FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship passes over us slowly, giving a distinct
impression of its great size...
RIKER (V.O.)
Ship's log, First Officer Riker
reporting. Stardate 41997.7 We
are about to make a brief but
necessary contact with the Jarada,
a reclusive race known for its
idiosyncratic attitude towards
protocol... The Federation has been
trying unsuccessfully to establish
a relationship, and now the task
falls to Captain Picard.
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
RIKER sits alone at the Command Area. WESLEY and WORF
man the Ops and Conn; DATA is at Science One; BRANT is in
b.g.
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... In two days we will reach the
area of their planet known as
Torona Four. The Jarada demand
a precise greeting. Their
language is most unusual...
3 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - MOVING IN ON PICARD
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... The slightest mispronunciation
is regarded as an insult.
PICARD is earnestly studying. WE SEE a text filled
with Jaradan (HA-RAH-DAN) figures and their English
equivalents.
4 TWO SHOT TO INCLUDE TROI
sitting across from him, helping with the dialect.
TROI
The double bars indicate an
elongated "s" sound --
PICARD
(nodding)
-- And the inverted "T" means to
hold the "zee."
TROI
Unless... ?
PICARD
Unless it's followed by three wavy
lines; in which case the "zee"
becomes a "bee."
TROI
Exactly.
Picard pushes the text aside and wearily rubs his neck.
PICARD
What a language.
TROI
It is an insect mind.
PICARD
(burnt out)
My mind's barely working.
TROI
Take a break, sir.
PICARD
(shaking head)
No. I want to go over it again.
TROI
You could be over-preparing.
You've been looking forward to
the upgrade of the Holodeck. You
have the time. You need the
diversion...
5 ANGLE ON PICARD
thinking about what Troi's said.
PICARD
Dixon Hill.
TROI
The program's installed and
waiting.
7 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ANGLE ON PICARD
Picard touches the COMPUTER panel on the wall.
COMPUTER VOICE
Planet and city?
PICARD
Earth... United States... San
Francisco, California.
COMPUTER VOICE
Time period?
PICARD
(pondering it)
1941, A.D.
COMPUTER VOICE
File or access code.
PICARD
File Dixon Hill, private
detective.
COMPUTER VOICE
(a beat)
Enter when ready.
Picard steps through doors.
8 INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
... and comes out in a darkly lit hallway, circa 1941.
At the end of the hall is a wooden door with a glass
window. The letters on the pane read "DIXON HILL,
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR."
Picard is pleased. He opens the door...
9 INT. WAITING ROOM/OFFICE - NIGHT
Hill's SECRETARY, a plain blonde with a bubbly
personality, is just on her way to lunch. She looks
Picard up and down with bemusement...
SECRETARY
Very funny, Dix. What'd you do,
lose another bet?
PICARD
I don't understand --
SECRETARY
The bellboy suit. Are you
moonlighting at the Fremont?
Picard looks down at his uniform.
PICARD
The uniform. Totally
inappropriate. Why didn't I
change?
The Secretary hurriedly pulls on her coat and gloves.
SECRETARY
Mister Leech called twice, and
there's a lady named Bradley
waiting in your office. Nice
legs.
In a flash, she's halfway out the door.
SECRETARY
(continuing)
Gotta hot date with my fella.
I'll see ya in the morning.
She gives Picard's uniform one last look -- shaking her
head as she SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HER.
Picard is left alone in the waiting room. He's
thrilled by the detail in this, the somewhat rundown
workplace of the fictional detective DIXON HILL.
A RUSTLING NOISE in the adjoining room reminds Picard
that someone's waiting for him.
As he pushes the door open, the first thing he sees are
the great pair of legs his secretary mentioned.
MRS. JESSICA BRADLEY rises to greet the detective she's
come to see. She's a wealthy woman in her late
twenties who radiates a seductive sensuality. The rest
of her body matches her legs.
She can't help but wonder at the sight of Picard's
maroon and black uniform...
PICARD
Uh, I lost a bet.
JESSICA
Oh well... At least you're ready
for Halloween.
PICARD
Halloween?
She BLOWS OUT some cigarette SMOKE and looks out at
the city, concerned, then turns to him.
JESSICA
I need your help, Mister Hill.
(turning to face him)
Someone is trying to kill me.
MUSICAL STING, FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
10 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship smoothly cruises through the starry blackness
of space. Over this:
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. I
am delighted with how the
Holodeck has created the
fictional world of Dixon Hill...
11 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - ON PICARD
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... the twentieth century
detective who has been a hero of
mine since childhood.
12 WIDER ANGLE TO INCLUDE JESSICA
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
The illusion is flawless. The
computer characters accept me as
Dixon Hill, even to the extent that
Jessica Bradley, a millionaire's
wife from the wrong side of the
tracks, wants to hire me.
JESSICA
I'm not sure who wants me dead.
My husband... My stepdaughter...
PICARD
Or a lover, perhaps?
Mrs. Bradley shoots Picard a sly look.
JESSICA
Perhaps.
(pause)
Perhaps Cyrus Redblock.
She seems to wait for a reaction from Picard, but it
never comes.
JESSICA
(continuing)
I need you to find out. Name
your fee.
PICARD
Twenty dollars a day. Plus
expenses.
JESSICA
Agreed.
She gets up, as though preparing to leave...
PICARD
I haven't said yes yet.
JESSICA
(cool smile)
Oh, you'll say yes.
She moves closer and kisses him tenderly. Picard is
surprised by the warmth of her lips.
JESSICA
(continuing; whispering)
If it's Redblock, he must think
I've got what he's looking for.
But believe me, I don't.
PICARD
I'll take your word for it.
Jessica hands him money. WE SEE a crisp one-hundred
dollar bill.
JESSICA
Here's a C-note in advance.
Consider it a retainer...
(day as she touches
his uniform)
... and next time, could you wear
a suit?
She takes one of Hill's business cards from his desk
and then EXITS, as the captain watches her leave the
office.
Now alone, it's clear he's enthralled by this imaginary
world. He opens the window and looks down on the
street -- WE CAN HEAR THE SOUNDS OF MOVING TRAFFIC AND
HONKING HORNS.
PICARD
(to himself, soft)
Remarkable.
Picard leaves the window. He touches the insignia
on his chest, and a QUICK HIGH PITCHED SOUND CAN BE
HEARD through the closet door in his office. (Picard
knows that this sound indicates another Holodeck
Exit.)
He opens the closet door and finds the portal. Just
before he steps through, there's a knock on the waiting
room door.
13 PICARD'S POV - THE DOOR
The SILHOUETTE of a small man CAN BE SEEN though the
pane. He knocks again, delicately; his knuckles
sounding like a woodpecker rapping on a hollow tree.
PICARD
(calling out)
You'll have to call again. I'm
just leaving. I'm not dressed
properly. I'll be back.
And he leaves -- WALKING THROUGH the EXIT. The office
door OPENS. Leech ENTERS. Mister Leech has short
curly hair and big bulging eyes. He wears a bow tie
and speaks with a strange nasally tone that betrays
a Middle-Eastern background.
LEECH
Not yet, please --
Leech looks around at the empty office, confusion on
his face.
13A INT. HOLODECK CORRIDOR BY SIDE EXIT
Picard walks down the corridor and turns the corner
to the main entrance to the Holodeck.
15 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON PICARD
addressing the computer panel.
PICARD
Memory: save current setting.
COMPUTER VOICE
(after slight pause)
Current setting saved.
PICARD
Holodeck OFF.
17 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
heading toward the rendezvous...
18 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - WIDE ANGLE
The officers are gathered around the table...
PICARD
When I looked down on the street,
I actually saw automobiles!
Worf looks up.
DATA
An ancient Earth device used
primarily for transportation.
WORF
Ahh.
DATA
Also seen as a source of status
and virility; often a prime
ingredient in teenage mating
rituals --
19 ANGLE ON WESLEY
reacting to the idea of "teenage mating rituals."
WESLEY
Teenage mating rituals?
20 BACK TO SHOT
PICARD
I saw an entire city block from
that window.
BEVERLY
It sounds wonderful.
PICARD
I'm going to try it again, only
this time I'm going to dress the
part.
(to Beverly)
Why not come with me?
21 CLOSE ON BEVERLY
surprised and pleased that she's been asked.
22 BACK TO SHOT
PICARD
I also want to take that
historian... the twentieth century
expert...
TASHA
Whalen.
PICARD
Yes, Whalen. He probably knows
more about Dixon Hill than I do.
DATA
I will tell him.
PICARD
Invite him, Mister Data. This
is, after all, a leisure activity.
PICARD
The sense of reality is
incredible. When that woman
kissed me, it was so --
Picard cuts off when he realizes Beverly is staring at
him. She chooses an adjective and finishes his
sentence...
BEVERLY
Exciting?
22 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Real.
(clears throat)
The subject of this meeting is
the Jaradan rendezvous. Proceed
with the briefing, Number One.
Riker has been enjoying the discussion, but he quickly
switches gears.
RIKER
This is primarily a necessary
diplomatic mission. The Jaradan
are strategically important to the
Federation. Previous attempts
failed because they are so easily
irritated. A slip in the
pronunciation of the greeting
caused a twenty-year rift in the
relation.
DATA
Therefore the captain must recite
the entire greeting without any
mistakes.
GEORDI
(amused)
Simple as that.
DATA
(straightforward)
Yes. If, on the other hand, the
captain makes even the slightest
error --
TASHA
-- The captain is well aware of
the gravity of the situation,
Commander.
DATA
I have located a history tape
of the last Federation starship
to come in contact with the
Jarada. It graphically
demonstrates what happened when
that captain offended them.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
The captain is familiar with that,
Data.
DATA
Should we not run it?
PICARD
It's not necessary. Meeting
adjourned.
26 INT. CORRIDOR - ON DATA AND GEORDI
walking together.
DATA
Why would the captain not want
to review all the information
available on the subject?
GEORDI
When you've seen the Jaradan
react once, you don't ever have
to see it again.
Data shrugs and decides to change the subject.
DATA
Dixon Hill is a most puzzling
character.
GEORDI
Not really. He was just a
twentieth-century Sherlock
Holmes.
DATA
But his modus operandi is quite
dissimilar. Worth investigating.
GEORDI
Indubitably, Watson.
Data gives Geordi a look.
27 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON DATA
at Science One. He stares thoughtfully at the blank
screen.
DATA
Computer: request all
biographical information on
fictional character Dixon Hill.
The computer briefly HUMS and CLICKS, searching its
files.
COMPUTER VOICE
Working...... Character first
appeared in pulp magazine,
"Amazing Detective Stories,"
copyright 1934, A.D.
(pause)
Second appearance in novel "The
Long Dark Tunnel," circa 1936.
DATA
Request complete text of all
stories involving said character.
28 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE
as the computer springs to life.
DATA
Increase speed.
The REFLECTED COMPUTER LETTERS DANCE ACROSS HIS FACE
like a horde of green ants. Data's eyes race back and
forth, reading the text at an incredible rate.
29 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The great ship cruises on toward the Jaradan
rendezvous.
30 INT. OUTSIDE HOLODECK ENTRANCE - TIGHT ON PICARD'S FACE
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental...
31 PULLING BACK SLOWLY
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
The Jaradan rendezvous is eleven
hours away...
32 STILL PULLING BACK
It's clear the captain is not wearing his standard
uniform...
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
I am about to reenter the world
of Dixon Hill, this time properly
dressed. An experience like this
is more enjoyable when shared,
so I've invited Lit-historian
Whalen to accompany me. Doctor
Crusher will join us shortly...
33 FULL VIEW OF PICARD
who is dressed like a Forties detective, trench coat
and all.
34 ANGLE TO INCLUDE WHALEN
the redheaded literature expert, looking fashionable in
his three-piece suit.
PICARD
Ready to go to San Francisco,
Mister Whalen?
WHALEN
More than ready, sir.
PICARD
If it's anything like the last
time I'm sure you won't be
disappointed --
Whalen notices the look of surprise on the captain's
face. The historian spins to see what he's looking
at...
35 ANGLE ON DATA
completely decked out for an excursion into the
Forties. He's even wearing a Bogart-style hat,
fashionably tilted over one eye.
DATA
Request permission to accompany
you, sir.
36 BACK TO THREE SHOT
The Captain is too surprised to respond.
