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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Unnatural Selection"
#40272-133
Written by
Mike Gray and John Mason
Directed by
Paul Lynch
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 1988 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 This script is not for publication or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
NOVEMBER 10, 1988
STAR TREK: "Unnatural Selection" - DRAFT 11/10/88 CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Unnatural Selection"
CAST
PICARD RINA
RIKER DR. SARA MANDEL
GEORDI CAPTAIN TAGGERT
PULASKI CREWMEMBER
WESLEY TRANSPORTER OPERATOR
TROI MEDIC
DATA
WORF
Non-Speaking Voice-Over
USS ENTERPRISE COM PANEL/COMPUTER VOICE
2 CREWMEMBERS TRANSPORTER COM VOICE
USS LANTREE
CREWMEMBER (DEAD)
CAPTAIN TELAKA (DEAD)
2 TWENTY-YEAR OLD "CHILDREN"
STAR TREK: "Unnatural Selection" - DRAFT 11/10/88 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Unnatural Selection"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS USS LANTREE
TEN FORWARD
MAIN ENGINEERING DARWIN RESEARCH STATION
ENGINEERING CONTROL ROOM
TRANSPORTER ROOM
CORRIDOR
SICKBAY
SICKBAY SCIENCE LAB
CONFERENCE ROOM
TROI'S OFFICE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
SHUTTLE BAY
SHUTTLE BAY CONTROL ROOM
SHUTTLECRAFT
PULASKI'S QUARTERS
TURBOLIFT
USS LANTREE
BRIDGE
CORRIDOR
SICKBAY
CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
DARWIN STATION/LABORATORY BUILDING
ISOLATION LAB/OBSERVATION AREA
ISOLATION CHAMBER
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Unnatural Selection"
TEASER
FADE IN:
EXT. DEEP SPACE (OPTICAL)
The USS ENTERPRISE moves through the galaxy at warp
speed.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 42303.7.
The Enterprise is bound for Star
Station India to rendezvous with
a Starfleet courier.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The lights on the bridge are down, with only the OPS
and CONN stations illuminated. An n.d. crew goes quietly
about it's business.
NOTE: THIS DIALOGUE HAS TO BE REWRITTEN:
PICARD (V.O.)
Hopefully the mission will
provide an opportunity to
evaluate our newest staff
officer...
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
A pensive CAPTAIN JEAN-LUC PICARD paces restlessly,
pausing in front of the antique brass ship's barometer
mounted on the bulkhead.
PICARD (V.O.)
In the short time she's been
aboard, Doctor Pulaski has
distinguished herself as a
meticulous and competent
physician. But can someone so
focused on her own specialty also
assume the broader duties of the
ship's Chief Medical Officer?
CONTINUED:
Absently, Picard raps the barometer's face plate with
his knuckle. Surprisingly, the needle moves --
pointing to "STORMY."
INT. TEN-FORWARD
COMMANDER RIKER, GEORDI and several male crewmembers
from Engineering are seated around a table near the
bow ports. The center of attention is clearly the new
Specialist Trainee, RINA, an arrestingly beautiful
young woman.
RINA
... warp drive theory always came
easy for me, but I'm looking
forward to some hands on
experience.
RIKER
I'm sure we'll be able to
accommodate you.
Rina is well aware that Riker is flirting with her,
but she's not flattered. She concentrates on finishing
her drink.
Geordi, on the other hand, seems oblivious to the
tension.
GEORDI
I know what you mean. It's a
really electrifying experience
to be down there where the action
is. Whenever I push the drive
past warp six I still get a lump
in my throat.
Riker takes Rina's empty glass from her hand.
RIKER
(standing)
Can I get you another?
RINA
Tell me Commander. Is it the
custom on the Enterprise for the
First Officer to wait on
trainees?
CONTINUED:
RIKER
(smiling)
If they were all like you, I'm
certain it would be.
GEORDI
(to Rina)
What's it like these days at the
academy? Is Tsiolkovski still
teaching Propulsion Theory?
RINA
Are you kidding? They'll have
to tear down the building around
him. The first time I saw him...
MOVE WITH RIKER as he heads for the bar carrying two
empty glasses. He slides them across the bar to an
n.d. bartender.
RIKER
Same again.
In the b.g. we see DOCTOR KATHERINE PULASKI leave her
table and approach Riker.
PULASKI
Good to see you, Commander. When
you missed your test this morning
we all feared the worst.
RIKER
(turning)
My apologies, Doctor. A minor
crisis...
(beat)
in Engineering.
PULASKI
(not buying it)
You know, a Rheinman tissue
sample sounds a good deal worse
than it is. I can assure you
there's no discomfort involved.
RIKER
It's not that! It's just... my
duties are so diverse.
(beat)
Suppose we leave the appointment
open?
CONTINUED: (2)
PULASKI
Spontaneity is the sand in the
clockworks of science.
RIKER
But it's just an unimportant
detail...
A raised eyebrow from Pulaski tells Riker this is a
dead-end.
PULASKI
If I didn't consider it important
I wouldn't insist. Don't force
me to relieve you of duty to make
my point.
RIKER
You can't be --
(beat)
I'll work something out. But
my schedule is tight for the next
three or four days...
PULASKI
(smiles)
So I see.
They both glance toward the table where Rina and Geordi
are still in conversation.
BEYOND THE PORTS the stars streak toward us at warp
speed.
Rina has a clear view.
RINA
Beautiful, isn't it?
GEORDI'S POV -- He "sees" the ship's navigational
shield as a gossamer scrim of shimmering color, and
beyond, countless waves of energy bursting from
exploding suns.
GEORDI
The most beautiful thing I know.
ON RINA as she turns to face him. She's not used to
hearing men talk like this.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard stands in the darkness, his face bathed in
starlight. He's staring out the port at the same view
that facinates Rina.
A CHIME SOUNDS.
PICARD
(to com panel)
Picard.
COM PANEL VOICE (V.O.)
Captain, this is the bridge.
We're receiving a distress signal
on an open sub-space frequency.
PICARD
(to com panel)
Sound emergency stations, and
respond on the same frequency.
Picard rushes for the door.
EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The great ship sweeps past at warp speed.
INT. BRIDGE
ENSIGN WESLEY CRUSHER emerges from the turbolift
adjusting his uniform and rubbing the sleep from his
eyes.
WE FOLLOW as he stops at the food slct, grabs a cup
of tea, and moves to replace the n.d. crewmember at the
CONN.
PULASKI (O.S.)
(from com panel)
Sickbay on full emergency
status, Captain.
Picard is on his feet with Riker and COUNSELOR TROI
next to him. COMMANDER DATA is at the OPS station and
WORF is at TACTICAL.
PICARD
Stand by, Doctor. Commander
Data. Have we locked on to the
signal yet?
CONTINUED:
DATA
Yes, sir. A voice only
transmission from the USS
Lantree, a Federation supply
ship.
PICARD
(to viewscreen)
Lantree, this is Jean-Luc Picard
of the USS Enterprise. What
is the nature of your emergency?
A long beat of silence as they wait anxiously for a
response.
VOICE (V.O.)
(from viewscreen)
-- can't hold out any -- dying
-- too many -- help ...
(silence)
Riker and Worf glance at each other.
DATA
Sir, we are still recieving their
signal. There is simply no
message.
CLOSE ON Picard's worried expression.
PICARD
(to viewer)
Lantree! Are you under attack?
FADE OUT:
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Underway at warp speed.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard and the others are at their stations.
PICARD
(to com panel)
USS Lantree, this is the
Enterprise, come in, Lantree.
Nothing.
PICARD
Replay that last transmission.
The Lantree's last desperate call is replayed.
VOICE (V. O.)
(from viewscreen)
-- can't hold out any -- dying
-- too many -- help ...
(silence)
PICARD (CONT.)
