













                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                       "Silicon Avatar" 
                          #40275-204 
                              
                           Story by 
                      Lawrence V. Conley 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                          Jeri Taylor 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Cliff Bole 


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

Copyright 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 This script is not for publication or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
 
                        JULY 31, 1991
 

       STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Silicon Avatar" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             CARMEN DAVILA
                RIKER              DOCTOR KILA MARR
                DATA               ALIEN CAPTAIN (V.O.)
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               Non-Speaking
                GEORDI               MELONA COLONISTS
                WORF                 AN OLDER MAN
                                     A CHILD
                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  N.D. SECURITY PERSONNEL
                  ENSIGN AT CONN     
                  TRANSPORTER CHIEF  

         STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "Silicon Avatar"
                            
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     MELONA FOUR
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE         COLONY
              ENGINEERING                HILLS
              TRANSPORTER ROOM           CAVE FRONT
              TURBOLIFT
              DATA'S QUARTERS          CRYSTALLINE ENTITY
              MARR'S GUEST QUARTERS
          
            MELONA CAVE
          
            KALLISKO BRIDGE
              (SEEN ON VIEWSCREEN ONLY)

   STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Silicon Avatar" 
                         
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                  Bitrius          BIH-tree-us
                  Clendenning      klen-DEN-ing
                  Davila           dah-VEE-uh
                  Janina           jah-NEE-nuh
                  Kallisko         kal-ISS-ko
                  KEV              kay-ee-vee (K.E.V.)
                  Kila             KYE-lah
                  Melona           mel-OWN-uh
                  Monocaladium     mahn-oh-kal-AY-dee-um
                  Omicron Theta    ohm-ih-kron THAY-tah
                  Parrises         pah-REES-es

       STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - TEASER       1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                      "Silicon Avatar"                            
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. MELONA COLONY - DAY

	A lush and verdant world of hills, grasses, and wild
	flowers... no structures there yet, but flags and
	taped-off areas suggest buildings to come. Our people
	-- RIKER, DATA, BEVERLY -- mingle with civilian humans,
	all involved in mapping, measuring, and surveying this
	halcyon valley. A portable map table stands in the
	clearing; Riker and CARMEN DAVILA, an engineer with a
	keen mind and wry wit, inspect schematics of proposed
	structures.

					CARMEN
			... and the hospital facility --
				(pointing)
			-- will stand there, facing north,
			in that grove of trees.

	She turns ninety degrees, gestures again.

					CARMEN
			The school and the arts center
			will be here, centrally located
			among the residential pods.

					RIKER
				(nodding)
			Looks good. At this rate you
			should be ready for the next wave
			of colonists in about six months.
				(eyeing the terrain)
			I have to say I envy you... this
			is a beautiful place to put down
			roots.

					CARMEN
			Somehow, Commander... you don't
			strike me as the kind that puts
			down roots...

	He gives her an easy grin.

					RIKER
			No? How do I strike you?

       STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - TEASER       2.

1    CONTINUED:

					CARMEN
				(playful)
			As... a free spirit. An
			adventurer.

					RIKER
			Ah. And aren't pioneers, like
			you, adventurers at heart?

					CARMEN
			Of course. But we also have
			this... nesting instinct. It's
			exciting to find a new world --
			but the joy comes in making it
			a home. Building houses. Having
			children. Roots.

					RIKER
			Very interesting. I'd love to
			discuss this further with you.
			Dinner tonight?

					CARMEN
			If you want to share camp rations
			in my tent -- I'd be delighted.

	The briefest hesitation.

					RIKER
			Haven't we managed to get a
			replicator down here yet?

	She laughs merrily... the banter between them is
	easy-going and comfortable. It suggests a relationship
	that's ongoing.

					CARMEN
			No, we haven't... but I've been
			saving my ration of dried chicken
			curry. It should go very nicely
			with that bottle of wine I happen
			to know you brought with you...

					RIKER
			It's sounding better all the
			time...

					CARMEN
			And as you know... I provide the
			most memorable desserts...

	Riker grins. He's obviously had those desserts before.

       STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - TEASER       3.

1    CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			My favorite part of dinner...

					BEVERLY (o.c.)
				(calling)
			Will... Carmen...

	They turn and Beverly approaches with Data.

					BEVERLY
			We've been going over the
			schematics for the hospital. The
			location seems fine...

					RIKER
			When the Enterprise comes back
			tomorrow, we'll bring a crew
			down here and get started.

	A low WHIRR catches their attention. They stop, look
	around for the source of the sound, not yet concerned.

					RIKER
			Carmen... do you have some
			construction started I don't know
			about?

					CARMEN
			No... what is that?

	They all look around as the sound becomes more
	pronounced. They're puzzled... not really alarmed.

					RIKER
			Data?

					DATA
			I do not recognize the sound.

	He turns around, trying to catch its direction. The
	WHIRRR is louder now, and the breeze picks up a little.

					DATA
			I believe the sound is coming from
			above...

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" -REV. 8/6/91 - TEASER      4.

1    CONTINUED: (3)

	All look upward. The brilliance of the sun-filled day
	fades a bit... light dims as if a veil were being
	pulled across the sky. The other colonists are milling
	about, becoming apprehensive.

					CARMEN
			Will... what is it?

	The breeze really kicks up now, and the noise is
	building in intensity.

					RIKER
			Maybe an atmospheric
			disturbance...

2    ANGLE ON THE SKY (OPTICAL)

	from their POV. Across the darkened sky a white spot
	of something is approaching -- at an incredible speed.

3    RIKER AND OTHERS

	stare at the object... Riker's face suddenly shows an
	awful recognition, a terrible disbelief.

					RIKER
			Data -- what's our best bet for
			cover?

					DATA
			There are subterranean caverns
			beneath the hills to the east.
				(points)
			Approximately one kilometer.

					RIKER
			Carmen, start rounding everybody
			up.

					CARMEN
			But --

					RIKER
			We've seen it before -- we know
			what it is. Now get moving!

	She stares at him, then turns and starts running.

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - TEASER     4A.

4    ON THE SKY (OPTICAL)

	from Riker's POV the approaching object has taken
	form... a huge crystal form descending toward the
	planet... a vast shimmering, faceted shape... ominous
	in its cold beauty. The Crystalline Entity advances
	on the outpost.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT ONE     5.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

		NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.

5    EXT. MELONA COLONY - MINUTES LATER

	The wind is whipping now, and the SOUND is immense. A
	sense of urgency has overtaken the colonists, though
	they're trying not to panic. Riker, Beverly, Data, and
	Carmen are herding people together.

					RIKER
			Let's go!
				(calling)
			Beverly! This way!

6    ANOTHER ANGLE

	on Beverly, herding people together.

					BEVERLY
			Okay, people... stay calm... let's
			go...

	They move in the direction indicated by Riker.

7    ON RIKER AND GROUP

	as he waves the colonists to follow Data.

					RIKER
			Follow him! Follow him! Go!

	Grateful to have direction, the colonists begin
	swarming toward Data, running with him toward what they
	hope is safety.

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT ONE     6.

