Descent into Hades

Premiered May 1, 2003

Inanna’s Descent into the Underworld is one of the most significant Sumerian legends in existence.  It is both a metaphor for a spiritual initiation (one which is particularly relevant today), and at the same time, a concise herstory (vice history) of ancient times.  The story has a classic quality which still stirs the soul.  

In one attempt to make the story better known, a television script was written for the very popular television series, Star Trek, The Next Generation, in which the story utilized all of the well known characters from that series.  The script was submitted to the producers of the series, but as far as is known, the script was never read or otherwise considered -- and there is thus no formal connection between the script below and the television series.  

Nevertheless, it may be both entertaining and thought provoking -- which is the essence of all things worth reading.  And so without further ado...

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“DESCENT INTO HADES”  

Dan Sewell Ward

Copyright 1992 Dan Sewell Ward  

OPENING SEQUENCE:  

View of Enterprise gently turning, against a background of stars.  

Captain Jean-Luc Picard:  Captain's log, Star Date 9.36.18.  The Enterprise is in orbit around an M-Class planet in the Hespiridies star system, to investigate reports of a possible violation of the prime directive.

View of Enterprise in orbit around planet, with another orbiting, smaller space craft in view.  

Picard:  The planet, Riwan, hosts a developing, human-like civilization, which has not yet achieved spaceflight and thus has not been invited to become a member of the Federation.  Because of the prime directive against interfering in the planet's current state of development, no direct contacts have been made.

Scene shifts to the Enterprise's Conference room with Picard taking his seat at the head of the table, joining Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge, Counselor Deanna Troi, and Lieutenant Commander Data.  (Lieutenant Worf, Dr. Beverly Crusher and Ensign Roe are not present.)

Picard:  Several months ago, Starfleet authorized a covert cultural and anthropological expedition to the planet Riwan in order to monitor and evaluate the current level of the planet's civilization and its technological development.  Since then, however, we've received reports that the operation has exceeded its authority and may be attempting to influence the planet's development, a clear violation of the prime directive.  I have asked the expedition's leader, a Dr. Iris Herman, to beam over to discuss the issue.

Commander Riker:  Even a possible violation of the prime directive would require that we take immediate action to pull the team off the planet.

Picard:  Agreed.

Riker:  What do we know of the precautions that the observing team has taken to avoid discovery?

Lieutenant Commander Data:  The inhabitants of the planet are very similar to humans, such that any human observer could likely pass themselves off as a native.  However, the civilization is in an early technological stage and may be capable of detecting the Enterprise or the expedition team's vessel in orbit.

Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge:  We should be able to adopt an orbit behind the planet's sole moon, and thereby avoid detection.

Riker:  We may not be here that long.

Picard:  Nevertheless, it's a good suggestion.  We'll discuss it with Dr. Herman.  (Picard glances around.)  Where is Dr. Crusher?

Counselor Deanna Troi:  She's delivering the Ley's new baby, a beautiful baby girl.

Riker:  Weren't the parents planning to name the baby, Jean Luc?

Troi:  If it was a boy.  But they had decided not to determine the sex ahead of time.

Picard:  I'm glad to hear it's a girl.  We don't need anymore Jean-Luc's aboard.  (Everyone laughs.)

Lieutenant Worf enters the conference room, accompanying Dr. Iris Herman, a very attractive and confident anthropologist, who has never been above using her beauty to accomplish her goals.

Lieutenant Worf:  Captain.  Dr. Iris Herm...

Dr. Iris Herman:  (interrupting Worf and striding toward Picard)  Captain Picard.  It's a delight to meet you, but I must tell you that you've caught us in an extremely delicate and crucial moment in our observations.

Picard:  I have no doubt about the importance of your work, Dr. Herman.  Starfleet would not have authorized your...

Herman:  Then you must realize that it cannot be interrupted without causing serious consequences.

Riker:  A short review of your situation would hardly constitute a serious interruption.

Herman:  With all due respect Commander, the planet's societal structure is at an absolutely critical point in its development, making this an extraordinary opportunity to observe.  We are witnessing a dominator, patriarchal culture on the verge of total collapse.  Added to this is the widespread belief in a great, mythical goddess returning to renew the civilization, an event which according to legend, could occur at any moment!  Science demands that we take advantage of this opportunity.

Riker:  Observing is one thing, influencing is another.

Picard:  Doctor, our concern has to do with reports of a possible violation of the prime directive.

Herman:  Nonsense!  Nothing's been violated!  Our observations have been in secret, we've taken all necessary precautions to avoid detection.  We have, for example, never beamed down or up except in circumstances where we were certain of being unobserved.

