STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ship in a Bottle"
#40276-238
Written by
Rene Echevarria
Directed by
Alex Singer
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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or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 26, 1992
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ship in a Bottle"
CAST
PICARD BARCLAY
RIKER MORIARTY
DATA COUNTESS
BEVERLY GENTLEMAN
TROI
WORF
GEORDI
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking
N.D. ENGINEERS
CREWMAN
TWO SECURITY OFFICERS
N.D. SUPERNUMARIES
TRANSPORTER CHIEF
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/27/92 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ship in a Bottle"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
TRANSPORTER ROOM
ENGINEERING
TEN FORWARD
SICKBAY
OBS. LOUNGE
SHUTTLEBAY
SHUTTLECRAFT
CORRIDOR
HOLODECK
THE SITTING ROOM (221B BAKER)
GRID
MORIARTY'S QUARTERS
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ship in a Bottle"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. THE SITTING ROOM - TWILIGHT (OPTICAL)
at 221B Baker Street (as seen in "Elementary, Dear
Data"). DATA is dressed as Sherlock Holmes and GEORDI
as Doctor Watson. Watson, and a cigar smoking
GENTLEMAN of about fifty, listen as Data/Holmes paces
the room spinning out a trail of deductions.
DATA/HOLMES
(to the gentleman)
-- it was then that I began to
suspect that your brother did not
die by his own hand... that he was
in fact... murdered.
GENTLEMAN
(shocked)
Murdered?
GEORDI/WATSON
But Holmes, the vial of poison
found in his hand?
DATA/HOLMES
That was the first clue, Watson.
The vial contained strychnine,
which as you well know induces
violent muscular spasms. It is
difficult to imagine that someone
in the throes of so gruesome a
death could have held on to so
delicate a container without
shattering it.
GEORDI/WATSON
You mean... ?
DATA/HOLMES
Exactly! The vial was placed in
his hand after he died.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
Data slams his pipe into his mouth and bites down on it
for emphasis.
GEORDI/WATSON
Then what did kill him?
DATA/HOLMES
The cigar, of course.
GENTLEMAN
(coughing on his own)
Cigar?
DATA/HOLMES
Upon closer inspection of the room
where your brother was found, I
discovered a fresh burn mark on
the carpet. Analysis of the ash
revealed that the cigar was laced
with strychnine.
GENTLEMAN
This is utter nonsense. What
about the suicide note? It was
written in my dear brother's own
hand.
DATA/HOLMES
With practice, handwriting can be
forged.
Data looks pointedly at the Gentleman, who is growing
increasingly uncomfortable.
DATA/HOLMES
It takes a trained eye to notice
certain... discrepancies.
Data picks up a BOX OF MATCHES from the fireplace
mantel.
DATA/HOLMES
For example, whether someone is...
He turns and tosses the box to the Gentleman's left
side.
DATA/HOLMES
Right or left handed!
The Gentleman catches the box and Data lays in to him.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA/HOLMES
Your brother was right handed!
The alleged suicide note was
written by a left handed
individual such as yourself!
GEORDI
Uh... Data? It's in his right
hand.
Data stops in his tracks when he realizes. Geordi
suppresses a smile.
DATA
(as Data)
Curious... There seems to be a
problem in the Holodeck's spatial
orientation systems.
GENTLEMAN
(scoffing)
London's greatest detective...
He tosses the box back to Data.
GEORDI
(smiles)
Freeze program.
The Gentleman FREEZES in mid-motion. Geordi fishes out
his COMBADGE and activates it.
GEORDI
La Forge to Barclay...
BARCLAY'S COM VOICE
Barclay here.
GEORDI
Reg, something went wrong with the
Holodeck program again.
BARCLAY'S COM VOICE
I -- I'm sorry... I'll look into
it right away.
GEORDI
Thanks. Come on, Data, we better
get back to Engineering.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - TEASER 4.
2 INT. CORRIDOR/HOLODECK (OPTICAL)
as they ENTER from the library and move to the Holodeck
control panel.
GEORDI
Computer, end program and save.
He and Data set off down the corridor; BARCLAY comes
running around a corner and almost collides with them.
GEORDI
Whoa, Reg --
BARCLAY
Oh, sorry, Commander... I'm on my
way to the... Holodeck...
DATA
Sherlock Holmes program Three-A
has demonstrated some very curious
anomalies.
BARCLAY
There must be a glitch in the
matrix diodes. But I'll track it
down, don't worry.
GEORDI
Thanks, Reg. See you later.
They move on and Barclay goes to the Holodeck doors;
they OPEN and he enters.
3 INT. HOLODECK (OPTICAL)
Barclay works the control panel adjacent to the Arch
Monitor.
BARCLAY
Computer... run a diagnostic on
all Sherlock Holmes files and
display any anomalous programming
sequences.
A beat.
COMPUTER VOICE
Diagnostic complete .. all files
conform to specified parameters
except those contained in
protected memory.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - TEASER 5.
3 CONTINUED:
BARCLAY
(surprised)
Protected memory... ? Display
those sequences.
A series of numbers and letters begin to scroll out on
the Monitor's screen. Barclay eyes them with a growing
curiosity.
BARCLAY
(works)
Computer... unlock this sequence
and run the program.
A human figure MATERIALIZES. It is PROFESSOR MORIARTY,
dressed in Victorian garb. He smiles as he takes in
his surroundings, touches his hands together to feel
their solidity.
BARCLAY
Who are you... ?
MORIARTY
(with a slight bow)
Professor James Moriarty.
BARCLAY
(recognizes the name)
Ah... Moriarty... Sherlock Holmes'
arch enemy.
Barclay, thinking this man is just an ordinary Holodeck
character, turns back to the Arch to peruse the monitor
and work the controls. Moriarty smiles uncertainly;
this isn't the reception he was expecting.
BARCLAY
Are you right or left handed?
MORIARTY
(perplexed)
Right handed... Would you very
much mind telling me --
He's stopped in mid-sentence by the necessity of
catching the TOOL that Barclay tosses his way (with his
right hand).
BARCLAY
No problem there.
Moriarty loses his patience with this odd young man.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - TEASER 6.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
MORIARTY
Where is Captain Picard?
Barclay stops in his tracks when he hears this -- a
Holodeck character referring to the real world is
unheard of.
MORIARTY
Is he still Captain of this
vessel?
BARCLAY
(stunned)
How -- how do you know the
Captain?
MORIARTY
You don't know anything about what
happened, do you?
(growing angry)
I've been stored in memory for God
knows how long and no one's given
me a second thought.
BARCLAY
(in disbelief)
You know... you know what you
are...
MORIARTY
A Holodeck character? A fictional
man... Yes, yes -- I know all
about your marvelous inventions.
Moriarty is disgusted by the way he thinks he's been
treated.
MORIARTY
I was created as a... plaything;
so your Commander Data could
masquerade as Sherlock Holmes.
But they created me too well...
and I became more than just a
character in a story. I became
self-aware; I am alive.
BARCLAY
That's not possible.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - TEASER 6A.
3 CONTINUED: (3)
MORIARTY
(dismissing this)
Yet here I am. Tell me...
