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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Devil's Due"
#40274-187
Written by
Philip LaZebnik
Based on a Teleplay by
William Douglas Lansford
Directed by
Tom Benko
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 This script is not for publication or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
NOVEMBER 2, 1990
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Devil's Due"
CAST
PICARD ARDRA
RIKER KLINGON FEK'LHR
DATA HUMAN DEVIL
BEVERLY ACOST JARED
TROI DOCTOR HOWARD CLARK
GEORDI MARLEY (GHOST)
WORF
Non-Speaking
VENTAXIANS
THREE AIDES
COM VOICE TWO SENTRIES
3 SCIENCE STATION WORKERS
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
N. D. SECURITY GUARDS
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/02/90 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Devil's Due"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM SHUTTLE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
PICARD'S QUARTERS VENTAX TWO
TRANSPORTER ROOM AGRARIAN CITY
CORRIDOR
HOLODECK
VICTORIAN BEDROOM
VENTAX TWO
SCIENCE STATION
ATHENEUM
VAULT
SHUTTLE
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Devil's Due"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ACOST JARED AH-kohst JAH-red
AKUL K'TON ah-KUHL K-TON
ARDRA AR-druh
ATHENEUM a-THEE-n-eeum
BERUSSIAN behr-RUH-seean
DRELLIANS DRELL-ee-ans
FEK'LHR FECK-luhr
GARV ETES GAHRV ETT-ess
GRE'THOR GRAY-thor
LIGILLIUM ly-JIL-lee-um
MENDORA mehn-DOHR-uh
TORAK TORE-ack
TAU VELOR TAU vell-OR
VENTAXIANS vehn-TAHX-ee-ahns
ZATARL zah-TARL
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Devil's Due"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
At impulse.
2 CLOSEUP ON A GHASTLY TRANSPARENT WHITE FIGURE IN
CHAINS (OPTICAL)
MARLEY
You don't believe in me.
Pulling back to see DATA dressed in Dickensian clothes
as the terrified Ebenezer Scrooge... the set is
Scrooge's classic Victorian bedroom.
DATA/SCROOGE
I don't.
MARLEY
What evidence would you have of
my reality beyond that of your
senses?
DATA/SCROOGE
I don't know.
MARLEY
Why do you doubt your senses?
DATA/SCROOGE
Because a little thing affects
them. A slight disorder of the
stomach makes them cheats. You
may be an undigested bit of beef,
a blot of mustard, a crumb of
cheese, a fragment of an underdone
potato. There's more of gravy
than of grave about you, whatever
you are. Humbug, I tell you
humbug!
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER 2.
3 INT. HOLODECK - ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
to reveal PICARD observing... The spirit raises a
frightful cry and shakes its chain making an appalling
noise and Data/Scrooge falls upon his knees, clasps his
hands in fear before his face.
PICARD
Freeze program.
As Marley freezes...
PICARD
Very nicely done, Data... your
performance skills really are
improving...
Data shakes his head, doesn't agree... is dubious about
his performance. He stands... turns to Picard...
DATA
I have taken your advice, Captain.
This time I have not imitated
another actor's rendition. It
was my own interpretation...
PICARD
And a very interesting one...
you should be congratulated...
DATA
Your courtesy is appreciated.
But I am aware that I do not
effectively convey the fear called
for in this scene.
PICARD
Well, you've never known fear.
But as an acute observer of
behavior, you certainly should
be able to approximate...
DATA
(interrupting)
Sir... That would not be an
appropriate basis for an effective
performance. Not by the standards
set by my mentors.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Your mentors... ?
DATA
Yessir. I have studied the
philosophies of virtually every
known acting master, but I find
myself particularly attracted to
Stanislavsky, Adler, Garnav...
proponents of a performance
technique known as "The Method."
Off Picard's reaction, they EXIT the holodeck...
4 OMITTED
5 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
As they exit, Data still in costume, pushes a few
holodeck computer buttons to end the program, then
walks with Picard... a few supernumeraries glance at
them as they pass...
PICARD
"Method acting?" Yes, I'm vaguely
familiar with it... why would you
choose such an old-fashioned
approach...
DATA
Perhaps because the technique
requires an actor to seek his own
emotional awareness to understand
the character he plays...
PICARD
But that would seem an impossible
task for you, Data.
DATA
I have modified the method for
my own use, sir. Since I have
no emotional awareness to create
a performance, I am attempting
to use performance to create an
emotional awareness. I believe
if I can learn to duplicate the
fear of Ebenezer Scrooge, then
I will be one step closer to
being truly human.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - TEASER 4.
5 CONTINUED:
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain Picard, please report to
the Bridge...
PICARD
On my way, Number One...
(to Data)
Data, the moment you decided to
stop imitating other actors and
to create your own
interpretation... you were
already one step closer to being
truly human.
He EXITS, leaving Data to ponder this.
6 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
WORF, RIKER at their positions. As Picard ENTERS...
RIKER
We've received an emergency
transmission from the Ventax Two
science station...
PICARD
Nature of the emergency...
RIKER
Uncertain... the signal was
interrupted by...
WORF
(interrupting, adjusting
his controls)
Contact reestablished with Ventax
Two, Commander.
RIKER
On screen.
The viewscreen shifts from the starfield to the image
of a wispy-haired, nervous and extremely harried man,
DR. HOWARD CLARK. He is standing in a small,
equipment-filled room; behind him are several
TECHNICIANS, who are racing about frantically,
gathering books, ledgers and other effects. The
picture on the screen is filled periodically with
bursts of static; every now and then the screen goes
blank and then flickers back to life.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER 5.
6 CONTINUED:
Continually in the background we HEAR a distant roar,
and an incessant pounding noise outside the door.
PICARD
(continuing)
I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of
the U.S.S. Enterprise. Please
identify yourself.
DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
I am Doctor Howard Clark, director
of the science station here on
Ventax Two. Thank you for
responding.
As he speaks, the picture blurs, trembles and fades.
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, can you improve
our reception?
WORF
The trouble is at the transmission
source, sir.
The viewscreen image comes back to life uncertainly.
PICARD
Doctor Clark, we can barely
maintain communication with you.
Can you boost the level of your
power source?
DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
I'm afraid not, Captain. It's
under attack.
PICARD
Under attack?
DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
There is a mob outside, trying
to break into the station. The
planet is in chaos. Looting.
Fires...
Again, the picture breaks up momentarily.
PICARD
Ensign, set a new course for
Ventax Two...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER 6.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
The Conn operator acknowledges... When the picture
returns, the image is even fuzzier than before.
