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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Disaster"
#40275-205
Story by
Phil Scorza & Ron Jarvis
Teleplay by
Ronald D. Moore
Directed by
Gabrielle Beaumont
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 1991 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 This script is not for publication or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
AUGUST 12, 1991
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - 8/12/91 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Disaster"
CAST
PICARD LIEUTENANT MONROE
RIKER ENSIGN MANDEL
DATA MARISSA
BEVERLY PATTERSON
TROI JAY GORDON
GEORDI
WORF
O'BRIEN
KEIKO
RO
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - 8/12/91 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Disaster"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
TURBOLIFT
TURBO SHAFT
TEN-FORWARD
CARGO BAY
JEFFRIES TUBE
ENGINEERING
SICKBAY
CORRIDOR
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Disaster"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship is motionless in space.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, stardate 45156.1.
Our mission to Mudor Five has
been completed and since our next
assignment will not begin for
several days, we are enjoying a
welcome respite from our duties.
2 INT. TEN FORWARD
RIKER, DATA, and WORF are clustered around O'BRIEN and
a pregnant KEIKO (about eight months along). O'Brien
and Keiko have that proud-but-nervous look of
expectant parents. While Data are Riker are very
interested in Keiko's pregnancy, Worf looks
exceptionally bored.
O'BRIEN
(to Riker)
If it's a boy... Michael. After
my father.
KEIKO
Wait a minute... we decided on
Hiro, after my father.
O'BRIEN
We talked about this last night.
KEIKO
That's right, and we decided on
Hiro.
RIKER
Wait. I've got it. How about...
William. Now there's a name...
William O'Brien. That has a nice
ring to it.
That gets a few chuckles. Keiko laughs gently... then
she suddenly puts a hand to her stomach.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
Riker looks concerned but Keiko smiles at him.
KEIKO
(to Riker)
It's all right. He's just doing
somersaults.
She takes Riker's hand and places it on her swollen
belly.
KEIKO
(continuing)
Right... there!
Riker smiles at the sensation.
RIKER
He's going to be a hell of a
gymnast.
DATA
(to Keiko)
May I?
She nods and Data carefully puts his hand near
Riker's. Worf is so bored that he all but yawns as he
watches this occur. Data's expression is curious...
childlike. The child kicks again and Data reacts.
KEIKO
(weary smile)
If he's not turning, he's kicking
and punching. When I want to
sleep, he wants to wake up. At
this point, I just wish it were
over.
Data removes his hand.
O'BRIEN
(to Keiko)
Have to go -- I've got a
transporter simulation to run on
the bridge.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - TEASER 2A.
2 CONTINUED:
He kisses his wife and then puts his hand on her
stomach.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(continuing, to unborn
child)
Good-bye, Michael.
O'Brien smiles at Keiko with humor and then he EXITS.
CUT TO:
3 INT. CARGO BAY
BEVERLY is talking to GEORDI near a large stack of
containers. This is a very large cargo bay and there
is a door similar to the one in the shuttle bay that
opens to space. This door is smaller and it is
currently closed. The containers are marked
"Hazardous" and Geordi has been checking over some
manifests on a PADD.
GEORDI
No.
BEVERLY
Come on, Geordi
GEORDI
No.
BEVERLY
Just try it once. It's not as
hard as you think. I'm telling
you... you'll be terrific.
Geordi's still reluctant, but she's wearing him down.
He glances quickly around the bay to make sure no
one's watching then starts to quickly sing...
GEORDI
"... I am the very model of a
modern major general, I've
information vegetable, animal and
mineral... "
(quickly embarrassed,
to Beverly)
I can't do this! I can't sing in
front of people.
BEVERLY
Yes you can! That was terrific!
(she takes his arm)
Now you were a little off pitch,
but I think we can take care of
that...
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - TEASER 4.
3 CONTINUED:
On Geordi's "get me out of this" expression...
CUT TO:
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
LIEUTENANT MONROE at conn, ENSIGN MANDEL at ops. Troi
is introducing three children to PICARD. The children
are: MARISSA, a painfully shy nine-year-old who looks
down at her shoes during the entire scene; JAY GORDON,
a very solemn, serious boy who looks Picard right in
the eye (he is a proper, polite boy who is eager to
please, rather adult); and PATTERSON, a lively six-
year-old with a winning smile and tons of energy.
Picard is a little ill-at-ease here... this is not
his favorite duty.
TROI
Captain, I'd like to introduce
the winners of the primary school
science fair. This is Marissa,
Jay Gordon, and Patterson.
They're here for their tour.
PICARD
Hello.
Marissa keeps staring at her shoes; Picard sees only
the top of her head. But --
JAY GORDON
How do you do?
PATTERSON
(a big voice)
Can we see the battle bridge?
And the torpedo bay?
PICARD
I'm afraid not.
(trying to make it
sound fun)
But... we will be visiting both
the hydroponics and astrophysics
laboratories.
Patterson's face falls slightly: "Gee, what fun."
TROI
(to kids)
I'm sure you'll have a wonderful
time.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - TEASER 4A.
4 CONTINUED:
They're not quite convinced, but Picard presses
onward.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED:
O'Brien ENTERS in the b.g. and goes to work at the aft
science station.
PICARD
Well. If you'll come with me...
He leads them to the forward turbolift and the four of
them EXIT. O'Brien and Troi exchange a look.
O'BRIEN
I'm not sure who to feel sorry
for... the captain or the kids.
On Troi's smile...
5 INT. TURBOLIFT
The turbolift is MOVING. There is a beat of awkward
silence as Picard and the kids look each other over.
Picard tries to get things moving. He launches into
what we suspect is the same speech, year after year.
PICARD
I want you all to know that we on
the Enterprise are very proud of
the science fair winners.
Perhaps some of you will choose
to pursue a career in Starfleet.
I heartily urge you to do so.
He stops, looks at them. Marissa is still looking
down; the boys stare up at him, Patterson smiling, Jay
Gordon utterly serious, but they don't respond.
PICARD
Well, then. Ah... what did you
do for your science projects?
PATTERSON
(loudly)
I planted radishes in this
special dirt and they came up all
weird!
PICARD
I see. Very commendable.
(to Jay Gordon)
And you?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER 5A.
5 CONTINUED:
JAY GORDON
An analysis of the life span of
the swarming moths of Gonal Four.
(with emphasis)
They only live for twenty hours.
Then they all die.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - TEASER 6.
5 CONTINUED:
PICARD
How interesting. And you --
But before he can get to Marissa, suddenly the ship
ROCKS SLIGHTLY and the turbolift STOPS. Picard and
the kids are surprised for a moment, but before they
can say anything the ship SHAKES VIOLENTLY. The
LIGHTS start to race by, indicating that the
turbolift is FALLING in the shaft.
PICARD
(urgent)
Hang on -- we're falling!
The top light goes OUT and the children SCREAM in
terror...
6 INT. CARGO BAY
Beverly and Geordi are shaken violently...
7 INT. TEN FORWARD
People react in alarm as tables, chairs, and glassware
are shaken...
8 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
The violent shaking STOPS and the bridge crew tries to
sort things out for a moment. Lieutenant Monroe tries
to take charge as she climbs to her feet near the conn.
MONROE
What happened?
MANDEL
(reading console)
Sensors are picking up subspace
distortions and high-energy
particles directly to starboard.
Monroe looks at the readings at the conn.
MONROE
Looks like we ran into a quantum
filament.
(to O'Brien)
Damage report?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER 7.
8 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(reading aft science
console}
We've lost primary life-support.
Switching to secondary systems.
Impulse and warp engines are offline.
