Star Trek Nemesis ***spoiler***

Tropa:
Hago un vil copy and paste, de lo que segun dicen es el guion de la nueva pelicula de Star Trek que estan filmando.

STAR TREK: NEMESIS
by John Logan


THE SHOOTING SCRIPT
INT. MEDICAL MONTAGE DAY

Life. Glorious in its many forms. The biological pulse finding its way heroically through the cold manipulation of science.

CREDITS as we see a beautiful montage of futuristic medical technology. Through a microscope we see cells multiplying and gene strands exponentially increasing with the vibrancy of exploding flowers. We see laser splicing and biological manipulation on the molecular level.

CREDITS continue as we fade to…
INT .ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER NIGHT

Politics… In a cavernous, shadowy chamber. Dark figures lean together and talk seriously. Their hushed, urgent tones denote the gravity of their discussion.

We can’t make out the words but there is no doubt what they are talking about.

The three year old HUMAN BOY who stands before them. The boy is alone and frightened, lost in the sweeping grandeur of the massive chamber.

CREDITS continue as we fade to…
EXT. REMAN HOMEWORLD NIGHT
Labor...

On a stark, desert planet with monolithic mountains and harsh crags shooting upward. The only light in this dark netherworld comes from the flames that accompany the hellish mining operations everywhere around us.

The human boy gazes over this desolate vista and then he looks up for a moment... at the stars.

Then a tall figure leads him firmly into one of the mines. The boy seems to disappear into this flaming crucible.

CREDITS end as we go to...
EXT , ROMULUS SUNSET

The sun is setting on the capital city of the great Romulan Star Empire, The imperial monoliths and martial towers of this bustling city glow red as the sun dips below the horizon.

We slowly move down toward the most imposing building of the city. The Romulan Senate chamber.

INT .ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER SUNSET

SENATOR TAL'AURA watches the proceedings with a studied look of bored indifference. She glances to the familiar Romulan crest that dominates one wall of the chamber: a ferocious bird-of-prey holding two planets, one in either claw.

And then her eyes carefully cross the chamber to...

PRAETOR HIREN -- the head of the Romulan government --presiding over the Senate from a throne-like chair. He is a capable politician in his 50s.

SENATOR 1

… but if we hesitate we’ll lose this important source of dilithium. A trade agreement is in the best interests of the Empire.

SENATOR 2

Praetor, I recommend we dispatch a diplomatic mission to Celes II to open negotiations.

Senator Tal'Aura grunts slightly at the word "negotiations." Praetor Hiren glances to her.

PRAETOR

Senator Tal'Aura, you disagree with the motion.

TAL'AURA

No, sir. I would say "negotiation" is to be advised. I support all "diplomatic" overtures. But if you will excuse me, Praetor, I have an appointment with the Tholian ambassador.

The Praetor nods. Tal’ Aura stands and leaves the chamber… but she had left something behind on her desk. A small, silver box with unusual etchings on the surface.

The discussion continues as we focus on the silver box…

PRAETOR

Then I will call for a vote on the motion to open trade negotiations with Celes II…

The Senator at the desk next to Tal'Aura’s glances over. The silver box is moving.

The Senator watches, amazed, as the box begins to slowly fold open. Then "legs" appear. The box unfolds like a spider, standing on its legs. Then it is still for a moment. The Senator looks at it, puzzled.

Suddenly --a bright beam of green light shoots up from the spider -- the Senators are stunned - -the beam shoots to the high domed ceiling of the chamber and then cascades around the interior of the room, enveloping everything in a glowing shroud of green energy. In a way, it is bizarrely beautiful.

And then just as suddenly the light disappears.

A moment of silence. The Praetor and Senators are baffled.

PRAETOR

Would someone please tell me what that was? (he turns to a guard) Alert security--

A plant behind the Praetor begins to shrivel…

PRAETOR

(continued) -- and have them run a --

The Praetor stops suddenly --as the flesh begins to melt from his face.

Every bit of organic matter in the chamber decays. Flesh melts from bones while the Senators scream in agony. Every living thing in the chamber is dead within ten seconds.

A stunning moment of silence as we take in the carnage. Then a transporter effect ripples around the spider-weapon. It disappears.

And the Romulan Senate is no more. We fade to…

EXT. EARTH. ALASKA --PAVILION DAY

JEAN LUC P I CARD, the most beloved and respected Captain in Starfleet.

His face is resolute and set. Even stern. His white dress uniform is buttoned tightly to the neck.

He looks at us evenly and then utters the word that has been the watch cry for his entire life as a Starfleet officer.

PICARD

Duty…


He lets the word resonate and then continues.

PICARD

A starship captain's life is filled with solemn duty. I have commanded men in battle. I have negotiated peace treaties between implacable enemies. I have represented the Federation in first contact with twenty-seven alien species. But none of this compares to my solemn duty as…

Best man.

Uproarious laughter. We pull back to reveal the wedding reception of WILL RIKER and DEANNA TROI.

The Enterprise CREW is gathered with invited GUESTS, some from other “Star Trek” series. Riker and Deanna sit at the center of a long table.

PICARD

Now, I know that on an occasion such as this: it is expected that I be gracious and fulsome with praise on the wonders of this blessed union ... But have you two considered what you're doing to? This is all a

damned inconvenience ...(laughter from the crowd) While you're happily settling in on the Titan, I'll have to train a new first officer; no doubt a stern martinet who'll quote the rule book at me and never... ever…allow me to go on away missions. (laughter) ...Then there's the matter of my new counselor. Undoubtedly some soft-spoken, willowy thing who'll be probing into my darkest psyche as she nods her head and coos sympathetically. Isn't that right, Deanna?

Deanna nods her head and coos sympathetically. Hearty, wonderful LAUGHTER!

PICARD

I notice Dr. Crusher laughing along with the rest of you. As most of you know, the doctor will also soon be leaving the Enterprise, to assume command of Starfleet Medical. Again, I'm forced to ask, Beverly, have you considered what you're doing to little ole’ me?! I'll probably get some old battle-axe of a doctor who'll tell me to eat my vegetables and put me on report if I don’t show up for my physical on time!

BEVERLY

It'll serve you right.

Laughter, laughter, laughter! He looks to Riker and Deanna:


PICARD

Really, it's not too late to reconsider. No? Very well then…

He smiles and raises his glass, looks at them deeply:

PICARD

Will Riker, you have been my trusted right arm for fourteen years; you have helped keep my course true and steady. Deanna Troi, you have been my conscience and best guide, the touchstone to the better parts of myself. You are my family. And in proper maritime tradition I wish you full sails and a clear horizon ... My friends, make it so.

They drink.

EXT: --EARTH. ALASKA --PAVILION LATER

The party guests mingle as a band plays. We are at a beautiful open-air pavilion high in the Denali Mountains. The soaring ranges of Riker's native Alaska can be seen everywhere around us.

DR. BEVERLY CRUSHER goes to Picard.

BEVERLY


(playfully)

Sort of like losing a son and gaining an empath, isn't it?

PICARD

Please, Beverly, this is hard enough.

BEVERLY

If you start tearing up I promise to beam you out. Level one medical emergency. There’s no crying in Starfleet.

They head off toward Riker and Deanna.

Meanwhile, GEORDI LA FORGE sits with his girlfriend,

LEAH

I've never seen your Captain so nostalgic. Maybe he's getting soft in his old age.

