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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright, Part II"
#40276-243
Written by
Rene Echevarria
Directed by
Dan Curry
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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or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
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Part II" - 12/22/92 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright, Part II"
CAST
PICARD SHREK
RIKER BA'EL
DATA GI'RAL
TROI L'KOR
WORF TOKATH
GEORDI TOQ
BEVERLY VARIOUS KLINGONS
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. CREWMEMBERS N.D. KLINGONS
TRANSPORTER CHIEF N.D. ROMULANS
TWO YOUNG MEN
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Part II" - 12/22/92 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright, Part II"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
READY ROOM PRISON COMPOUND
PRISON COMPOUND JUNGLE
MEETING HALL
WORF'S QUARTERS THE PLANET
BA'EL'S FAMILY'S QUARTERS
SHREK'S SHUTTLE
STAR TREK: "Birhtright, Part II"" - 1/05/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright, Part II"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
GI'RAL gi-RAWL
L'KOR luh-KOR
BA'EL BAH-el
TOQ TAWK
GIN-TAK gin-TAWK (hard G as in go)
MOK-BARA mock-ba-RA
KAHLESS KAY-less
KIN'TAR kin-TAR
D'K TAHG dock-TAWG
JINAQ jin-AWK
QA'VAK kah-VAK
KA-LA KAH-la
MOLOR moh-LOR
KI'TOW ki-TAU
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Birthright, Part II"
TEASER
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode begins with a 90 second RECAP of Part
I.)
1 INT. MEETING HALL - MOMENTS LATER
L'KOR and the other Klingons have taken WORF back
toward the center of the room; the Romulan Guards
remain near the door.
L'KOR
We cannot leave this place.
Worf can think of only one reason why:
WORF
Are you afraid to die escaping?
L'Kor fixes him with a cold look.
L'KOR
We are dead, Worf. We died at
Khitomer.
Worf looks at them for an explanation.
GI'RAL
We were captured. It was worse
than death.
WORF
Why did you allow it to happen?
GI'RAL is angered by what Worf's question implies.
GI'RAL
We had no choice!
(she explains)
We were defending an outpost on
the perimeter... the Romulans took
out our shields... their next
blast rendered us unconscious...
when we awoke... we were
prisoners... unarmed and shackled.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - TEASER 1A.
1 CONTINUED:
Worf reacts almost viscerally to this humiliation.
L'KOR
We were interrogated for three
months. We tried to starve
ourselves... but they kept us
alive.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
GI'RAL
The Romulan Commander -- Tokath--
thought he was being kind.
L'KOR
The Romulans hoped to trade our
lives for territorial concessions.
But the Klingon High Council
refused to negotiate.
(beat)
They would not acknowledge their
warriors had been taken prisoner.
GI'RAL
When it was clear that we would be
of no use to them, Tokath offered
to let us go.
L'KOR
But we knew that our families
believed we had fallen in battle.
We did not wish to return and
dishonor them.
GI'RAL
We asked Tokath to let us stay.
He took pity on us.
Worf takes all this in. After a beat:
WORF
I understand your desire to
preserve your families' honor.
But what of your own? There is no
honor in remaining prisoners.
L'KOR
We lost our honor when we were
captured. It does not matter what
happens to us.
GI'RAL
All that matters is that our
families are not dishonored.
One of the Elders has been going through Worf's
backpack and steps forward to give L'Kor something he
found -- it is Worf's COMBADGE.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (3)
L'KOR
(to Worf)
This is Starfleet... where did you
get it?
WORF
I am a Starfleet officer.
Several of the Klingons laugh out loud at this
assertion.
WORF
Much has changed since Khitomer.
L'Kor looks at Worf and sees that he's telling the
truth.
L'KOR
It does not matter. The world
outside these walls no longer
exists for us. We do not speak of
it.
GI'RAL
You should try to forget that
world as well.
L'Kor regards Worf sadly.
L'KOR
Why did you come here, Worf? If
you had found your father... you
would have found only dishonor.
WORF
If he had been captured as you
were, if I had found him here...
I would be glad to see him. There
would be no room in my heart for
shame.
L'Kor takes this in, his expression unreadable.
L'KOR
Much has changed since Khitomer.
I can only hope that if my son
came here... he would be Klingon
enough to kill me.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - TEASER 4.
1 CONTINUED: (3)
With this, L'Kor turns and leaves the room. Off Worf's
reaction we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
2 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY)
3 OMITTED
4 ANGLE - WORF
He is sitting alone on a BENCH to one side of the
compound, surveying it. He looks around at the
activity in the compound -- a young man is gardening;
a group of young people run and play a game; three men
play a game with dice.
People go about their business, occasionally casting
surreptitious glances at the stranger in their midst.
Every time Worf's eye meets someone else's, they seem
to turn away and return to what they were doing.
This place is more a village than a prison -- flowers
are planted near the well tended barracks; the wall
that once served to pen prisoners is still there, but
the gate is left open and people come and go at will.
While there are several generations of Klingons in the
camp, the only Romulans are the middle-aged guards who
have been at this post for the last twenty years. Worf
is the first person they've had to guard in a long time
and they have to remind themselves to keep an eye on
him and not be distracted by the goings on in the camp.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 6.
4 CONTINUED:
Worf stands and begins to walk the perimeter of the
compound wall, eyeing possible avenues of escape. The
Guards keep a watchful eye.
Worf's path takes him past a young man tending a
vegetable patch at one end of the compound. The young
man, TOQ, looks up from his hoeing, but when he sees
it's Worf he resumes his work as if he has no interest
in the stranger.
Worf is about to continue his reconnoitering when he
notices what Toq is using to hoe the ground: an
elaborately carved Klingon BATTLE SPEAR.
Without hesitation, Worf marches toward him and
snatches it from his hand.
WORF
This is a Gin'tak spear.
TOQ
(reaching for it)
What of it?
Worf is outraged.
WORF
Have your parents taught you
nothing? This is used for battle --
not for tilling soil.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 7.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
TOQ
We have no need for weapons here.
The war is far away.
WORF
What war?
TOQ
(it's obvious)
The war our parents came here to
escape.
Worf realizes that the young people have not been told
everything.
WORF
That war... has been over for
years.
Toq looks at him skeptically, and snatches the spear
back from him -- Worf doesn't resist.
TOQ
I'm not interested in what you
have to say, Klingon. I have work
to do.
He turns away and resumes his hoeing. Worf watches him
for a moment, then walks away, dismayed by the young
man's total ignorance of his culture.
He looks over at the Romulan Guards and sees that they
have been watching the whole thing. They seem a bit on
edge, as if uncertain how to react to the stranger's
behavior. Worf decides to play it cool so as not to
provoke them. He returns to where he was sitting
before.
After a moment, Worf looks up and sees that BA'EL, the
young woman he saw in the woods, is looking at him.
She is the first person in the camp to hold his gaze,
and Worf returns it without realizing it... suddenly
they both become embarrassed and look away.
