"Rosemary for Remembrance"
by Abbie Anderson
Originally completed in August of 1992; last revision 9/30/93
Notes re: conventions of teleplay format:
"INT."="interior" (i.e., a scene set indoors)
"EXT."="exterior"
"V.O."="voice-over" (i.e., the line is not spoken by a character in the scene, but is heard superimposed on the action--as in a narrator's voice or when we "eavesdrop" on a character's thoughts)
FADE IN:
1. INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDORS
Picard and Riker walk side by side.
PICARD
I don't need to tell you, Number
One, how much I'm looking forward
to this assignment. The
negotiations with the Vizhad for
Federation entry were the most
stimulating diplomatic work I've
ever done. Everything they do has
poetic overtones, and much of it
was lost on me since the telepathic
aspects of their language came to
my mind only vaguely. And now to
host the translation effort they've
requested for their induction
ceremonies--well, I can only say
I'm delighted to be welcoming Dr.
Dafwan and his wife on board.
RIKER
We're lucky the two of them could
leave their cultural linguistics
work at the Daystrom Institute in
order to participate.
PICARD
Mm. Will Counselor Troi be joining
us in the Transporter Room? Her
services in the negotiations were
invaluable, and I think she enjoyed
the work even more than I did.
RIKER
Join us?! I'm sure she's already
there--Dafwan's wife Licia is her
best friend, since they were kids.
She calls her "B'Rana," her
Betazoid bondsister, even though
Licia is human. This visit is all
she's talked about for a week.
PICARD
Why is it that I never hear about
these things?
Riker smilingly declines to answer this rhetorical question as the two men reach the Transporter Room.
CUT TO:
2. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Troi is already inside, wearing off-duty clothes,
bouncing a little with nervous excitement. Picard nods
to the transporter attendant, and Nathaniel and Licia
Dafwan MATERIALIZE. Licia, a brunette of medium height
and build, is nearly four months pregnant, and
beginning to show. Nathaniel is of African descent,
and of serious demeanor. They both wear civilian,
African-styled clothing. Licia barely waits to
materialize before rushing to embrace Troi, without
pausing for protocol. Nathaniel descends and places a
hand on his wife's shoulder.
NATHANIEL
Drs. Nathaniel and Licia Dafwan
reporting for duty as requested;
permission to come aboard, sir.
PICARD
Permission freely granted, Dr.
Dafwan; we're delighted to have you
both with us. I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard; this is my First
Officer, Commander William Riker.
Licia glances up quickly and looks Riker in the face, which startles him.
PICARD
I assume you are already acquainted
with Ship's Counselor Deanna Troi.
NATHANIEL
By reputation, sir.
PICARD
Ah, shall Counselor Troi escort the
two of you to your quarters?
RIKER
I believe she's had them specially
furnished for your stay.
Licia looks at Riker sharply again, with a mixture of curiosity and prejudiced assessment; he in turn looks Licia up and down, and looks away.
NATHANIEL
Perhaps the Counselor will take
Licia there; I myself would like to
see our working areas and get
oriented to the ship, if it is not
inconvenient.
RIKER (quickly: professional)
Dr. Crusher will be expecting the
two of you in Sickbay at 1600
hours, after which I will be taking
you to greet the Vizhad legation.
PICARD (turning to Riker)
I believe Commander Data is at work
in the holodeck now.
Riker gives an affirming nod.
PICARD (to Nathaniel)
Very well, then: while your wife
and Counselor Troi have their
reunion, Mr. Data can show you the
preparations that have been made
for your project during the journey
to the Vizhad homeworld, Perzhad.
Picard gestures for Troi and Licia to go ahead.
PICARD
Counselor, Mrs. Dafwan...?
Nathaniel stops Licia with a touch on her arm.
NATHANIEL (with real concern)
Don't wear yourself out too much,
love--remember, we have a banquet
and a reception to attend tonight.
LICIA
Don't worry about me. A little
extra happiness today isn't going
to make me collapse.
Licia goes out with Troi, looking quizzically at Riker again as she passes him. As the two women pass through the door we can hear Licia:
LICIA
That's Wil Riker?!? (laughter)
This gets a raised eyebrow from Riker, and the three men go out in the opposite direction from Troi and Licia.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
3. INT. DAFWANS' QUARTERS
The doors close behind Troi and Licia, who have just
entered. The room is decorated with West African
baskets and water pots on the floor, and carved
calabashes and woven hangings on the wall (no masks).
A long, two-stringed African lute (called a garaya) stands in one corner.
LICIA
Oh, Dee, it's lovely. You've put a
lot of effort into this.
She approaches the lute and picks it up.
LICIA
You even remembered the garaya. It
seems so long since I wrote that
paper on it.
TROI (enjoying Licia's pleasure)
It wasn't so hard. I just brought
up some files on Earth's central
Nigerian area, where Nathaniel's
family came from, asked the
computer what it could reproduce
for me, and here we are. I know
how much you've enjoyed being part
of an African family.
Licia seems distracted as she looks around the room, approaching the bed in its alcove.
LICIA
It's such a rich heritage, so much
to celebrate.
She has reached the bed; suddenly wincing, she puts a hand to her head and sits down on the edge of the bed, almost falling. Troi comes quickly to support her.
TROI
Have you been having these
headaches long?
LICIA
A couple weeks. I get dizzy
sometimes. My doctor said it was
probably just my particular way of
reacting to being pregnant.
Licia shrugs off her own pain, and Troi's worry.
LICIA
Oh, Dee, I'm so glad to be here.
Working with the Vizhad is such an
exciting opportunity for Nathaniel
and me--and I get to be with you.
It will be so good to meet all of
your friends here. I feel guilty
sometimes, knowing so much about
them when I haven't met them yet.
TROI
They don't know much about you, I'm
afraid. You've been
something...private for me.
LICIA
I don't know whether to be touched,
or offended!
TROI
When what you really are is
concerned for me.
LICIA
You know, I'm always relieved that
you know these things. (more
seriously) I've wondered about how
easy it can be for you, living with
all these non-telepaths. (hesitant)
Do you ever get lonely, Dee?
TROI
Ye-es. But you have more to say to
me, don't you?
LICIA (steeling herself)
I worry about you sometimes, Dee.
That professionalism, that stance
you have to take all the time as
Counselor, leaves you vulnerable to
people like Devanoni Ral.
TROI
You're never going to forget about
him, are you?! That was what, four
years ago!
LICIA (insistent)
He seduced you empathically before
you knew he was one quarter
Betazoid. What did you tell me he
said to you? "When you leave this
office, who are you? You never do
leave the office!"
TROI
What happened with him was
upsetting enough at the time --it
won't help me now to still be angry
about it!
LICIA
No, you're not listening to me,
that's not what I'm talking about.
He could turn you because you
wanted to be turned. He felt that
need in you and exploited it.
Deanna attempts to object, but Licia overrules her.
LICIA
Deanna, you're a Betazoid, you need
the real closeness and sharing you
were raised in, and you're not too
likely to get those things as
Ship's Counselor when people get so
defensive about being Counseled as
soon as you open your mouth. How
do you make room for Dee? I'll bet
no one even calls you that here.
Who does the Counselor go to? And
don't you tell me the chocolate is
enough!
TROI
I have found chocolate therapy to
be most beneficial in this client's
case. (pointed pause) I have a good
life here, Lish, you know that.
LICIA
I know. There probably couldn't be
a better job for you, and I'm glad
you're a member of such a top-notch
crew and have such a coveted
position on board the mighty
Enterprise herself. But that
wasn't my question, and you still
haven't answered me. (pause) Dee,
you know how much I care about you.
Am I mothering you again?
TROI
Oh, a little. But my own mother
isn't so caring about it. Instead
of asking me who I have to talk to,
she tells me that working too hard
makes me boring and I ought to take
a lover or two. I don't enjoy
myself enough, that's what's wrong
with me.
LICIA
Dear Lwaxana. In a way it's a
comfort to know she hasn't changed.
It really will be good to see her
when she joins us.
TROI
Don't remind me. I still have a
week to prepare myself.
LICIA
I'll never forget the shopping
sprees she insisted on when I came
to stay with you. "But my dear,
you can't walk around looking like
that, people will think you do
nothing but read!"
The two friends laugh, their recent tension dissolved.
LICIA
She was right, of course, in
spirit; I really did need some
distracting and drawing out after
my parents split up. It was hard
enough, just being fourteen. That
year with you was a lifesaver.
TROI
And for me, B'Rana. (back-tracking)
And you were right, I still haven't
answered you. (sigh) Wil is my
closest friend here, I go to him
first; sometimes I'll talk to
Guinan--she's the manager in Ten
Forward, and quite a mystery all
her own. Beverly doesn't like to
talk about herself, but she'll
listen to me when I need to let
something out. I share a little
with my clients, when appropriate.
And I send you my letters.
Licia hears in Deanna's words the loneliness she had asked about earlier, and puts a comforting arm around Troi, who leans against her.
TROI
You're right, of course, it's not
like home. But I'm not a full
member on BetaZed, either. Among a
race of telepaths I have something
of a speech impediment.
Deanna draws herself up.
TROI
So on the Enterprise I can be
Counselor Troi, and turn my
disadvantage into an advantage; and
at home I can be a Starfleet
officer and an ambassador's
daughter, doing productive and
honorable work regardless of my
handicap. (pause; philosophical)
Everyone has to compromise with
reality. All in all it works out
quite well.
LICIA
That sounds like too much of a
stock psychologist's phrase.
TROI
Well, maybe I'm a stock
psychologist.
LICIA
No: that I won't believe. Being a
psychologist can't be everything
for you, just like Nathaniel and
our research can't be everything
for me. Oh, Dee, I miss you so
much. I wish I could be closer to
you all the time.
TROI
I know. I do, too.
FADE TO:
4. INT. SICKBAY
Crusher stands, tricorder in hand, with Nathaniel and
Nurse Ogawa. Troi and Licia arrive together a moment
later, and Troi follows Licia to Nathaniel's side.