GEORDI

(laughs)

Not likely. After we installed the new Series Four

replicators, he tried to order his usual tea and there

was a glitch. Had us remove the whole bunch of them and put the old ones back in


LEAH

There! Nostalgic about old replicators.

GEORDI

He just likes things the way he likes them...(he looks at her, smiles).

Of course, so do I.

He kisses her gently as WORFcomes to them. Poor Worf is still suffering a bit from the bachelor party He plops down beside them, belches.

WORF

Romulan ale should be illegal.

GEORDI

It is, old chum.

WORF

Then it should be more illegal.

He groans and rests his head on the table, acts like he’s going to heave.

Meanwhile, Riker and Deanna are talking to Picard and Beverly.

DEANNA

Really, Captain, it was a lovely toast.

PICARD

The least I could do for you, Deanna. Besides, you know me… I’m a talking head.

DEANNA

And you needn't worry. I'll brief your new counselor on everything she needs to know.

PICARD

The hell you will. You know too much about me as it is ... Now you promised there are no speeches during the ceremony on Betazed.

RlKER

No, no speeches. No clothes either. (winks, mischievously)

Picard looks at him. Deanna laughs.

Then the band stops playing. All turn.

DATA stands with the band.


DATA

Ladies and Gentlemen and invited Tran gendered species ...In my study of Terran and Betazoid conjugal rites I have discovered it is traditional to present the "happy couple" with a gift. Given Commander Riker's affection for archaic musical forms I have elected to present the following as my gift in honor of their conjugation.

Riker shoots an amused glance to Deanna. Conjugation?

Data turns to the band leader.

DATA

If you please, Mister Band Leader, a-one and a-two and..

The band launches into a jaunty, swing version of the Irving Berlin standard "Blue Skies."

DATA(sings)

"Blue skies, smiling at me,

Nothing but blue skies do I see. Blue birds, singing a song,

Nothing but blue birds all day long. Never saw the sun shining so bright, Never saw things going so right..."

The crowd is appreciative. Loves the song. Except Worf, he momentarily raises his head from the table.

WORF (groans)

Ugghhh ...Irving Berlin.

His heads thumps down again, is about ready to BARF!

Meanwhile, Riker is anxious as a kid to join the band:

DEANNA

(smiles)

All right, go ahead.


Riker eagerly joins the band. Grabs the trombone and starts jamming with the orchestra. The song really swings.


PICARD

(to Deanna)

May I have this dance?


DEANNA

With pleasure, Captain.


Meanwhile, Geordi leads Leah to the dance floor as well. Beverly goes to Worf.

BEVERLY

Commander Worf ... Do Klingons swing?

WORF

I am not a swinger. I am unwell.

BEVERLY

Don't worry, I'm a doctor.

She pulls him to the dance floor as:

BEVERLY

I'm so glad you made it back to the Enterprise before I left.

WORF

I was not suited for the life of a ... diplomat.

BEVERLY

(wry)

Who'd have guessed?

They dance. Picard and Deanna sweep past them.

And we pull up and away as Data continues to sing and the crew dances. It is a joyous celebration of these people.

This family. A family we love.

EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACE
The Enterprise streaks through space.

INT. ENTERPRISE --CREW LOUNGE NIGHT

Data sits in the empty Crew Lounge.

As always, the android's placid, neutral expression still somehow

manages to convey his wonder, curiosity and idiosyncratic zest for life.

Picard arrives with a very old bottle of wine.

PICARD

I've been saving this. Chateau Picard 2267. Batten down the hatches...


He carefully uncorks the treasured bottle as :


PICARD

They say a vintner's history is in every glass. The

soil he came from. His past as well as his hopes for the future.

He pours two glasses of the wine, then raises his glass, a toast.

PICARD

So… To happy endings.

DATA

To happy endings.

Picard carefully takes a tiny sip, savors the flavor, finally swallows. Enjoys it. Ahhh.

Data mimics Picard. Taking a tiny sip, savoring the flavor and finally swallowing. Ahhh.

DATA

Sir. I noticed an interesting confluence of emotion at the wedding. I am familiar with the human concept of tears through laughter and its inverse, laughter through tears, but I could not help wondering about the human capacity for expressing both pleasure and sadness simultaneously.

PICARD

I understand why it would seem confusing. Certain human rituals --like weddings, birthdays or funerals evoke strong and very complex emotions. These rites carry great weight with us because they denote the passage of time.

DATA

And you were particularly aware of this feeling because Commander Riker will be leaving to assume command of the Titan?

PICARD

Will and Deanna joining the Titan. Dr. Crusher going

to Starfleet Medical...

DATA

And this makes you "sad"?

PI CARD

Well. I suppose it does a bit. I'm very happy for them, of course, but I'm going to miss them. The ship will seem… incomplete without them.


DATA

That is because you have a familiarity with them. You

can predict specific reactions and behavior and are comfortable in that knowledge.

PICARD

Yes. And, frankly, I envy them as well. They've made important choices; they're going to have great challenges ahead of them. New worlds to conquer…

He takes another sip of wine. A beat.

PI CARD

Seeing Will and Deanna today made me think about some of the choices I've made in my own life. Devoting myself to Starfleet ... Not marrying or having children ... All the choices that led me here.

A beat. Data thinks about it.

DATA

The choices I made have led me here as well. This is the only home I have ever known. I cannot foresee a reason for leaving.

PICARD

You never know what's over the horizon, Data. Before too long you'll be offered a command of your own.

Data looks at him; he has never really considered this.

DATA
If I were… I believe my memory engrams would sense the absence of your specific reactions and behavior. I would "miss you."

PICARD (smiles}

Now, you make a toast.

DATA

To new worlds…
PICARD

New worlds. Yes Data, brave new worlds…

They drink.

INT .ROMULAN SENATE -- CORRIDOR NIGHT.


Flickering braziers dimly illuminate the cold, martial splendor of a Senate corridor.


COMMANDER DONATRA and COMMANDER SURAN stride through the corridor.

Suran is an elder Romulan officer, respected and tenacious. Donatra - a key figure in this story so pay close attention to her - is a maturer, beautiful woman… not without a dry sense of humor.


SURAN

The fleet commanders are nervous. They've agreed to remain at their given coordinates and await his orders. But they're anxious to know what's going on here.

DONATRA

I don’t blame them. We can't keep them in the dark

forever.

A voice, from the shadows:

VICEROY (V.O.)

But in darkness, there is strength.


Donatra and Suran stop.

And the VICEROY steps from the shadows…

He is a terrifying sight A powerful, monstrous alien creature; a tall, ashen-skinned ectomorph who bears a disturbing resemblance to the original Nosferatu. He is vampiric and lethal He is a Reman.

VICEROY

Don't you agree?

He leads them along the corridor.

INT. SENATE CHAMBER NIGHT

We observe the Romulan crest, an imposing bird-of-prey clutching a planet in either claw, not unlike the KAOS emblem from “Get Smart,” that dominates a wall. As we hear:

SHINZON (V.O.)

Consider it The great symbol of the Empire.. But the bird-of-prey holds planets. Romulus, Remus. Their destinies conjoined…

And then we see him... SHINZON!

He is a dynamic young human in his twenties. Very handsome with pale, almost white skin and shining, golden hair. He wears a striking Reman military uniform.

He stands in the center of the eerily deserted chamber. The entire floor lis a large star chart.


SHINZON

Yet for generations one of those planets has been

without a voice. We will be silent no longer.

Senator Tal'Aura (the female Senator who planted the weapon in the Senate chamber earlier} and two other ROMULAN COMMANDERS sit .

