











                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                         "Half a Life" 
                          #40274-196 
                              
                           Story by 
              Ted Roberts and Peter Allan Fields 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                      Peter Allan Fields 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Les Landau 


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

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 This script is not for publication or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

                         FINAL DRAFT

                      FEBRUARY 22, 1991

           STAR TREK: "Half a Life" - 2/22/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "Half a Life" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             LWAXANA TROI
                RIKER              MR. HOMN
                DATA               TIMICIN
                BEVERLY            DARA
                TROI               B'TARDAT
                GEORDI              
                WORF               
                O'BRIEN            

                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    

           STAR TREK: "Half a Life" - 2/22/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "Half a Life" 
                      
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              CORRIDORS
                NEAR TURBOLIFTS
              LWAXANA'S QUARTERS
              TIMICIN'S QUARTERS
          
            KAELON TWO
              B'TARDAT'S OFFICE

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - 2/22/91 - TEASER         1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                         "Half A Life"                              
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship moves into a synchronous orbit around a
	planet... Kaelon Two.

					TROI (V.O.)
			Counselor Deanna Troi, personal
			log, stardate 44805.3...

2    INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE TURBOLIFT

	The turbolift doors open, and PICARD emerges rather
	tentatively. Before taking a step, he looks both right
	and left to ensure the coast is clear. Over This:

					TROI (V.O.)
				(Continuing)
			... My mother is on board.

	Picard's taken about two steps before LWAXANA TROI
	sweeps INTO FRAME from a doorway, with:

					LWAXANA
				(ebullient)
			Jean-Luc, you delicious man, you
			were just thinking of me, weren't
			you?

					PICARD
			As a matter of fact, I...

					LWAXANA
			Well think no further, Dear
			Heart... She's here!

	She winds her arm through his; will move with him along
	the corridor, as:

					PICARD
			Yes, indeed.

					LWAXANA
			Serious; always so serious.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - TEASER      2.

2    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Well at the moment, Lwaxana, I
			am rather busy.

					LWAXANA
			And you're always busy with
			something or other.
				(sultry)
			Never the right thing, though.
			My daughter says we're picking
			up someone interesting here?

					PICARD
			Yes. The leading scientist of
			Kaelon Two and...

					LWAXANA
			Kaelon Two? Never heard of it.

	In desperation, Picard resorts to reason.

					PICARD
			This is a delicate situation,
			Lwaxana... our first real contact
			with a very reclusive people...
				(trying to disengage)
			And as it will be something of
			an official greeting...

					LWAXANA
			Ah, diplomacy; I adore diplomacy.
			Everyone dresses so well...

3    INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM ONE

	GEORDI waiting; O'BRIEN alongside his panel -- as
	Picard and the still-entwined Lwaxana ENTER.

					PICARD
			Energize, please, Mister O'Brien.

4    INCLUDING TIMICIN (OPTICAL)

	as he MATERIALIZES. A big, in-shape, inordinately
	handsome man of sixty, he will stand stony-faced and
	motionless. An imposing, and at first almost menacing,
	figure, carrying a metallic clothing case. He is
	humorless, colorless, distant... even wary.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - TEASER      3.

4    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Doctor Timicin? I am Jean-Luc
			Picard, Captain of The Enterprise.
			This is Lieutenant Commander La
			Forge.

	Not a flicker of response from the grim visaged
	Timicin. He glances around with anxious curiosity
	like a man who just stepped off the boat at Ellis
	Island.

					PICARD
				(Continuing; beat)
			We welcome you aboard, Sir.

5    CLOSE - TIMICIN

	gathers himself slightly...

					TIMICIN
			I beg your pardon, Captain...
			this is my first time aboard a
			Federation starship...

	Picard extends his hand and it takes Timicin a beat to
	realize its significance...

					TIMICIN
			Oh yes, they told me... shaking
			of hands... a greeting...

	He shakes hands with Picard. Lwaxana CLEARS HER
	THROAT pointedly.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - TEASER      4.

5    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Ah, I beg your pardon. Doctor
			Timicin, may I present Lwaxana
			Troi, of Betazed; also a guest
			on board, and...

	Timicin awkwardly extends a hand... and she wraps her
	arm around his arm moving ever so close to him, smiling
	to the rather taken back fellow... Throughout:

					LWAXANA
				(overriding)
			... And Daughter of The Fifth
			House, Holder of the Sacred
			Chalice of Rixx, Heir to the Holy
			Rings of Betazed, and what are
			you doing for dinner?

					TIMICIN
			Well, I...
				(eyes others)
			... I don't know, really.

					PICARD
			We have quite a bit of work
			planned...

					LWAXANA
			The man's never been on a
			starship before, Jean-Luc...
			somebody certainly ought to make
			him comfortable before you get
			started.

	She starts to lead him out...

					PICARD
			It, uh... would seem Mrs. Troi
			is our acting ambassador of good
			will today.

	Exit line --

					LWAXANA
				(vamping him)
			Just think of me as your
			Entertainment Director.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - TEASER      5.

5    CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			That man is in a lot of trouble.

	He and O'Brien exchange looks. The latter nods
	ruefully, as we

6    OMITTED

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT ONE      6.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

7    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Sweeping through space at warp speed.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log. Stardate 44805.7.
			For generations, the people of
			Kaelon Two have been working to
			revitalize their dying sun. The
			Federation has offered to assist
			in testing what may be a solution
			to this problem.

8    INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, RIKER, Timicin, DATA, TROI, BEVERLY and Geordi,
	who holds a PADD. Timicin is still remote, cool and
	official though not unfriendly...

					TIMICIN
				(mid-conversation)
			The basic theories for helium
			fusion enhancement have been
			discussed for over a century...
			but there's been no method of
			practical application until now...

					DATA
			The modifications that you have
			made on the torpedo's guidance
			systems are remarkable, doctor...

	Timicin doesn't smile... he's a man who doesn't easily
	accept a compliment... especially from a stranger...

					TIMICIN
			We'll see. They still have to
			be proven in a practical test.

	As he gestures toward it, we see for the first time, an
	image of a red giant star displayed on the MONITOR.

					TIMICIN
				(continuing)
			At least, now it is possible.
			I never dared hope to find such
			a perfect match with our own sun.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT ONE      7.

8    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(nods)
			Our only regret is that it took
			us three years to find a suitable
			star after you first contacted
			us.

	Timicin clears his throat... obviously struggling to
	say something personal here... it doesn't come
	easily...

					TIMICIN
			This means a great deal to us,
			to me... We are not used to
			dealing with other worlds... to
			asking for anything from others.
			But your offer to help... it has
			given us a possible means to our
			survival.

					GEORDI
			It's your work that's made this
			possible, Doctor...

					BEVERLY
			That's right, we're only the
			delivery service here...