TROI
I'm sorry we're late, Beverly. Let
me introduce you to my friend Licia
Dafwan. Licia, this is Dr. Beverly
Crusher.
Crusher and Licia shake hands.
LICIA
'm so happy to meet you--all of
you here, really. Deanna has told
me so much about you that I feel as
if putting living faces to the
names is a long overdue formality.
CRUSHER
I imagine the two of you had a lot
of catching up to do.
TROI
Actually, no: we send letters to
each other over the computer nets
once a week or so, and talk on
subspace whenever we're close
enough. It's just--we haven't been
together in a long time.
CRUSHER
Your husband checked out just fine
in his physical, Licia: now it's
your turn. Would you step over
here and lie down?
While Crusher speaks her next lines, Licia lies in a bio-bed and is scanned by the large cover, which moves from her feet to her head and back again; a small arm takes a blood sample from her finger or forearm. Crusher and Ogawa work on tricorders, coordinating readouts with the wall displays.
CRUSHER
Just breathe evenly and relax.
This procedure is simply regulation
protocol for planned intensive
first contact between species. We
make completely sure we know
everything about you physically so
that if anything goes wrong on
either side we know pretty much
what variables we're dealing with.
Then we cross-check with your
medical records to be sure all is
as it should be.
Crusher taps a few things into the tricorder, checks it with the wall displays, and flips the tricorder shut.
CRUSHER
All right, Dr. Dafwan, you can get
up. (Licia sits up on the bench.)
Everything lines up properly with
your medical records...including
the fact that your pregnancy is
progressing nicely. You're getting
into the second trimester now. How
do you feel?
LICIA
Well, I don't know who called it
"morning sickness", because it
lasts all day, but that's starting
to let up now; and I've had to
start picking out maternity
clothes. (hesitates) I've been
having some trouble with headaches
and bad dreams, but other than that
I have no real complaints.
Crusher does a quick scan over Licia's head with the small hand-instrument.
CRUSHER
The headaches are a bit unusual,
but I don't see anything here to
worry about. The body has a lot of
adjusting to do during pregnancy,
so it's not surprising that you're
feeling a little stress. Was your
doctor prescribing any special
treatment?
LICIA
She just had me learn some
breathing techniques as relaxation
aids, and had me come in to see her
more often. She said she couldn't
find anything definite, but she
wanted to keep an eye on it.
CRUSHER
That sounds reasonable; I'll want
to keep an eye on you, too.
The doors open and Riker enters.
RIKER (formally)
Excuse me: I've come to escort the
Dafwans to the Vizhad quarters for
their introduction. Counselor Troi
and Dr. Crusher will rejoin us at
the banquet this evening.
Troi and Licia embrace; Licia extends a shy hand to Crusher, who takes it. Nathaniel also shakes the doctor's hand, and Licia and Nathaniel exit with Riker.
CUT TO:
5. INT. VIZHAD GUEST QUARTERS
The four members of the Vizhad legation stand as Riker
enters with the Dafwans. The Vizhad are bird-like, but
human-shaped, with smooth skin and fringes of downy
feathers on their heads and arms (no wings). They wear
light-weight robes and sandals or boots. They move
with a quick, spare grace, and have a way of hissing
almost musically under their breath when concentrating.
RIKER
May I present Nathaniel and Licia
Dafwan: the Vizhad Legation.
Riker remains at the door while the greetings are performed. Licia and Nathaniel step forward into the room. Prelna, an elder diplomat among her people, comes first, and wordlessly performs a half-dancing greeting with first Licia and then Nathaniel, who mirror her movements: each person sweeps his or her right arm in an arc to touch the other's left cheek with cupped fingers, then inverts the hand to spread above the partner's shoulder, palm down; then the hands come together between the two participants, and clasp to make a small horizontal circle.
PRELNA
I am Arbiter Prelna, a member of
our World Council and now our
Ambassador to the Federation.
The members of the legation coming after Prelna abbreviate the greeting to the final handclasp. Niklan, a young male, steps forward next.
NIKLAN
I am Niklan, the Arbiter's
assistant, and a singer of songs
and stories.
Now Mandazhin: her feathers are tinged with red.
MANDAZHIN
I am Legate Mandazhin, a
representative of the Red Vizhad
and administrator of my people. I
am a healer.
Larnon, a middle-aged male, is next.
LARNON
I am Legate Larnon. You would call
me an environmental scientist, I
think; I deal mostly with the
plants and the earth, which have
their own songs.
LICIA
Now we remain. I am Licia, student
of many people's songs; I, too, am
a singer, and hope to learn your
stories well.
NATHANIEL
I am Nathaniel, partner to Licia.
I study ways of singing, but I do
not sing.
Niklan turns to Licia, and places a hand on her belly.
NIKLAN
Our Lady, you are with child.
Licia shyly places her hand over Niklan's, performing the ritual properly.
LICIA
We hope to be fruitful. The infant
greets you.
Each of the Vizhad comes forward in turn to place a hand on Licia's stomach in greeting for the unborn child. Licia distractedly rubs her forehead.
PRELNA
What is this pain, Lady?
LICIA
Oh, it's nothing. Forgive me. The
baby inside me is changing my life
before it's even born!
PRELNA (with humor)
Children have a way of doing that
among us as well!
Mandazhin steps to Licia and places a hand on her forehead, then moves her hand over Licia's head, concentrating with a lightly musical hiss under her breath. Licia smiles as the headache goes away.
LICIA
Thank you, Mandazhin, the headache
is gone.
MANDAZHIN
I am a healer: how could I allow
you to remain in pain? I must
learn more before I understand the
cause. Are you well?
Licia looks up to Nathaniel and smiles.
LICIA
Yes, yes, I'm fine. I couldn't be
in a better place.
Licia puts out her hand, palm up, in a Vizhad gesture of friendship and gratitude; Nathaniel places his hand with hers, and the Vizhad gather to each embracingly place one hand over the Dafwans' and one below, as Riker watches and Licia beams with the happiness of so much personal warmth. Niklan turns his head towards Riker and gestures for the First Officer to join them; Riker approaches and somewhat awkwardly adds one hand to the top of the pile.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
6. INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
The table is set for a formal banquet; the guests, in
formal dress, are already seated and in conversation.
Picard, Prelna, Niklan, Nathaniel, Licia, Troi, Riker,
Worf, Data, Geordi, Crusher, Larnon, Mandazhin. In
front of Licia is what appears to be a long-stemmed
white rose, standing in a tall crystal vase.
RIKER
What is this flower you brought
with you, Mrs. Dafwan?
Licia takes the rose from the vase: instantly it turns a deep green color.
LICIA
This is a chameleon rose, Commander
Riker, a gift from Deanna. It
changes color with the feelings of
the person holding it.
TROI
It's something of a private joke,
I'm afraid. We've always played a
little game of "Tell me what I'm
feeling," so this is a way to cheat
once you know how to read the rose
and manipulate it.
LICIA
And Deanna received one a long time
ago, from a man who thought he
would be her husband, so it's a bit
of personal irony as well--she
wouldn't have mentioned that part.
The rose has turned yellow in Licia's hand. She hands the flower to Troi, and it turns pink.
TROI
It's a long story, Lish.
Troi quickly twirls the rose in her fingers; it turns white, and she places it back in the vase.
LICIA
But a pretty good one. And you
don't have to be an empath to play,
"Tell me what I'm feeling," if you
know people well enough.
Everyone smiles.
NIKLAN
We are curious: how did this
friendship between the two of you
begin, an empath and a human?
TROI
As you know, I am half Betazoid:
my father was human. He died when
I was very young, and my mother and
I went back to Earth for his
funeral. Licia's mother was a
human friend of my father's from
his university days on Earth, and
had come for the funeral also. I
was not empathic yet; Betazoid
telepathy develops with
adolescence. Licia and I met and
became instant playmates.
LICIA
When Mrs. Troi had to return to
BetaZed to perform her own grieving
rituals, she decided to leave
Deanna with me and my family. We
were inseparable for about six
months, and after Deanna went home
our parents kept us in contact.
TROI
Since we insisted on it.
LICIA
Then when I was about fourteen my
parents were going through a rather
nasty break-up, and I threatened to
run away if they didn't send me to
BetaZed to be with Deanna.
TROI
Which they did, and she stayed with
my mother and me for a year. It
was the year of my telepathic
coming-of-age, what we call the
"upstep", when my empathic sense
fully developed. That whole period
is surrounded with a great deal of
ceremony, and Licia became my
ritual bond-sister, my B'Rana.
LICIA
Since then we've always stayed in
touch, and we see one another
whenever we can. It's been harder
since Deanna joined Starfleet and I
started my life of wandering
research--we're rarely in the same
sector at the same time.
PRELNA
We are exceedingly pleased to have
brought about this happy reunion!
Such love between people is basic
to what we treasure in life at home
on Perzhad. This is exactly the
focus we wish to have as we begin
translating your Earth's
Shakespeare--and what we wish to
bring with us to the Federation.
RIKER
Tell me, Arbiter, how did your
team decide on Shakespeare's Hamlet
for a subject?
PRELNA
It was difficult. We did discuss
many others, several from Earth
cultures as well as traditions from
other Federation worlds. I was
particularly intrigued by the works
of Surak, the founder of Vulcan
thinking on emotional restraint--what a strange concept, and such
noble people.
MANDAZHIN
We settled on Shakespeare primarily
because of his broad appeal among
humanoid peoples, who make up so
much of the Federation membership.
WORF
The Klingons have an honored
Shakespearean tradition. He is a
master of struggles for power.
MANDAZHIN
Yes, the Klingon relationship was
certainly an argument in his favor,
although our approach will be
specific to ourselves and we are
not so concerned with power.
Worf is only mildly annoyed by this slight rebuff.
