










                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                      "A Matter of Time" 
                          #40275-209 
                              
                          Written by 
                          Rick Berman 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Paul Lynch 


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 This script is not for publication or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


      STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                      "A Matter of Time" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             BERLINGOFF RASMUSSEN
                RIKER              HAL MOSELEY
                DATA               FEMALE SCIENTIST
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                                   Non-Speaking
                                     N.D. SCIENTISTS
                AN ENSIGN          

                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  AN ENGINEER        
                  ENGINEERING CREW   
                  SECURITY GUARD     
                  A NURSE            
                  A BOY IN SICKBAY   
                  A MALE PATIENT     

        STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                      "A Matter of Time" 
                      
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     RASMUSSEN'S VESSEL
              ENGINEERING
              TURBOLIFT                PENTHARA FOUR
              CORRIDOR                   CITY (MATTE)
              TEN-FORWARD
              SICKBAY
              RASMUSSEN'S GUEST QUARTERS
              SHUTTLEBAY
          
            PENTHARA FOUR
              SCIENCE LAB
          
            RASMUSSEN'S VESSEL

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - TEASER    1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                      "A Matter of Time"                           
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at warp speed.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45333.3.
			The Enterprise is on its way to
			Penthara Four where a type C
			asteroid has struck an unpopulated
			continent.

2    INT. GEORDI'S OFFICE

	NUMEROUS ENGINEERING CREW are busily working with
	GEORDI and DATA.

					PICARD (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			The resulting dust cloud could
			very well create a phenomenon not
			unlike the nuclear winters of
			twenty-first-century Earth.
			Commander La Forge has begun work
			on a plan that would counteract
			the devastation.

	Geordi looks over as RIKER ENTERS.

					GEORDI
			I'm afraid the numbers coming in
			are already indicating climatic
			changes, sir.

					RIKER
			What kind of drop can we expect?

					DATA
			If the Pentharan spheral forecasts
			are correct, ten to twelve degrees
			Celsius within the first ten days.

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - TEASER    2.

2    CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			If it continues like that, their
			entire ecosystem will be shot
			to hell.

					RIKER
			And I doubt they're prepared to
			cope with the kind of cold that's
			coming.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Commander Riker.

					RIKER
				(keys combadge)
			Yes, Captain.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Would you join me on the bridge,
			please.

					RIKER
			On my way.
				(to guys)
			Let me know if those forecast
			numbers change.

	Geordi and Data acknowledge as Riker EXITS.

3    INT. BRIDGE

	PICARD, WORF, AN ENSIGN at theconn, and SUPERNUMERARIES
	at various stations.

					PICARD
			Are you certain, Worf?

					WORF
			There was a space/time
			distortion, sir. And there is
			something back there. We passed
			within three hundred kilometers
			of it.

					PICARD
			A bit close for coincidence.
				(to com)
			Mister La Forge?

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Yes, sir.

      STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - TEASER      3.

3    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Would a delay of an hour affect
			your plans?

									INTERCUT:

4    INT. GEORDI'S OFFICE

					GEORDI
			Not unless another asteroid
			decides to pay a call on Penthara,
			sir.

					DATA
			The odds of that occurring,
			Captain, are extremely unlikely,
			given the time frame.

5    INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

	as Riker ENTERS.

					PICARD
			Thank you, Mister Data.
				(to Ensign)
			Prepare to come about, Ensign.
			Let's take a look at Mister Worf's
			distortion.

					ENSIGN
			Aye, sir.

					RIKER
			Mister Worf's what?

					PICARD
			The Lieutenant's sensors detected
			a temporal distortion, Number One,
			almost directly on our current
			course. There seems to be a small
			object back there that wasn't
			there a few moments ago.

	On Riker and Picard's mutual curiosity...

6    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	comes out of warp and makes a sweeping turn.

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - TEASER    4.

7    INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	As before.

					WORF
			The object is fifty kilometers
			ahead, sir.

					PICARD
			Full stop, Ensign.

					ENSIGN
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			On screen.

	A view of a tiny multifaceted spacecraft appears.

					RIKER
			Dimensions, Worf?

					WORF
			Approximately five meters in
			length, sir.

					PICARD
			Lifesigns?

					WORF
			No signs of any kind, sir.
			Sensors are not penetrating its
			hull.

					PICARD
			Try hailing it.

					WORF
				(pushes a series
				 of buttons)
			That's odd.

					RIKER
			What's odd?

					WORF
			We've received a response, sir,
			but...

					PICARD
				(get on with it)
			Yes, Mister Worf?

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - TEASER    5.

7    CONTINUED:

					WORF
			They want you to... "Move over,"
			sir.

					PICARD
				(looks at Riker and then
				 back at Worf)
			Reply that the Enterprise isn't
			going anywhere, Lieutenant.

					WORF
			Not the Enterprise, Captain. You.

	Picard turns and walks toward Worf.

					PICARD
			What are you trying to...

	Suddenly there's a bright flash where Picard had been
	standing. RASMUSSEN, a kindly-looking human male in
	his late forties, APPEARS. He is wearing a drab,
	nondescript jump suit and a baggy "lab" jacket. He
	carries a small valise.

					RASMUSSEN
			Excuse me, Captain, but you were
			standing right where I needed to
			be.

					PICARD
			Who are you?

					RASMUSSEN
			Rasmussen's the name, sir.
			Professor Berlinghoff Rasmussen.
				(looking around in
				 amazement)
			Ah... this is wonderful.
			Actually, quite a bit larger than
			I thought.

					PICARD
			Really?

					RASMUSSEN
			Where I come from, every historian
			knows the bridge of old 1701-D.

					PICARD
			And where exactly is it you come
			from?

      STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - TEASER      6.

7    CONTINUED: (2)

					RASMUSSEN
			Why Earth... late twenty-sixth
			century Earth, to be exact. You
			see, I've traveled back nearly
			three hundred years just to find
			you.

	Off their reactions we...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT ONE      7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

		(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)

8    INT. READY ROOM

	Picard sits behind his desk while Rasmussen paces,
	checking things out.

					PICARD
			Exactly what kind of historian
			are you?

					RASMUSSEN
				(as he continues to
				 pace, picking things
				 up, turning them over)
			My focus is on the twenty-second 
			through the twenty-fourth centuries,
			early interstellar history.
				(picking up Picard's
				 Shakespeare volume)
			You know, it was always believed
			this was on your desk, not here...
			Fascinating.
				(he turns to Picard,
				 good naturedly)
			Now don't move it on my account.

					PICARD
			You can't expect me to believe
			that the layout of my ready room
			is of interest to future
			historians...

					RASMUSSEN
			No less so than your legendary
			modesty, Captain. I wish I could
			describe to you what a thrill it
			is to be here...
				(he stops at the
				 painting over Picard's
				 couch)
			This is the original, isn't it?

      STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT ONE      8.

8    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			You flatter me Professor, but I
			can't help but wonder what could
			possibly have caused you to select
			me as the subject of your study.
			Even in this decade, there are
			far wiser and more experienced
			Humans both in and out of
			Starfleet.

					RASMUSSEN
			I'd love to tell you, Picard.
			I really would. But try and
			imagine what a young Caesar might
			have done differently if someone
			had given him a hint of what lay
			ahead. Or, if Lincoln had been
			coerced into changing his theater
			plans. I truly wish I could be
			more specific on why you were
			selected, but I'm afraid the
			exchange of information will have
			to flow in one direction only.

	As Rasmussen talks, he walks to the door and paces out
	the distance to the window.

					RASMUSSEN
			...four... five... six... seven
			meters. HA! I was right!

