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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Second Chances"
#40276-250
Story by
Mike Medlock
Teleplay by
Rene Echevarria
Directed by
LeVar Burton
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 This script is not for publication or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
MARCH 17, 1993
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 3/17/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Second Chances"
CAST
PICARD PALMER
RIKER
(LIEUTENANT RIKER)
DATA
BEVERLY
TROI
WORF
GEORDI
Non-Speaking
N.D SUPERNUMERARIES
N.D. WAITERS
TWO N.D. TECHNICIANS
TWO SECURITY GUARDS
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 3/17/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Second Chances"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
BRIDGE
TEN FORWARD
TRANSPORTER ROOM
ENGINEERING
CORRIDOR
READY ROOM
SHIP'S GYMNASIUM
SICKBAY
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
RIKER'S QUARTERS
TROI'S QUARTERS
LT. RIKER'S QUARTERS
RESEARCH STATION
CAVERN
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Second Chances"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
NERVALA ner-VAHL-uh
IMZADI im-ZAHD-ee
JANARAN jn-AIR-'n
TAI-CHI-CHUAN tie-chee-chwahn
KOH-MAN-ARA koh-mahn-ARE-uh
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Second Chances"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits a planet whose atmosphere shimmers with a
strange luminescence.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46915.2.
The Enterprise is orbiting Nervala
Four, waiting for an opportunity
to retrieve scientific data left
there by Starfleet researchers
when they were forced to evacuate
eight years ago.
2 INT. TEN FORWARD
It is Jazz Night. RIKER is in civilian clothes playing
the trombone in a quartet. N.D. Supernumeraries sit at
tables listening and talking quietly among themselves.
It is a casual setting, with N.D. Waiters moving around
as the music plays.
TROI and BEVERLY are sitting together, enjoying the
music. Riker's quartet finishes a number and they join
in the applause. Riker bows, gestures to include his
fellow Band Members.
RIKER
Thank you... thank you very much.
As the applause dies down.
RIKER
Any requests tonight?
When no one else says anything, Troi gets a mischievous
look and calls out.
TROI
Night Bird.
Riker pretends he didn't hear her, looks out at the
crowd.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Anyone?
TROI
(louder)
Night Bird!
A few off-screen VOICES murmur their approval -- Riker
can't ignore her this time and shoots her a "why are
you doing this to me?" look. Troi just smiles back at
him as innocently as she can. Riker decides to take
the challenge.
RIKER
Ladies and Gentlemen... Night
Bird.
With a look at his fellow musicians, he taps out a
count and launches into the piece. After a moment.
BEVERLY
What was that all about?
TROI
(mischievous smile)
Wil's been trying to get this
piece right for ten years now.
He's never made it through the
solo.
Beverly looks at her, amazed to see her friend in so
mischievous a mood.
BEVERLY
Remember that dance recital I told
you I was doing?
TROI
(nods)
Next week.
BEVERLY
You're dis-invited.
Beverly holds a straight face for a beat before
smiling. Troi reacts to the music.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
Here it comes.
They both turn to look at Riker. One of the other
players is doing a solo and Riker is readying himself
to dive in for his solo. He casts a defiant glance
over at Troi, then brings his horn to his lips.
Suddenly...
DATA'S COM VOICE
Data to Commander Riker.
Riker stops and with a nod to the others -- who
improvise and keep playing -- moves away to take the
com.
RIKER
(hits combadge)
Riker, here.
DATA'S COM VOICE
Commander, you are needed on the
Bridge.
RIKER
On my way.
As he passes Troi and Beverly.
RIKER
Saved by the bell...
They smile and he moves off.
3 INT. BRIDGE
It is the night shift; DATA and various N.D.'s. Riker
ENTERS from the Turbolift and moves to aft-science
where Data is working.
RIKER
You wanted to see me, Data?
DATA
Yes, sir. It appears that we will
be able to transport to the
surface sooner than we
anticipated.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - TEASER 4.
3 CONTINUED:
Riker glances at the monitor, where an OKUDAGRAM shows
a cross-section of the planet and its atmosphere.
RIKER
Is the planet's distortion field
de-phasing sooner than you
predicted?
DATA
No, sir. But using the Potemkin's
transport logs from the original
evacuation, Commander La Forge and
I were able to modify the
Transporters.
RIKER
(catching on)
So we can beam through higher
distortion levels.
DATA
(nods)
The Transporters are now
considerably more efficient than
those used on the Potemkin eight
years ago.
RIKER
Glad to hear it. I almost didn't
make it off the surface that day.
(beat)
When can we get started?
DATA
Ninety-seven minutes.
RIKER
How long will the transport window
last?
DATA
Twenty-six minutes. After that,
the distortion field will re-phase.
RIKER
That doesn't give us much time to
retrieve the database.
DATA
The planet's proximity to its sun
will create two additional
transport windows in the next
three days.
RIKER
Let's hope that's enough.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - TEASER 5.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
It will have to be. The next
transport window will not occur
for another eight years, when the
planet's orbit brings it close
enough to the sun to de-phase the
distortion field.
RIKER
Notify the Away Team we're going
in ahead of schedule; I'll tell
the Captain.
Data nods and Riker heads for the Turbolift.
4 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits the planet.
5 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
GEORDI is doing a last minute check on the Transporter
system. A transport technician, ENSIGN PALMER is at
one of the side panels adjacent to the Transporter
chamber, assisting him. Riker, Data, and WORF ENTER
with an N.D. technician.
RIKER
(to Geordi)
How long until the transport
window opens?
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - TEASER 6.
5 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Fourteen seconds.
RIKER
(to others)
Let's get in position.
Riker leads them up to the Transporter pad.
GEORDI
Whenever you're ready, Commander.
RIKER
Energize.
6 INT. RESEARCH STATION (OPTICAL)
as the away team MATERIALIZES on the station's
transporter pad (the pad is not operational -- it is
merely a convenient place to beam in).
The station is standard Starfleet issue, with the
familiar console designs. It is dark, the only light
coming from the few consoles that are running. Even
with the low light, we can see that everything is neat
and orderly. Riker looks around in surprise.
RIKER
This isn't how I remember it; the
place was a mess when we left.
DATA
Commander...
Riker turns and Data gestures toward the ceiling. A
hole in the station's roof has been repaired with
pieces of scrap metal, welded into place.
RIKER
Someone's been here...
Worf reaches for his phaser, Data for his tricorder.
WORF
A vessel could have gotten caught
in the distortion field and
crashed. The survivors may have
taken shelter here.
Data is scanning with his tricorder.
DATA
Commander, someone is
approaching... a humanoid. Forty
meters due east and closing.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - TEASER 7.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
Riker draws his phaser and gestures that they take
position behind various consoles. The suspense builds
as the unknown person approaches; we hear the SOUND of
footsteps outside the door.
Suddenly the door swings open and a human figure is
silhouetted there, though the light from outside
prevents us from seeing their face.
The figure steps inside and shuts the door, giving us
our first look at his face.
He could be Wil Riker's twin. Shocked, Riker steps out
from where he is...
6A ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Both Rikers in frame. The two men look at each other
in amazement. Off this moment we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
7 INT. RESEARCH STATION - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
The second Riker looks very much like Commander Riker
except his beard is a little fuller, his hair a little
wilder, and his face a little more weathered. He wears
simple civilian clothes that are slightly soiled here
and there, as if he's been working in them.
The other Riker looks warily from Data to Worf to
Riker.
