Darmok

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Darmok" #40275-202 Written by Joe Menosky Directed by Rick Kolbe

THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USEDFOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKINGWITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All RightsReserved. This script is not for publication orreproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. Iflost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

FINAL DRAFT

JULY 8, 1991

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - CAST

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Darmok"

CAST PICARD CAPTAIN DATHON RIKER TAMARIAN FIRST OFFICER DATA BEVERLY TROI GEORDI WORF Non-Speaking O'BRIEN TAMARIAN OFFICERS ALIEN CREATURE ENSIGN LEFLER COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. FEMALE SECURITY OFFICER SHUTTLE CO-PILOT N.D. MALE OFFICE SHUTTLE PASSENGER

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - SETS

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Darmok" SETS

INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM TAMARIAN STARSHIP OBSERVATION LOUNGE ENGINEERING PLANET EL-ADREL TRANSPORTER ROOM PLANET SURFACE SHUTTLE TAMARIAN BRIDGE (ON VIEWSCREEN)

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - PRONUNCIATION

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Darmok" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

ANNULAR ann-YOU-ler ANZO AHN-zoe BAHAR buh-HAHR BAKOR bah-CORE CALLIMAS kah-lee-MAHS CHENZA CHEN-zuh DARMOK dahr-MOCK DATHON DAY-thahn EL-ADREL el-AH-drel GALLOS GAHL-ohs JIRI JEE-ree JALAD juh-LAHD KADIR kuh-DEER KANDA KAHN-duh KANZA KAHN-zuh KITEO key-TAY-oh KITUAY KI-too-AY LASHMIR lahsh-MEER LERISHI LEHR-ish-ee LOWANI low-AH-nee LUNGHA LOON-guh

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - PRONUNCIATION

CONTINUED:

MALINDI muh-LIN-dee MIRAB mee-RAHB MO MOTEH moe-moe-TAY RAI RIE RAZNA RAHZ-nuh SHAKA SHAH-kah SHANTIL SHAHN-till SHIKU MARU SHEE-koo mah-ROO SOKATH soh-KAHTH TAMA TAH-mah TAMARIAN tah-MAH-rian TANAGRA tuh-NAH-gruh TEMARC teh-MARK TEMBA TEM-buh UBAYA oo-BUY-uh UZANI oo-ZAH-nee ZIMA ZEE-mah ZINDA ZIN-dah

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - TEASER 1.

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Darmok" TEASER

FADE IN:

1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

Travelling at warp speed.

PICARD (V.O.)Captain's log, stardate 45047.2.The Enterprise is en route to anuninhabited planet in the El-Adrelsystem. The location is mid-waybetween Federation space and theterritory occupied by an enigmaticrace known as "The Children ofTama."

2 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

PICARD, RIKER, TROI, DATA and WORF. The Enterprise isat warp. A schematic of a Tamarian spacecraft isdisplayed at Data's end of the table.

PICARDThe Tamarians apparently arrivedat El-Adrel Four nearly threeweeks ago. They've beentransmitting a subspace signaltoward Federation space eversince.

DATAThe signal is a standardmathematical progression. It doesnot carry a specific message.

RIKERBut they want us to know they'rethere.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - TEASER 1A.

2 CONTINUED:

PICARDApparently so. Starfleetbelieves their presence is anattempt to start a dialogue.(to Data)Commander.

Data indicates the graphic display -- the ship isformidable looking, covered with alien lettering.


2 CONTINUED: (2)

DATAFederation vessels haveencountered Tamarian ships seventimes over the past one hundredyears. Each meeting was withoutincident, but formal relationswere never established becausecommunication was not possible.

RIKERWhy?

DATAThe Children of Tama were called"incomprehensible" by CaptainSilvestri of the Shiku Maru.Other accounts are comparable.

WORFA cause for concern. For allwe know, they are threateningour border.

TROIEverything in the previousencounters suggests a peaceablerace. We have to start fromthere.

PICARDAgreed. I appreciate yourprudence, Lieutenant Worf. Butgiven the evidence, Starfleet hasarrived at a reasonableconclusion. The Tamarians haveextended a hand -- we must do thesame.

A beat as Worf lets it go for now. Riker turns to thegraphic display.

RIKERThe "Children of Tama." I'veheard rumors about them for years.

PICARDAs have I, Number One.

Picard glances at the graphic of the Tamarian ship.


2 CONTINUED: (3)

PICARD(continuing)Are they truly "incomprehensible"?In my experience, communicationis a function of patience andimagination. I'd like to thinkwe have both qualities insufficient measure.

3 ANGLE ON THE TAMARIAN GRAPHIC

A beat on the mysterious, powerful-looking vessel.


The Enterprise and a Tamarian starship, as formidableas the graphic, slightly more robust than our owncraft. The ships are facing each other, in orbit abovea reddish planet.

5 INT. BRIDGE - THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

displays a TAMARIAN -- CAPTAIN DATHON -- flanked byhis FIRST OFFICER, and TWO OTHER OFFICERS. Theiruniforms are rich with insignia -- and each wears asmall ceremonial dagger across his or her chest. Butall look the very embodiment of "well-meaning."

DATHON... Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Raiof Lowani. Lowani under twomoons. Jiri of Ubaya. Ubaya ofcrossed roads. At Lungha.Lungha. Her sky grey.

He smiles in all friendliness, as if waiting for aresponse.

6 THE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf. All are staring at theviewscreen, a stupefied expression on each face. Datacocks his head in the android equivalent.


6 CONTINUED:

DATHON(continuing; re-emphasizing)Rai and Jiri. At Lungha...

A beat. Picard glances at Troi.

PICARDCounselor...

TROII'm picking up nothing but goodintentions, Captain.

PICARDData?

DATAThe Tamarian seems to be statingthe proper names of individualsand locations.

PICARDBut what does it all mean?

DATAI am at a loss, sir.

Picard faces the alien on the viewscreen.

PICARD(to screen)Captain, I invite you to considerthe creation of a mutualnon-aggression pact between ourtwo peoples. Possibly leadingto a trade agreement and culturalinterchange. Does this sound likea reasonable course of action?

7 INCLUDE THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

Now it's the Tamarians' turn to stare open-mouthed.They haven't a clue...

The First Officer turns to Captain Dathon.

FIRST OFFICERKadir beneath Mo Moteh.


7 CONTINUED:

The other officers laugh -- but the Captain doesn'tfind it funny.

DATHONThe river Temarc.

The officers immediately stop their laughter -- as ifordered to.

DATHON(continuing; for emphasis)In winter.

His officers look sheepish.

8 RESUME BRIDGE

Picard and Riker exchange a glance.

PICARDImpressions, Number One.

RIKERThey seem to be trying their best.

PICARDAs are we. For what it's worth.

WORF(indicating screen)Captain.

