













                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                       "The Inner Light" 
                          #40275-225 
                              
                           Story by 
                         Morgan Gendel 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
             Morgan Gendel and Peter Allan Fields 
                              
                          Directed by 
                        Peter Lauritson 


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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or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

                       MARCH 24, 1992


        STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 03/24/92 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "The Inner Light" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             ELINE
                RIKER              BATAI
                DATA               ADMINISTRATOR
                BEVERLY            MERIBOR
                                   YOUNG BATAI
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                                   Non-Speaking
                NURSE OGAWA          TOWNSPEOPLE
                                     INFANT SON
                Non-Speaking         SUPERNUMERARIES
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  MEDICAL TEAM       

        STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 03/24/92 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "The Inner Light" 
                        
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              PICARD'S QUARTERS        PROBE
          
            KAMIN MAIN ROOM            KAMIN HOME
                                         COURTYARD & GARDEN
          
                                       TOWN SQUARE
          
                                       OPEN FIELD

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV 03/27/92 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "The Inner Light" 
                      
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                 BATAI           b'TIE
                 ELINE           el-EEN
                 EMIRISTOL       em-er-IS-tahl
                 KAMIE           KAY-mee
                 KAMIN           KAY-min
                 KATAAN          K'-TAHN
                 KENOMAY         KEN-oh-may
                 MERIBOR         MARE-ih-bore
                 NUCLEONIC       noo-klee-AHN-ik
                 RESSIK          RESS-ik

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - TEASER       1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                      "The Inner Light"                            
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:
1
thru	OMITTED
2

3    EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at warp.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45944.1.
			We're en route to Starbase
			Two-eighteen after a magnetic wave
			survey of the Parvenium Sector.
			We will give our report directly
			to Fleet Admiral Gustafson.

4    INT. BRIDGE

	PICARD, RIKER, DATA, WORF, and GEORDI at their
	positions; N.D.'s as necessary. There is a
	light-hearted mood on the bridge.

					PICARD
			The last time I encountered
			Admiral Gustafson... I ended up
			spending nine straight hours at
			the opera.

					GEORDI
			Nine hours... ?

					PICARD
			The entire "Ring" cycle at one
			sitting...

					RIKER
			That's a little too much Wagner
			for me.

					PICARD
			And for me... but not, apparently,
			for Admiral Gustafson. She went
			back the next day and sat through
			it all again. I warned her that
			this time --

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - TEASER       2.

4    CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Sir, sensors detect an
			unidentified object... twenty-two
			thousand kilometers off the port
			quarter.

					PICARD
			On screen.

5    ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	An alien object of unusual shape can be seen, though
	still at quite a distance. Picard moves toward the
	screen, between t conn and ops.

					PICARD
			Magnify.

	The object springs into greater relief. It is strange,
	and somehow foreboding.

					PICARD
			Mister Data?

					DATA
			It appears to be a probe of some
			kind... but there is no Starfleet
			record of this shape or design.

					RIKER
			Is it scanning us?

					WORF
			No sir... but it has assumed a
			relative position and is holding
			course with us.

					DATA
			The probe is composed of...
			paricium and talgonite... a
			ceramic alloy.

					GEORDI
			Not a very sophisticated
			technology...

					WORF
			Sir, I'm detecting a low-level
			nucleonic beam coming from the
			probe.


    STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - TEASER    3.

5    CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Shields up; stand by phasers.

					DATA
			The beam is scanning the shield's
			perimeter.
				(frowns)
			The probe is emitting an unusual
			particle stream --

					WORF
			Captain, the beam is penetrating
			our shields --

	A point at the top of the probe seems to FLARE briefly,
	as...

					PICARD
			Increase power to --

	Suddenly Picard staggers backward, as though struck.
	He sags, losing consciousness. Riker is already
	rushing to him as he begins falling.

					RIKER
			Captain?...

6    CLOSER - PICARD

	As he falls, losing consciousness, Riker's hand ENTERS
	FRAME behind Picard's head so as to protect it, cushion
	it, against the hard deck toward which it's
	falling...

7    PICARD'S POV (OPTICAL)

	Riker's face leaning in close...

					RIKER
			Captain, I've got you; it's
			all...

	Riker and his surroundings DISSOLVE in a DAZZLE OF
	COLORS. A beat later the COLORS RE-DISSOLVE INTO...

    STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - TEASER    3A.

8    PICARD'S NEW POV (OPTICAL)

	ELINE, a fine looking mid-thirtyish woman -- whose
	face becomes a thing of radiance when she smiles --
	leans over him, blotting his forehead with a moist
	towel.

					ELINE
			Well.. finally.

	We'll now see that Picard and Eline are:

9    INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY

	He realizes he's seated in a deep and comfortable chair
	in the modest, certainly unusual (to us), but well-kept
	and inviting main room of what is apparently a home.
	In addition to the front entry, there are openings to
	the (o.s.) kitchen and (o.s.) bedroom. Picard just
	peers around; confused.

					ELINE
				(continuing, gently)
			How are you feeling?

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - TEASER       4.

9    CONTINUED:

	As she lightly strokes his face with the moist towel:

					ELINE
				(gently)
			Kamin... can you answer me?

	Picard rises to a sitting position, still scanning the
	room, a little groggy and disoriented.

					PICARD
			Where is this... ?

	A frown of concern on the woman's face.

					ELINE
			You're still feverish...

	Picard looks around, getting control of his faculties.
	Everything he sees is strange, unaccustomed. Might
	he be in a holodeck program?

					PICARD
			Computer, freeze program.
				(beat)
			End program.

	Nothing. The woman keeps moving, trying to blot his
	forehead. He gets to his feet, automatically reaching
	for his communicator.

					PICARD
			Picard to Enterprise --

	But there is nothing there to hit. He looks down at
	his garb -- strange and alien.

					ELINE
			Kamin, please don't try to get
			up yet... you're still not well.

					PICARD
			I asked you... what is this place?

	Her look is of loving concern.

					ELINE
			This... is your home, of course.

	MOVE IN ON PICARD'S FACE, and HOLD, until we...

                                             FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE      5.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

10   INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY (CONTINUOUS)

	Picard and Eline just as they were. He's up and
	moving, inspecting the room.

					PICARD
			Where is my uniform? My
			communicator?

	She looks truly worried.

					ELINE
			I'd better call the doctor
			again...

					PICARD
			I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of
			the Federation Starship
			Enterprise. I would like to speak
			with whoever is in charge here.

					ELINE
				(frightened now)
			If you'll just lie down, I'll brew
			you some nice warm kenomay...

					PICARD
			Just tell me this -- am I a
			prisoner here?

	Her eyes widen in alarm.

					ELINE
			Please, dear... you've had a high
			fever for three days... you
			mustn't push yourself too
			quickly...

	Picard has discovered a panel in the wall which
	contains a small metallic square in the center. He
	touches it, it opens.

					ELINE
			You shouldn't go outside...

	Picard moves to EXIT... a bit cautiously...

      STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE      6.