PICARD
Doctor Clark, what has caused the
riots... ?
DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
Mass hysteria... it's impossible
to explain... these people are
all convinced their world is
coming to an end... tomorrow.
Please, we must have your
immediate...
The picture breaks apart and is lost for good. And
on Picard's reaction, we
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
7 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around a bluish planet, Ventax Two.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 44474.5.
We have reached Ventax Two and
are attempting to contact the
Federation science station, which
at last report was under siege
by a mob.
8 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard is seated in the Command Chair. Riker, Worf
and Data are at their stations. Supernumerary at Conn.
WORF
They are transmitting again.
PICARD
On screen, before we lose contact.
The viewscreen flickers to life. Again we see Dr.
Clark on screen. The situation on the planet has
obviously deteriorated. The roar of the mob outside
and the pounding on the door practically drowns out
all else. Smoke fills the room; the people inside are
in a panic. The reception is terrible; we can hardly
make out any details in the blur and snow of the
picture. Dr. Clark is leaning in towards our
viewpoint, yelling frantically.
DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
Enterprise, Enterprise! Do you
read me? Emergency! We need
help!
PICARD
Doctor Clark, this is Captain
Picard. We are ready to beam you
and your staff on board the...
There is a CRASH, a sudden influx of light and a
deafening roar. The door has collapsed off screen.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE 8.
8 CONTINUED:
There is pendemonium, an impressionistic blur of chaos
and confusion barely decipherable as the snowy picture
dissolves into visual static. The last words we hear
over the broken picture --
DR. CLARK (O.C.)
(crying out)
They're in! They're in!
PICARD
Transporter Room Three! Lock onto
the station team and beam them
aboard.
TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE
I've locked onto Doctor Clark.
I can't pick out the others. It's
a mess down there.
9 OMITTED
10 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD
Beam up Doctor Clark by himself...
Mister Worf, escort him to my
ready room...
WORF
(exiting)
Aye, sir.
Picard gets up to leave.
PICARD
Number One, try to make some sense
of this "mess."
As Picard EXITS the Bridge...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE 9.
11 OMITTED
12 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM
Dr. Clark, still shaky, is seated as Picard fetches two
cups of tea...
DR. CLARK
The people of Ventax Two live
in an agrarian society. At least,
they do now.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE 10.
12 CONTINUED:
PICARD
What do you mean, "now?"
DR. CLARK
It's an interesting
anthropological question. One
we were studying before the...
trouble began. In their distant
past the Ventaxian culture had
achieved an extremely advanced
scientific level, but a millennium
ago they turned their backs on
technology.
Picard delivers a cup of tea... the doctor's hand is
still unsteady...
PICARD
Be careful, it's hot...
The doctor takes a sip trying to calm down...
PICARD
So they reverted to a simpler
existence... ?
DR. CLARK
And have remained that way for
centuries. First contact was made
by a Klingon expedition seventy
years ago. Since then, new
technology has been available to
the Ventaxians. They simply have
no interest in it. There have
been virtually no social problems
to be found on this planet... in
fact, I would have described their
society as idyllic until...
A beat as he searches to reasonably explain it...
almost embarrassed to say so...
PICARD
Until what, doctor?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE 11.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
DR. CLARK
It's hard to believe...
(beat)
Several years ago, Acost Jared,
the Ventaxian head of state,
began to grow increasingly
obsessed with the legend of
"Ardra." With each passing day,
he grew more anxious, until he
talked about little else. "Ardra
is coming back. Ardra will be
here soon. We must all leave
before Ardra returns."
PICARD
And who is Ardra?
DR. CLARK
(shakes his head in
disbelief)
For all intents and purposes...
(beat, sighs)
... the devil.
(off Picard's look)
Captain, these people actually
believe they've sold their souls
to the devil.
Before Picard can respond...
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Captain Picard.
PICARD
Have you located the science team,
Number One?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Evidently they're being held
hostage.
DR. CLARK
(horrified)
Hostage...
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(continuing)
We have a Ventaxian leader on the
viewscreen, name of Acost Jared.
Picard is on his feet already on his way to the
Bridge... Clark follows...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE 12.
13 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard and Clark ENTER. Data, Worf, Riker, TROI
present. On the viewscreen: JARED, a dignified man,
dressed in contemporary 24th century clothes, paces
with a handful of aides in the Atheneum.
DR. CLARK
Jared, you must secure the release
of my people. I can't believe
you would allow this.
Jared shakes his head and smiles sadly.
JARED
Howard, my friend, you know how
I abhor all acts of violence.
But events are out of my control.
Picard approaches the viewscreen...
PICARD
I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Is there nothing you can do... ?
JARED
(shakes his head)
As the hour of Ardra's return
approaches, fear has overwhelmed
my people...
DR. CLARK
(to Picard)
I've tried to explain to them that
there is no evidence, no proof
this... this mythic creature ever
existed... let alone was about
to return to enslave them...
JARED
It has been a thousand years.
The prophecies have come true...
PICARD
(to Clark)
Prophecies?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE 13.
13 CONTINUED:
DR. CLARK
Ardra's arrival is supposed to
be heralded by the "shaking of
the cities"... there have been
a series of geological tremors
on the planet... minor quakes...
nothing extraordinary...
PICARD
But poorly timed...
JARED
There is more. For several nights
there have been visions of
Ardra... again, just as the
contract said would occur before
her return.
PICARD
Visions? Do you mean dreams?
JARED
No. She has appeared. I myself
have seen her.
PICARD
Jared, tell your people if our
hostages are released, I am
prepared to offer you Federation
assistance should this Ardra
return.
JARED
I am afraid it will not matter.
They know your weapons are useless
against her, Captain. I will make
inquiries concerning the hostages.
The innocent should not suffer
for our sins... But I can make
no promises...
He ends the transmission. The planet returns to the
viewscreen. Off Picard's reaction...
14 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - ENTERPRISE
Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf, GEORDI, BEVERLY, Data and
Dr. Clark are seated around the conference table.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE 14.
14 CONTINUED:
TROI
This situation is deteriorating,
Captain... people are approaching
levels of anxiety that could lead
to suicide...
PICARD
Mister Data, what do we know about
this Ardra figure?
DATA
She is a cornerstone of Ventaxian
theology. It seems that Ardra
came to Ventax Two and promised
one thousand years of peace and
prosperity. As her price, she
would return and enslave the
entire population. In the
Ventaxian culture, it is
considered bad luck to speak her
name out loud. The threat "may
Ardra come to your door" is
considered a most insulting
epithet.
