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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Lessons"
#40276-245
Written by
Ronald Wilkerson
&
Jeanne Louise Mathias
Directed by
Robert Wiemer
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 This script is not for publication or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
JANUARY 25, 1993
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 1/25/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Lessons"
CAST
PICARD NELLA DAREN
RIKER
DATA
BEVERLY
TROI
WORF
GEORDI
COMPUTER VOICE
A WOMAN'S VOICE
Non-Speaking
N.D. CREWMEMBERS
N.D. MUSICIANS
N.D. CREWMEMBER (Marques)
N.D. CREWMEMBER (Richardson)
N.D. CREWMEMBER (Deng)
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 1/25/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Lessons"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
BRIDGE
READY ROOM PLANET'S SURFACE
CORRIDOR
CARTOGRAPHY LAB
PICARD'S QUARTERS
TEN FORWARD
JEFFERIES TUBE
ENGINEERING
TURBOLIFT
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
TRANSPORTER ROOM
SICKBAY
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Lessons"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. BRIDGE
It is the night watch -- DATA sits in the command
chair; N.D.'s man the various vital stations. PICARD
ENTERS from the Turbolift, preoccupied with the PADD in
his hand.
PICARD
Good evening, Mister Data.
DATA
Actually, good morning, sir.
Picard smiles slightly as he realizes Data's right.
DATA
Ship status is --
PICARD
No need to report. I'm just here
to do some work of my own.
DATA
Yes, sir.
Entering information on his PADD, Picard heads to his
Ready Room.
PICARD
I'd like to talk to Doctor Mowray
at his archaeological site on
Landris Two. Please put it
through to my Ready Room.
DATA
I am sorry, sir, but Stellar
Cartography has requested a
communications blackout while they
run an experiment.
Picard is a little surprised to hear this.
PICARD
How long will it be?
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
DATA
Another three hours, twenty-two
minutes.
Picard frowns slightly.
DATA
I can override it if necessary.
PICARD
No, no... it's not important.
DATA
Aye, sir.
Picard EXITS to...
2 INT. READY ROOM
Picard sits at his desk and puts down the PADD. After
a beat, he activates his DESKTOP TERMINAL.
PICARD
Computer, display the latest
excavation schematics from Landris
Two.
COMPUTER VOICE
Library computer is temporarily
off-line.
Picard reacts.
PICARD
Explain.
COMPUTER VOICE
Library Systems have been
allocated to Stellar Cartography.
Picard frowns at this unusual circumstance.
He turns off his terminal and looks around the room.
His eyes settle on a BOOK and he decides to do some
reading. He stands and crosses to the REPLICATOR slot
in the wall.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Tea, Earl Grey. Hot.
COMPUTER VOICE
Replicator systems are off-line at
the request of --
Picard finishes the sentence along with the computer.
PICARD/COMPUTER VOICE
Stellar Cartography...
Picard is annoyed but not angry, reasoning that they
must be up to something important.
PICARD
(to himself)
What could they possibly be doing
down there... ?
Picard's mouth was set for the tea, but curiosity gets
the better of him. He heads for the door.
3 INT. CORRIDOR
Picard approaches the door to the Stellar Sciences
Department. He EXITS to...
4 INT. CARTOGRAPHY LAB
The room is pitch black, lit only by the light from the
corridor as Picard ENTERS. Startled by the sudden
blackness, he stops short in the open doorway.
WOMAN'S VOICE
In or out, but close that door.
Picard steps in quickly, and the door slides shut. He
strains to adjust to the blackness as he ENTERS. With
a bang, Picard's leg bumps into a table, dumping
EQUIPMENT noisily to the floor.
WOMAN'S VOICE
Just try to stand still.
In the shadows, several N.D.'s are hunched over a
console in the center of the room. It is a three-dimensional
grid, and its faint light bathes their
faces.
Picard stands where he is.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED:
The woman's voice carries a tone of frustration that is
slowly intensifying.
WOMAN'S VOICE
It'll take a second for our eyes
to re-adjust...
(beat; urgent)
Elevate to three-point-two.
(beat)
Good... we can do this...
(beat)
We're losing vertical alignment.
Compensate...
(beat)
Gently, don't bump it.
(beat)
No, no -- hit the...
(much louder)
Forget it. Lights.
The group at the console breaks up. The owner of the
voice, NELLA DAREN, Lieutenant Commander, leans against
the console in frustration, her back to the door.
NELLA
Whoever you are, you just ruined
four hours of work.
