












                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                        "First Contact" 
                          #40274-189 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                 Joe Menosky & Ronald D. Moore 
                              and 
                        Michael Piller 
                              
                           Story by 
                          Marc Zicree 
                              and 
            David Bischoff & Dennis Russell Bailey 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Cliff Bole 


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 1990 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT

                       NOVEMBER 28, 1990


       STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "First Contact" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             CHANCELLOR DURKEN
                RIKER              MINISTER MIRASTA YALE
                TROI               MINISTER KROLA
                DATA               DOCTOR NILREM
                BEVERLY            DOCTOR TAVA
                GEORDI             DOCTOR BEREL
                WORF               NURSE LANEL
                                   MALE INTERCOM VOICE
                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES  Non-Speaking Malcorians:
                  MALE NURSE         3 N.D. DOCTORS
                                     2 MEDICAL TECHS
                                     2 NURSES
                                     A SECURITY GUARD

         STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "First Contact" 
                        
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     MALCOR (MATTE SHOT)
              TRANSPORTER ROOM           CAPITAL CITY
              TEN FORWARD
              MAIN ENGINEERING
              CORRIDOR
          
            MALCOR
              MEDICAL FACILITY (HOSPITAL)
                CORRIDOR
                RIKER'S ROOM
              CHANCELLOR DURKEN'S OFFICE
              MIRASTA'S SCIENCE LAB

  STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/30/90 - PRONUNICATION GUIDE 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "First Contact" 
                      
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

              ADRULMINE              ah-DROOL-mine
              BEREL                  BER-rul
              COSTAL                 CAHS-tul
              DURKEN                 DURH-ken
              ICHOR                  EYE-kohr
              KROLA                  KROH-la
              LANEL                  lan-EL
              MALCORIAN              mahl-KOHR-ee-an
              MARTA                  MAR-tah
              MIRASTA                mear-AST-ah
              NILREM                 NILL-rehm
              OCTARES                OKT-tairs
              PENTADS                PEHN-tahds
              QUADROLINE             KWAHD-row-leen
              RIVAS JAKARA           REEV-ass ja-KAH-ruh
              SIKLA                  SICK-la
              TAVA                   TAH-vah
              TELENCEPHALON          tell-en-SEHF-ah-lahn

       STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - TEASER       1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                       "First Contact"                             
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. ALIEN MEDICAL FACILITY - CORRIDOR - DAY

	CLOSE ON a wide sliding door opening... TWO MALCORIAN
	MEDICAL TECHNICIANS rush someone on a gurney through
	the doors and into a small room crowded with medical
	equipment for emergency trauma care. The level of
	technology in evidence is approximately mid 21st
	century Earth with just enough differences to tell us
	that this is an alien world. There are two treatment
	bed/tables, cabinets and trays with medical
	instruments, and a display for reading scans. The
	Malcorians are humanoid with a slight difference in
	facial features... their hands are shaped like mittens
	without fingers (and if this is a difficult makeup job,
	they can all wear gloves.)

	There is a sense of urgency as the Technicians rush the
	gurney into the Emergency Room... two young Malcorian
	physicians, NILREM (male) and TAVA (female) quickly
	move equipment and get a table ready for the incoming
	patient. Throughout the following scene, we should
	NOT SEE the face of the man lying on the gurney, but
	he is in Malcorian civilian garb and has a large
	bandage on his head. We may notice he does wear gloves
	(mittens) on his hands. They have the gurney in
	position and the Technicians help to move the victim
	off the gurney and onto the table.

					NILREM
			Ready... lift!

	They all lift and move the victim on the table. The
	Technicians now move away and EXIT.

       STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - TEASER       2.

1    CONTINUED:

	The two doctors move with the smooth efficiency of
	hurried professionalism. They begin to attach the
	victim to alien emergency equipment...

					NILREM
			He took a severe blow... possible
			trauma to the telencephalon...

					TAVA
				(examining patient)
			Start fifteen octares of
			quadroline. We'll need a complete
			del-scan series.

	Nilrem takes stethoscope-type device and puts it on the
	patient's STOMACH. Nilrem listens... frowns...

					NILREM
				(incredulous)
			I can't find his cardial organ...

	Tava quickly grabs the patient's wrist...

					TAVA
			What do you mean? I'm reading
			a steady circulation...

	Nilrem goes searching for the heart with his scope...
	moves it around... finally places it on his chest...

					NILREM
			There it is... up here...

					TAVA
			In his digestive tract?

					NILREM
			Have you ever seen anything like
			this... ?

	They exchange a puzzled look and then Nilrem gets back
	to work as Tava gingerly uses his hands to probe the
	man's stomach...

					TAVA
			He's missing three costal struts
			on one side and four on the other...

					NILREM
			You think that's something... look
			at this...

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - TEASER     3.

1    CONTINUED: (2)

	Moving to see Nilrem at the man's feet, having removed
	his shoes and socks, showing toes --

					NILREM
			He has digits on his terminus...

	Reactions... they move to his hands and peel off his
	gloves... to reveal fingers on his hand... more
	reactions. They exchange a look. Look at him.

					TAVA
				(quietly)
			What are you?

	MOVE TO REVEAL RIKER lying unconscious on the table.
	His face has been altered so he looks like a Malcorian.
	On Riker...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE     4.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

2    INT. RIKER'S ROOM - DAY

	Close on Riker in a bed, head bandaged, monitors
	working... waking up... he gropes for his bearings a
	second, then reacts as he sees --

3    ANGLE - A GROUP OF SIX DOCTORS

	including Nilrem and Tava are at the foot of his bed,
	watching him with extraordinary curiosity... Riker
	feels the pain in his head...

					RIKER
			What happened?

	A senior physician (BEREL) has joined the group... an
	overworked man who doesn't need any more in his life
	right now, certainly not an alien in his hospital.

					BEREL
			You're in the crisis room at the
			Sikla Medical Facility. You've
			had a severe injury, but you're
			going to be all right.

	Riker takes this in for a moment... nods again in
	understanding. His head hurts terribly.

					RIKER
			I was caught in the riot when the
			police moved in... that's the last
			thing I remember.

					BEREL
			Can you tell us your name?

	Riker is careful... it's all starting to come back to
	him and he wants to make sure he doesn't say the wrong
	thing.

					RIKER
			Rivas. Rivas Jakara.

					BEREL
			Rivas Jakara. Where do you live?

      STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT ONE      4A.

3    CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(well-rehearsed)
			In the Marta community on the
			southern continent...

      STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE 5-5A.        

3    CONTINUED: (2)

					TAVA
			You're a long way from home.
				(beat)
			Are there any members of your
			family we should notify...

					RIKER
			No... I have no family.

	He lifts his hand as if to rub his head and then sees
	the primitive equipment he's attached to.

					RIKER
			I can't stay here... I have to
			get back...

					BEREL
			You're in no condition to leave
			yet...

	Berel studies him with an experienced eye... doesn't
	believe Riker's telling the truth... still, using very
	good bedside manner, he manages a reluctant grin as
	he moves to a more intimate position, perhaps sitting
	on the corner of the bed...

					BEREL
			There are several... unusual
			things about your case, Mister
			Jakara... your cranial lobes, for
			example. They seem to be surgical
			implants...

					RIKER
			I did have some cosmetic
			surgery... to correct a genetic
			birth defect...