7    CONTINUED:

	Riker hurries along the last of the wind-whipped
	stragglers, including Carmen, who's helping A CHILD.
	Riker runs to them and swoops the child up in his arms.

					RIKER
			Let's go!

	They set out at a run.

8    IN THE SKY (OPTICAL)

	The Crystalline Entity now hovers above the outpost, a
	majestic and ominous form.

9    ANGLE ON TREE (OPTICAL)

	A brilliant beam of light sweeps down from the Entity
	like a giant scythe, cutting a huge swath. The light
	encases everything in its path, suffuses it in the
	white-hot light... and then sweeps on. The tree and
	everything else in this arc of destruction is reduced
	to a pile of dust.

10   ON THE COLONISTS

	as they watch, horrified, still on the run. A few
	panic and start to run off to the sides; Data and
	Beverly take them by the arm and pull them back with
	the group.

					RIKER
			This way! Stay together!

	The colonists run in panic. Bursts of white light
	illuminate them as the Entity devours more of the
	countryside.

11
thru	OMITTED
12

13   ANGLE ON RIKER

	hurrying the people along, keeping an eye over his
	shoulder at the progress of the Entity. Suddenly --

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT ONE     7.

13   CONTINUED:

					CARMEN (o.c.)
			Will... help us!

	He turns to see Carmen heading for AN OLDER MAN who's
	having trouble keeping up. He stumbles; Carmen runs
	for him. Riker gives the child to Data and starts
	toward her.

14   ANGLE ON CARMEN (OPTICAL)

	as she heads for the man, fighting the buffeting winds.
	Suddenly the arc of light comes sweeping toward her
	and the old man... races over them... and they're both
	gone. Piles of silt remain.

15   ON RIKER

					RIKER
			Carmen!

	He watches her disappear, helpless. Then he
	continues his pell mell race for the caves.

16   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship is at warp, heading toward Melona.

17   INT. BRIDGE

	PICARD, WORF, TROI, ENSIGN at the conn, and
	SUPERNUMERARIES.

					WORF
			Captain... sensors are indicating
			a disturbance near the outpost
			on Melona Four.

					PICARD
			What kind of disturbance?

					WORF
			I can't tell. We are still too
			far away. It could be an
			electrical storm...

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT ONE     8.

17   CONTINUED:

	Picard nods. Probably nothing... but he'd like to make
	sure.

					PICARD
			See if you can make contact with
			the colony...

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			How far are we?

					WORF
			At current speed, twenty-seven
			hours.

	Picard nods, acknowledging.

					WORF
			Captain, I get no response from
			Melona colony. But the
			disturbance in the atmosphere is
			increasing.

					PICARD
			Bridge to La Forge...

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge here, Captain.

					PICARD
			Are you picking up readings from
			Melona?

18   INT. ENGINEERING - INTERCUTTING

					GEORDI
			Yes, sir. Something strange is
			going on... there are violent
			disruptions in the atmosphere...

					PICARD
			Ensign... increase to warp eight.

	Picard stares at the viewscreen, his instincts telling
	him that something is amiss on Melona.

       STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 8/14/91 - ACT ONE       9.

19   INT. MELONA - CAVE FRONT - MINUTES LATER

	Riker is herding the last of the colonists into the
	caverns; behind him, the sound of the wind is fearful,
	and bursts of white light frequently illuminate him.

					RIKER
			Inside... keep moving, deep into
			the cave...

	Finally the last of the colonists is inside and Riker
	follows quickly.

20   INT. CAVE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Riker and Data at the entrance; Beverly and the others
	in b.g. as she does a cursory medical inspection.

					RIKER
			How much protection will this cave
			give us, Data?

					DATA
			The presence of refractory metals
			in the rock formations may act
			as an effective barrier.

	There is a THUMP and a brilliant flash of light at the
	entrance -- the Entity is homing in on them. Riker
	draws his phaser.

					RIKER
			Let's seal this entrance.

	He and Data fire at boulders above the cave opening;
	they tumble down, blocking it. Beverly approaches.

					BEVERLY
			I hope there's enough air in here.

					RIKER
			There should be a ventilation
			source somewhere...

	They finish sealing off the entrance. It's now dark in
	the cave. The fearful THUMPS continue, jarring the
	walls like minor earthquakes.

					RIKER
			We need some light in here...

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT ONE      10.

20   CONTINUED:

	They train phasers against some of the rocks along the
	cave walls, and they begin to GLOW, providing
	illumination.

					RIKER
			How are the others?

					BEVERLY
			So far it looks like scrapes and
			bruises. Will... where's Carmen?

					RIKER
			Carmen didn't make it.

	She gives Riker a glance, but he is stoic.

					RIKER
			She went back for someone... a
			man who'd fallen...

	He breaks off; the rest is obvious.

					BEVERLY
			I'm sorry.

	He turns and strides toward the huddled, fearful group
	in the cave.

					RIKER
			I think we'll be safe in here.
			I'm not sure about our air supply.
			Stay put and don't move around,
			don't expend unnecessary energy.
			With any luck we can wait this
			out.

	There are several more THUMPS; a child begins crying.
	Beverly continues her ministrations to the injured.
	Riker turns and taps his badge.

					RIKER
			Riker to Enterprise... Riker to
			Enterprise...

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 8/14/91 - ACT ONE      11.

20   CONTINUED: (2)

	He sits along a cave wall, and Data joins him.

					DATA
			Commander, the refractory metals
			in the rock strata might also
			interfere with communication.

	The THUMPS recede in intensity, as though the Entity
	were looking for another way in.

					RIKER
			Data... we've only seen the
			Crystalline Entity once before...
			how do you know these metals will
			protect us?

					DATA
			I am not entirely certain they
			will.

					RIKER
			That's what I was afraid you were
			going to say...

	And there is a huge THUMP which says the being is still
	out and trying to get at them.

21   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at warp.

    STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT ONE    12.

22   INT. BRIDGE

	as before, Picard in his chair, taut as a coiled
	spring.

					WORF
			Sir... the disturbance on Melona
			is becoming more intense.

					PICARD
			Continue hailing the colony.
			All channels.

					TROI
			Captain... the fact that they're
			not responding doesn't necessarily
			mean there's anything wrong. The
			atmospheric disturbance could be
			jamming the signal.

					PICARD
			I know, Counselor.

	But Troi has known the captain long enough to respect
	his instincts -- and those clearly tell him something
	is wrong.

					WORF
			Still no response, sir.

					PICARD
			Ensign, increase to warp nine.
				(to Worf)
			How long, Mister Worf?

					WORF
			Six hours.

23   INT. MELONA CAVE - LATER

	Some hours have passed. Everyone (except Data) is
	having trouble breathing now. They're warm,
	sweat-stained, clothing in disarray. The thumps are
	not heard now. Beverly moves toward Riker.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT ONE      13.

23   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			Commander... I have one man
			unconscious. We can't stay in
			here much longer...

					RIKER
			If I open that entrance and it's
			still out there, we're dead.

					BEVERLY
			If we stay here we'll be dead...

					DATA
			It has been over an hour since
			we heard the Entity. It may be
			gone.

					RIKER
			And it may be out there waiting
			for us.

