



                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                   "Where Silence Has Lease" 
                          #40272-128 
                              
                          Written by 
                        Jack B. Sowards 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Winrich Kolbe 


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

Copyright 1988 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.


                     REVISED FINAL DRAFT

                     SEPTEMBER 27, 1988

        STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                   "Where Silence Has Lease" 
                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             NAGILUM
                RIKER              
                DATA               Non-Speaking
                PULASKI            TWO ALIEN WARRIORS
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                WESLEY             
                TRANSPORTER CHIEF  
                HASKELL   
         
                Voice-Over         
                COMPUTER VOICE     

        STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                   "Where Silence Has Lease" 
                     
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                     EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE                USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              HOLODECK                    USS YAMATO
              GEORDI'S OFFICE
              GEORDI'S AFT BRIDGE STATION ROMULAN VESSEL
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              CORRIDOR
              MAIN ENGINEERING -
              COMPUTER ROOM
              PICARD'S QUARTERS
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
          
            USS YAMATO
              CORRIDOR
          
              MAIN BRIDGE
              SECOND BRIDGE

  STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                   "Where Silence Has Lease" 
                  
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                 NAGILUM            nah-GHEE-lum

      STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - TEASER      1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                   "Where Silence Has Lease"  
                      
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	It is moving gracefully at full impulse.

2    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	JEAN-LUC PICARD is in the command chair. TROI is
	beside him. DATA is at Ops; WESLEY at Conn. Neither
	Worf nor Riker is on the bridge. Picard appears to
	be on edge.

					TROI
			You're worried.

					PICARD
			With reason.

					TROI
			About Worf, or about Commander
			Riker?

					PICARD
			Both.
				(pauses)
			I think perhaps it is best to
			be ignorant of certain elements
			of the Klingon psyche.

	Off Troi's reaction.

3    INT. HOLODECK - DEMOLISHED AREA

	Everywhere there is evidence of a desperate battle,
	fought on a very primitive level by creatures of
	consummate rage.

4    CLOSE ON WORF

	His eyes blaze with controlled fury as he moves
	carefully around a semi-demolished wall and peers
	inside the battle-damaged room. He coils as he hears
	the eerie sound of a low moan, then cautiously steps
	forward.

      STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - TEASER      2.

5    RIKER

	is a few paces behind. He is very tense as he moves
	closer to the large Klingon warrior. Riker touches
	the tear in his uniform and massages the bruise on his
	shoulder.

6    ANOTHER ANGLE - RIKER AND WORF

	WORF touches RIKER's shoulder, signals him to move to
	the right. Riker moves off. Worf pauses a beat, then
	slips away to the left.

7    WIDER ANGLE

	carrying them to the edge of the rubble-cluttered room.
	Careful not to touch anything, Worf is moving like a
	panther. He freezes as the CLICKING SOUND OF METAL ON
	METAL is barely heard. He waves his arm to Riker,
	motioning him back, then slowly he also backs away
	painstakingly, trying to fit his toes back into his
	exact footsteps. We HOLD on these moves a beat and
	then suddenly:

8    RIKER

	spins and looks upward, calls over to Worf.

					RIKER
			Above, look out!

9    NEW ANGLE

	A man-sized boulder drops down from overhead. Worf
	dives to the side as the boulder smashes the ground in
	the place where he just stood.

10   ON WORF

	As he rolls catlike to his feet, the massive form of an
	ALIEN WARRIOR leaps onto his back bringing him back to
	the ground. The alien raises a club-like weapon over
	his head and swings down at Worf's head.

11   RIKER

	Catches the alien's arm just before the club makes
	contact and drives him off his feet. He kicks him and
	follows after him to the other side of the room as:

      STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - TEASER      3.

12   WORF

	turns to face the charge of ANOTHER ALIEN who wields
	a battle axe and swings it in a deadly arc. Worf ducks
	under the axe and gets a grip on the alien's arm and
	they press against each other's strength.

13   CLOSER

	Worf, grunting in a half-roar, slowly forces the alien
	back, then with a bellow and a gargantuan heave, Worf
	throws the alien to the side.

14   SCENE

	Worf leaps at the alien who is caught in half-stride.
	Worf drives his forearm into his opponent's throat and
	as he becomes limp, drives a double-handed blow to the
	back of the alien's head. Worf's enemy drops.

15   RIKER

	ducks under the alien's club and drives a blow to the
	lower extremities of his opponent. The attacker
	doubles over and Riker hits him on the way down. But
	he no sooner hits the ground than he is back on his
	feet, charging Riker. Our first officer steps to his
	side and strikes at the alien as he goes by, heading
	straight at Worf.

16   NEW ANGLE

	Worf turns to face the onrushing alien. He thunders
	out his challenge, picks up the club from the prone
	alien, swings it at the new rival.

17   REVERSE

	The alien ducks the blow and swings back.

18   RIKER

	about to enter into the fight, then he holds a beat,
	stops and watches somewhat in awe.

      STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - TEASER      4.

19   WORF / ALIEN

	The alien connects with a savage blow to Worf's body.
	Worf takes the blow and returns his own.

	They trade blows, one for one, taking the pain and
	returning it. Then slowly the alien sinks to his
	knees, then rolls over on his side.

20   ON WORF

	as he steps over the alien warrior, roars out his
	victorious celebration chant, and lifts the club for
	the final fatal blow. His eyes are on fire. He
	smashes it down on his opponent, then spins around for
	a new battle.

21   RIKER

	Suddenly a little unsure of Worf's intentions, he backs
	a step, waits.

22   WORF

	Worf sounds out a new challenge. He scans the room for
	his next adversary -- he's still coiled and in need of
	action. Suddenly he swings his club at the wall.
	Pounding it with rage. Broken bricks and mortar fly.
	His fury is all consuming. He rips and slashes at
	everything standing.

23   NEW ANGLE

	Riker watches -- still concerned. He thought he knew
	the power and fury of this Klingon. Worf continues to
	exercise his rage around the room. Anything that
	stands, hangs, bulges, protrudes, or is suspended, is
	demolished until there is nothing left to flatten.
	Nothing left upright except... Worf turns -- his eyes
	still blaze as they fall upon...

24   RIKER

	The only thing left standing. Riker tenses.

					RIKER
			It's over.

      STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - TEASER      5.

25   WORF

	This seems to have no effect on Worf who seems almost
	out of control. A snarl -- low and vicious -- pushes
	out of his twisted mouth. He takes a step forward.

					RIKER
			The exercise is over.

26   SCENE

	Riker calls more sternly.

					RIKER
			At ease, Lieutenant!