	Picking up his hand... looking at the fingers...

					BEREL
			And these? Another birth defect?

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE     6.

3    CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
				(acknowledges, of
				 course)
			Yes, isn't that something? My
			father's were the same way...

					NILREM
				(sharp)
			You want us to believe that all
			your abnormalities are inherited
			genetic traits?

	Berel shoots him a look, and Nilrem backs off.

					RIKER
			I understand your confusion. My
			personal physician is much more
			familiar with these... genetic
			irregularities... to be honest,
			I'd feel better if I were back
			home under her care...

					BEREL
			Why don't I talk to her about
			that... what's her name?

					RIKER
				(beat)
			Crusher... but actually, I'm not
			sure you'll be able to reach her.

					BEREL
			Why not?

					RIKER
			She's taking... a sabbatical.

	A long look by Berel. Then...

					BEREL
			Well, we'll do the best we can
			for you.

	Berel pats him on the wrist, rises. About to leave, a
	'Columbo' afterthought...

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE     7.

3    CONTINUED: (4)

					BEREL
			Oh, there was one other thing...
				(he pulls a phaser out
				 of his pocket)
			We found this curious looking
			device in your clothes... what
			is it?

					RIKER
			Oh, it's just a toy I was taking
			home... a present...

					BEREL
			I thought you didn't have any
			family...

					RIKER
			For a neighbor's child.
				(beat)
			Did they find anything else, I
			had one piece of jewelry... a
			metal pin...

					BEREL
			No, I'm sorry. This was all we
			found...

	Berel glances at the others, they all leave. Riker
	immediately breaks his pretense, looks to the heavens
	with an 'oh shoot' look, tries to get up... but pain
	shoots through his head and he must retreat back to
	bed...

4    INT. MEDICAL FACILITY CORRIDOR

	As the group comes out. Tava moves to Berel...

					NILREM
				(voice rising)
			"Genetic irregularities"?... that
			thing isn't even the same species
			as we are...

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE     8.

4    CONTINUED:

					BEREL
				(looks hard at him)
			Keep your voice down.
				(beat)
			The last thing we need is a panic
			in here over some...

	He sighs, cannot bring himself to say it... Nilrem
	finishes it...

					NILREM
			It's all the space flights...
			they've attracted creatures from
			outer space...

					BEREL
			Now, that's exactly the kind of
			thing I don't want to hear ... is
			that understood?

					TAVA
			What are you going to do?

					BEREL
				(sighs)
			With all the medical facilities
			available, why did he have to end
			up here?

					NILREM
			I think we ought to call Central
			Security.

					BEREL
			I'm not calling anybody yet. Not
			until we've done a lot more. A
			lot more. I want his story
			checked out...
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT ONE     9.

4    CONTINUED: (2)

					BEREL (Cont'd)
			Run a complete search through the
			medical library... be absolutely
			certain there's never been
			anything like him...

					NILREM
			What if there're more of them?
			They could be everywhere...

					BEREL
				(calm down)
			Somebody get Nilrem a calmative.
				(beat)
			We ought to see if we can find
			the physician Crusher. And give
			this thing...
				(handing the phaser to
				 Nilrem)
			... to somebody in technical to
			check out.

	On the move --

					TAVA
			What about him?

					BEREL
			Cordon off this wing... I want
			security on his door twenty-nine
			hours a day... and I want this
			kept quiet...
				(frowns)
			They've already questioned my
			judgement on the diagnostic
			center, criticized my resource
			allocations... all they need to
			hear now is that I'm treating
			alien creatures...

	The last is said going away as they turn a corner, down
	a hallway...

5    EXT. CAPITAL CITY (MATTE SHOT) - DAY

	A large, metropolitan city that could be from mid 21st
	century Earth, with a few alien touches. Moving in on
	an impressive government building...

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE    10.

6    INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY (OPTICAL)

	DURKEN is the leader of his people and this is a
	fitting office for a man of his stature, oval shaped
	with windows that look outside. Durken himself is in
	his fifties, slight in stature, no Ronald Reagan here,
	there is a gentle, Woodrow Wilson quality, thoughtful,
	brilliant, committed. With him here is MIRASTA, a
	woman 30-35 years old, and the Minister for Internal
	Security, KROLA. He is older than Durken, with a keen
	intellect and piercing eyes. Two other non-speaking
	members of the cabinet are present.

	Mirasta, the Minister of Science, is displaying a star
	chart with some rough animation on a wall monitor...

					MIRASTA
			At twelve-point-four after launch,
			the warp field generator will be
			activated...

					DURKEN
			That's when it would break the
			light barrier?

					MIRASTA
			Yes, Chancellor. If we're
			successful, the craft will leave
			our star system in a matter of
			minutes and will be on its way
			toward the Garth system...

					KROLA
				(non-supportive)
			And then what?

					MIRASTA
				(with a disarming smile)
			And then, Krola, we'll see what's
			there...

					DURKEN
			How long, Mirasta?

					MIRASTA
			We have the prototype design for
			the warp engine... it would simply
			be a matter of building the
			actual production units. If I
			get your approval today... ten
			months, maybe less.

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE   10A.

6    CONTINUED:

	Krola shakes his head, but is extremely pleasant and
	politic throughout... this is an argument they've had
	many times before, there is even a smile on his face...

					KROLA
			Chancellor, I'll admit Mirasta's
			enthusiasm for her work is
			seductive, but perhaps we're
			moving too fast...

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE    11.

6    CONTINUED: (2)

					DURKEN
				(acknowledging, with
				 humor)
			As fast as the speed of light,
			Krola...

					KROLA
			Why am I always the only realist
			in a room full of dreamers... ?

	All laugh...

					KROLA
			Please, I must be serious...
			there was another demonstration
			today... some violence. Your
			opponents will see this as another
			example of your determination to
			pull us further from our
			traditional ways...

	Durken stands, moves as he talks...

					DURKEN
			My opponents look back as I look
			forward. I cannot believe that
			my people would choose to retreat
			after all we've done...

					MIRASTA
			I agree.

					KROLA
			The people were willing to accept
			your social reforms because they
			believe in you, Chancellor. But
			there are many who say we have
			gone far enough... all of these
			new ideas... new technology...
			and now space travel... it
			confuses them, frightens them...

					DURKEN
			And I will not allow them to
			remain in the dark ages... the
			warp program will proceed as you
			have outlined, Mirasta...
				(beat, smiles to Krola)
			And then we will slow down, Krola,
			to let everyone catch their breath
			including you...

	Krola nods and as they all rise to leave...

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT ONE    12.

7    INT. MIRASTA'S LAB - DAY (OPTICAL)

	From this room, a person can personally supervise and
	control rocket launches, satellite operations, radio
	and optical telescope functions, receive telemetry,
	etc. If the head of NASA wanted to be completely
	"hands-on" in the next fifty years, this is the kind
	of place he/she would have. There should be computers,
	monitors, printers, observational equipment, models
	of spacecraft, etc.

	Mirasta enters... sits down at one of the computer
	monitors and taps in a few commands.

	Behind her, Picard and Troi MATERIALIZE. Mirasta
	turns in her chair toward the door reacting to the
	noise... Picard is dressed in his uniform, Deanna in
	conservative civilian garb. They are not posing as
	aliens.

					PICARD
			Excuse me, Mirasta Yale?

