












                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                           "Darmok" 
                          #40275-202 
                              
                          Written by 
                          Joe Menosky 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Rick Kolbe 


THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT

                        JULY 8, 1991

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Darmok" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             CAPTAIN DATHON
                RIKER              TAMARIAN FIRST OFFICER
                DATA               
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                                   Non-Speaking
                O'BRIEN              TAMARIAN OFFICERS
                                     ALIEN CREATURE
                ENSIGN LEFLER        
                COMPUTER VOICE    
 
                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  N.D. FEMALE SECURITY OFFICER
                  SHUTTLE CO-PILOT                 
                  N.D. MALE OFFICE   
                  SHUTTLE PASSENGER

              STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Darmok" 
                            
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS        
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     TAMARIAN STARSHIP
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              ENGINEERING              PLANET EL-ADREL
              TRANSPORTER ROOM           PLANET SURFACE
          
            SHUTTLE
          
            TAMARIAN BRIDGE
              (ON VIEWSCREEN)

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Darmok" 
                      
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                  ANNULAR          ann-YOU-ler
                  ANZO             AHN-zoe
                  BAHAR            buh-HAHR
                  BAKOR            bah-CORE
                  CALLIMAS         kah-lee-MAHS
                  CHENZA           CHEN-zuh
                  DARMOK           dahr-MOCK
                  DATHON           DAY-thahn
                  EL-ADREL         el-AH-drel
                  GALLOS           GAHL-ohs
                  JIRI             JEE-ree
                  JALAD            juh-LAHD
                  KADIR            kuh-DEER
                  KANDA            KAHN-duh
                  KANZA            KAHN-zuh
                  KITEO            key-TAY-oh
                  KITUAY           KI-too-AY
                  LASHMIR          lahsh-MEER
                  LERISHI          LEHR-ish-ee
                  LOWANI           low-AH-nee
                  LUNGHA           LOON-guh

          STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - PRONUNCIATION           

                          CONTINUED:

                MALINDI       muh-LIN-dee
                MIRAB         mee-RAHB
                MO MOTEH      moe-moe-TAY
                RAI           RIE
                RAZNA         RAHZ-nuh
                SHAKA         SHAH-kah
                SHANTIL       SHAHN-till
                SHIKU MARU    SHEE-koo mah-ROO
                SOKATH        soh-KAHTH
                TAMA          TAH-mah
                TAMARIAN      tah-MAH-rian
                TANAGRA       tuh-NAH-gruh
                TEMARC        teh-MARK
                TEMBA         TEM-buh
                UBAYA         oo-BUY-uh
                UZANI         oo-ZAH-nee
                ZIMA          ZEE-mah
                ZINDA         ZIN-dah

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER         1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                           "Darmok"                                
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Travelling at warp speed.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45047.2.
			The Enterprise is en route to an
			uninhabited planet in the El-Adrel
			system. The location is mid-way
			between Federation space and the
			territory occupied by an enigmatic
			race known as "The Children of
			Tama."

2    INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	PICARD, RIKER, TROI, DATA and WORF. The Enterprise is
	at warp. A schematic of a Tamarian spacecraft is
	displayed at Data's end of the table.

					PICARD
			The Tamarians apparently arrived
			at El-Adrel Four nearly three
			weeks ago. They've been
			transmitting a subspace signal
			toward Federation space ever
			since.

					DATA
			The signal is a standard
			mathematical progression. It does
			not carry a specific message.

					RIKER
			But they want us to know they're
			there.

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - TEASER           1A.

2    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Apparently so. Starfleet
			believes their presence is an
			attempt to start a dialogue.
				(to Data)
			Commander.

	Data indicates the graphic display -- the ship is
	formidable looking, covered with alien lettering.

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - TEASER         2.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Federation vessels have
			encountered Tamarian ships seven
			times over the past one hundred
			years. Each meeting was without
			incident, but formal relations
			were never established because
			communication was not possible.

					RIKER
			Why?

					DATA
			The Children of Tama were called
			"incomprehensible" by Captain
			Silvestri of the Shiku Maru.
			Other accounts are comparable.

					WORF
			A cause for concern. For all
			we know, they are threatening
			our border.

					TROI
			Everything in the previous
			encounters suggests a peaceable
			race. We have to start from
			there.

					PICARD
			Agreed. I appreciate your
			prudence, Lieutenant Worf. But
			given the evidence, Starfleet has
			arrived at a reasonable
			conclusion. The Tamarians have
			extended a hand -- we must do the
			same.

	A beat as Worf lets it go for now. Riker turns to the
	graphic display.

					RIKER
			The "Children of Tama." I've
			heard rumors about them for years.

					PICARD
			As have I, Number One.

	Picard glances at the graphic of the Tamarian ship.

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER         3.

2    CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Are they truly "incomprehensible"?
			In my experience, communication
			is a function of patience and
			imagination. I'd like to think
			we have both qualities in
			sufficient measure.

3    ANGLE ON THE TAMARIAN GRAPHIC

	A beat on the mysterious, powerful-looking vessel.

4    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise and a Tamarian starship, as formidable
	as the graphic, slightly more robust than our own
	craft. The ships are facing each other, in orbit above
	a reddish planet.

5    INT. BRIDGE - THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	displays a TAMARIAN -- CAPTAIN DATHON -- flanked by
	his FIRST OFFICER, and TWO OTHER OFFICERS. Their
	uniforms are rich with insignia -- and each wears a
	small ceremonial dagger across his or her chest. But
	all look the very embodiment of "well-meaning."

					DATHON
			... Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Rai
			of Lowani. Lowani under two
			moons. Jiri of Ubaya. Ubaya of
			crossed roads. At Lungha.
			Lungha. Her sky grey.

	He smiles in all friendliness, as if waiting for a
	response.

6    THE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf. All are staring at the
	viewscreen, a stupefied expression on each face. Data
	cocks his head in the android equivalent.

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - TEASER         4.

6    CONTINUED:

					DATHON
				(continuing;
				 re-emphasizing)
			Rai and Jiri. At Lungha...

	A beat. Picard glances at Troi.

					PICARD
			Counselor...

					TROI
			I'm picking up nothing but good
			intentions, Captain.

					PICARD
			Data?

					DATA
			The Tamarian seems to be stating
			the proper names of individuals
			and locations.

					PICARD
			But what does it all mean?

					DATA
			I am at a loss, sir.

	Picard faces the alien on the viewscreen.

					PICARD
				(to screen)
			Captain, I invite you to consider
			the creation of a mutual
			non-aggression pact between our
			two peoples. Possibly leading
			to a trade agreement and cultural
			interchange. Does this sound like
			a reasonable course of action?

7    INCLUDE THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Now it's the Tamarians' turn to stare open-mouthed.
	They haven't a clue...

	The First Officer turns to Captain Dathon.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Kadir beneath Mo Moteh.

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER         5.

7    CONTINUED:

	The other officers laugh -- but the Captain doesn't
	find it funny.

					DATHON
			The river Temarc.

	The officers immediately stop their laughter -- as if
	ordered to.

					DATHON
				(continuing; for
				 emphasis)
			In winter.

	His officers look sheepish.

8    RESUME BRIDGE

	Picard and Riker exchange a glance.

					PICARD
			Impressions, Number One.

					RIKER
			They seem to be trying their best.