Data:  It would appear, Doctor, that the civilization's technology should be capable of detecting your space craft in orbit.

Herman:  A valid observation, and initially we were very secretive in that regard, despite the fact that concealing our craft in orbit interfered significantly in our collecting data from their communications and other electronic emissions.  However, as we learned about the culture, we uncovered an immense data base on alien sightings by the Riwanians, but to such an extent that the culture at large had discounted the evidence and simply didn't believe in the possibility of extra-planetary visitations.  The civilization is very egotistical in that regard.  They actually think they're the only ones in the universe!

Troi:  Wouldn't the continuing presence of a space craft be considerably more credible than any number of one-time sightings?

Herman:  One must understand the Riwanian culture.  Or cultures.  There are probably in excess of two hundred governments on the planet.  But many of these have simply ceased to exist in recent months and years, leading in some cases to limited tribal warfare.  There is an astounding reshuffling at every cultural, political and economic level, and virtually no government is considered credible by even its most patriotic citizens.  Even if their scientists sighted our craft, identified it positively as alien, documented it extensively, and then informed their citizenry -- no one would believe them.  This is a culture where all the institutions are breaking down, all the traditions are collapsing, all the authorities are losing both power and credibility.  It's a time of potential chaos in all forms.  The only steadying influence for the Riwanians is their growing belief in the return of their mythical goddess.

Picard:  I appreciate your enthusiasm, Doctor, but it will be necessary for us to observe your operations first hand.  I'm sure this can be done with a minimum of interruption.

Riker:  Do you have any members of your team on the planet right now?

When Herman hesitates, Troi smiles.

Troi:  How many?  Two?

Herman:  (looking at Troi carefully and sensing that she cannot get away with much)  Yes.  Doctor Helen Maise and her assistant, Paul Frankle.  Two of the best technicians in the sector.

Picard:  I suggest that they be beamed up immediately, while we continue our discussions.

Herman:  Unfortunately, that's not possible.

Riker:  Why not?

Herman:  But both Helen and Paul are investigating an ancient temple, one which figures very prominently in the planet's goddess tradition.  The temple is composed of a unique material not found, as far as we can tell, anywhere else on the planet.  It is not possible to beam anyone in or out of the temple.

Data:  May we assume that the temple's construction also prevents communication.

Herman:  Yes.  Which is why I can't recall my team right now.

Riker:  Captain, I suggest that I take an away team and bring both observers back.  With Lieutenant Worf and Commander Data I should have no trouble.  (Riker stands.)

Data starts to stand, catching Herman's notice.

Herman:  Captain.  I would suggest that such an away team would be more likely to violate the prime directive than not.  Lieutenant Worf would not exactly pass as human.  No offense intended.

Worf:  None taken.

Herman:  And neither would  Mr. Data.  I would suggest instead that Commander Riker and I beam down together.  I can provide coordinates where the two of us can beam down unobserved.  I can then lead him to my colleagues, and because they will recognize me, they will readily return with us.

Riker:  Sounds reasonable.

Herman:  I can also provide proper clothing, in the event we encounter any natives.

Picard:  Agreed.  Commander, let's expedite this.

Riker acknowledges Picard's order and leaves the conference room with Herman.  Picard turns to Troi.

Picard:  Counselor?

Troi:  Doctor Herman appears to be sincere in her plan to bring her team back, but I also sense that she is holding something back -- something very important that she is not divulging.

Picard:  She may bear watching.  Mr. La Forge, you and Mr. Data check out the temple and its building materials.  There may be more there than is apparent as well.

Scene changes to Transporter Room, where Riker and Herman arrive, already dressed in native garb.  Chief O'Brien speaks as Riker and Herman take their position on the transporter pads.

Chief O'Brien:  Commander, I've entered the coordinates provided by the Doctor's vessel, and will be beaming you down to that spot.

Riker:  Energize!

Scene changes to a small, deserted, concrete-like room.  Riker and Herman arrive via transporter beam and Riker quickly looks around. Herman immediately heads for a door.

Herman:  This way.

Herman leads Riker out the door, through surrounding underbrush and a small wooded area, to the temple.  The temple is impressive.  It's design includes a small semi-circular amphitheater facing the temple, with a rounded stage (and semi-circular steps leading up to it) jutting out from a building with pillars and white, stone-like architecture.  Herman and Riker enter from the side (stage right) and move quickly up several steps to the upper part of the amphitheater and temple.  The entire area appears deserted.  As they enter the temple, they can still easily be seen by any observer within the amphitheater.  Just inside the temple, Riker stops to check his communicator.