After a beat, she approaches him.
BA'EL
Hello again, Worf.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 8.
4 CONTINUED: (3)
Worf acknowledges with a curt nod.
BA'EL
They say you're going to stay here
with us.
Worf realizes she too hasn't been told everything.
WORF
Not by choice.
BA'EL
Aren't you happy to escape the
war?
Worf looks at her, beginning to realize the extent of
the lie they've been told.
WORF
The war...
BA'EL
Yes... we've heard the stories all
our lives. How people are
slaughtered in terrible battles...
forced to fight, whether they want
to or not. That's why our parents
came here -- to make a safe
home... a place where they could
raise their children in peace.
(beat)
I should think you'd be relieved
to get away from the fighting.
You're safe here.
WORF
A place can be safe -- and still
be a prison. Where I come from,
people are free to come and go as
they choose.
Ba'el thinks he's misread the situation. Ingenuously --
BA'EL
So are we.
Worf regards the young woman.
WORF
Tell your Father you would like to
leave. Tell him you want to visit
the Klingon home world. See what
he says.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 9.
4 CONTINUED: (4)
Ba'el looks at him, considers. There is something
almost defensive in her voice when she replies.
BA'EL
Why would I want to go there?
It's dangerous.
WORF
Not any longer.
Suddenly Gi'ral calls out to her daughter from across
the compound.
GI'RAL
(off-camera)
Ba'el! Come here!
Ba'el and Worf look up and see Gi'ral heading toward
them.
BA'EL
Yes, mother.
(to Worf)
You are not allowed to leave the
compound?
Worf shakes his head no. She stands.
BA'EL
(flirting)
Then I suppose I won't be seeing
you at the pond again.
Worf looks away uncomfortably and she smiles and moves
toward her mother.
GI'RAL
(a harsh whisper)
I told you not to speak with him.
BA'EL
I'm sorry, mother.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 10.
4 CONTINUED: (5)
With a last glance back at Worf, Ba'el crosses away
with her Mother.
After a moment, TWO FAINT BEEPS are heard. Worf
touches the TRANSPONDER hidden in his hem, then stands
and crosses toward his quarters.
5 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
Worf ENTERS and takes out the TRANSPONDER Shrek gave
him. It is FLASHING, indicating that Shrek's shuttle
has returned.
Worf hides the TRANSPONDER again and considers his
options. He crosses to the light control panel and
inspects it. He pries it off the wall with his fingers
in order to get at the circuity inside. He removes a
piece of circuitry and begins to reconfigure it.
The sound of approaching footsteps prompts him to close
the panel and move to his bunk.
There is a knock at the door.
WORF
Enter.
The door swings open to reveal a middle-aged Romulan
standing there. It is TOKATH, the officer mentioned by
Gi'ral and L'Kor.
TOKATH
I am Tokath.
Worf reacts to the name, but says nothing.
TOKATH
I can return later if I am
disturbing you... ?
Worf fixes him with a look.
WORF
It is a strange thing when a
jailer concerns himself with his
prisoner's comfort.
TOKATH
(smiles)
Mine is a strange prison.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 11.
5 CONTINUED:
WORF
You robbed the Klingons of who
they were. You dishonored them.
TOKATH
(challenging)
By not slitting their throats when
we found them unconscious?
WORF
I don't expect you to understand.
You are a Romulan.
TOKATH
You're just like L'Kor was twenty
years ago. Proud and angry. He
hated me; all the Klingons did.
And I had no love for them -- I
won't deny it.
(beat)
When I informed the High Command
that the Klingons wanted to remain
here... I was told that unless I
stayed to oversee them myself,
they would be killed.
(beat)
My decision ended my military
career.
WORF
Why did you do it?
Tokath regards him for a beat.
TOKATH
I don't expect you to understand.
You're a Klingon.
Worf stares at him, perplexed by this complicated man.
TOKATH
But I do expect you to understand
this: we've put aside the old
hatreds. Here, Romulans and
Klingons live in peace. I won't
allow you to destroy what we have.
WORF
Do not deceive yourself. These
people are not happy here. I see
sadness in their eyes.
TOKATH
That's not what I see when I look
in my wife's eyes.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT ONE 12.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
Worf looks up sharply. Tokath regards him solemnly.
TOKATH
I married a Klingon.
Worf reacts.
TOKATH
So you see, when I warn you not to
disrupt our lives here, I'm not
speaking just as a jailer... but
as a man protecting his family.
He fixes Worf with a look.
TOKATH
Do not test my tolerance.
He turns on his heel and EXITS, leaving Worf still
reeling from his revelation.
6 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY)
A Klingon woman puts an empty container in a storage
barrel set against the compound wall.
Worf sees her, then looks over to see if the guards are
looking at him. He ambles his way toward the barrel as
if heading in no particular direction.
When he's near it, he checks to make sure he isn't
being watched and tosses the circuitry he took from the
light panel into the barrel.
He crosses over to where Ba'el is sitting with a woman
who is rocking her CHILD to sleep in her arms. Ba'el
is softly signing a lullaby in Klingon.
Worf recognizes the words as being the same as the aria
L'Kor sang the first night. As before, there is
something about the way it is being sung that makes him
frown slightly.
BA'EL
Bagh Da tuHmoh. ChojaH Duh rHo.
ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo
van'aj javDIch Qong DIr Sa'VIch
ghIH yot quelI'Pa qevas HoH Qa
She looks up when he approaches and smiles as she
finishes the gentle melody -- the child is asleep.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT ONE 13.
6 CONTINUED:
WORF
Do you know what that song means?
BA'EL
No. I just like the melody.
Worf is disturbed to hear this. Suddenly there is an
EXPLOSION in the barrel. Everyone rushes toward it to
see what is happening except Worf. He backs away until
he's near the wall, then turns and begins to climb it.
Ba'el looks back to see where Worf is, and catches a
glimpse of him as he skips over the wall. Her heart
leaps to her throat but she says nothing... he is gone.
Suddenly one of the Romulans spies Worf and trips a
warning KLAXON.
7 EXT. JUNGLE (DAY)
as Worf makes his way through it at a run. He reacts
to the sound of the klaxon and hurries away.
CUT TO:
8 HIS PURSUERS
as the Romulan guards push through the same area of
vegetation Worf just passed -- they are only moments
behind him.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 14.
9 WORF
as he glances back over his shoulder and changes
direction.
10 HIS PURSUERS
as they crane their heads to try and catch a glimpse of
their quarry through the foliage.
11 WORF
as he comes to the pond where he saw Ba'el and splashes
his way through it, then up the other side and away.
12 HIS PURSUERS
as they come to the pond. Some go around, some
through.
13 WORF
as he hides in some fronds. Two booted figures pass
within feet of him as they search for him. When
they're gone, he steals away in another direction.
14 HIS PURSUERS
as they catch sight of him through a break in the
foliage and resume their chase.