RIKER
Who are you?
LT. RIKER
Who are you?
RIKER
Commander William Riker of the
Federation Starship Enterprise.
The other Riker reacts.
LT. RIKER
That's not possible. I'm Wil
Riker.
Riker glances at Data and Worf. Data steps forward.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT ONE 9.
7 CONTINUED:
DATA
May I ask how you got here?
Lieutenant Riker eyes this strange but seemingly
sincere man.
LT. RIKER
Eight years ago, I led a team to
evacuate this station.
Riker reacts.
RIKER
What ship were you on?
LT. RIKER
The Potemkin.
Riker looks at Data -- how does this man know these
things?
DATA
Why did you not return to the
Potemkin with the others?
LT. RIKER
I was the last one out. The
distortion field must have
interfered with the transport;
they lost their signal lock on me.
When I tried to contact the ship,
I couldn't get through the
interference.
Lieutenant Riker sees the looks on their faces.
LT. RIKER
Check with Starfleet; I'm sure
they recorded me lost that day.
RIKER
That's not what happened. I was
the last one out... but I made it
back to the Potemkin.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT ONE 9A.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
Lieutenant Riker reacts to this claim. Their stories
are clearly incompatible. Data regards them both
thoughtfully.
LT. RIKER
You don't believe me.
RIKER
It's not that we don't believe
you; it's just hard to see how
both our stories could be true.
(beat)
Would you be willing to let our
Doctor check you out?
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT ONE 10.
7 CONTINUED: (3)
LT. RIKER
Of course.
RIKER
Lieutenant Worf, take him to
Sickbay. Notify the Captain as
soon as you're aboard.
Lieutenant Riker watches the Klingon as he steps toward
him. He is clearly surprised to see him in a Starfleet
uniform. Things have really changed.
WORF
(activates combadge)
Worf to Enterprise. Two to beam
up.
8 ON RIKER
as we hear the SOUND of DEMATERIALIZATION. He doesn't
know what to make of all this. When his double is
gone, he casts a glance at Data.
RIKER
Let's get to work.
9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits the planet.
10 INT. SICKBAY
where Beverly is checking out Lieutenant Riker. TWO
SECURITY GUARDS hang back by the door. He is sitting
on the table, watching her as she works. As she raises
her scanner upwards their eyes meet for a moment. This
is very strange for her -- in a way she feels that she
knows this man, but of course she doesn't.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT ONE 11.
10 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Looks like you fractured your arm
a few years ago.
LT. RIKER
I was underneath the station
making repairs when an earthquake
hit -- I got caught in a
rockslide. I had to set it
myself.
Beverly nods, realizing how painful this must have
been. PICARD ENTERS from the corridor. He stops when
he sees Lieutenant Riker. Although Worf has filled him
in, nothing could have prepared him for this very
strange encounter.
PICARD
Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
LT. RIKER
Lieutenant Wil Riker, sir.
Picard chooses his words carefully.
PICARD
If you are Wil Riker, if there are
two of you... then something
extraordinary has occurred. I
hope you understand our need to
verify your claim.
LT. RIKER
Yes, sir.
Picard turns to Beverly for a report.
BEVERLY
Genetically, he's
indistinguishable from Commander
Riker.
Picard considers for a beat before asking what seems an
almost impolite question.
PICARD
Could some sort of cloning be
involved?
BEVERLY
I don't think so, there's no
genetic drift.
PICARD
But that isn't conclusive.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT ONE 12.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
That's why I compared their brain
scans. Brain organization
patterns are as unique as...
fingerprints. Except for some
minor differences, theirs are
identical.
PICARD
Can't brain patterns be cloned?
BEVERLY
No. They're determined by
experience, mostly in early
childhood.
Picard takes this in.
PICARD
How could two men have shared the
same childhood experiences? It
doesn't make any sense.
Lieutenant Riker has been listening quietly, and now
speaks to Picard with urgency.
LT. RIKER
Sir, I am Wil Riker. I don't know
who or what made it back to the
Potemkin that day, but it wasn't
me.
PICARD
(stopping him)
Lieutenant -- my Chief Engineer is
checking over the transport logs
from the Potemkin. They may shed
some light on what happened.
Lieutenant Riker backs off.
LT. RIKER
Yes, sir.
Picard tries to be reassuring.
PICARD
Don't worry, we'll get to the
bottom of this.
Lieutenant Riker nods, relieved that at least now his
story is being taken seriously.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT ONE 13.
10 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
In the meantime you'll be taken to
quarters. Make yourself
comfortable.
LT. RIKER
I will, sir. The replicators on
the station stopped working a long
time ago. It's been a while since
I had a decent meal.
He flashes a grin so like Commander Riker's that our
people are struck by it. He hops off the bed and nods
to Beverly.
LT. RIKER
Doctor...
The Security officers and Lieutenant Riker EXIT.
Picard and Beverly exchange a look. This is all very
strange to them.
11 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Geordi is reporting his findings to Picard, Commander
Riker, Data, Beverly and Troi.
GEORDI
(to Riker)
... apparently there was a massive
energy surge in the distortion
field around the planet just at
the moment you tried to beam out.
The Transporter Chief tried to
compensate by initiating a second
containment beam.
DATA
An interesting approach. He must
have been planning to reintegrate
the two patterns in the transport
buffer.
GEORDI
Turns out he didn't have to.
Commander Riker's pattern
maintained its integrity with just
the one containment beam -- he
made it back to the ship just
fine.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT ONE 13A.
11 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
What happened to the second beam?
GEORDI
The Transporter Chief shut it
down, but somehow... it was
reflected back to the surface.
PICARD
And another Wil Riker materialized
there.
RIKER
How could the second pattern have
maintained its integrity?
Geordi's tone indicates he's making his best guess.
GEORDI
The containment beam must have had
the exact same phase differential
as the distortion field.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT ONE 14.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
Riker has to know.
RIKER
Which one of us is... real?
The answer is clearly important to him.
GEORDI
Both. You were both re-materialized
from a complete
pattern.
Riker struggles to assimilate this information.
BEVERLY
(to Riker)
Up to that moment, you were the
same person.
PICARD
But over the last eight years, you
and...
Picard searches for a way to differentiate them.
PICARD
(continuing)
-- Lieutenant Riker have lived
very different lives. You're
different people now.
He addresses the others.
PICARD
For us, it's a little like meeting
a close friend's twin. You can't
help feeling that you know them...
but of course you don't.
Picard ponders the strangeness of it.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT ONE 15.
11 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
No matter how strange it may seem
to us... there are now two Wil
Rikers aboard this vessel.
Getting used to the idea may take
a while... especially for you,
Wil.
Riker nods an acknowledgement.
RIKER
I'll be all right, sir.
PICARD
Lieutenant Riker will be here for
a few days at least. We should do
everything we can to make him feel
comfortable and welcome.
There is a consensus about this in the room.
RIKER
That still leaves us with the
problem of how to retrieve the
database. The station's computer
is only partially operational.
DATA
Many of its components have been
removed. Apparently Lieutenant
Riker used them to keep the
station's radiation shield
operational.
PICARD
Can we repair it, at least enough
to access the database?
RIKER
Without knowing what he did, it'll
be tough.
BEVERLY
Maybe he could help?
Picard considers.
PICARD
He was alone down there a long
time. I'm hesitant to send him
back until he's been evaluated.
TROI
I'll talk to him.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT ONE 16.
11 CONTINUED: (4)
Riker glances up when she says this.
