










                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                           "I, Borg" 
                          #40275-223 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                          Jeri Taylor 
                              
                          Directed by 
                        Robert Lederman 


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

Copyright 1992 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT

                        MARCH 3, 1992


          STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "I, Borg" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             THE BORG SURVIVOR
                RIKER              
                DATA               
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                                   
                GUINAN             
                SECURITY GUARD'S COM VOICE

                Non-Speaking       Non-Speaking
                  SECURITY GUARDS    TWO BORG
                  NURSES             
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    

             STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "I, Borg" 
                        
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     CRASH SITE/MOON SURFACE
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              ENGINEERING
              TEN FORWARD
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              SCIENCE LAB
              DETENTION CELL
              GYMNASIUM
              PICARD'S QUARTERS

           STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - TEASER           1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                          "I, Borg"                                
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Dropping out of warp speed as it enters a star system.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45854.2.
			The Enterprise is charting six
			star systems that make up the
			Argolis cluster, an area being
			considered for colonization.

2    INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	PICARD, RIKER, and TROI are in the command area, DATA
	at ops, WORF at tactical; various SUPERNUMERARIES fill
	the other posts as needed.

	A star fills the VIEWSCREEN -- solar flares leap out
	from its surface. All watch the beautiful pyrotechnic
	display except Data, who is taking sensor readings.

					RIKER
			Very impressive...

					TROI
			It's beautiful... and frightening
			at the same time.

					DATA
				(reading console)
			Radiation bursts from the star's
			surface are making precise sensor
			readings difficult. It seems to
			be exhibiting gravitational
			instability.

	Riker and Troi share a smile -- Data's scientific
	perspective precludes his appreciating the beauty of
	what they're seeing.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - TEASER         2.

2    CONTINUED:

					DATA
			The star's fluctuations are too
			severe. It would be impossible
			to settle any of the planets
			in this system.

	When no one acknowledges his report, he turns and looks
	behind him. Everyone is watching the bursts of fire
	that snake up from the star's surface.

					DATA
			I suggest we proceed to the next
			system. Its sun is a stable main
			sequence star.

					PICARD
			In a moment, Mister Data.

	Data looks at their faces, then to the viewscreen.
	He realizes what is going on, then returns to what he
	finds more interesting: the sensor readings. After
	a moment:

					DATA
			Sir, I am detecting a
			transmission... emanating from
			within this system

					RIKER
			What kind of signal?

					DATA
			It is self-repeating... of unknown
			pattern.

					PICARD
			Where is it coming from?

					DATA
			A small moon orbiting the fourth
			planet.

					PICARD
			Life signs?

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - TEASER         3.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Indeterminate. I am attempting
			to screen out sensor
			interference...
				(he manipulates a few
				 controls)
			Readings are still inconclusive;
			however, the moon's atmosphere is
			capable of supporting life.

					RIKER
			Then it could be a distress call.

	Riker looks to Picard, who nods briefly.

					RIKER
			Helm, take us into transport
			range.
				(to com)
			Doctor Crusher, we need a medical
			away team in transporter room two.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Acknowledged.

	Riker heads for the turbolift, nodding for Worf to
	follow.

3    EXT. THE CRASH SITE - TWILIGHT (OPTICAL)

	PAN ACROSS a snowy, frozen landscape to take in the
	scattered wreckage of a crashed spacecraft -- charred
	metal and ship's innards litter the area. The AWAY
	TEAM (BEVERLY, Riker, Worf) MATERIALIZES in the
	foreground. Beverly scans with her medical tricorder.

					BEVERLY
			I'm reading one life form... very
			weak signs.

	She follows her readings toward the heart of the
	wreckage.

4    CLOSE - BEVERLY

	she sees something...

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - TEASER         4.

5    WIDEN

	to reveal a person's legs emerging out from under some
	debris. She gestures for Riker and Worf to help her
	and they lift it off.

6    ANGLE - BEVERLY, RIKER AND WORF

	as they see the survivor's face for the first time.

7    ANGLE - THE SURVIVOR

	We understand why they reacted as they did -- the
	survivor is a Borg...

                                             FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

        STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE        5.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

8    EXT. THE CRASH SITE -- MOMENTS LATER

	Beverly is scanning the survivor's still form; she
	checks a reading and administers the appropriate hypo.
	The Borg is an adolescent male -- one of his arms is a
	mechanical prosthetic, as is one of his eyes. Riker
	stands, his face is troubled. Worf has already drawn
	his phaser; Riker raises a hand that it's all right,
	then keys his combadge.

					RIKER
			Riker to Enterprise.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Go ahead, Number One.

					RIKER
			We've found the wreckage of a
			small craft... and one survivor.

9    INT. BRIDGE

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			It's a Borg.

	Picard's features seem to darken.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(continuing)
			Male, adolescent -- he's badly
			hurt.

	When Picard says nothing:

					DATA
			There is no indication of other
			Borg activity within sensor range.

	Picard betrays no sign of having heard him; he is
	weighing the options. After a moment:

					PICARD
			Away team, prepare to return to
			the ship.

          STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT ONE          6.

10   EXT. THE CRASH SITE

	Riker and Beverly react.

					BEVERLY
			We can't leave him here, he won't
			survive.

	When Picard doesn't answer, Riker steps in:

					RIKER
			I think the captain understands
			that.

					BEVERLY
			Then I don't.

					RIKER
			The Borg usually collect their
			dead --

					BEVERLY
			He's not dead --

					RIKER
			And that transmission --

					BEVERLY
			-- at least not yet --

					RIKER
			That transmission we intercepted
			was probably a homing signal.
			We have to assume they're on their
			way.

					BEVERLY
				(acknowledging this)
			At least let me stabilize his
			condition, give him a chance of
			surviving until they get here.

	Riker can't ignore this plea.

					RIKER
			Captain?

11   INT. BRIDGE - ON PICARD

					PICARD
			Your concern is noted, Doctor.
			But any intervention on your part
			would only alert the Borg to our
			having been here.

        STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE        7.

12   EXT. CRASH SITE (OPTICAL)

	Throughout this exchange, Beverly has never stopped
	treating the Borg.

					BEVERLY
			I'm afraid we've already turned
			that corner.

	She passes a wound-sealer (OPTICAL) over the Borg's
	forehead as she says this, closing a nasty gash and
	stopping the bloodflow.

					WORF
			Kill it. Now. We could make it
			appear that it died in the crash
			-- leave no evidence that we were
			here.

	Worf's solution is harsh, but it has the virtue of
	showing what's at stake here. Without waiting for
	a reply, he moves off to investigate the surroundings.
	Riker waits for the captain's reaction.

13   INT. BRIDGE

	Picard doesn't like either of his options.
	Reluctantly, he chooses to allow Beverly to continue.

					PICARD
			Security measures must be taken
			before we beam it on board.

14   EXT. CRASH SITE

	Relieved, Beverly smiles, and continues her
	ministrations.

					BEVERLY
			Standing by...