15 WORF
as he comes to a clearing and sees a figure standing on
the other side -- it is SHREK, the alien who brought
him to the planet. Through the foliage, we catch a
glimmer of his shuttle's hull.
16 SHREK
as he waves Worf to come toward him. Suddenly a look
of concern crosses his features.
17 WORF
as he reacts to the change of expression on Shrek's
face -- too late. Suddenly he's tackled to the ground
by a figure that lunges into the frame.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 15.
18 SHREK
as he takes a last look back at Worf and disappears
into the foliage.
19 WORF
on the ground, wrestling with whoever tackled him. He
manages to throw the figure off him and is stunned to
discover that it is Toq, the young Klingon who was
tending the garden.
Worf reacts to the discovery that he is being chased by
his own kind. Before he can do anything the Romulan
guards come crashing through the brush brandishing
weapons.
Worf is caught. Off Toq's look of satisfaction we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it hangs in space.
PICARD (v.o.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46580.1.
The Yridian vessel Lieutenant Worf
boarded at Deep Space Nine has
failed to arrive for our scheduled
rendezvous. It is now twelve
hours overdue.
21 INT. BRIDGE
PICARD ENTERS from his Ready Room. RIKER, DATA, TROI
and various N.D's are at their posts.
RIKER
Still no sign of them on long
range scanners, sir.
Picard looks concerned.
PICARD
Contact DS Nine -- find out what
they know about this Yridian
trader.
Riker moves toward an Aft station.
RIKER
Hopefully he filed a flight plan
before he left the station.
PICARD
(nods)
That's the only chance we have of
finding Worf.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT TWO 17.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard settles into his chair next to Troi.
PICARD
When Worf asked for leave... I had
the feeling he was hoping none of
it was true: that his father was
dead, that he hadn't been
captured.
TROI
I think part of him was hoping
that. But another part of him
wanted more than anything to find
his father.
PICARD
I'm sure that's true.
(beat)
But if Mogh... or any other
Klingon... had been held prisoner
for twenty years... would they
want to be found?
Troi acknowledges his point. Off their shared
concern...
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT TWO 18.
22 EXT. SPACE - THE PLANET (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
23 INT. MEETING HALL (DAY)
Tokath ENTERS. L'Kor is with Worf, who is seated. The
tension in the room is palpable. Toq and a Romulan
guard stand off to the side, weapons in hand.
TOKATH
I have alerted the Romulan border
patrols to be on the lookout for
a Yridian ship.
L'KOR
If it escapes... others will learn
that we're here.
TOKATH
I've ordered surveillance stepped
up. If there are more intruders,
we'll stop them.
Tokath signals the guards. Toq and the Romulan step
forward. The Romulan aims his weapon at Worf's head so
that he won't resist, and Toq grabs Worf's arm and
pulls his sleeve up.
Tokath pulls a HYPO type device from his pocket.
TOKATH
We haven't had to use one of these
in a long time.
He holds the device to Worf's skin and administers an
injection.
TOKATH
It implants a small boridium
pellet under the skin... we can
use its energy signature to track
you.
Worf looks down at his arm with a grim expression.
L'Kor regards him, his face almost sympathetic.
L'KOR
In time, you will grow accustomed
to life here.
Worf looks at him with undisguised distaste.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 19.
23 CONTINUED:
WORF
Never.
Tokath realizes the intransigent Klingon will not
accept his captivity easily.
TOKATH
(to L'Kor)
He is one of yours. Deal with him
however you like.
(beat)
But I warn you... if he becomes a
disruption, I will not be so
tolerant.
L'Kor nods and Tokath turns and EXITS. L'Kor turns to
Worf and regards him with a steely expression.
L'KOR
Toq... you will guard him.
The youth steps forward.
L'KOR
(indicating Worf)
He is free to move around inside
the compound. But make certain he
does not cause trouble.
L'Kor and the Romulan guard turn away and EXIT. Worf
and Toq size each other up. Toq is pleased to be
trusted with this assignment and intends to be
vigilant.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 20.
24 OMITTED
25 WORF
as he comes around a corner into the space between two
barracks. He smashes a fist against a barrack wall in
frustration. Realizing he has to get hold of himself,
he takes a deep breath and straightens his spine. He
holds two fingers together and passes them down along
the length of his torso -- this is the first movement
of the Mok'bara, the Klingon martial art we saw him
doing in Part One.
He begins to do the forms of the ritual exercise --
deliberate and controlled, centering himself.
26 INTERCUT WITH BYSTANDERS
as they begin to notice what the stranger is doing.
Several teenaged Klingons watch Worf in fascination.
Ba'el comes to see what they are looking at, as does
Toq -- though everybody keeps their distance.
Ba'el decides to approach Worf.
BA'EL
What are you doing?
Worf leans into a forward thrust and holds the
position.
WORF
The Mok'bara...
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 21.
26 CONTINUED:
WORF
The forms clear the mind... and
center the body.
He stands and pivots into a new position, moving his
arm in front of him in a controlled arc. Ba'el tries
to mimic the movement. Worf sees her awkward attempt
and does it again for her.
WORF
No. Like this...
She tries again, better this time. Ba'el looks at him,
intrigued. He does another movement, slowly -- a
second time for her benefit. She mimics it, and Worf
notices TWO YOUNG MEN at a distance, trying the forms
themselves. After a hesitant glance at each other,
they cross over to him.
Behind them, Toq looks on... concerned.
WORF
(to the gathered young
people)
This is the Mok'bara... a great
warrior called Kahless invented
the forms when he went to the
underworld in search of his
father. Kahless showed him the
forms, and his father was able to
remember his body and return to
the world of the living.
The young people look on in fascination.
WORF
First you must learn to breathe...
stand up... as tall as you can...
They do as he says.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 22.
27 ANGLE - TOQ
as he decides Worf shouldn't be doing this and begins
to cross toward him.
28 WORF
as he corrects one of the young men.
WORF
Take a wider stance.
Suddenly Toq is behind Worf and reaches to grab him by
the shoulder.
TOQ
You must stop --
But before he knows what is happening, Worf has grabbed
him by the arm and flipped him over so that he is
holding him from behind. It happens so fast Toq can't
even resist.
WORF
The forms are the basis for
Klingon combat. You would be wise
to learn them.
Worf stands Toq up and lets him go.
WORF
I will teach you. Join us.
Toq straightens his tunic and glares at Worf.
TOQ
We'll see what L'Kor thinks of
this.
He stomps away in anger. Worf looks after him, then
turns back to the others.
WORF
Again... take your stance...
Off the faces of the gathered youths...
29 INT. BA'EL'S FAMILY'S QUARTERS
A redress of Worf's quarters, though these are
cluttered with the trappings of a family's everyday
life. Ba'el sticks her head in the door.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 22A.
29 CONTINUED:
BA'EL
Mother?
(when there's no answer)
She's not here. Come in...
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 23.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
Ba'el leads Worf inside. She takes him to a corner and
pulls a CLOTH off a large CHEST.
BA'EL
This is what I wanted to show you.
