














                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                         Skin of Evil 
                      "f.k.a.'The Shroud'"

                          #40271-122 
                              
                           Story by 
                        Joseph Stefano 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Joseph Stefano 
                              and 
                     Hannah Louise Shearer 
                              
                          Directed by 
                       Joseph L. Scanlan 


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 1988 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 This script is not for publication or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.


                     REVISED FINAL DRAFT

                      FEBRUARY 1, 1988

            STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "The Shroud" 
                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             ARMUS (THE SHROUD)
                RIKER              
                BEVERLY            
                DATA               
                TROI               
                TASHA              
                WORF               
                GEORDI             
                WESLEY             
                LIEUTENANT COMMANDER LELAND T. LYNCH
                NURSE              
                LIEUTENANT BEN PRIETO [PRONOUNCED: "PREE-ET-TOE"]

                Non-Speaking       
                  TWO MEDICAL TECHNICIANS
                  TRANSPORTER CHIEF  

                Voice-Over         
                  COMPUTER VOICE     

            STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "The Shroud" 

                             SETS                               
                              
            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              MAIN ENGINEERING         SHUTTLECRAFT
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              SICKBAY                  VAGRA 2 [PRONOUNCED: "VAY-GRA"]
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
          
              PASTORAL AREA
          
            SHUTTLECRAFT

          STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER          1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                         "The Shroud"   
                           
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it travels through space on impulse power.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 41801.3.
			We are crossing through the Zed
			Lapis sector, where we will
			rendezvous with Shuttlecraft
			Thirteen carrying Deanna Troi,
			who is returning from a
			psychology conference.

2    INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	The usual CREW is in place, except for Troi and Wesley.

					PICARD (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			Because Engineering is taking this
			opportunity to complete preventive
			maintenance on dilithium
			crystals, we are traveling on
			impulse power.

	Tasha and Worf are at the Aft station, working the
	console.

					WORF
			Routine deep sensor probe
			indicates no obstacles, no vessels
			within a range of three light
			years.

					TASHA
			Short-range sub-space radar
			confirms.

	Worf turns to her.

					WORF
			The martial arts competition is
			in three days. Are you prepared?

          STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER          2.

2    CONTINUED:

					TASHA
			If you'll meet me on the Holodeck
			later. I need your help on the
			Mishiama wrist-lock and break.
			If it works on you, I can use it
			on anyone.

					WORF
			A valid assumption. Who is your
			first competitor?

					TASHA
			The aikido match is with Science
			Officer Swenson.

					WORF
			You will defeat him easily.

					TASHA
				(nodding)
			I'm more concerned with Lieutenant
			Minnerly's kick-boxing.

					WORF
			You are favored in the ship's
			pool.

	Tasha just looks at him, then smiles, surprised.

					TASHA
			You bet on me.

					WORF
			A sure thing.

2A   ANOTHER ANGLE

					GEORDI
			Sir, estimated rendezvous with
			the shuttle in one hour, ten
			minutes.

					PICARD
			Very good, Lieutenant.
				(to Riker)
			It's not the same around here
			without Counselor Troi, is it,
			Number One?

	Riker's not sure if Picard's needling him.

          STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER          3.

2A   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			No, sir. It seems...

					WORF
			... Sir! I am receiving an
			emergency transmission from the
			shuttle!

					PICARD
			Put it on the Main Viewer.

					GEORDI
			I can't. We are receiving audio
			only.

					PICARD
			Then open the frequency.

					GEORDI
			Aye, sir.

					BEN'S COM VOICE
				(crackling; calm)
			... what a jolt!

					PICARD
			Position report.

					BEN'S COM VOICE
			Sir, I have an onboard systems
			failure. You'll have to tell
			me where I am.

					GEORDI
			I read coordinates three-zero-seven
			mark one-two-six. Confirm!

					BEN'S COM VOICE
			Can't confirm. My instruments
			are haywire.

	The bridge crew REACTS with concern.

					PICARD
			Lieutenant Prieto, is Counselor
			Troi all right?

					BEN'S COM VOICE
			Yes, sir. Just a little shaken.
			We're being buffeted a bit...

	A GREAT STATIC ECHOES through the bridge.

          STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER          4.

2A   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEN'S COM VOICE
				(continuing; slightly
				 panicked; breaking up)
			... losing more power! My flight
			control computer's fried.

					PICARD
			Main Engineering!

3    INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (INTERCUT WITH MAIN BRIDGE AS
NECESSARY)

	where LIEUTENANT COMMANDER LELAND T. LYNCH and his
	crew are working on DILITHIUM CRYSTALS. The door to
	the chamber is OPEN. Lynch touches his insignia.

					LYNCH
			Engineering. Lieutenant
			Commander Leland T. Lynch
			reporting, sir.

					PICARD
			How long will it take to return
			to warp power?

					LYNCH
			Captain! I'm in the middle of
			realigning the dilithium
			crystals.

					PICARD
			There's an emergency, Lynch. I
			need warp drive. How long?

					LYNCH
			Twenty minutes. Maybe more.

					PICARD
			We don't have it.

					LYNCH
			I'll align it by hand. Then
			power up the core.

					PICARD
			Whatever it takes.

	A frustrated Lynch starts to move quickly.

					LYNCH
			Aye, sir.
				(to his workers)
			Let's go!

          STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER          5.

4    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	the crew is very tense.

					GEORDI
			Shuttle, this is the Enterprise.
			Coordinates now read two-thirty-seven
			mark one-oh-one. You're
			moving in too close towards a
			large mass.

					BEN'S COM VOICE
			I can see it. The planet's
			getting closer.

	More STATIC fills the bridge.

					DATA
			The planet is Vagra Two of the
			Zed Lapis system. Uninhabited.

					PICARD
			Lieutenant, report!

					TROI'S COM VOICE
			This is Counselor Troi. I'll
			relay, sir. The pilot is...
			busy. We've lost most of our
			impulse power.

					PICARD
			Engineering! Status report!

					LYNCH'S COM VOICE
			Working on it. Three minutes,
			Captain. But there are no
			guarantees.

					PICARD
			Deanna, we'll be right there.

	Riker and the crew become very anxious as the STATIC
	again fills the bridge.

					TROI'S COM VOICE
			... We're spinning around...