Riker:  Enterprise, this is Riker.  (There is no response.)

Herman:  Checking my credibility?

Riker:  I just like to know where I am.

Herman smiles knowingly, and begins leading Riker toward an entrance into the inner recesses of the temple.  Their approach is not direct, and they cannot yet see through the entrance and into the temple.  Almost immediately, Paul Frankle comes out of the entrance, rounds the corner, walking rapidly.  The sight of Herman and Riker brings Paul up short.  He is very surprised to see them.

Paul Frankle:  Iris!  I mean, Doctor Herman!

Herman:  It's okay, Paul.  This is Commander Riker from the Starship Enterprise.  Starfleet is checking up on us.

Frankle:  (Paul is somewhat dismayed at the mention of Starfleet, thinking that the presence of the Enterprise is not good news.  His concern, however, he keeps to himself.)  Starfleet? 

Herman:  Where's Helen?  We have to beam up to the Enterprise immediately.

Frankle:  We can't do that!!  We're right on the verge of a major breakthrough!  Doctor Maise thinks she's figured out how to open "The Second Gate".  We can't stop now!

Riker:  It can wait.

Riker starts off in the direction that Frankle has just come from.  Frankle turns to Herman for help.

Frankle:  Doctor Herman...

Herman gestures for Frankle to hold his tongue, and they both start to follow Riker.  As Riker rounds the corner and starts into the entrance, a blinding, spectacular flash and explosion go off, throwing Riker back toward the rounded stage of the amphitheater (but still under the canopy of the temple -- and thus incapable of being beamed up).  Herman and Frankle, not yet at the temple's entrance, receive much less of the explosion's blast, but both go down in reaction to the noise, light, and the explosion partly knocking them off their feet.  The scene ends with Riker unconscious and, presumably, either dead or seriously hurt.

SECOND SEQUENCE:

Scene opens with Riker still unconscious, lying on the ground.  Herman recovers enough to see that Frankle is shaky, but okay.  Then she rushes over to Riker, and try and help him.  She's quickly joined by Frankle, who waits for her signal as to what he should do next.

Herman:  Commander!?

Frankle:  Is he hurt badly?

Herman:  I can't tell, but we've got to get him help immediately.

Frankle:  We can't beam him up from here.  Can he be moved?

Herman:  I don't know.  (Thinking quickly, she hands Frankle her communicator.)  Take my communicator and signal the Enterprise for help.  (Her instructions are not specific, as she returns to her efforts to assist Riker.)

Frankle takes the communicator and rushes out of the temple to the rounded stage, where he can communicate in the clear with the Enterprise.

Frankle:  Enterprise!  Medical Emergency!  Your Commander Riker has been hurt!

Scene shifts to bridge or Enterprise, and Captain Picard.  Worf and Data are at their stations, along with Ensign Roe at the helm.

Picard:  Stand by.  We'll beam him directly to sick bay.

Frankle:  (voice only)  I don't think you can do that.  He's still inside the temple, and we're not even sure he can be moved.

Data:  Captain, based on Geordi's and my analysis thus far of the material the temple is made of, I would conclude that if we attempt to beam Commander Riker up, there is a significant probability that we will not be able to beam all of him up.

Picard:  Doctor Crusher, we have a medical emergency on the planet.  We need you to beam down immediately!

Dr. Beverly Crusher:  (voice only)  On my way.

Worf:  Captain.  If Commander Riker is injured, there will be no other Starfleet officers on the site.  Doctor Crusher may need assistance.

Picard:  Agreed.  Ensign Roe, meet Doctor Crusher in the Transporter Room and accompany her down to the planet.

Ensign Roe:  Right away, Captain.

Ensign Roe leaves her place at the helm, and moves quickly to the exit.  Picard then addresses Frankle.

Picard:  This is the Enterprise.  Help is on the way.  Do you need further assistance?

Scene shifts to Frankle on the temple's rounded stage.  Herman is still attending to Riker.

Frankle:  I don't think so.  Just hurry!

Herman:  Paul.  Go to the beam down shack to meet the medical team.  Then guide them back here.

Frankle:  Right!

Frankle rushes down the stairs of the rounded stage.  But then he sees dozens of Riwanians arriving on the scene, coming over the top of the rear walls of the amphitheater and beginning to move down toward Frankle, Herman and Riker.  The natives are able to see all three of the aliens, but seem to have no idea of what is happening (and do not recognize them as aliens).  Instead, they have been attracted to the scene by the flash and explosion that injured Riker.  Frankle is stopped in his tracks by their sudden appearance.

Frankle:  Uh oh.  (whispering)  Doctor Herman, we've got company!