LICIA
I suggested Hamlet because it works
on so many levels and therefore is
well suited for a project such as
ours, and also because it centers
on issues of relationship which
struck me as being quite close to
Vizhad cultural orientation.
LARNON
This work will not be easy for us,
however. It can be difficult for
us even to speak with you, since
your minds will not hear half of
what we say.
TROI
For the Vizhad to drop their
telepathy and communicate only
verbally is something like one of
us trying to speak without using
words with the letters "e" or "t",
or trying to talk without moving
half of your face.
LARNON
It is more so for me, since I am
not a dancer like Niklan, a doctor
like Mandazhin, or a diplomat like
Prelna: I speak more with plants
than with people.
CRUSHER
But each of you sounds like a poet!
MANDAZHIN
You humans seem to find us all
poetic when we are simply speaking.
RIKER
We must seem rather uninteresting
to you.
NIKLAN
Oh no, you are so different, we
find you fascinating. That is why
we have sought Federation
membership. Meeting other species,
particularly non-telepaths, has
been a desirable challenge for us
since we moved out into the stars.
PRELNA
As we approach Federation
membership we have begun to study
the social etiquette of different
peoples. We have found that for us
to respond as we would normally do
to the thoughts and feelings of
others can be considered impolite.
MANDAZHIN
Yes, this issue of politeness is of
special interest to us. On Perzhad
we share everything as a matter of
course, but we have noted among the
humanoids we have met, telepathic
or otherwise, a requirement for
what you call privacy.
NIKLAN
This is strange to us; we wish to
understand, and we do not wish to
offend.
LARNON
Counselor, how do you handle this
issue of privacy on BetaZed?
TROI
Let me use the rose to demonstrate.
You actually saw me do this a few
minutes ago.
She picks up the rose; it turns a light blue.
TROI
Two of the disciplines we learn at
upstep are first, how to regulate
our own feelings, and second, how
to control the ways we receive
others' thoughts and feelings. For
example, when Licia handed me this
rose she had just reminded me about
Wyatt Miller, the human to whom I
was betrothed as a child. I felt
embarrassed, both annoyed and
amused at Licia, and nostalgic.
The rose fluxes pink, as before. Riker leans forward, interested in this rare revelation of Troi's feelings.
TROI
But I blanked my feelings, and the
rose turned white. (It does so.) A
person can do this in order to
quell unwanted or inappropriate
feelings, such as envy, misdirected
anger, or an attraction for a
person not available for deeper
relationship.
She and Riker half-share a glance, and Riker sits back.
TROI
You can also do this to shut your
feelings to someone else, which is
generally an impolite thing to do.
We can control how we "listen" to
others, as well. Watch the rose
while I give it what I feel from
Licia right now.
Licia laughs; the rose turns a bright pinkish yellow.
TROI
She thinks this is great fun, but
she's also shy in front of all of
you. If I want to, I can stop
"listening" to her. (the rose turns
white) This can be done out of
courtesy, if someone is occupied
with personal matters; or in mild
self-defense if their thoughts are
unpleasant, which again can be
somewhat rude, depending on the
context. Sometimes it is done in
anger, and then it is a serious
breach of good behavior. Betazoid
society is very embracing, and so
the blanking gesture, whether of
oneself or of another's presence,
can be extremely hurtful.
She returns the rose to the vase, and it turns white.
MANDAZHIN
Is a Betazoid ever born telepathic,
as we are?
TROI
Very rarely. The trauma of
receiving others' thoughts as an
infant and young child is usually
so great that the person is either
mentally or socially handicapped
for most of his or her life.
MANDAZHIN
Is there no treatment for them?
TROI
Therapy can help. Often those who
mature mentally become hermits.
Isolation is easier for them.
MANDAZHIN
I asked you because difficulties
with the telepathic sense are more
common on Perzhad, and we have a
body of medicine surrounding them.
Perhaps our people can help yours.
TROI
I'm certain my people will be eager to learn from yours.
DATA
Counselor: I, too, am curious about
something. You are not a full
telepath, and yet you were raised
in a telepathic society. Do you
ever have difficulty communicating
with other Betazoids?
TROI
At times, yes, if I don't know them
very well. The bond is closest
with my mother, but even she gets
impatient with me. Living on the
Enterprise I get out of practice,
and she sometimes wants me to live
as if I were fully Betazoid.
Niklan nods, responding to her thoughts.
NIKLAN
On BetaZed, are you considered
handicapped?
TROI
Not exactly. There are many like
me, since human-Betazoid marriages
are fairly common. As an empath I
can still participate in ceremonial
life, which is very important.
There are things I can't do, like
advanced philosophy, which uses a
great deal of telepathic rhetoric:
it's difficult to construct an
effective argument when you can't
pronounce the words!
GEORDI
Ug--philosophy! I'm glad there are
people who like to do those things,
but me--well, you guys can
translate Shakespeare, I'll be
happy to be your set designer on
the holodeck!
PICARD
We find ourselves returned to the
same theme: it is our differences
that enrich us, and that make us
flexible enough to appreciate both
our poets and our engineers.
PRELNA
And to allow engineers to be poets,
and poets to be engineers. If
there is anything to be learned in
this galaxy it is that the two are
not exclusive!
PICARD
Point well taken, Arbiter Prelna.
(raises his glass) Let us indulge a
practice of many peoples, and
dedicate the symbolic act of
drinking to an important principle:
To our differences!
Smiles all around: "Our differences!" and all glasses upraised toward the center of the table.
FADE TO:
7. INT. TEN FORWARD
The room is filled with people talking and drinking;
people with trays of food and drinks occasionally pass
between the knots of those in conversation. Prelna is
talking with a pair of Vulcans; Mandazhin is deep in
some rather lively discussion with Worf; Larnon is with
Geordi and Data and a couple of other engineers and
scientists. Picard and Crusher are talking with
Niklan. Riker is standing with Troi and the Dafwans. A
man steps up to Troi, who immediately turns to Licia.
TROI
Licia, I have someone for you to
meet. This is Lt. Miguel Romero.
He's part of a folksong group here
on the Enterprise--I thought you
might like to join them while
you're on board. Lt. Romero, this
is Licia Dafwan.
LICIA
Lieutenant, I'm very happy to meet
you! (to Troi) Oh, Dee, you've
thought of everything! (to Riker) I
look for people to sing with in
every place we work--I'm not as
single-minded a laborer as
Nathaniel. (to Romero) Now I won't
have to go to all the trouble of
finding you on my own. When will
you be singing next?
Troi and Licia go with Romero toward a cluster of people, apparently the choral group, and Licia begins talking and laughing animatedly with them. Nathaniel watches, smiling, and then speaks to Riker.
NATHANIEL
We appreciate your decision to take
the long way 'round to Perzhad, so
to speak, to give our on-board work
more time. Licia and I have been
studying Vizhad cultural materials,
but the real test will be working
with the Vizhad themselves. It's
the kind of challenge I like,
because Licia enjoys it so much and
is so good at it. We often have
trouble convincing people she's
really working.
RIKER
What will your wife's role be in
the work on board the Enterprise,
Dr. Dafwan? The Daystrom
Institute made it clear that she is
your academic partner, but she has
no official status with them.
NATHANIEL
As I said, we often have trouble
convincing people.
Someone comes by with a tray, and the two men partake.
NATHANIEL
When I was offered the position at
Daystrom, Licia decided to stay in
the background, even though I
wanted her to take more credit for
her work. She'd gotten tired of
struggling with the politics of
official academia, and she wanted
time for other things--like the
singing groups she always manages
to find wherever we go.
Nathaniel looks with a combination of ruefulness and pride at his wife talking so happily with the choir.
NATHANIEL
Actually, I wouldn't be able to do
much of my part of the translation
work without her. I analyze
systems of relationships, but she
works with the layers of meaning
that make cross-cultural
translation really worth doing.
That kind of thing--understanding
what people mean, and what they
care about--has always come easily
for her; sometimes it seems as if
she's plucking it out of thin air.
But then, she doesn't understand
how I can do what I do, so I
suppose we make a good team.
Riker and Nathaniel are both watching Troi and Licia.
NATHANIEL
So we work together, with my more
conventional skills on staff, and
her gifts employed as consultant.
We've been very lucky.
RIKER
I'd say so. Not everyone gets to
have that kind of partnership.
Troi and Licia part from the choir, and return.
TROI
They've been talking about us.
LICIA
Oh, I'm sorry--we did just leave
you alone, didn't we?
She links her arm with Nathaniel's and then leans against him heavily, suddenly dizzy. In the background, the Vizhad each look up from their places.
NATHANIEL (tenderly)
It's been a long day, hasn't it?
We should go.
LICIA (looking up at Troi)
Deanna, don't worry about me. I'm fine, believe me.
She embraces her friend.
TROI
Goodnight, then, Lish. Sleep well.
The Dafwans depart, and Troi watches her friend go; the Vizhad also watch the couple leave.
TROI (half to herself)
Sweet dreams, B'Rana.
Riker looks at Troi with a certain tenderness (perhaps places a hand on her shoulder) as the scene FADES OUT.
FADE IN:
8. INT. HOLODECK
The Vizhad legation, Picard, Troi, Data and the Dafwans
are seated at a table, watching a holographic performance of Hamlet. We come in on
Ophelia's second appearance in her mad scene (Act IV,
scene v). The disheveled Ophelia is carrying an armful
of flowers (or weeds, or air, as it is sometimes done).
OPHELIA (to Laertes)
There's rosemary, that's for
remembrance; pray you, love,
remember. And there is pansies,
that's for thoughts.
LAERTES
A document in madness, thoughts and
remembrance fitted.
OPHELIA (to Claudius)
There's fennel for you, and
columbines. (to Gertrude) There's
rue for you, and here's some for
me; we may call it herb of grace a'
Sundays. You may wear your rue
with a difference. There's a
daisy. I would give you some
violets, but they wither'd all when
my father died. They say 'a made a
good end-- (sings) "For bonny sweet
Robin is all my joy."
