FIVE 62.
96A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
leaving the neutron star.
97 INT. TEN-FORWARD
Beverly sits at the bar with Guinan.
BEVERLY
Do you have any children, Guinan?
GUINAN
A lot.
BEVERLY
Ever have any trouble relating
to them?
GUINAN
Just one.
BEVERLY
One?
GUINAN
He wouldn't listen.
BEVERLY
Well, they all go through that.
GUINAN
Not in a species of listeners.
BEVERLY
Did he grow out of it?
GUINAN
Well, it's taken a few hundred
years or so but I've brought him
around.
BEVERLY
How?
GUINAN
A mother shapes her child in ways
she doesn't even realize.
Sometimes just by listening.
She motions Beverly to see --
STAR TREK: "Evolution" - REV. 7/25/89 - ACT FIVE 63.
98 ANGLE - WESLEY AND ANNETTE
entering. Beverly exchanges a glance with Guinan,
pleased.
GUINAN
Cute couple.
BEVERLY
Now, see, that's healthy for a
boy his age. I mean that as a
doctor not just a mother. It's
good to see him having fun... with
an attractive young woman... who
obviously looks at him with
extraordinary affection...
Raised eyebrow...
BEVERLY
(continuing)
What do you know about this girl?
Off Guinan's reaction...
99 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Moving away at warp speed and...
FADE OUT.
THE END
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