Herman looks up to see the Riwanians (everyone in the scene has a clear view of the others).  She grimaces as she recognizes the potential complications of the new arrivals.  Under her breath, she replies.

Herman:  I see them.  Get to the beam down shack and bring the others.  I'll think of something.

Scene changes to the Enterprise Transporter Room.  Crusher enters, and Chief O'Brien speaks to her.

O'Brien:  Doctor, I'm beaming you down to the away team's last communications.

Crusher:  Good.

Ensign Roe rushes into the Transporter Room, just as Crusher reaches her transporter pad.  She quickly joins Crusher.

Roe:  I'll be accompanying you, Doctor.

Crusher:  Energize.

Both Crusher and Roe are transported.

Scene shifts to the rounded stage of the temple, where Frankle had communicated with the Enterprise.  Both Crusher and Roe are beamed down to this point, in full view of all the Riwanians.  Frankle turns from his position just below them, and Herman sees them appear from her position just inside the temple and next to Riker.  Herman immediately groans at the gross violation of the prime directive, but neither Crusher nor Roe are aware of the situation and do not realize that they've made a mistake in beaming down in full view.  The natives, meanwhile, do a serious "Ohhhhh" -- thoroughly impressed by the innovative entrance and strange costumes of the two new arrivals, Crusher and Roe.  (The Riwanians are also very impressed with Crusher's physical appearance -- although this fact is not readily apparent.)  Roe becomes immediately aware of the Riwanians and takes a defensive stance, as if protecting Crusher.  In the process, Roe slowly backs into the temple, carefully watching the Riwanians, who are now creeping closer to get a better view of the proceedings.  Meanwhile Crusher rushes to where Riker is.  As she approaches, Herman looks at Crusher with shocked recognition.  Incredulously, she speaks to Crusher.

Herman:  Who are you!?

Crusher:  I'm a doctor.

Crusher hardly notices Herman's question, focusing all of her attention on Riker and beginning her diagnosis of his condition.  Herman continues to look at Crusher with absolute amazement.  Then Herman glances toward the natives, before looking at Crusher again.  (Herman has recognized a strong physical resemblance between Crusher and several ancient representations of the native's Great Goddess.)  Crusher is unaware of the mounting excitement around her -- even though Roe is becoming more concerned.  Crusher then gives Riker a hypo in the neck.

Crusher:  Slight concussion, but nothing major.  He should be okay, but I want to beam him directly to sick bay immediately.

Herman:  We can't do that!

Crusher:  Why not?

Herman glances at the natives (who are still thoroughly awed by Crusher and Roe's appearance), then back to Crusher.  Then she seems to realize that there's nothing to lose now.  She shrugs her shoulders.

Herman:  Forget it.  The cat's already out of the bag.  Help me move him into the clear.

Roe moves quickly to help Herman move Riker.  Frankle also returns to grab Riker's legs, and the three carry Riker to the rounded stage.  Riker shows some signs of regaining consciousness, as they reach the beam down site.  Still holding Riker in their arms, Frankle suddenly looks at Herman with shock.

Frankle:  Doctor Herman!  We forgot about Helen!!

Herman:  (equally horrified)  Oh my God!  She's still in the temple!

Crusher:  (surprised)  What are you talking about?

Frankle:  Helen was inside the entrance.  She must have been caught in the explosion as well!

Crusher takes charge, as the three others begin to set Riker down on the beam down site.

Crusher:  Ensign, beam Commander Riker directly to sick bay.  I'm going inside!

Crusher emphasizes her order by putting her hand on Roe.  Roe acknowledges the direct order.  Then Crusher turns and rushes into the temple's entrance.  Herman halfheartedly tries to stop her.

Herman:  Doctor!  Wait!

Crusher does not hear Herman's warning, and rushes in.  As she does, two things happen:  A thin, sparkling sheet of light (barely visible) appears in the entrance of the temple, behind Crusher (effectively separating her from the others), and the Riwanians do another, even more audible, "Ohhhhhh" .  (Crusher's going into the temple and the appearance of the light barrier at the entrance of the temple are obviously very significant to them -- a fact not lost on Herman, who is now more interested in the temple's entrance and the natives' reaction than in what Roe is doing.)  Roe obeys her orders, while Herman begins to understand something important.

Roe:  Enterprise.  Commander Riker to beam up directly to sick bay.

Riker is beamed up, accompanied by yet another "Ohhhhh" from the Riwanians.  Herman is now beginning to smile at her evolving idea.  With Riker gone, Roe turns to follow Crusher, only to be repelled by the sheet of light at the temple's entrance.  The barrier is obviously substantial and prevents Roe from entering.  She is temporarily amazed, but recovers quickly.  She tries to check the sheet of light with her tricorder, and then pulls out her phaser.  Herman tries to prevent her from firing.