PICARD
You might've taken the simple
precaution of locking the door.
She turns to lay into this cheeky interloper.
NELLA
It's three o'clock in the morning --
Her face falls when she realizes it's the Captain.
NELLA
(surprised)
Captain Picard...
Picard can't help but smile at her discomfort.
PICARD
You must be Lieutenant Commander
Daren.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - TEASER 4A.
4 CONTINUED: (2)
NELLA
Yes, sir. I'm sorry. It's just
we weren't expecting many people
to be up at this hour.
Picard gestures that there's no need to apologize.
PICARD
You're new aboard the Enterprise.
I think you'll soon learn to start
expecting the unexpected.
She appreciates his letting the matter drop and smiles.
NELLA
That's why I put in for this
assignment.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - TEASER 5.
4 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Excellent. Now perhaps you could
tell me what was so important that
it required depriving the ship's
Captain of a cup of Earl Grey?
NELLA
Earl Grey? No wonder you can't
sleep.
Picard reacts as she strides toward her replicator.
NELLA
Computer, bring replicators back
on line and give me a cup of Daren
herbal tea blend number three,
hot.
She turns back as we HEAR the replicator.
NELLA
You shouldn't be drinking a
stimulant at this time of night.
I think you'll like this.
She hands him the tea which has appeared, looks on as
he takes a sip. He grimaces and makes a sour face at
the taste. Nella takes it in stride.
NELLA
I've programmed seven other blends
into the replicator...
(smiles)
You're bound to like one of them.
Though still smarting from the taste, Picard tries to
be gracious.
PICARD
I look forward to sampling them.
Nella smiles, then moves toward the console where she
was working earlier.
NELLA
I'm sorry if the system blackouts
we requested inconvenienced you.
We were taking very precise
gravimetric readings -- it
wouldn't have taken much to throw
them off.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - TEASER 6.
4 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
(eyeing the console)
What are these readings for?
Nella is pleased the Captain is taking an interest.
NELLA
I'm trying to construct a
mathematical model of an emerging
star system. If it works, we'll
be able to predict the
configuration of a system that
won't be formed for another two
million years.
PICARD
(a wry smile)
That's a long time to wait to find
out if you're right.
NELLA
(smiles)
I have a few things to do between
now and then.
They regard each other... off their mutual intrigue
we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it moves at warp.
6 INT. BRIDGE
RIKER, Data and various N.D.s. Picard ENTERS from the
Ready Room.
RIKER
We'll arrive at the Borgolis
Nebula in three hours, sir.
PICARD
I understand it has unusual
radioactive emissions -- I'm sure
Stellar Sciences will find it an
interesting study.
RIKER
Commander Daren has already
requested time on the main sensor
array.
Picard nods and heads for the Turbolift.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT ONE 8.
6 CONTINUED:
PICARD
You have the Bridge, Number One.
Data turns to address him.
DATA
Captain, I would like to remind
you about our concert this evening
in Ten-Forward.
(beat)
We will be performing Chopin's
Trio in G minor.
PICARD
(nods)
I'll be there.
Data is gratified to hear this...
7 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard and BEVERLY are sharing an afternoon lunch,
chatting about this and that.
PICARD
... the upshot is... we'll be close
enough for you to slip away for a
few days and see Wesley.
Beverly beams at hearing this.
BEVERLY
Wonderful, thank you, Jean-Luc.
She sips her tea.
BEVERLY
This is delicious; what is it?
PICARD
It's an herbal tea blend...
(beat)
I came across it in the replicator
files.
Beverly nods.
PICARD
Have you met any of the new
crewmembers we took on at Starbase
Two-eighteen?
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT ONE 8A.
7 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
(nods)
In fact, I have a new Nurse. His
name's Beck, he's an obstetrics
specialist.
Picard nods.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/28/93 - ACT ONE 9.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(casually)
I met the new head of Stellar
Sciences last night. Lieutenant
Commander Daren.
BEVERLY
Yes... Nella Daren. She was in
Sickbay for a physical last week.
I liked her. Very forthright.
PICARD
Very.
Beverly suddenly remembers something.
BEVERLY
Oh, I forgot to tell you... The
Exogenics Journal accepted my
paper for publication.
PICARD
(smiles)
That's wonderful, Beverly.
BEVERLY
I'm hoping to get a response from
other scientists studying
ribosomal replication. There's
still no satisfying explanation
for the genetic drift.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT ONE 10.
7 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
(smiles)
That journal is widely read.
