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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Suddenly Human"
#40274-176
Written by
Jeri Taylor
Directed by
Gabrielle Beaumont
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1990 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
JULY 9, 1990
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Suddenly Human"
CAST
PICARD JONO
RIKER CAPTAIN ENDAR
DATA
BEVERLY Starfleet Personnel
TROI ADMIRAL CONNAUGHT ROSSA
GEORDI
WORF
WESLEY Non-Speaking
FOUR TALARIAN YOUTHS
TALARIAN MILITIA
TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S
VOICE Still Photos on Monitor
CONNOR & MOIRA ROSSA
Non-Speaking WITH INFANT CHILD
SUPERNUMERARIES
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
Voices
TWO SECURITY MEN CONNOR & MOIRA ROSSA
JEREMIAH ROSSA (INFANT)
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Suddenly Human"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM TALARIAN SHIPS
TRANSPORTER ROOM OBSERVATION CRAFT
OBSERVATION LOUNGE WARSHIP Q'MAIRE
TEN FORWARD TWO ADDT'L WARSHIPS
SICKBAY
BEVERLY'S OFFICE
CORRIDORS (VARIOUS)
N.D. QUARTERS
PICARD'S QUARTERS
RACQUETBALL COURT
TALARIAN OBSERVATION CRAFT
TALARIAN WARSHIP Q'MAIRE
ENDAR'S READY ROOM (ON MAIN VIEWER)
STARFLEET
ADMIRAL ROSSA'S ROOM (ON MONITOR)
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/18/90 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Suddenly Human"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
CONNAUGHT cn-NAWT
ENDAR EN-dar
JONO JOHN-oh
MOIRA MORE-ah
Q'MAIRE kuh-MARE
TALARIAN tah-LARE-ian
ROSSA ROW-sa
WODEN WOH-den
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Suddenly Human"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship approaches a small Talarian vessel, adrift.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 44085.7.
We have moved into Sector
Two-One-Nine-Four-Seven in
response to a distress call from
a Talarian observation craft.
The alien vessel appears adrift,
and our initial probe has detected
a life-threatening radiation leak
within its propulsion system.
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
To include MAIN VIEWER. PICARD, TROI, and RIKER in
the Command Chairs. DATA at Ops, WORF at Tactical,
WESLEY at Conn.
WORF
Sir, I get no further response
from the vessel.
PICARD
Maintain an open channel.
RIKER
Doctor Crusher and her assistants
are waiting in Transporter Room
Three, Captain.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
DATA
Sir, I must remind you that during
the Galen border conflicts a
common tactic of the Talarians
was to abandon their observation
craft, rig them to
self-destruct...
PICARD
(nods)
... and issue a general distress
call, yes, I know...
DATA
This particular guerilla maneuver
resulted in two hundred and
nineteen fatalities over a three-
year period.
Picard is silent, pondering his options.
RIKER
Data, is there any way to detect
their self-destruct device?
DATA
Negative, Commander. The
Talarians employ a subspace
proximity detonator. It would
not be detectable to our scans...
RIKER
(joining in)
... or the Away Team's tricorders.
Right.
WORF
Captain, the Talarian warship
Q'Maire is responding to the
distress call.
PICARD
Position?
WORF
Halfway through the Woden sector.
WESLEY
It'll take them hours to get here,
sir, even at maximum warp.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard turns to Troi, who has been quiet during all
this, concentrating on what forces might be emanating
from the stricken vessel.
PICARD
Counselor?
TROI
There is life on board... but it's
fading.
That's it. Picard makes his decision.
PICARD
Number One, assemble the rest of
your away team and prepare for
immediate rescue operations.
RIKER
Yes, sir.
They lock eyes for a moment. Picard doesn't need to
add, "Be careful." Riker knows all too well what he
may be heading into.
3 INT. TALARIAN OBSERVATION CRAFT (OPTICAL)
Gaseous, dark, flickering neon lights accent the area
as Riker, Worf and BEVERLY MATERIALIZE with TWO MEDICAL
SUPERNUMERARIES carrying equipment. Riker, tricorder
in hand, steps forward, wary and alert. They move into
the interior of the ship, scanning constantly with his
tricorder, the others following.
WORF
(checking tricorder)
Ancilary power is failing,
Commander.
They move throught the cabin, and then spot --
4 THEIR POV - AN ADJACENT AREA
revealing FIVE TALARIANS, some with radiation burns,
most too weak to stand. They wear a helmet-like head
covering that is decidedly war-like in appearance, and
all wear gloves.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED:
They all look young -- like our teen-agers.
BEVERLY
They're nothing more than
children!
And they are broken and wounded. Riker steps forward.
RIKER
I am Commander Riker of the
Federation Starship Enterprise.
We will evacuate you and give you
medical care. You will not be
harmed.
There is no resistance, and Beverly springs into
action, scanning the victims with a medical tricorder.
Worf move into an adjacent corridor to reconnoiter.
BEVERLY
(keying insignia)
Enterprise, prepping five Talarian
males for transport directly to
Sickbay... Trauma Team, stand
by to receive injured... we have
radiation burns, possible
respiratory distress...
TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE
Transport locked in and ready,
Doctor.
BEVERLY
Stand by for my order.
As she and the medical assistants continue triage,
Riker keys his insignia.
RIKER
Captain, it looks like this was
a basic training ship. Five
boys... in their teens... all
in uniform...
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Proceed with the evacuation,
Number One.
Worf returns from his inspection.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
No other life signs on board, sir.
BEVERLY'S (O.C.)
Commander! Quickly!
Riker rushes to Beverly's side: she's aiming her
tricorder at a TALARIAN YOUTH, free hand removing his
helmet.
RIKER
What is it?
The helmet is removed, revealing a handsome young man
of about fourteen -- looking not at all Talarian.
BEVERLY (O.C.)
Look... this boy... he's human!
And on their stunned reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 INT. SICKBAY
One critical-status Talarian is being treated for
radiation damage. Other survivors are whisked into the
ward by MEDICAL SUPERNUMERARIES.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental: We
have completed emergency
evacuation of four Talarians
-- and one human. How this young
man found himself in the custody
of these aliens remains a mystery.
Across the ward, sitting cross-legged on a diagnostic
bed, is JONO -- the human. He is ramrod straight, eyes
fixed ahead, jaw clenched. With steely determination,
he avoids any effort by Beverly to make contact with
him. Troi observes.
BEVERLY
It's Jono, right? Is that what
I heard them call you?
She speaks casually, warmly, as she scans him with her
tricorder. Jono ignores her.