Cadres of Shinzon’s fearsome REMAN WARRIORS stand around the chamber. They are his sinister children of the night. Even more chilling now in the flickering torch light. It’s like something out of Tim Burton.

Donatra and Suran enter the chamber with Shinzon's Viceroy.

SHINZON

Join us, Commanders. Now what's the disposition of the fleet?

SURAN

They're holding position.


SHINZON

And?


SURAN

(bows his head) They will obey, Praetor.

SHINZON

It's imperative we retain their allegiance or our great mission will be strangled before it can truly draw breath.

DONATRA

They support your intentions, sir. But they require evidence of your… sincerity.

Shinzon looks at her. A quick beat. Shinzon decides to respond with benevolence. He smiles.

SHINZON

And they'll have it. (he begins to pace over the star chart) Tell the fleet that the days of negotiation and diplomacy are over. The Almighty Federation will fall before us. As I promised you.

He stands on the area of the map that denotes the Neutral Zone between the Romulan Empire and the Federation.

SHINZON

The time we have dreamed of is at hand. The time… of conquest. (sinister laugh)


He carefully steps into the area of the map marked with the Federation symbol. He looks down at the star chart.

SHINZON

Cut off the dragon's head and it cannot strike back.

A beat. Donatra watches him carefully. Something in his quiet words disturbs her.

SURAN

How many Warbirds will you need?

SHINZON

None.

They look at him, stunned.

SURAN

Praetor. You have the whole fleet at your disposal. They supported the coup, they'll follow you.

SHINZON

The Scimitar will serve my needs.


SURAN

But surely ---


SHINZON

I came this far alone ...{he looks at his Reman warriors) We came this far alone. We require no assistance from the fleet. Now leave me to my thoughts.

The Commanders and Senator Tal'Aura rise and leave. Shinzon looks to his Viceroy.

SHINZON

Are we prepared?

VICEROY

Yes, Praetor.

A beat.

SHINZON

So many years for this moment.

(he looks up at his Viceroy, smiles) Bring him to me.

INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE - DAY

The bridge crew are at their stations. Picard is not on the bridge.


WORF

(grumbles)

I won't do it.

DEANNA

It's tradition,Worf. You of all people should appreciate that! (whispers) Besides, I’ve already seen it.

WORF

A warrior does not appear without his clothing. It leaves him ...vulnerable.

RIKER

I don't think we're going to see much combat on Betazed.

DEANNA

Don't be too sure. Mother will be there.

Worf groans. Picard emerges from his Ready Room as:

WORF

I won't do it.

PICARD

Won’t do what, Mister Worf?

WORF

Captain. I think it is inappropriate for a Starfleet officer to appear. (hates the word) naked.


PICARD

Come now, a big, strapping fellow like you? What are you afraid of?

Deanna laughs. Then a readout on Worf's console attracts his attention:

WORF

I'm picking up an unusual electromagnetic signature from the Kolarin system.

PICARD

What sort of signature?

Worf looks up. Glances at Data.

WORF

Positronic.


INT .ENTERPRISE --BRIDGE -- LATER

Geordi is at the Engineering station with Picard, Riker and Data.

GEORDI

It's very faint but I've isolated it to the third planet in the Kolarin system.

PI CARD

What do we know about the planet?

GEORDI

Uncharted. We'll have to get closer for a more detailed scan.

PI CARD

(to Data) Theories?

DATA

Since positronic signatures have only been known to emanate from androids such as myself, it is logical to theorize that there is an android such as myself on

Kolarus III.


GEORDI

How many of you did Dr. Soong make?

DATA

I thought only me, myself and Lore.

RIKER

(looking at star chart)

Diverting to the Kolarin system takes us awfully close to the Romulan Neutral Zone.

PICARD

(looking at star chart)

Still well on our side…

Picard glances at Data, recognizes the android's deep desire to explore this possible connection to others like himself.

PICARD

I think it's worth a look. Don't worry, Number One, we'll get you to Betazed with time to spare.

RIKER

Thank you, sir…

PICARD

(to all, especially Worf)

Where we will all honor the Betazoid traditions. No cold feet, or any other parts of our anatomy. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’ll be in the gym.

He goes.

RIKER

(to Helm Officer)

Mister Branson, set course for the Kolarin system. Warp Five -- (Deanna shoots him a glance) -- Warp Seven.

HELM OFFICER (MISTER BRANSON)

Plotted and laid in, sir.

RIKER

Engage.

DEANNA

You better believe you’re engaged!

Meanwhile, Geordi and Data remain at the Engineering Station, studying the displays.

GEORDI

What do you think, Data, a long-lost relative?

Data doesn't respond, but the curiosity on his face is apparent.

EXT. ENTERPRISE OVER KOLARUS III SPACE

The Enterprise is in orbit around the uncharted planet. In the distance we can see the distorting violence of an ion storm.

INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

Kolarus III is on the viewscreen, the ion storm raging beyond it.

GEORDI

I read six distinct positronic signatures, spread out over a few kilometers on the surface.

PICARD

What do we know about the population?

DATA

Isolated pockets of humanoids. It appears to be a pre- warp civilization at an early stage of industrial development.

GEORDI

Captain, I don't recommend transporting, that ion storm doesn't look very neighborly. It could head this way without much warning .


PICARD

Understood. Data, Worf, you're with me.

Picard, Data and Worf start heading toward the turbolift.

RIKER

(stands, protesting)

Captain, I hope I don't have to remind you--

PICARD

I appreciate your concern, Number One, but I've been itching to try out the Argo.

RIKER

Sir--

PICARD

Captain's prerogative, Will. There's no foreseeable danger… and your wife would never forgive me if anything happened to you.

He steps into the turbolift with the Data and Worf.

PICARD

You have the bridge, Mister Troi!


The turbolift doors slide shut.

The bridge crew heartily enjoys Riker's momentary demotion to house husband.

EXT. ENTERPRISE --OVER KOLARUS III DAY

The shuttlebay doors slide open and the transport vehicle Argo emerges.

The Argo is larger than a regular shuttle with a particularly large cargo area at the back.

EXT. KOLARUS III DAY
The Argo lands on the planet. It is primarily a desert environment with some canyons and mountains. Like Death Valley, blazing heat waves shimmer in the distance. The shuttle sits silently for a moment. We wonder at the delay, then…

The rear cargo doors slide open and Picard, Data and Worf roar out on a 24th Century equivalent of a military jeep!


Picard drives, Data beside him. Worf stands in the back at a mounted phaser canon. It is a muscular, exciting vehicle; a Starfleet version of the jeep from old television series "The Rat Patrol."

Picard screeches to a stop. Data and Worf lurch. A cloud of dust momentarily obscures them. Data quickly monitors the positronic signatures with a tricorder:

DATA

The closest signature is two kilometers to the west… that direction, sir.

PI CARD

Thank you, Data. (he smiles) Let's see what she can do.

He roars off in a cloud of dust!

Picard clearly enjoys driving. He roars over the desert terrain at breakneck speed, having a hell of a good time. His comrades don't exactly appreciate his free-spirited driving panache.

Worf clings on to the mounted phaser canon for dear life. Data steadies himself by grasping onto the rollbar

DATA

I will always be baffled by the human predilection for piloting vehicles at unsafe velocities.

Picard smiles and drives a little faster.

DATA

(monitoring with tricorder)

Over that rise, sir… half a kilometer.

