STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Arsenal Of Freedom"
(fka "Among The Missing")
#40271-121
Story by
Maurice Hurley
and
Robert Lewin
Teleplay by
Richard Manning
&
Hans Beimler
Directed by
Les Landau
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 1988 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 This script is not for publication or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.
2ND REV. FINAL DRAFT
JANUARY 25, 1988
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal Of Freedom" - 1/25/88 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Arsenal Of Freedom"
CAST
PICARD THE PEDDLER (A HUMANOID)
RIKER CAPTAIN PAUL RICE
BEVERLY
DATA
TROI
TASHA
WORF
GEORDI
ENSIGN LIAN T'SU
CHIEF ENGINEER LOGAN
LIEUTENANT (J. G.) ORFIL SOLIS
Voice-Over
TRANSPORTER CHIEF
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal of Freedom" - 1/25/88 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Arsenal Of Freedom"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE SAUCER SECTION
BATTLE BRIDGE BATTLE CRUISER
IN SPACE
IN ATMOSPHERE
PLANET MINOS PLANET MINOS
TUNNEL (OR LIMBO SET)
CAVERN PLANET SURFACE
RUINS
JUNGLE
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Arsenal Of Freedom"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
It's moving through sparkling, black velvet space -- a
blue-green planet slowly enlarging in the distant
background.
PICARD (V. O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41798.2.
We are ordered by Starfleet, to
proceed to the Lorenze Cluster
and investigate the disappearance
of the light cruiser USS Drake,
which was in that system trying
to unravel a mystery of its own.
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
EVERYONE's at station except Riker and Troi. Riker's
at the Aft Station going over some computer readouts.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
Recent long range probes indicate
that all intelligent life on the
planet Minos has disappeared.
PICARD
Number One?
RIKER
No help from their communications
log. The Drake reported
arriving at Minos and was never
heard from again.
PICARD
Mister Data?
DATA
The citizens of Minos gained fame
during the Ersalrope wars as
arms merchants. They manufactured
sophisticated and highly advanced
weaponry.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
For which side?
DATA
Both.
GEORDI
We are nearing the planet Minos.
PICARD
Standard orbit, Mister La Forge.
GEORDI
Aye, sir. Standard orbit.
RIKER
Whatever happened to the Drake,
happened quickly, otherwise
Captain Rice would have sent
another message.
PICARD
You know Captain Rice?
RIKER
We were at the Academy together.
PICARD
Tell me about him.
Troi listens intently.
RIKER
Able. A good officer.
TROI
How would he react under stress?
Riker thinks for a beat, then:
RIKER
Paul Rice is confident almost to
the point of arrogance, but
carries it well because he usually
makes the right choices. He's
a risk taker.
PICARD
Oh.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
I'll give you an example. One
of the final tests in advance
navigation at the Academy presents
the student with three options.
When Rice took the test, he
rejected all of them and offered
one of his own.
PICARD
I'd call that arrogant.
RIKER
But it paid off -- he received the
top mark. And now that test has
four options. The original
three... plus his.
TROI
In a difficult situation a man
like that would react aggressively.
RIKER
Agreed.
PICARD
Number One, weren't you offered
the Drake?
RIKER
Yes.
TASHA
You turned down your own command
to take this assignment?
RIKER
At the time, I thought it was
more advantageous for me to do
a tour on the Enterprise.
DATA
Captain -- readings correspond
with the findings of the probe.
No signs of intelligent life-forms.
Vegetation and animal life only.
PICARD
None?
DATA
Correct.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - TEASER 4.
2 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI
What happened to all those people?
WORF
War?
DATA
Disease?
GEORDI
A dissatisfied customer?
TASHA
In any war, natural disaster, or
even the most virulent plague,
there are always survivors.
DATA
Captain, we are being hailed.
2A EVERYONE REACTS
The question on their faces.
RIKER
How is that possible from a planet
with no people?
PICARD
Your sensors indicated no
intelligent life?
DATA
Correct.
PICARD
Put it on the Main Viewer.
3 ANGLE TO INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
A humanoid, THE PEDDLER, APPEARS on the Main Viewer.
He has a ROLLING, LILTING VOICE, the confidence of a
master salesman with a touch of the carny thrown in.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - TEASER 5.
3 CONTINUED:
THE PEDDLER'S COM VOICE
Whoever you are -- wherever you're
from -- greetings and welcome to
Minos -- the Arsenal of Freedom...
PICARD
I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of
the USS Enterprise. To whom am
I speaking?
The Peddler ignores the question and continues with his
pitch.
THE PEDDLER'S COM VOICE
... Where we live by the motto --
peace through superior firepower.
Come -- allow us to meet your
needs. If you need a little
something special, be it for one
target -- or multiple targets -- we
got it, you'll see it... here on
the Arsenal of Freedom. Because
we don't just provide weapons --
we also offer complete weapon
systems.
DATA
It is a recorded message.
THE PEDDLER'S COM VOICE
To be totally armed is to be
totally secure...
PICARD
It must be left over from the time
of the Romulan wars, when the
business of selling arms was
booming.
THE PEDDLER'S COM VOICE
... Remember, the early bird that
hesitates gets wormed. Perfection
in highly-advanced weaponry.
Versatility... flexibility.
And... everything one hundred
percent guaranteed... So lock on
to my signal and beam on down.
PICARD
Screen off.
The screen GOES OFF.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - TEASER 6.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
It's a heck of a sales pitch.
PICARD
If an automated message system
is still functioning -- other
systems on the planet may also
be operational.
TASHA
Weapons systems?
PICARD
Possibly.
RIKER
We are going to have to go down
there to find it.
PICARD
Prepare your away team, Number
One.
RIKER
Lieutenant Yar -- Commander Data.
Data rises from his chair and is immediately replaced
by LIEUTENANT (J. G.) ORFIL SOLIS.
TASHA
Commander, I recommend a minimum
complement.
RIKER
Oh? I would have thought
otherwise.
TASHA
We'll keep the first landing party
small and mobile. Until I'm
confident that whatever killed
the inhabitants of this planet
isn't still down there.