Picard and Riker look up at the screen.

9 THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

Where the aliens appear to be having a spiriteddiscussion amongst themselves.

DATHONDarmok.

The First Officer looks very concerned -- objects.

FIRST OFFICERDarmok? Rai and Jiri at Lungha.


9 CONTINUED:

DATHON(shrugs)Shaka. When the walls fell...

FIRST OFFICERZima at Anzo. Zima and Bakor.

DATHON(firm)Darmok at Tanagra.

FIRST OFFICERShaka!(indicates situation)Mirab. His sails unfurled.

DATHONDarmok.

FIRST OFFICERMir--

DATHON--Temarc!

The First Officer shuts up.

DATHONThe river Temarc...

The First Officer bows his head in complete compliance-- he's lost the argument.

Captain Dathon reaches out and takes the FirstOfficer's ceremonial DAGGER.

10 INCLUDE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

Picard watches as the alien captain turns to him -- nowarmed with two daggers.

DATHONDarmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

A beat. Suddenly both Picard and the Tamarian CaptainDEMATERIALIZE in a transporter beam.

RIKERBlock their transporter with theshields! Extend to maximum range!


10 CONTINUED:

Picard completely disappears as Worf hits his console.

WORFNot enough time!

RIKER(to Data)Where is he?

DATA(off instruments)The Tamarians have transportedCaptain Picard to the surface.With their own captain...

RIKER(touches insignia)Riker to O'Brien --

DATA-- Transport will not be possible,Commander. The Tamarian ship hascreated a particle scatteringfield in the planet's ionosphere.

Riker looks at the viewscreen -- which goes back to animage of the Tamarian ship.

11 EXT. PLANET

A desert filled with scrub-brush and rock. Picard andthe Tamarian Captain are facing each other, separatedby thirty feet of bare ground. Two daggers are in thealien's hands.

OFF Picard's expression: "What the hell is this allabout?"

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT ONE 8.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:


and the Tamarian ship, facing each other in orbit abovethe planet.

13 INT. BRIDGE

Riker, Data, Troi, Worf.

RIKERRiker to Captain Picard...(no response)Captain, do you read me?

Riker turns to Data.

RIKER(continuing)Can we compensate?

DATA(off instruments)No, sir. The Tamarians areprojecting a particle sustainingbeam into the upper atmosphere.The result is a hyperionizationthat disrupts virtually all EMand subspace carriers.

Riker thinks for a moment.

RIKERThat means they can't communicatewith their man, either. Or beamanybody through the field.

DATAThat is correct. However, theyhave left sensor frequenciesclear.

RIKERSo they can read what's going on?Analysis, Mister Worf. What thehell is going on?


13 CONTINUED:

WORF(shrugs)A contest, perhaps.(in explanation)Between champions. Our captainagainst theirs.

Riker considers this for a moment.

RIKER(remembering)Theirs was armed...

OFF everyone's reaction.

14 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY

Picard and the alien captain are still thirty feetapart, facing each other.

DATHONDarmok and Jalad.

The Tamarian extends the dagger-like weapon he tookfrom his first officer, as if offering it to Picard.

PICARD(re: the weapon)You expect me to fight -- is thatit? A challenge?

DATHONDarmok and Jalad.

PICARDI don't know who or what Darmokand Jalad are. But I didn't comehere to start a war.

Picard makes no move to accept the weapon.

DATHON(insistent)Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

PICARDI refuse.


14 CONTINUED:

Picard crosses his arms. The Tamarian stares for abeat, then tosses the weapon toward Picard, landing ita couple of feet away from him. Picard doesn't evenlook at it.

PICARD(continuing)Would you attack an unarmed man,Captain? There's not much of achallenge in that.

The alien watches him for a moment. Scowls. TheTamarian takes his own weapon out of its chest sheath,points at the one in front of Picard.

DATHONTemba. His arms wide.

PICARD(shakes head)I'm sorry, Captain.

Picard picks up the weapon, tosses it back in front ofthe alien.

They stare at each other for a few beats. TheTamarian looks frustrated. He reaches down, picks upthe dagger.

DATHON(almost to himself)Shaka... When the walls fell...

He moves slowly off toward the edge of the clearing,keeping an eye on Picard all the way. Picard does thesame, moving toward the opposite end of the clearing.

The Tamarian now ignores Picard completely and startsclearing out rocks to form a campground. Picardwatches for a few beats. Then starts to do the same.

15 INT. BRIDGE - SCIENCE STATION

Data looks up from his instruments. Riker is standingbehind him, waiting for Data's report.


15 CONTINUED:

DATASensors show the captain and theTamarian in apparent good health,approximately twenty meters fromeach other.

Everyone considers Data's words. A beat as Rikerthinks for a moment.

RIKER(to Worf)Lieutenant, hail the Tamarianship.

Worf works the panel.

WORFOn screen.

16 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

The Tamarian First Officer in his chair, surrounded byhis senior staff. All are grim-faced.

RIKER(to screen)You are holding our captain. Iwant him released.

FIRST OFFICERDarmok at Tanagra.

RIKERYour actions can be interpretedas an act of war.


16 CONTINUED:

FIRST OFFICER(to his staff)Kiteo. His eyes closed.(to Riker)Chenza at court. The court ofsilence.(flash of anger)Chenza...

RIKER(to Data)Is there any way to get throughto them?

DATANot without further study.

Riker stares at the viewscreen for a long beat.

RIKERMister Worf, close the channel.

WORFGladly, sir.

Worf touches the console and the viewscreen switches tothe image of the Tamarian ship.

RIKER(to Worf)I want you and a security teamto take a shuttle down to theplanet. Bring back the captain.

WORFAye, Commander.

Worf heads for the turbolift.

DATASir, the Tamarians are fullycapable of stopping a shuttle.

RIKERI'm aware of that. But disruptingour transporter beam is one thing.Firing on a shuttle is somethingelse entirely. I'm bettingthey're not gonna push it thatfar.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT ONE 13.

17 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - NIGHT

18 CLOSE ON A STICK

being twirled by Picard's hands. As a slight tendrilof smoke rises off a small pile of straw...

19 REVEAL PICARD

working the stick. He quickly drops it, blows on thestraw, adding more material, until he has a small firegoing... which quickly sputters out.

Picard scowls, looks over across the clearing.

20 THE TAMARIAN

is staring back at him, sitting next to a roaringcampfire. He smiles at Picard's failed attempt.

DATHONShaka. When the walls fell.

21 INCLUDE PICARD

not pleased with the situation.

PICARD"Shaka" indeed.

Picard stands, giving up on the fire.

PICARD(continuing)What now, Captain? Will youattack me in my sleep?

Picard rubs his arms against the growing chill.

PICARD(exaggerating)If I don't freeze to deathfirst...