	Off Picard's look...

9    INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Worf, BEVERLY, TROI, Data and Geordi.
	Rasmussen is sitting beside Picard.

					WORF
			Why now?

					GEORDI
			Right. If you came back to study
			us, to study the captain, why did
			you pick today? Why not a year
			ago... or a year from now?

					RASMUSSEN
			Oh, I picked the right day
			alright. Just wait, you'll see.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT ONE   9.

9    CONTINUED:

					RASMUSSEN (cont'd)
				(to Worf)
			Do you always sit there, on that
			side of the table?

					WORF
			Usually. Why?

					RASMUSSEN
				(shakes his head and
				 smiles)
			It's not important.

	Worf is starting to dislike this man.

					RIKER
			Tell me, Professor, at what point
			does time travel become a tool
			for historians?

					RASMUSSEN
			Now, now, Commander. You know
			better than that. I've studied
			a great deal about your century.
			Including the fact that you're
			all quite aware of the dangers
			of anyone altering the past. And
			that's exactly what I'd be doing
			if I were to divulge information
			like that.

					BEVERLY
			Telurian plague!

					RASMUSSEN
			I beg your pardon?

					BEVERLY
			Telurian plague... was it cured?
			I mean, has it been cured by your
			century? There can't be any harm
			in asking that.

	Rasmussen turns to Picard for help.

					PICARD
			I realize it will be difficult,
			but we must all keep our questions
			regarding the future to ourselves.
			Professor...

	Rasmussen stands.

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT ONE   10.

9    CONTINUED: (2)

					RASMUSSEN
			I'll be preparing questionnaires
			for each of you. Please complete
			them at your convenience. If
			you're concerned about a possible
			breach of security, I'm sure your
			captain can make a
			determination... And, thank you
			in advance for curbing your
			curiosity.

					GEORDI
				(sarcastic)
			If I hand my assignment in on
			time, do I get a little glimpse
			into next week's poker game?

	Rasmussen laughs good heartedly.

					PICARD
			Mister Data, please show the
			Professor to his quarters.

					DATA
				(standing)
			This way, sir.

	Data leads Rasmussen to the door and they EXIT.

					RIKER
			What did he mean he picked the
			right day?

					PICARD
			You know everything I do, Will.

					RIKER
			Deanna?

					TROI
			It's hard to tell. But he is
			holding something back.

					BEVERLY
				(to Troi)
			Of course he is. Think of all
			the things he could tell us...
			all the things he'd like to tell
			us...

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT ONE   11.

9    CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
				(shaking her head)
			That might be it, I don't know.

					RIKER
			How can we be sure he's not an
			imposter? God knows we've run
			into enough of them.

					PICARD
			He is Human. Our medical scans
			have proved that. Haven't they,
			Doctor?

					BEVERLY
			He's Human, alright.

					PICARD
			And there was a temporal
			distortion back there, correct
			Mister Worf?

					WORF
				(begrudgingly)
			Yes, sir.

					PICARD
			And no one can deny that ship of
			his is unlike anything we've ever
			seen before.

					GEORDI
			The hull is composed of some kind
			of plasticized tritanium mesh.
			Nothing we have on record... at
			least not 'til the present.

	Worf grumbles skeptically.

					PICARD
			I appreciate your caution, Mister
			Worf. I share it. Have his
			vessel brought into a shuttlebay.
			Place it under guard.

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

					PICARD
			I realize this isn't going to
			be an easy visit for some of you.
					(MORE)

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT ONE  11A.

9    CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
			Nevertheless, I've reviewed the
			Professor's credentials, and
			they're in order. So, I'd like
			you all to extend him every
			courtesy.

     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT ONE     12.

9    CONTINUED: (4)

					WORF
				(put upon)
			Including questionnaires?

					PICARD
			Including questionnaires.
			Dismissed.

	As all stand to leave, we CUT TO...

10   INT. TURBOLIFT

	Rasmussen and Data. The lift is in motion. Rasmussen
	is inspecting Data like a car enthusiast would a
	vintage Ferrari.

					RASMUSSEN
			This is really a thrill, Data.
			Like running across a Redstone
			missile or a Guttenberg bible.
			To think... the Model T of
			androids.

	The lift stops and the doors open. Rasmussen and Data
	EXIT into the corridor.

11   INT. CORRIDOR

	as Rasmussen and Data head for Rasmussen's quarters.

					DATA
			If you're referring to the first
			production model automobile of
			the twentieth century, perhaps the
			subsequent Model A might be a more
			apt analogy since I am Noonian
			Soong's revised prototype.

	Rasmussen continues to check Data out as they reach his
	quarters.

					RASMUSSEN
			I stand corrected.

	The door opens and they go in...

12   INT. RASMUSSEN'S QUARTERS

	Rasmussen looks around, disappointed.

     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT ONE     13.

12   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Is there a problem, sir?

					RASMUSSEN
			I suppose it will have to do, for
			now. I'll get you a list of
			things I'll be needing. You're
			dismissed.

	Data starts to leave. Rasmussen walks to the sink and
	begins to wash his hands.

					DATA
				(almost shy)
			Would I be correct, Professor,
			in assuming that you know whether
			or not I am still... alive in
			the twenty-sixth century?

	Rasmussen ignores Data. He finishes washing and holds
	out his hand, treating Data like a men's room
	attendant. After a beat, Data catches on and hands him
	a towel.

					DATA
				(continuing his line
				 of questioning)
			Since you seemed to know so much
			about Captain Picard and the
			ship... I assumed that you
			would...

	Rasmussen sits at his desk.

					RASMUSSEN
				(patronizing)
			It would be best if you kept your
			assumptions to yourself, wouldn't
			it?

					DATA
			Yes, sir. I am sorry, sir.

	Data EXITS and Rasmussen looks after him, again
	fascinated. He sits back, and smiles. Whatever his
	plans, they are clearly going just as he'd hoped.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT TWO   14.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

13   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	comes out of warp.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45334.5.
			We have arrived at Penthara
			Four...

14   EXT. SPACE - ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	As the Enterprise enters orbit of a planet partially
	covered by huge dark clouds of dust.

					PICARD (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			... and can see for ourselves the
			atmospheric devastation caused
			by the asteroid impact.

15   EXT. PENTHARA IV - MATTE PAINTING

	A city with eerie dark clouds above. It is snowing
	heavily.

16   INT. PENTHARA SCIENCE LAB

	Meteorologist HAL MOSELEY's large cluttered office has
	been temporarily transformed into a crisis center.
	NUMEROUS N.D. SCIENTISTS move from one set of monitors
	to another. Picard and Geordi are beside Moseley.
	The snow can be seen through windows. Picard points
	to a map on a monitor.

					PICARD
			We've located three underground
			pockets of carbon dioxide...
			here, here and here. Our drilling
			phasers can release enough of the
			gas to form an envelope which
			would temporarily hold in the heat
			from the sun.

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT TWO   15.

16   CONTINUED:

					MOSELEY
				(laughing at the irony)
			We spend years, decades trying
			to avoid anything that would lead
			to a greenhouse effect and here
			we are about to create one on
			purpose.

					GEORDI
			Less than twenty percent of your
			normal sunlight is getting through
			that dust, Doctor. If we can hold
			enough heat in with the CO2, it
			should give the planet time to
			mend itself.

	A worried FEMALE SCIENTIST approaches.

					FEMALE
			Doctor Moseley.

					MOSELEY
				(seeing her expression)
			What now?

					FEMALE
			New Seattle is reporting a cloud
			depth of twelve kilometers. Two
			rivers, tropical rivers, are
			beginning to freeze.

