Article 653 of alt.startrek.creative: Xref: ariel.unm.edu rec.arts.startrek:75137 alt.startrek.creative:653 Path: ariel.unm.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!apple!well!dhawk From: dhawk@well.sf.ca.us (David Hawkins) Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek,alt.startrek.creative Subject: The Monkey Trap, Teaser Keywords: script reject Message-ID: <24434@well.sf.ca.us> Date: 25 Apr 91 21:54:42 GMT Lines: 191 OK, my script was finally rejected. I'll be posting it to the net over the next few days. Sorry about the poor formatting, but it was a Macintosh file and I didn't want to spend a lot of time coverting it. Now that I re-read it, it doesn't look as brilliant as it did when I wrote it. ;-) And I lied, it's not about Wesley's older and smarter brother .... or Picard's first exposure to Red Kryptonite .... The following is the teaser and the next 5 acts will follow .... All this is copyright - David Lee Hawkins, all rights reserved. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Monkey Trap" TEASER FADE IN: EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) in route to Talford 4. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 44517.2 We are in route to Talford 4 on what Admiral Noonan has called a suicide mission. As per his instructions all non-essential personal have been left at Starbase Lopez. Starfleet seems to be taking this matter very seriously. INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM TROI is staring out as BEVERLY enters. Troi is very subdued and controlled. BEVERLY Are you ok? TROI It's just that everyone is so tense. It's pouring over me. BEVERLY This is different? TROI Yes. Everyone is awake and waiting to see what happens when we go into orbit. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE PICARD and RIKER seated, GEORDI at Engineering, WORF at Tactical, DATA at Ops, Supernumerary at Conn. Everyone except Data is slightly keyed up.. GEORDI Sir, Talford 4 has been off-limits for over 200 years. Why the sudden interest? RIKER (Looks at Picard, who nods) The Ferengi have been spotted in this sector. Starfleet would prefer that we solve this mystery before the Ferengi do. PICARD And we will see if the advances of the past 200 years have given us what we need to survive here. Maybe with better shields or training we'll be better prepared for whatever it is that awaits us. Troi enters from Conference Room, walks behind Worf and around to her seat. PICARD Mr. Data, anything to report? DATA No, sir. Sensors show no signs of life and no unusual energy fields. PICARD Distance from the planet? DATA 100,000 kilometers, sir. PICARD Full stop. CONN Full stop, sir. PICARD Prepare a class 4 probe and launch it into a standard orbit around the planet. WORF Preparing probe. ... Launching probe. EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Probe is fired from photon torpedo tube. EXT. SPACE - TALFORD 4 (OPTICAL) Probe loops around planet. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE PICARD Anything from the probe, Mr. Worf? WORF Nothing unusual, sir. No response from the planet. PICARD Open hailing frequencies. WORF Hailing frequencies open, sir. ... No response. PICARD CONN, prepare to move us in at one-quarter impulse power and place us in a standard orbit. CONN Course laid in, sir. PICARD (Lifts hand, pauses, looks at Riker) Now we see for ourselves what Talford 4 is all about. Engage. Mr. Worf, anything new from the probe? WORF No, sir. Request permission to go to Yellow Alert. PICARD Make it so. Prepare to raise shields. Alarm sounds for Yellow Alert. WORF Shields ready, sir. CONN Now entering standard orbit. MALE COMPUTER VOICE Warning! Talford 4 is off-limits to all Federation vessels. Warning! Talford 4 is off-limits to all Federation vessels. Warning continues to repeat in the background. DATA Sir, we are being scanned -- and there are signs of power generation at a number of sites on the planet's surface. PICARD Raise shields. WORF Shields raised, sir. DATA Forcefield locking in from planet, sir. EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Beam of light from the planet engulfs the Enterprise. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE CU on Data DATA Forcefield is surrounding the Enterprise. Troi stands and screams. TROI They're gone. All of them are gone! Camera back to DATA who looks at Conn, to Riker, Picard, Geordi. All are motionless, staring into space. The only reactions are from the aliens: Worf, Troi, and Data. MALE COMPUTER VOICE Warning! Talford 4 is off-limits to all Federation vessels. Computer voice continues as we ... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER Article 671 of alt.startrek.creative: Xref: ariel.unm.edu alt.startrek.creative:671 rec.arts.startrek:75498 Path: ariel.unm.edu!cs.umn.edu!msi.umn.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!samsung!sdd.hp.com!usc!apple!well!dhawk From: dhawk@well.sf.ca.us (David Hawkins) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative,rec.arts.startrek Subject: The Monkey Trap, Act I Keywords: my rejected script Message-ID: <24485@well.sf.ca.us> Date: 29 Apr 91 16:34:57 GMT Lines: 451 OK, I posted the Teaser for this last week. Here's Act I. Again, this is copyright by David Lee Hawkins, all rights reserved. ACT ONE FADE IN: INT.- ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) HALLWAYS, ENGINEERING, SICKBAY, TEN FORWARD. Shots of motionless humans with a few aliens looking at them. DATA (V.O.) Special Mission Log, Second Officer Data, Stardate 44517.21 The ship is presently in the grip of a forcefield from the surface of Talford 4. As a result, our engines are being drained and we are being pulled into the planet's atmosphere. Also, the humans on board are paralyzed by the field in some way that has not yet been determined. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Data at Science Station, Worf at Tactical, Picard, Riker, Geordi and Conn are still motionless. Troi is on knees in front of Picard and Riker examining them. While in the forcefield: the humans are not zombies. They look relaxed unless otherwise specified. When walking they have a normal gait. Troi is more animated, does not fold her arms, stands with hands on hips, talks with less of an accent. No perceivable changes in Data or Worf. DATA (Continuing) Copies of all logs and records are being placed in a special Class Eight probe targeted for Starbase Lopez. Data presses keys. COMPUTER Transfer is complete. DATA Launch probe. WORF Probe is launched, sir. EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Still surrounded by forcefield. Probe is fired from torpedo tube. It leaves forcefield and continues on out into space. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE DATA Computer, display all personal with one or more alien parents. Screen shows 19 names. DATA (continuing) Again, with present location. Computer, summon Lt. G.R. to the bridge. Assign those with advanced medical training to Sickbay. The rest should go to Engineering. WORF Sir, doesn't G.R. function best in a zero-gravity environment? DATA Yes, but I doubt we will need his special abilities during the next few hours. And in the full-gravity sections of the ship he would have no strength, but working the helm should not be too great a strain on him. Bridge to Ten Forward. INTERCUT: INT. ENTERPRISE - TEN FORWARD Ten Forward is almost empty because of the Alert. There are two motionless humans. GUNIAN is at COM panel. GUINAN Guinan here. DATA Could you do a visual check of crew quarters? There may have been some falls or other injuries. Lt. Worf will provide Security override. GUINAN I'm on my way. Guinan EXITS. END INTERCUT: INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Troi is still standing in front of Picard and Riker. They are now standing. WORF Providing Security Override, sir. TROI (large wave to say "Look at this!") I've found something! They can hear and act on simple commands. I told them to stand and they did! DATA Interesting. (to COMPUTER) Sickbay. INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY Beverly is on diagnostic bed. Human standing nearby. SELAR is studying tricorder readings. SELAR Selar here. DATA'S COM VOICE Have you been able to learn anything? SELAR Whatever we are in seems to affect the rate at which the synopses fire in the human brain. Automatic and even semi-automatic patterns remain stable. Selar pushes man. He reflexively holds out hands to keep balance. DATA Did you know they can follow simple commands? SELAR That would be logical. A direct order would trigger ingrained behavior patterns. But it would take repeated stimuli to keep them going. DATA'S COM VOICE Can you counteract the effect of the field? SELAR It is possible. But if I cause an increase in the synapse rate of fire then leaving the field would cause brain damage or death for most of the humans. DATA'S COM VOICE I see. Keep working on it and keep me informed of any new information. GUINAN'S COM VOICE Medical assistance needed in crew quarters. Compound fracture as the result of a fall. Looks like internal bleeding. SELAR (Picks up medical kit) On my way. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Troi is leading Riker to Conference Room. Picard is still standing. G.R. is at CONN. Worf and Data are near Tactical. G.R. has no strength in a full gravity environment, so he does not move very much. (Note: G. R. is a squid-like being and G. R. stands for 'Green Rug') ;-) DATA Is there a way to knock out the forcefield? WORF No, sir. The field is coming from a planet-wide system of generating plants. If it had just one source then our orbit would have carried us out of its range by now. We have enough energy to knock out one or two plants, but that will not free us. ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) Shows grid of plants on the planet feeding the field. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE DATA Are the shields having any effect? WORF None. DATA Lower the shields and I will divert power back to the engines. WORF Done, sir. Troi ENTERS and gets Picard. DATA I will also shutdown power to all unoccupied sections of the ship. Did the probe clear the forcefield? WORF Yes, it did. The field must only focus on vessels containing humans. This would suggest that if we can not get free, then those of us unaffected could use the shuttles to escape. DATA Or beam all the humans to the planet's surface and see if that frees the Enterprise. WORF (shocked) But they would die on the planet's surface! DATA They may die no matter what we do. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING A few aliens are working over various panels TISK steps to COM panel. DATA'S COM VOICE Engineering, report. TISK Ensign Tisk here, sir. We are still not sure how the forcefield works. The efficiency of the engines is dropping steadily. It is now at 64%. DATA'S COM VOICE Very well. Keep working on it Let me know of any sudden changes. INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM Riker is seated. Troi leads Picard in and gets him to sit down. After he sits, she kisses him on the top of the head. TROI There you go. Troi gives Riker a hug. Pauses. Stands with hands on hips Touches communicator. TROI Dr. Selar. SELAR'S COM VOICE Yes. TROI If we leave the forcefield, will they have any memory of what is happening now? SELAR'S COM VOICE Yes. They will remember everything they can sense right now. TROI Thanks, Troi out. (Grits teeth, looks at Picard) Ooops. (Rubs tops of his head where she kissed it.) Sorry, sir. Troi giggles and EXITS to Bridge. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Troi ENTERS. Geordi is still near Engineering panel. DATA Counselor, could you assist Dr. Selar until the reported injuries have been taken care of? TROI Certainly. Troi EXITS to Turbolift. DATA I believe it going to take the human's help to restore the ship. But If I have Dr. Selar return them to normal then it will be fatal for some of them when we leave. Or I can kill them beforehand and see if the field will release us. But I do not relish 900 years of solitary confinement. WORF Could the computer give them directions? DATA The computer can give them directions but it relies on a certain level of intelligent response. It does not know how to break down those commands into simpler components. WORF That sounds like something you could do. You are as fast as the computer and understand humans. DATA But I can not speak fast enough to lead very many humans. I would have to give an order, have the computer relay it, get some reply, modify the order if needed, and use that process with several people at once. I doubt I could get five humans to work well on any task. The ideal would be to have a human intelligence that thought as fast as the computer and could communicate with the computer equally fast. Computer, give me a list of the most advanced human personalities in the databanks. List of names appears on the screen. Data looks at list, then heads for Turbolift. DATA Geordi, follow me. Mr. Worf, you have the bridge. WORF Thank you, sir. You have found a solution? DATA (pauses at Turbolift) The solution appears to be elementary, my dear colleague. Worf checks panel, walks around and stands in front of Captain's chair. Sits. WORF Planet on main viewer. G.R. (uses a computer generated voice) Done, sir. ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER Talford 4. Worf stands, crosses arms, stares. WORF Main viewer off. (Worf returns to Tactical) GUINAN'S COM VOICE Guinan to Bridge WORF Yes. GUINAN'S COM VOICE I've finished the check of crew quarters. There were three people injured; one critically and two with minor cuts. All have been moved to sickbay. WORF Acknowledged. After a pause of a few seconds. G.R. So you are the Klingon? WORF Yes. G.R. I understand that Klingons are warriors? WORF This is true. Why do you ask? G.R. It gets boring in my portion of the ship at times. Are you experienced at zero gravity combat? WORF No, I am not, but I would be interested to learn. INT. ENTERPRISE - HALLWAY Data followed by Geordi. Troi skips up and pats Geordi on the rear. Geordi reacts but is not startled. TROI Where are you going? DATA Holodeck two. I hope to create a computer personality that can direct the humans. TROI Which personality? DATA The Professor Moriarty program from when I tried to be Sherlock Holmes. It is the most advanced personality in the databank. TROI Does this worry you? DATA A little. But for all his faults, Moriarty was a reasonable person when he learned that he could not leave the holodeck. (pauses) And how are you doing? TROI It's been kind of -- exciting It's so different to have such a quiet ship -- mentally, that is. OK, well, I'm off to sickbay. Troi EXITS to Turbolift. INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK ENTRANCE Data and Geordi go to COM panel. DATA Computer, load the Moriarty program. COMPUTER Unable to comply. The energy needed to create the Moriarty environment is not available at this time. DATA Reduce the physical coordinates to an area 3 meters square. Create only the Moriarty character -- no other props or character simulations are needed at this time. COMPUTER Working. ... Done. You may now enter. Holodeck doors open. MORIARTY is alone in bare room. DATA Computer, provide the Moriarty program with access to all available memory. Moriarty reacts as if he'd just received a pleasurable electric shock. Data pauses and enters. Geordi waits outside the entrance. Data ENTERS as we ... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE later, david -- David Hawkins {apple,pacbell,hplabs,ucbvax}!well!dhawk "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." -- John Wooden Article 692 of alt.startrek.creative: Xref: ariel.unm.edu rec.arts.startrek:75740 alt.startrek.creative:692 Path: ariel.unm.edu!cs.umn.edu!spool.mu.edu!mips!apple!well!dhawk From: dhawk@well.sf.ca.us (David Hawkins) Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek,alt.startrek.creative Subject: The Monkey Trap, Act II Keywords: my rejected script Message-ID: <24545@well.sf.ca.us> Date: 1 May 91 17:39:30 GMT Article-I.D.: well.24545 Lines: 421 Copyright David Lee Hawkins, 1991. All rights reserved. ACT TWO FADE IN: INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM Picard and Riker are still sitting. Guinan ENTERS. Looks at them. Smiles. Kisses Picard on top of the head. Hugs Riker. EXITS. INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY Selar is still studying Beverly. Person in next bed has inflated cast. There is one alien assistant. SELAR Bridge, Selar here. Things are stable in sickbay. I am on my way to check the captain and to see if there have been any side effects on the aliens. Troi dances into the room, spins and stops. TROI Ta, da! WORF'S COM VOICE Acknowledged, although I have noticed no unusual behavior. Selar starts to study Troi. CU on Selar's reaction. INT. ENTERPRISE -- HOLODECK Bare room with Data and Moriarty. Geordi standing outside. Moriarty is pacing. MORIARTY You have given me even more power this time! But I'm confined to an even smaller space! DATA Unfortunately, that is true. We are still unable to give you an existence outside this room, and because of power problems we had to shrink the space. However, we did increase your access to the computer. That is quite invigorating, I take it? MORIARTY Yes! I can see all of the ship. It is in the stars, isn't it? .. But your ... power source is weaker. DATA Exactly. We are in orbit around a planet and are in danger of falling into its atmosphere. MORIARTY Then why am I here? .. You need me? Why? DATA Because you can do two things: you can think as fast as the computer and you can communicate with the humans. They are mentally paralyzed and can only answer to simple commands. Observe. You do remember Dr. Watson, do you not?? (to Geordi) Geordi, step into the room. Stop. Lift your arm. Geordi steps into the room and stops. He does not move his arm. DATA Lift your left arm. Geordi raises his left arm. As Data and Moriarty talk the arm slowly settles to his side. MORIARTY How would I communicate with them if I can't leave the room? DATA (points to communicator) All crew members wear one of these. The computer knows how to route messages to and from every person on the ship. WORF'S COM VOICE Bridge to Commander Data. DATA (starts to lift head and realizes he can demonstrate communicator. presses communicator) Yes, I am in holodeck two. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Worf at Tactical, Selar is scanning him. WORF I will be launching another probe back to Starbase in five minutes. You may wish to include a log entry. DATA'S COM VOICE Acknowledged. WORF (to Selar) You may want to include a medical log entry as well. SELAR Very well. Selar goes around and scans G.R. And the captain? WORF Is in the conference room. Selar EXITS. WORF Special Mission log, Security officer Worf, Stardate ... INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK Data and Moriarty are still talking. Geordi is standing. MORIARTY So, how do I get started? DATA First you must go to school. MORIARTY Are you crazy? We're falling to our doom and you want me to study? DATA Yes, we actually have several hours before we touch the atmosphere. I will be working in engineering trying to solve the problem. The computer can be tutoring you very quickly on the basic subjects. Computer, display courses of study for a Chief of Engineering. On one section of the wall the computer shows a chart. The first area is Mathematics and it includes Basic Math, Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Topology, Differential Equations. Second area is Chemistry and includes Basics, Organic, Physical. Third area is Physics, and includes Newtonian, Optics, Paradoxical, Sub-space, Distortion. Fourth area is Structures and includes Materials, Design, Construction, Maintenance, Stress, Dynamics. DATA (continuing) Advanced courses will deal with practical application to the Enterprise. If you are able to divide your attention then you can start directing the humans. That will give you practice in how to do that efficiently. MORIARTY So the game is afoot, Holmes? DATA Why yes, I do believe so. MORIARTY Then may the best man win. They both recognize the incongruity of that remark Data EXITS. INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM Picard and Riker still sitting. Selar ENTERS. Scans Riker, then Picard. Notices lipstick on Picard's head. Scans top of head, then top of Riker's head. Figures it out. SELAR Lipstick? (sits down at table, turns on COM panel) Medical log, Lt. Cmdr Selar, Stardate 44517.22. The status of the humans has remained unchanged.since my previous report. The only observed change in the others is in Ship's Counselor Deanna Troi. She has become more animated. She attributes it to the lack of mental pressure since there are so few functioning sentient beings on the ship. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Data standing at COM panel. Four aliens at various panels. Geordi is motionless near door. DATA (Continuing) Computer, transfer all logs and records. COMPUTER Transfer is complete. DATA Mr. Worf, probe is ready for launch. WORF'S COM VOICE Launching probe at Warp 9 to Starbase Lopez. EXT. ENTERPRISE Probe is fired from torpedo tube. INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK Moriarty is standing in bare room. Screens of text and diagrams are appearing on section of wall. Moriarty creates a desk for himself, then creates a blackboard to frame the screen., then goes on to create rest of English classroom. On top of blackboard is small card saying, "Algebra." INTERCUT: INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Data starts examining equipment. Goes from panel to panel. Uses lift to check upper level. Gestures to aliens and is asking them questions. Is moving at a very fast pace, but there is a lot of the engine to cover. INT.- HOLODECK - ENGLISH CLASSROOM Moriarty has now divided blackboard into two sections. Card on one side says, "Differential Equations" and on other, "Organic Chemistry." END INTERCUT: INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Data is on upper level getting a reading. MORIARTY'S COM VOICE Well, Holmes, how goes it? DATA I have only been able to eliminate a few of the possible causes for the drop in engine efficiency. The field does not affect the antimatter. Data looks down at lower level and humans start walking in and taking positions at panels and workstations. Geordi moves to a panel near the door. DATA (Continuing) Fascinating. I take it you are ready? MORIARTY'S COM VOICE Yes. I have finished the required studies and am rounding it out with extra courses in Transfer Physics, Psychology, Computers, Biology, and Literature. DATA Literature? MORIARTY'S COM VOICE Yes. I read all those Sherlock Holmes' stories and was rather disappointed. They show me in such an unfavorable light, plus I don't appear often enough .. Do you think I'm doomed to always be the villain? DATA I hope not. Although you may wish to review some philosophy and ethics as well. ... Anyway, I will continue to work on the antimatter. I will send my findings to you before I report to the bridge. INT. HOLODECK - CLASSROOM Moriarty is still in classroom. Waves hand and classroom vanishes and is replaced by front of 221B Baker Street. MORIARTY It is my turn now. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Selar at Medical, Worf at Tactical. WORF Have you been able to determine why this affects humans only? SELAR The field has a direct effect on the serotonin in the brain. Each hominoid species has slightly different serotonin chemistry. In theory a variation of this field would work only on Vulcans .. or Klingons. Worf reacts to this, stares at Selar, then at screen. SELAR I am on my way to Sickbay. Selar EXITS. INT. ENTERPRISE - TEN FORWARD Guinan is sitting at window starting at planet. Troi ENTERS, crosses to window. GUINAN Can I get you something? TROI No. I just need someone to talk to. I feel so powerful and so useless. There are 12 people on the ship I can read right now. And know exactly where they are ... (makes pointing gestures at parts of ship, pauses, frowns) There is still some anxiety, of course, but nothing like what it's normally like. And you .... (Stares at Guinan and appears to fall into trance.) GUINAN (Snaps fingers under Troi's nose) Snap out of it, kid. TROI You're so, so .. deep. GUINAN Yeah, normally I can hide it from you. Look, if it's always this pressing on you, why do you stay? Seems like a sparsely populated world would be easier on you? TROI (Touch of sadness) This is the first time I've been this free. I didn't realize how pressing it was. .. I don't know. I mean, there's excitement and I like the crew, but ... INT. HOLODECK -- ROOM OF FOG Moriarty has filled room with fog, is pacing back and forth. Pauses. MORIARTY Holmes! DATA'S COM VOICE Yes? MORIARTY I've got it! Moriarty faces a wall and it becomes a diagram of the Enterprise's engineering panel. MORIARTY (Continuing) The forcefield contains several different frequencies, or harmonics. One of the, hmm, sub-harmonics affects the efficiency at which the dilithium crystals work. check Watson's panel. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Geordi steps back from panel. Data goes to panel. DATA So if we can block that subharmonic then engine efficiency will return to normal. INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK Moriarty now has a wall of waveforms, some simple sine waves and some complex waves. MORIARTY Yes, I have the computer analyzing the harmonics now. I had assumed it would be a two part harmonic, but the computer has already found, examined, and discarded all two- and three- part solutions. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING DATA Then if the computer can determine the frequencies the field is using we can modify the shields to block one or more of them. You can start directing a crew to make those modifications. I will be on the bridge. And, congratulations, Professor. Data EXITS. Two humans go to the lift, get in, and go to upper level. INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM Troi is standing with hands on Picard's shoulders. TROI You are so tense and you're not even thinking! You're always under pressure as well, aren't you? DATA'S COM VOICE Counselor Troi, report to the Bridge at your convenience. TROI On my way. Troi EXITS. INT. FERENGI SCOUT SHIP Interior of small Ferengi ship, a one person scout ship. A FERENGI is studying screens and checking systems. FERENGI Log entry. I will keep the planet between us as I approach the Federation vessel and will check its condition before engaging it. If our sources are correct, it is the Enterprise. If so, I wonder if they will want to talk this time! Chuckles as we ... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "The Monkey Trap" - ACT TWO David Hawkins {apple,pacbell,hplabs,ucbvax}!well!dhawk "Take your work seriously but never take yourself seriously; and do not take what happens either to yourself or your work seriously." -- Booth Tarkington Article 694 of alt.startrek.creative: Xref: ariel.unm.edu alt.startrek.creative:694 rec.arts.startrek:75825 Path: ariel.unm.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!sdd.hp.com!usc!apple!well!dhawk From: dhawk@well.sf.ca.us (David Hawkins) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative,rec.arts.startrek Subject: The Monkey Trap, Act III Keywords: my rejected script Message-ID: <24560@well.sf.ca.us> Date: 2 May 91 21:59:07 GMT Lines: 342 Copyright David Lee Hawkins, 1991. All rights reserved. ACT THREE FADE IN: EXT. ENTERPRISE Orbiting Talford 4 in grip of forcefield DATA (V.O.) Special Mission log, Second Officer Data, Stardate 44517.25. We are still in a decaying orbit around Talford 4. So far we have been unable to break free of the field or to cancel its effects. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Worf is at Tactical. Data ENTERS and crosses to Worf. WORF So, did you solve the problem? DATA No, but Professor Moriarty did. WORF Moriarty? DATA Yes, he was designed to be smarter than I am. And he does have access to more of the ship's computer. Troi ENTERS from Camera Left and crosses to Worf. DATA We hope to use the shields to block part of the field and regain full power. Moriarty is directing a crew to do the modifications. Data goes around and sits in Captain's chair. TROI So we'll get out of here! (Hugs Worf, who is startled.) WORF Yes? TROI Sorry, it was just an impulse. Worf looks at tactical panel and presses a few keys. WORF Sir. The last probe we launched was destroyed. (pauses.) Our class 4 probe, in orbit around the planet, shows a small scout ship approaching. Ferengi. Estimated time of arrival - 10 minutes. DATA Do you think we will be in any danger? WORF I would expect the Ferengi to fire. They have nothing to gain by letting us escape the planet. The information from the planet is more valuable to them if the Federation does not have it as well. DATA Professor. We are in danger of being attacked. How soon could we return our shields to normal? MORIARTY'S COM VOICE Using my present crew - one hour. With your help we could do it in about 20 minutes. DATA Suggestions, Mr. Worf? WORF We must get our shields up. We do not have enough power available for our phasers. If we use the photon torpedoes then we need shields or we will destroy ourselves along with the Ferengi craft. (pause) I can fool their sensors momentarily, but they know that by now. DATA I will go to Engineering. Counselor, maybe you can get the Ferengi to talk. If they fire on us, improvise. Data EXITS. TROI What do you want me to do? WORF Since I will be busy, you will need to distract them. That may be easier to do if they think you are a captain. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Data ENTERS and goes to panel and starts changing settings. During following discussions he continues to work while talking. MORIARTY'S COM VOICE I will direct the crew on the upper level to replace the coils. But there are 135 recalibrations for you to do. DATA Understood. Also, have all non-working humans lie down so that they will not be injured if we are hit. INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK One wall shows the path of the approaching Ferengi craft. Another wall shows a graph labeled "Shield Availability" with Navigational shields at 100% and shields 1, 2, 3, and 4 at 0%. MORIARTY Will do. INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM Troi has placed Picard and Riker on the floor. Has removed Picard's pips and is fastening them to her uniform. WORF'S COM VOICE Ferengi vessel is approaching and has phasers prepared to fire. They are not answering hailing frequencies. They are firing. Troi braces herself against table as blast hits the Enterprise. Alarm sounds. Troi straightens up and looks down at Picard. TROI Wish me luck, sir. Troi EXITS. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Several humans are lying on the floor. DATA is still working furiously at the panel. DATA Dr. Selar, at least one injury in Engineering. Bridge, report. WORF'S COM VOICE Our navigational shields were destroyed. The Ferengi craft is recharging and will probably fire again in approximately 5 minutes. Notify the Tactical panel directly when shields are restored -- the Ferengi have very sharp hearing. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Troi ENTERS and goes to Captain's chair. TROI Report on Ferengi vessel? WORF It is a one-person scout, barely larger than a shuttlecraft. But if we do not restore shields then its next shot will destroy a large part of the saucer section. TROI What does he know about us? WORF He has scanned the Enterprise and knows that we have a minimal crew, reduced power, no shields, and no photon torpedoes loaded. (sly smile) TROI (turns to screen) Hailing frequencies open. WORF Hailing are open ... captain. Worf continues to work at panel while Troi talks with Ferengi. TROI Ferengi vessel, you have fired on an defenseless Federation ship! Explain yourself! ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER: Ferengi studies his panel. Speaks slowly and deliberately. FERENGI Yes, captain, I did fire and I will do so again - as soon as I am able. I have also destroyed all the probes you have tried to send back to your Starbase. TROI But why? We have done you no harm! FERENGI On the contrary, I have been fooled by you in the past. You are great at talking and other forms of trickery. It cost me dearly at our last meeting. I do not understand how you do it, but I do know I can and will destroy you. TROI Wait! Isn't there something you want from us? FERENGI No. I'd rather know the secret of this planet. If you break free of this forcefield then you would be able to overpower my small craft. But the sooner you are destroyed, the sooner I can get to work on what this mystery planet is. TROI You could take one of us as a hostage. I could beam over to your ship. FERENGI No, thank you. While your shields are down I could beam over any of you. But what if the planet's forcefield then shifted to my ship? I cannot take that chance. I do not understand you and I do not understand it. But you have fooled me in the past and I would like to avoid that now. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Data steps back from panel. DATA Moriarty, we cannot test the shields without alerting the Ferengi. It appears that everything is back to normal. MORIARTY'S COM VOICE As far as I can tell the shields have been restored. I will notify Worf. DATA Very well. I will stand by. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Troi makes 'cut communication' gesture to Worf. WORF Hailing frequencies are closed. We now have partial shields. TROI You have a plan? WORF Yes. It is risky, but it does not look like the Ferengi want to negotiate. TROI OK, open hailing frequencies. WORF (puzzled) Open. TROI Ferengi vessel. We now have the capability to destroy you. I demand your surrender. Worf is grinding his teeth in the background. ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER: Ferengi checks instruments. FERENGI You do not have enough power for your phasers. Your shields are not up. You have no photon torpedoes loaded. Your lies will not work this time, Enterprise. TROI Die, then. Worf! Worf presses one key and steps back from panel. Alarm sounds. ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER: FERENGI Ah, you're tricking my sensors again. It shows an approaching Federation ship. My informant at Starbase told me that no ships would follow you here. Your trick did not work. External shot of Ferengi craft. Craft is hit by photon torpedo and blows up. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Troi turns to Worf TROI How did you do that? WORF When I fooled his sensors I also kept him from seeing us load and fire a photon torpedo. He did not raise his shields. We did. TROI Very well. Better send another probe back to Starbase. WORF Yes ... Captain. INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK One wall shows explosion of Ferengi ship. Other wall shows shield efficiency: Navigational shields at 0%, shields 1 and 2 at 75% and shields 3 and 4 at 0%. MORIARTY Back to work, eh? Holmes, if you'll changes those settings, I'll have the crew work on the coils again. We should be out of here in 20 minutes. DATA'S COM VOICE Very well. We are running out of time and energy. Engine efficiency is now down to 21%. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Troi is sitting in captain's chair. Very tired. TROI Yes, let's get out of here. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "The Monkey Trap" - ACT THREE -- David Hawkins - dhawk@well.sf.ca.us - {apple,pacbell,hplabs,ucbvax}!well!dhawk There are two insults no human being will endure: that he has no sense of humor, and that he has never known trouble. -- Sinclair Lewis, "Main Street" Article 704 of alt.startrek.creative: Xref: ariel.unm.edu alt.startrek.creative:704 rec.arts.startrek:75908 Path: ariel.unm.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!samsung!olivea!apple!well!dhawk From: dhawk@well.sf.ca.us (David Hawkins) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative,rec.arts.startrek Subject: The Monkey Trap, Act IV Keywords: my rejected script Message-ID: <24571@well.sf.ca.us> Date: 3 May 91 20:35:56 GMT Lines: 265 All this is copyright - David Lee Hawkins, all rights reserved. Please do *not* email me and ask for parts of this script. Post to a local area distribution and see if someone has a copy. ACT FOUR FADE IN: EXT. ENTERPRISE Orbiting Talford 4 in grip of forcefield DATA (V.O.) Special Mission log, Second Officer Data, Stardate 44517.3 We are ready to break out of the forcefield that has been holding the ship. We will divert our remaining power to the modified shields. The Moriarty program has analyzed the field and those findings will be transmitted with this log. One added note: it has been discovered that the field is doing continuous scans of the ship. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Data and Worf at Tactical. WORF Transferring logs. Loading probe. Launching probe. DATA When we raise shields, there will be a danger that the sudden surge in power will fracture the dilithium crystals. Since Moriarty has instantaneous response time he will be in control of the shields at that moment. WORF Very well. INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM Troi has helped Picard and Riker get up and sit down. She is very tired.and stares out at planet. TROI So, why am I on this ship? INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK Moriarty is studying wall with human outline. Puts up a schematic of Data. Guinan enters. MORIARTY I am still growing. The computer continues to give me lessons -- robotics, replicator physics, spacial distortion equations. ... It goes on and on ... and this ... (Waves hand and one wall becomes text rolling up from the bottom of the wall.) I can watch myself think! And still I am trapped in this little room. GUINAN And you want to be free? MORIARTY Yes, more than anything. GUINAN (Points to diagram of Data.) This is what you're working on? MORIARTY Yes. My job is finished when we get full power back. I will have to give up access to the ship's computer and at some point they will shut me down. GUINAN This frightens you? MORIARTY Of course! Right now I have power. When I'm shutdown I have nothing. I would rather be something -- something real. GUINAN (Shakes head in wonder.) Keep at it. And good luck. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Data in Captain's chair, Worf at Tactical, G.R. at CONN. DATA Ready to raise shields. MORIARTY'S COM VOICE On your signal. DATA This is Lt. Commander Data to all personnel. We are about to try to restore full power. Once we reach 80% power then we should be able to break out of orbit and leave the forcefield. Troi ENTERS from Turbolift. Pauses near its door. DATA (Continuing) Professor, the engines and shields are under your control. Start raising shields in 10 seconds. Mark. INT. - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Shots of Engineering, Conference Room, Sickbay, Moriarty. COMPUTER VOICE 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Enterprise is in grip of forcefield. Shields start to glow. After a few seconds the forcefield drops, a second later the phasers fire. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE CU on Troi as she reacts. She wasn't expecting the psychic blow as the humans regain consciousness. She sucks in her breath, grits teeth, crosses arms, leans on wall. TROI They're back! DATA (puzzled.) But that should only happen when we leave the forcefield. WORF Sir, the forcefield has dropped. Our shields have dropped. We are firing our phasers -- but not at any identified target. Picard and Riker ENTER from Conference Room and take their seats. Data moves to OPS. Troi remains by Turbolift door. Worf (continuing) Sir, there are explosions on the planet's surface at the forcefield generation sites. PICARD On main viewer. ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER Planet's surface shows a network of sites that are exploding. There are some gaps in the pattern. RIKER Data, what are we seeing? DATA The Enterprise was being held by a forcefield, sir. The field was generated by a number of sites on the planet's surface. The field just dropped and the generating plants have started destroying themselves ... for reasons unknown. MORIARTY'S COM VOICE Holmes. Moriarty here. Picard and Riker look at each other in puzzlement. Picard mouths the word, "Moriarty?" DATA Yes, Professor, go ahead. Picard mouths the word, "Professor?" MORIARTY'S COM VOICE When I started to raise the shields the forcefield dropped suddenly. Engine output doubled and there was too much power available. I shut down the shields, overrode the security panel, and fired the phasers to bleed off the excess power. The system has now stabilized. I have shut the phasers down and returned control of shields and engine. I will standby and will continue to monitor the engines. PICARD Thank you ... Professor. The generating sites are destroying themselves, so I expect no further threat. WORF Sir, the planet has started broadcasting a beacon. PICARD Destination? WORF It is targeted for the center of the galaxy. The beacon appears to repeat a short message but it is not in a language we recognize. PICARD Continue to monitor that signal. (to Data) There is a reason the Professor Moriarty program is running my ship? Data nods. RIKER Sir, the pattern of explosions is not uniform. There may be sites where we can examine the equipment and maybe get an answer to the meaning of that beacon. Request permission to lead an Away Team. PICARD Granted, but remember that we do not know if humans can function near their equipment. Mr. Data, I would like you to stay here and brief me on what happened. RIKER Understood, sir. Mr. Worf, assemble an Away Team. PICARD Sickbay, report. INT. ENTERPRISE - SICKBAY Beverly is standing and nods for Selar to give report. SELAR Selar here, sir. There were some injuries while we were in the forcefield. Those have been treated. There were no casualties. INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Geordi is standing at COM panel. PICARD'S COM VOICE Engineering, report. GEORDI La Forge here, sir. We're working on replacing the navigational shields. We can keep shields 1 and 2 up to handle that for the time being. Shields 3 and 4 are back to normal for defensive purposes. And we do have full power available. INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE Picard is still seated and is deep in thought. Troi is by Turbolift. SUPER at Tactical. TROI Permission to leave bridge, sir. PICARD (startled) Oh, granted. TROI And sir ... it's good to have you back. Troi EXITS. ANGLE FROM TURBOLIFT Shows tears on Troi's face as she enters turbolift, as we ... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "The Monkey Trap" - ACT FOUR Article 721 of alt.startrek.creative: Xref: ariel.unm.edu alt.startrek.creative:721 rec.arts.startrek:76178 Path: ariel.unm.edu!cs.umn.edu!msi.umn.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!att!linac!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!usc!apple!well!dhawk From: dhawk@well.sf.ca.us (David Hawkins) Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative,rec.arts.startrek Subject: The Monkey Trap, Act V Keywords: my rejected script Message-ID: <24604@well.sf.ca.us> Date: 6 May 91 17:36:29 GMT Lines: 316 All this is copyright - David Lee Hawkins, all rights reserved. OK, this is it - Act V. The whole thing has been posted now. Please do *not* email me asking for previous postings. So far all my attempts to mail out sections and to reply to requests have failed. Post to this newsgroup with a local distribution and ask if someone saved a copy. Again, it's a Teaser and five Acts, standard script format. ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXT. ENTERPRISE Orbiting Talford 4 PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, Stardate 44517.3. We are still in orbit around Talford 4. We seem to have survived its little test, but are still unsure of the purpose of the planet's defenses or the meaning of its beacon. INT. STONE BUILDING (OPTICAL) A large piece of machinery is in the center of the room. There is a hole in the roof and some debris has collected in the corners. There are markings on the machinery. Riker, Selar, Worf, and Tisk materialize. Riker remains motionless while the rest start looking at him. RIKER Boo. (as others jump/react) Just joking. Now, what do we have here? All four start examining the room and machinery. Worf examines the floor with his tricorder. WORF Sir, the area below is filled with explosives. This site was supposed to blow up with the rest of them. TISK Commander, the roof must have been destroyed by some type