They continue on. Before long they can see something on the level desert floor before them. They approach and stop to discover...

An android arm. The fingers patiently drumming the ground.

DATA

It appears to be…(he scans with his tricorder) an arm.

WORF (suspicious)

Why is it moving?


DATA

Like me, it has been designed with modular power sources.


PICARD

Mister Worf, if you please.

Worf climbs from the jeep and carefully approaches the arm. Gingerly picks it up. The arm responds to being picked up, the hand starts feeling around in the air like something from a horror movie. Worf shudders.

He returns to the jeep. Quickly sets the arm down in the rear cargo area.

DATA

The next signature is one kilometer to the south.

Picard starts the jeep in motion.

Time passes as they continue on ...coming across another arm ... a leg… a torso… another leg… various disassembled components of a Data-like android!

EXT .JEEP -- KOLARUS I I I - CANYON DAY


Worf stands uneasily amidst the moving body parts. There is only one component missing: the head. Picard steers the jeep into a canyon. Stops. Data scans with his tricorder, pointing it up into the gently sloping hills that form the sides of the canyon.

DATA

The final signature is approximately 300 meters up that incline.

PI CARD

Mister Worf, accompany Data please.

WORF (uneasy)

To find the head, sir?

P I CARD (amused)

If you don't mind.

Worf and Data climb up into the hills in pursuit of the final piece as Picard opens the jeep's hood and checks the engine.

EXT. KOLARUS III --HILLS DAY

Worf and Data climb as Data scans and indicates the direction:

DATA

Ten meters…

Worf pulls his phaser, ready.

DATA

I think it unlikely you will need your phaser to recover the cranial unit. Of course, it could bite you.

Then they see it.

Data's head. Or the spitting image anyway. Lying inert in the dust before them.

WORF

It's you.

DATA

The resemblance is ...striking.

Then the head's eyes suddenly pop open. It looks up at them with a sort of blank, childlike wonder.

HEAD

Why am I looking at me?

DATA

You are not looking at yourself. You are looking at me.

HEAD

(looking at Worf)

You do not look like me.

WORF

No.

DATA (to head)

I would like to pick you up now. May I do that?

HEAD (to Worf)

You have a pretty shirt.

WORF

Thank you.

Data gently picks up the head. Looks at it. The two identical faces gaze at each other.


DATA

Fascinating…

Then BLAM! -- a boulder near them explodes. Worf and Data spin to see…

A nomadic tribe of desert ALIENS swarming toward them firing primitive plasma weapons--

Data and Worf race back down the canyon, toward the jeep --some open-field running and a bit of phaser action -- Worf firing to distract and slow the aliens, not kill them --through all of this the head is chattering away blandly:

HEAD

I have two arms and ten fingers. Do you know where my arms are? I cannot see where we are going. Where are we going? (Etc… like Threepio in “Empire” when he’s strapped to Chewbacca’s back.)


The action continues. Then Data finds himself almost surrounded -


DATA

Commander!


Worf turns -- Data throws the head to Worf like a football, a perfect spiral --the head is still chattering away --Worf catches it--

WORF

STOP TALKING!

The head abruptly stops talking.

Data, hands free now, quickly incapacitates the aliens around him with a dazzling demonstration of his superior strength and agility,

Meanwhile, Worf tucks the head under his arm and sprints like a master running back --evading aliens and occasionally firing his phase r--


They are closer to the jeep now --but they are in trouble -- the swarm of aliens almost overtaking them--!

When a thundering BLAST sends up a shower of debris, stopping the aliens --Picard is standing in the rear of the jeep, firing the phaser canon.

Data and Worf climb into the jeep as Picard leaps into the front seat and roars off--

INT./EXT. JEEP --KOLARUS III FOLLOWING

Worf, standing at the phaser canon, quickly hands the head to Data in the front seat:

WORF

If you wouldn't mind.

DATA

Thank you.

The head looks up at Picard.

HEAD

You have a shiny head.

Picard glances at the head.

DATA

He is very observant.

PICARD

I can see that.


WORF


Captain!

Picard turns to see that they are being pursued! The aliens are racing after them in crude desert-terrain vehicles--

PICARD (to Data)

Shall we try some "unsafe velocities?"

He floors it -- racing across the desert landscape.

Worf fires the mounted phaser canon --blasting away at the aliens, not killing them, just stopping them --a few dramatic crashes as the alien vehicles overturn--

Meanwhile:

HEAD (to Picard)

You have a red shirt.

DATA (to head)

This is not an appropriate time for a conversation.

HEAD

Why?

DATA

Because the captain has to concentrate on piloting the vehicle.

HEAD

Why?

PICARD

Data!

DATA

Sorry, sir.

They continue to speed over the landscape --bouncing and flying over natural rises in the terrain --trying to evading their pursuers--

Picard puts the pedal to the metal and races through the alien vehicles --weaving in and out, avoiding their fire - Worf blasts away with the phaser cannon --an exhilarating adventure--

Finally they are within sight of the Argo --but they see it is surrounded by more of the aliens!

PICARD

Mister Data. Let’s make like the wind.


Data punches some buttons on a dashboard console --and the Argo LIFTS OFF by remote control--

Data uses the console to swing the Argo around and lower the rear cargo doors --it hovers over the surface--

Picard floors the jeep -- using a natural rise in the terrain as a ramp -- the jeep FLIES THROUGH THE AIR -- over the aliens -- and into the cargo bay--

INT. ARGO --CARGO BAY FOLLOWING

Picard slams on the brakes --the jeep screeches to a stop as the doors shut and the Argo shoots into the air.

Picard climbs from the jeep. He nonchalantly rubs a bit of dirt from the hood and then disappears into the main cabin.

Data and Worf remain in the jeep for a beat, stunned.

WORF (smiles)

He must have Klingon blood.

INT .ENTERPRISE --ENGINEERING LAB DAY

Beverly gazes at the android head. It gazes back at her.

BEVERLY

I think you have nicer eyes.

We pull back to reveal she is speaking to Data. Data stands with Picard, Riker and Geordi.

DATA

Our eyes are identical, Doctor.

The android is in a framework rig that holds the various body parts in place. The parts are not yet assembled

RIKER

Geordi?

GEORDI

(at work analyzing the torso section)

Well, he seems to have the same internal mechanics as

Data but not as much positronic development. The neural pathways aren't nearly as sophisticated. I’d say he's a prototype. Something Dr. Soong created before Data .

DATA (to head)

Do you have a name, sir?

HEAD

I am the B-9.


PI CARD

Be-nign. Dr. Soong's penchant for whimsical names seems to have no end.

HEAD (to Riker)

You have a fuzzy face.

PI CARD

(trying to ignore the head)

Keep me informed, Number One, and, please, put him back together.

He goes. Geordi and Data begin to reassemble the B-9 piece by piece like the Tin Man as:


DATA

Can you tell me how you came to be on the planet where we found you?

B-9 (blandly)

I was taken from my homeworld by people called the "PakJeds." They are fat. They traded me to a ship belonging to the "Bolians." The "Bolians" are blue. They put me in a seat and asked me questions. Then they were attacked by another ship…

Time passes ...

And still the B-9 is yammering blandly away. He is more fully assembled By this time Beverly is thoroughly bored .

B-9

Then people called the Delviciansans picked me up. They have long teeth. They asked if I do anything to help them. I told them I could do whatever they wanted. They asked me to clean out the matrix manifolds. I told them I did not know what an

Matrix manifold looks like.