	Moseley turns to Picard.

					MOSELEY
			We better get started before
			there's nothing left to mend.

	Off their reactions...

17   INT. TEN FORWARD

	Rasmussen ENTERS holding a small pile of rectangular
	chips and looks around gleefully. He sees Riker,
	Worf, and Beverly at a table and heads over to join
	them.

					RIKER
				(quietly)
			Look who's here.

     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT TWO     16.

17   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			I hate questionnaires.

					BEVERLY
				(with enthusiasm, she's
				 quite taken with
				 Rasmussen)
			Professor, please come join us.

	Rasmussen goes to sit next to Worf, but thinks better
	of it and sits near Beverly.

					RASMUSSEN
			I hope I'm not intruding.

					BEVERLY
			Not at all. You're probably the
			topic of conversation at every
			table in the room.

	Rasmussen shuffles through the chips, finds the three
	appropriate ones, and distributes them to those
	present.

					RASMUSSEN
			As I promised, here are your
			assignments. I'm sure they'll
			be painless. Please try to
			complete them by tomorrow.

					WORF
				(peeved)
			Tomorrow!

	Riker makes eye contact with Worf. Tells him to cool
	it. However, he feels almost as put-upon as his
	tactical officer.

					RIKER
			No problem, Professor.

	Rasmussen looks from face to face, fascinated.

					RASMUSSEN
				(smiling)
			You're all very calm.

					RIKER
				(puzzled)
			Do we have reason not to be?

     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT TWO     17.

17   CONTINUED: (2)

					RASMUSSEN
			History always records where
			people were, what they were doing,
			when important events took place.
			But it rarely remembers their
			activities -- say, a week before...
			or a day... or even an hour.

					WORF
			Are you suggesting an important
			event is imminent?

					RASMUSSEN
			I didn't say that, did I?
			Please... go on doing what you
			were doing, pretend I'm not here.

	They are all a bit uncomfortable, unable to "go on
	doing what they were doing."

					RIKER
				(after a long beat)
			How come there's no record of
			other future historians traveling
			back to witness "important
			events?"

					RASMUSSEN
			We're obviously very careful.
			Matter of fact, a colleague and
			I recently paid a call on a
			twenty-second century vessel.

					BEVERLY
				(fascinated)
			They hadn't even perfected
			quarantine fields by then. You
			must have seen surgical masks and
			gloves.

					RASMUSSEN
			Isn't it fascinating how everyone
			has different interests when it
			comes to history... different
			perspectives on progress.

	Rasmussen opens a small finger ring, looks inside,
	smiles, and closes it.

					RIKER
			Mind if I ask what that is?

     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT TWO     18.

17   CONTINUED: (3)

					RASMUSSEN
			Just checking the time... No
			problem.

					RIKER
				(getting a bit
				 frustrated)
			Is something supposed to be
			happening here?

	Rasmussen waves his hand, dismissing the question.

					RASMUSSEN
			No, no, nothing.
				(changing the subject)
			What about you, Commander? What
			do you see as the most important
			example of progress over the
			last two hundred years?

					RIKER
				(pauses)
			I suppose the warp coil. Before
			we had warp drive, Humans were
			confined to a single sector of
			the galaxy.

					RASMUSSEN
			Spoken like the consummate
			explorer.

	Rasmussen looks around the room, as if he were waiting
	for something to happen.

					RIKER
			What's going on? You waiting for
			someone?

					WORF
				(abruptly)
			Phasers!

	Riker and Rasmussen turn to Worf.

					RIKER
			Where?!

					RASMUSSEN
			Beg your pardon?

					WORF
			There were no phasers in the 22nd
			century.

	Riker sighs and sits back.

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT TWO   19.

17   CONTINUED: (4)

					RASMUSSEN
			Ah, you see Doctor? Our Klingon
			friend is a perfect example of
			what I was trying to tell you.
			He views history through the eyes
			of a hunter, a warrior. His
			passion lies in the perfection
			of the tools of violence. How
			delightfully primitive.

	Off Worf's reaction we:

									CUT TO:

18   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	Geordi and an N.D. ENGINEER are at a console.

					GEORDI
			As soon as we input this
			atmospheric data from Moseley,
			the computer should tell us
			how many holes we'll have to
			punch.

	He hands a chip to the engineer, who nods and EXITS as
	Data ENTERS.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Ah, Data. Good.

					DATA
			What have you learned about the
			tectonic stability around the
			drilling sites?

	Rasmussen ENTERS, unnoticed.

					GEORDI
			Couldn't be better. Our scans
			were all clear and Moseley says
			there hasn't been so much as a
			quiver in over a century.

					RASMUSSEN
			Ah, just the two I'm looking for.
			I've brought the forms I'd like
			you to complete.

	Rasmussen hands Geordi and Data a chip each.

     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT TWO     20.

18   CONTINUED:

					RASMUSSEN
				(continuing)
			It shouldn't take more than a
			couple of hours.

					GEORDI
			We're kind of busy here,
			Professor. Tomorrow might be
			better.
				(to Data, as he points
				 to a monitor)
			We've got about twenty-three
			thousand thermal simulations.
			You think you could check them
			through for anomalies?

					DATA
			Certainly.

	Data sits down at the monitor and begins to punch keys
	as the numbers scroll by at a great speed.

					RASMUSSEN
				(to Geordi)
			Is that as fast as he can go?

					GEORDI
			Not fast enough for you,
			Professor?

					RASMUSSEN
			There's very little known about
			Data's efficiency... almost
			nothing about his part in this
			mission. It's a topic of great
			conjecture.

					DATA
				(finishing his task)
			Two hundred nine anomalies all
			within acceptable parameters.

					GEORDI
			Thanks, Data.
				(to Rasmussen)
			You've come to witness this
			mission... that's it, isn't it?

     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT TWO     21.

18   CONTINUED: (2)

					RASMUSSEN
				(checking his ring)
			It would be best if you just
			thought of me as a fly on the
			wall, and went about your
			business.

	Data stands.

					DATA
				(to Rasmussen, re:
				 the chip)
			I will return the answered
			questions to you as soon as
			possible, sir.

	As Data EXITS into Main Engineering...

					RASMUSSEN
				(as if he were saying
				 "Moses on the
				 Mountain")
			Data... at Penthara Four!

	Geordi doesn't have time for this, he heads to another
	terminal.

					GEORDI
			If you'll excuse me.

					RASMUSSEN
				(following)
			Your prosthesis...
				(trying to remember)
			What do you call it?

					GEORDI
			A VISOR.

					RASMUSSEN
			VISOR, right. I have a picture
			of you in my office wearing that.
			How do you like it?

					GEORDI
				("when's this guy gonna
				 shut up?")
			It allows me to see... I like it
			fine.

					RASMUSSEN
			You know, Homer was blind... and
			Milton. Bach, Monet, Wonder...

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT TWO   22.

18   CONTINUED: (3)

					GEORDI
				(walking into
				 engineering)
			A fly on the wall, eh?

	Rasmussen picks up a small PADD and innocently drops it
	into his pocket. He follows Geordi.

					RASMUSSEN
				(amiably)
			A fly on the wall.

	Geordi has rejoined Data at the pool table.

					DATA
			The computer has configured the
			drilling pattern and specified
			depths.

					GEORDI
				(taps insignia)
			Captain, we've got what we need.
			I'm ready to transport to the
			surface.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			We'll notify Doctor Moseley. Good
			luck, Geordi.

					GEORDI
				(To Data and Rasmussen)
			Gentlemen.

	Geordi EXITS. Rasmussen looks as though the curtain is
	about to go up.