PICARD
Thank you, Counselor.
Picard stands and the meeting breaks up.
12 INT. LIEUTENANT RIKER'S QUARTERS
Lieutenant Riker is cleaned up, now wearing a gold
Lieutenant's Uniform. He is sitting at a table,
looking at the screen of a desktop terminal. A now
empty dinner plate is pushed off to the side. He takes
a sip from his beverage as he studies the screen.
13 ANOTHER ANGLE
that includes the screen. We see that he is looking
over Commander Riker's service record, finding out what
his double has been up to these past eight years.
The door CHIMES. Lieutenant Riker stands and moves
toward it.
LT. RIKER
Come in.
The door OPENS to reveal Troi standing there.
Lieutenant Riker just stares at her for a moment. He
can't believe it's really her.
TROI
Hello, Wil.
Without hesitation, he moves toward her.
LT. RIKER
Imzadi...
Before she can react, he takes her in his arms and
kisses her... with all the pent-up emotion of a man
who has been separated too long from the woman he
loves...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 INT. LIEUTENANT RIKER'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
as Troi pulls back from him.
TROI
Wil...
He looks at her, his face full of emotion.
LT. RIKER
I thought I'd never see you
again...
She gently pulls back from his embrace.
TROI
We need to talk.
Though her tone is gentle, he realizes something's
wrong. Suddenly he remembers the situation and it's
like the wind has been knocked out of him.
LT. RIKER
You're here... on this ship...
because of him.
He is clearly devastated by the prospect.
TROI
No.
He looks up sharply, needing to know everything.
TROI
Commander Riker and I are friends,
close friends; nothing more.
He looks at her, no other words could make him happier.
He moves to take her in his arms again but she stops
him.
TROI
Wil -- why don't we sit down?
He realizes there's more to this. He gestures to the
couch and chair and they move toward it and sit.
TROI
Do you remember the last time we
saw each other?
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT TWO 18.
14 CONTINUED:
LT. RIKER
Like yesterday. We spent the day
at the Janaran falls, on Betazed.
TROI
It was the day before you started
your tour on the Potemkin.
LT. RIKER
(smiles)
We were going to meet six weeks
later, on Risa.
TROI
We never did.
LT. RIKER
(laughs)
I know.
TROI
What I mean is... Commander Riker
and I never did.
He looks at her, beginning to understand what she's
getting at.
TROI
You see... he earned a promotion
very quickly.
LT. RIKER
I know.
(with irony)
For exceptional valor during the
evacuation of the research station
on Nervala Four.
(off her reaction)
I looked over his service record.
Troi acknowledges.
TROI
He chose to make his career a
priority. There wasn't time for
much of anything else.
Though her tone is even, in truth, these aren't easy
memories for her.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT TWO 19.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
We kept in touch... but we didn't
see each other again until we were
both posted to the Enterprise two
years later.
Lieutenant Riker is surprised to hear this.
TROI
By then, our feelings for each
other had changed. We've served
together for six years now...
things never went back to the way
they used to be.
Lieutenant Riker takes this in. After a moment.
LT. RIKER
I had a lot of time on my hands
down there. There were days I
felt so alone I thought I might
lose my mind.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT TWO 20.
14 CONTINUED: (3)
He looks at her.
LT. RIKER
(continuing)
Do you know what got me through?
(beat)
Thinking that if I could hang on,
one more day, maybe I'd be
rescued... and I'd see you again.
The depth of his emotion is almost overwhelming to her.
LT. RIKER
Well... I guess things don't
always turn out quite the way you
expect them to.
His disappointment is obvious.
TROI
I know this isn't what you were
hoping for, but that doesn't mean
you can't make a future for
yourself.
LT. RIKER
For now, I think I'll just take
things one day at a time.
TROI
Captain Picard wanted me to find
out if you'd be willing to help us
retrieve the station's database.
LT. RIKER
I reconfigured that computer
system so many times they probably
can't make heads or tails of it.
I'd be happy to help.
TROI
Do you feel up to it?
LT. RIKER
Absolutely.
TROI
I'll tell the Captain.
She smiles and stands.
TROI
Well... I have to go.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT TWO 21.
14 CONTINUED: (4)
He's disappointed she's leaving, nods an
acknowledgement. She moves toward the door -- it looks
like he's going to let her leave without another word
when suddenly he stands and moves toward her.
LT. RIKER
Deanna... I know it's been a long
time since we were together; I
know your feelings have changed.
But...
He almost doesn't continue, the emotions are too raw.
But he decides to lay it on the line.
LT. RIKER
Mine haven't. I can't just give
up and accept that it's over... I
want to be with you again.
His feelings are so overwhelming that she doesn't know
how to respond.
TROI
(gently)
Good night, Wil...
Their eyes meet for a moment... then she turns and
EXITS. Off his face as she leaves...
15 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits the planet.
16 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker, Data, Worf and an N.D. technician are getting
ready to go, doing a final check on the equipment
they're bringing down in carrying cases. Geordi is at
working at one of the side panels adjacent to the
Transporter chamber; Ensign Palmer is at the main
console.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT TWO 22.
16 CONTINUED:
PALMER
(off console)
Phase distortion is dropping --
the second transport window will
open in forty-two seconds.
Riker and Worf exchange a look -- Lieutenant Riker is
supposed to be here.
RIKER
How long will we have?
PALMER
Thirty-six minutes, sir.
WORF
We are losing time. Lieutenant
Riker should be here.
Riker knows he's right, reaches to activate a control
on the Transporter console.
RIKER
Computer, where is Lieutenant --
The door OPENS and Lieutenant Riker hurries in.
RIKER
Cancel inquiry.
Lieutenant Riker clearly knows he's late.
WORF
You were supposed to report here
at eight hundred hours.
LT. RIKER
I'm sorry, I was --
But Riker interrupts:
RIKER
(lightly)
I guess it's been a while since
you had to punch a clock.
Lieutenant Riker is surprised by Riker's relatively
easy going attitude.
RIKER
(to others)
Let's go.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT ONE 23.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
Riker moves to the Transporter pad and everyone else
follows. Geordi joins Palmer at the main console.
When the Away Team is in position:
RIKER
Energize.
17 INT. RESEARCH STATION (OPTICAL)
as the Away Team MATERIALIZES. Most of the station's
consoles are still down, but the lights are now on.
The N.D. technician sets about her task. Lieutenant
Riker moves toward the lit center console.
LT. RIKER
I shut down most of the consoles
to save power. I re-routed just
about everything through here.
He gets to work.
18 ANOTHER ANGLE
Riker, Worf and Data.
RIKER
Check out the primary EPS
coupling, see if you can get some
power to the rest of these
consoles.
Data and Worf EXIT to another part of the station.
Riker crosses to a lit wall console and begins to work.
This is the first time the two men have been alone
since they first met, but the awkwardness of it is
somewhat mitigated by the fact that they have a job to
do.
LT. RIKER
(as he works)
I shunted the database to the main
core underneath the station.
RIKER
Can we access it from here?
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT TWO 24.
18 CONTINUED:
LT. RIKER
There's been a lot of seismic
activity over the years; if the
servo-links were damaged, we may
not be able to.
Lieutenant Riker crouches down and opens a panel
underneath the console.
LT. RIKER
I'll try to tap into the command
pathways. See if you can disable
the file server.
They both set to work, getting various tools from the
cases they each brought down. After a few moments,
Riker casts a glance over at Lieutenant Riker, as if to
say something. Lieutenant Riker is on his back
underneath the console, his face hidden from view.