BEVERLY

Excuse me. I have some diagnostics to run on some medical scanner things.

She quickly exits.

B-9

And after they showed me the "engine manifolds." Then they showed me something called a "plasma mop"


Time passes….

And still the B-9 is yammering away. He is almost completely assembled by now. Riker is bored out of his mind.

B-9

...then the "Cardassians" put me into something called a "garbage chute" and I went out into space again--

WORF (V.O. on comm)

Worf to Commander Riker. I have the tactical manifests ready, sir.

RIKER

(quickly tapping his comm badge)

Worf! Wonderful! I'll be right there! ...(he stands) Duty calls, gentlemen. Carry on.


He escapes


He escapes.

B-9

Fuzzy face is gone.

DATA

Yes, please continue.

B-9

I was in space for a long time. Then a ship belonging to the “Talosians” picked me up. They asked me where I came from. I told them people called the “Pakleds” took me from my homeworld. They are fat…

Geordi groans. Time passes. And still the B-9 is yammering away. By this time Geordi is

slumped in a chair and only Data is listening. The B-9 is fully assembled.


B-9

Then I opened my eyes and saw you.


A beat. The B- 9 is finally done with his tale…

DATA

Do you know who I am?

B-9

You are me.

DATA

No. My name is Data ...I am your brother.

INT. ENTERPRISE --CREW LOUNGE NIGHT

Riker and Deanna are having dinner with Worf.

DEANNA

(to Worf)

...and after the ceremony on Betazed, three entire weeks for our honeymoon.

RIKER

We're going sailing on the Opal Sea. We've booked an old-fashioned solar catamaran. Just us and the sun and the waves.


WORF

It seems a very...soft honeymoon.

DEANNA (amused)

It's meant to be relaxing.

WORF

A Klingon honeymoon begins with the Kholamar desert march where the couple bonds in endurance trials. If they survive the challenge they move on to the Fire Caves of Fek'lhr to face the demons of Gre'thor.

RIKER

Well, that sounds relaxing too.

WORF

It is… invigorating.

They see Data enter the lounge, carefully leading the B-9.

RIKER

So they’ve got him up and running.


WORF

He s a very unusual android

RIKER (smiles)

Runs in the family.

They watch as Data leads the B-9 to a table. Data instructs him to sit. The B-9 sits and stares forward placidly. Data shows him how use a napkin.

A note of concern passes over Deanna's face as she watches Data and the B-9.

There is something strangely poignant in the twin androids. One a bundle of curiosity and intelligence; the other somewhat like a slow, simple child.

INT. ENTERPRISE READY ROOM NIGHT
Picard is at his replicator unit

PICARD

Earl Grey, hot.


A cup of tea appears. He takes it as the door chime sounds.


PICARD

Come (Deanna enters} Counselor.

DEANNA

Do you have a moment, sir?

PI CARD

Of course, sit down.

He sits at his desk She sits across from him.

DEANNA

It's about Data I've watched him with the B-9 and I'm troubled. Data's desire for a "family" is very strong. I'm afraid he may be investing too much in the B-9.

PICARD

You're speaking of emotional investment?

DEANNA

The B-9 is like a slow child, sir. And Data, in his own way, has assumed the position of a parent or guardian.

I'm afraid he has expectations based on his own

experiences. He'll be disappointed when the BI-9 cannot meet those expectations.

PI CARD

As much as we care for him, Deanna ...we have to remember that Data isn't capable of disappointment.


I DEANNA

I don't believe that, sir. We’ve shared many disappointing journeys.

A quiet beat.

PICARD

I'm going to miss you.

DEANNA

And I you.

They are interrupted by a comm signal:

RIKER (V.O. on comm}

Captain, you have an Alpha Priority communication from Starfleet Command.

PICARD

Acknowledged ...(Deanna stands} ...I'll talk to Data


DEANNA

Thank you, sir.

She goes. Picard activates his desktop viewscreen.

ADMIRAL KATHRYN JANEWAY appears on Picard's monitor. Janeway is the former captain of Voyager. Her new rank fits her well, she has lost none of her dry humor and down-to-earth charm which made her a household name and beloved cult figure.

PICARD

Admiral Janeway. Good to see you.

JANEWAY (on viewscreen}

Jean Luc... How'd you like a trip to Romulus? All expenses paid?

PI CARD (smiles)

With or without the rest of the fleet?

JANEWAY (on viewscreen)

A diplomatic mission. We've been invited, believe it or not. Seems there's been some kind of internal political shakeup. The new Praetor, someone called Shinzon, has requested a Federation envoy.


PI CARD

New Praetor?

JANEWAY (on viewscreen)

There's more… as always. He's Reman (Picard is surprised) Believe me, we don't understand it either. You're the closest ship so I want you to high tail it over there and hear what he has to say. Get the lay of the land, If the Empire becomes unstable, it could mean trouble for the entire quadrant.

PICARD

Understood.

JANEWAY (on viewscreen}

We're sending you all the intelligence we have, but it's not much. I don't need to tell you to watch your back, Jean Luc.

PICARD

Not with the Romulans.

JANEWAY (smiles wryly, on viewscreen}

The Son'a, the Borg, the Romulans, the evil Soran and that pesky Nexus. You seem to get all the easy assignments!


PICARD

Just lucky, Admiral.

JANEWAY (on viewscreen)

Let's hope that luck holds. Janeway out.

The transmission ends.

Picard sits for a moment, intrigued. Then he goes to the bridge

INT. ENTERPRISE -BRIDGE FOLLOWING
Picard goes to his command chair:

PICARD

(to Helm)

Lay in a new course ...Take us to Romulus. Warp eight.

The crew is shocked.

HELM OFFICER

Aye aye, sir. Course plotted and laid in…

.-,

RIKER

Romulus?

PICARD

I'm afraid the Opal Sea will have to wait, Number One ...Engage.

EXT. ENTERPRISE SPACE

And the Enterprise jumps to high warp -- disappearing in a flash of dazzling light. Yes!

INT. ENTERPRISE OBSERVATION LOUNGE DAY

Data conducts a briefing for the senior officers. Monitors currently show an image of Romulus and Remus in orbit around their sun.

DATA

As you can see the habitable half of Remus is

always in darkness because, like Mercury, one side always faces the sun. Due to the extreme temperatures on that half of their world, the Remans live on the dark side of the planet.

Various grainy and unclear new images appear to illustrate Data’s words:

DATA

Almost nothing is known about the Reman homeworld, although intelligence scans have proven the existence of dilithium mining and heavy weapons construction.

Very obscure images of Remans appear, the crew can barely make out the monstrous figures:

DATA

The Remans themselves are considered an undesirable caste in the hierarchy of the Empire.

RIKER

But they also have the reputation of being formidable warriors. In the Dominion War, Reman forces were used as assault troops in the most violent encounters.

PICARD (grim)

Cannon fodder.

GEORDI

Then how did a Reman get to be Praetor? I don't get it.


RIKER

We have to assume he had Romulan collaborators.

PICARD

A coup d'etat?

RIKER

The Praetor's power has always been the Romulan fleet. They must be behind him.

Picard considers this.

PICARD (to Data)

What have you learned about Shinzon?

The images end. There are no images of Shinzon.

DATA

Starfleet intelligence was only able to provide a partial account of his military record. We can infer he is relatively young and a capable commander. He fought seventeen major engagements in the war. All successful. Beyond that, we know nothing.