(to Troi)
Counselor?
TROI
Great stress is all I'm able to
sense.
RIKER
Have we got a fix on her?
DATA
Two point two milli-parsecs,
bearing three-zero at one-four-
five degrees.
PICARD
(to Riker)
Number One?
CONTINUED:
RIKER
We better take a look.
(to Data)
What vessel is it?
Data accesses the computer.
DATA
USS Lantree, a class R Starfleet
supply ship assigned to Gamma
seven seven, Captain L.I. Taleka
commanding. Normal complement,
twenty-six officers and crew.
RIKER
Armed?
DATA
Class three defensive only.
RIKER
Is she still underway?
DATA
Indeed. She is at maximum speed.
Picard and Riker glance at each other.
PICARD
Alter course to intercept.
WESLEY
(enters course)
Course to intercept.
RIKER
Execute.
(to Worf)
Let's go to Yellow Alert.
WORF
Yellow Alert, sir.
The KLAXONS SOUND.
RIKER
Engineering?
INT. ENGINEERING
KLAXONS continue as the crew moves to alert stations.
CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Engineering.
Geordi replaces an n.d. crewmember at the command console.
RIKER (V.O.)
(from com panel)
Give us maximum warp.
GEORDI
Maximum warp, sir.
(to crew)
Let's show 'em what we've got.
The crew springs to action. Rina is electrified.
GEORDI (CONT.)
(to Rina)
Go to the backpanels and give
me a direct reading of the
dilithium temperature spread.
INT. ENGINE ROOM
Rina enters...
And up on the catwalk, one of the crewmember is distracted
by her; he trips, and tumbles over the railing onto
the main deck.
The automatic ALARM SOUNDS. Rina and several others
rush to the man's aid. His leg is broken.
Geordi runs in.
GEORDI
What happened?
CREWMEMBER
My fault, sir. Missed the turn.
Geordi looks up at the catwalk, then down at the
crewmember. Then he looks at Rina.
GEORDI
(pained)
Ensign... maybe you better stay
in the control room.
Rina recoils as if she'd been slapped. But she says
nothing. Wounded, she gets to her feet and exits.
EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In the distance is the USS Lantree, underway at warp
speed. The Enterprise is closing on her slowly.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The bridge crew is at stations. On the viewscreen is
the Lantree.
PICARD
Open hailing frequencies.
WORF
Hailing frequencies open.
PICARD
Lantree, this is the Enterprise.
No response.
PICARD (CONT.)
Captain Telaka, this is Picard,
USS Enterprise. Do you read me?
Only the EMPTY WHISTLING TONE of the Lantree's carrier
signal answers. The bridge crew is uneasy.
DATA
No life signs, Captain.
PICARD
Nothing?
DATA
Nothing, sir.
WORF
This could be an ambush.
RIKER
Force fields up. Arm photon
torpedoes.
WORF
Force fields up.
CREWMEMBER
Torpedoes armed and ready.
RIKER
Red alert.
The KLAXONS SOUND.
CONTINUED:
RIKER (cont.)
What else have we got in the
neighborhood?
WESLEY
No other vessels of any kind
within two parsecs.
The Lantree is now larger in the viewscreen.
PICARD
No battle damage.
DATA
All systems seem functional,
Captain. Everything is in perfect
order.
PICARD
And no life signs.
DATA
No life signs.
Picard turns to Riker.
PICARD
We're going to have to board her,
Will.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise and the much smaller Lantree streak
along together at warp speed.
INT. ENGINEERING
Riker talks to Geordi. Rina is here as well.
RIKER
The only way we can wind up in
the same starfield is if you
bring us out of warp speed at
precisely the same instant as
the Lantree.
GEORDI
First I have to get control of
the her engines. Very tricky.
CONTINUED:
RIKER
That's why we gave you the job.
(friendly pat)
Let me know as soon as you're
set.
GEORDI
Will I be on the away team?
RIKER
(aware of Rina)
Too dangerous for a valuable man
like you.
(smiles)
Fortunately, first officers are
expendable.
He starts out, then turns to Rina.
RIKER (cont.)
Just in case we don't make it
back...
(kisses her hand)
It was a pleasure.
He exits.
Geordi turns to the crew.
GEORDI
I'll man the bridge station.
Our first problem is to gain
control of the Lantree's drives.
(to Rina)
Come on. You'll get a chance
to see what the bridge is like
on alert.
Her eyes widen.
INT. BRIDGE
The first team is on the bridge as Geordi enters,
followed by Rina.
GEORDI
Ready to give it a try, Captain.
Geordi sits at the console with Rina watching over his
shoulder.
CONTINUED:
GEORDI
First we have to download the
Starfleet access codes for the
Lantree...
(punches buttons)
Not even Picard is immune to Rina's beauty.
PICARD
(smiling)
Ensign?
Rina is flattered at being noticed by the captain, but
she's still trying to keep an eye on what Geordi is
doing.
RINA
Yes, sir.
PICARD
Perhaps you'd like to take a look
from down here.
(indicates the area
in front of the
viewscreen)
Frustrated again; but she has no choice.
RINA
Thank you, Captain.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Worf, Riker, Data and a couple of n.d. crewmembers are
preparing to be transported.
RIKER
We're going in amidships
protected by an isolation
forcefield. We'll take one quick
look. Fifteen seconds. If we
don't like what we see, we beam
back immediately.
GEORDI (V.O.)
(from com panel)
We have a lock on the Lantree,
Commander.
RIKER
(to com panel)
Okay, let's drop out of warp
speed. And see if you can keep
us in the same galaxy.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise and the Lantree travel side by side.
AS THE TWO SHIPS DROP OUT OF WARP SPEED, they wind up
separated by some distance.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Riker and his team are ready.
GEORDI (V.O.)
(from com panel)
Sorry about that. We got as
close as we could.
RIKER
That's okay, Geordi. What's a
light year among friends?
Riker turns to the others.
RIKER
If it looks secure at first
glance, we'll proceed to the
bridge.
(beat)
If we find anyone alive, the
medical team will beam over.
WORF
Set phasers for kill.
They set phasers.
RIKER
Let's do it.
The controller touches the panel and they beam away.
INT. USS LANTREE
The away team materializes adjacent to the central
computer. Phasers at the ready, they find no one in
sight.
Data plugs a memory module into the computer, touches
a few buttons, then takes the module with him.
DATA
I have the ship's logs, sir.
Riker scans the area. He glances at Worf.
CONTINUED:
RIKER
Let's see if anbody's home.
Cautiously, they open the door to the adjacent area.
It's empty.
INT. CORRIDOR
Worf emerges. He checks the corridor. Still no one
in sight. Riker, Data and the others follow him out.
Slowly they move on. They come to the sickbay door.
Worf opens it, glances in--and freezes.
RIKER
What is it?
INT. SICKBAY
Every bed contains a body. Worf guards the entrance
as Data scans the bodies with a tricorder.
RIKER
How's the environment?
DATA
No abnormal viral or bacterial
forms.
Riker goes to the nearest bed and looks at the dead
crewmember's face. The man is wrinkled and ancient.
RIKER
They were carrying passengers?
DATA
He is not a passenger. He is a
crewmember.
RIKER
But he's nearly two hundred years
old!
DATA
It would seem they all are.
Riker looks around the room in astonishment. The other
corpses are equally antique.
Riker looks from one to the other in horror.
They back away.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
The door opens and there is Worf at the ready with his
phaser. Data and Riker enter the room.
CAPTAIN TELAKA is sprawled across his desk, face down.
His hand still holds a communications device. Riker
looks down at it. The hand is thin, bony, and
wrinkled.
RIKER
How old was Captain Telaka?
DATA
Thirty-two earth years.
Riker reaches down and gently turns Telaka's head--knowing
what to expect, and still shocked by what he
sees.
