This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.
STAR TREK
CONQUEOR
SCREENPLAY
BY
CHAPLIN EDWARDS
FIRST DRAFT
04/15/02
FADE IN:
PARAMOUNT STUDIO LOGO
Go past the mountain, up through the clouds and dissolve into the stars.
EXT. SPACE
A twinkling comet lumbers through the vast cosmos. A damaged Klingon Bird of
Prey decloaks and thunders past it. Follow the ship and reveal:
EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 1023
A gun metal gray Federation space station hanging in orbit above a lush green
moon.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - OPS
A dark room illuminated by blue light. A handful of Starfleet personnel work
at consoles and carry out station functions. Commander Demark, a 40's human
male, sits in command, his attention on the main viewer.
ENSIGN
(off con)
Commander Demark, the Klingon Ambassador and his
party wish to come abroad.
DEMARK
Permission granted.
EXT. SPACE
The Klingon ship flies closer to the station.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - HANGER BAY
The Klingon ship extends its landing gears, connecting with the deck. Amidst
exhaust flumes, a boarding ramp extends from the under belly of the craft.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - CELL BLOCK
CU and hold on a pair of blue eyes pouring over the pages of a ragged book.
Reveal the cell block which consists of an open chamber with cells
surrounding the walls. At the closer view one sees that the expanse is
actually protected with multiple layers of invisible force fields and other
equally elaborate security measures. A heavy control panel lies just in
front of the space. A group of armed Starfleet Guards stand forward of the
cell.
The inside of this area consists of a bunk, a head, a desk, and wooden
shelves bearing tattered paperback books. The inmate occupying the space is
Kagan Tag, a young Karem male. Thin and muscular, his angry, yet intelligent
eyes are cold and his skin a smoky alabaster color.
EXT. SPACE
Eerily, the comet creeps closer to the station.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - CELL BLOCK
The battle-hardened Klingon Ambassador Worf and three Klingon Soldiers enter.
Worf is dressed in traditional battle armor with his hair falling below his
shoulders.
Tag, puts down his book, taking notice of the arrival, almost as if he
expected it.
The leader of the Starfleet Guards, Rubio, a cheery fellow, approaches Worf.
RUBIO
(rising)
Ambassador Worf, welcome to Starbase one-oh-two-three.
I'm Lieutenant Commander Lawrence Rubio. It's
a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
WORF
(curt)
Forgive me, but I have just come from battle.
Is the prisoner ready?
RUBIO
(cheeriness fading)
Yes. He's ready.
WORF
It is the Karem? You have taken every precaution?
RUBIO
Yes.
WORF
(disgust)
It is doubtful they are sufficient.
The combined group Klingons and Starfleet immediately proceed to Tag's cell.
At the edge of the forward force field Tag meets the group. Worf and Tag
lock eyes and their expressions say everything that a heated exchange would.
Tag shakes his head pitifully at Worf.
RUBIO
(motioning with a PADD; to Worf)
Ambassador?
Worf ignores him.
RUBIO
(motioning with a PADD; to Worf)
Ambassador?
WORF
(acknowledging)
Yes, of course.
Worf signals one of his soldiers to deal with the Rubio. The soldier signs
the document.
RUBIO
(to Worf; re: Tag)
We'll all be glad when he's gone.
WORF
You allow this criminal to live like a king.
RUBIO
I hear you. He put me and two others in Sickbay
for a week when we transferred him here.
The Starfleet and Klingon crews continue for a few more moments.
KLINGON SOLDIER
(to Worf)
My lord, we're ready to open the cell.
WORF
Proceed.
Both sets of guards steel themselves as one by one, the protective fields
blink out.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - OPS
The Ensign's console beeps.
ENSIGN
(off con; to Demark)
Commander, proximity alert!
DEMARK
What?
ENSIGN
(off con)
The comet! It's just moved off its path.
DEMARK
(reacts)
What direction?
ENSIGN
(works; off con)
Right here. . . the station! Impact. . . in twenty
seconds!
DEMARK
(to com)
Red Alert!
EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 1023
The comet rapidly descends on the station. Thrusters pivot the station into
a defensive position. The station unleashes a barrage of photon torpedoes
and phaser fire. Chunks of the comet break off and disintegrate, but the
comet proper remains intact.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - OPS
As before.
DEMARK
(to Ensign)
Report!
ENSIGN
(off con)
Er, minimal effect! It was diverted slightly,
but not enough. Five seconds 'til impact!
Demark watches the screen in horror as the comet drops
closer. . .
DEMARK
Keep firing!
EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 1023
Fire continues to reign on the comet but it nevertheless crashes against the
station's shields. The shields fail allowing blades of rock to cut into the
station.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - CORRIDOR
Near a series of portals, a razor-sharp shard of the comet slashes through
the hull. Instantly, the deck depressurizes and a handful of crew members
are blown into space.
EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 1023
The station trembles.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - OPS
Officers and equipment crash about the room.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - CELL BLOCK
The room knocked ajar, the Starfleet guards and Klingons fall to the deck.
The last of the force fields securing Tag's cell deactivates, giving Tag a
chance to make his move. He springs from the cell and attacks the guards.
One of the downed Klingons reaches for the force field control panel. Rubio
makes an effort to restrain Tag, moving him towards the cell.
RUBIO
Close it!
Rubio pushes Tag into the cell, but at the last moment, Tag grabs Rubio and
slings him into the cell instead. As Rubio is flung back, the Klingon
reactivates the force fields. The fields snap up severing Rubio's legs.
(Note: This is presented through the use of clever editing so as not to be
too graphic.)
The other guards seize Tag, but he makes short work of them. His fighting
skills are embarrassingly superior to theirs.
EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 1023
Two fierce, but yet oddly familiar ships decloak, flying near the station.
The pair fire yellow plasma streams into the starbase causing it sink into
the atmosphere of the moon below. . .
INT. STARBASE 1023 - CELL BLOCK
The fight continues. The deck is periodically rocked. The Klingon soldiers
renew their attack. The skill of Tag is incredible, his moves smooth and
calculated. He outmatches the soldiers without effort.
In defeating the final Klingon, Tag takes the warrior's blade and stabs him
with it. After the Klingon falls, Tag surveys the area. From behind, Worf's
fist smashes into Tag's face. Staggered, Tag regroups and attacks Worf.
Worf is able to hold his own until Tag slashes him deeply across the thigh.
After that, Tag deals a few fast blows and Worf is down.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - OPS
As before. Demark struggles to reach his command chair.
DEMARK
(to com)
Computer? Initiate evacuation procedures!
All hands to escape pods!
The computer acknowledges.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - CELL BLOCK
Worf tries to muster his strength but his wounds are too severe. Tag gathers
the weapons of his fallen opponents.
WOMAN'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Tag, we're ready for your transport.
TAG
(to com)
I'm ready.
Worf crawls to Tag's foot, giving his all, trying to stop him. Tag looks
down at him and defiantly kicks him away before dematerializing. The once
proud Klingon warrior lies on the deck ashamed of his failure. In the b.g.,
the computer gives instructions for evacuation procedures.
A few moments later, Starfleet Officers storm the cell block collecting the
Klingons and the Starfleet Officers. Two of the officers approach Worf.
STARFLEET OFFICER
Ambassador, can you hear me?
WORF
(beat; weary)
Yes.
STARFLEET OFFICER
Can you walk?
Beat.
STARFLEET OFFICER
Sir, I need to know if you can walk.
WORF
(weary)
Yes... Yes, I can.
The two officers help him to his feet.
STARFLEET OFFICER
This way.
With Worf in tow, the team retreats.
INT. STARBASE 1023 - CORRIDOR
The corridor shakes and smoke floods the way. The Starfleet team loads Worf
and other survivors into escape pods.
INT. ESCAPE POD
Worf is placed into a pod with other frightened and scared people. A medic
comes to tend to his wound. He tries to rest but his pride is hurting him
more then his injuries. The door to the pod latches closed with a thud.
EXT. SPACE - STARBASE 1023
Escape pods launch from the station. The station crumbles behind them.
INT. WORF'S ESCAPE POD
Worf watches out of a portal as the station explodes in the moon's orbit.
The shockwave rattles the pod. Worf seethes.
EXT. SPACE - FLEET OF ESCAPE PODS
The camera glances off Worf's escape pod and then we:
DISSOLVE TO:
CREDITS SEQUENCE:
END CREDITS.
FADE IN:
INT. CONCERT HALL
The camera sweeps across a muraled ceiling and down to reveal a concert in
progress. Sitting in the capacity audience are Geordi and Beverly. The seat
next to Beverly is suspiciously vacant. On stage, Data is performing a
spectacular violin solo. For an instant, Beverly notices her armrest
tremble.
The concert ends and everyone rises to their feet. Applause rings through
the hall. Data and the other musicians thank the audience and take a bow.
From a side entrance, a man enters the hall.
Data steps down from the stage to join his guests but is mobbed by rabid
female admirers who hug and kiss him.
ADMIRERS
(overlapping)
Oh, Data that was marvelous!
(overlapping)
Incredible!
(overlapping)
The best concert in years!
Beverly and Geordi watch from nearby.
BEVERLY
(re: Data)
Should we rescue him?
GEORDI
I don't think he wants to be rescued.
BEVERLY
Oh, come on, Geordi, his fans practically sound
like film critics.
From his POV, the man steadily approaches Data, the admirers making way for
him. Once he reaches Data, he places his open hand in front of him.
MAN'S VOICE (O.C.)
Spectacular finish, Commander.
The camera circles the man to reveal: Captain Picard. The android takes his
hand, accepting the congratulations.
DATA
Thank you, Captain. I have been practicing
that particular piece for several weeks. It
would seem that effort has been profitable.
PICARD
(re: admirers; sarcastic)
I'm sure you're about to find out, Mr. Data.
Data, befuddled, is once again engulfed by his fans. Picard leaves well
enough alone and makes his way to Beverly.
BEVERLY
(playful)
And what may I ask is the reason for your
tardiness Captain Picard? You've left me
without a date again.
PICARD
My apologies, Beverly. The fencing match ran
long and then I was called to the bridge for
an urgent message from Command.
BEVERLY
Oh really? Concerning what? I felt the ship
go to warp.
PICARD
(looking through the crowd)
There has been a sudden shift in interstellar
policy. Ah, there's Mr. La Forge.
(to Geordi)
Mr. La Forge!
Geordi excuses himself from another conversation, hustling to join Picard and
Beverly.
INT. ART GALLERY
A reception in an elegant 24th century art gallery of marvelous paintings and
marble sculptures. As Data continues to entertain his admirers in the b.g.,
Picard, Beverly, and Geordi stroll through the room.
PICARD
Geordi, are you familiar with recent events on
the planet Aeria?
GEORDI
Somewhat, Captain. That's the Klingon planet
where they discovered liquid dilithium.
BEVERLY
Isn't there medical base there too?
PICARD
There was. The Klingon High Counsel has suddenly
elected to withdraw and revoke our treaty.
The extraction of the dilithium is going to
be an extraordinary undertaking that won't
leave much room for Starfleet.
BEVERLY
Well certainly a compromise can be reached.
We are allies after all.
PICARD
The Klingons have been quite adamant. The
Dominion War and their current border skirmishes
have left their economy and infrastructure in
shambles.
BEVERLY
What's the government doing about this?
PICARD
Commander Riker and Counselor Troi were dispatched
from shore leave to represent our interests in
the withdrawal. We're heading there now.
GEORDI
The border wars must be getting expensive.
PICARD
(nodding)
Especially since foreign investors have pulled out
of a proposed bail-out of the Klingon economy.
They've devoted all their resources in the
sector to a minor border dispute a distance
away from Aeria.
Beverly sighs.
BEVERLY
What are our orders?
PICARD
We are to assist in the withdraw and to quote
"restrain any urban aggression by Klingon
nationals."
BEVERLY
Preparing for the worst?
PICARD
(ominous)
It would not be unwise to prepare Sickbay.
Beverly flashes a grim smile.
GEORDI
We can arrive at Aeria in a few days.
BEVERLY
(re: Data & admirers)
He'd better stop fooling around with them before
he gets a venereal disease.
PICARD
(to com)
Computer, end program.
Picard and Beverly exit. Data's admirers vanish and the android reacts with
supreme disappointment. Finally the gallery itself vanishes to reveal the
black and yellow grid of the Holodeck.
DATA
(to Geordi)
Must my admirers go as well?
GEORDI
Come on, Data you can daydream of your groupies
while you help me in Engineering.
Data mimes hugging his admires with his hands.
DATA
(re: admirers)
Geordi, they were cuddly.
Geordi and Data walk out of the frame. . .
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
In an establishing shot, the mighty starship soars through space at warp
speed.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - PLANET AERIA
A lonely tropical planet, deep in Klingon space.
EXT. FOREST - DAY
CU of a beautiful tropical flower springing from a tree limb. The blades of
a pair of needle nose shears reach in and snip the blossom. Pull back to
reveal a Starfleet researcher, Crago, a 30's human male, hanging by a tether
under the canopy. Crago labels a plastic bag and carefully places the flower
in the bag, sealing it.
CRAGO
(re: flower)
There you go.
Crago's com badge beeps.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Gregory's Town Command to Crago.
CRAGO
(to com)
Crago here.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Y'know, Dave. There is an easier way to get
flowers for your girlfriend.
CRAGO
(to com; laughs)
Yeah, but I could never get away with going to
a flower shop.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
(laughs)
No kidding. How are things going?
CRAGO
(to com; working)
Very well, there are a lot more blooms up here
than we originally thought.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
The quality of those blooms is disputed by the
Clogar case study.
CRAGO
The case is wrong.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Suit yourself. But Dave, you need to get back
here as soon as you can. There's a group from
the Klingon city entering the forest.
CRAGO
(to com; sighs)
Copy, Gregory's Town. There's a few more
samples I want to get and then I'll head back.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Roger, Crago. Be careful, the Klingons probably
don't want to see you in their forest. Gregory's
Town out.
Crago reaches in to the tree again for another flower. Suddenly, his line
goes slack and he drops several feet. He pulls himself back up and checks
the line; everything seems sound. Satisfied, Crago tries for the flower
again. Just as he does, he goes into free fall. Branches snap and leafs
cloud the researcher. He bounces off the tree several times until he hits
the ground, hard.
Crago's tether drops before him. A pair of black boots land in front of his
eyes. His eyes out of focus, he looks up and the camera reveals: Three
Klingons. The leader pulls the researcher to his feet.