PICARD

Well… it seems we're truly sailing into the unknown. Keep at it. Anything you can give me would be appreciated. Dismissed.

The meeting breaks up.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- ENGINEERING LAB DAY

The B-9 stares placidly forward.

We pull back and discover that computer conduits connect the B-9's head to Data's head. Geordi monitors the connection.

DATA

At present he serves no useful function. Dr. Soong created us to become active and useful members of society. I do not believe he would have wanted the B-9 to live out his life in his present state.

GEORDI

I can't believe the Captain went along with a memory download.

DATA

Captain Picard agrees that the B-9 was probably

designed with the same self-actualization parameters as myself. If my memory engrams are successfully

integrated into his positronic matrix, he should have all myabilities.

GEORDI

He'd have all your memories too. You feel comfortable with that?

--~-

DATA

I feel nothing, Geordi. It is my belief that with my memory engrams he will be able to function as a more complete individual.

GEORDI

An individual more like you, you mean.

DATA

Yes.

GEORDI

Maybe he's not supposed to be like you. Maybe he's supposed to be just like he is.


Geordi completes his work


GEORDI

Okay ...we're done.

Geordi removes the computer connections from between their heads. He carefully closes the panel in Data's head as:

DATA (to B-9)

Do you know where you are?

B-9

I am in a room with lights.

He looks blankly at the console lights.

DATA

Can you remember our father?

B-9

No.

Data glances to Geordi.

DATA

Do you know the name of the Captain of this vessel?

'..c 1) Do you know the name of the captain of this vessel?

B-9

No.

DATA

Is that your final answer?

GEORDI (to B-9)

Do you know my name?

B-9

You have a soft voice.

GEORDI (gently)

Data, he's assimilating a lot of programming. e member, he's a prototype, a lot less sophisticated than you are. We just don't know if his matrix will be able to adapt. Or if he'll be able to retain anything. We should give him some time.


Data has been studying some circuitry in the B-9's neck.

DATA

What purpose does this serve?

GEORDI

(also examining circuitry)

It seems to be a redundant memory port. Maybe it's for provisional memory storage in case his neural pathways overload?

DATA

Dr. Soong must have found it unnecessary in later versions.

GEORDI

It's possible the extra memory port is interfering with the engram processing. Mind if I keep him here and run some diagnostics?

DATA

No, I do not mind.

Data looks at the B-9 with a sort of sadness.

DATA

But I believe he will prove incapable of performing higher functions.

GEORDI

Don't give up hope, Data. I know, I know, you're not capable of hope.

DATA

(looking at B-9)

I am not.

Data stands. The B-9 stands to follow.

DATA

No, remain with Commander La Forge. He is going to try to make you well.

The B-9 sits. Data goes. Geordi watches him go.

EXT. ENTERPRISE OVER ROMULUS SPACE

The Enterprise is in orbit around Romulus. Remus can be seen in the distance.

PICARD {V.O.)

Captain's Log. Stardate 47844.9. The Enterprise has arrived at Romulus and is waiting at the designated coordinates. All our hails have gone unanswered. We've

been waiting for seventeen hours.


INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING
The crew is tense. Silence.

Worf, at tactical, slowly stretches his neck. Trying to release the tension. It cracks. Deanna jumps a bit.

RIKER

Why don't they answer our hails?

PICARD

It's an old psychological strategy, Number One. To put him in a position of dominance and make us uneasy.

RIKER

It's working.

PICARD (to Deanna)

Counselor?

DEANNA

They're out there, sir.


Picard stands and walks to the view screen. He gazes at Romulus below and the black infinity of space beyond. They're out there, Waiting.

WORF

Sir, I recommend we raise shields.

PI CARD

Not yet, Mister Worf.

RIKER

Captain, with all due respect to diplomatic protocols -- the Federation Council's not sitting out here, we are.

PI CARD

Patience. Diplomacy is a very exacting occupation. We can wait.

DATA

Captain…

And on the viewscreen.

Shinzon's magnificent Reman Warbird, the SCIMITAR, decloaks directly before the Enterprise.


EXT. OVER ROMULUS SPACE

Our first sight of this incredible ship is absolutely breathtaking.

Shinzon's vessel combines the clean lines of the traditional Romulan Warbird with unique weaponry and styling. It is huge, easily twice as large as the Enterprise. And it is aggressive. Awesome in its power.

INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE FOLLOWING

The crew gapes at the huge ship on the viewscreen.

RIKER

(slowly rising from his chair)

My God...

WORF

(tense)

Should I raise shields?


PICARD

No!


WORF

Captain--!

PI CARD (firm)

Tactical analysis, Mister Worf.

WORF

(quickly analyzing tactical display)

Fifty-two disruptor banks, twenty-seven photon torpedo bays, primary and secondary phased shields.

RIKER

She's not out for a pleasure cruise.

PICARD (grim)

She's a predator.

WORF

We're being hailed.

PICARD

On screen.


And the image on the viewscreen transforms to:


Shinzon's Viceroy.


He stands on the Scimitar's bridge. The bridge is as unique as the rest of Shinzon's ship. Instead of the usual mechanical clutter, this bridge is designed with an almost Asian simplicity. Like the rest of Reman design, it is spare and elegant.

Since the Remans are more comfortable in the darkness, most of the light comes from the three steadily pulsing warp core relays which dramatically soar up through the floor of the bridge.

The crew gazes at the bridge and the monstrous features of the viceroy.

VICEROY (on viewscreen}

Enterprise. We are the Reman Warbird Scimitar.

PICARD

Praetor Shinzon, I'm pleased to--

VICEROY (on viewscreen}

I am not Shinzon. I am his Viceroy. We are sending transport coordinates.


The transmission ends abruptly. The Scimitar reappears on the viewscreen.

RIKER

Not very chatty.

PICARD

Away team. Transporter room four.

Picard, Riker, Deanna, Worf and Data head toward the turbolift, energized now that the endless waiting is over.

INT. SCIMITAR --OBSERVATION LOUNGE NIGHT

The away team materializes in the most striking location on Shinzon's ship: a large observation lounge.

It is a huge, empty chamber. No furniture. A simple Reman mat on the floor is the only decoration. At the very top of the room there is a large, etched glass dome.

It is very dark.

They turn when Shinzon speaks from the shadows:


SHINZON (V.O)

I hope you'll forgive the darkness ...we're not comfortable in the light.


P I CARD

Praetor Shinzon?

Shinzon moves toward them a bit, becoming slightly more illuminated, the low light shining off his golden hair.

The crew cannot see him clearly in the dim light but it is evident he is human. Assuming that he was Reman, they’re surprised by this realization.

Shinzon just stares at Picard through the darkness for a moment.

SHINZON

Captain Picard ...Jean Luc Picard ...I don't mean to stare, it's just -- well, you can't imagine how long I've been waiting for this moment. I always imagined you taller, isn't that odd? (to Data) You may scan me without subterfuge, Commander Data.

Data scans him with a tricorder as:

PICARD

And you're not as we imagined you.


SHINZON

No?

WORF

You are human.

SHINZON

Commander Worf (he speaks in Klingon) I greet you as a valiant warrior… and as my brother.

WORF (terse, in Klingon)

I'll save my greetings for a better brother.

Shinzon laughs, maniacally.

PICARD

Why have you asked for our presence here?

Shinzon does not answer. He is staring deeply at Deanna, moans softly.

PICARD

Praetor?

SHINZON

(quietly)

I've never met a human woman.


