












                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                          "Disaster" 
                          #40275-205 
                              
                           Story by 
                   Phil Scorza & Ron Jarvis 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Ronald D. Moore 
                              
                          Directed by 
                      Gabrielle Beaumont 


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

Copyright 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT

                       AUGUST 12, 1991


            STAR TREK: "Disaster" - 8/12/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Disaster" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             LIEUTENANT MONROE
                RIKER              ENSIGN MANDEL
                DATA               MARISSA
                BEVERLY            PATTERSON
                TROI               JAY GORDON
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                O'BRIEN            
                KEIKO              
                RO 
                
                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    

            STAR TREK: "Disaster" - 8/12/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Disaster" 
                            
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              TURBOLIFT
              TURBO SHAFT
              TEN-FORWARD
              CARGO BAY
              JEFFRIES TUBE
              ENGINEERING
              SICKBAY
              CORRIDOR

        STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - TEASER        1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                          "Disaster"                               
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship is motionless in space.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, stardate 45156.1.
			Our mission to Mudor Five has
			been completed and since our next
			assignment will not begin for
			several days, we are enjoying a
			welcome respite from our duties.

2    INT. TEN FORWARD

	RIKER, DATA, and WORF are clustered around O'BRIEN and
	a pregnant KEIKO (about eight months along). O'Brien
	and Keiko have that proud-but-nervous look of
	expectant parents. While Data are Riker are very
	interested in Keiko's pregnancy, Worf looks
	exceptionally bored.

					O'BRIEN
				(to Riker)
			If it's a boy... Michael. After
			my father.

					KEIKO
			Wait a minute... we decided on
			Hiro, after my father.

					O'BRIEN
			We talked about this last night.

					KEIKO
			That's right, and we decided on
			Hiro.

					RIKER
			Wait. I've got it. How about...
			William. Now there's a name...
			William O'Brien. That has a nice
			ring to it.

	That gets a few chuckles. Keiko laughs gently... then
	she suddenly puts a hand to her stomach.

        STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - TEASER        2.

2    CONTINUED:

	Riker looks concerned but Keiko smiles at him.

					KEIKO
				(to Riker)
			It's all right. He's just doing
			somersaults.

	She takes Riker's hand and places it on her swollen
	belly.

					KEIKO
				(continuing)
			Right... there!

	Riker smiles at the sensation.

					RIKER
			He's going to be a hell of a
			gymnast.

					DATA
				(to Keiko)
			May I?

	She nods and Data carefully puts his hand near
	Riker's. Worf is so bored that he all but yawns as he
	watches this occur. Data's expression is curious...
	childlike. The child kicks again and Data reacts.

					KEIKO
				(weary smile)
			If he's not turning, he's kicking
			and punching. When I want to
			sleep, he wants to wake up. At
			this point, I just wish it were
			over.

	Data removes his hand.

					O'BRIEN
				(to Keiko)
			Have to go -- I've got a
			transporter simulation to run on
			the bridge.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - TEASER       2A.

2    CONTINUED:

	He kisses his wife and then puts his hand on her
	stomach.

        STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER        3.

2    CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
				(continuing, to unborn
				 child)
			Good-bye, Michael.

	O'Brien smiles at Keiko with humor and then he EXITS.

									CUT TO:

3    INT. CARGO BAY

	BEVERLY is talking to GEORDI near a large stack of
	containers. This is a very large cargo bay and there
	is a door similar to the one in the shuttle bay that
	opens to space. This door is smaller and it is
	currently closed. The containers are marked
	"Hazardous" and Geordi has been checking over some
	manifests on a PADD.

					GEORDI
			No.

					BEVERLY
			Come on, Geordi

					GEORDI
			No.

					BEVERLY
			Just try it once. It's not as
			hard as you think. I'm telling
			you... you'll be terrific.

	Geordi's still reluctant, but she's wearing him down.
	He glances quickly around the bay to make sure no
	one's watching then starts to quickly sing...

					GEORDI
			"... I am the very model of a
			modern major general, I've
			information vegetable, animal and
			mineral... "
				(quickly embarrassed,
				 to Beverly)
			I can't do this! I can't sing in
			front of people.

					BEVERLY
			Yes you can! That was terrific!
				(she takes his arm)
			Now you were a little off pitch,
			but I think we can take care of
			that...

        STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - TEASER        4.

3    CONTINUED:

	On Geordi's "get me out of this" expression...

									CUT TO:

4    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	LIEUTENANT MONROE at conn, ENSIGN MANDEL at ops. Troi
	is introducing three children to PICARD. The children
	are: MARISSA, a painfully shy nine-year-old who looks
	down at her shoes during the entire scene; JAY GORDON,
	a very solemn, serious boy who looks Picard right in
	the eye (he is a proper, polite boy who is eager to
	please, rather adult); and PATTERSON, a lively six-
	year-old with a winning smile and tons of energy.
	Picard is a little ill-at-ease here... this is not
	his favorite duty.

					TROI
			Captain, I'd like to introduce
			the winners of the primary school
			science fair. This is Marissa,
			Jay Gordon, and Patterson.
			They're here for their tour.

					PICARD
			Hello.

	Marissa keeps staring at her shoes; Picard sees only
	the top of her head. But --

					JAY GORDON
			How do you do?

					PATTERSON
				(a big voice)
			Can we see the battle bridge?
			And the torpedo bay?

					PICARD
			I'm afraid not.
				(trying to make it
				 sound fun)
			But... we will be visiting both
			the hydroponics and astrophysics
			laboratories.

	Patterson's face falls slightly: "Gee, what fun."

					TROI
				(to kids)
			I'm sure you'll have a wonderful
			time.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - TEASER       4A.

4    CONTINUED:

	They're not quite convinced, but Picard presses
	onward.

        STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER        5.

4    CONTINUED:

	O'Brien ENTERS in the b.g. and goes to work at the aft
	science station.

					PICARD
			Well. If you'll come with me...

	He leads them to the forward turbolift and the four of
	them EXIT. O'Brien and Troi exchange a look.

					O'BRIEN
			I'm not sure who to feel sorry
			for... the captain or the kids.

	On Troi's smile...

5    INT. TURBOLIFT

	The turbolift is MOVING. There is a beat of awkward
	silence as Picard and the kids look each other over.

	Picard tries to get things moving. He launches into
	what we suspect is the same speech, year after year.

					PICARD
			I want you all to know that we on
			the Enterprise are very proud of
			the science fair winners.
			Perhaps some of you will choose
			to pursue a career in Starfleet.
			I heartily urge you to do so.

	He stops, looks at them. Marissa is still looking
	down; the boys stare up at him, Patterson smiling, Jay
	Gordon utterly serious, but they don't respond.

					PICARD
			Well, then. Ah... what did you
			do for your science projects?

					PATTERSON
				(loudly)
			I planted radishes in this
			special dirt and they came up all
			weird!

					PICARD
			I see. Very commendable.
				(to Jay Gordon)
			And you?

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER       5A.

5    CONTINUED:

					JAY GORDON
			An analysis of the life span of
			the swarming moths of Gonal Four.
				(with emphasis)
			They only live for twenty hours.
			Then they all die.

        STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - TEASER        6.

5    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			How interesting. And you --

	But before he can get to Marissa, suddenly the ship
	ROCKS SLIGHTLY and the turbolift STOPS. Picard and
	the kids are surprised for a moment, but before they
	can say anything the ship SHAKES VIOLENTLY. The
	LIGHTS start to race by, indicating that the
	turbolift is FALLING in the shaft.

					PICARD
				(urgent)
			Hang on -- we're falling!

	The top light goes OUT and the children SCREAM in
	terror...

6    INT. CARGO BAY

	Beverly and Geordi are shaken violently...

7    INT. TEN FORWARD

	People react in alarm as tables, chairs, and glassware
	are shaken...

8    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The violent shaking STOPS and the bridge crew tries to
	sort things out for a moment. Lieutenant Monroe tries
	to take charge as she climbs to her feet near the conn.

					MONROE
			What happened?

					MANDEL
				(reading console)
			Sensors are picking up subspace
			distortions and high-energy
			particles directly to starboard.

	Monroe looks at the readings at the conn.

					MONROE
			Looks like we ran into a quantum
			filament.
				(to O'Brien)
			Damage report?

        STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - TEASER        7.

8    CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
				(reading aft science
				 console}
			We've lost primary life-support.
			Switching to secondary systems.
			Impulse and warp engines are offline.

					MANDEL
				(urgent)
			There's another filament moving
			toward us, sir!

					MONROE
				(urgent, to com)
			All decks brace for---

	She is cut off as the ship is VIOLENTLY SHAKEN. This
	is the worst yet... people are slammed into walls...
	the conn console EXPLODES in Monroe's face... and the
	lights go OUT, leaving only the RED ALERT indicators
	blinking in the darkness.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE       8.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

		(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)

9    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The Red Alert lights continue to blink on the darkened
	bridge. For a moment there is only the sound of
	crackling circuitry from the exploded conn console...
	then a few moans as people start to come to. O'Brien
	manages to stand and hit a button on one console...
	then the bridge is dimly illuminated by emergency
	lights. He helps Troi to her feet.

					O'BRIEN
			Counselor?

					TROI
				(a little shaky)
			I'm all right.

	Mandel groans on the deck near ops. Troi helps him up
	as O'Brien starts to check some consoles.

					TROI
				(to com)
			Medical team to the bridge.

	No response. Troi frowns and hits her communicator.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			Troi to sickbay.
				(beat)
			Troi to engineering.
				(beat)
			Counselor Troi to any crewmember,
			please acknowledge.

	She looks over at O'Brien, who looks helplessly at
	several blank screens.

					O'BRIEN
			The computer's down, looks like
			we still have impulse power...
			but not much else...

	Mandel gets to his feet and starts to check the three
	turbolifts.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE       8A.

9    CONTINUED:

					TROI
				(looks around)
			Where's Lieutenant Monroe?

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT ONE       9.

9    CONTINUED:

	O'Brien looks around the bridge, and then spots a body
	lying near the conn console.

					O'BRIEN
				(indicates body)
			Counselor...

10   ON TROI AND O'BRIEN

	O'Brien kneels and turns the body over; it's Monroe.
	He checks the arterial pulse, then shakes his head.

11   OMITTED

11A  NEW ANGLE

	As Mandel tries to key the panel next to the forward
	turbolift.

					MANDEL
			The turbolifts aren't working.
				(beat)
			We're trapped up here.

	On their reactions...

									CUT TO:

12   INT. TURBOLIFT

	CLOSE ON Picard. He's unconscious, lying on his right
	side with his right leg awkwardly folded underneath
	him. From o.c. we hear the sound of children softly
	crying. He begins to wake up and we MOVE TO REVEAL
	that he's still in the turbolift. There are a couple
	of emergency lights, but it's still pretty dark.
	Marissa, Jay Gordon, and Patterson are huddled
	together, watching Picard. Patterson is crying, Jay
	Gordon is silent and withdrawn, and Marissa is
	trembling.

					PICARD
				(very hoarse)
			Are you...
				(tries to clear throat,
				 then louder)
			Are you children all right?

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT ONE       10.

12   CONTINUED:

	The children just stare at him, too scared to speak.
	Picard tries to sit up... then lets out a painful
	grunt as he moves his right leg, which causes the
	children to flinch slightly. Picard moves more
	gingerly and manages to get to a sitting position.

	He carefully moves the leg to a comfortable angle.
	Picard hits his communicator.

					PICARD
			Picard to bridge.
				(beat)
			This is the captain. Can anyone
			hear me?

	A beat.

					PATTERSON
			Why don't they answer?

					PICARD
			I don't know.

					JAY GORDON
			They're all dead.

					PICARD
				(firm)
			They're not dead. Communications
			are down, that's all.

	He looks at the three tremulous faces staring at him.
	They're trying, but they are little and scared.
	Patterson is snuffling, about to lose it again;
	Marissa looks like she could break down any second.
	Jay Gordon is pale and remote, having accepted doom as
	the only possible outcome.

					JAY GORDON
			We're going to die, too.

					PICARD
			We most certainly are not --

	But this pronouncement has set Patterson off. He
	bursts into tears and Marissa gulps, ready to sob.

	Picard needs to get them under control and he puts all
	his command presence into his voice and tries to take
	charge.

					PICARD
				(firm)
			Listen to me!


       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE       11.

12   CONTINUED:

	They fall silent and look at him.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			No one is going to die. The
			bridge will send a rescue party
			as soon as possible, so I want
			you to stop crying. Everything
			is going to be all right.

	The children look at him. It seems like Picard has
	finally managed to get things under control... then
	all three kids start crying again, even louder this
	time. Picard will have to find some other way of
	dealing with them.

									CUT TO:

12A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Troi and O'Brien are at the aft science station. The
	console is mostly blank except for one or two
	displays. Monroe's body has been moved off the
	bridge.

					O'BRIEN
				(working console)
			This is the Federation Starship
			Enterprise calling any vessel
			within range. We are in distress
			and need assistance. Please
			respond.
				(beat, then to Troi)
			I'm still not sure we're even
			transmitting. I'll set the
			message on auto-repeat and see if
			we get a response.

	A sudden METALLIC NOISE from the aft turbolift (not
	the same one Picard used) gets their attention. They
	watch as the turbolift doors start to slowly open in
	a jerky, stop-start motion.

12B  ON TURBOLIFT (FORMERLY SCENE 11)

	As the doors part slowly to reveal ENSIGN RO. She is
	standing on the roof of a turbolift car that is
	stalled just below the bridge and she is slowly
	opening the doors by using an emergency hand crank.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT ONE       12.

12B  CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
				(helps her out)
			Are you all right?

	She steps onto the bridge.

					RO
			I'm alive. What the hell
			happened?

					O'BRIEN
			We were hit by a quantum
			filament. Most of our systems
			are down and we haven't been able
			to contact anyone off the bridge.

					RO
				(indicates turbolift)
			Well, don't count on leaving
			through there. An emergency
			bulkhead closed just beneath that
			lift.

					O'BRIEN
				(nods)
			Confinement mode.

					RO
			Right. Isolation protocol.

	Troi tries to remember, but she's not sure what
	they're talking about.

					TROI
			I'm... not really familiar with
			that protocol.

					O'BRIEN
				(to Troi)
			If the computer senses a hull
			breach, it automatically closes
			emergency bulkheads to isolate
			the breach. Until we can clear
			those bulkheads, we'll be cut-off
			from the rest of the ship.

					MANDEL
				(reading the ops
				 console)
			I've got partial sensors back on-line.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT ONE       13.

12B  CONTINUED:

	They move to ops and Mandel points at something on the
	console.

					MANDEL
				(continuing)
			I'm picking up sporadic life-signs
			throughout the saucer section. 
			There are definitely survivors.
			

					O'BRIEN
			What about Ten Forward?
				(beat)
			My... wife is there.

	Mandel checks the console again.

					MANDEL
			I'm sorry, Chief, but the
			readings aren't that specific.

	O'Brien tries to put his personal feelings aside for
	the moment.

					RO
				(to Mandel)
			Can you scan the drive section?

	Mandel works for a moment... then grimly relays the
	news he sees on the console.

					MANDEL
			I'm not reading any life-signs in
			the drive section.

	Everyone reacts.

					RO
			Could the sensors be
			malfunctioning?

					MANDEL
				(works)
			There's no way to know. Without
			the main computer, I can't run a
			diagnostic.

					O'BRIEN
				(to Troi)
			Can you sense anything,
			Counselor?

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE      13A.

12B  CONTINUED:

	Troi takes a deep breath... tries to clear her mind
	for a moment. After a beat...

					TROI
			There are a lot of people still
			alive... many of them are hurt...
			but I can't tell where they are.

	After a beat, Ro tries to get things moving.

					RO
			We need to start emergency
			procedures. Who's the duty
			officer?

					O'BRIEN
			Lieutenant Monroe was in command,
			but he's dead.

	There is a beat as O'Brien realizes what that means.
	There hadn't been a chance to consider this question
	before now.

					O'BRIEN
				(continuing)
			I believe Counselor Troi is the
			senior officer on the bridge.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE       14.

12B  CONTINUED:

	They all look at Troi. This isn't something she'd
	expected.

					RO
			Counselor Troi?

					O'BRIEN
			She carries the rank of
			Lieutenant Commander.