					BEN'S COM VOICE
			We're caught in the planet's
			gravity.

					TROI'S COM VOICE
				(very controlled)
			We're going to crash.

          STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - TEASER          6.

4    CONTINUED:

	The faces of her friends reflect their fear and
	anguish, as WE:

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

5    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	still on impulse power.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental.
			We've lost all contact with
			Shuttlecraft Thirteen -- and can
			only assume they've crash-landed
			on Vagra Two. Main Engineering
			is working at top speed to return
			us to warp power.

6    INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	where Lynch places the dilithium crystals on their
	proper tray.

					LYNCH
			Forget the final check.

7    CLOSER ANGLE

	as the tray with the crystals is placed within the
	chamber and the door CLOSES. Lynch WALKS to the
	Computer.

7A   LYNCH AT THE COMPUTER

					LYNCH
			Computer -- initiate start-up
			sequence.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Beginning check list.

					LYNCH
			Override. We are going directly
			to start-up.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			That procedure is not recommended.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         8.

7A   CONTINUED:

					LYNCH
			Understood. Now. Prime
			matter/antimatter injectors. Set
			ratio at twenty-five to one...

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Ratio set.

					LYNCH
			Power engine core. Inject
			reactants.

	At which point the SOUND WHINES AND BUILDS TO A RUMBLE.
	The ENGINE LIGHTS BRIGHTEN AND BEGIN THE FAMILIAR WARP
	DRIVE EFFECT.

					LYNCH
				(continuing)
			Captain, this is Lieutenant
			Commander Leland T. Lynch. You
			have minimum warp drive.

8    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	as Geordi watches his console closely. He waits for
	Data's signal.

					DATA
			Computer indicates alignment of
			matter-anti-matter completed, sir.

					GEORDI
			Course plotted and set for Vagra
			Two.

					PICARD
			Warp eight.

					LYNCH'S COM VOICE
			Minimum warp drive, Captain.

					PICARD
			You heard the order. Make it so.

9    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as the ship MOVES OUT IN WARP SPEED.

10   OMITTED

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         9.

11   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The crew calmly but rapidly performs their duties.
	Riker sits almost immobilized next to Picard. Beverly
	puts her hand on his arm.

					GEORDI
			Approaching Vagra Two.

					DATA
			Strange, sir. No emergency
			signal from the shuttle as yet.

					RIKER
				(reassuring himself)
			They're designed to withstand
			almost any impact.

					WORF
			Beginning a deeper probe, sir.

					PICARD
			What is this place, Mister Data?

					DATA
			There is no information in the
			library computer, sir, other than
			the fact of its existence. No
			signs of any known higher life-form.
			Virtually no vegetation.

					RIKER
			Atmosphere?

					DATA
			Minimum for our needs.

					PICARD
			Standard orbit.

					GEORDI
			Standard orbit, aye.

11A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 10)

	as it ENTERS orbit around Vagra 2.

12   CLOSE ON PICARD AND RIKER

	Riker's scared for Troi.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         10.

12   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I could have set up the rendezvous
			in a dozen alternate sites.

	Picard knows what he's really saying.

					PICARD
			She means a lot to all of us.

					RIKER
			She's not dead. I'd know it.

13   WIDER ANGLE

	INCLUDING Worf.

					WORF
			I've located the shuttle!

					PICARD
			Life signs?

					WORF
			Not yet, sir.

	Riker REACTS to the possibility that Troi is dead.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Still probing. It appears to be
			buried under a lot of debris.

	Worf shakes his head, then sees a FLICKER on the
	console.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			I may have something, sir!

	He makes an adjustment on his instruments. Riker's
	out of his chair instantly, looking over Worf's
	shoulder.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Faint life signs. Very faint.

					RIKER
			How many?

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         11.

13   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			There's no way of telling from
			here.

					PICARD
			Can we beam up the injured?

					DATA
			No. Our sensors are not fully
			penetrating whatever the debris
			is, sir. I cannot explain it.

	A puzzled concerned REACTION from Picard.

					PICARD
			That's very unusual.

					DATA
			Yes. I cannot explain it.

	Picard gets a call.

					LYNCH'S COM VOICE
			Captain, this is Lieutenant
			Commander Leland T. Lynch. Can
			I shut down the warp drive now
			for a full realignment?

					PICARD
				(distracted)
			Yes.

					LYNCH
			Thanks. That's fine...

					PICARD
			No. Wait.
				(something is picking
				 at him)
			Not yet.

					LYNCH
			You'll have full impulse.

					PICARD
			I understand, but for the moment
			I want all systems at full
			readiness -- especially propulsion.

					LYNCH
			As you wish, Captain.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         12.

13   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Assemble your team, Number One.

					RIKER
			Right away.

					BEVERLY
			I'll meet you in Transporter Room
			Four.

	Riker gets up quickly.

					RIKER
			Yar, Data.

	They're already halfway out of their positions and
	HEADING for the Transporter Room.

14   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM FOUR (OPTICAL)

	The team is assembled on the pad when Beverly COMES
	IN with TWO MEDICAL TECHNICIANS and gear. They MOVE
	ONTO the pad.

					RIKER
			Do it.

	The Transporter Chief works the console and the away
	team DISAPPEARS.

15   EXT. VAGRA 2 (OPTICAL)

	Vagra 2 is arid, desolate, with very rocky terrain.
	It's always dusk. The team BEAMS IN about ten meters
	from the crash site. The shuttle appears to have
	crashed into a hill. It's almost completely buried,
	obscured by ROCKS. There is an eerie stillness, a
	deadness about the place. Tasha takes readings.

					TASHA
			Ben must have had no control
			left, otherwise he would have
			picked a better spot.

					BEVERLY
			Let's go. The life signs are
			weak.

	Tasha starts to lead the team quickly and cautiously
	towards the shuttle.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         13.

16   ANOTHER ANGLE

	As they near the shuttle, they run into an obstacle -
	a BLACK, SHINY, VISCOUS MASS lying on the ground.

16A  ANGLE ON THE AWAY TEAM

	They STOP for a beat and look at the slime. Data
	takes a tricorder reading.

					RIKER
			What is it?

	No one has an answer.

					TASHA
			No idea. We'll go around. Just
			to be on the safe side.