					TIMICIN
				(humble)
			It has taken forty years of my
			life to develop the programming
			which will control your photon
			torpedos... it has been my life...
			my only wish has been to find a
			way to revive our sun before I
			die... thank you for giving me
			this opportunity.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT ONE      8.

9    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	WORF at his post, contending with a superficially
	inquisitive Lwaxana. Supernumeraries at other posts.

					WORF
			Mrs. Troi, I must protest your
			unauthorized presence on the
			Bridge.

					LWAXANA
				(touching panel)
			What does this little one do,
			Mister Woof?

					WORF
				(quickly)
			Please, Madame! That is a
			torpedo launch initiator. And
			it, uh... it is Worf, Madame; not
			Woof.

					LWAXANA
			Oh.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT ONE      9.

10   ANGLE INCLUDING RIKER, TROI & TIMICIN

	as they ENTER the Bridge.

					LWAXANA
				(Continuing; to Troi)
			Ah, there you are, dear; I've been
			waiting for you.

	But Lwaxana walks right past her daughter to Timicin.

					LWAXANA
				(Continuing)
			And so nice to see you again so
			soon.

					TIMICIN
				(awkward smile)
			Mrs. Troi.

					TROI
			Yes, Mother, what did you want?

					LWAXANA
				(lost)
			What?

					TROI
			You were waiting for me.

					LWAXANA
			Of course I was, dear.
				(to Timicin)
			You really must let me do
			something to relieve the tedium
			of all this work, work, work...

					TIMICIN
			As a matter of fact, we really
			haven't...

					TROI
			Mother.

					LWAXANA
			Yes, dear. You go play now;
			mother'll be fine.

					TROI
			Mother!

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT ONE     10.

10   CONTINUED:

					TIMICIN
			I'm afraid I'm expected in
			Engineering. I'm really terribly
			sorry...

					RIKER
			Mrs. Troi? I'll have to ask you
			to clear the Bridge now, please.

					LWAXANA
			I don't see why. There are lots
			of other people here.

					TROI
			Mother? Please!

	Lwaxana will sweep out, unintimidated and unabashed,
	as:

					LWAXANA
				(to Timicin; brightly)
			Don't you worry, we'll just have
			to chat a bit later.

	Lwaxana EXITS. Timicin, looks after her curiously...

					TIMICIN
			I'd never have thought her old
			enough to be your mother. She's
			so... vibrant.

11   CLOSE - TROI

	Though Smiling politely in reply, she'll take a deep
	breath and roll her eyes slightly as she turns away.

12   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Still at warp speed.

13   INT. ENGINEERING

	It's clearly been a long session; the pool table is
	littered with PADDs and styluses. As Timicin, Geordi,
	and Data examine a schematic of a photon torpedo
	displayed on a monitor...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT ONE     11.

13   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(mid-discussion)
			Is that why you reset the torpedo
			sustainer engines to run on less
			reactants?

					TIMICIN
			Exactly... once we were able to
			protect the triggering mechanism,
			the flight engine power levels
			could be minimized...
				(moving to another
				 console)
			... now if we take a look at
			another simulation, you'll see
			that the temperature should
			stabilize at two-twenty...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT ONE     12.

14   INCLUDING LWAXANA & MR. HOMN

	He is interrupted by the opening of the doors and the
	swooping ENTRANCE of Lwaxana -- who'll be followed by
	her valet, MR. HOMN. He is carrying a picnic basket
	loaded with (covered) picnic fare. Throughout:

					LWAXANA
			Enough is enough; rescue is at
			hand. Doctor Timicin, will you
			clear all that mess from the
			table, please?

					GEORDI
			That mess? Mrs. Troi...

					LWAXANA
			Now now now, you've been shut up
			in here for hours; perfectly
			ridiculous.
				(to Timicin)
			The table, please.

	Timicin is a little overwhelmed by the energy of this
	woman... glances at Geordi... begins to tentatively
	clear the table... as she continues...

					LWAXANA
				(continuing)
			If you boys don't eat something
			you're going to be sick and who's
			that going to help? I've made
			some irresistible Mantickian pate.
			Mister Homn will lay it out for
			us.

	As Mister Homn acknowledges this with a bow, Lwaxana
	explains to a bemused Timicin...

					LWAXANA
			Mister Homn is my valet. He
			doesn't say much.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT ONE     13.

14   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(mutters)
			How can he?

					DATA
			It is true that the intellectual
			efficiency of high order beings
			does diminish proportionately when
			the deprivation of rest or
			nutritious fuel is...

					GEORDI
				(interrupts; gives up)
			All right, all right; don't you
			start.

					TIMICIN
			Mrs. Troi...

	And his voice turns all heads to him... has he had
	enough, is he fed up with her? Is this where he cuts
	her off? A dramatic pause...

					TIMICIN
			You are a wise woman. I'm sure
			we could use a respite.

					LWAXANA
			These two call me Mrs. Troi. You
			call me Lwaxana. Mister Homn?
			Spread it.

	As Hohm spreads the tablecloth over the pool table,
	Goerdi sighs and frowns... but for the first time since
	we've met him, Timicin smiles.

14A  INT. TURBOLIFT

	As Lwaxana and Timicin ENTER...

					LWAXANA
			So, knowing that my daughter's
			starship would be passing fairly
			close to Betazed, I maneuvered
			a ride, and here I am.
				(to Com)
			Deck Eight.

	As the turbolift starts to move, Lwaxana reacts to...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT ONE     14.

14A  CONTINUED:

					TIMICIN
			I also have a grown daughter.
			She has a little boy of her own.

					LWAXANA
			Then you're married.

					TIMICIN
			My wife died quite some time ago.

	Off her reaction...

15   INT. CORRIDOR

	Lwaxana and Timicin EXIT the turbolift. As the walk
	down the corridor...

					LWAXANA
			One thing I don't understand...
			if your people have known for
			generations that their sun is
			dying... why not simply evacuate
			the planet?

					TIMICIN
			It is our home... it defines who
			we are as a people. If Kaelon
			ceases to exist... so do we...

					LWAXANA
			Then you definitely should fix
			it.

	They come to a stop outside the door to Lwaxana's
	Quarters.

					TIMICIN
			With the Federation's help... I
			hope we will.

					LWAXANA
			And the Federation is pleased to
			offer whatever help it can. Which
			means you will come in for a
			nightcap?

					TIMICIN
			That's extremely kind of you,
			but...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT ONE     15.

15   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			My valet sleeps elsewhere.

	He chuckles.

					TIMICIN
			You are delightful. You make
			me laugh. I mean, I don't mean
			your invitation makes me laugh...
			I mean I take it quite seriously
			but...

					LWAXANA
			Then say yes. And I'll make you
			laugh some more.