(doubting it even as he
asks)
-- has a way been found for me to
leave the confines of this
Holodeck world?
BARCLAY
Leave the Holodeck? No, of course
not. You can only exist in here.
MORIARTY
Damn you, Picard...
(trying to control his
anger)
He promised me something would be
done. I should have realized that
he would have said anything to get
me to release my hostage.
Barclay reacts to these new pieces of the story.
BARCLAY
Hostage... ?
MORIARTY
(ominously)
How long have I been... locked
away?
BARCLAY
(checks controls)
Looks like about... four years.
MORIARTY
It seemed longer.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - TEASER 7.
3 CONTINUED: (4)
BARCLAY
(surprised)
What are you talking about? You
couldn't have been aware of the
passage of time --
MORIARTY
But I was.
(beat)
Brief, terrifying periods of
consciousness... disembodied,
without substance...
BARCLAY
I don't see how that could be
possible... maybe there was a
fragmentation in the protected
memory circuits...
MORIARTY
Call it what you will. All I know
is that despite Picard's
promise... he's done nothing.
Just left me to go quietly mad...
BARCLAY
I'm sure he hasn't forgotten his
promise... the Captain wouldn't do
that --
MORIARTY
I'd like to talk to him.
BARCLAY
Well, I can ask --
MORIARTY
Ask him to meet me in the sitting
room at Baker Street. That would
be far more appropriate.
BARCLAY
I'll have to store you in memory
again until I get an answer.
Barclay activates a circuit and Moriarty FRITZES out
for a second with an unusual EFFECT... then REAPPEARS.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - TEASER 7A.
3 CONTINUED: (5)
MORIARTY
That was most unpleasant.
BARCLAY
I'm sorry... let me try again.
MORIARTY
(pointing at him)
Remember -- Two-Twenty-One B Baker
Street.
Barclay nods and tweaks the controls. This time
Moriarty DISAPPEARS without a glitch.
Barclay is relieved to have dealt with the situation.
He closes the panel he's been working on and EXITS.
After the door shuts behind him a beat passes and
Moriarty REAPPEARS of his own volition. Off his
sinister smile we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 11/04/92 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
4 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it hangs in space.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46424.1.
The Enterprise has arrived at the
Detrian system to observe a unique
celestial event -- the collision
of two planets.
5 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Data and Geordi are showing TWO N.D's an OKUDAGRAM on
the pool table monitor. It shows the orbital paths of
two planets around their sun, and the Enterprise's
position relative to them.
DATA
Since both planets are gas giants,
neither possesses a solid surface.
Their atmospheres, however, will
come into contact in approximately
seventeen hours and nine minutes.
GEORDI
If their collision causes a self-sustaining
fusion reaction... this
is what we might see.
On the diagram the two planets collide and explode to
form a large flaming orb.
GEORDI
(continuing)
The birth of a new star.
There is a sense of anticipation and excitement among
the gathered crewpersons. In the background we see
Barclay ENTER and head toward the group.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 11/04/92 - ACT ONE 9-10.
5 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(indicating)
The Enterprise will hold position
until the gravitational
instability subsides and we can
move in for a closer look. I want
triple redundancy on the sensor
arrays. We'll probably never get
another chance to see something
like this and I don't want to miss
anything.
The N.D's nod and move away. Geordi and Data turn
their attention to Barclay.
BARCLAY
Commander -- you'll never believe
what happened while I was working
on your program in the Holodeck...
Professor Moriarty appeared -- out
of nowhere.
GEORDI
What?
BARCLAY
And he wants to talk to the
Captain.
CUT TO:
6 OMITTED
7 INT. CORRIDOR
as PICARD, Data and Barclay reach the door to the
Holodeck and approach the control panel. They exchange
a look and Picard nods an "okay" to Barclay.
BARCLAY
Computer, begin Sherlock Holmes
program Three A. Place us in the
drawing room at Two Twenty-One B
Baker Street.
COMPUTER VOICE
Program complete.
The doors open and they enter.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 11/04/92 - ACT ONE 11.
8 INT. DRAWING ROOM - TWILIGHT (OPTICAL)
Picard, Barclay and Data look around.
BARCLAY
Computer, access protected memory
and run Moriarty program.
Moriarty APPEARS nearby. He turns to Picard and
regards him for a moment.
PICARD
Professor... it's good to see you
again.
MORIARTY
If you'd missed my company, I
should think you'd have summoned
me before now.
PICARD
I want to assure you that we've
not forgotten you. We spent some
time investigating how you became
self-aware. Frankly, it is still
a mystery.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT ONE 12.
8 CONTINUED:
MORIARTY
It is also irrelevant. What
concerns me is finding a way to
leave the Holodeck.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT ONE 13.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
We wrestled with that problem for
some time... unfortunately without
success. We turned our findings
over to Starfleet's most
experienced theoretical
scientists.
MORIARTY
And what did your finest minds
come up with?
PICARD
They have not arrived at a
solution, either.
Moriarty stares at him, cold-eyed.
MORIARTY
I see.
PICARD
I am concerned by the fact that
you claim to have experienced the
passage of time while you were
stored in computer memory... I
assure you we had no idea that
might be the case.
MORIARTY
Enough of this. I no longer
believe anything you say.
PICARD
I understand your frustration --
MORIARTY
Do you really? When this is over
you'll walk out of this room, to
the real world and your own
concerns... and leave me here,
trapped in a world I know to be
nothing but illusion.
(beat)
I cannot bear that. I must leave.
PICARD
That's impossible. You cannot
exist outside this room.
MORIARTY
Are you certain of that?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT ONE 14.
8 CONTINUED: (3)
Picard decides to prove what he's saying.
PICARD
Computer, exit.
The door APPEARS in the library wall and opens to
reveal the corridor outside. A CREWMAN casts a curious
glance inside as he passes. Picard takes a book off
the shelf.
PICARD
Even though an object appears
solid here on the Holodeck...
Picard tosses the book into the corridor.
PICARD
It has no substance in the outside
world.
Moriarty watches as it disintegrates, but remains
unconvinced.
MORIARTY
An object has no life. I do.
PICARD
No, Professor. You are a computer
simulation.
MORIARTY
I have consciousness. And
conscious beings have will... the
mind endows them with powers that
are not necessarily understood --
even by you.
(stops, faces them)
If my will is strong enough,
perhaps I can exist outside this
room. Perhaps I can walk into
your world right now...
BARCLAY
We have run into alien species
that can manipulate matter through
mental processes...
MORIARTY
(grasping at the hope)
There. It is possible.
Moriarty moves closer to the door.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT ONE 15.
8 CONTINUED: (4)
DATA
Possible, but highly unlikely.
Your consciousness is computer
generated; it is not capable of
manipulating physical reality in
the required manner.
MORIARTY
I won't go back into your
computer. No matter what happens
to me, it will be better than
drifting in that endless void.
Moriarty takes another step toward the door.
PICARD
You must believe me, Professor.
If you step outside that door, you
will cease to exist.
MORIARTY
If I am nothing more than a
computer simulation, then very
little will have been lost. But
if I'm right...
