




                                          Screenplay by:
                                            John Logan   
                                    
                                         
                                          

                                                               
                                                                    SHOOTING SCRIPT
 
                                                                     





                   INT. MEDICAL MONTAGE. DAY. 

                   Life. Glorious in its many forms. The biological pulse 
                   finding its way heroically through the cold  manipu-
                   lation of science. 

                   CREDITS as we see a beautiful montage of futuristic 
                   medical technology. Through a microscope we see cells 
                   multiplying and gene strands exponentially increasing 
                   with the vibrancy of exploding flowers. We see laser 
                   splicing and biological manipulation on the molecular 
                   level. 
                   
                   CREDITS continue as we fade to...

                   INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER. NIGHT.

                   Politics... In a cavernous, shadowy chamber. Dark 
                   figures lean together and talk seriously. Their hushed, 
                   urgent tones denote the gravity of their discussion. 

                   We can’t make out the words but there is no doubt what 
                   they are talking about. 

                   The three year old HUMAN BOY who stands before them. 
                   The boy is alone and frightened, lost in the sweeping 
                   grandeur of the massive chamber. 

                   CREDITS continue as we fade to…

                   EXT. REMAN HOMEWORLD. NIGHT. 

                   Labor... 

                   On a stark, desert planet with monolithic mountains and 
                   harsh crags shooting upward. The only light in this dark 
                   netherworld comes from the flames that accompany the 
                   hellish mining operations everywhere around us. 

                   The human boy gazes over this desolate vista and then 
                   he looks up for a moment... at the stars. 

                   Then a tall figure leads him firmly into one of the 
                   mines.  The boy seems to disappear into this flaming 
                   crucible. 

                   CREDITS end as we go to... 

                   EXT. ROMULUS SUNSET. 

                   The sun is setting on the capital city of the great 
                   Romulan Star Empire. The imperial monoliths and martial
                   towers of this bustling city glow red as the sun dips 
                   below the horizon. 

                   We slowly move down toward the most imposing building 
                   of the city. The Romulan Senate chamber. 

                   INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER. SUNSET. 

                   SENATOR TAL'AURA watches the proceedings with a studied
                   look of bored indifference. She glances to the famil-
                   iar Romulan crest that dominates one wall of the 
                   chamber: a ferocious bird-of-prey holding two planets,
                   one in either claw. 

                   And then her eyes carefully cross the chamber to... 

                   PRAETOR HIREN -- the head of the Romulan government -
                   presiding over the Senate from a throne-like chair. He 
                   is a capable politician in his 50s.

                                           SENATOR 1 
                             ... but if we hesitate we’ll lose 
                             this important source of 
                             dilithium. A trade agreement is 
                             in the best interests of the Empire.

                                           SENATOR 2
                             Praetor, I recommend we dispatch a 
                             diplomatic mission to Celes II to 
                             open negotiations. 

                   Senator Tal'Aura grunts slightly at the word "nego-
                   tiations." Praetor Hiren glances to her. 

                                           PRAETOR
                             Senator Tal'Aura, you disagree 
                             with the motion.

                                           TAL'AURA
                             No, sir. I would say "negotiation" 
                             is to be advised. I support all 
                             "diplomatic" overtures. But if you 
                             will excuse me, Praetor, I have an 
                             appointment with the Tholian 
                             ambassador. 

                   The Praetor nods.  Tal’ Aura stands and leaves the 
                   chamber… but she had left something behind on her desk.  
                   A small, silver box with unusual etchings on the 
                   surface.

                   The discussion continues as we focus on the silver 
                   box...

                                           PRAETOR
                             Then I will call for a vote on the 
                             motion to open trade negotiations 
                             with Celes II.

                   The Senator at the desk next to Tal'Aura’s glances 
                   over. The silver box is moving. 

                   The Senator watches, amazed, as the box begins to 
                   slowly fold open. Then "legs" appear. The box unfolds
                   like a spider, standing on its legs. Then it is still
                   for a moment. The Senator looks at it, puzzled. 

                   Suddenly a bright beam of green light shoots up from 
                   the spider. The Senators are stunned -- the beam 
                   shoots to the high domed ceiling of the chamber and 
                   then cascades around the interior of the room, 
                   enveloping everything in a glowing shroud of green 
                   energy. In a way, it is bizarrely beautiful. 

                   And then just as suddenly the light disappears. 

                   A moment of silence. The Praetor and Senators are 
                   baffled. 

                                           PRAETOR
                             Would someone please tell me what 
                             that was? 
                                     (He turns to a 
                                      guard)  
                             Alert security!

                   A plant behind the Praetor begins to shrivel...

                                           PRAETOR
                                     (Cont'd)
                             ...and have them run a...

                   The Praetor stops suddenly -- as the flesh begins to 
                   melt from his face. 

                   Every bit of organic matter in the chamber decays.  
                   Flesh melts from bones while the Senators scream in 
                   agony. Every living thing in the chamber is dead 
                   within ten seconds. 

                   A stunning moment of silence as we take in the carnage. 
                   Then a transporter effect ripples around the spider-
                   weapon. It disappears. 

                   And the Romulan Senate is no more. We fade to...

                   EXT. EARTH. ALASKA. PAVILION DAY. 

                   JEAN LUC PICARD, the most beloved and respected 
                   Captain in Starfleet.

                   His face is resolute and set. Even stern. His white 
                   dress uniform is buttoned tightly to the neck. 

                   He looks at us evenly and then utters the word that 
                   has been the watch cry for his entire life as a 
                   Starfleet officer. 

                                           PICARD
                             Duty...

                   He lets the word resonate and then continues. 

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             A starship captain's life is 
                             filled with solemn duty. I have 
                             commanded men in battle. I have 
                             negotiated peace treaties between 
                             implacable enemies. I have 
                             represented the Federation in 
                             first contact with twenty-seven 
                             alien species.  But none of this 
                             compares to my solemn duty as...
                             Best man.

                   Uproarious laughter. We pull back to reveal the 
                   wedding reception of WILL RIKER and DEANNA TROI. 

                   The Enterprise CREW is gathered with invited GUESTS, 
                   some from other “Star Trek” series.  Riker and Deanna 
                   sit at the center of a long table. 

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Now, I know that on an occasion 
                             such as this: it is expected that 
                             I be gracious and fulsome with 
                             praise on the wonders of this 
                             blessed union...  But have you 
                             two considered what you're doing 
                             to? This is all a damned 
                             inconvenience...

                   There is laughter from the crowd.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             While you're happily settling in 
                             on the Titan, I'll have to train a
                             new first officer; no doubt a 
                             stern martinet who'll quote the 
                             rule book at me and never... ever
                             ...allow me to go on away 
                             missions. 
                                     (Laughter) 
                             ...Then there's the matter of my 
                             new counselor. Undoubtedly some 
                             soft-spoken, willowy thing who'll 
                             be probing into my darkest psyche 
                             as she nods her head and coos 
                             sympathetically. Isn't that right,
                             Deanna?

                   Deanna nods her head and coos sympathetically. Hearty,
                   wonderful LAUGHTER!

                                           PICARD
                             I notice Dr. Crusher laughing 
                             along with the rest of you. As 
                             most of you know, the doctor will 
                             also soon be leaving the 
                             Enterprise, to assume command of 
                             Starfleet Medical. Again, I'm 
                             forced to ask, Beverly, have you 
                             considered what you're doing to 
                             little ole’ me?! I'll probably 
                             get some old battle-axe of a 
                             doctor who'll tell me to eat my 
                             vegetables and put me on report 
                             if I don’t show up for my 
                             physical on time!

                                           BEVERLY
                             It'll serve you right.

                   Laughter, laughter, laughter! He looks to Riker and 
                   Deanna: 

                                           PICARD
                             Really, it's not too late to 
                             reconsider. No? Very well then...

                   He smiles and raises his glass, looks at them deeply:

                                           PICARD
                             Will Riker, you have been my 
                             trusted right arm for fourteen 
                             years; you have helped keep my 
                             course true and steady. Deanna 
                             Troi, you have been my conscience 
                             and best guide, the touchstone to 
                             the better parts of myself. You 
                             are my family. And in proper 
                             maritime tradition I wish you 
                             full sails and a clear horizon... 
                             My friends, make it so.

                   They drink. 

                   EXT. EARTH. ALASKA. PAVILION LATER. 

                   The party guests mingle as a band plays. We are at a 
                   beautiful open-air pavilion high in the Denali 
                   Mountains. The soaring ranges of Riker's native Alaska
                   can be seen everywhere around us. 

                   DR. BEVERLY CRUSHER goes to Picard.

                                           BEVERLY
                                     (Playfully)
                             Sort of like losing a son and 
                             gaining an empath, isn't it?

                                           PICARD 
                             Please, Beverly, this is hard 
                             enough.

                                           BEVERLY
                   If you start tearing up I promise to beam you out. 
                   Level one medical emergency.  There’s no crying in 
                   Starfleet.

                   They head off toward Riker and Deanna. 

                   Meanwhile, GEORDI LA FORGE sits with his girlfriend. 

                                           LEAH
                             I've never seen your Captain so 
                             nostalgic. Maybe he's getting 
                             soft in his old age.

                                           GEORDI
                                     (Laughing)
                             Not likely. After we installed the
                             new Series Four replicators, he 
                             tried to order his usual tea and 
                             there was a glitch. Had us remove 
                             the whole bunch of them and put 
                             the old ones back in

                                           LEAH
                             There! Nostalgic about old 
                             replicators.

                                           GEORDI
                             He just likes things the way he 
                             likes them...

                   He looks at her, smiles.

                                           GEORDI
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Of course, so do I.

                   He kisses her gently as WORF comes to them. Poor Worf
                   is still suffering a bit from the bachelor party  He 
                   plops down beside them, belches.

                                           WORF
                             Romulan ale should be illegal.

                                           GEORDI
                             It is, old chum.

                                           WORF
                             Then it should be more illegal.

                   He groans and rests his head on the table, acts like 
                   he’s going to heave. 

                   Meanwhile, Riker and Deanna are talking to Picard and 
                   Beverly. 

                                           DEANNA
                             Really, Captain, it was a lovely 
                             toast.

                                           PICARD
                             The least I could do for you, 
                             Deanna.  Besides, you know me...
                             I’m a talking head.

                                           DEANNA
                             And you needn't worry. I'll brief 
                             your new counselor on everything 
                             she needs to know.

                                           PICARD
                             The hell you will. You know too 
                             much about me as it is ... Now you
                             promised there are no speeches 
                             during the ceremony on Betazed.

                                           RIKER
                             No, no speeches. No clothes either. 

                   Riker winks, mischievously.

                   Picard looks at him. Deanna laughs. 

                   Then the band stops playing. All turn. 

                   DATA stands with the band. 

                                           DATA
                             Ladies and Gentlemen and invited 
                             Tran gendered species... In my 
                             study of Terran and Betazoid 
                             conjugal rites I have discovered 
                             it is traditional to present the 
                             "happy couple" with a gift. Given 
                             Commander Riker's affection for 
                             archaic musical forms I have 
                             elected to present the following 
                             as my gift in honor of their 
                             conjugation.

                   Riker shoots an amused glance to Deanna. Conjugation? 

                   Data turns to the band leader.

                                           DATA
                             If you please, Mister Band Leader,
                             a-one and a-two and..

                   The band launches into a jaunty, swing version of the 
                   Irving Berlin standard "Blue Skies." 

                                           DATA
                                     (Singing)
                             "Blue skies, smiling at me,
                             Nothing but blue skies do I see. 
                             Blue birds, singing a song, 
                             Nothing but blue birds all day 
                             long.  Never saw the sun shining 
                             so bright, Never saw things going 
                             so right..."

                   The crowd is appreciative. Loves the song. Except Worf, 
                   he momentarily raises his head from the table. 

                                           WORF 
                                     (Groaning)
                             Ugghhh... Irving Berlin.

                   His heads thumps down again, is about ready to BARF!

                   Meanwhile, Riker is anxious as a kid to join the band. 

                                           DEANNA
                                     (Smiles)
                             All right, go ahead.

                   Riker eagerly joins the band. Grabs the trombone and 
                   starts jamming with the orchestra. The song really 
                   swings. 

                                           PICARD
                                     (To Deanna)
                             May I have this dance?

                                           DEANNA
                             With pleasure, Captain.

                   Meanwhile, Geordi leads Leah to the dance floor as 
                   well. Beverly goes to Worf. 

                                           BEVERLY
                             Commander Worf... Do Klingons 
                             swing?

                                           WORF
                             I am not a swinger. I am unwell.

                                           BEVERLY
                             Don't worry, I'm a doctor.

                   She pulls him to the dance floor as: 

                                           BEVERLY
                             I'm so glad you made it back to 
                             the Enterprise before I left.

                                           WORF
                             I was not suited for the life of 
                             a... diplomat.

                                           BEVERLY
                                     (Wry)
                             Who'd have guessed?

                   They dance. Picard and Deanna sweep past them. 

                   And we pull up and away as Data continues to sing and 
                   the crew dances. It is a joyous celebration of these
                   people. 

                   This family. A family we love.

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE. SPACE.
 
                   The Enterprise streaks through space. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. CREW LOUNGE. NIGHT. 

                   Data sits in the empty Crew Lounge. 

                   As always, the android's placid, neutral expression 
                   still somehow manages to convey his wonder, curiosity 
                   and idiosyncratic zest for life. 

                   Picard arrives with a very old bottle of wine. 

                                           PICARD
                             I've been saving this. Chateau 
                             Picard 2267.  Batten down the 
                             hatches...

                   He carefully uncorks the treasured bottle as: 

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             They say a vintner's history is
                             in every glass. The soil he 
                             came from. His past as well as 
                             his hopes for the future.

                   He pours two glasses of the wine, then raises his 
                   glass, a toast. 

                                           PICARD
                             So... To happy endings.

                                           DATA
                             To happy endings.

                   Picard carefully takes a tiny sip, savors the flavor, 
                   finally swallows. Enjoys it. Ahhh. 

                   Data mimics Picard. Taking a tiny sip, savoring the 
                   flavor and finally swallowing. Ahhh. 

                                           DATA
                             Sir.  I noticed an interesting 
                             confluence of emotion at the 
                             wedding. I am familiar with the 
                             human concept of tears through 
                             laughter and its inverse, 
                             laughter through tears, but I 
                             could not help wondering about 
                             the human capacity for 
                             expressing both pleasure and 
                             sadness simultaneously.

                                           PICARD
                             I understand why it would seem 
                             confusing. Certain human 
                             rituals... like weddings,
                             birthdays or funerals evoke 
                             strong and very complex 
                             emotions. These rites carry 
                             great weight with us because 
                             they denote the passage of 
                             time.

                                           DATA
                             And you were particularly 
                             aware of this feeling because 
                             Commander Riker will be 
                             leaving to assume command of 
                             the Titan?

                                           PICARD
                             Will and Deanna joining the 
                             Titan. Dr. Crusher going to 
                             Starfleet Medical...

                                           DATA
                             And this makes you "sad"?

                                           PICARD
                             Well. I suppose it does a bit. 
                             I'm very happy for them, of 
                             course, but I'm going to miss 
                             them. The ship will seem... 
                             incomplete without them.

                                           DATA
                             That is because you have a 
                             familiarity with them. You can 
                             predict specific reactions and 
                             behavior and are comfortable in
                             that knowledge.

                                           PICARD
                             Yes. And, frankly, I envy them 
                             as well. They've made important
                             choices; they're going to have
                             great challenges ahead of them.  
                             New worlds to conquer...

                   He takes another sip of wine. A beat.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Seeing Will and Deanna today 
                             made me think about some of the
                             choices I've made in my own 
                             life. Devoting myself to 
                             Starfleet ... Not marrying or 
                             having children ... All the 
                             choices that led me here.

                   A beat. Data thinks about it.

                                           DATA
                             The choices I made have led me 
                             here as well. This is the only 
                             home I have ever known. I 
                             cannot foresee a reason for 
                             leaving.

                                           PICARD
                             You never know what's over the 
                             horizon, Data. Before too long 
                             you'll be offered a command of 
                             your own.

                   Data looks at him; he has never really considered 
                   this. 

                                           DATA
                             If I were... I believe my 
                             memory engrams would sense the 
                             absence of your specific 
                             reactions and behavior. I would
                             "miss you."

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Smiling)
                             Now, you make a toast.

                                           DATA
                             To new worlds...

                                           PICARD
                             New worlds. Yes Data, brave new
                             worlds...

                   They drink. 

                   INT. ROMULAN SENATE. CORRIDOR. NIGHT. 

                   Flickering braziers dimly illuminate the cold, martial
                   splendor of a Senate corridor. 

                   COMMANDER DONATRA and COMMANDER SURAN stride through 
                   the corridor.

                   Suran is an elder Romulan officer, respected and 
                   tenacious.  Donatra - a key figure in this story so 
                   pay close attention to her - is a maturer, beautiful 
                   woman... not without a dry sense of humor.

                                           SURAN
                             The fleet commanders are nervous.
                             They've agreed to remain at 
                             their given coordinates and 
                             await his orders. But they're 
                             anxious to know what's going on
                             here.

                                           DONATRA
                             I don’t blame them. We can't 
                             keep them in the dark forever.

                   A voice, from the shadows: 

                                           VICEROY 
                                     (V.O.)
                             But in darkness, there is 
                             strength.

                   Donatra and Suran stop. 

                   And the VICEROY steps from the shadows...

                   He is a terrifying sight  A powerful, monstrous alien 
                   creature; a tall, ashen-skinned ectomorph who bears a
                   disturbing resemblance to the original Nosferatu. He
                   is vampiric and lethal.  He is a Reman. 

                                           VICEROY
                             Don't you agree?

                   He leads them along the corridor. 

                   INT. SENATE CHAMBER. NIGHT. 

                   We observe the Romulan crest, an imposing bird-of-prey
                   clutching a planet in either claw, not unlike the 
                   KAOS emblem from “Get Smart,” that dominates a wall. 
                   As we hear:

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Consider it. The great symbol of
                             the Empire... But the bird-of-
                             prey holds planets. Romulus, 
                             Remus. Their destinies conjoined…

                   And then we see him... SHINZON!

                   He is a dynamic young human in his twenties. Very 
                   handsome with pale, almost white skin and shining, 
                   golden hair. He wears a striking Reman military uniform. 

                   He stands in the center of the eerily deserted 
                   chamber. The entire floor lis a large star chart. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Yet for generations one of those
                             planets has been Bwithout a 
                             voice.  We will be silent no 
                             longer.

                   Senator Tal'Aura (the female Senator who planted the 
                   weapon in the Senate chamber earlier} and two other 
                   ROMULAN COMMANDERS sit . 

                   Cadres of Shinzon’s fearsome REMAN WARRIORS stand 
                   around the chamber. They are his sinister children of 
                   the night. Even more chilling now in the flickering 
                   torch light. It’s like something out of Tim Burton.

                   Donatra and Suran enter the chamber with Shinzon's 
                   Viceroy. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Join us, Commanders.  Now what's
                             the disposition of the fleet?

                                           SURAN
                             They're holding position.

                                           SHINZON
                             And?

                                           SURAN
                                     (Bows his head) 
                             They will obey, Praetor.

