Star Trek: The Monkey Trap

 


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          



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

BOTTOM LIVE script

Evidence supporting quantum information processing in animals

ARMIES OF CHAOS