Riker nods his agreement. And they head for the
turbolift.
4
thru OMITTED
5
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
6 EXT. PLANET SURFACE (OPTICAL)
It's a small clearing in a verdant, overgrown area.
Riker, Data and Tasha BEAM IN, and stand apprehensively
looking around. The SOUNDS OF LIFE -- BIRDS, INSECTS --
surround them. The away team stands quietly, looking
around tensely, and then slowly turning on their
tricorders and scanning the periphery, protecting each
other with their backs together.
RIKER
Spooky.
(touches com)
Riker.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Bridge. Captain speaking.
RIKER
We'll start a pattern search
from this point.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Keep this channel open.
RIKER
Aye, sir.
DATA
Commander, our communications are
being monitored.
RIKER
By whom?
DATA
Sir, since there is no intelligent
life, the question is "by what?"
RIKER
Captain.
7 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard in his Command position listening to the away
team.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Yes, I heard, Number One. We'll
try to track it down from here.
Worf and the others strain over their instruments.
8 EXT. PLANET SURFACE
The team moves slowly down the clearing, very alert,
and OUT OF SHOT.
9 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - RUINS
Crumbled high-tech ruins, aged and rusted in spots.
The team ENTERS SHOT, Tasha leading. Near the base
of a ruin she pulls away some foliage and a melted rod
and plank of tritanium ARE SEEN.
TASHA
Tritanium. It's been melted.
RIKER
What could do that?
TASHA
Whatever it was, it's beyond our
technology.
DATA
Over here.
Data has found something. Its shape is clearly that
of a weapon: a super-high-tech RIFLE, gimbal-mounted,
with laser rheostats and sighting. Riker kneels,
scans, and examines it.
RIKER
We've never even seen anything
like this.
TASHA
It's undamaged.
RIKER
Maybe a demonstration model for
some potential buyer.
TASHA
Maybe. Let's spread out a
little.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 9.
10 INTERCUT
The away team as it SPREADS OUT.
11 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard listening to the SOUNDS OF THEM MOVING THROUGH
THE UNDERBRUSH.
SOLIS
Commander Riker. This is
Lieutenant Solis. I am
monitoring a slight energy
buildup near your position.
I am not able to pinpoint the
source.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Give me a direction.
SOLIS
East of your position -- ten
meters. I will continue
monitoring.
12 EXT. PLANET SURFACE
ON Riker -- as he looks through the foliage.
RIKER
I can't see anything from here.
The underbrush is very thick.
He goes behind the ruin to examine the back side of
it. Suddenly he tenses, sensing something.
RICE (O.S.)
Hello... Commander Riker.
Riker turns at the sound of the voice. CAPTAIN PAUL
RICE STEPS INTO SHOT. He is dressed in a Starfleet
Captain's uniform, trim and neat, a man of Riker's age
with a military bearing. He is businesslike and calm,
and acts as if this kind of meeting, under these
circumstances, is perfectly normal. Riker, on the
other hand, is stunned.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 10.
12 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Rice! Where did you come from?
RICE
I was over there.
RIKER
You had us worried. But, I should
have known you'd pop up.
RICE
How are you, Commander Riker?
RIKER
Me -- never mind me. How are you?
No word, no message... nothing.
RICE
How many are with you?
RIKER
Two others. Where's the
Drake? Where's your crew?
13 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (INTERCUT WITH PLANET AS NEEDED)
Picard is as surprised as Riker.
PICARD
What's going on Number One?
Riker STEPS AWAY, so the following conversation is
confidential.
RIKER
It's Paul Rice from the Drake.
PICARD
(confused by the apparent
contradiction)
Lieutenant Solis?
SOLIS
Sensors indicate low level energy
readings, but the only life signs
are the away team.
PICARD
Careful, Number One.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 11.
13 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Understood.
13A EXT. PLANET SURFACE
Riker MOVES BACK TO Rice.
RIKER
(to Rice)
You look strange, Paul...
RICE
I was injured getting here.
RIKER
Do you need medical help?
Riker is very suspicious and ready for anything. He
knows this image in front of him is NOT Captain Paul
Rice, but in order to find out the purpose of this
replica he will play along.
RICE
No. What is your purpose here?
Tasha and Data join Riker. They stare at Rice, who
hardly notices them.
RIKER
This is Commander Data and
Lieutenant Yar.
Data looks down at his tricorder, then back to the
figure.
DATA
Other than ourselves, sir, I am
picking up no other life signs
here.
RIKER
Yes. I know.
RICE
Riker, you didn't answer me. Who
sent you here to look for me?
RIKER
Your mother.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 12.
13A CONTINUED:
Both Tasha and Data REACT to this obvious lie.
RIKER
(continuing)
She's worried about you.
RICE
Tell me about your ship -- the
Enterprise, isn't it?
RIKER
No... The name of my ship is the
Lollipop.
RICE
I have no knowledge of that ship.
RIKER
It's just been commissioned. It's
a good ship.
RICE
Riker, refresh me, would you?
What's its size and complement?
RIKER
Who's here with you?
RICE
(puzzled)
What's the armament on the
Lollipop?
RIKER
Paul -- I will only answer your
questions if you answer mine.
Why do you want to know so much
about my ship?
RICE
We're friends, aren't we?
RIKER
Old friends.
RICE
Our top speed is warp three.
What's yours?
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 13.
13A CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
"Is?" Then the Drake has not
been destroyed.
RICE
The Drake?
RIKER
Yes, your ship?
RICE
Of course -- my ship is the
Drake.
RIKER
Where is it?
RICE
Classified.
RIKER
Classified?
RICE
Please -- it's important. Our
survival depends on knowing.
What's the armament on your ship?
RIKER
Ten.
RICE
Ten? I don't understand. Ten
what?
RIKER
Six.
RICE
Commander Riker, those answers
make no sense.
RIKER
You haven't used my first name
once, Paul.
There is a slight hesitation.
RIKER
(continuing)
You remember it, don't you?
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 14.
13A CONTINUED: (3)
No response. Rice looks confused.
RIKER
(continuing)
Because you don't even exist.
You're a fake -- an image of the
original! Aren't you?... Answer me!