DATHONDarmok of Kanza. Jalad of theKituay.

Picard thinks a moment.


21 CONTINUED:

PICARDPicard of the Federation.

The Tamarian looks at him blankly.

PICARD(continuing)Of the starship Enterprise... Ofthe planet Earth...

Picard's words mean nothing to the alien.

DATHON(to himself)Kadir beneath Mo Moteh...

The Tamarian shrugs, turns away, ignoring Picard. Headds some wood to his fire, then crouches on hishaunches like a Bedouin. He takes five ornamentalobjects off of his garments, carefully placing them onthe ground.

22 THE TAMARIAN

begins a strange ritual, alternately picking up one ormore of the objects and dropping them on the ground,touching his forehead after each pattern formed bytheir fall. His manner is not particularly religious-- more like habit or custom done without much thought.

23 PICARD

watches with curiosity. He rubs his arms unconsciouslyagainst the chill.

24 THE SCENE

The alien finishes his ritual, leaving the objects onthe ground. He glances over at Picard -- who iswalking back and forth, keeping his blood going. TheTamarian turns from him, laying down in front of thefire.

25 THE TAMARIAN

closes his eyes, attempting to sleep. A couple ofbeats later, his eyes open. He rolls over, looks backat Picard.


26 THE TAMARIAN'S POV

Picard isn't life-threatened by the cold -- but helooks increasingly uncomfortable. It's going to be amiserable night.

27 RESUME THE TAMARIAN

He sighs -- with a hint of guilt. The alien sits up,pokes around the fire until he pulls out a branchburning at one end only.

28 THE SCENE

The Tamarian stands with the flame-tipped wood, andin one smooth motion, hurls it end over end across theclearing -- where it lands at Picard's feet.

DATHONTemba.

Picard looks down at the branch, then back up at theTamarian, who is watching him. Picard picks it up.

PICARD(continuing)Temba? What do you mean? Fire?Temba means fire?


PICARDTemba is a person? His arms arewide. Because he's holdingthem apart? In generosity?In giving? In taking?

Dathon indicates the branch.


Picard gives up on the specific meaning for now. Thegift is progress in any case.

PICARDThank you.(indicates branch)Thank you.


29 PICARD

holds the brand to his pile of straw and it immediatelyignites. He adds kindling and branches and quickly hasa cheery fire. He looks back toward the alien.

30 PICARD'S POV

The Tamarian appears to be fast asleep.

31 RESUME PICARD

as he watches the alien for a few moments. OFF thethoughtful look on his face.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT TWO 17.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:


above the planet, head-to-head with the Tamarian ship.A SHUTTLECRAFT is leaving the Enterprise.

RIKER (V.O.)First Officer's log, supplemental.I am sending a shuttlecraft tofind Captain Picard, gambling thatthe Tamarians will back downrather than risk an exchange ofphaser fire. But I feel like I'mplaying a deadly game -- thecaptain's life is the prize, andI still don't know the rules.

33 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

Worf is at the controls, one N.D. SECURITY OFFICER(female) is in the co-pilot position.

WORF(off instruments)The positron density is point zeroone three. Electron concentrationis seven point nine-five.

34 INT. BRIDGE

Riker, Data, and Troi.

WORF'S COM VOICE(heavily fritzed)We are two hundred fiftykilometers from the planet'ssurface.

DATAThe shuttle has reached the Eregion of the planet's ionosphere.

RIKERHow long can we maintaincommunications?


34 CONTINUED:

DATAThe scattering layer induced bythe Tamarians is concentrated inthe upper D region. The shuttlewill enter that area inapproximately two minutes.


The Tamarian vessel, hanging silently in front of them.

RIKERThe Tamarian ship?

DATAUnchanged, sir. They appear tobe making no attempt to stop us.

Riker considers this for a moment as he stares at theviewscreen.

RIKERMaybe we called their bluff.

36 INT. SHUTTLE

Worf works the controls.

RIKER'S COM VOICE(extremely fritzed)Status, Mister Worf.

WORFNavigational, life-support,propulsion normal. Onboardsystems do not appear to bedisrupted by the field. But Ican barely read you, Commander.

37 INT. BRIDGE

RIKER(to com)Acknowledged, Lieutenant.Maintain contact as long asconditions permit --


37 CONTINUED:

DATA(off instruments)-- Commander! I am reading apower surge in the Tamarian plasmareactor.

RIKER(to com)Mister Worf! Evasive maneuversequence delta!

38 INT. SHUTTLE

Worf at the controls. Riker's voice is barelyunderstandable.

RIKER'S COM VOICE(totally fritzed)-- Maneuver sequence delta!Maneuver sequence --

39 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & TAMARIAN SHIP (OPTICAL)

A single, tiny, phaser beam burst fires from theTamarian ship, away from both vessels, down toward theplanet.

39A EXT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)

as it gets HIT by the phaser.

40 INT. SHUTTLE

The BLAST rocks the shuttle. Worf and company nearlyfall from their seats.

41 INT. BRIDGE

DATA(off instruments)Commander, the shuttle has beenhit.

RIKERDamage.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT TWO 19A.

41 CONTINUED:

DATAThe starboard nacelle has beenrendered inoperable.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO 20.

41 CONTINUED:

RIKER(surprised)That's all?(to com)Riker to Lieutenant Worf.

42 INT. SHUTTLE

The crew has recovered from the blast.

RIKER'S COM VOICE(fritzed)Report.

WORF(to com)Starboard thrusters destroyed.Commander, I may be able to land.I will not be able to take off.

43 INT. BRIDGE

RIKER(to com)Understood, Lieutenant. Returnto the Enterprise.

44 INT. SHUTTLE

Worf plots a course.

WORFAye, sir.

45 INT. BRIDGE

Riker turns to Data.

RIKEREnough to make them turn back,but not enough to hurt them.

DATAYes, sir. The phaser pulseappears to have been carefullyattenuated for just that effect.

Riker looks up at the viewscreen.



The Tamarian ship.

RIKER(begrudgingly)Nice shooting...

47 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

Riker, Data, Troi, GEORDI, Worf.

Geordi is indicating a graphic display of the planet'supper atmosphere -- a glowing umbrella effect indicatesthe spread of the Tamarian scattering field. Graphicrepresentations of the Enterprise and the Tamarian shipare in orbit above it.

GEORDII'm pretty sure I can punch upthe annular confinement beam --enough to transport the captainthrough the field. But it's gonnatake a full day at least.

TROICaptain Picard could be dead bythen.

WORFI do not believe so.

They turn to him in surprise.

WORF(continuing)I have confidence in his abilityas a warrior. He will bevictorious.

TROIYou're still assuming this is somesort of a challenge ritual. Wecan't be certain of that.

RIKERAgreed. We're making educatedguesses about their motivations-- no more than that.


