FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN PLANET ORBIT (OPTICAL)
A lovely blue and white planet, close to Earthlike in
appearance.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41255.6.
After delivering a party of Earth
colonists to the Strnad solar
system and providing...
2 CLOSER ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
emphasizing the starship's line.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... them with all their basic
necessities, we have discovered
another Class M planet in the
adjoining Rubicun star system.
3 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
PICARD, TROI, WORF, BRANT and WESLEY on duty with replacement
bridge crew, all examining the planet, as:
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
We are now in orbit there, having
determined it to be inhabited as
well as unusually lovely. It
is...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 2.
4 EMPHASIZING PICARD
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... a pastoral world, which also
shows evidence of learning and
civilization. My first officer
has taken an away team down to
make contact and they are in the
process of returning to the ship.
5 COMMAND AND HELM AREAS
Picard looking to Troi.
PICARD
Riker has sounded very enthused
in his reports.
TROI
(nods)
He says the planet has life forms
almost identical to us.
Interrupted by Beverly who ENTERS, obviously with much
on her mind.
BEVERLY
Captain... !
(sees she has
interrupted)
Sorry, Troi.
Troi smiles, beckons Beverly in.
TROI
The Doctor has something much more
important on her mind, Captain.
BEVERLY
(frowns; to Troi)
Please, Troi, do not pick up my
feelings!
TROI
Your feelings? All we need
are ears.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 3.
5 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(smiles to Beverly)
You've been talking about it for
days now... Shore leave for the
crew.
Beverly sees that her son Wesley has also thrown her
a concerned look. She gives an apologetic nod to Troi.
BEVERLY
I'm tired myself.
(to Picard)
Establishing that colony has
exhausted the entire crew, sir.
We're not a supply vessel.
Settling all those people was a
strain on everyone.
RIKER interrupts by ENTERING with DATA, GEORDI, TASHA.
They all register enthusiasm, giving the replacement
crew nods, smiles, thumbs up gestures as they take over
their positions. Riker has continued straight to
Picard, acknowledging Troi and Beverly too.
PICARD
Is it as good as your reports,
Number One?
RIKER
(enthused)
Exactly per my reports, sir.
Class M, so Earthlike, so
beautiful, it will startle you!
BEVERLY
It sounds wonderful for the
children!
(to Picard)
The Holodecks are marvelous, of
course, but nothing like giving
them open space and fresh air...
Beverly takes a simulated deep breath of air.
TASHA
I've listed my report on their
customs and laws, sir. Fairly
simple, common sense things.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 4.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
Wild in some ways, puritanical
in others. Neat as pins,
ultra-lawful, and making love at
the drop of a hat.
TASHA
Any hat.
PICARD
(smile)
But even the happiest report has
its negatives. Let's start with
them.
RIKER
(grins)
There are none, sir. Not that
any of us can find.
DATA
But there is a problem here, sir!
Data is puzzling over readings at his station.
DATA
(continuing)
I do not understand this at all!
WORF
(to Picard)
It's the faulty reading I
reported, sir.
TASHA
Sensor technicians are working
on it, sir. They've identified
it as a "glitch" in the system.
Picard turns back to Riker.
PICARD
I take it you find no "glitch"
at all in this planet, however.
TASHA
If you approve shore leave, sir,
we could start with a small group
at first.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 5.
5 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Of course...
(turns)
Wesley, if we go, you will join
the away team to evaluate this
world as a place for young people
to relax.
WESLEY
Yes, sir!
He glances at Beverly to note her smiling approval of
this. Brant seems a little disappointed that she will
not get to go. She bites her lip--the Captain has
barely noticed she is on the bridge at all.
PICARD
If all scans and observations
confirm the reports...
(nods)
... certainly I'll approve it.
(beat)
Let's hope it is not too good
to be true.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
6 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN PLANET ORBIT (OPTICAL)
The same lovely planet.
PICARD (V.O.)
We are in orbit of a planet
designated Rubicun Three... and
have found it to be the home of
a life form who call themselves
the Edo.
7 EXT. SURFACE OF RUBICUN THREE (OPTICAL)
The planet is as described. We are at an inhabited
part of it... clean, neat, the "streets" appearing more
like a running track, bordered with flowers. The
TRANSPORTER EFFECT brings in our new away team of Riker,
Troi, Tasha, Worf and Wesley. In the near distance, a
group of very human appearing people have seen them
arriving and two of them turn and race in this direction.
Worf is quickly aware of it and prepares to interpose
himself protectively.
WORF
Careful, sir...
RIKER
It's all right, Lieutenant, these
are the Edo we met.
8 ANGLE ON THE EDO
ARRIVING at high speed. A young female and male who,
like other Edo we'll meet, are both tall, full haired,
with even white teeth, great bodies. They're also
dressed in loose, sexy clothing and these two wear a
silvery necklace indicating high rank. Riker is
watching an attractive Edo woman, saying:
RIKER
They certainly are... fit, right?
Troi is looking at an Edo male.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 7.
8 CONTINUED:
TROI
They certainly are.
RIVAN
Health and happiness!
LIATOR
A pleasant day to you!
Troi gives Riker an even sharper second look as the Edo
ARRIVE and RIVAN, the woman, gives Riker a close and
rather intimate hands-on hug which, although it touches
upon the sensual, also combines genuine friendship, too.
RIVAN
You did return as promised!
The man, LIATOR, is looking over Troi and Tasha with
healthy interest. Like Rivan, although slim and very
well muscled, he has a quiet dignity that fits well with
this necklace-badge of leadership.
RIKER
Rivan, Liator...
(indicating)
Also from our vessel is Troi...
LIATOR
Slowly, slowly...
(embraces Troi)
I must also welcome this lovely
one...
(embracing Tasha)
... and this lovely one...
Riker waits, watching with interest until Tasha
disengages. She understands his look.
TASHA
(smiles)
My pleasure.
TROI
Healthy sensuality, sir. I feel
mainly happiness and friendship.
RIVAN
And I welcome this huge one...
(hugs and fondles Worf)
... oh, yes, yes...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 8.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(pleased)
Nice planet!
Rivan moves to Wesley, stops quizzically.
RIVAN
But you are a young one. I do
not know your custom regarding
love.
Wesley is clearly nervous, although intrigued too. He
clears his throat:
WESLEY
Uh... I guess... whatever you
usually do...
Rivan shows excellent taste, giving Wesley a "hug" but
without any "extras."
RIKER
Others would like to visit here
too. If you'll tell us what
limits you'd place on the
number...
LIATOR
Whatever pleases you. We can
discuss it at the Council
Chambers.
RIVAN
(to Riker)
Shall we go there now or remain
and play?
RIKER
Play?
RIVAN
At love. Unless you don't enjoy
that.
(to Worf)
Perhaps you do?
LIATOR
(to Troi)
And you? Yes, I can see that you
do.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 9.
8 CONTINUED: (3)
WESLEY
Listen, maybe I'll just go on
ahead...
RIVAN
(indicates Wesley)
This is unfair to him.
(to Wesley)
We'll go to the Council Chambers.
You'll find young people your age
there.
WESLEY
(warily)
Well... I really can't make any
promises...