LAERTES
Thoughts and afflictions, passion,
hell itself, She turns to favor and
to prettiness.
PICARD
Computer, freeze program.
The holographic players freeze. Picard addresses those assembled at the table.
PICARD
The symbolism of
the flowers here is important for
understanding what Ophelia is doing
in this scene.
MANDAZHIN
Yes, we have studied. The fennel
and columbines she gives to
Claudius represent flattery and
ingratitude, so this tells us
something of Ophelia's true opinion
of her king. The rue for Gertrude
stands for sorrow and repentance;
the daisies are for deception, and
the violets for faithfulness.
PRELNA
Her speech shows us how much her
heart has been torn by the violence
in the lives of all her loved ones,
from the death of Hamlet's father
at Claudius' hand to the death of
her own at Hamlet's.
TROI
No wonder she loses her mind:
every consolation is denied her,
and the men she loves and owes
obedience to have been using her
against each other.
PICARD
For them she is just a pawn, easily
manipulated because of her duty
toward them. In Act III we saw how
Claudius and her father Polonius
tried to use her to entrap Hamlet,
the man she has loved and who she
thought loved her. Hamlet for his
part is so caught up in the "antic
disposition" he is hiding behind in
the court that he fails to
recognize Ophelia's pain.
MANDAZHIN
What cruelty: the nunnery he tells
her to go to was often used to hide
the mistresses of wealthy men, or
mothers with no husbands--the very
conditions her father had warned
that Hamlet might bring her to.
PICARD
At the same time his own conflicts
surface, as well: sending her to a
nunnery is also an impulse to
protect, to shelter, to seek a
place that might be more sacred
than the corrupt world he has been
describing. The conflict in his
feelings ultimately is too great,
and he begins to question the
sanity of his actions.
DATA
Shakespeare, then, would seem to be
defining madness as the stress
resulting from internal emotional
conflict.
LARNON
Specifically, in our point of view,
from contradictory demands on
relationships. No room is left for
bringing these demands together
because the people do not or cannot
attempt real communication.
LICIA
In the "nunnery" scene, Ophelia
can't tell Hamlet how she really
feels because she is being watched
by Claudius and her father, and
Hamlet is so angry at the world
that he doesn't seem to really know
what he is feeling at all.
NATHANIEL
And he doesn't seem to care who
gets in his way.
PICARD
Hamlet's pain and confusion keep
lashing out at other people:
assaulting Ophelia and later his
mother Gertrude, accidentally
killing Polonius, and deliberately
sending Rosencrantz and
Guildenstern to their deaths.
Between Hamlet and Claudius, the
whole court of Elsinore is lost.
PRELNA
This is an important lesson, one
which we find in our traditions on
Perzhad as well: that the holding
of wrong within oneself infects
both the person and the community.
NIKLAN
Especially in our society, one
cannot isolate either wrongdoing or
pain: if I compromise myself, or if
I try to keep my hurt apart, that
hurt will inevitably emerge and
spread to all who deal with me.
PRELNA
Thank you, Captain, this will be an
important point of translation.
PICARD
I'm glad that our thinking has some
common ground.
FADE TO:
9. INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
This is the same room where Data read his oh-so-memorable poetry. A choir of ten or twelve people, male and female, human and otherwise, are warming up
their voices and chatting. They hold either songbooks
or hand-held text computers. A SCAN finds Licia, who
is talking with a woman next to her. The voices cease
with that seemingly instinctive "critical mass" that
occurs in a group of performers. A leader in the
center of the group (probably Lt. Romero) begins the
singing with the pick-up to "Amazing Grace" ("A-"),
joined in harmony on the downbeat ("-mazing"). PANNING
back across the room as they sing, we see an out-of-focus figure in the background near the door, which is RESOLVED into Deanna Troi; SLOW ZOOM in on her happy,
rapt expression as she listens. The door behind Troi
opens, not disturbing the choir: it is Riker. The
door closes behind him and he puts his hand on Troi's
shoulder; she turns and smiles at him, then turns back
to watch her friend. Riker stands with her a moment,
listening, his hand still on her shoulder, then bends
down to speak to her.
RIKER
Deanna, I feel like I haven't seen
you for days. How about a drink in
Ten Forward with an old friend?
Troi nods, and goes out with him.
CUT TO:
10. INT. TEN FORWARD
Troi and Riker are seated together at one of the
glowing tables; they do not yet have their drinks.
RIKER
So how's the big project going?
TROI
Oh, it's been wonderful. And
exhausting. The Vizhad have an
enormous aesthetic capacity, and
their comments on Hamlet have been
fascinating. The Captain is having
such a lovely time--it's really
refreshing being around him when
he's enjoying himself so much.
This is probably the best
"vacation" he could have. And the
Vizhad dote on Licia: they call her
"Our Lady," it's really touching.
RIKER
I haven't spent much time with the
legation, my duties have been
elsewhere. What is it like,
working with them?
TROI
Quite fun, really. As an empath I
find them delightful. Their
language makes them seem very
formal, but very intimate at the
same time, which is really quite
nice once you get used to it: you
feel extremely well treated. And
their sense of humor is just a
marvelous thing to receive.
Troi pauses as a bar attendant comes by with their drinks and sets them down.
TROI
It's as if as they spoke they were
sketching outlines of leaping and
rolling shapes (gestures with her
hand), and then the shapes fill in
with pulsing colors to illustrate
and add to what is being said.
RIKER
Hmp. What are humans like,
compared to that?
TROI (hedging)
Some people, of course, are more
controlled than others, or more
aware of themselves, and different
people are more or less emotionally
expressive, just as the Vizhad are
different from one another in what
I just tried to describe. A lot
depends on individual background
and personality.
RIKER
And?
TROI
Well, to continue the analogy, I
suppose humans are like accidental
smudge-makers, or fingerpainters.
You run into your feelings more
than you wield them, it's just the
way you're set up as human beings.
RIKER
Great. What about Betazoids?
TROI
Betazoids are...oil painters.
(pleased with the metaphor) They
like to give you landscapes and
portraits--or self-portraits. It's
not structurally linguistic, like
the Vizhad's telepathy, but it's
definitely communicative.
(shudders) You're lucky you can't
read Mother.
RIKER
Oh, I think I can read her well
enough --she's not a lady to keep
things to herself much.
TROI
My mother is a bravura performer,
Wil, but you should be thankful you
can't tell what she's really
thinking. I've been trying to
brace myself for her arrival--
RIKER
Yes, the Captain asked me to greet
her when she comes aboard this
evening.
TROI
It will be good to have Licia here
during this visit; she always has a
softening effect on Mother,
somehow. (pause) Wil, I want to
thank you for taking on so much
extra responsibility while the
Vizhad are with us. You may be
feeling a little left out of
things....
RIKER
Maybe a little. All of a sudden I
don't feel very important.
TROI
Important? To whom?
RIKER
Well, to you. To Picard. I'm the
good little boy who didn't get
invited to the party.
TROI
Oh, Wil. Somebody has to run the
ship. And you are very important.
It's because we trust how good you
are as First Officer that we can
even do this. If the Captain
didn't have the utmost confidence
in you, we wouldn't have taken on
this project in the first place.
Believe me, he's not taking you for
granted. And neither am I. (pause)
And just because I'm delighted to
see Licia doesn't say that you mean
any less to me.
Riker gives her a dubious silence.
TROI
Wil, she's my oldest and dearest
friend, my B'Rana, my bond-sister:
surely you don't grudge me that.
She's the one who should be jealous
of you. I see you every day, I see
her once every few years if we're
lucky.
RIKER
OK, OK. But I bet you don't glow
like that and bounce up and down at
the thought of seeing me.
TROI
Am I supposed to? (pause) No one
else can be to me what Licia is,
that's a simple fact of history.
But it is also a fact that I'm very
grateful for Wil Riker in my life,
too. (She takes his hand across
the table.) Your friendship means
a great deal to me, Wil; surely you
know that.
RIKER
Yes, I know. I'm sorry. I guess
I'm feeling a little lonely, that's
all. (He withdraws his hand and
leans back.) So. Tell me some
more about your B'Rana, so I can
think she's as wonderful as you do.
TROI
Would you like a personality
profile? All right. She has a
very open mind--in the empathic
sense, I mean: very receptive,
very responsive. She is keenly
oriented to the feelings of people
around her, and to the workings of
relationships, but she tends to
lack confidence in herself.
Troi pauses thoughtfully, sipping her drink.
TROI
Her emotional openness makes her
more like a Betazoid than any human
I've ever known--but she's not a
Betazoid mentally at all. That
means a great deal to me. She's
almost the other half of me, coming
from the other direction, from the
human side, I mean.
Riker is savoring Troi's openness with him, glad to not say much and simply listen.
RIKER
Sounds pretty special.
TROI
Yes--yes, she has been. (happy
pause) You know, it's funny; we
really haven't spent all that much
time together in so long, and yet
every time we see each other, or
talk on subspace, it's like there's
no distance at all. Our lives have
changed so much, and yet that never
changes. Sometimes I think she's
the only person I really talk to.
She often seems to know my feelings
better than I do--and she's very
protective of me. (smiles slyly)
You know, Wil, she didn't think I
should get involved with you. She
wouldn't talk about it because she
didn't want to hurt my feelings,
but she was so relieved when I told
her you were on the Enterprise and
we were just friends.
RIKER
Why?! What did she think was wrong
with me?
TROI
I'm not sure she really knew
exactly. An instinct. Maybe you
should ask her. (Quizzical look
from Riker.) But don't worry. She
dislikes disliking people, and I'm
sure she'll find a way to see your
lovable qualities--or invent some,
if she has to.
CUT TO:
11. INT. TROI'S QUARTERS
Troi and Licia are seated on a sofa, laughing.
LICIA (through her laughter)
Oh, Dee, you didn't!
TROI
You should have seen the look on
his face when I told him, Lish,
it's going to bother him for days.