                                           SHINZON
                             It's imperative we retain their
                             allegiance or our great mission 
                             will be strangled before it can 
                             truly draw breath. 

                                           DONATRA
                             They support your intentions, 
                             sir. But they require evidence 
                             of your... sincerity.

                   Shinzon looks at her. A quick beat. Shinzon decides 
                   to respond with benevolence. He smiles. 

                                           SHINZON
                             And they'll have it. 

                   He begins to pace over the star chart.

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Tell the fleet that the days of 
                             negotiation and diplomacy are 
                             over. The Almighty Federation 
                             will fall before us.  As I 
                             promised you.

                   He stands on the area of the map that denotes the 
                   Neutral Zone between the Romulan Empire and the
                   Federation. 

                                           SHINZON
                             The time we have dreamed of is 
                             at hand. The time... of 
                             conquest. 
                                     (Sinister laugh)

                   He carefully steps into the area of the map marked 
                   with the  Federation symbol. He looks down at the 
                   star chart. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Cut off the dragon's head and it
                             cannot strike back.

                   A beat. Donatra watches him carefully. Something in 
                   his quiet words disturbs her. 

                                           SURAN
                             How many Warbirds will you need?

                                           SHINZON
                             None.

                   They look at him, stunned. 

                                           SURAN
                             Praetor. You have the whole 
                             fleet at your disposal. They 
                             supported the coup, they'll 
                             follow you.

                                           SHINZON
                             The Scimitar will serve my 
                             needs.

                                           SURAN 
                             But surely...

                                           SHINZON
                             I came this far alone ...

                   He looks at his Reman warriors.  

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Cont'd)
                             We came this far alone. We 
                             require no assistance from the 
                             fleet. Now leave me to my 
                             thoughts.

                   The Commanders and Senator Tal'Aura rise and leave. 
                   Shinzon looks to his Viceroy. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Are we prepared?

                                           VICEROY
                             Yes, Praetor.

                   A beat. 

                                           SHINZON
                             So many years for this moment.  

                   He looks up at his Viceroy, smiles. 

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Bring him to me.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. DAY.

                   The bridge crew are at their stations. Picard is 
                   not on the bridge. 

                                           WORF
                                     (Grumbles)
                             I won't do it.

                                           DEANNA
                             It's tradition,Worf. You of 
                             all people should appreciate 
                             that! 
                                     (Whispers) 
                             Besides, I’ve already seen it.

                                           WORF
                             A warrior does not appear 
                             without his clothing. It 
                             leaves him... vulnerable.

                                           RIKER
                             I don't think we're going to 
                             see much combat on Betazed.

                                           DEANNA
                             Don't be too sure. Mother will
                             be there.

                   Worf groans. Picard emerges from his Ready Room as: 

                                           WORF
                             I won't do it.

                                           PICARD
                             Won’t do what, Mister Worf?

                                           WORF
                             Captain. I think it is 
                             inappropriate for a Starfleet 
                             officer to appear... 
                                     (Hates the word) 
                             Naked.

                                           PICARD
                             Come now, a big, strapping 
                             fellow like you? What are you 
                             afraid of?

                   Deanna laughs. Then a readout on Worf's console 
                   attracts his attention: 

                                           WORF
                             I'm picking up an unusual 
                             electromagnetic signature from
                             the Kolarin system.

                                           PICARD
                             What sort of signature?

                   Worf looks up. Glances at Data. 

                                           WORF
                             Positronic.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. LATER. 

                   Geordi is at the Engineering station with Picard, 
                   Riker and Data. 

                                           GEORDI
                             It's very faint but I've 
                             isolated it to the third 
                             planet in the Kolarin system.

                                           PICARD
                             What do we know about the 
                             planet?

                                           GEORDI
                             Uncharted. We'll have to get 
                             closer for a more detailed 
                             scan.

                                           PICARD
                                     (To Data) 
                             Theories?

                                           DATA
                             Since positronic signatures 
                             have only been known to 
                             emanate from androids such as 
                             myself, it is logical to 
                             theorize that there is an 
                             android such as myself on 
                             Kolarus III.

                                           GEORDI
                             How many of you did Dr. Soong 
                             make?

                                           DATA
                             I thought only me, myself and 
                             Lore.

                                           RIKER
                                     (Looking at star 
                                      chart)
                             Diverting to the Kolarin 
                             system takes us awfully close 
                             to the Romulan Neutral Zone.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Looking at star 
                                      chart)
                             Still well on our side...

                   Picard glances at Data, recognizes the android's 
                   deep desire to explore this possible connection to 
                   others like himself. 

                                           PICARD
                             I think it's worth a look. 
                             Don't worry, Number One, we'll
                             get you to Betazed with time 
                             to spare.

                                           RIKER
                             Thank you, sir...

                                           PICARD
                                     (To all, especially 
                                      Worf)
                             Where we will all honor the 
                             Betazoid traditions. No cold 
                             feet, or any other parts of 
                             our anatomy. Now, if you’ll 
                             excuse me.  I’ll be in the 
                             gym.

                   He goes. 

                                           RIKER
                                     (To Helm Officer)
                             Mister Branson, set course for
                             the Kolarin system. Warp Five.

                   Deanna shoots him a glance. 

                                           RIKER
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Warp Seven.

                                           HELM OFFICER (MISTER BRANSON)
                             Plotted and laid in, sir.

                                           RIKER
                             Engage.

                                           DEANNA 
                             You better believe you’re 
                             engaged!

                   Meanwhile, Geordi and Data remain at the Engineer-
                   ing Station, studying the displays. 

                                           GEORDI
                             What do you think, Data, a 
                             long-lost relative?

                   Data doesn't respond, but the curiosity on his 
                   face is apparent. 

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE. OVER KOLARUS III. SPACE. 

                   The Enterprise is in orbit around the uncharted 
                   planet. In the distance we can see the distorting 
                   violence of an  ion storm. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE.  BRIDGE.

                   Kolarus III is on the viewscreen, the ion storm 
                   raging beyond it. 

                                           GEORDI
                             I read six distinct positronic
                             signatures, spread out over a 
                             few kilometers on the surface.

                                           PICARD
                             What do we know about the 
                             population?

                                           DATA 
                             Isolated pockets of humanoids.
                             It appears to be a pre-warp 
                             civilization at an early stage
                             of industrial development.

                                           GEORDI
                             Captain, I don't recommend 
                             transporting, that ion storm 
                             doesn't look very neighborly. 
                             -It could head this way with-
                             out much warning .

                                           PICARD
                             Understood. Data, Worf, you're
                             with me.

                   Picard, Data and Worf start heading toward the 
                   turbolift.

                                           RIKER
                                     (stands, protesting)
                             Captain, I hope I don't have to
                             remind you --

                                           PICARD
                             I appreciate your concern, 
                             Number One, but I've been 
                             itching to try out the Argo.

                                           RIKER
                             Sir --

                                           PICARD
                             Captain's prerogative, Will. 
                             There's no foreseeable 
                             danger... and your wife would 
                             never forgive me if anything 
                             happened to you.

                   He steps into the turbolift with the Data and Worf. 

                                           PICARD
                             You have the bridge, Mister 
                             Troi!

                   The turbolift doors slide shut. 

                   The bridge crew heartily enjoys Riker's momentary 
                   demotion to house husband. 

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE. OVER KOLARUS III. DAY. 

                   The shuttlebay doors slide open and the transport 
                   vehicle Argo emerges. 

                   The Argo is larger than a regular shuttle with a 
                   particularly large cargo area at the back. 

                   EXT. KOLARUS III. DAY.

                   The Argo lands on the planet. It is primarily a 
                   desert environment with some canyons and mountains.
                   Like Death Valley, blazing heat waves shimmer in 
                   the distance. The shuttle sits silently for a 
                   moment.  We wonder at the delay, then…

                   The rear cargo doors slide open and Picard, Data 
                   and Worf roar out on a 24th Century equivalent of 
                   a military jeep!

                   Picard drives, Data beside him. Worf stands in the
                   back at a mounted phaser canon. It is a muscular, 
                   exciting vehicle; a Starfleet version of the jeep 
                   from old television series "The Rat Patrol." 

                   Picard screeches to a stop. Data and Worf lurch. A
                   cloud of dust momentarily obscures them. Data 
                   quickly monitors the positronic signatures with a 
                   tricorder: 

                                           DATA
                             The closest signature is two 
                             kilometers to the west... that
                             direction, sir.

                                           PICARD
                             Thank you, Data. 
                                     (He smiles)  
                             Let's see what she can do.

                   He roars off in a cloud of dust! 

                   Picard clearly enjoys driving. He roars over the 
                   desert terrain at breakneck speed, having a hell 
                   of a good time. His comrades don't exactly 
                   appreciate his free-spirited driving panache. 

                   Worf clings on to the mounted phaser canon for dear
                   life. Data steadies himself by grasping onto the 
                   rollbar 

                                           DATA
                             I will always be baffled by 
                             the human predilection for 
                             piloting vehicles at unsafe 
                             velocities.

                   Picard smiles and drives a little faster. 

                                           DATA
                                     (Monitoring with 
                                      tricorder)
                             Over that rise, sir... half a 
                             kilometer.

                   They continue on. Before long they can see some-
                   thing on the level desert floor before them. They 
                   approach and stop to discover... 

                   An android arm. The fingers patiently drumming the
                   ground. 

                                           DATA
                             It appears to be...
                                     (He scans with 
                                      his tricorder) 
                             ... an arm.

                                           WORF 
                                     (Suspicious)
                             Why is it moving?

                                           DATA
                             Like me, it has been designed 
                             with modular power sources.

                                           PICARD
                             Mister Worf, if you please.

                   Worf climbs from the jeep and carefully approaches 
                   the arm. Gingerly picks it up. The arm responds to 
                   being picked up, the hand starts feeling around in
                   the air like something from a horror movie. Worf 
                   shudders. 

                   He returns to the jeep. Quickly sets the arm down 
                   in the rear cargo area. 

                                           DATA
                             The next signature is one 
                             kilometer to the south.

                   Picard starts the jeep in motion. 

                   Time passes as they continue on... coming across 
                   another arm... a leg... a torso... another leg... 
                   various disassembled components of a Data-like 
                   android! 

                   EXT. JEEP. KOLARUS III. CANYON. DAY.  

                   Worf stands uneasily amidst the moving body parts. 
                   There is only one component missing: the head.  
                   Picard steers the jeep into a canyon. Stops. Data 
                   scans with his tricorder, pointing it up into the 
                   gently sloping hills that form the sides of the 
                   canyon. 

                                           DATA
                             The final signature is approx-
                             imately 300 meters up that 
                             incline.

                                           PICARD 
                             Mister Worf, accompany Data
                             please.

                                           WORF 
                                     (Uneasy)
                             To find the head, sir?

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Amused)
                             If you don't mind.

                   Worf and Data climb up into the hills in pursuit of
                   the final piece as Picard opens the jeep's hood and
                   checks the engine. 

                   EXT. KOLARUS III. HILLS. DAY. 

                   Worf and Data climb as Data scans and indicates the
                   direction:

                                           DATA
                             Ten meters...

                   Worf pulls his phaser, ready. 

                                           DATA
                             I think it unlikely you will 
                             need your phaser to recover the
                             cranial unit.  Of course, it 
                             could bite you.

                   Then they see it. 

                   Data's head. Or the spitting image anyway. Lying 
                   inert in the dust before them. 

                                           WORF
                             It's you.

                                           DATA
                             The resemblance is... striking.

                   Then the head's eyes suddenly pop open. It looks up
                   at them with a sort of blank, childlike wonder. 

                                           HEAD
                             Why am I looking at me?

                                           DATA
                             You are not looking at your-
                             self. You are looking at me.

                                           HEAD
                                     (Looking at Worf)
                             You do not look like me.

                                           WORF
                             No.

                                           DATA 
                                     (To the head)
                             I would like to pick you up 
                             now. May I do that?

                                           HEAD 
                                     (To Worf)
                             You have a pretty shirt.

                                           WORF
                             Thank you.

                   Data gently picks up the head. Looks at it. The two
                   identical faces gaze at each other. 

                                           DATA
                             Fascinating...

                   Then BLAM! -- a boulder near them explodes. Worf 
                   and Data spin to see...

                   A nomadic tribe of desert ALIENS swarming toward 
                   them firing primitive plasma weapons.

                   Data and Worf race back down the canyon, toward the
                   jeep -- some open-field running and a bit of phaser
                   action --  Worf firing to distract and slow the 
                   aliens, not kill them -- through all of this the 
                   head is chattering away blandly: 

                                           HEAD
                             I have two arms and ten 
                             fingers. Do you know where my 
                             arms are? I cannot see where 
                             we are going. Where are we 
                             going?  
                                     (Etc... like Threepio 
                                      in “Empire” when 
                                      he’s strapped to 
                                      Chewbacca’s back.)

                   The action continues. Then Data finds himself 
                   almost surrounded -

                                           DATA
                             Commander!

                   Worf turns -- Data throws the head to Worf like a 
                   football, a perfect spiral -- the head is still 
                   chattering away -- Worf catches it-- 

                                           WORF
                             STOP TALKING!

                   The head abruptly stops talking. 

                   Data, hands free now, quickly incapacitates the 
                   aliens around him with a dazzling demonstration of 
                   his superior strength and agility, 

                   Meanwhile, Worf tucks the head under his arm and 
                   sprints like a master running back -- evading 
                   aliens and occasionally firing his phaser-- 

                   They are closer to the jeep now --but they are in 
                   trouble -- the swarm of aliens almost overtaking 
                   them --! 

                   When a thundering BLAST sends up a shower of 
                   debris, stopping the aliens -- Picard is standing 
                   in the rear of the jeep, firing the phaser canon. 

                   Data and Worf climb into the jeep as Picard leaps 
                   into the front seat and roars off -- 

                   INT. EXT. JEEP. KOLARUS III. FOLLOWING. 

                   Worf, standing at the phaser canon, quickly hands 
                   the head to Data in the front seat: 

                                           WORF
                             If you wouldn't mind.

                                           DATA
                             Thank you.

                   The head looks up at Picard. 

                                           HEAD
                             You have a shiny head.

                   Picard glances at the head. 

                                           DATA
                             He is very observant.

                                           PICARD
                             I can see that.

                                           WORF
                             Captain!

                   Picard turns to see that they are being pursued! 
                   The aliens are racing after them in crude desert-
                   terrain vehicles -- 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To Data)
                             Shall we try some "unsafe 
                             velocities?"

                   He floors it -- racing across the desert landscape.

                   Worf fires the mounted phaser canon -- blasting 
                   away at the aliens, not killing them, just stopping
                   them -- a few dramatic crashes as the alien
                   vehicles overturn -- 

                   Meanwhile: 

                                           HEAD 
                                     (To Picard)
                             You have a red shirt.

                                           DATA 
                                     (To the head)
                             This is not an appropriate time
                             for a conversation.

                                           HEAD
                             Why?

                                           DATA
                             Because the captain has to 
                             concentrate on piloting the 
                             vehicle.

                                           HEAD
                             Why?

                                           PICARD
                             Data!

                                           DATA
                             Sorry, sir.

                   They continue to speed over the landscape -- 
                   bouncing and flying over natural rises in the 
                   terrain -- trying to evading their pursuers -- 

                   Picard puts the pedal to the metal and races 
                   through the alien vehicles -- weaving in and out, 
                   avoiding their fire - Worf blasts away with the 
                   phaser cannon -- an exhilarating adventure -- 

                   Finally they are within sight of the Argo -- but 
                   they see it is surrounded by more of the aliens! 

                                           PICARD
                             Mister Data. Let’s make like 
                             the wind.

                   Data punches some buttons on a dashboard console -- 
                   and the Argo LIFTS OFF by remote control -- 

                   Data uses the console to swing the Argo around and 
                   lower the rear cargo doors -- it hovers over the 
                   surface -- 

                   Picard floors the jeep -- using a natural rise in 
                   the terrain as a ramp -- the jeep FLIES THROUGH THE
                   AIR -- over the aliens -- and into the cargo bay -- 

                   INT. ARGO. CARGO BAY. FOLLOWING. 

                   Picard slams on the brakes -- the jeep screeches to
                   a stop as the doors shut and the Argo shoots into
                   the air. 

                   Picard climbs from the jeep. He nonchalantly rubs a
                   bit of dirt from the hood and then disappears into
                   the main cabin. 

                   Data and Worf remain in the jeep for a beat. They
                   are stunned. 

                                           WORF 
                                     (Smiles)
                             He must have Klingon blood.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. ENGINEERING LAB. DAY. 

                   Beverly gazes at the android head. It gazes back 
                   at her. 

                                           BEVERLY
                             I think you have nicer eyes.

                   We pull back to reveal she is speaking to Data. 
                   Data stands with Picard, Riker and Geordi. 

                                           DATA
                             Our eyes are identical, Doctor.

                   The android is in a framework rig that holds the 
                   various body parts in place. The parts are not yet 
                   assembled 

                                           RIKER
                             Geordi?

                   GEORDI is at work analyzing the torso section.

                                           GEORDI
                             Well, he seems to have the same
                             internal mechanics as Data but 
                             not as much positronic develop-
                             ment.  The neural pathways 
                             aren't nearly as sophisticated.  
                             I’d say he's a prototype. 
                             Something Dr. Soong created 
                             before Data .

                                           DATA 
                                     (To head)
                             Do you have a name, sir?

                                           HEAD
                             I am the B-9.

                                           PICARD
                             Be-nign. Dr. Soong's penchant 
                             for whimsical names seems to 
                             have no end.

                                           HEAD 
                                     (To Riker)

                             You have a fuzzy face.

                   PICARD is trying to ignore the head.

                                           PICARD
                             Keep me informed, Number One, 
                             and, please, put him back 
                             together.

                   He goes. Geordi and Data begin to reassemble the 
                   B-9 piece by  piece like the Tin Man as:  

                                           DATA
                             Can you tell me how you came to
                             be on the planet where we found
                             you?

                                           B-9 
                                     (Blandly)
                             I was taken from my homeworld 
                             by people called the "PakJeds."
                             They are fat. They traded me 
                             to a ship belonging to the 
                             "Bolians." The "Bolians" are 
                             blue. They put me in a seat and
                             asked me questions. Then they 
                             were attacked by another 
                             ship...

                   Time passes ... 

                   And still the B-9 is yammering blandly away. He is
                   more fully assembled. By this time Beverly is 
                   thoroughly bored . 

                                           B-9
                             Then people called the 
                             Delviciansans picked me up.  
                             They have long teeth. They 
                             asked if I do anything to help
                             them. I told them I could do 
                             whatever they wanted. They 
                             asked me to clean out the 
                             matrix manifolds. I told them 
                             I did not know what an Matrix
                             manifold looks like.

                                           BEVERLY
                             Excuse me. I have some 
                             diagnostics to run on some 
                             medical scanner things.

                   She quickly exits. 

                                           B-9
                             And after they showed me the 
                             "engine manifolds." Then they 
                             showed me something called a 
                             "plasma mop"

                   Time passes... 

                   And still the B-9 is yammering away. He is almost 
                   completely assembled by now. Riker is bored out 
                   of his mind. 