	She glances at them curiously.

					MIRASTA
			Yes?

					PICARD
			My name is Jean-Luc Picard. This
			is my associate Deanna Troi. May
			we come in?

	Mirasta is already on her feet... their appearance is
	clearly not of local origin.

					MIRASTA
			Who are you?

					TROI
			Please don't be alarmed by our
			appearance... we've come with
			some... important information.

					MIRASTA
			About what?

					PICARD
			About space. About the universe
			you are preparing to enter.

	Off her look...

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/4/90 - ACT ONE    13.

7    CONTINUED:

					TROI
			We are from a federation of
			planets, Mirasta... Captain Picard
			is from a planet called Earth more
			than two thousand light years from
			here. I am from another planet
			called Betazed.

					MIRASTA
				(beat)
			Uh huh.

					PICARD
			We have been monitoring your
			progress toward warp drive
			capability. When a society
			reaches your level of technology
			and is clearly about to initiate
			warp travel, we believe it is time
			to make first contact. We prefer
			meeting like this rather than a
			random confrontation in deep
			space.

					TROI
			We've come to you first because
			you are a leader in the scientific
			community. And scientists can
			generally accept our arrival more
			easily than others.

					PICARD
			We almost always encounter fear
			and shock on this sort of mission.
			We hope you will be able to help
			facilitate our introduction.

	A beat as Mirasta digests this, then...

					MIRASTA
			Is this a joke? Did Lupo and the
			others at the lab put you up to
			this?

					PICARD
				(grins)
			I assure you this is no joke.
				(holding up his hands)
			You can see we are quite
			physically different than
			Malcorians.
					(MORE)

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/4/90 - ACT ONE    14.

7    CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
			And with your permission, I am
			prepared to prove what I am
			saying.

					MIRASTA
				(tentative)
			All right...

					PICARD
				(keys insignia)
			Picard to Enterprise. Three to
			beam up.

	They DEMATERIALIZE.

8    INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	As they MATERIALIZE... she reacts, astounded. Worf
	and Beverly are there to greet them. SUPERNUMERARY
	at transport.

					WORF
			Welcome aboard.

	And this is standard procedure. Worf is there for
	security precautions. Beverly is there in case the
	newcomer faints... and as Mirasta looks around with
	awe and wonder, somewhat shaky as Picard leads her off
	the transporter pad....

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO    15.

                            ACT TWO                             

9    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit.

10   INT. TEN FORWARD (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Troi and Mirasta ENTER...

					MIRASTA
			It's beyond words... everything
			I've ever dreamed about...
				(beat)
			When I was a child, my parents
			would take me to the
			planetarium... and we would sit
			in the dark and it was as if I
			was on a spaceship on my way to
			another world... to meet people
			from other planets...

					TROI
			Now that you're about to travel
			beyond your own solar system, you
			will meet a great many more people
			from other planets, Mirasta...

					PICARD
			The Federation prefers to make
			first contact like this... rather
			than a random confrontation in
			deep space.

					MIRASTA
			A part of me still expects the
			lights to come up as the program
			ends...

	They sit at a table looking down at the planet...

					MIRASTA
			How did you know about me?

	This becomes a little more touchy and Picard and Troi
	are well experienced in breaking the ground...

					PICARD
			We try to learn as much as
			possible about a planet before
			first contact.

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO    16.

10   CONTINUED:

					TROI
				(gently smiles)
			One of the things we do is monitor
			broadcast signals... We listen
			to your journalism, your music,
			your humor... try to better
			understand you as a people...

					MIRASTA
			I hate to think how you would
			judge us based on our popular
			music and entertainment.

					PICARD
			To be sure, we get an incomplete
			picture from long distance...
			that's why we also do on-surface
			reconnaissance.

	Mirasta does not react negatively to this and has yet
	to grasp the hard realities of what lies ahead... she's
	enchanted by the moment... her reaction is almost like
	she's just been let in on a wonderful secret...

					MIRASTA
			You've had people on our planet?

					TROI
			For several years.

					PICARD
				(off her reaction)
			We've found that the most
			hazardous aspect of this kind
			of mission is a lack of sufficient
			information...

					MIRASTA
			You don't have to explain. I
			understand.
				(beat)
			But not everyone on my planet
			would. They'd think you were
			trying to infiltrate our society.

					PICARD
			We do have a complication here,
			Mirasta. One of our people is
			missing. My first officer,
			Commander William Riker.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO   16A.

10   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
			He was on the surface to
			coordinate the final details with
			our observation team when he
			disappeared. Our people have made
			inquiries... but we have not been
			able to locate him. If there's
			any way you can help...

					MIRASTA
			Of course. Where was Riker's last
			known location?

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO    17.

10   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
			The capital city. He was there
			under the name of Rivas Jakara,
			a tourist from the Marta
			community.

	Mirasta acknowledges.

					MIRASTA
			We've got to find him before
			someone realizes what he really
			is... if this gets out prematurely,
			it will seriously complicate
			matters.

	And now she begins to take stock of what is
	forthcoming.

					MIRASTA
			Introducing you to this world
			will not be an easy matter.

					TROI
			It never is.

					MIRASTA

			You must already know that my
			people are in a transitory
			stage... an old staid culture
			has been pulled into the future
			by Chancellor Durken... but it
			is not easy to discard deep-rooted
			beliefs. Our entire ideology is
			based on the assumption that the
			Malcorian is the supreme lifeform
			and that our world is the center
			of the universe. Your arrival
			will change our entire
			understanding of life...
				(beat, frankly)
			Some will not want it to change.

					PICARD
			What about Durken?

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO    18.

10   CONTINUED: (4)

					MIRASTA
			Durken will be open-minded. But
			cautious. I strongly suggest that
			you do not discuss your
			surveillance teams with him...
			not right away at least.

					PICARD
			But, with the disappearance of
			Commander Riker, wouldn't it be
			prudent...

					MIRASTA
				(interrupting)
			Captain Picard, you must trust
			me on this. If you tell the
			Chancellor about Commander Riker,
			it would undermine everything you
			hope to accomplish here.
				(Picard and Troi react)
			Durken would assign Krola, the
			Minister of Security, to find him.
			Krola has his own political
			agenda. He will perceive you as
			the greatest threat my people have
			ever known. And he will not
			hesitate to use Riker to prove
			he is correct.

	Off Picard's reaction...

11   INT. MEDICAL FACILITY CORRIDOR - DAY

	Berel enters to see the hallway is full of doctors and
	nurses and medical personnel talking in hushed
	voices...

					NILREM
				(to a pretty nurse)
			It doesn't make sense that he's
			the only one... think about it...

	As Berel passes people we catch snatches of
	conversations... as they see him, they stop talking,
	get back to work... moving with him --

					OVERLAPPING VOICES (VARIOUS O.C.)
			From another planet, hundreds of
			them... invasion from space...
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT TWO   18A.

11   CONTINUED:

					OVERLAPPING VOICES (Cont'd)
			Somebody said he's not bad
			looking... what if that's just
			a disguise... meat-eaters... I've
			heard he can see through walls...
			thousands of them...

      STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT TWO      19.

11   CONTINUED:

	Berel's face grows more and more concerned as he
	walks... he comes to Tava...

					BEREL
			I thought I said this was to be
			kept a secret...

					TAVA
				(much prior
				 experience)
			You know Nilrem...

