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The Caretakers Dance
The Caretakers' Dance
A Screenplay for Star
Trek - The Next Generation
Written by
Anthony J. Colombo
Copyright © 1993 Anthony J. Colombo
FADE IN:
The doors to the transporter room open, CAPTAIN PECARD, COMMANDER DATA and COMMANDER JEORDI LEFORGE enter in. An eloquent and determined, balding man in his early fifties, Pecard speaks with authority. Jeordi, a relatively young, enthusiastic black man in charge of engineering, follows the Captain's quick pace.
Behind them comes DR. BEVERLY CRUSHER, an attractive, passionate and approachable red haired woman in her forties, followed by LIEUTENANT WHARF, a large abrasive Klingon officer in charge of security. As the team walks on to the transporter platform, Captain Pecard explains their Starfleet orders.
PECARD (V.O.)
Starfleet has sent us urgent orders. We are to assist the renown DR. JERAD FELTORRI, in the final phases of his atmosphere conversion project on Galandan 4.
TRANSPORTER CHIEF O'RIELY, a medium height, brown haired Irish man, in his late thirties, reaches his hand to the transporter controls.
Each of the crew members turn so that they face the same direction, straight ahead.
O'Riely touches keys on the controls and the TRANSPORTER SOUND fades up. Pecard's voice continues as the team begins to dematerialize.
PECARD (V.O.)
Apparently a group, who opposes the project, is attempting to sabotage it.
The team completely dematerializes.
EXT. GALANDAN 4, BIOSPHERE - DAY
Adjacent to the transparent biosphere complex, the converter, a massive, silver cylinder, reflects off beams of light.
INT. THE BIOSPHERE ON GALANDAN 4
As the TRANSPORTER SOUND fades down, the away team rematerializes in the large computer room adjacent the converter. Computers and display panels line three of the four walls in the room. The fourth wall, made of glass, slants back at a 45 degree angle, to show the converter.
The converter exists outside of the biosphere. A massive cylindrical device with large intakes and exhaust areas, the converter looms several stories above the room.
JERAD, a tall sixty-three year old man with graying hair, sharp lines through his face and a rigid posture, steps forward, with his hand extended, and greets the Captain.
JERAD
Ah, Captain Pecard, I'm fortunate, Starfleet has sent me their best.
Pecard steps forward and puts forth his hand. He shakes Jerad's hand.
PECARD
Thank you Dr. Feltorri. But it is I who am fortunate. You have allowed me to breath the air on planets that were not long ago lifeless rocks. Millions of inhabitants throughout the federation are indebted to you and your work.
JERAD
Thank you, Captain. Galandan 4 has presented me with more challenges than any previous planet, and your help is greatly appreciated.
JEORDI
Dr. Feltorri, I find your work fascinating. I'm dying to see the converter work its magic with--
Suddenly, the room shakes violently during a LOUD EXPLOSIVE SOUND. The team and the doctor fall to the floor.
INT. ENTERPRISE, BRIDGE - DAY
COMMANDER DATA, an inquisitive and talkative android, communicates to Pecard.
DATA
Captain, sensors detected five human life forms outside of the biosphere in the proximity of the explosion.
INT. THE CONVERTER ROOM IN THE BIOSPHERE
As the team stands back on their feet, Pecard speaks.
PECARD
Can you track them Data?
INT. ENTERPRISE, BRIDGE
Data looks at five faint blips on a computer screen. The blips disappear.
DATA
No, sir. Our sensors are no longer able to detect them.
INT. CONVERTER ROOM
PECARD
I want to know where they went.
DATA (V.O.)
Yes, sir.
Pecard walks toward Jerad and Jerad walks quickly away. Pecard follows Jerad, as Jerad walks to a computer terminal. Ignoring Pecard, Jerad glances into the computer terminal.
JERAD
Thank God, the secondary force field held.
PECARD
The secondary force field?
Ignoring the stern gaze of Pecard, Jerad, frantically punches keys at a terminal. Pecard interrupts Jerad by positioning himself directly to the side and next to Jerad.