16B  ANGLE ON TASHA

	As she leads the away team around the slick, it MOVES
	PARALLEL with them so it stays between them and the
	shuttle. The team STOPS.

					TASHA
			We'll go the other way.

16C  ANOTHER ANGLE

	The away team CIRCLES AROUND the other way. And again,
	the slick stays between them and the shuttle.

					RIKER
				(touching his
				 communicator)
			Enterprise, this is Riker. We've
			got a problem.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			What kind of a problem, Number
			One?

					RIKER
			I'm not sure yet. There's some
			kind of a slick blocking our
			path. We'll keep you apprised.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Maintain an open frequency.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         14.

16C  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Aye, sir.

17   CLOSER ANGLE

					RIKER
			Analysis, Mister Data.

	Data takes readings.

					DATA
			Inconclusive, sir. I cannot tell
			you what it is -- only what it is
			not.

					RIKER
			Explain.

					DATA
			There is no evidence of neural
			or circulatory systems. No
			internal organs. Cellular
			structure unknown. It does not
			have any proteins which are known
			to us.

	The slime remains SILENT and STILL... Until:

					BEVERLY
			It's narrower over here. Can
			we get over it?

	They try -- but it EXPANDS, so they can't pass.

					RIKER
			Wait, Beverly. How is it moving,
			Data?

					DATA
			I do not know, sir. It does not
			appear to have any skeletal
			framework or musculature.

					RIKER
			Then what's causing it to move?

					DATA
			Perhaps we are. It appears to
			be following us, sir.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         15.

18   WIDER ANGLE

	The slime continues to BLOCK THEIR PATH, BLOCKING ANY
	WAY THEY TRY TO APPROACH the shuttle.

					RIKER
			No readings of intelligence.
			No brain as we know it. But
			evidence of thought, Mister Data?

					DATA
			Insufficient information.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Number One, can you beam around
			it?

					RIKER
			Negative, not enough room, sir.
			It seems to be trying to keep
			us away from the shuttle.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Data, is it alive?

19   THE CREATURE

					DATA
			It is possible. It possesses
			two of the requisites for life.

20   WIDER ANGLE

	A SHRIEK is emitted, and the BLACK SHROUD, ARMUS, LIFTS
	ITSELF off the ground and blocks the away team's path.

					ARMUS
			Very good, tin man.

	They STEP BACK, startled... phasers ready. Riker
	gathers himself and steps forward. Tasha's alert.

20A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and the others listening.

					PICARD
			What is it, Number One? What are
			you seeing?

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT ONE         16.

20A  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I wish I had an answer, Captain.
			The truth is... I'm not sure.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         17.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

A21	EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as the ship orbits the planet.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental.
			While on the planet Vagra Two to
			rescue members of the crew who
			were injured in a rather strange
			and unexplained shuttle crash,
			the away team, lead by Commander
			Riker, has encountered a strange
			creature which seems to be able
			to take many forms, including
			something which is humanoid.

B21	INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard touches his arm panel.

					PICARD
			Go easy, Number One. Let's find
			out what it is we are dealing with
			here.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Agreed, Captain.

					PICARD
			And Number One, I don't believe
			the location shuttle crash and
			the proximity of this creature
			is necessarily a coincidence.

C21	EXT. PLANET VAGRA 2

	Riker moves a STEP CLOSER to the creature.

					RIKER
			I am Commander William Riker of
			the USS Enterprise.

					ARMUS
			I am ARMUS. Why do you intrude
			into my space?

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         18.

C21	CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			We mean you no harm. We have an
			injured crew in that shuttlecraft.
			We need to get to them. May we
			pass?

					ARMUS
			That is important to you? That
			they live?

					RIKER
			Yes. Preserving life -- all life
			-- is very important to us.

					ARMUS
			Why?

					RIKER
			We believe that everything in the
			universe has a right to exist.

					ARMUS
			Interesting. Irrelevant. But
			you may now leave if you wish.

	Riker and the crew are startled.

					TASHA
			We won't without the shuttle
			crew.

	The shroud REMAINS SILENT as Tasha makes a slight MOVE
	TO GO AROUND IT.

					ARMUS
			You will not like it here.

					TASHA
			What are you saying -- that you
			are going to try and deny us
			access and attempt to force us
			to leave without our comrades?

					ARMUS
			I told you what you can do. You
			can leave.

	Tasha has had enough of this and starts to move toward
	the narrowest strip of slime.

					TASHA
			Enough. We have people who need
			attention. We mean you no harm,
			but do not interfere.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         19.

21   ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	as ARMUS FLICKS HIS FINGER, sending an ENERGY FORCE
	towards Tasha, JERKING HER BACK and SLAMMING HER DOWN
	to the ground.

22   ON THE TEAM (OPTICAL)

	Everything from here on must happen in a blur of
	action. Beverly and the medical personnel jump to
	Tasha's side. Riker and Data MOVE BETWEEN the others
	and BLAST ARMUS with their phasers.

23   OMITTED

24   ANGLE ON THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)

	who appears to thrive and grow on the energy.

24A  ANGLE ON RIKER AND DATA

	They BACK AWAY - still FIRING.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Number One?

					RIKER
			The creature attacked us.
			Lieutenant Yar is down.

					DATA
			It appears to feed on our phaser
			energy.

					RIKER
			We have no effect on it.

24B  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and the others are monitoring.

					PICARD
			Transporter Room. Get them up.
			Now!

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         20.

24C  ANGLE ON TASHA AND THE OTHERS

	Beverly quickly takes a reading. She can't believe the
	instruments.

					BEVERLY
			She's dead.

24CC	ANGLE ON THE BRIDGE CREW

	stunned.

24D  ANGLE ON RIKER AND DATA

	They REACT to the words. Then look back at ARMUS.

24E  ANGLE ON ARMUS

	watching.

25   ANGLE ON BEVERLY AND TASHA

	There is a piece of slime on Tasha's face. Beverly
	digs at it, desperate to remove it.

25A  ANGLE ON AWAY TEAM (OPTICAL)

	The lock on is complete -- the away team is BEAMED UP.
	Leaving only Armus and the shuttle.

26   OMITTED

26A  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	as the away team BEAMS IN. Beverly and the
	Technicians are still working on Tasha. Beverly gives
	her an injection in the neck. Riker and Data can REACT
	for the first time.