	Ro doesn't say anything more, but her doubts about
	Troi are clear. Troi takes a beat as she realizes
	that she's now in charge. Everyone is looking at
	her... waiting for orders.

					TROI
			I'd appreciate... some
			suggestions.

					O'BRIEN
			I recommend we initiate emergency
			procedure alpha two.
				(off her look)
			By-pass computer control and
			place all systems on manual
			override.

					TROI
			Very well.

					O'BRIEN
			Aye aye, sir.

	He goes to the engineering console and starts to pull
	off an access panel.

					RO
				(to Troi)
			May I suggest that our next
			priority be to stabilize life-
			support and try to reestablish
			intership communications.

					TROI
			Yes.
				(beat)
			Mister Mandel, I'd like you to
			assist Ensign Ro.

					MANDEL
			Yes, sir.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE       15.

12B  CONTINUED:

	Mandel and Ro go to work. On Troi as she thinks about
	the daunting task before them...

									CUT TO:

13   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship is dead in space. There are only one or two
	lights visible on the entire ship.

14   INT. TEN FORWARD

	The place is littered with broken tables, overturned
	chairs, and smashed glassware. SEVERAL N.D.
	CREWMEMBERS are injured and being helped by Worf, who
	is carrying a medical tricorder and a first aid kit.
	Riker is dressing a head wound on Keiko, who is lying
	on the deck.

					RIKER
			How do you feel?

					KEIKO
				(weakly)
			Okay... but a little... foggy.

					RIKER
			Just lie still for a while.
			We'll get you to sickbay as soon
			as we can.

	She manages a feeble smile and Riker squeezes her hand
	in support.

15   NEW ANGLE

	As Data ENTERS (the doors do not slide open or closed.
	They are frozen halfway.) Riker motions to Worf and
	the three of them move across the room to speak
	privately.

					RIKER
				(to Data)
			Report.

					DATA
			I have made a survey of all
			turbolifts and service crawlways
			on this deck. Our access to the
			bridge has been completely
			severed by emergency bulkheads.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT ONE       16.

15   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Sickbay?

					DATA
			Heavy damage in section twenty-
			three-A has cut-off access to
			sickbay. I have ordered a
			security team to move all
			casualties on this deck to Ten
			Forward until further notice.

	Riker looks back at the injured people and thinks for
	a beat.

					RIKER
			We should assume the worst...
			that everyone on the bridge is
			dead and no one is in control of
			the ship.

					DATA
			In that circumstance, 
			reestablishing control should
			be our top priority.

					RIKER
			Agreed. Can we get to
			engineering?

					DATA
			The direct route is blocked, but
			there might be a way to reach it
			through a starboard service
			crawlway.

					RIKER
			Okay -- you and I will try to get
			there. Worf, this room is going
			to be filled with wounded in a
			few minutes and they're going to
			need help. I want you to remain
			in charge here.

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

					RIKER
				(to Data)
			Let's go.

	As Riker and Data EXIT, a N.D. CIVILIAN carrying a
	WOUNDED WOMAN ENTERS.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT ONE       17.

15   CONTINUED:

	Worf looks around and then moves a table out of the
	way and picks up his first aid kit.

					WORF
			Bring her here!

									CUT TO:

16   INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)

	Geordi is working on an open panel and trying to open
	the door to the cargo bay. Beverly is standing
	nearby, watching his efforts.

					GEORDI
			Okay... clear the power shunt...
			bypass the flow current...
			and...

	He moves a switch and then looks expectantly at the
	door. Nothing.

					GEORDI
				(frustrated, to
				 Beverly)
			The computer still won't release
			the doors.

					BEVERLY
			Can we force them open?

					GEORDI
			We can try. There's an emergency
			hand actuator.

	Geordi goes to a section of wall near the door, kneels
	down and begins removing a service panel. Beverly
	follows him and stands near the wall to watch. As
	Geordi gets the panel off the wall, Beverly notices
	something. She feels the wall with her hand.

					BEVERLY
			Geordi...

					GEORDI
				(distracted)
			Yes?

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT ONE       18.

16   CONTINUED:

	She moves her hands over a larger section of wall.

					BEVERLY
				(urgent)
			Geordi, this wall's hot.

	His head snaps around at that statement. As he begins
	to stand up, there is a sudden BRIGHT FLASH in the
	wall panel he's just opened. Geordi jumps back from
	the panel. Beverly rushes to him in concern, but
	Geordi waves her off.

					GEORDI
			I'm all right.
				(beat, then he looks
				 back at the wall
				 panel)
			But I think we've got a new
			problem.

	Beverly looks back at the panel also.

17   ON WALL PANEL (OPTICAL)

	There is a PLASMA FIRE burning in the wall panel. It
	crackles and pops loudly, is bright green, and looks
	like a cross between molten lava and a chemical fire.

18   ON GEORDI AND BEVERLY

	As they watch the fire.

					GEORDI
			One of the energy conduits
			must've ruptured and ignited the
			polyduranide inside the bulkhead.
			That's a plasma fire.

	They both stand. Beverly points her tricorder at the
	fire.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - ACT ONE       19.

18   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			It's putting out a lot of
			radiation. We can't stay in here
			very long.

					GEORDI
			We've got a bigger problem than
			that.
				(beat)
			The quaratum in these containers
			is used in emergency thruster
			packs. It's normally pretty
			stable stuff... but when you
			expose quaratum to radiation it
			has a way of... exploding.

19   WIDER SHOT (OPTICAL)

	Including the plasma fire, Geordi and Beverly, and the
	large number of quaratum containers.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT TWO       20.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

20   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship still looks lifeless as it hangs in space.

21   INT. TURBOLIFT

	Picard is propped against a wall and reaching up to
	tinker with an open circuitry panel. Patterson is
	sitting with his knees to his chest, rocking back and
	forth; Jay Gordon is seated facing away from Picard.
	Only Marissa stands, gravely watching what he's doing.

					PICARD
			The external power has been cut
			off.

	She nods solemnly.

					JAY GORDON
				(not looking at him)
			We're going to die.

	Patterson starts to rock a little faster and Picard
	gives a frustrated look to Jay Gordon. Suddenly the
	turbolift SHAKES. Then the sound of CREAKING METAL
	for a moment, then silence.

					PATTERSON
				(scared)
			What was that?

					PICARD
			I don't know.

	Picard thinks for a moment... then he looks up at the
	ceiling. He slowly pulls himself up on one leg and
	tries to reach for the ceiling... but the movement
	jars his leg painfully and he is unable to keep his
	balance. Marissa takes a step back, eyes wide, trying
	not to be afraid.

	The exertion takes a lot out of Picard and he sits
	down. He looks up at sees Marissa's big dark eyes
	staring at him. Nothing he's tried with these kids
	has worked... the boys are frightened and cowed...
	Marissa has yet to utter a word. And he can't get
	them out of here by himself. He'd better find another
	plan.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT TWO       21.

21   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Your name... is Marissa. Is that
			right?

	She nods.

					PICARD
			How old are you?

					MARISSA
			Nine. And a half.

	These are the first words she's uttered. But she does
	not seem hesitant or tremulous.

					PICARD
			Really? And the boys?

					MARISSA
				(pointing)
			Seven... and six.

					PICARD
			Well, I'm going to need a first
			officer to help me. You're the
			oldest... so that makes you
			Number One.

	This has a nice ring to it.

					MARISSA
			Number One?

					PICARD
			That's what I've always called my
			first officer. Here.

	Picard pulls off two of the rank pips from his collar
	and pins them to Marissa's shirt. She touches them
	with pride and, for the first time, smiles a sweet,
	shy smile.

					PICARD
			Now... we need a crew to help us
			get that hatch off.

	He seems to think hard for a few seconds, then turns
	toward the boys as though a new thought just occurred
	to him.

					PICARD
			Number One... I think Jay might
			make an excellent science
			officer. Don't you agree?

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT TWO       22.

21   CONTINUED:

	She's delighted to be consulted on such an important
	decision.

					MARISSA
			Yes. Yes, sir, Captain.

					PICARD
			Will you join our crew, Jay?

					JAY GORDON
				(politely)
			Excuse me. It's Jay Gordon.

					PICARD
			Of course. Forgive me. Jay
			Gordon.

					JAY GORDON
			I accept.