47 CONTINUED:

WORFThen why do we wait? If we attackthe ship directly, they will beunable to maintain the scatteringfield.

RIKERWhich could start a shootingmatch, and for all we know, a war.And we still might not be ableto save the captain.

WORFIt will end this stalemate.

RIKERThere's too much at risk. I'lltake that course when it's theonly one left.

A silent beat as Riker looks around the room, thefrustration obvious in his voice.

RIKER(continuing)Who the hell are these people?There's got to be some way to getthrough to them.

DATAAs I have said, with further studyit may be possible to --

RIKER-- Then do it.(to Troi)Deanna, help him. I wantsomething by oh-nine hundredhours.

The meeting's over. Riker gets up and leaves, Worf andGeordi follow him out.

OFF a glance between Data and Troi -- they've got adaunting task in front of them.


Picard is curled up asleep by the now burned-outcampfire. He takes a ragged breath, his eyes open.Picard sits up, takes in his surroundings, glancesacross the clearing.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT TWO 22A.

49 PICARD'S POV

The alien's campsite is empty -- the Tamarian isnowhere to be seen.


50 RESUME

Picard stands, dusting himself off, still lookingacross the clearing.

PICARD(to himself)Where have you gone to, my friend?

Picard stares for another beat, glances around, doesn'tsee anybody, and makes a decision.

He strides away from his campsite, crosses theclearing, looking around at each step for the alien.

Picard arrives at the campsite, pausing at the rocksthat have been piled around it. Still no sign of theTamarian. Picard looks at the campsite -- severalpersonal objects appear to have been left. He can'tresist.

PICARD(to himself)Forgive the intrusion, Captain.But I need some answers.

Picard steps over the rock perimeter. He moves to theburned out campfire and crouches down.

51 CLOSE ON THE CEREMONIAL OBJECTS

Two of the small pieces the Tamarian worked the ritualwith the previous night. Picard's hand reaches downand picks one of them up.

52 RESUME

Picard turns it over in his hand, studying it. Theobject is metallic and crystalline, dull like leadrather than shining, but has a beauty nonetheless.

He puts it down. Something catches his eye a few feetaway...

52A PICARD'S POV -- A BOOK

belonging to the alien captain -- the same type oflettering on the Tamarian ship adorns its cover.


52A RESUME

Picard reacts. OFF the look of curiosity on his face.

INT. DATA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

Data and Troi are at the table, facing a computermonitor. The monitor is running a recording of thefirst encounter with the Tamarians, as seen on thebridge viewscreen.


FIRST OFFICERShaka!(indicates situation)Mirab. His sails unfurled.

DATHONDarmok.

DATAFreeze.

The computer freeze-frames the scene.

TROI"Darmok." It seems to be a pointof contention between them.Perhaps something the Tamariancaptain proposed but his FirstOfficer didn't like?

DATAThe apparent emotional dynamicdoes seem to support thatassumption. As with the otherterms used by the Tamarian, itappears to be a proper noun. Thename clearly carries a meaningfor them.

TROIComputer, search for the term"Darmok" in all linguisticdatabases compiled for thissector.

COMPUTER VOICESearching...


53 CONTINUED:

They wait a moment.

COMPUTER VOICE(continuing)"Darmok" is the name of a seventhdynasty emperor on Kanda Four...

Troi and Data exchange an excited glance -- abreakthrough? Then...

COMPUTER VOICE(continuing)A mytho-historical hunter onShantil Three... A colony onMalindi Seven...

Troi's face falls -- Data gives the android equivalent.

COMPUTER VOICE(continuing)A frozen dessert on Razna Five...A --

TROI-- Stop search. Computer, howmany entries for "Darmok"?

COMPUTER VOICEForty-seven.

A beat. Troi stares at Data for a moment, shakes herhead.

TROI(continuing)All our technology and experience:our universal translator, ouryears in space -- contacts withmore alien cultures than I canremember...


53 CONTINUED: (2)

DATAI have encountered one-thousand,seven-hundred, fifty-fournon-Human races during my tenurewith Starfleet.

TROI(smiling)... and we still can't even say"hello" to these people.

DATAThat is correct.

TROIA single word can lead to tragedy.A word misspoken, misunderstood.(re: Tamarians on screen)That could happen here, Data.If you and I fail...

Troi and Data exchange a look. Data turns to themonitor.

DATAReplay at time indexone-four-four.

The video monitor starts the replay at the same placewe opened the scene.


DATAFreeze.

The image freezes.

DATAComputer, search for the term"Tanagra." All databases.

COMPUTER VOICESearching... Tanagra is the nameof the ruling family on GallosTwo...(MORE)


53 CONTINUED: (3)

COMPUTER VOICE (Cont'd)A ceremonial drink on LerishiFour... An island-continent onShantil Three --

DATA(immediately)-- Stop.

TROI(excited)Shantil Three? Computer, cross-reference the last entry withthe previous search index.

COMPUTER VOICE"Darmok" is the name of amytho-historical hunter on ShantilThree.

Troi turns to Data.

TROII think we've got something.


Picard is still standing ALONE in the alien's campsite.In his hands is the book, and he is pouring throughit with great interest.

55 CLOSE ON THE BOOK

A thin notebook of high-tech material. On its pages isa jumble of Tamarian writing, reminiscent of thelettering on the Tamarian ship. Picard's fingerscarefully, respectfully turn the pages. The last entryends in the middle of the page.

56 RESUME

PICARD(to himself)A captain's log... ?

DATHON (o.s.)(shouting)Darmok!

It's so loud and near, Picard drops the book, startled--looking towards the source of the shout.


57 INCLUDE THE TAMARIAN

flying over the perimeter of the campsite, daggers inboth hands. He violently extends one hand to Picard.

DATHON(continuing)Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra!

PICARD(indicating campsite)I was curious. I meant no harm.

DATHONShaka!

He practically shoves the weapon in Picard's hand.

DATHON(continuing)Temba! His arms wide! Temba---

Picard takes a step backwards -- angered by theinsistence.

PICARD--Enough! I'm not going tofight you. You'll just have to---

A TREMENDOUS ANIMAL ROAR sounds offscreen. Picardwhips around at the noise. The Tamarian is notsurprised -- this is what he's been agitated about.

DATHON(re: noise; matter-of-factly)Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

Another terrifying roar -- closer.

OFF the stunned look on Picard's face.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 29.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

58 INT. BRIDGE

Worf glances up in alarm from his post.

WORFCommander! Sensors are pickingup an electromagnetic disturbance-- approaching the captain'sposition.

RIKERAnalysis?

WORF(off instruments)A variable induction field...possibly a life-form.

RIKERHow close is it to the captain?

WORFThe field is erratic -- appearingand disappearing -- but it seemsto be moving toward him.

RIKERAttacking?

OFF Worf's look at Riker -- that's a reasonableassumption.