	Worf is almost upon Riker before beginning to regain
	control of himself. He takes a deep breath, forcing
	himself to become calmer. He flexes his muscles, then
	seems pleased.

27   EMPHASIZING RIKER (OPTICAL)

					RIKER
			Exit Holodeck.

	The EXIT APPEARS as Riker turns to Worf.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			You do this every day?

					WORF
			No -- usually my calisthenics are
			more...
				(he searches for the
				 right word, then
				 settles for)
			... intense, but those sessions
			are too personal to be shared.

					RIKER
				(dryly)
			I'll bet they are.

28   RIKER (OPTICAL)

	takes a look around at the devastation on the Holodeck
	and is thankful that Worf is on his side.

      STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - TEASER      6.

28   CONTINUED:

					WORF (O.S.)
			Computer. Program complete --
			save.

	Before Riker's eyes, THE BATTLE SCENE FADES, and all
	that is left is the empty Holodeck. Worf pauses at the
	door.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Coming Commander?

					RIKER
			Right behind you.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

29   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	is moving through deep space. No large planets or suns
	nearby... just a Milky Way of distant suns spread
	across space like a tightly woven blanket of lights.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, Stardate 42193.6.
			We are on a long reach toward the
			Morgana Quadrant, a section of
			the galaxy which has yet to be
			visited by a manned Federation
			vessel. We are using the time
			to further detail the charts of
			this region.

30   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Jean-Luc Picard and Riker stand beside Data as he moves
	his fingers across the console. The SOUND VARIES,
	SLIDING UP AND DOWN ERRATICALLY IN PITCH AND INTENSITY.
	Troi stands nearby listening thoughtfully.

					DATA
			There it is again. An area of
			"blackness."

					RIKER
			It appears, then disappears, then
			reappears. There is no
			predictable pattern -- no sequence.

	Data moves his fingers across the console again.

					PICARD
			On screen.

	They all turn to look.

31   FULL SHOT FAVORING THE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	The picture on the Main Viewer shows a field of stars.

					RIKER
			There it is.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     8.

31   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I can't see anything. Magnify
			section two-eight-five.

	The viewscreen changes. Now we can see a slight "spot"
	on the Main Viewer.

					WESLEY
			There -- it looks like a "hole"
			in space.

					PICARD
			We're acquainted with the
			"wormhole" phenomenon. This
			appears quite different.

32   ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Picard studies the Main Viewer for a beat, then:

					PICARD
			What do sensors indicate?

					DATA
			Nothing.

					RIKER
			Nothing?

					PICARD
			I'm sure you must mean it's empty
			of matter, Mister Data. There
			is always some energy form at
			work...

					DATA
			Sir, our sensors are showing that
			to be an absence of everything.
			It is a void without matter or
			energy of any kind.

					RIKER
			Yet, this "hole" has a form, Data.
			It has height, width...

					DATA
			Perhaps. Perhaps not.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     9.

32   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(to Data)
			That is hardly a scientific
			observation, Commander.

					DATA
			Sir, the most elementary and
			valuable statement in science...
			the beginning of wisdom... is:
			"I do not know."
				(indicates viewscreen)
			I do not know what that is.

					WESLEY
			Captain, if this were any ordinary
			kind of hole in space...
				(indicates)
			... wouldn't we be able to see
			what's behind it?

	Obviously, this is a very good question. Picard turns
	to Troi.

					PICARD
			Counselor?

					TROI
			I can feel nothing from it, sir,
			if that's what you're asking.

	Picard eases himself down in his chair, and sits
	studying the viewscreen... puzzled.

					RIKER
			Data -- is there any record of any
			occurrence even vaguely similar
			to this?

					PICARD
			"Similar" in even the slightest
			way.

					DATA
			Accessing.
				(he pauses a moment)
			Negative. There is no record of
			any Federation vessel encountering
			anything remotely like this.

					PICARD
			I believe we have time for a
			closer look, Number One.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     10.

32   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			Concur.
				(to Wesley)
			Ensign, slow to one-half impulse.
			Adjust course to intercept this...
			this whatever it is.

					PICARD
			Scanning and recording as we go.

					WESLEY
			Changing course to intercept in...
			in twelve minutes, sir.

33   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	moves slowly forward under impulse power toward the
	large black area in the field of stars.

34   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard stands watching the viewscreen as the void on
	the screen grows larger. Riker is at the science
	consoles in the Aft Station. Data is busy at Ops.

					PICARD
			Let's send a probe into it.

					RIKER
			Worf, prepare a scanner probe.
			Let's see what's in there.

					PICARD
				(to Wesley)
			Close enough, Ensign. Hold this
			position.

					WESLEY
			Aye, sir. Holding this position.

	Picard gives Riker a slight nod.

					RIKER
			You may launch the probe when
			ready, Mister Worf.

	Worf makes the necessary moves on his console to launch
	the probe.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     11.

35   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	floats off the outer edge of the void. The probe is
	launched. It heads straight into the center of the
	great emptiness.

36   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker and Worf stand watching the viewscreen as
	the fiery tail of the probe diminishes in the distance.
	Data monitors the instruments. We can HEAR THE FAINT
	HISS OF THE TELEMETRY as it is received.

					DATA
			All the probe's systems are
			functioning perfectly.

	Suddenly the probe just disappears. The SOUNDS OF
	TELEMETRY STOP.

					WORF
			It's gone.

					PICARD
			What happened, Data?

					DATA
			Unknown.

					WORF
				(to Picard)
			Recommend we go to a Yellow Alert,
			sir.

					PICARD
				(puzzled)
			Why?

					WORF
				(hesitates, then)
			Sorry, sir, it's...

					PICARD
			Explain.

	Worf is definitely uncomfortable now. Clearly, he
	would like to avoid this entire subject now. Picard
	continues gently:

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     12.

36   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			This starship operates best,
			Mister Worf, when we all know what
			is on each other's minds.

					WORF
				(uncomfortably)
			My thoughts... were of an old
			Klingon legend of... of a gigantic
			black space creature which was
			said to devour entire vessels...

					RIKER
				(genuinely surprised)
			Devours vessels?

					WORF
			Sorry, Commander. I agree that
			these are thoughts hardly worthy
			of a trained and practical
			security officer.

	There is a round of silence. Worf is completely
	miserable. Then to Worf, ignoring his previous
	statement.

					PICARD
			Launch another probe, Mister Worf.
			This time a Class One with full
			sensor array.

	Worf does something on his panel, then:

					WORF
			Launching, sir.

37   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as the second probe is launched. It too disappears
	even sooner after it enters the void.

38   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	All are still studying the viewscreen.

					RIKER
			Happened even more quickly.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     13.

38   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Recommend we fire a photon
			torpedo, Captain.