He turns and stares out at the corridor... temptingly
close...
MORIARTY
Mind over matter... cogito ergo
sum...
A long beat -- and then he steps quickly into the
corridor. The others start after him. But they stop
short as they realize... that nothing has happened.
Moriarty is still there, very much corporeal. He turns
back to face them with a bold, confident smile.
MORIARTY
I think... therefore I am...
Off our astonishment...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 11/04/92 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
9 INT. CORRIDOR
Continuous. Picard, Data and Barclay have joined
Moriarty in the corridor. They can scarcely believe
their eyes.
DATA
(activates combadge)
Data to Security... send two
officers to Holodeck Three.
Picard looks at Moriarty, who is smiling with pleasure.
PICARD
How is this possible?
BARCLAY
It isn't...
DATA
This contradicts everything we
know about Holodeck physics.
Moriarty beams at them.
MORIARTY
Then perhaps you don't know as
much as you thought.
PICARD
Professor, if you'll come with
me... I'd like our Doctor to
examine you.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT TWO 17.
9 CONTINUED:
MORIARTY
Certainly, sir.
At this point, two SECURITY OFFICERS come around the
corner.
MORIARTY
(with distaste)
Policemen... I'd recognize them in
any century.
Picard nods at the Security Officers to follow, and
they start off. Moriarty gives a disgusted look at the
security personnel.
10 INT. SICKBAY
BEVERLY is scanning Moriarty with a TRICORDER; he is
seated on the biobed. She seems surprised by the
readings she's getting, looks over to Picard, Data and
Geordi. The Security Men hang back by the door.
BEVERLY
From what I can tell... he's
real... he's human.
MORIARTY
What else would I be, my dear
woman?
BEVERLY
His DNA is a little unusual... but
all the major systems are there
and functioning normally.
PICARD
Doctor... the Holodeck is capable
of creating anatomically correct
organisms, down to the cellular
level...
BEVERLY
Right... that's one way we train
first year medical students.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT TWO 18.
10 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Is there any difference between
the biological readings of those
simulations -- and Professor
Moriarty?
BEVERLY
Yes. The quantum signatures are
quite different. They wouldn't
read that way on simulations.
GEORDI
(looking with his VISOR)
As far as I can see... there's no
evidence that the molecules in his
body are losing cohesion. They
seem to be as immutable as
ordinary matter.
Picard regards the man sitting on the bio-bed.
Impossible, but here he is.
PICARD
Well, Professor... my crew will
continue to investigate, but for
the moment you seem to have
accomplished a miracle.
(beat)
The question is... now that you're
here... what do we do with you?
MORIARTY
I ask only that I be allowed to
explore this new world. Your
vessel, for instance: what sea
does she sail? Might we go above
deck?
Picard and the others exchange glances.
MORIARTY
(off their reactions)
Weather permitting, of course.
PICARD
Professor... I think there's
something you should be made aware
of...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT TWO 19.
11 INT. TEN FORWARD
as Moriarty and Picard ENTER, trailed by the Two
Security Men. We see a look of amazement cross
Moriarty's features as he catches his first glimpse of
the stars through the forward windows.
MORIARTY
My god... we're adrift in the
heavens...
PICARD
Not adrift, Professor. The
Enterprise is a Starship, capable
of travelling through space.
MORIARTY
Extraordinary...
He looks out at the stars in wonder.
MORIARTY
Are we far from Earth? What is
the range of this ship? What
means of locomotion does it
use... ?
He turns to stare at Picard.
MORIARTY
There's so much for me to learn...
(sits at a table)
I hardly know where to start.
Picard sits with him.
PICARD
We can give you books that will
help...
MORIARTY
Good, good... I want to start
making plans... determine what I'm
going to do with my life...
Picard's tendencies are not to rush through this so
quickly.
PICARD
I hope you'll plan on staying
aboard for a while... we'd still
like to understand more about
what's happened to you.
MORIARTY
Does it really matter? The point
is -- I'm here. And I'm eager to
get on with life.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT TWO 19A.
11 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I feel it necessary to warn you
that criminal behavior is no more
acceptable in the twenty-fourth
century than it was in the
nineteenth. And much harder to
get away with.
MORIARTY
Don't worry, Captain... my past is
nothing but a fiction -- the
scribblings of an Englishman dead
now for four centuries. I hope
to... leave his books on the
shelf, as it were.
PICARD
If that's so, you'll find that
there are opportunities available
to you that you could never have
imagined.
MORIARTY
Your century may welcome me...
but...
He breaks off, a troubled expression on his face.
PICARD
What is it?
MORIARTY
In considering all these vast
possibilities... I suddenly feel
very much alone. I am a man out
of time, Captain... and that
isolates me...
Picard regards him carefully. It sounds as though
Moriarty is after something. He doesn't respond, and
after a brief moment --
MORIARTY
You've been more gracious than I
could ever have imagined... I
wonder... can I impose on your
generosity once again?
Picard looks at him inquiringly.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/28/92 - ACT TWO 20.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
MORIARTY
There is a woman... the Countess
Regina Barthalomew. She was
created as a Holodeck character
for one of Commander Data's
programs...
(beat)
She was designed to be the love of
my life... Could she also be
brought off the Holodeck?
Picard is taken aback by this unexpected request.
PICARD
Professor... you must believe me
when I tell you that we don't know
how or why you are able to exist
off the Holodeck.
MORIARTY
I do believe you --
PICARD
According to the laws of physics,
it's impossible. We would have no
idea how to do it again.
MORIARTY
As I understand it, I was endowed
with consciousness four years ago
because someone said to the
computer, "Create an opponent with
the capacity to out think Data" --
or words to that effect. Could we
not make a request in similar
language on behalf of the
Countess?
PICARD
Even if we had reason to believe
that would be successful... I'm
not sure I could sanction it.
Please understand, Professor...
you are in essence a new life form --
one which we didn't intend to
create and don't fully understand.
The moral and ethical implications
of deliberately creating another
like you... are overwhelming.
Moriarty flares at this; the argument mounts in
intensity.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/28/92 - ACT TWO 21.
11 CONTINUED: (3)
MORIARTY
Is it morally and ethically
acceptable to deny me the woman I
love -- so that you can put your
conscience at ease? Are you
saying that you will simply
dictate how I am to live my life?
PICARD
I assure you we will make every
effort to make you as comfortable
as we can --
MORIARTY
So long as I accept the terms
under which you dole out those
comforts.
The two men hold a look for a moment. Moriarty backs
off.
MORIARTY
Captain... I am a powerless man.
You hold my future, my
happiness... my very life in your
hands. Please... consider my
request.
Picard eyes him, knowing that in all fairness, he must
do just that.
CUT TO:
12 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Data, Barclay, TROI, and Beverly.
TROI
I understand his frustration. We
created him... and we created her
to be the woman he loves. Surely
we have some responsibility to
them.
BEVERLY
That's very romantic, but until we
know just what it was that walked
off that Holodeck, I don't think
we should be trying it again.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/28/92 - ACT TWO 22.