BEVERLY
I'm Doctor Crusher. I'm examining
you for radiation injuries. It
won't hurt.
(beat)
I have a son not much older than
you. Maybe you'd like to meet
him.
No response.
BEVERLY
(gamely)
Well, Jono... you seem to have
escaped radiation damage. Pretty
lucky.
(reacting to something
on the tricorder)
How did this happen -- ?
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/25/90 - ACT ONE 7.
5 CONTINUED:
Suddenly, Jono covers his face and emits a high-pitched
shriek -- a keening -- and begins rocking back and
forth. Other Talarians, like babies responding with
sympathetic crying, take up the awful screech.
Startled, Beverly moves away from the boy.
Instinctively, Troi moves forward, toward him.
BEVERLY
What is it?
TROI
He's -- terrified.
6 OMITTED
6A INT. SICKBAY - CONTINUOUS
Picard and Riker ENTER; Beverly approaches them.
BEVERLY
They all just started up,
Captain.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE 8.
6A CONTINUED:
A roomful of shrieking teenagers does not sit well with
Picard.
PICARD
May I have your attention, please?
They continue the keening sound.
PICARD
Please -- may I have your
attention?
No response. Finally, frustrated, Picard walks toward
Jono.
PICARD
Stop that immediately!
The unmistakable voice of authority gets Jono's
attention instantly. He breaks off in mid-cry, turns
and stares at Picard in a mixture of awe and respect.
The others stop the screech as soon as Jono does.
PICARD
Well. That's better. Now, what's
your name, young man?
Jono blinks, but doesn't answer.
TROI
He won't talk, Captain. We
haven't been able to get through
to him.
JONO
Captain -- ?
Electrified by that word, Jono jumps off the bed and
crosses to Picard, bows his head.
JONO
Captain... I am Jono. Take me
home, to my Captain. Take me home
to Endar!
Picard stares awkwardly down at the young man at his
feet. Then he looks up at Troi, who has observed this
little scene. She is smiling slightly. Picard has
made an instant connection with this troubled boy.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/25/90 - ACT ONE 9.
7 INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE - MINUTES LATER
Picard ENTERS with Beverly.
BEVERLY
He managed to escape radiation
trauma... but his scans showed
something else...
PICARD
What?
Beverly rises, paces. She is disturbed by what she has
to say.
BEVERLY
Two previously fractured ribs...
a broken arm... a low-grade
concussion. There may be
neurological impairment... I'll
have to examine him further. Jean
Luc -- the Talarians have always
been ruthless to their enemies...
I think there's a real possibility
they may have brutalized the
child.
Picard is appalled, but wants, as always, to consider
all possibilities.
PICARD
Isn't it possible he was injured
prior to his captivity?
BEVERLY
Not likely. He's been with them
a long time... long enough to
assimilate their cultural
traits... and calcium trace
patterns indicate the injuries
occurred during the past seven
years.
PICARD
(frowns)
But if they have... abused the
boy... why would he devoutly wish
to return to them?
BEVERLY
That's not uncommon. It was
identified centuries ago as the
"Stockholm syndrome."
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE 10.
7 CONTINUED:
Suddenly, there is commotion from the Sickbay and as
Picard and Beverly react...
8 INT. SICKBAY - JONO - THEIR POV
He is thrashing on the bed, resisting the efforts of
two medical SUPERNUMERARIES and Troi to restrain him.
Then, he bursts into that dreadful shriek. The other
Talarians follow suit.
9 ON PICARD AND BEVERLY
as they rush from the office.
PICARD
Now what?
Jono has leapt from the table and is tearing around the
room, shrieking.
TROI
I suggested he take off his
gloves... Suddenly he went out
of control.
The medical personnel are still scrambling to grab
Jono.
BEVERLY
(hits insignia)
Security, we need some assistance
in Sickbay...
WORF'S COM VOICE
Acknowledged, Doctor.
PICARD
Jono -- !
Seeing Picard, Jono stops shrieking, but keeps dancing
away from his pursuers, agitated and hyperventilating.
JONO
She won't leave me alone! She
keeps trying to dissect me!
PICARD
She was trying to help you!
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE 10A.
9 CONTINUED:
JONO
I don't want her help! All I want
is to be with my brothers! Send
us back to Captain Endar!
Jono may be confused, and he may have suffered, but at
the moment he's a child throwing a tantrum. Worf
ENTERS, takes in the scene... begins to move at Jono...
Picard wants to de-escalate the incident...
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE 11.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Jono -- I want you to stop this
immediately!
Jono stops short, responding almost involuntarily to
the voice of authority. He lifts his head, then bows
it again to Picard.
JONO
Yes, Captain.
PICARD
That's better. Now, if we're to
accomplish anything --
DATA'S COM VOICE
(interrupting)
Data to Picard.
PICARD
Go ahead.
DATA'S COM VOICE
We have received a subspace
communique from Starfleet Command,
regarding the young human, sir.
Jono's eyes flicker at this, but he does not move.
PICARD
Very well. Doctor, Counselor...
(join me)
Moving with Picard --
BEVERLY
Mister Worf, escort this young
man to quarters... he's to be
confined there until further
notice.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/24/90 - ACT ONE 12.
9 CONTINUED: (3)
WORF
Yes, Doctor.
Jono has listened to this interchange with interest. A
beat as the boy and the Klingon measure one another.
10 OMITTED
10A INT. N.D. QUARTERS
Worf and Jono ENTER.
JONO
Why are you here, Klingon -- with
them? Did they capture you, too?
WORF
They are not my captors. They
are my comrades.
Jono snorts derisively, then --
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE 12A.
10A CONTINUED:
JONO
Why do you take orders from a
female?
WORF
(reacts)
Doctor Crusher? She is my
superior officer.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT ONE 13.
10A CONTINUED: (2)
JONO
(a snort of contempt)
Among my people, a female could
never outrank a man.
WORF
You are human, and among humans,
females can achieve anything
males can.
Jono stares at him, clear-eyed and sure.
JONO
I am not human any more than you
are. I am Talarian.
Worf regards the boy with sadness, understanding his
plight perhaps better than anyone.
WORF
You are confused...
Suddenly, the boy launches into that ear-splitting wail
again, jarring Worf from his sympathy.
WORF
Stop that!
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT ONE 14.
10A CONTINUED: (3)
JONO
I will make the B'Nar -- the
mourning -- until I am back with
my brothers!
He starts up again and Worf backs away, covering his
ears, then EXITS, shaking his head.