					PICARD
			As are we. For what it's worth.

					WORF
				(indicating screen)
			Captain.

	Picard and Riker look up at the screen.

9    THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Where the aliens appear to be having a spirited
	discussion amongst themselves.

					DATHON
			Darmok.

	The First Officer looks very concerned -- objects.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Darmok? Rai and Jiri at Lungha.

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - TEASER         6.

9    CONTINUED:

					DATHON
				(shrugs)
			Shaka. When the walls fell...

					FIRST OFFICER
			Zima at Anzo. Zima and Bakor.

					DATHON
				(firm)
			Darmok at Tanagra.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Shaka!
				(indicates situation)
			Mirab. His sails unfurled.

					DATHON
			Darmok.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Mir--

					DATHON
			--Temarc!

	The First Officer shuts up.

					DATHON
			The river Temarc...

	The First Officer bows his head in complete compliance
	-- he's lost the argument.

	Captain Dathon reaches out and takes the First
	Officer's ceremonial DAGGER.

10   INCLUDE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard watches as the alien captain turns to him -- now
	armed with two daggers.

					DATHON
			Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

	A beat. Suddenly both Picard and the Tamarian Captain
	DEMATERIALIZE in a transporter beam.

					RIKER
			Block their transporter with the
			shields! Extend to maximum range!

         STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER         7.

10   CONTINUED:

	Picard completely disappears as Worf hits his console.

					WORF
			Not enough time!

					RIKER
				(to Data)
			Where is he?

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			The Tamarians have transported
			Captain Picard to the surface.
			With their own captain...

					RIKER
				(touches insignia)
			Riker to O'Brien --

					DATA
			-- Transport will not be possible,
			Commander. The Tamarian ship has
			created a particle scattering
			field in the planet's ionosphere.

	Riker looks at the viewscreen -- which goes back to an
	image of the Tamarian ship.

11   EXT. PLANET

	A desert filled with scrub-brush and rock. Picard and
	the Tamarian Captain are facing each other, separated
	by thirty feet of bare ground. Two daggers are in the
	alien's hands.

	OFF Picard's expression: "What the hell is this all
	about?"

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT ONE        8.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

12   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	and the Tamarian ship, facing each other in orbit above
	the planet.

13   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker, Data, Troi, Worf.

					RIKER
			Riker to Captain Picard...
				(no response)
			Captain, do you read me?

	Riker turns to Data.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Can we compensate?

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			No, sir. The Tamarians are
			projecting a particle sustaining
			beam into the upper atmosphere.
			The result is a hyperionization
			that disrupts virtually all EM
			and subspace carriers.

	Riker thinks for a moment.

					RIKER
			That means they can't communicate
			with their man, either. Or beam
			anybody through the field.

					DATA
			That is correct. However, they
			have left sensor frequencies
			clear.

					RIKER
			So they can read what's going on?
			Analysis, Mister Worf. What the
			hell is going on?

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT ONE        9.

13   CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(shrugs)
			A contest, perhaps.
				(in explanation)
			Between champions. Our captain
			against theirs.

	Riker considers this for a moment.

					RIKER
				(remembering)
			Theirs was armed...

	OFF everyone's reaction.

14   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY

	Picard and the alien captain are still thirty feet
	apart, facing each other.

					DATHON
			Darmok and Jalad.

	The Tamarian extends the dagger-like weapon he took
	from his first officer, as if offering it to Picard.

					PICARD
				(re: the weapon)
			You expect me to fight -- is that
			it? A challenge?

					DATHON
			Darmok and Jalad.

					PICARD
			I don't know who or what Darmok
			and Jalad are. But I didn't come
			here to start a war.

	Picard makes no move to accept the weapon.

					DATHON
				(insistent)
			Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

					PICARD
			I refuse.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT ONE        10.

14   CONTINUED:

	Picard crosses his arms. The Tamarian stares for a
	beat, then tosses the weapon toward Picard, landing it
	a couple of feet away from him. Picard doesn't even
	look at it.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Would you attack an unarmed man,
			Captain? There's not much of a
			challenge in that.

	The alien watches him for a moment. Scowls. The
	Tamarian takes his own weapon out of its chest sheath,
	points at the one in front of Picard.

					DATHON
			Temba. His arms wide.

					PICARD
				(shakes head)
			I'm sorry, Captain.

	Picard picks up the weapon, tosses it back in front of
	the alien.

	They stare at each other for a few beats. The
	Tamarian looks frustrated. He reaches down, picks up
	the dagger.

					DATHON
				(almost to himself)
			Shaka... When the walls fell...

	He moves slowly off toward the edge of the clearing,
	keeping an eye on Picard all the way. Picard does the
	same, moving toward the opposite end of the clearing.

	The Tamarian now ignores Picard completely and starts
	clearing out rocks to form a campground. Picard
	watches for a few beats. Then starts to do the same.

15   INT. BRIDGE - SCIENCE STATION

	Data looks up from his instruments. Riker is standing
	behind him, waiting for Data's report.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT ONE        11.

15   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Sensors show the captain and the
			Tamarian in apparent good health,
			approximately twenty meters from
			each other.

	Everyone considers Data's words. A beat as Riker
	thinks for a moment.

					RIKER
				(to Worf)
			Lieutenant, hail the Tamarian
			ship.

	Worf works the panel.

					WORF
			On screen.

16   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The Tamarian First Officer in his chair, surrounded by
	his senior staff. All are grim-faced.

					RIKER
				(to screen)
			You are holding our captain. I
			want him released.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Darmok at Tanagra.

					RIKER
			Your actions can be interpreted
			as an act of war.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT ONE        12.

16   CONTINUED:

					FIRST OFFICER
				(to his staff)
			Kiteo. His eyes closed.
				(to Riker)
			Chenza at court. The court of
			silence.
				(flash of anger)
			Chenza...

					RIKER
				(to Data)
			Is there any way to get through
			to them?

					DATA
			Not without further study.

	Riker stares at the viewscreen for a long beat.

					RIKER
			Mister Worf, close the channel.

					WORF
			Gladly, sir.

	Worf touches the console and the viewscreen switches to
	the image of the Tamarian ship.

					RIKER
				(to Worf)
			I want you and a security team
			to take a shuttle down to the
			planet. Bring back the captain.

					WORF
			Aye, Commander.

	Worf heads for the turbolift.

					DATA
			Sir, the Tamarians are fully
			capable of stopping a shuttle.

					RIKER
			I'm aware of that. But disrupting
			our transporter beam is one thing.
			Firing on a shuttle is something
			else entirely. I'm betting
			they're not gonna push it that
			far.

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT ONE           13.

17   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - NIGHT

18   CLOSE ON A STICK

	being twirled by Picard's hands. As a slight tendril
	of smoke rises off a small pile of straw...

19   REVEAL PICARD

	working the stick. He quickly drops it, blows on the
	straw, adding more material, until he has a small fire
	going... which quickly sputters out.

	Picard scowls, looks over across the clearing.

20   THE TAMARIAN

	is staring back at him, sitting next to a roaring
	campfire. He smiles at Picard's failed attempt.

					DATHON
			Shaka. When the walls fell.

21   INCLUDE PICARD

	not pleased with the situation.

					PICARD
			"Shaka" indeed.