KLINGON
This area is off-limits, human! Explain
yourself!
Crago is dazed and unable to respond. Frustrated, the lead Klingon pins
Crago to a tree.
KLINGON
Answer me!
Crago gently reaches into the utility bag on his belt and produces his com
badge. The Klingon angrily slaps it away.
KLINGON
You Federation fools were told to get out of
here two days ago and yet you remain! Maybe
we need to teach you a lesson!
The other Klingons grunt in agreement. The leader punches Crago in the
stomach. The others pull their knifes eager to join the leader. Suddenly a
phaser bolt hits the tree at a mark above the Klingons' heads.
RIKER'S VOICE (O.C.)
That's enough!
The Klingons turn to see Commander Riker and Counselor Troi. Riker levels
his phaser at the Klingons.
RIKER
That man is under my command. Release him.
The Klingons throw concerned looks to each other. Finally the lead Klingon
tosses Crago into the ground. Troi tends to him.
RIKER
I think you gentlemen need to get going.
KLINGON
We were just saying that to your friend.
TROI
Wil?
RIKER
(to Klingon)
Your bullshit deadlines haven't been conducive
to a quick withdrawal. In fact, why don't you
tell your--
TROI
(re: Crago)
Wil! This man is hurt.
Riker nods, understanding.
KLINGON
(re: Crago)
He was trespassing!
RIKER
(patronizing)
Whatever you say. We're going.
KLINGON
Good. Go.
Riker takes Crago over his shoulders. Riker gives a sharp look to the three
Klingons as he and Troi leave the scene.
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - DAY
Located in a remote corner of the forest, this Federation outpost serves as
both research operations center and embassy. Surrounded by a thick metal
gate, the building is sterile and benign in appearance with a glass rotunda
at the entrance. The fact it is being dismantled makes it appear even more
impotent.
From a distance, Riker and Troi approach the station with the injured
researcher.
TROI
(to com)
Troi to Gregory's Town.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Gregory's Town here.
TROI
(to com)
Commander Riker and I are bringing in an injured
man.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - ROTUNDA
Starfleet workers are busy with preparations for the withdrawal.
Riker and Troi enter the complex and deliver Crago to a waiting medical team.
MEDIC
Commander, over here.
Riker and Troi, with the team, place Crago on a stretcher. The team begins
scanning the patient with tricorders.
TROI
(to medic)
He's taken a fall. We don't know from how
high.
MEDIC
(grim)
We'll see we can what do.
(beat; off tricorder)
He'll probably lose his legs.
Troi reacts. The medical team carts off with Crago.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - CORRIDOR
Riker and Troi stride though a skybridge corridor that overlooks the
compound's shuttle bay. Two standard shuttles rest on parallel platforms.
Crew members load supplies and materials aboard the ships.
TROI
(re: Crago)
It was fortunate that we happened by him. He
could've died.
Riker is lost in thought.
TROI
Wil?
RIKER
(startled)
What? Yeah, it was good that the scan detected
the Klingons.
TROI
You seem a million kilometers away.
RIKER
I know. I'm sorry.
TROI
Wil, how much longer are we going to have to
put up with this treatment from the Klingons?
That group probably would have killed that man.
RIKER
I know. I'm tired of getting pushed around.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - RIKER'S QUARTERS
Riker and Troi enter. Riker picks up a PADD from a desk and glances over it.
RIKER
I've been communicating with Starfleet and
the Klingon government. Starfleet doesn't
have anything to offer and all I get from
Q'ronos is Kroto, Son of Garn, a low level
official in the empire's interior ministry.
He would just assume to level Klingon obscenities
at me as discuss policy.
Riker crashes on a couch. Troi gently sits next to him.
TROI
Wil, we're not going to be ready to leave here
for at least a few weeks and the Klingons
aren't backing down.
RIKER
I know.
Troi takes the PADD away. She takes Riker's hand and tenderly strokes it.
TROI
What about you, Wil? You seem really tense.
RIKER
Are you surprised?
TROI
Of course not.
RIKER
I'll feel a lot better when this is all over.
TROI
When do you think that will be?
RIKER
Could be soon. The Enterprise has been diverted
here.
TROI
I hope that helps but you know the Klingons
aren't going to stay on the other side of that
wall for much longer.
RIKER
(sighs)
Yeah.
Beat. The com sounds.
RIKER
(to com)
Riker here.
OFFICER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Commander, Sickbay wants to inform you that
the Lt. Crago, the researcher you brought
in, just died in surgery.
Reactions.
RIKER
(to com)
Thank you, ensign.
Riker slides his arm around Troi's shoulder, hugging her.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The ship at warp.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - READY ROOM
The camera pans off the serene tank of Livingston the lionfish, to find
Picard is at his desk, immersed in work. Several stacks of PADDs litter his
desk.
PICARD
(to com)
Mr. Data, are you sure this is all the information the
computer has on the planet Aeria?
DATA'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Yes, Captain. In addition I have included all
information from Starbase 802's historical
database.
Picard sighs, and shuffles through a stack of PADDs.
PICARD
(to com)
I'm sure you did, but I am having difficulty
finding much information about the indigenous
inhabitants of the planet.
Beat.
PICARD
(to com)
Mr. Data?
DATA'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Excuse me, Captain, there is an urgent message
from Command on frequency 302, it requires holo
reception.
PICARD
Understood.
Picard makes for the exit.
CUT TO:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Picard hurries along and exits to:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK
PICARD
(to com)
Mr. Data, pipe the message through.
DATA's COM VOICE (O.C.)
Aye, sir. Data out.
Picard straightens his uniform.
COMPUTER VOICE (O.C.)
Authorization required.
PICARD
(to com)
Authorization: Picard, four-seven, alpha, tango.
The computer beeps in acknowledgment. A Federation emblem appears in front
of Picard and quickly fades away as the whole room is filled with the
hologram of a Starfleet conference room. The holograms of Senator Kluge; a
curmudgeonly politician, Secretary of Starfleet Intelligence Renken; a human
female, the President of the UFP; a wise alien, and other
Starfleet/Federation types appear seated at a table. The images are jittery
and the dialogue on the Federation end is somewhat garbled, but intelligible.
PRESIDENT
Are you getting us, Captain?
PICARD
(louder)
Yes, Mr. President.
RENKEN
Mr. President, with your permission?
The President nods.
RENKEN
Captain Picard, this is Secretary Renken, I asked
the President to call this conference to discuss
the Federation Council's concerns about the success
of your mission. You have the only ship
in range of Aeria. If the Klingons get violent
it could be days before you could get any support
and hours before a message can get back and forth.
PICARD
Forgive me for prying, I ordered my departments
ready for rioters but you seem to be suggesting
something more serious.
A heavy beat. The Starfleet types throw bothered looks to each other.
RENKEN
Our previous communiqué was admittedly vague.
PICARD
How so?
RENKEN
The situation on Aeria is much worse than you
expect.
(beat)
The messages Commander Riker is sending from
the surface of Aeria are troubling. Klingons
have attacked several of our people.
KLUGE
(interrupting)
One them is dead, Picard.
Picard reacts.
RENKEN
The public at large doesn't know this yet and
we intend to keep it that way for awhile,
at least.
PRESIDENT
The limited information that we've been
getting points to a very volatile situation.
We will support any action you deem necessary.
But we want to reiterate our interest in keeping
diplomatic channels open. Mineral rights on
Aeria is something in which the Council is very
interested.
PICARD
(flabbergasted)
Mr. President, I can handle rioters, and I can
try to finesse the Klingon's from overacting
but that will be more than difficult while
juggling mineral rights. If the Klingons have
to forcibly remove Starfleet from Gregory's
Town they will never again allow the Federation
on that planet as matter of national pride.
(beat; angry)
I can make you rich or I can try to save those
people's lives but I can't do both.
RENKEN
(angry)
That's enough, Captain.
KLUGE
This isn't your decision to make, Picard.
PRESIDENT
Captain, you're record, while exemplary, has been
tainted with occasional insubordination. The
incident in the briar patch springs to mind.
I don't want you to put your personal feelings
above the needs of the Federation. On your
oath, can I count on you to follow orders?
PICARD
For the record, what are my orders?
KLUGE
(stern)
Don't provoke them. We need that dilithium to
rebuild the Federation.
PRESIDENT
(off Kluge)
You are not to engage in provocative actions.
You are to preserve diplomatic relations at
all costs. Will you follow orders?
PICARD
(inhaling)
On my oath, I will follow my orders as you
have instructed.
The President nods.
KLUGE
This mission affects the fate our very way of
life. We can't afford a war with the Klingons.
RENKEN
The war with the Dominion hurt us badly, Captain.
PRESIDENT
More than we have made known.
PICARD
I am no stranger to the plight of the Federation.
In fact it receives my daily attention. I have
every desire to--
Picard's com badge sounds.
PICARD
(to President)
Excuse me.
(to com)
Picard here, I'm in a meeting.
Intercut to the Bridge. Data is sitting in command with the ship at yellow
alert.
DATA
(to com)
My apologies, Captain. The Enterprise has
received a distress signal from a merchant
ship. You are needed on the bridge.
Picard snaps to action.
PICARD
(to com)
I'm on my way.
KLUGE
Picard, we're not going to get another chance
for a face-to-face like this.
PICARD
My ship needs me.
PRESIDENT
(understanding)
Then take care of your ship. Make us proud.
KLUGE
We're counting on you, Picard.
Picard takes that comment as less than complimentary.
PICARD
(to President)
I will.
PRESIDENT
(to com)
End transmission.
The conference room and all in it vanish around Picard.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The ship drops out of warp racing past the camera and we follow it as it
heads towards a bright blue planet. A small merchant ship speeds out of
control in the Enterprise's path. The ship leaks a florescent purple gas
from its tail.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Data at command, Daniels at security, and Beverly is at an aft console.
Picard enters. The camera moves to establish the bridge.
PICARD
(to Data)
Report.
Data stands, facing Picard. As Data speaks, Picard's attention is focused on
the main viewer which is filled with the image of the merchant ship careening
towards the planet.
DATA
We are rapidly approaching a merchant ship that
has been severely damaged by plasma fire.
The ship has lost control and is on a collision
course for Jurcon, an inhabited planet.
PICARD
Communications?
DATA
No response.
Data takes Ops.
PICARD
Where is the attacker?
DANIELS
They disappeared before we were in range.
PICARD
Life readings?
BEVERLY
(off con)
Between fifty and seventy-five humanoid signals.
PICARD
Transporter lock?
DATA
(off con)
Interference is blocking a lock.
PICARD
Damn it.
BEVERLY
(off con)
Captain, they'll enter the atmosphere in 5
seconds.
Picard sighs hard.
PICARD
What about a tractor beam?
ENSIGN
(re: viewer)
Captain, look!
EXT. SPACE - MERCHANT SHIP & PLANET JURCON
The merchant ship enters the upper atmosphere, its hull plating burning and
flying apart.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
As before.
DATA
(off con)
The ship is loosing structural integrity.
A tractor beam would sever the ship.
PICARD
Mr. Daniels, raise shields.
Reactions.
DANIELS
(confused)
Yes, sir.
(works)
Shields up.
PICARD
Good, now reverse them.
Somewhat confused, Daniels works.
BEVERLY
Captain, what're you planning to--
PICARD
(to Beverly)
Doctor, we're going to save that ship.
(to ensign)
Helm, move us in closer.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE & MERCHANT SHIP
The Enterprise closes on the falling ship. The flaming deck plates of the
merchant ship pass through the Enterprise's shields, bouncing off the hull.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - MAIN ENGINEERING
Engineers and technicians scurry frantically about the chamber making
adjustments to various instruments. Geordi emerges from an alcove, handing a
PADD to an engineer.
GEORDI
(to engineer)
Take this to MacKenzie!
(to com)
La Forge to bridge! We've made the adjustments
and we're ready to go!
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Picard stands over Data's shoulder at ops.
PICARD
(to com)
Acknowledged, Mr. La Forge.
(to Daniels)
Open forward shields.
Daniels works.
DANIELS
Done, sir.
PICARD
Helm, move us in.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE & MERCHANT SHIP
The Enterprise angles behind the merchant ship, overtaking it. The little
ship slips inside the shield parameter. The shields close with a flash. The
merchant ship, still falling, collides with the shields, skidding along them.
The front of the vessel crumbles with its debris cutting deep into the
Enterprise's hull.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - MAIN ENGINEERING
Consoles on the upper level explode knocking crew members about the room.
Geordi shields himself from other explosions.
COMPUTER VOICE (O.C.)
Warning: Damage to outer hull.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The room shakes violently. A side console explodes.
BEVERLY
(off con)
Their ship is coming apart!
PICARD
Now, Mr. Data!
Data works.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE & MERCHANT SHIP
The Enterprise's tractor beam shoots out enveloping the merchant ship and it
steadily regains control.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
As before.
DATA
(off con)
The modified tractor beam is successfully
restoring their ship's structural integrity!
PICARD
Move us out!
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE & MERCHANT SHIP
The Enterprise pulls away from the planet and angles the merchant ship to
safety.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The bridge settles itself and the mood lightens.
DATA
(off con)
The merchant vessel's integrity has been returned
to normal.
PICARD
(to Daniels)
Open the shields and release the ship.
Daniels works.
PICARD
Damage report?
DATA
(off con)
The outer hull has sustained moderate to heavy
damage. Some damage to the warp engine but
none to any fuel pods. Engineering is unable
to provide a more complete damage report or a
repair estimate.
Picard considers this.
PICARD
(standing; to all)
Good work. Data you have the bridge. Find
out what the hell happened. I'll be in my
ready room.
DATA
Aye sir.
Picard heads for the ready room. Beverly carefully watches Picard; something
is troubling him that she cannot detect.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Data strides down the corridor with his typical lost-in-thought look
plastered across his face. From a side corridor, Geordi jogs to his side.
GEORDI
Hey Data, wait up!
DATA
Certainly, Geordi.
GEORDI
Thanks for asking me to join the away team.
DATA
You are the most qualified among the Engineering
staff to assess the damage to the merchant ship.
Although I am surprised you accepted the invitation.
GEORDI
Why's that?
DATA
Recently you have not been a mainstay on away
team assignments.
GEORDI
Well I guess I'm getting a little restless
in Engineering. I'm involved in so many pencil
pushing administrating matters that I miss
doing the real work of an engineer.
The pair exits to:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTER ROOM
A handful of crew members are being outfitted with long Starfleet trench
coats armed with various utilities. Several are already positioned on the
transporter pads. Geordi and Data get outfitted as well.