DR. CLARK
I've often puzzled over this dark
legend. It simply doesn't fit in
with the rest of Ventaxian
mythology... which is sunny and
joyous.
BEVERLY
Perhaps the Ardra myth is a result
of their contact with the
Klingons.
Geordi glances at Worf...
GEORDI
(joking)
Are you implying Klingons are not
sunny and joyous?
Worf grunts.
DATA
Ardra predates the Klingon
influence on Ventax Two.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - ACT ONE 14A.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
DR. CLARK
There are ancient scrolls
concerning Ardra that are stored
in the Atheneum vaults...
scholars study them... they have
been of little public interest
until recently...
Picard takes a beat to consider his options...
PICARD
I think I should meet with Acost
Jared... he's still our best hope
for the release of the hostages.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - ACT ONE 15.
14 CONTINUED: (3)
RIKER
(rising)
I'll arrange to have him
transported aboard...
PICARD
No... I'm going down to the
planet...
WORF
Sir, you risk being taken as an
additional hostage...
PICARD
(interrupting)
Mister O'Brien can stay locked
on our communicators and pull us
out, if necessary. Mister Worf
and Mister Data, you will
accompany me... I'm hoping the
hostages have not been moved
far... if the opportunity
presents itself we will move
quickly...
WORF
Yes, sir.
Rising...
PICARD
Counselor, I'll want you with me
too...
As they begin to EXIT...
14A EXT. VENTAX CITY (MATTE SHOT) - ESTABLISHING
A large agrarian city with evidence of turmoil...
smoke from fires... an alien siren blares... some
burned out structures.
15 INT. ATHENEUM (OPTICAL)
Picard, Worf, Troi and Data MATERIALIZE... the
sentries are posted at the door... Jared and his small
circle of aides move toward Picard.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE 16.
15 CONTINUED:
JARED
Captain Picard! You shouldn't
have come. Your life is in danger
here...
PICARD
Jared, you must attempt to calm
your people. There is no reason
for panic.
JARED
No reason... !
PICARD
If the tremors have frightened
people... leading to this
hysteria over Ardra... allow us
to reassure them...
(looking to Data)
DATA
We have scanned the tectonic
stress patterns of your planet's
crust... there is no evidence
that the quakes pose any kind of
threat...
JARED
(overlapping)
No, no, the threat is from
Ardra... you cannot understand...
PICARD
If you can at least help us locate
our people...
His words are interrupted by a tremor... the shaking
increases in intensity... a few things fall and
break...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE 17.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
JARED
(whispering)
She is here.
PICARD
Nonsense... it is only...
But as the tremor continues, a sharp, spinning light
suddenly appears, so intense, that they are all forced
to shield their eyes... and as Data and Worf pull
phasers... the spinning light fades to reveal ARDRA,
a stunning woman, dressed in black. The Ventaxians
cower and murmur "Ardra" as she looks at Jared and
smiles.
ARDRA
Time's up.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
16 INT. ATHENEUM (OPTICAL)
Ardra walks gingerly through the fallen debris. She is
by no means overly-dramatic in an anti-Christ sort of
way, in fact she underplays the role entirely... she's
much more the William Morris agent than the classic
devil. When she approaches one of the Ventaxians, they
cower and back away in fear.
ARDRA
I am disappointed. I expected
my tenants to take better care
of my property.
She stops before Jared... who summons every last bit of
his courage to confront her.
JARED
Ardra, most powerful one, I am
Jared, Leader of Ventax Two. I
take responsibility for all that
displeases you. Please do not
punish my people.
ARDRA
Punish? Who said anything about
punishing? I merely expect your
end of our contract to be upheld.
JARED
Thank you, Ardra.
Picard watches this exchange, carefully sizing the
woman up.
ARDRA
And don't talk like some ancient
prophet around me, with "thees"
and "thous" and "most powerful
ones"... it was appealing for
a few centuries but I bore easily.
And stop cowering! When I want
you on your knees, I'll let you
know...
(noticing Picard)
Much better... a fine example for
the others; who would you be?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO 19.
16 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I am Jean-Luc Picard of the
Federation Starship Enterprise.
ARDRA
(barely acknowledges)
Keep up the good work.
(turning back to Jared)
Now, the first thing we'll need
is an accounting of all you've
been accumulating for me...
With a magician's flourish, she waves a hand and a
small scroll appears in her hand...
ARDRA
(continuing)
This form will provide guidelines
for a full census of the
population with emphasis on
productivity and economic
forecasts...
Picard blocks her path... demanding her attention...
PICARD
Who are you?
ARDRA
My, you are forceful, aren't you?
Good. I like my men to be
forceful. At least at the start.
PICARD
If your intent is intimidation,
madame, you are not succeeding.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO 20.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
ARDRA
(studies him with
growing interest)
That's all right. I like a
challenge.
TROI
An entire planet has been
terrorized because of the
suggestion that you are going to
enslave the population...
ARDRA
(shrugs)
Well, it's true. Of course, I
wouldn't put it so melodramatically.
It's just a standard contract with
an unusually long term.
DATA
So, you do purport to be the
mythic figure Ardra?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO 21.
16 CONTINUED: (3)
ARDRA
I have many names my pale friend.
I'm Mendora in the Berussian
Cluster. Torak to the Drellians.
Glancing at Worf --
ARDRA
The Klingons call me Fek'lhr.
WORF
You are not Fek'lhr.
17 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
She smiles at him and the twisting energy EFFECT spins
her into a giant Klingon beast...
ARDRA/FEK'LHR
Ah, but I am... I am the Guardian
of Gre'thor. Where the dishonored
go when they die.
18 PICARD, WORF, TROI AND DATA
react.
19 ARDRA (OPTICAL)
returning back to normal. (In essence, this is a brief
holographic effect). She looks to Picard for a
reaction - how'd you like that one?
ARDRA
(stepping to Jared)
But here on Ventax Two, I am
called Ardra. The same Ardra who
negotiated a contract with these
people... ten centuries ago today.
Picard studies her dubiously. She reacts off his
look.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO 21A.
19 CONTINUED:
ARDRA
Ah, you doubt me. A non-believer.
Really, Jean-Luc Picard of the
Federation Starship Enterprise, no
doubt you have travelled the
galaxy, encountered a diverse
universe of creatures... Is there
no room for the likes of me?
PICARD
I have encountered many with a
more credible claim to being the
devil than you, madame.
ARDRA
The devil! Now there's one I
haven't heard in a long time.