					BEREL
				(nods, sighs)
			Well, it's getting out of
			control...
				(beat, concerned)
			... I don't know what else he is,
			but he's still a patient in this
			medical facility and we have a
			responsibility for his care and
			recovery... remind them of that,
			will you?

					TAVA
				(acknowledges)
			Berel, you're not going to be able
			to contain this much longer.

					BEREL
				(sighs)
			I know.

					TAVA
			If people get scared enough,
			anything could happen...

	He considers this seriously, sighs, turns and walks
	on...

12   INT. RIKER'S ROOM

	As Berel enters... Riker is awake...

					BEREL
			Mister Jakara, we have been unable
			to confirm anything you told us.
			No physician named Crusher is on
			file... not on this planet...
					(MORE)

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT TWO    20.

12   CONTINUED:

					BEREL (Cont'd)
			Your address in Marta is an eating
			establishment... the cook has
			never heard of Rivas Jakara.

					RIKER
			There's obviously been some
			misunderstanding...

					BEREL
			There's a growing number of people
			on the other side of that door
			who believe you are not one of
			us.

					RIKER
			Not one of you... ?

					BEREL
			That you're from another planet.

	Riker reacts, 'incredulous'...

					BEREL
			Are you, Mister Jakara?

					RIKER
				(laughs)
			Do you realize what you're saying?

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT TWO    21.

12   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEREL
			I know how it sounds. And I am
			not anxious to make a fool of
			myself.
				(beat)
			Mister Jakara, this new era of
			space flight, it does fire the
			imagination. People see
			unidentified vessels in the sky
			that turn out to be weather
			balloons.

					RIKER
			It is far more likely that I'm
			a weather balloon than an alien.

					BEREL
				(shrugs, suggesting
				 another possibility)
			Our medical journals have
			documented several cases of
			genetic mutation in recent
			history... some unusual physical
			disfigurations have occurred...

					RIKER
			I guess I'm another case for the
			medical journals then...

					BEREL
			Perhaps. But you, Mister Jakara,
			are hiding something. Unless you
			tell me the truth about yourself,
			this rumor will persist and grow
			and could even become dangerous.
			Most especially to you.

	He EXITS... off Riker's growing concern...

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT TWO    22.

13   INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - CLOSE ON AN INTERCOM DEVICE

	Pulling back to see Durken at his desk studying
	documents, stamping a few...

					MALE COM VOICE
			... the delegate from the Central
			Province at four-point-three...
			the conference with capitol
			journalists is at six-point-one...
			and Minister Yale of the Space
			Bureau would like to introduce
			you to someone...

					DURKEN
				(frowns)
			Call her back and see if the
			Vice-Chancellor will do...

					MALE COM VOICE
			They're out here waiting to see
			you, sir...

					DURKEN
			All right. Send them in.

	The door opens and Mirasta enters with Picard... he
	rises, puts on his best political smile...

      STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT TWO      23.

13   CONTINUED:

					DURKEN
			Always time to meet your friends,
			Mirasta.

					MIRASTA
			Chancellor, please sit down...
			you may want to clear your
			afternoon schedule for this.

	As Durken sits and glances curiously at Picard...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE     24.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

14   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

15   INT. CORRIDOR

	Picard, Durken, Mirasta walking away from the
	transporter. Worf and Beverly trail and quickly go
	their separate ways...

					PICARD
			The security chief and a medical
			officer are always present during
			a first contact transport -- a
			matter of policy... we've learned
			to expect the unexpected...

					MIRASTA
			Your fortitude is impressive,
			Chancellor... my knees buckled
			the moment we... we... what do
			you call it... ?

					PICARD
			"Beamed up"...

					MIRASTA
			Yes, beamed up...

	Durken is always thinking ahead, reserved, not showing
	his own hand, fishing for as much information as he can
	get...

					DURKEN
			It sounds as though you have done
			this quite often.

					PICARD
			Personally, I have been involved
			with four first contact missions.

					DURKEN
			And what happened to those other
			four planets?

	Picard grins knowingly.

					PICARD
			They're still there, Chancellor.

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE     25.

16   INT. ENGINEERING

	As they ENTER.

					MIRASTA
			This is their warp drive,
			Chancellor. Do you believe it... ?
			Our theories were correct...

	Durken studies the impressive machinery, calmly nods...
	without looking at Picard...

					DURKEN
			I can only imagine the sort of
			armaments your vessel carries,
			Captain Picard.

					PICARD
			This vessel also carries families
			and children, Chancellor. It is
			not a warship. The Federation
			is dedicated to the peaceful
			exploration of space.

	Durken looks Picard in the eye now... measures him.
	A beat. Walks on. Walking away --

					DURKEN
			And do you expect all the worlds
			you contact to become members
			of your federation?

					PICARD
			Not at all, Chancellor. Some
			desire membership. Some do not.
			And in some cases the
			philosophical differences are so
			great, it is not even a
			consideration...

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE     26.

17   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	DATA is in the Command Chair. WORF and supernumeraries
	fill the other posts. The door opens, Picard, Durken,
	and Mirasta ENTER. Data stands in greeting.

					PICARD
			This is my bridge.

					DATA
			Captain.

					PICARD
			Mister Data. Allow me to
			introduce Chancellor Avel Durken
			and Space Administrator Mirasta
			Yale.

					DATA
			How do you do?

	Both Durken and Mirasta react to Data's appearance.
	And can't help but glance at Worf as well.

					PICARD
			Data is my Second Officer.

					MIRASTA
			He is an android, Chancellor.
				(off Durken's
				 puzzlement)
			A constructed being.

					DURKEN
			A machine?

					DATA
			In a manner of speaking. The term
			"artificial lifeform" is more
			accurate.

	Durken nods and takes a deep breath, clearly
	overwhelmed.

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE     27.

17   CONTINUED:

	Mirasta is staring at the forward screen, smiling.

					MIRASTA
			Chancellor.

	He glances over and she indicates the screen.

18   INCLUDE THE SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	And the planet below. Durken can't completely suppress
	his wonder.

					DURKEN
			Captain Picard. Is there
			somewhere we might speak together?
			Without distraction?

	Picard nods.

					MIRASTA
			Chancellor, with your permission,
			I will... beam back to the
			surface.
				(with a glance toward
				 Picard, re: Riker)
			I have several matters to attend
			to.

					DURKEN
				(nods)
			Not a word to anyone about this,
			Mirasta.

					MIRASTA
			Of course.

					PICARD
			Mister Data will escort you to
			the transporter room.

	Picard and Durken go into the Ready Room. As Data
	leads the way to the turbolift...

					MIRASTA
			Has there still been no
			communication from Commander
			Riker, Data?

  STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE  27A.

18   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			No, Minister. He has not returned
			to our designated transport
			coordinates. We have continued
			to scan the capitol city without
			success.

	They EXIT into the turbolift...

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE   28.

19   INT. CAPT. READY ROOM

	Picard pours two glasses from his bottle of Chateau
	Picard...

					PICARD
			I've been saving this for a
			special occasion. My brother on
			Earth produces fruit known as
			grapes which he turns into wine.
			He's really quite good at it.

	He raises the two glasses... offers one to Durken.

					PICARD
			We have a tradition, Chancellor,
			called a toast... a drink to
			salute one's friends and good
			fortune. I propose a toast to
			a new friendship.