Herman:  No!  Trust me!  It won't do any good!

Roe, intent upon her duty to follow Crusher, fires anyway.  The faser's beam is absorbed by the sheet of light with no apparent ill effects.  Roe frowns, momentarily stymied.  Herman shrugs knowingly.

Herman:  I tried to tell you.

Roe:  (using her communicator -- in a normal voice)  Enterprise.  (There is no response.)

Herman:  You have to be out here in order to communicate.

Roe looks at Herman, not fully understanding, but then moves back out into the open area, speaking into her communicator in a clear, strong voice -- making an extra effort to be heard.

Roe:  Enterprise!

Before Roe can continue, the Riwanians do their biggest "Ohhhhhh" to date, and quickly fall to their knees in order to pay homage to Roe.  (The Riwanians think they have recognized Roe as the trusted servant of their Great Goddess.)  Roe is momentarily stunned by their reaction and doesn't complete her sentence.  Herman has again noted the Riwanian's reaction, and appears to now know what to do.  Meanwhile the Enterprise, responds to Roe's incomplete communication.

Picard:  (brief shot of Picard)  This is the Enterprise.  Go ahead.

Roe:  (trying unsuccessfully to ignore her adoring subjects)  Captain, Doctor Crusher has entered the structure, but I've been prevented from following her by some sort of sophisticated forcefield.

Picard:  (Brief shot of Picard's answer)  Forcefield!?

Roe:  Yes sir.  My phaser had no effect and appeared to be absorbed by the field.  No ricochet.  (Roe pauses momentarily as she glances around at the natives.)  Captain, there are also a large number of natives here who have witnessed our beam down, and everything since then.

Brief shot of Picard, showing his obvious frustration and displeasure at the news of Riwanian witnesses.  Scene shifts back to Roe, who is becoming increasingly uncomfortable at the Riwanian's reaction to her.

Roe:  And Captain...  The natives seem to be worshiping me.

A second brief shot of Picard, where he shows piqued amazement.

Picard:  Worshiping!?

Scene shifts back to Herman, who has dropped to one knee, also in homage to Roe (who is suitably amazed at this latest development).  Speaking discreetly, she addresses Picard.

Herman:  Captain.  This is Iris Herman.  I have an idea on how to solve this problem.  And inasmuch as we've already violated the prime directive, I think you're going to want to hear my idea.

Picard:  (voice only)  I hope it's a good one!

Herman:  I think I know what is going on here, but it's rather complicated.  If you will leave your officer right where she is, my associate and I will return to our beam down spot and beam up without any witnesses.  Then I can explain everything, and your officer will only have remained on the scene for a bit longer.  (There is a brief pause.)  Trust me on this one, Captain.

Roe:  I don't think I'm in any immediate danger, Captain.

Brief shot of Picard, who is unhappy with his options, but sees no other alternative.

Picard:  Very well.  Make it so.

Scene shifts back to Herman and Roe.  Herman turns her attention to Roe, continuing to bow in homage to her, and to give instructions under her breath.

Herman:  Think of yourself as the most trusted servant of a Great Goddess, with your own commensurate powers, and act accordingly.  We'll explain in more detail later.  Meanwhile, remain here by the temple's entrance as if on guard.

Roe:  You're kidding!

Picard:  (voice only)  Do as she says Ensign.

Roe:  Aye, sir.

Roe is uncertain of herself, but obeys her orders.  Herman, and Frankle, taking his lead from her, both begin to back away, continuing to pay homage to Roe.  Roe watches them with utter amazement.

Scene shifts to Crusher, who is now within the temple proper, and totally unaware of the proceedings outside the temple.  Coming across the blasted and critically injured body of Helen Maise, Crusher kneels at her side and does her doctor thing.  Maise is vaguely conscious, and quickly becomes aware of Crusher.  As Crusher tries to check her out, Maise grabs in desperation at Crusher, urgently trying to tell the Doctor something important.

Helen Maise:  You can't go back!  You have to descend first... Go through the remaining six gates!

Crusher is puzzled by the outburst, but takes little heed of it -- still trying to help Maise.

Crusher:  Relax.  We'll get you to sick bay.  You're going to be okay.

Maise knows better.  She shakes her head.

Maise:  You don't understand!  You can't go back!  You have to descend... It's the only way!

Maise shudders one last time and apparently dies.  Crusher tries to save her, but quickly admits defeat.