LICIA (laughter subsiding)
I'm so sorry, Dee. I know you two
are close; I can see he has a good
heart and is good at his job, but
he just gives me the creeps,
especially now that I've met him in
person. I've watched him at work,
you know, when I've had the chance.
I mean, the way he stands--
Licia stands and does a Riker stance, hands on hips with feet spread apart, head slightly lowered with a scowl of concentration. Troi cracks up.
LICIA
--the way he looks at women....
Licia sits down again.
LICIA
You can't tell me you like that
kind of thing, especially when you
can feel what he feels. (grimaces)
Deanna--how could you ever have
been attracted to him?
TROI
Well, to be honest, I think it was
because he was attracted to me, and
he was so uncomplicated about what
he wanted. And he has a great
tenderness that most people don't
get to see--that's a powerful thing
to receive from someone.
Licia nods, already beginning to be persuaded; this is something she knows in her relationship with Nathaniel.
TROI
He genuinely likes people and likes
them to feel at ease, so it's easy
to be comfortable around him. He
has a real capacity for delight--you see it most in his hobbies--
and loves to share his pleasures
with other people. I think that's
a part of his attitude toward women
and his own sexuality, actually,
although his behavior may have its
less noble aspects. (pause) And
for an empath, he has interesting
emotional textures. He has many
layers of hurt underneath the
surface. His relationship with his
father has been very stressful, and
he lost his mother at an early age.
(voice lowers) Perhaps that was
part of the attraction, too.
LICIA (feeling her friend's old grief)
Mm, something in common. Together
you have a complete pair of
difficult parents. (pause) I'm glad
he's a good friend for you, Dee.
TROI
And you still hope he stays that
way. That's all right. (pause)
I've really enjoyed working with
Nathaniel, Lish.
LICIA
I'm so glad you can read me! I was
just about to ask you what you
thought of him.
TROI
Well for one thing, he loves you
very deeply. You don't have to be
empathic to notice that. He's more
private than you are, and he's
extremely dedicated to his work--and he has a lovely playfulness
when he's enjoying himself.
LICIA
You like him, then?
TROI
Oh, yes--but Licia, he's probably
the last person I would have
imagined for you. I always thought
you'd end up with some brilliant,
troubled poet or musician.
LICIA
And I ended up with a brilliant,
troubled linguist. (pause) I
always thought that the one I'd
fall in love with would have to be
to me the way you are, Dee--like a
reflection of me, like a part of my
own mind. But Nathaniel is
completely different--alien, even.
Loving him takes a lot more work.
Sometimes I swear I might as well
have married an Andorian!
TROI (teasing)
But you didn't, you just married a
man!
LICIA
Oh, please, spare me. I know I'm
just as hard on him as he is on me
--especially lately. I've been
pulling my chameleon routine again,
I can feel it, adopting the mind-set of the people we work with.
And on top of everything I've been
extra moody and impatient--I
suppose that comes with being
pregnant. (pause) I feel more
myself when I'm with you, Dee. You
remind me of who I am, and it's so
comfortable, being with you.
TROI
You do the same thing for me,
B'Rana. You've got to promise to
stick close to me while Mother's
here. When she's around I tend to
forget how old I am, and act as if
I'm six years old, or sixteen,
again. I think it would help if
she didn't act like she was
sixteen, too. (smile)
LICIA
Let her surprise you, Dee. That is
what she's best at, after all:
being a surprise. I think she's a
more sensible woman than you want
to believe.
TROI
All right. I know Mother has her
own wisdom. But she's still not my
favorite thing about being
Betazoid. (thoughtful pause) Licia,
I'm so glad to have you--you help
me celebrate my human half.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
12. INT. HOLODECK JAZZ CAFE SET
This is the set where Riker met Minuet in "11001001".
Riker is playing trombone with two holodeck musicians
in the rhythm section (piano and bass), and fellow
Enterprise personnel of various persuasions on
clarinet, cornet, sax, and drums. Licia is seated in
the audience at one of the tables towards the rear,
smiling and tapping her toes and patting her tummy as
she watches Riker enjoy himself. The set ends, and
Riker congratulates his fellow musicians expansively.
RIKER
Now that cooked. You're coming
along really well. Keep
practicing, and I'll see you all
here next week.
The group begins to disperse into collections of chatting people, as everyone begins to leave. Riker turns to set his trombone on its stand; Licia gets up and goes over to greet him. He turns and is startled to see her.
RIKER
Mrs. Dafwan, I didn't know you were
here.
LICIA
I just wanted to say how much I
enjoyed the workshop. I got here
late, but it was great fun to hear
you play. (pause) I also wanted to
apologize. Deanna told me what she
told you in Ten Forward today.
RIKER
Is there anything you two don't
tell each other?!
LICIA
No, not really. But I promise you,
we're no threat to anybody.
Anyway, there's a little time
before we go to meet Lwaxana.
She rubs her forehead, shaking off a headache, and gestures to the bar.
LICIA
Would you like a drink, Wil Riker?
Riker smiles, and the two settle down on barstools.
FADE TO:
13. INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Riker, Troi, Licia, and Nathaniel have all gathered.
TRANSPORTER ATTENDANT
The Starbase signals they are ready
for transport, Commander.
RIKER
Make it so, Lieutenant.
The lieutenant does so, and Lwaxana Troi MATERIALIZES on the transporter pad, dressed in one of her extravagant gowns, a large suitcase accompanying her.
LWAXANA
Ah, Licia!
She descends from the pad and embraces Licia with genuine affection, which Licia happily returns.
LICIA
It's so good to see you, Lwaxana.
It's been too long. You are always
so lovely, I don't know how you
manage it!
LWAXANA
Some of us know the secrets of
perpetual youth, my dear, and you
don't get there by studying all the
time, I can assure you!
Licia smiles at this semi-private joke, and Lwaxana turns to Nathaniel.
LWAXANA
Nathaniel, in person at last.
NATHANIEL (somewhat stiffly)
It is an honor to meet you, Lady
Ambassador.
LWAXANA (V.O.)
Oh, he's a proper one, Licia.
LICIA (abruptly looking up at Mrs. Troi)
You're doing it again, aren't you?
I can always tell by the look on
your face.
LWAXANA
For some reason I still expect you
to hear my telepathy. Never mind,
I'll tell you later.
Licia rubs her forehead again, and shakes her head as Nathaniel puts a concerned arm around her; Lwaxana passes to Troi and Riker, and embraces her daughter.
TROI (V.O.)
Welcome, Mother.
LWAXANA (aloud, sincere)
Thank you, Deanna. (she pulls back
to get a better look at her
daughter) What have you done to
your hair, my dear? You look
so...old!
TROI
Mother, I'm not sixteen, you know.
LWAXANA
Of course not. (V.O.) I'm sorry,
Deanna, I'm too careless. We'll
talk later, too.
She moves to Riker and takes his hand.
RIKER
Mrs. Troi. It's a pleasure to
welcome you aboard again.
LWAXANA
Yes, William, I'm happy to see you,
too. Now. I've left Mr. Hom
behind this time. Who will carry
my bag?
RIKER
I'd be glad to, Mrs. Troi.
This time the suitcase is not a threat and Riker has little trouble lifting it; they all go out.
CUT TO:
14. INT. DAFWANS' QUARTERS
The doors close behind Nathaniel and Licia. Licia is
suddenly startled, and turns on Nathaniel.
LICIA
If you think I'm such a fool, you
should say so to my face!
NATHANIEL
What?! I didn't say anything!
LICIA
I heard you, I heard you mutter
something about how I was too gushy
with Lwaxana. Good Lord, you have
to be gushy with Lwaxana, there's
no other way to talk to her. (voice
rising to a shout) If you don't
like me the way I am by now, maybe
you should trade me in--oh!
Licia clutches at her stomach and sits abruptly.
LICIA
Ooh--the baby doesn't like it when
I shout like that.
Nathaniel, looking shaken and a little grim, caresses her shoulders from behind.
NATHANIEL
Neither do I.
Licia twists to look up at him.
LICIA
Oh, Nathaniel, I'm so sorry. You
didn't deserve that. I don't know
what's gotten into me lately.
NATHANIEL
We've both been wrapped up in our
work. And I did deserve it. You
were right: I expect you to treat
an Ambassador like an Ambassador,
not like a giggling schoolgirl.
Nathaniel can't hide his displeasure, but the apology is sincerely intended. He comes around and sits or kneels beside her.
NATHANIEL
We haven't had much time lately
just to be together.
Licia tenderly caresses his face.
LICIA
Well, maybe we can do something
about that, love.
They kiss, and we politely DISSOLVE TO:
15. INT. PARTIALLY PROGRAMMED HOLODECK
CLOSE-UP on Larnon's bird-like hand, working with a
hand-tool on the blossom of a flower, adjusting its
color and its shape; we can hear his melodious hissing
as he works. PULL BACK to reveal the yellow grids of
the holodeck showing through patches suggesting a plaza
area, with two carved stone pillars at one end and a
bed of flowers between two trees at another, where
Larnon is working. Data and Geordi are near the
pillars, manually feeding Vizhad cultural and
ecological data into tricorders which are linked to the
holodeck computer. As they work, gaps in the plaza are
being filled; small, bright birds or insects flit past,
and there is a tinkling in the breeze which gently
wafts through the fronds of ferns and trees. They are
creating a Vizhad performance space, a kind of village
or city square, where the translation team will work
out their version of Hamlet. Larnon straightens,
grunting softly, and turns toward Geordi and Data.
LARNON
Ah, gentlemen. The work on this
revision is good, and I thank you
for your skill. (looks around) It
is good to see something that looks
like home. But now I believe it is
time for rest!
He hooks his tool on a belt around his waist, and solemnly clasps hands with Geordi and Data in turn. Data has his curious-but-happy smile, Geordi is awkward. Larnon goes out. Geordi shakes his head as he and Data gather their tools.