Riker considers for a beat before going ahead.
RIKER
I was thinking... we should
probably let Dad know what's
happened.
LT. RIKER
(wry)
I'm sure he'll be thrilled to hear
there are two of us now.
Riker hears the same ambivalence he felt about his
father just a few years ago.
RIKER
I don't know. He and I patched up
a few things.
19 ANGLE - LIEUTENANT RIKER
as he reacts to this news.
LT. RIKER
I've gotten by without talking to
him for a long time. I'm not
about to start now.
Riker backs off from the subject. They work in silence
for a moment.
LT. RIKER
What made you contact him?
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT TWO 25.
19 CONTINUED:
RIKER
I didn't. He came to the
Enterprise to brief me when I was
offered the Aries.
Beat.
LT. RIKER
What did he say when you turned
down the chance to command your
own ship?
19A ANGLE - RIKER (OPTICAL)
There's a tone in Lieutenant Riker's voice that Riker
isn't sure he likes.
RIKER
He couldn't understand why I did
it.
LT. RIKER
For once he and I agree on
something.
Riker reacts to this, but before he can reply Data and
Worf ENTER from the other room.
WORF
The primary EPS coupling is fused.
It will have to be replaced.
LT. RIKER
(standing)
I've accessed the command
pathways.
RIKER
Let's see if that does the trick.
Lieutenant Riker works his console. Data moves to his
side. Lieutenant Riker reacts to something on the
monitor.
LT. RIKER
It's not working. The servo-link
must be damaged. We're going to
have to go under the station and
access the core directly.
DATA
We have less than three minutes
left.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT TWO 26.
19A CONTINUED:
LT. RIKER
Leave me here. If I start now,
I'll be finished by the time the
third window opens.
RIKER
It's too dangerous. Our scans
show the caverns are unstable.
LT. RIKER
I've been down there dozens of
times; I know my way around.
RIKER
We'll come back during the third
window with a new EPS coupling and
try to access the core from
another console up here.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT TWO 26A.
19A CONTINUED:
RIKER
(hits combadge)
Riker to Enterprise.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Enterprise, here.
RIKER
We're ready to beam up.
Lieutenant Riker persists, he's gotten unaccustomed to
taking orders.
LT. RIKER
You go ahead; I'll be finished by
the time you get back.
Lieutenant Riker doesn't realize he's disregarding a
direct order.
RIKER
Hold it --
Lieutenant Riker doesn't hear the warning in his tone
and starts to move away.
Riker's anger flares, he moves with surprising speed
and grabs Lieutenant Riker, stopping him in his tracks.
RIKER
(firm)
I gave you an order, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Riker is startled by Riker's vehemence.
From his perspective, it's come out of nowhere. The
two Rikers square off, eye to eye.
Though it is clear that Lieutenant Riker intends to do
as he's told, we can see the resentment in his eyes.
Off this moment we...
FADE OUT.
19B OMITTED
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 27.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
20 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
as she ENTERS, coming home from duty. She crosses
toward the replicator.
TROI
(to replicator)
Computer -- valerian root tea,
hot.
We HEAR a cup of tea materialize. She takes the cup
and crosses toward the bathroom area. As she passes
her bed, she notices something on her pillow. She
moves to see what it is... it's a small piece of paper
rolled into a tiny scroll. She picks it up and unrolls
it to reveal a hand-written NOTE. She reads it
aloud...
21 INSERT - THE NOTE
As Troi reads:
TROI
Meet me in Transporter Room Three
at nineteen hundred hours. It's
important.
22 RESUME SCENE
Troi thinks a moment -- what's this all about?
Curiosity gets the best of her; she sets down her tea
and EXITS...
23 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Moments later. Troi ENTERS and looks around -- there's
nobody here. Then she sees an ORCHID sitting on the
Transporter console. She smiles and picks it up...
there is another tiny scroll attached. She smells the
flower... then unravels the scroll and reads the handwritten
note:
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT THREE 28.
23 CONTINUED:
TROI
(reads)
It pulses unendingly
All through the night;
Seek out the crystal
That powers our flight.
Troi smiles as she realizes she's being led on a
treasure hunt. She thinks about the clue for a moment,
then moves off down the hall...
24 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi and a few N.D.s working. Troi ENTERS and looks
around, then heads toward the main core where the
dilithium chamber is located.
Geordi turns and sees her. He reacts to the unexpected
sight of Troi peering at the dilithium chamber, holding
an orchid, and moves to her.
GEORDI
Can I help you with something,
Counselor?
Just then she finds what she's looking for: hanging
from a string under the dilithium chamber is another
hand-written scroll, this one attached to a small, foil-wrapped
CHOCOLATE HEART. Geordi reacts as he gets a
glimpse of it.
TROI
No -- thanks, anyway.
Geordi is about to ask what this is all about but Troi
just smiles and EXITS. Off his confused reaction...
25 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Troi stops outside Engineering and unrolls the
scroll...
TROI
(reads)
What the future holds
No one can know
But forward we look
And Forward you go...
She pops the chocolate in her mouth, and without
hesitation, heads toward the Turbolift...
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 29.
26 INT. TEN FORWARD
as Troi ENTERS and looks around... moves across the
room toward the windows... and stops at what she sees.
Sitting on one of the tables is a GIFT BOX. Next to it
is a small VASE filled with water. She puts the orchid
in it, smiles at how much thought went into this. She
looks around to see if the person responsible is
nearby, then opens the box.
Inside is a flat piece of slate, irregular in shape and
slightly larger than a book. On its surface is etched
an image. We see that Troi recognizes it instantly.
27 INSERT - THE ETCHING
It depicts a spectacular waterfall, cascading off a
cliff.
LT. RIKER
(off-camera)
The Janaran falls...
28 RESUME SCENE - INCLUDING LIEUTENANT RIKER
as he approaches. Troi turns and sees him.
TROI
(smiles)
I remember. Where did you get
this?
LT. RIKER
I made it... a few years ago, down
on the station.
TROI
(surprised)
You made this?
LT. RIKER
(laughs)
You should have seen the first
two. It took me a while to get a
fine enough beam from the phaser.
TROI
It's lovely. Thank you.
He nods, shows no embarrassment over having gone to
such lengths to get her here.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT THREE 30.
28 CONTINUED:
LT. RIKER
Do you have time to sit and talk
for a while?
She nods, and he gestures to a waiter as they sit at
the table. Neither one of them is quite sure what to
say at first, and they find themselves looking down at
the etching.
LT. RIKER
I wanted to remember... our last
night together.
She takes this in silently, not wanting to say anything
to encourage any more talk about the period they were
lovers. She steers the conversation elsewhere.
TROI
How does it feel being with people
again?
LT. RIKER
Great...
(admitting it)
A little strange...
(beat)
For a long time, I did whatever I
wanted, whenever I wanted; it's
hard to get used to taking orders
again.
TROI
I can imagine.
LT. RIKER
I guess I'm going to have to if I
want to get my career going.
TROI
Is that what you've decided to do?
LT. RIKER
Don't you remember? How I wanted
to make Captain by the time I was
thirty-five?
He smiles at his youthful cockiness.
LT. RIKER
I'm a little behind schedule, I'll
admit.
He shrugs, and Troi is struck by his optimistic
attitude.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 31.
28 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
It's good that you don't feel...
set back.