DATA
How would you characterize that, if you don't
mind me asking?
GEORDI
(to Data)
Getting your hands dirty.
DATA
Your hands?
GEORDI
You know what I mean.
DATA
I believe I do. Do you think that I would find
my work more satisfying if I "got my hands dirty?"
GEORDI
To each his own Data. It works for me.
(re: transport)
Come on, let's go.
The two take their place on the transporter pads. Data concentrates on
Geordi's advice.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE & MERCHANT SHIP
The battered merchant ship hangs in front of the Enterprise.
INT. MERCHANT SHIP - CORRIDOR
The interior of the ship is dark, clunky, industrial, and in total disarray.
Ash covers the decks while the wall panels spark. Many of the scruffy crew
members are injured or dead while others are doing repairs or tending to the
hurt. A few of the crew are of mixed alien races but the majority are pale
Karem.
The Enterprise away team materializes. The team members instinctively flip
open tricorders and begin gathering data.
One of the "medic" Karem crew members notices the away team and recoils. He
grabs a metal scalpel from a medical kit and holds it threateningly at the
Enterprise crew.
KAREM
Stop! Who are you?! Get back!
GEORDI
Whoa, whoa! Take it easy, we're here to help.
KAREM
The hell you are; you just shot at us!
DATA
We are not your attacker. We are from the
Enterprise, a Federation starship. We answered
your distress call.
GEORDI
(re: Karem's patient)
We can help your friend there.
Still unsure as to whether to trust these strangers, the Karem relents.
KAREM
Then do it.
Data motions to two medical officers who go the patient. The Karem sees that
this is good and meets Data and Geordi.
GEORDI
We rescued your ship but we need to assess the
the damage and make sure that you're
out of danger. Where's your Captain?
KAREM
In the cockpit, I think. I don't know. I don't
usually go there.
DATA
Would he consent to our search of the ship?
KAREM
Uh, sure. I don't see why not.
GEORDI
(to away team)
Evans, T'elli, Glover, find the engine room
and see what we're looking at. Medical teams,
contact the Enterprise and request more help, looks
like you're gonna need it. Then search the ship and see
what you can do.
The teams disperse.
DATA
(to Karem)
Would you show us to the "cockpit?"
KAREM
(gesturing)
Yeah, this way. Watch your step.
The Karem leads them down a new corridor that has beams and deck plates
displaced.
GEORDI
(whisper)
You know, frankly Data, I'm surprised that this
ship still has gravity, I mean--
DATA
(pulling Geordi back)
Geordi!
Geordi's foot reaches out and lands on nothing. Data takes hold of him
before he completely loses balance, pulling him against the wall. In front
of Geordi is a sinking pit resulting from a collapsed deck. Data, Geordi,
and the Karem stand on the narrow edge of the deck that still remains at the
side of the corridor.
GEORDI
(sigh)
Whoa! Thanks, Data.
KAREM
(to Geordi)
I told you to watch your step.
GEORDI
(sarcastic)
Thanks, I will.
The trio slowly continues down the edge of the corridor.
INT. MERCHANT SHIP - COCKPIT
This ship's version of the bridge. The ship's skipper sits in a command
chair while several crew members attempt repairs. The informal skipper is a
thin middle-aged Karem male who barks orders at the crew. Data, Geordi and
the medic Karem enter.
SKIPPER
(to crew)
You're leaking radiation all over the deck, close
the valve! Getting the sensors to work won't
make any difference if that interference is
blocking them!
KAREM
Skipper?
SKIPPER
(annoyed)
What?
KAREM
(re: Geordi & Data)
These men are here from the ship that rescued us.
Skipper swivels in his chair.
SKIPPER
What?
KAREM
They came to help.
SKIPPER
Really?
DATA
I am Commander Data and this is Geordi La Forge
we come from the Starship Enterprise.
Data extends his hand, but Skipper does not take it.
SKIPPER
Enterprise? You're Federation then, aren't
you?
DATA
That is correct.
SKIPPER
(suspicious)
What do you want? My ship is a wreck.
KAREM
They have doctors and repairmen, I told them
they could look through the ship.
SKIPPER
Our inventory is wasted if that's what you're
looking for. We can't pay you.
GEORDI
We're here to help. You did sent out a distress
signal.
SKIPPER
No cost?
GEORDI
Of course not. Humanitarian aid.
Skipper chuckles.
SKIPPER
All right. What do you need?
DATA
We would like to know who attacked you.
SKIPPER
(sighs)
Don't know. We were knocked out of warp and
when we settled I saw this weird looking ship
pounding us with phasers. 'Though it felt like
we were gettin' hit from all 'round.
GEORDI
Can we examine your sensor records?
SKIPPER
You could if there were any. Our sensors are
crap to being with. They got taken out when
we lost lightspeed.
GEORDI
If you didn't have sensors, how did you see
the attacking ship?
INT. MERCHANT SHIP - COCKPIT (FLASHBACK)
Quickly, as the ship settles, Skipper looks out a portal to see a stealthy
vessel streak past the ship.
SKIPPER (V.O.)
Outta the side portal.
RETURN TO SCENE
DATA
What do you recall about it?
SKIPPER
It was black and green. Yellow phaser blasts.
It moved fast.
(thinking)
That's about it.
Geordi and Data exchange a look. Suddenly, Geordi's com badge sounds.
GEORDI
(to com)
La Forge here.
ENGINEER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Commander, we've found something in the engine
room you'll want to see.
GEORDI
I'll be there in a minute. La Forge out.
DATA
(to Skipper)
You will not mind if we continue our investigation
and bring over more medical personnel?
SKIPPER
(sighs)
Get what you need, and get out. Me and my people
don't like you Federation types; you're just
as bad as the Klingons. We can take care of
ourselves.
EXT. SPACE - MERCHANT SHIP
Time cut. The camera moves to another part of the ship.
INT. MERCHANT SHIP - ENGINE ROOM
The engine room is like the rest of the ship, damaged and low-rent. A simple
warp core lazily pumps energy in the center of the room.
Geordi and Data enter from a doorway cluttered with debris. An engineer
motions to the pair over to a console.
ENGINEER
Sirs.
GEORDI
(to Engineer)
Report.
The Engineer activates a side monitor. The graphic is of the internal
systems of the merchant ship. The engineer gestures as the graphic moves.
ENGINEER
This is pretty limited but it's all we've been
able to find.
GEORDI
That's okay, show us what you've got.
ENGINEER
Their gauges show that about two hours ago
a power conduit ruptured and tore into the
ship's innards. Several main systems were damaged
but they managed to stay at warp.
On the graphic, power levels drop and a conduit explodes, damaging the ship.
DATA
That may account for why their sensors were in
such poor condition.
GEORDI
Data, I don't know that anything on this ship
was ever in good condition.
ENGINEER
In any case, there was a crack in the hull
that released a quantity of anti-protons from
one of the ship's deflectors grids. The anti-protons
were the substance that we saw leaking out when
we approached. With the ship at warp, this
entire area was flooded with them.
GEORDI
(disappointed)
And if they had been looking at the gauges
they would have seen it.
(to engineer)
Thanks. Complete your survey and get back to
the Enterprise.
ENGINEER
No problem there, the crew hasn't been too
happy with us being here.
The engineer deactivates the graphic and leaves Data and Geordi to
themselves.
GEORDI
We'd better get back to the Enterprise. My guess
is that there's a ship out there covered with
anti-protons.
DATA
I agree, the situation has become much more
interesting.
CUT TO:
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - CORRIDOR
Marching down a bland corridor lit with white and green light, is the
striking Romulan Subcommander Tara. She is attractive, but her looks are
harsh and her gestures razor-sharp. Following her is a hulking hooded
figure, her bodyguard First. Tara's steps are fast and impatient. The
Romulan officers in the corridor stand at attention as she passes.
Tara stops at a doorway guarded by a ragged young Karem male armed with what
looks like a machine gun. The guard who bars her entry.
KAREM GUARD
He does not wish to be disturbed.
TARA
I am Subcommander Tara, I do not take orders
on this ship. I will see your master now.
KAREM GUARD
I've been ordered to--
Tara gestures to First. The bodyguard clutches the Karem by the throat. The
Karem struggles as the he is lifted and thrown into the bulkhead. A splash
of the Karem's dark blood stains the wall. The Karem slides down the wall,
unconscious.
TARA
(to First)
See that's cleaned up.
First nods in acknowledgment.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - KAREM CHAMBER
Pan down over cross beams and metal platforms. The room resembles a make-
shift industrial factory bustling with activity. Karem technicians, on
multiple levels of the chamber, hurriedly work on various large scale
devices. The camera's view is somewhat obscured by sparks and the movement
of workers, but it looks as if the devices are cylindrical and mechanical.
In spite of this, the purpose of all this is a mystery.
Tara and First enter. Tara surveys the room. A brash Karem, Proad,
approaches her.
PROAD
You're not allowed here!
TARA
Where is Tag?
PROAD
He's busy. You have to leave.
TARA
(annoyed)
Not again.
Tara gestures to her bodyguard, he knows what to do.
TAG'S VOICE (O.C.)
Wait!
TARA
(to First)
Hold.
First relents. From a darkened alcove, Tag blends out of the shadows.
TARA
Finally. I thought I'd have to kill all
of your servants to get to talk to you.
TAG
(angry)
I trust you're jesting.
TARA
(mock congeniality)
Of course.
She leads Tag to a more private portion of the chamber.
TARA
We were almost detected.
TAG
Report.
TARA
(annoyed)
A merchant ship flooded the region with particles that
were making us visible.
TAG
You took care of them?
TARA
We were about to when a Starfleet vessel intervened.
TAG
You avoided them?
TARA
Barely, but it'll take hours to remove the
particles while cloaked. Until then there's a
chance we could be found.
Beat, as Tag makes mental calculations.
TAG
Starfleet is headed for Aeria?
TARA
Yes.
TAG
If they find us, they'll try to stop us.
TARA
They'll be more concerned with their base.
TAG
But they will want to know who attacked the
merchant ship.
TARA
(dismissive)
By the time they find us we'll have already
struck.
Tara stands back and looks over the proceedings.
TARA
How is your progress?
TAG
We're behind.
TARA
That's unacceptable. I need not remind you of
the importance of this mission to my superiors.
TAG
The cabal? Don't worry. We will be ready and
we will prevail provided that you can avoid
Starfleet.
(waving his hand)
Leave me, I have work to do.
With Tara fed up, Tag departs but thoughtfully pauses, turning back to her.
TAG
Subcommander?
TARA
(dry)
Yes?
TAG
The merchant ship. What race was aboard?
TARA
(beat)
Andorians.
TAG
Andorians?
TARA
Yes. Anything else Mr. Tag?
TAG
(condescending)
No. You may go.
Tara sneers and heads for the exit. First remains, staring down Tag.
TAG
(annoyed)
Yes?
The masked bodyguard regards Tag for another moment and then joins his
mistress at the exit. Tag is left to his thoughts. Proad approaches Tag.
PROAD
I'll see that you aren't bothered again.
Tag is lost in thought.
PROAD
(to Tag)
Kagan?
TAG
(wakes)
Sorry. I was just thinking about all of the
wild Andorian activity this far in Klingon
space. . .
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The ship at warp.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - READY ROOM
Somber, Picard sits at his desk watching a Federation New Service report on
his tabletop monitor. The only light in the room is the blue glow from the
monitor.
On screen, Lyka Rohn, a beautiful young female Trill reporter stands before
the Gregory's Town installation. There is a growing number of Klingons
outside the complex. Intercut as needed.
ROHN
. . . with the new withdrawal deadline looming,
Starfleet has yet to evacuate. That news doesn't
sit well with Klingon nationals,
(gesturing)
who as you can see have assembled outside the
complex to voice their frustration with Starfleet.
They are very eager to begin mining the dilithium
found in this area. Perhaps so eager that there has
been an unconfirmed, I repeat an unconfirmed report
that one researcher has died as a result of an altercation
with Klingon locals. At this time, neither Starfleet
Command nor the Federation president has had
any statement regarding these reports. We still--
Picard, having seen enough, switches off the image. Instantly, the image is
replaced by that of Wil Riker. Riker is in what passes for the operations
center of the Gregory's Town complex.
PICARD
When was this report sent?
RIKER
We discovered it only a few hours ago. We
brought the reporter in the compound. So far,
she hasn't been all that cooperative. Given
the content of the report, we would have to
assume that it was made around noon local time
two days ago at the earliest.
PICARD
(sighs)
If that's the case, then the public will soon
know what's going on here. The political fallout
will create a diplomatic nightmare.
RIKER
From what I've seen, diplomacy may not be of any
use here.
PICARD
I agree. What's your status?
Riker glances around Ops.
RIKER
Things aren't good. We're all hold up in the
complex. We're loading the shuttles, but they're
not at all suited to haul cargo. We've got
years of valuable research materials most of
which will have to be left behind.
PICARD
Weapons?
RIKER
Not at all what we'll need if the Klingons
storm the gate, but we can hold our own.
PICARD
We're finished with the merchants and are
heading towards Aeria. We should arrive tomorrow
morning. Until then, keep me updated. Picard out--
(reaching for the monitor)
RIKER
Captain?
PICARD
Yes?
RIKER
Captain, are you all right? You seem a little
bothered. . .
Picard sits back, running his hands across his face.
PICARD
Perhaps I am. Starfleet is riding me pretty hard
on this one.
RIKER
Would you like to talk to Deanna about it?
I'm sure she wouldn't mind.
PICARD
Neither of us have that luxury at present. We
both have work to do.
RIKER
Understood. I'll report back in a few hours.
PICARD
Thank you. You and Deanna take care of yourselves.
RIKER
Certainly, Captain. Riker out.
Picard taps the button on the monitor and the screen, with the rest of the
room, goes black. Picard, with the starlight from the side portal reflecting
off him, sulks in his chair. Finally, Picard rises, going to the portal and
gazes at the passing stars.
CUT TO:
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - NIGHT
As night sets in, Klingon mobs gather outside, chanting and yelling. Things
are getting more ominous with every passing moment.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - OPS
The gray room from which Riker sent a message to the Enterprise. Many of the
consoles and pieces of equipment that would usually furnish a location such
as this have been removed due to the withdrawal.
