Star Trek Generations Page #11

DATA:

I wanted to save Geordi. I tried. But I experienced something I did not

expect. (beat) I believe it was fear.

Picard regards him sympathetically.

PICARD:

Fear is a very difficult emotion to overcome. It's something we all have

to learn to deal with.

DATA:

But I did not deal with it, sir. I let it prevent me from helping my

friend. (beat) Does that make me a coward?

PICARD:

No. And what you must try to avoid is becoming consumed by another

emotion which I believe you're beginning to experience: guilt.

DATA:

(considers)

Guilt. It is a most unpleasant feeling.

84AANGLE (VFX-P) 84A

The computer finishes its calculations and the console beeps. Data works

the console. Information appears on screen.

DATA:

According to our current information, the destruction of the Amargosa

star has had the following effects in this sector: gamma emissions have

increased by .05 percent, the starship Bozeman was forced to make a

course correction, a research project on Gorik IV was halted due to

increased neutrino particles, ambient magnetic fields have decreased by-

PICARD:

Wait. The Bozeman,why did it change course?

DATA:

(matter of fact)

The destruction of the Amargosa star has altered the gravitational

forces throughout the sector. Any ship passing through this region will

have to make a minor course correction.

Picard is starting to get an idea, he's onto something here. He moves to

a large table in the center of the room.

PICARD:

(musing)

A minor course correction. (beat) Where is the ribbon now?

84BANGLE (VFX-P) 84B

Data moves to the table to work. After a few beats, an elaborate map of

the galaxy springs up on the ceiling of the room. A blinking dot shows

the position of the ribbon.

DATA:

This is its current position.

PICARD:

Can you project its course?

Data hesitates, still obsessed with his own emotional turmoil. Picard

finally has to lay down the law.

PICARD:

(firm)

Data. I have nothing but sympathy for what you're going through. But

right now, I need your full attention on the task at hand. If you can't

provide it, then I'll have to relieve you of duty until Doctor Crusher

can remove this emotion chip of yours. I'm sorry, but you leave me no

other choice.

This snaps Data back. He considers this for a long moment, then looks

determined.

DATA:

I do not wish to remove the chip, sir. Although these emotions are

proving difficult to deal with, I cannot imagine going back to a life

without them. I have taken an important step toward becoming truly

human. If I were to turn back now... (beat) I would like to continue in

my duties, sir.

Picard smiles at him.

PICARD:

Courage is an emotion too, Data. (beat) Now, can you project the course

of the ribbon?

DATA:

I believe so.

84CANGLE (VFX-P) 84C

Data works the console. A red line moves to form an arc through the

starfield. Picard examines the display for a moment and nods. He's

excited, on to something.

PICARD:

Enhance grid A-9.

Data works and the display now zooms into a single sector. The red line

cuts through the sector.

PICARD:

Where was the Amargosa star?

Data works. A star is highlighted near the red line.

PICARD:

Now, you said the gravitational forces in this sector have been altered,

could that also affect the course of the ribbon?

DATA:

(thinks)

I believe so.

84DANGLE (VFX-P) 84D

Data works and holographic display changes again. The red line

representing the course of the ribbon now shifts to the right- away from

the Amargosa star's position. Picard is beginning to realize what's

going on.

PICARD:

That's what Soran's doing, he's changing its course. (beat) But why? Why

try to alter its path? Why not simply fly into it with a ship?

Data thinks for a moment.

DATA:

Our records show that every ship which has approached the ribbon has

either been destroyed or severely damaged.

Picard thinks about this, then has a flash of insight.

PICARD:

He can't go to the ribbon, so he's trying to make the ribbon come to

him. (beat) Data, is it going to pass near any M-Class planets?

DATA:

(works)

Yes, sir. There are two in the Veridian system.

84EANGLE (VFX-P) 84E

The display zooms in on a star very close to the ribbon's path. We now

see a solar system with a single star and four planets. The red line

moves directly through the system- it passes very close to the third

planet. Picard eyes that planet and points to it.

PICARD:

It's very close to Veridian III, but not close enough.

Picard's mind is going a mile a minute. He suddenly has a horrible

realization.

PICARD:

Data, what would happen to the ribbon's path if he destroyed the

Veridian star itself?

84FANGLE (VFX-P) 84F

Data works. On the display, the Veridian star suddenly darkens and goes

out. The red line shifts slightly until it makes an exact intersection

with the third planet. They both react to this sight. They're both aware

of just how serious this is.

PICARD:

That's where he's going.

DATA:

It should be noted, sir, that the collapse of the Veridian star would

produce a shock wave similar to the one we observed at Amargosa.

PICARD:

(grim)

And destroy every planet in the system.

Picard eyes the graphic with a sense of dread.

PICARD:

Are any of them inhabited?

DATA:

Veridian III is uninhabited, but Veridian IV supports a pre-industrial

humanoid society.

PICARD:

Population?

DATA:

Approximately two hundred thirty million.

A grim beat.

PICARD:

(to com)

Picard to Bridge.

WORF'S COM VOICE

Worf here, sir.

Picard heads for the exit, a sense of urgency and determination in his

every move.

PICARD:

Red Alert, Mr. Worf. Set a course for the Veridian system, maximum warp.

Picard and Data EXIT Stellar Cartography.

85 EXT. SPACE- THE ENTERPRISE (VFX-I) 85

as it goes into warp.

CUT TO:

86 INT. KLINGON BIRD OF PREY- BRIDGE86

Lursa and B'Etor in command as Soran ENTERS.

LURSA:

Did you get anything from the human?

SORAN:

No. His heart just isn't in it.

KLINGON HELM:

(off console)

We have entered orbit of Veridian III.

SORAN:

Prepare to transport me to the surface.

B'ETOR

Wait. When do we get our payment?

Soran hands B'Etor a small computer chip.

SORAN:

This contains all the information you'll need to build a trilithium

weapon. It's been coded. Once I'm safely to the surface, I'll transmit

the decryption sequence to you. Not before.

KLINGON HELM:

(urgent)

Mistress! A Federation starship is entering the system!

LURSA:

What? On viewer.

86AANGLE (VFX-P) 86A

The Helm works. The viewscreen now shows the Enterprise at impulse

entering the system. Reactions.

KLINGON HELM:

They are hailing us.

B'ETOR

Du'cha (On speakers.)

The Helm works.

PICARD'S COM VOICE

Klingon vessel. We know what you're doing, and we will destroy any probe

launched toward the Veridian star.

Soran's expression darkens.

B'ETOR

What do we do?

Soran checks his watch.

SORAN:

There's no time for this. Eliminate them.

B'ETOR

(reacts)

That is a Galaxy class starship. We are no match for them.

Soran thinks for a moment, thenhe gets an idea. He pulls La Forge's

VISOR out of a pocket. He eyes it with intent.

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