LIATOR
(laughs)
You don't have to. Our rules are
simple. No one does anything
uncomfortable to them.
RIVAN
Come! Our people will want to
know you.
Then she turns back, glancing at the more formal
clothing worn by the humans.
LIATOR
Rivan, perhaps they...can't...run.
WESLEY
(to Riker)
Can't run? Sure we can run, right
sir?
RIKER
(to the others)
That's the custom here, running...
(to Wesley)
Right! Lead the way!
Rivan, Liator, and Wesley LEAD OFF, the Others JOGGING
AFTER them.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 10.
9 TRUCKING - EMPHASIZING RIKER AND WORF
who find themselves out in front of Tasha and Troi.
RIKER
"When in Rome... ," eh?
WORF
When where, sir?
CAMERA HOLDS as the Group runs past.
9A EXT. SECOND SCENIC LOCATION
Rivan and Liator leading the Enterprise people along
another lovely pathway where an elderly but very trim
FIRST EDO CITIZEN and a pair of younger N.D. EDO
CITIZENS see them coming and break into a run to join
them. Lots of smiles and waves.
9B TRUCKING - EMPHASIZING AWAY TEAM AND FIRST EDO CITIZZEN
The Enterprise people very much taken with the joy and
good health they're seeing. First Edo citizen notes
Tasha's light complexion and amazon form.
FIRST EDO CITIZEN
Good health to you!
TASHA
Happiness to you!
(to Troi)
It's like an "Eden" here.
10 EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A combination of conference and recreation facilities,
lots of light and air and spectacularly healthy looking
people in revealing but comfortable garb. SOUND of
delighted ADULT LAUGHTER from inside the chambers too.
Two adults and a child DEPART on the run, another older
woman ARRIVES -- on the run too. She doesn't seem to
be breathing very hard at all.
11 ANGLE ON RIKER AND TEAM
ARRIVING on the run with their Edo companions. They
haven't done too badly. Rivan stops, looks Riker and
the Enterprise people over, then moves in and embraces
Riker again.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 11.
11 CONTINUED:
RIVAN
Good health! I thought you might
be out of breath.
A SHRIEK from children at play, several Edo children
race INTO SIGHT.
LIATOR
Children, we've brought you a new
friend!
FIRST EDO BOY
Hello! Join us!
EDO GIRL
Yes, please!
Wesley joins the smiling children.
RIKER
(grins)
We may surprise you in a lot of
ways.
12 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The kind of place you'd like to visit. No particularly
formalized furnishing plan -- it includes just about
any way anyone would like to sit or loll. The same sort
of revealing but sensible garb here too -- along with
good humor. In fact, joy is what is mainly present
here. Lots of fruit, nuts, food and drink selections.
A MUSIC GROUP of Harpists in sight -- admittedly
strange looking harps on which they compose, and now
and then PLAY LILTING MUSIC which, like everything else,
is not taken too seriously here either.
RIVAN
Everyone! We've brought the
visitors!
LIATOR
(gesturing to away team)
Please enjoy what we have!
13 EMPHASIZING ENTERPRISE PEOPLE
as they are taken charge of with great hospitality.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 12.
14 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT (OPTICAL)
The same lovely planet.
15 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
as Data ENTERS bridge from the turbolift, strides
rapidly toward his station, his face reflecting concern.
DATA
I have traced it through all sensor
channels, Captain! It is not a
glitch... !
Picard becomes alarmed at Data's tone, follows him to
the Ops station where Data begins going over readings
again.
DATA
(continuing)
... or any other form of error or
malfunction, sir.
GEORDI
Confirmed by my readings, sir.
It's like a "shadow something"...
DATA
Exactly! As if it's not entirely
in or out of our dimension.
PICARD
"What" is, Commander?
Data points off to front starboard of the vessel.
DATA
Whatever is sitting out there
without triggering our alarm
relays, Captain.
PICARD
Center Main Viewer on that area.
16 ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
as the IMAGE there shifts slightly, but REVEALS nothing
but the planet and star background previously seen.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 13.
16 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to Data; continuing)
I need more, Commander.
Data seems stumped for a moment, then:
DATA
Permission to go to hailing
frequencies, sir?
A puzzled Picard nods.
DATA
Hailing frequencies open. On all
frequencies and language forms,
send...
(beat)
Enterprise to Object off our
starboard bow. Request that you
identify yourself!
As suddenly, the "what" begins appearing -- A HUGE AND
COMPLEX LOOKING OBJECT, A BIT SMALLER THAN THE
ENTERPRISE. IT IS HALF-TRANSPARENT BUT PARTLY SOLID,
TOO, AND VERY DEADLY LOOKING. A VESSEL? PERHAPS, BUT
SEEMINGLY MORE, TOO. WE WILL LEARN THAT IT SOMEHOW
EXISTS HERE AND IN ANOTHER CONTINUUM AT THE SAME TIME.
At the moment it appears, the Enterprise RED ALERT with
KLAXON comes on too.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 14.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
17 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL)
The partially transparent Mystery Object as described,
positioned very close to the starship Enterprise. Its
very nearness implies threat.
18 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The Red Alert lights FLASHING, the KLAXON SOUNDING a
couple more times, then going SILENT. The mystery
object IMAGE is on the Main Viewer; Picard and the
others are as we last saw them.
GEORDI
Shields and deflectors up full,
sir. Main phaser banks ready.
PICARD
Hailing frequencies? Any reply?
DATA
(puzzled)
It was something unintelligible,
Captain. Now running it through
our logic and language circuits...
PICARD
Have a real look at it, Geordi!
GEORDI
(hurrying for the
turbolift)
Aye, sir.
TASHA
Sir, my sensors read it... well,
as "half there." And it does
look...
She hesitates. Data finishes her thought.
DATA
As if it's partly...transparent.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 15.
18 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Data, what the hell is it?
It is rather frightening to see Data turn to his
Captain... slowly shake his head.
18A INT. STARBOARD LOUNGE - (OPTICAL)
Geordi ENTERING on a run, racing to the first large
port, from which the mystery object/vessel thing can
be seen from here too. He stands examining it. Then:
GEORDI
Lieutenant La Forge to Captain.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Go ahead, La Forge. What can you
make out?
GEORDI
This is something I've never
seen before, sir.
18B INT. MAIN BRIDGE - COMMAND AREA - (OPTICAL)
Picard intent upon:
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
It's as if it isn't entirely in
our dimension, sir.
PICARD
Anything else?
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Negative, sir. It's something
I don't understand.
DATA
(to Picard)
I have some information on its
first transmission, sir. It
translates as...
(looks up)
... "stand by."
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 16.
18B CONTINUED:
CONN CREWMEMBER
Sir! Sensors show something
emerging from that... that ship,
if you want to call it that.
DATA
Verified. Something very small...
19 EXT. SPACE - ON MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL)
REVEALING A TINY PINPOINT OF LIGHT having come out of
the side of the mystery object (no hatchway visible)
CROSSING orbital space toward the Enterprise.
20 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Data watching Main Viewer.
DATA
Getting smaller...
21 EXT. SPACE - ANGLE ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Still smaller now, the PINPOINT OF LIGHT moves toward
the starship then actually passes through its "solid"
side.