15   INT. BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Mister Data, notify security to
			prepare a detention cell.
				(to com)
			Bridge to engineering.

        STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE        8.

15   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge here.

					PICARD
			We're bringing a Borg survivor
			on board. We'll need to
			neutralize the homing signal --

16   INT. ENGINEERING

	GEORDI at a science station.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
				(continued)
			-- prevent it from sending or
			receiving transmissions of any
			kind.

					GEORDI
			I'll set up a subspace damping
			field around the detention cell.

17   EXT. CRASH SITE -- A FEW MINUTES LATER

	Worf has discovered several other dead Borg scattered
	among the shuttle debris. He returns to Riker and
	Beverly, who is still treating the injured Borg.

					WORF
			There are four others. None
			survived.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Picard to Riker.

					RIKER
			Go ahead, Enterprise.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			We're transporting you directly
			to the detention cell.

					BEVERLY
			I need him in sickbay --

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			The cell, Doctor. Whatever
			equipment you need will be brought
			to you there.

	Beverly doesn't like it -- but backs down.

        STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE        9.

17   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			Very well.

17A  INT. BRIDGE

	There is a moment as Picard accepts this; then, without
	a word, he stands and EXITS to his ready room. Troi
	looks after him for a beat, then rises.

17B  INT. READY ROOM

	Picard is rounding his desk as the door CHIMES. He
	stops, glances toward it, seems mildly irritated.

					PICARD
			Come.

	The door opens and Troi comes in. Picard continues on
	to his chair and busies himself with his monitor.

					TROI
			Captain... I just wondered if
			there's anything you wanted to
			talk about.

					PICARD
			I don't think so, Counselor.

	A brief pause as he continues to fiddle with his
	monitor. Troi understands this man well... how
	difficult it is for him to acknowledge weakness.

					TROI
			I would have thought that
			having a Borg on the ship would
			stir some feelings...

					PICARD
			I am quite recovered from my
			experience, thank you.

					TROI
			Sometimes... even when a victim
			has dealt with his assault...
			there are residual effects of the
			event that linger. You were
			treated violently by the Borg...
			kidnapped, assaulted, mutilated
			--

        STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE        10.

17B  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Counselor --

	Hearing his own somewhat sharp tone, he checks himself,
	sees Troi looking at him imperturbably.

					PICARD
			Counselor, I very much appreciate
			your concern for me. But I assure
			you, it is misplaced.

	He glances at Troi, still watching him.

					PICARD
			I have carefully considered the
			implications of having this Borg
			on the ship. I have weighed the
			possible risks, and I am convinced
			we've done the right thing.
				(beat)
			I am quite comfortable with my
			decision.

	He is, of course, avoiding how he feels about the Borg
	-- an omission of which Troi is quite aware.

					TROI
			I see. Well, if at any point you
			want to talk more...

					PICARD
			I will certainly avail myself of
			your help.

	But he has shut her out. She EXITS, sensing that the
	captain has some rough times ahead.

18   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around the moon.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/09/92 - ACT ONE       11.

19   INT. THE DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL)

	Picard approaches Geordi, Worf, and two SECURITY
	PERSONNEL who stand outside the force field. A NURSE
	is just entering the cell.

					WORF
				(to Security Guard)
			Lower the force field.

	The force field briefly flares to let her through, then
	is reinstated. Beverly is already inside, working on
	the Borg. As Picard approaches, Worf addresses him.

					WORF
			Captain, the Borg is still
			unconscious.

	Beverly looks up at Picard. His face shows nothing of
	what he might be feeling.

					BEVERLY
			He suffered massive internal
			injuries. We've got the
			hemorrhaging under control, but
			some of the implants in his brain
			were damaged. I may have to
			remove them.

					PICARD
			The Borg will die if they're
			removed permanently. Their brains
			grow dependent on the biochips.

					BEVERLY
			Perhaps Geordi could construct
			new implants...

					GEORDI
			They contain relatively
			straightforward programming,
			interface protocols... we have
			the files we downloaded after your
			experience, sir. I think I could
			manage it.

	Picard muses for a moment... turning something over
	in his mind.

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge... do you have
			enought knowledge of Borg
			programming to alter the pathways
			to the root command structure?

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT ONE 12-13.           

19   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			I'm not sure, sir. The
			subroutines are pretty
			complicated... I'd probably have
			to study their data processing
			algorithms... that's the only way
			I could trace the access codes.

	Picard turns, looks for a moment at the
	still-unconscious Borg.

					PICARD
			If we could get to the root
			command... we could introduce an
			invasive programming sequence
			through its biochip system...
			and then return it to the hive.

					GEORDI
				(getting it)
			The Borg are so interconnected
			it would spread like a virus.

					PICARD
			Until it infected the entire
			Collective. We could disable
			their neural network in one
			stroke.

					BEVERLY
			Infected... it sounds like you're
			talking about a disease.

					PICARD
			Quite right, Doctor. And if all
			goes well, a terminal one.

	Picard's demeanor is icy; Geordi, Beverly and Worf
	have mixed reactions as:

20
thru	OMITTED
21
                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO       14.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

22   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Riker, Data, Beverly, and Troi; Picard and Geordi have
	just finished explaining their plan. Of the group,
	Beverly has the most troubled response.

					GEORDI
			If this works the way I think it
			will, once the invasive program
			starts spreading, it'll only be
			a matter of months before the Borg
			suffer total systems failure.

	There is a silence at this. Picard looks around the
	room.

					PICARD
			Comments.

					BEVERLY
			A question. What, exactly, is
			"total systems failure?"

	Data doesn't recognize the sarcasm in her voice, and
	so answers her straight.

					DATA
			The Borg are extremely
			computer-dependent. A total
			systems failure will destroy
			them.

					BEVERLY
			I just think we should be plain
			about that. We're talking about
			annihilating an entire race...

					PICARD
			Which under most circumstances
			would be unconscionable. But as
			I see it, the Borg leave us little
			choice.

					RIKER
			I agree. We're at war.

        STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT TWO        15.

22   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			There's been no formal declaration
			of war...

					TROI
			Not from our side. But certainly
			from theirs. They've attacked
			us in every encounter we've had.

					PICARD
			They have declared war on our way
			of life. We are to be
			assimilated.

					BEVERLY
			Even in war, there are rules.
			You don't kill civilians
			indiscriminately.

					RIKER
			There are no civilians among the
			Borg.

					PICARD
			Think of them as a single,
			collective being. Any one Borg
			is no more an individual than your
			arm or your leg.

					BEVERLY
			How convenient.

	Picard fastens his eyes on her.

					PICARD
			Your point?

					BEVERLY
			When I look at my patient, I don't
			see a collective consciousness...
			I don't see a hive... I see a
			living, breathing boy... who's
			been hurt and who needs help.
			And we're talking about sending
			him back to his people as an
			instrument of destruction.

	Picard turns from her.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO       16.

22   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			It comes down to this: We are
			faced with an enemy that is
			determined to destroy us, and with
			whom we have no hope of
			negotiating peace. Unless that
			changes, we are justified in doing
			anything we can to survive.