	Picard takes another pip and pins it on Jay Gordon.
	As he does --

					PATTERSON
			Can I be an officer, too?

					PICARD
			Let's see... your science project
			involved radishes, did it not?

					PATTERSON
			Yeah... weird ones.

					PICARD
			Excellent. You'll be our
			executive officer in charge of
			radishes.

	Picard gives him his own pip. The boys look proud as
	they inspect their new badges. Picard realizes he's
	made some progress with them at last.

					PICARD
			Now -- let's get to work.

									CUT TO:

22   INT. JEFFRIES TUBE

	Riker and Data are crawling through a low, narrow tube
	just barely big enough for the two men to scramble
	through on their hands and knees. Riker stops and
	checks a nameplate on a box.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - ACT TWO       23.

22   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Thirteen-sixty-five-baker. That
			should put us near shuttlebay
			two.

					DATA
			That is correct, sir. We have
			approximately fifty-two meters
			remaining in this crawlway before
			we can safely exit into a main
			corridor.

	There is a sudden HISSING SOUND in the tube. They
	listen for a moment... then turn and look back the way
	they came.

23   POV DATA - LOOKING DOWN THE TUBE

	A LARGE CLOUD OF GAS starts to swirl into the Jeffries
	Tube.

24   RESUME SCENE

	Riker sees it too.

					RIKER
			Coolant leak!

	They scramble through the tube as the gas fills the
	tube.

25   ANOTHER SECTION OF TUBE

	Data and Riker hurry through the tube... the gas
	roiling behind them.

	Data stops and reaches up... finds a handle... and
	then slams down a hatch behind them.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT TWO       24.

25   CONTINUED:

	Riker (facing the hatch) pauses to catch his breath...
	then he notices that Data is staring at something o.c.
	behind Riker. Riker turns around...

26   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	There is a large display of ENERGY ARCING back and
	forth across the tube in front of Riker and Data. It
	completely blocks their path. Riker looks from the
	hatch with the gas behind it to the energy arc...
	they're trapped.

									CUT TO:

27   INT. CARGO BAY

	Beverly is scanning the quaratum containers with a
	tricorder while Geordi works the transporter console.
	The plasma fire is o.c., but the green light can still
	be seen flickering in the bay. Beverly finishes her
	scan and moves to Geordi. She runs the tricorder over
	him.

					BEVERLY
			We can withstand this level of
			radiation for another three or
			four hours without any permanent
			damage.
				(closes tricorder)
			But we'll need a few days of
			hyronalin treatments.

					GEORDI
			What are the radiation levels in
			the quaratum?

					BEVERLY
			They're at eighty-three rads and
			rising about four rads per
			minute.

					GEORDI
				(depressed)
			That stuff gets unstable at
			around three hundred fifty rads.
				(stops working)
			I still can't get any power to
			this transporter.

	They look at the plasma fire.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT TWO       25.

28   ON FIRE (OPTICAL)

	as it continues to pulsate and burn.

29   RESUME SCENE

	Beverly looks around for a moment... then she walks
	over to the far wall and pulls out her tricorder.

					BEVERLY
			The radiation levels are twenty
			percent lower at this end of the
			bay. Let's move the containers
			over here.

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			That should buy us some time.
				(thinks)
			We're going to have to do this by
			hand. With this much radiation
			flying around in here we can't
			trust the anti-grav units.

	They carefully pick up one of the heavy containers...
	this isn't going to be easy.

									CUT TO:

30   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	O'Brien and Troi are watching a console at the aft
	science station. There aren't many screens active,
	but the one they're watching is showing a complex
	pattern of shifting sensor readings. O'Brien taps a
	key and the display freezes.

					O'BRIEN
			There. Just before the second
			time we were hit... see the
			subspace distortion?

	Troi peers at the display for a moment. She's trying
	very hard to understand this.

					TROI
			Yes.
				(beat)
			How big are these quantum
			filaments?

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT TWO       26.

30   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
			They can be hundreds of meters
			long, but they have almost no
			mass... which is why they're so
			difficult to detect.

	Troi thinks... tries to correlate this to her own
	knowledge and experiences.

					TROI
				(unsure)
			So, it's like a... cosmic string?

					O'BRIEN
				(gently)
			No... that's a completely
			different phenomenon.

	Troi is a little defeated, but she looks at the
	monitor again, determined to understand this. But
	before she can pursue the matter any further, there
	are a series of loud BANGS and ELECTRONIC BEEPS
	from...

31   THE ENGINEERING STATION

	Ro is lying on her back, halfway inside the
	engineering station. Tools and equipment are strewn
	about next to her legs. O'Brien moves over and kneels
	down in concern. He tries to see what she's doing,
	but he can't. After a beat the engineering screen
	flickers ON... fades... then comes on permanently.
	Ro slides out of the console and gets to her feet.

					O'BRIEN
				(re: display)
			How'd you do that?

					RO
			I diverted power from the phaser
			array and dumped it into the
			engineering control system.

	O'Brien reacts sharply.

					O'BRIEN
			You what?

					RO
				(ignoring O'Brien)
			The engineering station's on-line,
			Counselor.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT TWO       27.

31   CONTINUED:

					O'BRIEN
				(angry, to Ro)
			That's a completely improper
			procedure. You can't dump that
			much raw energy into a bridge
			terminal without---

					RO
				(flatly cuts him off)
			We aren't going to get out of
			this by playing it safe.

	O'Brien is still upset, but Troi struggles to regain
	control before they start to fight again.

					TROI
				(to Ro)
			What's our engine status, Ensign?

					RO
				(works console)
			We've got half impulse power
			available.
				(frowns)
			But I'm getting some odd readings
			from the warp drive...

	O'Brien moves in next to her and they both start to
	work the console. As they converse in techno-
	shorthand, Troi struggles to watch the screen and
	understand what's going on, but she's way out of her
	field here.

					RO
			I'm reading a spike in the warp
			field array... looks like a
			containment deviation...

					O'BRIEN
			Switch to primary bypass...

	Beat.

					RO
			Nothing. Field strength's at
			forty percent and falling.

	A beat as they watch the screen. They exchange
	looks... this is really bad. They turn to Troi, who
	is completely lost at this point.

       STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/19/91 - ACT TWO       28.

31   CONTINUED:

					RO
			We've got a problem. The quantum
			resonance of the filament caused
			a polarity shift in the antimatter
			containment field.

	Troi just looks at her: What the hell does that mean?
	O'Brien hastens to explain.

					O'BRIEN
			When the filament hit us, the
			ship was momentarily charged...
			as if it had... come into
			contact with a live electrical
			wire.

					RO
			That weakened the containment
			field surrounding the antimatter
			pods. The field strength is down
			to forty percent and it's still
			falling.

					O'BRIEN
				(ominously)
			If it falls to fifteen percent...
			the field will collapse and
			there'll be a containment breach.

	Beat.

					TROI
			Which means... ?

					RO
			The ship will explode.

	On Troi's reaction...

32
thru	OMITTED
35

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE      29.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

36   INT. JEFFRIES TUBE (OPTICAL)

	Riker and Data are still stuck between the closed
	hatch and the fluctuating power current. Data is
	peering inside a power relay box in the wall near the
	arcing power. He turns to Riker.

					DATA
			The current cannot be shut down
			from this relay box.

					RIKER
				(frustrated)
			We can't just sit here.

	Data thinks for a moment and then looks at the power
	flowing across the tube.

					DATA
			If the energy flowing through
			this arc were interrupted by a
			nonconductive material, it is
			likely that the circuit would be
			broken.

					RIKER
				(looks around)
			I don't see any material in here
			that could stop that much
			current.

					DATA
				(thinks)
			Commander, most of my bodyframe
			is composed of tripolymers, a non-
			conductive material.

					RIKER
				(surprised)
			You're suggesting using your own
			body?

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

	Riker looks at the crackling power arc.

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE      30.

36   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Data, there's at least half a
			million amps flowing through that
			arc. Can you take that much
			current?

					DATA
			The power surge would cause a
			system failure in most of my
			internal processors and melt my
			primary power couplings.
			However, there is a chance that
			the damage would not be
			irreparable.

					RIKER
			No.

					DATA
			Commander, our choices are very
			limited.