                                           B-9
                             ...then the "Cardassians" put 
                             me into something called a 
                             "garbage chute" and I went out
                             into space again --

                                           WORF 
                                     (V.O. on comm)

                             Worf to Commander Riker. I 
                             have the tactical manifests 
                             ready, sir.

                                           RIKER
                                     (Quickly tapping 
                                      his comm badge)
                             Worf! Wonderful! I'll be right
                             there! ...
                                     (He stands) 
                             Duty calls, gentlemen. Carry 
                             on.

                   He escapes. 

                                           B-9
                             Fuzzy face is gone.

                                           DATA
                             Yes, please continue.

                                           B-9
                             I was in space for a long time.
                              Then a ship belonging to the 
                             “Talosians” picked me up. They
                             asked me where I came from. I 
                             told them people called the 
                             “Pakleds” took me from my 
                             homeworld. They are fat…

                   Geordi groans. Time passes. And still the B-9 is 
                   yammering away. By this time Geordi is slumped in 
                   a chair and only Data is listening. The B-9 is 
                   fully assembled. 

                                           B-9
                             Then I opened my eyes and saw 
                             you.

                   A beat. The B- 9 is finally done with his tale.

                                           DATA
                             Do you know who I am?

                                           B-9
                             You are me.

                                           DATA
                             No. My name is Data... I am 
                             your brother.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. CREW LOUNGE. NIGHT.

                   Riker and Deanna are having dinner with Worf. 

                                           DEANNA
                                     (To Worf)
                             ... and after the ceremony on 
                             Betazed, three entire weeks 
                             for our honeymoon.

                                           RIKER
                             We're going sailing on the 
                             Opal Sea. We've booked an 
                             old-fashioned solar catamaran.
                             Just us and the sun and the 
                             waves. 

                                           WORF
                             It seems a very... soft honey-
                             moon.

                                           DEANNA 
                                     (Amused)
                             It's meant to be relaxing.

                                           WORF
                             A Klingon honeymoon begins
                             with the Kholamar desert 
                             march where the couple bonds 
                             in endurance trials. If they 
                             survive the challenge they 
                             move on to the Fire Caves of 
                             Fek'lhr to face the demons of 
                             Gre'thor.

                                           RIKER
                             Well, that sounds relaxing too.

                                           WORF
                             It is... invigorating.

                   They see Data enter the lounge, carefully leading 
                   the B-9. 

                                           RIKER
                             So they’ve got him up and 
                             running.

                                           WORF
                             He's a very unusual android.

                                           RIKER 
                                     (Smiles)
                             Runs in the family.

                   They watch as Data leads the B-9 to a table. Data 
                   instructs him to sit. The B-9 sits and stares 
                   forward placidly. Data shows him how use a napkin. 

                   A note of concern passes over Deanna's face as she 
                   watches Data and the B-9. 

                   There is something strangely poignant in the twin 
                   androids. One a bundle of curiosity and 
                   intelligence; the other somewhat like a slow, 
                   simple child. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. READY ROOM. NIGHT. 

                   Picard is at his replicator unit.

                                           PICARD
                             Earl Grey, hot.

                   A cup of tea appears. He takes it as the door 
                   chime sounds. 

                                           PICARD
                             Come. 

                   Deanna enters.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd) 
                             Counselor.

                                           DEANNA
                             Do you have a moment, sir?

                                           PICARD
                             Of course, sit down.

                   He sits at his desk  She sits across from him. 

                                           DEANNA
                             It's about Data  I've watched 
                             him with the B-9 and I'm 
                             troubled. Data's desire for a 
                             "family" is very strong. I'm 
                             afraid he may be investing 
                             too much in the B-9.

                                           PICARD
                             You're speaking of emotional 
                             investment?

                                           DEANNA
                             The B-9 is like a slow child, 
                             sir. And Data, in his own way,
                             has assumed the position of a 
                             parent or guardian. I'm afraid
                             he has expectations based on 
                             his own experiences. He'll be 
                             disappointed when the BI-9 
                             cannot meet those expectations.

                                           PICARD
                             As much as we care for him, 
                             Deanna... we have to remember
                             that Data isn't capable of 
                             disappointment.

                                           DEANNA
                             I don't believe that, sir.  
                             We’ve shared many disappointing
                             journeys.

                   A quiet beat. 

                                           PICARD
                             I'm going to miss you.

                                           DEANNA 
                             And I you.

                   They are interrupted by a comm signal: 

                                           RIKER 
                                     (V.O. on comm)
                             Captain, you have an Alpha 
                             Priority communication from 
                             Starfleet Command.

                                           PICARD
                             Acknowledged ...
                                     (Deanna stands) 
                             ...I'll talk to Data.

                                           DEANNA
                             Thank you, sir.

                   She goes. Picard activates his desktop viewscreen. 

                   ADMIRAL KATHRYN JANEWAY appears on Picard's monitor.
                   Janeway is the former captain of Voyager. Her 
                   new rank fits her well, she has lost none of her 
                   dry humor and down-to-earth charm which made her a 
                   household name and beloved cult figure.

                                           PICARD
                             Admiral Janeway. Good to see 
                             you.

                                           JANEWAY 
                                     (On viewscreen}
                             Jean Luc... How'd you like a 
                             trip to Romulus? All expenses 
                             paid?

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Smiles)
                             With or without the rest of 
                             the fleet?

                                           JANEWAY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             A diplomatic mission. We've 
                             been invited, believe it or 
                             not. Seems there's been some 
                             kind of internal political 
                             shakeup. The new Praetor, 
                             someone called Shinzon, has 
                             requested a Federation envoy.

                                           PICARD
                             New Praetor?

                                           JANEWAY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             There's more... as always. 
                             He's Reman.  

                   Picard is surprised. 

                                           JANEWAY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Believe me, we don't under-
                             stand it either. You're the 
                             closest ship so I want you to 
                             high tail it over there and 
                             hear what he has to say. Get 
                             the lay of the land, If the 
                             Empire becomes unstable, it 
                             could mean trouble for the
                             entire quadrant.

                                           PICARD
                             Understood.

                                           JANEWAY 
                                     (On viewscreen}
                             We're sending you all the 
                             intelligence we have, but it's
                             not much. I don't need to tell
                             you to watch your back, Jean 
                             Luc.

                                           PICARD
                             Not with the Romulans.

                                           JANEWAY 
                                     (Smiles wryly, on
                                      viewscreen}
                             The Son'a, the Borg, the 
                             Romulans, the evil Soran and 
                             that pesky Nexus. You seem to 
                             get all the easy assignments!

                                           PICARD 
                             Just lucky, Admiral. 

                                           JANEWAY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             Let's hope that luck holds. 
                             Janeway out.

                   The transmission ends. 

                   Picard sits for a moment, intrigued. Then he goes 
                   to the bridge

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Picard goes to his command chair: 

                                           PICARD
                                     (To Helm)
                             Lay in a new course... Take 
                             us to Romulus. Warp eight.

                   The crew is shocked. 

                                           HELM OFFICER
                             Aye aye, sir. Course plotted 
                             and laid in...

                                           RIKER
                             Romulus?

                                           PICARD
                             I'm afraid the Opal Sea will 
                             have to wait, Number One...
                             Engage.

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE. SPACE.

                   And the Enterprise jumps to high warp -- disappear-
                   ing in a flash of dazzling light.  

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. OBSERVATION LOUNGE. DAY. 

                   Data conducts a briefing for the senior officers. 
                   Monitors currently show an image of Romulus and 
                   Remus in orbit around their sun. 

                                           DATA
                             As you can see the habitable 
                             half of Remus is always in 
                             darkness because, like 
                             Mercury, one side always 
                             faces the sun. Due to the 
                             extreme temperatures on that 
                             half of their world, the 
                             Remans live on the dark side 
                             of the planet. 

                   Various grainy and unclear new images appear to 
                   illustrate Data’s words: 

                                           DATA
                             Almost nothing is known about 
                             the Reman homeworld, although 
                             intelligence scans have 
                             proven the existence of 
                             dilithium mining and heavy 
                             weapons construction.

                   Very obscure images of Remans appear, the crew can
                   barely make out the monstrous figures: 

                                           DATA
                             The Remans themselves are 
                             considered an undesirable 
                             caste in the hierarchy of the 
                             Empire.

                                           RIKER
                             But they also have the 
                             reputation of being formidable
                             warriors. In the Dominion War,
                             Reman forces were used as 
                             assault troops in the most
                             violent encounters.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Grim)
                             Cannon fodder.

                                           GEORDI
                             Then how did a Reman get to 
                             be Praetor? I don't get it.

                                           RIKER
                             We have to assume he had 
                             Romulan collaborators.

                                           PICARD
                             A coup d'etat?

                                           RIKER
                             The Praetor's power has always
                             been the Romulan fleet. They 
                             must be behind him.

                   Picard considers this.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To Data)
                             What have you learned about 
                             Shinzon?

                   The images end. There are no images of Shinzon. 

                                           DATA
                             Starfleet intelligence was 
                             only able to provide a partial 
                             account of his military 
                             record. We can infer he is 
                             relatively young and a 
                             capablecommander. He fought  
                             seventeen major engagements 
                             in the war. All successful. 
                             Beyond that, we know nothing.

                                           PICARD
                             Well... it seems we're truly 
                             sailing into the unknown. 
                             Keep at it. Anything you can 
                             give me would be appreciated. 
                             Dismissed.

                   The meeting breaks up. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. ENGINEERING LAB. DAY. 

                   The B-9 stares placidly forward. 

                   We pull back and discover that computer conduits 
                   connect the B-9's head to Data's head. Geordi 
                   monitors the connection. 

                                           DATA
                             At present he serves no useful 
                             function. Dr. Soong created us 
                             to become active and useful 
                             members of society. I do not 
                             believe he would have wanted 
                             the B-9 to live out his life 
                             in his present state.

                                           GEORDI
                             I can't believe the Captain 
                             went along with a memory 
                             download.

                                           DATA
                             Captain Picard agrees that the 
                             B-9 was probably designed with
                             the same self-actualization 
                             parameters as myself. If my 
                             memory engrams are successfully
                             integrated into his positronic 
                             matrix, he should have all my 
                             abilities.

                                           GEORDI
                             He'd have all your memories 
                             too. You feel comfortable with 
                             that?

                                           DATA
                             I feel nothing, Geordi. It is 
                             my belief that with my memory 
                             engrams he will be able to 
                             function as a more complete 
                             individual.

                                           GEORDI
                             An individual more like you, 
                             you mean.

                                           DATA
                             Yes.

                                           GEORDI
                             Maybe he's not supposed to be 
                             like you. Maybe he's supposed 
                             to be just like he is.

                   Geordi completes his work. 

                                           GEORDI
                             Okay ...we're done.

                   Geordi removes the computer connections from 
                   between their heads. He carefully closes the panel 
                   in Data's head as: 

                                           DATA 
                                     (To B-9)
                             Do you know where you are?

                                           B-9
                             I am in a room with lights.

                   He looks blankly at the console lights. 

                                           DATA
                             Can you remember our father?

                                           B-9
                             No.

                   Data glances to Geordi. 

                                           DATA
                             Do you know the name of the 
                             Captain of this vessel?

                                           B-9
                             No.

                                           DATA
                             Is that your final answer?

                                           GEORDI 
                                     (To B-9)
                             Do you know my name?

                                           B-9
                             You have a soft voice.

                                           GEORDI 
                                     (Gently)
                             Data, he's assimilating a lot 
                             of programming. e member, he's 
                             a prototype, a lot less 
                             sophisticated than you are. We
                             just don't know if his matrix 
                             will be able to adapt. Or if 
                             he'll be able to retain any-
                             thing.  We should give him 
                             some time.  

                   Data has been studying some circuitry in the B-9's 
                   neck. 

                                           DATA
                             What purpose does this serve?

                                           GEORDI
                                     (Also examining 
                                      circuitry)
                             It seems to be a redundant 
                             memory port.  Maybe it's for 
                             provisional memory storage in 
                             case his neural pathways 
                             overload?

                                           DATA
                             Dr. Soong must have found it 
                             unnecessary in later versions.

                                           GEORDI
                             It's possible the extra memory 
                             port is interfering with the 
                             engram processing. Mind if I 
                             keep him here and run some 
                             diagnostics?

                                           DATA
                             No, I do not mind.

                   Data looks at the B-9 with a sort of sadness. 

                                           DATA
                             But I believe he will prove 
                             incapable of performing higher
                             functions.

                                           GEORDI
                             Don't give up hope, Data. I 
                             know, I know, you're not 
                             capable of hope.

                                           DATA
                                     (Looking at B-9)
                             I am not.

                   Data stands. The B-9 stands to follow. 

                                           DATA
                             No, remain with Commander La 
                             Forge. He is going to try to 
                             make you well.

                   The B-9 sits. Data goes. Geordi watches him go. 

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE. OVER ROMULUS. SPACE. 

                   The Enterprise is in orbit around Romulus. Remus 
                   can be seen in the distance. 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Captain's Log. Stardate 
                             47844.9. The Enterprise has 
                             arrived at Romulus and is
                             waiting at the designated 
                             coordinates. All our hails 
                             have gone unanswered. We've 
                             been waiting for seventeen 
                             hours.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.
 
                   The crew is tense. Silence. 

                   Worf, at tactical, slowly stretches his neck. 
                   Trying to release the tension. It cracks. Deanna 
                   jumps a bit. 

                                           RIKER
                             Why don't they answer our 
                             hails?

                                           PICARD
                             It's an old psychological 
                             strategy, Number One. To put 
                             him in a position of dominance
                             and make us uneasy.

                                           RIKER
                             It's working.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To Deanna)
                             Counselor?

                                           DEANNA
                             They're out there, sir.

                   Picard stands and walks to the view screen. He 
                   gazes at Romulus below and the black infinity of 
                   space beyond. They're out there, Waiting. 

                                           WORF
                             Sir, I recommend we raise 
                             shields.

                                           PICARD
                             Not yet, Mister Worf.

                                           RIKER
                             Captain, with all due respect 
                             to diplomatic protocols  -- 
                             the Federation Council's not 
                             sitting out here, we are.

                                           PICARD
                             Patience. Diplomacy is a very 
                             exacting occupation. We can 
                             wait.

                                           DATA
                             Captain...

                   And on the viewscreen.

                   Shinzon's magnificent Reman Warbird, the SCIMITAR, 
                   decloaks directly before the Enterprise.

                   EXT. OVER ROMULUS. SPACE. 

                   Our first sight of this incredible ship is 
                   absolutely breathtaking. 

                   Shinzon's vessel combines the clean lines of the 
                   traditional Romulan Warbird with unique weaponry 
                   and styling. It is huge, easily twice as large as 
                   the Enterprise. And it is aggressive. Awesome in 
                   its power. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   The crew gapes at the huge ship on the viewscreen. 

                                           RIKER
                                     (Slowly rising from 
                                      his chair)
                             My God...

                                           WORF
                                     (Tense)
                             Should I raise shields?

                                           PICARD
                             No!

                                           WORF
                             Captain!

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Firm)
                             Tactical analysis, Mister 
                             Worf.

                                           WORF
                                     (Quickly analyzing 
                                      tactical display)
                             Fifty-two disruptor banks, 
                             twenty-seven photon torpedo 
                             bays, primary and secondary 
                             phased shields.

                                           RIKER
                             She's not out for a pleasure 
                             cruise.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Grim)
                             She's a predator.

                                           WORF
                             We're being hailed.

                                           PICARD
                             On screen.

                   And the image on the viewscreen transforms to: 

                   Shinzon's Viceroy. 

                   He stands on the Scimitar's bridge. The bridge is 
                   as unique as the rest of Shinzon's ship. Instead of
                   the usual mechanical clutter, this bridge is 
                   designed with an almost Asian simplicity. Like the
                   rest of Reman design, it is spare and elegant. 

                   Since the Remans are more comfortable in the dark-
                   ness, most of the light comes from the three 
                   steadily pulsing warp core relays which 
                   dramatically soar up through the floor of the 
                   bridge. 

                   The crew gazes at the bridge and the monstrous 
                   features of the viceroy. 

                                           VICEROY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             Enterprise. We are the Reman 
                             Warbird Scimitar.

                                           PICARD
                             Praetor Shinzon, I'm pleased 
                             to...

                                           VICEROY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             I am not Shinzon. I am his 
                             Viceroy. We are sending 
                             transport coordinates.

                   The transmission ends abruptly. The Scimitar 
                   reappears on the viewscreen. 

                                           RIKER
                             Not very chatty.

                                           PICARD
                             Away team. Transporter room 
                             four.

                   Picard, Riker, Deanna, Worf and Data head toward 
                   the turbolift, energized now that the endless 
                   waiting is over. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. OBSERVATION LOUNGE. NIGHT. 

                   The away team materializes in the most striking 
                   location on Shinzon's ship: a large observation 
                   lounge. 

                   It is a huge, empty chamber. No furniture. A 
                   simple Reman mat on the floor is the only 
                   decoration. At the very top of the room there is 
                   a large, etched glass dome. 

                   It is very dark. 

                   They turn when Shinzon speaks from the shadows:

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (V.O)
                             I hope you'll forgive the 
                             darkness... we're not 
                             comfortable in the light.

                                           PICARD
                             Praetor Shinzon?

                   Shinzon moves toward them a bit, becoming slightly
                   more illuminated, the low light shining off his 
                   golden hair. 

                   The crew cannot see him clearly in the dim light 
                   but it is evident he is human. Assuming that he 
                   was Reman, they’re surprised by this realization. 

                   Shinzon just stares at Picard through the darkness
                   for a moment. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Captain Picard... Jean Luc 
                             Picard... I don't mean to 
                             stare, it's just -- well, you
                             can't imagine how long I've 
                             been waiting for this moment.
                             I always imagined you taller,
                             isn't that odd?  
                                     (To Data)  
                             You may scan me without 
                             subterfuge, Commander Data.

                   Data scans him with a tricorder as: 

                                           PICARD
                             And you're not as we imagined
                             you.

                                           SHINZON
                             No?

                                           WORF
                             You are human.

                                           SHINZON
                             Commander Worf. 
                                     (Speaking in Klingon)  
                             I greet you as a valiant 
                             warrior... and as my brother.

                                           WORF 
                                     (Terse, in Klingon)
                             I'll save my greetings for a 
                             better brother.

                   Shinzon laughs, maniacally. 

                                           PICARD
                             Why have you asked for our 
                             presence here?

                   Shinzon does not answer. He is staring deeply at 
                   Deanna, moans softly.

                                           PICARD
                             Praetor?

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Quietly)
                             I've never met a human woman.

                   He slowly moves toward her, still hidden in the 
                   shadows.

                                           DEANNA
                             I'm only half human.

                                           SHINZON
                             Deanna Troi of Betazed. 
                             Empathic and telepathic 
                             abilities, ship's counselor. 
                             All of this I knew... But I 
                             didn't know you were so 
                             beautiful.

                                           RIKER
                             You seem very familiar with 
                             our personnel.

                   Shinzon moves even closer to Deanna, not taking his
                   eyes from her. 

                                           SHINZON
                             I am, Commander Riker...
                                     (To Deanna)
                             May I touch your hair?