					SECURITY GUARD'S COM VOICE
			Security to Captain.

					PICARD
			Picard, here.

					SECURITY GUARD'S COM VOICE
			The Borg has regained
			consciousness, sir.

	Reactions...

					PICARD
			Acknowledged.
				(stands)
			We will proceed as planned.

23   INT. DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL)

	The Borg is moving along the perimeter of the detention
	cell's wall, feeling his way, looking up and down as he
	covers every square inch of the wall. He is a young
	man of about eighteen, and though possessing the
	intimidating Borg characteristics -- prosthetic arm,
	eye, etc. -- he nonetheless exudes the vulnerability of
	youth. A portable SENSOR device is visible in the
	cell. As he encounters the force field, he reacts,
	stepping back and proceeding with his careful
	exploration of the walls.

24   ON THE GROUP

	outside the force field: Picard, Geordi, Beverly, and
	the security team.

					BEVERLY
			What's he doing?

					PICARD
			Trying to find an access terminal,
			so he can interface with the
			collective. He doesn't understand
			that the signal has been cut off.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO       17.

24   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(reading the sensor)
			He's emitting a homing signal...
			and a second subspace frequency...
			but our damping field is blocking
			both signals.

					PICARD
			He's alone. For the first time
			in his life he's being forced to
			cope with his environment without
			the resources of the Collective.

	Beverly stares at the boy groping the wall.

					BEVERLY
			He must be hungry.

	They look at her curiously.

					BEVERLY
			The Borg don't ingest food --
			their implants can synthesize any
			organic molecules their biological
			tissues require. What they need
			-- is energy.

	She looks right at Picard, a bit challenging. Picard
	addresses Geordi.

					PICARD
			Arrange to feed it.

					GEORDI
			Aye, sir.

	Picard gives the Borg a last look before he EXITS.
	Beverly and Geordi watch as the Borg continues his
	slow, painstaking groping around the cell, looking for
	something familiar.

					GEORDI
			I'll have to adapt a power conduit
			and install it in there.

	Beverly doesn't respond, and he looks at her.
	Beverly's eyes are fixed on the Borg.

          STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO          18.

24   CONTINUED: (3)

					BEVERLY
			If I didn't know better... I'd
			think he was scared.

	Geordi turns and eyes the Borg, who is feeling
	carefully, high on the wall, for a link-up with home.

25   INT. SHIP'S GYMNASIUM

	Two figures are fencing. It soon becomes clear that
	one of them is less adept than the other. He or she is
	forced to retreat just to stay in the match -- but
	retreat only delays the inevitable. The better fencer
	lunges and makes a touch.

	The two remove their masks and we realize that Picard
	is the better fencer; his opponent -- is GUINAN.

					GUINAN
			I don't think I like this sport.

					PICARD
			Last week when you scored two
			touches on me, you liked it well
			enough.

	They start walking toward the side of the room, where
	"gym bags" lie on a bench.

					PICARD
			Today your foil was dipping too
			low... you kept letting me inside.

					GUINAN
			And if I hold it too high, you
			lunge under it. Let's face it
			-- you're just better at this than
			I am.

	They reach the bench, sit, pull out towels, wipe their
	faces, taking a breather between encounters. There is
	a silence, somewhat prolonged, as they do what they do,
	and when Guinan finally speaks, it is with forced
	nonchalance.

					GUINAN
			I hear we have a guest on board.

	Picard shoots her a glance.

					PICARD
			Yes.

          STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO          19.

25   CONTINUED:

	Another silence.

					GUINAN
			Is that wise?

					PICARD
			I'm not sure. I hope so.

	Another pause as Guinan stuffs things in her bag.
	There's a lot going on inside, but she's keeping a lid
	on it.

					GUINAN
			I thought I understood you,
			Picard. But I don't understand
			this.

					PICARD
			It was an errand of mercy... he
			was injured, Doctor Crusher
			decided for humanitarian reasons
			to care for him --

					GUINAN
			They'll be coming, you know that.
			You, of all people, know that.

	Picard knows she's right. He has no answers. He
	changes tacks, rises.

					PICARD
			Shall we go again?

	She nods, and they don their masks and go to center
	floor. They advance and retreat a few times, parrying.
	Then Guinan lunges... stumbles... grabs at her leg
	-- she's pulled a muscle.

	Picard drops his foil and starts toward her in concern.
	Suddenly she is up and on him in a flurry of thrusts,
	and actually knocks the foil from his hand. She takes
	off her mask.

					GUINAN
			You felt sorry for me. Look what
			it got you.

	And she holds his look, defiant -- and unquestionably
	angry.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO       20.

26   INT. DETENTION CELL (OPTICAL)

	Geordi and Worf ENTER and cross toward the two Guards,
	who stand to either side of the Borg's cell; Geordi
	is carrying the power conduit he has constructed.

					GEORDI
			I'll have to go in... to connect
			the power conduit.

					WORF
				(to Security Guard)
			I will follow the Commander.
			Reactivate the field once we're
			through.

	Both guards hold their phasers ready. Worf nods to
	the Guard, who drops the force field. Geordi and
	Worf step forward, moving slowly so as not to startle
	the Borg, who is huddled in a corner.

					GEORDI
			Good, now just stay there.

	The Borg looks at them; an attachment on his prosthetic
	arm makes a mechanical sound as it spins, adding
	tension to the moment.

	Geordi moves toward the cell wall where he opens a
	panel and exposes a power terminal. Worf stations
	himself just inside the force field.

	Geordi begins installing the conduit. The Borg takes a
	step toward him.

					WORF
			Commander...

	The Borg stops after one step. His voice has none of
	the metallic edge we've heard from the Borg before.

					BORG
			We are Borg.

	Geordi ignores him, he has a pretty good idea of what's
	coming next:

					BORG
			You will be assimilated.

	Though annoyed, Geordi continues to ignore him.

          STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO          21.

26   CONTINUED:

					BORG
			Resistance is futile.

					GEORDI
				(without stopping his
				 work)
			Take a look around, pal, you're
			not exactly in a position to make
			demands.

	The Borg accesses his biochips for instructions.

					BORG
			We must return to the Collective.

	Geordi stops and looks at him.

					GEORDI
			Who's "we?"

	The Borg seems to consider the question.

					BORG
			We... are Borg.

					GEORDI
			There's only one of you.

	The Borg doesn't reply.

					GEORDI
			Do you have a name?

	The Borg doesn't understand.

					GEORDI
			A means of identification?

					BORG
			Third, of five.

					GEORDI
				(figuring it out)
			There were five on your ship...
			Is that it? Just a number?

					BORG
			Third, of five.

					GEORDI
			It does kind of suit you.

	He finishes installing the power conduit.

        STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT TWO        22.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			This is for you. It regulates
			the power flow to the frequency
			you're used to...
				(indicating)
			... and this connection should fit
			the coupling on your arm.

	When no reply is forthcoming.

					GEORDI
			You're welcome.

	He gathers his tools and moves toward the force field.