PECARD
Now I see why Starfleet said it was urgent. Dr. Feltorri, can you explain why people are in the hostile environment outside of the biosphere, and why do they resort to using explosives?
Jerad pauses, then grimaces, still looking into the terminal, he explains.
JERAD
They're a group of rebels. They're living underground like miserable rats.
Pecard pauses.
PECARD
I don't believe you've answered my question.
Jerad turns his head towards Pecard, while his hands remain on the computer terminal.
JERAD
They want to protect the few indigenous species on this planet. They're fanatical. They'll blow up this converter and kill everyone in the biosphere.
PECARD
Why are they so desperate?
JERAD
They're mad. Starfleet made concessions. Under Starfleet orders, we built an enclosure which houses a viable population of all indigenous species. The rebels continued to protest, and now they have resorted to barbaric acts of terrorism.
Jerad removes his hands from the terminal and pivots his torso and legs so his entire body faces Pecard. As Jerad speaks, his look becomes determined and his hands move about in an expressive fashion.
JERAD
The climate here changes quickly. I must run the converter sequence within two days or the project will be postponed for three earth years. We can't afford any more delays. You have your orders. You must stop the rebels.
INT. ENTERPRISE - DAY
The Captain and his officers surround a conference table. COMMANDER WILL RITCHER, a tall handsome man with a beard and a strong personality, sits to the right of the Captain. Next to Ritcher sits COUNSELOR TROY, a beautiful dark haired betazoid, who has the ability to read minds. Next to her sits Jeordi, Data and Dr. Crusher.
PECARD
The teraforming on Galandan 4 has led to violent social upheaval. Our orders are to assist Dr. Feltorri, in whatever capacity he dictates. He wants us to stop these rebels, but we must know more.
WHARF
The location of the rebels remains unknown. If they attack again, we might be able to track them.
PECARD
We can't afford another attack. See if you can locate them before they attempt one.
WHARF
Yes, sir.
PECARD
We need to investigate all unknowns. Why are these rebels so desperate in their cause? I sense that Dr. Feltorri has not told us everything.
Pecard turns toward Dr. Crusher.
PECARD
Beverly, go down to the surface. See if Dr. Feltorri will allow you to assist him.
Dr. Crusher nods.
Hopefully you will have better luck in finding out what's going on in that man's head. Dismissed.
INT. ENTERPRISE, BRIDGE - DAY
Data sits on his chair at his station, as he stares into a flashing screen. Commander Ritcher walks up, leans forward and Data pivots his chair toward the Commander.
DATA
Commander, from the logs located on Galandan 4, I have identified four indigenous species. Three of the species are simple organisms. The fourth, lives in the atmosphere. It is much larger and more complex than the others.
Data pivots in his chair so that he faces Ritcher.
DATA
I have never seen an ecosystem, this simple, give way to an organism of such complexity.
Data pivots his chair so that he faces his screen. He presents a picture of the species for Ritcher to see. The picture looks like a winged jelly fish.
DATA
Their called Solotrites. I have been monitoring their movements. They fly in intricate patterns, displaying an intriguing sense of order, perhaps indicating limited intelligence.
RITCHER
Have you tried communicating with them?
DATA
No.
Data looks away from the screen, but not at Ritcher. He tilts his head slightly.
DATA
I have detected low frequency radio band emissions throughout the flocks of Solotrites.
Data pivots in his chair so that he faces Ritcher.
Commander, I find it interesting, that the records on Galandan 4, give no reference to such emissions.
RITCHER
Are the records complete?
DATA
They seem to be. The records are very detailed. Dr. Feltorri's team has conducted extensive studies on captive Solotrites.
RITCHER
Hum.
DATA
I will attempt to communicate with the universal translation code on a similar frequency.
Counselor Troy walks up from behind. Data punches keys and wave forms flash quickly on the screen. They stare for a few moments at the screen.