	Picard stands, giving up on the fire.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			What now, Captain? Will you
			attack me in my sleep?

	Picard rubs his arms against the growing chill.

					PICARD
				(exaggerating)
			If I don't freeze to death
			first...

					DATHON
			Darmok of Kanza. Jalad of the
			Kituay.

	Picard thinks a moment.

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT ONE           14.

21   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Picard of the Federation.

	The Tamarian looks at him blankly.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Of the starship Enterprise... Of
			the planet Earth...

	Picard's words mean nothing to the alien.

					DATHON
				(to himself)
			Kadir beneath Mo Moteh...

	The Tamarian shrugs, turns away, ignoring Picard. He
	adds some wood to his fire, then crouches on his
	haunches like a Bedouin. He takes five ornamental
	objects off of his garments, carefully placing them on
	the ground.

22   THE TAMARIAN

	begins a strange ritual, alternately picking up one or
	more of the objects and dropping them on the ground,
	touching his forehead after each pattern formed by
	their fall. His manner is not particularly religious
	-- more like habit or custom done without much thought.

23   PICARD

	watches with curiosity. He rubs his arms unconsciously
	against the chill.

24   THE SCENE

	The alien finishes his ritual, leaving the objects on
	the ground. He glances over at Picard -- who is
	walking back and forth, keeping his blood going. The
	Tamarian turns from him, laying down in front of the
	fire.

25   THE TAMARIAN

	closes his eyes, attempting to sleep. A couple of
	beats later, his eyes open. He rolls over, looks back
	at Picard.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT ONE        15.

26   THE TAMARIAN'S POV

	Picard isn't life-threatened by the cold -- but he
	looks increasingly uncomfortable. It's going to be a
	miserable night.

27   RESUME THE TAMARIAN

	He sighs -- with a hint of guilt. The alien sits up,
	pokes around the fire until he pulls out a branch
	burning at one end only.

28   THE SCENE

	The Tamarian stands with the flame-tipped wood, and
	in one smooth motion, hurls it end over end across the
	clearing -- where it lands at Picard's feet.

					DATHON
			Temba.

	Picard looks down at the branch, then back up at the
	Tamarian, who is watching him. Picard picks it up.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Temba? What do you mean? Fire?
			Temba means fire?

					DATHON
			Temba. His arms wide.

					PICARD
			Temba is a person? His arms are
			wide. Because he's holding
			them apart? In generosity?
			In giving? In taking?

	Dathon indicates the branch.

					DATHON
			Temba. His arms wide.

	Picard gives up on the specific meaning for now. The
	gift is progress in any case.

					PICARD
			Thank you.
				(indicates branch)
			Thank you.

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT ONE           16.

29   PICARD

	holds the brand to his pile of straw and it immediately
	ignites. He adds kindling and branches and quickly has
	a cheery fire. He looks back toward the alien.

30   PICARD'S POV

	The Tamarian appears to be fast asleep.

31   RESUME PICARD

	as he watches the alien for a few moments. OFF the
	thoughtful look on his face.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT TWO        17.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

32   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	above the planet, head-to-head with the Tamarian ship.
	A SHUTTLECRAFT is leaving the Enterprise.

					RIKER (V.O.)
			First Officer's log, supplemental.
			I am sending a shuttlecraft to
			find Captain Picard, gambling that
			the Tamarians will back down
			rather than risk an exchange of
			phaser fire. But I feel like I'm
			playing a deadly game -- the
			captain's life is the prize, and
			I still don't know the rules.

33   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	Worf is at the controls, one N.D. SECURITY OFFICER
	(female) is in the co-pilot position.

					WORF
				(off instruments)
			The positron density is point zero
			one three. Electron concentration
			is seven point nine-five.

34   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker, Data, and Troi.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
				(heavily fritzed)
			We are two hundred fifty
			kilometers from the planet's
			surface.

					DATA
			The shuttle has reached the E
			region of the planet's ionosphere.

					RIKER
			How long can we maintain
			communications?

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO        18.

34   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			The scattering layer induced by
			the Tamarians is concentrated in
			the upper D region. The shuttle
			will enter that area in
			approximately two minutes.

35   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The Tamarian vessel, hanging silently in front of them.

					RIKER
			The Tamarian ship?

					DATA
			Unchanged, sir. They appear to
			be making no attempt to stop us.

	Riker considers this for a moment as he stares at the
	viewscreen.

					RIKER
			Maybe we called their bluff.

36   INT. SHUTTLE

	Worf works the controls.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(extremely fritzed)
			Status, Mister Worf.

					WORF
			Navigational, life-support,
			propulsion normal. Onboard
			systems do not appear to be
			disrupted by the field. But I
			can barely read you, Commander.

37   INT. BRIDGE

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Acknowledged, Lieutenant.
			Maintain contact as long as
			conditions permit --

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO        19.

37   CONTINUED:

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			-- Commander! I am reading a
			power surge in the Tamarian plasma
			reactor.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Mister Worf! Evasive maneuver
			sequence delta!

38   INT. SHUTTLE

	Worf at the controls. Riker's voice is barely
	understandable.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(totally fritzed)
			-- Maneuver sequence delta!
			Maneuver sequence --

39   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	A single, tiny, phaser beam burst fires from the
	Tamarian ship, away from both vessels, down toward the
	planet.

39A  EXT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)

	as it gets HIT by the phaser.

40   INT. SHUTTLE

	The BLAST rocks the shuttle. Worf and company nearly
	fall from their seats.

41   INT. BRIDGE

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			Commander, the shuttle has been
			hit.

					RIKER
			Damage.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO       19A.

41   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			The starboard nacelle has been
			rendered inoperable.

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO           20.

41   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(surprised)
			That's all?
				(to com)
			Riker to Lieutenant Worf.

42   INT. SHUTTLE

	The crew has recovered from the blast.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(fritzed)
			Report.

					WORF
				(to com)
			Starboard thrusters destroyed.
			Commander, I may be able to land.
			I will not be able to take off.

43   INT. BRIDGE

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Understood, Lieutenant. Return
			to the Enterprise.

44   INT. SHUTTLE

	Worf plots a course.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

45   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker turns to Data.

					RIKER
			Enough to make them turn back,
			but not enough to hurt them.

					DATA
			Yes, sir. The phaser pulse
			appears to have been carefully
			attenuated for just that effect.

	Riker looks up at the viewscreen.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO        21.

46   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The Tamarian ship.

					RIKER
				(begrudgingly)
			Nice shooting...

47   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Riker, Data, Troi, GEORDI, Worf.

	Geordi is indicating a graphic display of the planet's
	upper atmosphere -- a glowing umbrella effect indicates
	the spread of the Tamarian scattering field. Graphic
	representations of the Enterprise and the Tamarian ship
	are in orbit above it.

					GEORDI
			I'm pretty sure I can punch up
			the annular confinement beam --
			enough to transport the captain
			through the field. But it's gonna
			take a full day at least.

					TROI
			Captain Picard could be dead by
			then.

					WORF
			I do not believe so.

	They turn to him in surprise.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			I have confidence in his ability
			as a warrior. He will be
			victorious.

					TROI
			You're still assuming this is some
			sort of a challenge ritual. We
			can't be certain of that.

					RIKER
			Agreed. We're making educated
			guesses about their motivations
			-- no more than that.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO        22.