	They drink.

					DURKEN
				(surprised, recognizing
				 the taste)
			We have something very much like
			this here on Malcor Three.

					PICARD
			I am sure we will find much in
			common.

					DURKEN
			And much that is not in common.

					PICARD
			An opportunity to learn from one
			another.

	Durken studies Picard, stands, thoughtful...

					DURKEN
			You speak the language of
			diplomacy very well, Captain
			Picard... it is a language I
			appreciate and understand... but
			I have learned to not always trust
			it...

					PICARD
			Trust requires time and
			experience...

     STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT THREE     29.

19   CONTINUED:

					DURKEN
			My world's history has recorded
			that conquerors often arrived
			with the words, "we are your
			friends."

					PICARD
			Chancellor, we are not here to
			conquer.

					DURKEN
			What do you want?

					PICARD
			Today, all I wish to have is a
			drink between friends.
				(Durken smiles)
			A beginning. How we proceed is
			entirely up to you...

					DURKEN
				(reacts)
			And if my wishes conflict with
			yours... ?

					PICARD
			There will be no conflict.

					DURKEN
				(only a test)
			And if I were to tell you to leave
			and never return to my world...

					PICARD
			We would leave and never return.
				(beat)
			We are only here to help guide
			you... into a new era. I assure
			you we will not interfere with
			the natural development of your
			planet... that is, in fact, our
			Prime Directive.

					DURKEN
				(beat)
			I could infer from that directive
			that you do not intend to share
			all this extraordinary technology
			with us...

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE   30.

19   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			That is not the whole meaning...
			but it is part of it.

					DURKEN
			Is that your way of maintaining
			superiority?

					PICARD
			To instantly transform a society
			with technology would be harmful
			and destructive...

					DURKEN
				(a slow nod)
			You're right of course.
				(beat)
			I am overwhelmed, Captain Picard.
			Quite overwhelmed.
				(looks out the window)
			I come home each night to a loving
			wife and two beautiful
			daughters... we eat the evening
			meal together as a family, I feel
			that's important... and they
			always ask me if I've had a good
			day.

					PICARD
			How shall you answer them tonight,
			Chancellor?

	Durken turns...

					DURKEN
			Well, I'll have to say... this
			morning, I was the leader of the
			universe as I knew it... this
			afternoon, I am only a voice in
			a chorus.
				(beat, a nod)
			But I think it was a good day.

	He exchanges a solid look with Picard... and the first
	brick of the new foundation is in place. On Picard's
	pleased reaction...

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT THREE   31.

20   INT. RIKER'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

	Riker is on his feet, battling the pain in his head and
	dizziness... he looks in the closet and finds the
	clothes he wore when he was brought in, starts to get
	dressed...

21   ANGLE - THE WINDOW

	he examines it... it is sealed shut... as he begins
	to look for something he can use to break it, a nurse
	(LANEL) ENTERS the room. She stops short as she sees
	Riker at the window, but instead of crying out for
	help, she glances out toward the guard and allows the
	door to close with her inside. She is quite nervous.

					LANEL
			There are guards out there.
			You'll never escape that way.

	Riker reacts, curious about suddenly having an ally...

					LANEL
				(tentative)
			I'm not afraid of you.

					RIKER
			Good. Because there's nothing
			to be afraid of...

					LANEL
			We shouldn't fear the unknown.
			We should embrace it.

					RIKER
			Can you help me get out of here?

					LANEL
			Are you really an alien? It's
			all right to tell me.

					RIKER
			No, I'm not an alien...

					LANEL
			I don't believe you. You are an
			alien.

					RIKER
			Listen, I really have to leave...

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT THREE   32.

21   CONTINUED:

					LANEL
			I could divert the guard's
			attention. You might have a
			chance if you took the service
			exit down the hall to the left...

					RIKER
			To the left. All right. Let's
			do it.

					LANEL
			Why should I?

	Riker takes a deep breath... moves closer to her...
	with dramatic flair...

					RIKER
			You know why. Because I don't
			belong here. Because I have to
			get back to my ship in space.

	She looks into his eyes.

					LANEL
			I believe you.

					RIKER
			Now, will you help me?

					LANEL
			If you make love to me.

					RIKER
			What?

					LANEL
			I've always wanted to make love
			with an alien.

					RIKER
			Listen, Miss...

					LANEL
			Lanel...

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE   33.

21   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			I really have to get going... all
			the... other aliens are expecting
			me...

	She moves closer and puts her arms around him...

					LANEL
			It's not so much to ask. And then
			I'll help you escape.

					RIKER
			It's not that easy. There are...
			differences... in the way my
			people make love.

					LANEL
			I can't wait to learn.

					RIKER
			But...

					LANEL
				(firm)
			It's your only way out of here...
			my alien...

	He doesn't move to get away.

									DISSOLVE TO:

22   OMITTED

23   INT. CORRIDOR

	A GUARD is stationed outside Riker's room. Lanel
	rushes out, apparently upset...

					LANEL
			Something's happened to him...
			I think he's dead... hurry, go
			get help...

	The guard rushes down the hallway to the right... after
	a beat, she opens the door for Riker...

					LANEL
			Okay...

  STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE  33A.

23   CONTINUED:

	He moves out quickly, glances in both directions... He
	starts to move, she moves with him a few steps...

					LANEL
			Will I ever see you again... ?

					RIKER
			I'll call you next time I'm
			passing through your star system.

	And he rushes quickly down the hallway as she watches
	him go with a sad, satisfied smile.

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE   34.

24   ANGLE

	shooting past Riker... Nilrem and another physician
	turn the corner walking toward him... react as they
	see him...

					NILREM
			Hey!

	Riker reacts, sees his escape is blocked... freezes,
	turns... Nilrem and the other man run toward him...

					NILREM
			Stop him! Somebody stop him!
			He's escaping! The alien's
			escaping!

	Riker looks the other way and now A DOZEN OTHERS are
	arriving from other directions... people yell, somebody
	screams...

					VOICES
				(ad lib)
			He's loose! Get him! Don't let
			him get away! Kill him! Stop
			him! Where's he going? He's
			dangerous! Block the exits!
			Knock him down! Kill him!

					LANEL
				(over the walla)
			Leave him alone!

	And people are grabbing things... chairs, and bottles
	and... and it's funny but not so funny... as this is
	turning into a mob scene... Riker takes his best shot
	at the doctor with Nilrem... downs him with a solid
	blow to the chin and that leads to more noise, yells,
	screams... he tries to get to the service exit... as
	Nilrem jumps on his back, Riker throws him off, but
	the others have arrived and overwhelm him, pummel
	him... and he could very likely be dead if it weren't
	for the arrival of Berel and Tava...

					BEREL
			Stop it! All of you! Stop it
			now!

	His booming voice of authority gets their attention
	slowly... and as they release Riker, he looks in worse
	shape than before... he falls slowly to the ground...

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT THREE   35.

24   CONTINUED:

					BEREL
			Have you all lost your minds?

	He kneels down and looks at Riker's wounds...

					TAVA
			They've aggravateded the injury
			to his telencephalin... he's
			bleeding internally...

					BEREL
				(to orderlies)
			Get him into a surgical cubicle...
				(to a nurse)
			And call Central Security. This
			has gone too far.

