STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Inheritance" #40277-262 Written by Dan Koeppel Directed by Robert Scheerer THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1993 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. FINAL DRAFT SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Inheritance" CAST PICARD JULIANA RIKER PRAN DATA SOONG BEVERLY TROI WORF GEORDI Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. ATREAN STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Inheritance" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE BRIDGE ENGINEERING TEN FORWARD HOLODECK DATA'S QUARTERS SICKBAY TRANSPORTER ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE FIRST MAGMA POCKET SECOND MAGMA POCKET SHAFT NARROW PASSAGEWAY STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/28/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Inheritance" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE ATREA A-tree-uh PRAN PRAN MAVALA mah-VAH-lah TERLINA tur-LEE-nah FOURIER four-ee-YAY CORVALLEN kor-VAL-len STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: The Next Generation "Inheritance" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) In orbit around the planet Atrea. PICARD (V.O) Captain's Log, Stardate 47410.2. The Atrean government has requested assistance in averting a natural disaster that is threatening their world. Two of their geologists have come aboard to discuss the problem, one of whom is a human who has been living on Atrea Four. 2 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL) PICARD, GEORDI, and DATA look on as Atrean Scientist PRAN TAINER stands before an OKUDAGRAM depicting a cross-section of the Atrean planet. Also present is Pran's human wife, JULIANA TAINER, a fiftyish woman dressed in Atrean fashion. The Atreans are a humanoid species, only slightly different from us. JULIANA Captain, our situation has worsened since my husband and I first contacted you. The molten core of our planet is not just cooling -- it's begun to solidify. PRAN Our gravitational field has been affected -- seismic activity has increased by a factor of three. JULIANA If the cooling continues at this rate -- Atrea will become uninhabitable within thirteen months. Everyone takes in this grim news. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - TEASER 1A. 2 CONTINUED: GEORDI We could minimize seismic activity by creating isobaric fissures and releasing some of the tectonic stress -- but that would just be a temporary fix. DATA The only permanent solution would be to re-liquefy the core. Geordi stands and moves to the Okudagram. GEORDI These pockets in the magma layer -- how close are they to the molten region of the core? JULIANA A few kilometers, why? Geordi turns to Data. GEORDI You think that's close enough to try ferro-plasmic infusion? Data considers, then acknowledges the possibility. Juliana and Pran share a look -- they're not sure what this means. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: (2) Data moves toward the monitor, gesturing. DATA The procedure would involve using our ship's phasers to drill down through the planet's surface and into the pockets -- where we would set up a series of plasma infusion units. GEORDI We'd trigger the units by firing a modulated energy burst down through the shafts. Juliana addresses Data. JULIANA I see... injecting sufficient plasma directly into the core should trigger a chain reaction... and that will reliquify the magma... DATA It should be possible to stabilize the core temperature at ninety-three percent of normal. PRAN If it works, the core would remain molten for centuries. Picard lets Pran and Juliana consider for a beat. PICARD If you give your permission, we'll begin immediately. PRAN Very well. But before we proceed, I'd like to update our geological surveys. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - TEASER 3. 2 CONTINUED: (3) GEORDI I'll be glad to help you, Doctor. PICARD (to Pran and Juliana) I've assigned you quarters during the time we're here. Please make yourselves comfortable. PRAN Thank you, Captain. The meeting breaks up and Picard, Pran, and Geordi EXIT. Data starts to follow, but Juliana stops him. JULIANA Data -- Data turns to her. DATA Yes, Doctor? STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - TEASER 4. 2 CONTINUED: (4) She has an almost expectant look on her face -- a kind of breathless anticipation. JULIANA Do you have any idea who I am? Data is puzzled by the question. DATA You are Doctor Juliana Tainer. Juliana exhales slightly, as though a question of long standing had finally been resolved. JULIANA You lost all your early memories. We thought you would -- but we couldn't know for certain. Data is now even more puzzled. He looks at her quizzically. DATA Have we met before? She looks at him with what can only be called pride, eyes shining. JULIANA Oh, Data, I was there -- right from the beginning, on Omicron Theta. I helped create you. (proudly) And now... look at you. DATA (taken aback) You were a colleague of Doctor Soong? She laughs, a warm, merry laugh that lights her face. JULIANA Yes, I certainly was -- and I was also his wife. In a way, I suppose you could say -- I'm your mother. Off Data's reaction to this unexpected revelation... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT ONE 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 3 INT. TEN FORWARD Data and Juliana at a table. Her eyes are shining as she looks at him... JULIANA I still can't believe it... seeing you again after all these years... Data is curious about the situation, but of course not sharing Juliana's emotional response. DATA Doctor, I have no memory of you. JULIANA There's a reason for that... we wiped your processors after we'd finished refining your programming. She leans forward, looks at him lovingly. JULIANA (continuing) Why don't you tell me what you do remember... and then I'll fill in the gaps. DATA (pondering) My memory record begins when I was activated by the Starfleet officers who found me on the Omicron Theta outpost. JULIANA After the attack by the Crystalline Entity -- DATA Yes. All of the inhabitants of the colony had been killed. Juliana acknowledges somberly. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT ONE 6. 3 CONTINUED: DATA But -- I discovered that my memory banks contained the contents of their journals and logs. JULIANA (a gentle smile) We thought you might find their experiences useful... after your childhood, we figured you needed all the help you could get. DATA My -- childhood? JULIANA (laughing) That's what I called it. You were like a baby at first -- a hundred kilogram baby, but still... She shakes her head, smiling at the recollection. JULIANA (continuing) It took you a while to develop motor skills... learn how to process sensory information. And of course Noonian was never satisfied... he kept tinkering, trying to make you as human as possible. And then there was the business about hiccuping... DATA Hiccuping? JULIANA He was determined that you'd have periodic bouts of hiccups, but he couldn't get it right -- they were either too violent, or too prolonged, or not noticeable at all... I finally said, good heavens, Noonian -- nobody likes having hiccups. Why don't you just forget it? So he did. She smiles again, enjoying these reveries. But Data is still interested in getting information. DATA So you wiped my memory processors after this -- childhood. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT ONE 7. 3 CONTINUED: (2) JULIANA Then we deactivated you -- and programmed you with the colonists' logs. We were planning to reactivate you. (beat, more somber) But we never had the chance. The Crystalline Entity attacked... we had to leave quickly. We wanted to bring you with us -- but there was only room for two in the escape pod. There is a beat as Data considers this. DATA Doctor, I have scanned the colonists' journals... there is only one Juliana mentioned in them, and her last name is O'Donnell. JULIANA That's me... DATA But there is no mention that my father was married to you. She shakes her head, again smiling at a recollection. JULIANA Because of my mother. (off his look) She thought Noonian was an eccentric scientist who was too old for me... we decided to get married secretly and give her some time to get used to the idea of our being together. She leans forward, conspiratorially. JULIANA (continuing) We slipped away to Mavala Four and got married there... a Klingon and a Corvallan trader were our witnesses... (MORE) STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT ONE 8. 3 CONTINUED: (3) JULIANA (Cont'd) (a bit wistful) It wasn't exactly the wedding I'd hoped for, but Noonian had a way of making the oddest things seem romantic... DATA My father did have an unusual way of looking at things... JULIANA (surprised) How would you know that? DATA I encountered him once -- in the Terlina system. JULIANA (excited) That's where we went -- after we left the outpost... I had no idea you'd ever met him. DATA It was shortly before his death. There is a shocked pause. JULIANA He's... dead? DATA Yes. Juliana seems to shrink into herself for a moment, grappling with this unexpected news. JULIANA I didn't think it would hit me this hard... (beat, struggling for control) We didn't exactly part on the best of terms... DATA What do you mean? STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT ONE 8A. 3 CONTINUED: (4) JULIANA I realized that he loved his work as much as he loved me. Maybe more. There we were, stuck on that planet in the middle of a jungle... no one else to talk to, no -- no life. It just wasn't enough... (beat) That's why I left. This was clearly a difficult decision for her. After a moment she looks up at him, reassuring, smiling her lovely smile. JULIANA (continuing) Anyway, it was a long time ago. What's important is that we're together now. She touches his arm. JULIANA (continuing) And I want to get to know you. But Data hesitates. This has been a lot to assimilate in one sitting, and he isn't sure how to respond. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT ONE 8B. 3 CONTINUED: (5) DATA This has been an interesting encounter, and one altogether unexpected. I would like to corroborate what you have told me before we proceed further. Juliana stares at him... his lack of emotion is hard for her to accept. She clearly hoped for a more positive response. DATA Excuse me, Doctor. Off her face as he EXITS... STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT ONE 9. 4 OMITTED 5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it orbits Atrea. 6 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) Geordi is working at the pool table, Data is working at a separate monitor along the side wall. GEORDI I'm just about finished reconfiguring the phaser banks. We should be ready to start drilling in about an hour. Data doesn't look up from his console. DATA Inform me when you are ready. Geordi moves closer to Data. GEORDI What are you doing there, anyway? DATA I am attempting to ascertain whether Doctor Tainer's story is true. GEORDI Don't you believe her? DATA I neither doubt nor believe her. I am simply attempting to verify her assertions. Geordi smiles to himself at this android response. GEORDI Well, what have you turned up so far? DATA The Registrar's Office on Mavala Four cannot confirm that Doctor Soong was married there. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT ONE 10. 6 CONTINUED: DATA (Cont'd) Apparently many documents were lost when the government was overthrown. Geordi looks at Data's console, which is scrolling RAPIDLY. GEORDI Then what are you looking at? STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT ONE 11. 6 CONTINUED: (2) DATA I am checking passenger manifests to see if they went to Mavala during the period in question. Suddenly Data reaches out and stops the scroll. DATA O'Donnell, Juliana... (beat) Soong, Noonian -- they were both passengers on a transport that travelled from Omicron Theta to Mavala... and returned four days later. GEORDI That sure seems to fit her story. DATA Still, the fact that they went to Mavala does not prove they were married there. GEORDI You know, Data... I almost get the feeling you're trying to prove that Doctor Tainer wasn't telling the truth. DATA Not at all. I am merely unable to reconcile her story with the fact that my father never mentioned her to me. GEORDI Well, she did leave him. Maybe she broke his heart. Maybe he just didn't want to talk about her... Data's brow furrows as he tries to comprehend this kind of emotional response. GEORDI (continuing) And let me ask you this... Doctor Soong created an emotion chip for you... didn't Lore tell you it also contained memories -- memories Soong wanted you to have? STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT ONE 11A. 6 CONTINUED: (3) DATA Yes. (beat) It is possible that those are the memories of my childhood. And of my mother. GEORDI And if you think about it -- why would she lie? Why would someone pretend to be your mother? Data considers for a beat. DATA I can think of no motive for such a pretense. Geordi assesses his friend's situation, tries to help him understand it. GEORDI I can understand why you might be a little disconcerted by all this... it came out of the blue... and the story doesn't fit neatly into your logical processors. DATA That is true... GEORDI But that's life, Data. Part of being human is learning to handle the unexpected... to risk new experiences even when they don't fit your preconceptions. DATA I will admit that it is difficult for me to accept the possibility of a past about which I know nothing... (beat) But it is also true that I am very curious to learn more about it. Geordi grins at him. Off the new sense of possibility in Data's face... STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT ONE 12. 