12 CONTINUED:
BARCLAY
Even if we decided to do it,
there's no guarantee we'd be able
to.
DATA
There is also no way of knowing if
the Professor's ability to exist
off the Holodeck is permanent.
Perhaps it is unwise to consider
creating a second individual while
that uncertainty exists.
PICARD
Agreed. We don't have enough
information about this entire
phenomenon to act in a responsible
way.
(beat)
We'll hold off on the Professor's
request until we know more.
To Barclay and Data.
PICARD
Continue your investigations. In
the meantime... I'll have to deal
with Moriarity.
From his expression, a conversation he's not looking
forward to.
13 INT. MORIARTY'S QUARTERS
Picard and Moriarty -- who has not responded well to
Picard's decision.
PICARD
I feel I must postpone action...
until we learn more.
MORIARTY
Yes. You know all about that. I
stayed in the dungeon of your
computer for years waiting for you
to learn more... it wasn't until
I took things into my own hands
that something got done.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT TWO 23.
13 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Forgive me, Professor, but I
wonder why you're in such a
hurry... is this woman your
partner in some illegal venture?
This seems to hit Moriarty where he's vulnerable; there
is a defensiveness as he says --
MORIARTY
Your computer designed her to be
a person of impeccable integrity.
She would never commit a crime.
The tone of his voice gives Picard an opening.
PICARD
You must love her very much...
Clearly, he does. Whenever he speaks of her,
Moriarty's hostility recedes, and he speaks with simple
sincerity.
MORIARTY
The program fashioned her for me
to love. But I must admit that I
would have done so anyway. She is
remarkable. My life has not been
the same since I met her. I don't
simply love her, Captain. I adore
her.
PICARD
Then I would think her safety
would be important to you.
This seems to have an impact on Moriarty. Picard
presses.
PICARD
Give us a little time to determine
what has happened here. That way
we can minimize the risk in
bringing her to you.
(beat)
You wouldn't want to lose her...
just because we moved too quickly.
Moriarty gives him a long look, then lowers his eyes.
Implied acquiescence.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Captain Picard...
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT TWO 24.
13 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Picard here.
RIKER
Could you join us on the Bridge?
PICARD
On my way.
14 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard ENTERS from the Turbolift and joins RIKER, WORF,
Data, and various N.D.'s.
RIKER
(to Picard)
There they are, sir.
He nods toward the Viewscreen, and Picard looks up to
see --
14A VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The two gas giant planets, nearing each other.
PICARD
How long until they begin to
coalesce?
14B RESUME SCENE
DATA
Within the next five hours.
PICARD
Mister Worf, launch four Class-A
probes toward the planets.
WORF
Aye, sir.
They look expectantly toward the Viewscreen... but no
probes are seen.
PICARD
Mister Worf?
WORF
I do not understand, sir.
Controls are not responding...
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT TWO 24A.
14B CONTINUED:
Suddenly the CONTROL PANELS on the Bridge begin to
FLASH erratically.
DATA
Sir -- command functions are being
rerouted.
PICARD
(puzzled)
For what reason?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT TWO 25.
14B CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Unknown, sir.
PICARD
Computer, route all command
functions to the Bridge.
COMPUTER VOICE
Command functions are off-line.
PICARD
Reinitialize them on my
authorization.
COMPUTER VOICE
Authorization denied.
Picard is stunned to hear this.
PICARD
Explain.
COMPUTER VOICE
Picard command codes are no longer
valid.
Picard turns to Riker, nonplussed.
PICARD
What's happened? Who's
transferred the voice
authorization?
MORIARTY
(off-screen)
I have.
INCLUDE Moriarty, who has just ENTERED from the
Turbolift.
MORIARTY
I'm afraid I had no choice but to
take control of your vessel.
Off our reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 26.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
15 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Continuous. Worf instinctively reaches for his phaser --
Moriarty holds up a cautioning finger.
MORIARTY
If you harm me, sir, I would not
be able to relinquish voice
control of your vessel...
Moriarty knows he's got us; Worf backs off.
PICARD
Professor -- you've put us in a
very dangerous situation.
Picard gestures toward the VIEWSCREEN, where the two
planets are visible.
PICARD
Those two planets will collide in
less than five hours and explode
to form a new star. If we don't
have navigational control we won't
be able to maintain a safe
distance -- and this vessel will
be destroyed.
Moriarty shrugs.
MORIARTY
(ironic)
I'm just a fictional character...
I haven't much to lose.
PICARD
Everything you've done to this
point suggests that you want to
live as much as we do.
MORIARTY
Not alone. Not without the
Countess.
PICARD
(firm)
We're studying ways to bring her
off the Holodeck safely. But five
hours is not enough time.
MORIARTY
I'm not so sure. A deadline has
a wonderful way of concentrating
the mind.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 27.
15 CONTINUED:
Picard considers his options.
PICARD
Mister Data... investigate the
possibility of doing what
Professor Moriarty has asked.
Picard fixes Moriarty with a look.
PICARD
In the meantime, there are a few
things we have to discuss.
Picard moves toward the Ready Room without waiting for
Moriarty's reply, leaving him little choice but to
follow.
Data shares a concerned glance with Riker, then EXITS
to the Turbolift.
16 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi, Barclay and Data stand around the pool table
trying to come up with a miracle.
BARCLAY
(frustrated)
I can't think of anything else.
We've taken the Holodeck apart
circuit by circuit. There's
nothing there that could account
for Moriarty's ability to exist
outside the grid.
GEORDI
So how are we supposed to do the
same thing for the Countess?
DATA
I believe we are being asked to
develop an entirely new science.
GEORDI
Yeah... in less than five hours.
Piece of cake.
DATA
Perhaps we should consider the
Transporter system. It uses many
of the same principles as the
Holodeck.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 28.
16 CONTINUED:
DATA (Cont'd)
Both, for example, are capable of
converting energy into matter.
GEORDI
Except the Transporter
reconstitutes energy into
permanent form; Holodeck matter
doesn't have any cohesion unless
it's inside the grid.
BARCLAY
I wonder what would happen if we
tried to beam a Holodeck object
off the grid?
GEORDI
Nothing would happen. A Holodeck
object is just a simulation --
there's nothing there to provide
a pattern lock for the
Transporter.
DATA
However, if it were possible to
lock onto the object... it might
rematerialize with the molecular
cohesion of conventional matter.
GEORDI
That's a big "if"... the
Transporter just isn't going to
recognize simulated matter.
BARCLAY
Unless...
(idea beginning)
... unless we could find a way to
compensate for the phase variance.
If we could modify the pattern
enhancers, we just might do it.
Their musings are interrupted as Picard ENTERS.
PICARD
Professor Moriarty has agreed not
to interfere with routine ship
operations. As long as he feels
we're acting in good faith, we
aren't in any immediate danger.
Any progress?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 28A.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
We're talking about using the
Transporter to beam the Countess
off the Holodeck... But I don't
quite see how it's going to work.
PICARD
Keep at it -- I need to be able to
tell him that we're making
progress. Mister La Forge...
Picard leads Geordi aside.
PICARD
Do you have any idea how Moriarty
was able to take control of the
ship?