DATA
There is no meaningful change in their emissions, sir. Even limited non-humanoid communications remains very difficult to impossible.
RITCHER
Keep trying Data.
DATA
Yes, sir.
Counselor Troy looks out towards the planet. Captain Pecard walks up slowly. He stands behind the shoulder of Counselor Troy.
COUNSELOR TROY
I sense some sort of consciousness there. It's, vague, but there's something there.
PECARD
Counselor Troy, would it help if you were right next to a Solotrite?
COUNSELOR TROY
Captain?
PECARD
Dr. Feltorri and his team have some Solotrites inside the biosphere.
COUNSELOR TROY
I'm not sure what I'm sensing is coming from the Solotrites. I, I don't what it is.
Pecard pauses for a moment, then turns towards Ritcher.
PECARD
Commander, why don't you and the Counselor pay Dr. Feltorri's Solotrites a visit. We'll inform the biosphere of your arrival.
Ritcher nods. Ritcher and the Counselor Troy exit the bridge.
INT. THE SOLOTRITE ROOM IN THE BIOSPHERE - DAY
As the TRANSPORTER SOUND fades down, Ritcher and Counselor Troy materialize in a room next to the enclosure housing the captive Solotrites. A series of computers and display panels, about three and a half feet high, stand against the Solotrite's enclosure. This enclosure, which resembles a miniature biosphere, houses about thirty Solotrites. The Solotrites hover listlessly in their biosphere. Beyond the enclosure, lies the jagged landscape of Galandan 4.
Two well dressed female scientists from Feltorri's team, stand in the middle of the room. MELANA, a short, attractive and precise woman in her thirties, extends her greetings to Ritcher and Counselor Troy.
MELANA
Hello, I'm Melana, I'm in charge of the Galandan 4 species relocation program.
Melana gestures towards her assistant, TYLA, a taller woman, in her late 20's.
MELANA
This is my assistant, Tyla.
Tyla nods.
RITCHER
I'm Commander Ritcher.
Ritcher gestures towards Counselor Troy.
PECARD
And this is Counselor Troy.
COUNSELOR TROY
Hello.
Tyla and Melana turn and begin to walk closer to the computers and the enclosure, while Ritcher and Counselor Troy follow behind them. Melana, turning occasionally towards Ritcher and Counselor Troy, speaks as they walk.
MELANA
This is our Solotrite enclosure.
Melana gestures to the enclosure, as they walk toward it.
MELANA
It sustains a viable population of the Solotrite species.
They walk up to the computer terminals and stop. They look into the enclosure and see a closer view of hovering Solotrites.
The Counselor turns her head towards Melana.
COUNSELOR TROY
Are they always this inactive?
Melana pauses, then speaks quickly.
MELANA
In the enclosure, they rarely move. But we know that they fly quite a bit in the open.
Ritcher looks towards Melana.
MELANA
When the conversion process is complete, we leave the biosphere.
As Melana speaks with a show of enthusiasm, she waves one of her arms in a broad sweeping gesture.
MELANA
We'll open up the entire biosphere to the Solotrites. After we adjust the biosphere's climate, of course.
Ritcher's expression shows disgust. He looks at the Solotrites. He pauses then speaks.
RITCHER
You'll convert the atmosphere and kill all but these few Solotrites. Then you will leave the biosphere.
He points at the Solotrites and turns his head towards Melana.
RITCHER
They'll remain imprisoned inside.
Melana looks towards commander Ritcher.
MELANA
Commander Ritcher, you know as well as I do, the federation is expanding. Galandan 4 will be the hub for colonization of the entire Zeranian System.
Melana looks at the Solotrites.
MELANA
Sacrifices must be made.
Ritcher turns toward Melana.
RITCHER
Even if it means killing sentient beings.
MELANA
Solotrites are not sentient!
RITCHER
We've detected radio band emissions between Solotrites. Yet your records give no indication of these emissions.
Melana's posture becomes rigid.