LT. RIKER
I do. But I promised myself that
if I ever got out of there, I'd
make up for lost time.
Troi is encouraged to hear this.
LT. RIKER
Things are a little more
complicated than I thought they'd
be... but I'm not going to let
anything stop me from getting what
I want.
She looks down, knowing what he means by this. A
Waiter approaches and sets two glasses down.
LT. RIKER
Thanks.
He leans forward, looks at Troi.
LT. RIKER
I can't tell you how many times I
thought about you... about us.
The first few weeks after the
evacuation, I was sure they'd find
a way to get through the
distortion field and come back for
me.
(smiles)
I even thought we'd meet on Risa
like we planned.
(he shakes his head)
But the days kept going by and
nobody came. Then I realized why.
They thought I'd been killed in
the beam out. As far as anyone
knew, there was no one to come
back for.
(smiles)
I figured they probably held a
memorial service for me.
Somehow... it made me feel
better.
Troi smiles at his confession.
TROI
I can understand that.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 32.
28 CONTINUED: (3)
LT. RIKER
You were there... all in black.
(smiles)
Very flattering on you, by the
way.
TROI
(smiles)
I'm sure I looked terrible -- my
eyes all red and swollen from
crying.
Somehow, sharing his fantasy is strangely intimate.
LT. RIKER
Sometimes I'd look up into the sky
and think that maybe, if I tried
hard enough, I could somehow make
you... feel my presence. I
thought that if I could let you
know I was still alive... maybe
you'd wait for me.
(beat)
I know it's crazy, but there were
a few times that... that I
could've sworn --
Suddenly he feels ridiculous and waves this off.
LT. RIKER
What am I talking about?
But Troi's face shows no sign she finds this
ridiculous.
TROI
The other day, when I told you how
Commander Riker and I didn't meet
on Risa... what I didn't say was
how disappointed I was.
LT. RIKER
You didn't have to. I knew.
TROI
I started hearing from him less
and less... I knew his career was
taking him away from me, but I
didn't want to believe it was
over. I spent a lot of time
thinking about him, wondering
where he was, what he was doing.
She looks up, meets his eyes.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 33.
28 CONTINUED: (4)
TROI
Sometimes I'd look up into the
sky... and imagine that he knew,
that he could sense me thinking
about him.
Lieutenant Riker looks at her. Is she saying that
maybe, just maybe, he was right?
TROI
Who knows? Maybe one night... you
and I were both looking up at the
same star. You were thinking
about me... and in a way, I was
thinking about you.
They look at each other, somehow comforted by the
possibility. They pick up their drinks; their eyes
meet for a moment. Off the clink of their glasses...
29 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits Nervala IV.
30 INT. READY ROOM
as Commander Riker ENTERS.
RIKER
You wanted to see me, Sir?
PICARD
Yes, Number One. Come in.
Riker moves into the room.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 34.
30 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Lieutenant Riker came to see me
about the away mission.
Riker reacts, wondering if he'd made a complaint of
some sort.
PICARD
He believes the only way to
retrieve the database is by
directly accessing the main core
underneath the station.
This isn't what Riker was expecting, but he's not happy
to hear Lieutenant Riker came to the Captain directly.
RIKER
Seismic activity has made the
caverns very unstable. In my
opinion, it's too risky.
PICARD
He said he'd been down there quite
recently; he seems confident it
can be done safely.
RIKER
There's a good chance we can
retrieve the database from one of
the consoles inside the station.
PICARD
But if that doesn't work, it'll be
eight years before we get another
chance.
RIKER
Lieutenant Riker's plan is more
dangerous, but I'll admit, it has
a better chance of succeeding.
PICARD
Given the importance of this data,
I think it's worth the risk.
Riker accepts his decision without hesitation.
RIKER
I'll look over the schematics and
draw up a mission plan.
PICARD
I'm sure Lieutenant Riker would be
happy to help you with that.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT THREE 35.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
(even)
I'll talk to him.
Riker takes his leave. Off Picard's expression as he
watches him go.
31 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Commander Riker ENTERS to find Lieutenant Riker working
at the pool table.
RIKER
Lieutenant.
LT. RIKER
Sir.
RIKER
I just spoke with the Captain
about your mission recommendation.
I'd appreciate it if next time you
came to me first.
LT. RIKER
I tried to, yesterday on the
station. You wouldn't hear me
out.
RIKER
I heard you, Lieutenant. And I
rejected your plan.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT THREE 36.
31 CONTINUED:
That should be the end of it, but Lieutenant Riker goes
on to ask:
LT. RIKER
May I ask what the Captain
decided?
RIKER
He's going with your
recommendation, but that's not the
point.
LT. RIKER
Isn't it?
Riker reacts.
RIKER
If you think I'm coming down on
you because the Captain overruled
me, think again. I happen to
disagree with his decision, but
he's my commanding officer and I
follow his orders. Just so
there's no confusion, I'm your
commanding officer and I expect
you to do the same. If you can't,
then you don't have a place on my
Away Team.
Their eyes lock and for a moment we don't know what
Lieutenant Riker will do. Finally, he backs down.
LT. RIKER
Yes, sir.
RIKER
We're meeting in the Observation
lounge at fourteen hundred hours
to draw up a mission plan.
Riker turns and EXITS. Off Lieutenant Riker's
expression as he watches him go.
32 INT. SHIP'S GYMNASIUM
where Troi and Beverly are talking while they do slow,
controlled martial arts forms, dressed in their robes.
Troi is animatedly recounting her evening with
Lieutenant Riker.
TROI
... we stayed in Ten Forward
talking for hours.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT THREE 37.
32 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
What happened then?
TROI
(simply)
He walked me to my quarters.
BEVERLY
(smiles)
What happened then?
TROI
(dismissing this)
Beverly --
BEVERLY
I'm just asking.
TROI
It's been over between Wil and me
for a long time.
BEVERLY
He's not Wil. He is, but -- you
know what I mean.
TROI
I do. But... it's hard for me to
separate my feelings for them.
BEVERLY
Deanna... just because things
turned out the way they did
between you and Commander Riker...
that doesn't mean you shouldn't
let things with Lieutenant Riker
take their own course.
Troi takes this in... she hasn't come to any
conclusions.
TROI
(smiles)
I should have known you'd
encourage me.
BEVERLY
(smiles)
Isn't that why you brought it up?
They laugh at this until the door OPENS and Lieutenant
Riker ENTERS the gym, dressed in work-out clothes. He
sees them and gives a little wave, then heads over to
another part of the gym and starts stretching. Beverly
drops her form.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 37A.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
(to Troi)
Well... I think I'll call it a
day.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 38.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
(don't)
Beverly.
But Beverly just smiles and moves away. As she passes
by Lieutenant Riker:
BEVERLY
Bye.
Beverly EXITS. Troi picks up with her exercises again.
Lieutenant Riker watches her for a beat, then
approaches.
LT. RIKER
Is that some form of tai-chi-chuan?
TROI
They're Klingon exercises,
actually. Lieutenant Worf has
been teaching a class.
He moves around in front of her, watching for a moment.
LT. RIKER
The forms are very similar.
He takes a stance in front of her.
LT. RIKER
Do that last move again.
She repeats the move, which involves taking a step
forward and thrusting out an arm. Lieutenant Riker
parries the thrust with a stylized move of his own.
This is all done in a slow, controlled manner.
TROI
You just did the KoH-man-ara.
LT. RIKER
In tai-chi-chuan, it's called the
crane block.