	Suddenly there is a noise at the entrance -- a kind of
	a thumping, prolonged, and then a point of sunlight
	breaks through the rock and earth sealing the cave.
	Riker gets to his feet, moves toward it.

					RIKER
			Everybody stay back.

	Phaser raised, he stands, ready to make a stand,
	however futile, against the Entity. There is more
	thumping... the hole widens... something moves to cover
	it... Riker tenses... prepares to shoot... then...

24   WORF'S FACE

	appears in the cave opening.

					WORF
			Commander?

25   ANGLE - RIKER

	as he breaks into a relieved grin.

					RIKER
			Lieutenant Worf... I don't think
			I've ever seen a more beautiful
			sight.

    STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT ONE    14.

25   CONTINUED:

	The hole widens quickly as Riker and Data help from
	within; the happy colonists rise and move forward.
	Worf is first through the opening, followed by Geordi
	and ND SECURITY PERSONNEL.

	Geordi looks around at the disheveled party.

					GEORDI
			Good to see you're all right,
			Commander. What's happened here?

					RIKER
			The Crystalline Entity paid us
			a visit. We lost two colonists
			but got the rest in here...

	Geordi looks toward the opening and Riker moves to it,
	peers out.

26   MELONA - RIKER'S POV (MATTE)

	is dead. There's nothing but dust and a few gnarled
	skeletal remains of what had been trees, bushes, and
	vines.

27   RIKER AND GEORDI

	as Riker withdraws from the opening, stunned by what
	he's seen.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

    STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT TWO    15.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

28   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around Melona Four.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45122.3.
			We have notified Starfleet Command
			of our intention to pursue and
			investigate the Crystalline
			Entity. To that end, we have been
			joined...

29   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Riker and a TRANSPORTER CHIEF wait, facing the
	platform.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			... by Doctor Kila Marr, a
			xenologist who has made studying
			the Entity her life's work.

	DOCTOR KILA MARR, a handsome, middle-aged female human,
	MATERIALIZES. Riker steps forward.

					RIKER
			Welcome to the Enterprise. I am
			Commander William Riker.

	She looks at him curiously as she steps off the pad.
	She is a pleasantly soft-spoken woman, friendly and
	gracious though a bit reserved.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Commander... Kila Marr.

					RIKER
			We're glad you're here.

					DOCTOR MARR
			You were on the surface... during
			the attack.

					RIKER
			That's right.

    STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT TWO    16.

29   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			Remarkable. You and your group
			are the only beings ever known
			to survive an assault by the
			Crystalline Entity.

					RIKER
			We were lucky.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I should say.
				(beat)
			And... your android. He was
			there, too?

	Riker reacts to the dismissive term "your android,"
	but stays diplomatically cool.

					RIKER
			Lieutenant Commander Data was
			there, yes.

	She eyes him briefly, as though to pursue, but then
	smiles.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Well. Shall we get started?

					RIKER
			I'd be happy to show you to your
			quarters --

					DOCTOR MARR
			Commander, the chance to talk to
			survivors... this soon after an
			attack... I've been waiting years
			for this. I don't want to waste
			a moment more.

	Riker inclines his head, gestures her through the
	doors.

30   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Beverly, and Troi are at the
	table; Doctor Marr paces.

					BEVERLY
			... and when we came out of the
			cave... there was nothing left.
					(MORE)

    STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT TWO    16A.

30   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY (cont'd)
			Everywhere we looked... there was
			just complete devastation... trees
			gone... nothing...

    STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT TWO    17.

30   CONTINUED: (2)

					DOCTOR MARR
			That's typical. It could take
			years for anything to grow again.

					DATA
			Doctor, I ran a full
			spectrographic analysis, section
			by section. Trace elements
			confirm that it was the same
			entity which destroyed the colony
			on Omicron Theta.

	Doctor Marr pays absolutely no attention to Data,
	continuing as though he hasn't spoken. Troi notices
	this.

					DOCTOR MARR
			The Crystalline Entity seems to
			function like a giant
			electromagnetic collector. It
			needs a lot of power to keep
			going... so it strips every form
			of life from the worlds it
			encounters and converts it all
			into energy.

					RIKER
			There was no vegetation left...
			no insects. Not even soil
			bacteria. It left nothing.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Except witnesses. For the first
			time in eleven recorded attacks.

	She looks around the table.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Why, I wonder... did it spare your
			group?

					RIKER
			It didn't spare everyone, Doctor.

	There is a vehemence in his voice which Picard notices.

					RIKER
			If you'll check your reports,
			you'll find that two of the
			colonists didn't survive.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT TWO      18.

30   CONTINUED: (2)

					DOCTOR MARR
			My point is that until now there
			have never been any survivors.

					DATA
			Doctor, the cave in which we hid
			was carved from rock which
			possessed heavy concentrations
			of kelbonite and fistrium. We
			surmise that the Entity could not
			penetrate that barrier.

	Again, Doctor Marr takes no notice of Data. Troi takes
	note; Data is merely puzzled.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I'd like to do interviews with
			each of the survivors. Collect
			as much specific detail as I can
			of their observations.

					PICARD
			Of course.

					DOCTOR MARR
			And I want to inspect the remains
			of Melona Colony as soon as
			possible.

					PICARD
			Commander Data, you will accompany
			the Doctor to the surface.

					DATA
			Yes, sir. We can leave --

					DOCTOR MARR
				(interrupting)
			If you don't mind, Captain, I'd
			prefer to choose my own team.

	Picard eyes her. He, too, has seen the pointed
	dismissal of Data by the doctor, and he needs to assert
	control of the situation.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT TWO      19.

30   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			There is no one on this ship who
			is more knowledgeable of the
			Crystalline Entity than Commander
			Data. His birthplace was Omicron
			Theta.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I am aware of his origins. I am
			very much aware that his
			"brother," Lore, worked with the
			Crystalline Entity, and led it
			to Omicron Theta -- where it
			killed every living thing.
				(beat)
			I don't think it's unreasonable
			that I would prefer to make
			another choice.

	The woman's implication about Data is startling to the
	group, and the atmosphere becomes a little charged.

					PICARD
			If there are others you wish to
			have on your team, you are, of
			course, welcome to request their
			additional presence.
				(beat)
			But as captain, I think it is in
			the best interest of this
			investigation for you and
			Commander Data to work together.

	He stands, signaling that the meeting is over. A flush
	comes to Doctor Marr's cheeks, but she is coolly
	professional.

					DOCTOR MARR
			As you wish, Captain.

	She collects her things, gives a curt nod to Data, and
	they and the others -- except Troi -- EXIT the room.
	Picard moves to Troi.

					PICARD
			Well?

					TROI
			I don't think you need an empath
			to sense that woman's feelings.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT TWO      20.

30   CONTINUED: (4)

					TROI (cont'd)
			There's hostility... that she
			seems to have transferred from
			Lore... to Data...

	Picard's look shows his concern about this.

					TROI
			Perhaps you shouldn't have forced
			her together with Data so soon.

					PICARD
			If her discomfort is going to
			cloud her judgement... or preclude
			her doing her objective best...
			I want to find it out now.