(beat)
You are an interesting one. In
your soul, there is an insatiable
quest for new experience and
exploration. You will discover
that I touch that need in you,
Picard... that I can satisfy it
in a way no woman has for you
before...
(she eyes Troi
competitively on that
line; continuing to
Picard)
... and you will believe.
Picard's steady eye never wavers...
PICARD
You claim you were here a thousand
years ago and negotiated a
contract... ?
ARDRA
That's correct.
PICARD
I'd like to see that contract...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO 22.
20 INT. ATHENEUM VAULT
Several Ventaxians carry a stack of scrolls and thick
volumes to Picard, Data, Worf, Troi and Jared.
JARED
The scrolls of Ardra...
ARDRA
A longwinded description of a very
simple business arrangement. I
did away with their wars, famine
and economic ruin, and provided
them a thousand years of paradise.
My terms were clearly stated.
They went into this with their
eyes open. I'm sure you'll find
everything is in order...
PICARD
(challenging)
You won't mind if we don't take
your word for it... ? Jared, with
Your permission, Mister Data will
review the documents...
thoroughly.
JARED
(Ardra's in charge now)
It is no longer my decision.
At first Ardra's eyes flash at the thought of Picard's
interference, but then the sly grin of one who
appreciates playing the game comes to her lips.
ARDRA
I have intrigued you, haven't I,
Picard?
PICARD
I only remain here to secure
the release of Federation
hostages.
She snaps her head toward Jared.
ARDRA
(angry)
Hostages? Is this true?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO 23.
20 CONTINUED:
JARED
(shuddering)
Yes, Ardra. Panic gripped the
people as the time of your return
grew closer...
ARDRA
(smiles)
Yes, I do have that effect on
people. See that the hostages
are released... Now!
JARED
Immediately.
He scurries off. Picard studies her.
ARDRA
Let us not cloud this with bit
players, Picard. You will not
leave because you find me
irresistible.
She smiles. The energy effect spins and she
disappears. After a beat, Picard keys his insignia--
PICARD
Enterprise, advise Doctor Clark
that the hostages are being
released...
DR. CLARK'S COM VOICE
This is Clark. You did it,
Captain, thank goodness...
Picard reacts, glances at his team...
PICARD
(mostly to himself)
Goodness... had nothing to do with
it.
(to Com)
Enterprise, three to beam up.
Mister Data will remain on the
surface...
(to Data)
I want a complete report on the
contents of these scrolls. I
will not abandon this planet to
that woman.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO 24.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
As they DEMATERIALIZE, Data moves to the volumes and
begins to read through the pages at incredible speed...
21 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit.
22 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Troi, Beverly, Geordi, Clark and Worf
are assembled around the table.
RIKER
Could she be another refugee from
the "Q" continuum?
BEVERLY
For that matter could she be Q?
PICARD
Q would never bother with
contracts.
TROI
Or be interested in economic
forecasts...
PICARD
Yes, I noticed that too,
Counselor... I had the distinct
feeling we were in the presence
of a flim-flam artist...
WORF
But her powers...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO 24A.
22 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Her powers are at best unclear.
Think about it, Worf...
Transporter technology can make
things appear and disappear...
the illusion of turning into a
Klingon creature could be
accomplished by a holographic
projection...
DR. CLARK
And creating a minor tremor could
be the result of a low-frequency
tractor beam projected against the
tectonic plates.
PICARD
We're capable of recreating any
of these events but she dresses
them up and delivers them with
a dramatic flair...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO 25.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
Like a magician.
PICARD
Exactly.
TROI
She has an incredibly focused
mind... it was virtually
impossible to sense any
deception... or anything else for
that matter...
GEORDI
The best magicians won't ever let
you see what's up their sleeve,
Counselor...
RIKER
There must be a power source she's
tapping into to produce all these
effects... she's not hiding that
up her sleeve...
PICARD
(acknowledges)
Number One, you and Worf will run
high-resolution scans of this
star system. Look for a ship or
a base of operations -- anything
large enough to generate that
power... Mister La Forge,
accompany Doctor Clark back to
the science station... see if
you can trace the origin of the
tremors...
COM VOICE
Security to Bridge. Intruder on
board.
Reactions and...
23 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
everyone from the Observation Lounge ENTERS. Ardra is
sitting in the Captain's chair...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO 26.
23 CONTINUED:
ARDRA
Your chair offers a lovely view
of my planet, Picard... come sit
with me...
PICARD
Madame, you will either leave my
Bridge or I will remove you by
force...
ARDRA
By force... ? I'm disappointed.
You didn't strike me as that sort,
Picard... But by all means,
try.
PICARD
Mister Worf...
Worf moves in but she turns with a magician's flourish
hands up... and Worf bounces off a blue forcefield that
flashes when he hits it... she walks over and takes
Picard's arm and it is clear that the forcefield has
disappeared.
ARDRA
I was really hoping you'd try
it yourself.
He discards her arm.
PICARD
Transporter Room Three, lock on
to the intruder and transport her
to the planet surface...
COM VOICE
Aye, sir...
24 ANGLE - NOT INCLUDING CONN AND OPS (OPTICAL)
The transporter effect begins... she disappears... all
eyes are on her. Picard moves to the Ops officer whose
back is to us.
PICARD
Ensign, I want shields up until
further notice.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO 27.
24 CONTINUED:
The ensign turns and it is Ardra in an Ensign's uniform
who now sits at Ops...
ARDRA
Yessir, Captain. Whatever you
say.
She rises...
RIKER
We're not impressed by your magic
tricks.
ARDRA
I pity you. We live in a universe
of magic, which evidently you
cannot see.
Data ENTERS from the turbolift... reacts to the
scene...
ARDRA
Ah, my pale friend has returned...
have you finished examining the
contract?
DATA
(to Picard)
I have, sir.
PICARD
Report, Data.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO 28.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
The contract does agree to deliver
the people of Ventax Two into the
personal servitude of Ardra at
the end of one thousand years
of peace. I have compared the
terms to the body of laws which
govern the planet. The language
of the agreement is correct in
every detail.
ARDRA
Such speed and accuracy. You're
much too talented to be human...
DATA
I am an android.
ARDRA
Android. Of course. How
wonderful. An unexpected bonus.
RIKER
Bonus?
ARDRA
When the contract came to term,
I gained clear title to the
planet, anything on the surface,
in the air or in orbit. You see,
the Enterprise belongs to me now
as well.
Picard looks at Data.
DATA
I'm afraid one could interpret
the contract that way, sir.