					PICARD
				(eyes Worf, then)
			Negative.

					WESLEY
			Captain, based on where the probes
			disappeared... I have been able
			to plot the outer boundaries.
			I could move in closer.

	Picard thinks about it, then decides.

					PICARD
			Take us in, Mister Crusher.
			Thrusters only.

39   OMITTED

40   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard stands looking at the viewscreen.

					PICARD
			Data?

					DATA
			Still no readings of any kind,
			sir.

	Picard paces to where Riker stands in the Aft Station.
	The black void almost fills the screen of the Main
	Viewer.

					PICARD
			Number One?

					RIKER
			I'll agree with Worf at this
			point, sir. Let's be careful.

	Worf looks grateful. Picard paces forward, studying
	the viewscreen.

41   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	moves closer to the dark, dead, void.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT ONE     14.

42   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard stands looking at the dark screen, then around
	the silent bridge.

	The dark void filling the screen. The familiar SOUNDS
	OF THE BRIDGE BEGIN TO FADE... RADIO SIGNALS,
	TELEMETRY, EVERYTHING...

					RIKER
			What's happened?

					PICARD
			Data?

	Data looks at his console for a moment, then...

					DATA
			Whatever it was... or whatever
			it is... we seem to be inside of
			it.

	Picard returns to his Command Chair, as Riker takes
	the chair beside him.

					RIKER
			Didn't that happen a bit suddenly,
			sir?

					PICARD
			All stations, report!

43   ANGLE - THE COMPUTER MONITORS

	Some of the screens fade and go blank. Reactions as:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     15.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

44   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	is isolated in a void, totally empty of stars.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental.
			While exploring a strange area
			in space without any form of
			matter or energy...

45   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Data at Ops, somewhat puzzled by the feedback he is
	receiving. Riker is busy at a panel while Picard
	stands looking at the viewscreen.

					PICARD (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			... a total void, we have
			unexpectedly seemed to enter it.
			Apparently we moved past its
			mysterious outer boundary.

	Riker looks up from the panel.

					RIKER
			All stations have reported,
			Captain. There seems to be no
			immediate threat to our ship or
			crew.

	As Riker stands looking at the dark viewscreen, Picard
	moves up to stand beside him.

					PICARD
			In which case, let's hold position
			for awhile, Number One. This is
			worth studying.

					RIKER
			Incredible. It's like looking
			off into... infinity, sir.
				(turns to Picard)
			Remember the course in ancient
			history at Starfleet Academy?
			Back to the time when men still
			believed the Earth was flat?

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     16.

45   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(smiles)
			And that the sun revolved around
			the Earth...

					RIKER
			And if a ship sailed too far out
			into the ocean it would fall off
			the edge of the world...

	Riker turns back to look at the empty void on the
	viewscreen.

					PICARD
			"Beyond this place there be
			dragons."

					RIKER
			Data -- how long to complete your
			scans? Let's not stay any longer
			than we have to.

	Riker starts for Science One as PULASKI enters from the
	turbolift and stands looking at the activity on the
	bridge. Pulaski crosses to stand beside Picard.

					WESLEY
			Captain, we have no communications
			outside of the void.

					WORF
			Confirm! We are now receiving
			no signals of any kind.

					PICARD
			Hello, Doctor. You've been
			briefed on what's happened?

					PULASKI
			I've heard, Captain. But I don't
			understand it.

					PICARD
			I wish I could say I did.
				(to Data)
			Increase magnification by ten.

	Data punches in the command. The viewscreen remains
	dark.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     17.

45   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			By one hundred!

	Nothing. The viewscreen remains dark.

					PULASKI
			I'm not a bridge officer, but
			isn't this... "impossible," sir?

	Picard gives Pulaski a "be my guest" gesture.

					PULASKI
				(continuing)
			Increase by one thousand, Mister
			Data.
				(waits)
			By ten thousand.

	There's no change on the Main Viewer. Pulaski turns
	to Picard.

					PULASKI
				(continuing; indicates
				 Data)
			It does know how to do these
			things, doesn't it?

					PICARD
			Commander Data knows precisely
			what he is doing.

	Pulaski looks up quickly at Data, then turns to see
	that the Captain's expression is as cold.

					PULASKI
			Forgive me, Mister Data. I'm not
			accustomed to working with... with
			non-living devices that...
				(stops, bites off her
				 words)
			Forgive me again. Your service
			record says that you are alive
			and I must accept that.

					PICARD
			Engineering!

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Engineering, aye.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     18.

46   INTERCUT - GEORDI'S OFFICE AS NECESSARY

					PICARD
			Lieutenant, are your systems
			functioning?

					GEORDI
			Yes, sir. Wherever we are, sir,
			it seems to have no effect on any
			Engineering function.

					PICARD
			Thank you, Lieutenant.

47   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard's interest in this occurrence is waning fast.

					PICARD
			Data?

					DATA
			Difficult to make a judgment based
			on the absence of information.

					PICARD
			Speculate.

					DATA
			The obvious hypothesis is
			equivocal. This void has a total
			lack of dimension. Therefore by
			any accepted standard it does not
			exist, yet being within it denies
			that conclusion.

	Picard looks to Pulaski.

					RIKER
			Then maybe we've moved into
			another dimension?

					DATA
			Could a lack of dimension be
			another dimension in itself?

	Pulaski gives Data a quick look of respect.

					PULASKI
			That's an interesting question.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     19.

47   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			For a later discussion. It's
			time we got on with our mission,
			Number One. Starfleet can send
			out a science vessel to
			investigate further. Let's move
			back out of this.

					RIKER
			Aye, sir.
				(to Wesley)
			Reverse our direction and set a
			course for the Cornelian star
			system. Warp two.

					WESLEY
			Reversing direction, sir.
				(adjusts controls)
			Course laid in.

					RIKER
			Engage.

	Wesley punches in the command.

48   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	We can see only the ship and the darkness of space.

49   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard seems to relax a little, leaning back to watch
	for the reappearance of the stars. Nothing happens
	and he looks questioningly toward Riker.

					RIKER
				(to Wesley)
			Our engines have engaged, haven't
			they, Ensign?

					WESLEY
			Aye, sir.

50   INT. GEORDI'S OFFICE

	Geordi, moving between the wall panel and the center
	block computers. He waits as if expecting something.
	Then he turns to his intercom:

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     20.

50   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Everything all right up there,
			Captain?

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Are the engines operating
			normally, Engineer?

					GEORDI
			Everything looks fine here, sir.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			We're increasing to warp four,
			Engineer.

	We HEAR a slightly higher level of engine sound, then:

					GEORDI
			We now show warp four, Captain.

