FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND FERENGI VESSEL (OPTICAL)
as the two starships cruise through space together.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41723.9.
In response to a Starfleet order
we are in the Xendi Sabu star
system having rendezvoused with
a Ferengi vessel which has
requested a meeting. Although...
2 CLOSER ON STARFLEET AND FERENGI VESSELS (OPTICAL)
emphasizing the difference between the two.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... we arrived here and made
appropriate signals to the Ferengi
three days ago, they have so far
responded only with the message:
"Stand by, Enterprise."
3 INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
PICARD at his desk, star charts on a nearby monitor.
He's in some physical discomfort, presses his knuckles
to his temple, GROANS. We HEAR a CHIME from his door.
PICARD
Come!
The door opens; BEVERLY ENTERS. She carries a medical
kit.
BEVERLY
You called for me?
PICARD
Yes, Doctor. I've been feeling...
odd, lately. Fatigued. And now
I've got a headache.
Unslinging her medical kit, Beverly looks up, surprised.
BEVERLY
A what?
PICARD
Certainly you know what a
"headache" is, Doctor.
Beverly is already beginning to move a medical tricorder
sensor over Picard's head. WE HEAR it FAINTLY BEEPING
as she checks readings she is getting.
BEVERLY
Of course. But I don't often
encounter one.
She makes an adjustment on the tricorder, gets HUM SOUND
as she takes another kind of reading.
PICARD
The reason for it seems fairly
obvious. What are these Ferengi
up to? "Stand by, Enterprise."
Stand by for what?
BEVERLY
I can't find a thing wrong.
PICARD
I can't either. But they could
be baiting some kind of trap...
BEVERLY
With your head. I see nothing
physically wrong, but I want to
run additional scans in Sickbay.
PICARD
Doctor, all I've got is...
BEVERLY
(interrupting)
... is an order to report to
Sickbay.
(friendly smile)
From the one person aboard who can
give you an order.
Picard hesitates, then smiles and nods, starts to rise.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain from first officer.
They're finally sending a message.
Picard comes fully to his feet, touching his insignia.
PICARD
On my way, Number One.
(CROSSING to door)
Sorry, Doctor. Duty calls.
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
RIKER, TROI, DATA, GEORDI, TASHA, WORF and BRANT are at their
usual stations. Picard ENTERS JOINING Riker at the
Command Area. The Main Viewer displays the Ferengi
vessel.
RIKER
They're prepared to talk, sir.
PICARD
Have they given any hint what
they've been waiting for?
TASHA
Negative on that, Captain. But
they have identified their Captain
as "Bok," DaiMon Bok.
TROI
If it's Bok I'm sensing, he seems
anxious to meet you, sir.
PICARD
Me? Why me? I've never heard
of him.
GEORDI
You'll be able to see him now,
sir. They're willing to
communicate on visual.
DATA
A reminder of something we learned
the only other time we dealt with
Ferengi, sir -- their hearing is
very sensitive.
WORF
(nods)
Yes, they could pick up even a
whisper being transmitted.
PICARD
Consider ourselves reminded.
(to Tasha)
Open hailing frequencies.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
PICARD
Ferengi vessel! This is Captain
Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise.
We are transmitting visually.
A beat, then the Main Viewer DISSOLVES INTO a FULL FRAME
HEAD SHOT of DAIMON BOK, brightly lit, distorted. He's
smoothly patronizing, clipped in speech, and arrogant.
(OPTICAL)
BOK
Is this THE Captain Picard?
PICARD
Do we know each other?
BOK
I know you, Picard.
PICARD
I'm afraid you have the advantage.
Is this... Bok?
BOK
I am Bok, DaiMon of the Ferengi.
I have asked you here to discuss
a mutual problem, Captain.
PICARD
What problem is that, DaiMon Bok?
BOK
I insist on speaking of that
matter in person. Shall we meet
on your vessel or mine?
Troi signals Tasha who touches her panel.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies closed.
TROI
Captain, I sense considerable
deception on Bok's part. And
danger!
RIKER
Then definitely, sir, you should
meet with him here. Keep him
under our control.
Picard nods, turns and signals to Tasha who touches her
panel again.
TASHA
Now open, sir.
PICARD
(toward Viewscreen)
I appreciate your offer, DaiMon
Bok, and ask you to be our guests.
BOK
(smiles)
As you wish, Picard. Perhaps this
will begin a new era of
cooperation for both our peoples.
In one Earth hour, then?
Everyone on the bridge is stunned by the unexpected
concession.
PICARD
One hour, Bok. End transmission.
The viewer CLEARS BACK to the Ferengi ship. The
Enterprise bridge crew reacts.
WORF
I can't believe they're coming
here!
PICARD
(turns to Troi)
They agreed a bit too easily.
Troi nods.
PICARD
(continuing; nods back)
Then, in one hour we'll know why.
FADE OUT.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 INT. SICKBAY
Beverly is using twenty-fourth century diagnostic tools to
examine the prone Captain.
PICARD
Are you accustomed to always
getting your way, Doctor?
BEVERLY
(nods)
When my way makes sense, Captain.
There are still forty minutes
before the Ferengi beam over; I'll
have these scans done in ten.
PICARD
A lot of effort for something as
simple as a headache.
BEVERLY
"As simple?" It is my job to know
your condition intimately. You
should not have a headache unless
something is wrong.
She is clearly puzzled over finding nothing. She makes
a new setting on the scanner.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
It may be true that headaches were
once quite common... but this was
in the days before the brain was
charted...
(very puzzled; a new
setting)
... before we understood the nature
of pain... when we were suffering
from such things as the common
cold.
She swings the "scanner" away from Picard. He half
rises.
PICARD
And so why do I have a headache,
Doctor?
BEVERLY
I haven't the slightest damned
idea!
She picks up a tiny device, turns it on and WE HEAR a
light HUM from it.
PICARD
What's that?
She presses it against his forehead. The light HUM
becomes SHRILLER.
BEVERLY
Something doctors use when they
feel foolish over being proven
wrong.
(takes device away)
Feel better?
PICARD
(surprised)
The pain's gone.
She turns the device OFF, puts it aside.
BEVERLY
Medical fakery -- the pain's
actually still there, just
cloaked. I'll want further exams
when this Ferengi matter is
settled.
6 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Riker, Troi, Data, Geordi, Tasha, Worf and BRANT on duty as
WESLEY ARRIVES by turbolift, hurriedly addresses Riker:
WESLEY
Sir! You'll soon be getting an
intruder alert!
RIKER
What? Wesley, if you've something
to report...
But Wesley has hurried toward Geordi, interrupting:
WESLEY
(to Geordi)
If you'll scan heading four-four
mark one-six-three, Lieutenant,
you'll find...
INTRUDER ALERT SIGNAL sounds, Tasha reacting, turning
to Riker:
TASHA
Intruder alert, sir...
GEORDI
(reading his panel)
I've got something, sir... very
distant.
Turbolift opens TO BRING Picard onto the bridge,
unnoticed by most as Tasha silences the ALERT and Wesley
turns to Riker.
WESLEY
It's an old style starship,
Constitution Class, heading this
way under impulse power, sir.
RIKER
Says who?
Picard moves in to Command Area. Conversation DIES as
he takes his seat there.
PICARD
Carry on.
(to Wesley)
Answer the first officer's
question.
WESLEY
Uh... says the long distance
sensors, sir. I was in
Engineering, playing around with
boosting sensor output...
DATA
(interrupting; smiling)
Very interesting. Boosting it
how?
(seeing Picard's look;
to Wesley)
We will discuss it later.
GEORDI
(interrupting)
I read it now, sir, as... a
Constitution Class starship...
coming this way under impulse
power.
Exactly as Wesley described it minutes before. Picard
suddenly grimaces, a wave of pain catching him by
surprise and he has to suppress a surprised GROAN and
finds it necessary to again press a knuckle against his
forehead for a moment.
RIKER
Sir? What's wrong?
PICARD
(fighting it off)
Nothing, just... a mild headache.
(to Wesley)
The correct procedure, Ensign,
would have been to signal your
finding to the bridge immediately.
WESLEY
Yes, sir.
RIKER
Bringing it here personally...
(indicates Main Viewer)
... perhaps with the idea of being
on hand for the Ferengi beam
over... might have imperiled our
ship had something hostile been
approaching.
Wesley has thrown Picard a nervous look at Riker's guess
that the Ferengi beam over was his motive.
WESLEY
Yes, sir.
WORF
We are receiving no signal at all
from the approaching starship,
sir.
DATA
(to Picard)
Time, sir.
PICARD
Time? Oh, for the Ferengi to beam
over.
(to Riker)
Do you see any problems connected
with this old starship coming in?
RIKER
Suggest we'll be safer, sir, with
the Ferengi over here whatever
is happening.
PICARD
Concur.
(to bridge)
Stand by!
(to Tasha)
Let's bring them on visually.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
7 ANOTHER ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Enterprise to Ferengi vessel.
We are standing by to receive you.
The Ferengi vessel IMAGE on Main Viewer DISSOLVES INTO
IMAGE OF BOK, being joined by KAZAGO, First Officer,
and RATA, Second Officer.
BOK
Ready to transfer ourselves over,
my dear Captain Picard.
PICARD
Question... where shall we receive
you?
BOK
On your own bridge, of course.
Ferengi efficiency!
With a FERENGI LIGHT SWIRL BEAMING EFFECT, the three
Ferengi figures FADE OUT OF SIGHT. The Main Viewer
IMAGE DISSOLVES TO THE FERENGI SHIP IMAGE AGAIN.
8 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as the Enterprise bridge crew waits, but nothing happens
for awhile. Finally:
PICARD
Data? What do you read?
DATA
Nothing, sir.
WESLEY
It could take a few moments,
Captain. If they build up their
beaming energy through capacitors
as seems likely...
Then, FERENGI BEAMING EFFECT STARTS WITH SOUND --
FOLLOWED BY THE KIND OF LIGHT SWIRL WE JUST SAW ON THEIR
SHIP. It solidifies into BOK, KAZAGO, and RATA.
PICARD
We welcome you in peace to the
Enterprise, DaiMon Bok.
BOK
(ingratiating)
It is our pleasure, Captain
Picard. Might I introduce my
first officer, Kazago, and my
second, Rata?
PICARD
(nods to acknowledge)
This is my first officer,
Commander Riker...
(Bok nods)
And Counselor Troi. Second
Officer Data; Lieutenant La Forge;
security officers, Lieutenant Yar
and Lieutenant Worf; Ensign
Crusher.
Bok has squinted hard at Troi and Tasha
BOK
Yes, we have heard you use
females...
(standing somewhat on tiptoe to see Brant,
who is a cadet and thus was not introduced)
Clothed females. Most
interesting.
RIKER
(smiles)
They are that, sir.
Kazago now turns to scrutinize Data.
KAZAGO
And the android was mentioned too.
(to Picard)
What is its price? We should like
to purchase it.
PICARD
It... he is not for sale.
Commander Data is...is...
Made uncomfortable by this, Picard seeks the right
words. Riker fills in:
RIKER
You wouldn't want him, Kazago.
He's second-hand merchandise.
DATA
(rises)
Second-hand, sir?
(then sees Riker's
smile)
Oh, of course! A human joke...
TASHA
Excuse, Captain, but the
unidentified starship is
continuing in, still no signal
at all...
BOK
Think nothing of it.. It is under
our control.
PICARD
(alert)
One of our starships under your
control?
BOK
(smiling)
Do not be alarmed. It is a gift
from us.
(slight bow to Picard)
With which we honor the "Hero of
Maxia."
PICARD
Who?
BOK
(abrupt)
Why you, Picard, of course! Don't
you remember the Battle of Maxia?
PICARD
I'm sorry, I'm afraid I do not.
Data?
As the android searches his own memory, Bok is visibly
disturbed at Picard's lack of memory.
DATA
Captain, he may refer to an
incident which occurred seven
years ago in the Maxia Zeta star
system, where an unidentified
starship...
BOK
(angry)
Unidentified?! That fine vessel
was Ferengi!
DATA
(to Picard)
Which you destroyed, sir.
PICARD
(turns to Bok)
My sincere regrets, Bok, but that
ship did not identify itself.
It simply attacked; we defended
ourselves...
BOK
(beat)
Such mistakes happen in space.
DATA
(to Picard)
Hardly a "mistake," sir. Your
report showed it deliberately
attacked...
Picard is signaling Data to forget it:
TASHA
(interrupting)
Do you want the arriving vessel
on Main Viewer, sir? It is only
a thousand kilometers away now...
BOK
Put it on your viewer.
PICARD
(nods to Tasha)
Main Viewer.
9 ANOTHER ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
on which an IMAGE of an approaching Constitution Class
starship WILL APPEAR.
KAZAGO
We have set its controls to
automatically take station in
space next to your Enterprise.
BOK
(to Picard)
There is no one aboard it.
RATA
(to Picard)
When, with your permission, its
log will be downloaded into this
ship's records.
(smiles)
At a price...
BOK
(thunders)
No price!
KAZAGO
(astounded)
No price?
PICARD
For what purpose? What is this
all...
Picard's headache comes back, striking him hard this
time. He GROANS, surprised, presses hard on his own
temples. Troi comes to her feet, alarmed.
TROI
I felt something too, Captain.
What is it?
RIKER
Sir... ?
BOK
Perhaps it is... his conscience?
TROI
(a tigress)
Why do you say that?!
RIKER
Bridge to Sickbay...
PICARD
(overlapping)
No... no, I'm fine...
TROI
(to Picard; puzzled)
It seemed as if... as if it were...
something from your past?
PICARD
I'm all right now; I'm fine.