Rice twitches -- a slight REACTION, then SUDDENLY:
14 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The Image of Captain Rice DISAPPEARS and is REPLACED
BY A WEAPON-LIKE OBJECT. IT QUICKLY MOVES several
meters away.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Report, Number One.
RIKER
The image of Rice has been
replaced by something which
is hovering several meters away.
15 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard is very concerned.
PICARD
Number One, get your team back
here.
16 EXT. PLANET SURFACE (OPTICAL)
Riker and the others set to beam up.
RIKER
Prepare to beam up.
TASHA
Commander.
He looks as she indicates a direction. The WEAPON IS
MOVING toward them. Before anyone can answer, THE
WEAPON FIRES.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 15.
17 CLOSE ON RIKER (OPTICAL)
The BEAM HITS HIM. He STIFFENS -- and BECOMES ENCASED
IN A clear, transparent CUBE of material.
18 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
They all HEAR, and REACT to, the SOUND OF THE PHASER
BLAST.
19 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - ANGLE ON TASHA (OPTICAL)
She FIRES ON THE WEAPON AND DESTROYS IT.
20 FULL SHOT - AWAY TEAM
Picard's VOICE is heard.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
(tense, tight)
What just happened down there?
Number One! Report!
21 OMITTED
22 EXT. PLANET SURFACE
Tasha and Data APPROACH him. They touch the cube.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Report! Report!
Tasha and Data examine the cube.
TASHA
He can't answer you, Captain.
Commander Riker has been encased
is a cube of complex lucinium
compound.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Is he alive?
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT ONE 16.
22 CONTINUED:
Data and Tasha examine the cube containing the inert
form of Commander William T. Riker.
DATA
Unknown.
23
thru OMITTED
25
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
26 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
manned as before. The bridge crew is stunned by what
has happened to Riker. Picard is on his feet.
PICARD
Transporter Room Three - have you
locked on to the away team?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
I am unable to lock on to
Commander Riker.
26A REACTIONS
From all those involved.
PICARD
(crisply)
Lieutenant Solis, situation
report.
SOLIS
The previous energy readings are
gone.
PICARD
Data, have you been able to
assess Commander Riker's
condition?
DATA
He appears to be in a kind of
stasis.
PICARD
Theorize. What's the purpose of
the encasement?
DATA
Typically, the purpose of such
an enclosure is for storage.
PICARD
Which would suggest what?
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 18.
26A CONTINUED:
TASHA'S COM VOICE
That sooner or later someone or
something will be along to collect
him.
PICARD
Stand by. I'm coming down.
Eyebrows are raised.
TROI
You, sir?
PICARD
Yes.
(into Com)
Doctor Crusher, this is the
Captain. Meet me in Transporter
Room Three.
(to Geordi)
Mister La Forge, you have command
of the bridge.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
26B ANGLE ON GEORDI
He leaves his position and is immediately replaced by
ENSIGN LIAN T'SU.
26C MAIN BRIDGE
as Geordi takes the command position.
PICARD
Whatever happens below, your
prime responsibility is to the
ship.
GEORDI
Understood.
27 ANGLE ON PICARD
as he starts for the turbolift. Troi springs to her
feet, steps into his path.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 19.
27 CONTINUED:
TROI
Captain! I must take exception
to your decision to beam down.
PICARD
Noted.
Picard moves around her.
28 EXT. PLANET SURFACE (OPTICAL)
Picard and Beverly MATERIALIZE. Data is scanning Riker
and the material encasing him with his tricorder.
Tasha, ever security-conscious, keeps a lookout, her
phaser in hand. Picard and Beverly APPROACH the cube.
PICARD
What is it?
DATA
The encasing material appears to
be solid...
BEVERLY
I am getting no life signs.
PICARD
He's alive. What he ran into is
an intelligence gathering device
used during the Ersalrope Wars.
TASHA
Probably developed here.
PICARD
It projects an image of someone
the subject will trust -- gets as
much information as possible.
TASHA
If it's found out -- it encases
the subject to await a more
detailed interrogation later.
Clever.
PICARD
Can you remove it?
DATA
Yes -- but I cannot predict the
risk to Commander Riker.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 20.
28 CONTINUED:
PICARD
We have little choice. Whatever
has him is interrupting the
transporter beam. Remove it.
29 ANOTHER ANGLE
as Data examines the cube like a diamond cutter
looking for the place to make his cut.
30 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Worf at the Aft station.
WORF
I am picking up energy readings.
GEORDI
Captain, this is Lieutenant La
Forge. Sensors indicate energy
readings in your area.
31 EXT. PLANET SURFACE (OPTICAL)
As Data continues working... Tasha scans the area.
SUDDENLY, MINOS WEAPON 2 BURSTS THROUGH the jungle
foliage. It makes a close pass. It comes closest to
Beverly who is startled. She stumbles backward. Data
calmly continues working. Tasha takes aim, as Picard
moves over next to Beverly. All this happens very
quickly -- the reaction instinctive. The team BECOMES
SEPARATED.
32 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as MINOS WEAPON 2 STARTS FIRING. Picard pushes
Beverly out of the way.
33 ON PICARD AND BEVERLY
As THEY DIVE TO THE SIDE, the ground suddenly gives way
under her feet. Beverly FALLS, BEGINS TO SLIDE --
PICARD
Doctor!
Picard makes a grab for her, catches her hand, but only
succeeds in being pulled into the sinkhole -- the sandy
GROUND SWALLOWS THEM UP.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 21.
34 OMITTED
35 INT. CAVERN
Beverly and a half ton of sand FALL into a large
subterranean cavern. She LANDS HARD AND IS immediately
BURIED in rocks, sand, and dust.
36 NEW ANGLE
as Picard also FALLS through into the cavern, but
manages to land more or less on his feet atop a pile of
sand.
37 ON PICARD
rushing to Beverly's side and frantically digging sand
away with his hands to keep her from suffocating.
PICARD
Beverly!
38
thru OMITTED
39
40 EXT. PLANET SURFACE (OPTICAL)
The WEAPON darts through the heavy foliage. Tasha has
difficulty getting a clean shot. Everything is
happening so fast that neither she nor Data have
noticed the disappearance of Picard and Beverly.