					GEORDI
			Let's get out of here.

					WORF
			Lower the force field.

	The Security Guard lowers the field, then reactivates
	it when Geordi and Worf step through. They turn to
	watch the Borg, who moves toward the conduit. He seems
	suspicious of Geordi's motives, but after a brief
	deliberation, decides to plug in.

					GEORDI
			He's hungry all right.

	No optical effect should be necessary to convey the
	sense that power is flowing into his depleted system
	-- his carriage will indicate that he is being
	replenished. He turns and fastens his orb on the two
	of them.

					BORG
			Why do you do this?

					GEORDI
			I'm just a nice guy at heart.
			Feeling better?

	The Borg stares at him.

					BORG
			You are not-Borg.

					GEORDI
			That's right. And hope to stay
			that way.

	The Borg looks at his arm, attached to the power
	conduit, then back at Geordi and Worf. He seems
	perplexed. He is truly adrift, alone in a world he
	cannot understand. He falls back on basic Borg:

          STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT TWO          23.

26   CONTINUED: (3)

					BORG
			You will be assimilated.
			Resistance is futile.

					GEORDI
			That's gratitude for you.

	Off the expressionless face of the Borg we...

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE         24.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

27   INT. SCIENCE LAB (OPTICAL)

	Geordi with Beverly, making plans to transport the
	Borg. Geordi has hooked up a power conduit similar
	to the one Geordi set up in the detention cell. There
	are consoles, monitors, equipment, etc.

					GEORDI
			I've been rationing his portions
			of energy. I think he
			understands -- if he cooperates,
			he gets fed. If not...
				(shrugs)

					BEVERLY
			Like a rat in a cage.

	Geordi gives her a look; he knows she's less than
	enthusiastic about this plan. He tries to explain.

					GEORDI
			If I'm gonna figure out his
			command pathways, I have to learn
			how he processes information.
			The only way I know to do that
			is to give him perceptual tests.
			That means getting his
			cooperation.

					BEVERLY
			So he can participate in the
			destruction of his entire species.

					GEORDI
				(frustrated)
			Doctor...

					BEVERLY
			I know, I know. We're at war.

	She takes a breath, tries to regain her control.

					BEVERLY
			I'm here to help you... but I
			don't have to like it.

	Geordi decides to leave it at that. He surveys the
	room, satisfied that they're ready.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT THREE       25.

27   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			I think we're ready to transport
			him. If he gives us any trouble,
			we can access the force field
			through this console.
				(gestures)
			Ready?

	Beverly nods and he keys his insignia.

					GEORDI
			La Forge to transporter room three.
			We're ready here.

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
			We are standing by, Commander.

					GEORDI
			Energize.

	The Borg and an N.D. Security Guard MATERIALIZE in
	the lab. The boy looks disoriented, uncertain of his
	surroundings. He looks around the room for anything
	familiar... and spots the power conduit. He lifts his
	prosthetic arm toward it.

					GEORDI
			You want some?

	The Borg turns and looks at him. He nods. Geordi
	moves to the conduit and gestures to the Borg to hook
	on. He does. Worf retreats to the door.

					GEORDI
			Doctor Crusher, this is Third of
			Five. Third of Five, this is our
			ship's doctor.

	The Borg looks puzzled. He stares at Beverly; what
	she sees is a boy, almost the age of her son, who is
	lost in a strange world.

					BEVERLY
				(warmly)
			Hello.

					BORG
			What is a doctor?

					BEVERLY
			A doctor heals the sick. Repairs
			the injured.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE         26.

27   CONTINUED: (2)

					BORG
			The sick and injured are
			reabsorbed. Others take their
			place.

					BEVERLY
				(gently)
			That didn't happen to you. When
			we found you, you were dying.
			I saved your life.

	The Borg stares at her, trying to understand this.

					BORG
			Why?

					BEVERLY
			That's my duty. To help those
			who are hurt.

	The Borg frowns, trying to understand. He looks at
	his arm, drawing energy from the conduit, and then
	looks up at Geordi.

					BORG
			You give us food...

					GEORDI
			Right.

					BORG
			Is that your duty?

	Beverly eyes Geordi; he looks a little uncomfortable.

					GEORDI
			Yeah. That's right.

	He turns away to a console, begins entering
	instructions.

					GEORDI
			Listen, Third of Five... Doctor
			Crusher here has repaired a lot
			of the damage to your biochip
			implants. We want to run a few
			tests... see if everything is
			working okay.

	The Borg looks from one to the other, confused and
	uncertain, but without guile. He is an innocent, and
	it is this quality more than any other that will come
	to play on the Enterprise crew.

      STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/09/92 - ACT THREE      27.

27   CONTINUED: (3)

					BORG
			Tests...

					BEVERLY
			I'll show you some diagrams...
			ask you some questions about
			them... it's very simple, really.

	The Borg has nothing to fall back on. Cut off from
	the hive, he is in a sense blind, adrift in a world
	that makes no sense.

					BORG
				(vaguely)
			You will be assimilated...

					GEORDI
			Right. But before that happens,
			could we maybe ask you a few
			questions?

	The Borg looks from one to the other, takes a leap.

					BORG
			We will answer.

					GEORDI
			Terrific. Okay, Third of Five,
			right over here...

	He gestures at the Borg, to get him to come and stand
	in front of the console. The Borg moves uncertainly
	toward it, then stops.

					BORG
			What is your designation?

					GEORDI
			Designation?

					BORG
				(indicating himself)
			Third, of Five...

					BEVERLY
			You mean our names. We don't have
			designations -- we have names.
			I'm Beverly...
				(points)
			This is Geordi.

	The Borg puzzles over this.

      STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/09/92 - ACT THREE      27A.

27   CONTINUED: (4)

					BORG
			Do I have a -- name?

					GEORDI
			Do you want one?

					BORG
			A name...

					BEVERLY
			I'm Beverly, this is Geordi...
				(points)
			... and you...

					BORG
			You...

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE         28.

27   CONTINUED: (4)

					BEVERLY
			You...

	Geordi has a thought.

					GEORDI
			That's it. Hugh. What do you
			think?

					BORG
			You.

					GEORDI
			Not you... Hugh.

					BORG
			Hugh.

	Beverly smiles. This is progress.

					BEVERLY
			All right... I'm Beverly...

	She points at Geordi.

					GEORDI
			I'm Geordi...

	She points at the Borg. He hesitates, then --

					BORG
			We are Hugh.

	Geordi and Beverly both smile. Hugh looks from one
	to the other, puzzled at the response. But even he
	looks pleased with himself.

28   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around the moon.

29   INT. SCIENCE LAB (OPTICAL)

	The Borg is looking at a topographical representation
	of a complex geometric shape DISPLAYED on a SCREEN
	(where shaded lines represent the far side of the shape
	as seen through its solid mass).

      STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT THREE      29.

29   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			Now imagine what this shape would
			look like if it were turned inside
			out.

	She changes the display to show three choices; all are
	quite complex and not very obviously different from
	each other.

					BEVERLY
			Which one is it?