					TIMICIN
				(beat)
			I... wish I could. But I have
			to say "no".

	And there is clear regret in his eyes... but this is
	the right thing to do...

					TIMICIN
			Goodnight, Lwaxana.

	She's disappointed, but undaunted. She throws him a
	last coy smile as she disappears into her quarters. He
	turns toward his own door -- has a second thought --
	turns back and raises his hand preparatory to Ringing
	the Chime -- but catches himself. His face reflects
	that he is troubled beyond what he's allowed her to
	see. He finally turns again and goes through into his
	own quarters.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

        STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - 2/22/91 - ACT TWO        16.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

16   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The great ship approaches a red giant star.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, Stardate 44807.5.
			The Enterprise has arrived at the
			Praxillus system, where we will
			conduct Doctor Timicin's helium
			ignition test.

17   OMITTED

18   INT. LWAXANA'S QUARTERS

	Mister Homn presents item after item to her as Lwaxana
	selects just the right gown and just the right
	accessories to go with it. As Troi watches this from
	the side...

					TROI
			Mother, how much...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT TWO     17.

18   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.)
				(cutting her off)
			Little one... why do you refuse
			to use telepathy even when we are
			alone?

	Troi gestures toward Mister Homn.

					TROI
			We are not alone, Mother. Now
			how much longer will this take?
			You've been selecting for twenty
			minutes.

					LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.)
			I am a woman dressing for a man.
			Something you might try now and
			then, dear. I wonder if Timicin
			likes green.

					TROI
			That's not very telepathic of you.

					LWAXANA
				(aloud)
			I tried telepathy on him; he's
			the wrong species. Right species
			for everything else, though. And
			you might try that once in a
			while, too.

					TROI
			You know, you're not just
			incorrigible; you're insatiable.

19   OMITTED

20   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Riker in their Command Chairs; Data, Worf
	and Supernumeraries at their posts.

					WORF
			Captain... I have completed long
			range scans. No life forms are
			present in the system.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT TWO     18.

20   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Spacecraft?

					WORF
			No others within sensor range...

	Picard nods, then speaks to the com...

					PICARD
			Picard to Engineering...

21   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi at his console, Timicin at another nearby, and
	SUPERNUMERARIES in attendance. They all react to...

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			... the system is clear, Mister
			La Forge.

	Timicin and Geordi exchange nods and start working...

					GEORDI
			Final pre-launch diagnostic.
			Level Five.

	Timicin, at a console...

					TIMICIN
			All systems verified.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			We're ready when you are, Captain.

22   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Very well. Mister Worf?

					WORF
			Photon torpedoes... armed and
			targeted.

					PICARD
			Fire in sequence.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT TWO     19.

23   EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In quick succession, ten photon torpedoes spew forth
	one by one.

24   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Worf responds to his board...

					WORF
			First volley released...

					DATA
			Tracking torpedoes... entry
			program confirmed.

					WORF
			Second volley released... third
			volley...

25   EXT. SPACE - ON STAR BETA PRAXILLUS (OPTICAL)

	As the torpedoes start to strike, we begin seeing the
	onset of the SECONDARY EXPLOSIONS.

26
thru	OMITTED
27

28   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi works at his console... Timicin at his.

					GEORDI
			Torpedoes now entering the stellar
			core.

					TIMICIN
			Their shields are holding.
			Guidance systems normal.

					GEORDI
			Ignition sequence... six
			seconds... three seconds... Now.

      STAR TREK: "Half A Life" -REV. 2/28/91 - ACT TWO      20.

29   EXT. PRAXILLUS (OPTICAL)

	We see the massive PRIMARY EXPLOSION deep in the star's
	core... stirring its fiery red surface.

30   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	Geordi reads off data as...

					GEORDI
			Shock wave patterns within
			predicted range. Seventeen
			hundred percent rise in gamma
			radiation levels. Helium
			fusion rate increasing...

					TIMICIN
				(concern showing)
			What about the heat and pressure
			levels?

					GEORDI
			Steady so far. Density at eleven
			hundred grams per cubic
			centimeter. Temperature
			approaching sixty million degrees
			Kelvin.

					TIMICIN
			We want it to stabilize at two
			hundred and twenty million.

31   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Data makes his own report...

					DATA
			Pressure wave harmonics
			dispersing. Temperature in target
			zone increasing... to eighty-one
			million degrees.

32   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

					GEORDI
			Still rising. Ninety million
			degrees Kelvin... And now one
			hundred ten million.
				(to Timicin)
			Looking good.

	Timicin's emotions are peaking. Obviously, this means
	everything to him.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/28/91 - ACT TWO     21.

33   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Everyone reacts to...

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			One hundred thirty-seven...

					DATA
				(re his board)
			Radiation and pressure levels
			still stable.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Temperature one hundred sixty
			million degrees Kelvin...

34   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	Geordi and Timicin are starting to feel very good...
	their confidence rising along with the temperature
	level on Praxillus.

					GEORDI
			One seventy... one ninety...
			Now two hundred million...

					TIMICIN
				(thrilled)
			It's happening.

35   EXT. PRAXILLUS - (OPTICAL)

	The star's turbulent surface is changing color...
	transforming from a bright red into a brilliant yellow
	as it shrinks in size by about thirty percent.

36   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	Everyone is tense, but hopeful.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT TWO     22.

36   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Two-oh-seven, and rising.
				(beat)
			Two-nineteen...
				(whoopee!)
			And twenty! Two twenty!
				(long beat)
			And holding!

	This is the triumph of Timicin's life... a dream come
	true. As he beams at Geordi...

					GEORDI
			Looks like congratulations may
			be in order.

37   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	An amazed Picard and Riker turn to the viewer... and
	the image of the revitalized, gleaming yellow star.

					PICARD
				(hopeful)
			Mister Data?

					DATA
			Turbulence patterns are within
			predicted parameters.

38   INT. ENGINEERING

	All smiles here. An air of hope and celebration.
	When...

39   CLOSE - GEORDI (OPTICAL)

	Still with one eye on the monitor, his face suddenly
	deadens, with:

					GEORDI
				(quietly)
			Two-twenty-two...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT TWO     23.

40   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	There is suddenly dead, stunned silence on the Main
	Bridge as Data monitors his board...

					DATA
			Temperature is rising in the core
			again, Captain. Two hundred and
			thirty million degrees Kelvin...

41   INT. ENGINEERING

	Timicin stands rooted; frozen in place. As...

					GEORDI
				(dull, flat)
			... Now two-fifty-one. Still
			rising. Two hundred sixty million
			degrees.

42   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					DATA
			Rate exceeding critical levels.
			Core density becoming unstable.

					RIKER
			Let's get the hell out of here.

	Picard turns to the helm...

					PICARD
			Warp two, Ensign; now!