TASHA
This one is different.
41 ANGLE ON TASHA (OPTICAL)
She FIRES.
42 ANGLE ON THE WEAPON (OPTICAL)
It anticipates and DODGES OUT OF THE WAY.
43 ANOTHER ANGLE
The area.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 22.
43 CONTINUED:
TASHA
It's evasive. Data -- I need you.
Set your phaser on kill. I'll
fire so that it will move left,
and you get it.
Data adjusts the setting on his phaser.
44 WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as the WEAPON STARTS FIRING from behind some trees.
45 ON DATA AND TASHA (OPTICAL)
She FIRES.
46 OMITTED
47 ANGLE ON WEAPON (OPTICAL)
As it DODGES TASHA'S BLAST, DATA GETS IT. The
combined effect works. The WEAPON EXPLODES.
48 DATA AND TASHA
Data calmly returns to his examination of the
casement.
TASHA
Captain!
No response.
TASHA
(continuing)
Doctor Crusher.
Still no response. Data has stopped cutting. He
touches his communicator.
DATA
Captain Picard.
He looks down at his chest.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 23.
48 CONTINUED:
DATA
(continuing)
I have a malfunction.
Tasha touches her communicator.
TASHA
Enterprise, this is Lieutenant
Yar.
Nothing.
TASHA
(continuing)
Mine's out too.
DATA
The close pass by the weapon must
have disrupted our communicators.
TASHA
Keep working. I'll look for
Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher.
Data nods and resumes working. Tasha MOVES OFF in the
direction she last saw Captain Picard.
48A INT. CAVERN (FORMERLY SCENE 38)
Picard is beside Beverly. She's nearly unconscious,
and in very bad shape, with multiple lacerations. She
fights to speak through the intense pain:
PICARD
How bad is it?
BEVERLY
Bad... It's my arm.
PICARD
Hold on. We'll get you out of
here.
(he touches his
communicator)
Enterprise, this is the Captain.
Two to beam up.
No response. He touches Beverly's communicator.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 24.
48A CONTINUED:
PICARD
(continuing)
Enterprise.
Nothing.
PICARD
(continuing; he touches
it again)
Data... Lieutenant Yar.
BEVERLY
What's wrong? Why don't they
work?
PICARD
I don't know. But it's all right
because once they realize our
communicators are out, the
sensors will locate us and Geordi
will beam us up.
48B ON PICARD (FORMERLY SCENE 39)
He rips a piece from her smock, finds some sticks and
fashions a crude splint.
PICARD
(reassuring)
Hold on. It won't be long.
Beverly is hit by a wave of pain; her eyes close.
Picard fights his own sense of helplessness.
49 EXT. PLANET SURFACE
Tasha RETURNS.
TASHA
I can't find them.
DATA
Step back.
Data has solved the puzzle. He makes a slight adjustment
on his phaser, then holds it against a specific
point on the encasement. He points the muzzle up.
And FIRES. The vibration of the phaser against the
casement causes it to disintegrate in a SHOWER OF
LIGHT. Riker collapses in a heap.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 25.
49 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Data.
50 NEW ANGLE
Riker has been all but freed from his encasement. He
stirs. Data and Tasha are visibly relieved. Data
scans him with the tricorder.
DATA
All vital signs returning to
normal.
TASHA
Good. Now Geordi can get us out
of here.
51 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Worf is at Tactical, using everything at his command to
scan the planet.
SOLIS
(to Geordi)
Sir, I'm reading life-forms on
the planet. All five members
of the away team.
GEORDI
Good. They have freed Riker.
(into com)
Transporter Room. Get a lock on
the away team, and beam them up.
The insistent SOUND OF a BRIDGE ALARM fills the room.
WORF
Shields just came on! Deflectors
also up --
(a beat)
I'm picking up an object off our
port bow -- It's firing!
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 26.
52 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as the ENTERPRISE IS HIT by something quite unlike a
phaser beam. The weapon -- call it an INTERRUPTER --
plays havoc with the ship: WE HEAR A SCREECH as LIGHTS
DIM, CONSOLES GO CRAZY, and the BRIDGE VIBRATES as if
the ship's shaking itself apart. After a beat, the
INTERRUPTER EFFECT ENDS, and bridge systems slowly
return to normal.
GEORDI
Red Alert! Battle stations!
More BRIDGE ALARMS as Red Alert is SOUNDED.
WORF
Shields holding.
GEORDI
(grimly)
But we can't beam up the away team
with our shields in place.
53 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as more BRIDGE PERSONNEL ENTER and take up Battle
Stations.
WORF
Phasers ready. Photon torpedoes
standing by. Locking on target...
(then, surprised)
Correction: target has
disappeared!
GEORDI
Full scan!
WORF
Scanning...
(shakes head)
No readings. Wait -- something
dead astern --
GEORDI
Emergency power to shields!
WORF
Object is firing --
And again the INTERRUPTER EFFECT SHAKES THE BRIDGE,
more severely. Geordi SHOUTS over the DIN:
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT TWO 27.
53 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Return fire!
The EFFECT ENDS.
SOLIS
Aft shields weakened.
(a beat)
Whatever they're using, our
shields can't stand up to it much
longer.
54 ON GEORDI
As he grimly ponders his options, WE:
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
55 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
still in orbit above Minos, performing an escape
maneuver.
GEORDI (V. O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41798.25.
Lieutenant J.G. Geordi La Forge
in temporary command.
56 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Geordi's in the Command Chair, Troi next to him, Worf
at Tactical, Lian at Conn, Solis at Ops.
GEORDI (V.O.)
(continuing)
Orbiting the planet Minos, we are
under attack.
The turbolift doors OPEN and CHIEF ENGINEER LOGAN
ENTERS. Logan is young, intelligent, competent, and
sure of himself.
LOGAN
Why are we still in orbit? We're
taking a beating!
GEORDI
We've got to hold out as long as
we can. If we can disable our
attacker, even for a few seconds,
we can drop our shields and beam
the away team back aboard.