A handful of Gregory's Town staff and Troi are assembled around a table. The
staff is stressed and exhausted; they've been pulling around-the-clock shifts
for days. Some are napping with their heads down while others throw back
large mugs of stale coffee. Two of the staff are of particular interest,
Brooks, a gruff mid-40's human, and Carter, a 30's human male. Riker enters.
RIKER
(sitting)
Sorry I'm late.
TROI
It's all right.
Riker smiles weakly.
RIKER
I've just been down to the shuttle bay again.
Of the eighty some people we have we can fit about
thirty uncomfortably into the shuttles.
Reactions.
BROOKS
Is that with the research payload?
RIKER
That's with six percent of the payload. If
we dump it we can add maybe ten more people.
CARTER
That's ridiculous, how does Starfleet expect us
to get out here?
BROOKS
I've been thinking about something. Why not
dump the complete payload and put the crew
in the transporter data stream? Our people
could be stored as energy.
RIKER
The shuttle computers are going to be bogged
down with storing research data to hold the
transporter memory of that many people. The
transporters were not designed to do so nor
would the computers be able to maintain the
integrity of the patterns for very long.
CARTER
(to Brooks)
Brooks, we can't dump the payload, the living
tissue samples alone took five years of surveying
to gather. We can't throw that away.
BROOKS
(to Carter; angry)
Are you saying that my family isn't as important
as that research?!
CARTER
There're people that could be saved by that
research! Don't give me that--
RIKER
Stop! Both of you. I sympathize with both
you, believe me. Hopefully, we won't have to
use other measures because the Enterprise will
be here in the morning.
BROOKS
It was supposed to be here this afternoon.
TROI
The Enterprise sustained damage in assisting a
merchant vessel a few light years from here,
and they were delayed.
BROOKS
The withdrawal deadline has passed. The
Klingons are coming over that wall tomorrow
morning regardless of if were here or not.
I don't want to be here when they do.
RIKER
Calm down, I'm with you. If we have to, we'll
open the weapons locker and fight with everything
we've got, but we might not have to.
BROOKS
So what do we do in the meantime?
RIKER
We have to sit tight and wait for the Enterprise,
that's all we can do.
Reactions.
TROI
Commander, we're all very stressed. I think
we all should try to get some rest.
RIKER
I don't think we should be sleeping on the job
when there are potential rioters knocking on
the door.
TROI
Thirty minutes of sleep in structured shifts won't
hurt. It's the least we can do.
RIKER
All right.
(to crew)
Manage your time. I want everyone accounted
for and in the shuttle bay at daybreak in case
we have to make any extreme decisions. Dismissed.
Slowly, the staff exits, not too hopeful in their situation. Riker and Troi
remain.
RIKER
(sighs)
I hope that the crew is up to this Deanna.
Troi steps to his side and places a warm hand on his shoulder.
TROI
Wil, I don't want to make things worse for
you. . .
Riker can see the troubled look on her face.
RIKER
(soft)
What is it?
TROI
(hesitant)
Wil.
(beat; re: Klingons)
Wil, they are going to attack.
RIKER
What? You're sure?
TROI
(nods)
Periodically, I've been picking up these very
strong empathic impressions from the crowds
outside. There's no doubt.
Riker takes a step back from her and sighs.
RIKER
Then we have no choice. At daybreak, we'll
be armed.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The ship at warp.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - MAIN ENGINEERING
Throughout the room, engineers are repairing the damage that resulted from
the rescue of the merchant ship. Data, Geordi, and Beverly are in the midst
of a conversation at the operations table.
GEORDI
(to Beverly)
The engines and the shields are hurting the
most. A lot of minor systems are still down.
How is sickbay handling?
BEVERLY
Thankfully, it's been pretty slow. I hope
that's the beginning of a trend.
At that moment, Picard enters and joins the group.
PICARD
(to Geordi)
You have a report?
GEORDI
Yes Captain, Data and I have been analyzing
the readings from the merchant vessel. We found
a huge leak of anti-proton particles so we
began a series of long range scans for anti-proton
signatures.
DATA
The scan has been difficult as the Enterprise
itself accumulated a concentration of anti-protons
in answering the distress call.
BEVERLY
What's the purpose of the scan?
DATA
Anti-proton beams were used by the Dominion
to penetrate stealth technology. The flood of
particles could have a similar effect on a
cloaked ship that passed through the merchant
ship's trail.
PICARD
Why would Klingons attack helpless merchants?
GEORDI
We don't think that is was the Klingons.
PICARD
Explain.
GEORDI
The skipper of the ship told us that the attacking
ship used phasers. Captain, I examined the
blast points with my ocular implants and they
don't look like any phaser blasts I've ever seen.
Picard is intrigued.
DATA
The blasts points were more likely the result
of disrupter fire. The grade of which is
more consistent with Romulan rather than
Klingon armament.
PICARD
This complicates matters.
DATA
Yes, Captain. Furthermore, we have detected a
cluster of anti-protons traveling at warp speed
a short distance from our current position.
Beat.
PICARD
This "cluster" could just be an innocent ship
that happened to pass through the anti-proton wave.
GEORDI
Sure, but aren't we obligated to investigate?
PICARD
(sighs)
We certainly are.
BEVERLY
Captain, I agree with your interpretation of
the regulations, but we've got to get to Aeria
and help our friends.
Picard paces around the table, thinking.
PICARD
Whoever is in this cluster could very well pose
a threat to Klingon security and the evacuation.
We owe our ally the courtesy of investigating it.
Mr. La Forge, set a course for the cluster.
GEORDI
Aye sir.
PICARD
Data, inform Gregory's Town to expect a slight
delay.
DATA
Yes, sir.
Geordi and Data exit.
BEVERLY
Jean-Luc, what are we doing?
PICARD
Keeping diplomatic channels open.
CUT TO:
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPLEX - NIGHT
Dawn soon approaches. Troi stands at a bay window overlooking the Klingons.
Bonfires burn high as Klingons drink and sing huddled around the front gate.
As her eyes move through the crowd, she spots two adolescent Klingons
sharpening their knives, faking jabs and laughing. She looks down in a
slump, filled with dread for the impending tragedy.
The camera glides down and away from Troi centering on a bonfire. Rotate on
the flames and. . .
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - KAREM CHAMBER
A smaller fire blazes in the chamber around which the the Karem partake in a
festive meal. While a handful of Karem continue to labor, the balance are
clearly enjoying themselves. At the "campfire," a wise older Karem, Elder,
tells the others a story in his native language which has the Karems' utmost
attention. Tag watches from afar. A few moments later, Proad approaches the
enraptured Tag.
PROAD
Kagen?
Tag lifts a silencing hand to Proad.
TAG
(beat)
Elder is speaking of the homeland.
Proad, interested, watches the withered Karem amaze the others.
TAG
(translating Elder)
The Klingons burned the villages and poisoned
our crops.
PROAD
Kagen?
TAG
Wait.
PROAD
There's a message from Tara.
TAG
(turning to Proad; angry)
Proad. Elder is telling the story of how the
Klingons stole our planet, our identity; our
very way of life. This is something that
cannot be replaced. Now listen.
Proad backs down as Elder continues. A few beats later, Elder slumps down to
a seat, covering his face; tears stream from his face. The other Karem
console him.
PROAD
What's wrong?
TAG
Elder has reached the point in the story about
the death of his wife and children. They were
killed by Klingon joyriders.
(beat)
You should have listened to his stories more often.
PROAD
I can't speak the old tongue.
TAG
(shakes his head)
Yet another thing that the conquerors have
stolen from us. We need to be reminded of what
we are working for. When the Klingons came
they took everything from us. Now our people
are scattered throughout the galaxy addicted to
narcotics and dying in poverty.
(beat)
What does Tara want?
PROAD
She wants to you on the bridge.
TAG
(annoyed)
As my mistress commands. Spend some time with Elder.
PROAD
I will.
Tag heads off camera. . .
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
A dark, green room occupied with the pinnacle of cutting edge Romulan
technology. Tara is seated at command, her eyes locked on the main viewer,
with First to her right. Attentive Romulan controllers work at various
stations overseeing ship functions. Tag enters.
TAG
(to Tara)
I am not to be disturbed, Tara!
Tara remains fixed on the viewer.
TARA
There's something good on the tube that I thought
you might want to see.
TAG
(annoyed)
What?!
TARA
(re: viewer)
Take a look.
Tag's gaze moves from Tara to the main viewer which is shows the Enterprise
tailing at warp.
TAG
Have they detected us?
TARA
They will in minutes.
ROMULAN CONTROLLER
(off con)
It is the USS Enterprise. The flagship. They
are damaged.
TARA
(intrigued)
That's Captain Picard's ship.
(to helm)
All stop, prepare to intercept.
The controller works. Tag moves to Tara's side.
TAG
You can do this?
TARA
This ship has the firepower to snap Enterprise
in two.
TAG
(off viewer)
I've never seen a ship like this Enterprise
before.
TARA
Get a good look, it won't be there for long.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Picard at command, Daniels and Data at their stations.
DATA
(off con)
Captain, the anti-proton cluster has just come
to a halt.
PICARD
Analysis?
DATA
(off con)
There is definitely a ship inside the cluster.
In fact, there may be more than one.
PICARD
Helm, reduce speed and proceed with caution.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The Enterprise drops out of warp and cruises through open space.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
ROMULAN CONTROLLER
(off con)
Enterprise is pursuing us.
TARA
(off con)
The anti-proton sweep isn't complete. They know
we're here.
TAG
We have the advantage. Destroy them.
TARA
(concentrating)
Just a moment. We can't be hasty.
TAG
If you don't destroy them our failure is assured.
ROMULAN CONTROLLER
(off con)
Subcommander. The Enterprise is transmitting on
broad ban subspace.
TARA
On audio.
The Romulan pipes through the message.
PICARD'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Attention cloaked vessel, this is Captain
Jean-Luc Picard, of the Federation starship
Enterprise. We are investigating an attack
on a private vessel. Please identify yourself
and decloak.
Tara sneers.
TARA
(to Controller)
Red alert. Send them a false identification.
Signal Lieutenant T'ark on Warblade K-two-three
to stand by. Prepare to decloak on my mark.
The controller works.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
DANIELS
(off con)
Captain, they've transmitted an I.D. code but
I doubt it's authentic.
PICARD
Typical. Continue looking at that mass,
we may--
DATA
(off con)
Captain, ship decloaking off starboard!
Reactions.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
Before the Enterprise, a feminine, yet menacing Romulan Warblade decloaks and
fires a line of torpedoes into its bow.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The ship is jolted.
PICARD
Red alert! Shields up!
The ship is hit again.
DANIELS
Shields up at eighteen percent, Captain.
PICARD
Return fire!
(to helm)
Attack pattern alpha-beta.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise swoops down at the warblade, its phasers slicing into the
opponent's shields. As the two ships pass, a torpedo impacts the port
nacelle of the Enterprise.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
The scene of the Warblade and the Enterprise fighting is on the main viewer.
TARA
(re: warblade)
What are they doing? I didn't order them to
attack.
ROMULAN CONTROLLER
They must have mistaken the standby order.
TAG
(to Tara)
You put an incompetent in charge that ship!
TARA
Quiet!
ROMULAN CONTROLLER
(off con)
Subcommander, warblade K-two-three is taking
damage.
Tara throws her gaze at the main viewer like a hot dagger.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise glides behind the Romulan ship, slinging torpedoes into the
warblade's back half. The warblade tries to evade, but the Enterprise
remains with it.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
As before.
PICARD
Switch to pattern omega-delta. Independently
target their nacelles.
DATA
(off con)
Our countermeasures have neutralized their
last two torpedoes.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
Tara's anger grows.
TAG
This is ridiculous, you said these ships could
handle Enterprise!
TARA
(defiant)
They can! We're going to have to join the fight.
TAG
If you don't destroy them it'll give away our
numbers.
TARA
I know!
(to Romulan Controller)
Decloak and attack.
EXT. SPACE
Tara's warblade decloaks and angles itself behind the Enterprise, firing
disrupters on its back quarter.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The ship is periodically jarred by incoming fire.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to bridge!
PICARD
(to com)
Report!
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - MAIN ENGINEERING
The engine room is alive with activity.
GEORDI
(to com)
Captain, our shield generator is fluctuating.
Shields won't last much longer.
A panel explodes behind Geordi.
GEORDI
(to com)
We need to get out of this!
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
As before.
PICARD
(to com)
Understood.
Hit. Picard considers this information. Hit.
PICARD
Helm, resume course; maximum warp.
DATA
But sir. . .
PICARD
(hard)
Engage.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise breaks off pursuit of the first warblade and leaps into warp. The
first warblade cloaks while Tara's ship follows the Enterprise into warp.
EXT. SPACE
Torpedoes lance out from the warblade at Enterprise.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Tense.
PICARD
(to Daniels)
Countermeasures!
DANIELS
(works; off con)
Torpedo number one. . . destroyed. Number
two. . . incoming!
Hit.
DATA
(off con)
Captain, power to the warp engine is fading.
The Romulan ship will overtake us in thirty seconds.
Beat.
PICARD
Helm, on my mark, initate a Mitchell manuever.
HELM
Aye, sir.
DATA
Captain, that will only damage the engines further.
PICARD
I know, Mr. Data, but it's all we've got.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
ROMULAN CONTROLLER
(off con, excited)
Subcommander, we have them.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
PICARD
Mark.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
TARA
Fire.
Insert the main viewer. As the torpedoes fire and close in, the Enterprise
drops below their path. The ship flashes past the warblade and the Romulan
crew cringes as if they are about to be hit but nothing happens.
TAG
What was that? Where are they?
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The Enterprise lands hard into regular space but instantly jumps back into
warp.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
ROMULAN CONTROLLER
(off con)
The Enterprise is back at warp.
TARA
On screen.
Insert the main viewer. The Enterprise at once gains on their tail.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Daniels stands by.
PICARD
(dry)
Take them.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise launches a spread of quantum torpedoes whose impact dislodges the
warblade from warp.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
The room shakes hard and a console explodes, killing a controller.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise gracefully pivots, avoiding the warblade as it spins away into
sublight. . .
EXT. SPACE - ROMULAN WARBLADE
The ship centers itself.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
The bridge calms itself. Tara climbs back into her chair.
TARA
(to Controller; dry)
Get me Lt. T'ark.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The starship escapes at warp.