11   OMITTED

12   EXT. COURTYARD FRONTING KAMIN HOME - DAY (CONTINUOUS)

	The dwelling is smooth and pale, with the appearance
	of a Mediterranean villa. There is a modest front
	courtyard with a garden -- now blooming with odd and
	alien flora. Picard steps out into the courtyard,
	shading his eyes against the bright sunlight; stops
	as the door closes behind him to survey the area.
	Eline follows him, concerned.

					ELINE
			Kamin... please come back
			inside...

	She follows him briefly as he makes his way out of the
	courtyard, then stops in frustration, realizing he will
	not listen.

13   EXT. TOWN SQUARE - HIS POV

	More of the white stucco-like dwellings, a square area
	in the center where SEVERAL TOWNFOLK have gathered.
	A fine-looking, pretty-faced youngish woman crosses
	Picard's path en route to the gathered group. She
	smiles in recognition, and waves at him as she goes.

14   ANGLE ON GROUP (OPTICAL)

	as Picard approaches. There is a small group of people
	gathered around a man -- BATAI, a genial-looking man
	in his 50's -- who is just finishing the planting of
	a sapling tree, tamping down the earth and then rising
	to address the group.

					BATAI
			This sapling is planted as an
			affirmation of life... in defiance
			of the drought and with
			expectations of long life.
			Whatever comes -- we will keep
			it alive, as a symbol of our
			survival.

	The group applauds... and then Batai spots Picard.

					BATAI
				(happy relief)
			Kamin! You're back on your feet!
			How do you feel, my friend?

      STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE      7.

14   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Are you in charge here?

	Batai is a bit taken aback by the brusque question.

					BATAI
			In charge... ?

					PICARD
			I want to be returned to my ship
			immediately.

	The group has a reaction to this... exchanging curious
	glances. Batai moves closer to Picard.

					BATAI
			What... ship is that?

	The honest confusion in the man frustrates Picard.
	He looks around, takes a breath... tries again.

					PICARD
			Please... if you could tell me...
			what is this place? Where am I?

					BATAI
				(getting it)
			The fever... it's taken your
			memory.

	Picard stares at him... mind working quickly...
	frustrated by his inability to get straight answers
	from these people. He decides on a different tack.
	He smiles a bit ruefully.

					PICARD
			That must be it. Perhaps you
			could help me...

					BATAI
			Anything, my friend.

					PICARD
			My name is Kamin... and you are
			-- ?

					BATAI
				(wary, this is strange)
			Batai...
				(helpful)
			Council leader.

      STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE      8.

14   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Ah. And you say I've been ill...

					BATAI
			For over a week. Eline should've
			put you in the hospital, but she
			insisted on caring for you
			herself.

					PICARD
			Eline.

					BATAI
			Your wife. If you don't remember
			that, maybe it's safer not to go
			home.

	Picard allows himself a genial smile. He is at least
	getting information.

					PICARD
			And... what is this place?

	Batai becomes wary again, alarmed by his friend's total
	memory loss.

					BATAI
			Perhaps you should see the
			doctor...

					PICARD
			Please -- I'm sure it will come
			back to me...

					BATAI
				(gesturing)
			This... is the community of
			Ressik. Northern province.

					PICARD
			What planet?

	Batai appears mystified, then comes toward Picard, puts
	an arm around his shoulder.

					BATAI
			Come... let me take you back home.

					PICARD
			I'm really quite all right. If
			you'll just answer...

    STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE    9.

14   CONTINUED: (3)

					BATAI
				(carefully)
			This is the planet Kataan.

					PICARD
			Kataan... not a Federation
			planet.

	Batai looks at him, puzzled. Picard gives the group
	a reassuring smile.

					PICARD
			I think I'll take a walk...

	A hesitation.

					BATAI
			You've been ill for a week...

					PICARD
			Exercise will do me good. I'd
			like to -- re-acquaint myself with
			the surroundings.

	He gives a nod, then begins to stride purposefully out
	of the square. Batai stares after him, as do the
	mystified townspeople.

15
thru	OMITTED
16

16A  EXT. FIELDS - DAY

	Picard roams the hills beyond the town, searching for
	clues to his mysterious abduction. He climbs a small
	ridge, stares off in the distance, then climbs down and
	proceeds on his way.

17   OMITTED

18   INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - NIGHT

	Eline sits at a small table, idly stirring soup in a
	bowl, when she hears something outside. She jumps up,
	goes to the door, activates it. Picard is standing
	there, bone-weary.

					ELINE
			Thank goodness...

	She ushers him in and he settles in the chair...
	grateful to be off his feet.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE   10.

18   CONTINUED:

					ELINE
			I've had people out trying to find
			you everywhere. Why did you
			worry us like that?

	He is silent. She tries again.

					ELINE
			Are you hungry?

					PICARD
			Hungry, thirsty... weary... I
			suppose that proves this isn't
			a dream, doesn't it?

	She stands, stunned, staring at him.

					ELINE
			You think this... your life...
			is a dream?

	The note of anguish in her voice catches him. His
	reply is gentle.

					PICARD
			It's not my life... I know that
			much.

	Stricken, she blinks away tears, turns to get food.

					ELINE
			I've kept something hot for you.

	He sits at the table and she carries a bowl of soup to
	him.

					ELINE
			Where did you go?

					PICARD
			I walked. For hours.

	He begins eating the soup.

					ELINE
				(concerned)
			And you just out of bed...

	She sits opposite him, grateful to have him back,
	devotion in her eyes. Picard busies himself with the
	soup.

					PICARD
			This is delicious...

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE   11.

18   CONTINUED: (2)

					ELINE
				(pleased)
			You always say that...

	He looks up at her, reminded of his apparent history
	with this woman. He decides to approach her head-on.

					PICARD
			Would you -- answer some questions
			for me? No matter how strange
			they might seem to you?

					ELINE
			Of course...

					PICARD
			Are there other planets in this
			star system? Do you visit any
			other systems... ?

	Shocked, she literally just gapes at him. He reads her
	response.

					PICARD
			All right. Is there any kind of
			communication system here? How
			do you send messages to... to
			other communities? Other places?

					ELINE
			The usual way... by
			voice-transit conductors. Do
			you want to send a message?

					PICARD
			Yes. When can that be arranged?

					ELINE
				(shrugs)
			Tomorrow.
				(beat)
			Don't you want to ask about...
			us?

	Picard hears the note of anguish in her voice. He sets
	down his spoon, softens.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE   12.

18   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Of course. Anything you can tell
			me would be helpful. We are...
			married?

	She nods, clearly in pain that he has no recollection
	of this.

					ELINE
			Three years ago... the happiest
			day of my life was the day we got
			married.
				(beat)
			You're probably tired of hearing
			it... but I've loved you since
			I was seven years old. That's
			when I decided I was going to be
			your wife, and no one was going
			to change my mind.

	She smiles at him, reaches out and covers his hand with
	hers.

					ELINE
			I'm glad I was so stubborn...

	He stares at her. Her warmth, her sincerity are
	obvious. It puts him in an uncomfortable position. He
	tries to return to his agenda.

					PICARD
			What is it that I do... here in
			Ressik?

					ELINE
				(great pride)
			You're the best iron weaver in
			the community. At least I think
			so. You prefer playing the flute,
			of course.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE   13.