MANDEL
(urgent)
There's another filament moving
toward us, sir!
MONROE
(urgent, to com)
All decks brace for---
She is cut off as the ship is VIOLENTLY SHAKEN. This
is the worst yet... people are slammed into walls...
the conn console EXPLODES in Monroe's face... and the
lights go OUT, leaving only the RED ALERT indicators
blinking in the darkness.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
9 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
The Red Alert lights continue to blink on the darkened
bridge. For a moment there is only the sound of
crackling circuitry from the exploded conn console...
then a few moans as people start to come to. O'Brien
manages to stand and hit a button on one console...
then the bridge is dimly illuminated by emergency
lights. He helps Troi to her feet.
O'BRIEN
Counselor?
TROI
(a little shaky)
I'm all right.
Mandel groans on the deck near ops. Troi helps him up
as O'Brien starts to check some consoles.
TROI
(to com)
Medical team to the bridge.
No response. Troi frowns and hits her communicator.
TROI
(continuing)
Troi to sickbay.
(beat)
Troi to engineering.
(beat)
Counselor Troi to any crewmember,
please acknowledge.
She looks over at O'Brien, who looks helplessly at
several blank screens.
O'BRIEN
The computer's down, looks like
we still have impulse power...
but not much else...
Mandel gets to his feet and starts to check the three
turbolifts.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE 8A.
9 CONTINUED:
TROI
(looks around)
Where's Lieutenant Monroe?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT ONE 9.
9 CONTINUED:
O'Brien looks around the bridge, and then spots a body
lying near the conn console.
O'BRIEN
(indicates body)
Counselor...
10 ON TROI AND O'BRIEN
O'Brien kneels and turns the body over; it's Monroe.
He checks the arterial pulse, then shakes his head.
11 OMITTED
11A NEW ANGLE
As Mandel tries to key the panel next to the forward
turbolift.
MANDEL
The turbolifts aren't working.
(beat)
We're trapped up here.
On their reactions...
CUT TO:
12 INT. TURBOLIFT
CLOSE ON Picard. He's unconscious, lying on his right
side with his right leg awkwardly folded underneath
him. From o.c. we hear the sound of children softly
crying. He begins to wake up and we MOVE TO REVEAL
that he's still in the turbolift. There are a couple
of emergency lights, but it's still pretty dark.
Marissa, Jay Gordon, and Patterson are huddled
together, watching Picard. Patterson is crying, Jay
Gordon is silent and withdrawn, and Marissa is
trembling.
PICARD
(very hoarse)
Are you...
(tries to clear throat,
then louder)
Are you children all right?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT ONE 10.
12 CONTINUED:
The children just stare at him, too scared to speak.
Picard tries to sit up... then lets out a painful
grunt as he moves his right leg, which causes the
children to flinch slightly. Picard moves more
gingerly and manages to get to a sitting position.
He carefully moves the leg to a comfortable angle.
Picard hits his communicator.
PICARD
Picard to bridge.
(beat)
This is the captain. Can anyone
hear me?
A beat.
PATTERSON
Why don't they answer?
PICARD
I don't know.
JAY GORDON
They're all dead.
PICARD
(firm)
They're not dead. Communications
are down, that's all.
He looks at the three tremulous faces staring at him.
They're trying, but they are little and scared.
Patterson is snuffling, about to lose it again;
Marissa looks like she could break down any second.
Jay Gordon is pale and remote, having accepted doom as
the only possible outcome.
JAY GORDON
We're going to die, too.
PICARD
We most certainly are not --
But this pronouncement has set Patterson off. He
bursts into tears and Marissa gulps, ready to sob.
Picard needs to get them under control and he puts all
his command presence into his voice and tries to take
charge.
PICARD
(firm)
Listen to me!
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE 11.
12 CONTINUED:
They fall silent and look at him.
PICARD
(continuing)
No one is going to die. The
bridge will send a rescue party
as soon as possible, so I want
you to stop crying. Everything
is going to be all right.
The children look at him. It seems like Picard has
finally managed to get things under control... then
all three kids start crying again, even louder this
time. Picard will have to find some other way of
dealing with them.
CUT TO:
12A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Troi and O'Brien are at the aft science station. The
console is mostly blank except for one or two
displays. Monroe's body has been moved off the
bridge.
O'BRIEN
(working console)
This is the Federation Starship
Enterprise calling any vessel
within range. We are in distress
and need assistance. Please
respond.
(beat, then to Troi)
I'm still not sure we're even
transmitting. I'll set the
message on auto-repeat and see if
we get a response.
A sudden METALLIC NOISE from the aft turbolift (not
the same one Picard used) gets their attention. They
watch as the turbolift doors start to slowly open in
a jerky, stop-start motion.
12B ON TURBOLIFT (FORMERLY SCENE 11)
As the doors part slowly to reveal ENSIGN RO. She is
standing on the roof of a turbolift car that is
stalled just below the bridge and she is slowly
opening the doors by using an emergency hand crank.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT ONE 12.
12B CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(helps her out)
Are you all right?
She steps onto the bridge.
RO
I'm alive. What the hell
happened?
O'BRIEN
We were hit by a quantum
filament. Most of our systems
are down and we haven't been able
to contact anyone off the bridge.
RO
(indicates turbolift)
Well, don't count on leaving
through there. An emergency
bulkhead closed just beneath that
lift.
O'BRIEN
(nods)
Confinement mode.
RO
Right. Isolation protocol.
Troi tries to remember, but she's not sure what
they're talking about.
TROI
I'm... not really familiar with
that protocol.
O'BRIEN
(to Troi)
If the computer senses a hull
breach, it automatically closes
emergency bulkheads to isolate
the breach. Until we can clear
those bulkheads, we'll be cut-off
from the rest of the ship.
MANDEL
(reading the ops
console)
I've got partial sensors back on-line.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT ONE 13.
12B CONTINUED:
They move to ops and Mandel points at something on the
console.
MANDEL
(continuing)
I'm picking up sporadic life-signs
throughout the saucer section.
There are definitely survivors.
O'BRIEN
What about Ten Forward?
(beat)
My... wife is there.
Mandel checks the console again.
MANDEL
I'm sorry, Chief, but the
readings aren't that specific.
O'Brien tries to put his personal feelings aside for
the moment.
RO
(to Mandel)
Can you scan the drive section?
Mandel works for a moment... then grimly relays the
news he sees on the console.
MANDEL
I'm not reading any life-signs in
the drive section.
Everyone reacts.
RO
Could the sensors be
malfunctioning?
MANDEL
(works)
There's no way to know. Without
the main computer, I can't run a
diagnostic.
O'BRIEN
(to Troi)
Can you sense anything,
Counselor?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE 13A.
12B CONTINUED:
Troi takes a deep breath... tries to clear her mind
for a moment. After a beat...
TROI
There are a lot of people still
alive... many of them are hurt...
but I can't tell where they are.
After a beat, Ro tries to get things moving.
RO
We need to start emergency
procedures. Who's the duty
officer?
O'BRIEN
Lieutenant Monroe was in command,
but he's dead.
There is a beat as O'Brien realizes what that means.
There hadn't been a chance to consider this question
before now.
O'BRIEN
(continuing)
I believe Counselor Troi is the
senior officer on the bridge.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE 14.
12B CONTINUED:
They all look at Troi. This isn't something she'd
expected.
RO
Counselor Troi?
O'BRIEN
She carries the rank of
Lieutenant Commander.
Ro doesn't say anything more, but her doubts about
Troi are clear. Troi takes a beat as she realizes
that she's now in charge. Everyone is looking at
her... waiting for orders.