	He nods toward Troi and EXITS, leaving her ruminating
	about the woman's strong reaction toward Data.

31   EXT. MELONA COLONY - INSIDE CAVE - DAY

	Doctor Marr and SEVERAL TECHNICIANS roam the area with
	tricorders. Some of them collect samples of dust, etc.
	in (24th-century) glassine bags. Data ENTERS, carrying
	a tricorder. In spite of Doctor Marr's sublime
	indifference, he is gamely hanging in there, trying
	to do his job.

					DATA
			Doctor, there is evidence of
			residual bitrious matter in the
			soil. It was not present before
			the Entity's attack.

	Doctor Marr ignores him, keeps on doing what she's
	doing. Data regards her for a moment, then plunges in.

					DATA
			Doctor Marr... you have made it
			quite clear that you are disturbed
			by my presence. However, I do
			not believe that we can accomplish
			the task we have been assigned
			if you continue to ignore me.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT TWO      21.

31   CONTINUED:

	Still involved in her work, she does not immediately
	answer. Finally she takes a breath, turns and faces
	Data and -- for the first time -- addresses him
	directly.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Commander... I hear everything
			you say to me. If there is
			anything worth my response, you
			can be sure I will not be silent.

	Marr's attitude is purely a puzzlement to Data. In his
	inability to feel the hostility, he innocently keeps
	going.

					DATA
			Then I do not understand your lack
			of interest in the bitrious
			filaments I mentioned.

					DOCTOR MARR
			It's old news to me. I found
			evidence of bitrium in three
			separate attack sites. It seems
			to be a residual element the
			Entity produces after it absorbs
			living matter.

	She turns away, looking in toward the cave depths.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I'm actually more interested in
			this cave.
				(beat)
			I'm still amazed that your group
			was spared.

					DATA
			As I have speculated, the presence
			of refractory --

					DOCTOR MARR
				(interrupting)
			-- refractory metals. Yes, I
			know.

	And she strides deeper into the cave. Data follows.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT TWO      22.

32   INT. CAVE - ANOTHER ANGLE

	Doctor Marr runs a tricorder around the walls of the
	cave.

					DOCTOR MARR
			On two other occasions settlers
			sought refuge in caves. Some of
			them deeper underground than this
			one. They perished anyway.

					DATA
				(studying his own
				 tricorder)
			Were those caves laced with
			kelbonite or fistrium?

					DOCTOR MARR
			The tunnels on Forlat Three had
			strong deposits of kelbonite, yes.

					DATA
			Then perhaps it is the combination
			of the two metals which prevented
			the Entity --

	She whirls on him, feelings pouring over.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Or maybe it was you.

					DATA
				(puzzled)
			I do not understand.

	She walks toward him slowly.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Maybe it was your presence which
			made the Crystalline Entity pass
			over the people in this cave.
			Did that occur to you?

					DATA
			I cannot imagine what effect my
			being here would have had --

					DOCTOR MARR
			If you had been in contact with
			the Entity... if that's why Melona
			was attacked... it surely wouldn't
			have killed its -- ally.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT TWO      23.

32   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			You are suggesting I lured it
			here?

					DOCTOR MARR
			Did you?

					DATA
			No, Doctor.

	She eyes him accusingly. Data, puzzled, tries to
	figure it out.

					DATA
			Ah. Because Lore betrayed the
			colonists on Omicron Theta, you
			assume that I am capable of the
			same behavior. But you are
			mistaken, Doctor. My programming
			is distinctly different from
			Lore's.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Don't you understand? I'm
			accusing you of collaborating with
			that monster...

					DATA
			I do understand. I am attempting
			to explain to you that it is
			impossible.

	She stares at him, bewildered and a bit frustrated by
	his coolly rational response.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Amazing. You can't feel anything,
			can you? Nothing I say to you
			hurts you...

					DATA
			That is true.

	She stares at him for a moment, then turns and begins
	playing the tricorder over the cave walls once again.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I'm getting a slight elevation
			of monocaladium particulates in
			this cave wall... are you making
			note of that?

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT TWO      24.

32   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Yes, Doctor.

	A beat, as she studies the tricorder.

					DOCTOR MARR
			My son died on Omicron Theta.

	She makes this statement in the same tone with which
	she described the particulate reading.

					DOCTOR MARR
			He was sixteen when the colony
			was attacked.
				(beat)
			That's the reason I became an
			expert on the Crystalline Entity.

	She continues to read the cave wall, as though it were
	of much more fascination to her than what she is
	saying.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I've spent my life, studying it,
			tracking it... hoping someday to
			find it...

	She turns to him and looks him straight in the eye.

					DOCTOR MARR
			And if I learn that you are
			helping that thing in any way
			whatsoever... I'll see to it
			that you are disassembled --
			piece by piece.

	Data stares at her, fascinated and confused by this
	complicated woman.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     25.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

33   INT. ENGINEERING - A DAY LATER

	Doctor Marr, Geordi, and Data processing information.

					GEORDI
			Okay... we've input all the data
			you collected on the surface...

	She moves to his station, carrying a PADD.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Just a minute, Commander... I have
			some cellulose readings from soil
			samples that weren't included...

	Reading the PADD, she expertly keys Geordi's controls.
	He watches admiringly.

					GEORDI
			You handle that unit like a
			veteran, Doctor.

					DOCTOR MARR
				(with a smile)
			One thing about spending your life
			gathering information... you learn
			your way around computers.

	She finishes inputting and studies the monitor. It
	begins to scroll figures and text.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Hydrocarbons slightly elevated...
			bitrious filaments in trace
			amounts...

	As she reads, she becomes gradually deflated.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Lanthanides... nitrates... all
			normal.

	Finally she looks up to the two, disappointment in her
	face.

   STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT THREE   26.

33   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			Nothing different. Everything
			falls within the parameters I've
			established at the other attack
			sites.

	She sinks back, discouraged.

					DATA
			Did you expect different results
			this time, Doctor?

	She does not look at him. She still seems to be
	keeping him at a distance.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I've never surveyed a site so soon
			after the attack. I thought maybe
			I'd find something new. Something
			that would make a difference...

					DATA
			Doctor... have you ever scanned
			your samples for gamma radiation?

					DOCTOR MARR
				(a hint of
				 condescension)
			Why would I do that?

					DATA
			We are seeing high-energy
			reactions that may show up in a
			gamma scan...

	Geordi gets it immediately and begins tapping
	instructions on his computer.

					GEORDI
			... and if they do... we might find
			a pattern -- a kind of marker the
			Entity left behind. Good idea,
			Data.

	A beat as Doctor Marr considers. She is reluctant to
	leap quickly at a suggestion from Data, and her voice
	is tinged with skepticism as she speaks.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Frankly, I just don't see what
			this will get us.

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     27.

33   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			If the Entity left a residual
			trace of antiprotons in the
			samples we collected, the gamma
			radiation scan would reveal that.

					GEORDI
			Data, I'm getting the readout now.

	Data moves to looks at Geordi's monitor, but Marr keeps
	her distance, trying to keep her professional reserve
	in spite of the conflicting emotions inside her. Maybe
	Data is on to something... but she doesn't want to show
	her eagerness. And of course, there's a bit of chagrin
	that she had never thought of this.