59 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)

Another ROAR -- and a strange low CRACKLING. Picardand the Tamarian both are facing toward the stillunseen source. The alien turns to Picard, gravelyoffering him the dagger.

DATHON(urgent)Temba. His arms wide.

PICARDI'll go along with that.


59 CONTINUED:

Picard grabs the weapon and both turn in time to see aHUMANOID BLUR appearing on a ridge. It is at thispoint just a distortion in the air -- kicking up dustand brush.

INT. BRIDGE

RIKER(to com)Riker to La Forge.

INTERCUT:

61 INT. ENGINEERING

La Forge and ENSIGN LEFLER are working quickly attheir respective consoles.

GEORDI(touches combadge)La Forge here.

RIKER'S COM VOICEHow close are we on thetransporter?

GEORDIAbout two hours -- maybe three.

RIKER'S COM VOICEI want the captain out of therenow.

Geordi and Lefler share a look.

GEORDIThat's not... likely, sir.

RIKER'S COM VOICEI don't want to hear that,Commander.


61 CONTINUED:

GEORDI(to Lefler)What's the resonance frequency?

LEFLER(off instruments)Point three four over standard.

GEORDII want a resolution of point fivethree at the very least.(to com)I'll need two more minutes,Commander. But there's a goodchance this isn't gonna work.

62 INT. BRIDGE

Riker and Worf look at each other -- the dynamic ismore like two generals discussing strategy than asuperior officer and his subordinate.

WORFIf it fails...

RIKERI know. We'll have tipped ourhand to the Tamarians. But that'sa chance we've got to take.

Worf nods.

WORFAgreed.

RIKER(to com)La Forge. Proceed.

GEORDI'S COM VOICEWe're on it. La Forge out.

RIKER(to com)Riker to transporter room one.


63 INT. TRANSPORTER

O'BRIEN at his console.

O'BRIENO'Brien here, Commander.

64 INT. BRIDGE

Riker, his face grim.

RIKER(to com)Stand by, Mister O'Brien...


The creature is now across the clearing, an almostimperceptible ripple in the air, a low electricalCRACKLING SOUND coming from it. Picard indicatesthey should retreat. The Tamarian shrugs him off --as if he knows better.

DATHONMirab -- his sails unfurled?

Picard starts to move away from the distortion. Againmotioning for Dathon to follow.

PICARDCome on.

DATHON(hanging back)Shaka. When the walls fell.

Dathon indicates the blur in the air. A beat and itsuddenly CRACKLES LOUDLY and disappears. A silentbeat. Suddenly it reappears with a loud CRACKLE, muchcloser, cutting off the path Picard would have taken-- almost as if to demonstrate its prowess. There'sclearly no way to out run it.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT THREE 32A.

65 CONTINUED:

DATHON(re: creature's speed; hopeless)Shaka. When the walls fell.

PICARDShaka... You said that before.When I couldn't build a fire.A failure? An inability to dosomething?

The Tamarian squares off toward the creature, weaponready. Picard does the same.

DATHONDarmok and Jalad --

PICARD-- at Tanagra.


65 CONTINUED: (2)

The alien looks surprised.

PICARD(continuing)I remember the words. But I don'tunderstand...

The creature crackles loudly, threateningly. Picardand the Tamarian await its attack...

66 INT. ENGINEERING

Geordi and Lefler at their consoles, working furiously.

GEORDIMatrix levels.

LEFLERAnnular convergence holding atfour three nine point two oh five.Confinement resolution at pointfive two seven.

GEORDIThat isn't gonna do it. Increasethermal input coefficient to onehundred fifty-percent.

LEFLER(working console)Increasing now...

67 INT. BRIDGE

Riker and Worf.

RIKER(to com)Status, La Forge.

68 INT. ENGINEERING

Geordi keeps working without missing a beat.


68 CONTINUED:

GEORDI(to com)We're almost there, Commander.(to Lefler)Shunt the overload to the phasetransition sequencers intransporter one.

LEFLERYes, sir.

Lefler's fingers fly over the console.

GEORDI(to com)La Forge to O'Brien.

69 INT. TRANSPORTER

O'Brien at the controls.

O'BRIENGo ahead, Commander.

GEORDI'S COM VOICEConfirm phase sequencer linkage.

O'Brien touches the panel.

O'BRIENLink confirmed. Ready wheneveryou are, sir.


71 THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)

roars and moves toward them, a distortion in the air...

72 PICARD AND THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)

The alien captain motions Picard away, indicating thereshould be more distance between them, using his handsto indicate the split.


72 CONTINUED:

The creature is still hovering near, its blur waveringin the air, the low electrical noise around it.

DATHONUzani. His army at Lashmir.

Picard stares at him in the heat of the moment, tryingdesperately to understand -- their lives depend on it.

PICARDAt Lashmir. Was it like this atLashmir? Similar to what we'refacing now?

The creature CRACKLES loudly, disappears. Silence.

Picard and Dathon tense up, anticipating the creature'snext location. They urgently try to connect with eachother.

DATHONUzani...

The Tamarian takes another step to the side -- againindicating more distance between Picard and himself.

DATHONHis army. With fist open.

PICARD(excited)A strategy? With fist open...

Picard opens his hand.

PICARD(continuing)With fist open. Why... ? To lurethe enemy...

DATHONHis army. With fist closed.

PICARD(closing his fist)With fist closed. An army.Open... to lure the enemy.(MORE)


72 CONTINUED: (2)

PICARD (Cont'd)Then closed... To attack. That'show you communicate, isn't it?By citing example. By metaphor.(indicating creature)Uzani's army. With fist closed!


72 CONTINUED: (3)

DATHON(eureka!)Sokath. His eyes uncovered!

A VIOLENT CRACKLING ROAR. Both turn toward the sound.

73 INCLUDE THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)

directly in front of them, wavering between the two,divided about which to attack. It chooses Picard --SUDDENLY BECOMING VISIBLE -- and lunges toward him.It is a horrifying creature surrounded with ashimmering electrical field.

Picard moves sideways, slashing out with his dagger ashe goes. The dagger contacts the field (not flesh);the creature shrieks angrily in response.

74 THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)

leaps in from the creature's blind side, slashing itwith his weapon -- also contacting the field aroundit. Sparks fly, the creature again shrieks, whippingaround to the new source of attack, leaving Picardalone.

75 PICARD (OPTICAL)

executes the same move the Tamarian just made,attacking from the creature's blindside, distracting itfrom the Tamarian.

76 THE TAMARIAN (OPTICAL)

again attacks, and as the creature turns toward him...

77 PICARD (OPTICAL)

begins to DEMATERIALIZE! Picard reacts -- strugglingagainst the beam, not wanting to abandon his comrade.

PICARDNo --

But the word is fritzed, Picard is silenced by thetransporter.