51   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	The situation is still the same. The viewscreen is
	completely dark with Picard, Riker, and the others
	looking toward it nervously, puzzled.

					PICARD
			We should be seeing stars by now,
			Data. How far have we come?

					DATA
			Inertial guidance shows seven
			parsecs traveled, Captain.

					PICARD
			Ensign Crusher?

					WESLEY
			Confirm, sir. Exactly what my
			readings say.

52   ANGLE ACROSS MAIN BRIDGE

	to include GEORDI entering, crosses to his bridge
	Engineering Station.

					GEORDI
			Engineering, transfer to bridge.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     21.

52   CONTINUED:

	The engineering console lights up. Geordi now looks up
	to Main Viewer.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			What's happening, sir? I thought
			we should have broken clear.

53   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	ON Picard.

					RIKER
			We should have. We're on a
			reverse course.

					PICARD
			Full stop, helm.

					WESLEY
			Full stop, sir.

	Picard rises and paces for a moment. Picard looks down
	at Wesley's console.

					PICARD
			According to this we're well past
			the point we entered the void.

					DATA
			Except that we are still in it,
			sir.

54   WIDER ANGLE

	Data works his console for a moment...

					DATA
			Captain... if we dropped a
			stationary beacon and navigated
			straight away from it, we would
			have a fixed point of reference
			to confirm speed and distance.

					PICARD
			Make it so, Data. Lock onto the
			beacon, and keep it dead astern.

	Data and Wesley punch in the instructions. A moment
	later the SOUND OF THE ELECTRONIC SIGNAL is heard.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     22.

54   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			The beacon is in place, Captain.

					PICARD
			Dead ahead. Impulse power.

	Picard settles back in his chair as Geordi punches in
	the commands and the ship begins to move. The
	ELECTRONIC SIGNAL FROM THE BEACON BEGINS TO DIMINISH
	IN AMPLITUDE as the ship moves away from the beacon.

					DATA
			The beacon is falling astern.

					PICARD
			Engineering, report.

55   GEORDI'S AFT BRIDGE STATION (OPTICAL)

	Geordi, at his instruments, taking readings.

					GEORDI
			All systems normal, sir.

	Everyone looking to Picard.

					PICARD
			Prepare to increase to warp two.

					WESLEY
			Aye, sir.

	A moment later we can HEAR THE SOUND OF ANOTHER
	ELECTRONIC SIGNAL overlapping the beacon. It is a
	different frequency. (Caused by the Doppler Effect.)

					DATA
			Captain, we are receiving a signal
			from dead ahead.

					PULASKI
			Maybe you've found the door out
			of this.

	As the FIRST SIGNAL DIMINISHES, the SECOND SIGNAL
	INCREASES in intensity.

					DATA
			We are closing on the new signal,
			Captain.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     23.

55   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Identify.

	Data does a check... and recheck of the signal.

					DATA
			Captain, it is the stationary
			beacon we just released.

					RIKER
			We must have come full circle,
			sir.

					WESLEY
			We couldn't have, sir. I've shown
			us steadily moving away from that
			beacon.

					PICARD
			All stop; hold position again.

					RIKER
				(indicating the
				 viewscreen)
			Look.

	Picard moves toward the Main Viewer. The nothingness
	of the void has been replaced. The Enterprise is now
	bathed in a soft ever-changing glow, which is beautiful
	to look at and somehow very comforting.

56   WORF

	His head comes up from his sensors.

					WORF
			Captain, sensors indicate a
			disturbance in sector one-zero-
			eight. Possibly a vessel.

	Reactions from Picard and the others.

					PICARD
			Perhaps some answers at last.
			On screen.

					WORF
			The ship is equipped with a
			cloaking device.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     24.

56   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Romulan!

					WORF
			It's closing.

					RIKER
			Shields up. Go to Red Alert!

					PULASKI
			I'll be at my duty station in
			Sickbay.

	She exits.

57   FAVOR MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	There is a distortion --

					WORF
			It's uncloaking.

					RIKER
			Arm your photon torpedoes, Mister
			Worf.

					PICARD
			Hold for my orders.

					WESLEY
			There!

	As the Romulan vessel becomes visible, IT FIRES --
	without warning.

58   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	as the ship is rocked by the barrage.

					WORF
			Direct hits, sir. Our shields
			are weakening.

					PICARD
			Warn them we'll return fire.

					WORF
			Transmitting.

	Picard waits; Riker throws him a concerned look.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     25.

58   CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(continuing)
			They've armed another full spread,
			sir.

					PICARD
			Fire torpedoes.

59   OMITTED

60   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	The PHOTON TORPEDOES streak toward the Romulan ship.
	THEY HIT, as the Romulan ship explodes.

61   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	alone again in the void.

62   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	There is a moment of victory.

					PICARD
			That was too easy.

					RIKER
			Yes.

					DATA
			Captain, sensors can locate no
			debris from the Romulan ship.

	Before the captain can respond...

					WORF
			Captain, there is another vessel
			approaching -- sector zero-nine-
			one, mark, two-six.

					PICARD
			Specifics.

					WORF
			On screen.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     26.

63   ANGLE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	The picture of a ship MATERIALIZES on the viewscreen.

					PICARD
			Magnify.

					RIKER
			It's a Federation ship.
				(reading the number)
			N-C-C... one-three-oh-five dash
			E. It is the USS Yamato, our
			sister ship.

					WESLEY
			The Yamato is nowhere near this
			quadrant.

					PICARD
			Open a hailing frequency, Data....

	Data punches in the information.

					DATA
			This is the USS Enterprise to...
			USS Yamato. Respond, please...

	Nothing.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			This is the USS Enterprise calling
			USS Yamato. Please respond on
			this frequency.

	They all watch the Main Viewer.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			No response, Captain.

					PICARD
			Make a full scan.

					DATA
			Life support system -- engineering
			and propulsion all seem
			functional.
				(turns; reacts at a
				 reading)
			But there are no life signs over
			there, sir.

     STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT TWO     27.

63   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Can we be getting a false
			reading, Data?

					DATA
			Since we know nothing at all about
			these circumstances, that is...
			at least, conceivable, sir.

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			You look doubtful, sir.

					PICARD
			I'm not anything right now, Number
			One. I'm just a man looking for
			answers.

					GEORDI
				(to Data; quietly)
			Like the rat said -- "Keep the
			cheese, I just want out of the
			trap."

	Picard overhears and flashes Geordi a look that
	silences him.

					RIKER
			Captain, request permission to
			board the Yamato with an away
			team. There might be something
			onboard -- in the logs -- which will
			at least tell us what happened.

					PICARD
			Granted. Minimum complement.