TROI
I had no idea they were so
similar.
LT. RIKER
Let's try something else.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT THREE 39.
32 CONTINUED: (3)
They take their stances, and this time he pivots and
thrusts; she blocks the move with one of her own. They
smile at the continued similarity in these two martial
arts, then move into a third parry and thrust, a little
faster this time. This one takes them into close
proximity to each other, so that their faces are quite
close. Their eyes meet for a moment, but Troi breaks
it off by pivoting and twirling around to take another
stance.
LT. RIKER
Very nice. Worf's a good teacher.
Lieutenant Riker executes another move, and Troi
anticipates and counters with one of her own -- though
the pace quickens, it is still controlled and stylized.
He changes tack but Troi is there, and this time she
takes him smoothly down on to the mat, so that he ends
up on his back and she ends up on one knee.
She smiles down at him, and because he's enjoying
himself too much to take it badly, he smiles back.
When their eyes meet they suddenly realize how close
they are physically... there is a charged moment... but
Lieutenant Riker decides not to push it and makes to
get up.
Unexpectedly, Troi doesn't let him. She holds his gaze
for a moment, then lowers herself into his arms and
kisses him full on the mouth. His hands reach up along
her back as they continue to kiss...
FADE OUT.
END ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
33 INT. TEN FORWARD
Where various N.D. Supernumeraries are enjoying
themselves. Commander Riker is standing near the
windows, gazing out at the stars.
Troi ENTERS and looks around. She sees Riker and heads
toward him. He's lost in thought and doesn't notice
her approach.
TROI
Hello, Wil.
He turns at the sound of her voice, smiles when he sees
her.
RIKER
Deanna...
TROI
I wanted to talk to you about
something.
He looks at her for a long moment, his expression
unreadable.
RIKER
(gently)
If you want to be with him... you
don't have to ask my permission.
She reacts, clearly surprised that he sensed what is
going on.
RIKER
(smiles)
There's a certain look in your
eyes. I know... you used to have
it for me.
She shares his smile, then gestures to a table. Once
they're seated:
TROI
We've both had relationships with
other people before; but this is
different.
He smiles at her understatement.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
33 CONTINUED:
TROI
I didn't know how you would feel
about it.
RIKER
Flattered.
(smiles)
Sort of.
She smiles at this.
TROI
It must be very strange for you.
I know it is for me.
Riker nods, takes a moment to think.
RIKER
Ever since he came aboard... I
keep finding myself thinking
about... the choices you and I
made.
They look at each other.
TROI
Me too.
There's no need for them to say anything out loud.
They both know what's between them, the complicated
history of their relationship.
After a long moment, he reaches across the table and
takes her hand.
RIKER
Just do one thing for me... be
careful.
TROI
Wil... I know you and he have had
some problems --
RIKER
We have. But that's not what I'm
talking about.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
33 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER (Cont'd)
(beat)
If he'd made it off that planet
instead of me... don't you think
he would have made the same
choices I did?
Troi is struck by this insight.
RIKER
I just don't want you to get
hurt... again.
Troi looks at him and knows he's not speaking to her
from hurt or jealousy, but from friendship. He's given
her a lot to think about...
33A INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
(FORMERLY SCENE 36)
Where Commander Riker, Data and Worf are playing poker.
Data has already folded and Worf now shows his hand
with a confident air.
WORF
Two pair.
Riker holds his cards for a beat, then lays them down
with a smile.
RIKER
Three of a kind.
Worf glowers -- he's been having a bad night. Riker
starts raking in the chips.
RIKER
I'd like to thank you both for
your very generous contributions.
Data prepares to deal another hand. The door CHIMES.
RIKER
Come in.
Riker is facing the door, so when it OPENS, he's the
first to see Lieutenant Riker standing there. There is
an awkward moment.
LT. RIKER
I thought -- you'd be alone.
Excuse me.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 42A.
33A CONTINUED:
He moves as if to leave.
RIKER
Why don't you join us?
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
33A CONTINUED: (2)
Lieutenant Riker hesitates for a beat, but when he sees
the welcoming looks from the others he decides to come
in.
LT. RIKER
Why not?
Riker stands and starts to cross around the table to
get him a chair. Lieutenant Riker sees one right by
the door but Riker's trombone is laying on the seat.
He picks it up intending to find another place for it,
but when he has it in his hand he recognizes it as his
trombone, the one he had learned to play on.
As he looks down at it Riker enters the frame... there
is an awkward moment as Lieutenant Riker hands it back
to him -- two people can't share the same momentos.
Riker puts the trombone elsewhere and Lieutenant Riker
slides the chair to the table.
DATA
The game is five card draw, no
limit.
Lieutenant Riker nods and Data pushes a pile of chips
at him. Lieutenant Riker joins the ante, and Data
starts dealing cards -- first to Lieutenant Riker, who
is at his left, then to Worf, who is across from him,
then to Commander Riker, who is at his right, across
from Lieutenant Riker.
Everyone sizes up their hand. Data turns to Lieutenant
Riker.
DATA
Lieutenant?
LT. RIKER
Three.
He puts down three cards and Data deals him another
three.
DATA
Mister Worf?
Worf thinks for a beat then frowns.
WORF
Four.
Riker smiles at Worf's bad luck as Data and Worf
exchange cards. Data then turns to Commander Riker.
RIKER
None for me.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT FOUR 43A.
33A CONTINUED: (3)
Everyone reacts -- Riker must be holding something.
DATA
The dealer will take two.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
33A CONTINUED: (4)
Everyone sizes up their new hand. After a moment, Data
turns to Lieutenant Riker.
DATA
You control the bet.
Lieutenant Riker fingers his chips for a beat, his face
even.
LT. RIKER
Fifty.
Everyone reacts -- this is quite high for this table.
Everyone turns to Worf. He glowers at his cards and
puts them down.
WORF
Fold.
All eyes turn to Riker.
RIKER
(tossing in his chips)
I'm in.
Lieutenant Riker looks at him.
LT. RIKER
You didn't take any cards -- you
must be holding something. Why
not make it sweeter?
Questioning a man's poker game used to get people
killed, but Commander Riker just shrugs it off with a
smile.
RIKER
No thanks.
LT. RIKER
Playing it safe?
There's something almost accusatory in Lieutenant
Riker's tone. Riker regards him evenly for a moment,
then turns to Data.
RIKER
You in?
Data has been watching this exchange with fascination.
He gets back in the game and matches the bet.
DATA
I will see your fifty and call.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
33A CONTINUED: (4)
Lieutenant Riker looks at his cards for a moment, then
pushes in another hundred.
LT. RIKER
Staying in will cost you another
hundred.
Everyone reacts.
DATA
The dealer folds.
Commander Riker studies his double's face for a long
moment. Unexpectedly, he breaks into a broad grin.
RIKER
I spent too much time practicing
in the mirror to be fooled by that
face. You're bluffing.
Though Commander Riker says this good-naturedly,
Lieutenant Riker's face hardens.
LT. RIKER
If there's one thing I thought
would be clear by now, it's that
you and I play things a little
differently.
Riker stiffens at his pointed tone.
RIKER
We'll see who comes out on top.
LT. RIKER
I thought you didn't mind settling
for second. Commander.
His emphasis on Riker's rank is all too clear. The
tension between them is suddenly out in the open.
RIKER
I've never settled for anything in
my life. I've made choices that
some people may not understand,
but I know what I want -- and I
know what I've got. You'd be
lucky to do as well.