7 INT. TEN FORWARD Juliana works alone, entering information on a PADD. VARIOUS SUPERNUMERARIES enjoy themselves, but Juliana is intent on her work. She takes a bite from a plate of food. Data ENTERS and approaches her. She notices him and looks up. JULIANA (a greeting) Data... DATA I would like to get to know you. (beat) Mother. She breaks into a smile when she hears this. Off this moment we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT TWO 13. ACT TWO FADE IN: A8 INT. A CORRIDOR as Data and Juliana make their way down it. JULIANA -- I wanted to make you female, but your father insisted on a son. We argued about it endlessly, right up until we were ready to assemble you. DATA (intrigued) How did you decide? She smiles as she remembers. JULIANA Well, Noonian walked in holding your head in his hand and -- innocent as you please -- said it was up to me. Of course he knew perfectly well what he was doing... once again, he'd made it in his own image -- what was I to say? Data stops when they reach a DOOR. Juliana glances at the nameplate on the door. JULIANA (continuing) Deanna Troi... is this who you're going to visit? DATA Yes. She can't keep a small smile from coming to her lips. JULIANA Your father would be so pleased. DATA Pleased? STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT TWO 13A. A8 CONTINUED: JULIANA He was worried the sexuality programming he designed for you wouldn't work... She starts down the corridor. DATA (after her) You misunderstand; Counselor Troi is a therapist -- But she's already half-way down the corridor. JULIANA (breezy) Good night... Off her smile as she heads away... B8 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS as Troi takes a CUP OF TEA from the Replicator. She crosses toward the couch with it and we see that Data is sitting there. She takes a seat near him. DATA Doctor Tainer has provided me with many details about my development that I was not aware of. Conversing with her was a fascinating experience -- Troi detects a qualifying note in his voice. TROI But... ? DATA Her interest in me seems to be... limitless. Troi smiles knowingly. TROI She's your mother, Data. That's how parents are. DATA I was a parent. I do not recall exhibiting excessive interest in Lal's behavior. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT TWO 13B. B8 CONTINUED: Troi fixes him with a look. TROI Data, you and Lal were practically inseparable the entire time she was alive. DATA Yes, but... she needed my help. TROI (smiles) That's how every parent feels. It's very hard to let your children go out into the world and fend for themselves. You can't help but be protective of them. I'm sure your mother feels the same way. Data seems curious about that. DATA If that is true... then why did she never attempt to contact me? Troi is struck by his question... TROI I don't know, Data. It could have something to do with your parents' separating... you were part of a life she might have wanted to put behind her. She sees that the question seems to bother him. TROI But if you really want to know, why don't you ask her? Off Data's face as he absorbs this... C8 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it orbits Atrea. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT TWO 13C. 8 INT. ENGINEERING -- GEORDI'S OFFICE (OPTICAL) Data is seated at a console, working. Juliana stands working at a nearby console. DATA We will be in position over the drilling site in three minutes, twenty-nine seconds. She moves to look at the OKUDAGRAM displayed on his console (a modified version of the one seen earlier), and when she leans in she puts a hand to his shoulder -- now that he's accepted her she obviously feels comfortable with him. DATA (continuing) These scans indicate that the magma pockets where we plan to set up the infusion units are somewhat unstable. She acknowledges and sits near him. JULIANA I'm going to monitor the density of the rock layers and adjust the strength of the particle beam as we go. That should minimize the seismic stress we generate while we're drilling. Geordi approaches from another part of Engineering. GEORDI (to Data) I've configured the phasers to create the most highly focused particle beam possible. DATA Thank you, Geordi. Juliana smiles to herself, which catches Data's attention. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT TWO 14. 8 CONTINUED: JULIANA (explaining) I'm just glad to see that you have good manners. It wasn't easy to strike the right balance in your programming. Data is clearly interested in hearing more, so she continues. JULIANA (continuing) At first you couldn't have cared less about social niceties like "please" and "thank you"; you were... downright rude, in fact. GEORDI Data? That's hard to picture -- JULIANA (continuing) But the first time we modified your program we overcompensated; it made you so obsequious your Father couldn't stand to be in the same room with you. Geordi can't help but laugh; Data is clearly intrigued. JULIANA (continuing) That was nothing compared to the problems we had -- (stops herself) Never mind. I don't want to embarrass you. DATA I am incapable of embarrassment. Please, continue. Juliana shrugs a "if you say so." JULIANA One thing we didn't anticipate was that you thought nothing of being naked. (smiles) -- some of the colonists objected to having an anatomically-correct android running around without any clothes on. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT TWO 15. 8 CONTINUED: (2) Geordi and Juliana share a smile over the image she's just conjured. JULIANA (continuing) We asked you to dress, but you felt it was unnecessary since you didn't need protection from the elements. We actually had to write a modesty sub-routine to get you to keep your clothes on. Data steals a glance at his uniform -- he'll never think about his garments the same way again. RIKER'S COM VOICE Bridge to Engineering. GEORDI La Forge, here. Go ahead, Commander. INTERCUT: 8A INT. BRIDGE RIKER is coordinating the drilling process. WORF is at tactical; Pran hovers a bit fretfully, concerned that it will all go well. RIKER We've established synchronous orbit over the drilling site. GEORDI Phaser modifications are on-line, sir. DATA My calculations indicate that the first phaser blast will be approximately nineteen seconds in duration. RIKER Acknowledged. Pran moves to Riker, concerned. PRAN (sotto) Someone's checked his calculations, of course. RIKER No, but I'm sure Data knows what he's doing. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT TWO 16. 8A CONTINUED: PRAN Even so... he's a machine -- shouldn't someone... check up on him? Riker's a bit taken aback by this characterization of Data, but replies evenly and politely. RIKER I have complete confidence in his ability to "check up" on himself. Pran smiles a politician's smile, then turns his worried gaze back to the Viewscreen. RIKER (continuing) Mister Worf... ? WORF Phasers are locked on target. RIKER Fire when ready. Worf works his console -- we hear a DISTINCTIVE SOUND that indicates the modified phasers are in use. 9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as a PHASER BURST lances out from the ship and down toward the planet. 10 RESUME ENGINEERING/BRIDGE INTERCUT (OPTICAL) Data and Juliana watch the OKUDAGRAM -- a beam shoots down from the silhouette of the Enterprise in orbit, creating a well-like shaft in the planet's mass. DATA (off console) The beam has penetrated eight kilometers beneath the surface... JULIANA Once it's through the crust, we'll boost phaser intensity by twelve percent. WORF Standing by. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT TWO 17. 10 CONTINUED: After a moment. JULIANA Now... Worf works the console. 11 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) the beam changes in intensity. 12 RESUME ENGINEERING/BRIDGE INTERCUT JULIANA The mantle is less resistant than I thought it would be -- DATA We are within two kilometers of the magma pocket. JULIANA Another five seconds should do it. (beat; off console) We've broken through -- WORF (works) Terminating beam. Juliana studies the console for a moment, then allows herself a small smile. JULIANA The pocket seems stable... DATA I detect no increase in stress levels in the surrounding magma. RIKER Good work. I don't think we could have gotten in any cleaner. Pran's face shows his relief. END INTERCUT. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT TWO 18. 13 INT. ENGINEERING DATA The drilling process has raised the temperature inside the magma pocket by almost three hundred degrees C. It will be several hours before it cools enough for us to enter. JULIANA Data, do you have any plans right now? DATA I do not. JULIANA Maybe we could spend some time together? I'd love to see your quarters... Data nods that he'd like that. 14 INT. DATA'S QUARTERS Data is playing a VIOLIN solo for Juliana, who listens, rapt. After a few moments, Data finishes. She applauds, clearly impressed with his playing. DATA Thank you. I have been practicing for a recital tomorrow evening. JULIANA That was beautiful. DATA I have been told that my playing is technically flawless, but it has never been described as beautiful. JULIANA Well it was... really. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT TWO 19. 14 CONTINUED: DATA Are you certain that you are not saying that because you are my Mother? (off her reaction) I have observed that parents tend to exaggerate when it comes to their children's accomplishments. Juliana smiles at his observation. JULIANA I suppose there is a certain amount of vanity involved... considering that giving you a creative capacity was my idea. She sees that Data doesn't know what she means. JULIANA (continuing) Your Father didn't really see the point... he thought that since you didn't have emotions, you would have no need to express yourself. (a pensive beat) Somehow... I had the feeling the opposite would be true. Data is struck by what she's told him. DATA I do not know for certain... but I believe that it is during my creative endeavors that I come closest to experiencing what it might be like to be human. Juliana smiles when she hears this. JULIANA Well... I'm glad I insisted. DATA As am I. A moment between them -- then Data starts to put his violin away. Juliana moves to a nearby table, where she starts looking at Data's things, as if trying to get some sense of who he is from them. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT TWO 20. 14 CONTINUED: (2) JULIANA You know, Data... I'm very familiar with that Handel piece. How would you feel about my playing the viola part tomorrow? DATA I would like that very much. JULIANA We should practice -- do you happen to have a viola? DATA I can replicate one for you. Data heads to a corner; Juliana moves toward a stack of PAINTINGS that lean against the wall. JULIANA Did you paint these? DATA Yes. We hear the SOUND of the replicator, and Data crosses with a viola toward Juliana, who is looking at the first painting in the stack, a Picasso-esque rendering of Spot. DATA I am attempting to master all known styles of painting. He pulls a painting of a pastoral scene from the stack. DATA (continuing) This one is in the style of the early French impressionists... JULIANA (pleased) It's very good. She flips on to the next painting -- a PORTRAIT OF LAL. JULIANA Who's this? DATA That is Lal, my daughter. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT TWO 21. 14 CONTINUED: (3) Juliana turns and looks at him -- surprised. JULIANA Your daughter... ? DATA Yes. I created her... using myself as a model. JULIANA Where is she now? DATA The positronic matrix I designed for her was unstable. She only lived a short time. Juliana takes this in. JULIANA I see... DATA In a sense, you were her grandmother... Juliana doesn't answer, just stares down at the painting thoughtfully. Data holds the viola out for her. DATA (continuing) Would you like to practice now? She nods vaguely, still looking down at the painting of Lal... 15 INT. TEN FORWARD -- AFTER HOURS Data and Juliana are practicing near the windows. DATA The acoustics in Ten Forward are quite favorable. JULIANA Yes... very nice... Something seems to be weighing on her mind. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT TWO 22. 15 CONTINUED: JULIANA (continuing) Data... can I ask you something? DATA Of course. JULIANA Do you think you'll ever try to create an android again? DATA Perhaps. I created Lal because I wished to procreate. Despite what happened to her, I still have that wish. JULIANA But... how do you know the same thing won't happen? Creating a stable positronic matrix is very tricky -- your Father lost several prototypes before Lore. Data reacts to this information. DATA I was not aware that he created any androids before my brother. JULIANA There were three of them... they were like children to us... losing them was very painful. When Noonian decided to try again, I was very much against it. I didn't think we had the right to bring a life into the world that had so little chance of surviving. These are clearly painful memories for her. After a moment: JULIANA (continuing) But your Father was sure he'd figured out what went wrong, insisted he could make a stable matrix. And he did. (beat) But Lore was cruel... evil. Eventually, we had no choice... we had to dismantle him. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT TWO 23. 15 CONTINUED: (2) This is clearly an awful memory. JULIANA Your father decided to build yet another android, one who didn't have emotions -- I couldn't believe he was going to try again. After everything that'd happened... Data reacts to what she's said. DATA Mother... I am that android. Are you saying that you were against my creation? She realizes that she's inadvertently said just that. JULIANA Initially I was. But I was wrong; I know that now. She is afraid she's "hurt" him. She takes his hand, hoping to reassure him. JULIANA (continuing) I've followed your progress for years -- I'm very proud of what you've accomplished. DATA Then... why did you never attempt to contact me? She looks at him for a moment, as if weighing something in her mind. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT TWO 24. 15 CONTINUED: (3) JULIANA Because... I was ashamed... of something I'd done... DATA What? She lets out a breath, decides to continue. JULIANA I never wanted you to know this... I've felt guilty about it for years... She looks up at him with a small, empty laugh. JULIANA That's something you don't have to worry about, do you? Guilt -- eating away at you... DATA Perhaps if you told me what has made you feel that way, your guilt might be alleviated. She takes a breath, steels herself. JULIANA I lied when I said there wasn't room for you in the escape pod that we took from Omicron... there was... Tears wet her eyes; she takes a breath before continuing. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT TWO 25. 15 CONTINUED: (4) JULIANA (continuing) I didn't want to bring you with us... I was afraid that if we reactivated you, you'd turn out like Lore. She can't look at him as she makes this admission. Her voice is full of regret. JULIANA (continuing) I made Noonian leave you behind... Her secret is finally out -- overcome with emotion, and unsure how Data will react, she stands and EXITS. Off Data's face as he watches her go... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT THREE 26. ACT THREE FADE IN: 16 INT. ENGINEERING Data and Juliana are in the process of drilling the second shaft; Geordi works nearby -- the DISTINCTIVE SOUND that indicates the modified phasers are in use can be heard. Juliana keeps her focus on the console in front of her, avoiding eye contact with Data -- she's clearly uncomfortable in his presence now. DATA (off console) We are within four kilometers of the magma pocket... Juliana seems lost in thought, doesn't react to Data's report. DATA (continuing) Doctor, should we lower the beam intensity? She comes back, focuses. JULIANA Yes -- yes, by sixteen percent... INTERCUT: 17 INT. BRIDGE Riker, Worf and Pran as before. WORF Acknowledged. JULIANA Another twelve seconds should do it... 18 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as a phaser beam lances down toward the planet. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT THREE 27. 19 RESUME ENGINEERING/BRIDGE INTERCUT Suddenly the ship starts to SHUDDER. GEORDI (off console) We're getting feedback pulses along the particle beam -- JULIANA We must have hit a pocket of magnesite ore -- I'll try to adjust the phaser harmonics to compensate. She starts working. The SHUDDER intensifies. RIKER We're going to have to terminate the beam if this keeps up -- DATA If we do, we will have to begin a new shaft at another suitable location -- JULIANA (as she works) There is no other suitable location -- give me a few more seconds -- The SHUDDER becomes more severe. GEORDI Doctor, it's going to take longer than that to match the resonant -- Suddenly the SHUDDER STOPS. GEORDI You did it -- She's all business, keeps working the console. JULIANA It was just luck... I hit the right frequency... Geordi smiles, glad she pulled it off -- but Data regards her with a look that's hard to read. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT THREE 28. 19 CONTINUED: JULIANA (continuing, off console) All right, we're less than two kilometers from the target site -- (beat) Stand by to terminate the beam... After a beat. GEORDI (off console) We've broken through -- JULIANA Now -- Worf works the console and we hear the SOUND of the phasers being cut off. DATA (off console) I am detecting no signs of instability... PRAN (pleased) Excellent. (to Riker) Commander, may I suggest we set up the infusion unit in the first magma pocket while we give this one a chance to cool. Riker acknowledges. RIKER (to com) Data, Doctor Tainer -- we'll meet you in Transporter Room Two. Riker and Pran head for the Turbolift. DATA Acknowledged. Data stands and gestures the direction they should go. He tries not to show it but something is clearly on his mind. 20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it orbits Atrea. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT THREE 29. 21 INT. THE FIRST MAGMA POCKET Data and Juliana are calibrating one of the INFUSION UNITS -- the device is about the size of a two-drawer filing cabinet, has control panels on several faces, and should have some sort of receiving node on top that looks like it could absorb a phaser blast. The only light comes from PRACTICAL SOURCES our people have set up previously. The shaft they drilled from the surface is suggested by a HOLE about seven feet in diameter in the pocket's ceiling. Pran is near the cave wall, scanning it with a TRICORDER. They work in silence for a few moments -- the only SOUND is a low-level rumbling, the molten core not far beneath their feet. It's hot in here -- Pran and Juliana begin to perspire. DATA I have initialized the plasma induction coils. JULIANA (as she works) I'll need another minute to align the diverter... Data watches her as she works... his expression gradually becomes more intent than just a casual glance. 22 ON JULIANA'S FACE she appears to be concentrating on her work -- nothing seems out of the ordinary. 23 ON DATA'S FACE looking at her intently -- his expression is hard to read. Has her revelation to him changed how he views her? 24 CLOSE ON JULIANA'S EYES as she looks down at the panel she's working on. (Her eyes should blink at least once.) 25 RESUME SCENE as Data continues to watch her face -- the moment is broken when Pran approaches. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT THREE 30. 25 CONTINUED: PRAN There are signs of stress in the surrounding magma, but the site should remain stable until we finish the plasma infusion. JULIANA (as she works) Good, we're almost done here. Pran smiles vaguely at Data. There is an awkward moment of silence. Pran glances at his wife, then decides to go ahead. PRAN Data, Juliana told me what she said to you last night. She's been very upset... Juliana looks up at her husband, unsure if she wants him to bring this up right now. PRAN (continuing) I don't blame you for being angry with her, but -- DATA I am incapable of anger. PRAN There seems to be some... tension between you... Juliana interrupts, gestures that she'll speak for herself. JULIANA It's all right, Pran. (to Data) I know what I told you must have been hard for you to hear, but I hope you can understand my reasons. DATA I am not certain that I do. Perhaps you could clarify them for me? This is awkward for her, but she knows she owes him answers. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT THREE 31. 25 CONTINUED: (2) JULIANA I'll try. What do you want to know? DATA If I had been your biological offspring, would you have left me behind on Omicron Theta? Juliana weighs her answer for a long moment before replying. JULIANA Oh, Data... how can I answer that? DATA Doctor Tainer, I have the impression that you are trying to spare my feelings. I assure you, that is not necessary. JULIANA I just don't want you to misunderstand my answer. (beat; with difficulty) No, I wouldn't have left you behind if you'd been my biological child. DATA Is that because you place more value on biological life than on artificial life? She seems genuinely pained that he would think that. JULIANA Absolutely not. I cherished every android your father and I created as if it were my own child. Even Lore. (beat) Despite the fact that he'd turned on us, despite everything he'd done... dismantling him was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do in my life. I was afraid that if you turned out like him... I'd have to dismantle you, too... and I couldn't bear that. Data takes this in. JULIANA (continuing) I'm not trying to justify leaving you behind... but I am sorry I did. I hope you can believe that. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT THREE 31A. 25 CONTINUED: (3) DATA I do. Thank you for making it clear to me. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT THREE 32. 25 CONTINUED: (5) A wave of relief washes over her. Pran smiles, and puts a grateful hand to Data's shoulder. Off this moment of reconciliation... 26 INT. TEN FORWARD which has been converted into a recital hall. Picard, BEVERLY, TROI, Riker, Geordi and Pran are seated amid some SUPERNUMERARIES, enjoying the concert. 27 ON DATA AND JULIANA as they near the end of their violin duet, the same piece they practiced earlier. As he plays, Data watches her, and we see that he detects something he finds curious. 28 ON JULIANA playing intently, carefully -- a flawless performance. 29 TIGHTER ON DATA we can see from his expression that there's something about her playing that's got his attention. 