TROI
I'd appreciate... some
suggestions.
O'BRIEN
I recommend we initiate emergency
procedure alpha two.
(off her look)
By-pass computer control and
place all systems on manual
override.
TROI
Very well.
O'BRIEN
Aye aye, sir.
He goes to the engineering console and starts to pull
off an access panel.
RO
(to Troi)
May I suggest that our next
priority be to stabilize life-
support and try to reestablish
intership communications.
TROI
Yes.
(beat)
Mister Mandel, I'd like you to
assist Ensign Ro.
MANDEL
Yes, sir.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE 15.
12B CONTINUED:
Mandel and Ro go to work. On Troi as she thinks about
the daunting task before them...
CUT TO:
13 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship is dead in space. There are only one or two
lights visible on the entire ship.
14 INT. TEN FORWARD
The place is littered with broken tables, overturned
chairs, and smashed glassware. SEVERAL N.D.
CREWMEMBERS are injured and being helped by Worf, who
is carrying a medical tricorder and a first aid kit.
Riker is dressing a head wound on Keiko, who is lying
on the deck.
RIKER
How do you feel?
KEIKO
(weakly)
Okay... but a little... foggy.
RIKER
Just lie still for a while.
We'll get you to sickbay as soon
as we can.
She manages a feeble smile and Riker squeezes her hand
in support.
15 NEW ANGLE
As Data ENTERS (the doors do not slide open or closed.
They are frozen halfway.) Riker motions to Worf and
the three of them move across the room to speak
privately.
RIKER
(to Data)
Report.
DATA
I have made a survey of all
turbolifts and service crawlways
on this deck. Our access to the
bridge has been completely
severed by emergency bulkheads.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE 16.
15 CONTINUED:
WORF
Sickbay?
DATA
Heavy damage in section twenty-
three-A has cut-off access to
sickbay. I have ordered a
security team to move all
casualties on this deck to Ten
Forward until further notice.
Riker looks back at the injured people and thinks for
a beat.
RIKER
We should assume the worst...
that everyone on the bridge is
dead and no one is in control of
the ship.
DATA
In that circumstance,
reestablishing control should
be our top priority.
RIKER
Agreed. Can we get to
engineering?
DATA
The direct route is blocked, but
there might be a way to reach it
through a starboard service
crawlway.
RIKER
Okay -- you and I will try to get
there. Worf, this room is going
to be filled with wounded in a
few minutes and they're going to
need help. I want you to remain
in charge here.
WORF
Yes, sir.
RIKER
(to Data)
Let's go.
As Riker and Data EXIT, a N.D. CIVILIAN carrying a
WOUNDED WOMAN ENTERS.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT ONE 17.
15 CONTINUED:
Worf looks around and then moves a table out of the
way and picks up his first aid kit.
WORF
Bring her here!
CUT TO:
16 INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
Geordi is working on an open panel and trying to open
the door to the cargo bay. Beverly is standing
nearby, watching his efforts.
GEORDI
Okay... clear the power shunt...
bypass the flow current...
and...
He moves a switch and then looks expectantly at the
door. Nothing.
GEORDI
(frustrated, to
Beverly)
The computer still won't release
the doors.
BEVERLY
Can we force them open?
GEORDI
We can try. There's an emergency
hand actuator.
Geordi goes to a section of wall near the door, kneels
down and begins removing a service panel. Beverly
follows him and stands near the wall to watch. As
Geordi gets the panel off the wall, Beverly notices
something. She feels the wall with her hand.
BEVERLY
Geordi...
GEORDI
(distracted)
Yes?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT ONE 18.
16 CONTINUED:
She moves her hands over a larger section of wall.
BEVERLY
(urgent)
Geordi, this wall's hot.
His head snaps around at that statement. As he begins
to stand up, there is a sudden BRIGHT FLASH in the
wall panel he's just opened. Geordi jumps back from
the panel. Beverly rushes to him in concern, but
Geordi waves her off.
GEORDI
I'm all right.
(beat, then he looks
back at the wall
panel)
But I think we've got a new
problem.
Beverly looks back at the panel also.
17 ON WALL PANEL (OPTICAL)
There is a PLASMA FIRE burning in the wall panel. It
crackles and pops loudly, is bright green, and looks
like a cross between molten lava and a chemical fire.
18 ON GEORDI AND BEVERLY
As they watch the fire.
GEORDI
One of the energy conduits
must've ruptured and ignited the
polyduranide inside the bulkhead.
That's a plasma fire.
They both stand. Beverly points her tricorder at the
fire.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - ACT ONE 19.
18 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
It's putting out a lot of
radiation. We can't stay in here
very long.
GEORDI
We've got a bigger problem than
that.
(beat)
The quaratum in these containers
is used in emergency thruster
packs. It's normally pretty
stable stuff... but when you
expose quaratum to radiation it
has a way of... exploding.
19 WIDER SHOT (OPTICAL)
Including the plasma fire, Geordi and Beverly, and the
large number of quaratum containers.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT TWO 20.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship still looks lifeless as it hangs in space.
21 INT. TURBOLIFT
Picard is propped against a wall and reaching up to
tinker with an open circuitry panel. Patterson is
sitting with his knees to his chest, rocking back and
forth; Jay Gordon is seated facing away from Picard.
Only Marissa stands, gravely watching what he's doing.
PICARD
The external power has been cut
off.
She nods solemnly.
JAY GORDON
(not looking at him)
We're going to die.
Patterson starts to rock a little faster and Picard
gives a frustrated look to Jay Gordon. Suddenly the
turbolift SHAKES. Then the sound of CREAKING METAL
for a moment, then silence.
PATTERSON
(scared)
What was that?
PICARD
I don't know.
Picard thinks for a moment... then he looks up at the
ceiling. He slowly pulls himself up on one leg and
tries to reach for the ceiling... but the movement
jars his leg painfully and he is unable to keep his
balance. Marissa takes a step back, eyes wide, trying
not to be afraid.
The exertion takes a lot out of Picard and he sits
down. He looks up at sees Marissa's big dark eyes
staring at him. Nothing he's tried with these kids
has worked... the boys are frightened and cowed...
Marissa has yet to utter a word. And he can't get
them out of here by himself. He'd better find another
plan.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT TWO 21.
21 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Your name... is Marissa. Is that
right?
She nods.
PICARD
How old are you?
MARISSA
Nine. And a half.
These are the first words she's uttered. But she does
not seem hesitant or tremulous.
PICARD
Really? And the boys?
MARISSA
(pointing)
Seven... and six.
PICARD
Well, I'm going to need a first
officer to help me. You're the
oldest... so that makes you
Number One.
This has a nice ring to it.
MARISSA
Number One?
PICARD
That's what I've always called my
first officer. Here.
Picard pulls off two of the rank pips from his collar
and pins them to Marissa's shirt. She touches them
with pride and, for the first time, smiles a sweet,
shy smile.
PICARD
Now... we need a crew to help us
get that hatch off.
He seems to think hard for a few seconds, then turns
toward the boys as though a new thought just occurred
to him.
PICARD
Number One... I think Jay might
make an excellent science
officer. Don't you agree?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT TWO 22.
21 CONTINUED:
She's delighted to be consulted on such an important
decision.
MARISSA
Yes. Yes, sir, Captain.
PICARD
Will you join our crew, Jay?
JAY GORDON
(politely)
Excuse me. It's Jay Gordon.
PICARD
Of course. Forgive me. Jay
Gordon.
JAY GORDON
I accept.
Picard takes another pip and pins it on Jay Gordon.
As he does --
PATTERSON
Can I be an officer, too?