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Firm)
                             Praetor, we've come to Romulus
                             on a matter we were -- assured 
                             was of great importance. If 
                             you have anything to say to 
                             us as representatives of the 
                             Federation, I suggest you do 
                             so now.

                   Shinzon continues to stare at Deanna. It is
                   strangely seductive. Almost disquieting in its 
                   intensity. Deanna handles it with grace, her level
                   gaze never leaving his. 

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Softly)
                             On the world I come from 
                             there's no light. No sun. 
                             Beauty isn't important. I see
                             now there's a world elsewhere.

                                           PICARD
                             Praetor Shinzon. We’re not 
                             here to discuss your lack of 
                             a social life.

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Turning back to 
                                      Picard)
                             Yes, I'm sorry, Captain. 
                                     (Smiling)  
                             There's so much we have to 
                             talk about.

                                           PICARD
                             I would be interested to know 
                             what we are talking about.

                                           SHINZON 
                             Unity, Captain! Tearing down 
                             the walls between us to 
                             recognize we are one people. 
                             Federation and Romulan. Human
                             and Vulcan and Klingon and 
                             Reman. I'm speaking of the 
                             thing that makes us the same.
                             We want peace.

                   Picard and the others are stunned. 

                                           SHINZON
                             I want to end the centuries 
                             of mistrust. I want to be your
                             ally, not your enemy. As a 
                             first step I propose we 
                             eliminate the Neutral Zone 
                             and begin a free and open 
                             exchange of goods and ideas.

                                           PICARD
                             And the Senate supports you?

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Dry)
                             I have dissolved the Senate.

                   A beat. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Right now, you’re thinking 
                             this all sounds too good to 
                             be true?

                                           PICARD
                             Yes.

                                           SHINZON
                             And you're wondering why the 
                             Scimitar is so well armed. Is 
                             this the ship of a peacemaker? 
                             Or a predator?. 

                   Picard is startled at Shinzon's choice of words. 

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Cont'd)
                             But you're also thinking the 
                             chance for peace is too 
                             promising to ignore. Above 
                             allyou're trying to decide if 
                             you can trust me.

                                           PICARD
                             Yes.

                                           SHINZON
                             Then perhaps the time has 
                             come to add some illumination 
                             to our discussion. Computer, 
                             raise lighting four levels.

                   Lights shoot up around the room. 

                   For the first time the crew can see Shinzon 
                   clearly.  Picard actually gasps when he sees 
                   Shinzon's face. The rest of  the crew doesn't 
                   understand his reaction. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Allow me to tell you a story 
                             that I hope will clarify my 
                             position.  When I was very 
                             young I was stricken with an 
                             odd disease. I developed a 
                             hyper-sensitivity to sound. 
                             The slightest whisper caused 
                             me agony...

                   Picard watches him carefully. Wary and strangely 
                   intense. 

                                           SHINZON
                             No one knew what to do. 
                             Finally I was taken to a 
                             doctor who had some experience
                             with Terran illnesses and I 
                             was finally diagnosed with 
                             Shalaft's syndrome. Do you 
                             know of it, Captain?

                                           PICARD
                             You know I do.

                   The crew is dumbfounded at Picard's unusual 
                   reaction. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Then you know it's a very 
                             rare syndrome. Genetic. All 
                             the male members of my family
                             had it. Eventually I was 
                             treated. Now I can hear as 
                             well as you can, Captain.

                   He steps toward Picard who holds his ground. 

                                           SHINZON
                             I can see as well as you can. 
                             I can feel everything you 
                             feel. 

                   He stops right before Picard. 

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Cont'd)
                             In fact, I feel exactly what 
                             you feel. Don't I, Jean Luc?

                   Picard stares at him with a mixture of realization
                   and curiosity. It is as if Picard is looking into 
                   a strange, remembered mirror: Shinzon's face is 
                   nearly identical to his at that age. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Do you trust me now?

                   A beat. 

                                           PICARD
                             We need to talk, just you and
                             I.

                                           SHINZON
                             Come to dinner on Romulus 
                             tomorrow. Just the two of us.
                             Or just the one of us.

                                           PICARD
                             You know I need to verify
                             this.

                                           SHINZON
                             I know.

                   The crew is utterly confused. Their confusion turns
                    to outright shock when Shinzon calmly pulls out a
                    Reman knife and cuts his arm, drawing a little 
                   blood. He hands the knife to Data. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Tomorrow then, Captain. We 
                             have so much to discuss.

                   Picard touches his communicator pin: 

                                           PICARD
                             Picard to Enterprise. Five to
                             beam out.

                   They dematerialize, the shimmering glow illuminat-
                   ing Shinzon's features. Picard's eyes never leave 
                   Shinzon as the transporter effect ripples around 
                   him. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. SICKBAY. DAY. 

                   Beverly stands with Picard, Riker and Deanna. The 
                   Reman knife is under a protonmicroscope and other 
                   medical readouts and analysis are visible. 

                                           BEVERLY
                             There's no doubt, Captain. 
                             Right down to your regressive
                             strain of Shalaft's Syndrome. 
                             He's a clone.

                   A beat as the confirmation sinks in. 

                                           PICARD
                             When was he... created?

                                           BEVERLY
                             About twenty-five years ago. 
                             They probably used a hair 
                             follicle or skin cell.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Touching head)
                             I think a skin cell’s the 
                             more likely of the two.

                                           RiKER
                             Why?

                                           PICARD
                             Believe me, Number One; I'm 
                             going to find out. Contact 
                             Starfleet Command and inform 
                             them of the situation. I 
                             need to know where the hell 
                             he came from. Deanna.

                   He goes, Deanna following.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. CORRIDOR. FOLLOWING. 

                                           DEANNA
                             I would say he's been trained
                             to resist telepathy. What I 
                             could sense of his emotions 
                             were erratic, very hard to 
                             follow.

                                           PICARD
                             Is he sincere about wanting 
                             peace?

                                           DEANNA
                             I don't know. 

                   Deanna stops him.

                                           DEANNA
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Sir, the strongest sense I 
                             had was that he's more than 
                             urious about you. He very 
                             much wants to know you. 
                                     (She looks at 
                                      him deeply)  
                             The same way you want to 
                             know him.

                                           PICARD
                             How could I not?

                                           DEANNA
                             Captain, don't assume he's 
                             anything like you are. You 
                             should resist the urge to 
                             think you know him. 

                                           PICARD
                             I not only know him, Deanna, 
                             I am him.. and he is me! 

                   He goes. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. RIKER AND DEANNA'S CABIN. NIGHT. 

                   Riker is hard at work over a series of padds. He 
                   has been working for hours. 

                                           DEANNA
                             Will, you need to rest. 

                   Riker continues to work. 

                                           DEANNA
                                     (Cont'd)
                             As ship's counselor, I'm 
                             recommending you get me sleep.

                   Riker tosses a padd on the desk. Rubs his eyes. 
                   Looks up her. 

                                           RIKER
                             Some honeymoon.

                   She smiles and goes to him. 

                                           DEANNA
                             We have time.  
                                     (She kisses him) 
                             Come to bed.

                   She pulls him up. 

                                           RIKER
                             Imzadi, what am I going to do 
                             with you?

                   They kiss deeply. She pulls him across the room 
                   and they fall into the bed. 

                   It is passionate, erotic. Her arms undulate around
                   him sensually. Her fingers snake through his hair,
                   but something is wrong. Riker's hair is now blond. 

                   She starts back, her eyes growing wide. 

                   Riker is gone. She is now embracing Shinzon! 

                                           SHINZON
                             Imzadi. This is so good.

                                           DEANNA 
                             No!

                   He caresses her face...

                                           SHINZON
                             He can never know you as I 
                             know you... He can never touch
                              you as I touch you.

                                           DEANNA
                             This isn't real.

                                           SHINZON
                             Can you feel my hands... are 
                             they real? Can you feel my 
                             lips, my loins?

                   He kisses her neck. But when he raises his head 
                   again. It is the monstrous Viceroy! Holding her. 
                   Caressing her. She is frozen in horror. But is it 
                   the Viceroy at all? 

                   Shinzon's voice seems to come from the Viceroy's 
                   lips: 

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (V.O.)
                             I'm with you, Imzadi.

                   And then it is Shinzon again, kissing her: 

                                           SHINZON
                             I'll always be with you now. 
                             Now and forever.

                                           DEANNA 
                             You sick bastard!

                   She pushes him away.

                                           RIKER
                             Deanna?!  What’s with the 
                             name calling?

                   It is Riker. She stares at him, then clings to him
                   desperately. 

                   EXT. ROMULAN SENATE. DAY. 

                   The Byzantine splendors of the Senate loom before 
                   us. 

                   INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER. DAY. 
 
                   Heavy drapes are drawn against any hint of the 
                   sun. Shinzon is in conference with the Romulan 
                   Commanders and Senator Tal'Aura. Commander 
                   Donatra watches him closely. 

                   Commander Suran is angry, pacing. Shinzon stands. 
                   His Viceroy lurks in a corner. 

                                           SURAN
                             Then I don't understand the 
                             reason for the delay!

                                           SHINZON
                             You don't have to understand.

                                           SURAN
                             And bringing the Enterprise 
                             here?! What possible purpose 
                             could that serve?

                                           SHINZON
                             I have a purpose.

                                           SURAN
                             Then perhaps you will enlight-
                             en us?

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Snaps)
                             Silence, Romulan!

                   A tense beat. Shinzon regains his composure. 

                                           SHINZON
                             You must learn patience, 
                             Commander. Do you know where 
                             I learned it? In the dilithium
                             mines of Remus. Spend eighteen
                             hours every day under the 
                             ash of a Romulan guard’s whip 
                             and you'll soon understand 
                             patience.

                                           SURAN
                                     (Carefully bows his 
                                      head)
                             Praetor.

                                           SHINZON
                             Now go. I have some personal 
                             business.

                   Suran and the others go. 

                   Donatra turns just as she is leaving the chamber, 
                   she sees the Viceroy going to Shinzon. And then do
                   something odd. The Viceroy puts his hand on 
                   Shinzon's chest, leans very close and talks to him
                   quietly. This is an ancient form of Reman tele-
                   pathic medical diagnosis. 

                   This strange sight perplexes Donatra. The doors 
                   close, blocking her view.

                   INT. SENATE CORRIDOR. FOLLOWING. 

                   We go with Donatra and the other Romulans. Donatra
                   speaks quietly to Suran: 

                                           DONATRA
                             How long before he has us in 
                             the dilithium mines?

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. DATA'S CABIN. DAY.

                   The B-9 sits placidly in a chair, staring forward. 

                   Then, as if a switch was thrown, he moves. He 
                   quickly rises and goes to a computer console. He 
                   efficiently starts punching in commands at an 
                   amazing velocity. 

                   INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER. NIGHT. 

                   Picard and Shinzon sit alone in a corner of the 
                   sweeping Senate chamber. The remains of dinner 
                   before them. 

                                           SHINZON
                             And when I was ready they 
                             were going to replace you 
                             with me, an exact biological 
                             duplicate. Put a Romulan 
                             agent at the heart of 
                             Starfleet to.influence your 
                             command structure. It was a 
                             bold plan.

                                           PICARD
                             What happened?

                                           SHINZON
                             As happens so frequently here
                             on Romulus, a new government 
                             came to power. They decided 
                             to abandon the plan -- 
                             frankly, I think they were 
                             afraid I'd be discovered and 
                             it would lead to war. They 
                             weren't ready for that.

                   Picard pours a glass of Romulan ale. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Romulan ale -- I'm surprised.
                             I can't stand it.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Smiles)
                             You'll acquire a taste for it.

                   A beat. They look at each other. 

                                           SHINZON
                             It's not quite the face you
                             remember.

                                           PICARD
                             Not quite. I envy the hair-
                             line.

                                           SHINZON
                             A lifetime of violence will 
                             do that. My nose was broken
                             four times. And my jaw... But
                             so much is the same. The 
                             eyes, you recognize the eyes.

                                           PICARD
                             Yes. The eyes have it.

                                           SHINZON
                             Our eyes reflect our lives, 
                             don't they? Yours are so 
                             confident.

                                           PICARD
                             How did you end up on Remus?

                                           SHINZON
                             They sent me there to die. 
                             How could a mere human 
                             survive the dilithium mines? 
                             It was...
                                     (He can't find 
                                      the words)
                             I was a slave. And a monster.
                             The only thing the Romulan 
                             guards hated more than the 
                             Remans was me. But one man 
                             took pity on me: the man who 
                             became my Viceroy. He taught 
                             me how to survive. And in 
                             that dark place, where there 
                             was nothing of myself, I 
                             found my Reman brothers. 
                             They showed me the only 
                             kindness I ever knew.

                   A beat. He glances to the Romulan crest on the 
                   wall. 

                                           SHINZON
                   For thousands of years the Romulan Senate has met 
                   in this chamber and dictated the fate of its 
                   sister-planet... But the time has come for us to 
                   live as equals.

                                           PICARD
                             You're doing this to liberate 
                             the Remans?

                                           SHINZON
                             No race should be a slave to 
                             another.

                   Picard is impressed with Shinzon's quiet words. 

                                           SHINZON
                             You don't trust me.

                                           PICARD
                             I have no reason to.

                                           SHINZON
                             Of course you do. If you had 
                             lived my life and experienced 
                             the suffering of my people...
                             you’d be sitting where I am 
                             now. At least I hope you 
                             would.

                                           PICARD
                             And if you had lived my life 
                             you would understand that 
                             there is a great respons-
                             ibility in representing the 
                             Federation. I can't let my 
                             personal feelings unduly 
                             influence my decisions.

                                           SHINZON
                             All I have is my personal 
                             feelings.  I wasn't raised 
                             with the ideals of the
                             Federation. But I'm trying to
                             understand them now. To live 
                             up to them. To live up to 
                             you.

                   A beat. 

                                           SHINZON
                             I want to know  where I come 
                             from. The Remans gave me a 
                             future. You can tell me about
                             my past.

                                           PICARD
                             There's so much, and so much 
                             of it is dull...

                                           SHINZON
                             Were we always explorers?

                                           PICARD
                             No. I was the first Picard to
                             leave Earth.  It caused quite
                             a stir, In fact. But I had 
                             spent my whole life...

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Finishing the 
                                      sentence) 
                             Looking up at the stars. 

                                           PICARD
                             Yes.

                                           SHINZON
                             And you dreamed about what
                             was up there. About...

                                           PICARD
                                     (Finishing the 
                                      sentence)
                             New worlds.

                   A beat. 

                   They both reach for a carafe of water at the exact
                   same instant. Stop. 

                                           PICARD
                             After you, Praetor.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Smiles)
                             Age before rank, Jean Luc.

                   Picard smiles, pours a glass. 

                                           PICARD
                             So I'm not as tall as you 
                             expected?

                                           SHINZON
                             I always hoped I would hit 
                             two meters.

                                           PICARD
                             With a full head of hair.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Smiles)
                             There is that.

                   A quiet beat. 

                                           PICARD
                             Shinzon... I'm trying to 
                             believe you.

                                           SHINZON
                             I know.

                                           PICARD
                             If there's one ideal the 
                             Federation holds most dear 
                             it's that all men, all races,
                             can be united. From the 
                             first time the Vulcans came 
                             to Earth we've sought a 
                             future of peace. Nothing 
                             would make me more proud than
                             to take your hand in friend-
                             ship. In time. When trust 
                             has been earned.

                                           SHINZON
                             I'm honored to think I might 
                             someday speak with such 
                             eloquence.

                   A beat. 

                                           SHINZON
                             In time, Jean Luc.

                                           PICARD
                             In time.

                   INT. SENATE CHAMBER. LATER. 

                   Picard is gone. Shinzon sits, thinking. His Viceroy
                   enters. 

                                           VICEROY
                             This is a mistake.

                                           SHINZON
                             He's gentler than I thought. 
                             And he has a sense of humor.

                                           VICEROY 
                                     (Stern)
                             Don't forget our mission, 
                             Shinzon. We should act. Now. 
                             Time is running out.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Snaps)
                             My time. I'll spend it how I 
                             choose.

                   A tense beat. 

                                           SHINZON
                             We'll return to the Scimitar.
                             Prepare yourself for the 
                             bonding.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. NIGHT. 

                   Picard emerges from the turbolift. Data, Worf and 
                   Geordi wait at the bridge engineering station. 

                                           WORF
                             Sir, we've had an unauthorized 
                             access into the main computer.

                                           PICARD
                             Who was it?

                                           GEORDI
                             It's going to take some time 
                             to find out -- the data 
                             stream was rerouted through 
                             substations all over the ship.

                                           PICARD
                             What programs were accessed?

                                           GEORDI
                             That's what I don't get -- 
                             it's mostly basic stellar 
                             cartography: star charts; 
                             communications protocols; 
                             some uplinks from colony 
                             tracking stations. It's not 
                             even restricted material.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To Worf)
                             Set up a security program to 
                             detect any unusual data 
                             stream rerouting. If it 
                             happens again, we want to be 
                             ready.

                                           GEORDI 
                                     (Grim)
                             There's something else. I
                             was reviewing the sensor 
                             logs.

                   Geordi refers to some readouts on his console.

                                           GEORDI
                                     (Cont'd)
                             When the Scimitar decloaked 
                             there was a momentary spike 
                             in the tertiary EM band --
                             there -- You're not going to 
                             believe this but it's 
                             Thalaron.

                   Picard is shocked. 

                   INT. SICKBAY. NIGHT. 

                   Picard stands, concerned, with Beverly, Geordi and
                   Data. Monitors  showing Thalaron research are
                   visible. 

                                           PICARD
                             I thought Thalaron radiation 
                             was theoretical.

                                           GEORDI
                             Which is why our initial scans 
                             didn't pick it up. But he's 
                             got it, Captain.

                                           PICARD
                             As I remember, Thalaron 
                             research was banned in the 
                             Federation because of its 
                             bioqenic properties.

                                           BEVERLY
                             It has the ability to consume
                             organic material at the 
                             subatomic level. I can't 
                             overestimate the danger of 
                             Thalaron radiation, Jean Luc.
                             A microscopic amount could 
                             kill every living thing on 
                             this ship in a matter of 
                             seconds.

                                           PICARD
                             Understood. Keep on it. I 
                             need to know what he has and 
                             how to neutralize any threat.
                             Give me options.

                   Picard goes. Data thinks for a moment. 

                                           DATA
                             Doctor, will you excuse us 
                             for a moment? Geordi, please 
                             come with me.

                   He and Geordi head out. Beverly returns to some 
                   medical displays showing Thalaron research, her 
                   expression deeply concerned. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. PICARD'S CABIN. NIGHT. 

                   Picard is sitting at his desk, flipping through an
                   old photo album. He stops and stares at one of 
                   the pictures deeply troubled. We finally see the 
                   photo: Young Jean Luc Picard. A serious, unsmiling
                   cadet at Starfleet Academy. The face before him 
                   bears a disturbing resemblance to Shinzon.

                   The door comm chirps. 

                                           PICARD
                             Come.

                   Beverly enters.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Beverly, come in.

                                           BEVERLY
                             You're working late.

                   She sits, notes the picture of Young Jean Luc. 

                                           PICARD
                             Remember him?

                                           BEVERLY
                             He was a bit proud as I
                             recall.