He slowly moves toward her, still hidden in the shadows.

DEANNA

I'm only half human.

SHINZON

Deanna Troi of Betazed Empathic and telepathic abilities, ship's counselor. All of this I knew ... But I didn't know you were so beautiful.

RIKER

You seem very familiar with our personnel.

Shinzon moves even closer to Deanna, not taking his eyes from her.

SHINZON

I am, Commander Riker ...(to Deanna) ...May I touch your hair?

PI CARD (firm)

Praetor, we've come to Romulus on a matter we were --assured was of great importance. If you have anything to say to us as representatives of the Federation, I suggest you do so now.

Shinzon continues to stare at Deanna. It is strangely seductive. Almost disquieting in its intensity. Deanna handles it with grace, her level gaze never leaving his.

SHINZON (softly)

On the world I come from there's no light. No sun. Beauty isn't important. I see now there's a world elsewhere.

PICARD

Praetor Shinzon. We’re not here to discuss your lack of a social life.

SHINZON

(turning back to Picard)

Yes, I'm sorry, Captain. (he smiles) There's so much we have to talk about.

PICARD

I would be interested to know what we are talking about.


SHINZON

Unity, Captain! Tearing down the walls between us to recognize we are one people. Federation and

Romulan. Human and Vulcan and Klingon and Reman. I'm speaking of the thing that makes us the same. We want peace.

Picard and the others are stunned.

SHINZON

I want to end the centuries of mistrust. I want to be your ally, not your enemy. As a first step I propose we eliminate the Neutral Zone and begin a free and open exchange of goods and ideas.

PICARD

And the Senate supports you?

SHINZON (dry)

I have dissolved the Senate.

A beat.

SHINZON

Right now, you’re thinking this all sounds too good to be true?


PICARD

Yes.

SHINZON

And you're wondering why the Scimitar is so well armed. Is this the ship of a peacemaker? Or a predator?. (Picard is startled at Shinzon's choice of words) ... But you're also thinking the chance for peace is too promising to ignore. Above all, you're trying to decide if you can trust me.

PICARD

Yes.

SHINZON

Then perhaps the time has come to add some illumination to our discussion. Computer, raise lighting four levels.

Lights shoot up around the room.

For the first time the crew can see Shinzon clearly. Picard actually gasps when he sees Shinzon's face. The rest of the crew doesn't understand his reaction.

SHINZON

Allow me to tell you a story that I hope will clarify my position. When I was very young I was stricken with an odd disease. I developed a hyper-sensitivity to sound. The slightest whisper caused me agony...

Picard watches him carefully. Wary and strangely intense.

SHINZON

No one knew what to do. Finally I was taken to a doctor who had some experience with Terran illnesses and I was finally diagnosed with Shalaft's syndrome. Do you know of it, Captain?

PICARD

You know I do.

The crew is dumbfounded at Picard's unusual reaction.

SHINZON

Then you know it's a very rare syndrome. Genetic. All

the male members of my family had it. Eventually I was treated. Now I can hear as well as you can, Captain.

He steps toward Picard who holds his ground.

SHINZON

I can see as well as you can. I can feel everything you feel. (He stops right before Picard) In fact, I feel exactly what you feel. Don't I, Jean Luc?

Picard stares at him with a mixture of realization and curiosity. It is as if Picard is looking into a strange, remembered mirror: Shinzon's face is nearly identical to his at that age.

SHINZON

Do you trust me now?

A beat.

PICARD

We need to talk, just you and I.

SHINZON

Come to dinner on Romulus tomorrow. Just the two of us. Or just the one of us.


PICARD

You know I need to verify this .


SHINZON

I know.

The crew is utterly confused. Their confusion turns to outright shock when Shinzon calmly pulls out a Reman knife and cuts his arm, drawing a little blood. He hands the knife to Data.

SHINZON

Tomorrow then, Captain. We have so much to discuss.

Picard touches his communicator pin:

PICARD

Picard to Enterprise. Five to beam out.

They dematerialize, the shimmering glow illuminating Shinzon',s features. Picard's eyes never leave Shinzon as the transporter effect ripples around him.

INT. ENTERPRISE SICKBAY DAY

Beverly stands with Picard, Riker and Deanna. The Reman knife is under a protonmicroscope and other medical readouts and analysis are visible.

BEVERLY

There's no doubt, Captain. Right down to your regressive strain of Shalaft's Syndrome. He's a clone.

A beat as the confirmation sinks in.

PICARD

When was he... created?

BEVERLY

About twenty-five years ago. They probably used a hair follicle or skin cell.

PICARD (touching head)

I think a skin cell’s the more likely of the two.

RlKER

Why?

PI CARD

Believe me, Number One; I'm going to find out. Contact Starfleet Command and inform them of the situation. I need to know where the hell he came from. Deanna.


He goes, Deanna following.

INT .ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR FOLLOWING
DEANNA

I would say he's been trained to resist telepathy. What I could sense of his emotions were erratic, very hard to follow.

PICARD

Is he sincere about wanting peace?

DEANNA

I don't know. (she stops him) Sir, the strongest sense I had was that he's more than curious about you. He very much wants to know you. (she looks at him deeply) The same way you want to know him.

PI CARD

How could I not?

DEANNA

Captain, don't assume he's anything like you are. You should resist the urge to think you know him.


PICARD

I not only know him, Deanna, I am him… and he is me!

He goes.

INT. ENTERPRISE RIKER AND DEANNA'S CABIN NIGHT
Riker is hard at work over a series of padds. He has been working for hours.

DEANNA

Will, you need to rest. (he continues to work) As ship's counselor, I'm recommending you get me sleep.

Riker tosses a padd on the desk. Rubs his eyes. Looks up her.

RIKER

Some honeymoon.

She smiles and goes to him.

DEANNA

We have time. (she kisses him) .Come to bed.

She pulls him up.

RIKER

Imzadi, what am I going to do with you?


They kiss deeply. She pulls him across the room and they fall into the bed.

It is passionate, erotic. Her arms undulate around him sensually….her fingers snake through his hair, but something is wrong. Riker's hair is now blond.

She starts back, her eyes growing wide.

Riker is gone. She is now embracing Shinzon!

SHINZON

Imzadi. This is so good.

DEANNA

No!

He caresses her face...

SHINZON

He can never know you as I know you ...He can never touch you as I touch you.


DEANNA

This isn't real.

SHINZON

Can you feel my hands… are they real? Can you feel my lips, my loins?

He kisses her neck - -but when he raises his head again. It is the monstrous Viceroy! Holding her. Caressing her. She is frozen in horror. But is it the Viceroy at all?

Shinzon's voice seems to come from the Viceroy's lips:

SHINZON (V.O.)

I'm with you, Imzadi…

And then it is Shinzon again, kissing her:

SHINZON

I'll always be with you now. Now and forever…


DEANNA

You sick bastard!


She pushes him away…

RIKER

Deanna?! What’s with the name calling?

It is Riker. She stares at him, then clings to him desperately.

EXT. ROMULAN SENATE DAY

The Byzantine splendors of the Senate loom before us.

INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER DAY


Heavy drapes are drawn against any hint of the sun. Shinzon is in conference with the Romulan Commanders and Senator Tal'Aura. Commander Donatra watches him closely.

Commander Suran is angry, pacing. Shinzon stands. His Viceroy lurks in a corner.


SURAN

… then I don't understand the reason for the delay!

SHINZON

You don't have to understand.