The face is withered, and the transparent skin is
stretched over a toothless skull.
INT. LANTREE BRIDGE
The door opens and Riker enters, phaser at the ready.
Worf and Data follow him in.
At the CONN station, a crewmember is slumped over the
console. Like the others, he is wrinkled and ancient.
Grim, Riker moves to the console and touches a panel.
RIKER
Enterprise... this is the USS
Lantree.
Picard appears on the viewscreen.
PICARD
(from viewscreen)
Enterprise here.
RIKER
Captain, the entire crew has been
wiped out.
PICARD
What happened?
Riker looks down at the corpse of the toothless hag
in the first officer's chair.
CONTINUED:
RIKER
It looks like they were in a
battle with time, and lost.
FADE OUT:
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise drifts through space alongside the
smaller supply ship, Lantree.
PULASKI (V.O.)
Chief medical officer's log.
Extensive autopsies performed
on the crew of the Lantree reveal
a gamut of primary organ failures
as the direct cause of death.
INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY
One of the ancient looking Lantree corpses is lying
on a platform surrounded by a forcefield. The platform
moves slowly through a twenty-fifth century CAT scanner
as Dr. Pulaski and her assistants study the readouts
with growing frustration.
PULASKI
(to com panel)
Transporter Room, we're finished
here. Thanks for your help.
TRANSPORTER COM VOICE
You're welcome, Doctor.
Energizing now.
The corpse sparkles briefly then disappears. One of
the technicians touches a control panel and the area
inside the forcefield is flushed with an electric blue
light. Then the protective field is dropped.
PULASKI
(to com panel)
Captain. We've returned the last
of the Lantree crew to their
ship.
PICARD (V.O.)
(from com panel)
How soon will you have an autopsy
report, Doctor?
PULASKI
(beat)
From everything we can see...
they all died of natural causes.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard is seated at the command station.
PICARD
Natural causes? What in nature
could kill an entire crew at the
same time?
PULASKI'S COM VOICE
For the record Captain, these
people died of old age.
Data, at the OPS station, enters a query into his
console, and swivels to face Picard.
DATA
Sir, according to the Lantree
logs the oldest crew member was
seventy-three, and the mean age
of the crew was thirty-two point
six six.
INT. CONFERENCE LOUNGE
All of the regulars are seated around the conference
table.
PICARD
Doctor?
PULASKI
Every member of the Lantree crew
had a complete examination at
the beginning of their last duty
cycle just eight weeks ago.
(glances at Riker)
They were in perfect health.
TROI
Nothing since then? No geriatric
symptoms reported?
PULASKI
A single medical entry noting
that the first officer was
treated for Thelusian flu five
days ago.
PICARD
Thelusian flu?
CONTINUED:
PULASKI
(shakes her head)
An exotic, but harmless rhinal
virus. And there was no evidence
of infection in the first
officer's autopsy.
RIKER
If we don't know what we're
looking for, how can we be
certain the Lantree is safe?
PULASKI
We can't. We'll have to assume
whatever caused this is still
aboard.
Picard clenches his jaw.
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf. You know what
to do.
WORF
(standing)
Sir.
Worf exits.
DATA
Captain, the Lantree's last port
of call was three days ago. The
Darwin Genetic Research Station
on Gagarin Four.
Picard and Riker look at each other.
PULASKI
At the very least they deserve
a warning.
PICARD
(frowning)
I was thinking of a quarantine.
PULASKI
I'll consider that possibility.
PICARD
You'll con --
CONTINUED: (2)
PULASKI
Captain. If Starfleet had wanted
you to make the medical
judgments they wouldn't have
assigned you a medical officer.
Picard gets to his feet, swallowing hard.
PICARD
Number One. Set course for
Gagarin Four. Warp nine. We'll
depart the moment our security
officer returns.
INT. LANTREE - BRIDGE
Worf, surrounded by a protective force field, stands
in front of the Lantree's security station.
WORF
(to com panel)
Codename Firestorm. Access A-D-
three-three-two-four-nine.
COMPUTER VOICE
Federation security code
recognized. Access confirmed.
Worf takes a last look around the bridge. With great
sadness, his eyes move from one crewmember's body to the
next -- comrades in arms -- slain by an enemy they
never had a chance to fight.
WORF
Set auto-destruct. Twenty second
delay.
COMPUTER VOICE
Auto-destruct active. Eighteen
seconds... sixteen seconds...
Worf pauses for a moment, a silent salute to the
bravery of the Lantree crew. he touches his insignia.
WORF
Energize.
He's transformed into glittering energy and vanishes.
COMPUTER VOICE
Twelve seconds... ten seconds...
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
For a moment the two ships drift together as before.
Abruptly the Enterprise warps away. In almost the same
instant the supply ship, Lantree, is engulfed in a
blinding flash.
INT. ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTER ROOM
Worf steps off the transporter platform and heads for
the door.
TRANSPORTER OPERATOR
(good naturedly)
Cutting it a little close weren't
y--?
Worf turns to him, eyes burning. The operator's smile
fades.
INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi approaches the maintenance table where Rina is
working on an exotic piece of equipment about the size
of a basketball. Two enthralled ENGINEERING CREWMEMBERS
are watching her work.
GEORDI
Find it?
RINA
All set. It was the sensor
contact.
GEORDI
(overlapping)
-- sensor contact.
(smiling)
Just like you said it would be.
Let's get it back in the panel
and do a quick line test.
RINA
Yes, sir!
Rina lifts the unit off the table. The two crewmembers
rush to help her carry it -- and the delicate device
is knocked from Rina's hands. Geordi lunges and
manages to catch it inches from the deck. Slowly he
gets to his feet, trying to check his anger.
CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(to Rina)
Come with me.
The embarrassed crewmembers begin packing up the test
equipment as Rina follows Geordi into the corridor.
INT. ENGINEERING - EQUIPMENT BAY
Geordi and Rina are working together to re-install the
unit.
GEORDI
Running the Engineering Section
is no different than running the
drive system. I've got to keep
everything in balance. To get
maximum efficiency out of --
RINA
Don't bother, I've heard it all
before. It's not your problem,
anyway. It's me.
Geordi turns and studies her. He doesn't need to "see"
her face to read the disappointment in her voice. It
makes what he has to say next even harder.
GEORDI
That's right. You've got plenty
of aptitude, but you're
attitude's not makin' it.
RINA
What do you know about my
attitude? How'd you like it if
people always behaved as if
you're some kind of freak?!
Geordi finishes the installation. He closes the access
panel a little harder than he needs to.
GEORDI
(tapping his VISOR)
What do you think this is? My
ticket to success?
He starts past her, but she reaches out and grabs his
arm.
CONTINUED:
RINA
Wait.
(withdraws her hand)
I'm... sorry. Maybe I'm the one
who's blind.
GEORDI
What you are is maybe the most
talented engineer to come out
of the Acadamy since... well
since me. Doing this job's in
your blood. Now all we've got
to do is convince the rest of
'em.
(extends his hand)
Deal?
RINA
(shakes his hand)
Deal.
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise flashes past at maximum warp.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard faces the viewscreen flanked by Doctor Pulaski
and Riker. The rest of the bridge crew are at their
stations.
PICARD
Open hailing frequencies.
WORF
Hailing frequencies open.
PICARD
(to viewscreen)
Darwin Station. This is Captain
Jean-Luc Picard of the USS
Enterprise, on course for Gagarin
Four.
After a moment DOCTOR SARA MANDEL, a woman in her
fifties, appears on the viewscreen. She's haggard and
exhausted.
CONTINUED:
MANDEL
(from viewscreen)
Enterprise, this is Darwin
Station. I'm Doctor Mandel.
We've just declared a state of
emergency here. We need your
help, but you must stand off.