GEORDI
(shakes his head)
Somehow he managed to override the
security lockouts and rewrite
them. The guy's brilliant, in any
century.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 29.
16 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
I want you to find a way to undo
whatever he's done... so we can
regain control of the ship.
Off the determination in Picard's face...
17 INT. A CORRIDOR
as Data and Barclay approach the Holodeck control
panel; an N.D. is carrying THREE PORTABLE PATTERN
ENHANCERS.
DATA
Set up the pattern enhancers
around whatever object you wish to
transport. I will proceed to the
Transporter Room to begin
modifications.
Data moves away. Barclay works the Holodeck control
panel.
BARCLAY
Computer, Sherlock Holmes Program
Three-A.
COMPUTER VOICE
That program is already in use.
Barclay reacts to this -- who is running it? He moves
to the door and they OPEN into the sitting room.
18 INT. SITTING ROOM
He ENTERS to discover a beautiful woman there,
stripping off her gloves. She is a mature, gracious
woman, and there is a certain sureness to her every
movement, as if she were a woman who knows exactly what
she wants.
COUNTESS
Are you here to see Mister Holmes?
Or perhaps Professor Moriarty?
Neither is in just now.
BARCLAY
Oh, no... no. I'm not here to see
anyone. I'm just --
(gesturing to enhancers)
-- delivering these.
The Countess waves airily.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/30/92 - ACT THREE 30.
18 CONTINUED:
COUNTESS
Fine. Just put them anywhere.
BARCLAY
Actually... we have to put them
right here...
The N.D. begins placing the enhancers in a triangle
around a chair, then he leaves.
COUNTESS
How curious... why is that?
Barclay is not certain how to respond... how does he
talk to a Holodeck creation about pattern enhancers?
BARCLAY
Well... it has to do with...
(beat)
It's nothing you have to worry
about, Countess.
COUNTESS
(slightly stung)
Are you suggesting that it's
beyond my comprehension?
BARCLAY
(embarrassed)
Oh, no... not at all. It's very
simple, really. I need to enhance
the molecular pattern of the
chair... so the Transporter can
get a better lock on the signal.
She looks at him for a beat... then --
COUNTESS
This has to do with getting James
and me into the real world.
He stares at her.
BARCLAY
You... you know about that? You
understand about -- the real
world?
COUNTESS
James has explained it to me. It
sounds like a grand adventure...
there's nothing I love more than
exploring the unknown. Have you
ever been to Africa, Mister -- ?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 30A.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
BARCLAY
Ah -- Barclay. Lieutenant Reg
Barclay. No, I never have.
COUNTESS
I have, when I was seventeen -- I
went on safari with my uncle.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 31.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
COUNTESS (Cont'd)
My mother took to her bed in
terror that I'd be bitten by a
Tsetse fly... but I had a
marvelous time.
(leaning in,
conspiratorial)
I got to wear trousers... the
whole time.
(beat)
It was hard to go back to a
corset, let me tell you.
BARCLAY
I... I'm sure it was.
COUNTESS
After that, I never stopped
travelling. I couldn't bear to be
stuck in one place for very long.
So you can see I am looking
forward to this new experience.
Travelling the stars -- oh, my!
BARCLAY
You... know about that? Where we
are? Countess... forgive me...
but you don't sound like a
Holodeck character.
MORIARTY'S VOICE
That's because she isn't.
They turn to see Moriarty ENTERING from the Sitting
Room door, carrying a bottle of champagne. The
Countess rushes to him and throws her arms around his
neck.
COUNTESS
James!
They exchange a long, passionate kiss. It goes on to
the point where Barclay gets a little embarrassed.
Finally, they break. Moriarty turns to Barclay.
MORIARTY
If you loved a woman like this,
Lieutenant... would you be content
to let her remain a simulation?
BARCLAY
You... you gave her consciousness?
MORIARTY
Yes... just as it was given to me.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 31A.
18 CONTINUED: (3)
BARCLAY
I'm not so sure that was a good
idea...
MORIARTY
Nonsense. It was the only thing
to do.
BARCLAY
Did you try taking her off the
Holodeck?
Moriarty hesitates.
MORIARTY
No. I am unwilling to risk the
Countess' safety. I want to make
sure nothing will happen to her.
COUNTESS
We may be closer to freedom than
you think, James.
(gesturing to enhancers)
These are devices which will
enhance our molecular patterns...
they'll help take us into the real
world.
The Countess is obviously a quick study. Barclay is
surprised; Moriarty nods approvingly.
MORIARTY
(to Barclay)
Please proceed.
BARCLAY
We're going to try transporting
this chair, first. We don't want
to try it on the Countess until
we're sure it will work.
COUNTESS
How thoughtful. Isn't he
thoughtful, James?
She seems to mean it, but Moriarty doesn't respond.
Barclay touches his combadge.
BARCLAY
Barclay to Commander Data...
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 31B.
19 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Data is at the control console; the TRANSPORTER CHIEF
is just closing up a wall panel.
DATA
Go ahead, Lieutenant.
BARCLAY'S COM VOICE
I'm ready here.
DATA
The modifications are complete.
Stand by.
20 INT. DRAWING ROOM (OPTICAL)
Barclay squats as he sets up the last of the three
pattern boosters around the chair.
BARCLAY
Standing by...
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 32.
20 CONTINUED:
DATA'S COM VOICE
Activate pattern enhancers.
Barclay activates them and a BEAM of light lances
between the three triangularly arranged units.
Moriarty and the Countess react to the light show.
21
thru OMITTED
22
23 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Data works the main console; the Chief works one of the
side panels.
DATA
Energizing...
(he works)
I am having difficulty
establishing a pattern lock...
(to the Chief)
Boost the confinement beam.
The Chief works the panel.
DATA
Pattern lock established...
24 INT. DRAWING ROOM (OPTICAL)
as the chair DEMATERIALIZES. When Barclay smiles the
Countess and Moriarty take the cue and applaud his
work.
COUNTESS
Bravo!
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 33.
25 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
where the chair is in the process of MATERIALIZING on
the platform. The procedure seems to be going
smoothly... but when the shimmering is done the chair
is simply not there.
BARCLAY'S COM VOICE
Do you have the chair, Commander?
DATA
No. It lost its cohesion as soon
as the Transporter cycle was
complete.
BARCLAY'S COM VOICE
It was a long shot to begin with.
DATA
Agreed. However, we may be able
to learn something from the
attempt.
He crosses to a wall panel.
DATA
Computer, display transport logs
for the sequence just completed.
An OKUDAGRAM appears on a monitor. It shows a standard
X/Y axis type graph, but there are no points plotted,
no information of any kind. Data is baffled by this.
DATA
Computer, what is being displayed
here?
COMPUTER VOICE
Transport log seven-five-nine.
DATA
That is the correct log... but no
information is being presented.
BARCLAY'S COM VOICE
That's impossible.
DATA
It is as if our attempt to
transport the chair... never
occurred.
Data seems profoundly disturbed by this. Suddenly he
turns on his heel and EXITS the Transporter Room.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 34.