					RASMUSSEN
				(to Data)
			Who said these moments were any
			less exciting when you know the
			outcome?

					DATA
				(puzzled)
			I know of no one who said that,
			Professor.

	Off Rasmussen's reaction we:

									CUT TO:

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT TWO   23.

19   EXT. PENTHARA IV - MATTE PAINTING (OPTICAL)

	of the city. The dark clouds have worsened. It is
	still snowing.

20   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	Geordi and Doctor Moseley are at a large bank of
	monitoring equipment. The shrouded sky is visible
	through windows. The snow continues. Geordi points
	to a diagram.

					GEORDI
			The Enterprise will monitor the
			CO2 concentrations at six
			different altitudes. If all goes
			well, it won't take more than
			twenty bore sites.

					MOSELEY
			Let's hope all goes well.

					GEORDI
				(hits his com button)
			La Forge to Commander Riker. How
			are you doing?

									INTERCUT:

21   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Worf, the Ensign and SUPERNUMERARIES
	at their stations.

					RIKER
			We're ready when you are, Geordi.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			All we need's an open channel
			with Data.

	Riker stands up, begins to pace.

					RIKER
			Open the channel, Mister Worf,
			and prepare to fire at target one.

					WORF
			The computer has locked in phaser
			depth calculations.

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT TWO   24.

21   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Mister Data?

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			Ready, sir.

	Riker looks to Picard, who nods.

					RIKER
			Fire.

22   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as the beam leaves the ship.

23   EXT. PENTHARA IV - MATTE PAINTING (OPTICAL)

	as the beam bores into tundra. It is still snowing.
	The beam stops and is immediately followed by another,
	which hits a distance away.

24   INT. ENGINEERING

	Data at a console. Other supernumeraries working at
	various stations.

					DATA
			Target one is emitting two
			thousand cubic meters per second.
			Target two, one thousand six
			hundred.

									INTERCUT:

25   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	as before.

					MOSELEY
			Surface wind patterns over targets
			are stable.

					GEORDI
			You picking up anything at
			altitude, Data?

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT TWO   25.

25   CONTINUED:

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			CO2 concentrations remain
			unchanged at upper elevations.

26   EXT. PENTHARA IV - MATTE PAINTING (OPTICAL)

	It is snowing. In the distance, a hole is being
	drilled by the phaser. Then another. It ends and
	suddenly a third hits very close to CAMERA.

27   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	as before. Riker continues to pace. Rasmussen ENTERS.

					RASMUSSEN
			Have I missed much?

	He walks into the command area and sits in Riker's
	chair.

					WORF
			Target fourteen complete, sir.

					RIKER
			Data?

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			No change, Commander.

	Riker turns, notices Rasmussen in his chair. He's not
	pleased, but continues monitoring the situation at
	hand.

					RIKER
			Winds, Geordi?

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Holding steady, sir.

	An alarm is heard.

					WORF
			The computer has stopped the
			drilling.

					RIKER
			You should be getting something,
			Data.

   STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT TWO   26.

28   INT. ENGINEERING

	as before. A beep is heard from his console.

					DATA
				(pleased)
			Elevated CO2 levels at twenty
			kilometers.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Now you're talking. And we've
			got some new temperatures coming in.

29   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	as before.

					MOSELEY
				(excited; reading his
				 monitor)
			All thermal monitoring stations
			are reporting no further
			temperature drops.

					GEORDI
				(equally excited)
			Correction, Doctor. Two
			equatorial stations are showing
			slight increases.

	Moseley sees it's working and turns to Geordi.

					MOSELEY
			Thank you.
				(to com)
			Thank you all. You've given us
			what we need... time.

30   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	as before. Rasmussen is still in Riker's chair.

					PICARD
			Glad we could help, Doctor. The
			Enterprise will remain in orbit
			and continue to monitor your
			progress. Picard out.


     STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT TWO     27.

30   CONTINUED:

					RASMUSSEN
				(quoting historically)
			"You've given us what we need...
			Time."

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, return to a
			synchronous orbit.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

					RASMUSSEN
			Very clever, Picard. And, well
			done. We've always known how you
			did it, but to experience the
			moment, to witness the nuances...
			it's indescribable.

	Picard reacts. Rasmussen sits back and smiles.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT THREE    28.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

31   INT. SICKBAY

	Beverly is running an instrument along A MALE PATIENT's
	injured leg. At another station A BOY is being treated
	by an N.D. NURSE. Troi stands with Beverly.

					TROI
			He's after more than a history
			lesson. I can tell you that.

					BEVERLY
			What is it? What are you getting
			from him?

					TROI
			I don't know. But it's like he's
			trying to confuse us... misdirect
			us somehow.

	Rasmussen ENTERS.

					RASMUSSEN
			Well that certainly was exciting,
			wasn't it?

					BEVERLY
			Professor. Is everything alright?
			Are you well?

					RASMUSSEN
			Couldn't be better, thank you.
			I just thought we might chat about
			your questionnaire.
				(to the prone patient)
			Buck up, crewman, you're a credit
			to that uniform.

					TROI
			I've got some things to take care
			of.

					RASMUSSEN
			No, please Counselor. I would
			very much appreciate your
			remaining.

	Troi remains. She obviously doesn't like this guy.

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT THREE    29.

31   CONTINUED:

					RASMUSSEN
			Doctor, in response to my sixth
			question, you spoke of a neural
			stimulator. May I see one?

					BEVERLY
			I don't see why not.
				(she finishes her
				 treatment)
			Give me a minute.

	Beverly EXITS. Rasmussen and Troi walk slowly away
	from the male patient.

					RASMUSSEN
				(to Troi)
			You don't like me very much, do
			you?

					TROI
			I don't dislike you, Professor.

	They pass the nurse and child.

					RASMUSSEN
				(to child)
			Keep your eyes wide, soldier.
			You'll be telling your
			grandchildren how you were there
			at Penthara Four.
				(back to Troi)
			But you don't trust me. You
			should, you know.

					TROI
			Should I?

					RASMUSSEN
			"Picard's empath won't trust you."
			That's what they all said.

					TROI
			Picard's empath?

					RASMUSSEN
			We're not that unalike, you and
			I. You possess a sense that is
			foreign to the others. My
			knowledge of the future is
			similar. You know, some of my
			best friends are empaths... they
			trust me.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT THREE  30.

31   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Why would you care whether I trust
			you or not?

					RASMUSSEN
			We're birds of a feather...
			colleagues. We could learn a lot
			from each other.

					TROI
			You're right... I don't trust you.

	Beverly returns carrying a neural stimulator.

					RASMUSSEN
				(to Troi; a syrupy
				 smile)
			I knew you'd say that.

					TROI
				(returning the smile)
			I'm sure you did.

					BEVERLY
				(handing the neural
				 simulator to Rasmussen)
			Well, it's nice to see you two
			are finally getting along.

					TROI
				(holding back her
				 sarcasm)
			I really must be going.

	As Troi EXITS, Beverly turns back to Rasmussen with a
	warm smile. He returns the smile but seems a bit shy.
	There's an awkward beat which ends when a NURSE hands
	Beverly a PADD. Beverly punches something in and hands
	it back to the nurse.

					BEVERLY
			Why don't you try a Berylite scan?
			I'd be interested to see where
			his micro-levels are.

	The nurse nods and EXITS. Beverly turns back to
	Rasmussen.

					BEVERLY
			So... what else can I show you?


  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT THREE  31.

31   CONTINUED: (3)

					RASMUSSEN
			You're a very curious woman.

	Beverly reacts.

					RASMUSSEN
			No, no. I don't mean curious like
			that. I mean you're curious...
			curious about things. About
			Berylite levels... about the
			future.