Picard shoots a look at Ardra, who smiles...
disappears and back in the Ops chair is a very confused
Ensign...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
25 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. The
claim this woman, who calls
herself Ardra, has made upon my
ship is clearly an empty threat.
But she has further inspired my
determination to expose her for
the fraud she is.
26 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM
Picard at his desk... working on a computer. The bell
chimes.
PICARD
Come.
Data ENTERS.
DATA
You asked to see me, sir?
PICARD
(acknowledges)
Mister Data... A wise man once
said there's a sucker born every
minute.
DATA
Barnum, P.T., sir.
He sits.
PICARD
I have been examining the dynamics
of what used to be called the
confidence game... it is really
quite fascinating and worthy of
your study...
DATA
Do you believe Ardra is, to use
the vernacular, a "con artist",
sir... ?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/8/90 - ACT THREE 30-30A.
26 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I do, Mister Data... and our job
is to find a way to out con the
con artist...
DATA
Sir, if I may point out, the
Ventaxians did have a thousand
years of peace and tranquility...
as Ardra promised...
Picard stands, takes a thoughtful beat...
PICARD
We can only speculate about what
occurred on this planet a thousand
years ago, Data... Maybe a
Ventaxian leader saw the
destruction of his society at hand
and conceived this Contract of
Ardra to motivate change. Or
maybe there really was an Ardra
of some sort who was the basis
of this myth.
(shrugs)
Who knows? The point is --
somehow a fundamental theology was
created that transformed this
society.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE 31.
26 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD (Cont'd)
But along with all the benefits
of change, came a latent fear that
has been passed down through
generations...
DATA
A fear that someday Ardra would
return for remuneration.
PICARD
(nods)
And now we are asked to believe
she has.
(beat)
As you may recollect from your
performance as Ebenezer Scrooge,
Data, "fear" can be a powerful
motivator.
DATA
Indeed, Captain, in the story,
the spirits used fear to motivate
Scrooge to reform his character.
PICARD
In the hands of a con artist, fear
can be used to motivate obedience,
capitulation... to exploit
innocent people. That is what
I believe is happening here.
DATA
Is there no possibility at all
she is the same Ardra who was here
a millenium ago?
PICARD
I appreciate the fact that we have
encountered species that live that
long... so I will admit the
possibility. But I do not believe
this woman is the devil or had
the powers to create harmony on
this world. These people made
massive changes that improved
their quality of life... they did
this on their own. And I intend
to prove it. But I need a
loophole... something I can use
to challenge the validity of the
contract...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE 31A.
26 CONTINUED: (4)
DATA
The language seems carefully
chosen to avoid any loopholes,
sir...
PICARD
Check it again... and check every
Ventaxian legal precedent for
the last thousand years...
Data acknowledges, rises to leave.
PICARD
(continuing)
We'll talk first thing in the
morning.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT THREE 32.
26 CONTINUED: (5)
Data pauses at the door...
DATA
Sir, I feel I should point out
one possibly incongruous aspect
of your Scrooge analogy.
PICARD
What's that, Data?
DATA
The spirits that frightened
Scrooge turned out to be quite
real...
Picard acknowledges and Data leaves and Picard starts
to turn back to his studies, but pauses long enough
to say to himself --
PICARD
Bah. Humbug.
27 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
28 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON PICARD
asleep on his bed... a book open on his chest where it
lay when he fell asleep... his face suddenly bathed in
a mysterious blue light... a blowing wind rolls through
the room... his eyes open...
ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Ardra stands before him bathed in blue light... her
veils blowing gently in the breeze, revealing inviting
glimpses of her skin beneath... her hair blowing in
the breeze... Picard sits up...
PICARD
(to com)
Security to Captain's quarters...
There is no response...
PICARD
Picard to Lieutenant Worf!
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT THREE 33.
29 CONTINUED:
ARDRA
I've arranged for a bit of
privacy... just the two of us.
PICARD
I'm growing tired of your games,
madame...
ARDRA
Oh, come now, Picard, you know
you find me tantalizing... give
in to your desires...
He goes to the door... it does not open...
PICARD
I find nothing tantalizing in your
garish display... on the contrary,
I find it obvious and common...
ARDRA
Easily fixed.
An effect and suddenly she is dressed demure, prim and
proper...
ARDRA
I can be your ideal woman,
Picard... prim and proper and
chaste... until I succumb to your
charms... Or would your fantasies
turn more toward a professional
woman, perhaps one in a Starfleet
uniform... perhaps I could even
be...
Another effect and now, Troi is sitting there speaking
with Ardra's voice...
TROI/ARDRA
(continuing)
... someone close at hand and yet
unattainable... I can do anything
for you, Captain. Anything you
could ever imagine.
PICARD
You shallow, pathetic woman.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE 33A.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
Ardra returns to normal.
ARDRA
I could give you a night that
would light fire in your dreams
until you die... and you would
reject me?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE 34.
29 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Easily.
ARDRA
You shall regret it.
PICARD
I think not.
ARDRA
Oh, you will...
And with a flourish, she waves her arm at Picard and
he vanishes...
30
thru OMITTED
31
32 INT. SCIENCE STATION (OPTICAL)
Picard APPEARS in the science station in his
bedclothes. Most of the debris has been cleared away
and some of the equipment is back in working order.
Several SCIENCE STATION WORKERS are huddled over
various machine components. Geordi and Dr. Clark are
conferring in one corner, look up in surprise at
Picard.
GEORDI
Captain, we weren't expecting you
here.
PICARD
Neither was I.
GEORDI
(to communicator)
La Forge to Enterprise.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Go ahead.
GEORDI
Worf, the Captain's here... You
better beam him back on board...
WORF'S COM VOICE
The Captain! But I have no...
Picard moves into Geordi's comm range.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT THREE 35.
32 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(interrupting)
It's all right Worf. Ardra
somehow transported me down here.
Beam me directly to my quarters.
WORF'S COM VOICE
We've locked on to you.
(pause)
Transporters are malfunctioning,
Captain... some sort of
interference... checking...
Clark arrives with a labcoat to cover Picard...
PICARD
Just have Mister Data fetch me
in a shuttle and have him bring
along a uniform...
WORF'S COM VOICE
Did you say a uniform?
PICARD
I did.
WORF'S COM VOICE
(beat)
Aye, sir...
33 EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
34 INT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)
Data is at the helm, piloting Picard back to the
Enterprise, which is visible in the distance. Picard
is adjusting the top of the uniform...