                                           PICARD
                             He was a damn fool. Selfish 
                             and ambitious. Very much in 
                             need of seasoning.

                                           BEVERLY
                             He turned out all right.

                   He rises, goes to a window, gazes at the Scimitar 
                   in the distance. A beat. 

                                           PICARD
                             I so wanted to believe 
                             Shinzon. But the Thalaron 
                             radiation can't be explained 
                             away. Whatever he's after, 
                             it's not peace.

                                           BEVERLY
                             Is he very much like you were?

                                           PICARD
                             Yes.

                   Data interrupts on comm:

                                           DATA 
                                     (V.O. on comm)
                             Data to Captain Picard. Geordi
                             and I have identified the 
                             source of the unauthorized 
                             computer access. And, I 
                             believe, we have also 
                             discovered an opportunity to 
                             gain a tactical advantage.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To comm)
                             On my way.

                                           BEVERLY 
                                     (Stands)
                             Jean Luc, Whatever you 
                             were... Right now you're the 
                             man you've made yourself. 
                             He's someone else.

                                           PICARD
                             I wish I could believe that, 
                             Doctor.

                   He goes.  

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. TURBOLIFT. MORNING. 

                   Deanna is alone on the turbolift. Then a voice 
                   makes her spin: 

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Imzadi.

                   Shinzon stands across from her.

                                           DEANNA
                             You're not here.

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Moving to her)
                             Very logical, Deanna... But 
                             your heart doesn't constrain 
                             itself to mere logic. 
                                     (He caresses her} ...
                             Your heart longs to discover 
                             me. To know me.
                                     (He kisses her)
                             To leave all of this behind 
                             and be with me.

                   He pushes her against the wall, with passion and 
                   almost violence. 

                                           DEANNA
                             No.

                                           SHINZON
                             I can feel your desire, 
                             Deanna.

                   She forces herself to concentrate... to resist 
                   telepathically... it is a mighty effort... this 
                   Romulan is hot. And the world around her appears 
                   to be changing ...bending ... 

                   And she is momentarily in a cabin on the Scimitar.
                   Although entirely a telepathic experience, it is 
                   as if she has actually traveled.

                   She sees Shinzon kneeling over a small flame, she 
                   realizes she is looking through the Viceroy’s 
                   eyes.

                   On the Scimitar, Shinzon looks up at the Viceroy/
                   Deanna:

                                           SHINZON
                             I can feel your hunger to know
                              the Reman ways... the old 
                             ways.

                   Then the world changes again... 

                   Deanna is on the turbolift. Shinzon is pressed 
                   against her, whispering: 

                                           SHINZON
                             Don't fear what you desire...

                   She forces him away from her and -- 

                   She is alone. She sinks to her knees. Overcome with
                   emotion. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. VICEROY'S CABIN. FOLLOWING. 

                   The Viceroy, in a kind of trace, kneels before a 
                   small flame. Shinzon kneels across from him. The 
                   Viceroy raises his head. 

                                           VICEROY
                             The bond is broken.

                                           SHINZON
                             Find her again.

                                           VICEROY
                             No -- this is wasting time.

                                           SHINZON
                             Do as I tell you!

                   A Reman officer interrupts on comm: 

                                           REMAN OFFICER 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Praetor, we've received the 
                             transponder signal.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (To comm)
                             On my way.

                   He begins to go -- but suddenly stops, a wave of 
                   illness overtaking him. 

                   The Viceroy puts his hand on Shinzon's chest. A 
                   strange I moment as the Viceroy shuts his eyes and 
                   feels Shinzon's chest. His mind... probing . 

                   Then the Viceroy looks up at him, grim. 

                                           VICEROY
                             It's accelerating. You have no
                             more time for games.

                                           SHINZON
                             Have the doctors prepare. I'll
                             be on the bridge.'

                   He goes. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. DAY. 

                   Shinzon stands with some REMAN ENGINEERS. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Transport.

                   An Engineer activates a transporter and the B-9 
                   materializes! 

                                           SHINZON
                             Welcome home. 
                                     (To Engineers) 
                             Begin the download.

                   Reman engineers go to the B-9 and open the panel in
                    his neck, begin connecting computer conduits to 
                   the extra memory port we saw earlier. 

                   [Note: Although the audience will not know it yet, 
                   this is actually Data pretending to be the B-9.] 

                   Shinzon goes to a replicator unit and orders: 

                                           SHINZON
                             Tea, hot.

                   A cup of tea appears. He takes it and sips as he 
                   watches his Engineers connecting the conduits to 
                   the B-9. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. SICKBAY. DAY. 

                   Beverly is scanning Deanna. Picard and Riker watch,
                   concerned. 

                                           BEVERLY
                             Aside from slightly elevated 
                             adrenalin and serotonin levels,
                             you're completely normal. 

                                           PICARD
                                     (Gently)
                             Can you describe it, Deanna?

                   She looks at Picard, tears in her eyes. 

                                           DEANNA
                             It was... a violation.

                   Riker takes her hand. 

                                           DEANNA
                                     (With difficulty)
                             Shinzon's Viceroy seems to 
                             have the ability to reach into
                             my thoughts. I've become a 
                             liability... I request to be 
                             relieved of my duties.

                                           PICARD
                             Permission denied. If you can 
                             possibly endure any more of 
                             these assaults.  I need you at
                             my side. Now more than ever 
                             I...

                   But before the words are out of his mouth... he 
                   begins to dematerialize! 

                                           RIKER 
                                     (To comm)
                             Worf! Raise Shields !

                   But Picard is gone.

                   EXT. OVER ROMULUS. SPACE. 
 
                   The Scimitar cloaks.
 
                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIG. NIGHT. 

                   Picard stands in the Reman brig. His communicator pin
                   has been removed. 

                   Beyond the security force field a ghoulish medical 
                   apparatus is being prepared. A metal chair with laser
                   scalpels, IV tubes and hyposprays connected to it. 
                   Reman doctors work over the mysterious chair. 

                   Shinzon enters with the B-9 following. Shinzon stands
                   on the other side of the force field. 

                   Picard notices something immediately. Tiny veins are 
                   now visible on Shinzon's face; the faintest sign of 
                   an intricate spider-web pattern of pale blue veins. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Hello, Jean Luc.

                                           PICARD
                             Why am I here?

                                           SHINZON
                             I was lonely...

                   Shinzon realizes Picard is staring at the veins on 
                   his face.  

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Perhaps I'm not aging as well
                             as you did.

                   He nods to a guard. The guard deactivates the force 
                   field. A Reman doctor enters and raises a hypospray 
                   toward Picard.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Resists)
                             What are you doing?

                                           SHINZON
                             I need a sample of your blood.
                             What do your Borg friends say? 
                             Resistance is futile. 
                                     (Maniacal laugh)

                   The Doctor takes a quick sample of Picard's blood as 
                   Picard glances to the B-9. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Yes.  The bait you couldn't 
                             refuse. I learned there might 
                             be an existing prototype from
                             a Cardassian historian, then
                             went to a great deal of 
                             trouble to find it and 
                             scatter it about on Kolarus 
                             III. I knew it would pique 
                             your curiosity and conven-
                             iently make the Enterprise 
                             the closest ship to Romulus 
                             when I contacted Starfleet.

                   The Reman doctor leaves the cell. The force field is 
                   reactivated. The doctor goes to the mysterious 
                   medical apparatus and analyzes  Picard's blood. As: 

                                           PICARD
                             All of this so you could 
                             capture me?

                                           SHINZON
                             Don't be so vain. After we 
                             found it, we made a few 
                             modifications. An extra memory 
                             port, a hidden transponder.  
                             Perhaps your eyes will be a 
                             bit less confident when you 
                             learn I've gained access to 
                             Starfleet's communications 
                             protocols. I now know the 
                             location of your entire 
                             fleet ...
                                     (To B-9) 
                             You may go.

                                           B-9
                             Where?

                                           SHINZON
                             Out of my sight.

                   The B-9 obediently leaves the room as: 

                                           SHINZON
                             Maybe I'll train it to do 
                             little tricks for me like your 
                             robot does.  Or maybe I’ll 
                             snap its ugly head off.

                                           PICARD
                             What's this all about?

                                           SHINZON
                             It's about destiny, Picard. 
                             About a Reman outcast who...

                                           PICARD
                             You're not Reman.

                                           SHINZON
                             And I'm not quite human. So 
                             what am I? What do you see? 
                                     (Peering at Picard 
                                      deeply) 
                             Do you see a life you might 
                             have led? Lost youth never 
                             to be recaptured?

                                           PICARD
                             I see a young man trying 
                             desperately to deny who he is.

                                           SHINZON
                             I see an old man, set in his 
                             ways, afraid to live without 
                             a uniform to prop him up and 
                             a Starfleet regulation to 
                             tell him what to do. I see 
                             the man I will never be.

                                           PICARD
                             I won't defend my life to you.

                                           SHINZON
                             My life is meaningless as 
                             long as you're alive. What am
                             I while you exist? A shadow? 
                             An enigma?

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Stern)
                             If your issues are with me...
                             This has nothing to do with 
                             my ship and nothing to do 
                             with the Federation.

                                           SHINZON
                             Oh, but it does.  We will no 
                             longer bow like slaves before
                             anyone. Not the Romulans and 
                             not your mighty Federation. 
                             We're a race bred for war.  
                             For conquest.

                                           PICARD
                             Think about what you're doing,
                             Shinzon. Are you ready to 
                             plunge the entire quadrant 
                             into war to satisfy your own 
                             personal demons?

                                           SHINZON
                             It amazes me how little you 
                             know yourself.

                                           PICARD
                             I'm incapable of such an act,
                             and so are you.

                                           SHINZON
                             I think the facts speak for 
                             themselves. The same noble 
                             Picard blood runs in our 
                             veins. Had you lived my life,
                             you'd be doing exactly as I 
                             am. Look in the mirror, and 
                             see yourself.

                   Shinzon looks at him deeply. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Consider that, Captain. I can
                             think of no greater I torment
                             for you.

                   He turns to go.

                                           PICARD
                             It's a mirror for you as well.

                   Shinzon turns back to him. 

                   A beat. Picard gazes at him evenly. 

                   Picard's probing gaze makes Shinzon a bit uneasy. He 
                   glances to the ghoulish medical preparations. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Not for long, Captain. 
                                     (Back to Picard)  
                             I'm afraid you won't survive 
                             to witness the victory of the 
                             echo over the voice.

                   He goes. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. NIGHT. 

                   The ship is on Red Alert. Worf stands at tactical, 
                   muscles coiled, hungry for action. 

                                           WORF
                             No response to our hails.

                   Geordi is hard at work at the Science station. Riker 
                   stands over him: 

                                           GEORDI 
                                     (Frustrated)
                             His cloak is perfect... no 
                             tachyon emissions, no 
                             residual antiprotons.

                                           RIKER
                             Keep at it, Geordi. Find a 
                             way in.

                   Beverly arrives on the bridge, urgent. She carries a 
                   medical padd. 

                                           BEVERLY
                             Will, I need to talk to you.

                   INT. SCIMITAR . BRIG. NIGHT.  

                   Picard stands in his cell, peering at the edges of 
                   the security force field, trying to spot any weakness. 

                   Then the B-9 enters the brig, he holds a Reman 
                   disruptor weapon. 

                                           B-9
                                     (To Reman guard)
                             I am to take the prisoner to 
                             the Praetor.

                   The Reman Guard deactivates the force field. 

                                           B-9
                             If you resist, I will 
                             incapacitate you.

                   He leads Picard out.

                   INT. SCIMITAR. CORRIDORS. FOLLOWING. 

                   The B-9 leads picard through the dark corridors, 
                   holding the  disruptor on him steadily. All the 
                   Remans they pass glare at Picard with undisguised 
                   loathing. 

                   The Viceroy approaches. Stops before them. 

                                           VICEROY 
                                     (To B-9)
                             Where are you taking him?

                                           B-9
                             Praetor Shinzon wants him on 
                             the bridge.

                   The Viceroy turns his malevolent gaze on Picard.

                                           VICEROY
                             So, human... you've met your 
                             better self!

                                           PICARD
                             What are you doing to 
                             Counsellor Troi?

                                           VICEROY
                             I'm preparing her for Shinzon.
                             To sooth him as she soothes 
                             you. To stand at his side as 
                             she does at yours.

                                           PICARD
                             That will never happen.

                                           VICEROY
                             Listen to him, android. Such 
                             a small and weak creature. 
                             Yet he roars so valiantly...

                   He raises one taloned claw and puts a sharp fingernail
                   on Picard's chest.

                                           VICEROY
                                     (Cont'd)
                             It would take me but an 
                             instant to tear that valiant 
                             heart from your chest.

                                           PICARD
                             There'll be another after me.
                             And another after that. 
                             You'll find we're a resilient
                             species.

                                           VICEROY
                             I look forward to the sport. 
                                     (To the B-9, harshly) 
                             Take him.

                   The B-9 prods Picard's back roughly with the disruptor. 
                   Picard grimaces in pain.

                                           B-9
                             Move.

                   The Viceroy continues away down the corridor. The B-9
                   leads Picard along. 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Whispers)
                             Be careful of over-playing 
                             your part, Commander!

                   And the audience now realizes it is Data pretending 
                   to be the B-9 and rejoices.  

                                           DATA
                             Sorry, sir. I thought it 
                             added a touch of reality to 
                             the performance.

                   They are silent as they pass a few Reman guards. Then: 

                                           DATA
                             My mission was a success, 
                             sir. I have discovered the
                             source of the Thalaron 
                             radiation.

                                           PICARD
                             Good work. The download?

                                           DATA
                             He believes he has our 
                             communications protocols. But
                             they will give him inaccurate
                             locations for all Starfleet 
                             vessels.

                   Data assumes the B-9's posture again as they pass some
                   Reman Warriors. 

                                           DATA
                             Move, puny human animal.

                   They pass the Warriors. 

                                           PICARD
                             A bit less florid, Data.

                                           DATA
                             Aye, sir... This way.

                   He leads Picard down the corridor. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. GENERATION CHAMBER. NIGHT.

                   Data leads Picard into a massive chamber that soars
                   up like a cathedral. It is the size of a small town. 

                   The whole, cavernous chamber pulses with glowing 
                   green light. 

                                           DATA
                             This entire ship is, 
                             essentially, a flying 
                             Thalaron generator. 
                                     (Pointing up)  
                             All its power relays lead to 
                             that device.

                   High above them, at the very top of the chamber, is 
                   a gigantic version of the spider-weapon we saw kill 
                   all the Romulan Senators before. It is breathtaking. 

                                           PICARD
                             A weapon.

                                           DATA
                             It would appear so.

                   Data rotates his left hand and then slides it 
                   forward, exposing a hidden compartment in his wrist.
                   He removes a small, silver disc.  This is a cool new 
                   piece of Federation technology called an ETU. 
                   (Emergency Transport Unit.) 

                                           DATA 
                             Geordi equipped me with the 
                             prototype for the Emergency 
                             Transport Unit. I recommend 
                             you use it to return to the 
                             Enterprise. 

                                           PICARD
                             It'll only work for one of us.

                                           DATA
                             Yes, sir.

                                           PICARD
                             We'll find a way off together. 
                             Recommendations?

                                           DATA
                             There is a shuttlebay 948 
                             meters from our current 
                             location.

                   Data inserts the ETU back into his wrist and they 
                   leave the chamber. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. NIGHT.
 
                   The Viceroy arrives on the bridge, stops. 

                                           VICEROY
                             Where's Picard?

                   Shinzon looks at him, confused. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. CORRIDORS. NIGHT. 

                   Security alert klaxons suddenly begin to howl and 
                   harsh Reman commands are broadcast through the 
                   corridors. 

                                           DATA
                             This way, sir!

                   They sprint down the twisting, dark corridors -- 
                   Reman warriors suddenly appear before them! -- Data 
                   fires the disruptor as Picard launches himself into 
                   them. 

                   A fight -- Picard uses a dazzlinq series of Starfleet
                   hand-to-hand maneuvers -- he dramatically subdues 
                   the Remans. 

                   More Reman warriors appear down the corridor. Picard 
                   grabs a disruptor. 

                   And instantly spins to fire a blazing disruptor. A 
                   battle break out in the corridor -- the energy beams 
                   and explosions illuminating the violent fire fight 
                   in strobe-like bursts. 

                   They run to another corridor and finally arrive at 
                   the shuttlebay door -- it does not open. 

                                           DATA
                                     (Looking at door 
                                      security panel)
                             It seems to have an encrypted 
                             security system.

                   Reman warriors are closing in on them.

                   Data tosses his disruptor to Picard -- Picard catches
                   it and instantly spins and fires -- he uses both 
                   disruptors to fire down both ends of the corridor 
                   like a Western sheriff -- keeping the Remans at bay. 

                   As Data uses both hands to punch numbers into the 
                   shuttlebay door security panel at an amazing rate-- 

                                           PICARD
                             Alacrity would be appreciated,
                             Commander.

                                           DATA
                             They are trying to override 
                             the access codes. Reman is 
                             really a most complex language 
                             with pictographs representing 
                             certain verb roots and...

                                           PICARD
                             While I find that fascinating,
                             Data, we really need that 
                             Goddamned door open!

                   The shuttlebay door slides open. 

                   Picard lays down a blistering barrage of cover fire 
                   as he and Data duck into the shuttlebay. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. SHUTTLEBAY. FOLLOWING.

                   When the door closes behind them, Picard turns and 
                   fires a disruptor blast -- sealing the door 
                   mechanism. 

                   They turn to face...

                   A fleet of very small shuttles. They are uniquely 
                   designed. Extremely compact and stream-lined. A 
                   disruptor turret on each. 

                   They move toward one as: 

                                           DATA
                             According to the ship's 
                             manifest they are Scorpion-
                             class attack fliers.

                   They quickly climb a Scorpion. 

                   INT. SCORPION COCKPIT. SHUTTLEBAY. FOLLOWING.  

                   The cockpit of the Scorpion is cramped. Picard 
                   climbs into the pilot's position. Data assumes the 
                   gunner's position. 

                   They see disruptor fire trying to burn through the 
                   door to the shuttlebay --  Picard powers up the 
                   Scorpion as: 

                   Picard is trying to figure out the controls.

                                           PICARD
                             What do you imagine this is?

                                           DATA
                             Port thrusters, sir. Would you
                             like me to drive?

                   Picard shoots him a look and presses some controls. 
                   The Scorpion lifts off. Hovers a few feet over the 
                   deck. Picard elegantly swings it around toward the 
                   large shuttlebay external doors as: 

                                           PICARD
                             Can you open the shuttlebay 
                             doors?

                                           DATA
                                     (Working controls)
                             Affirmative, sir. Negative, 
                             sir. They have instigated 
                             security overrides and erected
                             a force field around the 
                             external portals.

                                           PICARD
                             Well then... only one way to 
                             go.

                   He swings the Scorpion around again so it is facing 
                   the doors they came through, the doors back into the 
                   ship. 

                   Data is dubious. 

                                           DATA
                             Do you think this is a wise 
                             course of action?

                                           PICARD
                             We're about to find out... 
                             Power up disruptors and fire 
                             on my mark.