30 ON AUDIENCE enjoying the concert -- unaware, as are we, of what Data has taken notice of. 31 ON DATA AND JULIANA as they finish the piece. When the concert ends, everybody stands and applauds. Data and Juliana stand to take their bows -- and she beams happily at him, unaware that something is weighing on his mind. When the applause dies down Data and Juliana step forward to mingle with the others. Picard and Beverly approach Juliana; Data moves off toward Troi. He seems preoccupied. TROI Data, I don't think I've ever heard you play more... (searches) ... expressively. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT THREE 32A. 31 CONTINUED: They move out of frame as Picard and Beverly address Juliana. PICARD That was wonderful, Doctor. JULIANA I enjoyed playing -- it's been a while. BEVERLY (smiles) I see where Data gets his musical talents. JULIANA (lightly) I realize you're speaking metaphorically, of course, but thank you just the same. 31A ON DATA as Troi moves off. Data starts toward the door, as though on a mission, but Pran intercepts him. PRAN (smiles) Well... that was quite a performance. DATA Thank you. Pran grows serious; it is clear he has something he wants to say to Data. PRAN You know, Data... when I found out you were coming, I didn't know what to expect. I've never met an artificial life form before. Pran smiles at him... a man struggling to say the right thing, though he's clearly uncomfortable about it. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT THREE 32B. 31A CONTINUED: PRAN But after meeting you, I feel a lot better. You... you're much different from how I imagined you. (beat) And I welcome you to our family. While Data appreciates Pran's gesture, it is clear that he has something else on his mind. DATA Would you excuse me? There is something I must do. He moves off -- leaving Pran a little puzzled by his abrupt departure... 32 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it orbits Atrea. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/30/93 - ACT THREE 33. 33 INT. SICKBAY Data and Beverly ENTER. BEVERLY Data... why do you need Doctor Tainer's medical records? Is something wrong with her? DATA I am not certain. Perhaps you could determine that from her Transporter trace pattern. BEVERLY I probably could... but I don't ordinarily look into someone's medical status unless I have a good reason. DATA Doctor... I would ask that you not require me to be more specific. But I assure you that I have a good reason for asking. Beverly regards him for a moment. BEVERLY All right, Data... She moves to the large Medical Diagnostic Screen on the wall, works some controls. Our standard anatomical display pops up. BEVERLY (continuing, studying it) Well... at first glance I don't see anything wrong -- except for some mild hypertension, which is perfectly normal for a woman her age. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT THREE 33A. 33 CONTINUED: DATA I see. BEVERLY Maybe you should tell me what her symptoms are. DATA (eyeing the readout) She has not complained of any discomfort. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT THREE 34. 33 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY Then... why did you want to look at her medical records? DATA Because... I have reason to believe she is not who she claims to be... Beverly reacts, but before she can ask why they're interrupted by Data's communicator. RIKER (V.O.) Bridge to Data... DATA (hits combadge) Go ahead, Commander... RIKER (V.O.) There's been a cave-in in one of the magma pockets. You're needed in Transporter room two. DATA On my way. (to Beverly) Excuse me, Doctor. Data EXITS, leaving Beverly to wonder what he might have meant. Off her face we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT FOUR 35. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 34 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM Data and Juliana ENTER and join Geordi, who has just beamed Pran and an N.D. Atrean out of the magma pocket where the cave-in occurred -- their uniforms and faces are dusty. As they move off the transporter pad, Pran walks with a limp, as if nursing a hurt leg. Juliana moves to help him. JULIANA What happened? PRAN We were running a final check on the infusion unit when part of the wall gave way... GEORDI (off console) It looks like the area has stabilized, but seismic stress is building up -- eventually, the pocket will collapse. INTERCUT: 35 INT. BRIDGE where Riker is monitoring the conversation. RIKER How long, Geordi? GEORDI It's hard to say... twelve hours at most. JULIANA Then we have to finish configuring the unit and inject the plasma immediately. RIKER I'd rather not send anyone back down there. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT FOUR 36. 35 CONTINUED: JULIANA If we don't do it now, Commander, it could take months to find another suitable site. The core may have solidified by then. PRAN She's right, we have to act now. Riker considers. RIKER All right. But I want you in and out of there as quickly as possible. DATA Acknowledged, Commander. JULIANA (to Pran) You're hurt. I'll go. Pran touches her arm with concern. She and Data move to the Transporter Pad. Geordi is studying the monitor. GEORDI (to Data) One of the transporter's pattern enhancers was thrown out of alignment by the seismic activity -- I'm getting a normal power signature from it so you should be able to re-align it for the beam out. Data acknowledges. DATA Energize. 36 INT. THE SECOND MAGMA POCKET (OPTICAL) as Data and Juliana MATERIALIZE near the THREE PATTERN ENHANCERS, one of which is tipped over. Data rights it. As before, the only light comes from their PALM BEACONS and from practical sources our people have set up previously. The low-level RUMBLE of molten magma can be HEARD in the distance. Suddenly, there's a TREMOR -- and when it subsides, a sharply defined ledge of about two feet separates the floor they're standing on from the rest of the cavern -- much like an earthquake fault-line. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT FOUR 36A. 36 CONTINUED: Data scans it with his TRICORDER. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT FOUR 37. 36 CONTINUED: DATA There will be more seismic activity. We must hurry. Data steps up on the ledge, and Juliana follows. They move off... 37 A NARROW PASSAGEWAY as they move through it and pass out of frame. 38 THE FIRST MAGMA POCKET as they approach the INFUSION UNIT. Rubble strews the area, and it seems that the unit may have been damaged by falling rocks. Concerned, Juliana starts working one of the consoles. Already, the heat has caused her to break into a sweat. Data looks up toward the ceiling, raises his Tricorder to scan. 39 THE SHAFT -- MATTE (OPTICAL) as he looks up into the shaft that we drilled from orbit -- it's cylindrical and smooth-walled, and although it's too dark to see much of it, we get the sense that it leads up through miles of rock. 40 RESUME SCENE as Data studies his tricorder. DATA The shaft has not been obstructed by the seismic activity -- it should be possible to trigger the unit from orbit. JULIANA (as she works) The infuser's been damaged... we're going to have to start the programming sequence all over again... STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT FOUR 38. 