11
thru OMITTED
13
13A INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Beverly, Troi and Data.
DATA
By matching DNA gene types,
Starfleet was able to identify
the young man as Jeremiah Rossa...
RIKER
(recognizing the name)
Rossa...
PICARD
... as in Admiral Rossa, Data?
DATA
She is his grandmother, Captain.
Riker whistles softly. Data calls up a still picture
of the child with his parents on the monitor.
DATA
He was born fourteen years ago
on the Federation Colony, Galen
Four. His parents, Connor and
Moira Rossa, were killed in a
border skirmish three years, nine
months later when the colony was
overrun by Talarian forces.
PICARD
I remember. There were no
survivors.
DATA
The child was listed as missing
and presumed dead.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT ONE 15.
13A CONTINUED:
RIKER
I knew another one of the Rossas
who was killed in action at the
Krasner outpost...
PICARD
(nods)
Tragedy, it seems, follows the
Rossa Family... the Admiral has
lost both her sons...
BEVERLY
She'll have something to celebrate
now...
TROI
Captain... if Jeremiah were
returned to his family in his
present condition... it would be
a wrenching experience for
everyone. Especially for him.
He needs to re-discover his
identity. He has to make some
connection with his roots.
PICARD
I agree. Please take whatever
means you need to accomplish that,
Counselor.
TROI
I don't think I can do anything,
Captain.
PICARD
Why not?
BEVERLY
Troi's right. It's very clear
that the boy does not respond well
to women.
DATA
The Talarians are a rigidly
patriarchical society.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE 16.
13A CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
Jeremiah needs to build a
relationship with a man... a
father figure... with whom he can
explore his origins... and I think
it should be you, Captain.
PICARD
(over my dead body)
Oh, no, Counselor! I don't think
so. He needs someone who is --
trained in these things.
TROI
But you are the only person on
board to whom he has shown any
connection. If Jeremiah is to
find his -- humanity -- then you
are the only one who can help him.
It's up to you, Captain.
Picard stares at her, reflecting on both the enormity
and the sheer awfulness of this responsibility.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 INT. N.D. LIVING QUARTERS - A LITTLE LATER
Jono sits cross-legged, his high-pitched wail now
having achieved a ritualistic, mournful rhythm. He
keeps at it, indefatigably, then suddenly breaks off as
he sees --
15 PICARD
who stands at the door, observing him.
PICARD
Jono... why do you make that
noise?
JONO
It is the custom of my people when
they are in distress.
PICARD
Is it not also the custom of your
people to listen to the wishes
of their Captain?
JONO
Yes.
PICARD
Then, as Captain of the Starship
Enterprise, I ask you not to make
that sound.
JONO
(nodding, obedient)
Yes, sir.
PICARD
Good. Well. Now that we have
that cleared up...
(tries to look cheerful)
Let's... get acquainted, shall
we?
Jono stares up at him, puzzled, and Picard smiles with
what he hopes is sincerity.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 18.
15 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(looking around)
What do you think of your
quarters? I know it's a bit --
sterile. But if there's anything
you'd like... pictures, perhaps,
or games...
He trails off as Jono looks around the room, silently
inspecting it. Then he turns to Picard.
JONO
This is a cage. I am still your
captive.
PICARD
Not at all. I thought you would
be comfortable here --
JONO
Are you going to return me to my
Captain?
PICARD
(temporizing)
We will rendezvous with the
warship Q'maire at
Oh-seven-forty. We are
preparing to transfer the
Talarians to Captain Endar.
JONO
Including me?
PICARD
We will... discuss... your
situation with Captain Endar.
Jono eyes him briefly, then swings around to look at
the living quarters.
JONO
I don't like this place.
PICARD
Well, we can find other quarters.
JONO
I have always lived with my
Captain.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 18A.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
He turns to look in Picard's eyes, challenging.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO 19.
15 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Ah. Yes, well... that won't work,
here.
16 OMITTED
17 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - MINUTES LATER
The door opens and Picard and Jono ENTER.
PICARD
I'm sure you'll see... there's
nothing here that would appeal
to a young person.
Picard watches as Jono wanders the room, picking up
things and putting them down in typical teen-age
fashion. He picks up a Klingon dagger, inspects it
curiously, turning it in his gloved hands.
PICARD
Put that down, please.
JONO
It's Klingon.
PICARD
Yes. Put it back where you got
it.
Jono flips the dagger onto the desk, flops down into
a chair, sprawling. Picard places it exactly as it
was before. Then he turns toward the boy.
PICARD
Well. Here we are, eh, Jono?
Jono stares at him, not replying. Picard sits, trying
to make conversation.
PICARD
I notice you haven't taken off
your gloves...
Jono sits straight, protectively puts his hands to his
sides.
JONO
Not here.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO 20.
17 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Why not?
JONO
So that I don't have to touch an
alien.
Picard reacts. A beat. He leans toward the boy.
PICARD
Jono... your Captain, Endar? Has
he ever hurt you?
(off Jono)
Inflicted pain?
JONO
(proudly)
Pain is not a consideration.
PICARD
Then he has.
JONO
I did not say that. Can't you
understand? Pain is not what
matters. Passing the tests is
everything.
PICARD
Is that what they are? Tests of
pain?
JONO
(scornful)
You don't understand anything.
PICARD
It's true I don't fully understand
Talarians. But... you are not
Talarian.
At this, Jono stiffens and jumps to his feet.
JONO
I will not listen to this! I will
not listen to your lies! Take
me back to my cell! I'd rather
be in prison than have you try
to poison my mind!
Picard sighs. This task is impossible.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 21.
18 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - LATER
Picard sits, musing, distressed. The SOUND OF A CHIME.
PICARD
Come.
The door opens and Troi stands there.
TROI
You wanted to see me, Captain?
PICARD
Ah, yes, Counselor. Please --
sit down.
Troi sits opposite him.
PICARD
You may not be aware of this, but
I have never been particularly
comfortable around children.
To Troi's credit, she does not laugh.
TROI
Really?
PICARD
For some reason, they just don't
seem to respond to me.
TROI
I see...
PICARD
Frankly, I think my time is best
served carrying out the duties
and responsibilities of a
Starfleet Captain.
TROI
Seldom have I heard an explanation
so well rehearsed.
He shoots her a look; she smiles.
PICARD
All right, Counselor... I just
don't think I'm the right person
for this job.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 22.
18 CONTINUED:
TROI
Strange, isn't it? You'll travel
light years, dodge asteroid
storms, brave hostile aliens...
but when asked to assume a
parental role, you cringe. Why
do you suppose that is?