MELANA
Commander, I'm afraid your people know very little about Solotrites. These emissions are no more than a by product of their metabolism.
RITCHER
And why is there no record?
MELANA
It's unimportant. The emissions affect nothing.
Ritcher stares at Melana in frustration, then looks toward Counselor Troy. His expression, and tone of voice, soften.
RITCHER
Do you sense anything?
The Counselor pauses, while looking to the Solotrites.
COUNSELOR TROY
No, I, I sense nothing from them.
Counselor Troy looks to Ritcher.
COUNSELOR TROY
Nothing at all.
Ritcher looks back at Melana. She looks away. Ritcher touches his communication device.
RITCHER
Enterprise, two to beam up.
INT. CONVERTER ROOM - DAY
Jerad presses keys and moves rapidly between several control panels, while doctor Crusher, who stands on the other side of the computer room, looks puzzled as she examines a control panel screen.
DR. CRUSHER
There's an extremely unusual occurrence in the southern latitudes, there actually seems to be a converting process already taking place. It makes absolutely no sense.
Jerad walks quickly over to Dr. Crusher's panel, as he walks over he speaks.
JERAD
I know, it's a recent development, and we haven't had time to examine it.
DR. CRUSHER
It's an odd arrangement of biomass and life giving oxygen. Maybe we should look into it further. . .
JERAD
We have no time to examine curious anomalies. I've worked hard for seven years on the converter and tomorrow it will all be put to the test.
DR. CRUSHER
Jerad, I don't want to in any way endanger your project. I didn't think this was just a curious anomaly. I was merely trying to--
JERAD
I know, I know, Don't worry. I'm really not easy to work with.
DR. CRUSHER
Most geniuses aren't easy to work with.
Jerad smiles slightly, and looks toward the ground.
DR. CRUSHER
Do you have a woman in your life Dr. Feltorri?
JERAD
I, I do. But it hasn't been working out.
DR. CRUSHER
Why not?
JERAD
I don't have the time.
DR. CRUSHER
Of course not, you give your time to the machine. What does she have to say?
JERAD
She says the same. She also says that, that, I don't listen.
Dr. Crusher looks down at the panel.
DR. CRUSHER
Do you have the time to listen to others, even if what they have to say might be important to your project?
Jerad leans back and grimaces, then stands reflective for a moment. Dr. Crusher looks at Jerad. Jerad looks away and stands in silence.
JERAD
You and your captain seem to enjoy creating questions for me. Dr. Crusher, what do you want from me?
Dr. Crusher looks back down at the panel, sighs and then looks back up at Jerad.
DR. CRUSHER
The truth, Jerad.
Jerad turns his head towards Dr. Crusher.
JERAD
You know, I see that you're right about the anomaly. It's something that should be looked into.
Jerad turns his head towards a computer terminal.
JERAD
Maybe the people on your Enterprise can find time to examine it.
Dr. Crusher smiles and looks back down at her panel, as Jerad walks back to his.
Dr. Crusher touches her communication device.
DR. CRUSHER
Captain.
INT. BRIDGE - DAY
PECARD
Yes doctor.
In the background, the bridge doors open. Commander Ritcher and Counselor Troy enter the bridge, while Pecard listens to Dr. Crusher.
DR. CRUSHER (V.O.)
I've detected an unusual arrangement of biomass and oxygen in the southern latitudes of Galandan 4.
DATA
Captain, if I may.
PECARD
Yes, Data.
DATA
In my attempt to establish communications with the Solotrites, I have detected what Dr. Crusher is referring to in other locations. The biomass are Solotrites. The records give no indication that Solotrites generate oxygen. In fact, oxygen is lethal to the species.
Wharf, standing at his station, tightens his expression as he looks down at blips on his control panel. He swings his head toward Pecard.
WHARF
Captain. Sensors detect five human life forms approaching the biosphere.
PECARD
How close are they?
Wharf looks back down at his panel then looks back to Pecard.
WHARF
200 meters out, sir. We can intercept them with an away team.