(to Bok; indicating
viewer)
What is this all about?
BOK
It is about the battle I
mentioned, Captain. A gift in
honor of that occasion. Look at
that ship closely.
PICARD
(to Geordi)
Enlarge please, La Forge.
On Main Viewer, the IMAGE MAGNIFIES into closer view.
Picard is mesmerized by what he is seeing -- and
recognizing. Bok is amused by this.
PICARD
It... it is the Stargazer. My old
ship, but how... where did you find
it?
BOK
It was a derelict, adrift in space
on the far side of this star
system. How it got there...
(grand gesture)
... is none of my business,
Captain. But now that vessel is
yours, if you wish to have it.
KAZAGO
(to Bok)
We are not selling it to him?
BOK
Call it an act of friendship.
RATA
At no cost!? Ugly. Very ugly!
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN;
10 EXT. SPACE - THREE VESSELS (OPTICAL)
The Ferengi, the Stargazer, and the Enterprise next to
each other.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41724.1.
Bok and his officers have returned
to their vessel, inviting us now
to officially take possession of
the Stargazer. They will stand
by while completing the
downloading of its log to us.
11 INT. SICKBAY
Picard now under the full body scanner, while a
concerned Beverly, with technician, gives him a complete
scan. Troi stands in b.g., very curious.
BEVERLY
Like before?
PICARD
Perhaps... it hit with more impact.
TROI
"Hit?"
(to Beverly)
Sorry, but anything could be
important.
BEVERLY
You say you "felt" something
yourself?
TROI
I... believe so. Like... well, a
thought...
(puzzled)
But rather... "mechanical" in
nature.
PICARD
Are you sure it wasn't one of my
thoughts? At that moment, I was
remembering being at the helm of
the Stargazer, a maneuver being
made. We were hit...
(beat; puzzled)
Something's burning... I smell
smoke!
(pushing at scanner)
Don't you smell it?
Beverly has moved in past the technician, speaks soothingly.
BEVERLY
There's nothing burning, Jean-Luc.
PICARD
Ah... no, of course. It was... the
memory I was calling up.
(finds a smile for
Beverly)
Sorry.
Riker ENTERS as Troi moves toward Picard, concerned.
TROI
Memory or... "nightmare?"
PICARD
(smiling again)
Well, it was strong, whatever it
was.
(looks up at Riker)
Ready, Number One.
RIKER
Staff's waiting if Doctor Crusher
approves.
BEVERLY
I'll do better than that -- I'll
go along.
12 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - MINIMUM CREW
Geordi at Riker's station, Worf and Wesley holding down
Conn and Ops.
WORF
But if they don't know what the
Ferengi are up to, what good is
it to sit there guessing?
WESLEY
Well... sometimes it determines
exactly what you don't know.
GEORDI
Dead on target, my friend. Would
you like to go up and listen to
them?
WESLEY
(beat)
Some day. Right now I'm happy to
be here.
13 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
CAMERA BEGINS ON Riker, who is conducting this
de-briefing. Then INCLUDES Picard, Data, Troi, and
Beverly.
PICARD
We were traveling at warp two
through the Maxia Zeta star system
when an unidentified starship
suddenly appeared and fired on
us! From close range.
RIKER
Where did it come from?
PICARD
It must've been lying in a deep
moon crater nearby. The first
attack damaged our shields, and
in the confusion it hit us a
second time.
RIKER
No clue who they were?
14 CLOSER - EMPHASIZING PICARD
seeming to become absorbed in the story.
PICARD
No name, no reason...
(looks up sharply)
Can you identify them, Vigo? Our
shields are failing; if they come
in again... ?
TROI
(interrupting)
Sir? Who's Vigo?
It seems to take Picard a moment to adjust to where he
is.
PICARD
Ah... my weapons officer on the
Stargazer.
(weak smile)
I was getting caught up in this.
RIKER
(puzzled for a moment)
Then, with your shields failing,
sir...
PICARD
I improvised. With the other ship
coming in for the kill...
(describes with his
hands)
... I ordered a sensor bearing,
and when it went into its return
arc...
DATA
... you performed what Starfleet
textbooks now call "The Picard
Maneuver."
PICARD
What any good helmsman could have
done. I dropped into high warp...
(with his hands)
... then stopped right off the
target vessel's bow...
(slaps hands together)
... and fired everything I had.
RIKER
By blowing into warp speed, you
appeared for an instant to be in
two places at once...
PICARD
And our attacker fired on the
wrong one.
RIKER
As you say, "what any good
helmsman could have done."
(smiles)
But you did it first...
PICARD
A "save our skins" maneuver. The
Stargazer was on fire, finished.
We had to abandon ship, and limp
through space in shuttlecraft for
weeks before being picked up.
(beat)
I haven't thought about it in
years...
DATA
The Ferengi are standing by for
us to take possession of the
Stargazer, sir.
PICARD
(to Riker)
I want to go over to her.
RIKER
(nods)
I understand, sir.
(smiles)
Once my people make certain she's
safe.
15 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE, FERENGI VESSEL, STARGAZER
(OPTICAL)
The past and the present.
16 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS BATTLE BRIDGE)
A BEAM OF LIGHT explores the deserted bridge. Signs
of fire still remain, blackened consoles and scorched
wall panels. It comes to rest on a wall PLAQUE, which
Data reads out loud:
DATA
USS Stargazer. Constitution
Class. Starfleet Registry NCC
2893...
Suddenly, the bridge LIGHTS are up, as Geordi strides
in.
GEORDI
I activated the emergency power
cells...
(looks around)
Amazing they still work.
Data has turned on a position viewer. Worf joins his
team members, tricorder in hand.
WORF
The rest of the ship is all clear
of surprises, Lieutenant Yar.
GEORDI
When I read about this ship at
the Academy, I never dreamed I'd
ever be on her.
TASHA
(touches insignia)
Yar to Enterprise. All clear,
sir.
17 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE
Riker's in command, Picard absent.
RIKER
Thank you, Lieutenant. Captain?
18 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM #1 (OPTICAL)
Picard, Beverly and Tasha are present on the pads.
PICARD
Yes, Commander
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Stargazer searched and secured,
sir. Give her my best.
PICARD
I will that, Number One.
(to Chief)
Energize!
And the TRANSPORTER EFFECT sends the trio OUT OF SCENE.
19 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)
as the captain and companions MATERIALIZE. Picard
stands still for a moment, a living "deja vu" in
process.
PICARD
Hello, old friend...
Data is at the Science Station monitor which he had
turned on earlier.
DATA
You'll find this intriguing,
Captain.
PICARD
What do you find, Data?
DATA
Last entry was dated seven years
ago, sir. By you...
(reading)
"We are forced to abandon our
starship. May she find her way
without us."
(looks up)
Apparently, she did.
Beverly is watching Picard carefully.
BEVERLY
How are you feeling, Captain?
PICARD
Fine, Doctor.
(to Tasha)
Lieutenant Yar, run a structural
analysis on the Stargazer for
impulse tow.
(to Data)
Data, download all computers to
the Enterprise and file...
(to all)
I'm going to my old cabin.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO 25.
20 INT. STARGAZER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS (REDRESS)
Not as much fire damage here as on the bridge. Picard
sits center, an old travel chest cracked open and
several items from it on a nearby table. He pulls out
an old framed diploma from it, inspects it.
21 CLOSE ANGLE DOWN ON OPEN TRAVEL CHEST (OPTICAL)
where taking out the diploma has REVEALED A METALLIC
SPHERE which is about a half-meter in diameter.
Suddenly it GLOWS, HUMS.
22 BACK TO SHOT
in the midst of Picard being racked with pain, which
doubles him up, GROANING.
23 EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING FERENGI STARSHIP (OPTICAL)
Menacing.
24 INT. FERENGI STARSHIP - SCIENCE ROOM (INTERCUT AS
NEEDED) (OPTICAL)
TIGHT on a silver-grey half-meter wide SPHERE identical
to the one we just saw with Picard, with a pulsating
light band around its equator. CAMERA WIDENS to include
Bok, near a large wall SCREEN - WAVY LINES move across,
as Bok works the controls.
BOK
(to himself)
Try this, "Hero of Maxia."
25 INT. STARGAZER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard again racked with pain.
PICARD
DAMNNNN!
Picard lurches, stumbling against his chest.
PICARD
(continuing)
OHHHH!
He falls atop the chest, closing it. A beat, then he
gets shakily to his feet again, disoriented.
BEVERLY (O.S.)
Captain?
Then she APPEARS at the door. He is fighting his way
back to control.
BEVERLY
Another headache, sir?!
(eyes him)
That worries me. I want you back
on the Enterprise.
PICARD
Yes, but... my things here...
BEVERLY
I'll see they're sent to your
Enterprise quarters.
26 EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
ESTABLISHING again.
27 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Kazago is seen on our starship's Main Viewer. Riker is
looking in that direction.
RIKER
Enterprise now taking possession
of Stargazer, Kazago.
KAZAGO
Permission granted, Riker.
Riker looks up, amused.
RIKER
Actually it was quite a bargain,
Kazago. I thought the Ferengi
always made a profit on things.
Kazago's VIEWER IMAGE growls a Ferengi obscenity,
DISSOLVING INTO A VIEW OF THE FERENGI VESSEL. Everyone's
at their station. Picard ENTERS.
RIKER
Set sub-warp speed for towing,
La Forge.
Picard returns to his chair in Command, as Troi watches
him, frowning as she feels something she doesn't like...
DATA
Starfleet has responded to our
request, sir. A tug will
rendezvous with us and tow the
Stargazer back to Xendi Starbase
Nine.
RIKER
Very well, Data.
(to Picard)
How was it, Captain?
PICARD
(distant)
Strange, Number One. Like
visiting the house you grew up
in, but no one's home, except the
phantoms of the past...
TROI
It has troubled you?
PICARD
Not as much as this damn headache,
Counselor. Take over, Number One.
RIKER
Aye, sir.
Picard EXITS. Riker exchanges a concerned look with
Troi.
RIKER
(continuing)
What's wrong?
TROI
I wish I could say.
28 INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard ENTERING, passes his chest and the other things
we saw in his Stargazer cabin. He goes to his bunk,
throws himself down heavily.
29 CLOSE ON PICARD
A beat as he rests, then he breathes with almost a
GROAN, and CAMERA BEGINS MOVING IN TO EXTREME CLOSE
SHOT. VOICES FADE IN; ECHOES FROM THE PAST.
VOICES (V.O.)
... shields weakening, Captain!
Torpedoes armed! Where are they?
Ohmygod, sir!
(explosive NOISES)
Fire! Fire!!
And Picard's eyes POP OPEN, an old terror returns --
but immediately the voices STOP.
30 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker waiting while Data closes the door. He offers
the nearby monitor to Riker.
RIKER
What is it, Data? Why all the
mystery?
DATA
It is the records of the Stargazer,
sir. What the Ferengi call the
"Battle of Maxia"...
(using monitor)
It seems the Captain's personal
log contains a much different
version of that conflict than the
official historic account.
Riker hardly knows how to take this, but he looks at
the monitor.
RIKER
What are you saying?
DATA
It would appear that the starship
which Captain Picard attacked,
had in fact, been under a flag
of truce...
RIKER
What?!
DATA
And apparently, the captain
destroyed the ship without notice
or provocation.
RIKER
Impossible. What about the fire
aboard the Stargazer?
DATA
An accident in Engineering.
RIKER
And the proof?
DATA
It is logged in his own voice.
Would you care to hear it?
(no answer)
Sir? Sir?
CAMERA slowly TIGHTENS on the baffled Riker, as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
31 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE, STARGAZER AND FERENGI VESSEL
(OPTICAL)
as the Enterprise tows the Stargazer by its tractor
beam.
RIKER (V.O.)
First officer's personal log,
stardate 41724.2. An unexpected
discovery made by Commander Data
in the downloaded log of the
Stargazer...
32 CLOSE ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... appears to indicate Captain
Picard was guilty of falsifying
the report he made to Starfleet
concerning the Stargazer's last
voyage.
33 INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard seems stunned by what he's hearing from his desk
computer, his own voice plays back quietly under the
scene, not to be understood.
PICARD
What does this mean?
RIKER
I don't know, sir. That sounds
like your voice.
PICARD
Don't you know it is, Number One?
RIKER
No, sir, I don't. I refuse to
believe you could have said that.
34 CLOSE ON DESK COMPUTER
from which Picard's VOICE now plays NORMAL VOLUME.
PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
... and I admit I must have
mistaken their subspace antenna
for a weapons cluster.
Unfortunately, I fired our main
phasers...
35 BACK TO SHOT
as Riker and Picard hear NORMAL VOLUME:
PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
(continuing)
... and our direct hit destroyed
the unknown vessel instantly.
Moving almost as through fatigue, Riker TURNS OFF the
desk computer.
RIKER
I recognize, of course, your voice
has been simulated somehow. I've
already put Data to work on it.
PICARD
Thank you, Will.
(shakes head)
I never made that log entry, of
course. But it still creates a
duty for you to perform.
RIKER
Yes, sir, I must report it to
Starfleet. But at this distance,
it will take at least a full day
for subspace communications to
reach there...
PICARD
... and another full day for their
answer to return. I'd like the
truth on this by then.
RIKER
Sir, you can't believe they'd
relieve you from command...
PICARD
Why shouldn't they? Better safe
than sorry with the Ferengi now
making friendship overtures.
RIKER
And it's certain that the Ferengi
are behind this faked log. No
wonder they're still out there,
waiting...
Riker trails his words at the sight of Picard now
grimacing in pain.
RIKER
(continuing)
Headache back, sir?