					DATA
			If we try a logarithmic scale,
			it will give us better resolution.

	Geordi taps instructions. Marr is dying to go look,
	but won't let herself.

					GEORDI
			There, Data... see it?

					DATA
			Yes.

	He looks up at Doctor Marr.

					DATA
			Would you care to see what the
			scan has produced, Doctor?

	A brief hesitation... for appearances. Then she moves
	to the monitor, looks over Geordi's shoulder. For the
	first time since we've met her, there is a hint of
	excitement under her cool exterior.

					DOCTOR MARR
			A sharp spike at ten KEV. And
			another...
				(looking up at them)
			A pattern...

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     28.

33   CONTINUED: (3)

					GEORDI
			So we know the Entity leaves
			antiprotons behind...

					DOCTOR MARR
			If it also deposits antiprotons
			in space, as it travels... could
			we detect them?

					GEORDI
			Sure. The ship's lateral sensors
			can be set for gamma radiation.

	Doctor Marr straightens, looks at them.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Well. Let's get to it, shall we?

	She turns and walks briskly out of the room. After a
	brief beat, Data follows.

33A  INT. CORRIDOR

	as Marr and Data walk toward a turbolift.

					DOCTOR MARR
			It seems I owe you thanks,
			Commander.

					DATA
			The thanks actually go to Doctor
			Clendenning on Omicron Theta who
			did the first experiments with
			gamma scans.

					DOCTOR MARR
				(puzzled)
			I've never read that... it wasn't
			in any of his records...

					DATA
			That is correct. But I possess
			much of his knowledge. He was
			working with new detectors before
			the attack on Omicron Theta.

	They have reached the turbolift, and as they enter it,
	she glances at him, a skeptical smile on her lips.

   STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT THREE   29.

33B  INT. TURBOLIFT

					DOCTOR MARR
			I'd heard that you had been
			programmed with the experiences
			of the colonists... but frankly
			it's a little hard to believe.
				(to Computer)
			Bridge.

					DATA
			It is true, Doctor. The contents
			of their journals and logs were
			transferred into my memory cells.
			The man who created me also
			experimented with scanning the
			synaptic patterns of the
			colonists' temporal lobes and
			programming them into my neural
			nets.

					DOCTOR MARR
				(still skeptical)
			You possess -- their thoughts?

					DATA
			To some degree. Doctor Soong
			hoped to provide me with an
			amalgam of the colonists'
			memories.

	Marr cocks her head, regards him as though studying
	a scientific oddity.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Interesting.

	Then she turns forward once more and proceeds to ignore
	him.

33C  CLOSE ON BRIDGE MONITOR - LATER

	As it shows an OKUDAGRAM of graphs and figures.

					DOCTOR MARR (V.O.)
			There... a spike at ten KEV...
			and again...

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     30.

34   INT. BRIDGE

	Riker, Troi, and Worf at their posts; Picard is with
	Data and Doctor Marr at an aft science station;
	supernumeraries as needed.

					DOCTOR MARR
				(to Picard)
			That's the same pattern we saw
			in engineering.

					PICARD
			Can you project a course from it?

					DATA
			Yes, sir.
				(at controls)
			There are two possible
			destinations. The Brechtian
			Cluster and the Argos system.

					PICARD
			Is either populated?

					DATA
			The Brechtian Cluster has two
			inhabited planets.

					PICARD
			Ensign, set a course.

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     31.

34   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			Captain, I've done some
			preliminary estimates of the
			firing pattern we'll need in order
			to destroy the Entity. The photon
			torpedoes will require some
			reprogramming.

	She moves toward tactical with a PADD.

					DOCTOR MARR
			With your permission, I'll give
			the calculations to Lieutenant
			Worf.

	Picard nods.

					PICARD
			Reprogram the torpedoes, Mister
			Worf.
				(to Marr)
			Let's just hope we don't have to
			use them.

	She gives the PADD to Worf, turns back. She is clearly
	caught off-guard.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I beg your pardon?

	She has obviously had a strong reaction, but Picard is
	not certain what button he has pushed. He tries to
	explain.

					PICARD
			If it's possible to avoid firing
			on it, I would hope that --

					DOCTOR MARR
			You aren't going to kill it?

	Picard looks around; given Marr's vehement reaction,
	this suddenly seems like a very public place.

					PICARD
			Perhaps you should join me in my
			ready room.

	She eyes him, then nods curtly and precedes him down
	the ramp to the room. Camera FINDS Riker, who has
	watched this interchange with troubled eyes.

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     32.

35   INT. READY ROOM

	Though surprised at Picard's position, Doctor Marr
	nonetheless retains the mien of a scientist pursuing
	the solution to a problem.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I don't understand. Why are we
			pursuing the Entity, if not to
			destroy it?

					PICARD
			We are not hunters, Doctor. Nor
			is it our role to exact revenge.

	Marr regards him with a cool amusement.

					DOCTOR MARR
			What do you propose? We track
			it down... greet it warmly... and
			ask if it would mind terribly not
			ravaging any more planets?

					PICARD
			I'm not denying that it might
			become necessary to fire on it.
			But that would be a last resort.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Why? Why not just kill it?

					PICARD
			I'm going to try to talk to it.

	She stares at him as though he had spoken in tongues.

					DOCTOR MARR
			What?

					PICARD
			We know through our own experience
			that our shields will protect us
			from the Entity. As long as we
			are in no danger, I will make
			every effort to communicate.

					DOCTOR MARR
			To what end?

					PICARD
			If we can determine what its needs
			are, we might find other sources
			to supply it...

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     33.

35   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			Its needs are to slaughter people
			by the thousands... it's nothing
			but a giant killing machine.

					PICARD
			The sperm whale on Earth devours
			millions of cuttlefish as it
			prowls the ocean. It is not
			evil... it is simply feeding.
			The same may well be true of the
			Crystalline Entity.

					DOCTOR MARR
			That would be small comfort to
			those who have died to feed it.
			We're not talking about
			cuttlefish... we're talking
			about people.

					PICARD
			There are those, Doctor, who would
			argue that the Crystalline Entity
			has as much right to be here as
			we do.

	She regards him for a moment, as though deciding
	whether to pursue the argument.

					PICARD
			Mister Data has some theories
			about how to communicate with the
			Entity. Please confer with him.

	Doctor Marr holds his look, regarding him coolly for a
	long moment -- as though she might say something else.
	Finally, she nods and EXITS. Picard stares after her.
	There is something unsettling about her unflappably
	icy reserve.

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     34.

36   INT. DATA'S QUARTERS - LATER

	Data is practicing a new instrument -- classical
	guitar. He cradles it correctly, reading from sheet
	music. The door CHIMES.

					DATA
			Come in.

	He places the guitar in its stand as the door opens and
	Doctor Marr ENTERS.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Am I disturbing you?

					DATA
			Not at all, Doctor.

	She enters, goes right to the point.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Commander... there's something
			I want to say.

	He looks at her curiously. She continues, the words
	coming out in her usual rational way.

					DOCTOR MARR
			You have been helpful to me, and
			kind. I repaid you with
			accusations -- and I realize I
			may have been wrong.