                                           DATA
                             Ready, Captain.

                                           PICARD
                             Fire!

                   And the Scorpion's forward disruptors fire!  The 
                   doors into the ship explode!  Picard powers forward!

                   INT. SCIMITAR CORRIDORS. FOLLOWING. 

                   And the Scorpion shoots into the corridor, past the 
                   stunned Remans. Picard banks sharply -- careens off 
                   the far side of the corridor but keeps control.

                   The Scorpion zooms down the corridor.

                   INT. SCORPION COCKPIT. SCIMITAR. FOLLOWING.

                   Picard is concentrating intensely --it is like trying
                   to control the world's fastest roller coaster.

                   INT. SCIMITAR. CORRIDORS. FOLLOWING. 

                   The Scorpion banks around a corner -- it zigs and 
                   zags through the ship at breakneck speed. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. OBSERVATION LOUNGE. NIGHT. 

                   The doors to the observation lounge EXPLODE in.

                   The Scorpion SHOOTS into the room and up.

                   A disruptor blast SHATTERS the etched glass dome at 
                   the top of the room. 

                   And the Scorpion ZOOMS triumphantly into space!

                   EXT. OVER ROMULUS. SPACE.
 
                   The Scorpion seems to appear from nowhere -- slicing 
                   through the cloak of invisibility around the Scimitar. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.
 
                   The crew sees the Scorpion appear on the viewscreen. 

                                           RIKER
                             Worf! Lock on transporters!

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   Shinzon sees the Scorpion as well. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Tractor beam! Now!

                   EXT. OVER ROMULUS. SPACE. 

                   But they are too late -- the Scorpion dematerializes-

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. CARGO BAY. FOLLOWING. 

                   And materializes in one of the Enterprise's cargo 
                   bays. Picard and Data climb out-- 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To comm)
                             Number One, emergency warp!

                   EXT. OVER ROMULUS FOLLOWING 

                   The Enterprise dramatically powers forward and up --
                   rolling over in a great arc going into warp while 
                   still upside down.  It disappears in a blaze of 
                   light. Fade to:

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. NIGHT.
 
                   Shinzon sits in his command chair as the ship streaks 
                   through space. He speaks on viewscreen with his 
                   Romulan collaborators. His face is even more finely 
                   veined now. 

                                           SHINZON
                             The Enterprise is immaterial! 
                             They won't make it back to 
                             Federation space.

                                           SURAN
                                     (Angry, on viewscreen}
                             This has gone far enough!

                                           SHINZON
                             I thought we discussed 
                             patience, Commander.

                                           SURAN 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             And mine is wearing thin, 
                             young man! We supported you 
                             because you promised action. 
                             And yet you delay and you 
                             waste your time playing games 
                             with Picard while--

                   Shinzon stands and briskly pulls down his uniform 
                   tunic~ exactly as we've seen Picard do a thousand 
                   times. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Commander Suran, the games are
                             over. In two days the 
                             Federation will be crippled 
                             beyond repair. Does that 
                             satisfy you?

                                           SURAN 
                                     (Grim, on viewscreen)
                             For the moment.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Brutal)
                             And when I return... you and 
                             I shall have a little talk 
                             about showing proper respect!

                   INT. ROMULAN SENATE. CHAMBER. FOLLOWING. 

                   The viewscreen picture of Shinzon snaps out. The 
                   Romulan sit for a silent beat. 

                                           DONATRA
                             Does anyone in this room 
                             harbor any illusions about 
                             what he means by "showing 
                             proper respect"?

                                           TAL'AURA
                             What's happening to his face?

                                           SURAN
                             I want opinions. He is clearly
                             out of his mind.

                                           SURAN
                             But can he complete his 
                             mission?

                                           DONATRA
                             Should he?

                   They look at her. 

                                           DONATRA
                             Are you prepared to have your
                             hands drenched in blood? 
                             He'll show them no mercy. And
                             his sins will mark us all 
                             for generations. Is that what
                             you truly want, Romulans?

                   A beat. 

                                           DONATRA
                             I think you should consider 
                             that question now -- or else 
                             you may have a lifetime to 
                             think about it in the 
                             dilithium mines.

                   She turns and stalks out .

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. READY ROOM. NIGHT. 

                   Beverly sits with Picard and Riker. 

                                           BEVERLY
                             The more I studied his DNA the 
                             more confusing it got. Finally
                             I could only come to one
                             conclusion... Shinzon was 
                             created with temporal RNA 
                             sequencing. He was designed 
                             so that at a certain point his
                             aging process could be 
                             accelerated to reach your age
                             more quickly, so he could 
                             replace you.

                                           PICARD
                             But the Romulans abandoned the
                             plan.

                                           BEVERLY
                             As a result the temporal 
                             sequencing was never activated. 
                             Remember, he was supposed to 
                             replace you at nearly your 
                             current age. He was engineered 
                             to skip thirty years of life. 
                             But since the RNA sequencing 
                             was never activated, his 
                             cellular structure has started 
                             to break down. He's dying.

                                           PICARD
                             Dying?

                                           RIKER
                             He wasn't designed to live a 
                             complete, human life span.

                                           PICARD
                             Can anything be done for him?

                                           BEVERLY
                             Not without a complete 
                             myelodysplastic infusion from 
                             the only donor with compatible
                             DNA. But that would mean 
                             draining all your blood.

                                           RIKER
                             That's why he went to all that
                             trouble to capture you.

                                           PICARD
                             How long does he have?

                                           BEVERLY
                             I can't be sure but the rate 
                             of decay seems to be 
                             accelerating.

                   Picard considers this. 

                                           PICARD
                             Then he'll come for me as a 
                             donor.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. DATA'S CABIN. NIGHT. 

                   Data stands before the B-9. 

                   The B-9 has been deactivated, he stands lifeless  
                   and immobile. Data gazes deeply into his double's 
                   identical features. Then he opens a panel in the 
                   B-9's neck and uses a small instrument to activate 
                   the android's head. 

                   The B-9's eyes spring to life. He looks at Data. 

                                           B-9
                             Brother. I cannot move.

                                           DATA
                             No, I have only activated 
                             your cognitive and 
                             communication subroutines.

                                           B-9
                             Why?

                                           DATA
                             Because you are dangerous.

                                           B-9
                             Why?

                                           DATA
                             You have been programmed to 
                             gather information that can 
                             be used against this ship.

                                           B-9
                             I do not understand.

                                           DATA
                             I know.

                   A beat. 

                                           DATA
                             Do you know anything about 
                             Shinzon's plans against the 
                             Federation?

                                           B-9
                             No.

                                           DATA
                             Do you have any knowledge of 
                             the tactical abi1ities of this
                             ship?

                                           B-9
                             No. Can I move now?

                                           DATA
                             No. I must deactivate you.

                                           B-9
                             For how long?

                                           DATA
                             Indefinitely.

                                           B-9
                             How long is that?

                   A beat. Data gazes at the B-9 deeply. 

                                           DATA
                             A long time, brother.

                   Data reaches forward and deactivates his brother. 

                   The B-9's eyes lose the spark of life. He stands,
                   frozen. Data stands before him. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. OBSERVATION LOUNGE. NIGHT. 

                   Picard is gathered with his senior officers. 

                   A computer display illustrates Geordi's words about 
                   the power of Shinzon's weapon. We see a chilling 
                   graphic of the Biogenic Pulse beam spreading around
                   a ship, then a whole planet. 

                                           GEORDI
                             It's called a Cascading Bio-
                             genic Pulse. The unique 
                             properties of Thalaron 
                             radiation allow the energy 
                             beam to expand almost without 
                             limits. Depending on the 
                             radiant intensity it could 
                             encompass a ship... or a 
                             planet.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Thinking)
                             And that's exactly what he's 
                             going to do.

                                           RIKER
                             Sir?

                                           PICARD
                             His hatred of the Federation 
                             is apparent. He would have 
                             built a weapon of that scope 
                             for one reason. He is going 
                             after Earth.

                                           RIKER
                             Oh boy. Destroy humanity and 
                             the Federation is crippled.

                                           PICARD
                             And the Romulans invade.

                                           DEANNA
                             How can you be certain?

                                           PICARD
                             I know how he thinks.

                   A beat. 

                                           RIKER 
                                     (To Geordi)
                             And there's no way to
                             penetrate his cloak?

                                           GEORDI
                             No, sir.

                                           RIKER
                                     (Frustrated)
                             He could pass within 10 meters
                             of every ship in Starfleet 
                             and they'd never know.

                                           BEVERLY
                             But we do have one advantage. 
                                     (To Picard) 
                             He needs your blood to live. 
                             He might come after you first.

                                           PICARD
                             I'm counting on it... We've 
                             been ordered to head to sector
                             3274. Starfleet is diverting 
                             the fleet to meet us there.

                                           RIKER
                             Strength in numbers?

                                           PICARD
                             We can only hope so.

                   A beat as he looks at them gravely. 

                                           PICARD
                             He can't be allowed to use 
                             that weapon. All other 
                             concerns are secondary. Do 
                             you understand me?

                   Riker knows exactly what Picard is saying: the 
                   Enterprise is expendable.

                                           RIKER
                             Yes, sir.

                   Picard stands. Presses a comm button. 

                                           PICARD
                             All hands. Battle stations.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. VARIOUS ANGLES.
 
                   We see a montage of the Enterprise preparing for 
                   battle. 

                   Crew members assume battle stations. Weapons locker 
                   ring open and Security Officers hand out sidearms 
                   and phaser rifles.

                   Geordi and his Engineers establish emergency force 
                   field around the warp core.

                   Riker and Worf brief officers on tactical plans. 

                   Data works at the bridge Science Station, analyzing 
                   data on Shinzon's ship. 

                   Picard walks through the corridors, he stops to talk
                   with apprehensive young ensign. 

                   As we hear: 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Captain's Personal Log. 
                             Supplemental. We're heading 
                             toward Federation space at 
                             maximum warp. The crew has 
                             responded with the dedication
                             I've come to expect of them. 
                             And like a thousand other 
                             commanders on a thousand 
                             other battlefields throughout
                             history, I wait for the dawn.

                   The montage ends as:

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. SICKBAY. NIGHT. 

                   Picard enters sickbay. 

                   Dr. Crusher and her medical staff are hard at work. 
                   They position anti-grav gurneys and ready medical 
                   supplies. Security officers are handing out phasers. 

                   Picard watches the grim preparations. Beverly goes 
                   to him, bolstering her phaser. 

                                           PICARD
                                     (Quietly)
                             To seek out new life and new 
                             civilizations. Zephyr. 
                             Cochran’s own words. When 
                             Charles Darwin set out on the
                             H.M.S. Beagle, on his journey
                             into the unknown... he sailed 
                             without a single musket.

                                           BEVERLY 
                                     (Gently)
                             That was another time.

                                           PICARD
                             How far we've come. Let me 
                             know if you need anything.

                   He starts to go. 

                                           BEVERLY
                             Jean Luc ...
                                     (He stops)
                             He is not you.

                   A beat. 

                                           PICARD
                             What makes us who we are, 
                             Doctor? Can you tell me that?

                   She watches him go. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. NIGHT.
 
                   Shinzon sits in his command chair, lined with veins 
                   now. 

                   His Viceroy again has his hand pressed to Shinzon's 
                   chest. 

                                           SHINZON
                             How long?

                                           VICEROY
                             A matter of hours now.

                   Shinzon shoves him away. Stands. 

                                           VICEROY
                             If you don't begin the pro-
                             cedure soon you'll never make
                             it back to Romulus. You 
                             shouldn't have delayed. You 
                             should have killed Picard the
                             moment...

                   Shinzon slams his command chair in fury. The Viceroy 
                   watches him carefully. 

                   A beat. Shinzon regains his composure. He sits again
                   in his command chair. 

                                           SHINZON
                             How long until we reach the 
                             Rift?

                                           VICEROY
                                     (Checking a console)
                             Seven minutes.

                   Shinzon leans back, satisfied. And looks at the 
                   viewscreen.

                   The image on the viewscreen is shocking. 

                   The Enterprise only a few hundred yards away. 

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE. SPACE. 

                   The Enterprise zooms through space. 

                   Completely unaware of the predator directly above it. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. ASTROMETRICS. NIGHT. 

                   Data is at work in Astrometry. Cartographic project-
                   ions of star systems ebb and flow on a large screen 
                   before him. Picard enters.

                                           PICARD
                             Show me our current position.

                   The images before them quickly change to show another
                   sector and a blip representing the Enterprise. 

                                           PICARD
                             How long until we reach the 
                             fleet?

                                           DATA
                             At our current velocity we 
                             will arrive at sector 3274 in
                             approximately 40 minutes.

                   The images before them change to show sector 3274. 
                   We see blips denoting Starfleet ships moving into 
                   position. 

                   Picard gazes at the projection of stars before them 
                   for a moment. 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Quietly)
                             "For now we see but through a 
                             glass darkly..." He said he's
                             a mirror.

                                           DATA 
                             Of you? 

                                           PICARD
                             Yes.

                                           DATA
                             I do not agree. Although you 
                             share the same genetic 
                             structure, the events of your
                             life have created unique 
                             individual.

                                           PICARD
                             But so much is the same. On a 
                             biological level he is... and 
                             I will not accept the idea 
                             that there is nothing I can 
                             do. I have a responsibility 
                             to try to make a human 
                             connection with him.

                                           DATA
                             He would deny a "human" 
                             connection is possible. He 
                             considers himself entirely 
                             Reman.

                                           PICARD
                             He may have already rejected 
                             my humanity, but you also have
                             a twin

                                           DATA
                             No, sir, it is not possible.
                             The B-9 is physically 
                             identical to me, although his
                             neural pathways are not as 
                             advanced. But even if they 
                             were, he would not be me.

                                           PICARD
                             How can you be sure?

                                           DATA
                             I aspire, sir. To be better 
                             than I am. The B-9 does not. 
                             Nor does Shinzon.

                   A beat. 

                                           PICARD
                             We'll never know what Shinzon 
                             might have been. Had he stood 
                             where I did as a child? And 
                             looked up at the stars.

                   Picard's words linger in the air for a moment. 

                   Then the projections before them sputter with static 
                   for a moment. Flickering. 

                                           DATA
                                     (Working controls)
                             We are passing through the 
                             Bassen Rift. The projections 
                             will return when we have 
                             cleared it.

                                           PICARD
                             It's interfering with our 
                             uplink from Starfleet 
                             cartography?

                                           DATA
                             Yes, sir. The Rift effects all
                             long-range communications.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Urgent, to comm) 
                             Commander Riker, evasive 
                             maneuvers!

                             Too late. 

                   The ship QUAKES -- a photon torpedo blast -- the 
                   Enterprise is under attack! 

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE.

                   Disruptor beams appear from nowhere -- streaking 
                   through space -- slamming into the Enterprise’s 
                   warp drive. The Enterprise recoils, dangerously 
                   dropping out of warp in a furious lurch. 

                   The Bassen Rift is a strange area of electromag-
                   netic distortion. Energy patterns crackle through 
                   space. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Shinzon sits in his command chair. The viewscreen 
                   shows the Enterprise before him. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Target weapons systems and 
                             shields. I don't want the 
                             Enterprise destroyed.

                   On the viewscreen, we see disruptor blasts streak-
                   ing from the Scimitar -- slicing into the 
                   Enterprise. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Can you learn to see in the 
                             dark, Captain?

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Picard and Data emerge from the turbolift as the 
                   ship ROcKS. 

                                           PICARD
                             Report.

                                           RIKER
                             He's firing through his cloak.
                             We can't get a lock.

                                           GEORDI 
                                     (At engineering 
                                      station)
                             He disabled our warp drive 
                             with his first shot. We've 
                             only got impulse. 

                                           WORF
                             Long range communication is 
                             impossible as long as we're 
                             in the rift--

                   The ship SHUDDERS again.

                                           PICARD
                             Worf, prepare a full phaser 
                             spread, zero elevation. All 
                             banks on my mark. Scan for 
                             shield impacts and stand by 
                             photon torpedoes.

                                           WORF
                             Aye, sir

                   The ship ROCKS again. 

                                           PICARD
                             Fire!

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE.

                   The Enterprise fires her phasers simultaneously -- 
                   the energy beams shoot into space. 

                   And the Scimitar's shape is momentarily illuminated 
                   as one of its shields is hit. 

                   Photon torpedoes immediately shoot from the 
                   Enterprise -- but pass harmlessly through the area 
                   where the Scimitar's shields were momentarily 
                   illuminated.

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.
 
                                           SHINZON
                             You're too slow, old man. 
                                     (Entering commands 
                                      in his chair 
                                      console) 
                             Attack pattern Shinzon Theta.

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE.

                   The invisible Warbird makes a dramatic run straight 
                   over the Enterprise -- firing steadily down as it 
                   sweeps past it; is a brutal, close range assault.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE  BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   The bridge SHAKES violently under the ruthless 
                   attack.  

                                           DATA
                             We are losing dorsal shields.

                                           PICARD 
                             Full axis rotation to port! 
                             Fire all ventral phasers!

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   The Enterprise instantly complies -- Rolling 
                   completely over to the left, firing phasers up as  
                   Shinzon's invisible ship streaks above it. 

                   A few lucky phaser shots from the bottom of the 
                   Enterprise -- now shooting upward -- manage to 
                   momentarily illuminate the bottom shields of the 
                   Scimitar as it sweeps past above. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                                           WORF
                             Minimal damage to the 
                             Scimitar.

                                           RIKER
                                     (To Helm)
                             Defensive pattern Kirk 
                             Epsilon. Geordi, get those 
                             shields online.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To comm)
                             Counselor Troi, report to the
                             bridge.

                                           RIKER
                             Unless we can disable his 
                             cloak we're just going to be 
                             firing in the dark.

                                           PICARD 
                             Agreed.

                                           WORF
                             Sir, we're being hailed.

                                           PICARD
                             On screen.

                   Shinzon appears on the viewscreen. He is on the 
                   bridge of the Scimitar. 

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             Captain Picard, will you join
                             me in your Ready Room?

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. READY ROOM.

                   Picard stands in his Ready Room. A flickering light 
                   shimmers across the room. And a perfect holographic 
                   representation of Shinzon appears before him. 

                                           SHINZON
                             You can't trace my holographic
                             emitters, Captainn. So don't 
                             bother. And you can't contact
                             Starfleet. We're quite alone.

                                           PICARD 
                             We are.

                                           SHINZON
                             It's just the two of us now, 
                             Jean Luc, as it should be... 
                             Your ship and mine... You 
                             and me.

                                           PICARD 
                             Why are you here?

                                           SHINZON
                             To accept your surrender. I 
                             can clearly destroy you at 
                             any time. Lower your shields 
                             and allow me to transport you
                             to my ship.

                                           PICARD
                             And what of the Enterprise?

                                           SHINZON
                             I have little interest in your
                             quaint vessel, Captain. If 
                             the Enterprise will withdraw 
                             to a distance of one hundred 
                             light years, it will not be 
                             harmed.

                                           PICARD
                             You know that's not possible.

                                           SHINZON
                             I know... you'll all gladly 
                             die to save your home world.