	Riker stands, heads for the turbolift.

					RIKER
			Worf. You're with me.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    28.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

64   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND THE USS YAMATO
	(OPTICAL)

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. We
			remain like a fly in amber trapped
			in the void. We have encountered
			a vessel which appears to be the
			USS Yamato. All its systems are
			shown as functioning, yet it seems
			devoid of life. Commander Riker
			is leading an away team --
			hopefully the answer lies over
			there.

65   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Worf steps onto the Transporter Pad. Riker, checking
	the transporter console, speaks to the TRANSPORTER
	CHIEF.

					RIKER
			Do you have a lock on that other
			ship?

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF
			Aye, sir. No problems at all.

	Riker crosses to the raised platform to join Worf.

					RIKER
			Can you put us on the bridge?

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF
			Anywhere you say, Commander.

					WORF
			I am acquainted with the Yamato,
			Commander. Recommend the Aft
			Station of their bridge. When
			in doubt, surprise them.

					RIKER
			Them? Who's them?

					WORF
			Whoever may be there.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    29.

65   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Sensors show no life signs.

					WORF
			Still, the tactic is sound.

					RIKER
			Agreed.
				(to Transporter Chief)
			Aft Station.

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF
			Aye, sir.

					RIKER
			Phasers on stun, Lieutenant Worf.

	Phasers are set.

					RIKER
				(continuing; to
				 Transporter Chief)
			Energize.

	Riker and Worf SPARKLE AWAY.

66   INT. USS YAMATO - CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)

	as Riker -- without Worf -- STACKS UP. It looks like
	the Enterprise, as it should because it is the sister
	ship -- but the lighting is weird -- and:

					RIKER
				(the obvious)
			This isn't the bridge.

	He turns, expecting to see Worf -- but he's alone.
	Almost before Riker can react he hears a sound down the
	darkened corridor. A growl -- above which he hears
	Worf's roar.

66A  ANOTHER ANGLE

	as Riker heads down the corridor -- the lighting here is
	much darker. Very ominous -- in the shadows -- we see
	FORMS. Threatening -- again WE HEAR WORF. This time
	IN PAIN. Riker, without hesitation -- charges forward.
	Ready to combat whatever attempts to block his path.
	It looks like a gauntlet of terror.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    30.

66B  RIKER

	moves forward -- phaser ready. Suddenly, in the
	darkness a large form appears. It's armed and moving
	toward him. Riker hesitates -- then screams out:

					RIKER
			No -- don't fire.

	The figure is on him -- the light hits the creature's
	face. IT'S WORF!

					WORF
			I heard you screaming. I was
			coming to help.

					RIKER
			Help me? But I heard you cry out.

	Riker realizes something bizarre is going on.

					RIKER
				(touches his
				 communicator)
			Transporter Chief, where do you
			show us over here?

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
			We show... as approximately...

	The communication garbles and cuts out.

					RIKER
			Captain, do you read me?...

67   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard becomes concerned, as:

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			... having difficulties...

	The communication garbles and cuts out.

					PICARD
			Number One, come in!

	He pauses -- there is no response.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    31.

67   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Transporter Room, this is the
			captain. We are out of contact
			with the away team. Beam them
			back, immediately.

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
			I have lost the lock on them.

68   INT. USS YAMATO - CORRIDOR

	Riker, inspecting the corridor walls closely with his
	tricorder. Worf, touching his insignia.

					WORF
			Nothing on my communicator, sir.

	Worf steps over to a com panel on the corridor wall.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Computer, on.

	Nothing happens.

					RIKER
				(looks around)
			Let's find a turbolift to the
			bridge.

69   OMITTED

70   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard is at his command station, very concerned.

					PICARD
			Transporter Room -- have you been
			able to establish a lock?

	Picard gets no answer. Then suddenly the bridge goes
	DARK. Every system shuts off -- the emergency lights
	come on. Everyone remains at their station -- tension
	but no panic.

					PICARD
			Initiate full check -- all
			systems.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    32.

71   ANGLE ON GEORDI

	at bridge Engineering Station.

					GEORDI
			Engineering section, report. What
			is our situation?

	There is no response.

72
thru	OMITTED
83

A84	INT. USS YAMATO - CORRIDOR

	As Riker and Worf approach the turbolift, Riker scans
	the corridor wall with his tricorder.

					RIKER
			This isn't a Federation ship.
			The walls are not tritanium...
			close, but it's a material beyond
			our technology.
				(he then leads the way
				 to the turbolift)
			Let's get to the bridge.
			Somewhere there must be an answer
			to all of this.

	As they approach, the turbolift doors open. Instead of
	it being the turbolift, it's the bridge, weirdly
	lighted. It's identical to the Enterprise, but devoid
	of people.

	Worf and Riker exchange looks. They cautiously enter.

B84	INT. USS YAMATO - MAIN BRIDGE

	The turbolift doors close behind them. Riker then
	turns as if to re-enter the turbolift. The doors open
	-- but it's not the turbolift... it's a duplicate of
	the bridge.

	Riker and Worf again exchange looks.

					RIKER
			Wait -- if you go through there...
			where will you be?

					WORF
			On the bridge.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    33.

B84	CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			But we are on the bridge.

					WORF
			Should I continue?

					RIKER
			Yes -- move out. Let's see what
			happens.

	They both step through the door.

C84	ANOTHER ANGLE - USS YAMATO SECOND BRIDGE

	They have in effect:

					WORF
			Is it the same bridge?

					RIKER
			... Or did we just step from one
			bridge to another bridge?

	Worf crosses to another door, as Riker moves to the
	center of the bridge.

C84A	INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Illuminated by the emergency lights, everyone's
	remaining very calm, under control. Suddenly some of
	the bridge stations return to normal.

					DATA
			Captain! I have a star fix.

					PICARD
			On screen.

	A small swarm of stars appears in the center of the
	dark screen.

					WESLEY
			It's an opening, sir.

					DATA
			Confirm, navigation is possible.

					WESLEY
			Should I set a course?

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    34.

C84A	CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Transporter Room. Do you have
			a fix on the away team?

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
			Negative.

D84	INT. USS YAMATO BRIDGE - WORF

	as he approaches the second set of doors. The doors
	open -- and once again it's the bridge. Worf pauses.
	Then steps through.

E84	RIKER

	As he watches the door close behind Worf, he hears from
	behind him:

					WORF (O.S.)
			Commander.

	Riker turns. It's Worf, standing in front of the doors.
	The frustration of this bizarre -- whatever it is -- can
	be seen on Worf's face.