	They begin to walk back toward Beverly's office.

					BEVERLY
				(smiling)
			Curiosity is why most of us are
			out here, professor.

					RASMUSSEN
			I understand. But you're
			different. More... vibrant.
			More...

	Rasmussen is fishing for a word.

					BEVERLY
			More vibrant. That's nice, I like
			that.

	They enter the vestibule outside Beverly's office.

					RASMUSSEN
			You know, whenever I... travel
			back, I meet very interesting
			people... men and women. But
			never anyone who gave me thoughts
			about not going home.

	Beverly is genuinely flattered, a bit turned-on.

					BEVERLY
			You're not supposed to be
			influencing the past, remember?
			And I'm beginning to feel a
			little... influenced. Anyway,
			I'm old enough to be your great,
			great, great, great, grandmother!

	Rasmussen smiles warmly...

									CUT TO:

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/30/91 - ACT THREE  32.

32   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, the Ensign and other
	supernumeraries at their stations.

					PICARD
			What kind of questions did he have
			for you, Number One?

					RIKER
			All he wanted to know about was
			previous starships. What I
			thought was innovative on the
			last Enterprise or the one before
			that. He said he wanted to see
			how well we "grasped the
			fundamentals."

					DATA
			His queries to me primarily
			focused on Doctor Soong's...

	An ALARM is heard.

					WORF
			Captain, I am detecting a massive
			earthquake on the surface.

	Another ALARM is heard. Riker moves to an aft station.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Two earthquakes, sir.

					PICARD
			Location?

					DATA
			Both epicenters are beneath the
			two southernmost drill sites,
			Captain.

					PICARD
			Is La Forge still down there?

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

					PICARD
			Find him.

	Worf starts pushing buttons on his panel. Another
	alarm is heard.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/30/91 - ACT THREE  33.

32   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			We've also got some volcanic
			activity... pretty severe.

					PICARD
			Magnify.

33   ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	as the screen changes from a wider view of the planet
	to a closer view, we see huge volcanic plumes rising
	through the dense dust clouds.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge here, Captain. Moseley
			and I are on our way back to his
			lab.

					PICARD
			Are you alright?

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			We're okay, but those were pretty
			big, sir. If this was Earth, I'd
			say around an eight or an eight
			five on the Richter Scale. We're
			starting to see some volcanic
			plumes, Captain.

	More alarms are heard.

34   ANOTHER ANGLE

					WORF
			Two more eruptions, sir.

					DATA
			It is most likely that we
			overestimated the geologic
			stability around the CO2 pockets.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			We're in the lab, sir.

	Picard motions to Worf to put Geordi on the viewscreen.

35   ANGLE TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	and we see the interior of the lab. Everyone is busy
	dealing with the emergency.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/30/91 - ACT THREE  34.

35   CONTINUED:

					MOSELEY
			We're fairly well quake-proofed
			down here, Picard. It's the
			volcanic dust I'm worried about.

	Another jolt hits the lab.

					PICARD
				(to Moseley)
			What about the dust?

	Another jolt hits the lab.

					GEORDI
			The ash the volcanos are throwing
			into the atmosphere is going to
			compound the existing problem.
			In a matter of days, there'll be
			no sunlight getting through those
			clouds.

					MOSELEY
			And no amount of CO2 is going to
			help us then.

					RIKER
			Captain, look at this.

	Picard walks quickly to the aft station. Riker points
	to one of two maps on a monitor.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			These are the coordinates of the
			eruptions, and these...

	Riker points to the other map.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			... are the phaser drilling sites.

	Riker presses a button and the two drawings overlap.
	The points are nearly identical. Picard looks up at
	Riker. Both men are aware of what has happened.

					PICARD
			The mantle is collapsing where
			the pressure was released.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT THREE  35.

35   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Captain, Doctor Moseley and I have
			a couple of ideas, but they're
			going to take some time to sort
			out.

					PICARD
			Sort them out, Commander.

					GEORDI
			Aye, sir.

	The view of the lab is replaced by the shrouded planet
	with multiple volcanic plumes now visible. Lightning
	can be seen at the cloud tops.

					RIKER
				(looking at the screen)
			We came here to help these people.

					PICARD
			And look what we've done.

	Off Picard's reaction we:

									CUT TO:

36   EXT SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

37   INT. CORRIDOR

	Rasmussen walks by some crewmen and cheerfully nods.
	He goes to Data's door, rings the bell. The door opens
	and a bizarre cacophony of sounds almost overpowers
	him.

38   INT. DATA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Data is busy at his console.

					RASMUSSEN
				(shouting)
			What in God's name is that?!

					DATA
				(shouting)
			Music, Professor.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT THREE  36.

38   CONTINUED:

					RASMUSSEN
				(shouting)
			Music?

					DATA
				(shouting)
			Yes, sir. Mozart's "Jupiter
			symphony in G minor"; Bach's "Third
			Brandenberg Concerto"; Beethoven's
			"Symphony Number Nine, Second
			Movement 'Molto Vivace'"; and "La
			Donna e Mobile", from Verdi's
			"Rigoletto".

					RASMUSSEN
				(shouting)
			Could you thin it out a bit?

					DATA
			Computer, eliminate Program One.

	One of the four compositions is silenced. Rasmussen
	shakes his head.

					DATA
			Computer, eliminate Program Two.

	Another program stops. Rasmussen shakes his head
	again.

					DATA
			Computer, eliminate Program Three.

	Only one is still playing. Rasmussen uses his finger
	to suggest Data turn it down.

					DATA
			Computer, half volume.

	The sound gets quieter and Rasmussen nods approval.

					RASMUSSEN
			How the hell can you listen to
			four pieces of music at the same
			time?

					DATA
			Actually, I am capable of
			distinguishing over one hundred
			fifty simultaneous compositions.
					(MORE)

 STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT THREE 36A.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA (cont'd)
			But in order to analyze the
			aesthetics, I try to limit myself
			to ten or less.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT THREE  37.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					RASMUSSEN
				(sarcastic)
			Only four today?

					DATA
			I am assisting Commander La Forge
			in the analysis of an extremely
			complex calculation. It demands
			a great deal of my concentration.

					RASMUSSEN
			I came to thank you for answering
			my questions, though I probably
			should have asked you to limit
			yourself to fifty thousand words.

					DATA
			You did ask me to be thorough.

					RASMUSSEN
			I realize it's hard to believe,
			Data, but very few records of
			Doctor Soong's work survived to
			the twenty-sixth century. It
			would be invaluable to myself and
			other historians if you could
			provide us with some schematics.

					DATA
			Certainly, as soon as my work here
			is completed.

					RASMUSSEN
			Just as long as it's before
			oh-nine-hundred tomorrow. That's
			when I'll be... heading back.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Bridge to Commander Data.

					DATA
			Yes, Worf.

					WORF
			Commander La Forge is hailing you
			from the surface, sir.

					DATA
			Patch it through, please.

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT THREE    38.

38   CONTINUED: (3)

	Geordi appears on Data's MONITOR. As soon as Data
	turns, Rasmussen takes a tricorder from the desk and,
	almost inadvertantly, pockets it.

					GEORDI
			Have you rerun the phase reversal
			figures, Data?

					DATA
			There were no errors, Geordi.
			The variance must be no more than
			point zero six terawatts.

					GEORDI
			I don't see any other choice.
			We'll keep running the numbers
			down here. You better inform the
			captain... of the good news and
			the bad news. La Forge out.

	The monitor goes to black.

					RASMUSSEN
				(amused)
			Which do you suppose he's going
			to want to hear first?