78 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

Picard's image SEMI-MATERIALIZES on the pad, flickeringbetween more- and then less-solid states.

79 INCLUDE O'BRIEN

at the controls.

O'BRIEN(to com)I've got a piece of him Commander.But that's all...

80 INT. BRIDGE

Riker is on his feet.

RIKER(to com)La Forge, boost the confinementbeam!

81 INT. ENGINEERING

Geordi and Lefler at their consoles.

LEFLER(to Geordi)One fifty-seven over standard.

GEORDI(to com)It's as solid as it'll go,Commander.


The Tamarian is hurled violently into frame -- burnmarks slashed across his chest. TIGHT on the creatureas it leaps upon him.

83 PICARD (OPTICAL)

continues to MATERIALIZE in and out as...


84 THE SCENE (OPTICAL)

Without Picard to distract it, the creature is all overthe Tamarian. He desperately tries to roll away fromit, but nothing works -- he's at its complete mercy,being battered and slashed by claws and electricalcharge.

85 INT. BRIDGE

Worf looks up from his controls.


85 CONTINUED:

WORFThe Tamarian and the entity arein close proximity. TheTamarian's lifesigns arefluctuating.

Riker glances at the instrument panel over the shoulderof the Conn Officer.

RIKER(off instruments)The scattering field is still infull force.(indicates screen)What the hell is wrong with them?


and the Tamarian ship.

RIKER(continuing)Their sensors can read what'sgoing on as well as ours can.(to com)Riker to O'Brien. Report.

87 INT. TRANSPORTER (OPTICAL)

O'Brien works the controls as Picard continues toMATERIALIZE in and out -- only it's getting weaker.

O'BRIEN(to com)The field's still deflecting thesignal. There just isn't enoughof him, sir.

88 INT. BRIDGE

Riker turns to Worf.

RIKEROpen a channel to the Tamarianship.

WORF(touches controls)Aye, sir.



as the Tamarian bridge appears, the First Officerlooking frustrated and angry.

RIKER(to screen)Your captain is under attack.Drop your particle field.

The First Officer stares at Riker for a hard beat, thenturns to his tactical officer.

FIRST OFFICERKailash...(facing Riker)When it rises...

The screen goes dead.

WORFThey have closed the channel.

O'BRIEN'S COM VOICEO'Brien to bridge.

90 INT. TRANSPORTER (OPTICAL)

Picard's image begins to completely DEMATERIALIZE onthe pad.

O'BRIEN(to com)I can't hold him, Commander.


Picard MATERIALIZES back into place, just in time tosee the creature blur out and disappear in a cracklingsnarl, leaving the fallen Tamarian behind.

Picard runs to him, crouches down at his side. TheTamarian is still conscious, but seriously injured.Burned, slashed, white blood appearing at open wounds.Dathon steals himself against the pain -- a heroicwarrior.

DATHONShaka...

Picard nods, remembers the phrase -- completes it.


91 CONTINUED:

PICARD(nodding)... when the walls fell.

The Tamarian gives him a weak smile -- and slumps intounconsciousness.

OFF Picard's face.

FADE OUT

END OF ACT THREE

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR 41.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:


Still facing each other.

RIKER (O.S.)First Officer's log, stardate45047.8. Our attempt to transportCaptain Picard back to the shiphas failed. My options arenarrowing. And my patience isall but gone.

93 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

Data and Troi are waiting at the table. Geordi issitting nearby.

The door opens and Riker ENTERS with Worf and BEVERLY.They sit down.

RIKERHere's the situation on El-Adrel.The entity has moved off severalhundred meters.

BEVERLYCaptain Picard's bioscan readingsare stable. The Tamarian's arenot.

TROIHe may have been injured...

RIKERIf the entity attacks again, thecaptain could be facing it alone.

GEORDIThe transporter's completely outof the question. The Tamarianship has deepened the scatteringfield to the D region of theionosphere. There's no gettingthrough.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT FOUR 42.

93 CONTINUED:

WORFUnless we attack the ship itself.

RIKERCan you pinpoint the source oftheir particle beam?

GEORDIThey're using a polarity coilgenerator located aft of theirwarp drive. It's heavilyshielded.

RIKERCan we get through with ourphasers?

GEORDINot with the first spread. It'lltake a few hits.

RIKERThat's not good enough. I wantto be able to knock out thescattering field in one shot andhave the captain back on theEnterprise before they know whathappened.

A beat.

GEORDIIf we selectively target theamplification pathways around thegenerator, it should be just aseffective. And we can do it inone burst.

RIKERHow long to set that up?

GEORDIWorf and I will have to adjustthe prefire chambers. That'llgive us the focus we need.(shrugs)A few hours.

RIKERGet started.


93 CONTINUED: (2)

GEORDIAye, sir.

Geordi and Worf stand and leave the room. Riker turnsto Troi and Data.

RIKER(re: Worf and Geordi)I'd prefer to find a peacefulsolution. If we can talk our wayout of this -- so much the better.

Troi and Data exchange a glance.

TROIUnfortunately, it's not thatsimple.

RIKERWhat have you found?

DATAThe Tamarian ego structure doesnot seem to allow what we normallythink of as self-identity. Theirability to abstract is highlyunusual. They seem tocommunicate through narrativeimagery -- by reference to theindividuals and places whichappear in their mytho-historicalaccounts.

TROIIt's as if I were to say to you"Juliet. On her balcony."

BEVERLYAn image of romance.

TROIExactly. Image is everything tothe Tamarians.(MORE)


93 CONTINUED: (3)

TROI (cont'd)It embodies their emotionalstates, their very thoughtprocesses. It's how theycommunicate, and how they think.

RIKERIf we know how they think, can'twe get something across to them?

DATANo sir. The situation isanalogous to understanding thegrammar of a language but noneof the vocabulary.

BEVERLY(nodding)If I didn't know who Juliet wasor what she was doing on thatbalcony, the image alone wouldn'tmean anything.

TROIThat's correct. We know, forinstance, that "Darmok" was agreat hero -- a hunter. Tanagrawas an island. But that's all.Without the details, there's nounderstanding.

DATAIt is necessary for us to learnthe narratives from which theTamarians are drawing theseimages.(beat)Given our current relations, thatdoes not appear likely.

OFF Riker's reaction -- they're at a dead end.

94 EXT. PLANET - CLEARING - NIGHT

The Tamarian Captain is on the ground, lying on hisback.

Picard is sitting upright on rock a few feet away, bothdaggers in hand, alert and protective.


94 CONTINUED:

DATHON(indicating scene)Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.

His voice has a certain finality -- as though theincident with the creature made his point. He settlesback.

PICARDOur situation is similar totheirs. I understand. But I needto know more. Tell me more.About Darmok and Jalad. Tellme...

Picard searches his memory.

