STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Parallels" #40277-263 Written by Brannon Braga Directed by Robert Wiemer 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 OCTOBER 7, 1993 STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Parallels" CAST PICARD WESLEY RIKER NURSE OGAWA DATA GUL NADOR BEVERLY N.D. COM VOICE TROI WORF GEORDI COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D. CARDASSIAN STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Parallels" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE BRIDGE CORRIDOR SHUTTLECRAFT WORF'S QUARTERS ENGINEERING CARDASSIAN SHIP TEN FORWARD READY ROOM TWO ENTERPRISES OBSERVATION LOUNGE SHUTTLEBAY SICKBAY SHUTTLECRAFT STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/08/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Parallels" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE FORCAS FOUR-cuss HarOs hair-OSE Soh-chIm saw-CHEEM IADARA ee-ah-DAR-ah GALOR guh-LORE VERTAZINE VER-tah-zine CURIE KYOOR-ee T'gha tee-GAH SHANNARA shaw-NAR-ah PRONUNCIATION GUIDE FOR KLINGON BIRTHDAY SONG: Sung to the tune of "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" "Cha Worf Toh'gah-nah lo Pre-tOk" chaw worf toe-GAW-nah low pree-TALK (REPEAT) "Tu Mak Dagh Cha doh Borak" * too mock daw chaw dough bore-AWK * "Dagh" is articulated with a very coarse, strong rasp -- just like the ch sound in the name of the German composer Bach or in the Yiddish toast l'chaim. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Parallels" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL) At impulse. 2 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT WORF is alone in the shuttle, shining his BAT'LETH SWORD with a cloth. He eyes the sword with satisfaction, then sets it down and moves to the helm. He taps a control. (NOTE: He faces the console, as though looking into a "camera".) WORF (to computer) Personal log, Stardate 47391.2. I am returning from the Bat'leth competition on Forcas Three. The conditions were difficult... several contenders were maimed. But I was triumphant... Worf picks up a large KLINGON TROPHY -- an impressive-looking award with distinctive Klingon markings on it. He eyes it proudly. WORF (continuing) I won "Champion Standing." His expression turns serious. WORF (continuing) I look forward to resuming my duties aboard the Enterprise. However, I am anticipating a... troubling situation. OFF his concerned face... CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - TEASER 2. 3 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR Later. Worf and RIKER are walking along, midconversation. Worf is carrying his Bat'leth sword and trophy. He keeps looking around, nervous -- he seems preoccupied by something. RIKER It looks like we're going to have to head out to the Argus Array. This is the third time in the last year it's stopped relaying data. Starfleet's beginning to think it may be more than a simple malfunction. As they turn a corner, Worf hesitates, as though expecting an attack. RIKER (continuing) I want you to start a long range scan as soon as we enter the -- Riker takes note of Worf's jumpiness. RIKER Are you listening to me, Lieutenant? WORF Oh... yes, sir. RIKER You seem pretty tense for a man who just came back from vacation. They stop at Worf's quarters. Worf very cautiously touches a control by the door... WORF Today... is my birthday. Suddenly, Worf opens the door and bursts into the room -- 4 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS Worf rushes in, looks around, ready for anything. No one's there. He seems relieved. Riker looks at him a bit oddly. RIKER What's the matter with you? STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - TEASER 3. 4 CONTINUED: WORF Because it is my birthday... I assumed that you or one of the others would try to mount an unexpected... social gathering. RIKER You mean a surprise party? Worf, I hate surprise parties. I would never do that to you. WORF I am... sorry, Commander. RIKER Why don't you settle in and I'll meet you on the Bridge. WORF Aye sir. Riker EXITS. Worf takes a breath, relaxing... he sets down his Bat'leth and sets his trophy proudly on a table. He heads for the bedroom, starts to take off his sash, gets about half-way there when suddenly -- VOICES SURPRISE!! Worf LEAPS back, as if scalded -- 5 REVEAL (OPTICAL) TROI, BEVERLY, GEORDI, DATA and SEVERAL N.D.S as they rush out of the bedroom. Many hold birthday GIFTS -- others have party favors, noise-makers. It's the most human and obnoxious party you can imagine. They come up shaking his hand, offering birthday wishes, patting him on the back. Troi and Beverly kiss him on the cheek. Riker ENTERS during the middle of all this, comes up behind Worf with huge smile on his face. RIKER Actually, Worf, I love surprise parties. Riker then puts a big, ridiculous PARTY HAT on Worf's head. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - TEASER 4. 5 CONTINUED: OFF Worf's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 6 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS A few minutes later. Beverly is holding a large CHOCOLATE CAKE, which has many burning CANDLES on it. Everyone is singing the "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow", but with Klingon lyrics. Worf stands there awkwardly -- this is like torture for him. ALL (sung to the tune of "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow") "Cha Worf Toh'gah-nah lo Pre'tOk... Cha Worf Toh'gah-nah lo Pre'tOk... Cha Worf Toh'gah-nah lo Pre'tO-O-O-O-Ok... Tu Mak Dagh Cha doh Borak!" As they finish the song, Beverly holds out the cake to Worf, who quickly blows out the candles. Everyone applauds. Worf can barely conceal his disgust. WORF That was not a Klingon song. TROI It wasn't easy to translate. There doesn't seem to be a Klingon word for "jolly". Beverly hands Worf a knife. BEVERLY It's traditional for the birthday boy to cut the cake. Worf takes the knife and eyes it a moment -- other uses for it cross his mind. Then he cuts the cake with two quicks WHACKS and serves a piece to a Crewmember. (NOTE: The cake is chocolate inside, as well.) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 6. 6 CONTINUED: The party proceeds merrily, with Beverly moving off to cut the rest of the cake, people getting drinks, etc. Riker claps a friendly hand on Worf's shoulder. RIKER Captain Picard sends his birthday wishes. He was needed on the Bridge. Riker moves off to get some cake. Data walks over holding a large GIFT. He hands it to Worf. DATA Happy birthday, Worf. Worf takes the gift. WORF Thank you.... Worf tears the wrapping paper off the gift, revealing a large PAINTING -- a great deal of conflicting colors and shapes. It is difficult to tell which side is up. Worf eyes it... WORF Ah... a painting. DATA Yes. I have entered my Abstract Expressionistic phase. This is my interpretation of the Battle of HarOS. Worf examines the painting, hunting for any recognizable image. WORF The Battle of HarOS... ? Troi takes the painting. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 7. 6 CONTINUED: (2) TROI I think it's wonderful. And I know just where to hang it... She moves to a spot on the wall. WORF What are you doing? TROI I always thought this room could use a little more color. Troi hangs the painting and steps back. Geordi comes over to admire the painting, carrying two pieces of cake. GEORDI (re: painting) Battle of HarOS, right? Worf looks at him in amazement. Geordi hands a piece of cake to Worf. The interior of the cake is now YELLOW, not chocolate as seen before. (NOTE: Minor continuity changes of this sort will be indicated throughout the script.) As Worf takes the cake, he reacts to a mild wave of dizziness. GEORDI You alright? WORF I believe Commander Data's painting is making me dizzy... Laughter all around. Worf takes a bite of his cake, looks down at it. WORF (casual) I thought this cake was chocolate... TROI Don't I wish. Troi hands Worf a small GIFT. (NOTE: Troi is dressed in one of her casual outfits, and her hair is in a looser, more casual style.) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 8. 6 CONTINUED: (3) TROI (re: gift) This is from Alexander. He gave it to me before he left to visit your parents. Worf sets down the cake and takes the gift... carefully unwraps it. We see that it is a round piece of CLAY, with the imprint of Alexander's forehead ridges on it (the Klingon equivalent of a child's hand-print). Worf smiles at the sight. GEORDI What is it? WORF Alexander's forehead. (proudly) The ridges of a warrior. TROI He really wished he could've been here when you got back from shore leave. You should have seen him, Worf... he stayed up all night talking about how proud he was of his father. WORF Thank you for watching him while I was away. TROI It was my pleasure. Worf looks at her, and he gets a thoughtful look on is face... clearly concerned about something... Suddenly, we hear PICARD'S voice from offcamera -- PICARD So... how old are you, Mister Worf? Worf turns in surprise. 7 REVEAL PICARD standing behind Worf. Worf didn't see the Captain come in -- and neither did we. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 9. 7 CONTINUED: WORF Captain -- I was told you couldn't attend. PICARD I wouldn't miss this for the world. How old are you? Worf hesitates, awkward about his age. WORF I am... old enough. Everyone laughs. Worf bristles. As the party continues... CUT TO: 8 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Holding position next to the ARGUS ARRAY -- a huge subspace radio telescope (as seen in "The Nth Degree"). 9 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, N.D.s at their stations. PICARD Report. DATA (off console) The Array appears to be functioning normally, sir. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 10. 9 CONTINUED: Reactions -- this isn't what they expected. RIKER That can't be right. We were told it stopped relaying data six days ago. DATA The Array is still transmitting data. However, it is no longer sending that information to the Federation. (off console) It appears that someone has redirected its imaging systems. PICARD Where is the information being sent now? DATA (works) Sector One-nine-six-five-eight. I am unable to access the Array's main computer, so it is impossible to determine the exact location. RIKER What's in that sector? Worf works. WORF It is uninhabited. But there could easily be a ship, or a subspace relay station receiving the data. Riker turns to Picard. RIKER Captain. I suggest we beam a repair crew aboard the Array. We can download the imaging logs -- find out what the Array's been observing for the past six days. PICARD Make it so. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 11. 9 CONTINUED: (2) Riker nods to Data and they both head for the door. OFF Picard's concern... CUT TO: 10 INT. TEN FORWARD Troi is sitting alone at a table, working on a PADD (she's in her uniform and her hair is in a less elaborate, more formal style). Worf walks up to the table, eyes Troi a moment, thoughtful... then approaches the table. WORF Excuse me, Counselor. Do you have a moment? TROI Of course. Worf sits at the table. WORF I have been meaning to speak with you... about Alexander. TROI Oh? Worf hesitates, tries to find the best way to put this. WORF It has never been easy for me... having Alexander on board. I have always tried to be a good father... to give him guidance... but he seems to have his own mind about some things. Troi smiles. TROI Most children do. WORF I could not have gotten this far without your help. Alexander looks up to you. At times, I have felt that you are like a mother to him. Troi is touched by his words. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 12. 10 CONTINUED: TROI Worf... that's one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me. Worf takes a moment. WORF Once, when I thought I was going to die... I asked you to watch over Alexander. I was wondering... if you might consider formalizing that arrangement. (beat) I want you to be Alexander's SohchIm. TROI His "Soh-chIm"? WORF You would become his surrogate mother. In case anything ever happened to me, you would be responsible for him. Troi is surprised by the request... and flattered. TROI Worf, I don't know what to say. It's a great honor. (beat) So this would make me your... WORF The closest analogy would be... step-sister. TROI That would make my mother your step-mother. WORF I had not considered that... (with humor) It is a risk I am willing to take. Troi smiles. TROI I accept. Worf smiles in return. A warm moment between them. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 13. 10 CONTINUED: (2) DATA'S COM VOICE Lieutenant Worf, please report to Engineering. WORF (taps combadge) On my way. Worf stands, gives Troi a little smile, then heads for the door... CUT TO: 11 INT. ENGINEERING Data and Geordi are working at a console. Picard and Worf look on. Mid-conversation. DATA (to Worf) We have analyzed the imaging logs. It appears that the Array was reprogrammed to observe several Federation sites. Data works the console... 12 INCLUDE MONITOR (OPTICAL) The freeze-frame images of several FEDERATION OUTPOSTS and STARBASES comes up. The graphics are grainy and blurred, as though taken from a very long range. GEORDI (indicates screen) This is Deep Space Five... Starbase Forty-seven... the Iadara Colony... and this is the Utopia Planitia Shipyard. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 14. 12 CONTINUED: PICARD (reacts) The Utopia Planitia shipyard... they're responsible for new starship development... WORF (realizing) Someone is using the Array for covert surveillance of the Federation. DATA That is our theory. We believe that unauthorized access was made six days ago. The imaging logs from that day show a ship approaching the Array... Data works the console and the monitor displays the grainy but unmistakable image of a CARDASSIAN WARSHIP. Reactions. WORF That's a Cardassian ship. Galor Class. GEORDI We're only three light years from Cardassian space. They would've had easy access to the Array. Picard considers. PICARD Mister Worf, start a long range scan of the region... see if there are any Cardassian ships nearby. WORF Aye sir. Geordi hands Worf a PADD. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 15. 12 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI (re: PADD) Here's a propulsion analysis of the Cardassian ship. You might try scanning for its energy configuration. 13 CLOSE ON WORF as he takes the PADD. Suddenly, he is struck by a wave of dizziness. He touches his head and shuts his eyes for a moment... DATA (O.S.) Are you alright, Lieutenant? Worf opens his eyes -- 14 NEW ANGLE ON ROOM Data and Geordi are now both standing on the opposite side of the room, working at a console. Picard is nowhere to be seen. It's an odd moment -- as though in the blink of an eye, everyone changed positions. Worf reacts, confused. WORF I feel... dizzy... GEORDI Worf, you don't look so good. Maybe you should go to Sickbay... Worf nods, recovering slightly. WORF Yes... perhaps I will. Worf EXITS. As Data and Geordi exchange a concerned look... CUT TO: 15 INT. SICKBAY Worf is sitting on a bio-bed. Beverly is scanning around his head with a medical tricorder. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 16. 15 CONTINUED: BEVERLY Any nausea... or blurred vision? WORF No. However, I did experience dizziness earlier today... at my birthday celebration. Beverly nods and shuts the tricorder. She picks up a nearby hypospray and prepares it. BEVERLY (casually) It sounds like you're having a few side-effects from the concussion. I'll give you vertazine for the dizziness... but I want you to get some rest. Beverly moves to inject worf with the hypospray, but he stops her. WORF Doctor... perhaps you are thinking of another patient. I have no concussion. There's an awkward beat. BEVERLY Worf... you came in here this morning complaining about a ringing in your ears. I scanned you... you had a concussion. Worf just stares at her -- he can't believe what he's hearing. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 17. 15 CONTINUED: (2) BEVERLY (continuing) Are you telling me you don't remember any of this? WORF No... Beverly eyes him, realizing. She picks up a small PENLIGHT and starts looking at his eyes. BEVERLY Temporary memory loss is common with this kind of injury... (prompting) Do you remember telling me about the Bat'leth tournament? You said one of the competitors hit you in the head... that's why you lost the match... Worf reacts to this, disturbed -- he steps off the table. WORF I won that tournament. I can prove it to you. Worf heads for the door. Concerned, Beverly follows him... CUT TO: 16 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Worf and Beverly ENTER. Worf immediately walks to the table where he set down Bat'leth trophy earlier. He picks it up, and reacts to what he sees -- 17 CLOSE ON TROPHY It is clearly a different trophy -- it's much smaller and less elaborate. BEVERLY What's wrong? WORF It says... "Ninth Place." STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT ONE 18. 17 CONTINUED: OFF his stunned reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 19. ACT TWO FADE IN: 18 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS Worf holding the trophy, shocked. Beverly looking on. WORF This is not the same trophy... (beat) Someone is playing a trick on me. BEVERLY Worf, try to calm down. Memory loss can be very disorienting... He suddenly remembers something. WORF The log... I recorded a personal log on my way back to the Enterprise. Worf sits down at his desk, taps a command into a desktop monitor. Beverly watches with concern. WORF (to computer) Computer -- access personal logs on Shuttlecraft Curie. Show my log entry for Stardate 47391.2. 19 INCLUDE MONITOR (OPTICAL) It shows an image of WORF looking into the camera, sitting in the shuttlecraft, as seen in the Teaser. Everything is exactly as it was before -- the way he's sitting, what he's wearing, etc. WORF ON MONITOR Personal log, Stardate 47391.2. I am returning from the Bat'leth competition on Forcas Three. The conditions were difficult... several contenders were maimed. The Worf on the monitor looks irritated. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/08/93 - ACT TWO 20. 19 CONTINUED: WORF ON MONITOR (continuing) One of the contenders used an illegal T'gha maneuver against me. The judges chose to ignore it... and I was robbed of my rightful standing. The Worf on the monitor reaches offscreen and picks up a Klingon trophy -- it is the smaller, less impressive one that we see now in Worf's quarters. WORF ON MONITOR I was awarded "Ninth Place". (beat) I look forward to resuming my duties aboard the Enterprise. However, I am -- Worf taps a control, ENDING the log. He looks very disturbed. WORF I do not understand... Beverly tries to comfort him. BEVERLY I'm sure this must be very disturbing for you... but don't worry. Your memories will eventually return to normal. Worf just stares at the screen... BEVERLY (continuing) The best thing you can do right now is settle back into your normal routine... but slowly. A long beat. Worf finally nods, resigned. WORF Thank you, Doctor. BEVERLY If you have any more problems with dizziness, let me know. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 21. 19 CONTINUED: (2) Beverly gives him a gentle smile, then EXITS. OFF Worf's face... CUT TO: 20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As before, holding position by the Argus Array. 21 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, N.D.s at their stations. Data at the aft science station. Worf ENTERS and moves to Tactical, relieves an N.D. working there. Data turns to Worf. DATA Lieutenant, have you completed the metallurgical scan of the Array? Worf looks at him, confused. WORF Sir? DATA The metallurgical scan. Is it complete? WORF I do not remember you asking me to -- Suddenly, an ALARM goes off on Worf's console. He checks it. WORF Captain. There is a Cardassian ship approaching. Galor Class. Reactions. Data quickly moves to Ops. Picard and Riker get to their feet. PICARD Open a channel. WORF On screen. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 22. 22 INCLUDE MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) A CARDASSIAN CAPTAIN (GUL NADOR) APPEARS. Picard tries to be diplomatic, but there is a definite tension in the air. PICARD This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise. You are in Federation territory. Please explain your presence here. GUL NADOR We were wondering the same thing about you, Captain. Why would Starfleet's flagship want to venture so close to the Cardassian border? PICARD We are repairing one of our subspace telescopes. GUL NADOR (wry) I see. May we offer our assistance? PICARD No, thank you. We have everything under control. Gul Nador eyes Picard. GUL NADOR If you don't mind my asking... what exactly is this telescope of yours designed to do? PICARD It's a long range subspace Array... it gathers data on astronomical phenomena. GUL NADOR I'm certain it would never be used to... "observe" a neighboring species. PICARD Certainly not. GUL NADOR Well, then... best of luck with your repairs. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 23. 22 CONTINUED: GUL NADOR (Cont'd) Just try to make certain that your studies are limited to... "astronomical phenomena". The transmission ENDS. RIKER Charming fellow. WORF Captain -- that ship was responsible for reprogramming the Array. Picard and Riker turn to him. PICARD What do you mean? WORF (off console) It is the same Class and energy configuration as the ship we saw in the imaging logs. Picard is confused. PICARD Imaging logs... Are you saying you have evidence that the Cardassians tampered with the Array? WORF They have been using the Array as a surveillance device. (beat) You saw the logs yourself. Picard turns to Riker. PICARD I haven't heard anything about this. RIKER Neither have I. Worf looks to Data. WORF Commander Data -- show them the imaging logs you downloaded from the Array. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 24. 22 CONTINUED: (2) Data hesitates, unsure what to say. DATA I know of no such logs, Lieutenant. A long, uncomfortable moment as all eyes fall on Worf. PICARD Worf... are you feeling alright? WORF Yes. PICARD Mister Data, perhaps you should re-examine the Array... see if you can find anything to support Worf's claims. (to Worf) In the meantime, Lieutenant... I think you should go to your quarters. OFF Worf's frustration -- what the hell's going on? CUT TO: 23 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS A while later. Worf is pacing around the room, frustrated. Troi is there to help him through this -- her hair and clothing are in the casual style. She's sitting near Data's Impressionistic painting, which is still hanging on the wall as seen in Act One. WORF Doctor Crusher says I am experiencing further memory loss... but my instincts tell me it is more than that... (beat) I remember those imaging logs... I could tell you every detail... every word... Troi considers him. TROI Worf, let's assume you're right for a second -- that things did happen as you remember them. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 25. 23 CONTINUED: TROI (Cont'd) Are you saying that everyone's memory on this ship has been altered but yours? (beat) The only one of us who's had a recent head injury or mental stress is you. Isn't it more logical that your concussion is causing some memory problems? Worf frowns -- her words make sense, but still... he unconsciously rubs his head. The door CHIMES. WORF Enter. Geordi ENTERS. GEORDI Hi, Worf. I wanted you to know that we re-examined the imaging logs. They don't show a Cardassian ship... or any evidence that the Array was reprogrammed. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 26. 23 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI (Cont'd) (beat) From what we can tell, the Array suffered a simple mechanical failure. Worf reacts. WORF That is not right. I am certain that -- Suddenly, Worf has a slight dizzy feeling. He stops... and sees something on the wall behind Troi... 24 ANGLE ON TROI The painting next to Troi is now gone. TROI What's wrong? WORF The painting Commander Data gave me... Worf looks around the room. We see that the painting is now hanging on a different wall. It was definitely not there a few seconds ago. WORF (continuing) It has moved. Troi and Geordi glance at the painting, then exchange a worried look. TROI Worf, I hung that painting there... at your birthday party. Remember? WORF No... Worf eyes the painting... 25 NEW ANGLE - THE PAINTING It is now a completely DIFFERENT PAINTING -- the painting is now of a KLINGON BATTLECRUISER. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT TWO 27. 25 CONTINUED: It's a startling sight. 26 WORF reacts in disbelief. WORF The painting has changed... don't you see it? Troi and Geordi look at the painting -- clearly, they do not see a difference. Troi stands and moves to Worf. We see that she's now wearing her UNIFORM, and her hair is in the formal style. Worf eyes her. WORF Your hair... and your clothing... they have changed, as well... Geordi moves toward him. GEORDI Worf, maybe you should -- Worf reacts to another wave of dizziness. And in the blink of an eye, EVERYTHING CHANGES: 27 INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL) Worf is now standing at Tactical -- he reacts, shocked by the change in setting. The ship is at RED ALERT. Picard, Riker, Data, N.D.s at stations. There's a CARDASSIAN WARSHIP on the VIEWSCREEN. (NOTE: The HORSESHOE CONSOLE should look different. And the Red Alert SOUND is also different.) Picard turns to Worf. PICARD (urgent) Now, Mister Worf! (beat) Now! But Worf doesn't know what to do. OFF his reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 28. ACT THREE FADE IN: 28 INT. BRIDGE Continuous action. Riker turns to Worf. RIKER (urgent) Worf, what are you waiting for? Raise shields. Worf moves to Tactical, quickly works the console -- and stops... eyes the console in confusion. WORF This panel configuration has been altered, sir. I do not know how to -- Too late. The Enterprise is ROCKED HARD. DATA (off console) Direct hit -- Engineering Section, Deck Forty-two. Shield generators are overloading. The ship is ROCKED again. Picard looks at Worf, who is still trying to make sense of his console. PICARD (to Riker, re: Worf) Number One. Riker rushes to Tactical. Worf steps back, shell-shocked -- what's going on? RIKER (working) Firing photon torpedoes, full spread. 29 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Holding position near the Argus Array. It FIRES a series of PHOTON TORPEDOES... 30 NEW ANGLE - CARDASSIAN SHIP (OPTICAL) As it is HIT by the TORPEDOES. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 29. 31 INT. BRIDGE As before. RIKER (off console) Direct hit on their main reactor... they're returning fire! Everyone braces for impact. Another JOLT, this one more violent. The lights on the Bridge FLICKER ON AND OFF. DATA (off console) Captain, we have sustained heavy damage to our deflector systems. Hull breaches on Decks Seventeen and Thirty-six. PICARD (to Conn) Ensign, take us out of here, maximum warp. The Ensign at the helm works. A tense moment goes by. PICARD Are they pursuing? RIKER No, sir. (off console) But they're firing on the Argus Array... (beat) They've destroyed it, sir. A grim moment. PICARD (to com) Bridge to Engineering. Status, Mister La Forge? N.D. COM VOICE This is Ensign Hayes, sir. Commander La Forge has been taken to Sickbay with plasma burns... (beat) There's serious damage to the secondary plasma conduit... but I think we've got it under control. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 30. 31 CONTINUED: RICARD (to com) Acknowledged. (to conn) Ensign, lay in a course for Starbase One-two-nine. Picard turns to Worf, grim-faced. PICARD What happened back there, Lieutenant? Worf hesitates... glances around the Bridge... everyone looking at him, waiting for a response. WORF I believe I had another... memory loss. They stare at him. RIKER "Memory loss"... What are you talking about? Worf realizes -- they have no idea what he's talking about. Worf takes a beat... then makes the decision not to say anything further. WORF I do not feel well, Captain. Request to be temporarily relieved of duty. PICARD Granted. Worf nods and turns to go. As Picard and Riker exchange a concerned look... CUT TO: 32 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Worf ENTERS -- he's agitated, determined to find out what's happening to him. He stops by the wall where the painting of the Klingon Battlecruiser is still hanging. He stares at for a long moment... then glances around the room... sees something and crosses to the table where the trophy was sitting earlier. It is gone -- and there is now a vase of FLOWERS on the table, along with several exotic-looking pieces of ART. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 31. 32 CONTINUED: Worf quickly sits down at his desktop terminal and taps a control. WORF (to computer) Computer -- access personal logs on Shuttlecraft Curie. Play log entry for Stardate 47391.2. The computer works. COMPUTER VOICE There is no log entry for that Stardate. Worf reacts. WORF (to computer) Computer, display any log entries regarding the Bat'leth Tournament on Forcas Three. 33 INCLUDE MONITOR (OPTICAL) The image of WORF comes up. He's in his quarters, in uniform. WORF ON MONITOR Personal log, Stardate 47391.2. There has been a malfunction in the ship's main deflector. It will require two more days of repairs. The Worf on the monitor looks irritable. WORF ON MONITOR (continuing) As a result, I will not be able to compete in the Bat'leth tournament on Forcas Three. I have asked my brother to take my place. He does not have my prowess with the blade, but -- Worf taps a control and the log ENDS. This is getting stranger by the minute. The door CHIMES. Worf jumps up at the sound, startled. He stands and walks to the door, taps a control. The doors slide open to reveal Troi. She ENTERS. (Troi is back into her casual clothing and hair.) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 32. 