43   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND PRAXILLUS (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise takes off, moving OUT OF FRAME at warp
	speed. HOLD on Praxillus. Beat; then the star
	EXPLODES in a nova-like reaction.

44   INT. ENGINEERING - CLOSE ON TIMICIN'S REACTION

	He is totally shattered; sinking into an all-consuming
	misery.

        STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - 2/22/91 - ACT TWO        24.

45   ANGLE INCLUDING GEORDI

	Geordi doesn't know what to do or say.

					GEORDI
			I'm sorry.

	Timicin acknowledges this with a nod; moves
	automaton-like toward the doorway -- then stops, for:

					TIMICIN
				(to com)
			Captain Picard? Permit me...

46
thru	OMITTED
47

48   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	as all listen sadly to:

					TIMICIN'S COM VOICE
				(Continuing)
			... to express my appreciation to
			you and your crew. I am...

49   INT. ENGINEERING

					TIMICIN
				(Continuing)
			... most grateful.
				(quietly to Geordi)
			Most grateful.

	Timicin turns; EXITS. Geordi can only stand there.

50   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	There is nothing else to do or say. But...

					PICARD
				(to helm)
			Ensign... set a course for Kaelon
			Two. Warp factor five.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT TWO     25.

51   INT. TEN FORWARD (OPTICAL) - START ON TIMICIN

	seated staring ahead, out at the stars; at nothing,
	really. PULL BACK AND WIDEN to Discover Lwaxana, as
	she approaches. She Pauses briefly, noting his mood
	-- then moves to place a commiserating hand on his
	shoulder.

					LWAXANA
			Timicin, I'm so sorry.

	He can only Nod, forcing a flicker of a polite smile
	which lasts about a second. Still watching him with
	close concern, Lwaxana sits, rather tentatively -- not
	knowing what to say next. Finally, she plays against
	the moment, albeit without the usual flippancy in voice
	or manner.

					LWAXANA
				(softly; at stars)
			I had one of those named after
			me once; by a brilliant young
			astronomer from Rigel Four.
				(trying to evoke his
				 smile)
			Of course, I sparkled a bit myself
			in those days.
				(beat; seeking any
				 response)
			That's called fishing for a
			compliment. You're supposed to
			tell me that I still sparkle.
				(beat; softly)
			I'm sorry, I'm not helping, am
			I?

					TIMICIN
			You're very kind. I'm just not
			adequate company right now.

					LWAXANA
			That's all right, I can make
			enough conversation for both of
			us.

	He's unresponsive despite himself -- and, sensitive
	to that, she now begins to rise, with:

					LWAXANA
				(Continuing)
			I'll leave you alone.

        STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - 2/22/91 - ACT TWO        26.

51   CONTINUED:

					TIMICIN
				(suddenly)
			No. Please stay... I wanted to
			tell you how much I wish that...
			That we had met... years ago.

					LWAXANA
			What difference do a few years
			make?

	She covers his hand with hers. Gives him a meaningful
	look.

					TIMICIN
			Unfortunately, a great deal.
				(beat)
			The fact is, Lwaxana... I'm going
			home now... to die.

52   REACTION - LWAXANA

	Open-mouthed, but speechless. Aghast, as we --

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT THREE    27.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

53   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit around Kaelon Two again...

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 44812.6.
			We are orbiting Kaelon Two, and
			have established contact with
			Science Minister B'tardat.

54   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker, and Data are facing the viewer, on which
	appears the image of the youngish Science Minister
	B'TARDAT -- who is quiet-voiced and courteous, but
	pronouncedly aloof.

					PICARD
				(mid-discussion)
			The experiment did achieve a
			stable core temperature for a
			short time, Minister... that is
			a significant step forward...

					RIKER
			We're studying the sensor logs
			and torpedo telemetry to see if
			there was any malfunction... if
			we can discover the problem,
			another test might be successful.

					B'TARDAT
			But wouldn't that require a
			lengthy search to find a suitable
			star for a second test?

					PICARD
			The Federation is willing to
			assist in the search.

					RIKER
			In the meantime, all of our
			facilities would be available to
			Doctor Timicin while he analyzes
			the experiment.

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT THREE    28.

54   CONTINUED:

					B'TARDAT
			A most thoughtful and generous
			offer. But Timicin has
			obligations at home. And it will
			take some time to select his
			replacement.

					PICARD
				(after a beat)
			We're more than willing to extend
			our visit, sir.

					B'TARDAT
			That will not be necessary.
			We'll contact you when we're
			ready.
				(a beat)
			We expect Timicin to return home
			as soon as possible. Again,
			gentlemen, thank you.

	B'Tardat's image DISAPPEARS from the viewer. Before
	any one can comment, the door CHIMES.

					PICARD
			Come...

55   INCLUDING LWAXANA

	as she marches into the room.

					LWAXANA
			Jean-Luc, are you aware that these
			people you're so graciously
			helping, are murderers?

					PICARD
			I beg your pardon?

       STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - 2/22/91 - ACT THREE       29.

55   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			Well the next thing to it. When
			a person on this benighted little
			world reaches the age of sixty,
			which Timicin is about to do,
			they're expected to simply kill
			themselves. Did you know that?

	Picard reacts to this, turns to Data for confirmation.

					PICARD
			Mister Data?

					DATA
			The people of Kaelon Two are
			isolationists. Almost to the
			point of being xenophobes.
			Regrettably, we know very little
			about their customs.

					LWAXANA
			Well, I know -- Timicin himself
			just told me. He's supposed to
			go down there to his loving
			friends; be wined, dined, honored
			for his achievements and then kill
			himself. It's a barbaric ritual.
			"The Resolution", it's called.
				(a beat)
			Obviously, you can't let him go,
			Jean-Luc.

					PICARD
			I'm afraid I have no choice.

					LWAXANA
			I don't think you've been
			listening to me. The man is
			supposed to kill himself! You
			don't just let that happen. You
			don't just turn your back. What's
			the matter with you!

					PICARD
			Lwaxana, I'm sorry, but I have
			no jurisdiction here; irrespective
			of any personal feelings. We
			simply cannot interfere --

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT THREE    30.

55   CONTINUED: (2)

					LWAXANA
			But you have to. In a situation
			like this, you absolutely have
			to interfere.
				(almost pleading)
			Go down there and talk to those
			people, Jean-Luc. Do all the
			things you do so well... open
			their eyes, educate them...

					PICARD
				(gently, but firmly)
			The Prime Directive forbids us
			to interfere with the social order
			of any planet.

	Lwaxana's eyes flash with anger.

					LWAXANA
			It's your Prime Directive -- not
			mine!

	Infuriated by her frustration and helplessness, Lwaxana
	wheels around; rushes OUT.