18   CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD
			The flute?

	She rises, goes to a nearby shelf (or whatever) and
	brings to him. It is a device much like a
	penny-whistle. He holds it, turning it over in his
	hands; it is completely unfamiliar.

					PICARD
			And when did I learn to play it?

					ELINE
				(laughing again)
			I'm afraid you've never learned,
			dear. You do keep trying.

	Picard puts the device to him mouth... tries a few
	notes... it sounds pretty awful. Even Picard can't
	help but smile.

					PICARD
			I see what you mean.

	He sets the flute down, rises.

					PICARD
			Thank you for the soup. And for
			your help. Tomorrow will you help
			me send a message?

	She smiles as though indulging a child. She has him
	back... he isn't saying strange things anymore. It's
	enough for now.

					ELINE
			Of course. Will you come to bed
			now?

	He stares at her. This is a bit awkward. He looks off
	toward a door which must lead to a bedroom, then back
	at the reclining chair.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT ONE   14.

18   CONTINUED: (5)

					PICARD
			I'll sleep here...

					ELINE
			Oh, no... please come with me...

	In her voice, genuine concern. Picard tries diplomacy.

					PICARD
			I've been sick... I may be tossing
			and turning... it wouldn't be fair
			to you.

					ELINE
				(a smile)
			Let me be the judge of that.

	She moves toward him... stretches her arms to hold
	him... and as she does, her dress falls open at the
	neck. Picard stares at what he sees.

19   OMITTED

20   CLOSE - ICON MEDALLION

	It is a replica, an exact miniature, of the probe.

					PICARD (o.s.)
			Where did you get this?

21   RESUME - SHOT

					ELINE
				(taken aback)
			It's... the first gift you ever
			gave me.

22   CLOSE ON PICARD

	as he stares at her.

23   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON PICARD

	as Riker's cushioning hand finishes lowering Picard's
	head gently to the deck (in continuation of the action
	in progress during the instant we were last on the main
	bridge; as Picard was falling).

					RIKER
			... I've got you; it's all right...

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT ONE 15-17.         

24   FULL SHOT

	as Riker remains kneeling over the prone and motionless
	figure of Picard.

					RIKER
			Riker to sickbay. The captain's
			been hurt.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   18.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

A25	EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	hanging in space.

25   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard's inert form remains where it was on the deck,
	with Riker kneeling in close attendance. Geordi stands
	just behind him; Data, Worf and the Conn Officer still
	at stations -- as BEVERLY, with emergency medical
	equipment, rushes in from the forward turbolift to
	begin preliminary on-spot diagnosis.

					DATA
			The nucleonic beam is no longer
			scanning, Commander. There is
			a narrow reciprocating band
			focused directly on Captain
			Picard.

					RIKER
			Mister Data, find out how that
			beam is getting through the
			shields and what we can do to cut
			it off.

					DATA
			Yes, Commander.

					RIKER
			Geordi, start scanning the probe
			for any identifying marks,
			anything that might tell us where
			it came from.

					GEORDI
			Understood.

	He goes to work at an aft station. Beverly is giving
	preliminary readings.

					BEVERLY
			Pulse and blood pressure
			normal... I'm getting hyperactive
			fibrogenic activity... this is
			odd...

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   18A.

25   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			What is it?

					BEVERLY
			There's no evidence of injury or
			trauma... vital signs are normal,
			but his neurotransmitter
			production is off the scale.
			What's going on?

	Riker looks in frustration toward the viewscreen.

					RIKER
			That probe is doing something to
			him... Data, any progress?

					DATA
			No, sir. The particle emission
			is most unusual. I am unable to
			block it.

					WORF
			Destroy the probe. Phasers are
			armed and ready.

					BEVERLY
				(as she begins scanning)
			I don't think that's wise. Not
			until we know exactly what it's
			doing to him...

					RIKER
			Agreed. Stand down phasers,
			Mister Worf.

	Worf reluctantly obeys.

					RIKER
			In the meantime, let's see if we
			can move out of range. Ensign,
			thrusters only... one hundred
			kph... nice and easy...

	There is a pause as the ship attempts to move from the
	probe.

					RIKER
			Mister Data?

					DATA
			The probe is moving with us,
			sir -- holding relative position.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   19.

25   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			It's connected itself to him...
			like a tether.

	Perplexed, Riker looks from the main viewer to Picard,
	then back again. HOLD on his FACE, before going to:

26   EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY - CLOSE ON SMALL TREE

	Reestablishing. The sapling has matured with five
	years of growth.

27   EXT. KAMIN HOME COURTYARD - DAY

	Picard stands in the courtyard, holding a sextant and
	shooting the sun. He takes a measurement... then
	records his findings in a journal that's lying on a
	bench. Then he holds the instrument up to his eye
	again, continuing.

28   ANGLE ON ELINE

	who comes from the house and approaches Picard, who is
	absorbed in his work. She watches him silently for a
	moment, aware of his intense preoccupation. She moves
	toward him.

					ELINE
			You've been dreaming of that
			starship again, haven't you?

29   PICARD AND ELINE

	He lowers the instrument, turns toward her. This is an
	old conversation.

					PICARD
			I'm just charting the sun's
			movements. It might give some
			clues to the cause of this
			drought.

					ELINE
			I think you're still trying to
			figure out where you are... where
			that ship of yours is... what you
			can do to get back to that life...

	Picard sets the sextant down.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   20.

29   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			The memory's five years old now,
			but it's still inside me.
				(shrugs)
			My other existence may be gone,
			but I still wonder about it.

	She regards him solemnly, then begins idly circling the
	courtyard... breaking off a dead flower or branch now
	and then. The garden has deteriorated; what were once
	abundant blooms are now small sickly plants without
	blossoms.

					ELINE
			Was it so much better than this
			one?

	He gives her a sharp look. Undaunted, she proceeds.

					ELINE
			So much more gratifying... so much
			more fulfilling... that you cling
			to it with such stubbornness?

					PICARD
			Eline...

					ELINE
			It must have been extraordinary...
			but never once, in all the stories
			you've told me... have you
			mentioned anyone who loved you
			as I do.

	He is pained. She is right...

					PICARD
			It was real... as real as this
			is. You can't expect me to forget
			the lifetime I spent there...

					ELINE
			Yes, I can.

	He looks at her. There is a new sound in her voice, a
	tilt to her chin.

					ELINE
			I've been patient, Kamin. For
			five years I have shared you with
			that other life.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO      21.

29   CONTINUED: (2)

					ELINE (cont'd)
			I have listened, I have tried to
			understand... and I have waited.
				(beat)
			When do I get you back?

	He is silent for a beat... fully understanding her
	frustration.

					PICARD
			I know this has been hard for
			you...

					ELINE
			It's not as though it hasn't been
			interesting... all this talk about
			starships and distant planets...
			I have never been bored.
				(beat)
			But I have been lonely. Knowing
			that your heart is really...
			somewhere else.

					PICARD
			You have been amazingly tolerant.

					ELINE
			When are you going to let go?
			When are you going to start living
			this life?
				(beat)
			When are we going to start a
			family?

	Before he can answer, a hail from behind them --

					BATAI (o.c.)
			Kamin, Eline!

	They turn to see Batai approaching them, genial as
	always.

					BATAI
			Good morning!