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Intense)
                             Look at me, Shinzon! Do you 
                             feel the blood pumping inside
                             you? Your hands, your eyes, 
                             your nature, are the same as 
                             mine. Buried deep inside you 
                             beneath the years of pain and 
                             anger is a capacity you've 
                             forgotten. It's the one way 
                             our mirror can reflect the 
                             two of us exactly because it's
                             the very thing that truly 
                             defines us. To be human is to
                             try to make yourself better 
                             than you are.

                   Picard looks at him deeply, relentlessly refusing to 
                   give up. 

                                           PICARD
                             I know you as well as I know 
                             myself, Shinzon. There was a 
                             time you looked at the stars 
                             and dreamed of what might be.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Quietly)
                             Long ago.

                                           PICARD
                             Not so long.

                                           SHINZON
                             Childish dreams, Captain. Lost
                             in the dilithium mines of 
                             Remus. I'm what you see now.

                                           PICARD
                             I see more than what you are. 

                   Picard steps toward him.

                                           PICARD
                             I see what you could be.

                   Shinzon slowly backs away as Picard continues to move
                   toward him relentlessly. 

                                           PICARD
                             The man who is Jean Luc Picard
                             and Shinzon of Remus won't 
                             exterminate the population of 
                             an entire planet! He is better 
                             than that!

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Desperate)
                             He is what his life has made 
                             him!

                   Shinzon is in turmoil. Picard senses this. He proceeds
                   quietly: 

                                           PICARD
                             And what will he do with that
                             life?

                   Shinzon looks at him, questioning. 

                                           PICARD
                             If I were to beam to your 
                             ship... let you complete your
                             medical procedure, give you 
                             a full life... what would 
                             you do with the time?

                   Shinzon doesn't respond. 

                                           PICARD
                             You once asked me about your 
                             past. Your history.

                   When I was your age, I burned with ambition. I was 
                   very proud and my pride often hurt people. I made 
                   every wrong choice a young man can ...But one thing 
                   saved me ...I had a father who believed in me. Who 
                   took the time to teach me a better way.  You have 
                   the same father.

                                           SHINZON
                             Yes.

                                           PICARD
                             So if I gave you my life, what 
                             would you do with it? Would 
                             you spend the years in a 
                             blaze of hatred as you are 
                             now? Or could you change? 
                             Could you try to remember a 
                             mother's touch you never 
                             felt? A father's words you 
                             never heard? Could you do 
                             that?

                                           SHINZON
                                     (Quietly) 
                             I don't know.

                                           PICARD
                             But you want to.

                   Shinzon doesn't respond. But Picard knows he has made 
                   a connection. For this brief moment reconciliation is 
                   possible. He proceeds quietly: 

                                           PICARD
                             Let me tell you about our 
                             father.

                   Shinzon looks at him with an aching sadness. What 

                   might have been. 

                                           SHINZON
                             That's your life... not mine.

                                           PICARD
                             Please.

                                           SHINZON
                             It’s too late.

                                           PICARD
                             You can still make a choice! 
                             Make the right one now!

                                           SHINZON
                             I have no choices! I can't 
                             fight what I am!

                   Shinzon backs away, unable to fight his nature: 

                                           SHINZON
                             I'll show you my true nature. 
                             Your nature. And as Earth dies
                             -- remember that I'm forever 
                             Shinzon of Remus! And my voice
                             will echo through time long 
                             after yours has faded to a 
                             dim memory.

                   Shinzon ends the transmission and his holographic image
                   flickers and fades away. 

                   Picard stands alone, drained.

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.  
 
                   Shinzon strides quickly to his command chair, barking 
                   to his Viceroy: 

                                           SHINZON
                             Disable their weapons!

                   But before the Viceroy can move the Scimitar suddenly 
                   ROCKS -- attacked from somewhere! Shinzon is stunned. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Report!

                                           REMAN OFFICER
                             Two ships decloaking, sir! 
                             Romulan!

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   Picard strides to his command chair as two Romulan 
                   Warbirds appear on the viewscreen. Deanna is now on 
                   the bridge. 

                                           RIKER
                             Believe it or not, I think 
                             the cavalry has arrived.

                                           WORF
                             We're being hailed.

                                           PICARD
                             On screen.

                   On the viewscreen: Commander Donatra shimmers into 
                   view. 

                                           DONATRA 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             Captain Picard, Commander 
                             Donatra of the Warbird 
                             Valdore. Might we be of 
                             assistance?

                                           PICARD
                             Your timing is impeccable, 
                             Commander.

                                           DONATRA 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             The Empire considers this a 
                             matter of internal security.
                             We regret you've become 
                             involved.

                                           PICARD
                             When this is over, I owe you 
                             a drink.

                   On the viewscreen, the Valdore ROCKS from a disruptor 
                   blast. 

                                           DONATRA 
                                     (On viewscreen) 
                             Romulan ale, Captain. Let's 
                             get to work. Valdore out.

                   The transmission ends. 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (To Worf)
                             You heard the lady. Get to 
                             work. Move your ass! 

                   [The Scimitar must remain decloaked to fire weapons 
                   and are visible throughout the battle.] 

                   Although Shinzon's ship is still cloaked, the steady
                   barrage of triangulated phaser and disruptor fire 
                   from the Enterprise and the two Romulan vessels 
                   illuminate its shields with impacts. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                                           PICARD
                                     (To Worf)
                             Coordinate our attack with the
                             Valdore's tactical officer. 
                             Triangulate fire on any 
                             shield impacts.

                                           WORF 
                             Aye, sir.

                   The Enterprise ROCKS from a photon torpedo impact. 

                                           DATA
                             Aft shields are down to forty 
                             percent.

                                           RIKER 
                                     (To Helm)
                             Keep our bow to the Scimitar.
                             Auxiliary power to forward
                             shields.

                   INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   Shinzon sits quite calmly in his command chair. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Target the flanking Warbird. 
                             All forward disruptor banks 
                             on my mark.

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   It is a chaos of starships as the Enterprise and the 
                   two Warbirds fire steadily -- illuminating the 
                   Scimitar's shields. 

                   The ships sweep around one another, maneuvering for 
                   position, firing constantly. The battlefield seems 
                   impossibly crowded as the four vessels evade and 
                   attack; as phaser and disruptor beams criss-cross 
                   space. 

                   Then the Scimitar unleashes a devastating volley. All 
                   her forward disruptor banks fire at once. 

                   They literally cut one of the Romulan ships in half -
                   a huge EXPLOSION -- debris SHOOTS across space and 
                   SLAMS VIOLENTLY off the Enterprise's forward shields. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   The ship ROCKS dangerously! 

                                           DATA
                             Forward shields are down to 
                             ten percent.

                                           RIKER 
                                     (To Helm)
                             Bring us about!

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   The Enterprise quickly turns about -- firing her aft 
                   phasers.  As the Valdore sweeps toward Shinzon's ship, 
                   firing. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                                           SHINZON
                             Let her pursue -- drop cloak 
                             on the aft port quadrant and 
                             prepare for full emergency 
                             stop. 

                                           VICEROY 
                                     (Startled)
                             What?!

                                           SHINZON 
                             You heard me.

                   INT. VALDORE. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Donatra leans forward in her command chair, looking 
                   at  viewscreen. She sees part of the Scimitar's 
                   rear cloak inning to fall away-- 

                                           DONATRA
                             She's losing her cloak! Stand
                             by all forward disruptor 
                             banks!

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                                           VICEROY
                             She's almost on us.

                                           SHINZON
                             Not yet.

                   On the viewscreen  we see the Valdore in pursuit, 
                   gaining. The Reman crew iss getting nervous. 

                                           VICEROY
                             Praetor...

                                           SHINZON
                             FULL STOP AND FIRE !

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   The Scimitar LURCHES to a stop! Too fast for the 
                   Valdore to respond in time -- it flies over the 
                   Scimitar. 

                   And the Scimitar fires! 

                   A devastating volley of photon torpedoes rip into 
                   the underbelly and aft of the Valdore as it streaks 
                   past. 

                   The Valdore careens out of control and then slows 
                   to a stop. It floats dead in space. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.
 
                                           SHINZON
                             Restore the aft cloak and 
                             bring us about.

                   He leans back in his command chair, ready for the 
                   final battle. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   A bloody Commander Donatra is talking to Picard on 
                   viewscreen. Her bridge is in ruins. 

                                           DONATRA 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             I'm afraid that drink will 
                             have to wait, Captain.

                                           PICARD
                             Do you have life support?

                                           DONATRA 
                                     (On viewscreen}
                             For the moment. But we're dead
                             in the water.

                                           PICARD
                             Understood.

                   Then the ship ROCKS-

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   The invisible Scimitar sweeps past for a particularly
                   brutal assault -- disruptor blasts streak along the 
                   Enterprise's hull -- a huge, ripping series of 
                   explosions tear away several decks of the Enterprise.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE  BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                                           DATA
                             We have lost structural 
                             integrity on decks twelve 
                             through seventeen, sections
                             four through ten.

                                           GEORDI
                             Emergency force fields are 
                             holding.

                                           RIKER
                             Evacuate those decks and 
                             reroute field power to forward
                             shields.

                   Deanna goes to Picard: 

                                           DEANNA
                             Captain -- I might have a way
                             to find them.

                                           PICARD
                             Counselor?

                                           DEANNA
                             The one thing he may have 
                             forgotten in the course of 
                             battle: me.

                                           PICARD
                             Make it so.

                   She quickly goes to Worf at tactical. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. NIGHT. 

                   Shinzon is entering tactical commands in his chair 
                   console. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Prepare a lateral run -- all 
                             starboard disruptors.

                   Then the viceroy suddenly stiffens, alarm in his 
                   eyes.

                                           VICEROY
                             No!

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Deanna concentrates furiously, eyes closed. She stands
                   with Worf, her hand slowly moving his over the photon 
                   torpedo targeting display. 

                   It is a wrenching experience as she probes with her 
                   thoughts. 

                                           DEANNA
                             He's resisting me.

                   She is in pain. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.
 
                   The Viceroy concentrates, trying to block her probing 
                   thoughts.

                                           SHINZON
                             What is it?!! Focus on your 
                             job!!

                                           VICEROY
                             She is here.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   Deanna continues to move Worf's hand over the target-
                   ing display.  She is sweating, panting for breath, 
                   concentrating fiercely.

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   The Viceroy resists her -- their psyches lock in 
                   battle.  Deanna appears in the Viceroy's mind, she 
                   glares at him.

                                           DEANNA
                             Remember me?

                   INT. ENTERPRISE  BRIDGE. FOLLOWING .

                   Her eyes snap open. 

                                           DEANNA
                             NOW!

                   Worf instantly fires a full volley of photon torpedoes. 

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE.

                   A full spread of photon torpedoes shoot through space.  

                   And connect! A series of devastating impacts -- and 
                   the Scimitar's cloak fails! 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Picard stands quickly. 

                                           PICARD
                             Savage them!

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   And the Enterprise attacks. 

                   It fires all weapons simultaneously -- phasers and 
                   photon torpedoes slam into the Scimitar! Shinzon's 
                   ship responds quickly --maneuvering for position 
                   and returning fire! 

                   INT. SCIMITAR RIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   The bridge has been damaged, sparks sputter through 
                   the darkness and debris litters the deck. 

                   Shinzon eyes reflect a growing sense of desperation. 

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (Spinning to his 
                                      Viceroy)
                             Prepare a boarding party -- 
                             BRING ME PICARD!

                   The viceroy strides out as Shinzon spins to another 
                   officer. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Get the cloak back! And target
                             shield coordinates beta 
                             three. All disruptors. Fire!

                   On the viewscreen, we see disruptor beams focusing on 
                   a tiny part of the Enterprise's lower shieJds, 
                   slamming into them. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. NIGHT. 

                                           DATA
                             Captain, we have lost ventral 
                             shielding on deck twenty nine.

                                           PICARD
                             Divert power and compensate.

                   An alarm klaxon suddenly rings through the bridge.

                                           WORF
                             Intruder alert!

                                           RIKER
                             Let's go.

                   Riker and Worf quickly head toward the turbolift as: 

                                           WORF 
                                     (To comm)
                             Security detail to deck twenty
                             nine.

                   Data immediately assumes Worf's position at tactical.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. LOWER DECKS. NIGHT. 

                   Riker and Worf stride with a SECURITY DETAIL through 
                   the cramped lower decks. 

                   A sudden disruptor blast stops them cold! The Viceroy 
                   and his invasion force of a dozen Reman Warriors are 
                   down the corridor! 

                   The Enterprise crew returns fire. It is a blazing 
                   phaser battle, Worf leading his men with Klingon 
                   courage. They steadily advance in the face of the 
                   blistering disruptor fire. 

                   They are getting the upper hand when Riker sees the 
                   Viceroy escape into a Jeffriess tube.

                                           RIKER
                             Worf.

                   Worf instantly dives into the corridor -- landing hard 
                   and sliding forward on his stomach all the while firing
                   a steady burst from his phaser rifle.  

                   Riker uses the cover to dive after the Viceroy, 
                   following him into the dark Jefferies tube, intent on 
                   destroying the man who has been tormenting his wife.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE  BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   The Scimitar sweeps into view on the viewscreen --  
                   filling the screen -- and launches a ferocious volley 
                   of photon torpedoes.

                   A huge EXPLOSION as the viewscreen and some of the 
                   forward bridge are BLOWN APART -- the Helm Officer is 
                   SUCKED INTO SPACE before a flickering emergency force 
                   field springs into position.

                   Deanna races to assume the helm.

                   Picard can now see his enemy directly through the 
                   gaping bole in the ship's hull -- he sees the Scimitar 
                   banking for another attack run as part of the ship 
                   disappears.

                                           GEORDI
                             He's getting his cloak back. 
                             We have exhausted our 
                             compliment of photon 
                             torpedoes. Phaser banks are 
                             down to four percent.

                                           PICARD
                             What if we target all phasers 
                             in a concentrated attack?

                                           DATA
                             The Scimitar's shields are 
                             still at seventy percent. It 
                             would make no difference, 
                             sir.

                   Picard thinks. 

                                           DEANNA
                             They're stopping...

                   Through the hole in the hull, Picard sees the Scimitar 
                   slowly turning. Slowly advancing. They see another 
                   part of the Scimitar disappear, the cloak returning. 

                                           GEORDI
                             What's he doing?

                                           PICARD
                                     (Grim)
                             He wants to look me in the 
                             eye.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. JEFFERIES TUBE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Below decks, Riker stalks the Viceroy through a 
                   labyrinthine series of access tunnels. It is like a 
                   scene from ALIEN. 

                   The flickering half-light and red emergency strobes of 
                   the crippled ship make this an ominous sequence. The 
                   Viceroy is in his element, used to the perpetual night 
                   of the Reman Homeworld, he can see in the dark. 

                   Riker moves through the darkness, hunting for the 
                   Viceroy .He stops, phaser ready. He peers into the 
                   dark tunnel ahead of him. Sees nothing. We tilt up and
                   see... 

                   The Viceroy clinging to the ceiling directly above 
                   Riker! Hidden in the darkness. The Viceroy attacks! -- 
                   diving down on Riker -- his lethal Reman knife slashing
                   through the darkness.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   Picard stands... watching the Scimitar maneuver into
                   position. Large parts of it are now cloaked. 

                   It stops. Only a few hundred yards from the Enterprise,
                    its great brow almost filling the gaping hole at the 
                   front of the bridge. 

                   Picard thinks, his mind racing. Then it comes to him 
                   in a flash: 

                                           PICARD
                             He thinks he knows exactly 
                             what I'm going to do.

                                           GEORDI
                             Sir?

                                           PICARD
                             We’ve got him!

                   He sits in his command chair and begins quickly enter-
                   ing command instructions in his chair console. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Shinzon, supremely confident, leans back in his command
                   chair. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Open a channel.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Picard is still entering commands in his chair console. 

                                           DATA
                             We are being hailed.

                                           PICARD
                             Deanna, stand by. 
                                     (To Data) 
                             Open a channel.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (V.O.)
                             I hope you're still alive, 
                             Jean Luc.

                                           PICARD
                             I am.

                                           SHINZON 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Don't you think it's time to 
                             surrender? I'll have my cloak 
                             back in a matter of minutes 
                             and your poor ship is shot to 
                             pieces. Why should the rest 
                             of your crew have to die?

                   Picard continues to enter command codes -- transmits 
                   them to Deanna at helm -- she receives the commands, 
                   nods. All of this as Picard buys some time: 

                                           PICARD
                             I never told you about my 
                             first Academy evaluation, did
                             I? I received very high marks 
                             for my studies. But I was 
                             found lacking in certain other
                             areas. Personality traits, 
                             you might say. In particular I
                             was thought to be extremely...
                            
                    Picard glares up at the prow of the Scimitar. 
                             
                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Over-confident.

                   Picard indicates for Data to end the communication. 
                   Then: 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Quickly)
                             Geordi, put 211 power to the 
                             engines.  Take it from life 
                             support if you have to -- 
                             everything you can give me.

                                           GEORDI
                             Aye, sir.

                                           PICARD
                             Deanna, on my mark.

                                           GEORDI
                             Ready, sir! 

                   Picard leans forward in his chair: 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (On comm)
                             All hands, brace for impact! 
                                     (To Deanna) 
                             ENGAGE.

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   The Enterprise powers forward in a final thrust--! 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   Shinzon sees it coming -- utterly shocked -- bolts up.

                                           SHINZON
                             HARD TO PORT !

                   Too late. 

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE.

                   A massive COLLISION as the Enterprise SLAMS into the 
                   Scimitar -- as it SMASHES and GRINDS into Shinzon's 
                   ship -- 

                   The Scimitar REELS. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Everyone goes FLYING!

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   The two great ships are now locked together, slowly 
                   rotating in space. 

                   The forward part of the Enterprise's saucer is enmeshed 
                   in Shinzon's ship; two scorpions with their claws 
                   locked. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Shinzon stands in the ruins of his bridge. Many of his
                   bridge crew are now dead. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Divert all power to engines. 
                             Full reverse!

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   Every part of the Enterprise ROCKS -- a great lurch as 
                   the Scimitar begins to tear itselc free -- backing 
                   away --a deafening shriek of metal --both ships are
                   being torn to pieces .in the process -- but it is 
                   working --the Scimitar is ripping free, wrenching 
                   itself loose.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. JEFFERIES TUBES. FOLLOWING. 

                   The Jefferies tube SHUDDERS as the Scimitar continues 
                   to tear itself free -- Riker and the Viceroy careen 
                   through the tube.  The Viceroy recovers quickly and 
                   coils for a final attack.  Riker sees that an access 
                   plate has been loosened in the collision -- he 
                   desperately rips it away -- knowing the relays behind 
                   will provide him with the advantage he needs. 

                   Bright liqht strobes from the relays and the Viceroy 
                   is momentarily blinded -- Riker uses this opportunity 
                   to attack! He dives forward --slamming into the 
                   Viceroy --they both tumble into a long, vertical 
                   access tunnel -- they fall! 

                   Riker shoots out a hand and grabs a ladder -- the 
                   Viceroy, grabs onto Riker, his talons digging into his
                   uniform -- a long drop below them! 

                   Riker forces the Viceroy's head back -- away from him 
                   -- a brutal struggle.

                   Riker glares at him . 

                                           RIKER
                             Don't worry -- Hell is dark.