She opens the chest and Worf sees that it is packed
with Klingon ARTIFACTS: armor, knives, insignia, arm
bands, etc.
BA'EL
I don't know why, but I'm not
supposed to look at these things.
She reaches inside and pulls out an armored BREASTPLATE.
BA'EL
They're Klingon, aren't they?
WORF
Yes...
BA'EL
I thought you might be able to
tell me about them.
WORF
(pointing to breastplate)
This is a warrior's armor.
He pulls out a ceremonial dagger, inspects it.
WORF
And this is the D'k tahg...
He brushes at some rust on the blade.
WORF
It should not be allowed to rust
like this...
Ba'el reaches inside and pulls out a beautiful AMULET
hanging on a chain.
BA'EL
Isn't it beautiful?
She puts it around her neck. Worf leans in to look at
the design of the amulet -- he and Ba'el are very
close, their heads almost touching.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 23A.
29 CONTINUED: (3)
WORF
That is a Jinaq... it is given to
a daughter when she comes of age,
old enough to take a mate.
Ba'el blushes and looks down. Worf realizes and is
suddenly uncomfortable as well. Suddenly:
GI'RAL
(off-camera)
Ba'el!
BA'EL
Mother --
Gi'ral ENTERS and sees Ba'el wearing the amulet.
GI'RAL
Take that off at once.
Ba'el stands and takes the necklace off.
GI'RAL
(to Worf)
Go.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 24.
29 CONTINUED: (4)
WORF
Why is she forbidden to know what
these things are?
GI'RAL
They do not matter here. Go.
Ba'el gestures that he should comply. Worf contains
his frustration and EXITS.
30 EXT. COMPOUND (NIGHT)
Worf is recounting a Klingon myth around the campfire.
His listeners are mostly young people, including Ba'el,
their faces in rapt attention as he tells the story.
An old Klingon woman sits nearby, listening and
nodding. Toq sits further away, smirking to himself at
the parts of the story he finds less than credible.
WORF
... Kahless held his father's
lifeless body in his arms. He
could not believe what his brother
had done. Then his brother threw
their father's sword into the sea,
saying that if he could not
possess it, neither would Kahless.
That was the last time the
brothers would speak.
31 REVEAL L'KOR
standing in the shadows, listening with some concern.
32 SCENE
BA'EL
What happened to the sword?
WORF
Kahless looked into the ocean and
wept, for the sword was all he had
left of his father... and the sea
filled with his tears and flooded
beyond the shore.
Toq scoffs to himself.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 24A.
32 CONTINUED:
WORF
The people begged Kahless to stop
his weeping, and he did... and
walked into the water to find the
lost sword.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 25.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF (Cont'd)
He searched and searched the murky
ocean bottom, holding his breath
for three days and three nights...
This is too much for Toq and he scoffs out loud:
TOQ
That is impossible!
Worf fixes him with a look.
WORF
For you, perhaps. Not for
Kahless. He was a great warrior.
TOQ
You're making it up.
WORF
These are our stories. They tell
us who we are.
The old woman nods to herself. Suddenly L'Kor's voice
rings out.
L'KOR
It is late. It is time to sleep.
The young people grumble a little but stand to go.
Ba'el gives Worf a long look as she leaves. L'Kor
stands there until the young people are all gone... his
eyes locked on Worf's. They face off, as if a silent
battle is engaged. At last, L'Kor turns and disappears
into the shadows.
33 EXT. THE COMPOUND (NIGHT)
as Worf approaches the door to his quarters.
BA'EL
(off-camera)
Worf...
She emerges from the shadows.
BA'EL
You never answered my question.
Worf doesn't know what she means. There is a smile in
her voice.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 26.
33 CONTINUED:
BA'EL
Did Kahless find his father's
sword?
WORF
Yes. He found it.
She moves closer.
BA'EL
The stories you tell... are they
true?
WORF
I have studied them all my life...
and find new truths in them every
time.
Around them, the camp is asleep. They are alone in the
moonlight.
BA'EL
Kahless... did he ever take a
mate?
WORF
That is... another story.
BA'EL
Tell me...
She moves very close to him. Worf can't resist his
attraction to her. He closes his eyes... leans in
close, takes her scent in the Klingon manner. Their
cheeks touch... he nuzzles her neck, relishing the
smell of her skin.
He reaches up to touch her hair, the side of her
head... he pulls her hair back off her ears and is
stunned to see that they are pointed like a
Romulan's... He reacts viscerally, pulls away. He
stares at her, uncomprehending.
WORF
You are... Romulan.
Ba'el doesn't understand his reaction. She looks at
him, confused and hurt...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE27.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
34 EXT. COMPOUND (NIGHT)
Worf has moved away from Ba'el, doesn't face her. She
walks toward him, perplexed by his attitude.
BA'EL
Tokath is my father. I thought
you knew that.
Worf can't even get his mind around it.
WORF
How could your mother... mate with
a... Romulan?
Ba'el is equally unable to understand Worf's attitude.
BA'EL
Why shouldn't she?
WORF
It is... an obscenity.
Ba'el's face falls... she is stunned by the intensity
of his feelings.
BA'EL
What are you saying? They love
each other...
WORF
Romulans are treacherous...
deceitful... they are without
honor.
BA'EL
My father is a good man. He is
kind, and generous... there is
nothing dishonorable about him.
WORF
He was part of a cowardly attack
on Khitomer... thousands of
Klingons were massacred -- many of
them women and children.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT THREE 28-29.
34 CONTINUED:
She stares at him.
BA'EL
I don't know what you're talking
about. My father came here to
escape the wars. He would never
kill anyone.
Worf turns on her, impatient with the lies.
WORF
Ask him. Ask your mother. Tell
them you want to know the truth.
Their eyes lock for a moment; hers in a moment of
uncertainty... a realization that they have taken a
step that can never be taken back... a wish that they
could regain the romantic feelings that had threatened
to overwhelm them just a few moments ago. But Worf's
eyes are cold. She turns and leaves without another
word.
35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it hangs in space.
35A OMITTED
35B INT. BRIDGE
as Picard ENTERS from the Ready Room and joins Riker
and GEORDI at an Aft Science station.
PICARD
What is it, Number One?
RIKER
We just received the Yridian's
flight plan from Deep Space Nine.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT THREE30.
35B CONTINUED:
GEORDI
He gets around... he's been to
three different systems in the
past week -- he could have left
Worf at any of them.
Picard frowns; he was hoping for better evidence.
PICARD
Are any of these systems near
Romulan space?
GEORDI
Two of them. The Nequencia and
the Carraya systems.
Picard considers.
PICARD
Let's head for the closer one.
RIKER
Aye, sir.
Riker moves away. Picard and Geordi share a look of
concern for their missing friend.
36
thru OMITTED
38
39 EXT. SPACE - THE PLANET (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
40 INT. BA'EL'S FAMILY'S QUARTERS
Ba'el is tidying up somewhat aimlessly, lost in
thought. There is a knock at the door. She opens it
and sees Worf standing there. She doesn't let him in.