47   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Then why do we wait? If we attack
			the ship directly, they will be
			unable to maintain the scattering
			field.

					RIKER
			Which could start a shooting
			match, and for all we know, a war.
			And we still might not be able
			to save the captain.

					WORF
			It will end this stalemate.

					RIKER
			There's too much at risk. I'll
			take that course when it's the
			only one left.

	A silent beat as Riker looks around the room, the
	frustration obvious in his voice.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Who the hell are these people?
			There's got to be some way to get
			through to them.

					DATA
			As I have said, with further study
			it may be possible to --

					RIKER
			-- Then do it.
				(to Troi)
			Deanna, help him. I want
			something by oh-nine hundred
			hours.

	The meeting's over. Riker gets up and leaves, Worf and
	Geordi follow him out.

	OFF a glance between Data and Troi -- they've got a
	daunting task in front of them.

48   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY

	Picard is curled up asleep by the now burned-out
	campfire. He takes a ragged breath, his eyes open.
	Picard sits up, takes in his surroundings, glances
	across the clearing.

          STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO          22A.

49   PICARD'S POV

	The alien's campsite is empty -- the Tamarian is
	nowhere to be seen.

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO           23.

50   RESUME

	Picard stands, dusting himself off, still looking
	across the clearing.

					PICARD
				(to himself)
			Where have you gone to, my friend?

	Picard stares for another beat, glances around, doesn't
	see anybody, and makes a decision.

	He strides away from his campsite, crosses the
	clearing, looking around at each step for the alien.

	Picard arrives at the campsite, pausing at the rocks
	that have been piled around it. Still no sign of the
	Tamarian. Picard looks at the campsite -- several
	personal objects appear to have been left. He can't
	resist.

					PICARD
				(to himself)
			Forgive the intrusion, Captain.
			But I need some answers.

	Picard steps over the rock perimeter. He moves to the
	burned out campfire and crouches down.

51   CLOSE ON THE CEREMONIAL OBJECTS

	Two of the small pieces the Tamarian worked the ritual
	with the previous night. Picard's hand reaches down
	and picks one of them up.

52   RESUME

	Picard turns it over in his hand, studying it. The
	object is metallic and crystalline, dull like lead
	rather than shining, but has a beauty nonetheless.

	He puts it down. Something catches his eye a few feet
	away...

52A  PICARD'S POV -- A BOOK

	belonging to the alien captain -- the same type of
	lettering on the Tamarian ship adorns its cover.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT TWO        24.

52A  RESUME

	Picard reacts. OFF the look of curiosity on his face.

	INT. DATA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Data and Troi are at the table, facing a computer
	monitor. The monitor is running a recording of the
	first encounter with the Tamarians, as seen on the
	bridge viewscreen.

					DATHON
				(firm)
			Darmok at Tanagra.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Shaka!
				(indicates situation)
			Mirab. His sails unfurled.

					DATHON
			Darmok.

					DATA
			Freeze.

	The computer freeze-frames the scene.

					TROI
			"Darmok." It seems to be a point
			of contention between them.
			Perhaps something the Tamarian
			captain proposed but his First
			Officer didn't like?

					DATA
			The apparent emotional dynamic
			does seem to support that
			assumption. As with the other
			terms used by the Tamarian, it
			appears to be a proper noun. The
			name clearly carries a meaning
			for them.

					TROI
			Computer, search for the term
			"Darmok" in all linguistic
			databases compiled for this
			sector.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Searching...

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO           25.

53   CONTINUED:

	They wait a moment.

					COMPUTER VOICE
				(continuing)
			"Darmok" is the name of a seventh
			dynasty emperor on Kanda Four...

	Troi and Data exchange an excited glance -- a
	breakthrough? Then...

					COMPUTER VOICE
				(continuing)
			A mytho-historical hunter on
			Shantil Three... A colony on
			Malindi Seven...

	Troi's face falls -- Data gives the android equivalent.

					COMPUTER VOICE
				(continuing)
			A frozen dessert on Razna Five...
			A --

					TROI
			-- Stop search. Computer, how
			many entries for "Darmok"?

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Forty-seven.

	A beat. Troi stares at Data for a moment, shakes her
	head.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			All our technology and experience:
			our universal translator, our
			years in space -- contacts with
			more alien cultures than I can
			remember...

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT TWO        26.

53   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			I have encountered one-thousand,
			seven-hundred, fifty-four
			non-Human races during my tenure
			with Starfleet.

					TROI
				(smiling)
			... and we still can't even say
			"hello" to these people.

					DATA
			That is correct.

					TROI
			A single word can lead to tragedy.
			A word misspoken, misunderstood.
				(re: Tamarians on
				 screen)
			That could happen here, Data.
			If you and I fail...

	Troi and Data exchange a look. Data turns to the
	monitor.

					DATA
			Replay at time index
			one-four-four.

	The video monitor starts the replay at the same place
	we opened the scene.

					DATHON
				(firm)
			Darmok at Tanagra.

					DATA
			Freeze.

	The image freezes.

					DATA
			Computer, search for the term
			"Tanagra." All databases.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Searching... Tanagra is the name
			of the ruling family on Gallos
			Two...
					(MORE)

           STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO           27.

53   CONTINUED: (3)

					COMPUTER VOICE (Cont'd)
			A ceremonial drink on Lerishi
			Four... An island-continent on
			Shantil Three --

					DATA
				(immediately)
			-- Stop.

					TROI
				(excited)
			Shantil Three? Computer, cross-
			reference the last entry with
			the previous search index.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			"Darmok" is the name of a
			mytho-historical hunter on Shantil
			Three.

	Troi turns to Data.

					TROI
			I think we've got something.

54   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY

	Picard is still standing ALONE in the alien's campsite.
	In his hands is the book, and he is pouring through
	it with great interest.

55   CLOSE ON THE BOOK

	A thin notebook of high-tech material. On its pages is
	a jumble of Tamarian writing, reminiscent of the
	lettering on the Tamarian ship. Picard's fingers
	carefully, respectfully turn the pages. The last entry
	ends in the middle of the page.

56   RESUME

					PICARD
				(to himself)
			A captain's log... ?

					DATHON (o.s.)
				(shouting)
			Darmok!

	It's so loud and near, Picard drops the book, startled
	--looking towards the source of the shout.

        STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT TWO        28.

57   INCLUDE THE TAMARIAN

	flying over the perimeter of the campsite, daggers in
	both hands. He violently extends one hand to Picard.

					DATHON
				(continuing)
			Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra!

					PICARD
				(indicating campsite)
			I was curious. I meant no harm.

					DATHON
			Shaka!

	He practically shoves the weapon in Picard's hand.

					DATHON
				(continuing)
			Temba! His arms wide! Temba---

	Picard takes a step backwards -- angered by the
	insistence.

					PICARD
			--Enough! I'm not going to
			fight you. You'll just have to---

	A TREMENDOUS ANIMAL ROAR sounds offscreen. Picard
	whips around at the noise. The Tamarian is not
	surprised -- this is what he's been agitated about.

					DATHON
				(re: noise;
				 matter-of-factly)
			Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

	Another terrifying roar -- closer.

	OFF the stunned look on Picard's face.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       29.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

58   INT. BRIDGE

	Worf glances up in alarm from his post.

					WORF
			Commander! Sensors are picking
			up an electromagnetic disturbance
			-- approaching the captain's
			position.