PICARD
I'm not cringing... I am simply
acknowledging my limitations.
TROI
(musing)
When you were a child, did you
have many friends? Other children
you played with?
Picard shifts; he's not entirely comfortable being
probed.
PICARD
No, but I don't think that has
anything to do with anything...
(beat, pondering)
Perhaps it's because... no, this
is foolish. What does it matter?
TROI
What were you going to say?
Picard hesitates; this is not easy territory for him.
PICARD
Just that... ever since I was a
child... I knew exactly what I
wanted -- to be a member of
Starfleet. Nothing else mattered
to me. Virtually my entire youth
was spent pursuing that goal.
In fact...
(beat)
I think... that I may have skipped
my childhood.
Touched, she gazes at him, knowing this
self-exploration is difficult.
TROI
You know, Captain, almost no one
is born being a good parent.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 22A.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI (Cont'd)
Most people simply have to muddle
through it, doing the best job
they can.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO 23.
18 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
And... that's what I'm going to
have to do?
TROI
Yes. And you might be surprised
at how good you could be.
Picard sighs. No getting off the hook here.
19 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard approaches his quarters, carrying a portable
visual monitor; as he does, he hears the muffled sound
of noise from within: a maelstrom of electronic sound,
discordant and unstructured. Puzzled, he opens his
door. The sound blasts forth, deafening.
20 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
The volume of the noise is truly frightening. Picard
looks around his room, noting that the furniture has
been completely re-arranged.
PICARD
Computer, turn off that noise!
Instantly, there is blissful silence.
PICARD
Computer, what was that?
COMPUTER'S VOICE
The "Alba Ra"... a contemporary
Talarian musical form.
PICARD
Jono? Where are you?
JONO'S VOICE
Here.
Drawn by the voice, Picard looks up, and discovers Jono
suspended from the ceiling in a spider-web hammock.
JONO
You turned off my music.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 24.
20 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Yes, I certainly did, and I expect
it to stay turned off. Jono,
would you come down from there?
With graceful twists and turns, Jono unravels himself,
and descends like a bat from the ceiling.
PICARD
(indicating room)
I see you've made yourself at
home.
JONO
(shrugs)
I cannot rest on your beds. They
hurt my back.
Exasperated, Picard starts to reply, then stops
himself. Nothing to be served by antagonizing him. He's
going to try to do this thing as best he can.
PICARD
Right... Jono, I want to show you
something.
He beckons the boy toward the monitor, which he
activates.
21 INTERCUTTING WITH VISUAL MONITOR (OPTICAL)
The photographs of the Rossa family on Galen IV --
including the infant and child Jeremiah, seen earlier
in the Observation Lounge.
PICARD
Those are Connor and Moira Rossa
-- your parents. That baby is
you... Jeremiah Rossa.
JONO
(frowns)
My name is Jono.
PICARD
You were born Jeremiah, on Galen
Four. Your colony was
destroyed, later, during a border
skirmish.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 24A.
21 CONTINUED:
A chubby-cheeked child gazes into camera, laughing
merrily -- a happy boy.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 25.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
You knew how to laugh once.
Jono shoots him a dark look, doesn't reply.
PICARD
Do you remember any of that? Your
parents, your home?
JONO
No. I know that Endar rescued
me. He told me so.
PICARD
Jono, your parents were killed
by Talarians...
JONO
(shrugs)
It was war. Death is part of war.
Picard knows all about war, and yet he is shocked at
the boy's absolute lack of emotion. Then --
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain?
PICARD
What is it, Number One?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
We have visual contact with the
warship Q'Maire.
Jono rises.
JONO
Endar...
PICARD
(warning hand)
You stay put.
(to Riker)
I'm on my way.
He EXITS. Jono watches him leave, and then, almost
against his will, as though being drawn by unseen
forces, he turns back to the monitor. He moves to it,
stares at a picture of his parents. His hand reaches
toward the image of his mother. Softly, SOUNDS begin
building in his head -- the zap of phaser fire, and
then a woman's voice, calling.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO 26.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
MOIRA'S VOICE
Jeremiah... Jeremiah!
The boy withdraws his hand, closes his eyes, and by
dint of sheer effort, wills the sounds away. They
fade, and he opens his eyes again.
22 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
to include MAIN VIEWER. Data, Worf, and Wesley are at
stations. Picard ENTERS, sits.
PICARD
Status, Mister Data.
DATA
Q'maire at station, holding steady
at bearing zero-one-three, mark
zero-one-five. Distance
five-zero-six kilometers.
PICARD
Are its weapons systems active?
DATA
Negative.
WORF
Captain Endar requests an open
channel.
PICARD
On screen.
CAPTAIN ENDAR, a fierce but dignified presence, appears
on the Main Viewer.
ENDAR
I am Captain Endar of the warship
Q'Maire. To whom am I speaking?
PICARD
Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
Federation Starship Enterprise.
We have rescued four crew members
from your observation craft. They
have received medical attention
and are ready for transport.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO 26A.
22 CONTINUED:
ENDAR
Your actions are duly noted. We
will forward coordinates for
immediate transport.
RIKER
(sotto)
You're welcome, I'm sure.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/9/90 - ACT TWO 27.
22 CONTINUED:
PICARD
One moment, Captain. We have also
discovered a human among your
crew.
ENDAR
(visibly relieved)
Jono!
PICARD
Actually, his name is Jeremiah
-- Jeremiah Rossa.
ENDAR
What is his condition? Is he
injured?
PICARD
He was not wounded in the
mishap...
ENDAR
A blessing...
PICARD
But as a representative of the
Federation I demand an
explanation. Why has this child
been held in your custody all
these years?
ENDAR
No explanation is warranted,
Captain. He is my son!
Off Picard and Riker's astonishment:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
23 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND Q'MAIRE (OPTICAL)
Both ships hold positions facing one another.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental:
Endar's claim that Jeremiah Rossa
is his son is clearly
unacceptable.
24 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Endar and TWO TALARIAN MILITIA MATERIALIZE, and greet
Riker and Worf.
PICARD (V.O.)
However, to avoid escalating
tensions, I have extended an
invitation to the Talarian leader
to come aboard the Enterprise so
that we may address the issue
face-to-face.
25 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard with Endar.
ENDAR
Yes... I was in charge of the
force that repelled the
trespassers on Galen Four.
(beat)
I must say your Federation troops
fought tenaciously.
PICARD
Among them Connor and Moira Rossa.