BA'EL
(tight)
What do you want?
WORF
I... I am sorry if I upset you.
Ba'el's face softens at the apology. She moves away
from the door, tacitly agreeing to hear him out. Worf
comes in. This is hard for him.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 30A.
40 CONTINUED:
WORF
I was surprised... I became angry.
But I do not blame you. You
cannot help being what you are.
She stares at him, sensing that this apology might be
somewhat qualified.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE31.
40 CONTINUED: (2)
BA'EL
There's nothing wrong with what I
am.
Worf tries to explain.
WORF
What I mean is... it is not your
fault.
BA'EL
What? Being born? I'm sorry if
that offends you.
Worf stops at this, tries to grapple with it.
WORF
No, I...
In his frustration, he falls back on what he knows.
WORF
It is hard to explain. Klingons
and Romulans are blood enemies --
we have been for centuries...
BA'EL
Not here. Here we live in peace.
WORF
But I do not live here.
She moves toward him, making a personal appeal.
BA'EL
Worf... before you knew... you
were attracted to me.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE32.
40 CONTINUED: (3)
Worf can't deny it.
BA'EL
Can't you leave the hatred behind,
too? Can't you accept me... as I
am?
Worf stares at her, torn... he knows the rightness of
what she says. But --
WORF
I don't know.
Ba'el is crushed. She turns and RUNS off-camera into
another room. Worf stares after her for a moment and
then turns to leave. He sees Gi'ral standing there,
eyes burning into him.
GI'RAL
What have you done to her?
WORF
You are responsible. She is what
she is because of you.
(with disgust)
Lying down with a Romulan.
GI'RAL
Who are you to judge me?
She speaks quietly, but there is an inner intensity
that burns from her.
GI'RAL
My husband died at Khitomer. We
had left a son on the Home
World... five years old. The
first year I was here I thought I
would die from the pain of knowing
I'd never see him again.
She moves away, pacing as she talks.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 33.
40 CONTINUED: (4)
GI'RAL
Not a day goes by that I don't
think of him, wonder about him.
But I will never know who he is.
I gave him up -- because I loved
him too much to dishonor him.
WORF
I understand your sacrifice. And
I respect it. But to mate with a
Romulan -- this I do not
understand.
GI'RAL
By the second year, I had stopped
weeping for my son. There were
days when I could even laugh...
and I began to look around me and
realize that this would be my
world forever.
(beat)
I looked at Tokath... our captor.
I saw that he was a kind man...
and a lonely one.
(beat)
And I knew that he was looking at
me, as well.
She moves toward him, eyes drilling into him.
GI'RAL
In the third year I decided to
give up hatred... and loneliness.
I am not ashamed of that decision,
and I won't be judged for it.
(beat)
Leave this house. You've done
enough harm.
Worf stares at her for a moment, conflicted and silent.
Then he turns and EXITS. Gi'ral stares after him,
determined to protect her nest.
41 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY)
as Worf comes out from the quarters. He looks around
the compound and his eye is caught by something
familiar about a GAME a group of young people are
playing.
They are rolling a HOOP along the ground with some
sticks, playing some kind of goal-scoring game with it.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 34.
41 CONTINUED:
Worf's attention is caught by the brightly COLORED
BANDS along the shafts of the sticks and the rim of the
hoop (which is slightly smaller than a hula hoop).
He crosses toward the players and picks up an unused
stick, which we now see has a pointed blade on the end
like a SPEAR. He rolls a hoop along the ground and
launches the spear at it -- sending it straight through
the hole in its center and into the ground.
WORF
Ka'la!
The young people look at him, astonished by the feat
and intrigued by Worf's ritual-like words. Toq,
however, is annoyed.
TOQ
That's not how you play this game.
WORF
The Qa'vak is not a game -- it
hones the skills of the hunt.
TOQ
(mocking)
The hunt?
He looks around at his fellows with amusement.
TOQ
We have replicators here.
WORF
Klingons do not hunt because they
need food. The hunt is a ritual
that reminds us of where we come
from.
TOQ
I know where I come from. Right
here.
Worf eyes the defiant youth. He holds up the hoop.
WORF
It is a difficult skill to master.
Perhaps you are too young.
Toq rises to the challenge.
TOQ
Throw it.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT THREE35.
41 CONTINUED: (2)
Toq stands ready and Worf throws the hoop along the
ground. Toq launches his spear at the hoop but its
flight is haphazard and it misses by several yards.
Toq frowns but Worf spares him humiliation by being
encouraging.
WORF
Your arm is strong. But it needs
practice. Hold your other arm
like this...
(he demonstrates)
... and aim along it.
He gestures to his abdomen. Toq grabs another spear
from a nearby boy, and Worf gestures to the boy who had
scrambled to retrieve the hoop.
WORF
Throw.
This time, Toq's aim is better and he manages to strike
the hoop with a glancing blow, deflecting its
trajectory.
WORF
Ka'la!
Toq allows a small smile, pleased in spite of himself.
Worf nods approvingly.
WORF
You learn quickly. Perhaps it is
time to put your skills to the
test.
TOQ
What do you mean?
WORF
Come. I will teach you how to
hunt.
TOQ
You're not allowed to leave the
compound.
Worf turns and starts heading for the meeting hall.
TOQ
They won't allow it.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 36.
41 CONTINUED: (3)
WORF
I think they will.
Off Toq's face as he hurries to keep up with Worf:
CUT TO:
42 INT. MEETING HALL
43 CLOSE - TOKATH
as he laughs at the preposterousness of the request.
TOKATH
Hunting? Have you lost your mind?
44 WIDEN
to include L'Kor, Toq and Worf.
WORF
The boy could come with me.
Tokath and L'Kor exchange glances.
WORF
I cannot sit in the compound like
an old man. I must practice my
skills.
L'KOR
We can't let you out. You've
already tried to escape once.
WORF
I give you my word as a warrior.
I will not try to escape.
Tokath dismisses this and turns away.
TOKATH
Leave us. We have work to do.
But Worf is still looking at L'Kor, awaiting his
decision.
L'KOR
Tokath... He gave his word.
Tokath looks at his friend, surprised.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE37.
44 CONTINUED:
TOKATH
Are you seriously suggesting we
open the gates and let him wander
free... with only a boy as his
guard?
Toq bristles a bit at that.
L'KOR
Twenty-three years ago I gave you
my word. In all this time, have
I ever broken it?
Tokath looks at Worf, shrugs.
TOKATH
I told you he was yours to deal
with. If you want to take this
risk, the responsibility is yours.
L'Kor nods, turns to Toq.
L'KOR
You will go with him. Take a
weapon. If he breaks his word and
tries to escape... kill him.
Off his steely expression...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FOUR 38.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
45 EXT. JUNGLE (DAY)
Toq is following Worf as he makes his way through the
jungle. Worf carries a SPEAR; Toq has a DISRUPTOR.