					DATA
			It is gracious of you to say,
			Doctor. But I have not been
			injured by you.

	She regards him for a beat, then nods and sits.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Captain Picard has told me that
			you have done work in trying to
			establish communication with the
			Entity.

					DATA
			That is true. I have experimented
			with producing vibrations in
			crystal by means of graviton
			pulses.

	She gives a bit of a smile.

     STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT THREE     35.

36   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			Like tapping a crystal goblet?

					DATA
			Exactly.

	He goes to his computer.

					DATA
			I will call up the results I have
			achieved so far and you can study
			them.

					DOCTOR MARR
			All right.

	Data sits, begins keying the controls. Doctor Marr
	paces for a bit; clearly there's more on her mind than
	design models. She looks at him... sees him looking at
	her... she seems to make a decision, tries to appear as
	reserved as ever.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Commander... just what kind of
			memories do you retain... of the
			colonists?

					DATA
			I do not possess the
			minute-to-minute remembrances of
			each person there... although
			many of their more intense
			recollections are contained in
			my memory banks.

	She is looking at him intently, proceeding cautiously,
	almost afraid of what she will hear as she asks these
	questions.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Do you... have any of my son's
			memories?

					DATA
				(accessing)
			Marr... Raymond... called Renny.
			Yes. I do.

	A beat.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I see. And his journals?

   STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT THREE   36.

36   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Yes.

	Marr hesitates, trying to pick her way carefully. She
	is trying to keep all of this sounding casual.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I was wondering... do you know...
				(groping)
			... did he -- blame me?

					DATA
			Blame you?

					DOCTOR MARR
			For going away. For leaving him
			on Omicron Theta.

					DATA
			I am not aware of any blame
			against you.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I left him with friends... I chose
			to pursue my career... I planned
			to go back, but things kept
			interfering... I kept thinking,
			"I'll go next month... "
				(beat)
			And then... there weren't any more
			"next months."

					DATA
			I am unaware of any negative
			thoughts he had about you.
				(beat, as though
				 accessing)
			His personal journals indicated
			he was proud... that you were such
			a fine scientist.

	She draws a breath, almost thrown by this unexpected
	revelation.

					DOCTOR MARR
			He was... ?
				(beat)
			What else... do you know... ?

	It is the beginning of a small breakthrough into
	Doctor Marr's carefully constructed defenses.

   STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT THREE   37.

36   CONTINUED: (3)

	But they are interrupted by a sudden announcement:

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Commander Data, Doctor Marr,
			report to the bridge immediately.

	They give each other a quick look of surprise and then
	EXIT.

37   INT. BRIDGE - MINUTES LATER

	The turbolift opens to discharge Data and Doctor Marr.
	Picard, Riker, Worf, and others as needed are on the
	bridge.

					PICARD
			A distress call... from a ship
			called the Kallisko... it's being
			pursued by an unknown object.

					CAPTAIN'S COM VOICE
			... sensors indicate a crystalline
			structure of indeterminate mass...

	During the next, the exchange between Picard and the
	hapless CAPTAIN is played on the faces of the bridge
	crew, listening to what they know will be disaster.

   STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT THREE   38.

37   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			How strong are your shields,
			Captain?

					CAPTAIN'S COM VOICE
			We are a transport ship -- our
			shields are minimal...

					PICARD
			Do you carry weapons?

					CAPTAIN'S COM VOICE
			Only low-level particle phasers...
			Do you know what this being is?

	Picard knows the ship is doomed. Will it help to say
	that?

					PICARD
			Kallisko, change course, take
			evasive action. Do whatever you
			can to outrun it.

	The familiar WHIRR is now heard, growing in intensity
	and eventually obliterating the voice of the Captain.

					CAPTAIN'S COM VOICE
			... we are under attack.

	A dreadful scream is heard.

					CAPTAIN'S COM VOICE
			... notify our people on Boreal
			Three --

	Another terrible scream and then silence.

   STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT THREE   39.

37   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Mister Worf... can you
			reestablish?

					WORF
			No, Captain. There is no
			response.

38
thru	OMITTED
40

41   CLOSE ON DOCTOR MARR

	who is utterly still. She has not spoken during the
	awful interchange. But in her eyes there is a haunted
	look. Over the next, camera does a SLOW ZOOM into her
	face.

					DATA (o.c.)
			The Crystalline Entity is moving
			away.

					PICARD (o.c.)
			Set a course for the Kallisko.
			Mister Riker, prepare an away
			team... I want you to check for
			survivors.

	Doctor Marr is no longer here. She is revisiting
	fearful memories.

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FOUR      40.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

42   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND KALLISKO (OPTICAL)

43   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

	Riker, Crusher, Data, Worf, and Doctor Marr emerge from
	the turbolift and make their report to Picard. (Geordi
	is at the aft science station.) Only Doctor Marr is
	silent, standing still and quiet to the side.

					RIKER
			It was pretty much what we
			expected, Captain. No
			survivors...

					BEVERLY
			Not a trace of anything that was
			ever alive. Not even the seeds
			in their greenery storage.

					DATA
			Warp and impulse engines are down
			but they can be restarted. A
			skeleton crew could take the ship
			to a starbase.

					PICARD
			We don't want to take the time
			now. Send a message to the
			nearest starbase to dispatch a
			crew.

					DATA
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge, make certain we
			are still picking up the gamma
			radiation pattern of the Entity.

					GEORDI
			Yes, sir.

    STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT FOUR    41.

43   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(to Doctor Marr)
			Have you and Commander Data made
			any progress in finding a means
			of communication?

					DOCTOR MARR
			I believe so. There are some
			details to iron out --

					PICARD
			Then please keep working. We
			may need it soon.

	She nods, turns and heads toward the turbolift,
	followed by Data.

44   INT. TURBOLIFT

	with Data and Doctor Marr.

					DATA
			Deck seventeen.

	The turbolift starts up and Doctor Marr leans back
	against the side wall.

					DATA
			Doctor... you have seemed
			preoccupied... since we surveyed
			the Kallisko.

	Her eyes flicker toward him. She is fragile, emotions
	threatening to come forth. She fights them.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I've found you very easy to talk
			to, Commander.
				(beat)
			Do you mind if I tell you
			something... ?

					DATA
			Not at all.

	Data's cool impersonality is comforting to her. It's
	like talking to a mannequin... or a therapist... he's
	nonjudgmental.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FOUR      42.

44   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			Hearing the screams of those
			men... made it hard not to think
			about my son... about what
			happened to him.

	She draws a breath. It's hard for her to reveal
	herself like this. She struggles to maintain a
	precarious control.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I've read stories... about
			soldiers on the battlefield...
			wounded and dying... who call for
			their mothers.
				(beat)
			And I've always wondered...
				(beat, getting things
				 under control)
			... if my son called for me...

	She stops, knowing if she says anything for a moment,
	she will lose it. Data waits calmly. She tries again.

					DOCTOR MARR
			... if he died wondering why I
			didn't come to him...

	The turbolift door opens. As though it is a signal to
	put up her defenses once more, Doctor Marr takes a
	breath, straightens herself, and walks out of the
	turbolift. Data follows.