33 CONTINUED: TROI (matter of fact) Why'd you lock the door? WORF (sharp) Why shouldn't I? Troi looks at Worf with concern. TROI I heard about what happened on the Bridge. Are you all right? WORF I am not sure... TROI Do you want to talk about it? WORF I would rather not, Counselor. TROI (a little wry) Very well, Lieutenant. Troi brushes past him and moves to a replicator slot. TROI (to replicator) Hot chocolate. We HEAR the cup materialize. Worf looks at her, a little confused. She seems to be making herself quite at home. WORF Is there something I can do for you? Troi turns to him, taking a sip. TROI Actually, there is... Troi moves to the bedroom. At this point we should see that the bedroom is slightly different than normal. Besides Worf's usual Klingon paraphernalia, there are some items that can usually be seen in Troi's quarters (TBD). STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 33. 33 CONTINUED: (2) Troi sits down on the bed and pats a spot next to her. TROI I want you to sit down. Relax for a minute. Worf sits. Troi very calmly and very naturally reaches over and turns Worf away from her slightly... and she removes the band that keeps Worf's hair in a pony-tail. She starts stroking his hair gently. Worf stiffens, uncomfortable with the intimate gesture. TROI You're really tense. She begins to massage his shoulders, soothing him, comforting. Worf is growing increasingly uneasy with the closeness. TROI Worf... I know you don't want to talk about what happened on the Bridge... but there are times when it's best to open up... (beat) Come on... if you can't talk to me, who can you talk to? She reaches around and bites Worf playfully on the ear. Worf leaps to his feet, alarmed. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 34. 33 CONTINUED: (3) WORF I do not believe this is appropriate behavior! Troi eyes him, a little confused. TROI Not even for your wife? WORF Wife! Worf is stunned beyond belief. He takes a couple of steps backward. Troi sees and senses that Worf is genuinely confused and troubled. Something is wrong. She stands. TROI Worf, what's wrong? WORF I do not know... things are... changing... TROI What's changed? WORF I do not remember us... you and I... being mates... (beat) It is as if events... circumstances... continue to change from moment to moment... but I am the only one who seems to be aware of it... Troi tries to make sense of this... TROI So... are you saying you don't remember the last three years? You don't remember us falling in love... and getting married? WORF I do remember the last three years... but they are different. We did not have this relationship. We were friends. The Enterprise did not have a battle with the Cardassians... STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 35. 33 CONTINUED: (4) Worf sits down heavily, very disturbed. WORF No one believes me. Troi considers him for a moment. As bizarre as his behavior is, the Troi in this reality loves him deeply. TROI Worf... whatever's wrong... whatever's happened... I want you to know that I believe you... (beat) And that I love you. We'll find out what's happening... Worf looks at her, touched by the depth of feeling. And he nods, gratified to have someone on his side... CUT TO: 34 INT. ENGINEERING Later. Data and Worf are working at a console as Troi looks on. (NOTE: Data's EYES are not gold -- they are blue and human-looking. Also, the warp core looks slightly different, as it did in "Phantasms".) DATA (working) I am initiating a subspace scan to search for temporal anomalies on or off the ship. A beat. OGAWA'S COM VOICE Counselor Troi, please report to Sickbay. TROI (taps combadge) On my way. (to Data, Worf) Let me know if you find anything. Troi lays a comforting hand on Worf's shoulder, then turns and EXITS. Worf watches her go, thoughtful... then he turns to Data. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 36. 34 CONTINUED: WORF Commander... how long have I been married to Counselor Troi? DATA Two years, one month and twelve days. WORF And when did this... relationship begin? Data keeps working. DATA It is my understanding that your romantic affiliation began soon after you recovered from your spinal injury on Stardate 45587. WORF I remember that... A cargo container fell on me. DATA That is correct. After that, I observed that you and the Counselor began to spend more time together. WORF When did it become... romantic? DATA It was approximately six months later that you asked Commander Riker for his formal permission to court Counselor Troi. (beat) You felt that to do otherwise would be dishonorable. Worf is amazed by all this. WORF And then we mated. DATA I am not privy to the exact details of when, where and how the first coupling took place. I could investigate it if you -- STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 37. 34 CONTINUED: (2) WORF No... that is alright. The console BEEPS. Data checks it. DATA I am detecting no temporal anomalies in this system. Worf looks disappointed. Data considers. DATA (continuing) Perhaps we should try to pinpoint the exact moment when events became discontinuous. Do you remember the first change? Worf thinks. WORF I went to Sickbay. Doctor Crusher told me I had a concussion... but I do not remember that happening. DATA Think back. Are you sure that was the very first change? Perhaps there was one before you entered Sickbay? WORF Before... Worf suddenly remembers -- WORF Yes... yes. In Engineering. I felt a wave of dizziness... and when I looked up, you and Commander La Forge were on the opposite side of the room. Captain Picard was gone. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 38. 34 CONTINUED: (3) WORF (Cont'd) I thought I had blacked out for a moment, and had not observed your movements. He stands, onto to something here... he thinks... remembering... WORF (continuing) And at my birthday party... the cake was chocolate, then it was yellow. And Commander Riker told me the Captain was not going to attend... then suddenly the Captain was there. DATA We should try to find any commonalties in these events. Where were you each time? WORF (thinks) I was at the party... then I was in Engineering... then in my quarters... STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 39. 34 CONTINUED: (4) DATA What about the people you were with? Was there anyone who was present at all three events? Worf paces a moment... concentrates... WORF Everyone was at my birthday party... then I was with Counselor Troi... then Commander La Forge entered... (realizes) Geordi was in all three locations. And he was near me in each case, just before I noticed the differences. (beat) Do you think there is a connection? DATA It is possible. We should speak with Commander La Forge. Worf looks hopeful. As they head for the door... CUT TO: 35 INT. SICKBAY Worf and Data ENTER at the door directly in front of Beverly's office. DOCTOR OGAWA (she's wearing Beverly's lab coat) and Troi are Standing in Sickbay. DATA Doctor, is Geordi well enough to answer some questions? Ogawa and Troi exchange a grim look. OGAWA I'm afraid not, Data. Geordi's dead. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT THREE 40. 35 CONTINUED: OFF their reactions... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 41-42 ACT FOUR FADE IN: 36 OMITTED 37 INT. SICKBAY A few minutes later. Geordi's body is lying on the surgical bed -- he's naked, covered by a blanket -- BURN MARKS are visible on his face. He's not wearing his VISOR. Worf and Troi stand back as Data picks up a medical tricorder and begins to scan Geordi's body. DATA (off tricorder) There do not appear to be any unusual readings. Energy residuals from the plasma burns... the beginnings of cellular decomposition... Worf and Troi grimace slightly at this clinical account of their dead friend's body. Data snaps the tricorder shut. DATA (to Worf) I see nothing that connects these bio-readings to your recent sense of discontinuity. OGAWA What about his VISOR? Ogawa picks up the VISOR off a nearby surgical tray and holds it out to Data. Data scans it. DATA (off tricorder) I still see nothing unusual. Data gets an idea. DATA Perhaps we should activate it. Ogawa nods and hands the VISOR to Data. OGAWA Hook it up to the diagnostic array and I'll check it out. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 43. 37 CONTINUED: Data crosses the room and connects the VISOR to a DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT. He hits a control. DATA The VISOR is active. 38 ANGLE ON WORF As he has a mild wave of dizziness, as before. We see that he is now dressed in a RED COMMANDER'S UNIFORM -- and he has three pips. (NOTE: Everyone's COMMUNICATORS are different, as seen in "Future Imperfect.") BEVERLY'S VOICE Worf... are you alright? Worf looks up -- 39 INCLUDE BEVERLY standing in the same area as Ogawa, who is now gone. She's wearing the lab coat. Worf reacts to the sight. DATA Have you noticed another discontinuity, Commander? WORF A moment ago, Doctor Crusher was not here. It was... Doctor Ogawa. BEVERLY Doctor Ogawa? Worf glances at his uniform. WORF And my uniform is different... what is my rank and position? TROI You're a Commander... and First Officer. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 44. 39 CONTINUED: WORF (to Troi) Are we still married? TROI Yes... Data suddenly reacts to his tricorder. DATA (off tricorder, to Worf) I am detecting a quantum flux in your cellular RNA... WORF What does it mean? DATA I do not know. I will have to analyze these readings... OFF Worf's face... CUT TO: 40 INT. READY ROOM Riker is sitting behind the desk -- he has four pips. He is the Captain. Data and Worf are reporting to him. There are minor changes in the setting: Picard's fish is gone and replaced with a plant... the book of Shakespeare is replaced with Riker's trombone. DATA I have found that the quantum flux in Worf's cellular RNA extends to the subatomic level. It is asynchronous with normal matter. (beat) In essence, Captain -- Mister Worf does not belong in our universe. RIKER (reacts) What? STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 45. 40 CONTINUED: DATA All matter in the universe resonates on a quantum level with a unique signature. This signature is a constant. It cannot be changed by any known process. It is the basic foundation of existence. RIKER And you believe that Worf's quantum signature is different from ours... DATA Yes, sir. I cannot explain it. It is as if he originates from a different quantum universe. Riker looks at Worf. RIKER But he's standing right here in front of us. He's been on the ship for seven years. DATA I cannot explain that either. According to my understanding of physics, Worf should not exist. A long beat as Riker considers this strange theory. He looks to Worf. RIKER (to Worf) You say these discontinuities started to occur after you returned from a Bat'leth tournament on Forcas Three. WORF Yes sir. RIKER Now, I know for a fact that you didn't attend that tournament... and that no shuttlecraft has left the Enterprise for over a month. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 46. 40 CONTINUED: (2) WORF I understand. But I also clearly remember attending the tournament, and returning to the ship in a shuttlecraft. RIKER Do you remember the course you took to return to the ship? WORF I think so. RIKER Let's backtrack that course... see if there are any unusual readings or anomalies. DATA Aye, sir. Data EXITS. Worf goes to the door but stops... then turns to Riker. WORF If I may inquire, sir... how long have you been Captain? RIKER Four years. Ever since Captain Picard was killed during an incident with the Borg. (beat) You don't remember any of this, do you? WORF I do remember. I just remember it differently. OFF Worf's uneasy expression... CUT TO: 41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at impulse. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 47. 42 INT. BRIDGE Riker, Data and N.D.s at stations. Worf is at command. WESLEY CRUSHER is working Tactical, wearing a gold uniform. There is a CARDASSIAN N.D. working Conn. Various SET DETAILS are different: side panels, lighting, etc. WESLEY (off console) Captain -- I'm picking up a minor subspace disturbance off the port bow. RIKER Full stop. (to Data) Analysis, Data. Data works. DATA It appears to be a guantum fissure in the space-time continuum. RIKER On screen. DATA The anomaly cannot be seen. However, I believe I can enhance it with a warp field to make it visible. Data works... 43 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) It shows a QUANTUM FISSURE in the middle of the screen -- a very small GLOWING SPECK that is DISTORTING the area of space just around it. RIKER Is it dangerous? DATA Not at this distance, sir. (works) I am also detecting an ion trail intersecting the phenomenon. I believe it was left by a Starfleet type-six shuttlecraft. Reactions. WORF So I was here... STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 48. 43 CONTINUED: Data reads his console, then turns to Riker. DATA I have an explanation, sir. CUT TO: 44 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL) A short time later. Riker, Worf, Troi, Beverly, Wesley. Data is reporting to the group. DATA I believe the quantum fissure we discovered is a fixed point across the space-time continuum -- a "keyhole" that intersects many different quantum realities. TROI What do you mean by "quantum realities"? DATA For any event, there is an infinite number of possible outcomes. Our choices determine which outcome will follow. But there is a theory in quantum physics that all possibilities that could happen do happen in alternate quantum realities. Data indicates Riker, who is sitting at the head of the table. DATA (continuing) For instance, in a different quantum reality, Captain Riker may have chosen to sit at the other end of the table. While in another reality, the Captain may be standing. BEVERLY (onto idea) So at this moment, there are an infinite number of Enterprises... and an infinite number of Doctor Crushers having this discussion. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 49. 44 CONTINUED: DATA Yes. Although on some of those Enterprises, there may not be a Doctor Crusher... WORF And somehow I have been shifting from one reality to another... DATA That is correct. Worf reacts -- finally, he's been vindicated. TROI How did this happen? Data moves to the wall monitor and taps a control. The MONITOR DISPLAYS a GRAPHIC that shows a SINGLE POINT at the center of the screen, representing the quantum fissure. A SINGLE LINE representing Worf's shuttlecraft begins moving toward the fissure. DATA (off graphic) When Worf's shuttlecraft made contact with the quantum fissure, I believe its warp engines caused a small break in the barriers between quantum realties. (beat) Worf was thrown into a state of quantum flux. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 50. 