F84	IN A SERIES OF SHOTS - INTERCUT WITH RIKER'S
REACTION

	Worf turns and exits - only to appear on the other side
	of the bridge. He roars... rushes to another set of
	doors. Exits, only to again reappear coming out of
	another set of doors. Worf's emotions quickly escalate
	to rage. He turns and throws himself at the doors --
	hoping somehow by force to change the sequence. But
	the doors open and he once again bursts out of the
	doors on the opposite side of the bridge. Worf charges
	for another set. He's on the verge of being out of
	control. He is about to continue his manic charge,
	when he catches himself.

					WORF
				(to himself)
			At ease, Lieutenant! At EASE!

	His own words calm him. He stops... but his
	frustration is more difficult for him to control.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    35.

G84	INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

					DATA
			The star fix is fading.

					PICARD
			Haskell, lock on to the Yamato
			with the tractor beam. We leave
			together.

	HASKELL manipulates some controls.

					HASKELL
			I can't make the lock.

					DATA
			Captain. The star fix is fading.

					PICARD
			Let it go, Data.

					HASKELL
			But, sir, we can get out.

					PICARD
			Let it go.

	On the viewscreen, stars fade.

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
			Bridge, I've re-established
			contact with the away team.

					WESLEY
				(indicating Main Viewer)
			The Yamato's beginning to fade
			out, Captain.

	On the Main Viewer, the USS Yamato is beginning to grow
	HAZY.

85   INT. USS YAMATO - MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker and Worf hurrying INTO SCENE. Riker is touching
	his emblem for intercom use.

					RIKER
			Come in, come in Enterprise.

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
			Hold position, away team. I've
			got you. We are bringing you
			home!

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT THREE    36.

86   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	On the Main Viewer the image of the USS Yamato FADING
	AWAY.

					PICARD
			Transporter Room, hurry!

					WESLEY
			Captain, it's almost gone.

	Suddenly the Yamato FADES OUT.

87   OMITTED

87A  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	as Riker and Worf STACK UP. Riker steps instantly off
	the pad and heads for the exit.

87B  INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	as Riker and Worf step off the turbolift.

					RIKER
			What the hell's going on?

					PICARD
			Are you all right, Number One?

					RIKER
			Yes, but I've had it. Let's put
			all this technology and computers
			to work -- figure out what's going
			on -- and get the hell out of
			here.

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    37.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

88   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WIDE ANGLE

	Picard, Wesley and Troi seating themselves -- as Riker,
	Data, Worf, and Pulaski seat themselves.

					RIKER
				(angry)
			A ship that was almost the Yamato,
			existing in a "hole in space,"
			no crew aboard -- what's the
			purpose?

					DATA
			Add to it an attack by a
			nonexistent Romulan vessel, it
			does suggest an interesting
			question: "Was our away team even
			over there?"

					RIKER
			If we weren't over there, where
			the hell were we?

					HASKELL
			Captain, I have re-established
			the star fix.

	They look at the viewscreen which shows a cluster of
	stars -- TWINKLING in the distance.

					RIKER
			Great.

	Looks to Picard, who nods his approval.

					RIKER
				(to Wesley)
			Set course -- velocity -- warp two.

					WESLEY
			Course and speed set.

					PICARD
			Engage.

	There is a moment of relief as everyone feels that this
	has at last come to an end.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    38.

88   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			I have lost contact.

					PICARD
			What?

					HASKELL
			The star fix is gone.

	There is a pause as Data inputs on his computer.

					DATA
			Sir, it is not in the same sector.
			But another opening has appeared.

					PICARD
			On screen.

88A  ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	to favor the viewscreen. A patch of stars appears
	in the swirl.

					PICARD
			Set a course for those stars.
			Warp six.

					WESLEY
			Yes, sir -- warp six.

	As they watch, the starfield -- which should be getting
	larger -- begins to fade, and finally disappears.

					DATA
			I have lost the signal.

					RIKER
			Damn it.

					PICARD
			All stop.

	As they watch the screen, a third and even larger field
	of stars appears on the viewscreen.

					DATA
			Captain...

					PICARD
			I know Data, I can see it.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    39.

88A  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			This game is now wearing very
			thin.

					PICARD
			Hold this position.
				(to Troi)
			Counselor, you have said you
			sensed no intelligence behind all
			of this. You haven't changed in
			that belief?

89   OMITTED

90   EMPHASIZING TROI

	She takes a moment, apparently considering Picard's
	question at many levels. Then:

					TROI
			I'm not so certain of that now,
			Captain. I do sense something
			unusual about all this...

	She is puzzled, troubled.

					PICARD
			Perhaps a different level of
			consciousness?

					TROI
			An intelligence so vast it eluded
			me? Yes, perhaps.

91
thru	OMITTED
93

94   ANGLE - INCLUDING TROI AND PULASKI

	both intent upon the Main Viewer image, where the star
	window continues to twinkle.

					PULASKI
				(almost to herself)
			Rats in a maze.

	Troi looks over at the Doctor.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    40.

94   CONTINUED:

					TROI
				(quietly)
			Exactly!

					PICARD
			Explain.

					PULASKI
			Everything we've been through
			reminds me of a laboratory
			experiment. As though something
			were testing our responses to
			stimuli.

					PICARD
			Are you suggesting we're in some
			kind of laboratory?

					PULASKI
			Yes.

	Reactions.

95   ANGLE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	where the starfield grows larger.

					WESLEY
			The opening seems closer,
			Captain.

					PICARD
			We're finished with being led
			about this way.

					RIKER
			Agreed, Captain. Hold present
			position.

96   OMITTED

97   COMMAND AREA

	as the images try to tempt Picard away from his
	decision. Troi nods.

					TROI
			Good. Don't satisfy its
			curiosity.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    41.

98   EMPHASIZING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	Suddenly, a visage like the bridge crew has never
	seen! A great human eye is peering in.

99   PANNING WORF (OPTICAL)

	who has leapt down from his bridge level, major phaser
	in hand as if to protect the rest of the bridge crew.
	But now facing the strange IMAGE with phaser in hand,
	Worf seems uncertain what to do next.

					NAGILUM
			Why are you so alarmed when I've
			gone to such trouble to look just
			like you?

100  ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Riker speaks calmly to the security lieutenant.

					RIKER
			Return to your position,
			Lieutenant.

					WORF
			Sir... ?

					DATA
			Captain, sensors show nothing out
			there. Absolutely nothing.

					GEORDI
				(half to self)
			It's a damned ugly nothing.

					PICARD
			I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of
			the USS Enterprise.
				(firmer now)
			... representing a Federation of
			planets in this part of the
			galaxy.
				(waits)
			Can you identify whoever or
			whatever you are?

					NAGILUM
			NAGILUM!

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    42.