					RIKER
			First of all, android or not, I
			won't allow anyone to take that
			kind of risk. Second, if the
			computer isn't working in
			engineering, I'm going to need
			your help to get control of the
			ship.

					DATA
				(thinks)
			My positronic brain has several
			layers of shielding to protect it
			from power surges. It would be
			possible for you to remove my
			cranial unit and take it with
			you.

	Riker stares at him for a beat as it registers what
	Data is asking him to do.

					RIKER
				(shocked)
			You want me to take your head
			off?

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE      31.

36   CONTINUED:

					DATA
				(surprised at the
				 reaction)
			Yes, sir.
				(beat)
			Is there something wrong?

	Riker recoils from the idea at first... then tries to
	look at this pragmatically.

					RIKER
			Well, Data... it's just... I
			mean, will you be all right?

					DATA
			My neural nets and memory core
			are self-contained.
				(beat)
			I will be fine.

	A long beat as Riker considers this.

					RIKER
			Like you said... our choices are
			very limited.

	Riker looks at him for a moment... finally nods and
	gives him permission. Data processes for a very quick
	beat... then turns around...

37   ON DATA (OPTICAL)

	As he turns and moves toward the arc. The power arc
	snaps and crackles ominously... Data waits a beat...
	then steps directly into the flow. There is a BRIGHT
	FLASH and THUNDERCLAP as the current hits Data's body.
	The energy holds him and shakes his body violently for
	a couple of seconds.

38   ON RIKER

	As he turns away in response to the bright flash.
	After a beat, Riker turns back and then moves quickly
	to find Data lying face down in the tube. The power
	arc is gone, but Data's clothes and body have been
	seared and blackened.

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE      32.

38   CONTINUED:

	Riker turns Data over quickly... Data's face is blank
	and doesn't react to Riker at all.

					RIKER
			Data? Data!

	There is a long beat before Data's eyes seem to focus
	again and he is again aware of his surroundings.

					DATA
			A remarkable experience,
			Commander.

	Riker is relieved. Data runs some kind of internal
	diagnostic.

					RIKER
			How are you? Did the shielding
			work?

					DATA
				(thinks)
			Apparently so. My neural nets
			are fully operational.
				(beat)
			You may begin by opening the
			ventral access panel located two
			centimeters beneath my right ear.

	Riker hesitates for a moment... then as he reaches for
	the panel on Data's neck...

									CUT TO:

39   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship hangs in space.

40   INT. TURBOLIFT

	Picard is standing on his good leg and is holding Jay
	Gordon up to the ceiling of the lift as Marissa helps
	to steady Picard. The effort of holding Jay Gordon is
	putting a tremendous strain on Picard. Jay puts his
	hands on the ceiling.

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE      33.

40   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(strained)
			Feel around the edge of the
			illumination module -- of the big
			circle, until you find a small
			knob.

					JAY GORDON
			I have it.

					PICARD
			Now with your other hand, reach
			around the far side of the
			module... there should be another
			knob.

					JAY GORDON
			Okay, I found it.

					PICARD
			Good. Good. Pull both knobs out
			at the same time and then let go.

	He pulls the knobs and then there is a quick WHOOSH of
	air as the top hatch moves upward slightly.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Now push up... and slide the
			hatch over to the side.

	Jay Gordon moves the hatch out of the way. The
	turbolift SHAKES a little then stops. Patterson looks
	around in terror and starts breathing quick and fast,
	as if about to cry.

					PICARD
			Jay Gordon, can you pull yourself
			up?

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE      34.

40   CONTINUED:

					JAY GORDON
			Yes. I think so.

	Jay Gordon pulls himself up through the hatch,
	supports himself on his elbows and puts his feet on
	Picard's shoulders.

					PICARD
			Can you tell what deck we're on?
			There should be a large number on
			the wall of the shaft.

					JAY GORDON
			It says "eleven".

	That's bad news, but Picard tries not to show his
	concern yet.

					PICARD
			Good. Now look down at the side
			of the lift. Do you see two big
			clamps?

					JAY GORDON
			Yes.

					PICARD
			Can you see if both clamps are
			connected to a... long beam
			inside a... a big groove?

	Long beat.

					JAY GORDON
			Yes. But one of them looks
			broken. It's half out of the
			groove.

					PICARD
			All right. Come down.

	Picard and Marissa help Jay Gordon down. Picard
	carefully slides down to the floor. Picard realizes
	they're in trouble... he takes a beat to think, then
	he motions to Marissa to come closer.

					PICARD
				(softly)
			Number One, those big clamps are
			part of the emergency system. If
			something goes wrong, they're
			designed to hold the turbolift in
			place.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE      35.

40   CONTINUED:

					PICARD (cont'd)
			But they seem to have been
			damaged.

					MARISSA
			Is that why we keep shaking?

					PICARD
			That's right.
				(beat, then intimate)
			When that clamp gives way, we'll
			fall. You're going to have to
			take your crew out of here before
			that happens. There's a ladder
			along the inside of the
			turboshaft. You can use it to
			climb up until you find an open
			doorway.

	There is an ominous CREAK from the turbolift.

					MARISSA
				(worried)
			What about you?

					PICARD
				(honest)
			My leg is broken. I'll only slow
			you down and you need to move
			quickly.
				(a little firmly)
			You'll have to be the leader.
			That's an order.

	Marissa stands up... tries to summon up her courage.
	She turns to Jay Gordon and Patterson. She tries to
	put some command into her voice.

					MARISSA
			We have to climb up the shaft.

					JAY GORDON
			What about the captain?

					PICARD
			I'm not going. Commander Marissa
			is in charge.

					PATTERSON
				(getting scared)
			I wanna stay here with you.

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE      36.

40   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Patterson, you're an officer,
			now. You have to obey orders.

					PATTERSON
			I don't wanna be an officer
			anymore. I wanna stay with you.

					JAY GORDON
				(to Marissa)
			If the captain stays here, we
			won't make it. We'll all die.

					PICARD
			There's no time to argue, you
			have to go now.

					PATTERSON
			I don't want to!

	Marissa thinks for a moment... then turns back to
	Picard.

					MARISSA
			The crew has decided to stick
			together. We all go or we all
			stay.

	Picard looks up at the hatch and then looks at the
	children for a beat... he finally makes the decision.

					PICARD
			All right. I'll try. But I want
			you to know... this is mutiny.

	This relieves them greatly. Picard painfully gets to
	his feet.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Number One, look at that panel...
			do you see a bright yellow cap?

					MARISSA
				(looks in panel)
			Yes.

					PICARD
			Pull the cap toward you and then
			turn it... it should come off.

	Marissa removes the cap. There is a bundle of wires
	attached to the back of the cap.

     STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE     36A.

40   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Good. Now, that bundle of
			wires... that's optical
			cabling... see how much you can
			pull out...

	Marissa pulls at a piece of cabling; it plays out of
	the panel.

									CUT TO:

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE      37.

40   CONTINUED:

	Marissa keeps pulling.

									CUT TO:

41   INT. CARGO BAY

	Beverly and Geordi have moved all the containers
	against the far wall of the bay.

	Beverly and Geordi are scanning the containers with
	their tricorders.

					BEVERLY
				(disappointed)
			The levels are still rising.

	She snaps the tricorder shut.

42   INCLUDING PLASMA FIRE (OPTICAL)

	They watch the fire for a beat.

					BEVERLY
			There must be some way to put
			that thing out.

					GEORDI
				(shakes his head)
			The energy's being fed by the
			ship's internal power grid and we
			can't even get near that. The
			only way to stop it would be to
			eliminate the supply of oxygen.
				(beat)
			Wait a minute...

	Geordi thinks for a beat... then looks from the
	spacedoor to the fire and back again as he gets an
	idea. He turns to Beverly with a "you won't believe
	this" look on his face.

					GEORDI
				(continuing)
			Doctor, I've got an idea. It's
			pretty wild, but we might be able
			to kill two birds with one stone.

					BEVERLY
			Let's hear it.

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT THREE      38.

42   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			If we open the external door it
			would depressurize the cargo bay,
			and blow all those containers out
			into space. At the same time,
			the lack of oxygen should knock
			out the plasma fire.

					BEVERLY
			What about us?

					GEORDI
			We'll have to find something in
			here to hang onto while the air
			is evacuated. After that, we'll
			shut the door and repressurize
			the bay.