40 CONTINUED: She continues working, and Data joins her at one of the unit's side consoles. We hear the SOUND of rock GROANING under pressure -- Data and Juliana glance up, then continue working. DATA (works) Priming the energy transfer matrix... JULIANA (works) Re-intializing the particle stream buffer... RIKER'S COM VOICE Riker to Data. DATA (hits combadge) Data, here. Go ahead, Commander. INTERCUT: 41 INT. BRIDGE RIKER We're reading an increase in seismic stress levels. DATA Understood. We will attempt to expedite our work. Data and Juliana fall silent for a moment as they work. JULIANA (works) There... now we just have to align the diverter and -- Suddenly a VIOLENT TREMOR wracks the magma pocket; rocks and other debris fall from the ceiling and walls -- Data and Juliana have to hold on to the infusion unit to keep from falling. RIKER Data! Are you all right? Data doesn't answer until the tremor subsides. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT FOUR 39. 41 CONTINUED: DATA Yes, Commander. We will be returning to the beam-out point shortly. Juliana finishes working -- dust kicked up by the tremor fills the air around them... JULIANA That's it -- let's go. They move off... 42 THE NARROW PASSAGEWAY as they head back the way the came. A small AFTERSHOCK causes dust and debris to fall from above. They hurry on. 43 THE SECOND MAGMA POCKET as they approach the ledge that drops down to the beamout point. They react to something -- 44 WIDEN so that we see that the cavern floor where the pattern enhancers were dropped another thirty feet during the last tremor. Juliana and Data are standing on the edge of a precipice, there's no way to climb down its sheer face, and the pattern enhancers are strewn on the floor below. JULIANA Can we transport without the pattern enhancers? DATA No, we are too far below the surface. JULIANA (concerned) How are we going to get down there? Data looks around. DATA There are no hand-holds in the rock face. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT FOUR 40. 44 CONTINUED: Suddenly another VIOLENT TREMOR hits -- the ceiling starts to give around them. Data has to shout to be heard over the din. DATA (continuing) We will have to jump. Juliana can't believe what she's hearing. JULIANA It's too far... I won't make it... Large ROCKS crash down near them -- close, getting closer... DATA You will -- Data takes her firmly by the left arm and leaps off the edge of the cliff -- 45 ANOTHER ANGLE as they land on the floor below. Data is able to absorb the shock, but Juliana hits the ground hard and is thrown to the floor. Data moves to her and discovers that she's been knocked unconscious. To our astonishment, her arm has been torn off to reveal a mass of WIRES and BLINKING CIRCUITRY -- Juliana Soong is an android. Data stares down at her arm (a small amount of blood is visible where the skin is torn) -- strangely, he does not seem unduly surprised by what he sees. Off this moment we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT FIVE 41. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 46 INT. SICKBAY Beverly and Geordi are examining the still-unconscious Juliana, who is laid-out on the center bio-bed in a hospital gown. Riker and Data stand nearby. Juliana's arm has been repaired, and a PANEL on her head is open to reveal a mass of BLINKING CIRCUITRY. As Geordi reports to Riker, we get a sense that he's awed by the complexity of her design. GEORDI Basically, she's a Soong-type android -- except everything about her is designed to fool you into thinking she's human. BEVERLY She's got tear ducts, sweat glands -- even veins and capillaries underneath her skin. Riker indicates the Medical Diagnostic panel. RIKER Why does the scanner read her as a human? BEVERLY There's a feedback processor that's designed to send out a false bio-signal. GEORDI It's tied in with her aging program -- she not only ages in appearance, like Data, her vital signs change too. BEVERLY What I can't figure out is why she lost consciousness. As far as I can see, everything's fine -- she should be awake. DATA Check her positronic matrix -- there may be a cascade anomaly. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT FIVE 42. 46 CONTINUED: Geordi and Beverly acknowledge and set to work. Riker turns to Data. RIKER Data -- you said you knew she was an android... how? DATA The first indication occurred when we were drilling. I saw her perform several complex calculations without the assistance of the computer. RIKER That could just have meant she was good at math -- DATA That is true. But it was enough to draw my attention. Later, I noticed something odd about the way she blinked her eyes. Riker has no idea what could be coming next. DATA (continuing) The intervals between blinks were governed by a Fourier Series -- the same mathematical formula my father used to give my blinking pattern the appearance of randomness. RIKER I can't imagine anyone but you noticing something like that. DATA Then there was our concert in Ten Forward. RIKER What about it? STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT FIVE 43. 46 CONTINUED: (2) DATA (continuing) We had practiced the piece, and I noticed that she played it the same way during the performance -- every pitch, every intonation, was exactly the same. Only an artificial life-form could have done that. Riker acknowledges that he understands. RIKER Does her husband have any idea? DATA I do not believe so. He is on the surface, to monitor the plasma infusion. RIKER That's probably just as well... Geordi and Beverly find something. GEORDI Data, take a look at this. Data crosses over and Geordi uses the point of a TOOL to show him something inside her head panel. 47 INSERT - A SMALL CHIP amidst the blinking circuitry. DATA (O.S.) It appears to be an information module... 48 RESUME SCENE DATA (continuing) With a holographic interface. Data and Geordi exchange a glance -- what could this chip be for? CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/27/93 - ACT FIVE 44. 49 OMITTED 50 INT. HOLODECK Data is standing in the ARCH. No program is running so the GRID LINES are visible. He has a PANEL OPEN, and holds an OPTICAL CHIP in his hand. 51 INSERT - THE OPTICAL CHIP we can see that the chip from Juliana's head has been mounted on it. 52 RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL) as Data slides the optical chip into a slot. The machine HUMS to life, and after a beat, a hologram of DOCTOR NOONIAN SOONG APPEARS on the grid. He's about sixty, and conducts himself with curmudgeonly self-assurance. SOONG Whoever you are, if you're watching this, you must have found out about Juliana. DATA That is correct. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT FIVE 45. 52 CONTINUED: SOONG I programmed this hologram to answer any questions you might have -- I'm Noonian Soong; I created her. DATA I am Data. Soong reacts, breaks into a broad smile. SOONG Data -- I hoped somehow it might be you... I even created a response program to answer your questions. How are you, boy? DATA I am fine. SOONG I'm glad you got the chance to meet your mother. DATA You refer to Doctor Tainer as my mother -- yet the complexity of her design indicates she was created after I was. SOONG You're right, but there was a real Juliana O'Donnell. She was my wife; she helped me create you. DATA What happened to her? Soong's demeanor quiets as he recounts the story. SOONG She was injured when the Crystalline Entity attacked... we made it to Terlina Three, but then she lapsed into a comatose state... It's obvious that Soong felt deeply when he recorded this. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT FIVE 46. 52 CONTINUED: (2) SOONG (continuing) When I realized nothing could be done for her, I built an android and started trying to perfect my synaptic scanning technique -- so I could transfer her memories into a positronic matrix. I didn't know if it would work, but I had to try. I couldn't stand the thought of losing the only woman I ever loved. A pause as he remembers. SOONG (continuing) A few days after Juliana died... I activated the android. She looked up at me... and she smiled. He smiles as he remembers the moment. SOONG (continuing) She recognized me. It had worked! Here was a life not two minutes old, and as far as she knew I was her husband and she'd just recovered from a terrible injury. It was incredible. DATA And you never told her the truth? SOONG Why? There was no reason for her to know. I wanted her to be happy. I wanted us to be happy. (beat) And we were... for a while, anyway... His face falters. DATA What happened? SOONG (nods) I made a terrible mistake... I never really let her know how much I loved her... STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/29/93 - ACT FIVE 47. 52 CONTINUED: (3) His voice is full of regret. SOONG (continuing) She left me... The real Juliana probably would've, too, if she'd lived. He seems lost in thought for a moment. DATA If she recovers and learns that she is an android -- SOONG (interrupting) She doesn't have to know. I designed her to shut down in the event the truth was discovered. When you re-insert the chip, she'll wake up and remember nothing. All you have to do is make up some excuse about what happened to her. DATA Then... you do not believe she should know the truth. SOONG The truth is that in every way that matters, she is Juliana Soong. Soong is certain of everything he's saying, and clearly wants to convince Data. SOONG (continuing) I've programmed her to terminate after a long life. Let her live out the rest of her days, and die believing she was human. Don't rob her of that, son. Please. Data takes this in. Off his troubled expression... STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT FIVE 48. 53 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Troi, Beverly and Data are discussing the situation. DATA It seems that I must make a decision: to tell Doctor Tainer that she is an android -- or withhold that knowledge from her. And I do not know what to do. BEVERLY Why was Doctor Soong so adamant that she not be told? DATA He seemed certain that if she knew, it would preclude the possibility of her being happy. PICARD And -- what do you think? DATA I am not certain. (beat) I can understand why my father felt as he did -- but his wishes are not necessarily paramount. I am concerned with what would be best for -- my mother. BEVERLY Wouldn't she be better off knowing the truth? Dealing with the reality of her existence? TROI I don't think so. She's believed she's human all her life. The truth might be devastating to her. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT FIVE 49. 53 CONTINUED: DATA I have noticed that her present husband seems uncomfortable with the fact that I am an artificial life-form. If he finds out about his wife, it may adversely affect their relationship. BEVERLY He doesn't have to know -- if you tell her, it would be up to her whether or not to tell him. PICARD Data, there might come a time in the future when she would find out anyway -- another accident, for example. Perhaps it would be easier for her to learn the truth from you. BEVERLY I can tell you that if I were in her place... I'd rather have my son tell me than some stranger... Data wrestles with this weighty decision. His friends have tried to help him, but there is no clear road. DATA I find that I am having difficulty separating what would be best for her... from what would be best for me. TROI What do you mean? DATA If she knew she were an android, she and I would have something to share. I would no longer be alone in the universe. The others take this in, touched by Data's plight. TROI I know how much that would mean to you... but at the same time, telling her would rob her of the one thing you've wanted all your life -- to be human. This cuts to the core of Data's dilemma. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT FIVE 49A. 53 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD It's a difficult choice. (beat) You must do what you think best, Data. We will support any decision you make. Off Data's face as he ponders his dilemma... STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - 09/27/93 - ACT FIVE 50. 54 INT. SICKBAY CLOSE on Juliana's open head panel -- a hand is reinserting the chip. 55 WIDEN to reveal Data standing over her at the bio-bed. No one else is in Sickbay. He finishes and closes the panel. A few moments later, Juliana's eyes flutter open. JULIANA (a bit groggy) Data... what happened? The last thing I remember is jumping off that cliff... Data looks down at her for a long moment -- what will he tell her? DATA You were knocked unconscious by the fall... you broke a bone in your arm, but Doctor Crusher repaired it. He takes her hand. DATA (continuing) Everything is fine, Mother. She looks up at him and smiles... Data has decided not to tell. Off this moment... STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT FIVE 51. 56 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it orbits Atrea. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, supplemental. The infusion of plasma into the core of Atrea Four has been accomplished. Pran Tainer's projections indicate that the core will remain molten for several hundred years. 57 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) Data is saying goodbye to his mother. An N.D. stands at the Transporter controls. JULIANA When will I see you again? DATA Perhaps I can visit Atrea on my next leave. JULIANA I'd like that very much. She smiles, looks at him for what may be the last time in a long while. JULIANA (continuing) Well... I'd better be going... DATA Mother... I remembered something that I thought you should know. She waits for him to continue. DATA (continuing) Before he died, my father told me that he had only one great love in his life... and that he regretted never letting her know how much he cared for her. (beat) I am certain he was referring to you. Juliana is touched by this knowledge. STAR TREK: "Inheritance" - REV. 09/28/93 - ACT FIVE 52. 57 CONTINUED: JULIANA That's nice to know... She smiles inwardly, as if something's just occurred to her. JULIANA (continuing) On Atrea they have a saying... that a child born from parents who love each other will have nothing but goodness in his heart... (beat) I guess that explains you... Data is struck by her words. She leans forward and kisses his cheek. JULIANA (continuing) Take care of yourself, son. She moves to the Transporter Pad, turns back -- and their eyes meet for a last time. DATA Good-bye, Mother. The N.D. works the controls and Juliana DEMATERIALIZES. Off Data's face as he watches... 58 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it moves away we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END