CUT TO:
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - DAY
Daybreak on the forest planet. Outside the compound gate, the Klingons are
yelling and shaking spears in the air. They pound clubs, shovels, and their
fists against the metal gate. The back of the crowd parts as an armored car
moves forward towards the gate. The Klingons cheers with the vehicle's
approach.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY
The crew, including Troi, has formed two chains passing equipment and
research materials into the dual shuttles. Sobering morning sunlight streams
down from the two parallel overhead locks from which shuttles launch. At the
front of the equipment line, Riker and Brooks make a final check of the
materials and decide which items go with the shuttle or not.
Just as she receives a tote, Troi is struck with a sharp empathic perception.
She excuses herself from the line to steady herself. After a second or so,
she cuts back through the line to Riker.
RIKER
(to Brooks)
We've got three of those already.
TROI
Wil?
RIKER
(distracted)
What? Deanna?
(to Brooks)
Excuse me.
Riker takes Troi aside.
RIKER
What's wrong?
TROI
Wil, something's happening.
RIKER
You're sure?
TROI
I can feel it. They're--
CARTER'S COM VOICE
Carter to Commander Riker!
RIKER
(to com)
Riker here.
CARTER'S COM VOICE
Commander, the Klingons are bringing down
the gate!
RIKER
(to com)
I'll be right there!
(to crew)
Hill, Baker, Kempeck, grab your weapons--you're
with me.
The three do as Riker instructs.
RIKER
Deanna, take over for me. We'll try to hold them
off. Launch as soon as you can.
Riker rushes off, but Troi takes a hold of his arm.
TROI
Hey, be careful.
Riker doesn't have the words to respond. He touches her arm, then cocks his
phaser rifle and exits.
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - DAY
The Klingon vehicle repeatedly batters the gate. The Klingons cheer with
each hit. Finally, the gate snaps and splinters giving the Klingons an
entrance. The Klingons rush onward in a furious sprint.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - ROTUNDA
Carter and a team of officers are at the entrance in defensive positions.
CARTER
Here they come!
OLSON
There's got to be a hundred of 'em!
Riker and his crew enters. The wave of Klingons collide with the glass doors
and pound them with clubs and spears. The glass cracks and begins to give
way.
RIKER
(to crew)
Stand ready!
The crew aims their weapons and prepares for hell. . .
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY - DAY
The bay doors open as the shuttles are about to fly. The sounds of the riot
can be heard inside the bay.
INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT
Brooks' fingers work frantically across the control console. Troi enters.
TROI
What are you doing? We don't even have the
crew onboard.
BROOKS
We don't have time for this anymore. I'm going
to put the rest of them in the data stream and
take our chances.
TROI
Riker ordered you not to do that!
BROOKS
Counselor, with all due respect, if we don't
try this, those people die.
Troi relents.
TROI
Take the ship off and beam them in on my mark.
I'll get everyone ready.
BROOKS
Okay.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY
Troi exits the shuttle to the crew outside.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - ROTUNDA
The glass doors and walls crack and shake. The shouts of the Klingons are
overwhelming.
CARTER
(pointing rifle at rioters)
Get back!!
Riker wipes the sweat from his brow.
RIKER
Keep it together!
A Klingon pulls a disrupter pistol and blasts it at the glass. The glass
shatters and forward spill the Klingons. They overcome Riker and company
before they can get off a shot. The fighting is rough.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY
The crew has separated into two groups; those for Brooks' shuttle and for the
remaining one. Troi comforts Maggie Tong, a mid-30's woman, and her young
daughter.
TROI
It's going to be all right. This can work.
MAGGIE
I trust you Deanna.
TROI
(to com)
Brooks, you're cleared for launch.
INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT
As before.
BROOKS
(to com)
Understood. Lift-off sequence underway. Hold
on everyone.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY
Brooks' shuttle slowly lifts off. Dust and wind blows out from underneath.
BROOKS' COM VOICE (O.C.)
Prepare for transport.
The designated crowd huddles together and slowly the particle beam takes a
hold of them and they dematerialize.
TROI
(to com)
Do you have them?
BROOKS' COM VOICE (O.C.)
Yeah, they're fine.
Troi sighs in relief.
TROI
(to crew)
Okay, the rest of you, get ready to do the
same.
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY - DAY
Brooks' shuttle rises our the bay. It levels off and prepares to blast away
when. . .
INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT
The control panel's display rapidly fluctuates. Brooks' hands sweep across
the controls.
BROOKS
Can't get control!
INT./EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY - DAY
Brooks' shuttle starts to waiver and lose altitude.
TROI
(to com)
Brooks, what's happening?!
INT. SHUTTLE - COCKPIT
As before.
BROOKS
(to com; off con)
The shuttle can't handle the transport! The
computer is crashing.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY
Troi knowing what is about to happen, surges back to the other crew.
TROI
Move! Move! GET BACK!!
INT./EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - SHUTTLE BAY - DAY
The shuttle loses all power and falls bouncing between the lips of the bay
doors and then crashes, sliding across the deck floor into the other crew
members, knocking them over like pins, and then into the second shuttle.
The dust settles and the camera moves to see that Troi has escaped the wreck
with a few others. She turns to look at the wreckage and to her horror sees
Maggie pinned between Brooks' and the other shuttle.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - ROTUNDA
The Klingon rioters are everywhere. The Starfleet officers are being
pulverized. Riker is bloodied and bruised but still fighting with vigor.
Carter lays dead at Riker's side.
A group of Klingons is suddenly cast away as Lt. Daniels and a team of
Starfleet Officers materialize over them. The team is bearing heavy combat
armor and compression phaser rifles.
Despite reinforcements, Starfleet is still severely outnumbered. Daniels
quickly surveys the rioters and aims his rifle.
DANIELS
(to team)
Fire!
The team opens fire, catching several Klingons. Daniels grabs Riker and
pulls him out of the fight.
DANIELS
Commander, I'll cover you.
Riker nods. Daniels fires a cover shot. The team hastily pulls back deeper
within the compound, firing suppressing shots into the mob.
EXT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - DAY
The Klingons have completely overrun the entrance.
INT. GREGORY'S TOWN COMPOUND - OPS
The team enters locking the heavy door behind them. The rioters on the other
side bang on the door. A medic looks over Riker.
DANIELS
(to Officer)
Keep that door shut. It ought to be able to
take a few hits.
OFFICER
(to Daniels)
We lost Olson!
(off tricorder)
I've got a reading on him, he's still alive!
DANIELS
He's gone.
OFFICER
His armor'll buy him some time. We can get
him back!
RIKER
Listen to your C.O.! That guy's done.
OFFICER
(backing down)
Aye sir.
The door starts taking heavier hits.
RIKER
(to medic)
I'm fine.
(to Daniels)
The crew's in the shuttle bay.
DANIELS
(off tricorder)
I see them.
(closes tricorder)
It's all right; we'll get them. But we have
to get you out of here now.
Riker nods.
DANIELS
(to com)
Daniels to Enterprise. Beam us up!
The door begins to give way and the team takes aim. As they do, an energy
beam takes them and they dematerialize.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The ship orbits Aeria.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTER ROOM
Picard waits nearby the Transporter Chief as Riker and the team materializes
on the pad. Daniels carries Riker off the pad.
PICARD
Welcome back, Number One.
RIKER
Thank you, Captain. My crew?
PICARD
Right behind you.
A second group of Gregory's Town personal beams up.
RIKER
(to chief)
You got all of them?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF
Some of the readings are sketchy, but we got
a lot of them. We'll have to sort it out as
we go.
RIKER
Deanna?
PICARD
In Sickbay.
Riker breathes more easily.
PICARD
(re: wounds)
You need to get there yourself.
RIKER
(nods)
I can walk it.
PICARD
(towards door)
This way.
The pair exits to:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
The corridor is showing scars of the ship's recent adventures but is not too
egregious.
PICARD
You handled yourself well down there.
RIKER
We were lucky that most of them were drunk off
their asses.
(re: damages)
What happened to the ship?
PICARD
(discrete)
Number One, we have another problem.
RIKER
What's that?
PICARD
There are at least two Romulan ships of a
configuration we've never seen gunning for the
Enterprise. We don't know what they're after
yet.
RIKER
Back-up?
PICARD
The Klingons have "temporarily" closed the
Federation end to the border.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - TURBOLIFT
Riker and Picard enter. Riker tears off a length of his sleeve and wipes the
blood from his forehead.
PICARD
(to com)
Sickbay.
The lift car moves.
RIKER
What's our next move?
PICARD
I'm not at all confident that we can recover
all of our people. I was watching the sensors
as we came in. The shuttles didn't make it, Wil.
Riker reacts.
PICARD
Until we have accounted for everyone, dead or
alive, the Enterprise is not leaving orbit.
RIKER
The Klingons aren't going to like that.
PICARD
I'm tired of accommodating. That's precisely
why weren't here to prevent this massacre.
RIKER
How are you going to arrange for the exchange of
hostages, if there are any?
PICARD
I plan to discuss it with the Klingon Ambassador
when he arrives.
RIKER
He's coming here?
(beat; shrugs)
Better get out the good air fresheners.
The lift car stops and the doors open. Picard reacts to Riker.
RIKER
After you, Captain.
CUT TO:
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - INTERROGATION ROOM
A pitch black, barren room with a single beam of blinding white light
illuminating it. Lt. T'ark, a late 20's Romulan male, is thrown into the
light, falling to his knees. He has been stripped down to his underwear and
his body is heavily bruised.
T'ARK
(weak)
No more!
With First silhouetted in the b.g., Tara emerges from the darkness.
TARA
(quiet anger)
T'ark, you disappoint me.
T'ARK
(weak)
I will not fail you again...
TARA
(soft)
You could have damned the entire mission.
T'ARK
(weak)
The helm read your orders wrong.
Tara kneels next to T'ark, tenderly stroking his face.
TARA
Stop making excuses. T'ark, you were
such a promising officer. You have been with
the cabal since the beginning. But now you
have thrown our conquest in jeopardy. Is
what we are doing of no importance to you?
T'ARK
(weak)
Of course it is. I was there as you and the
others pled with the Senate to end the Klingon
problem. "They're on their knees," we said.
They didn't hear us, but hear me now, I have
always been loyal.
TARA
Your loyalty has never been questioned. But
you have committed a crime that cannot be
forgiven.
Tara withdraws from T'ark and approaches First.
TARA
Take his legs; no more.
First nods in agreement. Tara disappears into shadow. Alone with First,
T'ark cries out in fear.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - KAREM CHAMBER
Tara walks along a catwalk overlooking the Karem busy at work.
TAG'S VOICE (O.C.)
How did you get in here?
TARA
(ignoring)
The anti-proton sweep is complete and we've
entered orbit of Aeria.
TAG
The weather satelite?
TARA
It's in working order and we can find no lifesigns
aboard.
TAG
It couldn't be anymore perfect.
TARA
Don't be so sure, the Enterprise is here. There's
also a cloaked Klingon ship approaching.
TAG
How do you know that?
TARA
(mocking)
Klingon cloaks.
TAG
Nonetheless, I have reason for celebration--we're
almost done.
TARA
Excellent. I see that the incident with Enterprise
didn't set you back too far.
TAG
No. We're back on schedule. I trust that I
will not be disturbed by any other of your
foolish officers.
TARA
T'ark has been replaced.
Beat.
TAG
So soon, my suffering will be at end.
TARA
As will mine.
CUT TO:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CARGO BAY
Pan tight across a long line of bloodied and injured bodies crowded firmly
together in the cargo bay. The bay has been converted into a crude
infirmary. Enterprise doctors and nurses hecticly tend to the Gregory's Town
survivors but they are severely overtaxed.
Nurse Alyssa Ogawa treats the frail Maggie Tong. Maggie's face is swollen
and her body is covered with a variety of medical devices. Ogawa runs a
medical tricorder over her body.
MAGGIE
(feeble)
Y'know, all I wanted to do was to show my daughter
the stars. The stars. You should have seen the
look on her face. Like Christmas morning. . .
OGAWA
(tender)
I'll bet.
Ogawa closes her tricorder.
OGAWA
I'll be right back, okay?
MAGGIE
'Kay.
OGAWA
(to Beverly)
Dr. Crusher?
Beverly, tidies up her work on another patient and crisscrosses through the
obstacles and traffic of the bay to Ogawa. The nurse takes Beverly aside.
BEVERLY
What's the problem Alyssa?
OGAWA
(re: Maggie; soft)
That woman needs immediate surgery. Her torso
is crushed and shards of her ribs are cutting
into what's left of her lungs.
Beverly sighs, slapping her com badge.
BEVERLY
(to com)
Crusher to Sickbay.
DOCTOR'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Sickbay here, doctor.
BEVERLY
(to com)
What's the surgery schedule like?
DOCTOR'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Doctor, we've got three in surgery right now
and we've got four being prepped to go in right
behind them.
BEVERLY
(to com; frustrated)
Okay. Crusher out.
(to Ogawa)
Alyssa, it could be hours before an operating
room opens up.
OGAWA
Then we're going to have to operate on her right
here.
BEVERLY
Alyssa, look around--we can't operate in here.
We can't even generate a sterile field, we could
be opening her up to infection. And all these
others.
(soft)
I examined her earlier, I don't think that she
can survive surgery. The best thing we can
do is make her comfortable.
OGAWA
Dr. Crusher, this woman has a young daughter.
It's all she's been talking about.
BEVERLY
We don't have room for her. I want to help but
if Sickbay says they're booked then--
At that moment, Maggie begins convulsing, spitting up blood and mucus.
OGAWA
(re: Maggie)
Doctor, look!
The pair jumps into action, kneeing at the side of Maggie activating their
tricorders. Beverly loads a hypospray and injects the contents into Maggie's
neck.
BEVERLY
(re: hypospray)
This ought to calm her down a little.
OGAWA
No affect!
BEVERLY
(works)
I'll go another!
Ogawa looks at her own knee to see her pant leg saturated with blood.
OGAWA
There's blood everywhere!
BEVERLY
(works)
She's got open wounds. What's the reading now?
OGAWA
(off tricorder)
Uh, she's. . . She's stabilizing.
Steadily Maggie's seizure slows and then ends. The two doctors check their
readings again.
BEVERLY
Well, that's better.
(stands)
Keep a watch on her. I'll see if I can move her
up. She's become a priority.
Suddenly, Maggie flatlines. Ogawa, instinctively goes for a defibrillator
paddle.
OGAWA
Okay, I'm going to shock.
BEVERLY
Alyssa!
OGAWA
Clear!
BEVERLY
Alyssa!
OGAWA
(pleading)
Doctor, I've got to get her heart started.