					BEVERLY
			I need her in Sickbay right now!
			Get a gurney.

27   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard is out of his seat -- the whole crew is alert.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         21.

27   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Yellow Alert, Lieutenant Worf.
			I'll be in Sickbay.

	REACTIONS from the bridge crew.

28
thru	OMITTED
29

30   INT. SICKBAY

	The medical team is easing Tasha onto the operating
	table as Picard ENTERS. Beverly barely glances up at
	him. He MOVES OFF TO THE SIDE and watches silently,
	with Data and Riker, as:

31   CLOSE ON DIAGNOSTIC SCREEN

	which shows her bodily readings to be totally askew.

32   WIDER ANGLE

	Beverly and the Nurse work together as if they'd done
	this a hundred times before, attaching the clamshell
	device onto the bed, over Tasha's body.

					PICARD
			Status, Doctor?

					BEVERLY
			She's dead.

					PICARD
			Bring her back.

					BEVERLY
			I'm trying.

					PICARD
			You've saved people before. You
			can save her.

					BEVERLY
			Neural stimulator.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         22.

32   CONTINUED:

	The Nurse immediately helps her attach the device,
	which clips onto the bed and slips over Tasha's head
	like a loose headband. As soon as both devices are
	activated, Beverly and the Nurse anxiously watch the
	diagnostic screen. A FEW KEY INDICATORS APPROACH
	NORMALITY. Picard is anxious and impatient.

					RIKER
			There. You did it.

					BEVERLY
			No. I've got her on total
			support. There's no independent
			brain activity.

	Beverly grimly and quickly works the neural
	stimulator. She pushes programming keys furiously,
	then hits the start button. No reaction.

					NURSE
			She's not responding, Doctor.
			Her synaptic network is breaking
			down.

					BEVERLY
			No! Inject norep.

	The Nurse complies as Beverly reprograms the
	stimulator. Nothing happens.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			We're going for direct reticular
			stimulation.

					NURSE
			Risky.

					PICARD
			What does that mean?

					BEVERLY
			Doesn't matter! Do it!

	The Nurse punches it in, and Tasha's body TWITCHES
	SLIGHTLY. Picard looks hopefully at Beverly.

					PICARD
			She moved!

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         23.

32   CONTINUED: (2)

					NURSE
			Neurons are beginning to
			depolarize.

	Beverly is desperate, but calm.

					BEVERLY
			Increase to seventy microvolts.

	The Nurse complies. Beverly pushes the button. Tasha
	MOVES SLIGHTLY -- VERY SLIGHTLY. Beverly checks the
	readout. Data and Riker looks at each other -- it's
	not good.

					PICARD
				(urgently)
			Doctor?

					BEVERLY
			Eighty-five microvolts.

	They quickly try again. And again. Finally, there is
	NO MOVEMENT in Tasha at all.

33   ON BEVERLY AND PICARD

	She slowly turns to him.

					BEVERLY
			She's gone.

					PICARD
			Gone?

					BEVERLY
			There's too much synaptic damage.
			That thing just sucked all the
			life out of her. There's nothing
			I can do...

	Picard, Riker and Data seem rooted to the spot.

34   ANOTHER ANGLE

	Beverly reluctantly pushes in a code on the overbed
	life support clamshell. She and the others look up
	at the big diagnostic wall screen and watch all the
	LIFE FUNCTION INDICATORS FALL TO ZERO. They REACT
	to the finality of this.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         24.

35   EXT. VAGRA 2

	as ARMUS SLITHERS AND SLIDES close to the shuttle.

36   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	It is greatly damaged. The PILOT, LIEUTENANT BEN
	PRIETO, is slumped forward, unconscious. Troi tries
	to move, but is in a great deal of pain. She touches
	her communicator, but it doesn't work.

36A  EXT. VAGRA 2 (FORMERLY SCENE 39)

	ARMUS has slithered up the shuttle and covered the
	little bit that isn't buried by rubble.

36B  INT. SHUTTLECRAFT (FORMERLY SCENE 40)

	Troi is startled. She feels very uncomfortable and
	looks around, seeing nothing, but feeling -- an
	intimate sense of evil.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			Your friends have deserted you.
			They're not coming back.

					TROI
			You're wrong.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			I killed one of them.

	Troi is very sad.

					TROI
			Yes. I know.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			How could you be in there and know
			that?

					TROI
			I felt her die.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			Do you want to know why I killed
			her?

					TROI
			Meaningless. That act had no
			reason.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         25.

36B  CONTINUED:

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			Exactly. I did it because I
			could.

					TROI
			But you felt no satisfaction.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			No, none. It was too easy.

					TROI
			You wanted her to suffer. You
			have a great need.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			I need nothing.

					TROI
			Liar.
				(there is a pause)
			End this. Let us go.

					ARMUS
			Not yet.

					TROI
			They won't give you what you want.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			And what is that?

					TROI
			To break their spirit.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			Oh, is that what I want?... Then
			that's what I will have.

					TROI
			Never.

37   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it orbits Vagra 2.

38   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	The bridge crew GATHERS around the table.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         26.

38   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
				(enraged)
			She didn't do anything, Captain.
			Her phaser was lowered. She only
			wanted to get to Troi and
			Lieutenant Prieto.

					RIKER
			There was nothing provocative
			about what she did.

	Riker slams the table and fights back tears of outrage.

					BEVERLY
			It just killed her. No reason.
			No justification. A senseless,
			brutal act.

	Picard waits, while the members of his crew purge their
	anger.

					PICARD
			All right. This is very emotional
			for all of us, but we still have
			members of this crew down on that
			planet, so, until the shuttle
			crew is safely aboard this ship,
			our feelings will have to wait.

	There are QUIET MURMURS OF ASSENT.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Lieutenant Worf, you are now chief
			of security.

					WORF
			I will do my best, sir.

					PICARD
			Doctor, what is the status of
			the shuttle crew?

					BEVERLY
			We're still receiving faint life
			signs. But the sensor readings
			are fluctuating -- and I don't
			know how accurate they are.

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         27.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			ARMUS is capable of creating
			undefined forcefields. In
			effect, we are powerless to
			communicate or use our transporter
			unless it allows us to.