	They both look around for a moment. The ladder
	leading to the catwalk is the only solid object in
	sight.

					BEVERLY
			This looks like it'll have to do.

	And on their looks...

									CUT TO:

43   INT. TEN FORWARD

	The room is filled with N.D. CASUALTIES. The tables
	and chairs have been moved out of the way to make room
	for injured crewmembers and civilians. TWO N.D.
	UNINJURED CREWMEMBERS are helping the injured. Keiko
	is finishing putting a dressing on a CREWMAN'S arm.

					KEIKO
				(smiles)
			There... that should do it.

     STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT THREE     38A.

43   CONTINUED:

	The Crewman nods in appreciation and moves away. As
	he leaves, a sudden flash of pain crosses Keiko's
	face. She puts a hand to her stomach... but then the
	pain passes. She seems okay for the moment, so she
	puts it behind her and moves to help another INJURED
	CREWMEMBER.

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE      39.

43A  ON WORF

	As he prepares to put a splint on a MAN with a broken
	leg.

					WORF
				(to injured crewman)
			There will be a sharp pain as I
			set the bone. Prepare yourself.

	The man nods. Worf quickly sets the leg and the man
	grimaces for a moment. Worf is trying to be of some
	comfort... trying to reach out to these people.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Good... good. You bore that
			well.

	Worf finishes with the splint and then stands. He
	turns in time to see Keiko suddenly give a groan and
	hunch over slightly. Worf moves to her quickly, but
	the pain passes and she seems okay for the moment.

					KEIKO
			I'm all right... I think...

					WORF
			Perhaps you should lie down.

					KEIKO
			Okay.

	She sits, then gasps as a contraction grabs hold of
	her again. She hunches over a little as Worf looks on
	helplessly. When she looks up, her face is pale.

					KEIKO
			I'm having contractions...

	This is not good news to Worf, who immediately goes
	into denial.

					WORF
			I believe that is not uncommon in
			the late months of pregnancy...

					KEIKO
			I mean contractions... I'm going
			into labor.

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT THREE      40.

43A  CONTINUED:

					WORF
			You cannot. This... this is not
			a good time.

					KEIKO
			It's not open for debate. Like
			it or not -- this baby is coming.

	On Worf's reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR      41.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

44   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Troi, Ro, and O'Brien at the table. Troi is listening
	quietly, absorbing the argument as the other two
	battle it out.

					O'BRIEN
				(to Ro)
			If the containment field strength
			keeps dropping at this rate, we
			still have at least two hours
			before it becomes critical.

					RO
			But you're ignoring the fact that
			the power coupling is also
			damaged.
				(to Troi)
			If that coupling overheats, the
			field strength will begin to drop
			a lot faster. We could have a
			containment breach in a matter of
			minutes.

					TROI
			What do you suggest?

					RO
			We should separate the saucer
			now, and put as much distance as
			possible between us and the drive
			section.

					O'BRIEN
			Excuse me, sir, but that's damn
			cold-blooded. What about the
			people down there?

					RO
			There's no evidence anyone is
			still alive in the drive section.

					O'BRIEN
			There's no evidence they're dead,
			either. If you were trapped down
			there, would you want us to cut
			you loose and leave?

      STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FOUR      41A.

44   CONTINUED:

					RO
			Of course not. But I also
			wouldn't expect the bridge crew
			to risk the safety of the ship
			and hundreds of lives in a futile
			effort to rescue me.

	Troi stands and moves to the window. She looks out at
	the stars for a long moment.

					TROI
				(without turning
				 around)
			You said there's no way to
			stabilize the containment field
			from the bridge. Could it be
			done from engineering?

					O'BRIEN
			Yes... but my readings indicate
			there's no power down there.
			They don't even have monitors to
			tell them there's a problem.

					TROI
			Could we divert energy from the
			bridge... to those monitors?

					O'BRIEN
			Yes, sir.

					RO
			I'll say it again: there's no
			reason to believe anyone's alive
			in engineering. We're wasting
			time even talking about this. We
			have to separate the ship now.

	Troi thinks for another moment... finally makes a very
	difficult decision. She turns back to face them.

					TROI
			I believe there are people still
			alive down there... and I'm
			going to give them every chance.

	She moves toward them.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FOUR          42.

44   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Assuming they are alive, they'll
			be hoping there's someone up here
			to help them. So we'll help
			them.
				(to O'Brien
			Divert the necessary power to
			engineering.

					O'BRIEN
				(stands)
			Aye, sir.

	Ro stands too, but she hasn't acquiesced.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR          43.

44   CONTINUED:

					RO
			I remind you, Counselor... that
			power coupling could overheat at
			any time. By not separating the
			ship now, you may be responsible
			for all our deaths.

	Troi looks her square in the eye.

					TROI
			Thank you, Ensign. Proceed.

	Ro turns and EXITS, leaving Troi to wrestle with the
	consequences of her decision.

									CUT TO:

45   INT. TURBOSHAFT

	The vertical shaft is very dark. There is a single
	ladder that runs the length of the shaft. Picard is
	on the ladder and is tied to Jay Gordon, Patterson and
	Marissa in turn by optical cables that have been
	fashioned into a safety rope. Picard is just below a
	door that has the words "DECK 7" in big letters (the
	turbolift was stuck on Deck 11). Picard is struggling
	with an open panel in an effort to open the doors, but
	it's very difficult to stay on the ladder and work the
	panel with all his weight on one leg.

	Picard works for another moment... presses a final
	relay and watches the doors... nothing happens. He
	wants to scream in frustration, but he takes a beat to
	get his temper under control.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR         43A.

45   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(to children)
			I can't open this door.

	Picard looks up at...

45A  POV PICARD - THE TURBOSHAFT (OPTICAL)

	The shaft stretches seven stories above them. There
	are other hatches visible in the shaft.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/14/91 - ACT FOUR          44.

45A  CONTINUED:

					PICARD'S VOICE
				(continuing)
			We'll have to climb up to the
			next deck.

45B  RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)

	As before. There are looks of dismay from the
	children. Patterson looks like he's losing it again --
	he's near tears.

					PATTERSON
			What if that one doesn't open
			either?

					JAY GORDON
			Then we'll never get out.

					MARISSA
			Quiet. That's an order.

					PICARD
				(firm)
			We're going up. Ready?

					MARISSA
				(crisp)
			Ready, sir.

	Jay Gordon and Patterson glumly nod and Picard begins
	the slow process of pulling himself up the ladder,
	using only his left leg. The children slowly follow
	him up the ladder for a few beats... suddenly there
	is a SOUND OF SHRIEKING METAL from o.c. Picard looks
	down.

					PICARD
				(urgent)
			The lift's falling! Hang on!

	They all freeze on the ladder just as there is a
	WHOOSH and then a CRASH from below them which SHAKES
	the ladder.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT FOUR          45.

46
thru	OMITTED
49

49A  ANGLE ON PATTERSON

	He hangs on to the ladder in terror as it SHAKES. The
	shaking STOPS after a moment, but Patterson continues
	to cling to the ladder for dear life and his eyes are
	shut tight with fear and his breathing is rapid.

49B  NEW ANGLE

	Including Picard and the other two children. He can't
	see Patterson from his angle.

					PICARD
			We're all right. We're going to
			keep climbing. Don't look down.

	Picard starts up, and Marissa and Jay Gordon follow,
	but Patterson is frozen to the ladder... the optical
	cable pulls Jay Gordon up short and he turns around.
	Picard and Marissa also stop.

					JAY GORDON
				(to Patterson)
			What's wrong?

					MARISSA
			He's scared.

					PICARD
				(to Patterson)
			We're right here with you,
			Patterson. You're not going to
			fall.

	Patterson closes his eyes and trembles slightly.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT FOUR          46.

49B  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Everything will be all right if
			you keep moving.

	Patterson doesn't respond except to clutch the ladder
	tighter. Picard knows they have to get moving.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			What we need -- is a climbing
			song. Marissa, what's a song you
			sing in school?

					MARISSA
			"The Laughing Vulcan and His Dog"?

					PICARD
			I'm afraid I don't know that one.
				(beat)
			I know -- "Frere Jacques". We
			used to sing that when I was your
			age. Patterson, do you know that
			song?

	No response.