Crusher:  Damn!

Gently, Crusher closes Helen's eyes.  Then a deep female voice (in reality, Crusher's own, but lowered and much more anguished) addresses her.

Voice:  It is time.  Descend!

Crusher is momentarily shocked, but quickly recovers.

Crusher:  Who's there?  (When there is no answer, she continues with forced courage.)  I'm Doctor Beverly Crusher of the Starship, Enterprise; representing the Federation...

Voice:  Quiet!!  The ways are perfect!  They cannot be questioned!

Suddenly, Crusher's communicator moves (apparently by itself) from her chest to a few feet in front of her, where it abruptly disappears in a burst of light.

Voice:  No longer are you of the Enterprise!  You have no status, no position, no authority!  Descend!!

Crusher:  (hesitating and gesturing toward Maise)  But what of her?

Without a word, Maise vanishes in a burst of light similar to the one that took Crusher's communicator.  The scene ends as Crusher realizes her dilemma.  Quietly, shuddering, she repeats Maise's last words.

Crusher:  "You can't go back."

THIRD SEQUENCE:

Scene is a continuation of the Second Sequence where Crusher is apparently alone, having gone through the "First Gate".  For a moment, she looks around, trying to gauge her situation, hesitantly taking a first step toward moving deeper into the temple.  Then she stops and turns to look back in the direction that she entered the temple, as if thinking to retrace her steps.  Suddenly there begins a series of anguished cries.

First Voice:  Help me!

Crusher: (forgetting her previous concern for her predicament and responding totally to the plea for help)  Who's there?  Where are you!?

First Voice:  Is there someone there?  I need help!  Please!!

Crusher:  I'm coming!

Oblivious to her own safety, Crusher rushes through a portal (the "Second Gate") and down an alien hall. Quickly, she comes upon a bleeding and wounded body of someone who could easily be a crewmember of the Enterprise, but dressed in casual clothes.  The person appears to have been attacked by a savage beast.  As Crusher reaches the person and kneels to aid the wounded man, she suddenly recognizes him.  Hardly believing whom she is seeing, she struggles to understand.

Crusher:  Murphy?  But you're dead!  You died in my arms!  A long time ago.

Murphy grabs her coat, shudders violently and dies on the spot.  Crusher is torn between anguish over the death and shock at recognizing a man she had failed to save in the past.

Crusher:  Not again!

Before she can sort out her emotions, another voice from deeper within the temple, cries out in a low moan.  Crusher, reverting to standard triage techniques, leaves the dead man and rushes to the next case, a woman apparently fatally wounded by some sort of technological explosion/accident.  Crusher reaches the woman, who reaches up for Crusher, pleading for help.  The woman is clearly in considerable pain.

Woman:  Please help me.  The pain...!

Crusher:  It'll be okay.  I'm a doctor.

Woman:  It hurts so much...!

Crusher quickly administers a pain killer, one which she fully expects to have immediate effects.  The pain killer, however, has no effect at all.  The woman becomes even more desperate.

Woman:  Please!!  Do something for the pain!!  (She emits a low, horrible scream.)

Crusher looks at her with surprise.  Quickly, she checks the hypo to see if it was working properly.  She finds no apparent malfunction, shakes her head in wonder at the lack of effect, and then quickly grabs for another instrument to ease the pain -- an alternate pain killer.  Quickly she administers it, while the woman continues to writhe in pain.  This time, Crusher watches the woman to see if she reacts to the pain killer.  Suddenly, the woman seems to rise up in even greater pain.  She screams.

Woman:  I can't stand it!!  Do something!!

Crusher:  (in obvious anguish herself)  What!?

In terminal distress, the woman shudders violently, and then seems to die an anguished death.  Crusher is shocked and distressed, as she begins to sorrow over the death and her inability to ease the pain. 

Crusher:  Nothing's working!  I don't understand this!  What's wrong?  Why can't I do anything?

Suddenly, without warning, a twelve year old girl, bruised and battered, stumbles into Crusher, pleading for help.  The girl is very pretty, almost angelic, but clearly in very bad shape and very frightened.

Girl:  Help me!  I'm scared!  (Her voice becomes more subdued and pitiful.)  I don't want to die.

Crusher, coming out of shock, turns to help the girl, gently trying to lay her down and attend to her.

Crusher:  It's okay.  You're not going to die.  I'm here.

As she turns to grab at her medical equipment, it disappears in a flash of light -- the same flash that took her communicator and Helen Maise.  Crusher is horrified.  Obliquely realizing that someone or something has stolen her ability to aid the girl, Crusher screams at the unknown.