PICARD(continuing)You used the words "Temba. Hisarms wide" when you gave me thefire. And the dagger. Could thatmean give?(pointing to Dathon)Temba. His arms wide. Darmok.Give me more about Darmok.

Picard makes a "give me" or "come on" motion with hishand. Dathon smiles to hear Picard's efforts in hisown language. But he understands.

DATHONDarmok on the ocean.

Picard thinks out loud, trying to understand. (NOTE:the alien does not understand Picard's "English" --only when Picard repeats a Tamarian phrase or imagewill Dathon show a glimmer of recognition.)

Picard takes a tiny stone and places it on the sand infront of them.

PICARD(indicating stone)Darmok.

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/16/91 - ACT FOUR 45A.

94 CONTINUED: (2)

Picard draws a big circle around the stone.

PICARD(indicating circle)The ocean.

He sweeps his hand to indicate the small scene he hascreated.

PICARD(continuing)"Darmok on the ocean."

The Tamarian gives an appreciative chuckle.

PICARD(continuing)A metaphor. For being alone?Isolated? "Darmok on the ocean."

The alien laughs again -- then spasms painfully,quickly covering his distress.

PICARD(standing)Are you alright?

The alien waves him off.


94 CONTINUED: (3)

DATHONKiazi's children. Their faceswet.

Picard sits back down.

PICARD(indicating Dathon)Temba. His arms wide. Give memore. "Darmok on the ocean... "

DATHONTanagra on the ocean. Darmokat Tanagra.

PICARD"At Tanagra." A country?"Tanagra on the ocean." Anisland.(a "more" motion)Temba... His arms wide.

DATHONJalad on the ocean. Jalad atTanagra.

PICARD"Jalad at Tanagra." He went tothe same island as Darmok. ToTanagra.

DATHONThe beast at Tanagra.

PICARDThe beast. A creature on theisland? On Tanagra. Darmok andJalad -- did they fight the beast?

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/17/91 - ACT FOUR 46A.

94 CONTINUED: (4)

Picard suddenly thinks he understands.

PICARD(continuing)They arrived separately. Theystruggled against a common foe.(beat)"The beast at Tanagra. Darmok andJalad."

DATHONDarmok and Jalad on the ocean.

PICARD(realizing)They left together.


94 CONTINUED: (5)

Picard indicates the two of them.

PICARD(continuing)Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.

Dathon looks pleased.

DATHONOn the ocean--

The alien is wracked by a terrible spasm of pain.Picard again moves toward him, this time the Tamarianis angered.

DATHON(continuing)Zinda! His face black... His eyesred...

Picard backs off respectfully. The Tamarian gets thepain under control. Smiles weakly -- as if to makeup for the outburst.

DATHON(continuing)Callimas at Bahar.

Picard stares at him for a moment.

PICARDYou hoped this would happen,didn't you? You knew there wasa dangerous creature on thisplanet. And you knew from thetale of Darmok that danger sharedcan sometimes bring two peopletogether.(indicating situation)Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.You and me, here -- at El-Adrel.

The Tamarian gives a confirmatory shake of hisshoulders. Then fights another wave of pain. When itpasses, he takes a ragged breath. Then appears to bewaiting for something. He gives a "go-ahead"indication to Picard.


94 CONTINUED: (6)

DATHON(weakly)Kira at Bashi.

Picard doesn't quite get it. The alien mimics Picard's"you give me" motion.

DATHON(continuing)Temba. His arms wide...

PICARD(realizing)My turn? I'm afraid I'm not muchof a story teller. And youwouldn't understand me anyway.(shakes head)Shaka... when the walls fell.

The Tamarian smiles -- but is disappointed. Picardpicks up on it.

PICARD(continuing)Perhaps that doesn't matter. Youwant to hear it anyway...

The Tamarian is waiting... Picard thinks for a moment,wanting to find the most fitting tale...

PICARD(continuing)There is a story... A very ancientone. From Earth. I'll try toremember...

He attempts to match the Tamarian's "story-telling"voice.

PICARDGilgamesh. Was a king. At Uruk.He tormented his subjects. Hedrove them to anger. They criedout -- "Give our king a companion.Spare us his madness."

Picard glances at the Tamarian -- the alien's eyes areglazed, but rapt.


94 CONTINUED: (7)

PICARD(continuing)Enkidu. A wildman. Of theforest. Entered the city. Theyfought in the temple. They foughtin the street. Gilgamesh defeatedEnkidu. They became friends.(beat)Gilgamesh and Enkidu. At Uruk.

The alien's voice is extremely weak. As if he's justrepeating Picard's words unconsciously.

DATHON(weak; mimicking)At Uruk...

Picard can see that Dathon is failing. Picard's voicebecomes almost a whisper, softly making the transitionto his own way of speaking.

PICARD(quiet)The new friends went into thedesert, where the Great Bull ofHeaven was killing men by thehundreds. Enkidu caught it bythe tail, Gilgamesh struck it withhis sword.

DATHON(barely audible, mimicking)Gilgamesh...

PICARDThey were victorious. But Enkidufell to the ground. Struck downby the gods...

The alien closes his eyes... Picard looks at him. TheTamarian shudders once -- and is completely still.

PICARD(continuing; a whisper)And Gilgamesh wept bitter tears,saying, "He who was my companionthrough adventure and hardships,is gone forever... "

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - 7/8/91 - ACT FOUR 50.

94 CONTINUED: (8)

Picard stops speaking. The clearing is utterly silent.OFF Picard's face.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

STAR TREK: "Darmok" - REV. 7/10/91 - ACT FIVE 51.

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:


Facing each other in orbit.

RIKERFirst Officer's log, supplemental.I have no choice but to break thestalemate. If war is theresult... Maybe it wasinevitable. Perhaps the distancebetween our races is so vast thatnothing else was ever possible...

96 INT. BRIDGE

The turbolift opens and Worf steps out onto the bridge.Riker turns to him as he heads for his post. Data andTroi are at their posts.

WORFPhasers are nearly ready, sir.

Worf steps into position at tactical.

RIKERStand by to fire, Mister Worf.

DATA(off instruments)Commander. The Tamarian'sbioscans have become unreadable.(beat)He may be dead, sir.

Everyone reacts.

RIKERIf we know it -- so do theTamarians.(to CON)Riker to La Forge.

GEORDI'S COM VOICELa Forge here.


96 CONTINUED:

RIKER(to com)I need those phasers --

DATA(interrupting)Sir -- sensors are tracking theentity. It is approaching CaptainPicard's position.


98 THE TAMARIAN

is laid out on his back, eyes shut.

99 INCLUDE PICARD

standing next to him, his manner one of great respect.Both Tamarian daggers are stuck into Picard'swaistband.

He crosses the dead Tamarian's arms over the alien'schest -- Egyptian-like.