	Geordi's face shows that even he's not sure which one
	it is.

					BORG
			This one.

					BEVERLY
			That's right.
				(to Geordi)
			He's gotten every one -- eight
			for eight. That blows the top
			right off the spatial acuity
			percentiles.

					GEORDI
			It's the prosthetic eye... it
			seems to be giving him very
			complex visual information...

					BEVERLY
			Like some kind of holographic
			imaging system.

					GEORDI
			That could be helpful.

	He turns to the Borg, who has been following this
	interchange with some fascination.

					GEORDI
			Hugh, I'd like to take a closer
			look at your eyepiece. Is that
			okay?

	To Geordi's surprise, Hugh reaches up and with one
	quick motion, removes his eyepiece.

					BORG
			Here.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT THREE       30.

29   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Well... thanks.

	He takes the eyepiece and begins inspecting it. During
	the next, he studies the device, but keeps getting
	drawn to the conversation between the Borg and Beverly.

					BORG
			When you are assimilated, you will
			have a similar device.

					BEVERLY
			Hugh, do you understand that we
			don't want to be assimilated?

					BORG
			Why do you resist us?

					BEVERLY
			Because... we don't want to live
			the way you do.

	The Borg seems to puzzle over this.

					BORG
			Here it is quiet. There are no
			other voices.

					GEORDI
			Other voices?

					BORG
			On a Borg ship we live with the
			thoughts of the others in our
			minds. Thousands of voices...
			with us always.

	Beverly is touched by this spontaneous outpouring of
	the pleasures of Borg life. She realizes once more
	how alien it must be for him here.

					BEVERLY
			I think what you're saying... is
			that you're lonely.

	The Borg frowns, not exactly understanding the concept.
	Geordi gives him back the eyepiece.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE         31.

29   CONTINUED: (3)

					GEORDI
			Here you go.

	The Borg reinserts the eyepiece, then studies the two
	of them.

					BORG
			When you have completed these
			tests, what will be done with us?

	It is an innocent question, devoid of guile. Geordi
	feels a bit uncomfortable, falls back on a partial
	truth.

					GEORDI
			We'll send you home.

	Hugh nods at this, seeming almost buoyed.

					BORG
			We will rejoin the Collective.

	Geordi and Beverly exchange a glance... Geordi seems
	almost as troubled as Beverly about what they're doing.

30   INT. TEN FORWARD

	Geordi at the bar; Guinan listening.

					GEORDI
			It's funny... when I first started
			out, I had no problem with
			creating this invasive program...
			but the more I work with Hugh,
			the more I --

					GUINAN
			Hugh?

					GEORDI
			That's the name we gave him.

					GUINAN
			You named a Borg...

					GEORDI
			Yeah.
				(a little defensive)
			It was easier to have something
			to call him.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE         32.

30   CONTINUED:

					GUINAN
			Okay, so now you have a Borg named
			Hugh...

					GEORDI
			And... he's not anything like I'd
			expected.

					GUINAN
			How so?

					GEORDI
			I don't know... he's... he just
			seems like a kid.. a long way from
			home...

	Guinan eyes him skeptically.

					GUINAN
			You're the second person today
			that's talked about this Borg as
			if he were a lost child...

					GEORDI
			And now I'm having second thoughts
			about what we're doing.
			Programming him like a walking
			bomb... sending him back to
			destroy the others...

	Guinan leans down to him. Again, the strain of anger
	wells up in her, and she speaks with intensity.

					GUINAN
			This "kid's" big brothers are
			going to hunt us down. They won't
			rest until they have him back.
			And they'll destroy us in the
			process -- without any of this
			soul-searching you're going
			through.

					GEORDI
			Maybe you should go talk to him.
			It might not seem so clear cut
			then.

					GUINAN
			I wouldn't have anything to say.

	Geordi swings off the stool.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE         33.

30   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Then why don't you just listen?
			That's what you do best, isn't
			it?

	And he's gone, leaving Guinan with a welter of
	feelings.

31   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around the moon where the Borg ship was found.

32   INT. BRIDGE

	Picard ENTERS from his ready room. Data is at ops,
	Riker is standing, looking over his shoulder.

					PICARD
			What is it, Number One?

					RIKER
			We've picked up a vessel on long
			range scanners, headed this way.

	Picard knows very well who it might be.

					PICARD
			Analysis.

					DATA
			The vessel is traveling at warp
			seven-point-six. Mass:
			two-point-five million metric
			tons, configuration: ...cubical.

					RIKER
			The Borg...

					DATA
			Its dimensions indicate that it
			is a scout ship similar to the
			one that crashed.

	When Picard says nothing:

					DATA
			Interference from the star's
			radiation will shield us from
			their sensors. We should remain
			undetected until they enter this
			system.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT THREE         34.

32   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			How long do we have?

					DATA
			At present speed they will arrive
			in thirty-one hours, seven
			minutes.

33   ANGLE - PICARD

	The concern on his face is evident.

                                             FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         35.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

34   INT. DETENTION CELL

	Guinan ENTERS and crosses toward the cell where the
	Borg is being held. She and the security guards
	exchange a nod.

35   CLOSE - GUINAN

	as she sees the Borg for the first time. Myriad
	feelings rise in her.

36   ANGLE - BORG

	as he sees her. He moves forward in a curious,
	friendly way. They stare at each other for a moment.

					GUINAN
			Well... you don't look so tough.

					BORG
				(a bit puzzled)
			We are Borg.

	A silence as she inspects him.

					GUINAN
			I hear they gave you a name.

	A little flicker of -- pride? -- from the Borg, who
	nods.

					BORG
			Yes. We are Hugh.

	She stares at him, a bit challenging, as though waiting
	for him to speak.

					GUINAN
			Well? Aren't you going to tell
			me I have to be assimilated?

					BORG
			You wish to be assimilated... ?

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         36.

36   CONTINUED:

					GUINAN
			No, I don't wish. But that's what
			you people do.

	The Borg nods. He's getting a real strong message
	about how people don't want to become part of the
	collective.

					GUINAN
			Resistance is futile. Right?

	Hugh repeats the litany, but it sounds halting and
	tentative.

					BORG
			Resistance is futile...

					GUINAN
			I've got news for you. It isn't.
			Some of my ancestors resisted the
			Borg, when you came to assimilate
			us. A few escaped.

					BORG
				(confused)
			Resistance is not futile...

					GUINAN
			No...

	She looks at him, caught off guard a moment by his
	admission, but still needing to vent her pain.

					GUINAN
			But thanks to you, there aren't
			many of us. We're scattered
			around the galaxy... we have no
			home... we don't even have each
			other.

	The Borg takes this in, considers, is reminded of
	something he recently heard.

					BORG
			What you are saying... is that
			you are lonely.

	Guinan stares at him, not believing what she's heard.

					GUINAN
			What... ?

					BORG
			You have no others. You have no
			home.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/06/93 - ACT FOUR       37.

36   CONTINUED: (2)

	Guinan is taken aback. The Borg stares at her, touches
	his chest.