Crusher:  No!!  I need my supplies in order to save this child!

There is no answer, as the girl grabs at Crusher, crying in pain for her mother.  Crusher is now torn between her sorrow for the girl, her own helplessness at being unable to help the girl, and her anger at whoever or whatever is  preventing her from helping.  Crusher starts to momentarily lose it.

Crusher:  (to the air)  You monster!!  She's just a little girl!  She needs my help!

The same voice which had previously ordered her to descend (Crusher's own voice, but partially disguised by anguish and overwhelming fear), answers her in a gruff, uncaring manner.

Voice:  Quiet!  The ways are perfect!  You cannot question them!

Crusher:  (angered and forceful)  They're in pain!!  These people are dying!

Voice:  Everyone must die.

Crusher:  But the agony!!!

Voice:  Pain is in the mind... A result of resistance. A part of life.  Why should you be rewarded for pushing it away, for disguising it?  Why should your healing, your achievements, be valued?

Crusher:  (confused)  I don't understand.

Voice:  Your "achievements" are worthless.  Delay no longer!  Descend!

Crusher continues to look bewildered, questioning the most basic values of her ego.  She turns to the girl, who now lies quiet, having already died.  Crusher seems to sense her inadequacy, as the scene ends.

Scene shifts to the Enterprise's Conference Room, with Picard, La Forge, Data, Troi, Herman and Frankle in attendance.  They are taking their seats as Herman hurriedly tries to explain her idea.

Herman:  It's important for us to realize that the planet's societies and cultures are breaking down.  The economies are collapsing, institutions are no longer credible, governments are failing, schools, churches and the legal system are no longer functional, the weather has become more erratic and extreme, and if this were not enough, earthquakes and volcanoes have become much more active in recent years.

Data:  Doctor, how would planetary changes be connected to a collapsing social structure?

Herman:  That's the fascinating part.  It's almost as if the mass consciousness were affecting the physical aspects of the planet.

La Forge:  Wouldn't it be the other way around?  Wouldn't catastrophic physical changes on the planet be sufficient to cause social change?

Herman:  I'm sure they would.  But the social changes seem to be leading the way -- the cause rather than the effect.

Troi:  Is it possible that there is some hidden, higher power influencing things?

Herman glances at Troi, concerned that Troi might be guessing the truth.  Herman suspects the planet has some convert control, one which is somehow connected to the goddess myth.  Herman is not eager for the Enterprise to look too closely, because she wants exclusive access to any such power that might exist.

Herman:  I don't think so.  At least...

As Herman hesitates, Riker enters, apparently fully recovered.  Everyone reacts positively at seeing him.

Picard:  Commander, we hadn't expected you so soon.

Riker:  Ready to return to duty, Sir.

Troi:  Will, are you feeling okay?

Riker:  I was just knocked unconscious.  I'm okay now.  What are we doing to retrieve Dr. Crusher?

Picard:  Doctor Herman was just about to offer an idea.

Herman:  (relieved at Riker's interruption of a subject she doesn't want to talk about)  Thank you, Captain.  Our problem is a violation of the prime directive, and the fact that both Doctor Crusher and my colleague, Helen Maise are trapped inside the temple.  We don't know if Helen is alive, or for that matter, Doctor Crusher.  I'm very concerned that Helen may have received the full brunt of the explosion that knocked Commander Riker unconscious.

Frankle:  (very worried)  I really doubt Helen survived if only because of the curse.

Riker:  What curse?

Frankle:  The goddess' temple is considered one of the holiest of holies by the Riwanians.  No one is supposed to approach too closely -- the myths and legends speak of death to those who violate the space.

Riker:  Then, what were you doing there!?

Troi:  (very concerned)  And what about Beverly!?

Herman:  (leaping on Troi's change of subjects)  Doctor Crusher may be a special case.  Something I noticed when she arrived on the planet was an uncanny physical resemblance between her and the planet's mythical Great Goddess, their Queen of Heaven.  The local bystanders apparently recognized her as well, and I suspect whoever or whatever is controlling what is going on in the temple, may have also misidentified her.  Note that there was no explosion when she entered the temple; it was simply sealed off.  And the fact that she appeared to the people by beaming down, quickly saving a life, and then without hesitation, going into the temple -- these facts only served to underline her apparently divine status.

Picard:  They think Doctor Crusher is their goddess!?

Data:  The probability that Doctor Crusher would physically resemble an alien planet's deity is not high, and is on the order of...

Herman:  Why?  Everything in the universe is connected in some way.

La Forge:  What about Ensign Roe?  Why was she left on the planet?

Worf:  (aside)  Where she is apparently being worshiped.