Worf is completely involved in tracking his game and
takes no notice of Toq's uneasiness.
Worf suddenly plunges into some bushes; alarmed, Toq
follows, disruptor drawn and aimed at Worf.
TOQ
Stop!
Worf turns to him, calm and curious, and stares at him
for a beat. Then he realizes Toq thinks he was trying
to get away.
WORF
Kahless was condemned to die by
the tyrant Molor, who was angered
that Kahless had incited the
people against him. The night
before his execution, Kahless
asked that he be allowed to go out
into the night and say farewell to
the moon and the stars... for he
knew that in the netherworld, he
would not see them again.
Worf looks at Toq.
WORF
Kahless gave his word that he
would come back, and Molor let him
go.
TOQ
That was foolish.
WORF
The next day at dawn, Kahless
returned... and was put to death.
Toq is amazed by the story.
TOQ
He could have saved himself.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FOUR 39.
45 CONTINUED:
WORF
He had given his word. Molor
understood what that meant. Just
as L'Kor did.
Toq understands, looks down, almost ashamed to have
doubted Worf.
WORF
Come.
He leads Toq away.
46 ANGLE - THE SUN
to indicate the passage of time.
47 EXT. JUNGLE - DAY
as Worf and Toq move with great stealth into a small
clearing. All their attention is focused on the brush
ahead of them, as if their quarry were just beyond it.
Worf stops moving and sniffs the air. They speak in
whispers.
WORF
(gestures)
He is there. But the wind has
shifted. We must wait.
TOQ
Why? We're so close.
WORF
Never approach your prey from
upwind; the breeze will carry your
scent.
Toq nods that he understands. Worf catches the scent
again.
WORF
The wind is shifting again.
Toq tries to catch the scent as well. He doesn't, and
gets frustrated.
TOQ
I don't smell anything.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
47 CONTINUED:
WORF
He is there.
TOQ
How can you --
Toq stops in mid-sentence as he catches the scent for
the first time. He's amazed at this seemingly new
ability.
TOQ
Yes... I can smell it.
Worf nods approvingly.
WORF
Remember the scent. More than
anything else, it will guide you.
TOQ
It's strong. I can't believe I
couldn't smell it before.
WORF
Let it work its way into your
blood.
Toq feels himself being swept up in the moment.
TOQ
I can feel my heart pounding.
WORF
Yes. This is the moment where
life and death meet.
Toq looks at Worf, his eyes shining.
WORF
This is who we are. Warriors.
Toq looks at Worf, grateful for what he has shared.
TOQ
I was never taught that...
WORF
There is much you were never
taught.
There is a sudden rustling in the brush, and Worf's
senses quicken. He gestures for silence, then moves
forward. Toq stares after him for a beat, struck by
what Worf has said.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
48 INT. MEETING HALL (NIGHT)
Where the Klingons and Romulans have gathered to eat.
Tokath sits with the Klingon Elders at the head of the
table, Gi'ral and Ba'el sit nearby. Over the years,
the Klingons have learned to eat with less
boisterousness than is typical.
Tokath is eating with relish, but L'Kor is picking at
his food; he is concerned about Worf and Toq's
continued absence. Tokath realizes this.
TOKATH
Aren't you hungry, L'Kor?
(beat)
Or are you upset because your
prisoner hasn't returned?
L'KOR
I should not have sent the boy
with him. If he's been hurt --
TOKATH
Don't worry, my friend. They'll
be back... after all, a warrior
keeps his word. Isn't that so?
The sarcasm is so mild as to go unnoticed, but L'Kor
notices. He stirs his food some more. Ba'el regards
the two men... decides to ask a risky question.
BA'EL
Father... if I wanted to visit
Romulus, or the Klingon Home world --
would I be allowed to go?
A silence falls over the table. Tokath and Gi'ral
exchange a look.
Suddenly, Worf and Toq burst into the room. Toq has
the skinned CARCASS of a dead animal slung over his
shoulder. He smiles broadly at the stunned diners.
TOQ
Ka'la!
He swings the carcass off his shoulder and slaps it
onto the center of the table.
TOQ
Tonight we eat well.
Tokath stands, his voice icy.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
48 CONTINUED:
TOKATH
Get that off my table.
All eyes turn to see how Toq will react. He looks at
Tokath, his face unreadable.
TOQ
You do not kill an animal unless
you intend to eat it.
TOKATH
(firm)
Get rid of it.
Toq and Tokath face off.
TOQ
I intend to, Tokath.
He looks around the room.
TOQ
But not until it's cooked.
He breaks into a broad smile. Several of the older
Klingons recognize this very Klingon brand of humor and
break into a hearty, table pounding laugh.
TOQ
Today I learned the ritual hunt.
But that is not all I learned. I
discovered that warrior's blood
runs in my veins.
He looks over the assembled group, who watch him,
riveted.
TOQ
I do not know how or why, but we
have forgotten ourselves. Our
stories are not told, our songs
are not sung.
(gesturing to Worf)
Tonight as we came home, we sang
a song of victory -- a song known
to me only as a lullaby. But it
is a warrior's song.
He speaks the first two lines.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
48 CONTINUED: (2)
TOQ
Bagh Da tuHmoh... fire streaks the
heavens. ChojaH Duh rHo... battle
has begun.
He repeats them, this time pounding out an accompanying
beat on the table with his fist.
TOQ
Bagh Da tuHmoh. ChojaH Duh rHo.
ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo
As he moves into the second stanza, Worf and a few
others begin to pound out the same rhythm.
TOQ
van'aj javDIch Qong DIr Sa'VIch
ghIH yot quelI'Pa qevas HoH Qa
As voices around the room begin to join in, the lullaby
we've heard before becomes a rousing marching song, a
song of battle intended to quicken the blood. Tokath
and L'Kor share a look of concern. The Romulan looks
over at his daughter and sees that she too has joined
in.
TOKATH
Ba'el!
But she doesn't hear.
THE GROUP
teblaw'nghu mughato'Du ylja'Qo
ylja'Qo! ylja'Qo!!
They begin to repeat it a second time. Tokath looks
over to L'Kor and is disturbed to see that he is
absently mouthing along, without even realizing it.
He looks to Gi'Ral for support, and though she is not
singing, he sees that her eyes are shining, that she is
moved by the words.
Worf and Toq stand at the end of the table, leading the
song. Tokath's eyes catch Worf's and their gazes lock.
Tokath's look carries a warning: stop this or face the
consequences. But Worf continues to lead the song.
We go out on the rousing chords of the song, and Worf's
defiant look as he leads this Klingon rebellion.
FADE OUT.
END ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 44.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
49 INT. MEETING HALL
Later. The room has been cleared; only Worf and Tokath
remain, facing off. Tokath regards Worf solemnly for
a beat, then paces away from him, musing, troubled.
TOKATH
Well, Worf... you've had quite an
effect on the young people.
Worf's eyes bore into Tokath. He senses this is the
ultimate confrontation between the two.