Picard and the others glance at each other.
PULASKI
(stunned)
Doctor Mandel, what is the nature
of your emergency?
MANDEL
(from viewscreen)
To whom am I speaking, please?
PULASKI
I'm Doctor Pulaski, chief medical
officer.
MANDEL
Katherine Pulaski? "Linear
Models of Viral Propagation?"
PULASKI
(impatient)
Yes, but that was a long time
ago.
MANDEL
And still the standard.
(a wave of relief)
I'm sorry to meet you under these
circumstances, but I can't
imagine anyone I'd rather be
dealing with.
Picard and the others glance at each other, slightly
amazed to realize their CMO is famous.
PULASKI
Bring me up to speed on your
situation. What are the factors?
MANDEL
Rapid onset of geriatric
phenomena. One hundred percent
fatal in the advanced stages.
CONTINUED: (2)
PULASKI
Presentation?
MANDEL
Acute arthritic inflammation.
Pervasive and virtually
instantaneous.
PULASKI
Since Darwin is doing genetic
research...
MANDEL
Our research, here, is limited
to human genetics. I assure you
we're not dealing with some
mutated pathogen that "got away
from us." We believe the
infective agent was introduced
by a supply ship that was here
three days ago.
PICARD
Doctor, we encountered The
Lantree a few hours ago.
(beat)
They lost all hands.
Mandel doesn't seem surprised by Picard's news.
MANDEL
That would seem to confirm our
analysis. Were you able to
establish a pathology?
PULASKI
Organ failure consistent with
advanced geriatric --
PICARD
Doctor Mandel! Did you hear what
I said? The twenty-six men and
women aboard the Lantree are all
dead!
MANDEL
I heard you Captain! And the
prognosis is alarming. But my
immediate concern is the
children.
CONTINUED: (3)
PULASKI
(glances at Picard)
Children?
MANDEL
We have thirty-two children here.
They've been kept in positive
isolation since the onset, and
so far they've shown no symptoms.
You must evacuate them as soon
as possible.
Riker glances at Picard. Picard turns to the
viewscreen.
PICARD
(grave)
I'm sorry. We'll lend any
assistance we can, but I won't
risk the lives of --
MANDEL
Doctor Pulaski... you've got to
convince him.
(beat)
These children are more than our
progeny. They represent all our
years of advanced genetic
research. If he can't think of
humanity, think of science!
PICARD
I heard you Doctor. And I
understand completely. We'll
reach Gagarin Four in a little
over three hours. Until then.
The viewscreen shows a starfield as Picard leaves the
bridge.
INT. CONFERENCE LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Worf, Troi, and Pulaski are assembled
around the conference table.
WORF
I recommend against contact,
Captain.
PICARD
Number One?
CONTINUED:
RIKER
I agree, sir. I wish there was
something we could do, but the
risk is too great.
PICARD
Doctor?
Pulaski is scanning notes on a PADD. She looks up as
if she hasn't heard any of this.
PULASKI
As a first step I'd like to bring
a couple of the children aboard
and examine them.
WORF
If they're infected... ?!
PULASKI
Doctor Mandel has assured us they
are not.
Picard turns to Troi.
PICARD
Counselor?
TROI
Doctor Mandel clearly believes
the children are safe, but she
isn't telling us the whole truth.
I recommend caution.
PULASKI
The two children could be encased
in styrolite. They'll be in
suspended animation. We can scan
them for possible infection
without any danger to
ourselves...
(pointedly)
or to them.
RIKER
Until we know what we're facing --
PULASKI
Exactly. And we won't know until
we begin gathering data.
Pulaski leans across the table to Picard.
CONTINUED: (2)
PULASKI (cont.)
Captain, we're talking about
saving children's lives. Isn't
that worth some risk?
PICARD
We're always at risk, Doctor.
You may proceed with your
examination, but I shall demand
positive proof that these
children are harmless before
placing the lives of my crew in
jeopardy.
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise drops out of warp speed in the Gagarin
system.
INT. SICKBAY SCIENCE LAB
Geordi is supervising a flurry of activity as Picard
and the others look on.
WESLEY (V.O.)
Approaching Gagarin Four on
impulse power, Captain.
PICARD
(to com panel)
Thank you, Mister Crusher.
Standard orbit.
WESLEY (V.O.)
Aye, sir.
A forcefield containment has been established in the
center of the room. Geordi turns to Picard.
GEORDI
Containment forcefield ready,
Captain.
PICARD
Activate.
The forcefield engages. Picard nods to Pulaski.
CONTINUED:
PULASKI
(to com panel)
Doctor Mandel, are you ready to
transport?
MANDEL (O.S.)
(from com panel)
You have the coordinates. We
have one male and one female,
standing by.
Riker nods to Geordi.
GEORDI
(to com panel)
Transporter, energize.
Two blocks of transparent plastic begin to materialize
inside the forcefield.
Encased within are two unclothed humans... but they
are not "children" in the usual sense of the word.
They are physical super-specimens. And they appear
to be in their early twenties. Worf is the first to
react.
WORF
A trick!
RIKER
(to com panel)
Transporter room. Reverse the
trans --
PICARD
Hold on that, Number One.
Whoever they are, they're in
stasis. Lieutenant Worf?
Worf cautiously scans them with his tricorder.
WORF
The styrolite's intact, Captain.
TROI
Captain, I...
(beat)
There's a definite presence --
two distinct personalities. Even
in stasis... It's quite strong.
(beat)
They are unquestionably
telepathic.
CONTINUED: (2)
Everyone strains for a closer look.
DATA
Earth humans. Somewhat larger
than normal. Approximately
twenty years old --
Doctor Pulaski is transfixed by the Darwinian children.
PULASKI
Extraordinary.
(awe-struck)
We could be looking at the future
of humanity.
PICARD
(controlled)
Or at least Doctor Mandel's
vision of it.
FADE OUT:
ACT THREE
EXT. ENTERPRISE
In orbit around Gagarin IV.
INT. SICKBAY SCIENCE LAB
The two Darwinian children stand frozen in their blocks
of styrolite. They are being scanned by an array of
devices as medical technicians study the readouts.
From across the room, Doctor Pulaski watches, chin in
hand, thinking.
Picard enters. She looks up.
PULASKI
I want to free them from the
styrolite.
Picard crosses to the children and looks them over.
He turns to Pulaski.
PICARD
Are you absolutely certain
they're safe?
PULASKI
These children are in better
health than we are. Their immune
system is so advanced, it may
not even be possible for them
to contract disease.
PICARD
But how can we be --
PULASKI
There's no way we can be
absolutely certain until we know
what's causing the disease.
PICARD
Then until we can answer that
question, we can't --
CONTINUED:
PULASKI
We don't have that kind of time.
(beat)
Captain, look at these children.
Set aside the fact that they are
human beings and we are their
only hope.
(beat)
We're talking about a new chapter
in genetic science.
PICARD
But the risk. The risk is --
PULASKI
Minimal. They'll continue to
be isolated inside a forcefield.
Picard studies her. Finally he turns to the com panel.
PICARD
(to com panel)
Commander Riker, assemble the
bridge crew in the observation
lounge in fifteen minutes.
Doctor Pulaski has a proposal
she'd like us to consider.
RIKER (V.O.)
(com panel)
Yes, sir.
He starts out, then turns at the door.
PICARD
And Doctor... I'm not one to
discourage input, but I'd
appreciate it if you'd at least
let me finish my sentences once
in a while.
He exits.
She puts a hand to her eyes.
INT. TROI'S OFFICE
Troi is working at her desk. She looks up as Doctor
Pulaski enters.
PULASKI
You have a minute?
CONTINUED:
TROI
Of course.
Pulaski takes a seat, unsure how to begin.
PULASKI
(beat)
Deanna... You've known the
captain for some time...