PICARD
Damn!
(nods)
I'll call the doctor again.
RIKER
It's no wonder you have one, with
all this going on, sir.
(moving for door)
Try to relax. I've got things in
hand.
PICARD
Once again...
Riker EXITS. Picard, obviously still in pain, turns
back to his desk computer, switches it ON. From it,
he hears:
PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
This is a confession, given by
me, Jean-Luc Picard, commanding
USS Stargazer, in the hopes that
my belated honesty will be taken
into account by Starfleet when
judging...
36 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker ENTERS on his way to the Ready Room.
RIKER
La Forge, open hailing frequencies.
GEORDI
Open, sir.
RIKER
I'll take it in the Ready Room.
(as he EXITS)
A secure channel, Geordi.
And as Riker closes the Ready Room door behind him,
Geordi complies, puzzled.
GEORDI
Secure, Commander.
37 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker's seated in Picard's chair, as he hails the
Ferengi.
RIKER
Starship Ferengi! This is
Commander Riker here. I'd like
to speak to First Officer Kazago.
A beat, and on the small Viewer in the room, Kazago
APPEARS.
KAZAGO
A problem, Riker?
RIKER
Is our channel secure on your end?
KAZAGO
(pushes o.s. button)
It is now.
RIKER
Are you aware of the details of
the Battle of Maxia?
KAZAGO
Captain Bok has just made me aware
of it, Riker. The infamy of your
Picard is now fully known.
RIKER
Infamy?!
KAZAGO
I would call the wanton
destruction of an unarmed vessel
infamy.
Riker's doubt got a new shot in the arm.
RIKER
And if I produce evidence that
Captain Picard's log entry was
falsified to indicate that... ?
KAZAGO
What else would your decadent
culture say to defend such
disgrace?! But I can hardly
imagine you contacted me to
discuss an ancient battle.
(impatient)
What do you want of me?
RIKER
Just one question.
KAZAGO
As you humans say, I'm all ears.
RIKER
First officer to first officer,
Kazago, if your Captain Bok knew
of that, why this peaceful meeting
to present us with the Stargazer?
KAZAGO
We freely give YOU back your
derelict warship and now you
accuse US of crime, Riker?!
(amazed)
I can bear NO more insults!
At that, the screen abruptly GOES BLACK, Kazago's
patience gone. Riker is as stumped as before.
38 INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM (OPTICAL)
Bok's using the sphere, the wall screen a strong pattern
of wavy lines (as in twentieth century oscilloscopes).
39 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard is now GROANING, suffering intense pain. The
door chime SOUNDS.
PICARD
Who the hell is it?!
Beverly ENTERS, as the door opens. She's carrying the
medical device which previously eliminated Picard's
pain.
BEVERLY
Not resting, Captain?
PICARD
More like dying, Doctor. What's
wrong with me?!
She puts the pain relief device on Picard again, turns
it on.
BEVERLY
I wish to hell I knew, Captain.
But something unusual has
definitely happened to you.
PICARD
Why do doctors always state the
obvious like it's a revelation?
BEVERLY
Why do captains always think
they're immortal?
(reads band)
Better now?
40 INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM - CLOSE ON BOK
(OPTICAL)
Bok makes an adjustment, and the discordant hum "tunes"
the lines to move faster.
41 INT. PICARD'S' QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
Picard has another terrible wave of pain, which doubles
him over, to Beverly's surprise.
PICARD
Aghhh! My head!
BEVERLY
(tabs it higher)
Now that has to do it right?
From Picard's reaction, we know it doesn't...
PICARD
No!
Beverly tries another device on Picard in concert -- a
"light needle" -- like a pencil with a laser beam
extension.
BEVERLY
You didn't say it's been this bad!
PICARD
It hasn't been! But it is getting
worse, Doctor...
42 INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM - CLOSE ON BOK
(OPTICAL)
Bok makes another adjustment, and the lines move slower.
43 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
Beverly seems to be getting results, as Picard responds.
BEVERLY
It has to be some kind of
emotional pressure connected with
the Stargazer...
PICARD
I got the damn headache before
I even knew my old ship still
existed...if you had to command a
starship which ferried around
Spider-Man, you’d have a headache
like this too!
(pain easing)
But maybe you're partly right...
Beverly sits next to him.
BEVERLY
Want to talk to Counselor Troi
about it?
PICARD
(pain again)
What I need now is a friend...
BEVERLY
(quietly)
I'm here.
Picard eases up to a sitting position opposite Beverly,
the subject as painful as the headache.
PICARD
(eyes CLOSE)
The Stargazer was an exploration
vessel. The fight at Maxia was
not my first action, but it was
the first time I ever killed
anyone.
BEVERLY
You had no choice...
Picard jams OPEN his eyes, the nightmare still alive
for him.
PICARD
Didn't I? I don't know
anymore... I just don't know.
BEVERLY
Commander Riker told me about the
altered log, sir. If that's
troubling you...
PICARD
(ignores her)
The last three nights, I... hear
voices. I'm standing on the
bridge, fire all around me... the
klaxons, smoke, and I give the
order...
(amazed)
And now the Stargazer is really
here!
(back to her)
And that log... Am I going crazy?
How do I know if I was in my right
mind at Maxia? How do I know if
I'm in my right mind now?
With that, Beverly quickly injects Picard with a
hypospray, and eases him back onto the bed. He doesn't
resist, as she attaches two sensor pads on his forehead.
PICARD
What was... that?
BEVERLY
Just something to let you sleep.
PICARD
(already working)
Yes... sleep... I need sl...
And Picard drifts off, thanks to medical expertise,
as Beverly lowers the lights and EXITS.
44 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as both SLOW, against the starry forever.
45 INT. ENTERPRISE - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard's back is AWAY FROM CAMERA. A beat, then a
MOAN... He shifts his leaden weight, in an unconscious
attempt to get comfortable, as CAMERA SLOWLY TIGHTENS.
Over which, reverb VOICES, muted.
VOICES (V. O.)
... shields weakening, Captain!
Torpedoes armed!
(explosion)
Where are they?
46 INT. FERENGI SHIP - SCIENCE ROOM (OPTICAL)
Bok's narrowing in on what he's looking for as he
adjusts the wavy lines again, so that they begin to
parallel each other in synch...
BOK
(to himself)
And now, dear captain, you are
ready to live the past!
47 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
Picard starts to squirm, his arm twitches, CAMERA
TIGHTENING. VOICES CONTINUE, REVERB AND MUTED.
VOICES (V.O.)
Where did they... come from?
(KLAXON)
Phasers, sir? Sir?
(blast)
SIR?
Now he convulsively turns over as muted sounds of battle
continue.
VOICES (V.O.)
(continuing)
What should we do, sir?
(radio static)
Should we fire back?
TIGHT on Picard, as his eyes suddenly OPEN... and WE
HEAR the muted CRACKLING SOUND of flames.
VOICES (V.O.)
(continuing)
Fire, Captain, FIRE!
48 INT. FERENGI VESSEL SCIENCE ROOM - ON BOK
working his device, satisfaction on his alien face.
BOK
(to himself)
You will injure yourself as once
you injured me!
49 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
CAMERA WHIP ZOOMS in on Picard's eyes as he swivels and
sits up, his face suddenly FILLING FRAME.
VOICES (V.O.)
SIR?!
As CAMERA WHIP ZOOMS BACK OUT... he RISES up to his feet,
suddenly in command again, and Picard (in his mind) is
now aboard the Stargazer.
50 WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Phantoms of Picard's Stargazer bridge crew (DOUBLE
EXPOSURE) are in Picard's quarters -- playing it as if
at battle stations. A KLAXON (muted) is sounding,
DOUBLE EXPOSURE SMOKE and FLAMES are licking at the
FRAME. Picard under fire...
PICARD
(normal volume)
Damage report!
VOICES (V.O.)
(muted)
Fusion generator under surge
control, sir!
(muted static)
Power systems failing!
PICARD
Sensor bearing on hostile ship!
VOICES (V.O.)
Seven, seven mark nineteen, sir!
Fire in Engineering...
PICARD
Ready phasers, and lock!
(MOVES ACROSS room)
Stand by for warp nine, heading
seven, seven mark twenty...
(another room position)
And ENGAGE!
The muted SOUNDS of battle INCREASE in complexity as
Picard makes his maneuver.
PICARD
Steady. NOW reverse and stop!
(goes for it)
Phasers FIRE! Torpedoes AWAY!
At that a muted EXPLOSION and SOUND of the enemy ship
breaking up o.s. fills the phantom smoked room, as
Picard chokes and stands dumb to the the CHEERS of his
phantom crew.
51 CLOSE - PICARD (OPTICAL)
CAMERA TIGHTENS on the troubled man's face, vague,
in-and-out of focus amidst the phantom flames, reacting
to the phantom fumes.
PICARD
Fire!
52 EXTREME CLOSE - PICARD
His EYES filled with horror, his face a grim mask of
unwanted, surprise victory.
PICARD
FIRE!!
As he stares blankly INTO CAMERA, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR 42.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
53 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
The smaller derelict vessel on the leash of our giant
starship. The Ferengi vessel is traveling with them
in b.g.
54 INT. READY ROOM
Riker, Data and Geordi discuss computer tampering
evidence.
DATA
By comparing the main Stargazer
computer log with Captain Picard's
personal log, I have found
"checksum" discrepancies, sir.
RIKER
What does that mean?
DATA
All information is time-coded by
entry, and the bits when totaled
produce an aggregate amount
which...
RIKER
(interrupts)
I don't want a lesson in computer
science! Bottom line?
DATA
One of these two logs is a
forgery.
GEORDI
(smiles)
Correction -- the log just found
aboard the Stargazer is a forgery.
DATA
As I said. That is one of them,
isn't it?
Picard ENTERS the Ready Room looking peaked, but
buoyant.
GEORDI
You're looking better, Captain.
PICARD
A little sleep, thanks to the
doctor, works wonders. Any report
on the logs?
DATA
Yes, sir. Whoever tampered with
your personal log was clever...
GEORDI
... but slightly clumsy. There's
no doubt it is a fabrication.
Beverly ENTERS bearing the Captain's brain scan reports.
BEVERLY
Number One, we think you should
see this brain scan graph which...
(sees Picard)
What are you doing here?!
PICARD
(amused)
I thought I was captain of this
starship, Doctor.
BEVERLY
Of course you are, but I...
PICARD
Thank you for your confirmation
of that.
(includes the others)
But now, except for Commander
Riker, I want you all back at your
stations...
(emphatic)
Is that clear?
After momentary hesitation over Picard's new gruffness,
all EXIT except Riker, Beverly and Troi.
BEVERLY
(indicates report)
I have some business concerning
your health, sir...
PICARD
(interrupting)
I mean you too, Doctor. I have
business with Riker.
Clearly, Beverly is considering arguing this. She
glances to Riker, then decides to give in.
BEVERLY
Under protest, Captain.
She EXITS and Riker turns to Picard, uncertain.
RIKER
You have orders for me, sir?
PICARD
Release the Stargazer from the
tractor beam, Number One.
RIKER
Sir?
PICARD
The tractor beam.
RIKER
Sir, are you abandoning...
PICARD
(interrupting)
No. Her inertia will carry the
Stargazer along on this heading
with us. Or did you sleep through
the Academy lecture on conserving
tractor beam power?
RIKER
No, sir. I'll release her, or
course.
Riker EXITS, leaving the troubled Picard alone with his
thoughts.
55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as the tractor beam wavers, then DISAPPEARS, the tether
gone. The Stargazer continues holding its relative
position.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR 45.
56 INT. SICKBAY
Beverly and Troi are looking at colored X-ray-like
GRAPHICS of a skull and "brain-map."
BEVERLY
Obviously, there is some thought
process disorder here but I cannot
find any physical reason for it.
(turns to Troi)
Anything?
TROI
I'm puzzled too. I keep sensing
random thoughts... but two sets
of them. As if they were his,
but intermixed with his from
another source.
During this, Wesley has ENTERED and Beverly notices him.
BEVERLY
I'm busy at the moment, Wesley...
WESLEY
I know you're busy, Mom, but when
I went back to the main sensors
in Engineering to try some more
sensitivity experiments...
BEVERLY
(interrupting)
Wes! I'll be glad to hear about
it when I'm through with...
WESLEY
(interrupting)
But, Mom, this is important!
Beverly turns back, annoyed, but Troi has picked up
something from Wesley and speaks before Beverly can.
TROI
Does it have something to do with
Captain Picard?
WESLEY
Yes, ma'am...
(indicates scans)
... if that's what you're talking
about there. I don't know
anything about brain scans but
I glanced at these when you were
studying them, Mom, and I
noticed...
(pointing at scan
graphs)
... these patterns here were like
patterns of the low-intensity
transmissions picked up from the
Ferengi ship.
(nods)
I just went back and checked and
they're exactly the same.
TROI
(beat)
What kind of transmissions?
WESLEY
I don't know. Engineering has
nothing like it on record.
TROI
(to Beverly)
Let's get to the captain...
BEVERLY
No, they might be affecting the
captain. To Riker!
The two Women EXIT fast, leaving Wesley standing there.
Then:
WESLEY
You're welcome, ladies.
(shaking his head)
Adults!
57 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker on duty along with Geordi, Data, Tasha, Worf and Brant.
turbolift arrives with Beverly and Troi ENTERING bridge
carefully; then, seeing Picard isn't present, they hurry
to Riker.
BEVERLY
The captain, Commander?
RIKER
Resting in his quarters...
(meaningfully)
... after ordering both of you
to your duty stations.
TROI
This is more important!