LOGAN
If we follow that plan, we'll lose
the Enterprise! In view of the
present crisis... I believe you
should relinquish command to me.
GEORDI
No.
LOGAN
I outrank you.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 29.
56 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Mister Logan -- Captain Picard put
me in command.
LOGAN
The Captain did not anticipate
that the Enterprise would come
under attack. If he had, would
he have left the bridge to you?
GEORDI
If he had, he would not have left
the ship.
57 OMITTED
58 WIDER ANGLE
Lian has picked up a reading:
LIAN
Picking up an object to starboard,
sir -- heading toward us.
GEORDI
Lock phasers and fire the moment
it's in range.
WORF
Aye, sir. Locking and --
(scanning)
Object has vanished.
59 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The INTERRUPTER EFFECT SHAKES THE BRIDGE as the ship
takes another hit.
WORF
Phaser lock lost.
The EFFECT ENDS.
LIAN
Starboard shields weakened.
WORF
It's cloaked itself.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 30.
59 CONTINUED:
LOGAN
You can't fight this thing and
win. We've got to break orbit --
now.
Geordi ignores Logan, ponders the problem.
GEORDI
Worf -- analyze its firing
pattern. Maybe we can anticipate
its location.
WORF
Aye.
(to Solis)
Correlate the trajectory of the
energy bolts with the attack path.
I'll compute the optimum spread
of phasers and photon torpedoes
to hit it.
Solis programs that into the computer as Worf sets up
the weaponry.
LOGAN
(protesting)
Lieutenant La Forge.
Logan stops himself, tries another tack.
LOGAN
(continuing; softer)
Geordi -- I know you want to do
what's best for the Enterprise.
So do I. Now... the best thing...
GEORDI
The best thing is for this
discussion to end and for you to
get on with your duties. I am
in charge until relieved by
Commander Riker or Captain Picard.
LOGAN
You are ignoring my greater rank
and experience.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 31.
59 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
Not at all, I'm counting on it.
Get back to Engineering and find
me every scrap of extra power you
can. The more we can channel to
the shields, the longer we can
hold out.
LOGAN
All right.
Logan EXITS into a turbolift.
GEORDI
Have you got a lock on it?
WORF
Impossible to be sure.
60
thru OMITTED
68
69 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - JUNGLE (OPTICAL)
Tasha steps up to Riker.
TASHA
Maybe you should wait here while
Data and I search for Doctor
Crusher and Captain Picard.
RIKER
I'm a little groggy, but I'll
be all right.
DATA
I am getting energy readings.
Another WEAPON WHISTLES PASSED them. THEY SCATTER.
70 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Tasha looks over at Data.
TASHA
We'll do it just like before.
They try their little "I-make-it-go-to-the-left-and-you-pick-it-off"
trick. Tasha FIRES - then Data FIRES.
This time the Weapon doesn't dodge out of the way.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 32.
70 CONTINUED:
TASHA
It's got a deflector shield.
DATA
The product continues to upgrade
and improve.
TASHA
Spread out. We'll concentrate
our fire and try to collapse its
shield.
Data, Tasha and Riker SPREAD OUT. Then as the WEAPON
MOVES toward Tasha, THEY all FIRE - HITTING THE WEAPON
from different angles and putting the most possible
drain on its deflectors. The combination works. The
WEAPON EXPLODES.
TASHA
(continuing)
You're right, they keep getting
better.
DATA
Commander, the weapons are
appearing at intervals of
precisely twelve minutes.
TASHA
That one took everything we had.
I don't know how we'll handle the
next one.
RIKER
Then let's try and not be here.
Come on, let's find the rest of
our team.
The Trio SPREADS OUT and MOVES into the dense jungle
foliage.
71 INT. CAVERN
Beverly is half buried under a ton of debris. Picard
tries to pull her out. He can't. But he clears away
more of the rubble.
72 ANGLE ON BEVERLY
drifting into unconsciousness; she's in very bad shape,
with multiple lacerations.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 33.
73 ON PICARD
shaking her and talking to her -- desperately to keep
her awake.
PICARD
Oh, no you don't -- no time to
sleep.
But Beverly is falling rapidly --
BEVERLY
(barely audible)
I'm tired. Very tired.
PICARD
Come on, stay with me, Doctor.
She's very weak, and though she tries -- she can't keep
her eyes open. Picard's frustration builds --
PICARD
(continuing)
Stay alert, Doctor! That's an
order, damn it!
BEVERLY
I must have lost a lot of blood.
PICARD
I've stopped the bleeding --
Beverly makes an effort to shake her head.
BEVERLY
There's another wound. My leg.
Picard frantically digs away the rubble and mush around
her legs -- the DIRT IS A DEEP RED MUD from the blood.
74 NEW ANGLE
Picard can't get to her wounds -- he must lift and pull
her legs from under the rubble.
PICARD
This is going to hurt a bit,
Doctor.
BEVERLY
(with the faintest of
smiles)
I heard that before.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 34.
74 CONTINUED:
Picard then lifts her legs -- and Beverly does
everything to hold in a scream. But her expression
tells us just how much pain she's going through. This
is a woman of great courage! Picard then rips a piece
her smock into a makeshift bandage and strap for a
tourniquet. When that's done, Picard turns to Beverly:
PICARD
Doctor -- you have to stay awake
-- you have to help me! Tell me
what to do.
Beverly nods -- she'll try.
PICARD
(continuing)
What else can I do?
Beverly makes an effort to point at something -- but
she is too weak to lift her hand.
BEVERLY
The wound needs a clotting agent.
PICARD
I can't find your medical kit.
She forces herself to look around.
BEVERLY
Those roots. What are they?
PICARD
These?
She nods. Picard pulls at a long root, breaking it off
and showing it to her.
PICARD
(continuing)
I don't know.
BEVERLY
Break off a piece and taste it.
Don't swallow.
Picard breaks open the root and pops a piece into his
mouth, and spits it out.
PICARD
It's very bitter --
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 35.
74 CONTINUED: (2)
She nods.
BEVERLY
Good. Pound it into a paste and
spread in onto the wound.
PICARD
I understand.