(beat)
I guess I could use some advice.
I don't think I'm dealing with
him very well.
TROI
Why do you say that?
PULASKI
(shrugs)
My arguments seem to go right
past him. We wind up shouting
regulations at each other.
TROI
It takes time to get to know him.
But he's very fair, and he has
excellent judgment.
PULASKI
I know he's a talented commanding
officer.
(beat)
But he's so caught up in... his
ship, his responsibility... He
doesn't seem able to step back...
to see the whole canvas.
TROI
(puzzled)
Kate, I don't think he would be
where he is if he couldn't see
the "whole canvas."
They are interrupted by the com panel.
COM PANEL (V.O.)
Staff officers report to the
Observation Lounge.
They stand and head for the door.
CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
Maybe your problem is that the
two of you aren't all that
different.
PULASKI
What do you mean?
TROI
Let's just say you're both well
established personalities.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
The A-team is assembled. Picard has the floor.
PICARD
Doctor Pulaski's studies indicate
the children are harmless. She
believes the rest of the colony's
children should be beamed aboard
and transported to a new
environment while there's still
time to save them.
RIKER
Are you sure they're safe?
PULASKI
No.
A murmer of alarm.
PULASKI (CONT.)
In the time we have available,
the only true test is to expose
the children to another human
being.
An audible silence. Everyone is looking at her.
PULASKI (CONT.)
I plan to free them from the
styrolite--inside a forcefield
containment.
(beat)
I'll be inside the containment
area myself.
Another murmer of concern.
CONTINUED:
WORF
You would risk yourself?
PULASKI
They're living beings and they
need our help.
GEORDI
(shakes his head)
I don't like it. If we lost the
force field for some reason...
we could lose the ship.
PULASKI
But the children are in perfect
health. And we can use double
redundant forcefields.
PICARD
As Geordi says, forcefields can
fail. And until --
PULASKI
Captain, I can understand your
concern, but --
She's cut him off again. She glances at him. Picard
eyes her coolly.
PICARD
You say you understand, Doctor,
but I wonder if you do.
Pulaski is up against a wall. She stares at the table
with a hand to her forehead. Picard studies her. He
softens.
PICARD (CONT.)
If you can find a way to prove
the children are biologically
harmless without risking the
crew, I'll do everything in my
power to assist.
She nods. She gets up and heads for the exit. Picard
motions to Troi. The two of them hold back until the
others are gone.
TROI
Captain?
CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
I'm concerned about our CMO.
(off Troi's look)
She's absolutley obsessed with
the medical viewpoint. She
doesn't seem able to step back
and see the overall picture.
Troi has trouble suppressing a smile.
PULASKI
What's the matter?
TROI
Nothing, Captain. Perhaps you
and the CMO just need to give
each other a little more time.
INT. BRIDGE
Pulaski strides onto the bridge and addresses the
viewscreen.
PULASKI
Doctor Mandel, this is Kate
Pulaski.
Mandel appears on the viewscreen and Pulaski winces.
Mandel is visibly older.
MANDEL
(from viewscreen)
Doctor? Do you have a decision?
PULASKI
(beat)
Yes. I'm afraid it's bad news.
MANDEL
How can that be?!
Pulaski stiffens her spine to carry the weight.
PULASKI
The risk to our ship and crew
is too great. Until we're
absolutely certain of the cause
of the disease, the children --
CONTINUED:
MANDEL
But the children were never on
the Lantree!
(beat)
You can't do this! For God's
sake! I demand that you do
something to save our children.
Pulaski is under tremendous strain.
MANDEL (CONT.)
(spreads her withered
hands.)
We haven't much time.
PULASKI
(sets her jaw)
Stand by. I'll get back to you.
INT. ENGINEERING CONTROL ROOM
Geordi is studying a PADD. He's troubled. Rina senses
something is wrong.
RINA
What's the it?
GEORDI
(glances up)
Our error rate is up nearly forty
percent.
She looks at him squarely.
RINA
You mean: since I came aboard.
She's angry. She's about to reply, but she's
interrupted by Pulaski, who comes storming into the
control room.
PULASKI
I need your help. I've got very
little time. I've got to find
a way to test the children, to
make sure they're harmless. And
I need a fail-safe environment.
GEORDI
The problem is, there's no area
on the ship that can be sealed
off with absolute certainty.
CONTINUED:
PULASKI
What about the Sickbay?
(glances at Rina)
Doesn't the Sickbay have
isolated systems?
RINA
The Sickbay has independant
systems, but it's not possible
to totally cut it off from the
rest of the ship. The only
truely independent environment
would be the shuttlecraft, or
something like --
PULASKI
The shuttlecraft?
(to Geordi)
Why didn't you say so?
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard is looking in his microscope when the door chime
sounds.
PICARD
Come.
Pulaski enters.
PULASKI
Captain, I'd like permission to
take the children aboard the
shuttlecraft
Picard reacts.
PULASKI (CONT.)
If the experiment is...
unsucessful, the shuttlecraft
can simply be abandoned here at
Darwin.
PICARD
(studies her)
And you along with it.
She shrugs.
CONTINUED:
PICARD
Doctor, you are the chief medical
officer of the Starship
Enterprise. You have a
responsibility to this ship --
PULASKI
And to humanity.
PICARD
The Starfleet guidelines about
contact with quarantined --
PULASKI
Listen, you don't need to quote
the rule book --
(a hand to her mouth)
She's done it again.
PULASKI (CONT.)
You were saying?
Picard studies her. Finally he gets to his feet.
PICARD
Request approved.
PULASKI
Captain, you said if I...
(beat)
Approved?
PICARD
Doctor, I can't condone the
jeopardy you're assumming, but
I recognize that you have
satisfied my conditions.
PULASKI
(long beat)
Thank you.
INT. SHUTTLE BAY
The children, still in styrolite, are being loaded
aboard the shuttlecraft. Pulaski is supervising as
Data enters.
DATA
Doctor? You sent for me?
CONTINUED:
PULASKI
I did, Commander. I assume
you're qualified to pilot this
shuttlecraft.
DATA
Certainly. I was trained at --
PULASKI
I'm sure you were. Please get
aboard, we don't have much time.
Data looks at her quizzically. He starts to board as
Riker rushes into the shuttle bay.
RIKER
Doctor, what's going on?
PULASKI
We're performing the experiment
aboard the shuttlecraft.
RIKER
The captain approved this?
PULASKI
Yes. Now if you'll clear the
area, please; we haven't much
time.
RIKER
Doctor, I can't allow you to risk
yourself like this.
(to com panel)
Captain, this is Riker --
PULASKI
Commander Riker... that item in
your medical record is still
unresolved, if I'm not mistaken?
RIKER
What does that...
(dawning realization)
You can't be serious.
PULASKI
(to com panel)
Computer, this is Chief Medical
Officer Pulaski.
(more)
CONTINUED: (2)
PULASKI (Cont'd)
I'm relieving Commander William
Riker from active duty for
medical reasons effective
immediately.
(to Data)
Let's go.
Riker is stunned. Doctor Pulaski enters the
shuttlecraft. Data looks at Riker with a shrug. He
follows Pulaski in and the hatch closes behind them.
COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.)
(from com panel)
All personnel, clear the shuttle
bay.
Riker jumps to the com panel.
RIKER
(to com panel)
Computer -- override shuttle
operations! Halt departure!
Secure the shuttle!
COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.)
Riker, William T. Presently on
inactive duty status. No command
authorization.
(beat)
All personnel, clear the shuttle
bay.
Dismayed, Riker joins the other crewmembers moving quickly
to the air lock.
INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Data, at the console, clearly has misgivings about
what's happening.
PULASKI
You'll take us a few hundred
meters away from the Enterprise,
and hold position.