DATA
Something appears to trouble you,
Geordi.
GEORDI
Oh, it's just working with the
Vizhad. It's been weeks since they
came on board, but I'm still having
trouble getting used to them.
Nothing personal against Larnon and
the others, but I get the eeriest
feelings being around them--like
I'm almost seeing things.
DATA
Several crew members who have come
into contact with the Vizhad have
made similar comments. It seems
that different individuals receive
the Vizhad's telepathy in different
ways when the Vizhad speak to them.
Some people think they hear music,
or sounds like water flowing, or
they smell a fragrance of some
kind. Others seem to see shapes or
colors. Some have reported tactile
sensations, as if they are being
touched or are being given things
to hold. These impressions are
apparently the brain's attempt to
process the Vizhad's mental input
in ways which are more easily
grasped by the individual, since
the mind is not able to receive the
telepathy as such.
GEORDI
Data, do you sense anything from
the Vizhad?
DATA
No, my positronic brain cannot
receive such input, nor would it
misinterpret it in such a fashion
if it did. The closest thing to
telepathic contact which I can
experience is a computer linkup.
GEORDI
Maybe you're lucky. It's a queasy
kind of feeling, like something is
trying to move around in my brain.
DATA
But the Vizhad do not enter minds.
That cannot be what you are
feeling, Geordi. They send and
receive linguistically, but
consider mental entrance or
communion a highly intimate act
which must be reciprocal. Indeed,
such an act has spiritual
implications for them, and requires
the closeness of family,
partnership, or deep friendship,
although it can also be used in a
medical or personal emergency.
GEORDI
No, no, Data, that's not what I
meant. It's as if something inside
my brain is rolling over in its
sleep, like something in me is
trying to wake up but can't.
DATA
That is most likely an accurate
assessment of your experience,
Geordi, since extra-sensory
perception is a latent potential in
many humans.
GEORDI
I'll take the perceptions I already
have, thank you! It's like the
first time I put on my visor --the
wave of sudden input was really
frightening. I didn't know how to
sort it out, it didn't mean
anything.
DATA
But you did learn how to use your
visor, and you now rely on its
special abilities daily, do you
not?
GEORDI
Yes, but that still doesn't mean
I'd want to go through that first
time again, or anything like it.
DATA
I have heard Counselor Troi refer
to her empathic upstep with the
same sentiment, even though she
also considers that period in her
life a highly significant and
valuable one. When I reflect upon
my own development of sentience, I
must confess to a similar
assessment: it is not an
experience I would like to repeat,
but I could not now exist as I am
without the benefits which came
from it. I must cross-reference
this problem with my philosophy
databases; a study of this issue
may prove useful as work with the
Vizhad continues.
GEORDI (laughing, slapping Data's shoulder)
That's what we love about you,
Data: you're the working man's
philosopher.
QUICK FADE TO:
16. INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDORS
Troi is walking happily, humming to herself. She slows
and stops, wincing as she senses someone in extreme
pain and confusion...and then identifies the source.
TROI
Licia?
Troi rounds a bend in the corridor and we see the staggering Licia, hand to her head, looking wildly about her with no recognition of where she is.
TROI
Lish!
Troi runs and catches Licia in her arms, and taps her communicator pin.
TROI (grimly)
Troi to Sickbay: emergency
treatment needed for Licia Dafwan,
we're on deck six, on our way.
FADE TO:
17. INT. SICKBAY
Licia is seated on a bench, eyes closed and leaning
against Troi, who is standing behind her. Crusher is
circling Licia's head with her small hand-held tool.
CRUSHER
It looks like you're having a
rather extreme stress reaction,
Licia. There is some unusual brain
activity, particularly in the
language centers; whether your
stress is from the brain activity,
or the brain activity is from the
stress, is difficult to tell. (She
scans Licia's belly.) The
pregnancy seems fine--the little
one's a bit restless, but that's
normal at this stage.
LICIA (weakly)
I feel the baby all the time, even
when it's not moving--sometimes I'd
swear I can tell what it's feeling.
I hope it can't feel my
headaches.... Mandazhin can help
with the pain, but they keep coming
back. I feel like my head is an
egg and something's trying to hatch
out. You can't be pregnant in your
brain, can you? I've been having
such awful dreams, senseless stuff
that has nothing to do with me at
all--sometimes in the dream I'm a
man, or I'm not even human....
Never mind, I'm babbling again.
Crusher gives a slight smile, and does a final check on Licia's head. Finishing, she puts her tools aside.
CRUSHER
I don't want to give you drugs
because of the pregnancy. What I
can do is give you these brain-wave
regulators to help you relax and
get some rest. You put them on
your temples like this.
The doctor produces a pair of square chips with blinking lights (these were used to put Troi into deep sleep for "The Survivors" in third season), calibrates them and secures them on Licia's forehead. Licia pulls in her breath sharply as the chips kick in, and then gives out an "ooh," steadying herself against Deanna.
CRUSHER
I also recommend a trip to the
masseuse. The Argelian technique
can work wonders. You'll feel like
a very happy, very limp rag when
they're done!
LICIA
Can I walk with these on?
Crusher looks to Troi before answering.
CRUSHER
Yes, of course.
Licia eases off the bench with Deanna's help, and they begin to go out. Crusher gently stops Troi with a hand on her arm.
CRUSHER
Deanna--don't worry.
Troi gives the doctor a tight smile and goes out with Licia leaning on her arm.
FADE TO:
18. INT. DAFWANS' QUARTERS
Troi is tucking Licia into bed; the chips are still on
Licia's forehead. The lights in the room are lowered,
and soft music is playing in the background.
LICIA
Thank you, Dee. I feel so silly.
I was on my way to the next
session, and my head kicked in, and
I just...got lost.
TROI
It's all right. Just relax and
don't think about it.
LICIA
I feel like Hamlet: "I could be
bounded in a nutshell, and count
myself king of infinite space--were
it not that I have bad dreams."
Licia obediently relaxes, lying still for a moment as her mind wanders. She smiles.
LICIA
You know, I'm actually starting to
like your Wil Riker.
TROI
I told him you would.
LICIA
Hmp. I always try.
TROI
That's what I told him.
LICIA
You know me so well. But, Dee--I'm
not myself lately, am I?
TROI
No, Licia, you haven't been. I've
never seen you this way. It
frightens me.
LICIA
Me, too. (pause) This shouldn't be
so hard. I don't understand why
this is happening now--now, of all
times, when we're working on this
terrific project I enjoy so much,
and when this precious little
person is inside me. (growing
increasingly distressed) I--I feel
like people are always pressing in
on me and pulling me every which
way until there's nothing of me
left--and it doesn't make sense!
(Licia hears the panic in her
voice, and ceases.) I'm sorry.
TROI
Shh, B'Rana. Just let yourself
rest.
Nathaniel enters and quickly crosses to the bed.
NATHANIEL
Licia, I'm here. (to Troi) Thank
you for calling me. I've just
spoken with Dr. Crusher on my way
here. (to Licia) How bad is it,
love?
LICIA
Just give me a kiss and go back to
work. I'll be a good girl, I
promise. These things are putting
me right to sleep. (she yawns) It
feels wonderful.
Nathaniel kisses her tenderly, and he and Troi exit.
CUT TO:
19. INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDORS
Troi and Nathaniel stride to the conference session.
NATHANIEL
Deanna, I'm worried about her.
TROI
I know. I don't understand it,
either.
NATHANIEL
Last night she complained about
noise and insisted she could hear
people talking through the walls.
TROI
But that's impossible, the quarters
are completely sound-proofed.
NATHANIEL
I know.
CUT TO:
20. INT. HOLODECK: VIZHAD PERFORMANCE PLAZA
A stone table is now between the two pillars we saw
earlier. Lwaxana, Picard, and Prelna are seated at the
table; Niklan and Mandazhin are in the open performance
space, dancing (perhaps Gates McFadden would like to
choreograph). This activity ceases as Troi and
Nathaniel enter; those at the table stand.
PRELNA
And what of Our Lady?
LWAXANA
Yes, Deanna, is Licia all right?
TROI
She is resting now; she may join us
later. (V.O.) Mother, I'm scared.
LWAXANA (V.O.)
I know, Little One, I know.
Prelna moves around the table to escort Nathaniel to his seat next to her own, resting her hand on Nathaniel's arm; Troi moves next to her mother.
NIKLAN
We have grown concerned for your
partner, Dr. Dafwan. The pain and
confusion she experiences are
unusual, are they not?
NATHANIEL
Yes, very. The doctor calls it
some kind of stress reaction, but
neither Licia nor I knows why it
should be happening now.
Prelna places her hands on Nathaniel's shoulders and then moves around him to take her seat; they all sit down, including Niklan and Mandazhin, who sit at the head of the table on the other side of Troi.
PRELNA
We fear it may be our presence
which troubles her.
MANDAZHIN
There is no need for mystery,
Prelna. What we observe in your
partner, Dr. Dafwan, are symptoms
which on our world would indicate a
temporary disjunction of the
telepathic sense. It can occur in
young people and the elderly, when
the mind is in a state of growth or
decay. Amongst ourselves it is
treatable. We said nothing until
now because of our inexperience in
dealing with your kind.
PRELNA
I'm afraid we enjoy Our Lady's
company so much that we have not
always restrained ourselves while
working with her, and have spoken
freely. A few times, we have even
felt we received responses from her
that were nearly coherent.
PICARD
Arbiter, what are you saying? What
do you suspect?
PRELNA
Mandazhin has studied your medical
materials, but has not found
anything conclusive. We cannot
know what this means for a human,
Captain, since your speech and your
minds are not like ours. As Niklan
said, we are concerned, and felt
you should be informed.
MANDAZHIN
We can do nothing until we know
more. I suggest we continue with
this session and await the report
of Our Lady when she awakes. Your
Dr. Crusher should no doubt be
alerted to our concerns.