BEVERLY
Alyssa, her heart is gone. Her body's torn
itself apart. Shocking her isn't going to
change anything. It'll probably make things
worse.
Slowing understanding, the nurse replaces the paddle. Beverly turns off the
EKG monitor. Ogawa covers Maggie's face with the green sheet. The blood
soaked Ogawa tears off her lab coat.
Beverly places a hand on Ogawa's shoulder. The two break and go back to work
in opposite directions. The camera pulls back and reveals a horrible legion
of wounded and dead.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The starship hovers above the seemingly calm Aeria. From the top of the
frame, a weathered Klingon Bird of Prey decloaks and takes an orbit parallel
to that of the Enterprise.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - OBSERVATION LOUNGE
CU on a graphic of Kagan Tag.
WORF (O.C.)
His name is Kagan Tag.
Pull back to reveal Worf standing at the wall display. Picard, Data, Riker,
Troi, Beverly, and Geordi are seated around the conference table.
WORF
(re: Tag)
He is a Karem terrorist, wanted for crimes against
the Federation and the Klingon empire.
Worf changes the display image to a photograph of a burning building.
WORF
His list of offenses includes the Ciosa rebellion
of twenty-three-seventy-one and the serial bombings
of the New Berlin colony four years ago.
BEVERLY
Those bombings killed over 300 people.
WORF
Three months ago, he was captured by Federation
merchant marines and detained at Starbase one-oh-two-three.
He was to be extradited to Q'ronos
(irritation)
but, he escaped with the aid of Romulans.
Reactions.
RIKER
What?
WORF
The attacking ships were of the same make as
those you encountered eariler.
TROI
Tag's profile indicates that he's highly educated
from the Federation's top universities and institutes.
Specialty in chemistry. Not the typical profile
for a career criminal.
WORF
The Karem have never been content sharing the
same living space with Klingons.
DATA
That is understandable given that the Klingons
all but exterminated the Karem species in its
conquest of Aeria nearly 90 years ago.
WORF
(embarrassed)
The situation was more complex than you suggest
Mr. Data.
Data is about to say something but Picard injects.
PICARD
What's Tag planning?
WORF
Violence. Tag has stolen technology that involves
high explosive chemical weaponry.
GEORDI
(disbelief)
Chemical?
TROI
Why are the Romulans helping him?
WORF
As you know, the Romulans are bitter enemies of
the empire. An attack on our soil would demand a
prompt declaration of war. They are no doublt
taking advantage of our current situation.
RIKER
The Romulans were hurt pretty bad too.
DATA
There has been talk urging expansion.
BEVERLY
(disbelief)
The Romulans wouldn't work with terrorists.
WORF
Tag is the agent of an organized Romulan campaign.
As such, his acts will be construed as a Romulan
aggression prompting a swift answer. The empire
responds to acts of war.
PICARD
Your theory of the events is debatable but
immediately I'm more concerned with Kagan Tag. He's a
terrorist, he's obviously taking his terror to a new
level. He has high-profile backers. But what does he
get from this? Are there Karem on Aeria that he could
be trying to rescue? Political prisoners perhaps?
RIKER
Captain, from what I hear, the Klingons have
poisoned the planet specifically against Karem
presence. They can't even set foot on their
own planet.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Is this true?
WORF
(beat)
Yes.
Reactions. Picard sits quietly for a moment before turning to the staff.
PICARD
(to Riker)
Number One, take us to yellow alert. Data,
find those ships. In all likelihood, they're
hanging under our bow.
DATA
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Geordi, figure out what use a outdated chemical
weapon would have here.
GEORDI
I'll get right on it.
PICARD
The rest of you, get your departments ready
for a fight. Until our people are safely
off that planet, I don't want anything to
happen that could harm them. Questions?
(beat)
Dismissed.
The crew disperses.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Ambassador? Would you stay behind for a moment?
WORF
As you wish.
CUT TO:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Beverly walks down the corridor.
TROI'S VOICE (O.C.)
Beverly, hold up.
BEVERLY
What's wrong?
Troi angles her to the side of the corridor to be less conspicuous.
TROI
(low)
There was a woman brought into Sickbay, her
first name was Maggie, do you know how she is?
BEVERLY
(hesitant)
Yes, we treated her for a few hours. We used
a variety of different methods but--
TROI
That all right, I can tell what you're going
to saying. She's gone, isn't she?
Beverly nods, "yes."
TROI
That woman trusted me to save her.
CUT TO:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - LIBRARY
The camera casts off the display of an ancient navigational wheel and over
framed star charts and moves through this majestic chamber. The room is
vacant save for Picard and Worf who travel up a spiral staircase to the
second story. Worf walks with a slight limp in his left leg.
PICARD
This is my favorite place onboard the Enterprise.
It reminds me so much of the history that this
ship carries forward.
Picard and Worf settle before a large bay portal that looks out upon the
planet Aeria. Picard removes his jacket and takes a moment to gaze out into
space.
PICARD
(resigned)
Worf, what's happened to you?
WORF
(disarmed)
Captain?
PICARD
When you left my crew you were a sensible man
that I respected and admired deeply. I did not
see that man before me today in the observation
lounge.
WORF
Explain.
PICARD
You come to my ship and tell me how you and
your people will blindly go to war against
all reason.
WORF
The Romulans are plotting against us! We cannot
ignore that!
PICARD
Worf, I don't believe that and I know you don't.
Everything we have seen indicates that this is
rogue plot.
WORF
That cannot be confirmed.
Beat.
PICARD
(frustrated)
Why are you even here?
WORF
What?
Picard paces around the Klingon.
PICARD
You. Why are you here? Your people on Aeria
are suffering and you come with one ship.
WORF
The resources in this sector have been committed
to our horrendous struggle on the border.
PICARD
(sighs)
For heaven's sake, Worf, you've got people dying
all over your empire. Aren't they more important?
WORF
They understand the importance of honor and
sacrifice.
PICARD
There's no honor in this. The Klingons are
hurt and you're looking for a fight to get some
false sense of respect. Accordingly you're
grasping for any hint of a Romulan attack to
start the grandfather of all wars against
your mortal enemies and in addition you've
provoked all these pointless wars!
WORF
They are not pointless!
PICARD
I've read the accounts of both sides. The points
you're arguing are ridiculous. The current borders have
been in place for decades.
Beat.
WORF
I see there is no point in arguing with you.
You have insulted my honor and my people. I will
return to my ship and never return.
Worf puts his back to Picard.
PICARD
Ambassador, wait.
WORF
The respect I once had for you prevents me from
staying any longer.
PICARD
What you do affects the Federation as well.
Our alliance hasn't won us a friend in the Karem,
that's for sure.
Picard moves in front of Worf, forcing him to face him.
PICARD
Worf, I have had the pleasure of seeing you
mature as a man. I cannot accept you hiding
behind the rhetoric of the empire.
WORF
Jean-Luc, I do disagree with the course that
is being taken here. But victory in these wars
is important for the spirit my people.
PICARD
I don't doubt that victory is powerful for their
morale. But please, try to see things from my
perspective.
(gestures)
Look over the relics in this place. They echo
the struggle that was the formation of our
civilization.
WORF
Your peoples have built a great society.
PICARD
Exactly, we've tried our best to put aside
bitterness and pettiness so that we can live
in peace. We may not always succeed, but we
haven't stopped trying.
WORF
What you ask is for me to fulfill an impossible
dream.
PICARD
(soft)
This is not a just dream; this a fight for
civilization. These wars have no utility.
I have respected the Klingon people, but now I
need a reason to.
Beat.
WORF
I cannot change the ways of the empire, and
honor demands that I serve the council as
they instruct.
Picard sighs.
WORF
I must return to my ship.
PICARD
There are a number of Starfleet officers and
families still trapped on Aeria.
WORF
(indifferent)
I understand.
Worf exits.
CUT TO:
EXT. SPACE
A silent starfield. Pull back through a portal reveal:
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - DINING ROOM
An elegant chamber set against a brilliant view of the stars, the brilliant
glow of the planet Aeria shining at the foot of the sill. Tara and Tag sit
across from one another with a modest spread before them. Tara's bodyguard
First pours wine (or some other concoction) into Tag's glass.
TAG
(to First)
That's be enough.
The hulking guard slowly withdraws to Tara's side.
TAG
(re: First)
Must he be here?
Tara fishes for something within the pockets of her uniform.
TARA
Would you trust me with you?
TAG
You don't have anything to fear from me. Not
yet, anyway.
Tara produces a small vial filled with a pale liquid and slips it to First
who gratefully accepts it. As Tara's gaze drops from him, Tag slyly palms
his dinner knife.
TAG
That's a nasty habit you're endorsing.
TARA
It's how I maintain control of him. He's our
failed attempted to produce a Jem'Hadar warrior.
First takes the vial and injects it into the I.V. wire that runs from his
neck. He quietly inhales in satisfaction.
TAG
Interesting. Where your enemies have conquered
races to serve them you simply create them.
Tara frowns.
TAG
Forgive me, I'm being rude. When you're lived
my life, it's hard to see find comfort in the
company of those who do not look like you.
(beat)
Why did you invite me to this dinner? I did
some reading on this tradition, the literature
seems to indicate that it was customary for
enemies to dine together, not comrades.
TARA
It's become commercialized.
(beat)
More wine?
First takes the bottle and fills Tag's glass.
TAG
It's just as well. Although, I think
that I like the historical celebration better.
Like a flash, Tag thrusts the wine into Tara's face. First lunges at Tag who
slings the dinner knife upward cutting First's I.V. cord. Followed with a
jab to the face, First stumbles back, clutching at his neck as the pale
liquid seeps out of his body.
Tara regains her vision to find Tag staring back at her. She tries to evade
but he punches her in the face and shoves her head against the chair pressing
the knife into her throat.
TAG
Hold still.
TARA
(rasping)
What are you doing? You need me.
TAG
That's correct. That's why I'm not going to
kill you. But you attacked a Karem vessel!
You almost killed my people!
TARA
(rasping)
They would have... given us away.
TAG
You didn't consult me and you covered it with
a lie about Andorians.
TARA
(rasping)
Let me... go!
Tag releases her.
TAG
I will show you the mercy you did not show my
brothers.
(beat)
Despite all your incompetence I stand by you.
Don't make me have to spoil dinner again.
Tag exits. Tara gasps for air.
CUT TO:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Riker works at the aft display. Troi comes to his side with a warm cup of
coffee.
TROI
Working late?
RIKER
Or early. It depends on how you look at it.
TROI
I thought you might like some caffeine.
RIKER
(taking the cup)
Oh hey, thanks.
Riker takes a long satisfying drink.
TROI
This getting out of control.
RIKER
What, the caffeine?
TROI
No. Aeria. The Klingons. This could mean another war.
Riots are one thing but a Romulan attack is something
else entirely.
RIKER
There's something else bothering you.
TROI
Wil, there was a woman at the compound, Maggie
Tong, who trusted me to get her and her daughter
off the planet safely, she died in surgery a
few hours ago. She trusted me and I failed her.
RIKER
(beat)
It was out of your hands.
TROI
I know and that's what I'd say to a patient
but it's hard when I'm on the receiving end of
the advice.
RIKER
Hey, Maggie's got a daughter on this ship.
We can still honor her trust by stopping this.
Troi is about to say something but...
GEORDI'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
La Forge to Bridge.
RIKER
(to Troi)
Excuse me.
(to com)
Riker here.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Wil, we've found something in a long range
scan that I thought someone on the bridge would
want to see.
RIKER
(to com)
Send it up.
Riker watches his display as a graphic comes up off camera.
RIKER
(off con)
Whoa. That's odd.
(to com)
Thanks, Geordi, I'll mention this to the Captain,
Riker out.
EXT. SPACE - WEATHER SATELLITE
A rickety object that resembles a hulk of metal more than a space station,
gently rests in orbit.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
The weather satellite is displayed on the main viewer. Tara stands behind a
controller at a console. Tara's collar is pulled up to disguise her bruises.
First looms in a dark corner of the bridge.
CONTROLLER
The cloak will hide our signal during the
transport to the satellite.
TARA
Good. Once transport is complete take us to
the far side of the planet.
CONTROLLER
Yes, Subcommander.
Tara steps away.
TARA
(to com)
Subcommander Tara to hanger bay one.
ROMULAN COM VOICE (O.C.)
Yes, Subcommander?
TARA
(to com)
Status report?
ROMULAN COM VOICE (O.C.)
All pilots and fighters stand ready.
TARA
(to com)
Excellent, Tara out.
Tag enters from the turbolift. Tara keeps her distance.
TARA
What do you want?
TAG
I am ready to begin.
TARA
First will join you.
The bodyguard approaches Tag.
TAG
I don't need him.
TARA
I insist. You see I would go myself but I have
a bit of a sore throat.
TAG
You can't control me forever, Tara.
TARA
I've taken steps to see that Enterprise will
be no match for us.
TAG
I've heard that before but you give me no choice
but honor your request.
TARA
If you fail or for some reason you betray me,
I will destroy you and every Karem abroad that
satellite.
TAG
I don't doubt it, you seem to have enough practice
in destroying Karem.
TARA
Enough. Go. Now.
Tag slightly bows and exits to the lift, First follows.
TARA
(to controller)
When the Karem have been gone for one hour
deactivate the dampening fields on the satellite.
CONTROLLER
(puzzled)
That'll give away their position.
TARA
Precisely.
CUT TO:
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - TEN FORWARD
Beverly enters. The room is dimly lit. Beverly goes to the replicator.
BEVERLY
(to com)
Coffee, hot, two-- No, make that five sugars.
The computer acknowledges and an instant later, a full mug materializes.
Beverly takes a sip, looking up to find Picard sitting in the deserted Ten
Forward lounge at a table beside a large portal. A few PADDs are scattered
before him. A monitor plays on the table. Beverly goes to him.
BEVERLY
Jean-Luc, what--
PICARD
(raising a hand)
One moment.
Beverly sits. Picard is focused on the monitor. He signs hard and in
disgust, turns off the monitor.
PICARD
News of the attack on Gregory's Town
has reached Earth. Students in Paris are
protesting outside the Klingon embassy.
Beverly sighs.
PICARD
What brings you here?
BEVERLY
Just a short break, I finally got a bit of a
break from Sickbay.
Beverly takes one of the PADDs from Picard's pile.
BEVERLY
What are you looking at?
PICARD
(yawning)
Karem history.
Beverly's PADD shows a native painting of a cartoonishly sinister Klingon
spearing an equally cartoonishly helpless Karem.