PICARD
Let's see... your science project
involved radishes, did it not?
PATTERSON
Yeah... weird ones.
PICARD
Excellent. You'll be our
executive officer in charge of
radishes.
Picard gives him his own pip. The boys look proud as
they inspect their new badges. Picard realizes he's
made some progress with them at last.
PICARD
Now -- let's get to work.
CUT TO:
22 INT. JEFFRIES TUBE
Riker and Data are crawling through a low, narrow tube
just barely big enough for the two men to scramble
through on their hands and knees. Riker stops and
checks a nameplate on a box.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - ACT TWO 23.
22 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Thirteen-sixty-five-baker. That
should put us near shuttlebay
two.
DATA
That is correct, sir. We have
approximately fifty-two meters
remaining in this crawlway before
we can safely exit into a main
corridor.
There is a sudden HISSING SOUND in the tube. They
listen for a moment... then turn and look back the way
they came.
23 POV DATA - LOOKING DOWN THE TUBE
A LARGE CLOUD OF GAS starts to swirl into the Jeffries
Tube.
24 RESUME SCENE
Riker sees it too.
RIKER
Coolant leak!
They scramble through the tube as the gas fills the
tube.
25 ANOTHER SECTION OF TUBE
Data and Riker hurry through the tube... the gas
roiling behind them.
Data stops and reaches up... finds a handle... and
then slams down a hatch behind them.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT TWO 24.
25 CONTINUED:
Riker (facing the hatch) pauses to catch his breath...
then he notices that Data is staring at something o.c.
behind Riker. Riker turns around...
26 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
There is a large display of ENERGY ARCING back and
forth across the tube in front of Riker and Data. It
completely blocks their path. Riker looks from the
hatch with the gas behind it to the energy arc...
they're trapped.
CUT TO:
27 INT. CARGO BAY
Beverly is scanning the quaratum containers with a
tricorder while Geordi works the transporter console.
The plasma fire is o.c., but the green light can still
be seen flickering in the bay. Beverly finishes her
scan and moves to Geordi. She runs the tricorder over
him.
BEVERLY
We can withstand this level of
radiation for another three or
four hours without any permanent
damage.
(closes tricorder)
But we'll need a few days of
hyronalin treatments.
GEORDI
What are the radiation levels in
the quaratum?
BEVERLY
They're at eighty-three rads and
rising about four rads per
minute.
GEORDI
(depressed)
That stuff gets unstable at
around three hundred fifty rads.
(stops working)
I still can't get any power to
this transporter.
They look at the plasma fire.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT TWO 25.
28 ON FIRE (OPTICAL)
as it continues to pulsate and burn.
29 RESUME SCENE
Beverly looks around for a moment... then she walks
over to the far wall and pulls out her tricorder.
BEVERLY
The radiation levels are twenty
percent lower at this end of the
bay. Let's move the containers
over here.
GEORDI
(nods)
That should buy us some time.
(thinks)
We're going to have to do this by
hand. With this much radiation
flying around in here we can't
trust the anti-grav units.
They carefully pick up one of the heavy containers...
this isn't going to be easy.
CUT TO:
30 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
O'Brien and Troi are watching a console at the aft
science station. There aren't many screens active,
but the one they're watching is showing a complex
pattern of shifting sensor readings. O'Brien taps a
key and the display freezes.
O'BRIEN
There. Just before the second
time we were hit... see the
subspace distortion?
Troi peers at the display for a moment. She's trying
very hard to understand this.
TROI
Yes.
(beat)
How big are these quantum
filaments?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT TWO 26.
30 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
They can be hundreds of meters
long, but they have almost no
mass... which is why they're so
difficult to detect.
Troi thinks... tries to correlate this to her own
knowledge and experiences.
TROI
(unsure)
So, it's like a... cosmic string?
O'BRIEN
(gently)
No... that's a completely
different phenomenon.
Troi is a little defeated, but she looks at the
monitor again, determined to understand this. But
before she can pursue the matter any further, there
are a series of loud BANGS and ELECTRONIC BEEPS
from...
31 THE ENGINEERING STATION
Ro is lying on her back, halfway inside the
engineering station. Tools and equipment are strewn
about next to her legs. O'Brien moves over and kneels
down in concern. He tries to see what she's doing,
but he can't. After a beat the engineering screen
flickers ON... fades... then comes on permanently.
Ro slides out of the console and gets to her feet.
O'BRIEN
(re: display)
How'd you do that?
RO
I diverted power from the phaser
array and dumped it into the
engineering control system.
O'Brien reacts sharply.
O'BRIEN
You what?
RO
(ignoring O'Brien)
The engineering station's on-line,
Counselor.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT TWO 27.
31 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
(angry, to Ro)
That's a completely improper
procedure. You can't dump that
much raw energy into a bridge
terminal without---
RO
(flatly cuts him off)
We aren't going to get out of
this by playing it safe.
O'Brien is still upset, but Troi struggles to regain
control before they start to fight again.
TROI
(to Ro)
What's our engine status, Ensign?
RO
(works console)
We've got half impulse power
available.
(frowns)
But I'm getting some odd readings
from the warp drive...
O'Brien moves in next to her and they both start to
work the console. As they converse in techno-
shorthand, Troi struggles to watch the screen and
understand what's going on, but she's way out of her
field here.
RO
I'm reading a spike in the warp
field array... looks like a
containment deviation...
O'BRIEN
Switch to primary bypass...
Beat.
RO
Nothing. Field strength's at
forty percent and falling.
A beat as they watch the screen. They exchange
looks... this is really bad. They turn to Troi, who
is completely lost at this point.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - ACT TWO 28.
31 CONTINUED:
RO
We've got a problem. The quantum
resonance of the filament caused
a polarity shift in the antimatter
containment field.
Troi just looks at her: What the hell does that mean?
O'Brien hastens to explain.
O'BRIEN
When the filament hit us, the
ship was momentarily charged...
as if it had... come into
contact with a live electrical
wire.
RO
That weakened the containment
field surrounding the antimatter
pods. The field strength is down
to forty percent and it's still
falling.
O'BRIEN
(ominously)
If it falls to fifteen percent...
the field will collapse and
there'll be a containment breach.
Beat.
TROI
Which means... ?
RO
The ship will explode.
On Troi's reaction...
32
thru OMITTED
35
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
36 INT. JEFFRIES TUBE (OPTICAL)
Riker and Data are still stuck between the closed
hatch and the fluctuating power current. Data is
peering inside a power relay box in the wall near the
arcing power. He turns to Riker.
DATA
The current cannot be shut down
from this relay box.
RIKER
(frustrated)
We can't just sit here.
Data thinks for a moment and then looks at the power
flowing across the tube.
DATA
If the energy flowing through
this arc were interrupted by a
nonconductive material, it is
likely that the circuit would be
broken.
RIKER
(looks around)
I don't see any material in here
that could stop that much
current.
DATA
(thinks)
Commander, most of my bodyframe
is composed of tripolymers, a non-
conductive material.
RIKER
(surprised)
You're suggesting using your own
body?
DATA
Yes, sir.
Riker looks at the crackling power arc.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE 30.
36 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Data, there's at least half a
million amps flowing through that
arc. Can you take that much
current?
DATA
The power surge would cause a
system failure in most of my
internal processors and melt my
primary power couplings.
However, there is a chance that
the damage would not be
irreparable.
RIKER
No.
DATA
Commander, our choices are very
limited.
RIKER
First of all, android or not, I
won't allow anyone to take that
kind of risk. Second, if the
computer isn't working in
engineering, I'm going to need
your help to get control of the
ship.