					RIKER
			Analysis?

					WORF
				(off instruments)
			A variable induction field...
			possibly a life-form.

					RIKER
			How close is it to the captain?

					WORF
			The field is erratic -- appearing
			and disappearing -- but it seems
			to be moving toward him.

					RIKER
			Attacking?

	OFF Worf's look at Riker -- that's a reasonable
	assumption.

59   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)

	Another ROAR -- and a strange low CRACKLING. Picard
	and the Tamarian both are facing toward the still
	unseen source. The alien turns to Picard, gravely
	offering him the dagger.

					DATHON
				(urgent)
			Temba. His arms wide.

					PICARD
			I'll go along with that.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       30.

59   CONTINUED:

	Picard grabs the weapon and both turn in time to see a
	HUMANOID BLUR appearing on a ridge. It is at this
	point just a distortion in the air -- kicking up dust
	and brush.

	INT. BRIDGE

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Riker to La Forge.

									INTERCUT:

61   INT. ENGINEERING

	La Forge and ENSIGN LEFLER are working quickly at
	their respective consoles.

					GEORDI
				(touches combadge)
			La Forge here.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			How close are we on the
			transporter?

					GEORDI
			About two hours -- maybe three.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			I want the captain out of there
			now.

	Geordi and Lefler share a look.

					GEORDI
			That's not... likely, sir.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			I don't want to hear that,
			Commander.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       31.

61   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(to Lefler)
			What's the resonance frequency?

					LEFLER
				(off instruments)
			Point three four over standard.

					GEORDI
			I want a resolution of point five
			three at the very least.
				(to com)
			I'll need two more minutes,
			Commander. But there's a good
			chance this isn't gonna work.

62   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker and Worf look at each other -- the dynamic is
	more like two generals discussing strategy than a
	superior officer and his subordinate.

					WORF
			If it fails...

					RIKER
			I know. We'll have tipped our
			hand to the Tamarians. But that's
			a chance we've got to take.

	Worf nods.

					WORF
			Agreed.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			La Forge. Proceed.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			We're on it. La Forge out.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Riker to transporter room one.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       32.

63   INT. TRANSPORTER

	O'BRIEN at his console.

					O'BRIEN
			O'Brien here, Commander.

64   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker, his face grim.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Stand by, Mister O'Brien...

65   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)

	The creature is now across the clearing, an almost
	imperceptible ripple in the air, a low electrical
	CRACKLING SOUND coming from it. Picard indicates
	they should retreat. The Tamarian shrugs him off --
	as if he knows better.

					DATHON
			Mirab -- his sails unfurled?

	Picard starts to move away from the distortion. Again
	motioning for Dathon to follow.

					PICARD
			Come on.

					DATHON
				(hanging back)
			Shaka. When the walls fell.

	Dathon indicates the blur in the air. A beat and it
	suddenly CRACKLES LOUDLY and disappears. A silent
	beat. Suddenly it reappears with a loud CRACKLE, much
	closer, cutting off the path Picard would have taken
	-- almost as if to demonstrate its prowess. There's
	clearly no way to out run it.

      STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE      32A.

65   CONTINUED:

					DATHON
				(re: creature's speed;
				 hopeless)
			Shaka. When the walls fell.

					PICARD
			Shaka... You said that before.
			When I couldn't build a fire.
			A failure? An inability to do
			something?

	The Tamarian squares off toward the creature, weapon
	ready. Picard does the same.

					DATHON
			Darmok and Jalad --

					PICARD
			-- at Tanagra.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       33.

65   CONTINUED: (2)

	The alien looks surprised.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			I remember the words. But I don't
			understand...

	The creature crackles loudly, threateningly. Picard
	and the Tamarian await its attack...

66   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi and Lefler at their consoles, working furiously.

					GEORDI
			Matrix levels.

					LEFLER
			Annular convergence holding at
			four three nine point two oh five.
			Confinement resolution at point
			five two seven.

					GEORDI
			That isn't gonna do it. Increase
			thermal input coefficient to one
			hundred fifty-percent.

					LEFLER
				(working console)
			Increasing now...

67   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker and Worf.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Status, La Forge.

68   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi keeps working without missing a beat.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       34.

68   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			We're almost there, Commander.
				(to Lefler)
			Shunt the overload to the phase
			transition sequencers in
			transporter one.

					LEFLER
			Yes, sir.

	Lefler's fingers fly over the console.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			La Forge to O'Brien.

69   INT. TRANSPORTER

	O'Brien at the controls.

					O'BRIEN
			Go ahead, Commander.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Confirm phase sequencer linkage.

	O'Brien touches the panel.

					O'BRIEN
			Link confirmed. Ready whenever
			you are, sir.

70   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY

71   THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)

	roars and moves toward them, a distortion in the air...

72   PICARD AND THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)

	The alien captain motions Picard away, indicating there
	should be more distance between them, using his hands
	to indicate the split.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       35.

72   CONTINUED:

	The creature is still hovering near, its blur wavering
	in the air, the low electrical noise around it.

					DATHON
			Uzani. His army at Lashmir.

	Picard stares at him in the heat of the moment, trying
	desperately to understand -- their lives depend on it.

					PICARD
			At Lashmir. Was it like this at
			Lashmir? Similar to what we're
			facing now?

	The creature CRACKLES loudly, disappears. Silence.

	Picard and Dathon tense up, anticipating the creature's
	next location. They urgently try to connect with each
	other.

					DATHON
			Uzani...

	The Tamarian takes another step to the side -- again
	indicating more distance between Picard and himself.

					DATHON
			His army. With fist open.

					PICARD
				(excited)
			A strategy? With fist open...

	Picard opens his hand.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			With fist open. Why... ? To lure
			the enemy...

					DATHON
			His army. With fist closed.

					PICARD
				(closing his fist)
			With fist closed. An army.
			Open... to lure the enemy.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT THREE      35A.

72   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
			Then closed... To attack. That's
			how you communicate, isn't it?
			By citing example. By metaphor.
				(indicating creature)
			Uzani's army. With fist closed!

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT THREE       36.

72   CONTINUED: (3)

					DATHON
				(eureka!)
			Sokath. His eyes uncovered!

	A VIOLENT CRACKLING ROAR. Both turn toward the sound.

73   INCLUDE THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)

	directly in front of them, wavering between the two,
	divided about which to attack. It chooses Picard --
	SUDDENLY BECOMING VISIBLE -- and lunges toward him.
	It is a horrifying creature surrounded with a
	shimmering electrical field.

	Picard moves sideways, slashing out with his dagger as
	he goes. The dagger contacts the field (not flesh);
	the creature shrieks angrily in response.

74   THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)

	leaps in from the creature's blind side, slashing it
	with his weapon -- also contacting the field around
	it. Sparks fly, the creature again shrieks, whipping
	around to the new source of attack, leaving Picard
	alone.

75   PICARD (OPTICAL)

	executes the same move the Tamarian just made,
	attacking from the creature's blindside, distracting it
	from the Tamarian.

76   THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)

	again attacks, and as the creature turns toward him...

77   PICARD (OPTICAL)

	begins to DEMATERIALIZE! Picard reacts -- struggling
	against the beam, not wanting to abandon his comrade.