ENDAR
I suppose. After the battle, I
found this squalling child,
huddled by the body of a young
woman. His mother, presumably.
An awful image. Picard is stirred.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT THREE 29.
25 CONTINUED:
PICARD
And so, you -- kidnapped him.
ENDAR
A harsh term, Captain. I rescued
the child. There was almost no
one left alive on Galen Four...
was I to leave him screaming by
his mother's body?
PICARD
You should have notified
Federation authorities. To
conceal him was a clear violation
of our agreement.
ENDAR
I took him in accordance with
my peoples' traditions.
PICARD
What... tradition... is it that
empowered you to capture a
helpless child?
ENDAR
I lost my son at the hands of
humans during the conflict over
Castal One. Talarian custom
allows me to claim the son of a
slain enemy.
PICARD
(weighing this)
I understand your tradition,
Endar. May I ask... does it
extend also to brutalizing the
surrogate son?
ENDAR
What are you talking about?
PICARD
Our medical officer found evidence
of injuries so severe that they
might even be considered
torture...
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE 29A.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
ENDAR
No! I have never harmed Jono!
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE 30.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Then explain the fractured ribs!
The concussion... the broken
arm...
ENDAR
Youth.
The simplicity of this answer catches Picard.
ENDAR
Have you ever been a father,
Picard? Have you ever had a son
desperately try to win your
approval? Your respect?
Picard ponders this.
ENDAR
Jono broke his ribs riding a
T'stayan -- six hooves, a very
powerful animal. The arm? In
a contest with other youths. He
endured the pain -- and won the
competition.
(beat)
He will be a great warrior one
day.
PICARD
Doesn't he deserve to become more
than that?
Picard rises, pacing.
PICARD
His heritage is human, Endar.
ENDAR
A heritage long since forgotten.
PICARD
(an inner decision made)
Captain Endar, while on board,
you are welcome to supervise the
return of your crew. But I cannot
allow Jeremiah Rossa to be
returned to your custody. His
true family is waiting for him
on Earth.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT THREE 31.
25 CONTINUED: (4)
Endar rises, too, a buried rage burning from his eyes.
ENDAR
Then under no circumstances will
I allow your ship to leave our
territory.
PICARD
I have already reported our
position and the nature of this
violation to Starfleet.
ENDAR
And I have already called our
reserved forces into the sector.
PICARD
(amazed)
Are you saying you would be
willing to go to war over the boy?
ENDAR
Would you not for your only son?
Picard stares at him. He realizes they are on the
brink of catastrophe.
PICARD
We have been at peace for years.
Let us not rush headlong toward
war.
ENDAR
Then help me to avoid it!
(beat)
If you will allow me to see Jono,
it will be clear to you -- I have
been a good father. He has grown
up happy in my keeping.
Picard turns away, his mind roiling. What is the right
decision? Is there a right decision?
26 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Jono still sits in front of the monitor, flipping
through the various photographs, over and over. Troi
is with him.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE 31A.
26 CONTINUED:
TROI
Those were your parents. Do you
remember them?
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT THREE 32.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
JONO
That was long ago. Endar is my
father.
TROI
And who is your mother?
JONO
We don't have mothers. Females
are only for mating. And work.
TROI
And the men? What is their
purpose?
JONO
Passing the tests. Becoming
strong.
TROI
The tests... endurance, pain,
determination... all so that you
can excel at making war?
JONO
(scornful)
Females understand nothing.
(puts his face in hers)
Life is not easy on our planet.
If we do not test ourselves
constantly, we become weak -- and
the weak die quickly!
TROI
And the females? Surely they are
weak.
JONO
Of course. But we protect them.
He looks at her, fierce male pride burning in his eyes.
TROI
I see.
Her gaze shifts toward the monitor, and Jono's look
follows.
TROI
And when you look at this
picture... of you and the human
female who was your mother...
how do you feel about her?
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/24/90 - ACT THREE 33.
27 OMITTED
28 INSERT - MONITOR SCREEN (OPTICAL)
Moira Rossa holds her infant son, who snuggles securely
at her breast. His tiny fingers are clasped around one
of her fingers, and she is smiling at him with
unashamed adoration. His baby smile returns that
unqualified love.
29 JONO
tears his eyes from the screen, agitated and disturbed.
30 OMITTED
31 INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE
Picard is with Beverly and Troi.
PICARD
Then you think it would be unwise
to let Endar see Jono.
BEVERLY
I think it's dangerous. Abusers
can have subtle but powerful
influence over their victims.
PICARD
(a beat)
I'm not convinced he was abused,
Doctor. I've talked to the man,
and if I am any judge of
character... I'd say he deeply
cares about the boy's welfare.
BEVERLY
Captain, we learned long ago
always to err on the side of
protecting the child. I think
Endar should be kept away from
Jono.
TROI
I'm not sure I agree, Captain.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE 34.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard looks to her...
TROI
I sense... awakening memories in
the boy... this is a very fragile
time for Jono, and if we send away
the man he calls "father" without
even letting them see each other
-- how will we ever gain his
trust?
PICARD
Yes... There is also something
else we should keep in mind. We
are deep in Talarian territory.
A semblance of diplomacy is called
for.
(beat)
I shall allow the visit.
Beverly doesn't agree, but she understands.
BEVERLY
All I ask... is that the visit
be supervised. Don't let them
be alone together.
Picard considers, nods.
PICARD
Agreed.
He EXITS toward Endar.
32 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - LATER
Troi sits with Endar; they look up as the doors slide
open. Picard ENTERS with Jono, who spots his "father"
and rushes forward.
JONO
Endar!
He bows his head to the Talarian Captain, just as he
did with Picard. Endar extends his arms and Jono comes
to him; then the two gently press their foreheads
together.
ENDAR
Jono... my son...
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/9/90 - ACT THREE 35.
32 CONTINUED:
Their eyes close as they rock gently, heads pressed
together.
33 PICARD AND TROI
silently observing this moment of alien affection.
They withdraw to a corner of the room so as not to
intrude. They cannot hear Endar and Jono clearly.
34 RESUME ENDAR AND JONO
They separate, Endar finding it difficult to hide
concern. They sit, and speak in hushed voices, huddled
together.
ENDAR
Have they treated you well?
JONO
Yes, Captain. Except...
His eyes flicker over toward Picard.
ENDAR
Except?
JONO
I was forbidden to make the
B'Nar.
Endar's gaze darts toward Picard, also, but he doesn't
seem too distressed by this "atrocity."
ENDAR
It's all right. I know that you
mourned in your heart.