DATA
(thinks)
My positronic brain has several
layers of shielding to protect it
from power surges. It would be
possible for you to remove my
cranial unit and take it with
you.
Riker stares at him for a beat as it registers what
Data is asking him to do.
RIKER
(shocked)
You want me to take your head
off?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE 31.
36 CONTINUED:
DATA
(surprised at the
reaction)
Yes, sir.
(beat)
Is there something wrong?
Riker recoils from the idea at first... then tries to
look at this pragmatically.
RIKER
Well, Data... it's just... I
mean, will you be all right?
DATA
My neural nets and memory core
are self-contained.
(beat)
I will be fine.
A long beat as Riker considers this.
RIKER
Like you said... our choices are
very limited.
Riker looks at him for a moment... finally nods and
gives him permission. Data processes for a very quick
beat... then turns around...
37 ON DATA (OPTICAL)
As he turns and moves toward the arc. The power arc
snaps and crackles ominously... Data waits a beat...
then steps directly into the flow. There is a BRIGHT
FLASH and THUNDERCLAP as the current hits Data's body.
The energy holds him and shakes his body violently for
a couple of seconds.
38 ON RIKER
As he turns away in response to the bright flash.
After a beat, Riker turns back and then moves quickly
to find Data lying face down in the tube. The power
arc is gone, but Data's clothes and body have been
seared and blackened.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE 32.
38 CONTINUED:
Riker turns Data over quickly... Data's face is blank
and doesn't react to Riker at all.
RIKER
Data? Data!
There is a long beat before Data's eyes seem to focus
again and he is again aware of his surroundings.
DATA
A remarkable experience,
Commander.
Riker is relieved. Data runs some kind of internal
diagnostic.
RIKER
How are you? Did the shielding
work?
DATA
(thinks)
Apparently so. My neural nets
are fully operational.
(beat)
You may begin by opening the
ventral access panel located two
centimeters beneath my right ear.
Riker hesitates for a moment... then as he reaches for
the panel on Data's neck...
CUT TO:
39 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship hangs in space.
40 INT. TURBOLIFT
Picard is standing on his good leg and is holding Jay
Gordon up to the ceiling of the lift as Marissa helps
to steady Picard. The effort of holding Jay Gordon is
putting a tremendous strain on Picard. Jay puts his
hands on the ceiling.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE 33.
40 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(strained)
Feel around the edge of the
illumination module -- of the big
circle, until you find a small
knob.
JAY GORDON
I have it.
PICARD
Now with your other hand, reach
around the far side of the
module... there should be another
knob.
JAY GORDON
Okay, I found it.
PICARD
Good. Good. Pull both knobs out
at the same time and then let go.
He pulls the knobs and then there is a quick WHOOSH of
air as the top hatch moves upward slightly.
PICARD
(continuing)
Now push up... and slide the
hatch over to the side.
Jay Gordon moves the hatch out of the way. The
turbolift SHAKES a little then stops. Patterson looks
around in terror and starts breathing quick and fast,
as if about to cry.
PICARD
Jay Gordon, can you pull yourself
up?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE 34.
40 CONTINUED:
JAY GORDON
Yes. I think so.
Jay Gordon pulls himself up through the hatch,
supports himself on his elbows and puts his feet on
Picard's shoulders.
PICARD
Can you tell what deck we're on?
There should be a large number on
the wall of the shaft.
JAY GORDON
It says "eleven".
That's bad news, but Picard tries not to show his
concern yet.
PICARD
Good. Now look down at the side
of the lift. Do you see two big
clamps?
JAY GORDON
Yes.
PICARD
Can you see if both clamps are
connected to a... long beam
inside a... a big groove?
Long beat.
JAY GORDON
Yes. But one of them looks
broken. It's half out of the
groove.
PICARD
All right. Come down.
Picard and Marissa help Jay Gordon down. Picard
carefully slides down to the floor. Picard realizes
they're in trouble... he takes a beat to think, then
he motions to Marissa to come closer.
PICARD
(softly)
Number One, those big clamps are
part of the emergency system. If
something goes wrong, they're
designed to hold the turbolift in
place.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE 35.
40 CONTINUED:
PICARD (cont'd)
But they seem to have been
damaged.
MARISSA
Is that why we keep shaking?
PICARD
That's right.
(beat, then intimate)
When that clamp gives way, we'll
fall. You're going to have to
take your crew out of here before
that happens. There's a ladder
along the inside of the
turboshaft. You can use it to
climb up until you find an open
doorway.
There is an ominous CREAK from the turbolift.
MARISSA
(worried)
What about you?
PICARD
(honest)
My leg is broken. I'll only slow
you down and you need to move
quickly.
(a little firmly)
You'll have to be the leader.
That's an order.
Marissa stands up... tries to summon up her courage.
She turns to Jay Gordon and Patterson. She tries to
put some command into her voice.
MARISSA
We have to climb up the shaft.
JAY GORDON
What about the captain?
PICARD
I'm not going. Commander Marissa
is in charge.
PATTERSON
(getting scared)
I wanna stay here with you.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE 36.
40 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Patterson, you're an officer,
now. You have to obey orders.
PATTERSON
I don't wanna be an officer
anymore. I wanna stay with you.
JAY GORDON
(to Marissa)
If the captain stays here, we
won't make it. We'll all die.
PICARD
There's no time to argue, you
have to go now.
PATTERSON
I don't want to!
Marissa thinks for a moment... then turns back to
Picard.
MARISSA
The crew has decided to stick
together. We all go or we all
stay.
Picard looks up at the hatch and then looks at the
children for a beat... he finally makes the decision.
PICARD
All right. I'll try. But I want
you to know... this is mutiny.
This relieves them greatly. Picard painfully gets to
his feet.
PICARD
(continuing)
Number One, look at that panel...
do you see a bright yellow cap?
MARISSA
(looks in panel)
Yes.
PICARD
Pull the cap toward you and then
turn it... it should come off.
Marissa removes the cap. There is a bundle of wires
attached to the back of the cap.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE 36A.
40 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(continuing)
Good. Now, that bundle of
wires... that's optical
cabling... see how much you can
pull out...
Marissa pulls at a piece of cabling; it plays out of
the panel.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE 37.
40 CONTINUED:
Marissa keeps pulling.
CUT TO:
41 INT. CARGO BAY
Beverly and Geordi have moved all the containers
against the far wall of the bay.
Beverly and Geordi are scanning the containers with
their tricorders.
BEVERLY
(disappointed)
The levels are still rising.
She snaps the tricorder shut.
42 INCLUDING PLASMA FIRE (OPTICAL)
They watch the fire for a beat.
BEVERLY
There must be some way to put
that thing out.
GEORDI
(shakes his head)
The energy's being fed by the
ship's internal power grid and we
can't even get near that. The
only way to stop it would be to
eliminate the supply of oxygen.
(beat)
Wait a minute...
Geordi thinks for a beat... then looks from the
spacedoor to the fire and back again as he gets an
idea. He turns to Beverly with a "you won't believe
this" look on his face.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Doctor, I've got an idea. It's
pretty wild, but we might be able
to kill two birds with one stone.
BEVERLY
Let's hear it.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE 38.
42 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
If we open the external door it
would depressurize the cargo bay,
and blow all those containers out
into space. At the same time,
the lack of oxygen should knock
out the plasma fire.
BEVERLY
What about us?
GEORDI
We'll have to find something in
here to hang onto while the air
is evacuated. After that, we'll
shut the door and repressurize
the bay.
They both look around for a moment. The ladder
leading to the catwalk is the only solid object in
sight.
BEVERLY
This looks like it'll have to do.