With a raise of an eyebrow, Data turns to the panel.
DATA
Begin shuttlecraft launch
sequence.
INT. SHUTTLE BAY CONTROL ROOM (BLUE SCREEN)
Through the airlock viewing port, Riker watches,
powerless and apprehensive.
COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.)
(from com panel)
Shuttle Bay One is clear. Access
hatch sealed. Initiating
decompression.
DATA (V.O.)
Stand by to open shuttle bay
doors.
COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.)
Decompression complete. Opening
main shuttle bay doors.
Beyond the shuttlecraft, the hangar bay doors begin
to part, revealing the starry night.
RIKER
(resigned)
Good luck, Doctor.
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPISE (OPTICAL)
The shuttlecraft emerges, drifting slowly away from
the Enterprise.
INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Pulaski has turned her attention to the two children,
now lying horizontal, still encased in styrolite.
DATA
We are in position, Doctor.
PULASKI
(more to herself)
This is the only way to prove
they're harmless.
DATA
And if they are not?
PULASKI
(looks at him)
I hate to keep reminding you,
but you are a machine. You'll
be perfectly safe.
CONTINUED:
DATA
That is by no means certain,
Doctor, but I was referring to
you.
PULASKI
(softens)
Medical research is sometimes
a risky business, Commander.
It's all part of being human.
Pulaski adjusts a dispersion device over the horizontal
forms of the two children. She activates it and the
styrolite begins to dissolve.
In seconds it melts away and the children scramble to
their feet -- curious, friendly, and mute.
The female, ASTARTE, touches Pulaski and looks her in
the eye.
PULASKI
(wide eyed)
... Your name is Astarte... this
is your brother, David...
EXT. ENTERPRISE - (OPTICAL)
The shuttlecraft and the Enterprise orbit together
above the planet Gagarin IV.
INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Using a tricorder and other diagnostic instruments Data
assists Doctor Pulaski with her self-examination.
DATA
All within tolerance, Doctor.
PULASKI
(a slight smile)
The manufacturer will be pleased
to hear it.
(off his look)
I appreciate your help, but your
bedside manner needs work.
The children are silently studying their surroundings.
She moves toward them -- and FREEZES.
CONTINUED:
Wide eyed, suddenly gripped with fear, she slowly moves
her arm -- and GROANS in pain.
Data looks at her in alarm.
FADE OUT
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
With the shuttlecraft alongside, the Enterprise is in
orbit around Gagarin IV.
INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Moving with difficulty, Doctor Pulaski makes her way to
the shuttle's command chair. Data rushes to assist.
PULASKI
There was no warning.
PICARD
(from viewscreen)
Doctor!
With Data's help, Pulaski lowers herself into the
chair.
PULASKI
(wincing)
Acute arthritic inflammation of
all joints. It's the initial
symptom of the disease.
PICARD
(from viewscreen)
Good lord!
PULASKI
The children must be returned
to their isolation environment.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Riker steps out of the turbolift onto the bridge.
WORF
Transporter set to original
coordinates, Captain.
PICARD
Energize.
(noticing Riker)
Glad you're here, Number One.
INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Pulaski and Data watch as the Darwinian children vanish
in a sparkle of energy.
PULASKI
Thank you, Captain.
Doctor Pulaski self-administers a hyposray painkiller.
Immediately she begins to relax.
PICARD
(on viewscreen)
We'll have a medical team waiting
for you in the shuttle bay,
Doctor.
PULASKI
I'm afraid that's out of the
question. We still don't
understand what we're dealing
with. That means I'm subject
to the same quarantine as the
Darwin Station.
(beat)
I recommend a delta-level
decontamination of the Sickbay
and the shuttle bay. Shuttle
One out.
INT. ENTERPRISE
Picard is on his feet, addressing a viewscreen
starfield.
PICARD
Doctor!
WORF
Captain, I'll see to the
decontamination myself.
Picard nods, barely able to contain his frustration.
Worf heads for the turbolift. Riker approaches Picard.
INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Data watches nervously as Doctor Pulaski attempts to
stand. She appears to be stiff, but not crippled by
pain.
DATA
How do you feel?
CONTINUED:
PULASKI
(slowly flexing her
fingers)
Not exactly up to factory specs.
(off his look)
The pain is tolerable, thank you.
DATA
Set course for Darwin Station?
The doctor sinks wearily back into the command chair.
She has already begun to show signs of aging.
PULASKI
We're already quarantined. What
do we have to lose?
Data starts to give her a literal response, then thinks
better of it. He punches in the course.
INT. SICKBAY SCIENCE LAB (OPTICAL)
The bio-decontamination team, in protective suits, are
"hosing down" the area using back-pack plasma
generators.
A stream of translucent blue light flows from the
nozzles, filling the air and clinging to the exposed
surfaces for a moment before evaporating. Worf's bulk
is undisguised by the suit.
As they move on a second crew, also in full protective
suits, enters the room carrying scanners and checking
for any residual contamination.
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard and Riker are alone in the room, facing each
other across the table.
PICARD
I wish it were that simple, Will.
RIKER
A meaningless detail on a medical
form...
PICARD
I agree it seems insignificant,
CONTINUED:
RIKER
You have the authority to
countermand it.
PICARD
My authority flows from the chain
of command. If you, or any other
officer, have anything less than
full confidence that your orders
will be carried out, then my rank
of Captain is meaningless.c
Riker understands the truth of this.
RIKER
(beat)
Sir, if there's any way I can
help get them back...
PICARD
Of course.
The door opens and Troi enters, followed by Geordi and
Rina. They take their seats. Niether Picard nor Riker
comment on Rina's presence.
WESLEY (V.O.)
(from com panel)
Captain, Shuttle One is decending
to Gagarin Four.
PICARD
(to com panel)
Thank you, Mister Crusher.
(to the group)
The medical emergency at Darwin
Station is ongoing. We'll
continue to assist, but our
immediate concern is the
evacuation of our two officers.
Anyone?
TROI
Shouldn't Kate be involved in
this?
PICARD
Judging from what we saw on the
Lantree, Doctor Pulaski may not
be able to help herself.
CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
(beat)
I suggest transporting them both
back to the ship. We should use
whatever time we have to seek
the best medical resources
available.
RIKER
The transporter won't protect
us. The children went through
the transporter and still
infected Doctor Pulaski.
Geordi raps the table.
GEORDI
The bio-filter can be adjusted.
We could alter the filter to
screen out whatever it is that's
causing...
PICARD
Precisely. We can't protect
ourselves against the unknown.
What we need is a filter that
isn't bio-dependent.
They ponder. Finally,
RINA
What about the "trace?"
Everyone turns to Rina, their faces reflecting degrees
of skepticism.
RIKER
The transporter trace?
RINA
The transporter keeps a computer
record of every transmission,
a footprint if you will. Usually
it's only stored for security
purposes, but if we used the
trace data to control the
reconstitution process...
PICARD
(to Geordi)
Is that possible?
CONTINUED: (3)
GEORDI
I hate to admit it, but it never
occured to me. All I can tell
you is she hasn't been wrong yet.
PICARD
Very well. Thank you Ensign... ?
TROI
Excuse me, Captain. But where
will we get the trace data? As
far as I know Kate's never used
the transporter.
PICARD
Never?
RIKER
She's... a woman of strongly held
opinions, sir.
(beat)
What about a previous assignment?
TROI
Her last ship was the Repulse.
PICARD
(to com panel)
Bridge. Signal the USS Repulse
on the sub-space captain's
priority channel.
EXT. DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - DAY (OPTICAL)
The shuttlecraft settles on a landing pad near the Main
Laboratory Building at Darwin Station.
INT. DARWIN STATION LAB BUILDING
Doctor Mandel several OTHER SCIENTISTS are waiting as
Doctor Pulaski steps out of the lift with Data's help.