44 CONTINUED: (2) As the single line makes CONTACT with the fissure, the line suddenly BRANCHES OUT into DOZENS of different LINES, like a complex tree-branch. DATA (continuing) He immediately began to shift to other realities. BEVERLY (onto idea) And Geordi's VISOR somehow triggered that... DATA Exactly. The VISOR uses a subspace field pulse. I think that whenever Geordi came near Worf, the field pulse intensified the quantum flux and pushed Worf into another reality. They consider this bizarre concept. WORF How can we find my original quantum state... and return me to it? A tense beat. Wesley gets an idea. WESLEY Data... what if we scanned the quantum fissure using a subspace differential pulse? Maybe we could locate the quantum state that shares Worf's signature... and find a way to get him back. DATA An excellent idea, Lieutenant. Riker considers, then -- RIKER Proceed. As everyone stands and heads for the door... STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 51. 45 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS The room is decorated the way it was in Act Three, except for one minor detail -- the painting is hanging back on the wall where it was in Act One, and it is the Impressionistic painting again. Worf and Troi ENTER together. Worf is agitated. TROI Worf... Troi tries to find the best way to put this -- it's difficult. She is feeling vulnerable in a way we've never seen before. She's at a loss of what to do... and she needs her husband to help her through this... TROI From what I understand, there's a good chance that my Worf won't return... (beat) And I guess it's just hard for me to accept that there's a reality out there where you never loved me... Worf is moved by her words. He cares about this woman... and he has a great deal of affection for her. WORF Deanna... I have always considered you a close friend. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 52. 45 CONTINUED: WORF (Cont'd) And although I have never seriously considered a romantic relationship... I am not opposed to the possibility... Troi looks at him. TROI And what about our children? WORF (reacts) Children... TROI You didn't know? Worf looks disturbed. WORF When the last shift occurred in Sickbay, we did not have children... He sits down heavily -- he wasn't prepared for this. TROI We have a little girl... Shannara. She's two years-old. And we have a three year-old boy. Eric-Christopher. Worf takes this in, then realizes... WORF What about Alexander? She looks at him blankly. TROI Alexander? And it's clear -- in this reality, Alexander does not exist. WORF He was my son... in another reality. A beat as they absorb this strange and disturbing situation. And finally, there are no words to describe what they're feeling. Slowly, impulsively, Troi moves into Worf's arms. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 53. 45 CONTINUED: (2) He places his arms around her and they embrace. As they hold one another... CUT TO: 46 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Holding position near the QUANTUM FISSURE. The Enterprise is sending out a thin ENERGY BEAM into the fissure. 47 INT. BRIDGE Riker, Troi, Data, Cardassian N.D. at their stations. Worf looks on as Wesley works the tactical console. WESLEY (to Worf) I've used a differential pulse to analyze over ten million quantum states within the fissure... but I still haven't found the one with your signature. (beat) This may take some time, sir. Data reacts to something on his console. DATA Captain -- there is a Bajoran ship approaching. Reactions. RIKER Red Alert. The ship goes to RED ALERT. (NOTE: Red Alert SOUND is different from before.) Worf moves to command. WORF Sir... the Bajorans? Riker looks at him, realizes that Worf is unaware of what's been happening in this reality. RIKER Ever since the Bajorans overthrew the Cardassian Empire, they've been getting more and more aggressive. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 54. 47 CONTINUED: RIKER (Cont'd) (beat) Yesterday they destroyed one of our subspace telescopes... they thought we were using it to spy on them. Worf considers this. WESLEY They're charging their weapons, sir... WORF Shields! Suddenly, the ship is ROCKED HARD. RIKER Return fire! Wesley works, reacts to his console. WESLEY Captain, they've damaged our power systems -- it's caused an energy surge within the subspace pulse.... (off console) The quantum fissure is beginning to destabilize. RIKER Can you disengage the pulse? WHAM! The ship is JOLTED. WESLEY (off console) Too late, sir. 48 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the quantum fissure RIPPLES slightly, and EMITS A COLORFUL FLASH OF LIGHT. Suddenly, ANOTHER ENTERPRISE APPEARS... and a second later, A THIRD ENTERPRISE APPEARS. 49 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) The Viewscreen shows the other two Enterprises. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FOUR 55. 49 CONTINUED: RIKER What the hell's happening? DATA (off console) The barriers between quantum realties are breaking down. Other realties are emerging into our own. On the viewscreen, we see yet another ENTERPRISE APPEAR -- and ANOTHER. OFF our shocked reactions... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 56. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 50 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISES (OPTICAL) An amazing sight: HUNDREDS of ENTERPRISES can be seen stretching off into the distance, some of them close, others distant points of light. 51 INT. BRIDGE As before. Everyone staring at the Viewscreen in disbelief. WESLEY (off console) The Bajoran ship is disengaging. Data studies his console. DATA The rate of quantum incursions is increasing exponentially. (beat) At this rate, the sector will be completely filled with Enterprises within three days. Reactions to this bizarre predicament. WESLEY (off console) Sir -- we are receiving two hundred eighty-five thousand hails from other ships. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 57. 51 CONTINUED: RIKER I wish I knew what to tell them... (beat) Data -- can we stop these incursions? Data quickly thinks -- then looks at Worf. DATA Perhaps -- if we find the ship which matches Commander Worf's quantum signature. RIKER How would that help? DATA It was Worf's shuttlecraft which traversed the fissure and weakened the barriers between quantum realities. If he re-enters the fissure in his original shuttle, and emits a broad-spectrum warp field -- it may be enough to seal the fissure and stop additional realities from emerging into our own. RIKER Then what? How do we get the Enterprises that are already here back to where they belong? DATA In theory, the act of sealing the fissure should also restore the barriers between quantum states. (beat) The ships would return to their own realities. Riker considers, then -- RIKER Lieutenant Crusher, send out a general hail to all ships. (to com) This is Captain Riker of the Enterprise... that is, the Enterprise which is indigenous to this universe. We have all encountered a quantum anomaly. We think we have a way to return all of us to our proper realities. We need to find the ship which exhibits a particular quantum signature. Our Mister Data will transmit the signature to you now. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 58-58A 51 CONTINUED: (2) Riker nods to Data, who quickly works. A long beat goes by. RIKER Anything? WESLEY (off console) There's too much com traffic, sir... it's tough to isolate who's talking to who... (beat) Wait. Here it is... one ship is responding... RIKER Onscreen. 