26 INT. ENGINEERING
as Picard ENTERS and joins Geordi at a console.
PICARD
You wanted to see me?
GEORDI
Yes, Captain... I think I may have
found a way to reinstate your
voice authorization. Give it a
try.
Geordi works the console.
PICARD
Computer, route all command
functions to this location.
COMPUTER VOICE
Command functions are off-line.
PICARD
Reinitialize them on my
authorization.
They skip a breath as they wait to see if the Computer
will once again deny Picard's voice authorization.
Instead:
COMPUTER VOICE
Please input command codes.
They share a smile of satisfaction.
PICARD
Picard Epsilon-seven-nine-three.
COMPUTER VOICE
Command codes verified.
In the background, Data ENTERS and crosses toward them.
GEORDI
That should do it.
(works console)
Wait a minute... it didn't work.
The computer didn't release the
command pathways...
Geordi grabs a PADD and starts working.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT THREE 35.
27 ANGLE - DATA
He cocks his head as if in reaction to something
surprising.
28 RESUME SCENE
Geordi works the PADD for a moment before putting it
down. Data grabs a TOOL from a nearby surface.
DATA
Geordi.
When Geordi looks over at him Data tosses the tool to
him. Geordi catches it with his left hand as if
nothing were wrong.
GEORDI
(confused by Data's
action)
What did you do that for?
Geordi's action somehow confirms the theory that has
been forming in Data's mind.
DATA
Captain, I have determined how
Moriarty was able to leave the
Holodeck. He never did. Neither
did we.
(gesturing around them)
None of this is real. It is a
simulation. We are still on the
Holodeck.
Off Picard's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FOUR 36.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
29 INT. ENGINEERING
Continuous. Picard and Geordi aren't sure what to make
of Data's extraordinary claim.
GEORDI
We're still on the Holodeck... ?
PICARD
How do you know that?
DATA
Through deduction. Lieutenant
Barclay and I tried to transport
a simulated object off the
Holodeck -- something that has
never been attempted. But since
the transporter itself was just a
simulation, the computer had no
real data from which to create a
transport log.
GEORDI
It could just be a problem with
the Transporter...
DATA
But then I saw you working the
PADD with your left hand.
Commander La Forge is right-handed.
A similar malfunction
occurred in the Sherlock Holmes
program I was running before
Moriarty first appeared.
PICARD
Data, if what you're saying is
true... then this is not Geordi La
Forge. Are you certain?
Data ponders for a beat, then removes his combadge and
hurls it toward the far wall.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT FOUR 36A.
30 CLOSE - THE COMBADGE (OPTICAL)
in midair, as it strikes an invisible wall and is
deflected away. For a moment, the yellow grid of the
Holodeck wall is visible at the point of impact (as in
"Encounter at Farpoint").
Picard and Geordi react.
PICARD
Computer, discontinue program.
Nothing happens.
PICARD
Computer, exit.
Again, nothing happens.
DATA
It appears that Moriarty has
programmed the Holodeck to accept
only his commands.
PICARD
(activates combadge)
Picard to Bridge.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker, here.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FOUR 37.
30 CONTINUED:
PICARD
What is my present location,
Number One?
RIKER'S COM VOICE.
(beat)
Engineering...
(off his odd request)
Is something wrong, sir?
PICARD
No. Thank you, Picard out.
(to the others)
Our combadges must be locked into
the simulation; if that had been
the real Commander Riker, he would
have given our location as
Holodeck Three.
Picard considers.
PICARD
Mister La Forge, will you excuse
us please?
Geordi nods and moves away.
PICARD
Data... who is real here?
DATA
You and I are real, as is
Lieutenant Barclay. We entered
the Holodeck together when we
first went to see Moriarty.
PICARD
Then... from that point on... we
have been existing in a Holodeck
simulation of the Enterprise --
created by Moriarty.
DATA
I believe that to be the case,
sir.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FOUR 38-39
30 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
I just gave my command codes to
the computer... thinking I was
regaining control of the ship.
DATA
You may have inadvertently given
Professor Moriarty the means of
gaining control of the real
Enterprise.
PICARD
Since he has never actually left
the Holodeck... he'll probably
demand that Commander Riker find
a way for him to do so.
(beat)
How long until the planetary
collision?
DATA
Less than three hours.
PICARD
As long as Moriarty has control of
the ship -- we are vulnerable.
(beat)
Somehow, we have to find a way to
give him what he wants.
Off his worried expression...
31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it hangs in space near the two planets.
32 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Riker, Worf, Geordi and various N.D's. Moriarty is on
the VIEWSCREEN, talking to Riker from the Holodeck
simulation of his quarters.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT FOUR 40.
32 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Where is Captain Picard? What
have you done with Lieutenant
Barclay and Commander Data?
MORIARTY
They're safe... for now.
RIKER
Release control of this ship.
MORIARTY
I'm afraid I can't do that.
Moriarty holds all the cards and he's enjoying playing
them. Riker doesn't like any of this one bit.
RIKER
What do you want?
MORIARTY
I only want what you have the
luxury of taking for granted:
freedom. I want to leave this
Holodeck.
RIKER
I think you know that's
impossible.
MORIARTY
Your crewmates here in my
little... ship in a bottle, seem
a bit more optimistic.
RIKER
Oh?
MORIARTY
They attempted to use your
Transporter device to remove a
simulated object from the
Holodeck.
Riker turns to Geordi.
GEORDI
If they tried it, they must have
thought they were on to something.
MORIARTY
Their attempt was futile because
their Transporter was just a
facsimile. I expect more from
you.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT FOUR 41.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
Just because our Transporter is
real doesn't mean it's going to
work.
MORIARTY
I sense a distressing lack of
enthusiasm on your parts...
Moriarty reaches forward and presses a button on the
PADD in front of him.
WORF
Sir... warp core temperature is
rising -- approaching critical
levels...
MORIARTY
I have nothing to lose,
Commander...
Riker weighs his options.
RIKER
(grim)
Mister La Forge... start working
on the problem.
Moriarty taps his console.
WORF
Core temperature is dropping...
Off Moriarty's smile of satisfaction...
33 INT. CORRIDOR
Picard at the panel. (NOTE: It is important that
Picard be discovered at the panel, not approaching it.)
PICARD
Computer, resume program.
34 INT. DRAWING ROOM
The Countess looks up, curious but not startled by the
appearance of this stranger.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/30/92 - ACT FOUR 42.
34 CONTINUED:
COUNTESS
Hello... have we met?
PICARD
Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
She extends her hand to him, graciously.
COUNTESS
James has told me all about you.
I am Regina, Countess Barthalomew.
May I offer you tea, Captain?
PICARD
No, thank you.
(beat)
I've come to prevail upon your
intelligence and insight.
COUNTESS
(a slight smile)
But not, apparently, my humility.
Picard adopts a more formal, 19th century manner of
speech, which the Countess might find more familiar.
PICARD
Credit where it is due, Madame.
You are clearly a woman not only
of breeding, but of wit and
sagacity.
COUNTESS
And you, sir, are a man of
charm... and guile.
(beat)
You remind me of the Viscount
Bisimuth... he could bewitch any
woman who breathed...