22 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
Several crewpersons stopping, astonished at the sight
of what this CLOSER VIEW shows as the SWIRLING BLOB
OF LIGHT comes INTO SIGHT near the corridor deck and
passes on an upward diagonal path of EXITING VIEW near
the ceiling beyond. (It is on its way to the bridge.)
23 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
where Conn is reacting to an alarm from his panel.
Geordi RE-ENTERS bridge, takes his position.
CONN CREWMEMBER
Intruder alert, sir! But I
don't...
(puzzled)
... show a location...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 17.
23 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to Geordi)
Why a tiny swirl of light,
Lieutenant? Could you make out
anything else?
GEORDI
(puzzling; looks up)
No, sir. Perhaps it is meant to
seem "non-threatening" to us.
DATA
(interrupting)
The away team signal has been cut
off, Captain! We are no longer
in contact with our people!
Conn is very puzzled over a reading at his station.
CONN CREWMEMBER
Intruder relays do show
something...
He hesitates, puzzled.
PICARD
Why has everything become a
something, or a whatever?
He gets his answer as the tiny SWIRLING LIGHT OBJECT
COMES INTO VIEW. It is about the size of a 'light bulb'
now, moving more slowly than before. COMING IN ON AN
UPWARD ANGLE THROUGH THE DECK, IT STOPS NOW, SUSPENDED
IN THE MID-BRIDGE AREA.
24 ANGLE ON COMMAND AREA (OPTICAL)
Picard has come to his feet, watching as the TINY
SWIRLING LIGHT OBJECT which moves in his direction, and
STOPS. Picard has tried not to retreat before the
mysterious thing, but it is with some difficulty. Conn
has moved in holding a large hand phaser ready, but
has gotten a headshake from Picard. Then, from the tiny
swirling light object, a VOICE we'll come to know as
the EDOLORD. THE WORDS ARE TRANSMITTED WITH SUCH VOLUME
THAT THEY LITERALLY SHAKE THE BRIDGE (OPTICAL OR CAMERA
JIGGLE). A couple of the bridge crew throw hands to
ears protectively. At the same time, we HEAR SOUND OF
SOMETHING SHATTERING "GLASSLIKE" AS IT COMES APART,
various PANELS FLARE WITH LIGHT.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 18.
24 CONTINUED:
EDOLORD (V.O.)
STATE THE PURPOSE...
Apparently aware the volume has been too great, the
Edolord message is begun again at least at a bearable
volume level.
EDOLORD (V.O.)
(continuing; repeating)
STATE...
(volume still reduced)
STATE THE PURPOSE OF WHAT YOU HAVE
DONE!
25 SHOT PERMITTING NEXT EFFECT (OPTICAL)
Picard fighting to stay calm. As he realizes he has
heard the entire message:
PICARD
I am Captain Picard, commanding
this Federation starship...
VIOLENTLY, THE ENTIRE MAIN BRIDGE BUCKS AND SHAKES
(OPTICAL AND/OR CAMERA MOVEMENTS) IN A WAY SUGGESTING
SOMETHING "SHAKING SENSE" INTO A SMALL CHILD OR ANIMAL.
All not seated are thrown to the deck or must hang on.
26 ANOTHER ANGLE
Data moves toward the Command Area, examining the LIGHT
SWIRL.
EDOLORD (V.O.)
(repeating)
STATE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR VISIT
HERE!
PICARD
(toward LIGHT SWIRL)
We have sent down what we call an
away team to make peaceful contact
with...
EDOLORD (V.O.)
DO YOU PLAN TO LEAVE LIFE FORMS
HERE?
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 19.
26 CONTINUED:
PICARD
No... we are merely visiting
here...
EDOLORD (V.O.)
(interrupting)
BUT YOU DID MORE AT THE WORLD
YOU JUST LEFT. WHY HAVE YOU LEFT
YOUR OWN LIFE FORMS THERE?
DATA
The colony we just planted, sir...
PICARD
We found that world uninhabited.
The life forms we left there...
(carefully choosing his
words)
... had sought the challenge...
(shrugs)
... at least that's the basic
reason... had sought the challenge
of creating a new lifestyle,
a new society there.
(beat; explaining)
All life on our world is driven
to... to protect its own form by
re-seeding itself as... as widely
as possible.
EDOLORD (V.O.)
DO NOT INTERFERE WITH MY CHILDREN
BELOW!
27 ANGLE ON DATA (OPTICAL)
genuinely puzzled over Picard's last statement.
Suddenly the TINY LIGHT SWIRL RISES TOWARD DATA, comes
to rest floating inches in front of his face. Then,
Data registers a surprised expression now as he
continues looking at the SWIRLING LIGHT OBJECT. Then:
DATA
Captain... I do not understand how,
but it is asking me if I was...
constructed for information
exchanges.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 20.
27 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(hesitates, then)
If there... is any way of our
learning more about whatever is
out there, Data...
Data starts to nod, a movement which triggers action
-- the tiny LIGHT SWIRL moving in to touch Data's
forehead -- resulting in Data going down to the deck
with a crash.
28 ANGLE DOWN ON DATA (OPTICAL)
His entire form GLOWING as he goes stiff, eyes rolling
back in their sockets.
29 EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ESTABLISHING.
30 CLOSER ON ENTRY
as Wesley comes INTO VIEW with THREE EDO YOUTHS of about
his own age, two male and one a very pretty young female
who has very much caught Wesley's attention. The boys
have a ball; they're all smiling, laughing.
FIRST EDO BOY
Watch! You can't do this!
The Edo boy stands expertly on his hands. Wesley eyes
this, decides to do something else. He turns a series
of cartwheels. The Edo kids CHEER with enthusiasm,
especially the girl who hugs Wesley impulsively.
EDO GIRL
I want to do something too! With
you.
WESLEY
(loses smile; warily)
Uh... What?
EDO GIRL
Something you can teach me. Will
you?
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 21.
30 CONTINUED:
WESLEY
Well, actually, there are some
games I... uh, don't quite know
yet...
EDO GIRL
It's playing ball. Will you teach
me?
WESLEY
(relieved)
Oh, sure. If you have a bat for
the ball, I'll show you my
favorite.
(sees their puzzlement)
A bat...
(shows measurement)
... a stick or branch, about this
thick, this long...
EDO GIRL
We can get it from the gardens.
They race OFF leading the way, beginning to toss the
ball back and forth.
31 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - EMPHASIZING RIKER
Riker in the midst of reacting to something Worf has
just said. With him the balance of the away team is
mixing happily with various of the Edo.
RIKER
(touching his insignia)
Enterprise, come in.
(waits, then again)
Captain, do you read me?
He gets nothing in return. Troubled, he turns to Worf,
speaking quietly:
RIKER
(continuing)
Let's... it may be nothing, but
let's move our people together.
WORF
(nods, then)
Including the boy, Wesley? He's
outside...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 22.
31 CONTINUED:
TROI
Is there some problem?
Troi has somehow sensed Riker's feelings and made her
way toward them now.
RIKER
We've lost contact with our ship.
TROI
(scans room)
It's nothing these people have
done... I'm certain of that. Their
minds are so open...