	Off Data's reaction we CUT TO:

39   INT. READY ROOM

	We open on CU of Picard. Data is there.

					PICARD
			The good news.

					DATA
			The motion of the dust has created
			a great deal of electrostatic
			energy in the upper atmosphere.
			With a modified phaser blast, we
			could create a shock-front that
			would encircle the planet and
			ionize the particles.

					PICARD
			That would be like striking a
			spark in a room filled with gas.

    STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT THREE    39.

39   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			With one exception, sir. The
			particles would be converted
			into a high-energy plasma which
			our shields could absorb and
			redirect harmlessly into space.

					PICARD
			Turn the Enterprise into a
			lightning rod.

					DATA
			Precisely, sir.

					PICARD
			And what about the bad news, Data?

					DATA
			If our phaser discharge is off
			by as little as point-zero-six
			terawatts, it would cause a
			cascading exothermal inversion.

					PICARD
			Meaning?

					DATA
			We would completely burn off the
			planet's atmosphere.

	Off Picard's reaction we:

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FOUR  40.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

41   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit over the shrouded planet. The lightning
	continues.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental.
			While Doctor Moseley takes La
			Forge's plan to the leaders of
			the colony, I find myself weighing
			the potential consequences of a
			more philosophical issue.

42   INT. READY ROOM

	Picard is staring out the window deep in thought. The
	door chimes.

					PICARD
				(not turning)
			Come.

	Rasmussen ENTERS. Picard continues to stare out the
	window.

					PICARD
			I would imagine you know why I've
			asked you here.

					RASMUSSEN
			I have a fairly good idea.

					PICARD
			I'm faced with a dilemma. There's
			a planet beneath us that is slowly
			turning to ice. If we don't do
			something about it, I'm told that
			within weeks, thousands, perhaps
			tens of thousands, will die.

					RASMUSSEN
			That would be a shame.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/30/91 - ACT FOUR  41.

42   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(turning to Rasmussen)
			Yes, it would. It would be quite
			a shame.

					RASMUSSEN
			So what's your dilemma?

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge has a possible
			solution. The margin of error
			is extremely critical, but if it's
			successful, there's no more
			threat.

					RASMUSSEN
			And if it's not successful?

					PICARD
			Every living thing on the planet
			will perish.

					RASMUSSEN
			So... do nothing and thousands
			will die. Do something and
			millions could die. Tough choice.

					PICARD
				(speaking hypothetically
				 -- he's not asking)
			Not if you were to help me.

					RASMUSSEN
			You're not suggesting I tell you
			the outcome of your efforts?

					PICARD
			No, I'm not. Everything Starfleet
			stands for, everything I've ever
			believed in, tells me I can't
			ask you that.
				(pause)
			But at the same time, there are
			twenty million lives down there,
			and you know what happened to
			them... what will happen to them.

					RASMUSSEN
			So, it seems you have another
			dilemma. One that questions your
			convictions.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/30/91 - ACT FOUR  42.

42   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			I have never been afraid to
			reevaluate my convictions,
			Professor. Right now, I have
			twenty million reasons to do so.

					RASMUSSEN
			And why did you ask to see me?

					PICARD
			Your presence potentially gives
			me access to a kind of information
			that was never available to me
			before. An additional tool, a
			new weapon in my armory... you,
			Professor. If I'm going to
			reexamine my beliefs, I must
			take advantage of every possible
			asset. It would be irresponsible
			of me not to have you here.

					RASMUSSEN
			However you come to terms with
			your beliefs, Captain, I must
			tell you I'm quite comfortable 
			with mine.

					PICARD
			How can you be? How can you be
			"comfortable" watching people die?

					RASMUSSEN
				(patronizing)
			Let me put it this way. If I were
			to tell you that none of those
			people died, you'd easily conclude
			that you tried your "solution"
			and it succeeded. So, you'd
			confidently try again. No harm
			in that. But what if I were to
			tell you they all died? What
			then? Obviously, you'd decide not
			to make the same mistake twice.
			Now, what if one of those...

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			I know, Professor, "What if one
			of those lives I save down there
			is a child who grows up to be the
			next Adolf Hitler or Khan Singh?"
					(MORE)

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT FOUR  43.

42   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD (cont'd)
			First year philosophy students
			have been asked that question ever
			since the earliest wormholes were
			discovered. But this is not a
			class in temporal logic... It's
			not hypothetical, it's real.
			Can't you see that?

					RASMUSSEN
			I see it all too well. But you
			must see that if I were to
			influence you, everything in this
			sector, in this quadrant of the
			galaxy could change. History, my
			history, would unfold in a way
			other than it already has. Now
			what possible incentive could
			anyone offer me to allow that to
			happen?

					PICARD
			I have two choices. Either way,
			one version or another of history
			will wend its way forward. The
			history you know or another one.
			Who's to say which is better?
			All I know here, today, is that
			one way, millions of lives could
			be saved. Isn't that incentive
			enough?

					RASMUSSEN
			Everyone dies, Captain. It's just
			a question of when. All of those
			people down there died years
			before I was born. All of you
			up here, as well. So you see,
			I can't get quite as worked up
			as you over the fate of some
			colonists who, for me, have been
			dead a long time.

					PICARD
			We have a Prime Directive,
			Professor, which tells us we have
			no right to interfere with the
			natural evolution of alien worlds.
					(MORE)

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/30/91 - ACT FOUR  44.

42   CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD (cont'd)
			But even though I am sworn to
			uphold it, I have disregarded that
			directive on more than one
			occasion... When I knew it was
			the right thing to do. If you
			are holding true to some
			"temporal" equivalent of that
			directive, isn't there a
			possibility that this is an
			occasion for you to make an
			exception, to help me choose...
			because it's the right thing to
			do?

					RASMUSSEN
			Are we just talking about a
			choice? It sounds to me like
			you're trying to manipulate the
			future.

					PICARD
			Every choice we make allows us
			to manipulate the future. Do I
			ask Marie or Suzanne to the spring
			dance? Do I take my holiday on
			Tahiti or on Risa? A man's life,
			his future, hinges on each of a
			thousand choices. Living is
			making choices.
					(MORE)

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/26/91 - ACT FOUR  45.

42   CONTINUED: (5)

					PICARD (cont'd)
			Now you ask me to believe that
			if I make a choice other than the
			one found in your history books,
			it could irreparably alter your
			past! Well, perhaps I don't give
			a damn about your past, Professor
			Rasmussen. Because your past is
			my future and as far as I'm
			concerned, it hasn't been written
			yet.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain, the electrostatic
			conditions are about as good as
			they're going to get. If we're
			going to try this, now's the time.

	Picard turns to Rasmussen. A beat.

	For a brief instant Rasmussen's guard drops. His
	cockiness now has a trace of remorse.

					RASMUSSEN
			Please don't ask me, Captain.
			I can't help you. I'm sorry.

	After a long stare, Picard almost seems to smile. He
	turns and EXITS. Rasmussen innocently returns the
	smile and follows Picard onto the bridge. On his way
	out, Rasmussen takes a small pile of isolinear chips
	from a table. They disappear into his pocket.

43   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard ENTERS with Rasmussen following. Riker, Data,
	Worf, the Ensign and supernumeraries at their stations.

					PICARD
				(to Riker)
			How long will it take them to
			program the phasers, Number One?

					RIKER
				(seeing Picard means
				 business)
			We just need to tie in Geordi's
			atmospheric sensors.

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/30/91 - ACT FOUR  45A.

43   CONTINUED:

					RASMUSSEN
			So you've made your choice after
			all... and without my help.

					PICARD
			Quite the contrary, Professor.
			You've been quite helpful.