DATA
I have mastered the lingo of the
period. Example:
(psuedo-Bogart)
It was raining in the city of
Angels -- a hard rain -- almost hard
enough to wash the slime from the
streets. But it never does. When
the rain stops, the boulevard
dries and the snakes once again
slink from their holes. That's
when my door opens and the
helpless, the desperate, walk
through with a heart full of hurt
and a pocket full of nothing.
37 ANGLE ON PICARD AND WHALEN
amused and delighted.
38 FULL SHOT TO ENTRANCE
DATA
It unearthed half-forgotten
feelings the same way it dug up
sleeping bones in shallow unmarked
graves.
(pause)
It was that kind of day.
WHALEN
(enthusiastic)
Dixon Hill: "The Black Orchid,"
Chapter Three.
PICARD
Very impressive, gentlemen.
Now... Shall we?
The doors open. WE SEE a view of San Francisco, 1941,
over them. The three men STEP INSIDE.
38A INT. HOLODECK
Their faces show wonderment. The Holodeck doors close
behind them.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
39 EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT - TIGHT ON PICARD, WHALEN AND
DATA
as they step out in front of a newsstand in 1941.
The three men turn their heads joyously, taking in the
wonders of this illusionary city. THE MOTORIZED SOUNDS
OF AN URBAN CITY BLOCK fill the air.
A GRIZZLED NEWS-VENDOR standing behind his open air
stand, calls out to Picard...
VENDOR
Hey Dix!
The Men APPROACH.
VENDOR
(continuing)
How's tricks?
Picard doesn't know quite how to answer that
question...
PICARD
Uh, she's fine... just fine.
WHALEN
(to Picard, softly)
Wonderful! He really thinks
you're Dixon Hill!
A passing Pedestrian plunks a dollar on the counter.
He sweeps up his paper and his change, and continues
on.
Picard notes that the sign on the stand reads "JOE'S
NEWS AND MAGAZINES."
PICARD
Say Joe, I'd like to buy a paper
too, but I don't have any money.
VENDOR
Catch me next time, Dix.
He tosses a paper at Picard. The three from the
Enterprise eagerly study its headlines....
PICARD
(reading)
"Hitler on the move... Roosevelt
presses Congress for British
aid... DiMaggio streak reaches
thirty-seven?"
DATA
DiMaggio. Joltin' Joe, the
Yankee clipper.
WHALEN
(to Picard)
Baseball. A national obsession
at the time.
DATA
The streak they refer to, will
eventually reach fifty-six
games...
The vendor cackles again. He's finished with another
customer and is listening to Data with amusement and
fascination.
DATA
(continuing)
And be snapped by a pair of
journeyman hurlers for the
Cleveland Indians --
VENDOR
Cleveland!!!
The Vendor's explosive laughter turns to a hacking
cough as he pounds his fist on the table...
VENDOR
(continuing; scornful)
They got no pitching! They never
got no pitching. What are ya,
nuts or somethin'?
Data continues, undaunted, reciting the facts from his
computer memory...
DATA
The record will stand until the
year 2026, when a shortstop for
the London Kings--
VENDOR
(to Picard,
interrupting)
Hey Dix, what gives with this guy?
(leans forward, studies
Data's face)
He ain't from around here, is he?
PICARD
Uh, no... he's not.
(pause)
He's from South America.
VENDOR
Yeah. He's got a nice tan.
Picard is suddenly struck by something he sees in the
paper. Whalen looks over his shoulder and reads the
headline...
40 TIGHT ON THE HEADLINE
Which reads "WEALTHY SOCIALITE MURDERED"
The subhead reads: "POLICE HAVE SEVERAL LEADS IN BRUTAL
SLAYING OF MRS. ARTHUR CLINTON BRADLEY."
41 ANGLE ON PICARD
staring at the accompanying picture of Jessica Bradley.
PICARD
(somber)
I should have listened to her.
She told me someone was trying
to kill her.
Whalen notes that the captain almost looks guilty that
he didn't do something to protect her.
WHALEN
(softly)
She's a page from a book, sir.
That's all she ever was.
BELL (O.S.)
Well, well, look what the cat
dragged in.
Two police detectives have APPEARED on the scene. BELL
is a large man; a gruff career cop who clearly doesn't
like Dixon Hill. McNARY is a young Robert Mitchum; his
sad eyes show he's seen too many dark things during his
nine years in Homicide.
Data is searching the area, having taken Bell's remark
literally.
DATA
Cat?
Bell's mouth hangs open as he moves in for a closer
look at the strange man...
BELL
What on Earth... Where the hell
did he come from?
VENDOR
South America. Can't you tell?
Bell circles Data, looking him up and down...
BELL
Wherever you're from, while
you're in my town, keep your nose
clean.
Data REACTS. Bell turns his attention to Picard...
BELL
(continuing)
Well, tough guy, this time you've
really done it. Your goose is
cooked, but good.
MCNARY
(looking down)
I'm sorry about this, Dix.
BELL
Don't apologize to him'
(to Picard, belligerent)
Where were you last night between
ten and midnight?
Picard shoots his compatriots an amused glance.
PICARD
That would be a bit hard to
explain.
BELL
Yeah? Well you'll have plenty
of time to come up with something.
You're goin' downtown.
PICARD
What for?
BELL
For the murder of Jessica Bradley.
42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
Geordi and Wesley are at Ops and Conn, Tasha at
Security, Worf at Science One. Brant in b.g. Riker EXITS the
turbolift and STEPS ONTO the bridge...
RIKER
Status report?
TASHA
We're being probed, sir.
RIKER
The Jarada.
TASHA
Most likely. But it's long
range. Can't be certain where
it's originating..
The bridge SHUDDERS, and a brief HISSING NOISE is HEARD
coming from the consoles...
43 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR
The LIGHTS momentarily FLICKER as the probe races
through the bowels of the ship.
44 INT. INTRANCE TO HOLODECK (OPTICAL)
WE HEAR A HIGH PITCHED COMPUTER BLEEP, and the Holodeck
doors open by themselves. WE CAN VAGUELY SEE the
hallway leading to Dixon Hill's office. Then, abruptly,
the doors slam shut.
STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 22.
45 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
The SHUDDERING STOPS. The probing has been terminated.
RIKER
(half-smile)
One could get the feeling they
don't exactly trust us.
GEORDI
Commander, I'm receiving a
subspace message from the Jarada.
RIKER
That's not part of the plan.
(pause)
Pipe it through.
The VOICE WE HEAR is alien and hive-like. To our ears
it SOUNDS LIKE THREE VOICES IN ONE (a deep male voice,
a high-pitched female voice, and a ten-year-old
child's voice).
JARADAN'S COM VOICE
En-ter-prise. The time has come
to honor us. We await your
greeting.
RIKER
This is Commander Riker, first
officer of the Enterprise --
JARADAN'S COM VOICE
-- You are not captain?!
RIKER
No sir, I'm not. I suggest we
commence with screen to screen
communication so we can see each
other --
This time when the Jaradan interrupts it sounds
distinctly angry. WE CAN HEAR A FAINT BUZZING SOUND in
the background...
JARALAN'S COM VOICE
-- You offend us! We will not
show ourselves to a mere
subordinate. We await your
captain's greeting with growing
unrest. End of communication!
RIKER
(sighing)
Terrific.
He turns to Geordi.
RIKER
(continuing)
Get the captain. You'll find
him in the Holodeck.
Geordi nods and EXITS the bridge.
46 MOVE IN ON RIKER
staring at the screen...
47 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON BEVERLY
looking like a well-dressed woman from the forties.
She straightens her dress, struggles with her handbag,
and starts to step through the opening...
Beverly only goes halfway before backing out. She
seems puzzled and disoriented as she looks at the
control panel wondering what went wrong.
Looking a little worried, she tries again...
48 INT. POLICE STATION - ON BEVERLY
This time stepping through effortlessly and coming out
in a police station waiting room. Data and Whalen are
examining the recreated memorabilia on the walls, while
a police SERGEANT does paperwork at the front desk.
Data turns to greet Beverly...
DATA
Hiya Doc. What's shakin'?
(notes her pale look)
Are you alright?
BEVERLY
I'm just a little dizzy, thank
you. I had some trouble coming
through. Where's Captain Picard?
DATA
He's on ice.
BEVERLY
Pardon?
DATA
He's being grilled.
BEVERLY
(a little frustrated)
What is he Data, a fish?
WHALEN
(laughing)
The captain's being interrogated.
(melodramatic)
They think he's committed a
murder.
BEVERLY
(a bit alarmed)
Shouldn't we be doing something
to help him?
WHALEN
Relax Doctor. It's all part of
the game. Believe me, he's having
the time of his life in there.
49 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - CLOSE ON PICARD
his face brightly lit. Little beads of sweat dot his
forehead...
PICARD
I've told you everything I know.
BELL (O.S.)
Yeah? Well, you're just gonna
have to tell us again. From the
top.
Picard leans back in his chair and smiles at his
questioners. Their cigarette smoke swirls around his
head, illuminated by the harsh white light.
PICARD
Very good. I've read all this
before. It's exactly as it should
be.
BELL (O.S.)
Spill it!
50 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - CLOSE ON GEORDI
A grave look on his face. He punches the intercom.
GEORDI
La Forge to bridge.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker here.
GEORDI
(with difficulty)
I can't find the captain, sir.
51 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
RIKER
I told you, he's in the Holodeck.
52 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - CLOSE ON GEORDI
GEORDI
Something's... gone wrong.
53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
There's silence on the bridge. Everyone's heard the
strange halting tone of Lieutenant La Forge. He sounds
serious.
RIKER
What are you saying Lieutenant?
54 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - ON GEORDI
PULL BACK SLOWLY as Geordi stops trying to access the
panel.
GEORDI
I can't communicate with them.
I can't access the program -- and
I can't open the doors.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
RIKER (V.O.)
Ship's log, supplemental. First
officer reporting. Due to an
unknown breakdown in the Holodeck,
we are unable to locate the
captain and his party...
57 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - OVERHEAD SHOT, MOVING IN ON RIKER
RIKER
Tasha, take over. I'm going to
Holdeck Three.
58 WIDER ANGLE
Wesley, at Ops, spins in his chair to face Riker.
WESLEY
Commander?... I've studied all
the technical manuals on the
Holodeck. I think I could be of
some help down there.
RIKER
Geordi's well equipped to deal
with the situation, Wes. Right
now, your duties are on the
bridge.
TROI
(softly)
His mother's in there too, sir.
RIKER
Come on, Wesley.
WESLEY
Thank you sir.
They EXIT the bridge and Tasha takes Riker's seat.
59 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
The captain is still sitting under the hot light of an
arc lamp. Bell is leaning forward, intensely grilling
him. McNary stands in the shadows...
BELL
... And you say you'd never met
her before she came to hire you.
PICARD
I've already told you that.
Twice.
BELL
Yeah? Well you're gonna tell me
again.
PICARD
(rising)
Look fellows, this is no longer
amusing.
The big cop roughly shoves Picard back into his seat.
Picard is surprised by the amount of force he uses.
McNary quickly moves in, restraining his partner.
McNARY
Easy, Mike!
He moves the steaming detective away from Picard.
BELL
You think you're tough, Hill!
But you're nothing! You're
garbage!
Bell angrily shakes free from his partner's grasp.
McNary goes over and crouches by Picard.
McNARY
(small smile)
Don't take him too seriously, Dix.
His old lady's been giving him
a hard time. You know how it is.
PICARD
I need to get out of here.
McNARY
Yeah. I'll see what I can do.
60 INT. POLICE STATION WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
Whalen and Data continue to move about the room,
fascinated by everything from the chairs to the light
bulbs. To them, this is a firsthand look at ancient
history.
Beverly is once again struggling with her handbag when
she notices that the desk sergeant is staring at her...
BEVERLY
(moving toward him)
Something on your mind?
SERGEANT
Yeah. But I'm not sure I can
repeat it in mixed company.
(leering)
You're a pretty hep lookin' broad.
BEVERLY
Is that good?
SERGEANT
It ain't bad. You like Charlie
McCarthy?
BEVERLY
McCarthy?... Oh, you mean the man
who hunted Communist witches.
SERGEANT
(lecherous)
I got two tickets to the show
tomorrow night.
DATA (O.S.)
Do you mind if I experiment with
this device?
Data is standing beside the desk, gazing at a vending
machine. The sergeant is greatly annoyed at being
interrupted while making his move.
SERGANT
I don't care what you do.
DATA
Thanks, Mac.
The sergeant is about to continue, but is once again
sidetracked by Data. The android is going haywire,
pulling lever after lever at super speed. The sergeant
can't believe his eyes.