RIKER
Help me locate Wes. He's wandered
somewhere.
He LEADS Troi toward the entrance as Worf eases his way
toward the rest of the Away Team.
32 OMITTED
33 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - EMPHASIZING WORF
Not wanting to create a false emergency, he works his
way toward Tasha carefully. She's with Rivan, Liator
and other Edo.
WORF
If I can take a moment of your
time, Lieutenant...
TASHA
Yes, Worf... but you've got to hear
this.
(to Liator)
Are you telling me that there's
no crime here whatsoever? No one
breaks any laws?
LIATOR
(smiles)
Once they did. Long, long ago
there was much disorder.
(smiles; shakes head)
But not now.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 23.
33 CONTINUED:
TASHA
(to Liator and Rivan)
But I've seen no sign of... of
police... those who enforce laws.
RIVAN
We have very few. They're called
"Mediators." And they are needed
only in one place each day...
LIATOR
The "punishment zone." An area
that's selected for a period of
time.
TASHA
It's a completely random selection?
LIATOR
(nods)
No one but our Mediators know what
place or for how long. We're very
proud of the wisdom of our
ancestors. No person ever knows
where or when a zone will be.
RIVAN
(smiling too)
... and so no one risks death.
WORF
(suddenly alert)
Death?
RIVAN
(nodding)
... by breaking any law.
TASHA
Wait, let's explain this...
LIATOR
(nodding, pleased)
Only one punishment for any
crime.
WORF
Anyone who commits any crime in
the punishment zone dies!
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 24.
33 CONTINUED: (2)
LIATOR
(nods)
The law is the law. Our peace
is built on that.
TASHA
Even a small thing? Such as
ignoring a rule like "keep off
the grass?"
RIVAN
(nods; happily)
Then no one breaks that rule.
Who wants to risk execution?
There's always a white wall or
fence to remind anyone of a
forbidden area like that...
Tasha begins EXITING calling a question back to the
Edo.
TASHA
And just who tells visitors of
those rules?
WORF
We'd better find Wesley!
They leave behind two puzzled Edo.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 25.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
34 EXT. EDO GARDENS
Wesley INTO VIEW with his friends, still tossing the
ball back and forth. He makes a difficult catch,
capturing the Edo girls' admiration again. (In b.g.
is an attractive, glassed potting shed surrounded by
a low white fence.)
EDO GIRL
You're very clever at this!
Wesley decides to show off, runs ahead...
WESLEY
At home we play a lot of it.
(gestures; running
ahead)
Here, toss the ball ahead of me!
Which is done, but it is going over his head.
35 CLOSE ON EDO GIRL
registering concern.
EDO GIRL
No, Wes...
36 PANNING WESLEY
making a strong effort to reach the ball, leaping a
neat white fence at the potting enclosure. The Boys
are now registering too.
FIRST EDO BOY
(shouting)
No! It's forbidden to disturb
the new plants... !
37 ANGLE ON WESLEY'S FALL
Leaping for the ball, missing... falling into the
potting shed.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 26.
38 GROUP SHOT - THE YOUNG PEOPLE
The girl hanging back, ANXIOUS. The boys pressing in,
short of the white fence. Wesley lying in the broken
glass of the Shed.
FIRST EDO BOY
Couldn't you see the fence?
That's for new plants...
SECOND EDO BOY
(overlapping first)
Don't ever go past a white
marker!
WESLEY
(getting up)
What's wrong?
The the girl sees someone approaching from O.S., reacts
horrified, SCREAMS.
39 WIDER ANGLE
REVEALING a pair of Edo MEDIATORS (local law
enforcement) hurrying toward the potting shed area in
b.g. They are middle-aged men, exceedingly trim and
healthy-looking, also kindly in appearance. Their only
indication of office is a neat belt and pouch. But at
the sight of them the girl SHRIEKS AGAIN and it is from
genuine despair and fear for Wesley.
EDO GIRL
Oh, no! Oh, please, no!
40 PAN THE MEDIATORS IN
as Wesley climbs back over the fence, brushing himself
off. The Edo young people now back away, awed at what
has happened.
FIRST MEDIATOR
Speak the truth. We are
Mediators.
WESLEY
(brushing clothes)
I said I was fine. Just some
splinters...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 27.
40 CONTINUED:
EDO GIRL
(staying back; through
tears)
He doesn't know; he's from another
place.
SECOND MEDIATOR
(genuinely)
How very sad. But this zone has
been selected.
FIRST EDO BOY
He doesn't understand!
FIRST MEDIATOR
(nods)
It's always sad... now doubly so.
SOUND OF RUNNING STEPS, heralding:
RIKER (O.S.)
What's happening here?
41 ANGLE TO INCLUDE RIKER AND TROI
HURRYING IN to where the two Mediators stand with
Wesley. The Edo young people are frightened, stay in
b.g.
WESLEY
(to Riker)
I was chasing a ball...
(indicating shed)
... and fell into that. I'm
really sorry!
MEDIATOR
You admit you did that? Freely?
Wesley straightens up, throwing a look toward Riker.
WESLEY
I'm with Starfleet. We don't
lie.
Riker gives Wesley a look with some pride hidden in it.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 28.
41 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(to Mediators)
It won't happen again. We
apologize.
FIRST MEDIATOR
We're sorry, too. But that
changes nothing.
Mixed with MORE RUNNING FOOTSTEPS.
42 WIDER ANGLE
TO INCLUDE the rest of the away team, Tasha and Worf,
as they ARRIVE.
TASHA
Careful, Commander, they've got
some strange laws here...
RIKER
I thought you reviewed the laws
here.
TASHA
But they list nothing about
punishment. That's what all this
is about.
FIRST MEDIATOR
One moment, please...
(to young Edo)
Is there a witness to this
transgression?
Hesitantly, sadly, the other young people nod.
FIRST EDO BOY
But it was my fault; I threw the
ball past him...
First Mediator holds up his hand, appearing to be
genuinely saddened as he silences the Edo boy. Second
Mediator drops his head in a gesture of extreme sadness
too.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 29.
42 CONTINUED:
FIRST MEDIATOR
We have a visible transgression,
ample witnesses, and an admission
of guilt...
(to Wesley)
... and it deeply pains us to do
what we must. Are you prepared
for punishment?
First Mediator has opened his pouch during this, brought
out a small device (to be identified as a syringe).
Second Mediator has stepped to get to the rear of
Wesley, trying to get past Riker.
SECOND MEDIATOR
(to Riker)
Please?
WORF
Punishment? If you mean what the
others were talking about...
RIKER
(demanding)
What kind of punishment? Name
it!
FIRST MEDIATOR
Death, of course! Don't make
it...
(raising syringe)
... difficult for the boy...
Second Mediator has now squeezed past Riker, obviously
intending to grab Wesley's arms from the rear... and
is up-ended fast by Riker while Tasha and Worf bring
out phasers trained directly on First Mediator.
WORF
Drop that; drop it now!
The Mediators seem even more stunned by what the humans
have done. The syringe has been dropped; Tasha
retrieves it, holds it for Riker's examination.
TASHA
It's a kind of syringe...