					RASMUSSEN
			How's that?

					PICARD
			By your refusing to assist me,
			I'm left with the same choice I
			began with; to try or not to
			try... to run the risk or to play
			it safe. But your arguments have
			reminded me how precious the right
			to choose can be... that right
			or wrong, the choice is mine.
			And since I've never been much
			for playing it safe... I choose
			to try.

	Rasmussen smiles. Picard turns his back on him.

					PICARD
			Program the firing sequence,
			Mister Data.

					DATA
			Aye, sir.

	Off their reactions we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

  STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE  46.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

44   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit over the shrouded planet. The ship is
	oriented so the deflector dish is facing the surface.
	The lightning has increased.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45335.0.
			Doctor Moseley has met with the
			colony leaders, who all agree
			they are willing to take the
			risk.

45   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, the Ensign and other
	supernumeraries, as before. Rasmussen sits in Troi's
	chair.

					WORF
				(to Geordi on
				 viewscreen)
			Warp power is being rerouted to
			the main deflector dish,
			Commander.

46   ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	where we see Geordi and Moseley working in the lab.
	The snow is still falling heavily.

					GEORDI
			Keep the phasers on active surge
			control, Worf. We're only going
			to have one shot at this.

47   RESUME SCENE (INTERCUT BRIDGE AND LAB AS NEEDED) -
	(OPTICAL)

	Rasmussen almost can't control himself.

					RASMUSSEN
			Well, this is it!

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      47.

47   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(ignoring Rasmussen)
			You have the sequence locked in,
			Data?

					DATA
			Yes, sir. After an eight point
			three second burst from the dish,
			we will discharge all EPS taps
			through the phasers.

					PICARD
			Geordi, it's time you return to
			the ship.
				(to com)
			Mister O'Brien, prepare to
			transport...

					GEORDI
			Excuse me, sir, but I can be a
			lot more help down here. We've
			got to compensate for the density
			variations right up to the last
			second.

	Picard looks questioningly at Data.

					DATA
			Doctor Moseley's computers can
			accomplish the same task, sir.
			But Commander La Forge would be
			better able to anticipate
			unexpected variances.

					PICARD
				(looking at the screen)
			Geordi, you know better than
			anyone that there's no guarantee
			this is going to work. And if
			it fails...

					GEORDI
			There's no guarantee it's going
			to fail, Captain. I'd like your
			permission to remain on the
			surface.

	Picard looks at Riker. A beat.

					PICARD
			Permission granted.

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      48.

47   CONTINUED: (2)

					RASMUSSEN
				(like a well-known fact)
			La Forge remained below.

					PICARD
			Good luck, Commander.

					GEORDI
			Thank you, sir.

	The viewscreen switches to an image of the planet.
	Continuous lightning flashes through the dark clouds
	and volcanic plumes.

48   OMITTED

49   ANOTHER ANGLE

	we hear a few beeps coming from Data's console.

					DATA
			The deflector dish has been
			reconfigured, Captain.

	Picard realizes the time has come. After a beat he
	nods to Riker, who takes over.

					RIKER
			Proceed, Mister Data.

					DATA
			Stand by for auto-phaser interlock.
			Activating deflector beam.

	Data pushes a button.

50   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Five parallel white beams shoot out from the deflector
	dish.

51   EXT. SPACE - PENTHARA IV (OPTICAL)

	as the beams partially disperse when they reach the
	upper dust clouds.

         STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT FIVE         49.

52   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	as before.

					WORF
			EPS taps are on-line.
				(a beat)
			Phasers firing.

53   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	(NOTE: The following sequence of opticals will take
	only ten-twelve seconds.) A thin orange beam fires
	parallel to the others.

54   EXT. SPACE - PENTHARA IV (OPTICAL)

	The phaser beam hits the spot where the other beams
	meet the cloud tops. A beat.

	An enormous EXPLOSION far below us. The orange glow
	spreads in all directions and quickly begins to envelop
	the clouded atmosphere.

	A few seconds later, as soon as the fiery orange
	curtain has encapsulated the planet, a series of
	glowing blue "fingers" spread from the far side toward
	the point where the phaser originally hit. The blue
	explosions are replacing the orange ones.

	As the final streak of blue "glow" replaces the last
	visible area of orange, a pillar of blue light forms
	and streaks toward the Enterprise.

55   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as the blue energy beam makes contact, enveloping the
	ship.

56   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The bridge is vibrating and a huge roar is heard.
	Everyone is understandably tense.

					DATA
			Activating shield invertors...
			now!

	Data hits a button.

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      50.

57   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The blue light, which continues to envelop the planet
	below, is still being drawn to the Enterprise in the
	form of a thin beam, enveloping the ship, as well.

	The glowing ship rotates 180 degrees and an even
	brighter blue beam appears from the deflector dish.
	As it discharges out into space we see the glow on the
	planet begin to dissipate as if it were being sucked
	up through the beam reaching toward the ship, and then
	off into deep space.

	It's over in seconds. The pillar of light from the
	planet vanishes as the last of the energy is deflected
	through the dish.

58   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The last reminders of the huge vibrations and noise
	echo into silence. All is still.

59   ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	the now cloudless planet is visible. A few smaller
	volcanic plumes can be seen.

60   RESUME

	Picard looks to Riker and then to Data.

					PICARD
				(tentatively)
			Mister La Forge?

	A beat.

61   BACK TO VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	as it switches to the science lab, where there's a
	guarded optimism reflected in all the faces. The snow
	has stopped.

					GEORDI
			La Forge here. Still breathing,
			Captain.

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      51.

61   CONTINUED:

					MOSELEY
			Particulate levels are right where
			they're supposed to be... and the
			sun is shining!

					GEORDI
			You see, sir, I told you there
			was nothing to worry about.

					PICARD
			Report back to the ship when
			you're ready, Commander.
				(to Moseley)
			Doctor, we'll stay in orbit to
			analyze the remaining volcanic
			disturbances.
				(smiling)
			I think the best advice might be
			to let them cool down on their
			own.

					MOSELEY
			I'm getting in the habit of
			thanking you, Picard.

	Moseley touches a button and the screen returns to
	the view of the cloudless planet.

	Rasmussen stands and approaches Picard.

					RASMUSSEN
			Well, I'd love to see more, but
			it's nearly time for me to go.
			I'm tickled pink to have had the
			opportunity of witnessing this,
			Picard.
				(patronizing)
			And you did it all without any
			help.

	Rasmussen opens a ring on one of his fingers and looks
	inside.

					RASMUSSEN
				(continuing)
			I must run. I've got some packing
			to do.
				(as he passes Riker)
			You know, you're taller in person.

	As Rasmussen EXITS, Picard turns to Worf and nods.

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      52.

62
thru	OMITTED
63

64   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE - OPTICAL

	in orbit around the planet.

65   INT. SHUTTLEBAY (OPTICAL)

	Rasmussen, his valise over a shoulder, ENTERS to find
	Picard, Beverly, Riker, Worf, and Data by his vessel.
	An N.D. SECURITY GUARD stands nearby.

					RASMUSSEN
			Would you look at this. Who would
			have suspected a teary farewell?

					PICARD
			I'm afraid we're going to have
			to take a look in your vessel,
			Professor.

					RASMUSSEN
				(they just don't get
				 it)
			Curious till the end, eh, Captain?

	Picard remains stern-faced.

					RASMUSSEN
				(continuing)
			You can't be serious, Picard.
			We've been through this more than
			once and I...

					PICARD
			A number of objects have turned
			up missing in the last few days.
			If they are in your possession,
			I would like them returned.