BEVERLY
Are you convinced that Kagan Tag is somehow
involved?
PICARD
I don't know. But if he his, his involvement
gives me pause.
BEVERLY
What do you mean?
PICARD
(re: PADD)
I read this and I see a people who were brutalized
and oppressed by the Klingon people;
(sarcastic)
our trusted ally.
(beat)
We often fool ourselves into believing we are
a perfect people but we're not. The Federation
has quietly stood by and benefited from this
brutality.
BEVERLY
Gregory's Town?
PICARD
Exactly. We've derived resources that we would
otherwise not have.
BEVERLY
We don't know that.
Picard stands and nestles his back against the bulkhead.
PICARD
Beverly, the Karem were a primitive isolationist
race, they wouldn't have relations with the
Federation. Our medical research results
from their suffering.
BEVERLY
The conquest of Aeria happened decades ago.
Is it off limits forever?
PICARD
No, I suppose not.
BEVERLY
(rising)
Jean-Luc, someone like Kagan Tag is the very
type of person that you've been fighting against
your whole life. He doesn't strive for life
in the face of hardship; he destroys it out
of hatred.
(beat)
There isn't a species in this galaxy that at
one point or another can't say that some group
didn't try to exploit them. Not all of them
turn to violence.
(beat; soft)
I know you won't let this stand. We're not
perfect and we can't save everyone but I can't
believe that you would have sympathy for a
terrorist. Don't do this.
Quietly, Picard considers these words.
PICARD
You're right.
(beat; to com)
Picard to Riker.
RIKER'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Riker here.
PICARD
(to com)
Assemble the senior staff.
RIKER's COM VOICE (O.C.)
Aye sir.
PICARD
(to com)
It's time to settle up.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Worf enters. Reveal Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi, Beverly, and Troi gathered
at the aft display console. Worf eyes them with apprehension but gradually
joins them.
WORF
(to Picard)
You requested me?
PICARD
Yes Ambassador, Mr. La Forge has some information
that I'd like him to share with us.
WORF
Very well.
PICARD
Proceed, Mr. La Forge.
GEORDI
Thank you, Captain.
Geordi activates a panel which plays a schematic of the weather satellite.
GEORDI
A few moments ago we detected some unusual
activity aboard the Aeria weather satellite.
For an instant our sensors unexpectantly caught
an impression of several lifeforms aboard.
WORF
Romulan?
GEORDI
Inconclusive, but I would say that's its closer
to Karem than Romulan.
BEVERLY
I agree.
PICARD
There's something going on over there and I
suspect it's Kagan Tag.
RIKER
(to Worf)
We haven't been able to communicate with the
satellite.
WORF
What about another scan?
GEORDI
We can't. Dampening fields shot up right after
the scan. It was either a glitch or they wanted
us to see it. There's also something about the
weapon that you say Tag stole uses an extremely
toxic chemical, ZXO. The doctor tells me we don't
have a good way to treat it's effect.
BEVERLY
Inhalation usually means death.
GEORDI
Here's the interesting thing, this stuff when
it mixes with dilithium creates a combination
that's extraordinarily volatile.
WORF
Explain.
DATA
Basically, Mr. Worf, the mixture would become
as explosive as napalm with all the toxic effects
of ZXO.
TROI
How can Tag use this weapon? The dilithium is
buried under the planet's crust.
WORF
(realizing)
The satellite.
Insert the display of the satellite. It follows what Data describes.
DATA
Yes, to maintain the artificial climate the
station must deliver massive meteorological
torpedoes to the atomosphere. The launchers
of which could conceivably handle torpedoes
that could burrow into the planet's crust
where conventional launchers cannot.
On the display a torpedo explodes and a thick gas cloud covers the sky.
GEORDI
A torpedo targeted just right at a vein of
dilithium would cause disastrous seismic
and ecological damage.
DATA
The planet would be rendered uninhabitable.
Even surface exposure would be catastrophic.
There is no known technique that could repair
the damage.
TROI
Why not destroy the satellite?
GEORDI
That could scatter ZXO throughout the atmosphere.
WORF
The satellite, it could be a trap.
PICARD
It certainly could. Therefore, I intend to
go over there and investigate myself.
RIKER
Captain, I can't let you do--
PICARD
(adamant)
Wil. I will lead the away team. Mr. Worf,
the satellite is a Klingon possession. I must
ask your permission to lead a search.
WORF
Permission granted on the condition that I
accompany you.
RIKER
Whoa, whoa. I can't have my Captain and the
Klingon ambassador going over there.
Worf gives Riker a cross look.
RIKER
Or I can just let you go.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE & WEATHER SATELLITE
Enterprise cruises towards the satellite.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
CONTROLLER
(off con)
Subcommander, the Enterprise is approaching
the station.
TARA
Excellent.
(to com)
Tara to Hanger Bay One.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - HANGER BAY ONE
A Romulan Flight Controller stands by a flight control station.
In the b.g. there are hundreds of Romulans boarding Strike Fighters,
(relatively) small single man attack fighters that resemble a cross between a
hang glider and a modern day jet fighter. Intercut with Tara as necessary.
FLIGHT CONTROLLER
(to com)
Yes, Subcommander?
TARA
(to com)
Are your crews ready?
FLIGHT CONTROLLER
Ready to launch at your command.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
TARA
(to Controller)
Decloak and move into attack formation.
The controller works.
EXT. SPACE
The two warblades decloak.
EXT. SPACE - ROMULAN WARBLADE - HANGER BAY ONE
The bay doors open and scores of fighters roar out of the hanger.
EXT. SPACE
The warblades and the fighters head around the planet.
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - OPS
Klingon in design, Tag and three Karem go about the room adjusting controls.
First remains in the b.g. On a small overhead monitor, the Karem quartet
watches others load a torpedo into the launcher in the torpedo bay. Tag is
anxious.
PROAD
(re: launcher)
They should have it loaded in a few moments.
TAG
I should be doing it myself.
PROAD
Kagan, we should be celebrating, we're almost
there!
TAG
We can celebrate when the Klingons are choking
on their own dilithium.
GART
(off con)
Kagan, the Enterprise is orbiting the station.
TAG
What?
(off con)
They couldn't have detected us.
PROAD
(off con)
The logs show a two minute lapse in the dampening
fields.
TAG
(swearing)
Tara betrayed us.
PROAD
What do we do?
TAG
Sound the alarm.
PROAD
(to com)
Attention everyone--
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - TORPEDO BAY
The Karem workers continue adjusting their equipment.
PROAD COM VOICE (O.C.)
Starfleet is going to board the station. Get
your weapons ready!
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - OPS
Tag grabs his rifle.
TAG
(to all)
We'll stay here. We have to see that the
torpedo hits its target.
(to Gart)
You watch the door.
(to First)
And you. Make yourself useful.
EXT. SPACE
The Romulan ships soar around the planet, suddenly the Enterprise and the
weather satellite come into view.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORTER ROOM
Picard, Worf, Data, and a group of security officers are outfitted in combat
armor. Geordi is adjusting aspects of the armor.
GEORDI
(re: armor)
This is the best stuff we've got, but we don't
know what kind of weapons the Karem may be
using.
PICARD
Understood. My team will beam over first.
The relevant officers position themselves on the pad.
GEORDI
Data, why did you volunteer for the away team?
DATA
(thoughtful)
For far too long I have confined myself to the
security of the bridge. I decided that I should
get my hands dirty.
Geordi smiles.
PICARD
Well said, Mr. Data.
(to all)
Lock and load, gentlemen. Geordi?
GEORDI
Yes, Captain?
PICARD
Make sure Commander Riker pays close attention
to those readings you discovered earlier.
GEORDI
Will do, sir.
PICARD
(to Chief)
Energize.
The transporter chief works and Picard's team dematerializes.
EXT. SPACE
The Romulan fleet approaches. . .
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
CONTROLLER
(off con)
All ships in position.
TARA
Attack!
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Riker and Troi at their positions.
DANIELS
Commander, there's a Romulan fleet coming around
the planet bearing 135, mark 16.
RIKER
(to com)
Red alert! All hands to battle stations!
(to Daniels)
On screen, Mr. Daniels, let's see 'em.
The main viewer switches to the portrait of the impending doom.
EXT. SPACE
The Romulan fleet and the Enterprise clash.
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - CORRIDOR
Picard's team materializes in a rustic passage. The team members draw their
weapons and scan for readings.
PICARD
Data?
DATA
(off tricorder)
There are multiple Karem life readings aboard.
It is likely they have detected us.
PICARD
Where is operations?
DATA
(off tricorder)
One deck up.
WORF
And the launcher?
DATA
(off tricorder)
Two decks down.
PICARD
(to all)
Alpha team, we're going to secure ops. Beta
team will-- Where is Beta team? They should
have beamed in right behind us.
WORF
(taps com badge; to com)
Worf to Enterprise.
(beat; to com)
Worf to Enterprise.
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
This is Enterprise.
WORF
(to com)
Where is Beta team?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
We couldn't beam them over.
WORF
(to com; angry)
Why?
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
We're under attack.
Reactions.
EXT. SPACE
Scores of tiny fighters swarm the Enterprise with disruptor beams.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
DANIELS
Shields at seventeen percent. We can't shake
the fighters.
RIKER
Stay close to the satellite. We can't lose the
away team. Concentrate fire on those fighters.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise's phasers destroy a pair of fighters, the shockwaves of which
impacts on the starship's shields.
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - CORRIDOR
Picard assembles a new Beta team.
PICARD
Walker, take these three and disable the launcher.
DATA
(off tricorder)
Captain!
Suddenly, a gang of Karem turn the corner of the corridor opening fire with
machine guns. One member of Alpha team goes down. Picard and Data put their
backs to the corridor wall, covered behind a bulkhead strut. Worf does the
same on the opposite side.
PICARD
(to Beta team)
Go, go!!
Beta team cautiously moves out.
EXT. SPACE
The Klingon Bird of Prey enters the fight. Quickly, the warblades attack in
tandem, destroying the ship.
The battle goes poorly for Enterprise. Another fighter explodes against the
ship.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
DANIELS
The fighters are too close, destroying them damages
our shields.
RIKER
(to Helm; sighs)
All right, pull away from the satellite and go
after those cruisers.
TROI
(off con)
Aft shields are going.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise moves away from the satellite. The aft shields flicker with
incoming fire. Finally, they decay and a torpedo smashes into the
Engineering section of the hull.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - MAIN ENGINEERING
The torpedo impact rattles the room. Geordi rushes to the warp core control
console.
GEORDI
(to engineer)
Watch the core pressure.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
(excited)
Crusher to Engineering!
GEORDI
(to com)
Engineering here!
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Beverly and Ogawa rush down the pathway with a medical team.
BEVERLY
(to com)
Geordi that last torpedo breached the hull. I
need a repair crew on deck twenty-two now!
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - MAIN ENGINEERING
GEORDI
(to com)
Acknowledged.
ENGINEER
That can't be right, there are twenty-six decks
on the Enterprise.
Geordi looks at the schematic of the Enterprise across from the warp core.
The display is glowing red at the point of impact. Geordi reacts.
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - CORRIDOR
Alpha team steadily moves up. The Karem are not lightweights but Starfleet
is a superior force.
DATA
Captain, the forward staircase leads to Ops.
PICARD
Worf, take the point.
Worf nods and rushes forward.
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - CORRIDOR
Just outside the torpedo bay, Beta team moves forward.
WALKER
(off tricorder)
This is it.
OFFICER
This door is sealed tight.
WALKER
All right, back up. Fire on my mark.
The team aims but at the moment, First appears out of nowhere and tackles
Walker. The team struggles to save him. Walker screams in agony.
INT. WEATHER STATION - OPS
The sounds of the firefight echoes in the room. Gart stands guard at the
open entrance.
TAG
(to Gart)
Shut that door!
GART
It won't close.
PROAD
(to Tag)
We're ready to fire!
TAG
(anxious)
Do it!
Proad works.
EXT. SPACE - WEATHER SATELLITE
A colossal torpedo thunders down at Aeria.
INT. WEATHER STATION - OPS
Tag watches the console meters.
TAG
What's happening?!
PROAD
(off con)
The torpedo hit off target.
TAG
What?!
PROAD
(off con)
It landed on the surface.
TAG
Fire again.
PROAD
(works)
I can't. The launcher is jammed. The first
torpedos torn it apart.
Tag shoots a look at the monitor and sees nothing but smoke and fire. He
seethes.
TAG
We can still make it work.
PROAD
How?
TAG
We detonate the torpedo on the surface. That'll
wash ZXO over the entire drilling area.
PROAD
(realizing)
But we can't--
TAG
(interrupting)
We have to go down there.
NEX
(to Gart)
How does it look?
GART
I don't see anything.
At that moment, Gart is struck with a phaser bolt and is carried across the
room. Tag and the other Karem pull back to the far end of the chamber.
Picard, Data, and Worf enter. The Karem draw their weapons on the trio.
PICARD
Give it up Tag, it's over.
TAG
Captain. . . Picard, is it? You haven't been
paying attention to current events. The Enterprise
is getting the beating of it's life. In fact
I thing rather that--
(notices Worf)
Fire!
The Karem trio sprays explosive bullets across the room. Luckily, Picard and
company escapes under a bank of consoles.
PICARD
What are they doing?
DATA
(off tricorder)
They are descending to a passage just off this
room.
WORF
They cannot escape!
PICARD
Data, can your body withstand their weapons?
DATA
(calculates)
Uncertain, but we have no other options.
PICARD
(reluctant)
Then go.
The Karem pull back and Data swiftly leaps out from behind the consoles and
charges them at an incredible rate. The Karem fire mangles Data's armor.
TAG
(to com)
Computer, activate force field two-b.
Data is almost at arm's length with the terrorists when a force field snaps
up against him. The impact brings Data to his knees with circuitry burning
out of his back. Picard and Worf step forward, reacting.
PICARD
(somber)
Data. . .
Tag points his rifle at the helpless android.
TAG
Picard, call off your attack. Call off Enterprise.
Yield to me now and I will spare your ship and
your android.
PICARD
(as if confused)
The Enterprise does not yield.
TAG
(irritated)
Picard!
PICARD
THE ENTERPRISE DOES NOT YIELD!!!
TAG
(tired)
Very well.
Relentlessly, the Karem open fire on Data. His armor and his robotic body
are torn to shreds. The blows spin him around against the field, facing
Picard and Worf.
PICARD
Data!!