RIKER
(cocks an eyebrow)
Than the captain's orders?
BEVERLY
Yes, when we have reason to
believe his judgment is being
affected.
Everyone on the bridge is listening and Riker
acknowledges this with a sweeping gesture.
RIKER
Well then, why not let everyone
in on it?
TROI
It affects them too. There have
been some strange...
(to Beverly)
Did he say "low intensity... ?"
(gets a nod)
... unusual low intensity
transmissions from the Ferengi
vessel...
RIKER
Did who say?
BEVERLY
My son!
Riker takes a beat at this, then nods. Beverly exhibits
the brain scans, pointing at places there.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
... transmissions which exactly
match certain anomalies found in
the captain's brain scans.
(looks up)
Something over there is affecting
Captain Picard's thought patterns.
Riker needs only a split-beat to absorb this, then he
whirls to his computer panel.
RIKER
Computer, tell me Captain Picard's
location!
COMPUTER
Captain Picard is in Transporter
Room Three.
RIKER
What? Computer, emergency order
to Transporter Room Three...
COMPUTER
(interrupting)
New information. Captain Picard
is no longer aboard the
Enterprise.
58 EXT. SPACE - THE FERENGI VESSEL (OPTICAL)
CAMERA MOVING IN toward the alien vessel.
59 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)
as Picard MATERIALIZES, back on his flame-scarred only
command post. He walks to his captain's chair and sits.
BOK (O.S.)
Welcome back, Captain.
ANGLE WIDENS TO INCLUDE Bok, above Picard at Tactical.
PICARD
(swivels, stands)
What is happening?
BOK
(to Com)
Shields up, computer.
COMPUTER
Shields in place.
PICARD
What are you doing?
BOK
(laughs)
Collecting on an old debt...
At that, Bok lifts the silver-grey sphere up, as it
HUMS. He taps it and it RESONATES strangely.
PICARD
(throbbing pain)
AGHHH-H-H!!
60 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
All at their usual stations, minus Picard, plus Beverly.
RIKER
Stargazer! Respond, Captain!
TASHA
(checks board)
Shields up, sir. No way to beam
over help.
GEORDI
I am reading something very
strange. A low intensity beam
of intermittent pulse inside this
starship.
DATA
I have a fix on it...
(surprised)
Inside Captain Picard's quarters.
TASHA
(to Worf)
You transferred some of his
belongings from the Stargazer... ?
WORF
(nodding; to his feet)
Including a fairly heavy chest... !
RIKER
Go take a look, fast!
Worf EXITS on the run.
GEORDI
(indicating Main Viewer)
The Stargazer is powering up!
On the Main Viewer, the Stargazer brightens up. (OPTICAL)
61 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)
Bok is very pleased with Picard's suffering, as the
Ferengi puts down the silver-grey sphere and its GLOWING
and HUMMING stops. Picard's pain subsides but not his
confusion.
BOK
I have been waiting a long seven
years for this, Picard!
PICARD
I have no idea what you're talking
about...
BOK
Do you not, hu-man? Can you not
remember the crime you committed
against my very blood?
(Picard is stumped)
You murdered my only son!
PICARD
Your son?
BOK
He was the commander of the ship
you destroyed!)
(pained)
On his first voyage as DaiMon.
Picard is puzzled, confused.
PICARD
The ship... ? The... the Ferengi
ship that attacked me...
(looks around)
... or is it about to attack me?
BOK
And I have spent these years
searching... seeking... a proper
blood revenge. And I found it!
Bok lifts the sphere triumphantly, and it starts to glow
and HUM. He taps it harder than ever before, its
strange RESONANCE LOUDER, and Picard's physical anguish
knocks him to his knees.
PICARD
OHHHHH... ! OHHHHH... !
BOK
(eyeing device)
From a distant world which hu-man
evil has not yet reached. May
you never secure these! I am rich,
yet two of these cost me the
profits of an entire life.
Despite the enormous pain, Picard is struggling to his
feet now.
PICARD
You cannot... control me like...
Bok, highly amused, taps the sphere into a new level
of RESONANCE, echoed by Picard grabbing his head in near
heart-stopping agony.
BOK
Die well, Picard.
Bok steps out mid-deck, stops, and FERENGI TRANSPORTER
EFFECT SWIRLS about him and he DISAPPEARS. CAMERA WHIP
PANS, MOVES IN ON Picard who crouches, unseeing,
shuddering in pain.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE 52.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
62 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
The Ferengi vessel still in far b.g. The Stargazer,
powered, fully lit, is turning, moving away from the
Enterprise.
RIKER (V.O.)
First officer's log, stardate
41724.3. Captain Picard, without
explanation, has beamed himself
to the Stargazer which is now
moving away from us...
63 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Main Viewer showing Stargazer per previous SCENE. Riker
is at the Captain's position, and Troi, Data, Geordi,
Worf, Tasha and Brant are at theirs. Beverly sits in the
command area too, holding in her lap the strange
metallic sphere from Picard's cabin.
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... under its own power.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
RIKER
Enterprise to Stargazer, please
respond.
They wait. No answer.
RIKER
(continuing)
Enterprise to Stargazer... to
Captain Picard aboard Stargazer,
please answer.
(waits; to Data)
Mister Data, what was Stargazer's
condition?
DATA
Considerable fire damage to
interior surface as reported, sir.
But none of her main systems are
crippled.
RIKER
(hates to ask)
Armaments, Lieutenant Yar?
TASHA
Six photon torpedoes short, sir,
probably used when the Captain
destroyed his Ferengi attacker
seven years ago. Otherwise fully
armed.
Riker puzzles over this, motions to Beverly. She hands
him the strange Ferengi sphere which he examines for
a moment, then turns to Worf.
RIKER
Where in the Captain's quarters
was it, Mister Worf?
WORF
His chest from the Stargazer, sir.
Just where I had left it -- he
hadn't yet unpacked.
BEVERLY
So, he may not have even known
it was there. And if this is able
to pick up or magnify a
thought-altering transmission...
TROI
(nodding)
... it could have prepared him for
whatever's happening now.
RIKER
Let's find out... or try to.
(turning to Tasha)
Contact the Ferengi vessel,
Lieutenant.
TASHA
(touching panel)
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
Riker stands, carries the sphere to in front of the Main
Viewer, as:
RIKER
Enterprise to Ferengi vessel, we
transmit visually. Do you
respond?
The Main Viewer shifts to an ANGLE ON FERENGI VESSEL
which in turn DISSOLVES INTO A VIEW OF FIRST OFFICER
KAZAGO, who looks somewhat annoyed.
KAZAGO
Why is our gift to you under
power, hu-man?
RIKER
I'll discuss that with your
captain.
KAZAGO
He is working in our ship's
laboratory. Where is your
captain?
RIKER
(beat)
He's beamed himself aboard the
Stargazer, and I'm wondering...
(brings sphere up into
view)
... if this has anything to do with
it?
Kazago is clearly surprised at the sight of the sphere.
KAZAGO
How do you have possession of
that?
RIKER
It was found in our captain's
belongings, brought over from the
Stargazer.
Kazago now hesitates himself, his mind racing.
KAZAGO
It... is a forbidden device. A
Thought Maker. If your captain
is... criminal enough to own one...
RIKER
(interrupting)
Kazago, I ask again, first officer
to first officer... what is going
on? Something is happening that
neither of us seems to know about.
KAZAGO
(beat; hesitant)
It... is not seemly to question
one's own DaiMon, Riker. I... am
not prepared to do that...
TASHA
(overlapping; to Riker)
Sir... I have the Stargazer.
RIKER
Switch now!
Tasha tabs her controls and the IMAGE of the Ferengi
First Officer DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE OF STARGAZER BRIDGE.
(OPTICAL) It is Picard there, NOT looking into camera
but able to HEAR Riker when he speaks. Picard looks
disoriented.
RIKER
Captain Picard, this is the
Enterprise, sir...
PICARD
(not understanding)
Do not attack again! We are on
a peaceful...
Picard staggers, coughs, as if from a weapons hit and
smoke there -- which we do not see.
TROI
He's living a delusion, sir. He's
seeing things we don't...
PICARD
Give your identity! You force
us to defend ourselves!
(turning; shouting)
Phasers full up! Arm torpedoes!
Why aren't shields at full
power... ?
Picard has reached to a panel, touched a control... with
which STATIC OVERLAYS VIEWSCREEN IMAGE. (OPTICAL)
TASHA
We've lost him, sir...
The Main Viewer IMAGE now has become one of the
Stargazer on a course which will bring it back toward
the Enterprise.
GEORDI
When he put the shields up...
64 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE - FULL ON PICARD
He's in the midst of a battle, but we're not seeing what
he's seeing. He races to a control panel.
PICARD
Damn, I said...
(flicking switches)
... put fusion generators on surge
control.
(to another panel)
You're moving too slowly. Arm
the torpedoes, man!
He COUGHS, heavily, waves invisible smoke from his face,
shouting:
PICARD
(continuing)
Vigo! Get a fire control party
up here!
Picard's movement has brought him CLOSE SHOT and now,
as his eyes and expression determinedly decide what
next to do, CAMERA PUSHES IN TO EXTREME CLOSEUP.
65 PICARD AND BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The bridge now filled with the shadows from Picard's
mind. Phantom bridge crew, fire, and smoke (DOUBLE
EXPOSURE) in the midst of the Battle of Maxia. Picard
alone is real, but reacting to the phantom figures and
battle.
FIRST VOICE (V.O.)
Shields weakening, Captain!
PICARD
Weapons report!
SECOND VOICE (V.O.)
Phasers coming to full charge,
sir. Torpedoes armed!
PICARD
Who are they? Identify them!
FIRST VOICE (V.O.)
They're turning for a third pass
at us, sir!
THIRD VOICE (V.O.)
We can't take another hit,
Captain!
66 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Our regulars watching IMAGE of Stargazer on Main Viewer
as it turns toward them.
TROI
I can now feel anger from our
captain, first officer.
Frustration over whatever he
is re-living...
GEORDI
The Battle of Maxia, sir! That's
all it can be.
RIKER
Mister Data?
BEVERLY
What is that "maneuver" he became
famous for... ?
RIKER
(overlapping)
The Picard Maneuver!
(whirling)
Mister Data, what is the defense
against that?
DATA
There is no defense, sir.
RIKER
Then devise one! Fast!
Data reacts to this impossible demand, then is suddenly
busy. Main Viewer IMAGE SHIMMERS, DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE
OF KAZAGO ON THE FERENGI BRIDGE.
KAZAGO
First Officer Kazago to hu-man
Riker.
RIKER
Not now, Kazago!
KAZAGO
We do not wish to become involved
in what has become clearly a
Federation matter...
RIKER
Fine, fine, Enterprise out!
KAZAGO
But you should also know that
DaiMon Bok no longer commands this
vessel, Riker. His first officer
has confined him for engaging in
this unprofitable adventure.
(nods)
Good luck, First Officer Riker.
The Main Viewer again DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE OF THE
STARGAZER which is now heading directly for the
Enterprise.
DATA
I have computed a possibility,
Commander. Since even deep space
contains trace gases, sir, a
vessel in the Picard maneuver
might seem to disappear, but our
sensors could locate any sudden
compression of those gases...
RIKER
(hurried)
And use it as an aiming point?
Blast our own captain to bits?
DATA
Aim our tractor beam at it, sir!
Seize it! This class starship has
enough power for that.
RIKER
(fast)
In our captain's words... make
it so! Set sensors, tractor
beam...
(waiting)
I hope you're right, Data...
DATA
No question of it, sir...
Riker throws him an annoyed look.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE 59.
67 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as suddenly the Stargazer goes into a WARP BLUR.
68 INT. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Here she comes!
RIKER
Stand by!
On the Main Viewer, the Stargazer is suddenly two places
at once, as it unexpectedly appears right off the bow,
to the upper left side...
RIKER
Lock on tractor beam!
And the Enterprise shoots out its mighty force-beam
tether again, entrapping the smaller Stargazer. The
Stargazer struggles to pull free -- it FIRES a salvo
that rocks against the Enterprise shields, hard.
69 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The Viewer shows the Enterprise, but Picard doesn't yet
"see" it... and he's quite alone on his bridge, his
delusion slipping. The smoke, flames and voices are
gone.
PICARD
Ready phasers!
RIKER (V.O.)
Captain Picard, listen to me!
PICARD
Is that you, Vigo?
RIKER (V.O.)
It's Commander Riker, sir!
The Viewer switches to a FULL SHOT of Riker. Picard
is momentarily distracted by the new image.
RIKER
(continuing)
Captain, hear me! Look around
you, the Ferengi are using a
thought device on you...
PICARD
Stand by for warp...
(inner conflict)
Who are you?!
RIKER
It's Riker, sir. Your Number One.
Look for a silver sphere...
Picard struggles against his inner directive, as he
angles and sees the SPHERE behind him, glowing and
HUMMING.
RIKER
(continuing; sees it
too)
There it is! Destroy it with
your phaser, Captain!
PICARD
Phaser...
(glances back)
Yes, a sphere... Bok used it...
RIKER
Destory it!
PICARD
(fumbles in pocket)
Phaser... destroy the sphere.
And Picard manages to remove his phaser, and in a quick
beat, BLASTS the Ferengi brain machine to bits. Picard
staggers, weakened.
RIKER
Captain! Are you all right?
Picard feebly touches his insignia.
PICARD
Enterprise, lock on. Beam me
home, Riker.
As the familiar TRANSPORTER EFFECT DE-MATERIALIZES
Picard.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE 61.
70 EXT. ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as the smaller vessel, back on its tether, is towed off.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND FERENGI VESSEL (OPTICAL)
as the two starships cruise through space together.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41723.9.