52 INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) As PICARD APPEARS. He's standing on the Bridge of another Enterprise. In the background, we see Riker and Worf (gold uniform) at their usual positions. Riker reacts to the sight of his old Captain. PICARD Captain... we appear to have the quantum signature you're looking for. RIKER Data believes that by sending Worf through the fissure again, it would send all of us to our own realities. Picard nods. PICARD Our Data has said the same thing. RIKER We need you to send us your shuttlecraft Borges. PICARD (nods) We'll prepare to launch it now. Riker eyes Picard. RIKER It's... good to see you again, Captain. It's been a long time. Picard glances over his shoulder at his Riker, a little confused. OFF the strange moment... STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/08/93 - ACT FIVE 59. 53 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISES (OPTICAL) As before -- hundreds of Enterprises, as far as the eye can see. 54 INT. SHUTTLEBAY Later. Riker, Worf and Troi ENTER and walk up to Data, who is closing a panel on a SHUTTLECRAFT. RIKER (re: shuttle) Did they send the right shuttle? DATA Yes. Its quantum signature matches Commander Worf's precisely. (to Worf) I have re-modulated the shuttle's engines to emit an inverse warp field. You will need to activate the field at the precise moment you enter the fissure. WORF Assuming it works... what will happen? Will I find myself near my own ship? DATA That is one possibility. However, the uncertainty principle dictates that time is a variable in this equation. You may end up several days before this event -- or several days after it. There is no way to tell. Worf nods. WORF I understand. RIKER Good luck. Worf nods and turns to Troi. He gently touches her cheek. WORF (quiet) Goodbye, Deanna. Troi leans over and kisses him on the cheek. A moment between them... then Worf turns and enters the shuttle. As the door starts to close... STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 60. 55 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the Shuttlecraft LEAVES the ship... 56 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT Worf at the controls. WORF (to com) Setting course for the fissure... RIKER'S COM VOICE Acknowledged. Suddenly, the shuttle is JOLTED. 57 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Riker, Data, Wesley, Troi at positions. Red Alert. WESLEY Captain -- the shuttle is under attack! RIKER The Bajorans again? WESLEY No sir -- it's one of the Enterprises. (beat) They're hailing us. RIKER On screen. On the Viewscreen, we see another CAPTAIN RIKER standing on the Bridge of another Enterprise. He looks haggard, terrified about something. Worf can be seen behind him -- he also looks urgent. The ship is DARK, smokey, lit only by emergency lighting. A panel explodes in the b.g. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - REV. 10/08/93 - ACT FIVE 61. 57 CONTINUED: RIKER ON VIEWSCREEN (urgent) We won't go back! You don't know what it's like in our universe. The Federation is gone -- the Borg are everywhere! We're one of the last ships left! Please, you've got to help us! A difficult moment. RIKER I'm sorry. There's no choice. If this works, everything will return to -- RIKER ON VIEWSCREEN No! We won't go! The transmission ENDS. WESLEY They're firing on the shuttle! RIKER Open fire! Try to disable them! Wesley works... 58 EXT. SPACE - THE TWO ENTERPRISES (OPTICAL) One of the ships FIRES TORPEDOES on the other. 59 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) As before. WESLEY (off console) Direct hit... their shields have collapsed... their engine core's overloading -- On the Viewscreen, the other Enterprise EXPLODES in a blast of fiery debris -- completely destroyed. RIKER What happened? STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 62. 59 CONTINUED: WESLEY (off console) It looks like their ship had already taken heavy damage -- their warp containment field must have been weak. RIKER Probably from fighting the Borg... DATA (to com) Captain -- Worf is entering the fissure. 60 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL) As before. But now we can see the QUANTUM FISSURE through the windows as the shuttle gets closer... WORF (to com) Charging primary systems... initiating inverse warp field... Worf taps a control. The shuttle starts to TREMBLE... 61 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) As DOZENS of WORFS APPEAR, all identical but moving slightly out of synch with one another -- like an "infinity mirror" of Worfs moving together... The SCREEN WASHES OUT IN A FLASH OF COLOR -- 62 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT Worf is lying on the floor, unconscious. His eyes flicker open... and he sits up and glances around. He rushes to helm, looks out the windows... sees nothing but stars... STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 63. 63 EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL) The Enterprises are gone -- the shuttle sits alone in space. 64 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT Worf taps a control. WORF (to com) Worf to Enterprise. PICARD'S COM VOICE Enterprise here. WORF Captain -- is everything alright? PICARD'S COM VOICE Yes, Lieutenant. Is there a problem? WORF I do not believe so. But I will explain when I arrive. PICARD'S COM VOICE How was the Bat'leth tournament? Worf glances around the shuttle, sees the large Klingon trophy from the Teaser sitting nearby. He grabs it and eyes it with relief. WORF I won... "Champion Standing." 65 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at impulse. 66 INT. CORRIDOR Worf and Riker are walking along, mid-conversation. Worf is carrying his Bat'leth sword and trophy, as seen in the Teaser. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 64. 66 CONTINUED: RIKER So you don't think this... quantum fissure is anything we have to worry about? WORF No. I believe the inverse warp field resealed it. RIKER I look forward to reading your report. They stop at Worf's quarters. Worf eyes the door warily -- he knows what's coming. RIKER Something wrong? WORF I know what you are planning. (off his look) I will not be surprised. RIKER Surprised? I don't know what you're talking about. WORF (wry) Of course you don't. Riker looks at him, puzzled. Worf touches a control and the doors open... 67 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS Worf ENTERS and glances around. No one's there. He sets down his trophy and sword and heads to the bedroom... pauses by the door expectantly, then bursts into the room -- STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 65. 68 NEW ANGLE - BEDROOM The room is empty except for Troi, who is standing by a small terrarium. She looks up, a little startled. TROI Worf... welcome home. She smiles. Worf eyes her with concern -- and for a terrible moment it looks like they might still be married. Troi indicates the terrarium. TROI I hope you don't mind I let myself in. I promised Alexander I'd feed his Dalvin hissing beetle while you were both away. WORF So... you do not live here? She looks at him in surprise. TROI What is that supposed to mean? WORF It is a... long story. She hands him a small GIFT. TROI Happy birthday. (beat) Wil wanted to give you a surprise party, but I knew you'd hate it... so I talked him out of it. WORF Thank you. There's an awkward beat. TROI Well... I know Klingons like to be alone on their birthdays. (with humor) I'm sure you have to meditate, or hit yourself with a pain stick or something. STAR TREK: "Parallels" - 10/07/93 - ACT FIVE 66. 68 CONTINUED: She turns to go... WORF Deanna... you do not have to leave. TROI Oh? WORF I have not had dinner. Would you care to... join me? Troi is touched, and a little surprised. TROI I'd love to. Worf smiles at her and indicates a chair. Troi sits down. As Worf moves to the replicator and the two friends prepare for dinner... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END