	As the mob dissipates, on Riker...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR    36.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

25   INT. MEDICAL FACILITY - NIGHT

	Riker is in surgery... they're working on his forehead
	below his hair line... Berel in surgical clothes works
	carefully but quickly... but is confused by what he is
	encountering... Tava assists... two other medical
	assistants are present... with urgency --

					BEREL
			Recommendation?

					TAVA
			I don't know... it doesn't match
			anything...

					BEREL
				(interrupting)
			Forget your training. What do
			you see?

					TAVA
			The ichor pooling under the
			cranial bone... it seems to be
			exerting abnormal pressure.
			Ordinarily, I'd say we have
			to drill to relieve it.

					BEREL
			Agreed.
				(to nurse)
			Suction...

	She puts an instrument into the wound that we can hear
	suck out the blood...

					BEREL
				(to another nurse)
			Three-point-six aspiration drill.

      STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FOUR      37.

25   CONTINUED:

	Berel sighs as the nurse hands him a drill, he studies
	Riker...

					BEREL
			I wonder what his own kind would
			do for him...
				(beat)
			I have to believe it'd be better
			than this...

	As he starts the drill and moves toward Riker's head we
	pan away and we hear the drill meet bone... and the pan
	ends on a wall with a window.. and standing there
	looking through it, watching, is Krola. And as we push
	in on him, we can see in his hand is the phaser. As
	he glances at it...

26   EXT. CAPITOL CITY (MATTE SHOT) - DAY

27   INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY

	The cabinet, including Mirasta and Krola, have just
	been told the facts of life by Durken. Durken is on
	his feet... the others are seated...

					DURKEN
			Their leader, Picard, has made
			it clear that how we proceed is
			entirely our own decision...

					KROLA
			You cannot possibly be suggesting
			surrender, Chancellor...

					MIRASTA
			They are not hostile...

					KROLA
			Mirasta, you are incredibly naive.
			Can you be so enraptured with the
			notion of space travellers that
			you are blind to the threat they
			represent... ?

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR 38-38A.       

27   CONTINUED:

					DURKEN
			I have seen their vessel, Krola...
			if they chose to be hostile, I
			don't think we would be standing
			here now...

					KROLA
			Why should they use force when
			we are ready to lay down in
			fear...

					DURKEN
				(angry)
			I do not lay down in fear... to
			them or to you, Krola.

					KROLA
				(sincerely)
			Chancellor, I mean no disrespect.
			But I have repeatedly warned you
			about your policies... taking us
			so quickly where we had no
			business going in the first
			place... New philosophies, new
			economics, new technologies.
			There are many people who still
			value our traditional way of
			life... and I for one am willing
			to die to defend it.

					MIRASTA
			Open your eyes, Krola. We are
			part of a greater community now.
			We cannot ignore it.

					KROLA
			You would ignore them... as they
			infiltrate and spy on us...

	Mirasta sits up in her chair at the sound of that...
	does he know about Riker?

					DURKEN
			What are you saying, Krola?

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR    39.

27   CONTINUED: (3)

					KROLA
			We have captured one of their
			spies.

	Reactions.

					MIRASTA
			Chancellor, he is Captain Picard's
			first officer, Commander Riker.

					DURKEN
			You knew about this?

					MIRASTA
			He has been missing for two days.
			I told Captain Picard not to
			discuss it because I was afraid
			this is exactly what would
			happen...

	Durken is furious and disappointed with her, and
	expresses it with his eyes...

					DURKEN
			What else do you know, Mirasta?
			Everything.

					MIRASTA
				(beat)
			They've been on our planet,
			observing us for several years...

					KROLA
			Years... Imagine what they have
			done... influenced our young,
			stirred up dissent...

					MIRASTA
			They were collecting
			information...

	Durken holds up his hand to silence her. Softly
	controlled, to Krola --

					DURKEN
			Where is this Commander Riker now?

	Krola doesn't immediately answer, stares at Mirasta and
	the message is clear... he doesn't trust her to know.

   STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR   39A.

27   CONTINUED: (4)

	Off the look, Durken turns to Mirasta and in his
	softest voice...

					DURKEN
			You will not discuss this with
			Picard or the other aliens. If
			you are not comfortable with that,
			Mirasta, you may leave now.

	She swallows hard, remains. Durken turns back to
	Krola, nods go ahead...

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR    40.

27   CONTINUED: (5)

					KROLA
			He is at the Sikla Medical
			facility, recovering from
			surgery... he suffered head
			injuries in an attempt to escape.
			He will recover consciousness in
			a few hours.

	Off Durken's reaction...

28   INT. RIKER'S HOSPITAL ROOM

	Riker is attached to monitoring equipment, still
	unconscious... pull back to see Krola entering with
	Berel.

					KROLA
			Will he survive?

					BEREL
			I didn't think he would have
			survived the injuries. The real
			question is can he survive the
			treatment..

					KROLA
			I have to interrogate him before
			he dies.

					BEREL
			At least give him time to regain
			some strength. Come back
			tomorrow.

					KROLA
			It cannot wait until tomorrow.

    STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR    41.

28   CONTINUED:

	Mirasta ENTERS, reacts as she sees him.

					MIRASTA
			Krola, we can get help from his
			ship. With their medical
			technology, he might recover.

					KROLA
			We're not giving him back. He
			is the one advantage we have now.
				(to Berel)
			Use your drugs to revive him...

					BEREL
				(reluctant)
			Those drugs increase cardial rate
			and vascular pressure... that's
			the last thing we want to do to
			him right now...

					MIRASTA
			It will probably be enough to kill
			him... you can't do it...

					KROLA
			Revive him.

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR        42.

28   CONTINUED: (2)

	And Berel is not a forceful man but he is a decent
	one... he sort of scratches his cheek and clears his
	throat as he takes a beat.

					BEREL
			I'm just a physician, Minister.
			I don't know much about affairs
			of state. But he is a living,
			intelligent being. I don't care
			if the Chancellor himself calls
			down here. I have sworn an oath
			to do no harm. And I will not.

					KROLA
			Then I will find someone to
			replace you.

	Furious, he wheels and EXITS. Mirasta looks at Berel
	with great admiration.

					BEREL
			He won't have any trouble finding
			someone, you know.

	Mirasta nods, moves closer to Riker, studies him, her
	conscience struggling...

29   INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY

	Finding Durken silhouetted against the tall window as
	he looks out, his hands folded behind his back, a
	thoughtful pose. He turns to the sound of the
	transporter effect...

30   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	as Picard MATERIALIZES.

					PICARD
				(greeting)
			Chancellor...

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR        43.

30   CONTINUED:

					DURKEN
			You are punctual, Captain.

					PICARD
				(toss away)
			I know how busy you are.

					DURKEN
			Do you?

	It is an odd response and Picard reacts curiously.
	Durken sits and Picard follows.

					DURKEN
			I think you know a great deal more
			about me than I know about you.

					PICARD
			In what respect?

					DURKEN
			I can't know what motivates you...
			how you make decisions... what
			value you place on life... you
			speak of trust and peace and
			working together to enter a new
			era... at the same time you
			conduct secret surveillance...
			posing as Malcorians...

	Picard finally understands...

					PICARD
			Commander Riker.

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR        44.

30   CONTINUED: (2)

					DURKEN
			Commander Riker.

					PICARD
				(beat)
			Mirasta felt it would be a
			mistake to discuss...