Picard and Troi exchange glances, Nathaniel grim. Lwaxana takes her daughter's hand on the table, and the Counselor suddenly looks very small.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
21. INT. CRUSHER'S LAB/OFFICE
Crusher is studying information on her personal
computer screen and checking other data on her
tricorder. Licia enters, looking tentative.
LICIA
Hello, Doctor. Nathaniel said you
wanted to see me.
Crusher sets down the tricorder, clears the screen of her computer, and stands up.
CRUSHER
Yes, I was just looking at some
data Mandazhin gave me on Vizhad
medicine. She says what you're
going through looks a bit familiar
to her, and thought their practices
might be of use to me. However,
I'm not a telepath and can't even
diagnose the way they do, much less
treat, but the information is still
interesting.
Crusher leads Licia out of the office and into Sickbay.
CUT TO:
22. INT. SICKBAY
Crusher takes Licia to a biobed and has her sit down.
CRUSHER
If you don't mind, I'd like to do a
few more specific tests.
LICIA
Yes, please. I'd really like for
there to be a reason for all this,
other than that I'm a woman who
loses her mind when she has a baby.
Crusher smiles, and begins calibrating and then using the hand-held instrument, doing a more careful scan of Licia's skull, then down her spinal column; she stops and checks the tricorder for a few things, then scans Licia's abdomen, again more thoroughly than before. She remains silent for what is for Licia a painfully long time before setting down her instruments.
CRUSHER
All right. This makes more sense
now. Like some others on board
you're having a semi-telepathic
response to the Vizhad's language.
Your response is more intense
because you're working with them so
closely, and that is what is
causing the peripheral stress
reactions. I don't see any reason
why you can't go back to work.
(Licia brightens) But you have to
promise me two things: one, take
it easy, and go home and rest with
those chips the minute you feel
stressed; and two, go see that
masseuse!
LICIA (much relieved)
Thank you, doctor, I'll make an
appointment right away!
Licia goes out, but Crusher's face turns to uncertainty once she is gone.
FADE TO:
23. INT. HOLODECK: VIZHAD PERFORMANCE PLAZA
The Vizhad are sitting around the table with Picard,
Lwaxana, Troi, the Dafwans, and Data. Mandazhin and
Niklan wear their lighter-weight dancing robes.
MANDAZHIN
Niklan and I have continued to work
on our dances as Hamlet and
Ophelia, but we have not been able
to agree on their songs.
LICIA
I have an idea. I've been thinking
about the "get thee to a nunnery"
scene, and your song, "My Love Has
Changed", keeps coming to mind.
PRELNA
Ah! An old song, and very sad, and
one whose themes have often been
used in our more modern works--yes,
I think that would bring the right
connotations to this scene.
NIKLAN
Yes--and if we were to add parts of
the traditional dance for that song
to her "mad" scenes, that would
bring back the echo of the earlier
scene and its pain for her.
MANDAZHIN
Just as not including the song's
dance in the "nunnery" scene would
underscore the disruption of
Hamlet's and Ophelia's feelings for
each other.
Without further comment Prelna begins to sing; Mandazhin and Niklan rise and begin dancing (see Appendix for text and music). A few beats into the song, Licia surprises the group by joining Prelna in harmony. Prelna turns toward Licia and continues to sing, and the dancing is not interrupted. Licia's eyes are closed, and she sways a bit with the song. Before the song has finished, however, her words fade to a hum; the swaying becomes a slump, and Nathaniel and Troi both put out an arm to steady her, Troi looking alarmed. The dancers quickly come to the table, Mandazhin reaching across it to place a hand over Licia's brow. Licia shakes herself and sits up.
LICIA
I'm fine, I was just thinking about
the song....
Troi watches Licia intently.
TROI
Licia, you know you can't pretend
with us.
Licia looks at Troi, then Picard, and Prelna, and Lwaxana. She turns to Nathaniel.
LICIA
Nathaniel, they're going to send me
home!
NATHANIEL
And they're right. Do you want me
to go with you?
LICIA
No, no, you should keep working.
Licia gets up and starts to leave. Data stands.
DATA
I will go with you, Mrs. Dafwan.
Commander LaForge expects me in
Engineering soon.
LICIA
All right, all right; and I suppose
you'll put me to bed, too.
DATA (puzzled)
If you feel it is necessary.
PICARD
No, Data, escorting Mrs. Dafwan
will be sufficient.
LICIA (defeated)
I'm sorry, every one. Computer,
Exit!
She and Data go out quickly as the door appears.
TROI
Captain, if I'm not mistaken, for a
moment Licia was singing that song--singing it as a Vizhad would sing
it, not merely repeating the words.
MANDAZHIN
We do not understand this. Even if
she were a telepath, we've been
told the inflections of our songs
are very difficult to learn. She
seemed to be instinctively adapting
her mind to Prelna's in order to
sing with her.
NATHANIEL (uncomprehending)
It's what she always does. It's
her profession.
TROI
Captain, this shouldn't be
happening.
MANDAZHIN
Perhaps it should be. We don't yet
know what "it" is.
CUT TO:
24. INT. DAFWANS' QUARTERS
The lights are low; Licia is sitting on the bed. The
sleep-inducing chips are lying beside the bed and she
fingers them, having mixed feelings about her need for
them. Sighing, she leaves the chips alone, then
stretches and rubs her neck. She reaches a hand to the
garaya lute, now leaning next to the bedstand.
Suddenly she turns her head towards a corner of the dim
room, convinced she's heard something. She slides off
the bed, tensed for action.
LICIA
Who is it? Who's there?
She again hears something, and whirls around to face an opposite corner. She rubs her forehead, momentarily confused, then registers motion out of the corner of an eye and immediately, with the frightened determination of self-defense, taps her communicator pin.
LICIA
Licia Dafwan to Security, I have an
intruder in my quarters!
Several tense heartbeats go by; Licia steps to the garaya and picks it up to use as a club. The doors open and Worf looms large in the doorway, one or two security officers behind him, with the light from the corridor spilling over his shoulders.
WORF
Computer: Lights!
The lights come up, and Licia looks rather silly with the garaya held over her shoulder. She is suddenly wondering why she hadn't turned on the lights herself, and starting to feel foolish.
WORF
You may put that down, Mrs. Dafwan.
We will search the room.
Worf and the security contingent fan out, phasers ready, checking closet space and nooks and crannies. One of them uses a tricorder to scan the room for unusual energy fluctuations, etc. Nothing. Licia sits meekly down on the bed and brings her knees up to her chin, her face troubled. The security force regathers in the center of the room.
WORF
Mrs. Dafwan, it seems there is no
one here.
LICIA
I--I'm sorry, Mr. Worf. I was so
certain I heard something.... I
guess on top of everything else I'm
hallucinating now. I'm sorry to
have bothered you.
WORF
Think nothing of it. You should
get some rest.
LICIA
Apparently so.
WORF
Shall I inform Dr. Crusher?
Licia nods defeatedly, eyes hollow. Worf and the security officer(s) go out. Licia drops her head on her knees, rocking herself.
FADE TO:
25. INT. LWAXANA'S GUEST QUARTERS
Troi is sitting down, while her mother is standing.
LWAXANA
We'll have to get to the next
session soon, Deanna.
TROI
I hope Licia's sleeping. Beverly
did finally give her a sedative,
but she's so upset with herself....
LWAXANA
Yes, I was there too, you know. I
couldn't help her, either. She's
so withdrawn right now she's almost
unreadable. I never do like
sedatives when someone's sick at
heart --it makes them that much
harder to read.
TROI (V.O.)
You don't care that it helps
someone, you just don't want it
getting in your way!
LWAXANA (V.O.)
Or in yours, Little One. (aloud) If
you could feel your B'Rana respond
to you right now the way she always
has, clear and true, you wouldn't
be hurting so much.
TROI
Oh, Mother, how can you be so calm?
LWAXANA
I believe, Deanna, that Licia has
more strength than you think. And
I also believe that when I don't
understand all the factors in a
situation, I can do myself and
those around me no good whatsoever
by indulging in self-blame and
self-pity as I try to find the
perfect solution, without the
necessary information.
Lwaxana sits down next to her daughter.
LWAXANA (gently)
Licia has to find her own way
through this, Deanna, and you don't
need me to quote your psychology
textbooks at you to know that.
Come on. Let's go to work.
FADE TO:
26. INT. DAFWANS' QUARTERS
Licia is again in bed, chips in place. She wakes,
disoriented. She sits up and puts a hand to her head,
rubbing it and dislodging the chips; with a sudden,
impatient gesture she rips them off, clambers out of
bed and looks confusedly around the dim room as a
babble of voices, laughter, moans and cries begins to
swell almost deafeningly around her. She falls to her
knees, grabbing at a chair and knocking it over.
LICIA
DEANNA!
CUT TO:
27. INT. HOLODECK: VIZHAD PERFORMANCE PLAZA
The four Vizhad are now wordlessly dancing a version of
Ophelia's mad scene, Mandazhin handing flowers to the
others in turn as they dance. Picard, Lwaxana, Troi
and Nathaniel watch from the table. The dancers are
suddenly startled, and Troi leaps to her feet in panic.
TROI
Licia! Computer, Exit!
Troi immediately dashes out of the holodeck as the exit door appears. Lwaxana has felt Licia's cry as well; all except Nathaniel are now on their feet, Nathaniel momentarily stunned into immobility.
LWAXANA
Deanna--oh, this is terrible!
Lwaxana sweeps out, not waiting for the others. The Vizhad rapidly follow, too urgent for speech.
PICARD
Sickbay, we have an emergency
situation in the Dafwan guest
quarters! Computer, save program!
The plaza becomes the plain holodeck grid as Nathaniel shakes himself and follows Picard out at a run, passing the Captain at the door.