					PICARD
			No --

	But the word is fritzed, Picard is silenced by the
	transporter.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE       37.

78   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard's image SEMI-MATERIALIZES on the pad, flickering
	between more- and then less-solid states.

79   INCLUDE O'BRIEN

	at the controls.

					O'BRIEN
				(to com)
			I've got a piece of him Commander.
			But that's all...

80   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker is on his feet.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			La Forge, boost the confinement
			beam!

81   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi and Lefler at their consoles.

					LEFLER
				(to Geordi)
			One fifty-seven over standard.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			It's as solid as it'll go,
			Commander.

82   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY

	The Tamarian is hurled violently into frame -- burn
	marks slashed across his chest. TIGHT on the creature
	as it leaps upon him.

83   PICARD (OPTICAL)

	continues to MATERIALIZE in and out as...

      STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE      37A.

84   THE SCENE (OPTICAL)

	Without Picard to distract it, the creature is all over
	the Tamarian. He desperately tries to roll away from
	it, but nothing works -- he's at its complete mercy,
	being battered and slashed by claws and electrical
	charge.

85   INT. BRIDGE

	Worf looks up from his controls.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT THREE       38.

85   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			The Tamarian and the entity are
			in close proximity. The
			Tamarian's lifesigns are
			fluctuating.

	Riker glances at the instrument panel over the shoulder
	of the Conn Officer.

					RIKER
				(off instruments)
			The scattering field is still in
			full force.
				(indicates screen)
			What the hell is wrong with them?

86   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	and the Tamarian ship.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Their sensors can read what's
			going on as well as ours can.
				(to com)
			Riker to O'Brien. Report.

87   INT. TRANSPORTER (OPTICAL)

	O'Brien works the controls as Picard continues to
	MATERIALIZE in and out -- only it's getting weaker.

					O'BRIEN
				(to com)
			The field's still deflecting the
			signal. There just isn't enough
			of him, sir.

88   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker turns to Worf.

					RIKER
			Open a channel to the Tamarian
			ship.

					WORF
				(touches controls)
			Aye, sir.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT THREE       39.

89   INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	as the Tamarian bridge appears, the First Officer
	looking frustrated and angry.

					RIKER
				(to screen)
			Your captain is under attack.
			Drop your particle field.

	The First Officer stares at Riker for a hard beat, then
	turns to his tactical officer.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Kailash...
				(facing Riker)
			When it rises...

	The screen goes dead.

					WORF
			They have closed the channel.

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			O'Brien to bridge.

90   INT. TRANSPORTER (OPTICAL)

	Picard's image begins to completely DEMATERIALIZE on
	the pad.

					O'BRIEN
				(to com)
			I can't hold him, Commander.

91   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)

	Picard MATERIALIZES back into place, just in time to
	see the creature blur out and disappear in a crackling
	snarl, leaving the fallen Tamarian behind.

	Picard runs to him, crouches down at his side. The
	Tamarian is still conscious, but seriously injured.
	Burned, slashed, white blood appearing at open wounds.
	Dathon steals himself against the pain -- a heroic
	warrior.

					DATHON
			Shaka...

	Picard nods, remembers the phrase -- completes it.

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT THREE       40.

91   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(nodding)
			... when the walls fell.

	The Tamarian gives him a weak smile -- and slumps into
	unconsciousness.

	OFF Picard's face.

									FADE OUT

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

       STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR       41.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

92   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	Still facing each other.

					RIKER (O.S.)
			First Officer's log, stardate
			45047.8. Our attempt to transport
			Captain Picard back to the ship
			has failed. My options are
			narrowing. And my patience is
			all but gone.

93   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Data and Troi are waiting at the table. Geordi is
	sitting nearby.

	The door opens and Riker ENTERS with Worf and BEVERLY.
	They sit down.

					RIKER
			Here's the situation on El-Adrel.
			The entity has moved off several
			hundred meters.

					BEVERLY
			Captain Picard's bioscan readings
			are stable. The Tamarian's are
			not.

					TROI
			He may have been injured...

					RIKER
			If the entity attacks again, the
			captain could be facing it alone.

					GEORDI
			The transporter's completely out
			of the question. The Tamarian
			ship has deepened the scattering
			field to the D region of the
			ionosphere. There's no getting
			through.

               STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT FOUR              42.

93   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Unless we attack the ship itself.

					RIKER
			Can you pinpoint the source of
			their particle beam?

					GEORDI
			They're using a polarity coil
			generator located aft of their
			warp drive. It's heavily
			shielded.

					RIKER
			Can we get through with our
			phasers?

					GEORDI
			Not with the first spread. It'll
			take a few hits.

					RIKER
			That's not good enough. I want
			to be able to knock out the
			scattering field in one shot and
			have the captain back on the
			Enterprise before they know what
			happened.

	A beat.

					GEORDI
			If we selectively target the
			amplification pathways around the
			generator, it should be just as
			effective. And we can do it in
			one burst.

					RIKER
			How long to set that up?

					GEORDI
			Worf and I will have to adjust
			the prefire chambers. That'll
			give us the focus we need.
				(shrugs)
			A few hours.

					RIKER
			Get started.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR           43.

93   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Aye, sir.

	Geordi and Worf stand and leave the room. Riker turns
	to Troi and Data.

					RIKER
				(re: Worf and Geordi)
			I'd prefer to find a peaceful
			solution. If we can talk our way
			out of this -- so much the better.

	Troi and Data exchange a glance.

					TROI
			Unfortunately, it's not that
			simple.

					RIKER
			What have you found?

					DATA
			The Tamarian ego structure does
			not seem to allow what we normally
			think of as self-identity. Their
			ability to abstract is highly
			unusual. They seem to
			communicate through narrative
			imagery -- by reference to the
			individuals and places which
			appear in their mytho-historical
			accounts.

					TROI
			It's as if I were to say to you
			"Juliet. On her balcony."

					BEVERLY
			An image of romance.

					TROI
			Exactly. Image is everything to
			the Tamarians.
					(MORE)

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR           44.

93   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI (cont'd)
			It embodies their emotional
			states, their very thought
			processes. It's how they
			communicate, and how they think.

					RIKER
			If we know how they think, can't
			we get something across to them?

					DATA
			No sir. The situation is
			analogous to understanding the
			grammar of a language but none
			of the vocabulary.

					BEVERLY
				(nodding)
			If I didn't know who Juliet was
			or what she was doing on that
			balcony, the image alone wouldn't
			mean anything.

					TROI
			That's correct. We know, for
			instance, that "Darmok" was a
			great hero -- a hunter. Tanagra
			was an island. But that's all.
			Without the details, there's no
			understanding.

					DATA
			It is necessary for us to learn
			the narratives from which the
			Tamarians are drawing these
			images.
				(beat)
			Given our current relations, that
			does not appear likely.

	OFF Riker's reaction -- they're at a dead end.

94   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - NIGHT

	The Tamarian Captain is on the ground, lying on his
	back.

	Picard is sitting upright on rock a few feet away, both
	daggers in hand, alert and protective.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR           45.

94   CONTINUED:

					DATHON
				(indicating scene)
			Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

	His voice has a certain finality -- as though the
	incident with the creature made his point. He settles
	back.

					PICARD
			Our situation is similar to
			theirs. I understand. But I need
			to know more. Tell me more.
			About Darmok and Jalad. Tell
			me...