SERGEANT
Who is this jerk?
61 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
Bell and McNary have been arguing in a corner of the
room. As McNary approaches Picard, it's clear that
he's won for the time being.
McNARY
Okay Dix. We're bustin' you out
of here.
PICARD
(rising)
That's welcome news.
BELL
(calling out, hostile)
You better not try to leave town.
PICARD
(wry)
It's been a pleasure, sir.
Bell glowers at him and EXITS the room, slamming the
door behind him.
PICARD
(dryly)
I get the feeling he doesn't like
me.
McNARY
We know you're dealing with The
Fat Man, Dixon. Take it from a
friend; it doesn't help your case.
PICARD
I'll keep it in mind.
He rises and offers his hand to McNary. For some
reason it really does feel like he's an old and trusted
friend.
PICARD
Thank you. For helping me.
McNARY
Forget it.
(pats Picard's shoulder)
When you comin' over for supper?
The kids'd love to see you, and
you know how much you love
Sharon's cooking.
PICARD
(thoughtful smile)
Soon, my friend. But at the
moment I have other duties.
McNARY
Blonde or brunette?
The two men share a laugh. McNary opens the door...
PICARD
(choosing his words)
She's a lady all right... and her
name's Enterprise.
McNARY
Sounds like a working girl.
(laughs)
I'll stop by the office with a
bottle of scotch. You can tell
me all about her.
62 INT. WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
Picard steps out into the waiting room.
WHALEN
Have a good time?
PICARD
I'm not sure. Sometimes it seemed
too real.
(to Beverly)
Glad you could make it.
(looks her up and down)
I must say, you wear it well.
BEVERLY
(sly smile)
Why thank you, Mister Hill.
They lock eyes for a moment...
PICARD
I think it's time we got back to
the Enterprise.
WHALEN
(good-natured)
We are on the Enterprise, Captain.
PICARD
(chuckling)
Yes. Of course we are.
BEVERLY
Do we have time to see your
office?
PICARD
I don't see why not.
Picard leads them to the door. Data begins to
struggle with the doorknob. He pushes and pulls on
it as the others look on in amusement. Finally Whalen
reaches over and shows him the way. Picard pulls the
door open...
63 INT. OPEN DOOR LEADING TO HALLWAY (OPTICAL)
WE CAN SEE the hallway in Dixon Hill's office building.
PICARD
The Holodeck makes excellent use
of a finite space.
64 INT. DIXON HILL'S WAITING ROOM
They ENTER to find the same little man we saw before,
waiting for Dixon Hill.
LEECH
Ah, Mister Hill. You've been
avoiding me.
WHALEN
(to Picard)
It's Felix Leech! It has to be.
LEECH
You know me, sir?
WHALEN
Well, I've read about you. Many
times.
Picard steps past Leech, leading his crew into the
office...
PICARD
I'm sorry Mister Leech, but we
really must be going. Call again
tomorrow.
Leech follows them, growing angry...
LEECH
You're being quite rude, Mister
Hill. You haven't even introduced
me to your charming companions.
Picard goes to the exiting place.
PICARD
That'll have to wait.
LEECH
(raising voice)
We have business! Urgent
business.
Picard turns to see that Leech has pulled a gun on him.
LEECH
(continuing)
You're not going anywhere. Not
until we have a little chat.
67 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
as Tasha punches the intercom...
TASHA
Bridge to Holodeck. We're
approaching Torona Four.
68 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ANGLE ON RIKER
with Wesley, Geordi and technicians working behind
him.
RIKER
Any word from the Jarada?
TASHA'S COM VOICE
Not a thing, sir.
RIKER
They may be testing us. Seeing
if we'll stick to the
arrangements.
TASHA'S COM VOICE
What do we do now, sir?
WORF
We wait.
GEORDI
(to Riker)
Everything checks out so far.
Ensign Crusher believes the
trouble may have been caused by
the Jaradan probe. If so, it
could be very difficult to
locate.
71 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
Leech is still holding a gun on everyone.
LEECH
(perturbed)
I'm not a man to be toyed with,
Mister Hill. You were hired to
locate a certain object. I demand
to know what you've done with it.
PICARD
I can't help you, Mister Leech.
I'm afraid this game is over.
LEECH
I assure you, this is no game!
WHALEN
(laughing)
Take it from me Leech, you'll
never find it.
(moves toward him)
Now... give me the gun.
Whalen takes another step -- a SHOT RINGS OUT. The
historian staggers backwards, amazed at the hole in
his chest. A circle of blood spreads as he slumps
to the floor. Beverly rushes to him, he looks up at
Picard, shock registering on his pale face.
WHALEN
(continuing; softly)
But... they're not real.
BEVERLY
This man has been shot. If we
don't get him to Sickbay, he'll
die.
This game is now being played for keeps.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
72 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
Beverly is ministering to the fallen form of Whalen.
BEVERLY
There's massive internal bleeding --
PICARD
How could this happen?
LEECH
It'll happen again if you don't
cooperate.
Picard is furious. He lunges at Leech, striking him
and knocking the gun from his hands. Leech is
startled, backing out of the room, wide-eyed...
LEECH
(continuing)
You struck me! How dare you!
When Picard moves toward him, he backpedals hurriedly
to the door.
LEECH
(continuing; almost
hyperventilating)
You'll be sorry! The Fat Man
isn't going to like this!
He SCOOTS OUT the door and around the corner. Picard
instinctively starts to go after him--
BEVERLY
We have to get him to Sickbay!
PICARD
(to computer)
Exit!
They look to the wall. No response.
PICARD
(continuing)
Computer! Exit!:
Still no response.
PICARD
(continuing)
We'll try the other exit.
Data dashes to the other exit.
72A ON DATA
At the non-existent exit.
DATA
Computer! Identify exit!
Nothing happens. Data turns and sprints back to the
others.
72B FULL SHOT.
Data REJOINS the group.
DATA
There is a programming
malfunction. The computer refuses
to identify the exits.
BEVERLY
I'm losing his pulse!
Picard GOES TO the wall.
PICARD
Computer, this is the captain!
Identify exit!
He walks along the wall, pounding it angrily, hunting
for the exit.
73 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
RIKER
Standard orbit, Mister Worf.
WORF
Aye sir, standard orbit.
75 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE EMPHASIZING RIKER
who's looking at the screen with great concern and more
than a little anger. He punches the intercom...
RIKER
Riker to Holodeck.
76 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ON GEORDI AND WESLEY
intensely examining a complex circuitry panel.
GEORDI
(trace of frustration)
Nothing yet, Commander.
77 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
fit to be tied.
RIKER
We're running out of time.
81 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
The three from the Enterprise are still combing the
walls.
BEVERLY
It's no use. It's just not here
anymore.
Picard backs away from the wall, looking grim.
PICARD
Suggestions, Mister Data?
DATA
I am at a loss. We are in a
Holodeck-created building of 1941.
The computer has refused to accept
voice commands. The controls for
the environment are therefore not
accessible. They are outside in
the reality of the Holodeck.
BEVERLY
I could use some light.
Data grabs a floor lamp to help Beverly. He is
mystified by the lamp cord, when it pulls from its
socket and the lamp GOES OUT. Picard quickly solves
the problem by hitting a wall switch and ILLUMINATING
the room from the overhead lights. Data replaces the
lamp cord in the socket when the SOUNDS OF FOOTSTEPS
are HEARD coming down the hall.
82 ANGLE ON THE DOOR
Three shadows are seen through the glass. This time,
no one bothers to knock.
Leech ENTERS, FOLLOWED BY A GUN-TOTING THUG. It's
clear this isn't a friendly visit. These two move
aside so that a Third Man can enter.
CYRUS REDBLOCK STROLLS IN slowly. He's a massive man
-- imposing in his white Panama suit and straw hat. He
hangs his hat on a rack and wipes his sweaty brow with
a large white handkerchief.
REDBLOCK
(gravelly, clipped
British accent)
Good day, Mister Hill. My name
is Cyrus Redblock. I hope you
don't mind us dropping in.
PICARD
I see I have no choice.
REDBLOCK
(explosive laugh)
Life is an endless stream of
choices. Unfortunately, you have
chosen to make my life more
difficult.
Redblock's beady eyes are already searching the room.
REDBLOCK
(continuing)
I don't suppose you'd be foolish
enough to hide it here.
PICARD
I don't suppose so.
REDBLOCK
Still, I'm sure you won't mind
if we take a look around.
BEVERLY
I wish you'd quit asking, since
it's obvious you're going to do
it anyway. It's a big waste of
time.
REDBLOCK
Good manners, Madam, are never
a waste.
(to Picard and Data)
Civility, gentlemen. Always
civility.
With his thug wielding a gun, Redblock prods Picard
and company into Dixon Hill's office. Upon seeing
Whalen's body, Redblock loses some of his gentlemanly
air...
REDBLOCK
(continuing; to thug)
Get that stiff out of here.
BEVERLY
He's not dead.
REDBLOCK
From his pallor, he soon will be.
THUG
You want I should throw him in
the garbage, boss?
REDBLOCK
The next room will do nicely for
now.
His henchman starts to comply. Picard moves to stop him,
but Leech quickly puts a gun to his head.
REDBLOCK
(continuing; to Leech)
Which one struck you?
LEECH
(indignant)
It was Hill.
Redblock nods at Leech, who uses his gun to backhand
Picard across the face. A trickle of blood is a
tangible reminder of the hazards of this world.
REDBLOCK
For every action, there is an
equal and opposite reaction. A
truism that you have sadly
neglected.
The front door opens and an unsuspecting Lieutenant
McNary WALKS IN. He's quickly disarmed by the thug
and brought before Redblock and Leech.
McNARY
(to Picard)
I saw your light and figured you
were working late.
(looks around room)
Guess I was right.
He takes a long look at Redblock and Leech...
McNARY
(continuing; cool)
Nice company you're keeping, Dix.
You forget to take the trash out
this morning?
The thug slugs McNary in the stomach, doubling him
over. Redblock wipes his brow...
REDBLOCK
I'm a tolerant man, but I don't
tolerate disrespect.
DATA
Your devotion to etiquette is
highly admirable, sir. However,
your methods leave much to be
desired.
For the first time, Redblock and Leech turn their
attention to the dapper man with the silvery skin.
They move toward him, menacingly...
REDBLOCK
What have we here?
LEECH
Looks like a ghost.
REDBLOCK
Where do you suppose he's from?
Leech moves closer, grabbing Data's hat and circling
him for a better look. Looking at Leech, with his
bulging, sleepy eyes, Data feels like an ant under a
microscope.
Leech breaks into a slow devious smile, as he holds
a gun to Data's chin.
LEECH
Where were you hatched, anyway?
Data looks to Picard, then back at Leech
DATA
Central America.
Redblock pushes the gun aside and stands nose to nose
with Data.
REDBLOCK
(fascinated,
half-whisper)
I've been all over this world and
I must say, I've not seen anything
like you.
PICARD
He's not from this world. None
of us are.
Redblock's first reaction is surprise. He quickly
smothers it with laughter. Picard elaborates, using
Redblock's legendary greed as an enticement.
PICARD
(continuing)
We come from a world of fabulous
riches. A world of objects --
far greater in value than the one
you seek.
83 CLOSE ON REDBLOCK
Of course he doesn't believe it, but the mere thought
of this kind of world has his head buzzing.
84 TWO SHOT TO INCLUDE LEECH
who senses what's on Redblock's mind. Leech somehow
feels threatened by these thoughts...
LEECH
(to Picard, angry)
That's ridiculous! You're a
private dick. We've met before
and you never mentioned any of
this.
McNARY
He's right, Dix. That's pretty
weak stuff. I can't even buy
that line of guff.
PICARD
I am not Dixon Hill.
BEVERLY
(to others)
He's not!
85 CLOSE ON McNARY
rolling his eyes.
PICARD
I only look like Dixon Hill.
DATA
(to Redblock)
He speaks the truth, sir. From
your point of view, he is only
a fiction, a facsimile, a
knock-off, a cheap imitation.
PICARD
Thank you, Mister Data.
DATA
(to Picard, chagrined)
Sorry sir, that did not come out
quite the way I intended.
86 ANGLE ON REDBLOCK
rubbing his chin, sporting an evil grin...
REDBLOCK
Very good. Very, very, good.
What wonderful fiction! Quite
entertaining. I admire your skill
at trying to obfuscate our sense
of reality.
DATA
It is you who are not real, sir.