Riker grabs it, holds it under First Mediator's nose.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 30.
42 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
What is this? You said "death;"
is it "poison?"
FIRST MEDIATOR
(offended; very upset)
But... but of course it is!
Completely painless; the boy would
have felt nothing...
(indicating Wesley)
But look at him now. You've
frightened him!
WESLEY
(disbelieving)
He was going to kill me?
SECOND MEDIATOR
(to Riker)
And if this Zone were still in
effect, you would all deserve
death.
FIRST MEDIATOR
It was announced you came as
friends. Is this how friends act?
During which Riker has touched his insignia.
RIKER
Enterprise from away team, come
in.
(waits)
Are you receiving us, Enterprise?
TASHA
(touching insignia)
Urgent, Enterprise. Please
respond!
43 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL)
in orbit of the planet.
44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE EMPHASIZING DATA (OPTICAL)
CONTINUING LAST SHOT with the exception that Beverly
is now present, leaning over Data and checking him with
a medical tricorder. Both are also anxiously aware of
the tiny LIGHT SWIRL and his GLOWING FORM.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 31.
44 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Condition?
BEVERLY
No sign of consciousness, but the
balance of the readings are quite
normal for him.
45 EMPHASIZING PICARD AND BEVERLY
Both anxious.
PICARD
I believe this is some form of
information exchange with whatever
is over there. At least, I hope
that's it.
BEVERLY
Any communication from our away
team?
46 EMPHASIZING DATA (OPTICAL)
as Picard shakes his head.
PICARD
Something is blocking
communication both...
He cuts off mid-word. The LIGHT SWIRL breaks contact
with Data -- THEN ABRUPTLY DISAPPEARS!
47 ANGLE ON PICARD AND BEVERLY
REACTING to this, and to the LIGHT GLOW fading from Data
whose eyes remain closed. Beverly reaches in quickly,
touching Data, examining him again.
48 WIDER ON MAIN BRIDGE
Reactions from the others to that and to the SOUND of
TASHA'S VOICE in mid-message:
TASHA'S COM VOICE
... Security, urgent. Repeating,
Enterprise from away team...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 32.
48 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(interrupting)
This is the Enterprise,
Lieutenant. We're receiving you
now.
49 ANGLE ON DATA
Beverly checking readings on her medical tricorder
again.
TASHA'S COM VOICE
This is an urgent call for Captain
Picard.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
We may need your presence here,
Captain. We have serious trouble
with... with a member of our away
team and an unusual law they have
here...
(Brant listens attentively in b.g.)
PICARD
Captain to Riker, stand by.
(to Beverly)
Signs of consciousness?
BEVERLY
None yet. Perhaps in minutes,
hours... I don't yet know what's
happened to him.
PICARD
Take him to Sickbay; call me the
instant he's awake.
(to Geordi)
Anything new on that... that thing
out there?
GEORDI
Negative, sir.
PICARD
Captain to first officer. I'm
beaming down.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 33.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
50 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL)
still next to each other, orbiting the planet.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. We
have encountered a strange
vessel-like object, one with
frightening power, which appears
to exist partly in another
dimension. On the world below...
51 EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ESTABLISHING. As before, both young and old are seen
traveling easily at a run.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... what began as a shore leave
opportunity among delightful
inhabitants of a lovely Earthlike
planet... has led incredibly to
a death sentence...
52 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - WIDE ANGLE
in which Picard is being led to what appears a "seat of
honor" next to Rivan, Liator, other planet folk. Riker,
Troi and Geordi are moving in to take a place next to
the Captain. Hovering anxiously nearby are Tasha and
Worf holding their small phasers unobtrusively in hand
as they scan the Edo, alert for any further surprises.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... a death sentence proclaimed
against... one of our crew members
for what our world considers a
petty, non-criminal infraction.
How can I allow a crew member
to die for that?
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 34.
52 CONTINUED:
PICARD (Cont'd)
How does the Prime Directive apply
to this case? Indeed if we do
save our crewmember, how will the
frightening object up here react
to that?
53 CLOSER ON KEY GROUP
Before Picard takes his seat, he moves Troi aside,
speaks quietly:
PICARD
Care to comment privately how you
read any of this...
TROI
(shakes head)
Unnecessary, sir.
(indicates)
I get strong feelings that they
are honest almost to a fault.
But they do have great respect,
even pride, in their own ways.
Picard moves to take his seat.
LIATOR
Welcome to our world, Captain.
We regret that our system of
justice is troubling you.
PICARD
Wesley Crusher -- where is he?
RIKER
In accord with the Prime
Directive, Captain, I've let them
hold him pending the outcome of
this.
RIVAN
(gently)
He is safe and unharmed. We
promise that.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 35.
53 CONTINUED:
RIVAN
Captain Picard... I do not know
how you Earth people conduct law
and justice; even if you respect
such things...
PICARD
We do.
LIATOR
Good, so do we. Our precepts have
been handed down from long ago.
The tranquility you see in our
lives has been made possible by
our laws...
RIVAN
We are a people of law. They do
sometimes bring us sadness, but
we have learned to adjust to that.
Perhaps your laws work as well...
PICARD
They haven't always, but they do
now.
LIATOR
Do you execute criminals?
PICARD
No... not any longer, that is.
RIVAN
You did once?
PICARD
Unfortunately, yes. But since
then...
RIVAN
(interrupts)
And when you did, was it believed
necessary to do so?
PICARD
Can we please get to the facts
concerning our crewmember?
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 36.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
(waits; gets no answer)
Yes, some people then felt it was
necessary. But we've learned how
to detect the seeds of criminal
behavior... Capital punishment
is no longer justified in our
world as a deterrent.
LIATOR
But you once believed execution
necessary.
(to Rivan)
So, we are not yet as "advanced"
as they are.
(to Picard)
And since you are "advanced" in
other ways too, I suggest you use
the, ah, transfer device...
RIVAN
"Beam... "
LIATOR
... the "beam" device to permit
the Wesley boy to escape from us.
We will record him as a convicted-criminal
out of our reach...
(then sarcasm)
... an "advanced" person who
luckily escaped the barbarism of
this backward little world.
Picard reacts uncomfortably to this.
PICARD
Unfortunately, we have a law
ourselves known as the Prime
Directive...
RIVAN
(nods)
Riker has explained it to us...
PICARD
Is the boy in the slightest danger
from you right now?
Rivan and Liator exchange looks.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 37.
53 CONTINUED: (3)
LIATOR
(to Rivan)
Until sundown?
RIVAN
(nods; to Picard)
Because you are strangers, we are
delaying enforcement of the law.
But we must act by the time of
sundown.
PICARD
Then, I have another question now,
please. While orbiting... while
circling high above your world
as we do... we encountered a
strange object, a "vessel"
perhaps? Do you know of such a
thing? It was... well, you could
say not entirely real, at least
not completely what you might call
solid...
RIVAN
Do you mean God?
PICARD
God?
LIATOR
God is said to be somewhere up
there. Protecting us.
A long beat during which the Enterprise people exchange
looks, uncertain what this could mean.
PICARD
Exactly... exactly how would you
describe "God?"