100  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(to Data; quietly)
			Speaks right out for something
			your sensors say isn't there,
			Data.

					PICARD
			We've still no idea of what you
			represent.

	Nagilum's eyes have seemed to center on Data. Its
	voice MODERATES.

					NAGILUM
			"Data."

					DATA
			Nagilum?

					NAGILUM
			You are of different construction
			than the others. Interesting.

	Worf has lowered his phaser, but stays very alert as
	he returns to his security position. Meanwhile,
	Nagilum's eyes seem to move from one bridge crewmember
	to another.

					NAGILUM
				(continuing)
			Picard... Riker... Geordi...
			Wesley...

	Pulaski is suddenly moved forward as if shoved by an
	invisible hand. Whatever the nature of the force, it
	twirls her around for inspection.

					NAGILUM
				(continuing)
			What are you? Your construction
			also differs.

					PULASKI
			My "construction"... ?

					DATA
			Perhaps referring to your gender.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    43.

100  CONTINUED: (2)

					PULASKI
			Yes, I see...
				(toward the viewscreen)
			There are minor differences. I
			am what we call a "female."

	Pulaski is "shoved" forward as suddenly, then turned
	around for inspection.

					NAGILUM
			I understand. The masculine and
			the feminine.

					PICARD
			It is the way in which we
			propagate our species.

					NAGILUM
			Please demonstrate how this is
			accomplished.

					PULASKI
			Not likely.

					PICARD
			Whatever you are, your actions
			are not welcome.

					WORF
			Let me put up the shields, sir.

					DATA
			Our sensors do not show anything
			there, Worf.

101
thru	OMITTED
102

103  INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	where Nagilum still seems to peer in through the Main
	Viewer. Its eyes now move to Picard.

					NAGILUM
			Your life-form surprises me more
			and more. Is it also true that
			you have only a limited existence?
				(waits, then)
			Answer!

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    44.

103  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			What information do you want?
			I don't understand the question.

					NAGILUM
			You exist -- and then you cease
			to exist. Your minds call it
			"death."

	At that moment, there is a CRY OF PAIN from the Aft
	Section -- and they turn. Holding his head as though
	it were about to explode, HASKELL staggers back from
	the damaged console. He screams again.

					NAGILUM
				(continuing)
			How interesting.

104  ANGLE - FAVORING HASKELL

	Haskell sinks to his knees, moaning in agony... then
	pitches forward and lies still. Doctor Pulaski has
	been hurrying toward him, now kneels and checks his
	vital signs. She uses a power-hypo on him once, twice.
	Then she shakes her head to Picard.

105  ANOTHER ANGLE

	Worf has moved in fast too, kneels.

					WORF
			Sickbay?

					PULASKI
			It won't help. The body is
			already cold.

106  ANGLE - FAVORING PICARD AND NAGILUM (OPTICAL)

	as Picard turns angrily toward the Main Viewer.

					PICARD
			We cannot allow you to do that!
			We'll fight you...

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FOUR    45.

106  CONTINUED:

					NAGILUM
				(interrupting; VOICE
				 BOOMING)
			To understand death, I must amass
			information on every aspect of
			it, every kind of dying. The
			experiments shouldn't take more
			than a third of your crew, maybe
			half.

	OFF reactions:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE    46.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

107  EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	with the same distant cluster of stars.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, Stardate 42194.7.
			It is obvious that whatever we
			have met sees no value in our kind
			of life-form. How do we fight
			something that both is...

108  INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi, Troi, Pulaski, and Worf
	are in conference.

					PICARD (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			... and is not there?

					TROI
			I can sense this much. We are
			unimportant to it.

					WORF
			In a battle for survival, Captain,
			thirty to fifty percent
			casualties...

					PULASKI
			... Would be appalling...

					WORF
			... But within acceptable limits.

					RIKER
			This is not a battle, Lieutenant.

					TROI
			A "laboratory experiment" would
			be the closest comparison.

					PICARD
			Is there any reason for not
			believing this Nagilum?

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE    47.

108  CONTINUED:

					TROI
			No.

					DATA
			All evidence indicates he is
			willing and able to do what he
			proposes.

					PICARD
			Agreed. Under the circumstances
			-- there is only one decision.
			I will not stand by and watch
			while half of my crew is
			slaughtered.

					DATA
			Sir... I do not believe there is
			anything you can do to prevent
			it.

					PICARD
			No. But I can control it.

					PULASKI
			How?

					PICARD
			By destroying the Enterprise.

					PULASKI
				(to Picard)
			Isn't that like curing the disease
			by killing the patient?

					RIKER
			At least it's better than
			standing by helplessly and dying.

					PULASKI
			Why do I feel this may not have
			been the best time to join this
			ship? I'll be in Sickbay if I'm
			needed.

	Pulaski exits. Data, Troi and Geordi rise and go out
	after her. Wesley and Worf start out. Worf pauses at
	the door:

					WORF
			I will be at my station, Captain.

    STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE    48.

108  CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard and Riker remain at the table... each with his
	own thoughts. Then they both rise and go out...

109  INT. CORRIDOR

	The door to the turbolift opens. Picard and Riker step
	out.

110  INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	Picard and Riker enter the Engineering Section and move
	to either side of the console. After a beat, Picard
	reaches out and places his hand on the panel.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Recognize Picard... Jean-Luc...

	Riker places his hand on the opposite panel.

					COMPUTER VOICE)
				(continuing)
			Recognize Riker... William T.

					PICARD
			Initiate auto-destruct sequence.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Does Riker... William T. concur?

					RIKER
			I do. Initiate auto-destruct
			sequence.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			What is the desired time interval?

					PICARD
			Stand by.
				(turns to Riker)
			Interesting question. How long
			to prepare to die?

					RIKER
			Which is the least painful to our
			crew? Move to it quickly? Or
			take time to prepare for it
			thoroughly?

	They sit silently for a moment.

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         49.

110  CONTINUED:

					RIKER)
				(continuing)
			Hell, twenty minutes sounds like
			a nice round figure. Can we do
			that?

					PICARD
			The latest program allows it.

	They exchange a look. Picard turns to the computer.

					PICARD)
				(continuing)
			Initiate auto-destruct in twenty
			minutes.

	Picard and Riker turn to leave as the clock begins its
	electronic countdown to auto-destruct.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Twenty minutes to auto-destruct,
			mark.

	They exit. Then, in the empty room:

					COMPUTER VOICE
				(continuing)
			Nineteen minutes, fifty seconds...

111  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	hovering in space with the still-distant star
	patterns.