					DURKEN
				(interrupting)
			Yes, she's tried to accept the
			responsibility.

	Picard takes a long, thoughtful beat... then nods.
	Cut your losses and start to rebuild...

					PICARD
			You're right. It was my error,
			not hers.

	Picard rises.

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/5/90 - ACT FOUR        45.

30   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Chancellor, no starship mission
			is more dangerous than first
			contact. We never know what we
			face when we open the door to a
			new world. How will we be
			greeted? What are the dangers?
			Centuries ago, a disastrous first
			contact with the Klingon Empire
			led to decades of war. It was
			decided then that we must do
			surveillance before making
			contact. It was a controversial
			decision. But I believe it
			prevents more problems than it
			creates.

	Durken leans back, more comfortable with what Picard is
	saying, but still not satisfied...

					DURKEN
			I appreciate the logic of your
			position, Captain. But it would
			seem a full disclosure after
			contact would have been in order.

					PICARD
				(nods)
			In time, there would have been
			full disclosure. I know I can
			only ask you to believe that.
			On some worlds, it is not even
			an issue. But here, everything
			our observers reported suggested
			the people of this world would
			almost certainly react negatively
			to our arrival. We could see
			our surveillance might even be
			interpreted as an act of
			aggression.
				(beat)
			I was hoping that we would find
			Commander Riker before you did...
			so the matter would not
			complicate our introduction. And
			it was a mistake.

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FOUR        46.

30   CONTINUED: (4)

	A more open expression appears on Durken's face... he
	almost smiles.

					DURKEN
			A mistake I might have made in
			your place.
				(beat)
			I rather like it actually.

					PICARD
			Like it?

					DURKEN
			That you make mistakes like any
			man.

					PICARD
			Oh, I've made some fine ones in
			my time.

	There is another connection between the two men that
	goes a long way toward healing this rift.

					PICARD
			Will you release my officer?

	And Durken never changes expression and his eyes never
	leave Picard's...

					DURKEN
			We'll talk again later, Captain.

	That's the best Picard can do for now. He
	acknowledges.

					PICARD
				(to insignia)
			Enterprise, one to beam up.

	He DEMATERIALIZES. Durken stares a beat at the empty
	space and thinks.

31   INT. RIKER'S ROOM - NIGHT

	On Berel who is on a telephone like device.

					BEREL
			Yes I understand.

          STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FOUR          47.

31   CONTINUED:

	He hangs up. Turns to Nilrem who is standing with
	Mirasta and Krola. In an even voice --

					BEREL
			I've been relieved of my duties...
			as I'm sure you already know.
			You are acting director of the
			facility, Nilrem.

	Nilrem avoids Berel's look. Berel EXITS.

					KROLA
			Revive him.

	After a beat, Mirasta EXITS, frustrated and alarmed...
	and as Nilrem prepares a syringe... push in on Riker
	and...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

          STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE          48.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

32   EXT. CAPITOL CITY - DAY (MATTE SHOT)

33   INT. RIKER'S ROOM - DAY

	Close on Riker's bandaged face as he regains
	consciousness... he is in bad shape... the pain in his
	head is suffocating and yet the drugs in his system
	won't let him rest... there is a drugged intensity in
	his eyes... on the monitors, graphs measuring his life
	signs make beeping sounds which move more quickly as
	the drugs take hold. He cannot raise his head. As we
	pull back, he sees Krola and Nilrem.

					KROLA
				(to Nilrem)
			Leave us.

	Nilrem EXITS. Krola moves closer to Riker. He is
	deceptively calm, sympathetic.

					KROLA
			I am Minister Krola from Internal
			Security. You are Riker, an
			alien...

	Riker's eyes narrow.

					KROLA
			Yes, we know.

	Riker struggles to speak...

					RIKER
			Please. Bring my people here.

	The beep on the monitor skips a beat. Riker blinks
	with the shock of his internal agony.

					KROLA
			In time. In time. But first,
			I need to ask you some
			questions...

34   INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE - DAY

	As Mirasta ENTERS...

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE       49.

34   CONTINUED:

					MIRASTA
			Thank you for seeing me.

	Durken looks at her, still disappointed.

					DURKEN
			If I did not depend so much on
			your expertise in space matters,
			I would have asked for your
			resignation.

					MIRASTA
			I felt I was acting in the best
			interests of our people,
			Chancellor.

					DURKEN
				(sharp)
			When you are selected to occupy
			this office, then you'll have the
			privilege of deciding the best
			interests of our people.
				(softens, personal)
			Picard, I can excuse. But you,
			Mirasta, you should have trusted
			me.

	Her eyes drop, she nods, understands.

					MIRASTA
				(beat)
			Chancellor -- we must release
			Riker to Picard... Any hope for
			a relationship with these people
			depends on it...

	Durken knows what's she's after, shakes his head.

					DURKEN
			I cannot afford to be the idealist
			you are, Mirasta.

					MIRASTA
			Riker...

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FIVE        50.

34   CONTINUED: (2)

					DURKEN
				(interrupting)
			I am prepared to release Riker
			after we've interrogated him...

					MIRASTA
			Are you prepared for him to die,
			Chancellor?
				(off Durken's look)
			His injuries are extremely
			serious. A mob at the medical
			facility almost killed him. Krola
			has ordered drugs to be used to
			revive him for questioning, drugs
			that are dangerous in his
			condition. Without medical aid
			from his ship, I believe Riker
			will not survive the day. You
			must tell Picard where he is.

	Off Durken's look...

35   INT. RIKER'S ROOM - DAY

	The interrogation continues. Riker is exhausted.

					KROLA
			You have lied since the moment
			of your capture... and I believe
			you are lying now, Commander.

					RIKER
			We... are here on a mission of
			peace...

					KROLA
			Such noble creatures.

	He pulls out the phaser.

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/6/90 - ACT FIVE        51.

35   CONTINUED:

					KROLA
			Why do peaceful people develop
			such lethal weapons?

	Riker looks at the phaser...

					KROLA
				(continuing)
			Or do you still insist it is a
			toy?

36   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Krola aims it at a lamp in the corner and destroys it.

					KROLA
			Yes, my experts were able to make
			it function. An interesting toy
			to be sure.

					RIKER
			It is... for defense...

	The beeper on the medical monitor flutters... Riker's
	eyelids come halfway down... Krola glances at the
	machines...

					KROLA
			Perhaps, like many conquerors,
			you believe your goals to be
			benevolent. I cannot. For
			however you would describe your
			intentions, you still represent
			the end to my way of life. I
			cannot permit that to occur.

	Riker reacts, puzzled. Explaining --

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE       52.

36   CONTINUED:

					KROLA
			Eventually, Durken would choose
			to welcome your people with arms
			open and eyes closed. I must
			force him down another path.

	He puts the phaser in Riker's limp hand... aims it at
	himself...

					KROLA
			When they find us, I will be dead,
			killed by your weapon. The lines
			will be drawn. A peaceful accord
			will no longer be an option.

	Struggling for one word...

					RIKER
			No...

					KROLA
				(quietly)
			For my people.

	A calm smile comes to his lips... and he presses
	Riker's finger on the phaser, fires at himself. He
	goes down.

36A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

36B  INT. READY ROOM

	Picard studying something on his computer.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Captain, Chancellor Durken has
			requested your immediate presence
			on the surface. It's in regard
			to Commander Riker.