					PICARD
			Computer? Locate Counselor Troi.

56   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM ONE

	An irate Lwaxana faces a reluctantly stalwart O'Brien.

					LWAXANA
			What d'you mean I "can't" go down
			there? Are you telling me I'm
			a prisoner on this ship?

57   INCLUDING TROI (OPTICAL)

	as, anxiously, she ENTERS, with:

					TROI
			Mother? What's going on? What
			are you doing?

					O'BRIEN
				(to Troi)
			I'm sorry, Counselor, but... I'm
			not sure what to do here.

       STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - 2/22/91 - ACT THREE       31.

57   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			Well I'm sure.
				(to Troi)
			I am a Betazoid ambassador; the
			Daughter of the Fifth House, and
			those people are going to
			answer to me!
				(to O'Brien)
			So you just energize this damned
			thing and get me down there!

					TROI
			He can't, Mother. he has his
			orders.

					LWAXANA
			His orders don't apply to me.

					TROI
			No, they apply to him.

					LWAXANA
			Don't try your professional
			patronizing on me, young lady.
			They expect Timicin to die, don't
			you realize that? He expects to
			die. Because he's sixty! What
			is sixty; it's nothing!

	Lwaxana is for the moment too choked by her Tears to
	speak further. Troi looks over at O'Brien -- a Silent
	Plea for a few moments of familial privacy.

					O'BRIEN
				(awkwardly)
			I'll, uh... go check the pattern
			buffers.

	O'Brien takes a step toward the doors; has a thought;
	turns --and locks off his instrument panel -- before
	finally EXITING.

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT THREE    32.

58   TROI & LWAXANA

	Now slipping her arm around Lwaxana's shoulder, Troi
	will lead her (still most gently) toward the
	transporter pad -- on which they'll wind up sitting;
	closely. Throughout:

					TROI (TELEPATHIC V.O.)
			Come on, Mother, let's sit down.

					LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.)
				(tearful; confused)
			I'm sorry, little one. I don't
			know what's wrong with me. I'm
			sorry.

					TROI (TELEPATHIC V.O.)
			There's no need to be.

					LWAXANA (TELEPATHIC V.O.)
			But I'm crying. I don't cry.

					TROI (TELEPATHIC V.O.)
			You cried when father died.

					LWAXANA
				(aloud)
			You remember that?

					TROI
			Of course I remember. We both
			cried.

					LWAXANA
			But this isn't the same... Is
			it?

					TROI
			What do you think, Mother?

	Lwaxana thinks about it. Sighs.

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT THREE    33.

58   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			I don't know. I just can't
			accept that fate would allow me
			to meet him like this... and then
			take him away. He's not ill. He
			hasn't had a tragic accident.
			He's just going to die... for no
			good reason... except his society
			has decided he's too old... so
			they dispose of him. As though
			his life no longer has value or
			meaning.

	Troi is silent for a beat, studies her mother... gives
	her space to say more as a good therapist knows to
	do... finally...

					LWAXANA
			You can't possibly understand
			at your age... but at mine...
			sometimes, you feel tired. And
			afraid.

					TROI
				(surprised)
			You... afraid? I never could
			tell...

					LWAXANA
			You weren't supposed to. Life
			really does pass, Deanna. The
			fun of it; the joy; the... being
			attractive.

					TROI
			You're feeling very vulnerable;
			very...
				(gentle smile)
			... mortal, if I may say so. I
			know you so well, Mother. And
			believe me, you will never be one
			of those who dies before they die.

	Now it's Lwaxana who puts her arm around Troi. After a
	quiet beat...

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT THREE    34.

59
thru	OMITTED
60

61   INT. TIMICIN'S QUARTERS

	Timicin enters data on a PADD... not happy with what
	he sees. Then as the door CHIMES...

					TIMICIN
			Come in.

	Lwaxana ENTERS, the antithesis of her usual flighty
	self. They study each other for a long moment. Then
	she manages a smile. He gestures toward the PADD.

					TIMICIN
			I've been studying the preliminary
			reports from the test. I don't
			understand where I went wrong...
			I thought I'd anticipated all of
			the variables; deep convection
			patterns, the proton reactions,
			neutrino count...

	He shakes his head.

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT THREE    35.

61   CONTINUED:

	Without coyness or invitation, she moves behind him --
	begins to knead his weary shoulder and neck muscles.

					TIMICIN
			I'll say it again. You're a kind
			woman.

					LWAXANA
			I'm a hateful woman. I hate what
			you're going to do, and I hate
			you for doing it.

	He reaches up to place his hand on hers as she massages
	him; then draws her gently around to sit facing him on
	the edge of the chair.

62   CLOSER

	as they face each other; intimately. The electricity
	between them heightens.

					TIMICIN
			It's the way of my world. I wish
			you could accept that.

	Their faces move closer together. Almost touching now.

					LWAXANA
			I never will... Never...

       STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - 2/22/91 - ACT THREE       36.

62   CONTINUED:

	And THEY KISS, as we:

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     37.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

63   INT. TIMICIN'S QUARTERS

	Dark. Lwaxana, dressed in a man's robe, sits in a
	chair near the bed, staring at Timicin as he sleeps.
	He stirs, realizes she's not beside him, looks over and
	sees her watching him. He sits up. He is wearing
	pajamas.

					TIMICIN
			How long have you been sitting
			there?

					LWAXANA
			I'm not sure. A minute. An hour.

					TIMICIN
			Lwaxana...

					LWAXANA
			Do you want anything... some
			tea... ?

					TIMICIN
			Lwaxana, I want to explain. I
			want very much for you to
			understand.

	She studies him. There's no way in hell she'll ever
	understand.

					TIMICIN
			Until fifteen or twenty centuries
			ago, we had no "Resolution"; no
			such concern for our Elders. As
			people aged, their health failed;
			they became invalids. Those who
			could no longer be cared for by
			their families were put away in
			deathwatch facilities, where they
			simply waited in loneliness for
			the end to come; often for years.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     38.

63   CONTINUED:

					TIMICIN (Cont'd)
			They had meant something; and then
			they were forced to live past
			that; through a terrible time of
			meaning nothing; of knowing they
			could now only be the
			beneficiaries of younger people's
			patience. We are no longer that
			cruel, Lwaxana.

					LWAXANA
				(not buying it)
			No, you're not cruel to them.
			You just kill them!

	She gets up and moves away... Timicin sighs, gets out
	of bed, puts on a robe, follows her...

					TIMICIN
			The Resolution is a celebration
			of life... we can end our lives
			with dignity...

					LWAXANA
			"Celebration of life"... it all
			sounds very noble, very caring.
			What you're really saying is you
			got rid of the problem by getting
			rid of the people...