And on their looks...
CUT TO:
43 INT. TEN FORWARD
The room is filled with N.D. CASUALTIES. The tables
and chairs have been moved out of the way to make room
for injured crewmembers and civilians. TWO N.D.
UNINJURED CREWMEMBERS are helping the injured. Keiko
is finishing putting a dressing on a CREWMAN'S arm.
KEIKO
(smiles)
There... that should do it.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE 38A.
43 CONTINUED:
The Crewman nods in appreciation and moves away. As
he leaves, a sudden flash of pain crosses Keiko's
face. She puts a hand to her stomach... but then the
pain passes. She seems okay for the moment, so she
puts it behind her and moves to help another INJURED
CREWMEMBER.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE 39.
43A ON WORF
As he prepares to put a splint on a MAN with a broken
leg.
WORF
(to injured crewman)
There will be a sharp pain as I
set the bone. Prepare yourself.
The man nods. Worf quickly sets the leg and the man
grimaces for a moment. Worf is trying to be of some
comfort... trying to reach out to these people.
WORF
(continuing)
Good... good. You bore that
well.
Worf finishes with the splint and then stands. He
turns in time to see Keiko suddenly give a groan and
hunch over slightly. Worf moves to her quickly, but
the pain passes and she seems okay for the moment.
KEIKO
I'm all right... I think...
WORF
Perhaps you should lie down.
KEIKO
Okay.
She sits, then gasps as a contraction grabs hold of
her again. She hunches over a little as Worf looks on
helplessly. When she looks up, her face is pale.
KEIKO
I'm having contractions...
This is not good news to Worf, who immediately goes
into denial.
WORF
I believe that is not uncommon in
the late months of pregnancy...
KEIKO
I mean contractions... I'm going
into labor.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE 40.
43A CONTINUED:
WORF
You cannot. This... this is not
a good time.
KEIKO
It's not open for debate. Like
it or not -- this baby is coming.
On Worf's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
44 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Troi, Ro, and O'Brien at the table. Troi is listening
quietly, absorbing the argument as the other two
battle it out.
O'BRIEN
(to Ro)
If the containment field strength
keeps dropping at this rate, we
still have at least two hours
before it becomes critical.
RO
But you're ignoring the fact that
the power coupling is also
damaged.
(to Troi)
If that coupling overheats, the
field strength will begin to drop
a lot faster. We could have a
containment breach in a matter of
minutes.
TROI
What do you suggest?
RO
We should separate the saucer
now, and put as much distance as
possible between us and the drive
section.
O'BRIEN
Excuse me, sir, but that's damn
cold-blooded. What about the
people down there?
RO
There's no evidence anyone is
still alive in the drive section.
O'BRIEN
There's no evidence they're dead,
either. If you were trapped down
there, would you want us to cut
you loose and leave?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FOUR 41A.
44 CONTINUED:
RO
Of course not. But I also
wouldn't expect the bridge crew
to risk the safety of the ship
and hundreds of lives in a futile
effort to rescue me.
Troi stands and moves to the window. She looks out at
the stars for a long moment.
TROI
(without turning
around)
You said there's no way to
stabilize the containment field
from the bridge. Could it be
done from engineering?
O'BRIEN
Yes... but my readings indicate
there's no power down there.
They don't even have monitors to
tell them there's a problem.
TROI
Could we divert energy from the
bridge... to those monitors?
O'BRIEN
Yes, sir.
RO
I'll say it again: there's no
reason to believe anyone's alive
in engineering. We're wasting
time even talking about this. We
have to separate the ship now.
Troi thinks for another moment... finally makes a very
difficult decision. She turns back to face them.
TROI
I believe there are people still
alive down there... and I'm
going to give them every chance.
She moves toward them.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FOUR 42.
44 CONTINUED:
TROI
Assuming they are alive, they'll
be hoping there's someone up here
to help them. So we'll help
them.
(to O'Brien
Divert the necessary power to
engineering.
O'BRIEN
(stands)
Aye, sir.
Ro stands too, but she hasn't acquiesced.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 43.
44 CONTINUED:
RO
I remind you, Counselor... that
power coupling could overheat at
any time. By not separating the
ship now, you may be responsible
for all our deaths.
Troi looks her square in the eye.
TROI
Thank you, Ensign. Proceed.
Ro turns and EXITS, leaving Troi to wrestle with the
consequences of her decision.
CUT TO:
45 INT. TURBOSHAFT
The vertical shaft is very dark. There is a single
ladder that runs the length of the shaft. Picard is
on the ladder and is tied to Jay Gordon, Patterson and
Marissa in turn by optical cables that have been
fashioned into a safety rope. Picard is just below a
door that has the words "DECK 7" in big letters (the
turbolift was stuck on Deck 11). Picard is struggling
with an open panel in an effort to open the doors, but
it's very difficult to stay on the ladder and work the
panel with all his weight on one leg.
Picard works for another moment... presses a final
relay and watches the doors... nothing happens. He
wants to scream in frustration, but he takes a beat to
get his temper under control.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 43A.
45 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to children)
I can't open this door.
Picard looks up at...
45A POV PICARD - THE TURBOSHAFT (OPTICAL)
The shaft stretches seven stories above them. There
are other hatches visible in the shaft.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT FOUR 44.
45A CONTINUED:
PICARD'S VOICE
(continuing)
We'll have to climb up to the
next deck.
45B RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)
As before. There are looks of dismay from the
children. Patterson looks like he's losing it again --
he's near tears.
PATTERSON
What if that one doesn't open
either?
JAY GORDON
Then we'll never get out.
MARISSA
Quiet. That's an order.
PICARD
(firm)
We're going up. Ready?
MARISSA
(crisp)
Ready, sir.
Jay Gordon and Patterson glumly nod and Picard begins
the slow process of pulling himself up the ladder,
using only his left leg. The children slowly follow
him up the ladder for a few beats... suddenly there
is a SOUND OF SHRIEKING METAL from o.c. Picard looks
down.
PICARD
(urgent)
The lift's falling! Hang on!
They all freeze on the ladder just as there is a
WHOOSH and then a CRASH from below them which SHAKES
the ladder.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT FOUR 45.
46
thru OMITTED
49
49A ANGLE ON PATTERSON
He hangs on to the ladder in terror as it SHAKES. The
shaking STOPS after a moment, but Patterson continues
to cling to the ladder for dear life and his eyes are
shut tight with fear and his breathing is rapid.
49B NEW ANGLE
Including Picard and the other two children. He can't
see Patterson from his angle.
PICARD
We're all right. We're going to
keep climbing. Don't look down.
Picard starts up, and Marissa and Jay Gordon follow,
but Patterson is frozen to the ladder... the optical
cable pulls Jay Gordon up short and he turns around.
Picard and Marissa also stop.
JAY GORDON
(to Patterson)
What's wrong?
MARISSA
He's scared.
PICARD
(to Patterson)
We're right here with you,
Patterson. You're not going to
fall.
Patterson closes his eyes and trembles slightly.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT FOUR 46.
49B CONTINUED:
PICARD
(continuing)
Everything will be all right if
you keep moving.
Patterson doesn't respond except to clutch the ladder
tighter. Picard knows they have to get moving.
PICARD
(continuing)
What we need -- is a climbing
song. Marissa, what's a song you
sing in school?
MARISSA
"The Laughing Vulcan and His Dog"?
PICARD
I'm afraid I don't know that one.
(beat)
I know -- "Frere Jacques". We
used to sing that when I was your
age. Patterson, do you know that
song?
No response.