(eyeing Jono)
Well, Jono... what do you think
of these humans?
It's a charged question, and Jono hesitates, glances
down, lifts his eyes again.
JONO
They... they look like me.
This troubles Endar, and he leans forward.
ENDAR
They want to keep you, you know.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/9/90 - ACT THREE 36.
34 CONTINUED:
JONO
I know.
ENDAR
You are of the age of decision.
What is your choice?
Jono hesitates again, and Endar frowns. The boy is
having a surprisingly difficult time with this.
ENDAR
Well? Do you want to stay?
All children tend to tell their parents what they want
to hear, and Jono is no exception.
JONO
No, of course not.
And all parents want to believe their children when
they say the comfortable thing.
ENDAR
Then you shall not.
(rising)
I am going back to the Q'Maire.
I will leave the humans with a
choice. If they do not make the
one we know is right... it may
lead to war.
Endar again presses his forehead to Jono's.
ENDAR
You may die.
Again, the slightest hesitation, before --
JONO
I am ready to die.
And as Endar and Jono stand together in the fleeting
comfort of a shared lie --
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR 37.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
35 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, with Riker, Troi, Beverly, Worf and Data.
WORF
Captain, sensors indicate two
warships approaching from opposite
directions along the border.
PICARD
Their offensive potential?
DATA
Talarian warships are limited to
neutral particle weapons,
high-energy X-ray lasers and
merculite rockets. No match for
the Enterprise, Captain.
PICARD
The last thing I want is to be
forced into destroying one of
their ships.
RIKER
They won't back off. They've
been willing to fight to the
death in past encounters.
PICARD
(somber)
The lines are being drawn... all
this for a chosen son.
WORF
Is it worth it, Captain? To go
to war -- over a child?
Picard shoots him a glance.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR 38.
35 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
You might not ask that,
Lieutenant, if he were your
child.
PICARD
There must be a way to avoid
this...
He ponders a moment, then --
TROI
If we can just reach Jono... help
him to make some connection with
his origins... then he may choose
to come with us.
RIKER
Do you really think Endar would
go along with that?
DATA
If Endar respects Talarian custom,
he may have to.
(off reactions)
According to their tradition, a
male child of fourteen has reached
the age of decision. They undergo
a ceremony of initiation and after
that have the freedom to make
their own choices.
PICARD
(with hope)
Endar's entire claim on Jono is
based on Talarian custom... he'd
have a hard time backing away from
it now...
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR 39.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
Captain -- there's a subspace
communication from Starfleet
Command.
PICARD
On screen.
WORF
Sir, the message is for Jeremiah
Rossa.
Curious, Picard rises.
PICARD
Have the boy brought to my Ready
Room.
And he EXITS to his Ready Room.
36 INT. READY ROOM - MINUTES LATER (OPTICAL)
Picard sits with Jono as they view the visual monitor.
Addressing them is CONNAUGHT ROSSA, a woman in her
60's, of regal bearing and gracious manner. She wears
a Starfleet uniform.
CONNAUGHT
Jeremiah... my name is Connaught
Rossa. I am your father's mother.
I wish we could talk in person,
but that will have to wait. When
I heard the miracle that you were
alive, I wanted to reach out to
you as soon as possible.
(beat)
I find myself wondering what you
look like... and all I can do is
imagine your father at your age.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FOUR 40.
36 CONTINUED:
CONNAUGHT (Cont'd)
You come from a family that would
make you proud. Many of them have
given their lives to bring peace
to the galaxy. You are the last
of the Rossas. I am so very
thankful that you have been given
back to us, to carry on the line.
(beat)
Your grandfather and I will greet
you with all the love in our
hearts. Have a safe journey home,
Jeremiah.
The screen goes blank. Jono stares at it. Then --
JONO
She wears a Starfleet uniform.
PICARD
Yes.
JONO
What is her rank?
PICARD
She is an Admiral.
Jono turns toward Picard.
JONO
She outranks you.
PICARD
Yes.
Jono, overwhelmed, rises and begins pacing, agitated.
JONO
If I were home now, I would go
to the brae, and run along the
river... run as fast as I could!
Picard lifts a hand, wanting to settle the frenzied
young man.
PICARD
Jono...
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR 41.
36 CONTINUED: (2)
JONO
I can't do any of the things that
calm me here! You won't let me
have my music, you won't let me
make the B'Nar! I feel if I have
to hold still much longer I will
die!
PICARD
Jono -- let me show you what I
do when I get those feelings.
Jono looks at him, curiosity aroused.
37 INT. RACQUETBALL COURT - LATER (OPTICAL)
Picard is with Jono, giving him basic instruction in
the game. It has changed over the centuries in about
the way that tennis, say, changed from Henry VIII's
day to the present. The basic principles are the same;
the racquet is different -- sleeker, more streamlined
-- and the ball is electronic: perhaps it glows from
within. Most important, when it is hit, or hits a
wall, there is an ELECTRONIC SOUND -- something that
will begin to sound not unlike a phaser.
PICARD
(demonstrating)
I serve from here... like this...
(serves)
And you must hit it back before
it bounces twice. Let's try it.
Picard lobs an easy serve into Jono's forehand; the
boy with unerring instinct hits a kill shot about a
foot off the ground. Picard turns to look at him.
PICARD
Not bad.
JONO
I win at all the games.
PICARD
I can believe it. Well, shall
we give this a try?
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR 42.
38 SERIES OF SHOTS (OPTICAL)
as Picard and Jono ENTER into a rousing and
surprisingly close game. Jono has natural ability and
the resilience of youth, and gives Picard a run for it.
The electronic ZAP of the ball as it ricochets around
the court becomes louder and louder, and gradually its
presence changes, sounding more and more like a weapon.
39 JONO (OPTICAL)
reacts to this, shaking his head as though to clear it.
PICARD
Jono? You all right?
JONO
Fine.
He serves and they ENTER into a long rally... the
SOUNDS becoming louder, now mixed with more sounds of
WARFARE -- muffled explosions, people shouting, the
rapid sound of phaser fire. Then, the sound of voices
--
CONNOR'S VOICE
Take him and get to cover!
MOIRA'S VOICE
I can't leave you!
Jono stops, face twisted in anguish. He covers his
ears, tries to blot out the sound. He will murmur,
"No, no... " softly through the rest. Picard's voice
will echo as though it's coming from far away.
PICARD
Jono -- what is it?!
Jono flails on the ground as the vortex of sound
increases.
CONNOR'S VOICE
Take Jeremiah... get to the
forest! I'll hold them off!