45   OMITTED

45A  INT. READY ROOM

	Picard is at his desk; the door CHIMES.

					PICARD
			Come.

	Riker ENTERS.

					RIKER
			It's still headed toward the
			Brechtian Cluster. We've
			reestablished our course.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FOUR      43.

45A  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Very well.

	Riker turns to leave, but --

					PICARD
			One more thing...

	Riker turns back.

					PICARD
			Starfleet will notify Carmen
			Davila's family of her death and
			return her personal effects.
			Would you care to include a
			letter?

	Riker hesitates... the reminder has stirred feelings
	he's tried to bury.

					RIKER
			Yes, sir. I'd like that.

	There is a silence and Riker makes no move to depart.
	Picard looks up, curious.

					PICARD
			Something more, Number One?

					RIKER
			Permission to speak freely, sir?

					PICARD
			Of course.

					RIKER
			I've been thinking... maybe Doctor
			Marr is right. Maybe we should
			destroy the Entity.

					PICARD
			And why do you think that?

					RIKER
			It's killed thousands. It will
			undoubtedly keep on killing...
			unless we stop it. I don't want
			those deaths on my conscience.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FOUR      44.

45A  CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard regards him... suspecting there's more to it
	than that.

					PICARD
			Are you sure that's it? Or are
			you being influenced by personal
			feelings?

	Riker takes refuge in a certain indignation.

					RIKER
			With all due respect, sir... I'm
			not a raw cadet. I've lost people
			on missions before.
				(beat)
			Carmen was a good friend. But
			that's not why I'm saying this.

	He moves toward Picard, emphatic.

					RIKER
			If we take the time to try to
			communicate with this thing, we
			may lose our chance to destroy
			it. And I don't think we can risk
			that.

	Picard doesn't answer. Riker holds his eye.

      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FOUR      45.

45A  CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
			I'm going to write that letter
			to Carmen's family.

	He EXITS, leaving Picard to ponder his words.

46   INT. DATA'S QUARTERS - LATER

	Data and Doctor Marr.

					DATA
			We should program the bridge
			science station to vary the
			emissions we direct toward the
			Entity.

	Marr takes a seat at Data's computer, begins tapping
	instructions.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I'll write a subroutine that will
			allow us to change the frequency
			of the graviton beam.

	She types expertly, entering commands. As she does...
	almost as an afterthought...

					DOCTOR MARR
			Data... you told me you carried
			some of my son's memories...

					DATA
			That is true.


      STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FOUR      46.

46   CONTINUED:

	Doctor Marr continues typing as though it held the main
	focus of her concentration. When she speaks, it is
	with studied casualness.

					DOCTOR MARR
			What can you tell me about Renny?
			What were those thoughts? Was
			he -- was he happy at all, on
			Omicron Theta?

	There is a brief hesitation as Data accesses those
	memories.

					DATA
			I possess some vivid memories of
			sporting events... he played
			Parrises Squares with a group of
			his schoolmates...

	She smiles, but continues with the computer, focusing
	on it... as though her discussion of her son is nothing
	more than small talk to fill the time.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Renny started Parrises Squares
			when he was young... too young,
			really... but the older children
			kept asking him to join in and
			I couldn't keep him away. He just
			had this natural gift...

					DATA
			He was pleased to have won a
			championship emblem.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I remember... he wrote me about
			that... he was so proud...

	She glances up at Data.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I'm characterizing pulse width
			in nanoseconds... sound right to
			you?

					DATA
			Yes, Doctor.

	She returns to her task.

          STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FOUR          47.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Your son's most intense thoughts
			seemed to revolve around a young
			woman named Janina...

	Doctor Marr smiles at this.

					DOCTOR MARR
			A girlfriend? I never knew about
			that... of course, that would be
			the last thing he'd tell his
			mother... What was she like?

					DATA
			He enjoyed her... gentleness...
			her kindness... her...
				(struggles to find
				 neutral words)
			... her -- physical attributes...

	Doctor Marr almost laughs... she is genuinely delighted
	to be hearing these details about her son.

	She finishes inputting, sits back.

					DOCTOR MARR
			There. Now we'll be able to vary
			all the parameters directly from
			the bridge.

	She looks briefly at Data... makes a decision... rises
	and goes to him.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Could you... do something for me?
			It would mean a lot...

					DATA
			I would be happy to be of help.

					DOCTOR MARR
			You see... all I have left of
			Renny, my only connection to
			him... is there, inside you.
				(beat)
			And I was wondering... if you
			could talk to me in his voice.

	Data looks puzzled by this.

        STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/2/91 - ACT FOUR        48.

46   CONTINUED: (3)

					DOCTOR MARR
			I know you have the ability to
			sound like other people. Isn't
			that right?

					DATA
			Yes, that is correct. But what
			would you want me to say?

					DOCTOR MARR
			Maybe... something from his
			journals...

	Data considers this for a moment, while accessing his
	memory files.

					DATA
			Many of his journal entries took
			the form of letters to his
			friends and family. I could
			access one of those.

	She nods and turns away from him, hands clenched,
	awaiting this moment with almost unbearable
	anticipation. When Data speaks, it is in the voice
	of an adolescent boy.

					DATA
				(as Renny)
			I took my last exam today... I
			think I did all right on
			everything except cellular
			biology. I know you think it's
			important, Mom... but I don't see
			how I'm ever gonna use this stuff.

	Doctor Marr's hands are clapsed together tightly as
	she listens.

					DATA
				(as Renny)
			In a couple of weeks, a bunch of
			us are going on an archaeological
			dig in the mountains. The Wallaces
			said it would be okay with them
			as long as we have adult
			supervision... so don't worry
			-- they're watching out for me.
			They're really great people...
			I like them a lot.
					(MORE)

        STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/7/91 - ACT FOUR        49.

46   CONTINUED: (4)

					DATA (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			But they're kind of serious...
			They don't have your sense of
			humor, Mom.
				(beat)
			I miss you.

	Doctor Marr doesn't speak. As she listens to these
	words, silent tears are coursing a path down her
	cheeks.

47   OMITTED

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

        STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT FIVE        50.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

48   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at warp.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, stardate 45125.7.
			We are still in pursuit of the
			Crystalline Entity. Data and
			Doctor Marr are prepared to
			attempt communication with the
			being when we intercept it. I
			will admit to some uncertainty
			about the prospect... it could
			prove to be a scientific
			triumph... or a catastrophe.

49   INT. BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf; Data and Doctor Marr at an
	aft science station; Geordi at the other;
	supernumeraries.

					WORF
			Sir, the Brechtian Cluster is now
			five light years away.

					RIKER
			Are we still picking up the
			Entity's pattern?

					DATA
			Yes, Commander. But sensors do
			not yet have a lock on its exact
			whereabouts.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Captain, we are reasonably certain
			it's between here and the
			Brechtian Cluster. If I start
			emitting the graviton beam now,
			it may act as a lure... a kind
			of beacon.

					PICARD
			Make it so.

	Marr and Data begin keying controls.

          STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FIVE          51.