PICARD
It goes like this... "Frere
Jacques, Frere Jacques... "
MARISSA
"... dormez vous, dormez vous... "
Picard, Marissa and Jay Gordon begin singing.
ALL BUT PATTERSON
"... sonnez les matines, sonnez
les matines, ding din dong, ding
din dong. Frere Jacques... "
Finally Patterson begins to join in, softly.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 47.
49B CONTINUED:
ALL
"... Frere Jacques, dormez vous,
dormez vous... "
Picard begins hauling himself up once again, as they
all keep singing. Patterson hesitates, but -- still
singing -- begins to climb.
CUT TO:
50 INT. TEN FORWARD
Keiko has been moved away from everyone else to
provide some privacy and is propped up on some
cushions. She is in a lot of pain and she's very
sweaty and tired. Worf is kneeling next to her,
holding a PADD. The first aid kit is nearby. Worf is
way out of his element here, and he's uncomfortable.
WORF
Your contractions are now only
twenty seconds apart.
KEIKO
(weakly)
It feels like they're constant...
WORF
They will continue to come closer
together until you reach the
bearing down phase.
He plays the tricorder toward her and nods
approvingly.
WORF
Dilation has gone to nine
centimeters since the onset of
labor.
(to Keiko)
That did not take long.
KEIKO
Easy for you to say...
She breaks off as another contraction begins, closes
her eyes and breathes deeply to help deal with the
pain. Worf, feeling helpless, places his hand on her
belly.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 48.
50 CONTINUED:
WORF
You are doing very well. I am
sure the child will arrive soon.
Keiko doesn't answer; she's too absorbed in managing
the contraction. Then it releases and her eyes open.
Worf studies the tricorder.
KEIKO
Worf... has the baby turned?
Worf absorbs this question, tries to figure out what
in the world she's talking about. He is trying to be
the comforting expert in a situation where he's way
over his head.
WORF
Turned... ?
KEIKO
So the head is down. Doctor
Crusher told me a few days ago it
hadn't... but she wasn't worried
because I still had a month to
go...
Worf nods. Then he places his hands on her abdomen,
gingerly prods and presses.
WORF
I am not certain.
(beat)
Can't you tell?
She shakes her head.
KEIKO
Worf... have you ever done this
before? Delivered a baby?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 49.
50 CONTINUED:
WORF
(beat)
No. But I have taken the
Starfleet Emergency Medical
Course. In a computerized
simulation, I assisted in the
delivery of a human baby.
KEIKO
Sometimes... things don't go by
the book...
Of which Worf is supremely aware. But he pats her
shoulder, hoping to reassure her.
WORF
I am sure everything will be
fine.
He takes refuge in the tricorder as another
contraction grips Keiko.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 50.
51
thru OMITTED
52A
53 INT. CARGO BAY
Geordi and Beverly are dragging the last container
into place in front of the spacedoor. As Beverly
talks, they set the container down, then move to the
ladder and nearby console.
BEVERLY
Once the air is vented, the first
thing you'll feel is extreme
pressure in your lungs... you'll
have to resist the temptation to
exhale. Next, your hands and
feet will get cold, then numb...
and some of the capillaries in
exposed sections of skin may
burst.
GEORDI
(dry)
Sounds like fun.
BEVERLY
We'll have about fifteen seconds
of useful consciousness left.
After that, there's about ten
seconds of extreme
disorientation, then we pass out.
GEORDI
(indicates panel on far
wall)
After the air has been evacuated,
one of us will have to get to
that panel and repressurize the
bay.
Beverly nods, understanding. Geordi finishes tapping
in commands and checks the panel one last time.
GEORDI
We're ready.
They both begin to hyperventilate and then lean over
the console and wrap their arms tightly around it.
Geordi presses a control on the console.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR 51.
54 ON SPACE DOOR (OPTICAL)
The door OPENS. The blue outline of the
pressurization field is visible around the door.
55 ON GEORDI & BEVERLY
They continue to hyperventilate... then both take a
deep breath and hold it. Geordi presses one more
control and then quickly wraps his arm back around the
console.
56 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The blue outline DISAPPEARS from around the door and
the bay DEPRESSURIZES. There is a ROAR OF AIR rushing
out the door and the quaratum containers are BLOWN out
of the door.
57 ON GEORDI & BEVERLY (OPTICAL)
They desperately hang on to the console as the wind
rips past them. Suddenly the WIND STOPS as the bay is
evacuated. (There should be NO SOUND HEARD from this
point until the bay is repressurized.)
58 ON PLASMA FIRE (OPTICAL)
The fire is SNUFFED OUT.
59 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Geordi frantically enters commands into the console
and the spacedoor starts to slowly CLOSE.
60 ON GEORDI & BEVERLY.
The pressure in their bodies are starting to affect
them already. The door finally closes... Geordi &
Beverly both move for the atmospheric control panel on
the far wall... Geordi gets about halfway across the
bay before becoming disoriented and dizzy... he falls
to the floor in confusion.
61 ON BEVERLY
Beverly can barely focus her eyes at this point, but
she manages to make it to the controls.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT FOUR 52.
61 CONTINUED:
She slaps the button and there is a LOUD WHOOSH of air
as the bay is pressurized once again. Geordi and
Beverly gratefully suck in the precious air. They sit
on the floor and look at each other for a moment...
just grateful to be alive.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE 53.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship hangs in space.
63 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Troi in command, Ro at tactical, O'Brien at
engineering, and Mandel at ops. Troi is under
tremendous pressure; wrestling with the decision of
whether or not to separate the ship, and holding the
balance between O'Brien and Ro.
RO
The field strength is down to
twenty percent. We can't run the
risk of staying here any longer.
O'BRIEN
We're not in danger until it
drops below fifteen percent. We
can afford to wait and see if
anyone in engineering notices
those monitors.
Troi considers for a moment, then --
TROI
Have you made preparations to
separate the Saucer Section?
RO
Yes, sir. We're in stand-by mode
for docking latches and --
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE 54.
63 CONTINUED:
O'Brien suddenly sees something on his monitor and
reacts in alarm.
O'BRIEN
Ensign -- there's a thermal
inversion in the power coupling!
Ro moves quickly to him.
RO
Quick... cross-connect it to the
transfer coil.
O'Brien and Ro work feverishly for a moment... then
the danger passes and they visibly relax. Troi,
having no idea what's gone on, is alarmed.
TROI
What happened?
RO
Exactly what I said might happen.
The power coupling overheated and
the entire containment field
almost collapsed.
There is a beat as Ro takes Troi's measure, moves a
step closer.
RO
(firmly)
O'Brien's fixed it temporarily,
but it could happen again at any
moment, and next time we might
not be able to stop it. You
can't let wishful thinking guide
your decision. It's time to
leave, Counselor.
Troi's voice never rises, but her tone and bearing
make it clear who's in charge.
TROI
We will separate the ship when I
have decided that it's time, not
before. Is that clear, Ensign?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE 55.
63 CONTINUED:
Ro has no choice but to accept, but her eyes say she
has not backed down.
RO
Yes. Perfectly.
64
thru OMITTED
73
73A INT. ENGINEERING (FORMERLY SCENE 51)
There are several blown out panels in engineering and
one or two dead bodies. The emergency isolation door
has sealed the room off from the engine core. Riker
is working on an open panel with a hand tool. He
makes some final adjustment and then speaks to Data,
who is o.c.
RIKER
Okay, try it.
DATA (o.c.)
Very good, Commander. You have
established the connection. I
can now raise the door.