In response to a Starfleet order
we are in the Xendi Sabu star
system having rendezvoused with
a Ferengi vessel which has
requested a meeting. Although...
2 CLOSER ON STARFLEET AND FERENGI VESSELS (OPTICAL)
emphasizing the difference between the two.
PICARD (V.O.)
(continuing)
... we arrived here and made
appropriate signals to the Ferengi
three days ago, they have so far
responded only with the message:
"Stand by, Enterprise."
3 INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
PICARD at his desk, star charts on a nearby monitor.
He's in some physical discomfort, presses his knuckles
to his temple, GROANS. We HEAR a CHIME from his door.
PICARD
Come!
The door opens; BEVERLY ENTERS. She carries a medical
kit.
BEVERLY
You called for me?
PICARD
Yes, Doctor. I've been feeling...
odd, lately. Fatigued. And now
I've got a headache.
Unslinging her medical kit, Beverly looks up, surprised.
BEVERLY
A what?
PICARD
Certainly you know what a
"headache" is, Doctor.
Beverly is already beginning to move a medical tricorder
sensor over Picard's head. WE HEAR it FAINTLY BEEPING
as she checks readings she is getting.
BEVERLY
Of course. But I don't often
encounter one.
She makes an adjustment on the tricorder, gets HUM SOUND
as she takes another kind of reading.
PICARD
The reason for it seems fairly
obvious. What are these Ferengi
up to? "Stand by, Enterprise."
Stand by for what?
BEVERLY
I can't find a thing wrong.
PICARD
I can't either. But they could
be baiting some kind of trap...
BEVERLY
With your head. I see nothing
physically wrong, but I want to
run additional scans in Sickbay.
PICARD
Doctor, all I've got is...
BEVERLY
(interrupting)
... is an order to report to
Sickbay.
(friendly smile)
From the one person aboard who can
give you an order.
Picard hesitates, then smiles and nods, starts to rise.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain from first officer.
They're finally sending a message.
Picard comes fully to his feet, touching his insignia.
PICARD
On my way, Number One.
(CROSSING to door)
Sorry, Doctor. Duty calls.
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
RIKER, TROI, DATA, GEORDI, TASHA, WORF and BRANT are at their
usual stations. Picard ENTERS JOINING Riker at the
Command Area. The Main Viewer displays the Ferengi
vessel.
RIKER
They're prepared to talk, sir.
PICARD
Have they given any hint what
they've been waiting for?
TASHA
Negative on that, Captain. But
they have identified their Captain
as "Bok," DaiMon Bok.
TROI
If it's Bok I'm sensing, he seems
anxious to meet you, sir.
PICARD
Me? Why me? I've never heard
of him.
GEORDI
You'll be able to see him now,
sir. They're willing to
communicate on visual.
DATA
A reminder of something we learned
the only other time we dealt with
Ferengi, sir -- their hearing is
very sensitive.
WORF
(nods)
Yes, they could pick up even a
whisper being transmitted.
PICARD
Consider ourselves reminded.
(to Tasha)
Open hailing frequencies.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
PICARD
Ferengi vessel! This is Captain
Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise.
We are transmitting visually.
A beat, then the Main Viewer DISSOLVES INTO a FULL FRAME
HEAD SHOT of DAIMON BOK, brightly lit, distorted. He's
smoothly patronizing, clipped in speech, and arrogant.
(OPTICAL)
BOK
Is this THE Captain Picard?
PICARD
Do we know each other?
BOK
I know you, Picard.
PICARD
I'm afraid you have the advantage.
Is this... Bok?
BOK
I am Bok, DaiMon of the Ferengi.
I have asked you here to discuss
a mutual problem, Captain.
PICARD
What problem is that, DaiMon Bok?
BOK
I insist on speaking of that
matter in person. Shall we meet
on your vessel or mine?
Troi signals Tasha who touches her panel.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies closed.
TROI
Captain, I sense considerable
deception on Bok's part. And
danger!
RIKER
Then definitely, sir, you should
meet with him here. Keep him
under our control.
Picard nods, turns and signals to Tasha who touches her
panel again.
TASHA
Now open, sir.
PICARD
(toward Viewscreen)
I appreciate your offer, DaiMon
Bok, and ask you to be our guests.
BOK
(smiles)
As you wish, Picard. Perhaps this
will begin a new era of
cooperation for both our peoples.
In one Earth hour, then?
Everyone on the bridge is stunned by the unexpected
concession.
PICARD
One hour, Bok. End transmission.
The viewer CLEARS BACK to the Ferengi ship. The
Enterprise bridge crew reacts.
WORF
I can't believe they're coming
here!
PICARD
(turns to Troi)
They agreed a bit too easily.
Troi nods.
PICARD
(continuing; nods back)
Then, in one hour we'll know why.
FADE OUT.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 INT. SICKBAY
Beverly is using twenty-fourth century diagnostic tools to
examine the prone Captain.
PICARD
Are you accustomed to always
getting your way, Doctor?
BEVERLY
(nods)
When my way makes sense, Captain.
There are still forty minutes
before the Ferengi beam over; I'll
have these scans done in ten.
PICARD
A lot of effort for something as
simple as a headache.
BEVERLY
"As simple?" It is my job to know
your condition intimately. You
should not have a headache unless
something is wrong.
She is clearly puzzled over finding nothing. She makes
a new setting on the scanner.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
It may be true that headaches were
once quite common... but this was
in the days before the brain was
charted...
(very puzzled; a new
setting)
... before we understood the nature
of pain... when we were suffering
from such things as the common
cold.
She swings the "scanner" away from Picard. He half
rises.
PICARD
And so why do I have a headache,
Doctor?
BEVERLY
I haven't the slightest damned
idea!
She picks up a tiny device, turns it on and WE HEAR a
light HUM from it.
PICARD
What's that?
She presses it against his forehead. The light HUM
becomes SHRILLER.
BEVERLY
Something doctors use when they
feel foolish over being proven
wrong.
(takes device away)
Feel better?
PICARD
(surprised)
The pain's gone.
She turns the device OFF, puts it aside.
BEVERLY
Medical fakery -- the pain's
actually still there, just
cloaked. I'll want further exams
when this Ferengi matter is
settled.
6 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Riker, Troi, Data, Geordi, Tasha, Worf and BRANT on duty as
WESLEY ARRIVES by turbolift, hurriedly addresses Riker:
WESLEY
Sir! You'll soon be getting an
intruder alert!
RIKER
What? Wesley, if you've something
to report...
But Wesley has hurried toward Geordi, interrupting:
WESLEY
(to Geordi)
If you'll scan heading four-four
mark one-six-three, Lieutenant,
you'll find...
INTRUDER ALERT SIGNAL sounds, Tasha reacting, turning
to Riker:
TASHA
Intruder alert, sir...
GEORDI
(reading his panel)
I've got something, sir... very
distant.
Turbolift opens TO BRING Picard onto the bridge,
unnoticed by most as Tasha silences the ALERT and Wesley
turns to Riker.
WESLEY
It's an old style starship,
Constitution Class, heading this
way under impulse power, sir.
RIKER
Says who?
Picard moves in to Command Area. Conversation DIES as
he takes his seat there.
PICARD
Carry on.
(to Wesley)
Answer the first officer's
question.
WESLEY
Uh... says the long distance
sensors, sir. I was in
Engineering, playing around with
boosting sensor output...
DATA
(interrupting; smiling)
Very interesting. Boosting it
how?
(seeing Picard's look;
to Wesley)
We will discuss it later.
GEORDI
(interrupting)
I read it now, sir, as... a
Constitution Class starship...
coming this way under impulse
power.
Exactly as Wesley described it minutes before. Picard
suddenly grimaces, a wave of pain catching him by
surprise and he has to suppress a surprised GROAN and
finds it necessary to again press a knuckle against his
forehead for a moment.
RIKER
Sir? What's wrong?
PICARD
(fighting it off)
Nothing, just... a mild headache.
(to Wesley)
The correct procedure, Ensign,
would have been to signal your
finding to the bridge immediately.
WESLEY
Yes, sir.
RIKER
Bringing it here personally...
(indicates Main Viewer)
... perhaps with the idea of being
on hand for the Ferengi beam
over... might have imperiled our
ship had something hostile been
approaching.
Wesley has thrown Picard a nervous look at Riker's guess
that the Ferengi beam over was his motive.
WESLEY
Yes, sir.
WORF
We are receiving no signal at all
from the approaching starship,
sir.
DATA
(to Picard)
Time, sir.
PICARD
Time? Oh, for the Ferengi to beam
over.
(to Riker)
Do you see any problems connected
with this old starship coming in?
RIKER
Suggest we'll be safer, sir, with
the Ferengi over here whatever
is happening.
PICARD
Concur.
(to bridge)
Stand by!
(to Tasha)
Let's bring them on visually.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
7 ANOTHER ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Enterprise to Ferengi vessel.
We are standing by to receive you.
The Ferengi vessel IMAGE on Main Viewer DISSOLVES INTO
IMAGE OF BOK, being joined by KAZAGO, First Officer,
and RATA, Second Officer.
BOK
Ready to transfer ourselves over,
my dear Captain Picard.
PICARD
Question... where shall we receive
you?
BOK
On your own bridge, of course.
Ferengi efficiency!
With a FERENGI LIGHT SWIRL BEAMING EFFECT, the three
Ferengi figures FADE OUT OF SIGHT. The Main Viewer
IMAGE DISSOLVES TO THE FERENGI SHIP IMAGE AGAIN.
8 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as the Enterprise bridge crew waits, but nothing happens
for awhile. Finally:
PICARD
Data? What do you read?
DATA
Nothing, sir.
WESLEY
It could take a few moments,
Captain. If they build up their
beaming energy through capacitors
as seems likely...
Then, FERENGI BEAMING EFFECT STARTS WITH SOUND --
FOLLOWED BY THE KIND OF LIGHT SWIRL WE JUST SAW ON THEIR
SHIP. It solidifies into BOK, KAZAGO, and RATA.
PICARD
We welcome you in peace to the
Enterprise, DaiMon Bok.
BOK
(ingratiating)
It is our pleasure, Captain
Picard. Might I introduce my
first officer, Kazago, and my
second, Rata?
PICARD
(nods to acknowledge)
This is my first officer,
Commander Riker...
(Bok nods)
And Counselor Troi. Second
Officer Data; Lieutenant La Forge;
security officers, Lieutenant Yar
and Lieutenant Worf; Ensign
Crusher.
Bok has squinted hard at Troi and Tasha
BOK
Yes, we have heard you use
females...
(standing somewhat on tiptoe to see Brant,
who is a cadet and thus was not introduced)
Clothed females. Most
interesting.
RIKER
(smiles)
They are that, sir.
Kazago now turns to scrutinize Data.
KAZAGO
And the android was mentioned too.
(to Picard)
What is its price? We should like
to purchase it.
PICARD
It... he is not for sale.
Commander Data is...is...
Made uncomfortable by this, Picard seeks the right
words. Riker fills in:
RIKER
You wouldn't want him, Kazago.
He's second-hand merchandise.
DATA
(rises)
Second-hand, sir?
(then sees Riker's
smile)
Oh, of course! A human joke...
TASHA
Excuse, Captain, but the
unidentified starship is
continuing in, still no signal
at all...
BOK
Think nothing of it.. It is under
our control.
PICARD
(alert)
One of our starships under your
control?
BOK
(smiling)
Do not be alarmed. It is a gift
from us.
(slight bow to Picard)
With which we honor the "Hero of
Maxia."
PICARD
Who?
BOK
(abrupt)
Why you, Picard, of course! Don't
you remember the Battle of Maxia?
PICARD
I'm sorry, I'm afraid I do not.
Data?
As the android searches his own memory, Bok is visibly
disturbed at Picard's lack of memory.
DATA
Captain, he may refer to an
incident which occurred seven
years ago in the Maxia Zeta star
system, where an unidentified
starship...
BOK
(angry)
Unidentified?! That fine vessel
was Ferengi!
DATA
(to Picard)
Which you destroyed, sir.
PICARD
(turns to Bok)
My sincere regrets, Bok, but that
ship did not identify itself.
It simply attacked; we defended
ourselves...
BOK
(beat)
Such mistakes happen in space.
DATA
(to Picard)
Hardly a "mistake," sir. Your
report showed it deliberately
attacked...
Picard is signaling Data to forget it:
TASHA
(interrupting)
Do you want the arriving vessel
on Main Viewer, sir? It is only
a thousand kilometers away now...
BOK
Put it on your viewer.
PICARD
(nods to Tasha)
Main Viewer.
9 ANOTHER ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
on which an IMAGE of an approaching Constitution Class
starship WILL APPEAR.
KAZAGO
We have set its controls to
automatically take station in
space next to your Enterprise.
BOK
(to Picard)
There is no one aboard it.
RATA
(to Picard)
When, with your permission, its
log will be downloaded into this
ship's records.
(smiles)
At a price...
BOK
(thunders)
No price!
KAZAGO
(astounded)
No price?
PICARD
For what purpose? What is this
all...
Picard's headache comes back, striking him hard this
time. He GROANS, surprised, presses hard on his own
temples. Troi comes to her feet, alarmed.
TROI
I felt something too, Captain.
What is it?
RIKER
Sir... ?
BOK
Perhaps it is... his conscience?
TROI
(a tigress)
Why do you say that?!
RIKER
Bridge to Sickbay...
PICARD
(overlapping)
No... no, I'm fine...
TROI
(to Picard; puzzled)
It seemed as if... as if it were...
something from your past?
PICARD
I'm all right now; I'm fine.