RIVAN
(indicating Picard)
As you just did. As existing
both here and in another place
also.
LIATOR
But when God wants to show its
power, it can make itself felt
most fully.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 38.
53 CONTINUED: (4)
GEORDI
(with a look to Picard)
We know.
Communicator BOS'N WHISTLE SOUNDS; Picard touches his
insignia.
PICARD
Picard here.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
CMO Crusher here, sir. Commander
Data has just regained
consciousness.
PICARD
What condition? Can he talk?
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
He is insisting on it, sir.
Urgently.
Troi has made a signal to Picard, mouths the word
"Wesley."
PICARD
Stand by; Picard out.
(to Troi)
I'd rather explain about her son
to her personally.
(to Rivan and Liator)
You promise Wesley Crusher will
be safe until sundown?
LIATOR
(nods)
You have our word.
PICARD
Then, will one of you return with
me to our vessel?
RIVAN
(nods)
Of course. I'll go as a hostage
for the boy's safety.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 39.
53 CONTINUED: (5)
PICARD
No, that's not it. I want you
to... identify something for me,
if you can.
(touches insignia)
Captain to Transporter Room.
Stand by for three to beam up...
Picard motions to Troi, beckons for Rivan to join them
as they stand to one side.
RIVAN
I'm...frightened...
TROI
(touches her gently;
smiling)
No reason to be.
PICARD
Transporter Room, energize.
54 EFFECTS ANGLE - (OPTICAL)
as Picard, Troi and Rivan BEAM OUT.
55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT/VESSEL
still in orbit of the planet together.
55A INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Troi and Rivan ENTER SCENE coming down the
corridor. Rivan is astonished by what she is seeing.
She looks from Troi to a couple of very efficient
appearing crewmembers who are passing.
RIVAN
But this is a ... a city. A great
city!
Now, Beverly ENTERS SCENE also, her expression freezing
as she sees Picard and bears down upon him.
BEVERLY
Captain, I've just seen the away
team report about Wesley...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 40.
55A CONTINUED:
PICARD
(interrupting; firmly)
In a moment, Doctor...
BEVERLY
(interrupting)
"In a moment... "
PICARD
(icily)
Exactly, Doctor, in a moment.
(to Rivan; more gently)
You were about to say... ?
Rivan gives Beverly a puzzled glance, then turns her
attention to Picard, indicating the vessel.
RIVAN
Since you have all this power,
why be concerned about our laws?
You could take the boy from us!
PICARD
(troubled smile)
It's not that simple.
Beverly gives a quick look at Rivan and Picard at this,
beginning to understand at least something of what may
be happening. With so much of her own at stake, it is
all Beverly can do to keep from interrupting again, but
Picard's firm expression detains her. Picard, Beverly,
and Troi lead Rivan into a turbolift. Troi gives a
troubled look toward Rivan.
55B INT. MAIN BRIDGE
as Picard, Troi and Rivan ENTER from turbolift.
TROI
From here we can view whatever's
outside our vessel.
RIVAN
Do you mean my world?! You said
we'd be high above it...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 41.
55B CONTINUED:
PICARD
(nods)
And something else that's up here
circling your world too. It's
very important to us... perhaps
to you... to know what it is.
Rivan is puzzled.
56 ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
REVEALING THE MYSTERY VESSEL/OBJECT out beyond what WE
CAN SEE of the Enterprise. CAMERA PANS to Rivan,
Picard, Troi, and Beverly. At the instant Rivan sees
it, she drops to one knee, clenching her eyes closed,
with hands crossed over her chest.
PICARD
I'm sorry, Rivan, but this was
necessary. Do you know what that
is?
Rivan nods jerkily, her eyes still clenched closed.
TROI
(waits; then gently)
Can you tell us what it is?
Rivan stays frozen in the same position. Picard now
waits, then:
PICARD
Is it "God?"
Rivan again nods jerkily, eyes still clenched.
PICARD
(continuing)
Now, it's very important you
answer something. How do you
recognize what it is?
57 ANOTHER ANGLE
Rivan actually trembling. Troi bends close, speaks
encouragingly:
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 42.
57 CONTINUED:
TROI
Nothing will harm you, I promise!
Just tell us how you recognize
it.
RIVAN
(beat; weakly)
It... has appeared...before. It
is... the same.
PICARD
Can you speak to it... Does it
speak to you?
TROI
Captain... !
57A ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Troi is pointing agitatedly to where the mysterious
object/vessel is GLOWING BRIGHTER, and the bridge
begins to shake as WE HEAR THE IMMENSE VOLUME OF THE
VOICE WE HEARD EARLIER IN THE BRIDGE.
EDOLORD (V. O.)
RETURN MY CHILD!
BEVERLY
(to Captain; puzzled)
"Return... ?"
Picard's eye falls on the trembling Rivan and he
suddenly understands. The moment interrupted by the
Enterprise beginning to SHUDDER and the LIGHTS BLINK
OFF, EMPHASIZING THE NOW BRIGHTLY GLOWING EDOLORD
OBJECT/VESSEL.
TROI
It's coming toward us, sir... !
And this is exactly what is happening. THE EDOLORD
OBJECT/VESSEL IS MOVING TOWARD THE ENTERPRISE ON A
COLLISION COURSE. The Enterprise is SHAKING heavily
now, WE CAN HEAR STRUCTURAL STRAIN.
Picard understands what to do, takes off his insignia,
attaching it to Rivan's clothing as:
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 43.
57A CONTINUED:
PICARD
Picard to Transporter Room,
urgent!
TROI
Yes, do that! But hurry... !
BEVERLY
It is still coming toward us...
TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE
Transporter Chief to Captain...
PICARD
One to beam down to away team
location. Hurry!
57B ANGLE EMPHASIZING RIVAN (OPTICAL)
Picard steps back from her, his insignia attached to her
clothing.
PICARD
Engage, Transporter Room, urgent!
Engag...
The TRANSPORTER SOUND cuts him off and Rivan BEAMS OUT.
57C ANGLE INCLUDING VIEWER (OPTICAL)
as slowly the LIGHTS COME ON and the EDOLORD
OBJECT/VESSEL RETURNS TO ITS ORIGINAL DISTANCE FROM
ENTERPRISE.
57D INT. SICKBAY CORRIDOR
as a turbolift door opens, Picard and Beverly EMERGING
to stride down the corridor toward Sickbay.
BEVERLY
What do you intend to do about
my son?
PICARD
He is being held safely, until
sundown...
Beverly pulls to a stop, faces Picard.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 44.
57D CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
When he faces execution! Although
he has committed no crime,
certainly none that any sane and
reasonable person would...
Beverly's words have come faster, louder, until she
finally realizes she is giving way emotionally. She
stops, controls herself with an effort we can see.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
I... apologize, sir... but this is
very difficult for me...
PICARD
You saw what that thing was about
to do. I have a ship, an entire
crew to consider...
BEVERLY
If you felt the same, you'd be
as frightened and trembling...
PICARD
(quietly)
But I am.
They face each other silently. Then she nods.
Betty Brant V.O.
Captain Picard, this is urgent!
PICARD
What is it, Miss, eh…?