					PICARD
			Good morning, Batai...

	But Eline is strangely silent.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   22.

29   CONTINUED: (3)

					BATAI
			Are you ready? The administrator
			has already arrived.

					PICARD
			Yes...
				(to Eline)
			Will you come along?

					ELINE
			No, thank you...
				(with an edge)
			... You do very well on your own.

	And she strides back into the house. Picard turns back
	to Batai, frowning. Batai smiles with understanding.

					BATAI
			She always was strong-minded.
			Even when she was a child.

	They start walking toward the town square.

					PICARD
			It isn't her fault. These last
			few years have been difficult for
			her.

	Batai gives him a glance.

					BATAI
			And for you, I think.

	Picard takes a breath. But makes no acknowledgment.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT TWO   23.

30   EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY (CONTINUOUS)

	A group of the townspeople are gathered near the tree.
	The ADMINISTRATOR, a youngish man in an outfit which
	distinguishes him from the others, stands inspecting
	the tree. As Picard and Batai approach, he turns to
	them.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			There you are, Batai. Perhaps
			you can explain to me... when
			crops are dying all over, how this
			tree is flourishing?

	Batai smiles his genial smile.

					BATAI
			This tree is our symbol... our
			affirmation of life. Everyone
			in this town gives a part of their
			water rations to keep it alive.
				(beat)
			We have learned, Administrator,
			that hope is a powerful weapon
			against anything... even drought.

	The Administrator eyes him, assessing. The young man
	is a politician, and has learned not to interfere too
	drastically in local government. He nods, accepting.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			A good point. Perhaps I will
			recommend a symbolic tree in each
			of my communities...
				(smiling broadly)
			Now. What business do we have
			today?

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT TWO   24.

30   CONTINUED:

					BATAI
			We need help if we're to increase
			the water supply. We think there
			are ways to reclaim some of our
			water...

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Batai, you're being a bit of an
			alarmist. True, we're in a
			drought... but water rationing
			has produced a sizeable savings.

	Picard can no longer keep quiet.

					PICARD
			If the weather pattern doesn't
			change, rationing won't be enough.
			We will run out of water.

	The Administrator looks at Picard in some surprise.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Who's this?

					BATAI
			Kamin, sir.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Kamin... do I know you?

					PICARD
			No. I haven't spoken to you
			before.

	The Administrator smiles, acknowledging a new
	constituent.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Well, Kamin -- I'm open to all
			the people of this town. I'm
			delighted to hear what you have
			to say. Did you have a specific
			proposal?

      STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO      25.

30   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			I suggest we build atmospheric
			condensers which could extract
			water from the air.

	The Administrator chuckles a little... condescending.
	He's very charming... but gives nothing.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Well. Very ambitious. Kamin,
			was it? And your occupation is
			-- ?

					PICARD
			Iron weaving.
				(beat)
			And playing the flute.

	The Administrator looks sharply at him... not sure if
	he's being tweaked -- which he is. But Picard is
	straight-faced.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			I don't mean to quash your very
			creative idea... but building
			atmospheric condensers would be
			a monumental undertaking. We
			could not hope to sustain such
			a project.


   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   26.

30   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Each community would be
			responsible for its own. These
			condensers could mean the
			difference between watering our
			crops... or watching them die.

	The Administrator is too experienced to get into a
	wrangle. He smiles and agrees -- an effective
	stonewalling.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Well -- I'll be glad to pass
			along your suggestion. You'll
			see that this kind of
			participatory government works
			for everyone.

	He starts away from the group, genial as ever.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Be well, Batai. I shall see you
			next month.
				(to Picard, coolly)
			Good to meet you, Kanin.

	The mispronunciation is not intentional, just careless.
	The Administrator turns and begins striding away.

					BATAI
			Go carefully, Administrator...

	Batai turns back to Picard, who stands staring after
	the Administrator.

					BATAI
			That went very well. I think he
			was impressed with you.

	Picard can't help but chuckle at this.

					PICARD
			We'll never see an atmospheric
			condenser...

     STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO     26A.

30   CONTINUED: (4)

					BATAI
			These things take time. It will
			happen, I'm sure of it.

	Picard changes the mood, claps him on the shoulder.

					PICARD
			Come to dinner tonight, my friend.
			I'll make a vegetable stew. We'll
			talk about building our own
			condenser.

	Batai nods, acquiescing. As Picard starts to turn away
	--

					BATAI
			Kamin --

	Picard turns back.

					BATAI
			Hearing you talk to the
			Administrator... I realized that
			for the first time in years, you
			were speaking as though you were
			truly a member of the community.
				(beat)
			It was good to hear that again.

	He nods and walks off. Picard looks after him,
	absorbing his statement.

31
thru	OMITTED
32

33   EXT. KAMIN COURTYARD AND GARDEN - THAT NIGHT

	Batai, beverage in hand, is sprawled on one of the
	benches; Picard is seated, barefoot, playing his flute.
	Not very well, and not any melody that we can
	recognize. But he's playing nonetheless, and it's a
	marked improvement from last time. He hits a couple of
	sour notes, and stops, working his fingers over the
	keys.

     STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT TWO     26B.

33   CONTINUED:

					BATAI
			You've been brooding behind that
			flute all evening.

					PICARD
			I'm not brooding. I'm immersed
			in my music.

					BATAI
			Music...

					PICARD
				(re: flute)
			I've found it helps me think.
				(a smile)
			The real surprise is that I enjoy
			it so much.

					BATAI
			The real surprise is that you may
			actually be improving.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   27.

34   INCLUDING ELINE

	as she emerges from within the home.

					ELINE
			Batai?

					BATAI
			Yes, ma'am.

					ELINE
			Go home.

					BATAI
			Yes, ma'am.
				(Rises)
			Goodnight, Kamin.

					PICARD
			Goodnight, my friend.

					ELINE
			Go carefully, Batai.

	As Batai departs, Eline picks up Picard's shoes, which
	are flung on the ground.

					ELINE
			Don't forget these. I won't put
			them away for you again.

					PICARD
			Yes, ma'am.

	She gives him a sidelong glance... sees the humor in
	him, and smiles back.

					ELINE
			I've done nothing but nag today.
			I'm sorry.

					PICARD
			I'm the one who's sorry.
				(beat)
			Everything you said this morning
			was absolutely right.

	She stares at him, surprised.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   27A.

34   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I've given you so little... and
			you have given me so much...
			tenderness, patience... and a good
			talking to when I needed it.
				(beat)
			You've been more than I could ever
			have hoped for. More than I
			deserve.

	Hearing these unaccustomed and longed-for words, Eline
	hastens to reassure him.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   28.

34   CONTINUED: (2)

					ELINE
			You're a good man, a wonderful
			husband... I didn't mean to imply
			--

	He touches her mouth gently with his fingertips.

					PICARD
			Not such a wonderful husband.

	He puts his arm around her, musing.

					PICARD
			I spend my spare time charting
			the stars... I disappear for days
			at a time exploring the
			countryside... and I never put
			away my shoes. I lead my life
			very much as I did -- before.
				(quick glance at her)
			Old habits.

					ELINE
			You're gentle and kind... you've
			never raised your voice to me...