                   Riker uses every ounce of strength he has left -- 
                   pushes the Viceroy off him. 

                   The Viceroy falls down the long tunnel -- to his death. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 
                   
                   The whole Enterprise bridge QUAKES as the Scimitar 
                   continues to pull itself free. 

                   Picard stands, steadying himself on his command chair.


                                           PICARD
                             Data, I need you.

                   Data joins Picard as: 

                                           PICARD
                             Computer. Auto-destruct 
                             sequence Omega. Zero time 
                             delay. Recognize voice pattern 
                             Jean Luc Picard. Authorization 
                             Alpha Alpha Three Zero Five--

                                           COMPUTER 
                                     (V. O.)
                             Auto-destruct is off-line.

                   Then the ship gives a final LURCH. The Scimitar is 
                   free. 

                   An eerie moment of silence after the explosive tear-
                   ing and grinding. 

                   Picard watches through the gaping hole in the hull as 
                   the Scimitar backs away. Another section of the 
                   Scimitar disappears. Shinzon almost has his cloak back. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Shinzon stares at the Enterprise. 

                   A wave of sickness overcomes him for a moment, he 
                   doubles over. We actually see more veins appearing on 
                   his face. Time is running out. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Target disruptors. Destroy 
                             them.

                                           REMAN OFFICER
                             Disruptors are off-line, sir.

                   A beat. Shinzon looks up. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Deploy the weapon. Kill 
                             everything on that ship. Then 
                             set a course for Earth.

                                           REMAN OFFICER
                             What about Picard?

                                           SHINZON
                             Our greater goal is more 
                             important, brother.

                                           REMAN OFFICER
                             But, Praetor, you won't 
                             survive without him...

                   Shinzon gazes at the Enterprise on the viewscreen. 

                                           SHINZON
                             Some ideals are worth dying 
                             for, aren't they, Jean Luc?

                   EXT. RIFT. SPACE.

                   The entire Scimitar slowly begins to unfold. Like a 
                   gigantic version of the small spider-weapon we saw 
                   kill the Romulan Senators before, legs appear and 
                   hoist up a savage weapon. The Cascading Pulse. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   Picard and the others watch the monstrous Cascading 
                   Pulse weapon slowly deploying. 

                                           PICARD
                             How long until he can fire?

                                           GEORDI
                             The targeting sequence should 
                             take about four minutes.

                                           DEANNA
                             But how can he? He'll kill you.

                                           PICARD
                             This isn't about me anymore.

                   Picard's face is set, resolute. He knows what he must 
                   do. Picard grabs a phaser rifle from a weapons locker
                   as: 

                                           PICARD
                             Prepare for a site-to-site 
                             transport.

                                           GEORDI
                                     (Concerned)
                             Sir, we won’t be able to bring 
                             you back. It’s a one way trip. 
                             Captain, I don't know if the 
                             transporter...

                                           PICARD
                             That's an order, Commander.

                                           DATA
                             Sir, allow me to go. You are 
                             needed here.

                                           PICARD
                             Negative.

                                           DATA
                             Sir.

                   Deanna takes Data's arm. Looks at him. She knows this 
                   is something Picard must do himself. 

                                           DEANNA
                             Let him go.

                   Picard powers up the phaser rifle as: 

                                           PICARD
                                     (To Data)
                             You have the bridge, Commander.
                             Use all available power to 
                             move away from the Scimitar. 
                                     (To Geordi)  
                             Now, Mister La Forge.

                                           GEORDI
                             Aye, sir.

                   Geordi nervously works some controls on his console 
                   and Picard dematerializes. Then the transporter panel 
                   explodes in a shower of sparks 

                                           GEORDI
                             That's it. Transporters are 
                             down.

                   Data thinks for a moment. Then: 

                                           DATA
                             Counsellor Troi, please assume 
                             command. Geordi, if you will 
                             come with me.

                   He heads toward the turbolift, Geordi following. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. CORRIDOR. NIGHT. 

                   Several Remen warriors in the corridor turn an fire.  
                   Riker returns fire, a series of lightning fast pulses 
                   from his phaser rifle. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE FORWARD CORRIDOR. NIGHT. 

                   Data and Geordi stand in a long corridor. The far end 
                   of the corridor opens to space. An emergency force 
                   field is in place at the end of the corridor. 

                   Geordi operates a tricorder and another force field 
                   flickers on around him. 

                   Data looks toward the end of the corridor, readying 
                   himself. 

                                           DATA
                             What is our approximate 
                             distance?

                                           GEORDI
                                     (Scanning with 
                                      tricorder)

                             400 meters.

                                           DATA
                             Thank you.

                   Data backs up a little more. He looks at Geordi again.
                   Deeply. 

                                           DATA
                             Thank you, Geordi. Deactivate 
                             the field.

                   Geordi operates his tricorder and the force field at 
                   the end of the corridor snaps off -- 

                   The void of space fills the corridor and Data takes a 
                   running start -- he races down the long corridor and 
                   leaps -- 

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE.  

                   Into space. 

                   He floats toward the Scimitar, his momentum carrying 
                   him. Carrying him too far! 

                   He is going to miss the Scimitar --almost past it now!
                   He thrusts out a hand -- 

                   And just misses a piece of dangling wreckage! Data is 
                   floating helplessly through space. Doomed. Then he 
                   SLAMS into an invisible piece of the partially cloaked
                   on the ship! 

                   He grabs onto the invisible part of the ship and pulls
                   himself up to the hull. He rips open an access panel 
                   with his superior strength and climbs inside. 

                   INT. SCIMITAR. BRIDGE. NIGHT. 

                   Shinzon stands, his eyes glued to the Enterprise on 
                   the viewscreen. 

                   We see a monitor showing that the Cascading Pulse 
                   weapon is locked on the Enterprise. 

                   Most of the light on the shattered bridge now comes 
                   from the three steadily pulsing warp core relays which 
                   soar up through the floor. 

                                           COMPUTER 
                                     (V.O)
                             Forty-seven. Forty six...

                   Suddenly -- a MASSIVE BLAST as the doors to the bridge
                   explode in. Shinzon spins to see: 

                   Picard framed in the doorway, phaser rifle ready. 

                   Picard instantly fires for the Cascading Pulse control
                   -- but Shinzon dives to cover it -- the phaser blast 
                   hits Shinzon in the chest --he recoils, slamming to 
                   the deck, stunned. 

                   The few remaining Remans on the bridge spin to Picard,
                   firing disruptors -- Picard dives for cover and battles
                   them with his phaser rifle -- 

                   He succeeds in stunning the Remans but a final 
                   disruptor blast knocks Picard to the deck -- the phaser
                   rifle spins away - 

                                           COMPUTER 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Twenty nine... Twenty eight...

                   Shinzon pulls himself up and races to snatch up a 
                   disruptor from a fallen comrade. 

                   As Picard leaps up, grabbing a piece of wreckage, a 
                   long metal rod -- Picard thrusts it forward like a 
                   spear.

                   Impaling Shinzon. 

                   A stunned moment,of silence as Shinzon gazes at Picard,
                    almost with a look of disbelief. Blood spews from 
                   his mouth as he lets out a tormented cry. 

                   And then, amazingly, Shinzon forces himself forward -- 
                   pushing. 

                   Picard backs against a wall -- Shinzon slowly walks 
                   toward Picard, forcing himself down the length of the 
                   spear -- the spear point explodes through Shinzon's 
                   back --the weight of Shinzon's body is pinning Picard 
                   against the wall -- time is running out -- 

                                           COMPUTER 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Eighteen... Seventeen...

                   Shinzon forces himself down the spear: 

                                           SHINZON
                             I'm glad we're together now -- 
                             our destiny is complete.

                   He finally thrusts himself down the whole spear and 
                   clasps his dying hands firmly around Picard's throat.

                                           COMPUTER 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Ten... Nine...

                   Data sprints to the bridge.

                   He instantly tears open his wrist and pulls out the 
                   small, silver disc we saw earlier -- the Emergency 
                   Transport Unit --he slaps it on Picard's shoulder.  
                   A final look between them-

                                           COMPUTER 
                                     (V.O.)
                             Seven... Six...

                   Data activates the ETU -- Picard dematerializes. 

                   Data looks at the space where Picard was and says 
                   simply: 

                                           DATA
                             Goodbye.

                   Then he spins and pulls out his phaser. 

                   And fires point-blank into the Scimitar's warp core 
                   relays -- the bridge explodes -- Data is incinerated.

                   EXT. THE RIFT. SPACE. 

                   The Scimitar BLASTS APART in a massive flash. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING.

                   Picard re-materializes.

                   He sees the brilliant flash from the explosion through
                   the gaping ~ hole in the front of the bridge. 

                   Deanna sits at helm, her face a mask of pain. Geordi 
                   stands on the upper rear deck, head down. 

                   A long beat as Picard just stands on his ruined bridge,
                   the thousand-yard stare of a combat veteran in his 
                   eyes. 

                   Riker emerges from the turbolift. Goes to Picard. 

                                           RIKER
                             Sir?

                   Picard doesn't answer, he just stares forward. Deanna 
                   goes to Riker. 

                                           DEANNA
                             Data.

                   Riker looks toward the glowing debris field in the 
                   distance. He puts an arm around Deanna.

                   Silence. 

                                           GEORDI
                             Sir, we're being hailed.

                                           PICARD
                             On screen.

                   He remembers there is no longer a viewscreen.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             Open a channel.

                                           DONATRA 
                                     (V.O.)
                             This is Commander Donatra of 
                             the Valdore. We're dispatching 
                             shuttles with medical personnel
                             and supplies.

                                           PICARD
                             Thank you, Commander.

                   The transmission ends. 

                                           PICARD 
                                     (Flat)
                             Geordi... prepare the shuttle-
                             bay for arrivals. They don't 
                             know our procedures so 
                             just... open the doors.

                                           GEORDI
                             I'll take care of it, sir.

                                           PICARD
                             Number One. 
                                     (A beat) 
                             You have the bridge.

                   He turns and heads toward his Ready Room. 

                   The others watch him go with great sadness. 

                   When the Ready Room doors close behind Picard, Deanna 
                   finally allows herself to cry. Riker holds her 
                   closely. Slow fade to... 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. CREW LOUNGE. NIGHT.

                   Hours later. The senior crew is solemnly gathered in 
                   the shattered remains of the crew lounge. Picard, 
                   Riker, Deanna, Beverly, Worf, Geordi. 

                   They wear their dress uniforms. 

                   Picard goes to each of them. He carries a small, metal 
                   box. They each take something from the box. 

                   At first we, don’t quite see what they are doing. 
                   'Then we realize they are affixing black bars to the 
                   collars of their uniforms. 

                   Mourning bands. 

                   Picard pours six glasses of his precious Chateau 
                   Picard. Each takes a glass. 

                   Picard raises his glass. 

                                           PICARD
                             To absent friends... To family.

                   They toast Data. Slow fade to: 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. PICARD'S CABIN. NIGHT.

                   Picard sits at his desk, speaking quietly to someone 
                   we do not  see. 

                                           PICARD
                             I don't know if all this has 
                             made sense to you, but I 
                             wanted you to know what kind 
                             of man he was. In his quest to
                             be more like us, he helped 
                             show us what it means to be 
                             human.

                   We see it is the now re-activated B-9 sitting across 
                   from him. 

                                           B-9
                             My brother was not a human.

                                           PICARD 
                             No, he wasn't... But his wonder
                             and his curiosity about every 
                             facet of human life helped all 
                             of us see the best parts of 
                             ourselves. He embraced 
                             change... because he always 
                             wanted to be more than he was.

                                           B-9
                             I do not understand.

                                           PICARD
                             Well, I hope someday you will.

                   Worf interrupts on comm: 

                                           WORF 
                                     (V.O. on com)
                             Captain, the Hemingway has 
                             arrived to tow us to spacedock.

                                           PICARD
                             On my way. Please notify 
                             Commander Riker.

                   He stands, prepares to go.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             We'll talk later? 

                   The B-9 does not respond. He is looking rather blankly 
                   at padd on Picard's desk. 

                   Picard begins to leave when a sound stops him... 
                   humming.  He turns back to the B-9. 

                   The B-9 is still looking blankly at the padd... but 
                   he’s humming lightly to himself... then he begins to 
                   sing, very softly... 

                                           B-9
                             "Blue skies, smiling at me,
                             Nothing but blue skies do I 
                             see."

                   Then the B-9 is silent. 

                   Picard watches him for a moment; great emotion playing
                   over his features, and then goes. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR. NIGHT.

                   Picard and Riker head toward a turbolift making their 
                   way past the debris littering the corridor. 

                                           PICARD
                             I'm sorry you won't be here 
                             for the re-fit, but I know the 
                             Titan needs you immediately.

                   Riker does not respond. 

                   Picard stops, looks at Riker deeply.

                                           PICARD
                             The Titan's a fine ship, will.
                             And she's getting a captain 
                             worthy of her.

                                           RIKER
                             She's the most beautiful ship
                             I’ve ever seen. 

                   Riker touches a wall of the corridor. 

                                           RIKER
                                     (Cont'd)
                             But she's not the Enterprise.

                                           PICARD
                             I promise you in time, she'll 
                             become your home ...If I could 
                             offer you one piece of advice?

                                           RIKER 
                             Anything.

                                           PICARD
                             When your first officer insists
                             that you can't go on away 
                             missions... Ignore him.

                                           RIKER 
                                     (Smiles)
                             I intend to.

                   A moment. 

                                           RIKER
                                     (With difficulty)
                             Serving with you has been an 
                             honor.

                                           PICARD
                             The honor was mine. Captain 
                             Riker.

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE. SPACEDOCK. OVER EARTH. 

                   A few weeks later. The Enterprise is enclosed in the 
                   great womb of a spacedock. The ship is being rebuilt. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. BRIDGE. NIGHT.

                   A fresh-faced young officer, COMMANDER MARTIN MADDEN, 
                   paces nervously outside Picard's Ready Room. Bracing 
                   himself before entering. 

                   Behind him we can see technicians working everywhere 
                   around the bridge, trying to rebuild it. Worf is 
                   talking to a young officer at tactical and Geordi is 
                   working at the engineering station. We also see new 
                   command chairs being installed. 

                   (Although we do not see it in this scene, the gaping 
                   hole at the front of the bridge has not yet been 
                   repaired.) 

                   A young Andorian woman, the new OPS OFFICER, smiles 
                   at Madden's nervousness. Her antennae twitch slightly 
                   in amusement. He sees her. 

                                           MADDEN
                             So... what's the old man like?

                                           OPS OFFICER
                             Why don't you go in and find 
                             out?

                   Commander Madden prepares himself. 

                   INT. ENTERPRISE. READY ROOM. FOLLOWING. 

                   Picard is talking to Beverly on viewscreen. She is in 
                   her new office at Starfleet Medical. 

                                           BEVERLY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             You can' t imagine them, Jean 
                             Luc. They're kids! All with 
                             advance degrees in xenobiology
                             and out to conquer every 
                             disease in the quadrant.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Smiles) 
                             Reminds me of a young doctor I 
                             used to know...

                                           BEVERLY 
                                     (On viewscreen)
                             They're running me ragged. 
                             Nothing but question day and 
                             night... I love it! Come to 
                             dinner and 1'1 tell you all 
                             about it. There's a Bajoran 
                             band at the officer's mess.

                                           PICARD
                             Not tonight, I have work here.

                                           BEVERLY 
                                     (On viewscreen) 
                             Soon then.  I’ll save the last 
                             dance for you.

                   Commander Madden enters quickly -- he did not use the 
                   door chime so Picard is surprised. 

                                           MADDEN
                             Commander Martin Madden 
                             reporting for duty, sir.

                   Picard stands, they shake hands as: 

                                           PICARD
                             Welcome aboard, Commander. I 
                             hope, your transfer didn't 
                             come as too much of a 
                             surprise.

                                           MADDEN
                             I was... honored, sir.

                                           PICARD
                             I needed you immediately to 
                             help oversee the re-fit... 
                                     (Gathering up some 
                                      padds from his 
                                      desk) 
                             Your service record on the 
                             Talos is exemplary, but there 
                             are a few things I would like 
                             to discuss with you regarding 
                             my requirements for a First 
                             Officer. Shall we say dinner 
                             in my quarters at 1900 hours?

                                           MADDEN 
                             Very good, sir.

                   Picard heads toward the door, carrying a few padds. 

                                           PICARD
                             Commander, I don't know how 
                             they did it on the Talos, but 
                             we have door chimes on the 
                             Enterprise. We use them.

                                           MADDEN
                             Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.

                   Picard goes to the bridge, Madden following.

                   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE. FOLLOWING. 

                   They emerge to the bridge as Worf is arguing with the 
                   cocky young ENSIGN busy installing Picard's new high-
                   tech command chair. 

                                           WORF 
                             You don't understand the 
                             Captain -- there should be no 
                             changes until we have 
                             discussed the modifications 
                             with him.

                   Picard goes to them: 

                                           PICARD
                             What's this?

                                           WORF 
                                     (Grumbles)
                             Your new chair, sir.

                                           ENSIGN
                             It's the Mark Seven, Captain. 
                             State-of-the-art ergonomics... 
                             command interfaces with --

                                           WORF
                             I told him you're comfortable 
                             with your old chair.

                                           PICARD
                             Let's give it a try.

                   He settles into his new command chair. Looks around 
                   for a beat at his new bridge crew. Fresh-faced kids. 
                   A new generation to teach and nurture. He smiles. 

                                           PICARD
                             Feels good.

                   Worf and Geordi exchange a look, surprised. 

                                           ENSIGN 
                                     (Pointing)
                             Try that button, sir.

                   Picard presses a button on the chair and -- zip -- 
                   metal restraints fly into position around his waist 
                   and shoulders. Seatbelts! Picard is surprised. 

                   A beat. 

                   Then Picard smiles. 

                                           PICARD
                             It's about time.

                   He presses the button again and the restraints zip back
                   into the body of the chair. He is delighted. He turns 
                   to Madden: 

                                           PICARD
                             Commander, please sit down.

                   Madden sits in the First Officer's chair, Picard shares
                   a padd with him.

                                           PICARD
                                     (Cont'd)
                             We've received our first 
                             assignment. We're going to be 
                             exploring the Denab system. 
                             It should be exciting. It's a 
                             place... where no one has 
                             gone before.

                   And we cut to: 

                   EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACEDOCK. OVER EARTH. FOLLOWING. 

                   Through the hole in the hull we see Picard talking to 
                   Madden. Picard at work, at peace. Where he is meant to
                   be. 

                   We slowly pull back from Picard and the Enterprise. As 
                   we hear the B-9's soft tones. Gentle. Hopeful. 

                                           B-9 
                                     (V.O.)
                             "Never saw the sun shining so 
                             bright, Never saw things going 
                             so right. Noticing the days 
                             hurrying by,  When you're in 
                             love, my how they fly. Blue 
                             days, all of them gone, 
                             Nothing but blue skies from 
                             now on."

                   We revolve away from the Enterprise and Earth toward 
                   the stars. Then ZOOM forward into the cosmos as the 
                   rousing "Next Generation" theme explodes over END 
                   CREDITS. 

                                           <u>THE END</u>