BRANT
Brant, sir. Captain, Spider-Man
is on the Edo world. It sounds like
he’s fighting the Edo.
PICARD
(outraged)
Deploy security to the surface to assist
the Edo in containing him; I’ll be there
shortly.
Red-faced, Picard turns to Beverly again as
she picks up where they left off. She sounds
unsure of the situation. She knows Picard must
be on hand somewhere else very soon.
BEVERLY
Data is in Sickbay here. You'll
find him able to talk.
58 INT. SICKBAY
Data is conscious, being scanned on Sickbay equipment by
a MEDICAL TECHNICIAN. As Beverly and Picard ENTER, the
Technician pauses in what he is doing.
MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
He's checking out fine, Doctor.
BEVERLY
(nods)
Finish it later, please.
The medical technician withdraws. Picard moves in to
bedside. Data nods at him.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 45.
58 CONTINUED:
DATA
I was an excellent choice for
them, Captain. They could
communicate with me quite...
(shakes head)
... I was about to say quite
"easily," but there was nothing
"easy" about it. Fortunately,
they stopped short of overloading
my circuitry...
PICARD
(interrupting)
You're saying they. It is a
vessel of some sort...
DATA
(interrupting)
Definitely not a single "entity"
if that's what you mean, sir...
although they know the Edo worship
them as a "God thing."
PICARD
They know... ?
DATA
(nods)
They recognize that this is quite
expected and harmless at the
present Edo stage of evolution,
and...
PICARD
(interrupting)
What kind of vessel?
DATA
(without pause)
It is perhaps not what we'd
understand as a "vessel," sir.
The dimensions this one occupies
allows them to... well, to be in
several places at once. But they
consider this entire star cluster
to be theirs, and it was probably
unwise of us to attempt to place
a human colony in this area.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 46.
58 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (Cont'd)
Of course, there are three
thousand four other planets in
this general star cluster in
which we...
PICARD
Data, don't babble!
DATA
"Babble," sir? I am not aware
that I ever babble, sir. It may
be that from time to time...
Data trails off as he becomes aware of Picard's
expression.
PICARD
Short answers, Data! Do they
accept our presence at this
planet?
Obeying Picard exactly (and without any sign of rancor),
Data gives clipped answers.
DATA
Not yet decided, sir.
PICARD
(waits)
Please feel free to volunteer any
important information, however.
DATA
I volunteer that they are now
observing us, sir.
PICARD
To judge what kind of life forms
we are?
DATA
No, it is more curiosity, sir.
I doubt they expect us to abide
by their value systems.
Picard throws a glance toward Beverly, as:
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 47.
58 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Do they... know of our Prime
Directive?
DATA
They know everything I know, sir.
PICARD
And, in your opinion, if we
violated the Prime Directive.. ?
BEVERLY
(interrupting; blurting
it)
That's not a fair question at...
Beverly bites off her words. But it is all she can do
to keep from saying more.
PICARD
(to Data)
Continue.
DATA
That would be a case of judging
us by our own rules, sir. If we
violate our own Prime Directive,
they might consider us deceitful
and untrustworthy.
(beat)
You do recall, sir, they cautioned
us not to interfere with their
"children" below.
(looks from Beverly to
Picard)
What has happened?
BEVERLY
(exploding)
The Edo want to execute my son.
(to Picard)
I will not allow that to happen,
Jean-Luc!
She exhibits a fury that Data has watched with
considerable interest. He turns to Picard.
DATA
Most interesting, sir. The
emotion of motherhood, compared
to all others felt by humans...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 48.
58 CONTINUED: (4)
Beverly whirls on Data now.
BEVERLY
SHUT UP!
She DASHES angrily from the room. Data looks from
Picard, to her, to Picard. Then he nods:
DATA
You were right, sir. I do tend
to babble.
FADE OUT.
END ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 49.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
59 EDO WORLD. Night. Spider-Man is surrounded by Starfleet officers as he pulls Wesley out of confinement. Rivan and Liator are with the security detachment behind cover, anxiously observing the proceedings. It is a small, squat building and two Edo guards are unconscious on the exterior grounds. Wesley pulls away from him.
WESLEY
I told you, I’m going to do
the right thing!
SPIDER-MAN
So am I! With great power
must come great responsibility!
The security team take up positions around Spider-Man
and point their phasers at him. Tasha and Worf exchange
a quick glance across the woods. Worf has an itchy
trigger finger in cases which involve Spider-Man, but
he restrains himself with a curled lip.
TASHA
You shouldn’t be here, Spider-Man!
Leave Wesley alone until we can negotiate
a solution.
Wesley runs back inside, while Spider-Man leaps into the treetops. Tasha and her team try to track him with their phasers to no avail.
LIATOR
So this is how Starfleet
handles relations with
“primitive” cultures?
TASHA
We don’t want him
doing this any more than
you do. How can we prove
that to you?
A single strand of webbing snags Tasha’s phaser and yanks it from her hand; Worf opens fire on the origin, but Spider-Man has already moved.
LIATOR
You must not shoot the
trees!
Tasha rolls her eyes and suddenly breaks into a run for the prison building.
TASHA
Move in! We’ll guard Wesley
from inside! Worf, Harris, bring
these guards inside!
EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The mystery object between starship and planet, their
relative positions not moving.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41255.9.
Whatever the object or vessel in
orbit with us, it hangs there like
a "nemesis". It is one thing
to communicate with something
mysterious...
60 INT. STARBOARD LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Picard sitting alone, looking out at the mysterious
object.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... but it is quite another to be
silently observed by it. I am
concerned whether it understands
the same concept of reason that
we do?
Spider-Man surely does not. He has
acted brashly, against our better
interests and invaded the Edo world
to rescue Wesley Crusher. I am
caught between two mystery opponents
with whom it seems combat is not an option.
Picard ponders all this for a moment more until Data
ENTERS. Picard beckons.
DATA
You sent for me, sir?
PICARD
Let's talk some more, Data.
DATA
Yes sir. What level of
communication?
Picard gives him an annoyed look.
PICARD
Any. My apologies for saying you
babbled.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 50.
60 CONTINUED:
DATA
But I do, sir.
(beat)
It was wise to beam back the Edo
woman.
PICARD
(nods)
Barely in time.
DATA
(nods)
The Edo's "God" is very protective
of its children.
PICARD
There was no choice but to
learn...
(indicates mystery
object)
... what we could about that thing
from her.
DATA
Apparently the Edo people had seen
it before, from time to time, sir.
PICARD
(nods)
But I'm sorry I had to. She was
so frightened.
DATA
(nods)
Understandable. To share an orbit
with "God" is no small experience.
Picard looks at Data, smiles.
PICARD
You have a facility for seeing
things not in the way we do, but
as they truly are.
Picard shifts in his seat closer to Data, addresses him
eye to eye.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 51.
60 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(continuing)
I need help, my friend. I cannot
let Wesley or any member of this
vessel be sacrificed this way.
The Prime Directive does not
really intend that.
DATA
The problem, sir, is there!
(indicates mystery
object)
Although they have learned of the
Prime Directive from my mind, how
will they evaluate it? How do
they reason? What are their
values? Remember its warning
to us, sir.