PICARD
Data--
DATA
(innocently)
It is you who are imaginary
characters derived from a work
of fiction.
87 ANGLE ON LEECH
not liking what he's hearing, as though deep down he
sensed it was true.
88 WIDE ANGLE
McNARY
Give it up, fellas. These guys
are too smart to fall for that
story.
DATA
(apologetic)
I am afraid you are not real either,
Lieutenant.
89 ON McNARY
who feels a cold flash for an instant, then shakes his
head derisively.
90 ANGLE ON LEECH
LEECH
I don't want to hear any more
of this! You're making me crazy!
91 TWO SHOT - BEVERLY AND LEECH
PICARD
Deep down, you all sense the
truth. Deep down, you know you're
not real. All of you.
LEECH
(waving gun)
Shut up!!
(growing frantic)
Let me shoot them, Mister
Redblock. Let me kill them, one
by one.
92 FULL SHOT
Beverly is still tending Whalen while Redblock is
pondering what to do.
REDBLOCK
(analytical)
A most interesting situation.
Perhaps we should test this
theory by killing one of them.
BEVERLY
You've already done that! This
man is dying! This whole thing
is senseless!
REDBLOCK
Hardly! Senseless killing is
immoral. But killing for a
purpose is often ingenious.
LEECH
Well said, Mister Redblock.
What's our purpose?
Leech pulls out a stiletto, casually places it against
Picard's chest. As he speaks, he slowly begins to
pluck the buttons off Picard's shirt...
REDBLOCK
We are on a quest for knowledge,
Mister Leech.
(to Picard)
We want the item.
He coolly runs the blade over Picard's Adam's apple...
92 CONTINUED:
PICARD
We don't have it.
LEECH
Shall I kill him?
REDBLOCK
No, kill the woman!
95 ON BEVERLY
trying to maintain her composure as Leech's gun COMES
INTO FRAME, pointed straight at her head.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
96 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
Leech is poised to pull the trigger...
PICARD
Redblock. I have the item.
97 ANGLE ON REDBLOCK
intrigued by Picard's offer.
REDBLOCK
At last. I knew it! God, man,
you are a character! Waiting
until the last moment! Testing
my resolve! What an ally you
would make! Now -- where is it?
98 TWO SHOT - REDBLOCK AND PICARD
PICARD
I'll explain. But first, tell
Leech to back off.
99 WIDER ANGLE
Redblock mulls it over.
REDBLOCK
Put the gun down, Mister Leech.
Leech's shoulders slump. He's gravely disappointed.
LEECH
But I want to kill her!
REDBLOCK
Perhaps later. It won't harm us
to listen to Mister Hill.
MCNARY
Don't make any deals with that
slime, Dix!
Redblock's thug raps McNary's chin with his gun,
knocking the detective to the ground.
REDBLOCK
(to Picard)
Begin. Make your thoughts
fruitful and your words eloquent.
(rumbling laugh)
Your lovely friend's life depends
upon it.
PICARD
There is a price.
REDBLOCK
By God, man, I knew we were of
the same stripe. Name it.
PICARD
Mister Whalen's life. You must
help us save him.
101 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
Riker is standing between the Conn and the Ops looking
over Worf's shoulder at something on his monitor.
Suddenly, the bridge CRACKLES with BLUE LIGHT, knocking
Riker off balance...
RIKER
What the devil --
TASHA
Probes! I'm reading several
of them, sir. All locked on to
us.
WORF
Verified. Coming from the
Jaradans!
103 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
Worf and Tasha work furiously to counteract the beams.
WE CAN HEAR the steady DRONE of the Enterprise's
ENGINES, straining to meet the challenge...
RIKER
(angry)
Open hailing frequencies.
TASHA
Frequencies open, sir.
RIKER
This is Commander Riker, aboard
the Enterprise. We demand that
you --
Riker cuts off as a LOUD NOISE COMES OVER THE COM,
drowning him out. It's the SOUND OF BUZZING, as though
a microphone had been stuck down an angry hornets'
nest.
RIKER
(continuing; holding
ears)
Cut that off!
Tasha does so, and the only thing WE HEAR is the HARD
PRESSED SOUND of the ship's ENGINES.
104 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON GEORDI
Wesley and Technicians in background.
GEORDI
(into Com)
Lieutenant La Forge to bridge.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker here.
GEORDI
Is everything all right, sir?
We felt quite a surge down here
--
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Yes. Status report.
GEORDI
We think we have something, sir.
I'll let Ensign Crusher explain.
Wesley is examining a dismantled panel of circuitry,
using a pointed bifocal instrument that allows him to
see microscopically.
WESLEY
(speaking up)
I've found three --
105 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
RIKER
Forget the explanation! Can you
repair it?
106 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ON WESLEY
WESLEY
I don't know if I should. If
this isn't done correctly, the
program could abort and everyone
inside could vanish.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Do you need more time to study
it?
WESLEY
No, sir. Whether we do it now
or later, the risk will be the
same.
107 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
as he thinks for a moment.
RIKER
Do it.
108 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
PICARD
(passionate, to
Redblock)
If we can find the way of getting
him to our Sickbay by fixing our
computer --
REDBLOCK
Computer? I do not know this
word.
Picard sighs. Nothing is coming easy...
109 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - CLOSE ON WESLEY
working on the circuitry.
110 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - ON DATA, REDBLOCK AND LEECH
DATA
-- A mechanical or electronic
apparatus capable of carrying out
repetitious and highly complex
mathematical operations at high
speed.
111 ANGLE ON LEECH
becoming infuriated with Data's rambling definition.
DATA (O.S.)
Computers are used to control,
perform, process, or store --
LEECH
Enough!
(to Redblock)
Let me kill him. He's beginning
to irritate me.
112 FLASH CUT TO WESLEY
working intently. There is a BLUE FLASH.
113 BACK TO HILL'S OFFICE
where Leech is taking aim at Data.
Suddenly, the ENTIRE SETTING CHANGES and all involved
find themselves in A SNOWY ALIEN LANDSCAPE. The wind
is howling like a bitch, driving Leech to his knees and
ripping the hat off the thug's head.
This is a hellish place -- imagine the North Pole in
a hurricane. The wind is screaming like a banshee;
chilling everyone to the bone.
Then, just as suddenly, they're ALL BACK IN THE OFFICE.
They're frozen in their tracks, still shell-shocked
and shivering from the sudden change in climate.
114 CLOSE ON McNARY
amazed by what's happened.
115 CLOSE ON LEECH
terrified by what's happened.
116 MOVE IN ON REDBLOCK
intrigued by what's happened.
117 BACK TO SHOT
DATA
(indicating wall)
Captain, the exit...
The BLUE STREAK has REAPPEARED on the closet door...
PICARD
(to Redblock)
That's it! The way into our
world.
Leech is still trembling, looking around paranoically
as though waiting to be transported back to that frozen
hell. But Redblock has shaken off the snowy cold. He
waddles up to the exit spot and examines it with great
interest.
REDBLOCK
Remarkable. Is this a two-way
passage? Can one enter your world
and return to this one simply by
stepping through?
PICARD
Yes. Allow us to help Mister
Whalen, and we'll return with
the item.
118 EXTREMELY CLOSE ON REDBLOCK
his beady eyes aglow, his swollen tongue sliding over
his parched lips as he thinks of the item. He begins
to chuckle... it grows into a laugh... then a belly
laugh...
119 PULL BACK
as Redblock practically explodes with laughter. Soon
the thugs are joining in. Finally, even the weak-kneed
Leech has broken into little machine gun bursts of
laughter.
REDBLOCK
(to Picard)
By God, sir, you are a scamp!
To think that I would wait here
--
DATA
If you are thinking of going
through yourself sir, I can assure
you that is not possible.
REDBLOCK
Not possible!
(laughs again)
One look at you sir, proves
anything is possible.
Picard is eyeing the exit, wondering if he should try
and make a break for it. The Thug pulls a large
pistol.
REDBLOCK
Stand back, Mister Hill. I would
shoot you myself, but I don't want
to rob my assistant of his
greatest pleasure.
THUG
Thanks, boss.
REDBLOCK
(to thug)
After we've gone, kill them all.
Make sure no one ever finds the
bodies.
McNARY
You're insane! You think you can
kill a cop and get away with it?
REDBLOCK
Why not? I've done it before.
Come, Mister Leech.
Leech joins him, still a little tentative. Redblock
takes a long look at the exit.
REDBLOCK
(continuing; dramatic)
Our destiny awaits.
(to Picard)
Au revoir et bon chance, mon ami!
Side by side, the two Men STEP THROUGH the portal.
The thug puts the gun on Picard. Data steps forward
and pinches its muzzle closed. The thug makes a move
to Data and Data decks him.
120 INT. ENTERPRISE HALLWAY - CLOSE ON REDBLOCK AND LEECH
The glitch is still glitching -- they have come out
though a back wall of the Holodeck, not the main
Holodeck entrance.
They step out into an empty hallway. Leech is bug-eyed
and nervous. Redblock is wide-eyed and deliriously
happy...
REDBLOCK
(whisper)
Another world.
(louder)
A whole new world to plunder!
LEECH
(flat)
Uh-oh.
REDBLOCK
(irritated)
What is it?
Too mesmerized to speak, Leech simply nods down toward
their feet. Redblock looks down and SHRIEKS...
121 PULL BACK (OPTICAL)
to SEE that they are each DEMATERIALIZING, from the
bottom up. They look on in abstract horror as their
feet and legs completely DISAPPEAR.
Redblock cries out to the heavens as his chest
VAPORIZES...
REDBLOCK
Nooo!! I want to live!! I want--
Their torsos and heads go the same way, until THERE IS
NOTHING LEFT....
122 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON GEORDI AND WESLEY
GEORDI
(into Com)
We've done it, but still no sign
of them.
124 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK
GEORDI
Should we go inside?
125 INT. DIXON HILL'S WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
PICARD
(to Data, indicating
Exit)
Pick him up. Get him to Sickbay.
DATA
What about you?
PICARD
I'll follow you. Now go!
Picking their way through the Office, Data, carrying
Whalen, and Beverly EXIT.
Picard turns to McNary.
PICARD
I can't think of a way to thank
you. You know I can't take you
with me.
MCNARY
(nodding)
Someone's gotta book this creep.
(indicates thug)
Once a cop always a cop, I guess.
The OFFICE FLOOR RUMBLES again.
PICARD
(empathetic)
I have to go.
McNARY
So this is the big good-bye.
They shake hands like two old friends who are about to
part forever. This is The Big Good-bye.
126 MOVE IN ON THEM
McNARY
Tell me something, Dixon.
(worried)
When you've gone.... will this
world still exist?.. Will my wife
and kids still be waiting for me
at home?
PICARD
(pause, sadly)
I honestly don't know. Good-bye
my friend.
Picard STEPS THROUGH.
After a few moments, McNary's entire world goes PITCH
BLACK.
127 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON THEM
Picard steps back out onto the Enterprise. Data
hurriedly takes Whalen away. Wesley rushes to Beverly,
who hugs him as she follows Data.
129 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
TASHA
Captain!
Picard hurries to the Command Area and takes his seat.
RIKER
Are you ready, sir?
PICARD
As ready as I'll ever be. Open
hailing frequencies.
TASHA
Frequencies open.
PICARD
(into com,
commandingly)
This is Jean-Luc Picard, captain
of the USS Enterprise. Aaaaard
kraxon Leeeeesss...
130 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT (OPTICAL)
131 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Picard is finishing his greeting. The others on the
bridge are holding completely still, praying that
nothing goes wrong...
PICARD
Risssssss... Trassssss.... Trasulah!
The captain has completed his recitation. There's dead
silence as the officers await the Jaradan reaction. WE
SEE their faces as the JARADAN LEADER APPEARS on
Screen.
WE SEE him from the shoulders up... He is indeed
wasp-like: black and yellow, with pointed insectile
features and waving black antennae.
JARADAN'S COM VOICE
You have... honored us with
your words of greeting. A new
day dawns between us.
There's great joy and relief on the bridge. Picard
takes a deep breath. Riker smiles at him...
RIKER
(nonchalant)
So... Have a nice vacation?
Picard gives him a long smile, but doesn't answer...
PICARD
It was a nice place to visit,
but I wouldn't want to die there.
132 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
PULLING OUT of orbit, and HEADING for deep space...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship passes over us slowly, giving a distinct
impression of its great size...
RIKER (V.O.)