(beat)
Lieutenant.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
33A CONTINUED: (5)
Lieutenant Riker bristles.
RIKER
(bets)
I'll see your hundred and call.
Riker sits back and waits to see what Lieutenant Riker
will do. Lieutenant Riker assembles a stack of chips
worth three hundred and bets them.
LT. RIKER
Three hundred.
RIKER
Now I know you're bluffing.
LT. RIKER
(sharp)
Are you in or not?
Riker loses his patience with this.
RIKER
Why don't we just get this over
with? I'll match your three, and
raise you whatever you have left.
Riker slides some more chips in, eye-balling the chips
to match what Lieutenant Riker has left. Their eyes
lock, Lieutenant Riker's gaze conveys barely controlled
anger.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/19/93 - ACT FOUR 47.
33A CONTINUED: (6)
RIKER
Well?
Riker's question hangs in the air for a moment... he's
called Lieutenant Riker's bluff. Both men are on edge
and there's a sense this could easily get physical.
Suddenly Lieutenant Riker pushes all his chips directly
into Riker's pile.
LT. RIKER
Take it. You win.
He pushes his chair back and stands, eyes Commander
Riker.
LT. RIKER
You were dealt the better hand,
Commander... all the way around.
He turns and EXITS. Off everyone's reactions...
34 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits Nervala IV.
35 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
Troi is alone, contemplating her situation. After a
moment, the door CHIMES.
TROI
Come in.
The door OPENS to reveal Lieutenant Riker.
LT. RIKER
I'm sorry to just drop by like
this... but there's something
important I need to talk to you
about.
She gestures that he come in.
LT. RIKER
Captain Picard made some inquiries --
he helped me find a posting on the
Gandhi.
Lieutenant Riker can barely contain his enthusiasm, but
Troi doesn't know how she feels about this.
LT. RIKER
Considering how long I've been out
of commission, it's an amazing
opportunity.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 48.
35 CONTINUED:
Troi keeps an even tone.
TROI
When would you leave?
LT. RIKER
About a week.
TROI
I see.
LT. RIKER
Deanna...
He moves to her.
LT. RIKER
After I've served on the ship for
six months, I'll be eligible to
bring family aboard.
Troi's face almost blanches when she hears these words,
but Lieutenant Riker is holding her so close he doesn't
see.
LT. RIKER
If we got married...
Troi pulls away.
TROI
You said those exact words to me
once before... when you first went
to serve on the Potemkin.
LT. RIKER
I remember.
(smiles)
I got held up for a while.
TROI
But if you hadn't... what would
have happened between us?
He looks at her, knows what she's asking.
LT. RIKER
I wouldn't've made the mistake of
letting you go. I know that much.
TROI
I don't know if I can believe
that.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/18/93 - ACT FOUR 49.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
She takes a breath, makes an admission she hasn't made
before.
TROI
It took me a long time to get over
what happened between Commander
Riker and me. I don't know if I
want to put myself in that
position again.
He moves to her, tries to reassure her..
LT. RIKER
I would never hurt you, Deanna.
She looks at him, torn.
TROI
It's not just that... I've worked
hard to make a life for myself on
the Enterprise. I'm happy here.
His plans for their life together seem to be falling
apart in front of his eyes.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/17/93 - ACT FOUR 50-51.
35 CONTINUED: (3)
LT. RIKER
If the situation were different,
I'd stay here. But I can't... not
while he's aboard.
Troi can't deny this.
TROI
I know.
Lieutenant Riker looks away, pained by the thought that
after all that's happened, he might lose her again.
LT. RIKER
Are you saying it's over?
TROI
No.
He looks at her -- at least there's hope. She moves
toward him, touches his face.
TROI
I just don't know if I'm ready to
give up my life here.
He takes this in.
TROI
Maybe we both need time to think.
He nods. They look at each other for a long moment,
then he goes to the door.
LT. RIKER
Good night.
She nods and he EXITS. Off Troi's face we...
36 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/17/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
37 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits Nervala IV.
PICARD
Captain's Log, supplemental. The
third transport window has opened
and the Away Team is making their
final attempt at retrieving the
database.
38 INT. RESEARCH STATION
Worf and Lieutenant Riker are at the center console;
Commander Riker and Data are at a wall console.
LT. RIKER
Once we restore the servo-link,
you can shunt the database up to
this console.
Worf acknowledges and Lieutenant Riker moves to Data.
LT. RIKER
(to Data)
Ready, Commander?
RIKER
(to Lieutenant Riker)
You're with me, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Riker reacts -- he'd rather not go down
there with Commander Riker.
LT. RIKER
I thought Commander Data's
expertise in --
RIKER
It doesn't take that much
expertise to repair a servo-link.
You and I can handle it.
Lieutenant Riker stiffens at being cut off -- but
follows as Commander Riker moves off.
The two Rikers head to the back of the station and EXIT
frame. Data watches as they leave, then turns to work
the console. After a moment.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/19/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
38 CONTINUED:
DATA
I am curious about something,
Lieutenant. If you met a double
of yourself, would you find it
difficult to interact with him?
Worf considers.
WORF
I think so.
DATA
Why?
WORF
I am not... easy to get along
with.
Data can't disagree.
DATA
But Commander Riker and Lieutenant
Riker are. Yet they seem to have
trouble getting along with each
another.
Worf nods an acknowledgement. Data thinks for a
moment.
DATA
I have found that humans value
their uniqueness, their sense that
they are different from every one
else. The existence of a double
would preclude that feeling.
Could that be the source of
friction?
WORF
Perhaps it is more a matter of
seeing something in your double...
something you don't like about
yourself.
Data nods thoughtfully, then returns to work.
39 INT. THE CAVERN (OPTICAL)
underneath the station, as the two Rikers EXIT a
Turbolift and come out into an area that is part rockface,
part finished surface.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/24/93 - ACT FIVE 53A.
39 CONTINUED:
In addition to phasers, Lieutenant Riker carries a
Tricorder and Riker carries a shoulder pack with
equipment in it.
A series of pipes and conduits run parallel to each
other along the ceiling, and there are structural
supports at various places shoring up the walls.
In front of them is a chasm that is spanned by a bridgelike
scaffolding. The core is visible on the far side,
but they can't see the point where the bridge touches
their side of the chasm.
LT. RIKER
There's the core over there.
Riker nods and waits for him to lead the way, but
Lieutenant Riker just stands there.
RIKER
Are you waiting for something?
LT. RIKER
Your order. Sir.
Riker looks at him for an explanation.
LT. RIKER
How would you like me to get
there?
Riker sees that Lt. Riker doesn't intend to make this
easy.
RIKER
You've been down here "dozens" of
times -- I'm sure you know the
best way.
Lieutenant Riker hears the slight tinge of sarcasm in
his voice but ignores it, acts as if he's just trying
to "follow orders."
LT. RIKER
Yes, sir. I do.
He moves off -- Riker shakes his head and follows.
They round a bend and come to a doorway that leads out
across the bridge. But a conduit in the ceiling has
come unmoored and fallen across the doorway, rupturing
in the process.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/24/93 - ACT FIVE 53B.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
Lieutenant Riker reacts, backs away. He takes out his
tricorder and scans it.
LT. RIKER
It's leaking ion radiation.
They back off, moving around the bend to put some rockface
between them and the leak. Riker is concerned
that this unexpected obstacle will prevent them from
getting to the core.
RIKER
Why didn't you report this?