PICARD
Exactly. How do I explain not
obeying the laws down there, not
permitting young Crusher's
execution? Does that endanger
this ship and over a thousand
other lives?
DATA
Would you choose one life over
one thousand, sir?
PICARD
(snaps)
I refuse to let arithmetic decide
questions like that!
Picard examines Data's expression again. Then, he
indicates out toward the mysterious object/vessel again.
PICARD
Did you learn anything of the
relationship between the Edo and
that? Why are they so certain
it is "God?"
DATA
Any sufficiently advanced life
form can appear to others to be
that, sir.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 52.
60 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA (Cont'd)
(looks out toward the
Object)
But when they were probing my
thoughts, Captain, I could feel
that whatever they are now, they
once existed in this dimension,
just as we do. Perhaps also in
the same kind of "flesh and blood"
form. Since then, however, they
have evolved considerably further.
Their present existence in mixed
dimensions no doubt has advantages
we do not understand...
PICARD
Then, in their earlier flesh and
blood existence they could have
once shared our kind of values.
DATA
The Edo share them, sir.
PICARD
Why would advanced things like
that feel obliged to protect the
Edo?
DATA
Perhaps because the Edo are a
child-race by comparison.
Possibly a race which the life
forms over there "planted" here
much as we now plant human
colonies on Class-M planets.
Interrupted by Beverly ENTERING. She moves to face
Picard, trying for a somewhat respectful position of
attention. She is mastering her emotions, but the pain
is obvious.
BEVERLY
Having fulfilled my professional
obligations regarding Commander
Data...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 53.
60 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
You now request permission to beam
down -- permission granted.
(stands)
You can accompany me while I try
to resolve this.
(starts; then stops and
turns)
And you should know that whatever
the cost, I will not allow them
to execute your son.
Beverly turns to Picard -- she wants to fall crying at
his feet, or embrace him, cover him with kisses of
gratitude.
BEVERLY
(correctly)
Thank you, sir.
PICARD
(to Data)
Take command, Data.
Picard STRIDES OUT of the lounge, then Beverly HURRIES
AFTER him. As he leaves, Data smiles a second time.
DATA
Aye, sir.
61 THE PRISON BUILDING
Rivan, Liator, Yar, Worf and the other security personnel watch over Wesley with an air of unease.
62 TRANSPORTER SHOT (OPTICAL)
Picard and Beverly beam in.
RIVAN (O.S.)
Captain Picard...
She drops worshipfully to one knee,
crossing her hands across her chest, eyes closed as when
she saw the mystery/vessel object. She hands Picard
his insignia.
RIVAN
I saw you share the sky with God.
You must be Gods.
(turning to the other
Edo, eyes still
clenched)
And the boy too.
Liator shuffles nervously, uncertainly. The Edo have
always appeared to be a calm, intelligent life form,
never seeming overly superstitious, but should they
reject this possibility? Beverly turns to Picard
hopefully; is this an answer to the dilemma? Then
Picard bends, lifts Rivan up by her elbows.
PICARD
No, no, we're not "Gods."
(small smile)
Your own idea of that is much
better for you at this time...
WESLEY (O.S.)
(interrupting)
Mother...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 55.
64 ANOTHER ANGLE
to INCLUDE WESLEY with Liator.
WESLEY
(to Beverly)
I guess you know a lot has
happened here...
BEVERLY
(nodding; holding it
in)
I know.
WESLEY
Are you going to let them kill
me, sir?
PICARD
No.
(turning to Liator)
But I'd like to prevent it in a
way you can understand...
LIATOR
How can we let this happen,
Rivan? Everything we respect,
our law, our peace, our world's
order...
(moving to Picard)
You are more powerful but we beg
you not to do this to us. At
least study what we once were --
hurtful to each other, savage,
thieving...
RIKER
(interrupting)
We understand. In fact, your
system of law and punishment may
be better than many we once had.
(points at Picard)
But he has laws he must obey too.
And one of them says he must
protect his people from harm.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 56.
64 CONTINUED:
LIATOR
We did not ask you to come here...
PICARD
(nods)
Which has to do with another law
I must obey. All of us are sworn
not to interfere with other life
in the galaxy. I am caught
between the two. If I save this
young man, I break that law...
LIATOR
And you should be executed if you
do so!
PICARD
(nods)
I may suffer almost as much.
Starfleet takes our Prime
Directive very seriously...
LIATOR
No, it is God who will punish you!
RIKER
(nods)
That has crossed our minds too.
LIATOR
Our laws have been violated. What
of justice? Not only has the boy
violated our laws, but your security
officers fired their energy weapons
at our trees, and that…other man in
the mask attacked us!
TASHA
What of justice to Wesley? Does
he deserve to die?
LIATOR
What makes our law strong is the
certainty of punishment!
BEVERLY
But my son had no warning...
LIATOR
We cannot allow ignorance of the
law to become a defense...
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 57.
64 CONTINUED: (2)
RIVAN
Is it possible we are wrong about
that? Surely there is such a
thing as too much harshness...
LIATOR
We do not dispense mercy... only
justice.
TASHA
(calls from entrance)
Their sun is almost down, sir.
PICARD
(to the others)
Stand ready to beam out.
65 ANGLE FOR BEAM OUT (OPTICAL)
as the Away Team gathers in position. CROSSING toward
them, Picard passes Liator.
PICARD
The question of justice has
concerned me a good deal lately.
Pained me. Until now, Liator.
I realize now that there can be
no justice...
LIATOR
God will destroy you!
PICARD
(ignored his outburst)
... no justice so long as laws are
absolute. Life itself is an
exercise in exceptions.
RIKER
(quietly)
Bravo. When has justice ever been
as simple as a rulebook, sir?
(looks around)
Six to beam up, Captain?
PICARD
(touches insignia)
Six to beam up.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 58.
65 CONTINUED:
LIATOR
(screams it)
God will punish you!
And with this ringing in their ears, they BEAM OUT.
66 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT/VESSEL
both still in orbit.
67 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
as the turbolift DISCHARGES Picard, Riker and the
others. The balance of our regulars are on duty there
too.
RIKER
Main Viewer on!
They slowly take their positions, eyes on the Viewer.
As Wesley ENTERS with Beverly, Geordi looks up.
GEORDI
Greetings, Jailbird.
It doesn't get a big laugh at this moment.
PICARD
Hailing frequencies open.
TASHA
Open, sir.
PICARD
To the object sharing this
orbit... we will remove the human
colonists from the adjoining solar
system if signaled to do so. Or
we'll proceed on our mission, if
signaled to do that. Please tell
us...
DATA
Captain!
The IMAGE on the Viewer begins FADING, FINALLY
DISAPPEARS.
STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 59.
67 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Is that a signal?
PICARD
(beat)
I was hoping for more.
GEORDI
More of what, sir? I'm happy it's
gone.
RIKER
(nods)
We're all thrilled with that, sir.
PICARD
(beat)
I was hoping we'd learn more about
it. I had also hoped that we could
reach some level of understanding
with the Edo. But since we can't...
(looks to Riker, deeply dejected)
Take us out of here, Number One.
RIKER
Gladly, sir.
68 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it begins leaving orbit.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END