Ship's log, First Officer Riker
reporting. Stardate 41997.7 We
are about to make a brief but
necessary contact with the Jarada,
a reclusive race known for its
idiosyncratic attitude towards
protocol... The Federation has been
trying unsuccessfully to establish
a relationship, and now the task
falls to Captain Picard.
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
RIKER sits alone at the Command Area. WESLEY and WORF
man the Ops and Conn; DATA is at Science One; BRANT is in
b.g.
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... In two days we will reach the
area of their planet known as
Torona Four. The Jarada demand
a precise greeting. Their
language is most unusual...
3 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - MOVING IN ON PICARD
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... The slightest mispronunciation
is regarded as an insult.
PICARD is earnestly studying. WE SEE a text filled
with Jaradan (HA-RAH-DAN) figures and their English
equivalents.
4 TWO SHOT TO INCLUDE TROI
sitting across from him, helping with the dialect.
TROI
The double bars indicate an
elongated "s" sound --
PICARD
(nodding)
-- And the inverted "T" means to
hold the "zee."
TROI
Unless... ?
PICARD
Unless it's followed by three wavy
lines; in which case the "zee"
becomes a "bee."
TROI
Exactly.
Picard pushes the text aside and wearily rubs his neck.
PICARD
What a language.
TROI
It is an insect mind.
PICARD
(burnt out)
My mind's barely working.
TROI
Take a break, sir.
PICARD
(shaking head)
No. I want to go over it again.
TROI
You could be over-preparing.
You've been looking forward to
the upgrade of the Holodeck. You
have the time. You need the
diversion...
5 ANGLE ON PICARD
thinking about what Troi's said.
PICARD
Dixon Hill.
TROI
The program's installed and
waiting.
7 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ANGLE ON PICARD
Picard touches the COMPUTER panel on the wall.
COMPUTER VOICE
Planet and city?
PICARD
Earth... United States... San
Francisco, California.
COMPUTER VOICE
Time period?
PICARD
(pondering it)
1941, A.D.
COMPUTER VOICE
File or access code.
PICARD
File Dixon Hill, private
detective.
COMPUTER VOICE
(a beat)
Enter when ready.
Picard steps through doors.
8 INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
... and comes out in a darkly lit hallway, circa 1941.
At the end of the hall is a wooden door with a glass
window. The letters on the pane read "DIXON HILL,
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR."
Picard is pleased. He opens the door...
9 INT. WAITING ROOM/OFFICE - NIGHT
Hill's SECRETARY, a plain blonde with a bubbly
personality, is just on her way to lunch. She looks
Picard up and down with bemusement...
SECRETARY
Very funny, Dix. What'd you do,
lose another bet?
PICARD
I don't understand --
SECRETARY
The bellboy suit. Are you
moonlighting at the Fremont?
Picard looks down at his uniform.
PICARD
The uniform. Totally
inappropriate. Why didn't I
change?
The Secretary hurriedly pulls on her coat and gloves.
SECRETARY
Mister Leech called twice, and
there's a lady named Bradley
waiting in your office. Nice
legs.
In a flash, she's halfway out the door.
SECRETARY
(continuing)
Gotta hot date with my fella.
I'll see ya in the morning.
She gives Picard's uniform one last look -- shaking her
head as she SHUTS THE DOOR BEHIND HER.
Picard is left alone in the waiting room. He's
thrilled by the detail in this, the somewhat rundown
workplace of the fictional detective DIXON HILL.
A RUSTLING NOISE in the adjoining room reminds Picard
that someone's waiting for him.
As he pushes the door open, the first thing he sees are
the great pair of legs his secretary mentioned.
MRS. JESSICA BRADLEY rises to greet the detective she's
come to see. She's a wealthy woman in her late
twenties who radiates a seductive sensuality. The rest
of her body matches her legs.
She can't help but wonder at the sight of Picard's
maroon and black uniform...
PICARD
Uh, I lost a bet.
JESSICA
Oh well... At least you're ready
for Halloween.
PICARD
Halloween?
She BLOWS OUT some cigarette SMOKE and looks out at
the city, concerned, then turns to him.
JESSICA
I need your help, Mister Hill.
(turning to face him)
Someone is trying to kill me.
MUSICAL STING, FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
10 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship smoothly cruises through the starry blackness
of space. Over this:
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. I
am delighted with how the
Holodeck has created the
fictional world of Dixon Hill...
11 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - ON PICARD
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... the twentieth century
detective who has been a hero of
mine since childhood.
12 WIDER ANGLE TO INCLUDE JESSICA
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
The illusion is flawless. The
computer characters accept me as
Dixon Hill, even to the extent that
Jessica Bradley, a millionaire's
wife from the wrong side of the
tracks, wants to hire me.
JESSICA
I'm not sure who wants me dead.
My husband... My stepdaughter...
PICARD
Or a lover, perhaps?
Mrs. Bradley shoots Picard a sly look.
JESSICA
Perhaps.
(pause)
Perhaps Cyrus Redblock.
She seems to wait for a reaction from Picard, but it
never comes.
JESSICA
(continuing)
I need you to find out. Name
your fee.
PICARD
Twenty dollars a day. Plus
expenses.
JESSICA
Agreed.
She gets up, as though preparing to leave...
PICARD
I haven't said yes yet.
JESSICA
(cool smile)
Oh, you'll say yes.
She moves closer and kisses him tenderly. Picard is
surprised by the warmth of her lips.
JESSICA
(continuing; whispering)
If it's Redblock, he must think
I've got what he's looking for.
But believe me, I don't.
PICARD
I'll take your word for it.
Jessica hands him money. WE SEE a crisp one-hundred
dollar bill.
JESSICA
Here's a C-note in advance.
Consider it a retainer...
(day as she touches
his uniform)
... and next time, could you wear
a suit?
She takes one of Hill's business cards from his desk
and then EXITS, as the captain watches her leave the
office.
Now alone, it's clear he's enthralled by this imaginary
world. He opens the window and looks down on the
street -- WE CAN HEAR THE SOUNDS OF MOVING TRAFFIC AND
HONKING HORNS.
PICARD
(to himself, soft)
Remarkable.
Picard leaves the window. He touches the insignia
on his chest, and a QUICK HIGH PITCHED SOUND CAN BE
HEARD through the closet door in his office. (Picard
knows that this sound indicates another Holodeck
Exit.)
He opens the closet door and finds the portal. Just
before he steps through, there's a knock on the waiting
room door.
13 PICARD'S POV - THE DOOR
The SILHOUETTE of a small man CAN BE SEEN though the
pane. He knocks again, delicately; his knuckles
sounding like a woodpecker rapping on a hollow tree.
PICARD
(calling out)
You'll have to call again. I'm
just leaving. I'm not dressed
properly. I'll be back.
And he leaves -- WALKING THROUGH the EXIT. The office
door OPENS. Leech ENTERS. Mister Leech has short
curly hair and big bulging eyes. He wears a bow tie
and speaks with a strange nasally tone that betrays
a Middle-Eastern background.
LEECH
Not yet, please --
Leech looks around at the empty office, confusion on
his face.
13A INT. HOLODECK CORRIDOR BY SIDE EXIT
Picard walks down the corridor and turns the corner
to the main entrance to the Holodeck.
15 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON PICARD
addressing the computer panel.
PICARD
Memory: save current setting.
COMPUTER VOICE
(after slight pause)
Current setting saved.
PICARD
Holodeck OFF.
17 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
heading toward the rendezvous...
18 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - WIDE ANGLE
The officers are gathered around the table...
PICARD
When I looked down on the street,
I actually saw automobiles!
Worf looks up.
DATA
An ancient Earth device used
primarily for transportation.
WORF
Ahh.
DATA
Also seen as a source of status
and virility; often a prime
ingredient in teenage mating
rituals --
19 ANGLE ON WESLEY
reacting to the idea of "teenage mating rituals."
WESLEY
Teenage mating rituals?
20 BACK TO SHOT
PICARD
I saw an entire city block from
that window.
BEVERLY
It sounds wonderful.
PICARD
I'm going to try it again, only
this time I'm going to dress the
part.
(to Beverly)
Why not come with me?
21 CLOSE ON BEVERLY
surprised and pleased that she's been asked.
22 BACK TO SHOT
PICARD
I also want to take that
historian... the twentieth century
expert...
TASHA
Whalen.
PICARD
Yes, Whalen. He probably knows
more about Dixon Hill than I do.
DATA
I will tell him.
PICARD
Invite him, Mister Data. This
is, after all, a leisure activity.
PICARD
The sense of reality is
incredible. When that woman
kissed me, it was so --
Picard cuts off when he realizes Beverly is staring at
him. She chooses an adjective and finishes his
sentence...
BEVERLY
Exciting?
22 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Real.
(clears throat)
The subject of this meeting is
the Jaradan rendezvous. Proceed
with the briefing, Number One.
Riker has been enjoying the discussion, but he quickly
switches gears.
RIKER
This is primarily a necessary
diplomatic mission. The Jaradan
are strategically important to the
Federation. Previous attempts
failed because they are so easily
irritated. A slip in the
pronunciation of the greeting
caused a twenty-year rift in the
relation.
DATA
Therefore the captain must recite
the entire greeting without any
mistakes.
GEORDI
(amused)
Simple as that.
DATA
(straightforward)
Yes. If, on the other hand, the
captain makes even the slightest
error --
TASHA
-- The captain is well aware of
the gravity of the situation,
Commander.
DATA
I have located a history tape
of the last Federation starship
to come in contact with the
Jarada. It graphically
demonstrates what happened when
that captain offended them.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
The captain is familiar with that,
Data.
DATA
Should we not run it?
PICARD
It's not necessary. Meeting
adjourned.
26 INT. CORRIDOR - ON DATA AND GEORDI
walking together.
DATA
Why would the captain not want
to review all the information
available on the subject?
GEORDI
When you've seen the Jaradan
react once, you don't ever have
to see it again.
Data shrugs and decides to change the subject.
DATA
Dixon Hill is a most puzzling
character.
GEORDI
Not really. He was just a
twentieth-century Sherlock
Holmes.
DATA
But his modus operandi is quite
dissimilar. Worth investigating.
GEORDI
Indubitably, Watson.
Data gives Geordi a look.
27 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON DATA
at Science One. He stares thoughtfully at the blank
screen.
DATA
Computer: request all
biographical information on
fictional character Dixon Hill.
The computer briefly HUMS and CLICKS, searching its
files.
COMPUTER VOICE
Working...... Character first
appeared in pulp magazine,
"Amazing Detective Stories,"
copyright 1934, A.D.
(pause)
Second appearance in novel "The
Long Dark Tunnel," circa 1936.
DATA
Request complete text of all
stories involving said character.
28 CLOSE ON DATA'S FACE
as the computer springs to life.
DATA
Increase speed.
The REFLECTED COMPUTER LETTERS DANCE ACROSS HIS FACE
like a horde of green ants. Data's eyes race back and
forth, reading the text at an incredible rate.
29 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The great ship cruises on toward the Jaradan
rendezvous.
30 INT. OUTSIDE HOLODECK ENTRANCE - TIGHT ON PICARD'S FACE
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental...
31 PULLING BACK SLOWLY
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
The Jaradan rendezvous is eleven
hours away...
32 STILL PULLING BACK
It's clear the captain is not wearing his standard
uniform...
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
I am about to reenter the world
of Dixon Hill, this time properly
dressed. An experience like this
is more enjoyable when shared,
so I've invited Lit-historian
Whalen to accompany me. Doctor
Crusher will join us shortly...
33 FULL VIEW OF PICARD
who is dressed like a Forties detective, trench coat
and all.
34 ANGLE TO INCLUDE WHALEN
the redheaded literature expert, looking fashionable in
his three-piece suit.
PICARD
Ready to go to San Francisco,
Mister Whalen?
WHALEN
More than ready, sir.
PICARD
If it's anything like the last
time I'm sure you won't be
disappointed --
Whalen notices the look of surprise on the captain's
face. The historian spins to see what he's looking
at...
35 ANGLE ON DATA
completely decked out for an excursion into the
Forties. He's even wearing a Bogart-style hat,
fashionably tilted over one eye.
DATA
Request permission to accompany
you, sir.
36 BACK TO THREE SHOT
The Captain is too surprised to respond.
DATA
I have mastered the lingo of the
period. Example:
(psuedo-Bogart)
It was raining in the city of
Angels -- a hard rain -- almost hard
enough to wash the slime from the
streets. But it never does. When
the rain stops, the boulevard
dries and the snakes once again
slink from their holes. That's
when my door opens and the
helpless, the desperate, walk
through with a heart full of hurt
and a pocket full of nothing.