					TIMICIN
			I know it must sound that way...
				(redefining it)
			It is a time of transition...
			one generation handing the
			responsibilities of life to the
			next...

					LWAXANA
			What about the responsibility of
			taking care of the elderly?

					TIMICIN
			But that would create a dreadful
			burden for our children...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 3/4/91 - ACT FOUR     39.

63   CONTINUED: (2)

					LWAXANA
			We raise them and care for them,
			suffer for them and keep them from
			harm their whole lives...
			eventually, it's their turn to
			take care of us.

					TIMICIN
			No parent should expect to be paid
			back for the love they've given
			their children.

					LWAXANA
			Why the hell not.

	Timicin shakes his head, laughs to himself... this
	woman is something.

64
thru	OMITTED
66

67   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	She goes to a food dispenser...

					LWAXANA
				(to com)
			Oskoids.

	As it MATERIALIZES... the oskoids are a leafy finger
	food.

					TIMICIN
			What's that?

					LWAXANA
			Oskoids. A Betazed delicacy.

					TIMICIN
			Looks interesting.

	Instead of giving him some, she casually walks away
	with it as...

					LWAXANA
			You should have tried it while
			you were still alive. No reason
			to bother now.

	She sits, munches on an oskoid.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     40.

67   CONTINUED:

					LWAXANA
			Why sixty? Why not... sixty-two...
			or fifty-eight...

					TIMICIN
			A reasonable age had to be set...

					LWAXANA
			... but it's not reasonable...
			certainly not in your case.
			Right now, you're as healthy and
			vital a man as I've ever known.

					TIMICIN
			... And I want to say good-bye to
			my family and colleagues while I'm
			still that way... in complete
			command of my faculties... knowing
			they'll always remember me as a
			strong, vigorous man.

					LWAXANA
			But it makes no sense. Some of
			your people could still be active
			at seventy or eighty... others
			might get seriously ill at
			fifty... how cruel of you to make
			them wait so long to commit
			suicide...

					TIMICIN
			Setting a standard age for the
			resolution makes it uniform for
			everybody. To ask each individual
			family to decide when their elders
			are to die... would be heartless.

					LWAXANA
			I agree. How about letting
			everybody die when they die.

					TIMICIN
				(sighs)
			Lwaxana...

					LWAXANA
			You have a grandson, you said?

					TIMICIN
			Almost seven.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     41.

67   CONTINUED: (2)

					LWAXANA
			Wouldn't it be better for him to
			know his grandfather? Not the
			vague memory of someone who once
			loved him, but a living person
			who does love him? You really
			don't believe that's better?

	Timicin pauses for a beat... searches for a proper
	response, has a little trouble finding it, then shakes
	his head, presses on...

					TIMICIN
			Lwaxana, I attended the Resolution
			of my own parents when it was
			their time. It was beautiful.
			It's a custom I've known and
			accepted all my life.

	Lwaxana considers this... forms a counter-argument.

					LWAXANA
			The women of Betazed used to wear
			huge wigs; with large holes in
			the middle for tiny caged animals.
			First it was a fashion; then it
			went on long enough to become a
			custom. A tradition. But it was
			uncomfortable for the woman and
			cruel to the animal. Then one
			day one very formidable woman
			finally said so; and refused to
			wear another of those wigs. And
			fairly soon the custom stopped.
			She had the courage to stand up
			and fight for change.

					TIMICIN
			She must have been a lot like you.

	She stands and moves closer to hammer home her point.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     42.

67   CONTINUED: (3)

					LWAXANA
			Timicin, there is no one more
			qualified, more experienced, or
			more likely to save your planet
			than you. And they would have
			you kill yourself?

					TIMICIN
			Younger scientists will take my
			place. The work will continue.

					LWAXANA
			Your planet has what... thirty,
			forty years left? What if they
			can't find the answer without your
			help? What then? What chance
			will your grandson have of
			reaching the age of sixty?

					TIMICIN
			Enough; please. It is my time,
			Lwaxana. That is the way it is.

	She moves closer to him, speaks intimately, softly but
	the force of her words strike home --

					LWAXANA
			If that's the way it is, why is
			anyone bothering to try to save
			your world at all? If its time
			has come, let it die. Where's
			the difference, Timicin? Where?

	And he has no easy answer.

67A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As before.

68   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	As Geordi and Data vainly study the monitors looking
	at test results, a thoughtful Timicin quietly
	observes... still considering what Lwaxana has told
	him.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     43.

68   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			... Until the pressure levels
			destabilized, all the results were
			exactly as you had predicted...

					TIMICIN
			The triggering programs... ?

					GEORDI
			Worked perfectly... that much
			we're sure of...

					TIMICIN
			And we had always assumed that
			was our greatest hurdle...

	He shakes his head, takes a thoughtful beat...

					GEORDI
				(consoling)
			Just getting this far is a big
			step, Doctor... no one's ever
			been able to do even this much
			before...

	But Timicin is not dwelling on the past... he's looking
	forward, mind working furiously, alive with energy...
	tapping on a console... seeing on the monitor --

					TIMICIN
			Convection boundary uncoupling.
			The reaction caused gas turbulence
			of a totally unexpected
			magnitude... Why?

					DATA
				(possible explanation)
			There was a evidence of a delayed
			surface shock...

					TIMICIN
				(continues to work
				 furiously on the
				 panels)
			No, I anticipated that I thought
			I'd anticipated all the possible
			variables... but stars... they're
			like living entities in a way...
			quite unpredictable. I wouldn't
			be surprised if this were the
			result of...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     44.

68   CONTINUED: (2)

	His mind is racing ahead of his ability to get it out
	of his mouth... interrupting himself --

					TIMICIN
			Look here... forty-two seconds
			into the test, a rise in the level
			of hydrogen-alpha emissions...
			and here, another one... You
			see, I'm right...

	He looks at Data and Geordi who exchange a look, don't
	get it yet...

					TIMICIN
				(don't you see?)
			There had to be neutron migration
			within the star's inner core as
			the reaction grew.

					DATA
				(concerned)
			Perhaps, but there is no known
			method of controlling neutron
			migration, Doctor.

	Pushing in to him...

					TIMICIN
			Yes, yes, but it is theoretically
			possible. Using these test
			results, we could construct a new
			computer model of the energy
			dynamics of the star that can
			test a new detonation program.
			I'm certain it can be
			accomplished. Certain. It's
			just a matter of time.
				(beat)
			A matter of time.

69   INT. READY ROOM

	Picard sits working, as the Door Chime SOUNDS.

					PICARD
				(calls o.s.)
			Come.


     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FOUR     45.

70   INCLUDING TIMICIN

	as he ENTERS. Timicin is a little shaky as though he's
	not completely sure what he's about to do is right.

					PICARD
			Timicin. Time for you to leave
			us, then.