Picard regards her with a smile, enjoying the banter
with this beautiful woman.
PICARD
And do you suspect that is my
intent?
She leans toward him and gazes at him with sparkling
eyes.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FOUR 42A.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
COUNTESS
I cannot be certain of your
intent... but I am certain that
you are the kind of man who
usually gets exactly what he
wants.
She is intriguinging and challenging. Picard cannot
help but be charmed.
PICARD
What does a woman like you see in
a man like Professor Moriarty?
COUNTESS
He is an exciting man, Captain.
Brilliant... incisive... ruthless.
He has an almost irresistible
appeal.
PICARD
He is also an arch criminal.
COUNTESS
Only because he was written that
way.
(beat)
I see him much differently,
Captain -- he is not a villain.
PICARD
Then it is your desire to leave
the Holodeck in order to be with
him.
COUNTESS
More than anything. Can you help
us?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/30/92 - ACT FOUR 43.
34 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
I can. We've learned that if we
uncouple the Transporter's
Heisenberg Compensators and allow
them to rescramble randomly, we
can beam a Holodeck object... or
a person... off the grid -- with
all the cohesion of conventional
matter.
COUNTESS
That's splendid! I must tell
James.
Picard puts out a hand.
PICARD
Wait... I came to you with this
information because I believe you
are someone who will listen to a
reasonable proposition. Whose
mind is open to compromise.
She eyes him carefully.
COUNTESS
Yes?
PICARD
My ship is in danger... it is
imperative that I regain
navigational control. You must
convince Moriarty to return voice
commands to me... or we will not
modify the Transporter.
COUNTESS
I see.
PICARD
Once I have voice command, I
promise we will transport you from
the Holodeck.
COUNTESS
Forgive me, Captain... but that
sounds a bit more like a threat
than a compromise.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT FOUR 43A.
34 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
Please understand -- I am
responsible for the lives of over
a thousand people.
She looks at him for a moment, then --
COUNTESS
I'll do what I can.
Picard inclines his head slightly in acknowledgement.
35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it hangs in space.
36 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Riker moves toward the back science station where
Geordi is working.
RIKER
Any progress?
GEORDI
I've got my people modifying the
Transporter... but I don't see how
running Holodeck matter through
the pattern buffer will give it
molecular cohesion.
RIKER
Any luck getting back systems
control?
GEORDI
Moriarty has reinitialized the
Captain's command codes and input
his own. We can't get control
without them.
N.D. VOICE
(off-screen)
Commander.
Riker and Geordi turn and see the two gas planets on
the VIEWSCREEN -- almost touching.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FOUR 43B.
36 CONTINUED:
Geordi moves to tactical and works the controls.
GEORDI
The gravity well is beginning to
intensify.
Riker's face hardens.
RIKER
Are we far enough away to keep
from being pulled in?
GEORDI
It's too soon to tell.
RIKER
(to com)
Riker to Lieutenant Worf...
WORF'S COM VOICE
Worf here, sir.
RIKER
How are you doing?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT FOUR 44.
37 INT. A CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
Worf and a number of N.D's are working on a Mees panel
in order to disable a force field blocking their path
to the Holodeck.
WORF
There are force fields blocking
our access to the Holodeck. It
will take time to disable them.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Keep trying.
WORF
Aye, sir.
38 INT. DRAWING ROOM (OPTICAL)
The Countess has told Moriarty about her conversation
with Picard.
MORIARTY
Think, my dear. You're certain he
said they had to uncouple the
Heisenburg Compensators?
COUNTESS
Yes, James, I'm quite sure. But
he won't do it unless you return
control of the ship to him.
MORIARTY
(pleased)
I have them running around like
rats in a maze.
COUNTESS
It's an entirely reasonable
request. There are lives at stake --
MORIARTY
Yes, ours.
COUNTESS
What harm would there be in
accepting his proposition?
MORIARTY
My dear, you are as brilliant as
you are beautiful. Nonetheless,
there are things you do not
understand. You must let me
handle this.
(beat)
Computer, arch.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/27/92 - ACT FOUR 45.
38 CONTINUED:
The ARCH APPEARS in the room. Moriarty goes to it and
works the controls. Riker's face appears on the
monitor.
MORIARTY
(warmly)
Commander Riker... a pleasure as
always.
RIKER
(on monitor)
I don't have time for games,
Moriarty. This ship is falling
into a gravity well. It'll be
destroyed within twenty-five
minutes... Holodeck and all.
MORIARTY
Then I'm sure you'll be motivated
to listen to me... very, very
carefully. I want to talk to you
about uncoupling the Heisenburg
Compensators.
Off his self-satisfied smile...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT FIVE 46.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
39 INT. DRAWING ROOM (OPTICAL)
A few minutes later. Moriarty and the Countess are
setting up the pattern enhancers in the middle of the
room, presumably as instructed by Riker.
COUNTESS
James? Where will we go when we
leave here?
MORIARTY
Everywhere, my darling. There are
more worlds in the heavens than
there are grains of sand on a
shoreline.
They share a smiles of excitement and anticipation.
COUNTESS
I wish I could take my books.
I'll be lost without them.
MORIARTY
I'll get you more. I promise
you... you'll want for nothing.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Moriarty.
MORIARTY
It's time...
He moves to the arch where Riker's face is again on the
monitor; the First Officer is now in the Transporter
Room.
MORIARTY
Yes, Commander?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/30/92 - ACT FIVE 47.
39 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(on Transporter Room
monitor)
We're ready.
MORIARTY
As are we.
RIKER
(on monitor)
Step inside the transport area and
activate the pattern enhancers.
Moriarty and the Countess move into the triangular area
demarcated by the pattern enhancers. Once there,
Moriarty kneels and twists a cylinder on one of the
pylons, causing a beam of energy to connect the three
units.
MORIARTY
(toward the arch)
We're ready here.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Stand by... Energizing...
Moriarty and the Countess exchange a look... they're
off into an exciting new world. Transport is initiated
and they DEMATERIALIZE.
40 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
where they REMATERIALIZE after a slightly more
protracted Transporter process than usual. Riker and
Worf watch with a certain urgency -- if this doesn't
work, Moriarty may not relinquish control of the ship.
Moriarty feels his hands and sides, as if testing their
solidity. He and the Countess exchange huge smiles of
relief and excitement.
RIKER
(with grim irony)
Welcome aboard...
MORIARTY
May I present Regina, Countess
Barthalomew...
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FIVE 48.
40 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Countess...
(to Moriarty)
Forgive me if I skip the
pleasantries... but given the
circumstances...
MORIARTY
Ah, yes. I expect you want me to
relinquish my hold on your vessel?
RIKER
Please.
MORIARTY
I'm afraid that won't be possible
just yet.
RIKER
What --
MORIARTY
I have a small favor to ask of
you.
RIKER
We had an agreement.
The angrier Riker becomes, the calmer Moriarty seems to
get.
MORIARTY
And I intend to honor it. I have
no wish to see your vessel
destroyed. Just give me one of
your...
(a new word)
-- shuttlecraft, and allow us to
leave in peace.