WORF
I have done nothing more than show
them what they are.
TOKATH
No. You have shown them what you
want them to be.
Tokath moves close to Worf.
TOKATH
Tell me this: do you know of any
place, any time in history that
Klingons and Romulans have lived
together in peace?
Worf is silent; he has no answer.
TOKATH
We have despised each other...
fought each other... for
centuries.
He pauses, eyeing Worf.
TOKATH
Except here. On this remote
planet... Romulans and Klingons
live together in harmony.
(beat)
No government, no leader, has ever
done what I have done here.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 45.
49 CONTINUED:
WORF
It is a worthy achievement to
bring peace between enemies.
(beat)
But the cost of that peace may be
too high.
TOKATH
Higher than endless war?
WORF
The people here have lost the
sense of who they are. They have
lost their heritage.
TOKATH
In what way? A few stories not
told... a few songs not sung...
not a great loss, when compared to
our living in peace.
Tokath's argument is logical, intellectual. But Worf's
perspective is something deeply, passionately felt.
WORF
Those are our rituals... they
define us. They tell us what we
came from... what our children
will grow to be. Without
traditions, we have no identity --
we have no pride.
Tokath makes a scoffing sound.
TOKATH
Klingon pride. Is it really so
valuable? Or is it just a tired
habit...
Worf moves toward Tokath, eyes burning.
WORF
Today Toq went with me on the
ritual hunt... I saw what happened
to him when he caught the scent of
his prey on the wind... for the
first time in his life, he felt
powerful... that's what he has
been denied by living here...
that's what you have tried to take
away from him.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FIVE 45A.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
For you, perhaps that is enough.
The young people may want more.
Tokath turns on him, intensity rising in him.
TOKATH
More? What more is there than
what they have here? Would you
really suggest they go into a
universe where some would hate
them -- simply because of who they
are? Those traditions and rituals
you cherish so much would not
allow them to remain friends with
Romulans.
Tokath moves closer, eyes locked on Worf.
TOKATH
Enough of this. We could talk all
night and not convince the other.
(beat)
I offer you a choice. Live with
us... as one of us...
WORF
Or?
TOKATH
Or I will have you put to death.
WORF
Then that is what you will have to
do.
TOKATH
Worf, consider this carefully --
WORF
That death will be honorable. The
young people will see what it is
to die as a Klingon.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 46.
49 CONTINUED: (3)
Tokath looks at Worf... sees the resolve in his eyes...
and knows he has no choice.
50 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS (NIGHT)
Worf is alone, doing the forms of the Mok'bara...
preparing to meet death.
There is a KNOCK at the door.
WORF
Enter.
The door opens and a Romulan guard lets Ba'el in.
BA'EL
(to guard)
Thank you.
The guard EXITS, and Worf and Ba'el face each other for
a silent beat. Then, she withdraws the HYPO device
they used to implant the tracking pellet.
BA'EL
I will remove the tracking device.
You can go over the wall and hide
in the jungle.
She moves toward him, but he catches her wrist and
stops her.
WORF
Why are you doing this?
She hesitates, not meeting his eye. Then --
BA'EL
My father is wrong.
(beat)
No matter how I might feel about
you, you don't deserve to die.
He holds her wrist until she looks up at him.
WORF
I am not going to run away, Ba'el.
She stares at him in disbelief.
BA'EL
They will kill you.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 47.
50 CONTINUED:
WORF
Yes. But they will not defeat me.
BA'EL
(shaking her head)
I don't understand you.
He drops her wrist, gathers his thoughts.
WORF
A Klingon does not run from his
battles.
BA'EL
Is that really the lesson you want
us to learn?
(beat)
You've taught us a great deal...
awakened something in us that we
didn't know existed...
(beat)
But I don't understand what we can
learn from your death.
WORF
Then you don't yet understand what
it is to be Klingon.
She moves toward him... mind grappling with ideas and
issues she's never encountered in her sheltered
existence... but sensing one small core of truth in the
confusion.
BA'EL
Worf... in spite of everything
that's happened, I sense that you
still care for me. Am I wrong?
Worf hesitates. This is a difficult issue for him to
confront -- the one about which he is most conflicted.
He is silent. She moves closer.
BA'EL
It's so easy for you to talk of
being a warrior... of honor and
death... is it so hard to speak of
love?
He turns away from her. She lifts a hand to his
shoulder.
BA'EL
Worf... please...
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 47A.
50 CONTINUED: (3)
He finally turns to her, speaks with great difficulty.
WORF
I... would not have thought it
possible to love a Romulan...
BA'EL
But you do... ?
WORF
Yes.
She throws her arms around him.
BA'EL
If you have come that far... can't
you take the next step? Can't you
stay here with us... with me?
A torturous question; Worf agonizes. There is no right
answer.
WORF
If there were a way... I would
take you with me...
She smiles wanly at him.
BA'EL
If there's anything I've learned
from you... from your reaction to
me... it's that I have no place
out there. Other Klingons won't
accept me for what I am.
Worf stares at her; she has clarified the issue.
WORF
And if I stay here... these
Klingons will not accept me for
what I am.
Impasse. Ba'el turns away, anguish bringing her to
anger.
BA'EL
Why did you come here? We were
happy... we didn't know there was
anything missing from our lives...
WORF
Ba'el...
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 47B.
50 CONTINUED: (4)
She turns suddenly and rushes impetuously into his
arms. She kisses him ardently and he holds her
tightly. Then she pulls away.
BA'EL
Good-bye, Worf.
And she runs from the room.
51 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY)
Everyone in the camp is gathered in the central square.
They wait, talking quietly among themselves.
Worf is brought from his quarters by two Romulans.
When he emerges, the crowd falls silent. This is not
a bloodthirsty mob, but a group of people doing what
they believe is best for the community, whatever their
personal feelings might be for the condemned man.
As he is led toward the compound wall, Worf is brought
past Tokath and the Elders. The Romulan's face is
steely, but L'Kor can't meet Worf's eyes.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
51 CONTINUED:
As Worf passes Ba'el, their eyes meet and he sees that
hers are full of tears.
The Romulans stand Worf against the compound wall and
move back toward the crowd, which stands away at some
distance in a semi-circle.
Worf stands tall; there is no fear in his eyes. Tokath
steps forward and speaks in a voice loud enough for all
to hear, trying to head off the possibility that Worf
be seen as a martyr.
TOKATH
I know there are those among you
who may question what I'm about to
do. And you would not be wrong to
do so.
He walks slowly among the crowd, addressing them as
friends.
TOKATH
I have questioned myself... I have
spent the night considering my
decision, challenging myself to
justify whether it is right.
He hesitates, eyes sweeping the group.
TOKATH
And I have reached the conclusion
that it is absolutely necessary to
put this man to death.
He moves closer to the group of people. They listen
intently.
TOKATH
We have all shared an
extraordinary passage... from
being enemies... to becoming a
family.
He approaches a Klingon woman, puts his hand on her
shoulder.