					PICARD
			I'd like to ask your permission
			to build something.

					ELINE
			Kamin, you've built your
			telescope, your laboratory -- you
			don't need my permission to build
			anything...

					PICARD
			In this case, I think I do.

					ELINE
			What is it?

					PICARD
			A nursery.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   29.

34   CONTINUED: (3)

	Beat -- as she digests the enormity of this. Then,
	absolutely beaming, she wraps her arms around him.

					ELINE
			Really? Really?

					PICARD
			Unless you'd rather have a porch.
			It'd certainly be easier to
			build...

	She laughs, flinging her arms around him; he smiles.
	Then, tenderly, lovingly... he takes her face in his
	hands... kisses her soft, generous mouth...

35
thru	OMITTED
36

37   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard is still unconscious; more equipment is being
	set up by a MEDICAL TEAM including NURSE OGAWA and one
	other -- diagnostic apparatus, monitor, etc. Beverly
	hovers over Picard.

					BEVERLY
				(to the team)
			He's showing heightened activity
			in the cerebral cortex...

					OGAWA
			Pulse and blood pressure are
			slightly elevated...

					BEVERLY
			Systemic activity?

					OGAWA
			Increasing. And I'm getting
			heightened tactile responses.

					BEVERLY
			Set up a galvanic scan.

					RIKER
			Geordi, any progress identifying
			the probe?

					GEORDI
			Maybe. I've picked up some
			residue on the probe's shell.
			I think it's from the propulsion
			system. Looks like it used a
			solid propellant as fuel.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   30.

37   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Solid propellant?

					GEORDI
			Sensors read this stuff as
			crystalline emiristol. It
			produces a radioactive trail that
			ought to be traceable.

					RIKER
			Then we can send out a probe of
			our own. Trace it back to the
			point of origin.

					GEORDI
			I'll get on it.

					DATA
			Commander, I have been analyzing
			the nucleonic beam. I believe
			it would be possible to reflect
			the particles back toward the
			probe in a way that would
			disrupt the signal.

	Riker turns to Beverly... with a tough question.

					RIKER
			Doctor... ?

	But she has no easy answers.

					BEVERLY
			I don't know what it's doing to
			him, or what'll happen if we stop
			it...

					RIKER
			He could be dying by inches...

					BEVERLY
			His vital signs are stable.
			There's no indication he's in a
			life-threatening situation --

					RIKER
			I'm not willing to let that thing
			keep drilling into him --

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT TWO   30A.

37   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			I simply don't know the risk of
			shutting down the beam. If
			someone gets stabbed, you don't
			necessarily pull the knife out
			right away -- that might do more
			harm than leaving it there.

					WORF
			The captain is under attack. We
			must act.

	A long moment as Riker weighs his choices.

					RIKER
			I'm inclined to agree. Doctor,
			monitor him closely. Mister Data,
			prepare to disrupt the beam.
			We're going to try to cut this
			cord.

38   OMITTED

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT THREE     31.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

39   EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY - FAVORING PLANTED TREE

	The tree is now twelve years old. One of the N.D.
	Townfolk is watering it (sparingly) from a hand-held
	pot.

40   EXT. COURTYARD & GARDEN FRONTING KAMIN HOME - DAY

	It is seven years since we were last here. What was
	once the beautifully blossoming flower garden is now a
	rock garden. The entry door stands ajar. In the rock
	garden, an adorable little girl, MERIBOR, age six,
	plays happily. She's dressed in her best. We hear
	(o.s.) a lovely lullaby being played on a flute. The
	music continues thru into:

41   OMITTED

42   INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY - ON PICARD
	(MAKEUP CHANGE #1)

	It is an older Picard who stands playing the lovely
	lullaby. As he does, WIDEN to discover not only that
	he's playing to the infant son cradled (and rocked
	gently) in Eline's arms, but that Several N.D. Guests
	are present... gathered to watch, with smiling faces,
	this ritual ceremony. On a fairly long table set up
	for the occasion, are (as yet untouched) food snacks
	and stuff to drink for the guests. As the lullaby
	continues --

43   ANOTHER ANGLE

	Six year old Meribor, whom we've just seen outside,
	comes running into -- and part of the way through --
	the room, before stopping to watch. She swings her
	arms a bit, and foot-fidgets (the way kids do who think
	they're standing in place), until stopped by:

					ELINE
				(softly)
			Meribor, this is your brother's
			ceremony; now don't fidget.

	And, as little Meribor dutifully complies, the lullaby
	ends.

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT THREE  32.

43   CONTINUED:

	Picard turns and smiles at Eline, then addresses the
	guests.

					PICARD
			We name this child for a dear
			friend who died last year... but
			who will now live on through his
			namesake.

					ELINE
				(to baby)
			We name you -- Batai. In his
			honor.

	Picard now turns to their guests:

					PICARD
			He's starting life in the warmth
			of friends. Thank you.
				(re: long table)
			Please, help yourselves to
			something to eat.

	As the audience of guests becomes just a homogeneous,
	relaxed group enjoying the fare on the long table,
	MUSIC from an unseen source begins playing.

     STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT THREE     33.

44
thru	OMITTED
47

48   PICARD & ELINE

	as a female guest comes and takes the baby from Eline.
	She and Picard are now momentarily alone.

					ELINE
			It seems like just yesterday that
			we had Meribor's naming ceremony.

					PICARD
			I remember. I was so nervous I
			thought I might drop her.
				(beat)
			Now look at her... a little
			lady...

					ELINE
			She's no lady... tromping through
			the hills with you all day,
			digging those soil samples you
			insist on collecting... she's
			her father's daughter.

	Picard smiles, then grows a bit pensive -- Eline picks
	up on it.

					ELINE
			What is it?

					PICARD
				(an admission)
			I'd always thought I didn't need
			children to make my life
			complete... now, I can't imagine
			life without them.

	She gives him a warm smile and holds out her arms to
	him... they embrace lovingly.

49   VERY CLOSE ON ELINE

	her face reflecting her silent, joyously contented
	knowledge of what he's experiencing.

50   VERY CLOSE ON PICARD

	Another long beat... Now, suddenly, his face changes to
	a surprised grimace of pain.

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE  34.

51   ANGLE

	Eline Reacts to Picard's expression of pain. And, as
	he GRUNTS in still further pain, and clutches his left
	arm:

					ELINE
			Kamin!

52   OMITTED

53   ON PICARD

	Gasping for breath now, he goes first to his knees --
	then to the floor on his back.

					ELINE (o.c.)
			Get the doctor -- hurry!

	And as CAMERA MOVES in on his face --

54   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Riker stands well back; Data and Worf at stations.
	Beverly is bent over Picard, frantically trying to
	revive him, Ogawa at her side. Picard begins to gasp
	for air.

					BEVERLY
			I'm losing him!

					OGAWA
			I'm getting massive somatophysical
			failure...

					BEVERLY
			Two cc's delactovine...

	Ogawa hands her the hypospray, which she administers.
	Picard continues to gasp for air.

					RIKER
			Data, get that beam back.

					OGAWA
			There are severe fluctuations in
			the isocortex... synaptic
			responses are failing...

	Picard begins to CONVULSE.

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE  35.