	Picard searches his memory.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			You used the words "Temba. His
			arms wide" when you gave me the
			fire. And the dagger. Could that
			mean give?
				(pointing to Dathon)
			Temba. His arms wide. Darmok.
			Give me more about Darmok.

	Picard makes a "give me" or "come on" motion with his
	hand. Dathon smiles to hear Picard's efforts in his
	own language. But he understands.

					DATHON
			Darmok on the ocean.

	Picard thinks out loud, trying to understand. (NOTE:
	the alien does not understand Picard's "English" --
	only when Picard repeats a Tamarian phrase or image
	will Dathon show a glimmer of recognition.)

	Picard takes a tiny stone and places it on the sand in
	front of them.

					PICARD
				(indicating stone)
			Darmok.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR          45A.

94   CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard draws a big circle around the stone.

					PICARD
				(indicating circle)
			The ocean.

	He sweeps his hand to indicate the small scene he has
	created.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			"Darmok on the ocean."

	The Tamarian gives an appreciative chuckle.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			A metaphor. For being alone?
			Isolated? "Darmok on the ocean."

	The alien laughs again -- then spasms painfully,
	quickly covering his distress.

					PICARD
				(standing)
			Are you alright?

	The alien waves him off.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR           46.

94   CONTINUED: (3)

					DATHON
			Kiazi's children. Their faces
			wet.

	Picard sits back down.

					PICARD
				(indicating Dathon)
			Temba. His arms wide. Give me
			more. "Darmok on the ocean... "

					DATHON
			Tanagra on the ocean. Darmok
			at Tanagra.

					PICARD
			"At Tanagra." A country?
			"Tanagra on the ocean." An
			island.
				(a "more" motion)
			Temba... His arms wide.

					DATHON
			Jalad on the ocean. Jalad at
			Tanagra.

					PICARD
			"Jalad at Tanagra." He went to
			the same island as Darmok. To
			Tanagra.

					DATHON
			The beast at Tanagra.

					PICARD
			The beast. A creature on the
			island? On Tanagra. Darmok and
			Jalad -- did they fight the beast?

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR          46A.

94   CONTINUED: (4)

	Picard suddenly thinks he understands.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			They arrived separately. They
			struggled against a common foe.
				(beat)
			"The beast at Tanagra. Darmok and
			Jalad."

					DATHON
			Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.

					PICARD
				(realizing)
			They left together.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR           47.

94   CONTINUED: (5)

	Picard indicates the two of them.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.

	Dathon looks pleased.

					DATHON
			On the ocean--

	The alien is wracked by a terrible spasm of pain.
	Picard again moves toward him, this time the Tamarian
	is angered.

					DATHON
				(continuing)
			Zinda! His face black... His eyes
			red...

	Picard backs off respectfully. The Tamarian gets the
	pain under control. Smiles weakly -- as if to make
	up for the outburst.

					DATHON
				(continuing)
			Callimas at Bahar.

	Picard stares at him for a moment.

					PICARD
			You hoped this would happen,
			didn't you? You knew there was
			a dangerous creature on this
			planet. And you knew from the
			tale of Darmok that danger shared
			can sometimes bring two people
			together.
				(indicating situation)
			Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
			You and me, here -- at El-Adrel.

	The Tamarian gives a confirmatory shake of his
	shoulders. Then fights another wave of pain. When it
	passes, he takes a ragged breath. Then appears to be
	waiting for something. He gives a "go-ahead"
	indication to Picard.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR           48.

94   CONTINUED: (6)

					DATHON
				(weakly)
			Kira at Bashi.

	Picard doesn't quite get it. The alien mimics Picard's
	"you give me" motion.

					DATHON
				(continuing)
			Temba. His arms wide...

					PICARD
				(realizing)
			My turn? I'm afraid I'm not much
			of a story teller. And you
			wouldn't understand me anyway.
				(shakes head)
			Shaka... when the walls fell.

	The Tamarian smiles -- but is disappointed. Picard
	picks up on it.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Perhaps that doesn't matter. You
			want to hear it anyway...

	The Tamarian is waiting... Picard thinks for a moment,
	wanting to find the most fitting tale...

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			There is a story... A very ancient
			one. From Earth. I'll try to
			remember...

	He attempts to match the Tamarian's "story-telling"
	voice.

					PICARD
			Gilgamesh. Was a king. At Uruk.
			He tormented his subjects. He
			drove them to anger. They cried
			out -- "Give our king a companion.
			Spare us his madness."

	Picard glances at the Tamarian -- the alien's eyes are
	glazed, but rapt.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR           49.

94   CONTINUED: (7)

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Enkidu. A wildman. Of the
			forest. Entered the city. They
			fought in the temple. They fought
			in the street. Gilgamesh defeated
			Enkidu. They became friends.
				(beat)
			Gilgamesh and Enkidu. At Uruk.

	The alien's voice is extremely weak. As if he's just
	repeating Picard's words unconsciously.

					DATHON
				(weak; mimicking)
			At Uruk...

	Picard can see that Dathon is failing. Picard's voice
	becomes almost a whisper, softly making the transition
	to his own way of speaking.

					PICARD
				(quiet)
			The new friends went into the
			desert, where the Great Bull of
			Heaven was killing men by the
			hundreds. Enkidu caught it by
			the tail, Gilgamesh struck it with
			his sword.

					DATHON
				(barely audible,
				 mimicking)
			Gilgamesh...

					PICARD
			They were victorious. But Enkidu
			fell to the ground. Struck down
			by the gods...

	The alien closes his eyes... Picard looks at him. The
	Tamarian shudders once -- and is completely still.

					PICARD
				(continuing; a whisper)
			And Gilgamesh wept bitter tears,
			saying, "He who was my companion
			through adventure and hardships,
			is gone forever... "

               STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT FOUR              50.

94   CONTINUED: (8)

	Picard stops speaking. The clearing is utterly silent.
	OFF Picard's face.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT FIVE           51.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

95   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	Facing each other in orbit.

					RIKER
			First Officer's log, supplemental.
			I have no choice but to break the
			stalemate. If war is the
			result... Maybe it was
			inevitable. Perhaps the distance
			between our races is so vast that
			nothing else was ever possible...

96   INT. BRIDGE

	The turbolift opens and Worf steps out onto the bridge.
	Riker turns to him as he heads for his post. Data and
	Troi are at their posts.

					WORF
			Phasers are nearly ready, sir.

	Worf steps into position at tactical.

					RIKER
			Stand by to fire, Mister Worf.

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			Commander. The Tamarian's
			bioscans have become unreadable.
				(beat)
			He may be dead, sir.

	Everyone reacts.

					RIKER
			If we know it -- so do the
			Tamarians.
				(to CON)
			Riker to La Forge.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge here.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE           52.

96   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(to com)
			I need those phasers --

					DATA
				(interrupting)
			Sir -- sensors are tracking the
			entity. It is approaching Captain
			Picard's position.

97   EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY

98   THE TAMARIAN

	is laid out on his back, eyes shut.

99   INCLUDE PICARD

	standing next to him, his manner one of great respect.
	Both Tamarian daggers are stuck into Picard's
	waistband.

	He crosses the dead Tamarian's arms over the alien's
	chest -- Egyptian-like.