					BORG
			We are also lonely.

	And she has no answer.

37   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around the moon.

38   INT. SCIENCE LAB

	Geordi is with the Borg. Worf is not present -- they
	are alone, attesting to the comfort Geordi is feeling
	about Hugh's presence. Geordi is working with the
	prosthetic armpiece while Hugh watches with interest.

					BORG
			What is Geordi doing?

					GEORDI
			Just studying the components in
			your prosthesis.

					BORG
			Why?

	Geordi glances at him. He's more and more
	uncomfortable with the task he's been assigned.

					GEORDI
			We're just trying to learn more
			about you.

					BORG
			Why?

	Hugh is as persistent as a four-year-old who's learned
	the word "why?"

					GEORDI
			You're very different from us.
			Part of what we do is to learn
			more about other species.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         38.

38   CONTINUED:

					BORG
			We assimilate species. Then we
			know everything about them.

					GEORDI
			Yeah. I know.

					BORG
			Is that not easier?

					GEORDI
			Maybe it is. It's just not what
			we do.

					BORG
			Why?

	Geordi sighs, puts the armpiece down. He struggles
	for a way to explain.

					GEORDI
			Think about it this way. Every
			time you talk about yourself, you
			use the word "we." We do this,
			we do that... you don't know how
			to think of yourself as a single
			individual. You don't say, "I
			want this," or "I am Hugh."

	The Borg stares at him, trying to follow.

					GEORDI
			We are all separate individuals.
			I am Geordi. I choose what I want
			to do with my life. I make
			decisions for myself. For people
			like me, losing that individuality
			-- is almost worse than dying.

	There is a silence. Hugh ponders this.

					BORG
			When you sleep... there are no
			voices in your mind.

					GEORDI
			No.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         39.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					BORG
			Are you ever...
				(testing the new word)
			... lonely?

	A bit of a smile from Geordi.

					GEORDI
			Sometimes. But that's why we have
			friends.

					BORG
			Friends...

					GEORDI
			Sure. Someone you talk to...
			who can be with you when you're
			lonely... who makes you feel
			better.

	What is almost a smile passes over Hugh. With utter
	simplicity, he gazes at Geordi, understanding the
	concept fully.

					BORG
			Like Geordi... and Hugh.

	Geordi stares at him. Stricken.

39   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Geordi and Data are showing Picard the programming
	anomaly they've designed. A topographical map of a
	complex geometric shape is displayed on the wall
	monitor. There is something odd about it, like an M.C.
	Escher drawing, where perspective is played with.

					GEORDI
			That's it, Captain.

					PICARD
			It looks harmless enough.

					GEORDI
			We had to disguise it as something
			innocuous. The Borg have ways
			of screening out programming
			anomalies.

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FOUR       40.

39   CONTINUED:

	Picard studies the strange form on the monitor.

					PICARD
			How can a geometric form
			disable a computer system?

					DATA
			The shape is a paradox. It cannot
			exist in real space or time.

					GEORDI
			When Hugh's imaging apparatus
			imprints it on his bio-chips,
			he'll try to analyze it.

					DATA
			He will be unsuccessful, and will
			store the shape in his memory
			banks. It will be shunted to a
			subroutine for further analysis.

					GEORDI
			When the Borg download his memory,
			they'll incorporate it into their
			network. Then they'll try to
			analyze it.

					DATA
			It is designed so that each
			approach they take will spawn an
			anomalous solution. The anomalies
			are designed to interact with each
			other, linking together to form
			an endless and unsolvable puzzle.

					PICARD
			Quite original. How long before
			total systems failure?

					GEORDI
			Not until the shape has gone
			through several hundred
			computational cycles.

					PICARD
			When can you begin the process?

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         41.

39   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Another twenty hours. Doctor
			Crusher wants to make sure the
			new implants have taken hold.

					PICARD
			Very well. Proceed as soon as
			you're ready.

	He turns to walk away, but Geordi follows.

					GEORDI
			Captain...

	Picard turns back.

					GEORDI
			I have to admit... I've been
			having second thoughts about this
			plan.

					PICARD
			For what reason?

					GEORDI
			Well... I've been getting to know
			him. The Borg.

	Picard stares at him.

					PICARD
			I see.

	Geordi is uncomfortable under his gaze. He feels the
	need to explain.

					GEORDI
			He's not what I thought he would
			be, sir. He has feelings... he's
			homesick...
				(shaking his head)
			I don't know... it just seems
			wrong to use him like this.

	There is a cold silence. Picard doesn't particularly
	want to think about this issue; he'd rather keep his
	emotional distance. He tries to find a way to help
	Geordi keep his.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         42.

39   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Centuries ago, when laboratory
			animals were used for research...
			scientists would occasionally
			become attached to the creatures.
			That was a problem if the
			experiment involved killing them.
				(beat)
			I would suggest you unattach
			yourself from the Borg, Mister
			La Forge.

					GEORDI
				(reluctantly)
			Aye, Captain.

	And Picard EXITS, leaving Geordi behind, still
	troubled.

40   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS

	Picard is ready for bed, carrying a cup of tea and a
	book toward the bedroom. The door CHIME sounds.

					PICARD
			Come.

	The door opens and there stands Guinan. Surprised,
	Picard gestures her in.

					PICARD
			Guinan... please, come in.

	She does. She seems a little uncomfortable.

					GUINAN
			You sure? Looks like you're all
			set for a quiet evening.

					PICARD
			I'm delighted to see you. Would
			you like something to drink?

					GUINAN
			No, thanks.

	She wanders the room a bit, picking up an artifact and
	setting it down, gazing out the window.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         43.

40   CONTINUED:

	Picard waits patiently, knowing she'll get to whatever
	brought her here in her own time.

					GUINAN
			I was thinking about how you said
			my foil was dipping the other
			day... maybe I should do some
			exercises... build up a little
			strength in my arm...

					PICARD
			A strong forearm is always an
			advantage in fencing...

					GUINAN
			Not to mention tending bar...

	He waits. She goes to a chair, sits.

					GUINAN
			About the Borg...

	Now it's his turn to be wary. What could she have in
	mind about the Borg to bring her here at this hour?

					GUINAN
			Aren't you just a bit surprised
			by him?

					PICARD
			Surprised...

					GUINAN
			Yes. Did you know he has a name?

	Picard gives her a look -- surprised.

					GUINAN
			La Forge gave it to him. His
			name's Hugh. And he's lonely.

	Picard is utterly perplexed, both by what she's saying
	and the fact that it's Guinan saying it.

					GUINAN
			I don't know what made me go see
			him. La Forge told me I should,
			but I said no.

	She shakes her head, perplexed by herself.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         44.

40   CONTINUED: (2)

					GUINAN
			And then... I found myself
			standing there, staring at him.
			Curiosity, I figured... just
			curiosity.

	She breaks off, struggling in a way we haven't seen
	Guinan struggle before.

					GUINAN
			Picard... I want to hear you say
			that you're sure -- that what
			you're doing is right.

	Picard exhales. The last thing he wants is another
	assault on his decision.