SURAN

And bringing the Enterprise here?! What possible purpose could that serve?!

SHINZON
I have a purpose.

SURAN

Then perhaps you will enlighten us?

SHINZON (snaps)

Silence, Romulan!

A tense beat. Shinzon regains his composure.

SHINZON

You must learn patience, Commander. Do you know where I learned it? In the dilithium mines of Remus. Spend eighteen hours every day under the lash of a Romulan guard’s whip and you'll soon understand patience.


SURAN

(carefully bows his head)

Praetor.

SHINZON

Now go. I have some personal business.

Suran and the others go.

Donatra turns just as she is leaving the chamber, she sees the Viceroy going to Shinzon. And then do something odd. The Viceroy puts his hand on Shinzon's chest, leans very close and talks to him quietly. This is an ancient form of Reman telepathic medical diagnosis.

This strange sight perplexes Donatra. The doors close, blocking her view…

INT .SENATE CORRIDOR FOLLOWING
We go with Donatra and the other Romulans. Donatra speaks quietly to Suran:

DONATRA

How long before he has us in the dilithium mines?

INT. ENTERPRISE DATA'S CABIN DAY

The B-9 sits placidly in a chair, staring forward.

Then, as if a switch was thrown, he moves. He quickly rises and goes to a computer console. He efficiently starts punching in commands at an amazing velocity.

INT. ROMULAN SENATE CHAMBER NIGHT
Picard and Shinzon sit alone in a corner of the sweeping Senate chamber. The remains of dinner before them.

SHINZON

.And when I was ready they were going to replace you with me, an exact biological duplicate. Put a Romulan agent at the heart of Starfleet to.influence your command structure. It was a bold plan.

PICARD

What happened?

SHINZON

~,,~ :; SHINZON

As happens so frequently here on Romulus, a new government came to power. They decided to abandon the plan -- frankly, I think they were afraid I'd be discovered and it would lead to war. They weren't ready for that.

Picard pours a glass of Romulan ale.

SHINZON

Romulan ale -- I'm surprised. I can't stand it.

PICARD (smiles)

You'll acquire a taste for it.

A beat. They look at each other.

SHINZON

It's not quite the face you remember.

PICARD

Not quite. I envy the hairline.

SHINZON

A lifetime of violence will do that. My nose was broken four times. And my jaw... But so much is the same. The eyes, you recognize the eyes.

PICARD

Yes. The eyes have it.

SHINZON

Our eyes reflect our lives, don't they? Yours are so confident.

PICARD

How did you end up on Remus?

SHINZON

They sent me there to die. How could a mere human survive the dilithium mines? It was (he can't find the words) ...I was a slave. And a monster. The only thing the Romulan guards hated more than the Remans was me. But one man took pity on me: the man who became my Viceroy. He taught me how to survive. And in that dark place, where there was nothing of myself, I found my Reman brothers. They showed me the only kindness I ever knew.


A beat. He glances to the Romulan crest on the wall.


SHINZON

For thousands of years the Romulan Senate has met in

this chamber and dictated the fate of its sister-planet ...But the time has come for us to live as equals.

PI CARD

You're doing this to liberate the Remans?

SHINZON

No race should be a slave to another.

Picard is impressed with Shinzon's quiet words.

SHINZON

You don't trust me.

PICARD

I have no reason to.

SHINZON

Of course you do. If you had lived my life and experienced the suffering of my people ...you’d be sitting where I am now. At least I hope you would.


PICARD

And if you had lived my life you would understand that there is a great responsibility in representing the Federation. I can't let my personal feelings unduly influence my decisions.


SHINZON

All I have is my personal feelings. I wasn't raised with the ideals of the Federation. But I'm trying to understand them now. To live up to them To live up to you.

A beat.

SHINZON

I want to know where I come from. The Remans gave me a future. You can tell me about my past.

PICARD

There's so much, and so much of it is dull…

SHINZON

Were we always explorers?

PlCARD

No. I was the first Picard to leave Earth. It caused quite a stir, In fact. But I had spent my whole life…

SHINZON

(finishing the sentence) Looking up at the stars.

PICARD

Yes.

SHINZON

And you dreamed about what was up there. About…

PI CARD

(finishing the sentence)

New worlds.

A beat.

They both reach for a carafe of water at the exact same instant. Stop.

PICARD

After you, Praetor.

SHINZON (smiles)

Age before rank, Jean Luc.

Picard smiles, pours a glass.

PICARD

So I'm not as tall as you expected?

SHINZON

I always hoped I would hit two meters.

PlCARD

With a full head of hair.

SHINZON {smiles)

There is that.

A quiet beat.

PI CARD

Shinzon ...I'm trying to believe you.

SHINZON

I know.


PICARD

If there's one ideal the Federation holds most dear it's that all men, all races, can be united. From the first time the Vulcans came to Earth we've sought a future of peace. Nothing would make me more proud than to take your hand in friendship. In time. When trust has been earned.

SHINZON

I'm.honored to think I might someday speak with such eloquence.

A beat.

SHINZON

In time, Jean Luc.

PICARD

In time.

INT. SENATE CHAMBER LATER
Picard is gone. Shinzon sits, thinking. His Viceroy enters.

VICEROY

This is a mistake.

SHINZON

He's gentler than I thought. And he has a sense of humor.

VICEROY (stern)

Don't forget our mission, Shinzon. We should act. Now. Time is running out.

SHINZON (snaps}

My time. I'll spend it how I choose.

A tense beat.


SHINZON

We'll return to the Scimitar. Prepare yourself for the bonding.

INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE NIGHT

Picard emerges from the turbolift. Data, Worf and Geordi wait at the bridge engineering station.


WORF

Sir, we've had an unauthorized access into the main computer.

PICARD

Who was it?

GEORDI

It's going to take some time to find out -- the data stream was rerouted through substations all over the ship.

PICARD

What programs were accessed?

GEORDI

That's what I don't get -- it's mostly basic stellar cartography: star charts; communications protocols; some uplinks from colony tracking stations. It's not even restricted material.

PICARD (to Worf)

Set up a security program to detect any unusual data stream rerouting. If it happens again, we want to be ready.

GEORDI (grim)

There's something else. I was reviewing the sensor logs ...(he refers to some readouts on his console)

When the Scimitar decloaked there was a momentary spike in the tertiary EM band --there -- You're not going to believe this but it's Thalaron.

Picard is shocked.

INT. SICKBAY NIGHT

Picard stands, concerned, with Beverly, Geordi and Data. Monitors showing Thalaron research are visible.

PICARD

...I thought Thalaron radiation was theoretical.

GEORDI

Which is why our initial scans didn't pick it up. But he's got it, Captain.

PICARD

As I remember, Thalaron research was banned in the Federation because of its bioqenic properties.



BEVERLY

It has the ability to consume organic material at the subatomic level. I can't overestimate the danger of Thalaron radiation, Jean Luc. A microscopic amount could kill every living thing on this ship in a matter of seconds.

PICARD

Understood. Keep on it. I need to know what he has and how to neutralize any threat. Give me options.

Picard goes. Data thinks for a moment.

DATA

Doctor, will you excuse us for a moment? Geordi, please come with me.

He and Geordi head out. Beverly returns to some medical displays showing Thalaron research, her expression deeply concerned.


INT. ENTERPRISE - PICARD'S CABIN NIGHT

Picard is sitting at his desk, flipping through an old photo album. He stops and stares at one of the pictures deeply troubled. We fin