37 ANGLE ON PICARD AND WHALEN
amused and delighted.
38 FULL SHOT TO ENTRANCE
DATA
It unearthed half-forgotten
feelings the same way it dug up
sleeping bones in shallow unmarked
graves.
(pause)
It was that kind of day.
WHALEN
(enthusiastic)
Dixon Hill: "The Black Orchid,"
Chapter Three.
PICARD
Very impressive, gentlemen.
Now... Shall we?
The doors open. WE SEE a view of San Francisco, 1941,
over them. The three men STEP INSIDE.
38A INT. HOLODECK
Their faces show wonderment. The Holodeck doors close
behind them.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
39 EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT - TIGHT ON PICARD, WHALEN AND
DATA
as they step out in front of a newsstand in 1941.
The three men turn their heads joyously, taking in the
wonders of this illusionary city. THE MOTORIZED SOUNDS
OF AN URBAN CITY BLOCK fill the air.
A GRIZZLED NEWS-VENDOR standing behind his open air
stand, calls out to Picard...
VENDOR
Hey Dix!
The Men APPROACH.
VENDOR
(continuing)
How's tricks?
Picard doesn't know quite how to answer that
question...
PICARD
Uh, she's fine... just fine.
WHALEN
(to Picard, softly)
Wonderful! He really thinks
you're Dixon Hill!
A passing Pedestrian plunks a dollar on the counter.
He sweeps up his paper and his change, and continues
on.
Picard notes that the sign on the stand reads "JOE'S
NEWS AND MAGAZINES."
PICARD
Say Joe, I'd like to buy a paper
too, but I don't have any money.
VENDOR
Catch me next time, Dix.
He tosses a paper at Picard. The three from the
Enterprise eagerly study its headlines....
PICARD
(reading)
"Hitler on the move... Roosevelt
presses Congress for British
aid... DiMaggio streak reaches
thirty-seven?"
DATA
DiMaggio. Joltin' Joe, the
Yankee clipper.
WHALEN
(to Picard)
Baseball. A national obsession
at the time.
DATA
The streak they refer to, will
eventually reach fifty-six
games...
The vendor cackles again. He's finished with another
customer and is listening to Data with amusement and
fascination.
DATA
(continuing)
And be snapped by a pair of
journeyman hurlers for the
Cleveland Indians --
VENDOR
Cleveland!!!
The Vendor's explosive laughter turns to a hacking
cough as he pounds his fist on the table...
VENDOR
(continuing; scornful)
They got no pitching! They never
got no pitching. What are ya,
nuts or somethin'?
Data continues, undaunted, reciting the facts from his
computer memory...
DATA
The record will stand until the
year 2026, when a shortstop for
the London Kings--
VENDOR
(to Picard,
interrupting)
Hey Dix, what gives with this guy?
(leans forward, studies
Data's face)
He ain't from around here, is he?
PICARD
Uh, no... he's not.
(pause)
He's from South America.
VENDOR
Yeah. He's got a nice tan.
Picard is suddenly struck by something he sees in the
paper. Whalen looks over his shoulder and reads the
headline...
40 TIGHT ON THE HEADLINE
Which reads "WEALTHY SOCIALITE MURDERED"
The subhead reads: "POLICE HAVE SEVERAL LEADS IN BRUTAL
SLAYING OF MRS. ARTHUR CLINTON BRADLEY."
41 ANGLE ON PICARD
staring at the accompanying picture of Jessica Bradley.
PICARD
(somber)
I should have listened to her.
She told me someone was trying
to kill her.
Whalen notes that the captain almost looks guilty that
he didn't do something to protect her.
WHALEN
(softly)
She's a page from a book, sir.
That's all she ever was.
BELL (O.S.)
Well, well, look what the cat
dragged in.
Two police detectives have APPEARED on the scene. BELL
is a large man; a gruff career cop who clearly doesn't
like Dixon Hill. McNARY is a young Robert Mitchum; his
sad eyes show he's seen too many dark things during his
nine years in Homicide.
Data is searching the area, having taken Bell's remark
literally.
DATA
Cat?
Bell's mouth hangs open as he moves in for a closer
look at the strange man...
BELL
What on Earth... Where the hell
did he come from?
VENDOR
South America. Can't you tell?
Bell circles Data, looking him up and down...
BELL
Wherever you're from, while
you're in my town, keep your nose
clean.
Data REACTS. Bell turns his attention to Picard...
BELL
(continuing)
Well, tough guy, this time you've
really done it. Your goose is
cooked, but good.
MCNARY
(looking down)
I'm sorry about this, Dix.
BELL
Don't apologize to him'
(to Picard, belligerent)
Where were you last night between
ten and midnight?
Picard shoots his compatriots an amused glance.
PICARD
That would be a bit hard to
explain.
BELL
Yeah? Well you'll have plenty
of time to come up with something.
You're goin' downtown.
PICARD
What for?
BELL
For the murder of Jessica Bradley.
42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
Geordi and Wesley are at Ops and Conn, Tasha at
Security, Worf at Science One. Brant in b.g. Riker EXITS the
turbolift and STEPS ONTO the bridge...
RIKER
Status report?
TASHA
We're being probed, sir.
RIKER
The Jarada.
TASHA
Most likely. But it's long
range. Can't be certain where
it's originating..
The bridge SHUDDERS, and a brief HISSING NOISE is HEARD
coming from the consoles...
43 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR
The LIGHTS momentarily FLICKER as the probe races
through the bowels of the ship.
44 INT. INTRANCE TO HOLODECK (OPTICAL)
WE HEAR A HIGH PITCHED COMPUTER BLEEP, and the Holodeck
doors open by themselves. WE CAN VAGUELY SEE the
hallway leading to Dixon Hill's office. Then, abruptly,
the doors slam shut.
STAR TREK: "The Big Good-bye" - 10/14/87 - ACT TWO 22.
45 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
The SHUDDERING STOPS. The probing has been terminated.
RIKER
(half-smile)
One could get the feeling they
don't exactly trust us.
GEORDI
Commander, I'm receiving a
subspace message from the Jarada.
RIKER
That's not part of the plan.
(pause)
Pipe it through.
The VOICE WE HEAR is alien and hive-like. To our ears
it SOUNDS LIKE THREE VOICES IN ONE (a deep male voice,
a high-pitched female voice, and a ten-year-old
child's voice).
JARADAN'S COM VOICE
En-ter-prise. The time has come
to honor us. We await your
greeting.
RIKER
This is Commander Riker, first
officer of the Enterprise --
JARADAN'S COM VOICE
-- You are not captain?!
RIKER
No sir, I'm not. I suggest we
commence with screen to screen
communication so we can see each
other --
This time when the Jaradan interrupts it sounds
distinctly angry. WE CAN HEAR A FAINT BUZZING SOUND in
the background...
JARALAN'S COM VOICE
-- You offend us! We will not
show ourselves to a mere
subordinate. We await your
captain's greeting with growing
unrest. End of communication!
RIKER
(sighing)
Terrific.
He turns to Geordi.
RIKER
(continuing)
Get the captain. You'll find
him in the Holodeck.
Geordi nods and EXITS the bridge.
46 MOVE IN ON RIKER
staring at the screen...
47 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON BEVERLY
looking like a well-dressed woman from the forties.
She straightens her dress, struggles with her handbag,
and starts to step through the opening...
Beverly only goes halfway before backing out. She
seems puzzled and disoriented as she looks at the
control panel wondering what went wrong.
Looking a little worried, she tries again...
48 INT. POLICE STATION - ON BEVERLY
This time stepping through effortlessly and coming out
in a police station waiting room. Data and Whalen are
examining the recreated memorabilia on the walls, while
a police SERGEANT does paperwork at the front desk.
Data turns to greet Beverly...
DATA
Hiya Doc. What's shakin'?
(notes her pale look)
Are you alright?
BEVERLY
I'm just a little dizzy, thank
you. I had some trouble coming
through. Where's Captain Picard?
DATA
He's on ice.
BEVERLY
Pardon?
DATA
He's being grilled.
BEVERLY
(a little frustrated)
What is he Data, a fish?
WHALEN
(laughing)
The captain's being interrogated.
(melodramatic)
They think he's committed a
murder.
BEVERLY
(a bit alarmed)
Shouldn't we be doing something
to help him?
WHALEN
Relax Doctor. It's all part of
the game. Believe me, he's having
the time of his life in there.
49 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - CLOSE ON PICARD
his face brightly lit. Little beads of sweat dot his
forehead...
PICARD
I've told you everything I know.
BELL (O.S.)
Yeah? Well, you're just gonna
have to tell us again. From the
top.
Picard leans back in his chair and smiles at his
questioners. Their cigarette smoke swirls around his
head, illuminated by the harsh white light.
PICARD
Very good. I've read all this
before. It's exactly as it should
be.
BELL (O.S.)
Spill it!
50 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - CLOSE ON GEORDI
A grave look on his face. He punches the intercom.
GEORDI
La Forge to bridge.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker here.
GEORDI
(with difficulty)
I can't find the captain, sir.
51 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
RIKER
I told you, he's in the Holodeck.
52 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - CLOSE ON GEORDI
GEORDI
Something's... gone wrong.
53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
There's silence on the bridge. Everyone's heard the
strange halting tone of Lieutenant La Forge. He sounds
serious.
RIKER
What are you saying Lieutenant?
54 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE (CORRIDOR) - ON GEORDI
PULL BACK SLOWLY as Geordi stops trying to access the
panel.
GEORDI
I can't communicate with them.
I can't access the program -- and
I can't open the doors.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
RIKER (V.O.)
Ship's log, supplemental. First
officer reporting. Due to an
unknown breakdown in the Holodeck,
we are unable to locate the
captain and his party...
57 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - OVERHEAD SHOT, MOVING IN ON RIKER
RIKER
Tasha, take over. I'm going to
Holdeck Three.
58 WIDER ANGLE
Wesley, at Ops, spins in his chair to face Riker.
WESLEY
Commander?... I've studied all
the technical manuals on the
Holodeck. I think I could be of
some help down there.
RIKER
Geordi's well equipped to deal
with the situation, Wes. Right
now, your duties are on the
bridge.
TROI
(softly)
His mother's in there too, sir.
RIKER
Come on, Wesley.
WESLEY
Thank you sir.
They EXIT the bridge and Tasha takes Riker's seat.
59 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
The captain is still sitting under the hot light of an
arc lamp. Bell is leaning forward, intensely grilling
him. McNary stands in the shadows...
BELL
... And you say you'd never met
her before she came to hire you.
PICARD
I've already told you that.
Twice.
BELL
Yeah? Well you're gonna tell me
again.
PICARD
(rising)
Look fellows, this is no longer
amusing.
The big cop roughly shoves Picard back into his seat.
Picard is surprised by the amount of force he uses.
McNary quickly moves in, restraining his partner.
McNARY
Easy, Mike!
He moves the steaming detective away from Picard.
BELL
You think you're tough, Hill!
But you're nothing! You're
garbage!
Bell angrily shakes free from his partner's grasp.
McNary goes over and crouches by Picard.
McNARY
(small smile)
Don't take him too seriously, Dix.
His old lady's been giving him
a hard time. You know how it is.
PICARD
I need to get out of here.
McNARY
Yeah. I'll see what I can do.
60 INT. POLICE STATION WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
Whalen and Data continue to move about the room,
fascinated by everything from the chairs to the light
bulbs. To them, this is a firsthand look at ancient
history.
Beverly is once again struggling with her handbag when
she notices that the desk sergeant is staring at her...
BEVERLY
(moving toward him)
Something on your mind?
SERGEANT
Yeah. But I'm not sure I can
repeat it in mixed company.
(leering)
You're a pretty hep lookin' broad.
BEVERLY
Is that good?
SERGEANT
It ain't bad. You like Charlie
McCarthy?
BEVERLY
McCarthy?... Oh, you mean the man
who hunted Communist witches.
SERGEANT
(lecherous)
I got two tickets to the show
tomorrow night.
DATA (O.S.)
Do you mind if I experiment with
this device?
Data is standing beside the desk, gazing at a vending
machine. The sergeant is greatly annoyed at being
interrupted while making his move.
SERGANT
I don't care what you do.
DATA
Thanks, Mac.
The sergeant is about to continue, but is once again
sidetracked by Data. The android is going haywire,
pulling lever after lever at super speed. The sergeant
can't believe his eyes.