During the short journey to the planet's surface she
appears to have aged thirty years.
CONTINUED:
MANDEL
(extends her hand)
Doctor Pulaski...
(beat)
I can only tell you how much I
regret the burden we have imposed
on you.
(a glance at Data)
On both of you.
PULASKI
Commander Data is an android,
Doctor. He is unaffected. As
for me, this was my choice, not
yours.
MANDEL
I still can't believe the
children had anything to do with
this.
DATA
(gestures toward
Pulaski)
The evidence is fairly
conclusive.
MANDEL
But the children were designed
to ward off any disease agents.
PULASKI
(pointedly)
I think it's time we talked about
that.
INT. ISOLATION LABORATORY - OBSERVATION AREA
Doctors Pulaski and Mandel step into an observation
booth overlooking the isolation lab. From here they
can see the children. They are all physically
exceptional.
MANDEL
(looks down)
Our ultimate achievement.
PULASKI
Genetically... engineered...
CONTINUED:
MANDEL
Created!
(beat)
Perfect in every way. Better
than perfect. Their bone
structure, their musculature...
(gestures)
their brains!
Mandel RAPS on the glass.
INT. ISOLATION LABORATORY
Two children playing chess glance up -- and all the
chess pieces disappear.
They wave, and turn back to the game. An instant of
concentration -- and the chess pieces reappear.
PULASKI (V. O.)
(shaken)
What about their immune system?
MANDEL (V.O.)
That was our masterpiece. An
aggressive immunity that attacks
any invader and destroys it
genetically.
PULASKI (V.O.)
That's it.
INT. ISOLATION CHAMBER - OBSERVATION AREA
Mandel faces Pulaski.
PULASKI
Thelusian flu!
MANDEL
Thelusian flu?
PULASKI
The first officer of the Lantree
had Thelusian flu -- an airborne
virus.
(nods toward
children)
How would their immune system
react to it?
CONTINUED:
MANDEL
By altering the genetic pattern.
Forcing the virus into
extinction.
PULASKI
(beat)
I'm afraid that's what's
happening to us.
Doctor Mandel is stunned. She stares down at the two
chess players.
MANDEL
We were so concerned about
protecting them -- we overlooked
the obvious!
(beat)
The one decision we made with
our hearts... turns out to be
a mistake.
Pulaski puts a withered hand on Mandel's shoulder.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
CAPTAIN TAGGERT, of the Starship Repulse, has a full
bushy mustache. He's somewhat younger than Picard,
and his face fills the viewscreen in the Ready Room.
TAGGERT
(from viewscreen)
Sorry, Picard. We purged the
Doctor Pulaski's trace right
after her transfer. Not that
she used the transporter much,
she preferred using the
shuttlecraft.
(shrugs)
I'd have given her a shuttle if
it would have kept her here.
Best CMO I ever served with.
PICARD
Tell me, Taggart. If she served
you as well as you say, why did
you let her go?
CONTINUED:
TAGGERT
(laughs)
I guess you haven't run into her
stubborn streak.
(beat)
The moment she heard of the
opening on the Enterprise, she
put in a request for transfer.
Knew your service record backward
and forward. Apparently she's
been an admirer of yours for some
time.
PICARD
(shocked)
Extraordinary.
EXT. DARWIN STATION - DAY
The shuttlecraft is still on the landing pad outside
the laboratory complex.
INT. DARWIN LABORATORY
Data is at a computer console. Pulaski and Mandel
approach.
PULASKI
He's is trying to isolate the
altered genetic pattern.
MANDEL
But the computer run could take
months.
PULASKI
(smiles)
Not necessarily. Commander
Data... has a way with computers.
The displays in front of Data are scrolling like
lightning.
He looks up.
DATA
(points to display)
Comparing genetic samples
indicates a transposition of
these two proteins.
CONTINUED:
MANDEL
It appears that the antibodies
have been too effective.
PULASKI
What do you mean?
DATA
I believe she is referring to the
fact that the human genome is
self replicating.
Mandel stares at the readout in horror.
MANDEL
He's quite right. Every cell
in our bodies is now programmed
for extinction.
EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit around Gagarin IV.
INT. BRIDGE
Captain Picard struggles to maintain his composure as
he faces the viewscreen.
PICARD
Have you made any progress,
Doctor Pulaski?
PULASKI
(from viewscreen)
The Darwin staff has amassed some
amazing new data on the
physiology of aging --
PICARD
(incredulous)
I'm sure, but right now I'm
concerned about you.
INT. DARWIN LABORATORY
Doctor Pulaski is working at a lab station. Her face
is wrinkled, and her hair is snow white.
CONTINUED:
PULASKI
(shakes her head)
We've isolated the altered DNA,
but the process may not be
reversible. The others are
already at work in the primary
lab -- where I should be.
PICARD
(from viewscreen)
No, Doctor. You and Commander
Data belong here.
PULASKI
(long beat)
Commander Data is preparing to
leave now.
PICARD
(from viewscreen)
Doctor...
PULASKI
Jean-Luc... I appreciate what
you're trying to do.
(beat)
But I got into this by leaping
before I looked, and I won't
allow you to make the same
mistake.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard looks at Riker in dismay.
PULASKI (cont.)
(from viewscreen)
It's still my responsibility,
and the quarantine is still
valid.
(smiles)
I'm afraid this is the moment
of truth.
Grim, jaw locked, Picard sags into his chair in defeat.
On the viewscreen, Pulaski straightens her shoulders
and stands as erect as she can.
CONTINUED:
PULASKI (cont.)
Chief Medical Officer Pulaski's
final report to the Enterprise...
(beat)
Just as changes in evolution are
known to be caused by changes
in the environment, we now have
evidence that the process also
works in reverse.
(beat)
The quarantine of the Darwin
Station must be maintained until
the end.
(beat)
Pulaski out.
FADE OUT:
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
EXT. DARWIN RESEARCH STATION - DAY
The Enterprise shuttlecraft sits alongside the
building.
INT. DARWIN ISOLATION LAB
Pulaski and Mandel say goodbye to Data. He turns to
Pulaski.
DATA
I am sorry I could not be more
helpful, Doctor Pulaski.
PULASKI
(a glimmer of
admiration)
You did everything you could,
Commander.
(extends her hand
with a smile)
As androids go, you're in a class
by yourself.
Solemnly they shake hands. There's an awkward silence.
DATA
Doctor --
PULASKI
Please give my best to the
captain.
Finally, Data turns and exits.
EXT. DARWIN (OPTICAL)
The shuttlecraft rises from the pad next to the
laboratory, then streaks into space.
EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The shuttlecraft approaches the Enterprise, but stands
off some distance.
INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
Data enters a string of commands into the control
console, then gets to his feet. He turns to the
com panel.
DATA
Enterprise. Commander Data ready
to beam aboard.
A shimmer of light and he's gone.
EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The shuttlecraft EXPLODES.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Picard is grim. This defeat has taken its toll. Troi
is concerned.
WESLEY
Sir. Commander Data is back
aboard.
TROI
Jean-Luc, don't try to carry all
the weight for this tragedy.
Kate knew what she was doing.
PICARD
(angry)
If I was certain we had tried
absolutely every --
(he's thinking)
Stand by.
He gets up abruptly and strides to the turbolift. Troi
glances at Riker.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Data, inside an isolation forcefield, is being scanned
by medical monitors.
MEDIC
No life forms present.
Data glances up resentfully. He's about to say
something when Picard enters. He strides forward and
shakes Data's hand.
CONTINUED:
PICARD
Good to see you, Data.
DATA
Yes, sir.
PICARD
Tell me quickly -- you were
unaffected because you have no
genetic material?
DATA
Correct, sir.
PICARD
And Doctor Pulaski's DNA is
altered -- and that's what brings
on the aging?