75 ON PICARD
as he SQUEEZES THE ROOT, making a sort of ointment.
When he has enough, he smears it on her wounds. Again,
Beverly begins to drift away.
PICARD
What do we do next, Doctor?
But Beverly is so tired --
PICARD
(continuing)
Help me -- you've got to help me!
Beverly opens her eyes -- fighting the sleep with all
her fading strength. Picard gets an idea -- he appeals
to her professionalism:
PICARD
(continuing)
The patient has lost a great deal
of blood from multiple
lacerations. What's your
diagnosis, Doctor?
BEVERLY
Your patient is going into shock.
PICARD
What do I do?
BEVERLY
Elevate the legs and keep her
warm.
PICARD
All right. Stay with me, Doctor.
Keep talking...
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 36.
75 CONTINUED:
Picard gently lifts her legs -- resting them on top of
some rubble in an effort to keep the blood flowing to
her brain.
BEVERLY
Did you happen to bring a blanket?
Beverly is shivering and sweating profusely.
76 ON PICARD
anxiously looking at Beverly and then scanning the area
for something -- anything! -- to keep her warm.
PICARD
No, but I'll find something.
He gets up and begins looking around for something.
PICARD
(continuing)
Keep up your end. Stay awake.
That's an order, Doctor.
77 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
still in orbit around the planet.
78 OMITTED
78A INT. MAIN BRIDGE (FORMERLY SCENE 60)
Everyone is very tense.
GEORDI
A shot in the dark is better than
nothing. Let's see if we can get
lucky.
SOLIS
I can't seem to pin down the
pattern...
Geordi STEPS TO Solis's position, looks over Solis'
shoulder, and makes an adjustment on the console.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 37.
78A CONTINUED:
SOLIS
Sorry, sir. I should have seen
that.
GEORDI
It's all right. You are doing
fine.
Worf completes his own adjustments.
WORF
Program laid in, sir. Phasers and
photon torpedoes ready.
78B ANOTHER ANGLE (FORMERLY SCENE 61)
Geordi RETURNS to the Command position.
GEORDI
Bring her about to two-three mark
one-eight-five.
LIAN
Aye, sir.
78C NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SCENE 62)
as the INTERRUPTER EFFECT HITS them again. The moment
the EFFECT ENDS --
GEORDI
Fire!
WORF
Phasers and photons firing.
78D EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 63)
FIRING main PHASERS and a spread of PHOTONS
simultaneously.
78E INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Worf SLAMS the console in frustration.
WORF
We missed.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 38.
79 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as the BRIDGE IS SHAKEN BY another INTERRUPTER EFFECT,
taking the crew by surprise. The EFFECT ENDS.
SOLIS
Number four shield buckling.
80 ON GEORDI (OPTICAL)
as he sits back down in the Command Chair. He's
stunned. How do you fight this thing? What should he
do next?
The INTERRUPTER EFFECT HITS again. BRIDGE LIGHTS DIM
ALMOST TO BLACK -- power systems can no longer
compensate. The EFFECT ENDS.
SOLIS
Number three shield nearing
failure.
LOGAN'S COM VOICE
Bridge, this is Engineering. I
can't hold this power level much
longer.
SOLIS
Backup systems are overloaded.
Worf looks to Geordi.
81 OMITTED
82 WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Geordi is silent, desperately trying to come up with a
plan. The INTERRUPTER EFFECT HITS again, then ENDS.
SOLIS
Backup systems failing.
There's a touch of urgency in Solis's voice. Geordi
becomes aware that Worf, Lian, Troi, and the rest of
the bridge crew are looking at him. Nothing obvious,
not a cold stare -- just a simple expectation.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT THREE 39.
83 ON GEORDI
as it dawns on him: they're waiting for orders. The
entire crew is looking to him for their next move...
and he hasn't got one.
LOGAN'S COM VOICE
Bridge, this is Engineering. Tell
me something.
As we PUSH IN on his look of pain and indecision, we:
GEORDI
(into com)
Mister Logan, report to the bridge.
LOGAN'S COM VOICE
On my way.
83A REACTIONS
Everyone on the bridge believes Geordi is about to
relinquish his command.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
84 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
It's BEING HAMMERED by something which we cannot see.
85 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Geordi is in the Command position.
WORF
Deflectors are breaking down.
We have less than one minute of
reserve.
Logan STEPS ONTO the bridge and STRIDES OVER TO
Geordi.
GEORDI
We are getting out of here.
Worf REACTS to the thought of retreat.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Ensign T'su - set course. Three-one-five...
mark zero-seven.
LIAN
Course set.
LOGAN
You are leaving them on that
planet?
GEORDI
Speed warp five.
LIAN
Warp five - aye.
GEORDI
Engage.
86 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it WARPS AWAY from the planet.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 41.
87 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Those around Geordi are surprised by this apparent
retreat.
GEORDI
Hold course and speed for twenty-eight
seconds, then come to a full
stop.
Geordi stands so that everyone on the bridge can see
him.
GEORDI
If we stay, we'll be destroyed.
There are over a thousand people
on the ship -- I have a
responsibility to them.
LOGAN
What about your responsibility
to Captain Picard and the members
of the away team?
GEORDI
We have a responsibility to them
as well. Mister Logan, you are
going to take command...
Logan REACTS.
GEORDI
(continuing)
... of the Saucer Section. Bridge
crew - prepare to move to the
Battle Bridge.
LOGAN
You're going to separate?
GEORDI
Yes. I want you to take the
Saucer Section and proceed
immediately for Starbase
One-zero-three.
LOGAN
You still won't be able to see
that device.
GEORDI
There are ways.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 42.
87 CONTINUED:
LOGAN
(with a little envy)
Risky.
GEORDI
That's why we are going to
separate.
Geordi rises and moves toward the turbolift which goes
to the Battle Bridge.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Worf, Solis, T'su. You're with
me on the Battle Bridge. Good
luck, Mister Logan.
The key members of the bridge crew FOLLOW Geordi to
the turbolift.
88 INT. CAVERN
Picard is in the pit looking for something which will
provide warmth.