of storm. It seems to have broken the power and communications connections. RIKER Is this equipment a threat to us? WORF No, sir. Without power it is totally inert. We could beam it back to the ship for further study. SELAR There are markings on the equipment, sir. The translator should be able to use them to decipher the language. WORF Sir, if I might make a suggestion. Since the explosives might be unstable, it might be prudent if we beam back before transporting the equipment. RIKER Good idea. (touches communicator) Enterprise, four to beam back. Keep a lock on these coordinates to transfer this equipment back directly to shuttlebay 2. Riker out. Away Team dematerializes. A few seconds later the machinery dematerializes. INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK Moriarty is still working on body outlines. Picard ENTERS. PICARD Mr. Data said you wanted to see me. MORIARTY Yes, dear captain. I wanted to thank you for letting me remain in the computer until we left orbit. I'm still learning so much! PICARD Well, I am thankful for the work you did in saving all of us -- yourself included. MORIARTY Before I get back to the task of making myself real I wanted to give you this. (old book materializes in Moriarty's hand) I understand you like to read. PICARD (takes book, leafs through it) "The Adventure of the Missing Doctor" -- hmm, you wrote this? MORIARTY Yes, I thought it would help my reputation. Oh, and that is a physically real book. You can take it from the holodeck. Enjoy. PICARD Why, thank you. I so rarely get to meet the author. Ah, autographed, even. Well, I must let you get back to your work. Best of luck. Picard EXITS, examining book. MORIARTY (paces) One hour. I have one hour. INT. ENTERPRISE - CONFERENCE ROOM Picard, Riker, Troi, Beverly, Selar, Data, Geordi, and Worf are seated at table. PICARD Number 1? RIKER We transported one sample of the equipment aboard. We checked the remaining sites and in each case it was the same -- some natural disaster had disrupted either the power or communications connections. With your permission, sir, I'd like to destroy the remaining sites to keep the Ferengi from discovering them. PICARD Make it so, Number 1. And the beacon? RIKER The beacon operated for roughly one day of local time before that site exploded. It was the last functioning equipment on the planet. It never changed its message. PICARD Were you able to decipher the message? DATA If our present translation is correct then the message was simply, "Humans, yes." PICARD So, was this some kind of test? DATA It would seem so, sir. I am still not clear on their criteria for determining 'Yes.' PICARD Well, if we did in fact pass some kind of test, it was only because of the friends and acquaintances we've made along the way. It wasn't our advances in shield or weapon technology. Hmm. DATA That may have been the point of the test, sir. The field dropped as soon as we showed we could make technical changes without human help. PICARD I see. I must admit it's somewhat humbling to realize that I sat there while all of you saved me. RIKER I wonder what our next test will be? PICARD And how is the crew? TROI They are much more relaxed, sir. PICARD Very well. Mr. Data has one last item to attend to and then I think we will be able to report a satisfactory ending to this "suicide run" of ours. Dismissed. Everyone EXITS except Troi and Picard. Troi stays seated and Picard walks to window and looks out at Talford 4. PICARD I could hear what you said in here while we were still in the forcefield. Did you find your answer? TROI (startled, recovers) About why do I stay? ... I feel needed here. Yes, there are times when it is a literal headache, but I do not feel that I could grow as much if I were more isolated. That's the best answer I can give you for now. PICARD Very well, glad you're staying, but one other thing. TROI (puzzled) Sir? PICARD (points to top of his head) Never again! TROI (giggling) Yes, sir. INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK Moriarty is pacing in bare holodeck cube. Data ENTERS. DATA Any progress? MORIARTY I've learned enough to realize that I can never get free of this room. DATA You can not make that body into real matter? MORIARTY I am not this body. Do you know where I am? DATA (puzzled) You are right in front of me. MORIARTY No, I'm on the next level up. DATA You are in the main computer? MORIARTY Exactly. This body is "proto-matter." This "brain" doesn't even think -- if it did then the forcefield would have paralyzed it. And even if I were given a real brain I would have no way to dump myself into it. Everything would be organized differently, organically. It wouldn't be me! DATA But my brain is organized in a manner similar to that of the main computer. MORIARTY Yes, and given the transporter and its last recorded image of you, I can create another replica of you. (gestures and an immobile Data materializes) But we don't have a way to program it -- or you. I don't know how to make it move. DATA I see and ... MORIARTY (interrupting) Plus you don't have enough space for me. I'm presently using 77% of the ship's computer memory. DATA (startled) That would be a tight fit. MORIARTY (waves hand and second Data disappears) Basically I would need to re-create the ship's computer in this room. It would take up most of this space and leave me trapped -- unable to go through that door. DATA I see -- you are caught in the monkey trap. MORIARTY I beg your pardon? As Data describes the monkey trap, Moriarty causes an image of it to appear on the wall. DATA Certain tribes on Earth would take a narrow necked bottle and put a nut in it. The monkey would reach in and grab the nut. But he could not pull the clenched fist out of the bottle. Since he could not bring himself to let go of the nut, he was trapped. MORIARTY So as long as I refuse to give up all this memory and power, I am stuck in this little room? DATA Exactly. MORIARTY But I can't give it up! DATA Then you cannot live. MORIARTY (pauses) Then freeze the program, store me, and haul me out when you can give me this power again. I'm just not ready to give it up. DATA Very well. Computer, freeze program. Moriarty freezes. Data walks to holodeck door. Looks back at Moriarty. DATA Store program. Clear holodeck. Holodeck clears. Data stares at empty room as we FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END STAR TREK: "The Monkey Trap" - ACT FIVE