					PICARD
			If you've come here to persuade
			me not to use the invasive
			program...

					GUINAN
			No -- I think I'm asking you to
			persuade me.

					PICARD
			Two days ago, you were so upset
			about the Borg even being on the
			ship that you tore the foil out
			of my hand. Now you're here
			questioning whether he should be
			treated as an enemy.

					GUINAN
			I know. But... when you talk to
			him... face to face... can you
			honestly say you have no doubts?

					PICARD
				(after a beat)
			I haven't talked to him.

	Guinan is amazed at this.

					GUINAN
			Why not?

					PICARD
			I see no need --

       STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FOUR       45.

40   CONTINUED: (3)

					GUINAN
			If you're going to use this person
			--

					PICARD
			It's a Borg, damn it, not a
			person --!

					GUINAN
			If you're going to use this person
			to destroy his race, don't you
			think you should look him in the
			eye once before you do it?
				(beat)
			Besides... I'm not so sure he is
			Borg anymore.

					PICARD
				(fed up)
			Because he's been given a name
			by a member of the crew doesn't
			mean he's no longer Borg. Because
			he's young doesn't mean he's
			innocent. He is what he is and
			in spite of the efforts to turn
			him into some kind of pet -- I
			will not alter our plans.

	Guinan takes this in, eyes him.

					GUINAN
			Fine. But unless you talk to him
			-- at least once -- you might find
			that decision harder to live with
			than you realize.

	And on that note, they hold a look.

41   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard paces. Then, the call he's been waiting for.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Worf to Captain Picard...

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         46.

41   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Yes, Lieutenant.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			We are ready to transport.

					PICARD
			Proceed.

	Worf and the Borg MATERIALIZE in the ready room.
	Picard stares at the Borg.

					PICARD
			You may wait outside, Lieutenant.

	Worf looks from the Borg to Picard -- he doesn't like
	it, but he EXITS. Picard and Hugh regard each other.
	Neither says anything for a moment; Hugh seems
	bewildered by a dawning recognition.

					BORG
			Locutus...

	Picard realizes that Hugh recognizes him... this
	presents an opportunity. He looks directly at the
	Borg.

					PICARD
			Yes. I am Locutus... of Borg.

	Confused, Hugh accesses his database -- but there is
	nothing there for him.

					BORG
			Why are you here?

					PICARD
			This is a primitive culture. I
			am here to facilitate its
			incorporation. Identify yourself.

					BORG
			Hugh.

					PICARD
			Identify yourself.

					BORG
			We are Hugh.

					PICARD
			This is not a Borg identification.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         47.

41   CONTINUED: (2)

	Hugh hesitates, as though trying to reassess himself.

					BORG
			Third... of five.

					PICARD
			This culture will be assimilated.

	Another hesitation.

					BORG
			They... do not wish it.

					PICARD
			Irrelevant.

					BORG
			They will resist us.

					PICARD
			Resistance is futile.

					BORG
			Resistance... is not futile.

	Picard glares sternly at him. Hugh does not back down.

					BORG
			Some have escaped.

					PICARD
			They will be found. It is
			inevitable. All will be
			assimilated.

					BORG
			Must... Geordi be assimilated?

	Picard looks at him, amazed.

					PICARD
			Yes.

	Hugh hesitates... his thought processes are new,
	strange, uncomfortable.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         48.

41   CONTINUED: (3)

					BORG
			Geordi does not wish it.
				(trying to explain)
			He would rather die than be
			assimilated.

					PICARD
			Then he will die.

	Hugh looks up at him, clearly disturbed.

					BORG
			No. Geordi must not die.

	Hugh takes a breath, looks straight at Picard.

					BORG
			Geordi is... a friend.

	Picard is taken aback by this, but wants to push it a
	bit further.

					PICARD
			You will assist us in assimilating
			this vessel.

	Hugh hesitates.

					PICARD
			You are Borg. You will assist
			us.

	Hugh takes a breath... then...

					BORG
			I will not.

	Picard stares at him... hears him say the word "I." He
	backs off from his Locutus role, amazed by what the
	Borg is manifesting.

					PICARD
			What did you say?

					BORG
			I will not assist you.

					PICARD
			"I"... ?

					BORG
			Geordi must not be assimilated.

         STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FOUR         49.

41   CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD
			But... you are Borg.

	Another pause...

					BORG
			No. I am -- Hugh.

	Picard stares at him. This boy has utterly taken him
	aback. Now Picard is in a true dilemma.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

           STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FIVE           50.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

42   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Geordi, Riker, and Beverly. Pick up in
	mid-conversation.

					PICARD
			... I think I deliberately avoided
			speaking with the Borg because
			I didn't want anything to get in
			the way of our plan.
				(beat)
			But now something has. As far
			as I can tell, he seems to be a
			fully realized individual. He
			has even accepted me as Picard,
			Captain of this ship, and not as
			Locutus.

	There are varying reactions to this... Geordi and
	Beverly on the positive side, Worf and Riker somewhat
	concerned.

					GEORDI
			Then... you've reconsidered the
			plan?

					PICARD
			Yes. If we used him in that
			manner, we'd be no better than
			the enemy we seek to destroy.
			I want other options.

	A beat as they consider this delicate issue.

					RIKER
			We could return him to the crash
			site... but we'd have to erase
			his memories of being on the
			Enterprise.

            STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE           51.

42   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			But... if we erase his memories,
			then who he is, who he's become,
			would be destroyed.

					RIKER
			Isn't that the point? He'd be
			reassimilated into the hive
			without any questions...

					GEORDI
			It just seems wrong... we help
			turn him into an individual...
			then we take that away from him...

					BEVERLY
			Is there a danger that the Borg
			might destroy him -- if they
			discover what's happened?

					PICARD
			I doubt it. They have nothing
			to gain by that. It's more likely
			they'll simply wipe out his memory
			of this experience.

					RIKER
			Then either way his memories will
			be erased.

					PICARD
			But perhaps...

	He hesitates, realizing that what he is about to say
	might sound improbable.

					PICARD
			... in the short time before they
			purge those memories... the sense
			of individuality which he has
			gained here will be transmitted
			throughout the Collective.

	They look at him curiously.

					PICARD
			Every one of the Borg will have
			the opportunity to experience the
			feeling of... singularity.
				(MORE)

   
           STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/06/93 - ACT FIVE           52.

42   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD (cont'd)
			Perhaps that would be the most
			pernicious program of all... the
			knowledge of self, spread through
			the Borg Collective in that brief
			moment, might alter them forever.

	He looks at the group.

					PICARD
			We will leave his memories intact.

					BEVERLY
			I have only one question.

	The others turn to her.

					BEVERLY
			What if he doesn't want to go
			back?

	Various reactions to this question which apparently
	hadn't occurred to them.

43   INT. READY ROOM

	Hugh is looking at Picard's fish tank, intrigued. A
	security guard stands by the door, watching him. The
	door opens and Picard and Geordi ENTER. Picard
	dismisses the guard with a nod.