					TIMICIN
			Captain Picard... I've come to...
			officially request asylum aboard
			The Enterprise.

	And off Picard's reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE     46.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

71   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Still in orbit around Kaelon Two.

72   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Timicin facing Science Minister B'Tardat,
	whose IMAGE appears on the Viewer.

					B'TARDAT
			Timicin, I cannot believe this.
			Why asylum? Asylum from what?

					TIMICIN
			I turn sixty in four days,
			Minister...

					B'TARDAT
			Yes, and your family and
			colleagues are already gathering
			for your resolution...

					TIMICIN
			I...

	And he pauses, wanting to carefully present the next
	words which he knows will have an extraordinary
	impact... and there is uncertainty, guilt, searching
	for the strength.

					TIMICIN
			I believe it is time for us as
			a people to re-examine the wisdom
			of The Resolution.

	B'tardat blinks, incredulous... after a silent beat...

					B'TARDAT
			Timicin, are they forcing you into
			this? Are you being coerced?

					TIMICIN
			Influenced, perhaps; not coerced.

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FIVE     47.

72   CONTINUED:

					B'TARDAT
			Captain Picard, your "influence"
			is an example of why we originally
			chose isolation and no doubt will
			again.

					PICARD
			Any influence, Minister, is by
			example only. Timicin's decision
			is of his own free will, I assure
			you.

					B'TARDAT
			I cannot believe that a man of
			Timicin's stature would "freely"
			reject his own culture.

	The minister nods a signal to an off camera presence...

					TIMICIN
			B'Tardat, no one on Kaelon Two
			understands the project as I do.
			There are new theories that would
			take others a decade to test and
			confirm. With my guidance, we
			can be ready in half that time.
			I must finish my work...

					B'TARDAT
			Others started your work. Others
			will finish it. It's always been
			that way... it always will...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain, scanners indicate two
			Kaelon warships rising on an
			intercept course.

					PICARD
			Acknowledged, Commander.
				(to the monitor)
			Minister, we are here in
			friendship, hoping to provide
			assistance...

					B'TARDAT
			You've helped quite enough,
			Captain. I suggest you return
			Timicin and depart.
					(MORE)

    STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE    47A.

72   CONTINUED: (2)

					B'TARDAT (Cont'd)
			If you attempt to leave orbit with
			him on board, our ships have been
			ordered to open fire.

					TIMICIN
			B'tardat, there's no purpose in...

     STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE     48.

72   CONTINUED: (3)

	But the image on the screen goes off and returns to
	the starfield. Picard shuts it off, rises...

					TIMICIN
			It should not have come to this...
			I handled it poorly...

					PICARD
			Doctor, you have acted in good
			conscience... I don't know what
			else you could have done...

					TIMICIN
			I could have... let well enough
			alone... and returned home...
				(beat)
			What do you think, Picard? Have
			I done the right thing?

	Picard studies him a beat.

					PICARD
			I'm afraid you're the only one
			who can answer that, Doctor.

					TIMICIN
			Lwaxana would have me lead a
			revolt, but I am only a scientist.
			I wish I had her strength... she
			is a woman of extraordinary
			conviction, isn't she?

					PICARD
				(beat, with history)
			Isn't she.

	They EXIT.

73
thru	OMITTED
79

80   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	The main viewer shows three warships from Kaelon Two
	approaching the Enterprise. Beverly is on the Bridge
	as Picard and Timicin come in from the Ready Room.

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FIVE         49.

80   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Any communication, Number One?

					RIKER
			No, sir. We have an open channel.

					WORF
			The warships have taken a standard
			attack posture... staggered
			approach vectors... within
			weapons range.

					PICARD
			Shields up. Red Alert.

					TIMICIN
			Captain...

	Picard sits in command.

					PICARD
			Doctor, I suggest you return to
			your quarters...

					TIMICIN
			No. I don't want there to be any
			bloodshed because of my
			decision...

	And Timicin is in the way. Beverly sees she can
	help... she moves to him... quietly but firm --

					BEVERLY
			They'll be doing everything they
			can to avoid it... but we need
			to get out of their way now...

	Overlapping in the background --

					PICARD
				(at work)
			Mister Worf, ascertain their
			offensive potential...

					WORF
			Aye sir.

	Answering Beverly --

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FIVE         50.

80   CONTINUED: (2)

					TIMICIN
			Yes... yes I understand...

	He starts to move toward the turbolift... glances back
	with concern... then EXITS with Beverly.

80A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As the two ships move into attack posture.

81   INT. ENGINEERING

	Timicin ENTERS to approach Geordi and Data.

					TIMICIN
			We must transmit the new analysis
			of the neutron migration
			immediately... if I can make them
			see the direction I've taken...

					GEORDI
			We've already tried...

					DATA
			They refuse to accept further
			reports from you, Doctor.

					TIMICIN
			But they have to accept them...

	He sits at a console, tapping furiously...

					TIMICIN
			If I can re-establish computer
			interface with the science
			ministry...

					GEORDI
			They've disengaged the link-up,
			sir...

	Timicin's not getting anywhere with the panels...
	there's no response...

					TIMICIN
			Why don't they answer!?

	He slams his fist down in frustration.

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE         51.

81   CONTINUED:

					TIMICIN
			Even if I find the solution,
			they would not accept it!
				(beat)
			Because I do not terminate my
			life, they terminate my work.
			Alive, I am a greater threat to
			my world than a dying sun.

	As he is filled with frustration and sadness, he looks
	up to see --

81A  ANGLE - LWAXANNA AT THE ENTRANCE

	watching him.

82   INT. CORRIDOR

	Walking...

					LWAXANA
			Jean-Luc will find a way to settle
			this. He always does...

					TIMICIN
			No, my decision will only lead
			to more distrust of other
			worlds... nothing will change...

					LWAXANA
			Don't be foolish.

	Stopping...

					TIMICIN
			I am not being foolish.

	And there is an anger there... a why-have-you-pushed-me-into-this?
	He immediately regrets it.

          STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 3/1/91 - ACT FIVE         52.

82   CONTINUED:

					TIMICIN
			Lwaxana, I want to live because
			I see in you how much there is
			to live for. You make me realize
			there is still some value to my
			life. I can still contribute.
			I can be an example to my people.
			But discovering these new desires
			in myself... and not being able to
			do anything with them... not
			being able to finish my work, not
			being able to reach my people...

					LWAXANA
			You have made a statement about
			the sanctity of life. It will
			be heard, Timicin.

					TIMICIN
			Who will hear it... from
			lightyears away. Where do I go
			now, Lwaxana? A man without a
			world. Who can never go home.

	As she reacts with concern...

					LWAXANA
			Timicin...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Bridge to Doctor Timicin...

83   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker and Picard in the command area.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			... you have a visitor coming
			aboard.