{Picard will continue talking to Beverly as he searches
the cavern. Pages to come.}
Roots have come in and tightened the passageway making
it difficult for him to move around. He sees something -
a little FLICKERING GLOW. He moves toward it.
89 ANOTHER ANGLE
He clears away roots and earthen debris from around the
GLOW. It's a viewscreen -- OFF Picard's REACTION.
90 EXT. PLANET SURFACE
Tasha, Data, and a more revived Riker are searching
close to the spot where Picard and Beverly disappeared.
DATA
Commander -- here. There seem
to be air shafts overgrown with
vegetation. Perhaps they somehow
fell through one of them.
RIKER
Clear some of that away.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 43.
90 CONTINUED:
TASHA
If Data's calculations are
correct, the next sphere should
show itself in two minutes.
They work faster.
91 INT. CAVERN (OPTICAL)
Picard moves closer to the viewscreen. SUDDENLY, a
figure MATERIALIZES beside him. Picard nearly jumps
out of his skin.
92 ON PICARD AND THE FIGURE
It's the Peddler from the opening.
THE PEDDLER
{He starts to give a sales pitch
to Picard. It tells Picard about
the machine. Picard realizes that
these people have created a nearly
perfect killing system. The spy
at the beginning, and all of these
devices which are capable of
learning and improving.}
PICARD
You poor fools. The first time
you tested it, or demonstrated
it... something went wrong and
your creation destroyed you.
Picard hears a NOISE... a GURGLING from somewhere
behind the screen.
PICARD
What was that noise?
THE PEDDLER
{Another (something from the model
number... ) is about to clear.
Something about the demonstration.
that it is another one of the
devices going to the surface.}
PICARD
Can you stop it?
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 44.
92 CONTINUED:
THE PEDDLER
Why would I want to do that? It
can't demonstrate its abilities
unless it leaves the nest.
Picard looks at the Peddler. A VOICE calls out.
RIKER (O.S.)
Captain... can you hear me?
93 ON PICARD
He steps back and looks up.
PICARD
Yes -- we're here.
94 INTERCUT AS NEEDED
Riker YELLING down the hole and Picard YELLING back.
RIKER
Are you all right?
PICARD
Doctor Crusher has been seriously
injured. Our communicators are
out and I haven't been able to
contact the Enterprise.
RIKER
Yes, we are in the same fix. Is
there a way to get down to you?
PICARD
None that I know of. Number One,
those devices are part of a system
which is located down here.
Another is about to be released.
95 EXT. PLANET SURFACE
Riker, Data and Tasha as they look down the hole.
TASHA
We know, Captain.
Riker stares down into the cavern.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 45.
95 CONTINUED:
RIKER
It's too far. There is nothing
to hold onto... no way to climb
down.
TASHA
I'm surprised either of them
survived.
DATA
Commander, I can do it.
RIKER
How?
DATA
Jump.
RIKER
It's over ten meters.
DATA
Eleven point seven five.
TASHA
Data, you're sturdy, but you're
not indestructible.
DATA
I believe I can safely traverse
the distance.
RIKER
(yelling)
Captain -- Data is coming down to
join you.
With a little look, Riker takes a STEP BACKWARD.
RIKER
(continuing)
Be my guest.
And without further discussion or hesitation, Data
STEPS FORWARD AND DISAPPEARS.
96 INT. CAVERN
as Data FALLS IN, lands on his feet with great force.
His android legs absorb the impact.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 46.
96 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(concerned)
Data!
DATA
At your service, Captain.
97 INT. BATTLE BRIDGE
Worf and other BRIDGE PERSONNEL take their stations
and fire up their consoles. After a beat, Geordi
takes the Command position.
GEORDI
Prepare to initiate separation
sequence.
SOLIS
All decks report ready.
GEORDI
(with a pause, because
it's such a big
decision)
Begin separation.
98 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL - STOCK)
VARIOUS ANGLES of the separation process, ending with
the TWO SECTIONS APART.
99 INT. BATTLE BRIDGE
WORF
Separation complete, sir.
GEORDI
Lian -- lay in a course for Minos --
warp five.
LIAN
Course set.
GEORDI
Engage.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FOUR 47.
100
thru OMITTED
102
103 EXT. SPACE - BATTLE CRUISER (OPTICAL - STOCK)
It BLASTS INTO WARP EIGHT AND VANISHES.
103A EXT. PLANET SURFACE
Tasha and Riker by the hole through which Data has
disappeared.
TASHA
We had better find a defensive
position. If Data's right --
RIKER
And he usually is.
TASHA
We're going to have company in
thirty seconds. And this time...
I don't know how we're going to
stop it.
OFF their REACTION, WE:
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
104 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE BATTLE CRUISER (OPTICAL)) 104
as it COMES OUT OF WARP SPEED near the planet Minos.
105 INT. BATTLE BRIDGE
Everyone is tense.
SOLIS
Shields and deflectors are up.
GEORDI
(to Lian)
When I order the shields down,
you have one responsibility.
Locate the away team and get them
up here. You may only have a few
seconds.
LIAN
Approaching the planet, sir.
Geordi has picked up on Lian and Solis's look of
apprehension. He gets up from the Command chair,
CROSSES to them.
GEORDI
The ride's going to get a little
bumpy. Things are going to happen
fast.
Although he's looking at both of them, his concerns are
more for the younger Ensign T'su.
GEORDI
(continuing)
Just keep alert... stay calm...
and focus on the task at hand.
You know your jobs.
105A REACTIONS
as Lian and Solis listen and draw courage from Geordi's
words. Even Worf pays respectful attention.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 49.
105A CONTINUED:
GEORDI
You've been trained, you've been
tested, and you've earned the
right to sit in those chairs.
105B OMITTED
106 INT. CAVERN
Data is with Picard inspecting the computer. There is
a NOISE.
DATA
Another weapon has been launched.
PICARD
We have to find a way to stop this
system.
DATA
I need to see the program
schematic.
Data expects Picard to answer, but it's the Peddler who
says:
THE PEDDLER
You got it.
107 ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The DIAGRAM OF THE WORKINGS of the system.
107A BACK TO SHOT (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Is it possible to re-adjust the
targeting sequence?