PICARD
(frustrated)
La Forge and Doctor Clark have
made no headway... Worf and
Commander Riker have not picked
up anything on their scans...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/8/90 - ACT THREE 36.
34 CONTINUED:
DATA
Sir, I have found one obscure
precedent in Ventaxian law that
might be of interest.
PICARD
Yes?
DATA
It is noted as Akul K'Ton versus
Garv Etes... dated Ventaxian year
nine-three-one, A.A.... a dispute
was registered in the township
of Tau Velor...
PICARD
Summarize the pertinent points,
Data...
DATA
In effect, it was a contract
dispute over services rendered
by a Klingon craftsman on the
construction of a Ventaxian home.
Because the dispute involved an
alien culture, the parties decided
that arbitration rather than the
courts would resolve the issue.
Both sides were required to agree
on an arbiter and the case was
decided in favor of the Ventaxian.
It is the only known case
involving an alien claimant.
PICARD
That's exactly what I needed...
good work, Data...
DATA
But, sir, why would Ardra agree
to an arbitration in this
matter...
PICARD
I intend to play a confidence game
of my own on our new landlord...
DATA
(reacts)
How, sir?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT THREE 37.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
The same way any confidence game
is run... by making her believe
she is getting something for
nothing...
DATA
(to communicator)
Shuttle One to Enterprise...
prepare for docking sequence...
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Proceed, Shuttle One.
35 ANGLE ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as the shuttle nears the shuttle bay. But suddenly,
the Enterprise vanishes. The shuttle is alone in
space.
36 INT. SHUTTLE
Picard leans forward and speaks into the communicator.
PICARD
Enterprise. Enterprise. Do you
read me? Enterprise, come in.
There is no reply.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR 38.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
36A EXT. VENTAX - DAY (MATTE SHOT)
37 INT. SCIENCE STATION
Data is at a monitor, with Picard close by. Geordi and
Dr. Clark are working at nearby equipment.
DATA
I cannot locate the Enterprise
anywhere within one lightyear of
the planet.
PICARD
I don't believe Ardra is capable
of transporting the Enterprise
a lightyear away. Continue
hailing them, Mister Data...
repeat on all frequencies...
Geordi straightens up from his monitor.
GEORDI
Hey, I think we've found
something.
Picard moves over to Geordi.
GEORDI
A sudden jump in Z particle
readings, right around the time
the Enterprise disappeared.
PICARD
Where did it originate?
DR. CLARK
It was too brief to pinpoint.
GEORDI
But it could suggest a hidden
power source...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR 39.
37 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Gentlemen, I need to find that
source in order to defeat this
woman...
GEORDI
Well, if you can get her to
perform a few more magic tricks
like that one we might be able
to track it down...
38 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
As Ardra appears...
ARDRA
So, I trust you have a bit more
respect for me now.
PICARD
What have you done with my ship,
Ardra?
ARDRA
I've done nothing with your ship.
My ship is safely in my
possession.
PICARD
I do not recognize your claim on
the Enterprise or on this world
for that matter... and in
accordance with Ventaxian legal
precedent I call for an
arbitration...
ARDRA
An arbitration? There is nothing
to arbitrate here...
PICARD
But there is, madame, for you are
a fraud and I intend to prove you
could not have affected the
changes that took place on this
planet...
ARDRA
Do you not believe what you see
with your own eyes... your ship
is gone...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR 39A.
38 CONTINUED:
PICARD
An illusion. Magicians have been
making all sorts of things
disappear for ages.
ARDRA
(smiles)
You underestimate me... but then
most people do... until it's too
late.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 40.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
If you are who you say you are,
you have nothing to lose in an
arbitration.
Ardra raises an eyebrow, too smart to fall easily into
the trap.
ARDRA
I also have nothing to gain. I
already have possession of this
planet and your ship...
PICARD
I am prepared to offer you a
further incentive... if you win,
I will take you to the ruins of
Ligillium...
ARDRA
(reacts)
The Zaterl Emerald? You know
where it is?
PICARD
I do.
She seriously considers it, smiles...
ARDRA
You're clever.
(beat)
But I have enough jewels.
Picard is disappointed, he thought he had her and now
she turns away... and then after a beat, she turns
back...
ARDRA
If you wish this foolish
arbitration, I will choose my own
prize...
PICARD
And what would that be?
She moves closer to Picard.
ARDRA
You.
Picard reacts.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR 41.
38 CONTINUED: (3)
ARDRA
By all rights, your body is
already mine... but I want more...
I want your heart, your mind, your
soul... And I want you to give
them to me without resistance,
of your own free will.
(a beat)
So, do you still wish to pursue
this most dangerous game?
PICARD
I agree to your terms.
ARDRA
(smiles)
Picard, I will enjoy you morning
noon and night.
PICARD
We must agree on an arbiter.
ARDRA
Very well. I choose Mister Data.
Any objections?
Picard didn't expect this. He fumbles for a response.
PICARD
Mister Data? He is a member of
my crew.
ARDRA
Of my crew. And he's an android.
He is incapable of deceit or bias.
He has no feelings to get in the
way of his judgment.
DATA
Ardra, before he responds, may
I have a word in private with
Captain Picard?
She nods. Data takes Picard aside.
DATA
Sir, I request that you reject
me as arbiter.
PICARD
Why?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 42.
38 CONTINUED: (4)
DATA
Ardra is right. If I am chosen,
I will perform my duties without
bias or sentiment. I cannot
guarantee that I will deliver a
verdict in your favor.
PICARD
Data, where else on this planet
will I find someone that she
cannot intimidate. You are
incapable of fear... in this play,
you are the perfect choice for
the role.
DATA
Sir, I will have to precisely
follow the rules of conduct for
a ventaxian jurist.
PICARD
I understand. You'll make a fine
judge.
Picard moves back to Ardra.
PICARD
I accept Data as arbiter.
ARDRA
Then let the hearing begin.
39 INT. ATHENEUM
The hearing is held in the round, distinctly different
than our own courtroom experience. The questioner (at
the moment, Ardra) is in the center, moving around at
will, asking questions of any witness she chooses.
Data is in a neutral position between Picard and
Ardra's chair. Also present is Jared. There are no
spectators. Ardra addresses Jared --
ARDRA
Could you describe the state of
your planet when I first visited
a thousand years ago?
Picard rises.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FOUR 43.
39 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Objection. The witness has no
personal knowledge.
DATA
Overruled. He is qualified to
present an historical view.
Answer the question.
Disgruntled, Picard sits back down.