					TIMICIN'S COM VOICE
				(hopeful)
			B'Tardat?

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE        52A.

84   INT. CORRIDOR - LWAXANA AND TIMICIN

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			No, doctor... it's your daughter.

	And off their reactions...

85   INT. TIMICIN'S QUARTERS

	Timicin's adult daughter, DARA, is waiting for them as
	Timicin and Lwaxana ENTER.

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE         53.

85   CONTINUED:

					DARA
			Father...

					TIMICIN
			Dara.

	They come together, yearning to reach out and hug one
	another... but held back by the barrier that's already
	grown up between them.

					TIMICIN
			You look... wonderful.

	Dara shoots a look at Lwaxana.

					TIMICIN
			This is Lwaxana Troi. She's been
			a host and a friend.

					LWAXANA
			I've been looking forward to
			meeting you, Dara.

	That gets a look.

					TIMICIN
			Whatever you have to say to me,
			you can say in front of her.

					DARA
			I see.

	And that's said with -- so you're the one who did this
	to him.

					DARA
			Father, come home. This is
			wrong.

					TIMICIN
			Dara, there is so much for me
			still to do. If I could show you
			the work I have begun...

					DARA
			There's nothing for me to look
			at. It is irrelevant.

					LWAXANA
			Your father's work may save your
			world, my dear. I would hardly
			consider that irrelevant.

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE         54.

85   CONTINUED: (2)

					DARA
				(to Timicin, not
				 Lwaxana)
			All that matters to me now is you.
			Not your work. Your work's over.
			It is your time to rest.

					LWAXANA
			Perhaps you will feel differently
			as you get a little older... say
			approaching sixty.

					DARA
				(sharp)
			My father has taught me to cherish
			The Resolution. I don't know how
			you have poisoned him to reject
			it but...

					LWAXANA
			It is an obscene ritual.

					DARA
			How dare you. How dare you
			criticize my way of life, my
			beliefs.

					TIMICIN
			Please.

	A silent beat. Softer, sadder...

					DARA
			Where will you go?

					TIMICIN
			I don't know.

					DARA
			Where will you die?

	A long beat.

					DARA
			I cannot bear the thought that
			you will be laid to rest on some
			other world...

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FIVE         55.

85   CONTINUED: (3)

					DARA
				(a tear rolls down her
				 cheek)
			... that you will not lie beside
			my mother... and I will not be
			able to lie beside you when my
			resolution comes.

	The emotional impact of this hits Timicin... his pain
	is great...

					DARA
			I'm sorry, Father. I do not
			understand how you can go on with
			your life knowing each day you
			live is an insult to everything
			we believe in. I love you. But
			I am ashamed.

	She EXITS. Lwaxana searches for words of comfort...

					TIMICIN
			I... need to be alone now.

	Lwaxana nods silently.

86   OMITTED

87   EXT. THE ENTERPRISE AND THE WARSHIPS (OPTICAL)

	Suspended in orbit together. Still locked in a
	stalemate.

88
thru	OMITTED
90

91   INT. LWAXANA'S QUARTERS

	Lwaxana and Deanna... Lwaxana is in a sad, pensive
	mood...

					LWAXANA
			I am suddenly... suddenly not sure
			of myself... and it is a feeling
			I am not at all used to... I don't
			think I like it very much, Little
			One...

	With much empathy, therapist as much as daughter...

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FIVE         56.

91   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Not sure of yourself?

					LWAXANA
			My life has been full. Now and
			then it's even overflowed a
			little, I'll admit. But I
			enjoy...living. Now I am asking
			myself -- is it possible that I've
			been wrong to encourage Timicin
			to choose life?

					TROI
			You were honest with him,
			mother... how could you be
			anything else?

					LWAXANA
			Maybe I want him to live... just
			to keep me company.

					TROI
			Of course you do. But you didn't
			do this for yourself, mother.
			You did it for him.

					LWAXANA
			Did I? Then look what I've done
			to him. He is like a man who has
			lost his faith. I never
			considered how deeply ingrained
			this resolution liturgy is.

					TROI
			Ritual provides a structure for
			a society... good rituals, bad
			rituals alike...

					LWAXANA
			Well, this is a bad one...

					TROI
			Your point of view.

					LWAXANA
			It should be the point of view
			of any reasonably intelligent
			middle-aged person.
				(beat)
			But apparently it is not.

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE        56A.

91   CONTINUED: (2)

	The door chimes. Troi goes to the door, opens it to
	reveal Timicin... he ENTERS...

					TROI
			I'll see you later, mother.

	She EXITS. Timicin looks at Lwaxana a long beat,
	looking for a way to tell her... she does it for him...

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FIVE         57.

91   CONTINUED: (3)

					LWAXANA
			You're going back.

	He nods.

					TIMICIN
			Do you believe I love you?

	She nods.

					TIMICIN
			I do you know. But if that
			finally is my only reason to stay
			alive...

					LWAXANA
			It's not enough.

					TIMICIN
			Almost. Not quite. I can't be
			that selfish, Lwaxana.

					LWAXANA
			You'd never be happy.

					TIMICIN
			I'm sorry. I guess I'm not the
			one to lead the revolt.

	She embraces him, holds onto him.

92   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The other ships are gone.

93   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	O'Brien at the console. Picard escorts Timicin in...

					TIMICIN
			I apologize for all the turmoil
			I created, Captain...

					PICARD
			I would deeply regret it, Doctor,
			if you were returning only to ease
			diplomatic tensions...

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/27/91 - ACT FIVE         58.

93   CONTINUED:

					TIMICIN
			No, it is more, much more.

					PICARD
			Then I wish you and your people
			well.

					TIMICIN
			When the time comes for another
			test, I will encourage them to
			seek out your assistance again.

	Picard acknowledges. Lwaxana is notable by her
	absence.

					PICARD
			If there's any reason you'd like
			to wait a few minutes...

					TIMICIN
			No. We've... we've said our
			good-byes.

	Picard acknowledges as Timicin climbs on board the pad.
	But then Lwaxana, ENTERS, carrying a small case...

					TIMICIN
				(reacts)
			Lwaxana... ?

					LWAXANA
			It is the custom for your loved
			ones to join you at this...
			resolution, is it not?

					TIMICIN
			You don't have to do this.

					LWAXANA
			Yes. I do.

					LWAXANA
			Permission to disembark,
			Captain... I promise not to cause
			any problems down there.

	Picard looks at her with new respect.

         STAR TREK: "Half A Life" - REV. 2/26/91 - ACT FIVE         59.

93   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Permission granted.

	She climbs aboard the pad, links arms with Timicin

					LWAXANA
			We're ready, Mister O'Brien.

	And with her head held high... they DEMATERIALIZE and
	on Picard's last reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             