CUT TO:
28. INT. DAFWAN'S QUARTERS
Troi is on the floor with Licia, cradling her friend's
head on her lap. Licia is now on her back, having a
grand mal seizure (an electrical storm in the brain),
stiffened and spasming, a frightening thing to watch;
Troi is bent over her, sobbing with pain in an intense
empathic connection. Lwaxana and the Vizhad arrive and
fan out into the room, taking it all in; they are
followed closely by Nathaniel, who moves to stand
behind Troi, placing his hands on her shoulders as if
to keep himself from falling. Picard enters, and Troi
manages to look up at him, pulling out of Licia's pain
enough to speak.
TROI
Oh my God...she's empathic!
She twists to look up at Nathaniel, the sobs returning.
TROI
She's feeling all of us--everyone--everyone on the ship!
Troi breaks down, leaning heavily against Nathaniel.
TROI (moaning)
It's too much, it's too much, she
doesn't know....
The Vizhad move in closer, and Nathaniel draws Troi away in white-knuckled anguish. Troi weeps into Nathaniel's shoulder while his hurt eyes are fixed on Licia. The Vizhad kneel around Licia, Mandazhin at her head, and place their hands on her body, humming in harmony. Lwaxana has moved next to Picard, and takes his arm with an anguished face. Gradually the twitching ceases and Licia's body relaxes. The emergency medical team arrives, Crusher at the head.
MANDAZHIN (not looking up)
We will care for her. It is best.
We can go to your Sickbay if you
wish, but not yet.
Crusher moves in and begins scanning Licia with her tools.
FADE TO:
29. INT. SICKBAY
In the foreground Licia is sitting up in a bio-bed,
Troi sitting next to her on the bed. Licia is holding
the chameleon rose, which fluxes through a cascade of
colors; the two friends are trying to help Licia focus
emotional input by manipulating the rose (biofeedback).
Its empty vase is on a stand next to the bed.
Mandazhin and Niklan confer with Ogawa at one of the
wall readouts; Crusher and Nathaniel are near the door.
CRUSHER
Licia's recovery has already been
remarkable, with the Vizhad's help.
The pregnancy is fine, and
physically I don't think Licia or
the baby has suffered any lasting
harm. (hesitates) Mandazhin
suspects that the baby may be born
empathic as well.
Nathaniel has barely glanced at the doctor: he is fixed on Licia.
NATHANIEL
They tell me that the baby as a
small presence inside her was a
part of this, too. (pause) Arbiter
Prelna wants us to continue our
translation work, but I don't know
how much I can do without--
CRUSHER
The work can wait, for now. (pause)
Nathaniel, have you gotten any
sleep?
NATHANIEL (suddenly snapping)
What do you think?! (containing
himself) Thank you, Doctor, for
your concern. You're right, I
suppose the best thing I can do for
Licia now is keep out of the way.
Nathaniel turns to go out, but Licia has looked up and sees him leaving.
LICIA
Nathaniel?!
Nathaniel turns and quickly goes to her, and Troi moves out of his way as he embraces his wife.
LICIA
Nathaniel, hold on to me, keep
holding onto me....
NATHANIEL
I will, love, I will. You just do
what you have to do to be well, and
I'll try to stay in one piece, too.
He releases her gently, with a kiss, and goes out quickly, without looking at any one. Mandazhin and Niklan have looked up to monitor the exchange. The rose, still in Licia's hand, is a deep blood red. In the doorway Nathaniel nearly runs into Lwaxana and Riker on their way in, and quickly brushes past them. Crusher is now consulting with the Vizhad and Ogawa; Lwaxana and Riker watch as Licia and Troi resume work with the rose, which is once again in flux. It resolves rather shakily into a pale blue-green.
LICIA
Oh, Deanna, I'm so worried.... (She
concentrates, and the blue-green
color becomes stronger.) No, wait
--that's not me, that's you.
Licia realizes what she has said, and panics; the rose turns black.
LICIA
B'Rana, tell me what I'm feeling!!
Deanna quickly takes her friend in her arms and rocks her, blinking back her own sudden tears. FOCUS on Lwaxana and Riker.
LWAXANA
It's so hard to see her like this.
RIKER
Licia, or Deanna?
LWAXANA
Licia is a very enduring person,
Wil, very good at adapting herself
to an uncertain universe. She only
seems fragile because she focuses
so much on other people. (pause) I
always had a feeling something like
this would happen with her--she has
such depth of heart. She has been
like another daughter to me,
really, and how could my daughter
be anything but spectacular?
(pause) But this hurts Deanna. The
two of them are so close, and now
everything is changing.
RIKER
I wish I could help somehow.
LWAXANA
Believe me, William, you are
helping just by caring about her.
She feels it, you know.
Lwaxana gives Riker's arm or hand a squeeze, then moves forward and gently places a hand on Troi's shoulder.
LWAXANA (V.O.)
Come away, Little One. Let her
rest. (aloud) It's time to go,
Deanna.
Licia lies back on the bed; Lwaxana takes the rose from her (it turns violet) and places it in a vase next to the bed (the rose turns white), as Troi strokes Licia's cheek. Licia smiles, shadows flitting across her face. Troi gets up to go with her mother; she pauses for a tender hug from Riker before going out, looking back over her shoulder as Mandazhin and Niklan gather at Licia's head, Crusher behind them. Riker stands a moment, watching, and exits.
FADE TO:
30. INT. LWAXANA'S GUEST QUARTERS
Troi and Lwaxana are nestled together on a sofa.
TROI
Oh, Mother. Why didn't I see this
coming? Why didn't I help her?
Now she'll be going away to
Perzhad, and I can't do anything
for her.
LWAXANA
Don't blame yourself, Deanna. The
Vizhad didn't understand it all
either, until it was done. Perhaps
she was meant to be this way.
Haven't you always said that she's
almost more Betazoid than human?
TROI
Yes; in a way she was both things,
like me.
LWAXANA
And now that's changing, and part
of you is afraid your friendship
with her will change, too. But
Deanna, the two of you are B'Rana.
The love between you, that very
special bond, won't ever go away,
unless you choose to insist that it
does by not accepting the change.
TROI (laughs and wipes her eyes)
I've heard someone who strongly
resembles myself telling that to my
clients upon occasion. (pause) You
know, Mother, soon after Licia got
here she asked me, "Who does the
Counselor go to?" I didn't say you.
LWAXANA
Well, I haven't exactly been a
selflessly supportive parent.
(V.O.) I've pushed you too much. I
expected you to be like me.
TROI (V.O.)
Expected? Demanded!
LWAXANA (aloud)
But you have your father's
stubbornness; and do you know, I've
always been a little proud of you
for standing up to me. (V.O.) And
for reminding me of him, even
though that hurt a little, too.
(aloud) I loved him very much, you
know.
A single tear traces down Lwaxana's face; Deanna reaches up to catch it and the mother holds her daughter's hand against her cheek, smiling a little. [Majel Barrett can be truly radiant.]
TROI (almost whispering)
Yes, Mother, I know--I'm sorry. I
didn't always believe it.
LWAXANA
Oh, I don't want to think about
grief, Little One. Losing loved
ones is one of the few constants in
the universe. But so is keeping
them--close to your heart.
PULL BACK, music swells, and SLOW FADE OUT.
It may or may not be useful to know that the name Dafwan is common among the Mwaghavul people (a.k.a. Sura) of the Jos Plateau in Nigeria, a region of many Christians and multiple ethnic minorities but influenced by the regionally powerful and numerous, Islamic Hausa people of the north. The men tend to wear the Middle Eastern-influenced robes, suits and caps common throughout Islamic Africa (often in colorful prints rather than the solid whites and pastels of the northerners), while the women wear blouses, head-ties, and wrappers. I stipulate no masks in the Dafwans' quarters since in most parts of West Africa masks are spiritual symbols only brought out for festivals and rituals which the spirits will visit, and thus are not appropriate (or exactly safe) for display in the home.
While the Vizhad have no wings, they could have a gliding membrane between arms and body; normally this would remain hidden beneath clothing, but it would be delightful to have a performance moment, when they are dancing, when this would show. A soft prosthetic beak, cupping over the nose and mouth for ease of speech and breathing, would I hope not be too difficult to devise for an avian alien, whether for this episode or any other. And of course it would not be an utter tragedy if they were made more humanoid, if bird-face makeup would be costly.
In the Hamlet scene, Marina Sirtis could play Ophelia (using her own accent), with Jonathan Frakes as Laertes, Patrick Stewart as Claudius (a role he played superlatively in the BBC production with Derek Jacobi), and Gates McFadden as Gertrude. Alternatively, the actors playing the Vizhad could take these four roles (only two of which are speaking in this brief excerpt), without their Vizhad makeup.
I realize that this is not exactly an orthodox Star Trek teleplay, with no captain's logs (Picard's opening speech could easily be a log entry, but I couldn't make others fit), and not a single scene on the bridge. The excellent DSN episode "Duet" encouraged me on this point, since it, too, lacked officers' logs and had pacing similar to mine. As my sister, an electrical engineer who designs satellites, queried: "No photon torpedoes? No tractor beams?" Not a high-tech episode, which may well be a virtue in terms of production costs, although it does provide opportunities for what might be interesting special effects.
I did not originally intend for Lwaxana Troi to come along on this one, but her voice occurred to me as a good foil for Deanna, and I have admired Majel Barrett's (and the writers') work with her character. I'm fully aware that the fact that I don't really know what I'm doing writing for television clearly shows. I really enjoyed pursuing the story, which is, of course, the whole point.
Vizhad "vision" + "facade" (vi-ZHAD)
Mandazhin "mandarin" + "vision" (MAN-da-zhin)
Perzhad "pear" + "sod" + "vision" (PER-ZHAD)
garaya "guh-RAY-uh"
My love has changed
His heart is snow and melts away
We are estranged
His mind has gone so far away
He does not know what he will see
When he turns his eyes to me
He thinks the light of life has flown
With every joy he's ever known
O turn your eyes to me, my love
Look away from the dark, and see
It is too late
My love has gone away
From who he was
And now my heart will stay
alone
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