	Picard is already on his way out the door...

					PICARD
			Acknowledged, Lieutenant.

	... and he's out.

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE      52A.

36C  INT. RIKER'S ROOM

	Riker struggles to reach out toward the phone device...
	but the sound of the VITAL SIGN MONITOR STUTTERS...
	and he collapses... as we PAN to a monitor displaying
	very low peaks, widely separated...

37   A MATCHING MONITOR

	at a station in a corridor... manned by Tava and
	Nilrem, a few medical personnel around, reacting...

					TAVA
				(urgent)
			Life signs failing on one...

	Nilrem just looks at her... rushing past him...

					TAVA
			... he's dying, Nilrem... you
			can't just stand here... or can
			you... ?

	She runs down the hall, Nilrem finally follows along
	with two others...

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 12/3/90 - ACT FIVE        53.

38   INT. RIKER'S ROOM

	As they ENTER... react to the scene before them...

					TAVA
			What... ?

					NILREM
				(adding it up)
			He shot him. The alien shot
			Krola...

	Tava goes to Riker as Nilrem goes down to see if Krola
	is alive... everybody moving with expert efficiency,
	controlled chaos...

           TAVA                        NILREM
   Get me three octares        I have a circulation
   of adrulmine... high        pattern, very weak...
   frequency E-M charge        we need to get him
   unit... now!                on vital buffers right
                               now...

	They turn and react frozen in terror to the sound of...

39   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Beverly, a MALE STARFLEET NURSE and Worf
	MATERIALIZING... she goes directly to Riker and uses
	the tricorder to assess his condition... Tava and
	Nilrem back away in fear...

					BEVERLY
			I'm a physician... don't be
			frightened...
				(seeing Krola)
			What happened?

					NILREM
				(terrified)
			The... he shot him...
				(re: phaser)
			with that thing...

	The nurse goes to Krola. Beverly gives Riker an air
	hypo...

					BEVERLY
				(keys insignia)
			Crusher to Picard.

									INTERCUT:


        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE      53A.

39A  INT. DURKEN'S OFFICE

	Picard is with Durken and Mirasta.

					PICARD
			Go ahead, Doctor.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Commander Riker is near death.
			But there is still brain
			activity... I've got to take
			him back to the ship...

					PICARD
			Acknowledged.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Minister Krola has a phaser wound
			in his upper chest.

	Reactions from Picard, Mirasta, Durken.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			I should take him with us.

					PICARD
				(tacit approval)
			We'll meet you on the
			Enterprise.

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE       54.

39B  INT. RIKER'S ROOM (OPTICAL)

					BEVERLY
			Enterprise, five to beam up...
			directly to Sickbay...
			energize...

	They DEMATERIALIZE. On Tava and Nilrem's reaction...

40   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

41   INT. SICKBAY

	Picard escorts Mirasta and Durken in... Beverly greets
	them...

					BEVERLY
			They're both going to be okay...
			we were able to stabilize Will...
			if we'd been any later...

	The ending is obvious...

					DURKEN
			Krola?

					BEVERLY
			He was never in any real danger...
			the phaser was on stun...

					MIRASTA
			Stun?

					PICARD
			It is a defensive weapon. We do
			not use it to kill.
				(to Beverly)
			Have you been able to ascertain
			what happened?

					BEVERLY
			I have a good idea. Based on the
			angle of impact... it suggests
			that Krola had his right hand on
			the phaser when it went off...

          STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE          55.

41   CONTINUED:

					DURKEN
			They were struggling for the
			weapon?

					BEVERLY
				(shakes her head)
			Commander Riker was in no position
			to offer any kind of struggle,
			Chancellor.

					MIRASTA
			Krola was trying to be a
			martyr... ?

	Durken takes a deep breath... moves over to Krola...
	who opens his eyes... sees where he is. Durken takes
	his hand, holds it in his two hands.

					KROLA
			Where is this?

					DURKEN
				(gently, with a sad
				 smile)
			You are aboard the starship, my
			foolish old friend.

					KROLA
			No. Chancellor... you must not...
			you must not pursue relations with
			them... you must not...

	Durken pats his hand... nods...

					DURKEN
				(softly)
			I know. I know.

42   INT. READY ROOM

	Mirasta, Durken, Picard.

					MIRASTA
			But Chancellor...

					DURKEN
			Mirasta, it goes against every
			instinct in my being...
					(MORE)

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE       56.

42   CONTINUED:

					DURKEN (Cont'd)
				(to Picard)
			... but my people are not ready
			to accept what you represent.
			Everything that happened at the
			hospital proves it. Krola is the
			best evidence of all. We must
			slow down and allow all those like
			him to join us in the present
			before we move into the future.

					MIRASTA
			But when we encounter other beings
			in space, our people must be
			ready...

					DURKEN
			The warp program will have to be
			delayed... we will divert more
			resources into education and
			social development to prepare for
			the day when we are ready.

					MIRASTA
			Chancellor, I strongly disagree.

					DURKEN
				(nods, sadly)
			I know.
				(beat)
			Captain Picard, you once said that
			if I ask you to leave, you would
			without hesitation. I'm afraid
			I must ask you to do just that.

					PICARD
			It is your decision, Chancellor.
			But I must say I regret that we
			won't have the opportunity of
			knowing your people better.

					DURKEN
				(acknowledges)
			We are a good people, Captain.
			A society with much potential.
			Once we cross this threshold of
			space, we will have to give up
			the self-importance, the conceit
			that we are the center of the
			universe.
					(MORE)

        STAR TREK: "First Contact" - REV. 11/30/90 - ACT FIVE       57.

42   CONTINUED: (2)

					DURKEN (Cont'd)
			But this is not the time. For
			now, it is better that we continue
			to enjoy that sweet innocence.

					PICARD
			But how can you keep us a
			secret... when so many have seen
			and heard so much?

					DURKEN
			The stories will be told for many
			years, I have no doubt... of the
			ship that made contact... of an
			alien who was held prisoner in
			a medical facility... there will
			be charges of a government
			cover-up... some of the witnesses
			will tell their tales and most
			people will laugh at them and go
			back and watch more interesting
			fiction on the daily broadcasts.
			It will pass.

					MIRASTA
			I'm sorry to say... he's probably
			right.

	Picard rises.

					MIRASTA
			Captain, I have one last
			request... take me with you.

	Picard reacts, glances at Durken.

					DURKEN
				(tacit approval)
			She will be unhappy with the
			restrictions I must place on her
			at home, Captain.

					PICARD
				(to Mirasta)
			We may not be back in your
			lifetime. And I have to believe
			that you are not fully prepared
			for the risks of space, Mirasta...

          STAR TREK: "First Contact" - 11/28/90 - ACT FIVE          58.

42   CONTINUED: (3)

					MIRASTA
			I have been prepared for the risks
			of space since I was nine years
			old sitting in a planetarium.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, to my Ready Room...

	Worf ENTERS.

					PICARD
			Escort Chancellor Durken to the
			transporter room, Lieutenant...
			and then assign quarters to
			Minister Yale. She'll be staying
			on board.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			Until we return then...

					DURKEN
			With luck, we will both still
			be around to renew our friendship,
			Captain.

	As they EXIT...

43   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As the ship slowly moves out of orbit, leaving the
	planet behind.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             