					GEORDI
			Hello, Hugh.

					BORG
			Hello, Geordi.

					PICARD
			Hugh... a Borg rescue vessel is
			approaching. It will be here
			within three hours. We can return
			you to the crash site, where they
			will find you and take you home.

           STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FIVE           53.

43   CONTINUED:

	Hugh doesn't answer, just watches Picard.

					PICARD
			Or... if you wish, you may remain
			here with us.

					BORG
			What I wish... is irrelevant.

					GEORDI
			It's not irrelevant. It matters
			to us.

					BORG
			No Borg leaves the Collective.
			If they find I am missing -- they
			will come for me.

					PICARD
			Hugh, we'll deal with the
			repercussions later. What we must
			know is what you want.

	This is another foreign concept to Hugh. He struggles
	with it.

					BORG
			You are many. I am one. My needs
			are not important.

					GEORDI
			Don't you understand? We're
			giving you a choice.

					BORG
			Choice...

					GEORDI
			Yeah. Do you want to go back with
			the Borg... or stay with us?

					BORG
			I could stay with you... ?

					PICARD
			Yes. We would grant you asylum.

            STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE           54.

43   CONTINUED: (2)

	Hugh turns away. This is overwhelming to him... the
	idea of choice, the freedom -- and responsibility --
	of making a decision for himself... these are dazzling,
	overpowering concepts.

					BORG
			Choose... what I want...

	He turns back, looks at Geordi, hopeful for a brief
	instant.

					BORG
			I would choose to stay with
			Geordi.

	But then that flicker dwindles and dies.

					BORG
			But it is too dangerous. They
			will follow.

	He takes a breath, draws himself up.

					BORG
			Return me to the crash site. It
			is the only way.

	There is a silence as Picard and Geordi assess him...
	understanding the sacrifice he is making.

					GEORDI
			Hugh... think about this... are
			you sure?

					BORG
			Yes.

	They hold a look which is full of sorrow.

44   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around the moon.

           STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT FIVE           55.

45   OMITTED

46   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Geordi and Beverly are there with Hugh; a Transporter
	Chief is behind the console. Picard ENTERS.

					PICARD
				(to Hugh)
			The Borg ship will enter orbit of
			the moon within an hour. You'll
			soon be headed home.

	Hugh nods, but doesn't speak. Picard turns to Geordi
	and Beverly.

					PICARD
			We'll beam him down and take
			position in the star's
			chromosphere. Its interference
			will hide us from their sensors.

	Beverly steps toward Hugh.

					BEVERLY
			Goodbye, Hugh. I'm very glad I
			got to know you.

					BORG
			Goodbye, Beverly.
				(beat)
			You saved my life.

					GEORDI
				(to Hugh)
			It's not too late to change your
			mind. You can stay here.

	There is the briefest of hesitations, then Hugh shakes
	his head.

           STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/06/93 - ACT FIVE           56.

46   CONTINUED:

					BORG
			I must return.

					GEORDI
			Captain, I'd like to go down with
			him.

	Picard considers a beat.

					PICARD
			My experience suggests that they
			would ignore him.
				(to Hugh)
			Would you agree?

					BORG
			The Borg assimilate civilizations.
			Not individuals.

					BEVERLY
				(to Picard)
			But, Captain, they kidnapped
			you...

					PICARD
			Because they needed a liaison to
			communicate with Humans. The
			Borg ignored every away team we
			sent to their ship, including
			yours, Doctor.

	Beverly acknowledges.

					PICARD
				(to Geordi)
			You may accompany him.

	Geordi steps with Hugh onto the transporter pad.
	Picard looks at Hugh.

					PICARD
			Goodbye.

					BORG
			Captain... I do not want to forget
			that I am Hugh...

            STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE           57.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard's look reflects his hope that Hugh will be
	successful. Then he turns to the Transporter Chief.

					PICARD
			Energize.

	Hugh and Geordi DEMATERIALIZE. Picard stares after
	them... his feelings about the Borg now unalterably
	more complicated.

47   EXT. CRASH SITE - TWILIGHT (OPTICAL)

	Geordi and Hugh MATERIALIZE into the snowy landscape.
	They move toward the wreckage of the Borg scout ship.
	Hugh gazes at the remains of his ship, the
	still-scattered bodies of his colleagues.

					GEORDI
				(gesturing)
			We found you there... in the
			middle of that debris.

	Hugh nods, stares at the spot.

					BORG
			Then that is where I will wait.

	Geordi gives him a sad nod.

48   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it takes position on the far side of the star.

49   INT. BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Worf.

              STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - 3/03/92 - ACT FIVE             58.

49   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			We are now entering position.
			Radiation levels are rising.

					PICARD
			Increase power to the shields.
			Hold us here.

					RIKER
			Status of the Borg ship?

					DATA
			Solar radiation is rendering our
			sensors inoperable. At last known
			course and speed, the Borg vessel
			will enter the system in three
			minutes.

50   EXT. CRASH SITE

	Geordi and Hugh. They are awkward... the time has come
	for goodbyes... neither knows how to say them. Geordi
	is feeling more than he could ever have imagined
	possible.

					GEORDI
			Well... I guess this is it.
				(beat)
			So long, Hugh.

					BORG
			Goodbye, Geordi. I will try to
			remember you.

	Geordi can't think of anything else to say, so he nods,
	emotion welling in him. He backs off a little,
	waiting.

51   ANGLE - TWO BORG (OPTICAL)

	They MATERIALIZE nearby, somewhat close to Geordi.
	They look around for a moment, their dispassionate gaze
	sweeping past Geordi, and fixing on Hugh. They move
	toward Geordi... but then walk right past him, heading
	for Hugh.

            STAR TREK: "I, Borg" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT FIVE           59.

52   ON THE GROUP

	as the two Borg approach Hugh. One of them interfaces
	with him -- connecting through the jacks on their
	prosthetic arms. They are exchanging information.

53   GEORDI

	doesn't know what this means. Has the Hugh he knew
	been obliterated by assimilation back into the hive?

54   BACK TO SCENE (OPTICAL)

	When Hugh moves, it is with the same mechanical gait
	as the others. The three Borg set about scavenging
	the remains of their dead comrades -- they remove the
	technological components they're interested in
	efficiently and without evident emotion. As they
	finish with the dead Borg, the corpses FIZZLE into
	nothingness.

55   ANGLE - GEORDI

	Geordi is unsure: Hugh seems no different from the
	other Borg... or is he merely acting the part?

56   REVERSE ANGLE - FROM GEORDI'S POINT OF VIEW
	(OPTICAL)

	The three Borg assemble, carrying what they've
	scavenged. They all stare straight ahead as they
	TRANSPORT OUT -- but just before Hugh DEMATERIALIZES he
	turns and looks at Geordi. Their eyes meet, it is
	unmistakable. Then he's gone...

57   ANGLE - GEORDI

	He is hopeful that this last look means something of
	Hugh will survive assimilation... Still, the thought
	of what lies ahead for Hugh fills him with sadness...

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             