54   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			Begin full cardiac induction...

	The other medical team member uses an instrument on
	Picard.

					OGAWA
			Blood pressure is dropping
			rapidly... seventy over twenty
			--

					BEVERLY
			Data, you have to reestablish
			that beam.

					DATA
			I am attempting to do so, Doctor.

					OGAWA
			Losing response in the isocortex
			--

					BEVERLY
			Cortical stimulator...

	The other medical team member hands her a pair of
	blinkies that she affixes to either side of Picard's
	head at the temples.

					BEVERLY
			Start at ten percent...

					DATA
			Doctor, the beam is fully
			restored.

	They wait for a tense beat as the device does its
	thing.

					OGAWA
			Blood pressure up to ninety over
			forty...
				(relief)
			... and rising...

					BEVERLY
			Isocortical functions are
			stabilizing... vital signs
			approaching normal levels...

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE  36.

54   CONTINUED: (2)

	Finally, Beverly removes the apparatus from Picard,
	and, in totally spent relief, literally sags against
	one of the command chairs. The others breathe a
	collective sigh of relief.

55
thru	OMITTED
60

61   EXT. KAMIN COURTYARD - DAY

	A lovely, intelligent-eyed girl, MERIBOR, (age
	sixteen, so another ten years have passed) kneels
	using a portable core sample-extraction device. Having
	taken a core sample, she'll now read it as the device
	measures its chemical content.

					PICARD (o.c.)
			Meribor... ?

	She looks around and up. She has a great grin,
	reminiscent of her mother's.

					MERIBOR
			Happy day, father...

62   INCLUDING PICARD

	He has just come from the house. We realize only
	slowly, as he grows nearer, that this is a Picard who
	-- despite his continued physical fitness -- is now
	about seventy years old.

					PICARD
			That's my hobby; find your own.

					MERIBOR
			You're the one who taught me.
			Don't complain if you turned me
			into a scientist.

					PICARD
			And what has the scientist been
			up to today?

					MERIBOR
			Analyzing soil samples.
				(beat)
			There's not even any anerobic
			bacteria. The soil is dead.

     STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT THREE     37.

62   CONTINUED:

	She looks at him with grave, lovely eyes.

					MERIBOR
			This isn't just a long drought,
			is it?
				(no response)
			I have entries in my log that go
			back ten years. You have data
			that precedes that by fifteen
			years. You've reached the same
			conclusion, I know you have.

	Picard regards her... a loving father who would rather
	protect his daughter from the awareness of dire things.
	The result is a bit terse and testy.

					PICARD
			I haven't reached any conclusion.
			A good scientist doesn't function
			by conjecture.

					MERIBOR
				(unfazed)
			A good scientist functions by
			hypothesizing and then proving
			or disproving that hypothesis.
			That's what I've done.

					PICARD
				(beat)
			Tell me... why don't you spend
			more time with that young fellow
			Dannick?

					MERIBOR
			You're changing the subject.

					PICARD
			I'm not; I'm hypothesizing that
			he's in love with you.

					MERIBOR
			You've taught me to pursue the
			truth -- no matter how painful
			it might be. It's too late to
			back off from that.

	She rises, collecting her instruments.

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT THREE  38.

62   CONTINUED: (2)

					MERIBOR
			I've analyzed the rings in old
			trees. I've examined rock strata
			to correlate evidence of climactic
			changes over the centuries.
				(beat)
			Father -- this planet is dying.

	He looks at her with a mixture of anguish and
	adoration.

					PICARD
			Perhaps I should have filled your
			head with trivial concerns...
			games and toys and clothes...

	She smiles gently at him.

					MERIBOR
			I don't think you mean that.

					PICARD
			No... but it saddens me to see
			you bear the burden of knowing
			things... things you can't change.

					MERIBOR
			It's no more a burden than you
			bear.

					PICARD
			But I'm not sixteen. With my life
			ahead of me.

	A beat, and then, pensively --

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT THREE  39.

62   CONTINUED: (3)

					MERIBOR
			Father? I think I should marry
			Dannick sooner rather than
			later... don't you?

					PICARD
			I can only say...
				(Beat)
			... Live now, Meribor. Always make
			"now" the most precious time.
			"Now" will not come again.

					MERIBOR
			I love you, father.

	She puts her arm around his waist, and he puts his
	around her shoulder. They walk like that into the
	house.

63   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Beverly and one of the medical team working over
	Picard, with Riker watching from behind them; Geordi at
	an aft science station; Data and Worf at stations.

					BEVERLY
			Vital signs are holding... he's
			been stable ever since the beam
			was restored.
				(beat)
			I don't know what more to do for
			him.

	Riker takes a few steps toward the viewscreen, staring
	at the alien probe in frustration.

					GEORDI
			Commander, we're starting to
			receive telemetry from the probe
			we launched.

  STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT THREE  40.

63   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Go ahead.

					GEORDI
				(off console)
			We've charted the alien probe's
			radiation trail for just over
			one light year.

					RIKER
			Can you extrapolate a point of
			origin?

					GEORDI
			Our best guess would be a star
			system in the Silarian sector...
			Kataan.

					RIKER
			Kataan... I've never heard of it.
			Data... ?

					DATA
			It is an unmapped system of six
			planets.

					RIKER
			Any of them inhabited?

					DATA
			Not any longer, sir. The star
			went nova. All life in the
			system was destroyed
			approximately one thousand years
			ago.

	HOLD on Riker's look, until we...

64
thru	OMITTED
65

                                             FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT FOUR   41.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

66   EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT - ON TREE

	Reestablishing. The tree, though thirty-two years old,
	is now dead.

67   EXT. KAMIN COURTYARD - NIGHT

	Ten years have passed since we saw Picard last. He
	is peering through his telescope, occasionally entering
	data in his journal. Eline emerges from the house.

					ELINE
			I put your shoes away for you
			again.

					PICARD
			Ah. Thank you, dear.

	She moves toward him, and as he turns away to enter
	notes, she peers through the telescope.

					ELINE
			I've been looking through this
			thing off and on for almost thirty
			years... and I still can't see
			what you and Meribor find so
			fascinating.

	He moves back toward her.

					PICARD
			Fine. Then maybe you'll sit down
			and rest the way you're supposed
			to.

					ELINE
				(relinquishing the
				 telescope)
			You treat me like some frail
			flower. People have surgery all
			the time.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT FOUR   42.

67   CONTINUED:

	At this moment, the sound of a flute being played in
	the house draws Picard's look. He shakes his head a
	little, moves again to his telescope. Eline sees the
	reaction.

					ELINE
			He loves playing. And he's very
			good at it, you know.

	There is a hint of frustration in Picard's voice as he
	discusses his son.

					PICARD
			He loves doing a lot of things
			-- too many. One week he wants
			to be a botanist, the next week
			a sculptor. I wish he could find
			some focus in his life.

					ELINE
			I think he has.

	He looks at her, surprised and curious.

					ELINE
			Maybe you should talk to him.

	Picard realizes something is going on.

					PICARD
				(calling)
			Batai?

	The MUSIC abruptly stops, and YOUNG BATAI, twenty,
	emerges from the house, carrying a flute.

					YOUNG BATAI
			Father... ?