49   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			We'll start with a pulse width
			of five nanoseconds, frequency
			one pulse per second.

					DATA
			Commencing graviton emission
			now...

	There is a brief silence, as all on the bridge wait
	tensely for results.

					GEORDI
			No change in the sensor readings.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Let's ramp the frequency.

					DATA
			Emissions now at ten pulses per
			second.

	Again, the charged silence. Then, Worf reacts to
	something on his controls.

					WORF
			Sir...

					DOCTOR MARR
			What is it? Do you have
			something?

					WORF
			A large mass... approaching at
			warp speed...

					PICARD
			Full stop. Doctor Marr, continue
			emitting your signal. On screen,
			Mister Worf.

50   ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Nothing yet but the starfield. The crew on the bridge
	stare at it, rapt, waiting for the first indication
	that they have again encountered the mysterious
	Crystalline being. A beat. Still nothing... and then,
	a tiny white spot... approaching rapidly...

          STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FIVE          52.

51   ON DOCTOR MARR

	looking at the screen. This is what she has been
	waiting to see for so many long, agonizing years.

52   ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

					RIKER
			Shields up.

	The Crystalline Entity is approaching... looming larger
	and larger... Doctor Marr is staring, transfixed...

					DOCTOR MARR
			It's beautiful...

					DATA
			Doctor... shall we change the
			frequency?

	She looks at him, as though coming out of a trance.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Yes... yes, Commander. Proceed.

					DATA
			Changing to twenty pulses per
			second...

	And as he makes the changes... the Entity glides to
	a stop. It hangs there, in space, a magnificent and
	ominous being, overwhelming in its pristine, faceted
	beauty.

					RIKER
			What's it doing? Checking us out?

					PICARD
			Possibly... just as we are
			checking it out.

	Then, the Entity does something quite remarkable. It
	turns, slowly, in space... a kind of enigmatic
	pirouette, fascinating in its lumbering grace.

					TROI
			Is it... responding to us?

					DOCTOR MARR
			Let's test that. Ramp the
			frequency again, Commander...

          STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FIVE          53.

52   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Emissions at thirty pulses per
			second...

					GEORDI
			Captain, I'm reading a
			transmission from the Entity...
			a series of graviton pulses...

					DOCTOR MARR
			It's working... that's a response
			to our signal...

	Now the Entity begins to slide, from side to side...
	then turning in a circle... almost like a kitten that
	is being teased and tickled...

					PICARD
			Remarkable...

					DATA
			Captain, there is a pattern
			emerging from its signals.

					PICARD
			It's trying to communicate with
			us?

					DATA
			I believe so... although it will
			take some time to decipher the
			patterns...

	A sense of anticipation begins to rise in Picard.

					PICARD
			Then it's possible...
			communication... understanding...

					DOCTOR MARR
			Let me try something else... a
			continuous graviton beam.

	She bends to the controls, keys in instructions.

	Now, the Crystalline Entity exhibits different
	behavior. It comes to a rigid stop. Then it draws
	close to the ship.

          STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FIVE          54.

52   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Graviton pulses from the Entity
			have stopped...

					TROI
			Maybe it doesn't like what we're
			doing...

					PICARD
			Return to the intermittent
			signal, Doctor...

	But Doctor Marr is staring at the screen. She seems
	calm... a bit remote...

					DATA
			Doctor Marr?

	No answer. Troi now looks troubled... stands, looks
	at Doctor Marr, concern in her eyes.

					PICARD
			Counselor... ?

					TROI
			Something's wrong...

					DATA
			Sir, the Entity is beginning to
			resonate... vibrations
			increasing rapidly...

	Picard is now on his feet, turned to Doctor Marr.

					PICARD
			Doctor, stop the transmission!
			That is an order --

	Marr reaches out to Data, touches his arm.

					DOCTOR MARR
			It's for you, Renny... I did it
			for you...

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, take charge of the
			Doctor. Mister Data, shut down
			that transmission.

        STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/6/91 - ACT FIVE        55.

52   CONTINUED: (3)

	Worf moves toward Doctor Marr, who seem unaware of
	him. Data moves to her station.

					GEORDI
			Vibration amplitude is
			increasing... it can't last much
			longer.

					DATA
			I am unable to stop our graviton
			signal, Captain. Doctor Marr
			has isolated the access code.

					GEORDI
			Maybe I can create an override
			sequence... shut it down from
			here.

	He works frantically at his station as Picard watches
	the Entity. It is visibly vibrating... a tremor at
	first... quickly escalating to a violent series of
	spasms...

					DATA
			Resonance is approaching
			critical...

					GEORDI
			I can override her program, but
			it's gonna take time --

	But the Entity is now vibrating into a blur, and...

53   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND ENTITY (OPTICAL)

	The massive crystal, unable to withstand the pressures
	of the incredible forces set up within it, explodes
	in space. A brilliant burst of shards... scattering...
	disseminating... an awful radiance of destruction...

          STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - 7/31/91 - ACT FIVE          56.

54   INT. BRIDGE

	The shock of what has happened is incredible. Picard
	turns toward the rear deck, his outrage restrained,
	but formidable.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf... escort Doctor Marr
			to her quarters.

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

	He turns to her, but Doctor Marr seems oblivious to
	the command. She still stares out at the destruction
	she has caused. She holds Data's arm.

					DOCTOR MARR
			It will never hurt anyone again...

					DATA
			Captain... perhaps I should escort
			Doctor Marr...

					PICARD
			Fine. But do not leave her
			unattended.

55   OMITTED

56   ANGLE - DATA AND MARR

					DATA
			Doctor... if you will come with
			me...

	She turns and takes his arm, walks willingly toward
	the turbolift, sober and reserved.

					DOCTOR MARR
			Of course.

57   INT. MARR'S QUARTERS - MINUTES LATER

	as Data and Marr ENTER.

					DATA
			I will stay with you, Doctor.

	She smiles fondly at him, moves to look out the window,
	at the infinity of space.

        STAR TREK: "Silicon Avatar" - REV. 8/7/91 - ACT FIVE        57.

57   CONTINUED:

					DOCTOR MARR
			How long will you live, Data?

					DATA
			There has been no predetermined
			limit placed on my existence.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I'm glad. As long as you're
			alive... he'll be alive.

	She walks back to him. There is an absolute inner calm
	in her... her mind has simply not accepted any reality
	but the one she has chosen.

					DOCTOR MARR
			I need your help.

					DATA
			In what way, Doctor?

					DOCTOR MARR
			... like you did before... tell me
			you understand, Renny... that you
			know I did it for you, because
			I love you... because I wanted
			to give you peace, at last.

	Data, incapable of fathoming her psychotic break, can
	only respond on a literal level.

					DATA
			I do not find such a file in your
			son's journals. However... from
			what I know of him by his writing
			and his memories, I do not believe
			he would be happy. He was proud
			of your career as a scientist,
			and now you have destroyed it.
			You say you did it for him, but
			he would not want that. Yes.
			He would be very sad now.
				(innocently hopeful)
			Does that help, Doctor Marr?

	She stares at him, her eyes become opaque... not seeing
	him... turned instead to some awful country deep
	within.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             