A CRACKLING ROAR in the near distance. Picard glancesup at the sound. Then turns back to the dead alien.

PICARDI understand your sacrifice,Captain.

He places one of the daggers on the alien's chest.ANOTHER ROAR. There's a calmness in his voice, as ifhe's resigned to his fate.

PICARD(re: the roar)Unfortunately, if our friend outthere has its way, no one willever know what you tried to do...

THE ROAR sounds -- much closer. Picard turns towardthe noise.


100 THE CLEARING

The quiet, crackling BLUR -- the creature is veryclose...

101 RESUME PICARD

as he pulls out his dagger and waits calmly for theattack.

102 INCLUDE THE CREATURE (OPTICAL)

The distorion CRACKLES LOUDLY, and disappears --

103 INT. BRIDGE

Riker, Data, Worf, Troi.

DATA(off instruments)Nine meters and closing...Commander...

The waiting is unbearable.

DATA(continuing)Six meters...

GEORDI'S COM VOICELa Forge to bridge. You havephasers!

Riker whips around to Worf.

RIKERFire!

Worf hits the console.


The Enterprise simultaneously fires six narrow-focusedbeams, striking the Tamarian ship at six differentspots on her hull.


105 INT. BRIDGE

WORF(off instruments)Their particle beam emitters areinoperative.

DATAThe scattering field is down.

RIKER(to com)O'Brien! Energize!

106 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

O'Brien works the controls...


A LOUD CRACKLE as the creature appears in bodily form,becoming VISIBLE in all its ferocity, rushing in --just as Picard DEMATERIALIZES.

108 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

O'Brien at his console -- Picard MATERIALIZES on thepad.

109 INT. BRIDGE

O'BRIEN'S COM VOICEWe got him, Commander.

RIKER(to Worf)Maximum shields.

WORF(touches controls)Aye.


The Tamarian vessel fires a phaser blast at theEnterprise, striking the hull and right nacelle.


111 INT. BRIDGE

The bridge is rocked severely.

RIKERRed Alert.

The ship goes to RED ALERT.

WORFStarboard shields holding atfifty-two percent. Forwardshields gone.

RIKERLet's get out of here.

DATAThat will not be possible,Commander. The starboard nacellesustained a direct hit. Warpengines are off-line.

RIKERGo to impulse. Back us off.

WORF(off instruments)They are matching our maneuver.And firing...

Again the bridge is ROCKED -- this time more severely.

RIKER(no choice)Return fire, Mister Worf. Fullphasers.

WORFFiring, sir.


The Enterprise fires an intense phaser blast at theTamarian ship. No apparent damage.

113 INT. BRIDGE

WORFTheir shields are holding. Theyare firing again.


113 CONTINUED:

The bridge is ROCKED -- the worst yet.

WORF(continuing)Our shields have failed!

DATACommander -- we cannot surviveanother hit.

The turbolift door opens and Picard ENTERS the bridge,quickly moving toward his command.

Riker immediately steps aside, then reacts to thedagger in Picard's hand.

PICARD(as he moves)Hail the Tamarian ship.

WORF(touches controls)Aye, Captain.


The Tamarian bridge. The First Officer rises to hisfeet -- reacts with anger at seeing a Tamarian daggerin Picard's hand.

FIRST OFFICERZinda! His face black. His eyesred --

PICARD--Temarc!

Dead silence on the viewscreen. Picard has adopted thesame tone he saw used by the Tamarian Captain.

PICARD(continuing)The river Temarc. In winter.

The Tamarians are taken aback by Picard's words. Theylook at him in a new light, anger suddenly evaporatinginto surprise.

FIRST OFFICERDarmok...


114 CONTINUED:

PICARD... And Jalad. At Tanagra. Darmokand Jalad on the ocean.

The aliens all react -- their Captain's plan worked.Picard understands.

FIRST OFFICER(to others; amazed)Sokath! His eyes open!

The aliens stare at him, all ears -- awaiting news ofwhat happened on the planet.

PICARD(continuing)The beast at Tanagra. Uzani.His army.(shaking his head)Shaka. When the walls fell.

The aliens appear saddened. They lower their eyes.Each Tamarian ritualistically touches his dagger, thenhis forehead.

The aliens again face Picard. Picard takes the smallbook -- the Tamarian captain's "diary" -- and holdsit out in his hand.

The Tamarian First Officer glances at one of hisofficers, who touches a console. The book isimmediately DEMATERIALIZED, MATERIALIZING next to thealien First Officer. He picks it up, showing it toPicard.

FIRST OFFICER(re: book)Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel.

Picard nods. The alien sets the book down. Turns backto Picard.

FIRST OFFICER(continuing)Mirab. With sails unfurled.

Picard extends the Tamarian dagger toward the FirstOfficer, offering it back to him.

PICARDTemba. His arms open.


114 CONTINUED: (2)

The alien makes a motion with his hands -- as ifdeclining Picard's offer of the weapon.

FIRST OFFICERTemba at rest.

Picard nods, lowers the dagger.

PICARD(almost to himself)Thank you...

The viewscreen goes to a shot of the Tamarian ship,as it turns and moves off.

A beat. Riker and the others are taken aback byPicard's performance.

RIKER(re: Tamarians)New friends, Captain?

PICARDI can't say, Number One.

Picard glances at the dagger.

PICARD(continuing)But at least they're not newenemies.


Cruising at warp.


116 INT. READY ROOM

Picard is at his terminal, engrossed. The doorchimes.

PICARDCome.

Riker ENTERS, carrying a PADD.

RIKERI hope I'm not intruding, Captain.

Picard, in fact, is in an introspective and thoughtfulmood. He doesn't look up.

PICARDNot at all, Number One. Please.

RIKERDamage reports are ready for yourreview.

PICARDThank you.

Riker steps over, places the PADD on the desk, andglances at the captain's viewscreen.

RIKERGreek, sir?

PICARDThe Homeric Hymns.(glances up)One of the root metaphors of ourown culture.

RIKERFor the next time we encounterthe Tamarians...

PICARD(nodding)More familiarity with our ownmythology might help us relateto theirs.


116 CONTINUED:

Picard sits in silent thought for a moment -- as ifthis subject has been greatly occupying his mind. Hepushes away from the terminal, stands.

PICARDThe Tamarian was willing to riskall of us -- just for the hopeof communication, of connection.And now the door's open betweenour peoples. That commitmentmeant more to him than his ownlife.

A long beat.

PICARD(continuing)Would I do the same... ?

Picard glances away -- Riker is silently dismissed.He turns and leaves the room. The door shuts behindhim.

Picard looks down at his desk -- and the Tamariandagger laying on top of it. Picard touches it, thenbrings his hand up to his forehead in the Tamarianritual honoring.

He lowers his hand. OFF his face.

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FIVE

THE END

Darmok

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