(to Bok; indicating
viewer)
What is this all about?
BOK
It is about the battle I
mentioned, Captain. A gift in
honor of that occasion. Look at
that ship closely.
PICARD
(to Geordi)
Enlarge please, La Forge.
On Main Viewer, the IMAGE MAGNIFIES into closer view.
Picard is mesmerized by what he is seeing -- and
recognizing. Bok is amused by this.
PICARD
It... it is the Stargazer. My old
ship, but how... where did you find
it?
BOK
It was a derelict, adrift in space
on the far side of this star
system. How it got there...
(grand gesture)
... is none of my business,
Captain. But now that vessel is
yours, if you wish to have it.
KAZAGO
(to Bok)
We are not selling it to him?
BOK
Call it an act of friendship.
RATA
At no cost!? Ugly. Very ugly!
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN;
10 EXT. SPACE - THREE VESSELS (OPTICAL)
The Ferengi, the Stargazer, and the Enterprise next to
each other.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41724.1.
Bok and his officers have returned
to their vessel, inviting us now
to officially take possession of
the Stargazer. They will stand
by while completing the
downloading of its log to us.
11 INT. SICKBAY
Picard now under the full body scanner, while a
concerned Beverly, with technician, gives him a complete
scan. Troi stands in b.g., very curious.
BEVERLY
Like before?
PICARD
Perhaps... it hit with more impact.
TROI
"Hit?"
(to Beverly)
Sorry, but anything could be
important.
BEVERLY
You say you "felt" something
yourself?
TROI
I... believe so. Like... well, a
thought...
(puzzled)
But rather... "mechanical" in
nature.
PICARD
Are you sure it wasn't one of my
thoughts? At that moment, I was
remembering being at the helm of
the Stargazer, a maneuver being
made. We were hit...
(beat; puzzled)
Something's burning... I smell
smoke!
(pushing at scanner)
Don't you smell it?
Beverly has moved in past the technician, speaks soothingly.
BEVERLY
There's nothing burning, Jean-Luc.
PICARD
Ah... no, of course. It was... the
memory I was calling up.
(finds a smile for
Beverly)
Sorry.
Riker ENTERS as Troi moves toward Picard, concerned.
TROI
Memory or... "nightmare?"
PICARD
(smiling again)
Well, it was strong, whatever it
was.
(looks up at Riker)
Ready, Number One.
RIKER
Staff's waiting if Doctor Crusher
approves.
BEVERLY
I'll do better than that -- I'll
go along.
12 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - MINIMUM CREW
Geordi at Riker's station, Worf and Wesley holding down
Conn and Ops.
WORF
But if they don't know what the
Ferengi are up to, what good is
it to sit there guessing?
WESLEY
Well... sometimes it determines
exactly what you don't know.
GEORDI
Dead on target, my friend. Would
you like to go up and listen to
them?
WESLEY
(beat)
Some day. Right now I'm happy to
be here.
13 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM
CAMERA BEGINS ON Riker, who is conducting this
de-briefing. Then INCLUDES Picard, Data, Troi, and
Beverly.
PICARD
We were traveling at warp two
through the Maxia Zeta star system
when an unidentified starship
suddenly appeared and fired on
us! From close range.
RIKER
Where did it come from?
PICARD
It must've been lying in a deep
moon crater nearby. The first
attack damaged our shields, and
in the confusion it hit us a
second time.
RIKER
No clue who they were?
14 CLOSER - EMPHASIZING PICARD
seeming to become absorbed in the story.
PICARD
No name, no reason...
(looks up sharply)
Can you identify them, Vigo? Our
shields are failing; if they come
in again... ?
TROI
(interrupting)
Sir? Who's Vigo?
It seems to take Picard a moment to adjust to where he
is.
PICARD
Ah... my weapons officer on the
Stargazer.
(weak smile)
I was getting caught up in this.
RIKER
(puzzled for a moment)
Then, with your shields failing,
sir...
PICARD
I improvised. With the other ship
coming in for the kill...
(describes with his
hands)
... I ordered a sensor bearing,
and when it went into its return
arc...
DATA
... you performed what Starfleet
textbooks now call "The Picard
Maneuver."
PICARD
What any good helmsman could have
done. I dropped into high warp...
(with his hands)
... then stopped right off the
target vessel's bow...
(slaps hands together)
... and fired everything I had.
RIKER
By blowing into warp speed, you
appeared for an instant to be in
two places at once...
PICARD
And our attacker fired on the
wrong one.
RIKER
As you say, "what any good
helmsman could have done."
(smiles)
But you did it first...
PICARD
A "save our skins" maneuver. The
Stargazer was on fire, finished.
We had to abandon ship, and limp
through space in shuttlecraft for
weeks before being picked up.
(beat)
I haven't thought about it in
years...
DATA
The Ferengi are standing by for
us to take possession of the
Stargazer, sir.
PICARD
(to Riker)
I want to go over to her.
RIKER
(nods)
I understand, sir.
(smiles)
Once my people make certain she's
safe.
15 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE, FERENGI VESSEL, STARGAZER
(OPTICAL)
The past and the present.
16 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS BATTLE BRIDGE)
A BEAM OF LIGHT explores the deserted bridge. Signs
of fire still remain, blackened consoles and scorched
wall panels. It comes to rest on a wall PLAQUE, which
Data reads out loud:
DATA
USS Stargazer. Constitution
Class. Starfleet Registry NCC
2893...
Suddenly, the bridge LIGHTS are up, as Geordi strides
in.
GEORDI
I activated the emergency power
cells...
(looks around)
Amazing they still work.
Data has turned on a position viewer. Worf joins his
team members, tricorder in hand.
WORF
The rest of the ship is all clear
of surprises, Lieutenant Yar.
GEORDI
When I read about this ship at
the Academy, I never dreamed I'd
ever be on her.
TASHA
(touches insignia)
Yar to Enterprise. All clear,
sir.
17 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE
Riker's in command, Picard absent.
RIKER
Thank you, Lieutenant. Captain?
18 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM #1 (OPTICAL)
Picard, Beverly and Tasha are present on the pads.
PICARD
Yes, Commander
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Stargazer searched and secured,
sir. Give her my best.
PICARD
I will that, Number One.
(to Chief)
Energize!
And the TRANSPORTER EFFECT sends the trio OUT OF SCENE.
19 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)
as the captain and companions MATERIALIZE. Picard
stands still for a moment, a living "deja vu" in
process.
PICARD
Hello, old friend...
Data is at the Science Station monitor which he had
turned on earlier.
DATA
You'll find this intriguing,
Captain.
PICARD
What do you find, Data?
DATA
Last entry was dated seven years
ago, sir. By you...
(reading)
"We are forced to abandon our
starship. May she find her way
without us."
(looks up)
Apparently, she did.
Beverly is watching Picard carefully.
BEVERLY
How are you feeling, Captain?
PICARD
Fine, Doctor.
(to Tasha)
Lieutenant Yar, run a structural
analysis on the Stargazer for
impulse tow.
(to Data)
Data, download all computers to
the Enterprise and file...
(to all)
I'm going to my old cabin.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO 25.
20 INT. STARGAZER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS (REDRESS)
Not as much fire damage here as on the bridge. Picard
sits center, an old travel chest cracked open and
several items from it on a nearby table. He pulls out
an old framed diploma from it, inspects it.
21 CLOSE ANGLE DOWN ON OPEN TRAVEL CHEST (OPTICAL)
where taking out the diploma has REVEALED A METALLIC
SPHERE which is about a half-meter in diameter.
Suddenly it GLOWS, HUMS.
22 BACK TO SHOT
in the midst of Picard being racked with pain, which
doubles him up, GROANING.
23 EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING FERENGI STARSHIP (OPTICAL)
Menacing.
24 INT. FERENGI STARSHIP - SCIENCE ROOM (INTERCUT AS
NEEDED) (OPTICAL)
TIGHT on a silver-grey half-meter wide SPHERE identical
to the one we just saw with Picard, with a pulsating
light band around its equator. CAMERA WIDENS to include
Bok, near a large wall SCREEN - WAVY LINES move across,
as Bok works the controls.
BOK
(to himself)
Try this, "Hero of Maxia."
25 INT. STARGAZER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard again racked with pain.
PICARD
DAMNNNN!
Picard lurches, stumbling against his chest.
PICARD
(continuing)
OHHHH!
He falls atop the chest, closing it. A beat, then he
gets shakily to his feet again, disoriented.
BEVERLY (O.S.)
Captain?
Then she APPEARS at the door. He is fighting his way
back to control.
BEVERLY
Another headache, sir?!
(eyes him)
That worries me. I want you back
on the Enterprise.
PICARD
Yes, but... my things here...
BEVERLY
I'll see they're sent to your
Enterprise quarters.
26 EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
ESTABLISHING again.
27 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Kazago is seen on our starship's Main Viewer. Riker is
looking in that direction.
RIKER
Enterprise now taking possession
of Stargazer, Kazago.
KAZAGO
Permission granted, Riker.
Riker looks up, amused.
RIKER
Actually it was quite a bargain,
Kazago. I thought the Ferengi
always made a profit on things.
Kazago's VIEWER IMAGE growls a Ferengi obscenity,
DISSOLVING INTO A VIEW OF THE FERENGI VESSEL. Everyone's
at their station. Picard ENTERS.
RIKER
Set sub-warp speed for towing,
La Forge.
Picard returns to his chair in Command, as Troi watches
him, frowning as she feels something she doesn't like...
DATA
Starfleet has responded to our
request, sir. A tug will
rendezvous with us and tow the
Stargazer back to Xendi Starbase
Nine.
RIKER
Very well, Data.
(to Picard)
How was it, Captain?
PICARD
(distant)
Strange, Number One. Like
visiting the house you grew up
in, but no one's home, except the
phantoms of the past...
TROI
It has troubled you?
PICARD
Not as much as this damn headache,
Counselor. Take over, Number One.
RIKER
Aye, sir.
Picard EXITS. Riker exchanges a concerned look with
Troi.
RIKER
(continuing)
What's wrong?
TROI
I wish I could say.
28 INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard ENTERING, passes his chest and the other things
we saw in his Stargazer cabin. He goes to his bunk,
throws himself down heavily.
29 CLOSE ON PICARD
A beat as he rests, then he breathes with almost a
GROAN, and CAMERA BEGINS MOVING IN TO EXTREME CLOSE
SHOT. VOICES FADE IN; ECHOES FROM THE PAST.
VOICES (V.O.)
... shields weakening, Captain!
Torpedoes armed! Where are they?
Ohmygod, sir!
(explosive NOISES)
Fire! Fire!!
And Picard's eyes POP OPEN, an old terror returns --
but immediately the voices STOP.
30 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker waiting while Data closes the door. He offers
the nearby monitor to Riker.
RIKER
What is it, Data? Why all the
mystery?
DATA
It is the records of the Stargazer,
sir. What the Ferengi call the
"Battle of Maxia"...
(using monitor)
It seems the Captain's personal
log contains a much different
version of that conflict than the
official historic account.
Riker hardly knows how to take this, but he looks at
the monitor.
RIKER
What are you saying?
DATA
It would appear that the starship
which Captain Picard attacked,
had in fact, been under a flag
of truce...
RIKER
What?!
DATA
And apparently, the captain
destroyed the ship without notice
or provocation.
RIKER
Impossible. What about the fire
aboard the Stargazer?
DATA
An accident in Engineering.
RIKER
And the proof?
DATA
It is logged in his own voice.
Would you care to hear it?
(no answer)
Sir? Sir?
CAMERA slowly TIGHTENS on the baffled Riker, as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
31 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE, STARGAZER AND FERENGI VESSEL
(OPTICAL)
as the Enterprise tows the Stargazer by its tractor
beam.
RIKER (V.O.)
First officer's personal log,
stardate 41724.2. An unexpected
discovery made by Commander Data
in the downloaded log of the
Stargazer...
32 CLOSE ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... appears to indicate Captain
Picard was guilty of falsifying
the report he made to Starfleet
concerning the Stargazer's last
voyage.
33 INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard seems stunned by what he's hearing from his desk
computer, his own voice plays back quietly under the
scene, not to be understood.
PICARD
What does this mean?
RIKER
I don't know, sir. That sounds
like your voice.
PICARD
Don't you know it is, Number One?
RIKER
No, sir, I don't. I refuse to
believe you could have said that.
34 CLOSE ON DESK COMPUTER
from which Picard's VOICE now plays NORMAL VOLUME.
PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
... and I admit I must have
mistaken their subspace antenna
for a weapons cluster.
Unfortunately, I fired our main
phasers...
35 BACK TO SHOT
as Riker and Picard hear NORMAL VOLUME:
PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
(continuing)
... and our direct hit destroyed
the unknown vessel instantly.
Moving almost as through fatigue, Riker TURNS OFF the
desk computer.
RIKER
I recognize, of course, your voice
has been simulated somehow. I've
already put Data to work on it.
PICARD
Thank you, Will.
(shakes head)
I never made that log entry, of
course. But it still creates a
duty for you to perform.
RIKER
Yes, sir, I must report it to
Starfleet. But at this distance,
it will take at least a full day
for subspace communications to
reach there...
PICARD
... and another full day for their
answer to return. I'd like the
truth on this by then.
RIKER
Sir, you can't believe they'd
relieve you from command...
PICARD
Why shouldn't they? Better safe
than sorry with the Ferengi now
making friendship overtures.
RIKER
And it's certain that the Ferengi
are behind this faked log. No
wonder they're still out there,
waiting...
Riker trails his words at the sight of Picard now
grimacing in pain.
RIKER
(continuing)
Headache back, sir?