PECARD
Dangerous. What other options do we have?
WHARF
Sir, if we fire enough laser bursts in front of them, it could stop their advance.
PECARD
I'm not so sure. These are desperate people. I don't want to kill them.
JEORDI
How about instead of laser bursts, we send down a sustained energy beam. It will act as an impenetrable force field.
PECARD
Make it so, Commander LeForge.
Jeordi moves rapidly to a panel. He looks down and quickly begins pressing keys.
EXT. GALANDAN 4, 100 METERS FROM THE BIOSPHERE - DAY
Five rebels, heavily cloaked in the special gear that allows them to exist in the hostile atmosphere, encounter the energy beam as it suddenly appears, ten feet in front of them. The energy beam creates a LOUD HUMMING SOUND.
LASER SOUNDS come in on top of the LOUD HUMMING SOUND, as they aim their lasers at a spot on the energy beam, and fire. Nothing happens to the energy beam. The LEAD REBEL, a wiry, bearded man, in his thirties, speaks into his transmitter.
LEAD REBEL
Sir, Dr. Feltorri has put up some sort of force field, we can't pass.
INT. THE UNDERGROUND HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP - DAY
DR. MORRIS SHUNDEEN, a soft-spoken man, in his late seventies, with gray hair draping down his back, the features of his face remain hidden. He speaks to the lead rebel.
DR. SHUNDEEN
It's not Dr. Feltorri's doing. Return immediately.
INT. BRIDGE - DAY
Wharf, standing at his station, looking down at his panel, quickly turns his head to speak to Pecard.
WHARF
Captain, I have a positive lock on them.
Wharf looks back down at his screen.
Wharf
I'm tracking them now.
Wharf squints his eyes.
WHARF
They've just gone underground, sir. I have their coordinates.
Wharf looks at Pecard.
WHARF
It's probably the entrance to their base.
PECARD
I'll lead the away team.
WHARF
Sir, for your own safety, I strongly suggest that you stay onboard.
PECARD
I fear that in their desperation, these people will stop at nothing. I must reason with them.
Wharf becomes visibly upset, as the Captain walks quickly towards the exit.
PECARD
Wharf, Data, come with me.
Wharf and Data follow Captain Pecard. They exit bridge.
INT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP - DAY
As the TRANSPORTER SOUND fades down, Pecard, Wharf and Data materialize in a dimly lit room and quickly move behind a wall. Pecard looks out from behind the wall. He sees six rebels and Dr. Shundeen surrounding a centrally located computer. Pecard hears the rebels' discussion.
DR. SHUNDEEN
It's a federation ship in orbit. They're the ones who stopped us. They'll probably find us now.
Expressions of anguish and loss show on the faces of the group.
LEAD REBEL
Damned Federation.
Dr. Shundeen looks down into his computer communication terminal, as his expression becomes very sorrowful. He speaks slowly.
DR. SHUNDEEN
That's it then. We must bid our friends in the sky, farewell.
Pecard, unarmed, emerges from behind the wall, followed by Wharf and Data, with their weapons drawn. As Pecard begins to speak, the Rebels turn and draw their weapons. Pecard looks at the rebels and raises his hands.
PECARD
I'm Captain Pecard of the starship Enterprise. I mean you no harm.
Dr. Shundeen pauses, then nods to the lead rebel. The rebels, Wharf and Data lower their weapons. Pecard slowly lowers his arms and looks at Dr. Shundeen.
Pecard
Who sir, are you?
DR. SHUNDEEN
I'm Dr. Shundeen.
Data speaks into the Captain's ear, as the Captain keeps his eyes on Dr. Shundeen.
DATA
He was a colleague of Dr. Feltorri. He was presumed dead.
PECARD
Who are your friends in the sky?
DR. SHUNDEEN
Our friends were here before we were. They tell us many things.
PECARD
You actually communicate with those creatures?
DR. SHUNDEEN
Captain, we not only communicate with them, but we're working with them to convert portions of their atmosphere. In the converted areas close to the ground, humans can live. The rest of their sky is for them.