	A CRACKLING ROAR in the near distance. Picard glances
	up at the sound. Then turns back to the dead alien.

					PICARD
			I understand your sacrifice,
			Captain.

	He places one of the daggers on the alien's chest.
	ANOTHER ROAR. There's a calmness in his voice, as if
	he's resigned to his fate.

					PICARD
				(re: the roar)
			Unfortunately, if our friend out
			there has its way, no one will
			ever know what you tried to do...

	THE ROAR sounds -- much closer. Picard turns toward
	the noise.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE           53.

100  THE CLEARING

	The quiet, crackling BLUR -- the creature is very
	close...

101  RESUME PICARD

	as he pulls out his dagger and waits calmly for the
	attack.

102  INCLUDE THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)

	The distorion CRACKLES LOUDLY, and disappears --

103  INT. BRIDGE

	Riker, Data, Worf, Troi.

					DATA
				(off instruments)
			Nine meters and closing...
			Commander...

	The waiting is unbearable.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Six meters...

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge to bridge. You have
			phasers!

	Riker whips around to Worf.

					RIKER
			Fire!

	Worf hits the console.

104  EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise simultaneously fires six narrow-focused
	beams, striking the Tamarian ship at six different
	spots on her hull.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE           54.

105  INT. BRIDGE

					WORF
				(off instruments)
			Their particle beam emitters are
			inoperative.

					DATA
			The scattering field is down.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			O'Brien! Energize!

106  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	O'Brien works the controls...

107  EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)

	A LOUD CRACKLE as the creature appears in bodily form,
	becoming VISIBLE in all its ferocity, rushing in --
	just as Picard DEMATERIALIZES.

108  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	O'Brien at his console -- Picard MATERIALIZES on the
	pad.

109  INT. BRIDGE

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			We got him, Commander.

					RIKER
				(to Worf)
			Maximum shields.

					WORF
				(touches controls)
			Aye.

110  EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	The Tamarian vessel fires a phaser blast at the
	Enterprise, striking the hull and right nacelle.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE           55.

111  INT. BRIDGE

	The bridge is rocked severely.

					RIKER
			Red Alert.

	The ship goes to RED ALERT.

					WORF
			Starboard shields holding at
			fifty-two percent. Forward
			shields gone.

					RIKER
			Let's get out of here.

					DATA
			That will not be possible,
			Commander. The starboard nacelle
			sustained a direct hit. Warp
			engines are off-line.

					RIKER
			Go to impulse. Back us off.

					WORF
				(off instruments)
			They are matching our maneuver.
			And firing...

	Again the bridge is ROCKED -- this time more severely.

					RIKER
				(no choice)
			Return fire, Mister Worf. Full
			phasers.

					WORF
			Firing, sir.

112  EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise fires an intense phaser blast at the
	Tamarian ship. No apparent damage.

113  INT. BRIDGE

					WORF
			Their shields are holding. They
			are firing again.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT FIVE           56.

113  CONTINUED:

	The bridge is ROCKED -- the worst yet.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Our shields have failed!

					DATA
			Commander -- we cannot survive
			another hit.

	The turbolift door opens and Picard ENTERS the bridge,
	quickly moving toward his command.

	Riker immediately steps aside, then reacts to the
	dagger in Picard's hand.

					PICARD
				(as he moves)
			Hail the Tamarian ship.

					WORF
				(touches controls)
			Aye, Captain.

114  INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The Tamarian bridge. The First Officer rises to his
	feet -- reacts with anger at seeing a Tamarian dagger
	in Picard's hand.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Zinda! His face black. His eyes
			red --

					PICARD
			--Temarc!

	Dead silence on the viewscreen. Picard has adopted the
	same tone he saw used by the Tamarian Captain.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			The river Temarc. In winter.

	The Tamarians are taken aback by Picard's words. They
	look at him in a new light, anger suddenly evaporating
	into surprise.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Darmok...

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE           57.

114  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			... And Jalad. At Tanagra. Darmok
			and Jalad on the ocean.

	The aliens all react -- their Captain's plan worked.
	Picard understands.

					FIRST OFFICER
				(to others; amazed)
			Sokath! His eyes open!

	The aliens stare at him, all ears -- awaiting news of
	what happened on the planet.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			The beast at Tanagra. Uzani.
			His army.
				(shaking his head)
			Shaka. When the walls fell.

	The aliens appear saddened. They lower their eyes.
	Each Tamarian ritualistically touches his dagger, then
	his forehead.

	The aliens again face Picard. Picard takes the small
	book -- the Tamarian captain's "diary" -- and holds
	it out in his hand.

	The Tamarian First Officer glances at one of his
	officers, who touches a console. The book is
	immediately DEMATERIALIZED, MATERIALIZING next to the
	alien First Officer. He picks it up, showing it to
	Picard.

					FIRST OFFICER
				(re: book)
			Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel.

	Picard nods. The alien sets the book down. Turns back
	to Picard.

					FIRST OFFICER
				(continuing)
			Mirab. With sails unfurled.

	Picard extends the Tamarian dagger toward the First
	Officer, offering it back to him.

					PICARD
			Temba. His arms open.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FIVE           58.

114  CONTINUED: (2)

	The alien makes a motion with his hands -- as if
	declining Picard's offer of the weapon.

					FIRST OFFICER
			Temba at rest.

	Picard nods, lowers the dagger.

					PICARD
				(almost to himself)
			Thank you...

	The viewscreen goes to a shot of the Tamarian ship,
	as it turns and moves off.

	A beat. Riker and the others are taken aback by
	Picard's performance.

					RIKER
				(re: Tamarians)
			New friends, Captain?

					PICARD
			I can't say, Number One.

	Picard glances at the dagger.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			But at least they're not new
			enemies.

115  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Cruising at warp.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE           59.

116  INT. READY ROOM

	Picard is at his terminal, engrossed. The door
	chimes.

					PICARD
			Come.

	Riker ENTERS, carrying a PADD.

					RIKER
			I hope I'm not intruding, Captain.

	Picard, in fact, is in an introspective and thoughtful
	mood. He doesn't look up.

					PICARD
			Not at all, Number One. Please.

					RIKER
			Damage reports are ready for your
			review.

					PICARD
			Thank you.

	Riker steps over, places the PADD on the desk, and
	glances at the captain's viewscreen.

					RIKER
			Greek, sir?

					PICARD
			The Homeric Hymns.
				(glances up)
			One of the root metaphors of our
			own culture.

					RIKER
			For the next time we encounter
			the Tamarians...

					PICARD
				(nodding)
			More familiarity with our own
			mythology might help us relate
			to theirs.

            STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FIVE           60.

116  CONTINUED:

	Picard sits in silent thought for a moment -- as if
	this subject has been greatly occupying his mind. He
	pushes away from the terminal, stands.

					PICARD
			The Tamarian was willing to risk
			all of us -- just for the hope
			of communication, of connection.
			And now the door's open between
			our peoples. That commitment
			meant more to him than his own
			life.

	A long beat.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Would I do the same... ?

	Picard glances away -- Riker is silently dismissed.
	He turns and leaves the room. The door shuts behind
	him.

	Picard looks down at his desk -- and the Tamarian
	dagger laying on top of it. Picard touches it, then
	brings his hand up to his forehead in the Tamarian
	ritual honoring.

	He lowers his hand. OFF his face.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             