SERGEANT
Who is this jerk?
61 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
Bell and McNary have been arguing in a corner of the
room. As McNary approaches Picard, it's clear that
he's won for the time being.
McNARY
Okay Dix. We're bustin' you out
of here.
PICARD
(rising)
That's welcome news.
BELL
(calling out, hostile)
You better not try to leave town.
PICARD
(wry)
It's been a pleasure, sir.
Bell glowers at him and EXITS the room, slamming the
door behind him.
PICARD
(dryly)
I get the feeling he doesn't like
me.
McNARY
We know you're dealing with The
Fat Man, Dixon. Take it from a
friend; it doesn't help your case.
PICARD
I'll keep it in mind.
He rises and offers his hand to McNary. For some
reason it really does feel like he's an old and trusted
friend.
PICARD
Thank you. For helping me.
McNARY
Forget it.
(pats Picard's shoulder)
When you comin' over for supper?
The kids'd love to see you, and
you know how much you love
Sharon's cooking.
PICARD
(thoughtful smile)
Soon, my friend. But at the
moment I have other duties.
McNARY
Blonde or brunette?
The two men share a laugh. McNary opens the door...
PICARD
(choosing his words)
She's a lady all right... and her
name's Enterprise.
McNARY
Sounds like a working girl.
(laughs)
I'll stop by the office with a
bottle of scotch. You can tell
me all about her.
62 INT. WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
Picard steps out into the waiting room.
WHALEN
Have a good time?
PICARD
I'm not sure. Sometimes it seemed
too real.
(to Beverly)
Glad you could make it.
(looks her up and down)
I must say, you wear it well.
BEVERLY
(sly smile)
Why thank you, Mister Hill.
They lock eyes for a moment...
PICARD
I think it's time we got back to
the Enterprise.
WHALEN
(good-natured)
We are on the Enterprise, Captain.
PICARD
(chuckling)
Yes. Of course we are.
BEVERLY
Do we have time to see your
office?
PICARD
I don't see why not.
Picard leads them to the door. Data begins to
struggle with the doorknob. He pushes and pulls on
it as the others look on in amusement. Finally Whalen
reaches over and shows him the way. Picard pulls the
door open...
63 INT. OPEN DOOR LEADING TO HALLWAY (OPTICAL)
WE CAN SEE the hallway in Dixon Hill's office building.
PICARD
The Holodeck makes excellent use
of a finite space.
64 INT. DIXON HILL'S WAITING ROOM
They ENTER to find the same little man we saw before,
waiting for Dixon Hill.
LEECH
Ah, Mister Hill. You've been
avoiding me.
WHALEN
(to Picard)
It's Felix Leech! It has to be.
LEECH
You know me, sir?
WHALEN
Well, I've read about you. Many
times.
Picard steps past Leech, leading his crew into the
office...
PICARD
I'm sorry Mister Leech, but we
really must be going. Call again
tomorrow.
Leech follows them, growing angry...
LEECH
You're being quite rude, Mister
Hill. You haven't even introduced
me to your charming companions.
Picard goes to the exiting place.
PICARD
That'll have to wait.
LEECH
(raising voice)
We have business! Urgent
business.
Picard turns to see that Leech has pulled a gun on him.
LEECH
(continuing)
You're not going anywhere. Not
until we have a little chat.
67 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
as Tasha punches the intercom...
TASHA
Bridge to Holodeck. We're
approaching Torona Four.
68 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ANGLE ON RIKER
with Wesley, Geordi and technicians working behind
him.
RIKER
Any word from the Jarada?
TASHA'S COM VOICE
Not a thing, sir.
RIKER
They may be testing us. Seeing
if we'll stick to the
arrangements.
TASHA'S COM VOICE
What do we do now, sir?
WORF
We wait.
GEORDI
(to Riker)
Everything checks out so far.
Ensign Crusher believes the
trouble may have been caused by
the Jaradan probe. If so, it
could be very difficult to
locate.
71 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
Leech is still holding a gun on everyone.
LEECH
(perturbed)
I'm not a man to be toyed with,
Mister Hill. You were hired to
locate a certain object. I demand
to know what you've done with it.
PICARD
I can't help you, Mister Leech.
I'm afraid this game is over.
LEECH
I assure you, this is no game!
WHALEN
(laughing)
Take it from me Leech, you'll
never find it.
(moves toward him)
Now... give me the gun.
Whalen takes another step -- a SHOT RINGS OUT. The
historian staggers backwards, amazed at the hole in
his chest. A circle of blood spreads as he slumps
to the floor. Beverly rushes to him, he looks up at
Picard, shock registering on his pale face.
WHALEN
(continuing; softly)
But... they're not real.
BEVERLY
This man has been shot. If we
don't get him to Sickbay, he'll
die.
This game is now being played for keeps.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
72 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
Beverly is ministering to the fallen form of Whalen.
BEVERLY
There's massive internal bleeding --
PICARD
How could this happen?
LEECH
It'll happen again if you don't
cooperate.
Picard is furious. He lunges at Leech, striking him
and knocking the gun from his hands. Leech is
startled, backing out of the room, wide-eyed...
LEECH
(continuing)
You struck me! How dare you!
When Picard moves toward him, he backpedals hurriedly
to the door.
LEECH
(continuing; almost
hyperventilating)
You'll be sorry! The Fat Man
isn't going to like this!
He SCOOTS OUT the door and around the corner. Picard
instinctively starts to go after him--
BEVERLY
We have to get him to Sickbay!
PICARD
(to computer)
Exit!
They look to the wall. No response.
PICARD
(continuing)
Computer! Exit!:
Still no response.
PICARD
(continuing)
We'll try the other exit.
Data dashes to the other exit.
72A ON DATA
At the non-existent exit.
DATA
Computer! Identify exit!
Nothing happens. Data turns and sprints back to the
others.
72B FULL SHOT.
Data REJOINS the group.
DATA
There is a programming
malfunction. The computer refuses
to identify the exits.
BEVERLY
I'm losing his pulse!
Picard GOES TO the wall.
PICARD
Computer, this is the captain!
Identify exit!
He walks along the wall, pounding it angrily, hunting
for the exit.
73 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
RIKER
Standard orbit, Mister Worf.
WORF
Aye sir, standard orbit.
75 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE EMPHASIZING RIKER
who's looking at the screen with great concern and more
than a little anger. He punches the intercom...
RIKER
Riker to Holodeck.
76 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ON GEORDI AND WESLEY
intensely examining a complex circuitry panel.
GEORDI
(trace of frustration)
Nothing yet, Commander.
77 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
fit to be tied.
RIKER
We're running out of time.
81 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
The three from the Enterprise are still combing the
walls.
BEVERLY
It's no use. It's just not here
anymore.
Picard backs away from the wall, looking grim.
PICARD
Suggestions, Mister Data?
DATA
I am at a loss. We are in a
Holodeck-created building of 1941.
The computer has refused to accept
voice commands. The controls for
the environment are therefore not
accessible. They are outside in
the reality of the Holodeck.
BEVERLY
I could use some light.
Data grabs a floor lamp to help Beverly. He is
mystified by the lamp cord, when it pulls from its
socket and the lamp GOES OUT. Picard quickly solves
the problem by hitting a wall switch and ILLUMINATING
the room from the overhead lights. Data replaces the
lamp cord in the socket when the SOUNDS OF FOOTSTEPS
are HEARD coming down the hall.
82 ANGLE ON THE DOOR
Three shadows are seen through the glass. This time,
no one bothers to knock.
Leech ENTERS, FOLLOWED BY A GUN-TOTING THUG. It's
clear this isn't a friendly visit. These two move
aside so that a Third Man can enter.
CYRUS REDBLOCK STROLLS IN slowly. He's a massive man
-- imposing in his white Panama suit and straw hat. He
hangs his hat on a rack and wipes his sweaty brow with
a large white handkerchief.
REDBLOCK
(gravelly, clipped
British accent)
Good day, Mister Hill. My name
is Cyrus Redblock. I hope you
don't mind us dropping in.
PICARD
I see I have no choice.
REDBLOCK
(explosive laugh)
Life is an endless stream of
choices. Unfortunately, you have
chosen to make my life more
difficult.
Redblock's beady eyes are already searching the room.
REDBLOCK
(continuing)
I don't suppose you'd be foolish
enough to hide it here.
PICARD
I don't suppose so.
REDBLOCK
Still, I'm sure you won't mind
if we take a look around.
BEVERLY
I wish you'd quit asking, since
it's obvious you're going to do
it anyway. It's a big waste of
time.
REDBLOCK
Good manners, Madam, are never
a waste.
(to Picard and Data)
Civility, gentlemen. Always
civility.
With his thug wielding a gun, Redblock prods Picard
and company into Dixon Hill's office. Upon seeing
Whalen's body, Redblock loses some of his gentlemanly
air...
REDBLOCK
(continuing; to thug)
Get that stiff out of here.
BEVERLY
He's not dead.
REDBLOCK
From his pallor, he soon will be.
THUG
You want I should throw him in
the garbage, boss?
REDBLOCK
The next room will do nicely for
now.
His henchman starts to comply. Picard moves to stop him,
but Leech quickly puts a gun to his head.
REDBLOCK
(continuing; to Leech)
Which one struck you?
LEECH
(indignant)
It was Hill.
Redblock nods at Leech, who uses his gun to backhand
Picard across the face. A trickle of blood is a
tangible reminder of the hazards of this world.
REDBLOCK
For every action, there is an
equal and opposite reaction. A
truism that you have sadly
neglected.
The front door opens and an unsuspecting Lieutenant
McNary WALKS IN. He's quickly disarmed by the thug
and brought before Redblock and Leech.
McNARY
(to Picard)
I saw your light and figured you
were working late.
(looks around room)
Guess I was right.
He takes a long look at Redblock and Leech...
McNARY
(continuing; cool)
Nice company you're keeping, Dix.
You forget to take the trash out
this morning?
The thug slugs McNary in the stomach, doubling him
over. Redblock wipes his brow...
REDBLOCK
I'm a tolerant man, but I don't
tolerate disrespect.
DATA
Your devotion to etiquette is
highly admirable, sir. However,
your methods leave much to be
desired.
For the first time, Redblock and Leech turn their
attention to the dapper man with the silvery skin.
They move toward him, menacingly...
REDBLOCK
What have we here?
LEECH
Looks like a ghost.
REDBLOCK
Where do you suppose he's from?
Leech moves closer, grabbing Data's hat and circling
him for a better look. Looking at Leech, with his
bulging, sleepy eyes, Data feels like an ant under a
microscope.
Leech breaks into a slow devious smile, as he holds
a gun to Data's chin.
LEECH
Where were you hatched, anyway?
Data looks to Picard, then back at Leech
DATA
Central America.
Redblock pushes the gun aside and stands nose to nose
with Data.
REDBLOCK
(fascinated,
half-whisper)
I've been all over this world and
I must say, I've not seen anything
like you.
PICARD
He's not from this world. None
of us are.
Redblock's first reaction is surprise. He quickly
smothers it with laughter. Picard elaborates, using
Redblock's legendary greed as an enticement.
PICARD
(continuing)
We come from a world of fabulous
riches. A world of objects --
far greater in value than the one
you seek.
83 CLOSE ON REDBLOCK
Of course he doesn't believe it, but the mere thought
of this kind of world has his head buzzing.
84 TWO SHOT TO INCLUDE LEECH
who senses what's on Redblock's mind. Leech somehow
feels threatened by these thoughts...
LEECH
(to Picard, angry)
That's ridiculous! You're a
private dick. We've met before
and you never mentioned any of
this.
McNARY
He's right, Dix. That's pretty
weak stuff. I can't even buy
that line of guff.
PICARD
I am not Dixon Hill.
BEVERLY
(to others)
He's not!
85 CLOSE ON McNARY
rolling his eyes.
PICARD
I only look like Dixon Hill.
DATA
(to Redblock)
He speaks the truth, sir. From
your point of view, he is only
a fiction, a facsimile, a
knock-off, a cheap imitation.
PICARD
Thank you, Mister Data.
DATA
(to Picard, chagrined)
Sorry sir, that did not come out
quite the way I intended.
86 ANGLE ON REDBLOCK
rubbing his chin, sporting an evil grin...
REDBLOCK
Very good. Very, very, good.
What wonderful fiction! Quite
entertaining. I admire your skill
at trying to obfuscate our sense
of reality.
DATA
It is you who are not real, sir.