					PICARD
			It goes like this... "Frere
			Jacques, Frere Jacques... "

					MARISSA
			"... dormez vous, dormez vous... "

	Picard, Marissa and Jay Gordon begin singing.

					ALL BUT PATTERSON
			"... sonnez les matines, sonnez
			les matines, ding din dong, ding
			din dong. Frere Jacques... "

	Finally Patterson begins to join in, softly.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR          47.

49B  CONTINUED:

					ALL
			"... Frere Jacques, dormez vous,
			dormez vous... "

	Picard begins hauling himself up once again, as they
	all keep singing. Patterson hesitates, but -- still
	singing -- begins to climb.

									CUT TO:

50   INT. TEN FORWARD

	Keiko has been moved away from everyone else to
	provide some privacy and is propped up on some
	cushions. She is in a lot of pain and she's very
	sweaty and tired. Worf is kneeling next to her,
	holding a PADD. The first aid kit is nearby. Worf is
	way out of his element here, and he's uncomfortable.

					WORF
			Your contractions are now only
			twenty seconds apart.

					KEIKO
				(weakly)
			It feels like they're constant...

					WORF
			They will continue to come closer
			together until you reach the
			bearing down phase.

	He plays the tricorder toward her and nods
	approvingly.

					WORF
			Dilation has gone to nine
			centimeters since the onset of
			labor.
				(to Keiko)
			That did not take long.

					KEIKO
			Easy for you to say...

	She breaks off as another contraction begins, closes
	her eyes and breathes deeply to help deal with the
	pain. Worf, feeling helpless, places his hand on her
	belly.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR          48.

50   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			You are doing very well. I am
			sure the child will arrive soon.

	Keiko doesn't answer; she's too absorbed in managing
	the contraction. Then it releases and her eyes open.
	Worf studies the tricorder.

					KEIKO
			Worf... has the baby turned?

	Worf absorbs this question, tries to figure out what
	in the world she's talking about. He is trying to be
	the comforting expert in a situation where he's way
	over his head.

					WORF
			Turned... ?

					KEIKO
			So the head is down. Doctor
			Crusher told me a few days ago it
			hadn't... but she wasn't worried
			because I still had a month to
			go...

	Worf nods. Then he places his hands on her abdomen,
	gingerly prods and presses.

					WORF
			I am not certain.
				(beat)
			Can't you tell?

	She shakes her head.

					KEIKO
			Worf... have you ever done this
			before? Delivered a baby?

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR          49.

50   CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(beat)
			No. But I have taken the
			Starfleet Emergency Medical
			Course. In a computerized
			simulation, I assisted in the
			delivery of a human baby.

					KEIKO
			Sometimes... things don't go by
			the book...

	Of which Worf is supremely aware. But he pats her
	shoulder, hoping to reassure her.

					WORF
			I am sure everything will be
			fine.

	He takes refuge in the tricorder as another
	contraction grips Keiko.

									CUT TO:

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR          50.

51
thru	OMITTED
52A

53   INT. CARGO BAY

	Geordi and Beverly are dragging the last container
	into place in front of the spacedoor. As Beverly
	talks, they set the container down, then move to the
	ladder and nearby console.

					BEVERLY
			Once the air is vented, the first
			thing you'll feel is extreme
			pressure in your lungs... you'll
			have to resist the temptation to
			exhale. Next, your hands and
			feet will get cold, then numb...
			and some of the capillaries in
			exposed sections of skin may
			burst.

					GEORDI
				(dry)
			Sounds like fun.

					BEVERLY
			We'll have about fifteen seconds
			of useful consciousness left.
			After that, there's about ten
			seconds of extreme
			disorientation, then we pass out.

					GEORDI
				(indicates panel on far
				 wall)
			After the air has been evacuated,
			one of us will have to get to
			that panel and repressurize the
			bay.

	Beverly nods, understanding. Geordi finishes tapping
	in commands and checks the panel one last time.

					GEORDI
			We're ready.

	They both begin to hyperventilate and then lean over
	the console and wrap their arms tightly around it.
	Geordi presses a control on the console.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FOUR          51.

54   ON SPACE DOOR (OPTICAL)

	The door OPENS. The blue outline of the
	pressurization field is visible around the door.

55   ON GEORDI & BEVERLY

	They continue to hyperventilate... then both take a
	deep breath and hold it. Geordi presses one more
	control and then quickly wraps his arm back around the
	console.

56   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	The blue outline DISAPPEARS from around the door and
	the bay DEPRESSURIZES. There is a ROAR OF AIR rushing
	out the door and the quaratum containers are BLOWN out
	of the door.

57   ON GEORDI & BEVERLY (OPTICAL)

	They desperately hang on to the console as the wind
	rips past them. Suddenly the WIND STOPS as the bay is
	evacuated. (There should be NO SOUND HEARD from this
	point until the bay is repressurized.)

58   ON PLASMA FIRE (OPTICAL)

	The fire is SNUFFED OUT.

59   NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Geordi frantically enters commands into the console
	and the spacedoor starts to slowly CLOSE.

60   ON GEORDI & BEVERLY.

	The pressure in their bodies are starting to affect
	them already. The door finally closes... Geordi &
	Beverly both move for the atmospheric control panel on
	the far wall... Geordi gets about halfway across the
	bay before becoming disoriented and dizzy... he falls
	to the floor in confusion.

61   ON BEVERLY

	Beverly can barely focus her eyes at this point, but
	she manages to make it to the controls.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/12/91 - ACT FOUR          52.

61   CONTINUED:

	She slaps the button and there is a LOUD WHOOSH of air
	as the bay is pressurized once again. Geordi and
	Beverly gratefully suck in the precious air. They sit
	on the floor and look at each other for a moment...
	just grateful to be alive.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE          53.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

62   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship hangs in space.

63   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Troi in command, Ro at tactical, O'Brien at
	engineering, and Mandel at ops. Troi is under
	tremendous pressure; wrestling with the decision of
	whether or not to separate the ship, and holding the
	balance between O'Brien and Ro.

					RO
			The field strength is down to
			twenty percent. We can't run the
			risk of staying here any longer.

					O'BRIEN
			We're not in danger until it
			drops below fifteen percent. We
			can afford to wait and see if
			anyone in engineering notices
			those monitors.

	Troi considers for a moment, then --

					TROI
			Have you made preparations to
			separate the Saucer Section?

					RO
			Yes, sir. We're in stand-by mode
			for docking latches and --

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE          54.

63   CONTINUED:

	O'Brien suddenly sees something on his monitor and
	reacts in alarm.

					O'BRIEN
			Ensign -- there's a thermal
			inversion in the power coupling!

	Ro moves quickly to him.

					RO
			Quick... cross-connect it to the
			transfer coil.

	O'Brien and Ro work feverishly for a moment... then
	the danger passes and they visibly relax. Troi,
	having no idea what's gone on, is alarmed.

					TROI
			What happened?

					RO
			Exactly what I said might happen.
			The power coupling overheated and
			the entire containment field
			almost collapsed.

	There is a beat as Ro takes Troi's measure, moves a
	step closer.

					RO
				(firmly)
			O'Brien's fixed it temporarily,
			but it could happen again at any
			moment, and next time we might
			not be able to stop it. You
			can't let wishful thinking guide
			your decision. It's time to
			leave, Counselor.

	Troi's voice never rises, but her tone and bearing
	make it clear who's in charge.

					TROI
			We will separate the ship when I
			have decided that it's time, not
			before. Is that clear, Ensign?

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE          55.

63   CONTINUED:

	Ro has no choice but to accept, but her eyes say she
	has not backed down.

					RO
			Yes. Perfectly.

64
thru	OMITTED
73

73A  INT. ENGINEERING (FORMERLY SCENE 51)

	There are several blown out panels in engineering and
	one or two dead bodies. The emergency isolation door
	has sealed the room off from the engine core. Riker
	is working on an open panel with a hand tool. He
	makes some final adjustment and then speaks to Data,
	who is o.c.

					RIKER
			Okay, try it.

					DATA (o.c.)
			Very good, Commander. You have
			established the connection. I
			can now raise the door.

73B  WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Revealing that Riker is talking to Data's head, which
	has been placed on a drop-down panel. There are
	several optical fibers connecting his head to the wall
	panel and Data has been positioned so that he can look
	at one of the large screens on the table. Data
	"processes" for a moment. After a beat, the isolation
	door begins to RISE.