DATA
Precisely. An almost
undetectable transposition in
the human genome. It takes a
number of interactions of the --
Picard grabs Data by the arm and heads for the door.
PICARD
Come on. We've got one more card
to play.
INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi, Rina and the crew are making preparations to
get underway.
Picard charges in with Data following.
GEORDI
Sir?
Picard moves past Geordi to Rina.
PICARD
Ensign, I need your opinion.
RINA
(taken aback)
Sir?
CONTINUED:
PICARD
You said the transporter could
be altered to filter out changes
in Doctor Pulaski.
RINA
If we'd had the trace...
PICARD
Well it turns out the changes
are in her DNA. If we used a
sample of the doctor's DNA --
say from a blood test -- that
was taken before --
RINA
Could we filter out her genetic
alterations? Absolutely!
PICARD
You're picking up some bad
habits, Ensign, but yes, you took
the words right out of my mouth.
(beat)
Can you make the modifications?
RINA
Of course!
PICARD
Make it so.
He exits with Data.
Rina is dumbstruck. She looks at Geordi.
GEORDI
(smiles)
Hop to it Ensign. You've got
work to do.
INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Picard enters and addresses the viewscreen.
PICARD
Darwin Station, this is the
Enterprise.
On the viewscreen, Pulaski appears -- now well over
100 years old. Picard tries to keep his emotions under
control.
CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to viewscreen)
We may have come up with an
answer, Doctor. We're looking
for a sample of your normal DNA
to use as a filter. We think
we'll be able to transport you
while cancelling out any changes
that have taken place.
INT. DARWIN ISOLATION LAB
Pulaski and Mandel stand before the viewscreen.
PULASKI
(to viewscreen)
An interesting idea, Captain.
(beat)
But what about Doctor Mandel and
her colleagues?
MANDEL
Kate.
(beat)
If this works -- we may be able
to use the same technique to save
ourselves. We have DNA samples.
INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY
Riker and Data frantically search the medical records.
RIKER
A blood test or tissue specimen
-- anything that would provide
a sample of Pulaski's original
DNA.
They've been through everything.
DATA
Afraid not, sir. Her records
were shipped by way of Starfleet
headquarters. They haven't
caught up with us yet.
Riker is stupefied.
CONTINUED:
RIKER
This is ridiculous.
(slams his fist)
A single cell! A single --
They look at each other for a beat -- then dash for
the exit.
INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Riker and Data race for Pulaski's quarters. The door
is locked. Riker speaks to the com panel.
RIKER
(to com panel)
This is an emergency! Unlock
Medical Officer Pulaski's
quarters!
COM PANEL (V.O.)
Riker, William T., relieved of
active duty on
two-three-four-six-nine-point-seven...
DATA
(embarrassed)
Allow me, sir.
INT. PULASKI'S QUARTERS
Riker and Data rip the place apart.
RIKER
Anything! Even a fingernail
clipping!
(looks at Data)
Or a hair!
He lunges for the dressing table. There, on her
hairbrush, is a single blonde strand.
They dash for the exit.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard addresses Pulaski on the viewscreen.
PICARD
Doctor... you should know. This
has never been done before. Are
you willing to chance it?
INT. DARWIN LABORATORY.
Every movement is now painful for Pulaski.
PULASKI
(to viewscreen)
I'll tell you one thing. If I
live through this...
(bends elbow and
flinches in pain)
I'll have a much better
understanding of geriatrics.
(weak smile)
Standing by, Captain.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Several of the panels are off, technicians are all over
the place, and Rina is supervising the modification
of the circuitry. Geordi, Riker and Data are making
last minute adjustments to the control console.
Picard enters, followed by Worf.
RINA
Ready, Captain.
WORF
The isolation forcefield is in
place.
Picard surveys the scene.
PICARD
(beat)
I'll operate the transporter
myself.
WORF
That's not necessary, sir.
PICARD
I'm afraid it is. If something
should go wrong. If Doctor
Pulaski is not fully... restored.
RIKER
(understanding)
Then she's still capable of
contaminating the ship.
CONTINUED:
PICARD
(nods)
In that event there should be
time to redirect the transporter
and... disperse her. It's not
a responsibility I can delegate.
Picard steps to the control panel.
GEORDI
Don't worry, Captain. It's not
going to come to that.
PICARD
You seem to have absolute faith
in the ensign's work.
GEORDI
(glances at Rina)
Like I said, she's never wrong.
PICARD
Very well, then.
(to com panel)
Engage forcefield.
The isolation forcefield rises around the transporter
platform.
PICARD (Cont.)
(to com panel)
Doctor Pulaski, are you ready?
PULASKI
(from com panel)
I suppose I --
Picard touches the panel. His eyes narrow as he
focuses on the empty transporter platform. Everyone
is holding their breath.
Rina looks at Geordi anxiously.
In the transporter bay, Pulaski's form appears... STILL
AGED! Then it fades... then re-materializes.
Riker and Worf glance at each other.
RIKER
Captain...
Picard reaches out, his hand poised above the controls.
CONTINUED: (2)
On the transporter platform Pulaski's energy field
sparkles one last time -- she begins to coalesce --
and all signs of aging have disappeared.
Pulaski, seeing Picard, can't suppress a flicker of
admiration.
Picard, too, has trouble concealing his admiration.
The forcefield is dropped. Picard steps forward and
extends his hand.
PICARD
Welcome aboard, Doctor.
Everyone rushes to welcome the CMO back.
And Riker is ready -- anxious -- to bite the bullet.
RIKER
Doctor... I'm ready to take the
Rheinman test.
Pulaski looks at him quizzically. Has she forgotten?
PULASKI
Glad you reconsidered, Commander.
(to com panel)
This is Chief Medical Officer
Pulaski. Commander Riker is
restored to active duty effective
immediately.
(to Riker)
My schedule's a little tight.
(smiling)
What do you say we put it off
for a day or so?
Picard is at the doorway. Pulaski catches up with him,
and they exit together.
INT. TURBOLIFT
Pulaski and Picard step into the lift.
PULASKI
Captain... If this hadn't
worked? If...
CONTINUED:
PICARD
(clears his throat)
It would have been necessary to
beam your energy into empty
space.
(beat)
Happily, there's no reason to
concern yourself with --
PULASKI
Why should I be concerned about
having my atoms spread across
the galaxy? I imagine that's
what's going to happen every time
I use the damn thing.
Picard's smile turns to laughter.
INT. CORRIDOR
Geordi and Rina are walking together.
GEORDI
Looks like you'll be going to
your next assignment with a
captain's commendation in your
record.
RINA
Thanks to you. And the way
you... see things.
(turns to him)
Tell me. When you look at me,
what do you see?
GEORDI
To me beauty is a constantly
changing thing. Sometimes people
have it and sometimes they don't.
It all depends on their energy.
(beat)
I see your energy and it's
beautiful. But it comes from
within.
RINA
You're the only poetic chief
engineer I've ever heard of.
CONTINUED:
GEORDI
And you're the most able trainee
I've ever met.
(kisses her hand)
To quote our first officer, "It's
been a pleasure."
He looks up, but she's still holding his hand.
RINA
Technically, I'm off duty.
GEORDI
(beat)
Technically, so am I.
They have arrived at the entrance to her room. They
look at each other for a moment.
RINA
Maybe you'd like to come in.
I've got a fabulous collection
of antique star drive drawings.
GEORDI
Sounds riveting.
The door opens. They enter.
As the door closes, we see her arms encircle him, and
they kiss.
EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise moves away from Gagarin IV.
RIKER (V.O.)
Course and speed set for Star
Station India, Sir.
PICARD (V.O.)
Engage.
The great ship clears Gagarin system and disappears
in a flash of light.
FADE OUT:
THE END
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