PICARD
Damn!
(nods)
I'll call the doctor again.
RIKER
It's no wonder you have one, with
all this going on, sir.
(moving for door)
Try to relax. I've got things in
hand.
PICARD
Once again...
Riker EXITS. Picard, obviously still in pain, turns
back to his desk computer, switches it ON. From it,
he hears:
PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
This is a confession, given by
me, Jean-Luc Picard, commanding
USS Stargazer, in the hopes that
my belated honesty will be taken
into account by Starfleet when
judging...
36 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker ENTERS on his way to the Ready Room.
RIKER
La Forge, open hailing frequencies.
GEORDI
Open, sir.
RIKER
I'll take it in the Ready Room.
(as he EXITS)
A secure channel, Geordi.
And as Riker closes the Ready Room door behind him,
Geordi complies, puzzled.
GEORDI
Secure, Commander.
37 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Riker's seated in Picard's chair, as he hails the
Ferengi.
RIKER
Starship Ferengi! This is
Commander Riker here. I'd like
to speak to First Officer Kazago.
A beat, and on the small Viewer in the room, Kazago
APPEARS.
KAZAGO
A problem, Riker?
RIKER
Is our channel secure on your end?
KAZAGO
(pushes o.s. button)
It is now.
RIKER
Are you aware of the details of
the Battle of Maxia?
KAZAGO
Captain Bok has just made me aware
of it, Riker. The infamy of your
Picard is now fully known.
RIKER
Infamy?!
KAZAGO
I would call the wanton
destruction of an unarmed vessel
infamy.
Riker's doubt got a new shot in the arm.
RIKER
And if I produce evidence that
Captain Picard's log entry was
falsified to indicate that... ?
KAZAGO
What else would your decadent
culture say to defend such
disgrace?! But I can hardly
imagine you contacted me to
discuss an ancient battle.
(impatient)
What do you want of me?
RIKER
Just one question.
KAZAGO
As you humans say, I'm all ears.
RIKER
First officer to first officer,
Kazago, if your Captain Bok knew
of that, why this peaceful meeting
to present us with the Stargazer?
KAZAGO
We freely give YOU back your
derelict warship and now you
accuse US of crime, Riker?!
(amazed)
I can bear NO more insults!
At that, the screen abruptly GOES BLACK, Kazago's
patience gone. Riker is as stumped as before.
38 INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM (OPTICAL)
Bok's using the sphere, the wall screen a strong pattern
of wavy lines (as in twentieth century oscilloscopes).
39 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard is now GROANING, suffering intense pain. The
door chime SOUNDS.
PICARD
Who the hell is it?!
Beverly ENTERS, as the door opens. She's carrying the
medical device which previously eliminated Picard's
pain.
BEVERLY
Not resting, Captain?
PICARD
More like dying, Doctor. What's
wrong with me?!
She puts the pain relief device on Picard again, turns
it on.
BEVERLY
I wish to hell I knew, Captain.
But something unusual has
definitely happened to you.
PICARD
Why do doctors always state the
obvious like it's a revelation?
BEVERLY
Why do captains always think
they're immortal?
(reads band)
Better now?
40 INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM - CLOSE ON BOK
(OPTICAL)
Bok makes an adjustment, and the discordant hum "tunes"
the lines to move faster.
41 INT. PICARD'S' QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
Picard has another terrible wave of pain, which doubles
him over, to Beverly's surprise.
PICARD
Aghhh! My head!
BEVERLY
(tabs it higher)
Now that has to do it right?
From Picard's reaction, we know it doesn't...
PICARD
No!
Beverly tries another device on Picard in concert -- a
"light needle" -- like a pencil with a laser beam
extension.
BEVERLY
You didn't say it's been this bad!
PICARD
It hasn't been! But it is getting
worse, Doctor...
42 INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM - CLOSE ON BOK
(OPTICAL)
Bok makes another adjustment, and the lines move slower.
43 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
Beverly seems to be getting results, as Picard responds.
BEVERLY
It has to be some kind of
emotional pressure connected with
the Stargazer...
PICARD
I got the damn headache before
I even knew my old ship still
existed...if you had to command a
starship which ferried around
Spider-Man, you’d have a headache
like this too!
(pain easing)
But maybe you're partly right...
Beverly sits next to him.
BEVERLY
Want to talk to Counselor Troi
about it?
PICARD
(pain again)
What I need now is a friend...
BEVERLY
(quietly)
I'm here.
Picard eases up to a sitting position opposite Beverly,
the subject as painful as the headache.
PICARD
(eyes CLOSE)
The Stargazer was an exploration
vessel. The fight at Maxia was
not my first action, but it was
the first time I ever killed
anyone.
BEVERLY
You had no choice...
Picard jams OPEN his eyes, the nightmare still alive
for him.
PICARD
Didn't I? I don't know
anymore... I just don't know.
BEVERLY
Commander Riker told me about the
altered log, sir. If that's
troubling you...
PICARD
(ignores her)
The last three nights, I... hear
voices. I'm standing on the
bridge, fire all around me... the
klaxons, smoke, and I give the
order...
(amazed)
And now the Stargazer is really
here!
(back to her)
And that log... Am I going crazy?
How do I know if I was in my right
mind at Maxia? How do I know if
I'm in my right mind now?
With that, Beverly quickly injects Picard with a
hypospray, and eases him back onto the bed. He doesn't
resist, as she attaches two sensor pads on his forehead.
PICARD
What was... that?
BEVERLY
Just something to let you sleep.
PICARD
(already working)
Yes... sleep... I need sl...
And Picard drifts off, thanks to medical expertise,
as Beverly lowers the lights and EXITS.
44 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as both SLOW, against the starry forever.
45 INT. ENTERPRISE - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard's back is AWAY FROM CAMERA. A beat, then a
MOAN... He shifts his leaden weight, in an unconscious
attempt to get comfortable, as CAMERA SLOWLY TIGHTENS.
Over which, reverb VOICES, muted.
VOICES (V. O.)
... shields weakening, Captain!
Torpedoes armed!
(explosion)
Where are they?
46 INT. FERENGI SHIP - SCIENCE ROOM (OPTICAL)
Bok's narrowing in on what he's looking for as he
adjusts the wavy lines again, so that they begin to
parallel each other in synch...
BOK
(to himself)
And now, dear captain, you are
ready to live the past!
47 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
Picard starts to squirm, his arm twitches, CAMERA
TIGHTENING. VOICES CONTINUE, REVERB AND MUTED.
VOICES (V.O.)
Where did they... come from?
(KLAXON)
Phasers, sir? Sir?
(blast)
SIR?
Now he convulsively turns over as muted sounds of battle
continue.
VOICES (V.O.)
(continuing)
What should we do, sir?
(radio static)
Should we fire back?
TIGHT on Picard, as his eyes suddenly OPEN... and WE
HEAR the muted CRACKLING SOUND of flames.
VOICES (V.O.)
(continuing)
Fire, Captain, FIRE!
48 INT. FERENGI VESSEL SCIENCE ROOM - ON BOK
working his device, satisfaction on his alien face.
BOK
(to himself)
You will injure yourself as once
you injured me!
49 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE
CAMERA WHIP ZOOMS in on Picard's eyes as he swivels and
sits up, his face suddenly FILLING FRAME.
VOICES (V.O.)
SIR?!
As CAMERA WHIP ZOOMS BACK OUT... he RISES up to his feet,
suddenly in command again, and Picard (in his mind) is
now aboard the Stargazer.
50 WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Phantoms of Picard's Stargazer bridge crew (DOUBLE
EXPOSURE) are in Picard's quarters -- playing it as if
at battle stations. A KLAXON (muted) is sounding,
DOUBLE EXPOSURE SMOKE and FLAMES are licking at the
FRAME. Picard under fire...
PICARD
(normal volume)
Damage report!
VOICES (V.O.)
(muted)
Fusion generator under surge
control, sir!
(muted static)
Power systems failing!
PICARD
Sensor bearing on hostile ship!
VOICES (V.O.)
Seven, seven mark nineteen, sir!
Fire in Engineering...
PICARD
Ready phasers, and lock!
(MOVES ACROSS room)
Stand by for warp nine, heading
seven, seven mark twenty...
(another room position)
And ENGAGE!
The muted SOUNDS of battle INCREASE in complexity as
Picard makes his maneuver.
PICARD
Steady. NOW reverse and stop!
(goes for it)
Phasers FIRE! Torpedoes AWAY!
At that a muted EXPLOSION and SOUND of the enemy ship
breaking up o.s. fills the phantom smoked room, as
Picard chokes and stands dumb to the the CHEERS of his
phantom crew.
51 CLOSE - PICARD (OPTICAL)
CAMERA TIGHTENS on the troubled man's face, vague,
in-and-out of focus amidst the phantom flames, reacting
to the phantom fumes.
PICARD
Fire!
52 EXTREME CLOSE - PICARD
His EYES filled with horror, his face a grim mask of
unwanted, surprise victory.
PICARD
FIRE!!
As he stares blankly INTO CAMERA, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR 42.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
53 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
The smaller derelict vessel on the leash of our giant
starship. The Ferengi vessel is traveling with them
in b.g.
54 INT. READY ROOM
Riker, Data and Geordi discuss computer tampering
evidence.
DATA
By comparing the main Stargazer
computer log with Captain Picard's
personal log, I have found
"checksum" discrepancies, sir.
RIKER
What does that mean?
DATA
All information is time-coded by
entry, and the bits when totaled
produce an aggregate amount
which...
RIKER
(interrupts)
I don't want a lesson in computer
science! Bottom line?
DATA
One of these two logs is a
forgery.
GEORDI
(smiles)
Correction -- the log just found
aboard the Stargazer is a forgery.
DATA
As I said. That is one of them,
isn't it?
Picard ENTERS the Ready Room looking peaked, but
buoyant.
GEORDI
You're looking better, Captain.
PICARD
A little sleep, thanks to the
doctor, works wonders. Any report
on the logs?
DATA
Yes, sir. Whoever tampered with
your personal log was clever...
GEORDI
... but slightly clumsy. There's
no doubt it is a fabrication.
Beverly ENTERS bearing the Captain's brain scan reports.
BEVERLY
Number One, we think you should
see this brain scan graph which...
(sees Picard)
What are you doing here?!
PICARD
(amused)
I thought I was captain of this
starship, Doctor.
BEVERLY
Of course you are, but I...
PICARD
Thank you for your confirmation
of that.
(includes the others)
But now, except for Commander
Riker, I want you all back at your
stations...
(emphatic)
Is that clear?
After momentary hesitation over Picard's new gruffness,
all EXIT except Riker, Beverly and Troi.
BEVERLY
(indicates report)
I have some business concerning
your health, sir...
PICARD
(interrupting)
I mean you too, Doctor. I have
business with Riker.
Clearly, Beverly is considering arguing this. She
glances to Riker, then decides to give in.
BEVERLY
Under protest, Captain.
She EXITS and Riker turns to Picard, uncertain.
RIKER
You have orders for me, sir?
PICARD
Release the Stargazer from the
tractor beam, Number One.
RIKER
Sir?
PICARD
The tractor beam.
RIKER
Sir, are you abandoning...
PICARD
(interrupting)
No. Her inertia will carry the
Stargazer along on this heading
with us. Or did you sleep through
the Academy lecture on conserving
tractor beam power?
RIKER
No, sir. I'll release her, or
course.
Riker EXITS, leaving the troubled Picard alone with his
thoughts.
55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as the tractor beam wavers, then DISAPPEARS, the tether
gone. The Stargazer continues holding its relative
position.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR 45.
56 INT. SICKBAY
Beverly and Troi are looking at colored X-ray-like
GRAPHICS of a skull and "brain-map."
BEVERLY
Obviously, there is some thought
process disorder here but I cannot
find any physical reason for it.
(turns to Troi)
Anything?
TROI
I'm puzzled too. I keep sensing
random thoughts... but two sets
of them. As if they were his,
but intermixed with his from
another source.
During this, Wesley has ENTERED and Beverly notices him.
BEVERLY
I'm busy at the moment, Wesley...
WESLEY
I know you're busy, Mom, but when
I went back to the main sensors
in Engineering to try some more
sensitivity experiments...
BEVERLY
(interrupting)
Wes! I'll be glad to hear about
it when I'm through with...
WESLEY
(interrupting)
But, Mom, this is important!
Beverly turns back, annoyed, but Troi has picked up
something from Wesley and speaks before Beverly can.
TROI
Does it have something to do with
Captain Picard?
WESLEY
Yes, ma'am...
(indicates scans)
... if that's what you're talking
about there. I don't know
anything about brain scans but
I glanced at these when you were
studying them, Mom, and I
noticed...
(pointing at scan
graphs)
... these patterns here were like
patterns of the low-intensity
transmissions picked up from the
Ferengi ship.
(nods)
I just went back and checked and
they're exactly the same.
TROI
(beat)
What kind of transmissions?
WESLEY
I don't know. Engineering has
nothing like it on record.
TROI
(to Beverly)
Let's get to the captain...
BEVERLY
No, they might be affecting the
captain. To Riker!
The two Women EXIT fast, leaving Wesley standing there.
Then:
WESLEY
You're welcome, ladies.
(shaking his head)
Adults!
57 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker on duty along with Geordi, Data, Tasha, Worf and Brant.
turbolift arrives with Beverly and Troi ENTERING bridge
carefully; then, seeing Picard isn't present, they hurry
to Riker.
BEVERLY
The captain, Commander?
RIKER
Resting in his quarters...
(meaningfully)
... after ordering both of you
to your duty stations.
TROI
This is more important!
RIKER
(cocks an eyebrow)
Than the captain's orders?