MOIRA'S VOICE
No, come with us!
CONNOR'S VOICE
Go!
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FOUR 43.
39 CONTINUED:
Rapid sound of PHASERS, now, and many shouting voices,
explosions. We hear a child's voice... "Mama...
mama... "
JONO
(barely audible)
Mama...
MOIRA'S VOICE
Jeremiah... Jeremiah... This way!
A sudden explosion, louder than the rest, and a woman's
dreadful scream. Jono sinks to the ground, head buried
in his hands. The child's voice begins to cry in
terror, calling out, "Mama... mama... mama... "
40 PICARD AND JONO
as the sounds begin to fade. Picard kneels with him,
puts his arm around the shaking boy's shoulders. Jono
looks up at him, his face wet with tears.
JONO
She was... all red. I cried...
but she didn't answer me...
The boy breaks into sobs again and buries his head.
Picard rubs his shoulder. He's not sure just what he
should be doing, but he does know that an important
breakthrough has been made.
41 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - LATER
Jono sits talking with Picard. They are still in
racquetball clothes. Jono is subdued, but talks
freely.
JONO
... she used to sing to me... I
don't remember the melody, just
the sound of her voice...
He stops, shakes his head.
JONO
Before I remembered these things,
I was strong. Now...
(touches his chest)
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR 44.
41 CONTINUED:
The boy draws a deep breath.
JONO
I have endured much pain. But
this... I do not like.
PICARD
It is part of being human, Jono.
But as deeply as you can feel hurt
-- you can also feel joy.
Jono looks up at him, sadly.
JONO
I do not think so. I think I will
always feel like this.
Picard is not sure where to go from here.
PICARD
Jono -- are you tired?
JONO
Yes. But I do not want to rest.
I think --
(looks up, almost
surprised)
-- I think I am hungry.
42 INT. TEN FORWARD - MINUTES LATER
Picard ENTERS with Jono, now both showered and
dressed. Picard spots Riker at a table with Wesley
and Data, steers the boy toward them.
RIKER
Well, how was racquetball?
PICARD
He gave me quite a game for his
first time out.
The flicker of a smile -- the first we've seen -- plays
on Jono's lips. He is much more relaxed now, as though
a great burden has fallen away.
JONO
I look forward to the next time,
Captain.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR 45.
42 CONTINUED:
Picard grins, glad that Jono's cockiness is returning.
PICARD
I'm sure you do. sit down, Jono.
What would you like?
Jono and Picard sit. Jono looks around at the table,
points to Wesley's banana split.
JONO
What's that?
WESLEY
That's called a banana split and
it's maybe the best thing there
is in the universe.
(pushes it forward)
Here -- give it a try.
Jono stares at it for a second, unsure how to attack
it. Riker slides a spoon toward him. Jono looks
puzzled.
DATA
It is called a spoon.
Jono nods, grabs the spoon, looks up at them
questioningly.
WESLEY
Go ahead.
Jono is holding the spoon in his fist, like a knife.
Having received permission, he holds it over the banana
split "boat" -- and then jabs down into it with all
his force! This flips the opposite end of the "boat"
up, flinging the contents out and right toward Wesley!
42A WESLEY
has a spattering of whipped cream on his face and
chest.
43 OMITTED
44 FULL SHOT
Jono stares at him, at first shocked at what he has
done.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FOUR 46.
44 CONTINUED:
JONO
Forgive me --
He glances around the table and sees Picard smiling --
and Riker trying to hold in a laugh. Finally Riker
can't help it and he snorts with laughter. Wesley
starts laughing. Then Jono looks back at Wesley and
then he bursts into laughter.
DATA
I fail to see why this is amusing.
RIKER
(still chuckling)
Check your data banks on humor...
subheading "Slapstick"...
DATA
(inspecting Wesley)
Comedy stressing farce and
horseplay... ah, this no doubt
is a variation on... "Pie in the
Face"...
RIKER
Now do you see why it's funny?
DATA
No, I do not. But I will take
your word. It is very amusing.
Jono is still giggling. Wesley summons a waitress.
WESLEY
Let's start over. A fresh banana
split for me, one for my friend
here.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR 47.
44A ON PICARD AND RIKER
as they move off to the side, Jono, Wesley, and Data
remain at the table.
PICARD
Look at him. He's like a
different person.
RIKER
Who would ever have thought he
could laugh out loud like that?
PICARD
And half an hour ago he was crying
in my arms like a baby.
Riker, not having realized this, looks at Picard in
surprise and awe. Picard smiles, feeling content that
things are going to work out just fine.
45 OMITTED
45A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND Q'MAIRE (OPTICAL)
46 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - LATER
The rooms are darkened, but we can see Jono, resting in
his ceiling hammock. His eyes are open. He stares
into the darkness for a few beats, and then he lifts
up, descends from the ceiling.
47 INT. CAPTAIN'S BEDROOM
Picard is asleep. Jono ENTERS, approaches Picard like
a thief in the night. He gazes down at the sleeping
Captain, struggling with his emotions.
48 CLOSE ON PICARD AND JONO
Picard is groggy, but recognizing Jono, gives him a
smile. Jono returns the smile -- then loses the smile
to a terror within.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR 48.
48 CONTINUED:
Suddenly his gloved hand appears, raising the Klingon
dagger! He sounds an anguished cry, then plunges the
dagger down, straight into Picard's chest.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE 49.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
49 INT. SICKBAY
Picard is on a bed with Beverly scanning him. Picard
is unconscious and pale.
BEVERLY
Two bleeders... single-plane
penetration...
(calling out)
I need the autosuture over here!
Assistants move swiftly as she keeps scanning.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
It looks like the blade hit the
sternum and was deflected... it
could have been a lot worse.
50 ON PICARD
as he stirs, eyes fluttering open and sees Beverly, who
has the autosuture and is using it on him. Picard
looks around as though coming out of a fog, trying to
get his bearings.
PICARD
Then it wasn't a dream...
BEVERLY
I'm afraid not...
Beverly is using the autosuture to stop the bleeding
and repair damaged tissue.
BEVERLY
No vital organs were pierced...
no major arteries...
PICARD
Where is the boy now?
BEVERLY
Worf has him in security. Hold
still...
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE 50.
50 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I want to see him. Here, now.
BEVERLY
(firmly)
He'll wait until I'm finished.
Picard acquiesces, puts his head back down and winces
in pain.
51 OMITTED
52 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker in command, Worf at Tactical, Data at Ops, Wesley
on the Conn.