PICARD
Data--
DATA
(innocently)
It is you who are imaginary
characters derived from a work
of fiction.
87 ANGLE ON LEECH
not liking what he's hearing, as though deep down he
sensed it was true.
88 WIDE ANGLE
McNARY
Give it up, fellas. These guys
are too smart to fall for that
story.
DATA
(apologetic)
I am afraid you are not real either,
Lieutenant.
89 ON McNARY
who feels a cold flash for an instant, then shakes his
head derisively.
90 ANGLE ON LEECH
LEECH
I don't want to hear any more
of this! You're making me crazy!
91 TWO SHOT - BEVERLY AND LEECH
PICARD
Deep down, you all sense the
truth. Deep down, you know you're
not real. All of you.
LEECH
(waving gun)
Shut up!!
(growing frantic)
Let me shoot them, Mister
Redblock. Let me kill them, one
by one.
92 FULL SHOT
Beverly is still tending Whalen while Redblock is
pondering what to do.
REDBLOCK
(analytical)
A most interesting situation.
Perhaps we should test this
theory by killing one of them.
BEVERLY
You've already done that! This
man is dying! This whole thing
is senseless!
REDBLOCK
Hardly! Senseless killing is
immoral. But killing for a
purpose is often ingenious.
LEECH
Well said, Mister Redblock.
What's our purpose?
Leech pulls out a stiletto, casually places it against
Picard's chest. As he speaks, he slowly begins to
pluck the buttons off Picard's shirt...
REDBLOCK
We are on a quest for knowledge,
Mister Leech.
(to Picard)
We want the item.
He coolly runs the blade over Picard's Adam's apple...
92 CONTINUED:
PICARD
We don't have it.
LEECH
Shall I kill him?
REDBLOCK
No, kill the woman!
95 ON BEVERLY
trying to maintain her composure as Leech's gun COMES
INTO FRAME, pointed straight at her head.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
96 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
Leech is poised to pull the trigger...
PICARD
Redblock. I have the item.
97 ANGLE ON REDBLOCK
intrigued by Picard's offer.
REDBLOCK
At last. I knew it! God, man,
you are a character! Waiting
until the last moment! Testing
my resolve! What an ally you
would make! Now -- where is it?
98 TWO SHOT - REDBLOCK AND PICARD
PICARD
I'll explain. But first, tell
Leech to back off.
99 WIDER ANGLE
Redblock mulls it over.
REDBLOCK
Put the gun down, Mister Leech.
Leech's shoulders slump. He's gravely disappointed.
LEECH
But I want to kill her!
REDBLOCK
Perhaps later. It won't harm us
to listen to Mister Hill.
MCNARY
Don't make any deals with that
slime, Dix!
Redblock's thug raps McNary's chin with his gun,
knocking the detective to the ground.
REDBLOCK
(to Picard)
Begin. Make your thoughts
fruitful and your words eloquent.
(rumbling laugh)
Your lovely friend's life depends
upon it.
PICARD
There is a price.
REDBLOCK
By God, man, I knew we were of
the same stripe. Name it.
PICARD
Mister Whalen's life. You must
help us save him.
101 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
Riker is standing between the Conn and the Ops looking
over Worf's shoulder at something on his monitor.
Suddenly, the bridge CRACKLES with BLUE LIGHT, knocking
Riker off balance...
RIKER
What the devil --
TASHA
Probes! I'm reading several
of them, sir. All locked on to
us.
WORF
Verified. Coming from the
Jaradans!
103 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
Worf and Tasha work furiously to counteract the beams.
WE CAN HEAR the steady DRONE of the Enterprise's
ENGINES, straining to meet the challenge...
RIKER
(angry)
Open hailing frequencies.
TASHA
Frequencies open, sir.
RIKER
This is Commander Riker, aboard
the Enterprise. We demand that
you --
Riker cuts off as a LOUD NOISE COMES OVER THE COM,
drowning him out. It's the SOUND OF BUZZING, as though
a microphone had been stuck down an angry hornets'
nest.
RIKER
(continuing; holding
ears)
Cut that off!
Tasha does so, and the only thing WE HEAR is the HARD
PRESSED SOUND of the ship's ENGINES.
104 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON GEORDI
Wesley and Technicians in background.
GEORDI
(into Com)
Lieutenant La Forge to bridge.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker here.
GEORDI
Is everything all right, sir?
We felt quite a surge down here
--
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Yes. Status report.
GEORDI
We think we have something, sir.
I'll let Ensign Crusher explain.
Wesley is examining a dismantled panel of circuitry,
using a pointed bifocal instrument that allows him to
see microscopically.
WESLEY
(speaking up)
I've found three --
105 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
RIKER
Forget the explanation! Can you
repair it?
106 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - ON WESLEY
WESLEY
I don't know if I should. If
this isn't done correctly, the
program could abort and everyone
inside could vanish.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Do you need more time to study
it?
WESLEY
No, sir. Whether we do it now
or later, the risk will be the
same.
107 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
as he thinks for a moment.
RIKER
Do it.
108 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - WIDE ANGLE
PICARD
(passionate, to
Redblock)
If we can find the way of getting
him to our Sickbay by fixing our
computer --
REDBLOCK
Computer? I do not know this
word.
Picard sighs. Nothing is coming easy...
109 INT. HOLODECK ENTRANCE - CLOSE ON WESLEY
working on the circuitry.
110 INT. DIXON HILL'S OFFICE - ON DATA, REDBLOCK AND LEECH
DATA
-- A mechanical or electronic
apparatus capable of carrying out
repetitious and highly complex
mathematical operations at high
speed.
111 ANGLE ON LEECH
becoming infuriated with Data's rambling definition.
DATA (O.S.)
Computers are used to control,
perform, process, or store --
LEECH
Enough!
(to Redblock)
Let me kill him. He's beginning
to irritate me.
112 FLASH CUT TO WESLEY
working intently. There is a BLUE FLASH.
113 BACK TO HILL'S OFFICE
where Leech is taking aim at Data.
Suddenly, the ENTIRE SETTING CHANGES and all involved
find themselves in A SNOWY ALIEN LANDSCAPE. The wind
is howling like a bitch, driving Leech to his knees and
ripping the hat off the thug's head.
This is a hellish place -- imagine the North Pole in
a hurricane. The wind is screaming like a banshee;
chilling everyone to the bone.
Then, just as suddenly, they're ALL BACK IN THE OFFICE.
They're frozen in their tracks, still shell-shocked
and shivering from the sudden change in climate.
114 CLOSE ON McNARY
amazed by what's happened.
115 CLOSE ON LEECH
terrified by what's happened.
116 MOVE IN ON REDBLOCK
intrigued by what's happened.
117 BACK TO SHOT
DATA
(indicating wall)
Captain, the exit...
The BLUE STREAK has REAPPEARED on the closet door...
PICARD
(to Redblock)
That's it! The way into our
world.
Leech is still trembling, looking around paranoically
as though waiting to be transported back to that frozen
hell. But Redblock has shaken off the snowy cold. He
waddles up to the exit spot and examines it with great
interest.
REDBLOCK
Remarkable. Is this a two-way
passage? Can one enter your world
and return to this one simply by
stepping through?
PICARD
Yes. Allow us to help Mister
Whalen, and we'll return with
the item.
118 EXTREMELY CLOSE ON REDBLOCK
his beady eyes aglow, his swollen tongue sliding over
his parched lips as he thinks of the item. He begins
to chuckle... it grows into a laugh... then a belly
laugh...
119 PULL BACK
as Redblock practically explodes with laughter. Soon
the thugs are joining in. Finally, even the weak-kneed
Leech has broken into little machine gun bursts of
laughter.
REDBLOCK
(to Picard)
By God, sir, you are a scamp!
To think that I would wait here
--
DATA
If you are thinking of going
through yourself sir, I can assure
you that is not possible.
REDBLOCK
Not possible!
(laughs again)
One look at you sir, proves
anything is possible.
Picard is eyeing the exit, wondering if he should try
and make a break for it. The Thug pulls a large
pistol.
REDBLOCK
Stand back, Mister Hill. I would
shoot you myself, but I don't want
to rob my assistant of his
greatest pleasure.
THUG
Thanks, boss.
REDBLOCK
(to thug)
After we've gone, kill them all.
Make sure no one ever finds the
bodies.
McNARY
You're insane! You think you can
kill a cop and get away with it?
REDBLOCK
Why not? I've done it before.
Come, Mister Leech.
Leech joins him, still a little tentative. Redblock
takes a long look at the exit.
REDBLOCK
(continuing; dramatic)
Our destiny awaits.
(to Picard)
Au revoir et bon chance, mon ami!
Side by side, the two Men STEP THROUGH the portal.
The thug puts the gun on Picard. Data steps forward
and pinches its muzzle closed. The thug makes a move
to Data and Data decks him.
120 INT. ENTERPRISE HALLWAY - CLOSE ON REDBLOCK AND LEECH
The glitch is still glitching -- they have come out
though a back wall of the Holodeck, not the main
Holodeck entrance.
They step out into an empty hallway. Leech is bug-eyed
and nervous. Redblock is wide-eyed and deliriously
happy...
REDBLOCK
(whisper)
Another world.
(louder)
A whole new world to plunder!
LEECH
(flat)
Uh-oh.
REDBLOCK
(irritated)
What is it?
Too mesmerized to speak, Leech simply nods down toward
their feet. Redblock looks down and SHRIEKS...
121 PULL BACK (OPTICAL)
to SEE that they are each DEMATERIALIZING, from the
bottom up. They look on in abstract horror as their
feet and legs completely DISAPPEAR.
Redblock cries out to the heavens as his chest
VAPORIZES...
REDBLOCK
Nooo!! I want to live!! I want--
Their torsos and heads go the same way, until THERE IS
NOTHING LEFT....
122 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON GEORDI AND WESLEY
GEORDI
(into Com)
We've done it, but still no sign
of them.
124 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK
GEORDI
Should we go inside?
125 INT. DIXON HILL'S WAITING ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
PICARD
(to Data, indicating
Exit)
Pick him up. Get him to Sickbay.
DATA
What about you?
PICARD
I'll follow you. Now go!
Picking their way through the Office, Data, carrying
Whalen, and Beverly EXIT.
Picard turns to McNary.
PICARD
I can't think of a way to thank
you. You know I can't take you
with me.
MCNARY
(nodding)
Someone's gotta book this creep.
(indicates thug)
Once a cop always a cop, I guess.
The OFFICE FLOOR RUMBLES again.
PICARD
(empathetic)
I have to go.
McNARY
So this is the big good-bye.
They shake hands like two old friends who are about to
part forever. This is The Big Good-bye.
126 MOVE IN ON THEM
McNARY
Tell me something, Dixon.
(worried)
When you've gone.... will this
world still exist?.. Will my wife
and kids still be waiting for me
at home?
PICARD
(pause, sadly)
I honestly don't know. Good-bye
my friend.
Picard STEPS THROUGH.
After a few moments, McNary's entire world goes PITCH
BLACK.
127 INT. ENTRANCE TO HOLODECK - ON THEM
Picard steps back out onto the Enterprise. Data
hurriedly takes Whalen away. Wesley rushes to Beverly,
who hugs him as she follows Data.
129 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE
TASHA
Captain!
Picard hurries to the Command Area and takes his seat.
RIKER
Are you ready, sir?
PICARD
As ready as I'll ever be. Open
hailing frequencies.
TASHA
Frequencies open.
PICARD
(into com,
commandingly)
This is Jean-Luc Picard, captain
of the USS Enterprise. Aaaaard
kraxon Leeeeesss...
130 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT (OPTICAL)
131 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Picard is finishing his greeting. The others on the
bridge are holding completely still, praying that
nothing goes wrong...
PICARD
Risssssss... Trassssss.... Trasulah!
The captain has completed his recitation. There's dead
silence as the officers await the Jaradan reaction. WE
SEE their faces as the JARADAN LEADER APPEARS on
Screen.
WE SEE him from the shoulders up... He is indeed
wasp-like: black and yellow, with pointed insectile
features and waving black antennae.
JARADAN'S COM VOICE
You have... honored us with
your words of greeting. A new
day dawns between us.
There's great joy and relief on the bridge. Picard
takes a deep breath. Riker smiles at him...
RIKER
(nonchalant)
So... Have a nice vacation?
Picard gives him a long smile, but doesn't answer...
PICARD
It was a nice place to visit,
but I wouldn't want to die there.
132 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
PULLING OUT of orbit, and HEADING for deep space...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