JARED
A thousand years ago our planet
was dying. Overcrowded and
dangerous city-states warred
unceasingly with each other. The
air and water were polluted with
industrial waste. There was a
constant threat of starvation and
epidemic.
ARDRA
And then what happened?
JARED
And then you came.
Picard rises again.
PICARD
Objection. There is no conclusive
evidence that this woman visited
the planet a thousand years ago...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FOUR 44.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
ARDRA
(to Picard)
I suppose you want a thousand year
old witness?
PICARD
(dry, to Ardra)
That would be quite acceptable.
ARDRA
Jared. In the contract, does it
specify how you would know me when
I return?
JARED
Yes... by the date...
ARDRA
Anything else... ?
JARED
... by the shaking of the cities...
and by the visions...
ARDRA
And all of these occurred on
schedule.
JARED
Yes.
ARDRA
Your honor, I submit I have
established my identity as stated
by the contract.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 44A.
39 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
(a beat,
considering)
Captain Picard, my interpretation
of Ventaxian law suggests under
these circumstances, this is
acceptable... your objection is
overruled.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FOUR 45.
39 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
(rising, aghast)
But your honor... !
DATA
Sir, I have ruled. Sit down.
Picard blinks, sits down.
DATA
(to Ardra)
You may proceed.
ARDRA
Thank-you, your honor.
(to Jared)
When I first set foot on Ventax
Two, what did I offer your people?
JARED
According to the scrolls, you
offered to give us a thousand
years of peace and prosperity,
if we would promise to surrender
ourselves to you at the end of
the term.
ARDRA
Now why do you think they would
strike such a bargain...
PICARD
I must object! The answer would
be pure speculation.
DATA
The question is phrased correctly.
Please answer.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 46.
39 CONTINUED: (5)
JARED
We had nothing to lose. There
was no hope in sight.
ARDRA
Until I came along.
PICARD
Objection!
ARDRA
I withdraw the observation. No
further questions.
PICARD
Your honor, nothing in this
testimony proves that Ardra
herself had any power to affect
the lives of the Ventaxians.
My opponent has failed to prove
her case and I therefore move
that her claim be summarily
dismissed.
DATA
I find no cause to invalidate the
contract at this time. The
arbitration will continue.
ARDRA
Your honor, Captain Picard as a
new visitor to my planet has been
a consistent doubter of my
abilities... I'd like to ask him
a few questions if I may...
DATA
It is highly irregular to question
the opposing advocate but I see
no reason to deny it. Proceed...
ARDRA
Please don't take any offense at
these questions, you know how fond
I am of you...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 47.
39 CONTINUED: (6)
PICARD
Objection.
DATA
Sustained. The advocate will
refrain from expressing personal
affections for her opponent.
ARDRA
You don't believe my powers are
real, do you.
PICARD
No, I don't.
ARDRA
Then, sir, may I ask you to
explain... this...
As she waves her hand... a tremor shakes the room...
Data pounds the gavel...
DATA
You are out of order...
40 OMITTED
41 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
ARDRA
(ignoring Data)
Or this?
And she waves her hand and Picard disappears... Data
bangs the gavel...
DATA
The advocate will refrain from
making her opponent disappear.
Picard reappears...
ARDRA
Or this?
And she is replaced by a larger than life horrific
image of the human devil, red, with horns and a tail...
ARDRA/DEVIL
Can you explain it, Picard?
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 48.
41 CONTINUED:
DATA
Any further disruption and I will
rule you in contempt of court.
Is that understood?
42 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Ardra returns to normal.
ARDRA
I'm sorry, your honor.
(to Picard)
Yes or no, can you explain any
of this?
PICARD
(beat)
No.
ARDRA
I rest my case, your honor.
She flashes a smile at Picard... and on his
expression...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 49.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
43 INT. SCIENCE STATION
Geordi is closely monitoring the instrument in the
reconstructed science station. Dr. Clark is nearby
on another monitor... his assistants are also working
nearby.
DR. CLARK
The decay rate of these Z
particles makes it almost
impossible to trace the source...
Geordi works at his console. Calm, cool,
concentrating.
GEORDI
I'm correlating particle
trajectories... they're starting
to align... wait a minute...
(reacting)
I have coordinates... thirty-four
degrees north, sixty-two degrees
east, at an altitude of two
hundred ten kilometers.
DR. CLARK
That would put it in orbit...
(checking)
... above the western magnetic
pole... running visual scan...
44 ON THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
A starfield appears.
DR. CLARK (O.C.)
Nothing.
45 GEORDI
examines it closely.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR 49A.
45 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Uh uh... this time, I don't buy
the magic... something's gotta
be there...
(thinks a beat)
Let's run a wavelength stretchout
and bring it down into the
ultraviolet... check intervals
of half an angstrom...
As they begin...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/8/90 - ACT FIVE 50.
46 INT. ATHENEUM
Picard is now at the center of the room.
PICARD
Jared, you have described quite
thoroughly the history of your
people before and after Ardra's
first visit. But I am a little
unclear on the change itself.
Did Ardra simply snap her fingers,
transforming Ventax Two into
paradise?
ARDRA
Objection. Picard is mocking me.
DATA
Overruled. The opposing
advocate's job is to mock your
argument.
Picard smiles as Data turns back to Jared.
DATA
Please answer the question.
JARED
The changes occurred gradually,
over a long period of time.
PICARD
Did she personally form the
government that has peacefully
ruled Ventax Two for a millennium?
JARED
No, historical records indicate
a council was convened to assess
our options. They drew up a new
constitution which the population
later ratified.
PICARD
I see. So Ardra advised this
council...
JARED
No.
PICARD
Well, then she must have destroyed
all weapons on the planet...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 50A.
46 CONTINUED:
JARED
No, our leaders did that. And
they signed a treaty of
non-aggression.
PICARD
Which Ardra wrote, I assume.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 51.
46 CONTINUED: (2)
JARED
There is no indication she had
anything at all to do with the
treaty.
PICARD
Well then, let's move on to the
environmental gains made on Ventax
Two. How were those
accomplished...
JARED
We shifted our economy from an
industrial to an agrarian
base... it was more ecologically
sound.
PICARD
But Ardra must have at least
purified the polluted water and
air...
JARED
No, the record shows there were
a series of initiatives covering
everything from atmospheric
contaminants to waste disposal.
PICARD
Did Ardra pick up even one piece
of trash?
ARDRA
Objection!
DATA
To what?
ARDRA
To the tone of voice.
DATA
Overruled.
JARED
Ardra had left Ventax Two before
the environmental reforms began.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 51A.