					PICARD
			A powerful creature against whom
			we seem to have no defense.
			Number One.

	Riker begins PACING.

					RIKER
			This creature that calls itself
			ARMUS is down on that planet
			waiting for us to come back. It
			wants us to come back. It killed
			Tasha. It could have just as
			easily killed us all. It didn't.
			Troi and Ben Prieto are still
			alive. For a reason. It wants
			something -- and it knows we will
			not leave so long as Troi and Ben
			are alive.

					PICARD
			What does it want?

					RIKER
			The only way we're going to find
			out is to go back down.

	The crew REACTS.

					DATA
			Sir, request permission to
			accompany Commander Riker. He
			may need help -- and ARMUS may
			allow us through its forcefield
			only once.

					BEVERLY
			I am going too. There are
			injured people down there.

					GEORDI
			Captain, perhaps I can see
			something in the creature which
			will be helpful.
				(to Worf)
			Worf -- are you coming?

         STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT TWO         28.

38   CONTINUED: (3)

					WORF
			I will remain on the ship.

	Everyone is mildly surprised.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			The object here is not to engage
			this creature in battle. The goal
			is the safe return of Counselor
			Troi and Lieutenant Prieto. I
			can best accomplish this from the
			Tactical Station.

	Picard admires his courageous choice.

					PICARD
			Agreed, Lieutenant... Number One,
			I see no other choice. Prepare
			your away team.

39
thru	OMITTED
40

40A  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Riker, Data, Beverly and Geordi prepare to beam down.

					RIKER
			Is there anything left to say?

	SILENCE.

					RIKER
			Energize.

41   EXT. VAGRA 2 (OPTICAL)

	as the away team BEAMS DOWN near the shuttle, which
	is lying there, quiescent, waiting for them.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        29.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

42   EXT. VAGRA 2

	The away team MAKES ITS WAY, very cautiously, towards
	ARMUS. The shroud is still on top of the
	shuttlecraft. Riker and the team take an involuntary
	STEP BACK when they see this.

					RIKER
			Enterprise.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Number One.

					RIKER
			We're approaching the
			shuttlecraft. The creature's
			covering it.

42A  INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	Troi feels the presence of the away team.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			I lied to you. They came back.

					TROI
			Let me talk with them.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			No.

					TROI
			Why not? Does the thought of
			my having contact with them make
			you uneasy?

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			No, it makes them uneasy. They
			are worried.

					TROI
			Yes. Yes, they are worried.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			They care for you. You must be
			very special.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        30.

42A  CONTINUED:

					TROI
			We are members of a community.
			We all care for one another.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			Equally? None more than another?

					TROI
			Yes, equally.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			Now it is you who lie. There is
			one who is loved more.

	Troi changes the direction of this conversation.

					TROI
			You were really surprised that
			they came back.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			Yes.

					TROI
			Why? Because the others did not?

					ARMUS (O.S.)
				(now it is the creature
				 who is uncomfortable)
			What others?

					TROI
			You can't hide the emptiness from
			me. The others. The ones who
			hurt you. Who left you -- alone --
			rejected. The ones who make you
			so angry.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			What do you know of them?

					TROI
			Only what you tell me.

42B  EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	ARMUS SLITHERS OFF the craft and MOVES TOWARDS the away
	team.

					RIKER
			Enterprise, Armus is moving
			towards us.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        31.

42C  INT. MAIN BRIDGE (FORMERLY SC. 45)

	WESLEY and Worf lean over the Aft console. On the
	bridge they spot the change -- and again...

					WORF
			Captain. Look at this.

	Picard APPROACHES the Aft station.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			The force of the energy field
			around the shuttle just took a
			dip. It was almost low enough
			for us to beam them out. Now,
			as the creature approaches the
			away team, the energy field
			increases.

	Picard is pensive for a moment.

					PICARD
			Chart it.

43
thru	OMITTED
44

44A  ANGLE ON AWAY TEAM (FORMERLY SC. 43)

	The shroud is half-standing near the team.

					ARMUS
			She said you'd be back, but I
			didn't think so.

					RIKER
			We have no choice.

					ARMUS
			I sense anger directed at me.

	Riker deflects the statement.

					RIKER
			I'm here to negotiate. What is
			it you want?

					ARMUS
			Maybe I want nothing.

					RIKER
			Then you would have killed us
			all.


        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        32.

44A  CONTINUED:

					ARMUS
			I still might.

					RIKER
			Do you want something? Tell me.
			Maybe we can reach an
			accommodation.

					ARMUS
			You would do that even after what
			I did to the fair one?

					RIKER
			Yes.

					ARMUS
			If I tell you what it is... will
			you give it to me?

					RIKER
			I don't know... I guess it
			depends.

					ARMUS
			Not good enough.

45   OMITTED

46   ANGLE ON BEVERLY AND THE SHROUD

	as she APPROACHES it.

					BEVERLY
			I'm a doctor. I need to treat
			our injured friends.

					ARMUS
			Say please.

					BEVERLY
			Please.

					ARMUS
			Again.

					BEVERLY
			Please.

					ARMUS
			You ask nicely. I will allow it.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        33.

46   CONTINUED:

	The team starts to move forward.

					ARMUS
				(continuing)
			Stop! Only the "Doctor."

	Beverly STARTS TO MOVE FORWARD.

					ARMUS
			Stop. I've changed my mind. Talk
			to her from here.

					BEVERLY
			How?
				(into com)
			Troi, can you hear me? Troi?

47   OMITTED

48   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Deanna? Are you all right?

	Troi touches her communicator.

					TROI
			Beverly...

49   EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	Beverly relaxes with relief for a moment.

					BEVERLY
			Are you all right?

50   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT (INTERCUT AS NECESSARY WITH EXT.
SHUTTLECRAFT)

					TROI
			I'm not sure. Ben's really bad
			-- I can barely feel his pulse.

					BEVERLY
			We have to get you out. It has
			a forcefield preventing us from
			transporting you.

					TROI
			I know.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        34.

51   EXT. VAGRA 2 - NEAR ARMUS

	Riker makes a reflexive MOVE TOWARD THE SHUTTLE.

					RIKER
			She needs our help.

					ARMUS
			You have no permission to pass.

					BEVERLY
			There are people suffering a few
			meters away, and you block our
			path. Why?