73B WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Revealing that Riker is talking to Data's head, which
has been placed on a drop-down panel. There are
several optical fibers connecting his head to the wall
panel and Data has been positioned so that he can look
at one of the large screens on the table. Data
"processes" for a moment. After a beat, the isolation
door begins to RISE.
73C ON RIKER - INTERCUT WITH DATA AS NEEDED (OPTICAL)
as he quickly moves under the door and goes into
Geordi's office. He is surprised that, in sharp
contrast to the outer area, Geordi's office is
completely powered up. Consoles are functioning and
the normal lights are on. Riker moves to a monitor.
RIKER
There's no power on the entire
deck, but somehow these monitors
are working.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FIVE 56.
73C CONTINUED:
DATA
(thinks)
Commander, the power reaching
those monitors has been diverted
from the bridge.
RIKER
But why... ?
(beat)
Unless there's something they
want us -- something they need us
to see...
Riker moves to another console... the information on
the screen is shocking.
RIKER
Data -- the containment field
strength is down to eighteen
percent!
Riker moves to Data out at the panel.
RIKER
(urgent)
Can you stabilize it?
DATA
(works)
I do not have access to the
containment field. You will have
to establish a new link.
Riker moves closer to Data's head.
DATA
Locate the ODN conduit.
Riker picks up a long strand of optical cable from the
panel.
RIKER
Got it.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FIVE 57.
73C CONTINUED:
DATA
You must now change the input
matrix in my secondary optical
port and then connect the ODN
conduit.
Riker grabs a hand tool and gingerly begins to poke
around inside the panel on Data's head. Data frowns.
DATA
That is not the correct port,
sir.
RIKER
Sorry.
DATA
Commander, you must hurry, the
field has dropped to sixteen
percent.
RIKER
I'm trying. You need a bigger
head.
DATA
The field is still dropping --
collapse is imminent.
Riker finally makes the adjustment and then attaches
the optical cable to a spot in Data's head.
RIKER
All right, try it!
DATA
(thinks)
I have a connection.
(beat)
I am now stabilizing the
containment field.
Riker breathes a sigh of relief.
RIKER
That's using your head, Data.
Data gives him a curious look, but continues his work.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE 58.
74 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
O'Brien and Ro are at the monitors; Troi close by.
TROI
All right. Stand by to separate
the Saucer Section --
O'BRIEN
Sir... the field strength is
stabilizing...
Troi comes to the monitor.
O'BRIEN
Eighteen percent... twenty...
twenty-five...
RO
I guess they got our message.
There is palpable relief on the bridge. Ro looks at
Troi, holds her eyes for a moment, and then, without
any hint of embarrassment...
RO
I was wrong, Counselor.
TROI
You could have just as easily
been right.
CUT TO:
75 OMITTED
76 INT. CORRIDOR - ON TURBOLIFT DOORS
The doors are pried open from the inside and an
exhausted Picard hauls himself up and into the
corridor. Marissa, Jay Gordon, and Patterson come up
after him. Picard leans against the wall... he and
the children smile at each other for a moment and then
Marissa carefully gives him a hug. For once, Picard
is not uncomfortable with the affection of children.
77 INT. TEN FORWARD
Worf is still with Keiko. He studies the tricorder
anxiously.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FIVE 58A.
77 CONTINUED:
WORF
Congratulations. You are fully
dilated to ten centimeters.
(proudly)
You may now give birth.
Keiko just opens her eyes and stares at him.
KEIKO
I thought that's what I've been
trying to do...
WORF
Bearing down is the next stage.
It should start at full dilation.
Why has it not begun?
KEIKO
I don't know... I don't think
it's up to me... it happens when
it happens...
This whole thing is distressing to Worf; it isn't
following the book, and he has no control over what's
happening.
WORF
My computer simulation was not
like this. That delivery was
very orderly.
KEIKO
Well, I'm sorry...
Another contraction starts and she closes her eyes.
This time there is an involuntary groan.
WORF
(hoping)
Did you feel an uncontrollable
urge to push?
Keiko's eyes open and she nods.
WORF
Good! You are bearing down. Now
you must push with each
contraction and I must urge you
gently but firmly to push harder.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE 58B.
77 CONTINUED:
Keiko shuts her eyes again and shakes her head
slightly. This might go better alone. But another
contraction...
WORF
Push, Keiko. Push hard...
And Keiko does...
WORF
Push... push...
KEIKO
(through clenched
teeth)
I am pushing --
The contraction fades. Worf looks pleased.
WORF
The baby is emerging head first.
One more contraction...
KEIKO
Okay...
Another contraction... Keiko groans, pushes...
WORF
That's good -- push... harder...
(amazed)
I have the baby!
Keiko gasps and sags back.
WORF
I will now smack the child to
induce breathing --
But before he can carry out that step, the baby starts
crying lustily. Worf, holding the slippery little
package, smiles broadly.
WORF
I believe she looks like Chief
O'Brien.
He wraps the baby in a blanket and hands her to Keiko,
who is spent and exhausted but thrilled. She takes
the bundle, cradles it to her, then looks up at Worf.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/21/91 - ACT FIVE 59.
77 CONTINUED:
KEIKO
You were wonderful, Worf. I
couldn't have done it without
you.
He inclines his head modestly.
CUT TO:
77A
thru OMITTED
78
79 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship moving at warp speed.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. We
are en route to Starbase Sixty-seven,
to undergo repairs. Life
aboard the Enterprise is slowly
returning to normal.
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/21/91 - ACT FIVE 60.
80
thru OMITTED
81
82 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Troi, Marissa, Jay Gordon, and Patterson ENTER from
the turbolift and go to Riker, who is in command. Data,
Worf, and Ro are at their stations. Jay Gordon is
carrying a plaque. (He is holding it against his
chest with the lettering facing outward. It has been
signed by the three children.) Riker stands and smiles
at Troi as she approaches.
RIKER
(joking)
Just can't stay away from the big
chair anymore, can you?
TROI
(right back at him)
I don't think I'm cut out to be
captain... first officer,
maybe... I understand there
aren't many qualifications.
Riker takes the shot with grace.
RIKER
(to com)
Captain Picard to the bridge,
please.
Picard ENTERS from the ready room.
RIKER
There are some visitors here to
see you, Captain.
The three children immediately move forward. Picard
is a little surprised to see them here, but he smiles
at them.
PICARD
Hello. It's good to see you
again. What brings you to the
bridge?
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/21/91 - ACT FIVE 61.
82 CONTINUED:
Jay and Patterson immediately look to Marissa, who's
now become the unofficial leader of the group. She's
still naturally shy and quiet, but now she is able to
meet Picard's eyes directly and her voice has a
stronger timbre than before. She reads the plaque
that Jay Gordon is holding.
MARISSA
(reading plaque)
"In appreciation for the way you
helped us get out of the
turboshaft, and the way you
helped us not be scared."
(looking up at Picard)
We want to present to you this
com-mem-mor-a-tive plaque.
(whispers to Jay
Gordon)
Give it to him.
Jay Gordon solemnly moves forward and gravely gives
Picard the plaque. Picard receives it in the same
spirit of seriousness in which it is given.
PICARD
Thank you, very much.
PATTERSON
I made the back piece.
PICARD
And you did a wonderful job.
Later this afternoon, we'll
finish the tour I promised you.
(beat)
Starting with the battle bridge.
Eager smiles and reactions from the children.
PICARD
I'll see you at fourteen hundred
hours.
(as he turns to go to
the Ready Room)
You have the bridge, Number One.
RIKER & MARISSA
Aye, sir.
Riker and Marissa look at each other and as the others
react, we...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/20/91 - ACT FIVE 62.
83
thru OMITTED
83B
84 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship warping away.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
STXT
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