Without haste, Pecard touches his communication device and hails the Enterprise.
PECARD
Will, get me Dr. Feltorri. Lets settle this matter, once and for all.
INT. BRIDGE - DAY
RITCHER
Right away, sir.
Ritcher reaches down to his panel.
RITCHER
You have him.
INT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP - DAY
PECARD
Dr. Feltorri, cancel the conversion sequence. Dr. Shundeen and I request your presence.
INT. CONVERTER ROOM - DAY
Dr. Crusher stands in the background. Jerad grimaces at the name of Dr. Shundeen. Jerad speaks with determination in his voice.
JERAD
I can't stop the sequence now. I must be allowed to continue, without interruptions.
INT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP
Pecard's face tenses as he speaks.
PECARD
If you continue, you'll kill millions of sentient beings. Are you willing to be responsible for such an atrocity?
INT. CONVERTER ROOM
JERAD
Sorry Captain, we have our orders.
INT. BRIDGE
Jeordi looks down to a control panel. Then quickly lifts his head and speaks.
JEORDI
He has raised his force field.
INT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP
PECARD
Enterprise, we must stop him, Now!
INT. BRIDGE
JEORDI
We can't beam anyone down there, the force field is too strong.
Ritcher turns his head towards Jeordi.
RITCHER
What about disarming the force field?
JEORDI
With lasers? You run a big risk of destroying the entire biosphere.
EXT. BIOSPHERE - DAY
The Biosphere and Converter eclipse the sky.
INT. CONVERTER ROOM - DAY
Dr. Crusher walks up to Jerad.
DR. CRUSHER
Jerad, what are you doing?
JERAD
I'm initiating the final sequence.
The lights on the converter, which are visible through the glass, turn on and pulsate, as CONVERTER NOISES become louder.
DR. CRUSHER
What right do you have to sentence those beings to their death?
Jerad's face tightens as he looks down and then looks at Dr. Crusher.
JERAD
Don't you think it bothers me. Starfleet has already decided the fate of Galandan 4 and the conversion process can't be delayed.
Jerad reaches his hand to a panel and pushes Dr. Crusher back in the process.
Now stay out of my way, Dr. Crusher, or you will be forcibly removed.
Dr. Crusher steps back, as a look of upset and hopelessness shows on her face.
INT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP - DAY
Pecard looks toward Dr. Shundeen. Dr. Shundeen stares down into his panel.
PECARD
How can we stop him?
DR. SHUNDEEN
He has begun the final sequence. Only he can stop it now.
INT. CONVERTER ROOM - DAY
Dr. Crusher stares into her control panel.
DR. CRUSHER
Dr. Feltorri, one of those curious anomalies has formed directly above your converter. It's the Solotrites. My god, there's thousands of them!
Dr. Crusher turns to Dr. Feltorri, Feltorri looks up through the glass. He sees the Solotrites darkening the sky above the converter.
EXT. CONVERTER AND SKY
Multitudes of Solotrites coalesce in a downward moving mass, above the converter.
INT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP
Dr. Shundeen stares into his communication panel.
DR. SHUNDEEN
They told me that they intend to fly into the converter intakes and clog the converter with their bodies.
Dr. Shundeen looks at Captain Pecard.
DR. SHUNDEEN
They will sacrifice great numbers of their species to save the rest.
With a blank expression, Dr. Shundeen looks down at his communication device.
DR. SHUNDEEN
It is doubtful that they'll be successful.
PECARD
Have you told them that?
DR. SHUNDEEN
No. What do they have to lose?
EXT. CONVERTER AND SKY
A thick stream Solotrites come down from the sky and begin to fly into the intakes of the converter.
INT. BIOSPHERE
The captive Solotrites begin to frantically fly around in their enclosure. Melana and Tyra nervously move from computer to computer.
INT. CONVERTER ROOM
Dr. Crusher looks up to the converter. The CONVERTER SOUND becomes more whiny as the converter digests Solotrites. She moves toward Dr. Feltorri.