					ARMUS
			You asked to talk. I allowed it.
			Wasn't that enough for you?

					BEVERLY
			No. I need help to get to them.

					ARMUS
			You are ungrateful.

					BEVERLY
			You are evil and disgusting. What
			are you made of?

					DATA
			It does not register on my
			tricorder, Doctor.

					ARMUS
			"It?" Does that mean I am not
			alive?

					DATA
			No. Clearly you are some kind
			of intelligent form.

	ARMUS pulls the tricorder out of Data's hands and sails
	it over the horizon.

					ARMUS
			Then your instrument lies. It
			is useless. Perhaps all your
			instruments are useless.

	The shroud instantaneously RIPS OFF GEORDI'S VISOR.
	Data immediately REACTS to assist.

					ARMUS
				(continuing)
			Don't help him.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        35.

51   CONTINUED:

	Geordi helplessly MOVES TOWARDS THE VISOR. ARMUS
	MOVES IT. Riker puts his hand on Beverly's arm. They
	stay out of it -- both furious.

					DATA
			One meter to your left, Geordi.

	Geordi moves that way, bends down and almost reaches it
	when the shroud MOVES IT again, behind him.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Behind you.

	Geordi turns and feels his way. The Shroud MOVES IT
	again. Data says nothing more while Geordi searches.

					ARMUS
			Aren't you going to lead him to
			his sight again, robot?

					DATA
			No. You will just move it again.
			I will not help you hurt him.

					RIKER
			None of us will help you.

					ARMUS
				(disgusted)
			Then give it to him. I will find
			something else to do. Wait right
			here.

51A  EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	as the away team watches ARMUS surround the shuttle.

51B  INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	Troi moves. She can feel that he's back.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			You said I wouldn't enjoy it.
			You were wrong.

					TROI
			Still the great emptiness remains.
			You sound so alone.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT THREE        36.

51B  CONTINUED:

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			I am alone. I am the discarded
			skin of a creature whose beauty
			dazzles all who see it. But I
			am its refuse -- left here.

					TROI
			You have my pity.

	The shuttle SHAKES with the creature's rage.

					ARMUS
			Your pity! Save that for
			yourself.

	For the first time -- the first time -- WE SEE a ripple
	of FEAR on Troi's face.

51C  EXT. PLANET

	ARMUS HAS MOVED OFF THE SHUTTLE AND as it APPROACHES
	THE GROUP, Riker suddenly feels a great force pull him.
	He calls out. Data MOVES to help him.

					ARMUS
			Touch him and he dies.

	As the away team watches, Riker - fighting with all
	his might -is pulled inexorably toward the slime. From
	the other direction, Armus also MOVES toward the hole.
	As the creature's SHRIEK joins RIKER'S SCREAM, the two
	SLIP INTO THE SLIME HOLE and DISAPPEAR. For a beat
	there is nothing. Then: WE CAN SEE only RIKER'S FACE
	PRESSED AGAINST THE SKIN.

					DATA
			Enterprise, ARMUS has enveloped
			and attacked Commander Riker.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			I'm beaming you up!

					ARMUS
			If any of you leave now, he dies.
			And so do the survivors of the
			crash.

	As they REACT, WE:

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR        37.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

52   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around Vagra 2.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental.
			There is grave danger to the crew
			on Vagra Two. My first officer
			is missing - attacked by this
			entity known as "ARMUS."

53   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Wesley and Worf working on a solution to the ARMUS
	energy problem.

					WORF
			Captain, perhaps you should look
			at this.

	Picard STEPS OVER and studies the graphic display.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			We have a chart of the energy
			field surrounding the shuttle.

					PICARD
			There are a great deal of
			fluctuations.

					WORF
			Yes - but there is a pattern.
			Here is when it killed Lieutenant
			Yar, and here is when it absorbed
			Commander Riker.

					PICARD
				(indicating points on
				 the graph)
			And here -- and here? Where the
			energy is lowest?

					WORF
			Both times it had enveloped the
			shuttle and was involved with
			Counselor Troi.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR        38.

53   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			So when it is provoked in a
			certain way its forcefield is
			weakened... Troi must have the
			answer. I'm beaming down. You
			have the Conn, Lieutenant.

					WESLEY
			Sir, I'd like to...

					PICARD
			... Go with me? No, Wesley. You
			can be of more help to Lieutenant
			Worf.

					WESLEY
			But...

					PICARD
			...No.

					WESLEY
			Tell my Mom... I'm not worried.

					PICARD
			I'll tell her, Wes.

54   OMITTED

55   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	It's as if Troi realizes something else is wrong and
	feels the pain Riker is in.

					TROI
			Imzadi. No... Stop hurting him!

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			What will you give me if I stop
			hurting him?

					TROI
			Nothing. I can give you nothing.

					ARMUS (O.S.)
			You still resist. Not for much
			longer.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR        39.

56   EXT. THE SHROUD (OPTICAL)

	At that moment Picard BEAMS DOWN next to the away
	team. The team REACTS to Picard's arrival.

					ARMUS
			Ah. Another human has arrived.
			A very bold one, too. Perhaps
			the party is complete.

	The shroud LIFTS ITSELF TO ITS TORSO to greet the
	Captain. At that moment A LIKENESS OF RIKER'S FACE
	PUSHES THROUGH AND STRAINS AGAINST THE SHROUD, AND THEN
	DISAPPEARS again. They see it and control themselves.
	They will never mention what they've seen to ARMUS.
	The captain and the creature face each other.

					ARMUS
			You must be the chief.

					PICARD
			Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
			Enterprise. Is Commander Riker
			dead?

					ARMUS
			Guess.

					DATA
				(to Picard)
			I would guess that death is no
			longer sufficient entertainment
			to alleviate its boredom.
			Therefore, Commander Riker is
			alive.

					ARMUS
			Maybe.

	Picard stares closely at ARMUS.

					ARMUS
				(continuing)
			Don't you want to ask me what I
			want?

					PICARD
			No.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR        40.

56   CONTINUED:

					ARMUS
			Then, to protect your own
			existence, maybe you'd better give
			me a reason. Entertain me. Be
			creative. Then perhaps I won't
			kill your assistant. You do care
			very much about that, don't you?

					PICARD
			Yes.