					PICARD
			I get the feeling from your mother
			that you have something to tell
			me.

	Mother and son exchange quick glances.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FOUR   43.

67   CONTINUED: (2)

					YOUNG BATAI
			Yes. I was waiting for the right
			moment... but that won't ever
			come.
				(beat)
			I'm leaving school.

					PICARD
			Leaving school -- ? No, you're
			not --

					YOUNG BATAI
			I want to concentrate on my music.
			It's what I care about.

					PICARD
			Last year, all you cared about
			was mathematics. A year before
			that it was botany. Now --

					YOUNG BATAI
			But through it all there was my
			music. I think you know that,
			father...
				(beat)
			This is the life I want.

	Picard looks at him... realizing that children will
	go their own way, regardless.

					PICARD
			We'll... we'll discuss it.

	Young Batai smiles, suspecting acquiescence.

					YOUNG BATAI
			Thank you, father.

	And he bounds back into the house. Picard picks up
	his journal, leafs through it pensively.

					ELINE
			Even after all these years... you
			have the ability to surprise me.

					PICARD
			If music is what he wants... why
			should I stand in his way?
				(beat)
			Who knows how much time he'll
			have to follow any dream.

	Eline watches as he flips through his journal.

   STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR   44.

67   CONTINUED: (3)

					ELINE
			Are you still planning to talk
			to the Administrator tomorrow?

					PICARD
			Yes.
				(beat)
			It's possible he'll dismiss me
			from the Council.

					ELINE
			Unless, of course, you keep quiet.

					PICARD
			The evidence is too pronounced.
			I can't stay silent.

					ELINE
				(gentle smile)
			What a surprise.

68
thru	OMITTED
69

70   EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NEXT DAY

	Picard and the Administrator -- now having aged by
	twenty-seven years -- are in the square. Although some
	townspeople are seen in the B.G., they are alone.
	Picard carries his journal.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR       45.

70   CONTINUED:

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Kamin, what do you hope to
			accomplish? Spreading rumors that
			the planet is doomed... there
			could be chaos.

	During the next, their voices rise slightly, each
	topping the other.

					PICARD
				(brandishing journal)
			The facts are here. At least show
			them to someone who will recognize
			what they mean.

					ADMINISTRATOR
			I won't be a party to your making
			trouble --

					PICARD
			If you won't take them, I most
			certainly will.

	The Administrator suddenly realizes that they are
	speaking loudly, and have drawn a few curious looks.
	He lifts a warning hand to Picard, glances around,
	then, casually, begins to walk. Picard falls in line
	with him.

					ADMINISTRATOR
				(quietly)
			Your observations... your
			findings... our scientists reached
			those same conclusions two years
			ago.

	Picard stares at him.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FOUR       46.

70   CONTINUED: (2)

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Well, what did you expect us to
			do? Make it public? Can you
			imagine the effect... ?

					PICARD
			Surely the technology exists to
			save something of this world...
			perhaps some people could be
			evacuated...

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Evacuated to where? Our
			technology is limited. We're just
			beginning to launch small
			missiles...

					PICARD
			A collection of genetic samples,
			then -- something, anything --
			you can't just let this
			civilization die --

					ADMINISTRATOR
			Enough!
				(beat; defeated)
			There is a plan in the works. I
			can't tell you more than that.

	And before Picard can reply --

					YOUNG BATAI (o.c.)
			Father!

71   INCLUDING YOUNG BATAI

	He comes barreling toward them, out of breath, his face
	pale. Picard moves toward him.

					PICARD
			What is it -- ?

					YOUNG BATAI
			It's mother. Hurry.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR       47.

72   OMITTED

73   INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - MINUTES LATER

	As Picard and Young Batai hurry in, a grim-faced Doctor
	is just rising from his inspection of Eline, who lies
	pale and blanket-covered on the chair. Picard goes
	to her.

					PICARD
			Doctor -- ?

	But the man simply shakes his head sadly.

					ELINE
				(wry)
			You see... I'll go to any
			lengths... to get your attention.

					PICARD
				(in kind)
			You always had a flair for the
			dramatic...

					ELINE
			Doctor... Batai... leave us alone
			for a moment. I want to talk to
			my husband.

	As Young Batai and the Doctor EXIT:

					ELINE
			Did the Administrator look at your
			evidence?

					PICARD
			He didn't have to. They already
			know.

					ELINE
			So he didn't throw you off the
			Council...

					PICARD
				(small smile)
			No...

	She reaches up and touches his cheek lightly.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FOUR       48.

73   CONTINUED:

					ELINE
			Remember -- put your shoes away.

					PICARD
			I will.

	And, without any indication that it's happening, Eline
	is dead. Picard looks down at her for a long beat.
	Then he buries his head in the folds of her blanket.

                                             FADE OUT.
                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE       49.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

74   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, and all others, as we last saw them (with
	Beverly moving between her equipment and her
	patient) ...

74A  ON PICARD

	Still unconscious, breathing evenly... his features
	composed and even.

74B  ANGLE - RIKER (OPTICAL)

	A picture of frustration, pacing, staring out at the
	alien probe, stymied. Ogawa is studying the medical
	monitors.

					OGAWA
			Doctor...

					BEVERLY
			What is it?

					OGAWA
			I'm not sure. He's showing
			physiological alterations... His
			systemic readings are changing...

					BEVERLY
				(moving to monitor)
			So are his respiratory functions.

					RIKER
			Is he in danger?

					BEVERLY
			I don't know... I don't understand
			what's happening. The changes
			are subtle, but...

	A beat as she looks up at him.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE       50.

74B  CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			... If I didn't know better, I'd
			say these are the metabolic rates
			of an eighty-year-old man.

	Off the look shared by Riker and Beverly...

75   INT. KAMIN MAIN ROOM - DAY

	An eighty-five-year-old Picard (somewhat frail,
	bespectacled and slightly stooped) is on his hands and
	knees at the moment, playfully "chasing" a giggling
	six year old boy, KAMIE, around the large chair. Kamie
	is playing keep-away with Picard's old flute. Picard
	"hides" behind the chair; "scares" Kamie, who squeals
	with delight as Picard catches him by the ankle, and
	moves to begin tickling the boy.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FIVE       51.

76   INCLUDING MERIBOR

	who, now in her mid-thirties, enters from the front
	door to see the goings-on. She is wearing a
	wide-brimmed hat.

					MERIBOR
			Some children are certainly making
			a lot of noise in here.

					PICARD
			You shouldn't be out there for
			so long. It's damaging, you know
			that.

					MERIBOR
			I'm wearing plenty of your skin
			protector.

					PICARD
			Mmnph.
				(to Kamie)
			Do you wear your skin protector
			outdoors, young man?

	Picard tickles him again, and the boy's only answer
	is another spurt of giggling.

77   INCLUDING YOUNG BATAI

	as he ENTERS. He's now about thirty, and he wears a
	wide-brimmed hat, too.

					YOUNG BATAI
			Happy day, everybody! It's time
			to go see the launching.

					PICARD
			What "launching"? What's he
			talking about?

					MERIBOR
			They're sending up a missile,
			father. We're going to watch it.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/03/92 - ACT FIVE       52.