THE PEDDLER
Absolutely. They wouldn't be
much good if you couldn't.
PICARD
Data, assign it a neutral target.
DATA
The target must be specific.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 50.
107A CONTINUED:
PICARD
Itself, then. Have it track
itself or the power source that
manufactures it.
DATA
The force of that explosion would
destroy this chamber and evervone
near by.
PEDDLER
Watch now - the Echo-Papa, Series
Six-oh-seven is about to complete
this phase of its mission.
ON the Screen, the DOTS representing Tasha and Riker
are ABOUT TO INTERSECT WITH THE DOT representing the
weapons.
107B EXT. PLANET SURFACE
Tasha and Riker SCRAMBLE to find cover in the foliage.
RIKER
Got any ideas?
TASHA
None.
107C INT. CAVERN
Picard knows the clock is running out.
PICARD
Give me some options, Data...
Quickly.
BEVERLY
Why don't you just shut it off?
Picard REACTS.
PICARD
(to Data)
Is that possible?
BEVERLY
Why not -- it's a machine, isn't
it?
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 51.
107C CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to the Peddler)
Shut it off.
THE PEDDLER
But, you haven't seen half of
what this beauty can do.
PICARD
We've seen enough.
THE PEDDLER
Does that mean you are going to
buy it?
PICARD
If that's what it takes to shut
it off. Yes... I've seen enough --
you've made a sale.
THE PEDDLER
You won't be sorry.
PICARD
Now... end the demonstration.
THE PEDDLER
Done.
And the Peddler DISAPPEARS, and the screen goes DARK.
There is the SOUND OF SERVOS SHUTTING DOWN.
108 EXT. PLANET SURFACE (FORMERLY "INTERCUT")
Riker and Tasha see the weapon MOVING through the
foliage and they know there's nothing they can do about
it. Riker gives Tasha a look, they both turn to face
the weapon. Suddenly, IT STOPS. Right where it is -
HANGS in the air for a moment, then DISSOLVES (or if
you like... just DROPS to the ground). Riker and Tasha
REACT with relief.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Number One!
Riker is surprised to have his communicator working.
RIKER
Here, sir. That was close.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 52.
108A INT. CAVERN
Picard and Data. The Peddler HAS GONE.
PICARD
(into com)
Lieutenant La Forge.
109 OMITTED
110 INT. BATTLE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
manned as before.
GEORDI
It's great to hear your voice,
Captain. We're a little busy
right now. I'll get right back
to you.
WORF
Phasers at full readiness.
GEORDI
Keep those shields at full power.
It'll be on us any moment.
And without warning, the INTERRUPTER EFFECT HITS,
shaking the ship. The moment it ENDS:
WORF
Shields holding.
GEORDI
Ahead one-quarter, heading
two-five mark three-zero-zero.
LIAN
That heading will take us further
into the planet's atmosphere.
GEORDI
That's correct.
(to Lian)
We're going to lose some
maneuverability, so keep a firm
hand on the helm.
LIAN
(can do)
Aye, sir.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 53.
110 CONTINUED:
WORF
(catching on)
You want our attacker to follow
us into the atmosphere...
GEORDI
(nods)
That's what I'm hoping.
(to Solis)
Scan for any air disruption or
vortex -- cloak or no cloak,
we'll spot it by its turbulence.
All around the Battle bridge, faces light up with
enthusiasm. Geordi's plan will work.
GEORDI
(to Worf)
How fast will you be able to get
a phaser lock?
WORF
Just watch me.
SOLIS
Hull temperature one thousand
degrees and rising.
GEORDI
Emergency power to deflectors.
111 ANGLE TO INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
Minos fills the Main Viewer. The image begins to
SHIMMER and BLUR as the atmospheric turbulence worsens.
LIAN
Velocity increasing, sir.
GEORDI
Steady as she goes.
112 EXT. SPACE - BATTLE CRUISER IN ATMOSPHERE (OPTICAL)
The STARS ARE STILL VISIBLE, BUT THE BLACKNESS OF SPACE
IS DEFINITELY GRAYISH AND OBSCURED. A RED HALO
SURROUNDS THE BATTLE CRUISER, the result of air
friction upon the ship's shields.
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 54.
113 INT. BATTLE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The Main Viewer shows nothing but a BLUR of motion.
The bridge itself is beginning to SHAKE from the
TURBULENCE. Geordi MOVES from station to station,
brimming with controlled energy.
SOLIS
Hull temperature twenty-five
hundred degrees.
WORF
Deflectors nearing overload.
LIAN
Helm is growing unresponsive, sir.
GEORDI
Can you compensate?
LIAN
Yes, sir, I can.
SOLIS
Hull three thousand degrees.
GEORDI
Maintain heading.
SOLIS
Thirty-three hundred degrees.
WORF
Number four deflector inoperative.
SOLIS
Turbulence to starboard!
113A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
WE SEE the OUTLINE OF THE CLAW.
113B INT. BATTLE BRIDGE
SOLIS
Scanners locked --
WORF
Weapons locked!
GEORDI
(overlapping)
Fire!
STAR TREK: "The Arsenal... " - 1/25/88 - ACT FIVE 55.
114 EXT. SPACE - BATTLE CRUISER IN ATMOSPHERE (OPTICAL)
FIRING FULL PHASERS to starboard.
115 INT. BATTLE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
as a splendiferous TECHNICOLOR EXPLOSION fills the Main
Viewer.
WORF
Got him!
The bridge crew is jubilant.
GEORDI
Come to four-zero mark six-five,
ahead one-third, and assume
standard orbit.
LIAN
Locked onto life-forms and ready
to beam them up.
GEORDI
Excellent. Energize.
116
thru OMITTED
119
120 ANOTHER ANGLE - BATTLE BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
as Riker, Tasha, Data, Picard, and Beverly MATERIALIZE
on the bridge.
GEORDI
Ensign T'su -- lay in a course
to rendezvous with the Saucer
Section.
{There will be an exchange between Picard and Geordi.}
121 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE BATTLE CRUISER (OPTICAL))
as it WARPS OFF.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END