	The shroud looks in Data's direction and suddenly --
	completely against Data's will -- an unseen force causes
	Data's hand to take his phaser and point it at Picard.

					ARMUS
			Robot, how would you feel if you
			were the instrument of death for
			your leader?

					PICARD
			Don't struggle, Mister Data.

	Data relaxes into it.

					DATA
			I have no control over what you
			do with the phaser. Therefore,
			I would not be the instrument of
			his death.

	ARMUS ignores him - and TURNS THE PHASER ON BEVERLY.

					ARMUS
			Perhaps the kind doctor would
			engender more feeling?

	He SWINGS DATA'S ARM VIOLENTLY AROUND so the phaser
	points at his own temple.

					ARMUS
			How does it feel facing your own
			extinction? I won't call it
			death. You're not alive.

					DATA
			It feels -- curious.

	ARMUS stops the game - and DROPS THE PHASER. The
	others REACT with quiet relief. Data stares at it.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR        41.

56   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			You are capable of great sadism
			and cruelty. Interesting. No
			redeeming qualities.

					ARMUS
			So what do you think?

					DATA
			I think you should be destroyed.

					ARMUS
			A moral judgment from something
			that isn't even alive?

	Before Data can answer:

					PICARD
			Mister Data...
				(then:)
			ARMUS, we are through dealing with
			you.

					ARMUS
			I have your man in here... and
			the others.

					PICARD
			It doesn't matter. We will no
			longer amuse you.

					ARMUS
			I can kill them.

					PICARD
			Yes. You can. But only I can
			make them perform. They follow
			my orders.

					ARMUS
			Then it is you. Amuse me.

					PICARD
			Not until I know if the ones in
			the shuttle are still alive. I
			must see them.

					ARMUS
			Not possible.

					PICARD
			Then our business is complete.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FOUR        42.

56   CONTINUED: (3)

					ARMUS
			And you claim you care about your
			comrades.

					PICARD
			I do care.

	ARMUS is silent.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Shall I tell you what true evil
			is? It is to submit to you. It
			is when we surrender our freedom,
			our dignity instead of defying
			you. Do what you will. We will
			take the consequences.

	He and the others turn their backs on ARMUS and begin
	to WALK AWAY slowly.

					ARMUS
			Wait!

57
thru	OMITTED
58

59   ANGLE ON ARMUS

	as it SPITS RIKER OUT in front of the away team. He
	is covered with black slime and we can't tell if he's
	dead or alive.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE        43.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

60   EXT. VAGRA 2 - CONTINUOUS ACTION

	Beverly and Picard lean over the fallen Riker. His
	skin looks like he received a bad sunburn. She takes
	readings as Data and Geordi stand slightly back.

					BEVERLY
			He's alive.

					PICARD
			But is he all right?

	Riker shudders and opens his eyes. For a moment he
	looks around wildly, not knowing where he is. When he
	realizes he's free, he struggles to get up.

					BEVERLY
			Don't move.
				(to Picard)
			Everything shows normal, except
			his skin sustained a mild form
			of acid bath.

					RIKER
				(weakly)
			So much distortion, so
			frustrated... it had to get rid
			of me.

					PICARD
			I want you all out of here.
				(into com)
			Enterprise, beam up the away team --
			immediately.

					ARMUS
			You need my permission.

					PICARD
			Do I have it?

					ARMUS
			Yes. Are you going?

					PICARD
			No. Not yet.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE        44.

60A  ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

					PICARD
			Enterprise, four to beam up.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Aye, sir.

	The four BEAM UP, leaving Picard. Picard APPROACHES
	ARMUS.

					PICARD
			I want to see my people on the
			shuttle.

	ARMUS doesn't answer. ARMUS makes a very slight
	motion and Picard DISAPPEARS. (NOTE: This should not
	look like our transporter effect. the OPTICAL should
	be BLACKISH.)

61   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

	Picard APPEARS.

					PICARD
			Troi.

					TROI
			Captain Picard.

					PICARD
			We registered a weakening of
			ARMUS' energy while he was talking
			to you. What was going on?

					TROI
			ARMUS is very needy, but he can't
			deal with that. He denies his
			rage. I confronted him with it.
			That must have been when he
			reacted.

	Picard REACTS thoughtfully.

62   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

63   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	where Wesley anxiously works with Worf.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE        45.

63   CONTINUED:

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Lieutenant Worf, I'm going to
			try and break this impasse.
			Monitor carefully.

					WORF
			Aye sir.
				(to Wesley)
			Set the computer. When the energy
			level reaches two point six point
			two-oh-five, automatically beam
			up Troi and Prieto. We'll do a
			parallel transport of the
			captain.

64   EXT. VAGRA - NEAR ARMUS (OPTICAL)

	The captain MATERIALIZES and faces ARMUS.

					PICARD
			How long have you been on this
			planet?

					ARMUS
			Since they left.

					PICARD
			Someone was here before?

					ARMUS
			Long ago.

					PICARD
			They abandoned you. Who were
			they?

					ARMUS
			A race of titans. So they
			thought. Together, they perfected
			a method of bringing to the
			surface all that was evil and
			negative within them. All this
			erupted on the outside, spread,
			and connected. In time, it formed
			a second skin, dank and vile.
			They found a way to rid themselves
			of it, leaving them free of the
			bonds of destructiveness. Then
			they left. And here I am.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE        46.

64   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			It must be very lonely.

					ARMUS
			You cannot trick me by pretending
			compassion, captain.

					PICARD
			Haven't you seen we humans are
			capable of compassion?

					ARMUS
			Oh, yes. It is revolting. Time
			and again you rise from despair
			into hope. From hate into
			understanding. From aloneness
			into love. But you are puny.
			Weak. Vessels that die from a
			flick of my power.

					PICARD
			But our spirit soars. A great
			poet once said "all spirits are
			enslaved which serve things evil."

					ARMUS
			Picard, it is impossible for you
			to accept that I am truly evil.

					PICARD
			Because you are not.

					ARMUS
			I am a skin of evil.

					PICARD
			Nothing in the universe is the
			same as anything else -- but
			everything has light and dark.

	ARMUS is SILENT.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			They did not leave you because
			they hated you. They didn't
			understand you.

					ARMUS
			You don't know that.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE        47.