46 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Excuse me, but it sounds as though
with a great deal of hard work
and courage, your ancestors
changed this world all by
themselves.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FIVE 52.
46 CONTINUED: (4)
Ardra stands up again.
ARDRA
Objection. The advocate is
drawing conclusions.
DATA
Sustained.
(to Picard)
I will draw my own conclusions,
if you do not mind.
PICARD
No further questions.
DATA
(to Ardra)
Rebuttal?
ARDRA
Just two questions. Is there any
doubt in your mind, any doubt at
all, that if I had not intervened,
the terrible conditions here would
have continued?
A long beat.
ARDRA
I remind you that you're under
oath.
JARED
No doubt at all.
ARDRA
Then, as "former" head of state
for the Ventaxian people, you are
satisfied that I fulfilled my part
of the bargain.
JARED
(head down, defeated)
Yes, Ardra.
ARDRA
Thank-you. Your honor, what more
can be said. Both sides agree
the terms of the contract have
been fulfilled.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FIVE 53.
46 CONTINUED: (5)
DATA
Captain Picard, do you have any
further evidence to present before
I render judgment?
At that moment, Geordi ENTERS the room...
PICARD
I believe my associate, Mister
La Forge is bringing me that very
information... If I may have a
recess...
GEORDI
Hi, Data.
DATA
Hi, Geordi. A one hour recess
is granted.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 54.
47 ANGLE
Picard moves to join Geordi in the back of the room
out of earshot...
PICARD
Mister La Forge, my reputation
as a litigator, not to mention
my soul, is in serious jeopardy...
GEORDI
Well, whatever's been going on
over here gave us exactly what
we needed...
PICARD
You've identified her source of
power... ?
GEORDI
(nods)
It's a cloaked ship...
PICARD
She has a Romulan cloaking device?
GEORDI
More likely, a bad copy of one.
We picked it up through a
wavelength stretchout...
PICARD
And the Enterprise?
GEORDI
Exactly where it's supposed to
be. Ardra extended her cloaking
shields around it... set up a
subspace damping field to
interfere with normal operations.
I've isolated the frequency spread
and penetrated the field.
PICARD
Can you make contact?
GEORDI
Already have...
PICARD
Good... here's what I want to
do... but we have less than an
hour...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FIVE 55.
48 ANGLE FAVORING ARDRA
as she observes Picard and Geordi talking animatedly.
49 EXT. VENTAX - DAY (MATTE SHOT)
favoring the Atheneum. (This is to present a time
passage.)
50 INT. ATHENEUM (OPTICAL)
Picard back in the middle asking the questions.
PICARD
Jared, you are a wise and
experienced leader, I would guess
you trust your senses...
JARED
Yes... I would say so...
PICARD
And all your senses tell you this
woman here is the most powerful
force on this planet, don't
they...
JARED
Yes...
PICARD
Jared, what would you say if I
told you that Ardra has no powers
whatsoever?
JARED
But... we have seen her powers
right here...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - ACT FIVE 56.
50 CONTINUED:
ARDRA
That's right, and you will again.
PICARD
Ah yes, Ardra's magic. Jared,
would you believe me if I told
you that I could steal Ardra's
powers and perform the same
magical acts as she?
JARED
I am sorry, Captain Picard, but
you are not Ardra.
PICARD
That is true. I am not Ardra.
And yet, I can create a tremor
just as she did.
Picard airily waves his hand... and the tremor rolls
across the room... Ardra reacts, stunned...
ARDRA
Objection, your honor...
DATA
I think he deserves some
leeway... overruled... but we
have seen enough, Captain.
PICARD
Agreed. Ardra, if you would do
the honors and stop the tremors...
ARDRA
Uh... of... of course...
Nothing happens.
PICARD
What's the matter?
ARDRA
I like the tremors.
PICARD
Well, I don't.
He snaps his fingers and the tremors instantly stop.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 57.
50 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(continuing)
Recognize the old bag of tricks?
How about this one?
He gestures towards Ardra. She disappears.
PICARD
Come back if you can, Ardra.
No... ? Fine, allow me...
She reappears...
ARDRA
Of all the impudence.
PICARD
Impudence?
51 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as he turns into the Klingon monster...
PICARD/FEK'LHR
Impudence is pretending to be
Fek'lhr of Klingon...
52 REACTIONS
DATA
Captain, your leeway has run out.
53 PICARD (OPTICAL)
back to normal...
PICARD
Your honor, I appreciate the
court's indulgence... allow me
to explain. A team from the
Enterprise has taken control of
this woman's ship in orbit around
Ventax Two. Thank you for your
help, Number One.
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 58.
53 CONTINUED:
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Glad to be of service, sir.
PICARD
They have been monitoring me on
my communicator... and executing
a prearranged program on her
ship's computer... a fairly
ingenious combination of force
field projection, holography, and
transporter effects. Ardra
controls her magic literally by
the blink of an eye... centuries
old technology -- an implant that
allows her eye movements to choose
and activate each illusion.
(beat)
She once told us she is known by
many names. At least she was
honest about that. Her crew has
admitted that she has in fact
used twenty-three aliases in this
sector alone...
ARDRA
(overlapping)
You had no right...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 59.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(continuing)
... deceiving innocent people in
petty schemes for years.
He turns to Jared.
PICARD
Ventax Two offered her the
greatest opportunity of her
nefarious career. She learned
about the myth of Ardra, studied
it... and expertly played on your
fears until your people were ready
to virtually surrender to her.
ARDRA
(standing)
Your Honor, under the
circumstances, I believe it is
only fair that I release the
Ventaxians from their
obligation... and I'll even let
them keep the peace they have...
and I'll just be on my way...
But Jared touches a panel, signaling TWO SENTRIES to
ENTER. As Ardra starts to leave, the sentries block
her way.
DATA
With the advocate's withdrawal,
the contract is hereby dissolved.
He slams down the gavel.
DATA
This arbitration is adjourned.
All rise.
JARED
Thank you, Captain... you saved
our lives...
PICARD
No, Jared... as I've tried to tell
you, you saved your own lives a
long time ago...
Data approaches... the 'old' Data...
STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE 60.
53 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
Congratulations, sir.
PICARD
(nods)
Your honor.
But as they turn to leave, they find themselves facing
Ardra... She raises an eyebrow....
ARDRA
You would have had more fun if
you lost.
(beat)
Until we meet again, Jean-Luc
Picard of the Starship
Enterprise.
With that, the sentries take her away... as Data and
Picard exchange looks and begin to exit...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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