73C  ON RIKER - INTERCUT WITH DATA AS NEEDED (OPTICAL)

	as he quickly moves under the door and goes into
	Geordi's office. He is surprised that, in sharp
	contrast to the outer area, Geordi's office is
	completely powered up. Consoles are functioning and
	the normal lights are on. Riker moves to a monitor.

					RIKER
			There's no power on the entire
			deck, but somehow these monitors
			are working.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FIVE          56.

73C  CONTINUED:

					DATA
				(thinks)
			Commander, the power reaching
			those monitors has been diverted
			from the bridge.

					RIKER
			But why... ?
				(beat)
			Unless there's something they
			want us -- something they need us
			to see...

	Riker moves to another console... the information on
	the screen is shocking.

					RIKER
			Data -- the containment field
			strength is down to eighteen
			percent!

	Riker moves to Data out at the panel.

					RIKER
				(urgent)
			Can you stabilize it?

					DATA
				(works)
			I do not have access to the
			containment field. You will have
			to establish a new link.

	Riker moves closer to Data's head.

					DATA
			Locate the ODN conduit.

	Riker picks up a long strand of optical cable from the
	panel.

					RIKER
			Got it.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FIVE          57.

73C  CONTINUED:

					DATA
			You must now change the input
			matrix in my secondary optical
			port and then connect the ODN
			conduit.

	Riker grabs a hand tool and gingerly begins to poke
	around inside the panel on Data's head. Data frowns.

					DATA
			That is not the correct port,
			sir.

					RIKER
			Sorry.

					DATA
			Commander, you must hurry, the
			field has dropped to sixteen
			percent.

					RIKER
			I'm trying. You need a bigger
			head.

					DATA
			The field is still dropping --
			collapse is imminent.

	Riker finally makes the adjustment and then attaches
	the optical cable to a spot in Data's head.

					RIKER
			All right, try it!

					DATA
				(thinks)
			I have a connection.
				(beat)
			I am now stabilizing the
			containment field.

	Riker breathes a sigh of relief.

					RIKER
			That's using your head, Data.

	Data gives him a curious look, but continues his work.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE          58.

74   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	O'Brien and Ro are at the monitors; Troi close by.

					TROI
			All right. Stand by to separate
			the Saucer Section --

					O'BRIEN
			Sir... the field strength is
			stabilizing...

	Troi comes to the monitor.

					O'BRIEN
			Eighteen percent... twenty...
			twenty-five...

					RO
			I guess they got our message.

	There is palpable relief on the bridge. Ro looks at
	Troi, holds her eyes for a moment, and then, without
	any hint of embarrassment...

					RO
			I was wrong, Counselor.

					TROI
			You could have just as easily
			been right.

									CUT TO:

75   OMITTED

76   INT. CORRIDOR - ON TURBOLIFT DOORS

	The doors are pried open from the inside and an
	exhausted Picard hauls himself up and into the
	corridor. Marissa, Jay Gordon, and Patterson come up
	after him. Picard leans against the wall... he and
	the children smile at each other for a moment and then
	Marissa carefully gives him a hug. For once, Picard
	is not uncomfortable with the affection of children.

77   INT. TEN FORWARD

	Worf is still with Keiko. He studies the tricorder
	anxiously.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/15/91 - ACT FIVE         58A.

77   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Congratulations. You are fully
			dilated to ten centimeters.
				(proudly)
			You may now give birth.

	Keiko just opens her eyes and stares at him.

					KEIKO
			I thought that's what I've been
			trying to do...

					WORF
			Bearing down is the next stage.
			It should start at full dilation.
			Why has it not begun?

					KEIKO
			I don't know... I don't think
			it's up to me... it happens when
			it happens...

	This whole thing is distressing to Worf; it isn't
	following the book, and he has no control over what's
	happening.

					WORF
			My computer simulation was not
			like this. That delivery was
			very orderly.

					KEIKO
			Well, I'm sorry...

	Another contraction starts and she closes her eyes.
	This time there is an involuntary groan.

					WORF
				(hoping)
			Did you feel an uncontrollable
			urge to push?

	Keiko's eyes open and she nods.

					WORF
			Good! You are bearing down. Now
			you must push with each
			contraction and I must urge you
			gently but firmly to push harder.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/16/91 - ACT FIVE         58B.

77   CONTINUED:

	Keiko shuts her eyes again and shakes her head
	slightly. This might go better alone. But another
	contraction...

					WORF
			Push, Keiko. Push hard...

	And Keiko does...

					WORF
			Push... push...

					KEIKO
				(through clenched
				 teeth)
			I am pushing --

	The contraction fades. Worf looks pleased.

					WORF
			The baby is emerging head first.
			One more contraction...

					KEIKO
			Okay...

	Another contraction... Keiko groans, pushes...

					WORF
			That's good -- push... harder...
				(amazed)
			I have the baby!

	Keiko gasps and sags back.

					WORF
			I will now smack the child to
			induce breathing --

	But before he can carry out that step, the baby starts
	crying lustily. Worf, holding the slippery little
	package, smiles broadly.

					WORF
			I believe she looks like Chief
			O'Brien.

	He wraps the baby in a blanket and hands her to Keiko,
	who is spent and exhausted but thrilled. She takes
	the bundle, cradles it to her, then looks up at Worf.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/21/91 - ACT FIVE          59.

77   CONTINUED:

					KEIKO
			You were wonderful, Worf. I
			couldn't have done it without
			you.

	He inclines his head modestly.

									CUT TO:

77A
thru	OMITTED
78

79   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship moving at warp speed.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. We
			are en route to Starbase Sixty-seven,
			to undergo repairs. Life
			aboard the Enterprise is slowly
			returning to normal.

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/21/91 - ACT FIVE          60.

80
thru	OMITTED
81

82   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Troi, Marissa, Jay Gordon, and Patterson ENTER from
	the turbolift and go to Riker, who is in command. Data,
	Worf, and Ro are at their stations. Jay Gordon is
	carrying a plaque. (He is holding it against his
	chest with the lettering facing outward. It has been
	signed by the three children.) Riker stands and smiles
	at Troi as she approaches.

					RIKER
				(joking)
			Just can't stay away from the big
			chair anymore, can you?

					TROI
				(right back at him)
			I don't think I'm cut out to be
			captain... first officer,
			maybe... I understand there
			aren't many qualifications.

	Riker takes the shot with grace.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Captain Picard to the bridge,
			please.

	Picard ENTERS from the ready room.

					RIKER
			There are some visitors here to
			see you, Captain.

	The three children immediately move forward. Picard
	is a little surprised to see them here, but he smiles
	at them.

					PICARD
			Hello. It's good to see you
			again. What brings you to the
			bridge?

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/21/91 - ACT FIVE          61.

82   CONTINUED:

	Jay and Patterson immediately look to Marissa, who's
	now become the unofficial leader of the group. She's
	still naturally shy and quiet, but now she is able to
	meet Picard's eyes directly and her voice has a
	stronger timbre than before. She reads the plaque
	that Jay Gordon is holding.

					MARISSA
				(reading plaque)
			"In appreciation for the way you
			helped us get out of the
			turboshaft, and the way you
			helped us not be scared."
				(looking up at Picard)
			We want to present to you this
			com-mem-mor-a-tive plaque.
				(whispers to Jay
				 Gordon)
			Give it to him.

	Jay Gordon solemnly moves forward and gravely gives
	Picard the plaque. Picard receives it in the same
	spirit of seriousness in which it is given.

					PICARD
			Thank you, very much.

					PATTERSON
			I made the back piece.

					PICARD
			And you did a wonderful job.
			Later this afternoon, we'll
			finish the tour I promised you.
				(beat)
			Starting with the battle bridge.

	Eager smiles and reactions from the children.

					PICARD
			I'll see you at fourteen hundred
			hours.
				(as he turns to go to
				 the Ready Room)
			You have the bridge, Number One.

					RIKER & MARISSA
			Aye, sir.

	Riker and Marissa look at each other and as the others
	react, we...

									CUT TO:

           STAR TREK: "Disaster" - REV. 8/20/91 - ACT FIVE          62.

83
thru	OMITTED
83B

84   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship warping away.

									FADE OUT:

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             

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