65   EXT. THE SHROUD (OPTICAL) (INTERCUT AS NEEDED)

	Picard moves back a little bit from the shroud. The
	next actions happen almost simultaneously.

					WORF
				(checking his readings)
			Energy shields are way down!
			Computer is beginning transport.

65A  INT. THE SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

	Ben and Troi begin the BEAM UP.

65B  EXT. THE SHROUD

	as Picard begins to BEAM UP. The ARMUS REACTS slightly
	late. All he can do is lean back his head and SHRIEK.
	He's been left again.

66   EXT. SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

	As the Enterprise uses PINPOINT PHASER POWER TO
	completely DESTROY THE SHUTTLE.

67   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it LEAVES ORBIT of Vagra 2.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. The
			shuttlecraft has been destroyed
			to prevent any possibility of
			Armus leaving the planet. Vagra
			2 has been declared an off-limits
			planet, but the damage has been
			done. One of the saddest duties
			I have to perform is ahead of me.

68   INT. ENTERPRISE - PASTORAL AREA (OPTICAL)

	It is set up as a kind of glade, filled with people
	who loved Tasha. The bridge crew FILES IN, one by one.
	Beverly ENTERS first. Troi is pale, and weak, but
	recovering. She leans on Riker, whose face still shows
	some effects of the shroud. Geordi and Worf COME IN,
	followed by Data. Wesley is leading them to their
	assigned seats.

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE        48.

68   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
				(to Data)
			This is where you're supposed to
			sit.

					DATA
			Why?

					WESLEY
			I don't know. The captain gave
			me a seating plan.

	He sits down next to his mother, who smiles at him and
	puts her arm around him. He moves in closer to her,
	needing her comfort. Picard goes to the front.
	Everything is quiet.

					PICARD
			We are here together to honor our
			friend and comrade Lieutenant
			Natasha Yar. We will have much
			time to grieve for her in the days
			ahead, but for now, she has asked
			that we celebrate her life -- with
			her. She has left a living will.

	He moves to sit in his assigned seat in the middle of
	the front row. The LIGHTS DIM. And as a HOLOGRAPHIC
	IMAGE OF TASHA APPEARS in front of the group, there are
	gasps of surprise -- each of the bridge crew REACTS to
	the Image in front of them.

					TASHA
			Welcome, my friends. You are here
			now watching this image of me
			because I have died. It probably
			happened while I was on duty, and
			quickly, which is what I expected,
			and what I wanted. Never forget
			I died doing exactly what I chose
			to do.

	As Tasha speaks, she looks out at the gathering as if
	she's really a part of it.

					TASHA
				(continuing)
			What I want you to know is how
			much I loved my life... and each
			of you who shared it with me.
			You are my "family."
					(MORE)

        STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE        49.

68   CONTINUED: (2)

					TASHA (Cont'd)
			Whoever I was before Starfleet,
			where I came from, isn't
			important. I have been blessed
			with your friendship and your
			love.

	She looks directly at Riker.

					TASHA
				(continuing)
			Will Riker, you are the best.
			From the moment you beamed on
			board, you never failed me. You
			trusted me, you encouraged me
			and most of all, you made me
			laugh.

	She smiles right at him and he can't help but smile
	back. Troi holds his hand tightly.

					TASHA
				(continuing; looking
				 at Troi)
			Deanna... you are capable of so
			much love, you taught me without
			ever having to say a word. I
			realized I could be feminine
			without losing anything --
			something I never thought I could
			achieve.

	Troi wipes a tear from her cheek.

					TASHA
				(continuing; looking
				 at Worf)
			Ah, Worf. I hope for your sake
			I met death with my eyes open.
			We are so much alike, you and
			I, both warriors, orphans who
			found ourselves this family.

	Worf stares at her image, unbelieving and pained.

					TASHA
				(continuing; to Beverly)
			My friend, Beverly. True to
			yourself, your ideals. Your
			fierce devotion comes from within.
			It can't be diminished. From
			you I have learned to strive for
			excellence, no matter what the
			personal cost.

             STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE            50.

68   CONTINUED: (3)

	Beverly and Wesley hold tight to each other.

					TASHA
				(continuing; to Wesley)
			Wesley, I'm sorry that I won't
			be able to see you grow into the
			exceptional man you'll be. But
			I have my vision of who you are
			and your kindness and innocence
			is ageless.

	The Tasha hologram turns to face Geordi. Who knows how
	he sees her in this half-state?

					TASHA
				(continuing)
			Geordi, in those moments I felt
			the most despair, you took my hand
			and made everything better. Your
			innate joy taught me to look
			beyond the moment.

	Geordi looks down -- he can't bear to see/not see her.

					TASHA
				(continuing)
			Mister Data. Android...
			automaton... robot.
				(shakes her head)
			No. You see things with the
			wonder of a child, and that makes
			you more human than any of us.
			I love you just the way you are.

	The Tasha image turns to Picard.

					TASHA
				(continuing)
			Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I can't
			say you've been like a father to
			me, because I never had one and
			I don't know what it feels like.
			But if I could choose someone in
			this universe to be like, someone
			who I would want to make proud
			of me, it's you. You who have
			the heart of an explorer and the
			soul of a poet. So you will
			understand when I say "Death is
			that state in which one exists
			only in the memory of others...
			which is why it is not an end."
					(MORE)

             STAR TREK: "The Shroud" - 2/1/88 - ACT FIVE            51.

68   CONTINUED: (4)

					TASHA (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			No good-byes. Just "au revoir,"
			my friends.

	Picard waits a moment, and as Tasha's IMAGE FADES:

					PICARD
			Au revoir, Natasha.

	He gets up before the group.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			The service is concluded.

	As everyone FILES OUT, Data gets up and WALKS OVER to
	where the Tasha image was standing. He looks puzzled.
	Picard WALKS OVER to him.

					DATA
			Sir, the purpose of this gathering
			has eluded me.

					PICARD
			Oh? How so?

					DATA
			My thoughts are not for Tasha,
			but for myself. I keep thinking
			how empty it will feel without
			her presence. I missed the point.

					PICARD
			No, you didn't, Data. You got
			it.

	Picard TURNS AND WALKS OFF. WE PULL BACK, leaving Data
	alone.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         
                            THE END                             