LT. RIKER
It wasn't there before; it must
have happened recently.
Riker frowns.
LT. RIKER
If we have to repair this conduit,
we won't have time to access the
computer core.
Lt. Riker is all but admitting that his plan may cause
them to fail.
But Riker is looking up at the ceiling, eyeing the maze
of conduits up there.
As Lieutenant Riker watches, Riker starts tracing the
path of the broken conduit, using its distinctive colorcoding
to track it against the other pipes. He follows
it back toward the elevator area where the conduits run
down along a wall and disappear into the floor. He
finds a VALVE in the conduit and starts trying to close
it. He strains for a moment and it finally gives.
RIKER
Scan it now.
LT. RIKER
(off tricorder)
It worked. Radiation levels are
dropping to normal levels.
Riker nods and starts heading back toward the door that
leads out onto the scaffolding. As he passes
Lieutenant Riker:
RIKER
Next time don't give up so easily.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/19/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
39 CONTINUED: (3)
Lieutenant Riker's jaw tightens as he watches Riker
walk past. He turns and follows.
40 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Riker clambers past the broken conduit and starts
heading across the scaffolding... Lieutenant Riker
follows a few steps behind.
A few yards into it, Riker takes a look over the side --
we can see from his face that it's a long way down...
As they walk, the scaffolding creaks occasionally under
their weight. Lieutenant Riker is about half-way
across when a segment of the walkway suddenly gives way
underneath his feet.
Riker reacts and reaches back for him, but the segment
Lieutenant Riker is on flaps down like a hinge,
attached to the rest of the scaffolding only on one end
(the end closest to the core).
Riker just manages to grab hold of one of Lieutenant
Riker's hands.
41 ANOTHER ANGLE
Lieutenant Riker is hanging over the abyss, supported
only by Riker's grip. Riker is on his belly, an arm
reaching down toward Lieutenant Riker.
42 INSERT - THEIR HANDS
clasped to each other's wrists, as they struggle to
keep a grip.
43 RESUME SCENE
as the weight of Lieutenant Riker's body begins to pull
Riker forward.
RIKER
I'm being pulled in --
Their eyes meet. It is clear to both of them that
Riker might have to let go to keep from being pulled in
himself.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/23/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
43 CONTINUED:
LT. RIKER
Let go.
But Riker ignores him, reaches back with his free hand
to try and grab a hold of something -- but there's
nothing there.
The scaffolding groans under the pressure of their
combined weights -- it's threatening to tear loose and
plunge them both to their deaths.
44 INSERT - THEIR HANDS
as Lieutenant Riker lets go of Rikers hand -- the only
thing holding him up is Riker's grip on his wrist.
45 RESUME SCENE
LT. RIKER
Let go.
But Riker won't do it.
LT. RIKER
One of us has to make it out of
here --
Riker manages to hook a foot behind one of the supports
that hold up the handrail. He reaches his other hand
down for Lieutenant Riker to grab hold of.
RIKER
Take my hand --
LT. RIKER
No --
RIKER
Take it!
Lieutenant Riker sees the resolve in Riker's face. He
reaches and takes Riker's other hand.
RIKER
Climb --
Supporting his weight with one hand, Lieutenant Riker
reaches up with the other to get a grip farther up
Riker's arm. He then switches hands and reaches
further still.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/19/93 - ACT FIVE 55A.
45 CONTINUED:
Both men are breathing hard as they strain through this
arduous process.
Finally, Lieutenant Riker is able to crawl up and over
Riker's back onto the scaffolding, then help Riker up.
Once they're both on firm ground, they make their way
across the rest of the bridge.
When they're safe on the other side, they both look
back at the broken segment that almost cost them their
lives.
As they try to catch their breath, their eyes meet.
They regard each other for a moment... then move toward
the core. As they set to work we cut to:
46
thru OMITTED
47
48 INT. RESEARCH STATION
as Data and Worf work the console. A previously dark
section of the panel LIGHTS UP.
DATA
They have restored the servo-link
to the core. We can begin
downloading the database.
Worf manipulates a (TECH DEVICE) they have attached to
the console.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/19/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
48 CONTINUED:
WORF
Initiating data transfer.
As they work.
49 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it moves at warp.
PICARD
Captain's Log, Stardate 46920.1.
We have retrieved the database
from Nervala station and are
headed for our rendezvous with the
Gandhi.
50 INT. LT. RIKER'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
where he is packing his few belongings. The door
CHIMES.
LT. RIKER
Come in.
The door OPENS to reveal Troi.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/19/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
50 CONTINUED:
Lieutenant Riker gestures that she come in. He knows
she's come to give him her decision but he's got a bad
feeling about what it's going to be. To cover, he
returns to his packing. After a moment.
TROI
I understand the Gandhi is going
on a terraforming mission to the
Lagana Sector.
LT. RIKER
(nods)
It'll take four months just to get
there.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - 03/19/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
50 CONTINUED: (2)
They look at each other for a long moment. Troi tries
to break it to him gently.
TROI
I won't be going with you.
His face betrays his disappointment.
LT. RIKER
I guess I'm not surprised.
She moves to him, but he can't look at her right now;
the emotions are too raw.
TROI
I'm not ready to give up my life
here.
She touches his face, gently turns him so that he's
looking at her. With meaning:
TROI
Not yet.
He realizes what she's saying: maybe, someday... she
will be ready. He reaches to take her hands, nods that
he understands. She smiles, grateful to hear the
words.
The door CHIMES. He looks at her to see if they should
ignore it, but she nods that it's all right.
LT. RIKER
Come in.
The door OPENS to reveal Riker, holding a carrying
case. When he sees the two of them:
RIKER
I'm sorry --
LT. RIKER
It's all right.
RIKER
I wanted to give you something...
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/24/93 - ACT FIVE 58A.
50 CONTINUED: (3)
He steps in and hands Lieutenant Riker the case.
Lieutenant Riker recognizes it as the trombone case he
had so many years ago. He looks at Riker, unsure...
But when he opens it he finds his trombone... the one
he learned to play on. He knows what it means to Riker
and is amazed that he's willing to give it up.
RIKER
My quarters are full of things
that used to be yours. I figured
you should at least have this.
Lieutenant Riker looks down at the trombone in his
hands. Words can't express his appreciation.
LT. RIKER
Thanks.
Riker nods. He steps back as if to leave.
RIKER
Good luck, Wil.
This is the first time Riker's called him by their
given name and it doesn't go unnoticed.
LT. RIKER
Actually... I was thinking of
going with the name Thomas.
TROI
Your middle name.
RIKER
(with a grin)
I guess we are different. I never
really cared for it.
LT. RIKER
I've always kind of liked it.
They share a smile at this.
LT. RIKER
Well... I better get going.
He picks up his things and crosses toward the door. He
glances at Riker.
LT. RIKER
Take care of her.
Riker meets his eye, nods. Lieutenant Riker turns to
Troi, leans in and kisses her, brief but tender. He
looks at her with a playful smile.
STAR TREK: "Second Chances" - REV. 03/23/93 - ACT FIVE 58B.
50 CONTINUED: (4)
LT. RIKER
I waited a long time. I can wait
a little longer.
She smiles, and he EXITS. Troi watches him go, her
face betraying the complex emotions the last few days
have elicited.
Riker watches her silently. He knows she's hurting --
if she needs him, he'll be there to take care of her...
just like Lieutenant Riker asked...
Off this moment we...
FADE OUT.
51 OMITTED
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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