WORF
Talarian warships converging,
Commander, range five hundred
kilometers.
RIKER
On screen.
53
thru OMITTED
54
55 ANGLE - MAIN VIEW (OPTICAL)
The main viewer now shows the Q'Maire; two other
warships are behind it, moving toward the Enterprise.
RIKER
Any communication, Lieutenant
Worf?
WORF
No, sir. We have an open channel.
WESLEY
Commander, the warships' closing
velocities are decreasing...
staggered approach vectors
bearing zero, one hundred twenty,
and two hundred forty degrees.
RIKER
(to com)
Riker to La Forge.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FIVE 51.
55A INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS - INTERCUTTING
GEORDI
La Forge here, sir.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Geordi, the Talarians are moving
into attack posture. Classic
triangular envelopment.
GEORDI
I've tapped the impulse engines
for additional power to shields,
Commander. We're ready.
55B INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
WORF
Commander, Captain of the Q'Maire
requests communication.
RIKER
Well, here we go. On screen.
As Captain Endar looms on the viewer.
ENDAR
Captain Picard... have you made
your decision?
RIKER
This is Commander Riker. What
are your intentions, Captain
Endar?
ENDAR
(puzzled, cautious)
Where is Captain Picard?
RIKER
(beat)
He has been injured. I am in
command now.
ENDAR
Very well. Please prepare my
son for immediate transport.
RIKER
I'm afraid that's not possible.
Last night, Jono attacked Captain
Picard and tried to murder him.
We are holding him in custody.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE 52.
55B CONTINUED:
Endar is clearly taken aback by this, but swiftly
re-groups.
ENDAR
If you had returned him with the
others, this would never have
happened! I hold you responsible
for this incident.
RIKER
He'll have to come back with us
now, Endar. It will be up to
Starfleet to decide the
consequences.
Endar glowers darkly, rage building.
ENDAR
I do not accept that decision.
I repeat, you will prepare my son
for transport. If he is not on
board in five minutes, you will
suffer the consequences.
The screen goes dark.
RIKER
Red alert.
The red alert warning sounds.
WORF
Talarian vessels routing power
to forward rockets...
RIKER
(frowns, sighs)
Ready all weapons, Mister Worf...
56 INT. SICKBAY
Two SECURITY MEN escort Jono into Picard's Sickbay
cubicle. The boy stands before Picard, taut as a wire,
staring straight ahead.
PICARD
Jono... why did you do it?
JONO
That doesn't matter.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FIVE 53.
56 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I think it does. It matters to
me.
JONO
What matters is that I have
attacked a Captain. I am ready
to be put to death.
Picard stares at him. Does he believe that?
PICARD
You think you are to be killed?
Jono's eyes flicker toward him, briefly.
JONO
To attack a superior is the worst
offense. I will die at your
hands.
PICARD
Jono, you aren't going to die at
my hands or anyone else's.
JONO
But... I committed a terrible
crime...
PICARD
What I want to know is why? You
seemed so happy just a few hours
ago...
The memories of happiness seem to bring Jono renewed
anguish.
JONO
I was.
The boys turn away, overwhelmed by the emotions that
are battling within him.
JONO
But then... I thought about my
father. I felt like I was
betraying him.
Picard studies the boy... sees his pain...
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/27/90 - ACT FIVE 53A.
CONTINUED: (2)
JONO
(continuing)
I'd be throwing away all that
he's given me... all that I
learned from him... my home...
running along the river... playing
in the games... sharing victory
with my brothers...
(a pause)
... all the things that are part
of my life.
The boy draws a breath, looks at Picard with infinite
sadness.
JONO
As I grew closer to... you... I
knew it meant leaving more and
more of that life behind.
Forgive me, Captain -- I could
not allow myself to do that.
Picard absorbs this.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE 54.
57 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
Things are very tense.
WORF
Q'Maire is requesting
communication on a secure
channel, Commander.
RIKER
On screen.
58 ANGLE TO INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
Endar appears.
ENDAR
Commander Riker, you have failed
to transport my son aboard the
Q'Maire.
RIKER
Our position has not changed.
We are returning him to Starfleet.
ENDAR
I regret your stubbornness. Much
will be lost.
PICARD (O.S.)
One moment, Captain...
59 ANGLE - PICARD AND JONO (OPTICAL)
ENTERING, the Captain, assisted by Jono into his chair.
PICARD
Captain Endar, last night Jono
attacked me with a dagger.
ENDAR
Which he could not have done had
he been returned to me with the
others!
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FIVE 55.
59 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(silencing hand)
There was a crime committed on
board this ship... but it was not
Jono's -- it was mine.
Puzzled, Endar waits to hear what Picard means.
PICARD
(continuing)
When we found Jono, it seemed
so clear what had to be done.
We knew if he could only be
persuaded to make the decision
to stay... you would most likely
let him. So with the best of
intentions, we tried to convince
him... and, in so doing,
thoroughly failed to listen...
to his feelings, his needs.
Jono is staring at Picard, hanging on his every word.
PICARD
(continuing)
That was the crime, and it has
taken a huge toll on a strong
and noble young man. It must be
rectified.
Picard looks around the bridge, where he has everyone's
rapt attention.
PICARD
(continuing)
Jono will return home -- to the
only home he has ever known. To
the father that he loves. To you,
Endar.
Endar is astonished, stupefied -- and achingly
grateful.
ENDAR
Thank you, Captain...
PICARD
Please transmit coordinates for
his immediate transport.
STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FIVE 56.
60 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - LATER (OPTICAL)
Supernumerary at the controls. Picard motions Jono
toward the transporter platform.
PICARD
Goodbye, Jono.
JONO
Goodbye, Captain.
Jono starts for the platform, stops, turns, walks back
to Picard. He hesitates, then removes his gloves.
Stepping forward, he takes gentle hold of Picard's
head, tilting it down until their foreheads are pressed
together in affection and solidarity.
JONO
(softly)
Thank you.
He breaks the embrace and moves to the transporter
platform. In seconds, he is gone.
61 CLOSE ON PICARD
eyes on the empty pad, sure the right thing has been
done.
DISSOLVE TO:
62 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - LATER
Picard ENTERS, finds the room still disheveled, his
furniture still disarranged. He looks up, sees the
hammock dangling from the ceiling. He smiles,
remembering the antic child, but then feels a chill,
realizing how empty the room now seems. He reaches
up, plucks the hammock from its hooks, and cradles it
in his hands. He knows he has been given something
by knowing this boy. He begins to put his room back
to its former orderliness.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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