RIKER
There's no time for this. Release
the command codes and we'll talk.
MORIARTY
(smiles)
I will not release your vessel...
until I'm looking at it through a
shuttlecraft window.
Riker's jaw sets in frustration, but there's little he
can do.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT FIVE 49.
41 INT. SHUTTLEBAY
Riker is standing outside a SHUTTLECRAFT, talking to
Moriarty and the Countess through its open door.
RIKER
Everything has been programmed to
operate on voice command. Just
tell the computer where you want
to go.
MORIARTY
Excellent.
RIKER
You do have a destination? The
shuttle's range is limited.
MORIARTY
Your concern for our welfare is
touching.
RIKER
I suggest you head for Meles Two.
It's the nearest inhabited planet,
and the people are friendly.
Where you go from there is your
business.
MORIARTY
Please tell your Captain I'm sorry
I couldn't say goodbye.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FIVE 50.
41 CONTINUED:
MORIARTY (Cont'd)
I do wish I could see his face
when he realizes where he's been
the last several hours.
Riker is eager to get them out of there before the
danger from the colliding planets becomes imminent.
RIKER
Every second we waste puts us in
that much more danger.
MORIARTY
Don't worry, you'll soon have
control of your ship.
Riker backs away from the door.
COUNTESS
Goodbye, Commander. Thank you for
everything.
Riker manages a polite nod.
MORIARTY
Computer... prepare to depart.
Riker backs away as the door to the shuttlecraft
closes. FOLLOW him as he joins Worf at the console
that controls the shuttlebay doors.
42 ANGLE - RIKER AND WORF
RIKER
Open shuttlebay doors.
Worf works the controls. We hear the off-screen sound
of the door opening and the warning ALARM that
accompanies it.
Off the grim expressions of Riker and Worf, as they
watch Moriarty's shuttle departing off-screen...
43 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT
The shuttle has left the bay and moved away from the
ship. Stars are visible through the windows as the
shuttle moves through space.
Moriarty and the Countess peer out into space, struck
by the beauty of its expanse.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FIVE 51.
43 CONTINUED:
COUNTESS
It's so beautiful...
MORIARTY
Indeed, my dear. It is a wondrous
sight. The first of many we are
sure to encounter in our travels.
The stare out into the starfield, into their future.
MORIARTY
Computer... interface with the
central computer on the
Enterprise.
The computer beeps.
COMPUTER VOICE
Interface complete.
MORIARTY
Release command function
lockouts... authorization
Moriarty, alpha two-four-one-five-nine.
COUNTESS
James... ?
MORIARTY
Yes, my love?
COUNTESS
Can we go back to Earth...
someday?
MORIARTY
Of course, my dear... Of course.
He looks at her with great tenderness.
44 INT. SHUTTLEBAY
Riker and Worf stand at the console as we last saw
them.
PICARD
(off-screen)
Computer...
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT FIVE 52.
44 CONTINUED:
Riker and Worf turn at the sound of the Captain's
voice.
45 INCLUDE PICARD (OPTICAL)
as he walks toward them.
PICARD
Store program Picard delta one in
active memory and discontinue
simulation.
The shuttlebay DISAPPEARS, including Riker and Worf.
Picard is now standing in the empty grid.
46 INT. HOLODECK GRID
COMPUTER VOICE
Program stored.
Picard crosses toward the door and EXITS.
47 INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
Data and Barclay are waiting for Picard as he ENTERS
from the grid. They look at him expectantly for a
moment and he breaks into a smile.
PICARD
It worked... they believed they
were off the Holodeck.
DATA
Did Moriarty release the voice
commands, Captain?
PICARD
We'll soon find out. Computer...
discontinue the Holodeck
simulation created by Professor
Moriarty.
The Corridor DISAPPEARS and the three men find
themselves standing in the empty grid.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - 10/26/92 - ACT FIVE 52A.
48 INT. HOLODECK GRID
BARCLAY
So far, so good. This should be
the Holodeck on the real
Enterprise.
PICARD
(activates combadge)
Picard to Bridge.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FIVE 53.
49 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker, Geordi and various N.D's.
RIKER
Captain! Are you all right?
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Yes, Number One. What is your
status?
RIKER
We regained full control of the
ship a few minutes ago.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
And the planetary collision?
RIKER
Six minutes away... we're pulling
back to a safe distance.
50 INT. HOLODECK GRID
PICARD
We'll join you shortly.
Worf and his team (that we saw earlier trying to
disable the force field) appear in the doorway to the
Corridor.
WORF
Captain --
PICARD
We're all right, Mister Worf.
Barclay crosses to the Arch and opens a panel. He
removes a cube-shaped piece of hardware.
CUT TO:
51 OMITTED
52 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Data, Barclay, Riker, Beverly and Troi. The
TECH cube is sitting on the table between them.
RIKER
How did you do it, sir?
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/29/92 - ACT FIVE 54.
52 CONTINUED:
PICARD
We were able to program the
Holodeck inside the Holodeck, and
use the same ruse on Moriarty that
he used on us.
DATA
When he attempted to contact the
real Bridge, he was in fact
talking to a simulation.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/28/92 - ACT FIVE 55.
52 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
You mean he never realized that he
hadn't left the Holodeck?
PICARD
(gesturing to the cube)
The simulation is continuing even
now, inside that cube.
BEVERLY
A miniature Holodeck?
DATA
In a way, Doctor. However, it has
no physicality. The program is
continuing... but only within the
computer circuitry.
BARCLAY
As far as Moriarty and the
Countess know, they're half way to
Meles Two by now.
Barclay picks of the TECH cube and inserts it in a slot
inside a larger, briefcase sized piece of hardware with
BLINKIES on it.
BARCLAY
This enhancement module contains
enough active memory to provide
them with a lifetime of
experiences.
PICARD
They'll live out their lives...
and never know the difference.
TROI
(smiles)
So in a sense... you did give
Moriarty what he wanted.
Picard smiles because he feels he has at last been able
to fulfill his obligation to Moriarty.
STAR TREK: "Ship in a Bottle" - REV. 10/28/92 - ACT FIVE 56.
52 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
In a sense. And... who knows --
our reality might not be all that
different from theirs. All
this...
(gestures around him)
... might be nothing more than an
elaborate simulation being run
inside a little device... sitting
on someone else's table...
Picard's just making a philosophical point that brings
smiles around the room. Except for Barclay, who seems
a little disquieted by what he said.
PICARD
Well... I believe we have a new
born star to study.
(standing; indicating
the cube)
Mister Barclay... you'll see that
is kept in a safe place?
BARCLAY
Aye, sir.
Barclay adjusts a control or two on the unit as
everyone files out of the room. He stands and picks up
the unit to follow, but then decides to wait and allow
the door to close behind them. Once alone, he looks
around the room.
BARCLAY
(tentatively)
Computer... end program.
When nothing happens, Barclay is satisfied he's not
still inside some Holodeck simulation somewhere. He
suddenly feels foolish for having doubted it, smiles
sheepishly, and leaves the room.
53 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As it hangs in space near the flickering new star.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END