DATA
(weak)
Captain. . .
Data slides to the deck, his body unmoving.
TAG
(pleased)
Farewell, Captain.
Tag and his group vanish to a side passageway.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Geordi and a repair team sprint down the pathway. Beverly and her team are
stopped at a point ahead.
BEVERLY
Geordi, over here.
As Geordi reaches her, the camera moves over them and reveals the damage: a
gaping hole in the ship's hull. The deck has collapsed several decks up.
The atmosphere is kept in below by a thin flickering force field. A man
falls off a deck and lands on the field.
GEORDI
(shock)
Whoa.
BEVERLY
These decks are going to collapse. Do you
have equipment to get to the people down there?
GEORDI
Yeah, yeah we do.
(to repair team)
Okay, I need about 30 meters or rope and
some infused pitons. Come on, let's go. And
everybody, watch your step.
INT. WEATHER STATION - OPS
Picard and Worf fire their rifles furiously at the perimeter of the force
field. After a bit, it shatters. Picard tends to Data while Worf runs to
the passageway where Tag and the Karem escaped.
PICARD
Data, I'm sorry, I didn't know. How bad is
the damage?
Data's voice is electrical and garbled.
DATA
(weak)
I am. . . I am functioning. . . Systems. . .
Off-line. . .
Worf returns.
WORF
(re: Karem)
They have used the escape pods. We must follow
them.
PICARD
No, we have to help Data.
DATA
(weak)
Captain. . . go. . .
PICARD
Data, I'm responsible for you.
DATA
(weak)
Stop. . . Tag. . .
WORF
Captain, we must!
PICARD
All right.
WORF
There is still a pod left.
PICARD
Get it prepped.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Worf exits.
PICARD
Data. . . hold on.
Slowly, Picard slips away departing from Data.
EXT. SPACE - WEATHER SATELLITE
An escape pod blasts off the satellite and rockets to the planet below.
EXT. SPACE
The Enterprise fights with the Romulan cruisers.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
Damage begins to mount.
TROI
(off con)
We're taking heavy damage to the back quarter.
RIKER
Keep the warp engine on-line, we may need it
to go escape.
A panel explodes and burns Riker.
TROI
Wil!!
(to com)
Troi to Sickbay, medical emergency on the
bridge.
Riker struggles with the pain.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Geordi and other crew repel from a higher deck as Beverly watches. The deck
plates crack from stress. Geordi catches a glimpse of something to his side.
From his POV the camera sees a lot of crushed equipment and debris but Geordi
notices something in particular.
GEORDI
(to team)
Be careful everyone, looks like we've got a
cracked fuel cell down here.
The team goes deeper.
EXT. PLANET AERIA - DAY
Above the rainforest an escape pod blasts across the sky.
INT. ESCAPE POD
Picard and Worf pilot the cramped Klingon pod.
WORF
(off con)
I've found them. They are five kilometers ahead
of us.
PICARD
All right. We can't let them reach that torpedo.
I'm going to blow the hatch.
EXT. PLANET AERIA - ESCAPE POD - DAY
The upper half of the pod explosively detaches. The vehicle now resembles
something like a convertible shuttlecraft.
INT./EXT. ESCAPE POD
Worf moves into place, rifle drawn.
EXT. PLANET AERIA - ESCAPE POD - DAY
The pod accelerates.
INT. TAG'S POD
Tag and the two Karem are tightly compacted in the cockpit.
PROAD
(off con)
Kagan, there's another pod coming after us.
TAG
(anger)
It's Picard and that Klingon mutt.
EXT. PLANET AERIA - TWO ESCAPE PODS - DAY
The two craft are some 20 meters apart. Worf fires several shots at Tag's
pod. The hatch of the other pod detaches, flying directly above the Picard's
pod. Worf dodges the hatch with a simple head move. The Karem fire back at
them.
The chase quickly moves through a Klingon city. The city is primitive by
24th century standards as it incorporates aspects of the jungle in its design
but is elaborate nonetheless. The pods duck and cut throughout the city.
In the race, a shell catches Worf's shoulder and he is pulled out of the
vehicle falling into a void.
INT. ESCAPE POD
PICARD
Worf!
The captain looks but the Klingon is gone.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR
Geordi and his team pull out of the breached deck individually with injured
crew. Beverly and her crew takes over with treatment. A rumbling on the
deck grows and the floor begins to shake.
GEORDI
The deck is going, let's go!
The teams pull back into the ship as the deck implodes on itself throwing out
dust and debris.
EXT. SPACE
The space battle continues. Enterprise is virtually being batted back and
forth by the cruisers.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The situation is desperate.
TROI
Helm, set a course bearing 180 mark 0. Prepare
for warp, we're getting out of here.
Hit.
HELM
Course laid in.
TROI
Enga--
DANIELS
(off con)
Counselor, ships decloaking directly ahead!
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
Forward of the ship, six Romulan Warbirds decloak. The ships pass the
Enterprise and engage the Romulan Fleet.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
As before.
DANIELS
(re: warbirds)
They're attacking the Romulans.
Reactions.
EXT. SPACE
The Romulan ships tear into each other.
EXT. PLANET AERIA - ESCAPE POD - DAY
Picard's pod races towards a large volcano.
INT. ESCAPE POD
The volcano is on Picard's forward display. The console beeps and he sees
that Tag's pod has landed at the drilling rig constructed on the side of the
formation. Picard locks in the controls.
EXT. DRILLING CONSTRUCT - DAY
Gart stands on a platform waiting for Picard's pod. He takes aim with his
rifle. The pod swoops at the Karem then down as Picard leaps from the hatch
and catches Gart at the waist. Picard smashes his fist into the Karem's
face, knocking him out cold. Picard gathers himself and runs off towards the
volcano wall.
EXT. SPACE
As the battle between the Romulans rages on, the Enterprise flies close to
the satellite.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
As before.
TROI
(to Daniels)
Drop shields.
(to com)
Transporter room, prepare to beam the away team
aboard.
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE (O.C.)
Acknowledged.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
The ship takes hit after hit.
TARA
More power!
CONTROLLER
(to Tara)
Mistress, the warbirds are dropping our shields.
TARA
(realizing)
They have our pre-fix control codes!
EXT. SPACE
The warbirds finish Tara's ship with multiple volleys of torpedoes.
INT. ROMULAN WARBLADE - MAIN BRIDGE
TARA
(frantic)
No!!
An explosion begins.
EXT. SPACE
Tara's ship explodes, the flaming husk of which barrels down on the weather
satellite. The Enterprise cruises in front of the satellite.
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - OPS
Data lies on the deck, his circuits flashing. First enters from the main
entrance. He sees an easy target in Data and strides closer with disturbing
steps.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
TROI
(to com)
Energize.
INT. WEATHER SATELLITE - OPS
As First is about to take a hold of Data, the android dematerializes. The
solider reacts just as an odd rumbling begins.
EXT. SPACE
Enterprise clears the area as the remains of Tara's Warblade smashes into the
satellite. The pair explode in a magnificent fireball.
EXT. DRILLING CONSTRUCT - DAY
Tag and Proad, both looking quite sickly, stand on a platform overlooking the
volcano wall. The platform is part of the spider's web of scaffolding that
has been erected to assemble the drilling construct. The Karem torpedo lies
embedded in the volcano wall.
PROAD
(awe)
I never imagined the planet looking this beautiful.
TAG
It's the facade the Klingons have created. Stay
focused. You have to detonate the torpedo
now. *cough* We won't last much longer in this
atmosphere.
PROAD
We could just blast it.
TAG
Idiot, we could have done that from orbit. The
ZXO is still inert. Go now.
PROAD
You're sending me?
Tag raises his rifle Proad.
TAG
You always knew that this was a suicide mission.
PICARD'S VOICE (O.C.)
Tag!
The pair turns to see Picard standing across from them on the platform. Tag
pulls the trigger on this rifle but it clicks empty. Picard smiles.
TAG
(to Proad)
Go!
Proad takes off for the torpedo. Picard and Tag circle each other preparing
to fight. From the lower levels of the construct, Klingon onlookers gather.
Tag draws his Klingon blade, lunging at Picard as the two fight back and
forth. Picard defends himself but Tag has the upper hand despite the
affects of the environment. Tag attacks again and Picard sticks and moves
delivering a few fast blows. Tag staggers for a moment and one of the
Klingon onlookers interjects.
KLINGON
(to Picard; in Klingon)
Human, take this!
The Klingon slides his blade to Picard.
TAG
How are you with a sword, Picard?
Picard kicks the blade into his hand. The Klingons cheer; this is going to
be a good fight. The combatant's blades clang as they engage in fast and
intense swordplay.
EXT. VOLCANO - DAY
Proad reaches the torpedo and beings working.
EXT. DRILLING CONSTRUCT - DAY
The fight draws to a close and Tag overtakes Picard.
TAG
*Cough* Yield.
Tag rears back to deliver the deathblow.
PICARD
In hell.
As Tag pulls back, the captain springs into action, taking the fight back to
Tag. Picard makes a series of well placed strikes and horribly wounds Tag.
Tag trembles barely able to keep upright.
PICARD
Yield.
Tag no longer has the strength to continue.
TAG
(weak)
I. . . yield.
Tag's bloody pulp crashes on the deck. The Klingons cheer. Picard does not
savor the victory, instinctively looking for Proad. At a distance he sees
the Karem nearly at the torpedo.
EXT. VOLCANO - DAY
Proad's work on the torpedo is nearly complete. The control display reads:
BIOHAZARD--CHEMICALS MIXING.
EXT. DRILLING CONSTRUCT - DAY
As before.
PICARD
(to Klingons)
A pistol, does anyone have a pistol?
The Klingons do not hear him over their enthusiasm. Tag, quietly raises
himself on his elbow and sees Picard distracted. With the last ounce of his
strength he grips his blade and aims it at the captain's wide open back.
Carefully, Tag cocks his arm. As the arm goes forward, a spear impales the
Karem through the heart. Tag's blade falls soft on the deck. Picard and the
Klingons react. Reveal: Worf on a Klingon skiff hovering above the
construct. The Klingon's cheer rises again. The mighty warrior leaps to the
platform.
WORF
(to skiff Klingons; in Klingon)
Rifle.
A Klingon on the skiff tosses Worf his rifle. Worf aims his rifle and fires,
placing a shot on the torpedo. Proad and the torpedo explode in a grand
fireball. The crowd yells.
Worf drops the rifle and proceeds to Tag, taking the spear and twisting it
into him. Tag dies. The Klingons rush the platform celebrating Worf.
Picard stands beside himself. Insert the native painting from before of the
frightening Klingon impaling a Karem and match with the image of Worf
spearing Tag. Picard is haunted by the similarity.
At that moment, a thunderclap sounds. The clouds gather and gentle snow
flakes begin to fall. With Picard and the Klingons covered in the subtle
layer of white, the camera pulls back.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SPACE - PLANET AERIA
A Starfleet shuttle ascends from the planet passing the collected fleet of
Starfleet and Romulan ships. The Warbirds hold the rogue Romulans captive in
a circle formation.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate: XXXXX. The situation
on Aeria has been resolved without any harm
to the planet's inhabitants. Ambassador
Worf has arranged for the unconditional release
of the Gregory's Town hostages.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - CARGO BAY
Equipment for the repair of the Enterprise is being unpacked and distributed
for use. Picard and Worf standby speaking with Romulan Commander Tarn.
PICARD (V.O.)
The Romulans became aware of Subcommander Tara's
cabal only days ago. They chose to take matters
into there own hands by crossing the neutral zone.
Not something that I would normally condone, but
I thought it would be impolite to be ungrateful.
TARN
The cabal's nest was raided this morning on
Romulus. I can assure you, Captain Picard,
that these conspirators will be punished to the
full extent of our law.
WORF
(disgust)
Romulan law. Will the prisoners be served tea
on the voyage to happyland?
PICARD
(disciplining)
Worf. Show some respect, they saved your planet.
WORF
Forgive me.
TARN
(diplomatic)
No offense taken. The actions here were not
endorsed by the Senate.
(to Worf)
In the custom of our host I suggest we shake
hands to seal our association?
Tarn offers his hand. Worf is reluctant at first, but he slowly puts his
hand out and accepts Tarn. Picard is heartened by this display.
TARN
Captain Picard?
PICARD
Commander.
Tarn and Picard shake hands. With that the two sides depart.
WORF
Captain, I must apologize for the comments I
made earlier. Your idealism, your "dream." It
is indeed a noble goal that I hope you achieve.
Picard stops and stands square with Worf.
PICARD
Worf, the dream won't be fulfilled. The fight
never ends. But the wages of that fight are
more precious than any reward the world offers.
And I will never stop fighting; never.
Worf considers these words.
INT. USS ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE
The bridge is under repair but in working condition. Geordi, Beverly, and
Troi at their positions. Riker is at command, his right arm is wrapped in a
sling but he appears to be on the mend. Picard and Worf enter. Upon their
arrival the crew becomes most jovial
BEVERLY
Captain, Worf.
PICARD
Beverly.
The doctor gives Picard a quick hug.
BEVERLY
Glad to have you back.
PICARD
Thank you.
(to Riker)
How are you feeling, Number One?
RIKER
Nearly one hundred percent, but don't think I'll
be fit to play poker for a few weeks.
Laughs.
GEORDI
That means he won't be able to hide cards.
RIKER
(re: command)
Would you like to take us out, Captain?
PICARD
Delighted.
(beat)
Where is Mr. Data?
DATA'S VOICE (O.C.)
Here, Captain.
Reveal Data, who is also "healing." He wears a concealing uniform and leans
on crutches.
DATA
I also will be unable to hide cards.
TROI
(mild shock)
Data!
Picard smiles, taking command.
PICARD
Are we fit to sail, Mr. La Forge?
GEORDI
Yes, sir.
Geordi takes the helm.
DATA
(curious)
Mr. Worf, what are your plans now?
WORF
(dry)
I intend to start a fight.
Data reacts, not taking Worf's meaning.
PICARD
Let's get under way, Number One.
RIKER
Helm, set a course.
GEORDI
(off con)
Course set.
RIKER
Captain?
PICARD
Make it so.
Pull back allowing the cast to fill the screen.
EXT. SPACE - USS ENTERPRISE
The Enterprise sails away into infinity. . .
FADE OUT.
ROLL CREDITS.
THE END
STAR TREK: CONQUEROR FIRST DRAFT – 4/15/02 104
Return to Simply Scripts
Return to Simply Scripts