DR. CRUSHER
What are you doing?! You're killing them! They've every right to live as we do.
Dr. Crusher grabs Jerad by the shoulder and spins him so that he looks directly into her eyes. He grabs her by the wrists.
DR. CRUSHER
Are you so lost in your own world that you would kill so blindly? Dr. Feltorri, do you hear me!?
Jerad pauses in a state of tense introspection, then loosens his countenance and lets go of Dr. Crusher. He turns away from her and slowly deactivates the converter. The CONVERTER SOUND winds down.
EXT. CONVERTER AND SKY
The Solotrites rise away from the converter.
INT. HEADQUARTERS OF THE REBEL GROUP
PECARD
Have Dr. Feltorri beamed down here at once.
RITCHER (V.O.)
Yes, sir.
Jerad and Dr. Crusher materialize in front of the Captain and Dr. Shundeen. Jerad looks at his old colleague, Dr. Shundeen, in disbelief, and then looks around the room.
DR. SHUNDEEN
My operation isn't as technical as yours.
Jerad walks up to Dr. Shundeen's communication device and looks down at it, as it flashes.
DR. SHUNDEEN
It allows us to communicate with the Solotrites. It's a simple device compared to your converter.
JERAD
It must be very sophisticated, none the less.
Jerad pauses, then looks Dr. Shundeen in the eyes.
JERAD
So your actually doing it. I never would've thought it possible. You're actually converting portions of the atmosphere?
DR. SHUNDEEN
No.
Dr. Shundeen looks down to his communication device.
DR. SHUNDEEN
They're converting portions of the atmosphere. All I do now, is inform them of their progress.
Jerad pauses.
JERAD
You're obviously a better scientist than I.
Jerad looks down.
DR. SHUNDEEN
Oh, I don't know about that. You just got to clean some of that wax out of your ears.
Dr. Shundeen smiles, lifts his hand, and sets it on Dr. Feltorri's shoulder. Dr. Feltorri raises his head.
DR. SHUNDEEN
This is the Solotrite's planet. They're the caretakers here.
Dr. Shundeen pauses, as he looks to his old colleague.
DR. SHUNDEEN
The universe will always have much to teach us my friend.
Dr. Shundeen looks back down to his communication device and then looks up as he smiles.
DR. SHUNDEEN
We only need to listen.
INT. SOLOTRITE ROOM - DAY
As the TRANSPORTER SOUND fades down, Ritcher and Counselor Troy materialize in the Solotrite enclosure room. The Solotrites move around slowly in their biosphere. Tyra stands in the background. A more relaxed Melana approaches Ritcher and the Counselor.
MELANA
I was told to wait your arrival, before freeing them.
They walk towards the computers.
COUNSELOR TROY
Thanks for waiting.
MELANA
Commander, if you like, you can open the gate.
Ritcher smiles.
RITCHER
No Melana. I think it best that you open it.
Melana smiles.
MELANA
Yes, sir.
Melana reaches down to a panel and presses various buttons. A LOW HUMMING SOUND fills the room, as a glass pane slowly lifts. The Solotrites begin to move about more. Counselor Troy smiles. She looks at the Solotrites, then she looks to Ritcher.
COUNSELOR TROY
I feel them now.
Ritcher looks to the Counselor and smiles.
COUNSELOR TROY
They're happy.
Tears well in the Counselor's eyes.
COUNSELOR TROY
They know it's time for freedom.
The four of them look out to the Solotrites. The Solotrites gather at the rising glass gate.
RITCHER
How come you didn't sense them before?
COUNSELOR TROY
When they're still, in captivity, they simply shutdown.
The Counselor smiles.
COUNSELOR TROY
They speak through their movements, their dance.
As the gate continues to rise, the intermingling Solotrites fly through the opening.
EXT. BIOSPHERE AND SKY
Additional Solotrites join the freed captives, as they spiral upward into the sky.
THE END