112  INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS

	The captain is lying on his bunk, staring at the
	ceiling as DEBUSSY'S "CLAIR DE LUNE" PLAYS. CAMERA
	MOVES IN to examine the expressions passing over
	Picard's features as he listens. After several moments
	of this, his door CHIME SOUNDS.

					PICARD
			Come.

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         50.

113  TO INCLUDE TROI

	entering as if hesitant to disturb the captain at this
	time. Picard straightens into a sitting position,
	looks questioningly at her.

					TROI
			Our destroying ourselves won't
			change its mind. I could feel
			that.

					PICARD
				(somewhat surprised)
			You didn't mention you were that
			certain.

					TROI
			I was wrong not to tell you,
			Captain. And your decision may
			also be wrong.

	Picard starts to say something, but it's INTERRUPTED
	BY ANOTHER SOUND from the door.

					PICARD
			Yes? Come in, please.

114  TO INCLUDE DATA

	as he enters, hesitant too.

					DATA
			I have a question, sir.
				(sits)
			What is death?

					PICARD
			You've picked probably the most
			difficult of all questions, Data.

	There is the beginning of a twinkle in Picard's eyes
	again. It is the sort of question that his mind loves.

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         51.

114  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Some explain it by inventing
			gods wearing their own form...
			and argue that the purpose of the
			entire universe is to maintain
			themselves in their present form
			in an Earth-like garden which
			will give them pleasure through
			all eternity. And at the other
			extreme, assuming that is an
			"extreme," are those who prefer
			the idea of our blinking into
			nothingness with all our
			experiences, hopes and dreams only
			an illusion.

					DATA
			Which do you believe?

114A CLOSE ON PICARD

	considering the question.

					PICARD
			Considering the marvelous
			complexity of our universe, its
			clockwork perfection, its balances
			of this against that... matter,
			energy, gravitation, time,
			dimension, pattern, I believe
			our existence must mean more than
			a meaningless illusion. I prefer
			to believe that my and your
			existence goes beyond Euclidian
			and other "practical" measuring
			systems... and that, in ways
			we cannot yet fathom, our
			existence is part of a reality
			beyond what we understand now
			as reality.

	A moment of silence, then:

					TROI
			We should not let ourselves die,
			Jean-Luc!

	Picard is startled by the fact this statement comes
	from Troi of all people. Geordi has ENTERED as:

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         52.

114A CONTINUED:

					DATA
			I agree with her, Captain.

					TROI
			If only half of us live, I prefer
			to take my chances on being one
			that does.

					GEORDI
			Yes. It's wrong of you to force
			us into this...

					DATA
			It is wrong...

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			Yes, this is very wrong. None
			of you should be reacting like
			this.

115  PICARD

	as he strides to the Companel on his cabin wall. CLOSE
	ANGLE - as he touches it:

					PICARD
			Computer, locate Commander Data.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Commander Data is on the bridge.

	Picard turns.

116  WIDER ANGLE - PICARD AND ENTIRE CABIN

	No one is there! There's a look of astonishment on
	his face. Except for himself, the cabin is empty.

					PICARD
			It's not going to work, Nagilum.

	Picard stands there, for a beat.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			Captain, we are clear. We are
			out of the void.

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         53.

116  CONTINUED:

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			It's gone, Captain -- we can abort
			the auto-destruct.

					PICARD
			Hold, Number One.

					RIKER
			But...

					PICARD
			Hold.

	As Picard exits.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Fifty seconds to auto-destruct.

117  OMITTED

117A INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	There is the familiar starfield on the viewscreen as
	Picard enters from the turbolift.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Thirty seconds to auto-destruct.

					DATA
			Captain, we are clear of the
			void. You may stop the
			auto-destruct.

					PICARD
			Data, on any heading -- warp six
			-- now!

117B
thru	OMITTED
117C

117D EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	stretches into warp.

117E INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard's resolve is undiminished.

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         54.

117E CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Captain.

					PICARD
			I don't believe it, Number One.
			It could still be part of the
			illusion. Data, report.

					DATA
			All navigational systems confirm
			-- we are at warp six -- on
			course...

	No one even breathes for a long moment...

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Ten seconds to auto-destruct.
			Nine seconds. Eight seconds.
			Seven seconds... Six seconds...

					DATA
			... to the Morgana Quadrant.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Five seconds. Four seconds...

					PICARD
			Troi?

					TROI
			It's gone, Captain. I no longer
			sense its presence.

					PICARD
			Abort auto-destruct sequence.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Three seconds. Two seconds...
			Riker, William T. Do you concur?

					RIKER
				(relieved)
			Yes! Absolutely! I do indeed
			concur! Wholeheartedly!

					PICARD
			A simple "yes" would have been
			sufficient, Number One.

					RIKER
			I didn't want there to be any
			chance of a misunderstanding.

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         55.

117E CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard nods, then calmly exits to his Ready Room.

					GEORDI
			He sure held that bluff to the
			last second.

					RIKER
				(laughs)
			What bluff?

117F INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Picard is at his desk.

					PICARD
			Well, Nagilum... I hope you got
			what you needed.

	A moment, then the Intruder MATERIALIZES on the small
	viewscreen. The image is filled with static.

					NAGILUM
			You have provided me with much
			more than I needed...

					PICARD
			Why did you release us? You
			could have seen how we faced
			death.

					NAGILUM
			It wasn't necessary. I have
			learned all I needed to know.
			Would you like me to share some
			of my conclusions?

					PICARD
			I'm not interested.

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         56.

117F CONTINUED:

					NAGILUM
			Of course you are. You are too
			inquisitive not to want to know.
				(he pauses)
			You seem to find no tranquility
			in anything. You struggle against
			the inevitable. You thrive on
			conflict. You are selfish, yet
			you value loyalty. You are rash,
			quick to judge, slow to change.
			It's amazing you've survived.
			Be that as it may -- as species,
			we have no common ground. You
			are too aggressive. Too hostile.
			Too militant.

					PICARD
			During this period, you too have
			been evaluated. It would seem
			we have at least one thing in
			common.

					NAGILUM
			Oh?

					PICARD
			Curiosity.

					NAGILUM
			The point is well taken, Captain.
			Perhaps that is a trait we share.

					PICARD
			Then perhaps we'll meet again.
			But next time, it will be out
			here among the stars.

	The STATIC CRACKLES Nagilum off and Picard stands for
	a beat at the blank screen.

117G INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard takes his command chair.

					PICARD
			Put us back on course, at warp
			three.

					WESLEY
			Warp three, sir...

         STAR TREK: "Where Silence... " - 9/27/88 - ACT FIVE         57.

117G CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			And Ensign -- let's give any holes
			a wide berth.

118  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it accelerates to warp three and disappears in the
	distance.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             