BEVERLY
Yes, when we have reason to
believe his judgment is being
affected.
Everyone on the bridge is listening and Riker
acknowledges this with a sweeping gesture.
RIKER
Well then, why not let everyone
in on it?
TROI
It affects them too. There have
been some strange...
(to Beverly)
Did he say "low intensity... ?"
(gets a nod)
... unusual low intensity
transmissions from the Ferengi
vessel...
RIKER
Did who say?
BEVERLY
My son!
Riker takes a beat at this, then nods. Beverly exhibits
the brain scans, pointing at places there.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
... transmissions which exactly
match certain anomalies found in
the captain's brain scans.
(looks up)
Something over there is affecting
Captain Picard's thought patterns.
Riker needs only a split-beat to absorb this, then he
whirls to his computer panel.
RIKER
Computer, tell me Captain Picard's
location!
COMPUTER
Captain Picard is in Transporter
Room Three.
RIKER
What? Computer, emergency order
to Transporter Room Three...
COMPUTER
(interrupting)
New information. Captain Picard
is no longer aboard the
Enterprise.
58 EXT. SPACE - THE FERENGI VESSEL (OPTICAL)
CAMERA MOVING IN toward the alien vessel.
59 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)
as Picard MATERIALIZES, back on his flame-scarred only
command post. He walks to his captain's chair and sits.
BOK (O.S.)
Welcome back, Captain.
ANGLE WIDENS TO INCLUDE Bok, above Picard at Tactical.
PICARD
(swivels, stands)
What is happening?
BOK
(to Com)
Shields up, computer.
COMPUTER
Shields in place.
PICARD
What are you doing?
BOK
(laughs)
Collecting on an old debt...
At that, Bok lifts the silver-grey sphere up, as it
HUMS. He taps it and it RESONATES strangely.
PICARD
(throbbing pain)
AGHHH-H-H!!
60 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
All at their usual stations, minus Picard, plus Beverly.
RIKER
Stargazer! Respond, Captain!
TASHA
(checks board)
Shields up, sir. No way to beam
over help.
GEORDI
I am reading something very
strange. A low intensity beam
of intermittent pulse inside this
starship.
DATA
I have a fix on it...
(surprised)
Inside Captain Picard's quarters.
TASHA
(to Worf)
You transferred some of his
belongings from the Stargazer... ?
WORF
(nodding; to his feet)
Including a fairly heavy chest... !
RIKER
Go take a look, fast!
Worf EXITS on the run.
GEORDI
(indicating Main Viewer)
The Stargazer is powering up!
On the Main Viewer, the Stargazer brightens up. (OPTICAL)
61 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)
Bok is very pleased with Picard's suffering, as the
Ferengi puts down the silver-grey sphere and its GLOWING
and HUMMING stops. Picard's pain subsides but not his
confusion.
BOK
I have been waiting a long seven
years for this, Picard!
PICARD
I have no idea what you're talking
about...
BOK
Do you not, hu-man? Can you not
remember the crime you committed
against my very blood?
(Picard is stumped)
You murdered my only son!
PICARD
Your son?
BOK
He was the commander of the ship
you destroyed!)
(pained)
On his first voyage as DaiMon.
Picard is puzzled, confused.
PICARD
The ship... ? The... the Ferengi
ship that attacked me...
(looks around)
... or is it about to attack me?
BOK
And I have spent these years
searching... seeking... a proper
blood revenge. And I found it!
Bok lifts the sphere triumphantly, and it starts to glow
and HUM. He taps it harder than ever before, its
strange RESONANCE LOUDER, and Picard's physical anguish
knocks him to his knees.
PICARD
OHHHHH... ! OHHHHH... !
BOK
(eyeing device)
From a distant world which hu-man
evil has not yet reached. May
you never secure these! I am rich,
yet two of these cost me the
profits of an entire life.
Despite the enormous pain, Picard is struggling to his
feet now.
PICARD
You cannot... control me like...
Bok, highly amused, taps the sphere into a new level
of RESONANCE, echoed by Picard grabbing his head in near
heart-stopping agony.
BOK
Die well, Picard.
Bok steps out mid-deck, stops, and FERENGI TRANSPORTER
EFFECT SWIRLS about him and he DISAPPEARS. CAMERA WHIP
PANS, MOVES IN ON Picard who crouches, unseeing,
shuddering in pain.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE 52.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
62 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
The Ferengi vessel still in far b.g. The Stargazer,
powered, fully lit, is turning, moving away from the
Enterprise.
RIKER (V.O.)
First officer's log, stardate
41724.3. Captain Picard, without
explanation, has beamed himself
to the Stargazer which is now
moving away from us...
63 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Main Viewer showing Stargazer per previous SCENE. Riker
is at the Captain's position, and Troi, Data, Geordi,
Worf, Tasha and Brant are at theirs. Beverly sits in the
command area too, holding in her lap the strange
metallic sphere from Picard's cabin.
RIKER (V.O.)
(continuing)
... under its own power.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
RIKER
Enterprise to Stargazer, please
respond.
They wait. No answer.
RIKER
(continuing)
Enterprise to Stargazer... to
Captain Picard aboard Stargazer,
please answer.
(waits; to Data)
Mister Data, what was Stargazer's
condition?
DATA
Considerable fire damage to
interior surface as reported, sir.
But none of her main systems are
crippled.
RIKER
(hates to ask)
Armaments, Lieutenant Yar?
TASHA
Six photon torpedoes short, sir,
probably used when the Captain
destroyed his Ferengi attacker
seven years ago. Otherwise fully
armed.
Riker puzzles over this, motions to Beverly. She hands
him the strange Ferengi sphere which he examines for
a moment, then turns to Worf.
RIKER
Where in the Captain's quarters
was it, Mister Worf?
WORF
His chest from the Stargazer, sir.
Just where I had left it -- he
hadn't yet unpacked.
BEVERLY
So, he may not have even known
it was there. And if this is able
to pick up or magnify a
thought-altering transmission...
TROI
(nodding)
... it could have prepared him for
whatever's happening now.
RIKER
Let's find out... or try to.
(turning to Tasha)
Contact the Ferengi vessel,
Lieutenant.
TASHA
(touching panel)
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
Riker stands, carries the sphere to in front of the Main
Viewer, as:
RIKER
Enterprise to Ferengi vessel, we
transmit visually. Do you
respond?
The Main Viewer shifts to an ANGLE ON FERENGI VESSEL
which in turn DISSOLVES INTO A VIEW OF FIRST OFFICER
KAZAGO, who looks somewhat annoyed.
KAZAGO
Why is our gift to you under
power, hu-man?
RIKER
I'll discuss that with your
captain.
KAZAGO
He is working in our ship's
laboratory. Where is your
captain?
RIKER
(beat)
He's beamed himself aboard the
Stargazer, and I'm wondering...
(brings sphere up into
view)
... if this has anything to do with
it?
Kazago is clearly surprised at the sight of the sphere.
KAZAGO
How do you have possession of
that?
RIKER
It was found in our captain's
belongings, brought over from the
Stargazer.
Kazago now hesitates himself, his mind racing.
KAZAGO
It... is a forbidden device. A
Thought Maker. If your captain
is... criminal enough to own one...
RIKER
(interrupting)
Kazago, I ask again, first officer
to first officer... what is going
on? Something is happening that
neither of us seems to know about.
KAZAGO
(beat; hesitant)
It... is not seemly to question
one's own DaiMon, Riker. I... am
not prepared to do that...
TASHA
(overlapping; to Riker)
Sir... I have the Stargazer.
RIKER
Switch now!
Tasha tabs her controls and the IMAGE of the Ferengi
First Officer DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE OF STARGAZER BRIDGE.
(OPTICAL) It is Picard there, NOT looking into camera
but able to HEAR Riker when he speaks. Picard looks
disoriented.
RIKER
Captain Picard, this is the
Enterprise, sir...
PICARD
(not understanding)
Do not attack again! We are on
a peaceful...
Picard staggers, coughs, as if from a weapons hit and
smoke there -- which we do not see.
TROI
He's living a delusion, sir. He's
seeing things we don't...
PICARD
Give your identity! You force
us to defend ourselves!
(turning; shouting)
Phasers full up! Arm torpedoes!
Why aren't shields at full
power... ?
Picard has reached to a panel, touched a control... with
which STATIC OVERLAYS VIEWSCREEN IMAGE. (OPTICAL)
TASHA
We've lost him, sir...
The Main Viewer IMAGE now has become one of the
Stargazer on a course which will bring it back toward
the Enterprise.
GEORDI
When he put the shields up...
64 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE - FULL ON PICARD
He's in the midst of a battle, but we're not seeing what
he's seeing. He races to a control panel.
PICARD
Damn, I said...
(flicking switches)
... put fusion generators on surge
control.
(to another panel)
You're moving too slowly. Arm
the torpedoes, man!
He COUGHS, heavily, waves invisible smoke from his face,
shouting:
PICARD
(continuing)
Vigo! Get a fire control party
up here!
Picard's movement has brought him CLOSE SHOT and now,
as his eyes and expression determinedly decide what
next to do, CAMERA PUSHES IN TO EXTREME CLOSEUP.
65 PICARD AND BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The bridge now filled with the shadows from Picard's
mind. Phantom bridge crew, fire, and smoke (DOUBLE
EXPOSURE) in the midst of the Battle of Maxia. Picard
alone is real, but reacting to the phantom figures and
battle.
FIRST VOICE (V.O.)
Shields weakening, Captain!
PICARD
Weapons report!
SECOND VOICE (V.O.)
Phasers coming to full charge,
sir. Torpedoes armed!
PICARD
Who are they? Identify them!
FIRST VOICE (V.O.)
They're turning for a third pass
at us, sir!
THIRD VOICE (V.O.)
We can't take another hit,
Captain!
66 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Our regulars watching IMAGE of Stargazer on Main Viewer
as it turns toward them.
TROI
I can now feel anger from our
captain, first officer.
Frustration over whatever he
is re-living...
GEORDI
The Battle of Maxia, sir! That's
all it can be.
RIKER
Mister Data?
BEVERLY
What is that "maneuver" he became
famous for... ?
RIKER
(overlapping)
The Picard Maneuver!
(whirling)
Mister Data, what is the defense
against that?
DATA
There is no defense, sir.
RIKER
Then devise one! Fast!
Data reacts to this impossible demand, then is suddenly
busy. Main Viewer IMAGE SHIMMERS, DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE
OF KAZAGO ON THE FERENGI BRIDGE.
KAZAGO
First Officer Kazago to hu-man
Riker.
RIKER
Not now, Kazago!
KAZAGO
We do not wish to become involved
in what has become clearly a
Federation matter...
RIKER
Fine, fine, Enterprise out!
KAZAGO
But you should also know that
DaiMon Bok no longer commands this
vessel, Riker. His first officer
has confined him for engaging in
this unprofitable adventure.
(nods)
Good luck, First Officer Riker.
The Main Viewer again DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE OF THE
STARGAZER which is now heading directly for the
Enterprise.
DATA
I have computed a possibility,
Commander. Since even deep space
contains trace gases, sir, a
vessel in the Picard maneuver
might seem to disappear, but our
sensors could locate any sudden
compression of those gases...
RIKER
(hurried)
And use it as an aiming point?
Blast our own captain to bits?
DATA
Aim our tractor beam at it, sir!
Seize it! This class starship has
enough power for that.
RIKER
(fast)
In our captain's words... make
it so! Set sensors, tractor
beam...
(waiting)
I hope you're right, Data...
DATA
No question of it, sir...
Riker throws him an annoyed look.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE 59.
67 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as suddenly the Stargazer goes into a WARP BLUR.
68 INT. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Here she comes!
RIKER
Stand by!
On the Main Viewer, the Stargazer is suddenly two places
at once, as it unexpectedly appears right off the bow,
to the upper left side...
RIKER
Lock on tractor beam!
And the Enterprise shoots out its mighty force-beam
tether again, entrapping the smaller Stargazer. The
Stargazer struggles to pull free -- it FIRES a salvo
that rocks against the Enterprise shields, hard.
69 INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The Viewer shows the Enterprise, but Picard doesn't yet
"see" it... and he's quite alone on his bridge, his
delusion slipping. The smoke, flames and voices are
gone.
PICARD
Ready phasers!
RIKER (V.O.)
Captain Picard, listen to me!
PICARD
Is that you, Vigo?
RIKER (V.O.)
It's Commander Riker, sir!
The Viewer switches to a FULL SHOT of Riker. Picard
is momentarily distracted by the new image.
RIKER
(continuing)
Captain, hear me! Look around
you, the Ferengi are using a
thought device on you...
PICARD
Stand by for warp...
(inner conflict)
Who are you?!
RIKER
It's Riker, sir. Your Number One.
Look for a silver sphere...
Picard struggles against his inner directive, as he
angles and sees the SPHERE behind him, glowing and
HUMMING.
RIKER
(continuing; sees it
too)
There it is! Destroy it with
your phaser, Captain!
PICARD
Phaser...
(glances back)
Yes, a sphere... Bok used it...
RIKER
Destory it!
PICARD
(fumbles in pocket)
Phaser... destroy the sphere.
And Picard manages to remove his phaser, and in a quick
beat, BLASTS the Ferengi brain machine to bits. Picard
staggers, weakened.
RIKER
Captain! Are you all right?
Picard feebly touches his insignia.
PICARD
Enterprise, lock on. Beam me
home, Riker.
As the familiar TRANSPORTER EFFECT DE-MATERIALIZES
Picard.
STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE 61.
70 EXT. ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)
as the smaller vessel, back on its tether, is towed off.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