TOKATH
Turla, you were midwife when my
daughter was born... she might
have died if it had not been for
you.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 48A.
51 CONTINUED: (2)
He moves to a Romulan man who holds his arm in an
awkward position.
TOKATH
Sentith... you wrestled with a
wild morag... to save a Klingon
child.
He moves to a Klingon man.
TOKATH
I stood at your side when you
married, Ba'ktor.
(beat)
And wept with you when she fell
ill and died.
He gestures around the crowd.
TOKATH
Every one of you could tell
similar stories... of things we
have shared... in love and in
sorrow.
He walks back toward Worf.
TOKATH
What we have built together...
would be destroyed by this man.
And I cannot let that happen.
(to Worf)
I give you one last chance to
accept our way of life.
Worf stares fiercely at him.
WORF
Your words are eloquent, Tokath.
But the truth is that I am being
executed because I brought
something dangerous to your young
people: knowledge.
He pauses to let this sink in.
WORF
Knowledge of their origins.
Knowledge of the real reasons you
are here in this camp. The truth
is a threat to you...
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 48B.
51 CONTINUED: (3)
TOKATH
Enough.
(to the Romulans)
Stand ready.
The guards unholster their disruptors. Ba'el looks at
Tokath, stricken, devastated.
BA'EL
Father... please...
But Tokath ignores her plea.
TOKATH
Raise your weapons.
They do. Suddenly a VOICE rings out from across the
compound.
TOQ (O.S.)
Ki'tow! (Stop!)
52 TOQ
as he emerges from a barrack dressed in full battle
regalia. He is wearing the armor from the chest that
Ba'el showed Worf.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
53 BACK TO SCENE
Toq starts over to where Worf is standing against the
wall. Tokath eyes him with barely controlled rage.
Toq speaks out in a loud, clear voice.
TOQ
If you kill him... you will have
to kill me, too.
He stands next to Worf.
TOKATH
Step aside, Toq.
TOQ
Worf would rather die than accept
this way of life.
Toq fixes his eyes on Tokath's.
TOQ
And so would I.
There is an uncomfortable silence.
TOQ
I want to leave... as do many
others. You will have to kill us
to keep us here.
WORF
You see, Tokath? It's already too
late.
Tokath reacts to this... he feels it even more
necessary to maintain his position and go through with
the execution.
TOKATH
I am warning you -- move aside
now.
But Toq stands there defiantly. Tokath knows that if
he backs down on this, he's lost. He turns to the
Romulans.
TOKATH
Stand ready.
The Romulans turn toward Worf and Toq. L'Kor looks at
Tokath and sees the determination in his eyes. He
turns and pleads to Toq.
L'KOR
Toq. Move away...
But Toq just stands there. L'Kor turns to Worf, hoping
to appeal to him.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
53 CONTINUED:
L'KOR
He will listen to you. Tell
him...
WORF
He has the right to make his
choice.
L'Kor looks to Tokath, his eyes beseeching. But Tokath
is determined.
TOKATH
Raise your weapons.
The Romulans raise their weapons.
TOKATH
Take aim --
But suddenly L'Kor moves forward and stands in front of
Toq. Before Tokath can reply, another Klingon moves in
to stand next to L'Kor. And one by one, the people
make their choice, moving to take their place in front
of Worf and Toq. Tokath is shaken... and outraged.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
He takes out his own disruptor, trains it on the group.
But, as he does... Ba'el moves forward and stands in
front of the group... holding her father's look
unblinking.
TOKATH
(aghast)
Ba'el...
Gi'ral comes forward, gently lowers her husband's hand.
GI'RAL
Tokath... long ago, when your
captives asked to stay here... we
hoped not to dishonor our children
on the Home World. But perhaps,
over the years, we lost sight of
the children we raised here.
(beat)
This is our prison. It should not
be theirs.
The threat of violence fades and is replaced by a sense
of overwhelming sadness.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
53 CONTINUED: (3)
There is a long beat. Then Tokath turns to Worf and,
almost imperceptibly, nods. Worf turns to the young
people.
WORF
Years ago, your parents made a
great sacrifice for the sake of
their families. Today they do so
again. For that, we must honor
them.
A few murmurs of appreciation.
WORF
You must promise them -- that you
will never reveal their secret.
No one must know of this place.
Parents and young people talk.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT FIVE 53.
53 CONTINUED: (4)
Toq hurries to Worf.
TOQ
There's a supply ship due in a few
days. They will take us...
Toq rattles on, but Worf's attention is focused on --
53A BA'EL
who stands at a distance, her parents on either side of
her, staring at Worf. Their eyes lock together.
TOQ'S VOICE
When they arrive, Tokath will
explain to them. We'll be able to
start a new life...
The sounds of the camp fade... and then Ba'el looks
down, turns and walks away. Her mother and father
follow her.
54 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it travels at impulse.
PICARD (V.O)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46581.5.
We have scanned the planets of the
Nequencia system and found no
evidence of a Romulan prison camp.
We are now enroute to the Carraya
system, closer to Romulan space.
55 INT. BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Data and various N.D's. Data responds
to something on his monitor.
DATA
Captain, we are receiving a
subspace message. It is a Romulan
signal, text only.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
55 CONTINUED:
DATA (Cont'd)
(surprised)
It is from Lieutenant Worf. He is
aboard a Romulan scout ship.
Picard stands and moves toward him.
DATA
He is requesting a rendezvous.
PICARD
Input the coordinates and change
course.
Picard turns back to Riker and they share a smile of
relief.
56 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (STOCK)
as it hangs in space near a Romulan scout ship.
57 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Picard, BEVERLY and a Transporter Chief are at the
control console. A group of young Klingons is being
led out the door by an N.D.. We HEAR the sound of
materialization.
58 ANGLE ON TRANSPORTER PAD
where Worf, Toq, and two young Klingons are on the
platform. Beverly scans them.
BEVERLY
They seem fine. We'll be giving
them all thorough checkups in
Sickbay.
PICARD
Thank you, Doctor.
Worf steps off and moves toward Picard; Beverly takes
the others out.
59 BACK TO SCENE
Picard regards Worf, a smile on his face.
PICARD
Welcome home, Lieutenant.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FIVE 54A.
59 CONTINUED:
WORF
Thank you, sir.
PICARD
(to com)
Picard to Bridge. Signal the
Romulan ship that we have the last
group on board.
STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
59 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
There is an awkward moment of silence.
PICARD
I see you found what you were
looking for, Mister Worf.
WORF
No, sir. There was no prison
camp.
Picard reacts, hearing a tone in Worf's voice. Worf
takes a breath.
WORF
Those young people are
survivors... of a vessel that
crashed in the Carraya system four
years ago.
Worf looks Picard right in the eye.
WORF
No one survived Khitomer.
Picard knows full well what Worf is saying. They hold
a look.
PICARD
I understand, Mister Worf.
He gestures toward the door, and the two men start
toward it.
60 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it moves away we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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