Herman:  According to legend, the Great Goddess always had her trusted servant, a servant who played an important part in all of her myths.  Inasmuch as she was dressed similarly to Doctor Crusher, she has also been misidentified and thus accorded all the honors associated with such a high station.

Picard:  Having one of my officers worshiped as some sort of deity, or semi-deity, does not seem to reduce the impact of violating the prime directive.

Herman:  I realize that.  Allow me to explain.

Riker:  (impatient)  Please do.

Herman:  One of the most important of the planet's myths describes the Great Goddess' descent into the underworld.  According to tradition, she decides to visit her sister, the Queen of the Underworld.  At the same itme, she is acting on an intuitive level, recognizing that there is great wisdom for anyone making such a descent.  She also realizes the dangers, and leaves her faithful servant at the entrance into the underworld with instructions to seek help if she is unable to return on her own.  Meanwhile, her decision to descend regenerates her planet, something the Riwanians would obviously be interested in seeing happen.  In effect, the Goddess's destiny is to heal the planet, something of which Riwan is badly in need.

Picard:  And the Riwanians think Doctor Crusher is their Great Goddess!?

Herman:  Yes!  And that she has in fact begun her descent, leaving her servant to guard the entrance to the underworld.  Your Doctor Crusher has initiated the mythical sequence, and by our carrying out the remaining actions of the myth, we should be able to save Dr. Crusher and, hopefully, Helen Maise.  More importantly, the Riwanians will simply see an enactment of one of their myths, and there will be, in effect, no violation of the prime directive.

Riker:  It sounds like we're sacrificing Doctor Crusher!! 

Herman:  No, no!  The Goddess is rescued by her uncle, a god whose name sounds amazingly like "Enterprise"!  We simply act out his part and fulfill the details of the myth.  A myth, incidentally, not unlike the myths of ancient Earth, where Gods, Goddesses and heroes descended into the underworld, or Hades, for one reason or another.

Picard:  Weren't most of those myths designed to explain the fertility of the earth?

Troi:  Actually, Captain, the more significant interpretations of such myths were as metaphors for those descending into the innermost depths of their psyches, mythically descending into Hades, in order to strip away all the attachments of life, discover their souls, and in the process find pure gold and enlightenment.  Initiates of the Eleusian Mysteries, for example, underwent initiations into the realm of Hades in order to lose their fear of death.  Other cultures referred to the process as the "dark night of the soul", where riches were discovered within the dimness, coldness and darkness of the deepest recesses of the mind.  It was the specter of death that brought one to Hades.  Death of purpose, hope, a way of being, a relationship, even the prospect of physical death -- something often faced involuntarily.

Herman:  Exactly!  But some entered Hades voluntarily:  Psyche to perform the last of her heroic tasks and be reunited with Eros; Orpheus to seek his wife, Eurydice; Dionysus to find his mother, Semele; and in Sumerian mythology, Inanna to seek love and wisdom, and her dark sister, Ereshkigal -- the latter who can be thought of as Inanna's dark side.

Worf:  Such quests are part of Klingon heritage as well.

La Forge:  To be renewed, one has to go to hell?

Troi:  Hades is not hell.  Psychologically, Hades is the personal and collective unconscious, where our repressed memories, thoughts, and feelings reside, where yearnings too painful or shameful or too unacceptable to others often fester, and where everything that has ever been still exists.  But Hades is also where every imaginable and wonderful possibility of what we might become, also exists!

Herman:  It's important to realize that the greatest of these myths involved those where the Goddess or hero descended into Hades voluntarily.  Doctor Crusher ran into the temple voluntarily, and while we may understand her true reasons, from the Riwanian's viewpoint, it was a much more profound act.

Troi:  That may well be, but these myths were metaphors, a psychological construct.  One did not actually descend into the bowels of the earth.

Herman:  That's true on Earth, but the Riwanians have a strong belief in a Goddess who undertakes the descent on their behalf in order to rejuvenate their world.  Right now, their ancient religion may be the only tradition that has any redeeming value in their minds.  To them, Crusher is their Great Goddess who has returned and begun her descent.

Picard:  Doctor, fulfilling the myth of a planet's people would still constitute interference.  If we take action where the planet's history is forever changed, we still have a problem.

Herman:  Trust me, Captain, this sort of thing will never make the history books -- which on this planet only involves his-story.  I can assure you that if some goddess comes along to save the planet in this fashion, 99% or more of the population will never believe it anyway!

Riker:  What's to guarantee that Doctor Crusher will survive the descent?  And return!?

Herman:  Simple.  We rescue her in accordance with the myth.

Picard