					RASMUSSEN
			I'm not here in search of relics.

	Rasmussen opens his ring again, looks in and starts
	toward his ship.

					RASMUSSEN
				(continuing)
			I'm sure they'll turn up.

	Worf blocks his way.

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      53.

65   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			If you will not open the vessel,
			I will... with explosives, if
			necessary.

					RASMUSSEN
				(defiant)
			I doubt you have the means.

					RIKER
			If we don't get in that thing,
			I guarantee you won't either.

	Rasmussen shows the first signs of panic. But it
	vanishes and he smiles.

					RASMUSSEN
				(to Picard)
			Considering the sensitive nature
			of my equipment, I think you'll
			understand if I request that only
			Mister Data be allowed to see it.

					RIKER
			Why Data?

					PICARD
				(understanding)
			Because if I order Data never to
			divulge what he sees in there,
			he won't.
				(to Data)
			With the exception of anything
			that might belong to us.

					DATA
			Understood, sir.

	Rasmussen smiles and leads Data toward the craft.

					RASMUSSEN
			Back in a minute.

	Rasmussen presses the back of his hand and then his
	palm against a specific point on the vessel and a door
	APPEARS and OPENS. He enters followed by Data, who
	glances back at Picard a beat before the door REAPPEARS
	and CLOSES. Worf, Beverly, Picard and Riker look at
	each other.

         STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT FIVE         54.

66   INT. VESSEL

	The vessel's interior, similar to its exterior, is
	truly futuristic, with multifaceted panels containing
	minimal blinkies. As Data ENTERS, he immediately
	notices two large collector trays.

	Normally slid into a rack, the trays are exposed and
	filled with objects stolen from the Enterprise: two
	tricorders, a neural stimulator, a hypospray and
	bioscanner, one of Geordi's visors, PADDS, a small desk
	top viewer, a Klingon knife, piles of isolinear chips
	and other computer chips, palm beacons, even bar
	glasses and silverware from Ten Forward, and various
	other whatsits from here and there. Data examines the
	loot and turns to Rasmussen.

					DATA
			I do not believe any of these
			items belong to you, Professor.

	Rasmussen raises a phaser at Data.

					RASMUSSEN
			Nor does this!

	Data stands very still.

					RASMUSSEN
				(continuing)
			This phaser is set at the highest
			stun setting. If I'm correct,
			that is sufficient to immobilize
			even you.

					DATA
			Do you plan to put these objects
			into a museum?

					RASMUSSEN
			They're far too valuable for that.
			You see, in the century I come
			from, they haven't even been
			invented yet.

	Data looks at the ship's futuristic design.

					DATA
			But this vessel... ? And the
			temporal distortion that coincided
			with your arrival?

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      55.

66   CONTINUED:

					RASMUSSEN
			Oh, this is a time-pod. And it
			is from the twenty-sixth
			century... at least that's what
			the poor fellow said. You see,
			he decided to travel back to the
			twenty-second century... that's
			my time, and he had the misfortune
			of meeting me... His clothes
			fit quite well, don't you think?
				(gesturing to the pod)
			Took me weeks to figure out how
			to work this thing.

					DATA
			You are not an historian?

					RASMUSSEN
			More of an inventor. Up till a
			few weeks ago, a dismally
			unsuccessful one.

					DATA
			What are your intentions, now?

					RASMUSSEN
			Well, thanks to your captain, it
			seems my intentions have changed
			slightly.

	He points to the trays.

					RASMUSSEN
				(continuing)
			I was quite content with the
			notion of returning with those
			trinkets. I'd "invent" about one
			a year. But now, look what
			fortune has graced me with...
				(pointing toward Data)
			You will take a little longer to
			figure out than a tricorder, but
			it should be well worth the
			effort.

	He checks his ring.

					RASMUSSEN
				(continuing)
			If the auto-timer is programmed
			the way I think it is...
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      56.

66   CONTINUED: (2)

					RASMUSSEN (cont'd)
			in about two minutes we'll be on
			our way back to a place called
			New Jersey... I'm afraid you
			won't be awake for the ride.

	Rasmussen aims the phaser at Data and tries to fire,
	but it only makes a lame noise. Panicked, he readjusts
	and fires again... nothing.

					DATA
			I assume your hand print will open
			the door whether you are conscious
			or not.

	Off Rasmussen's look, we CUT TO:

67   INT. SHUTTLEBAY - (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Beverly, Riker, Worf, and an N.D. Security
	guard, as before. The vessel door opens and Rasmussen
	exits, closely followed by Data, who now carries the
	phaser.

					RASMUSSEN
				(disgusted)
			That weapon was working yesterday.

					DATA
				(to Picard, handing him
				 the phaser)
			You were correct to suspect him,
			sir. But he is from the past,
			not the future.

	Picard reacts to what Data says and turns to Rasmussen.

					PICARD
				(mimicking Rasmussen
				 in Act Four)
			Trying to make my history unfold
			in a way other than it already
			has, Professor?

					RASMUSSEN
			This was all a misunderstanding,
			Picard. Just let me back in there
			and we'll forget the whole thing.

         STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT FIVE         57.

67   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(still mimicking)
			Now what possible incentive could
			anyone offer me to allow that?

					DATA
				(to Riker)
			I believe you will find all the
			missing items in the vessel, sir.

	Riker nods to Worf who acknowledges and heads into the
	vessel. Rasmussen turns to Beverly with a desperate,
	pleading look.

					RASMUSSEN
			Doctor...

					BEVERLY
				(ice)
			A very nice performance.

					RASMUSSEN
				(a touch of remorse)
			Not all of it. Some of it was
			real.

	Beverly's cold stare tells him he's wasting his time.
	He checks his ring and turns toward Picard, panicky.

					RASMUSSEN
			Captain...

					DATA
			He claims to be a twenty-second
			century inventor, sir.

					PICARD
				(it's all coming into
				 focus)
			Well, it's too bad you weren't
			a bit more inventive. If fewer
			things had disappeared, we might
			not have suspected you. As it
			was, our only stumbling block was
			your vessel. Our sensors couldn't
			penetrate it.

	Worf climbs out of the pod carrying the two trays.

       STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - REV. 9/25/91 - ACT FIVE      58.

67   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			But as soon as the door opened,
			our computer was able to detect
			and deactivate everything you'd
			stolen...
				(holding up the phaser)
			... including this.

	Picard drops it onto the top tray as Worf passes him.
	Worf hands the trays to the N.D. security guard.

					RASMUSSEN
			I'd love to hear more, Picard,
			but I really must get back in that
			pod.

	Rasmussen heads for the vessel, but is stopped by Worf.
	Picard looks to Riker.

					RIKER
			Take him to a detention cell,
			Mister Worf. And notify Starfleet
			that we'll be dropping him off
			at Starbase Two-one-four.

					RASMUSSEN
				(panicking, struggling)
			You can't do this... I've got
			to get back... I don't belong
			here.

	The tiny ship suddenly GLOWS, SHIMMERS, and DISAPPEARS.
	Rasmussen can't believe it.

					RASMUSSEN
			No!

	Worf walks him toward the exit.

					PICARD
			I'm sure there are more than a
			few legitimate historians at
			Starfleet who will be quite eager
			to meet a Human from your era.

	Worf and Rasmussen reach the exit.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Oh, and Professor...

         STAR TREK: "A Matter of Time" - 9/20/91 - ACT FIVE         59.

67   CONTINUED: (3)

	Rasmussen stops and turns.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Welcome to the twenty-fourth
			century.

	Worf and Rasmussen EXIT. Off reactions, we CUT TO:

68   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit of Penthara IV.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             