77   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Are we, indeed. I'm not going
			anywhere to watch anything.

	Meribor makes the mistake of moving to help her father
	off his knees. Picard, crustily independent, wrenches
	his arm away from her hand, and will make it (a bit
	creakily) to his feet on his own -- as Meribor smiles her
	affectionate understanding. Young Batai takes his
	nephew's hand, and will lead him out after grabbing a
	hat for him, too.

					YOUNG BATAI
			Come on, Kamie; let's go see the
			launching.

	As Young Batai and Kamie disappear:

					PICARD
				(looking after them)
			Breaks my heart to look at him...

          STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - 3/24/92 - ACT FIVE         53.

77   CONTINUED: (2)

					MERIBOR
			Who?

					PICARD
			My grandson. Breaks my heart...
			he deserves a full rich life, and
			he's not going to get one.

	Meribor collects a hat for herself and for Picard; she
	puts her own on.

					MERIBOR
			He's my child, and I tell you he
			is getting one. I wish it could
			be longer, but it's as full and
			rich as we can possibly make
			it.

	She turns to him, finds him staring at her, as though
	looking at her when she was born. She gives him a
	smile, puts his hat on his head, and takes his hand.

					MERIBOR
			Please come, father.

	As she leads him out:

					PICARD
			Why didn't I hear anything about
			a launching?

78   OMITTED

79   EXT. TOWN SQUARE - DAY

	Picard and Meribor walk together toward a group which
	has collected in the square, all looking toward the sky
	in one direction.

					PICARD
			Did everyone know about this
			except me?

	He sits down on a bench.

					PICARD
			I can see all right from here.

	She sits next to him. A beat, and then --

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 4/02/92 - ACT FIVE       54.

79   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			You go on with the others. Go
			hold onto my grandson, and watch
			the damned thing go up... for all
			the good it'll do. What is it
			they're launching?

	Meribor turns to him. There is a knowing look in her
	eyes.

					MERIBOR
			You know about it, father.
			You've already seen it.

					PICARD
			Seen it? What are you talking
			about? I haven't seen any
			missile.

					BATAI (o.s.)
			Yes, you have, old friend...
			Don't you remember?

80   CLOSE ON PICARD

	looking up, and off, in a different direction from that
	of the townspeople.

					PICARD
				(in disbelief)
			Batai?

81   ANGLE ON BATAI

	who approaches, looking as he did those many years ago.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/27/93 - ACT FIVE       55.

81   CONTINUED:

					BATAI
			You saw it... just before you came
			here.

	He moves toward Picard, smiling.

					BATAI
			We hoped our probe would encounter
			someone in the future -- someone
			who could be a teacher... who
			could tell others about us.

82   OMITTED

83   FAVORING PICARD

	as he digests these last words. Through the memories
	of thirty years, he struggles to comprehend.

					PICARD
			A probe... that encounters
			someone...

	The mists of recollection begin to part...

					PICARD
			... someone in the future...
				(realizing)
			... it's me, isn't it? I'm the
			someone...

	It becomes clearer and clearer now.

					PICARD
			I'm the one it finds... that's
			what this launching is -- a probe
			that finds me... in the future...

					ELINE (o.s.)
			Yes, my love...

	Picard turns to see --

84   ANGLE ON ELINE

	who approaches. She is the Eline from Act Two, when he
	made his commitment to her.

					PICARD
			Eline...

					ELINE
			The rest of us have been gone for
			a thousand years...

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE       56.

85   OMITTED

86   ANOTHER ANGLE

	Eline and Meribor stand together in their equally
	loving farewell to Picard -- and will be joined not
	only by Batai, but by Young Batai and Several Townfolk
	-- who collect before Picard, during:

					ELINE
			If you remember what we were, and
			how we lived... then we'll have
			found life again.

					PICARD
			Eline...

	He starts to reach out toward her -- when he hears the
	deep (far o.s.) RUMBLE & ROAR which now takes his
	attention. All the others continue looking at
	Picard... Only he looks off, to see -- and the RUMBLE
	& ROAR continues thru into:

86A  MISSILE CONTRAIL AGAINST SKY (OPTICAL)

	We see the glowing POINT of the missile, followed by
	the vapor trail against the sky. The RUMBLE and ROAR
	begins to die out.

86B  CLOSE REACTION - PICARD

	He's realized what that contrail is; what it
	represents.

86C  ON PICARD AND ELINE

					ELINE
			Now we live. In you. Tell them
			of us... my darling...

87   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON PICARD'S FACE

	as he stirs slightly.

					BEVERLY (o.s.)
			Something's happening...

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE       57.

88   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Picard has begun to regain consciousness. Beverly's
	working; Riker's standing by.

					DATA
			The nucleonic beam has ceased,
			Commander. The probe has shut
			down.

					BEVERLY
			His cerebral functions are
			stabilizing.

					RIKER
			Mister Worf, put a tractor beam
			on the probe. I want it in
			shuttlebay two for examination.

					WORF
			Yes, Commander.

					PICARD
				(very weak)
			What...

	He struggles upright.

					BEVERLY
			Please, Captain... don't get up
			too quickly...

					PICARD
			How long? How long have I been...
			like this?

					RIKER
			At least twenty, maybe twenty-five
			minutes.

	In typical fashion, Picard makes every effort to sit
	up; to grasp his surroundings and gauge his acuity.

					PICARD
				(lost)
			Twenty-five minutes?

	Picard's been away for over thirty years. He's groggy,
	trying to reorient himself to this reality after a
	lifetime's journey.

					BEVERLY
			Captain, I need you in sickbay
			now. I want to run a full
			diagnostic.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE      57A.

88   CONTINUED:

	Picard now gets to his feet... takes a second to
	realize that he's no longer the old man he's just
	been... no longer need walk stooped, or unsteady.

					PICARD
			Very well, Doctor. But as soon
			as you're done... I have a great
			deal to tell you.

	He smiles and the others looks puzzled as --

89
thru	OMITTED
90

91   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS

	Picard is alone, walking about his quarters as though
	reaquainting himself with these surroundings. The
	door CHIMES.

					PICARD
			Come.

	The doors open and Riker ENTERS, carrying a metal box.

					RIKER
			Hello, sir. Feeling better?

					PICARD
			Yes, thank you... but I find I'm
			having to remind myself that this
			--
				(gesturing)
			-- is really my home.

					RIKER
			We were able to open the probe
			and examine it. Whatever it was
			that locked onto you must have
			been self-terminating. It isn't
			functional any longer.

	He holds out the box to Picard.

					RIKER
			We found this inside.

	He hands the box to Picard, who takes it and opens it.

91A  INSERT - THE BOX

	Inside, rests Picard's old flute.

       STAR TREK: "The Inner Light" - REV. 3/26/92 - ACT FIVE      57B.

91B  BACK TO SCENE

	as he lifts it from the box; nods his thanks to
	Riker, who, understanding that this is not a moment
	for words, acknowledges silently -- and EXITS.

	Picard carries the flute to a chair, and, facing away
	from CAMERA, begins playing the now familiar lullaby.
	The flute music continues into:

92   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	For a long beat, while the ship travels at impulse and
	end credits appear, we continue to hear the same, sweet
	lullaby.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             