You'll probably be swamped with
responses.
(beat)
Did you know it's possible now to
predict the configuration of a
star system that won't be formed
for another two million years?
She stares at him, momentarily off-stride by this non-sequitur...
but Picard's interests are many and farranging.
BEVERLY
Really? No, I didn't...
PICARD
It's quite intriguing. It's made
possible by a rather complex
mathematical construct based on
fractal particle motion. And of
course that's just the
foundation... the modeling itself
requires gravimetric wave inputs.
BEVERLY
I see.
He hears her polite, neutral response and smiles self-effacingly.
PICARD
Well, I'm sure it sounds dry.
Stellar cartography isn't
everyone's cup of tea...
BEVERLY
I'm sure it's fascinating.
Picard smiles and puts his cup down.
PICARD
Well... we'd better get to Ten
Forward; we don't want to be late
for the concert.
And they rise to EXIT.
8 INT. TEN FORWARD
TROI, GEORDI, Riker, Picard and Beverly are sitting
among the N.D.'s waiting for the performance to start.
People talk quietly among themselves as they wait.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT ONE 10A.
8 CONTINUED:
A PIANO has been set up on one side of the room, along
with CHAIRS and MUSIC STANDS for the accompanists.
The crowd falls silent as the musicians ENTER and take
their seats. Data carries his violin. Another
musician will play a cello. Everyone is in place
except the piano soloist, to whom Data now gestures so
they may ENTER.
It is Nella Daren...
9 CLOSE - PICARD
as he recognizes her.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT ONE 11.
10 RESUME SCENE
as Data gestures to the others and begins the concert.
Nella dives into the piece with amazing skill and
relish. From the crash of opening chords to the
following arpeggiated run, her performance is an
explosion of passionate color. At once, the room is
electrified.
11 CLOSE - PICARD
as he listens to this virtuosic performance. He's
never heard music played more beautifully. His eyes
close as he takes it all in...
12 ON CROWD
as we see that Picard is not alone in feeling moved by
her playing.
13 OMITTED
14 INT. TEN FORWARD
during the reception following the performance. Nella
is surrounded by admirers and well-wishers.
Data, Beverly and Picard stand nearby waiting their
turn to thank her for the performance. After a moment,
she turns to them.
PICARD
Your playing was remarkable.
NELLA
(without modesty)
Thank you, sir.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT ONE 12.
14 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
You're very talented.
DATA
I noticed that the applause
tonight exceeded average decibel
levels.
NELLA
(smiles)
I guess that means they enjoyed
themselves. I know I enjoyed
playing.
PICARD
That was obvious.
Data has been looking around for the other musician.
DATA
Excuse me. I have not yet
congratulated Ensign Cheney.
Nella nods.
BEVERLY
I'll go with you.
Beverly exchanges smiles with Picard and moves after
Data.
Picard and Nella are alone. Their eyes meet.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT ONE 13.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
I played piano for a while when I
was young. But I never put in the
practice time it takes to become
truly proficient.
NELLA
That was never my problem. In
fact, my parents had to make me go
out and play.
Picard smiles. Then... something he's been wondering
about...
PICARD
I wanted to ask you... during the
second arpeggio in the first
movement, I noticed you played an
F minor chord instead of a
diminished D.
NELLA
You're a musician. What's your
instrument? We should play some
time.
PICARD
I'm very much an amateur. But I
must say, your choice in that
arpeggio was delightful. Not at
all what one expects to hear.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT ONE 14.
14 CONTINUED: (3)
She regards him evenly... with a twinkle in her eye.
NELLA
Well, Captain... now that I'm on
your ship, maybe you should start
expecting the unexpected.
She smiles... and Picard, hearing his own words echoed
back to him, can't help but smile back. Hold on their
look for a beat --
FADE OUT.
15 OMITTED
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT TWO 15.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
16 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it hangs in space in the vicinity of the blue-tinged
Borgolis Nebula.
17 INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Data, and various N.D.'s. Nella ENTERS from the
Turbolift and approaches Riker.
NELLA
Excuse me, sir.
Riker nods that she go ahead.
NELLA
(continuing)
I was hoping my people in Spectral
Analysis could have another few
hours on the main sensor array.
RIKER
I'm sorry, the array's been
allocated to Engineering; they're
running some warp field tests.
NELLA
If we go off-line now, we'll lose
the gas flow pattern we've been
tracking.
Riker's not annoyed by any of this -- he's used to
advocacy from Department heads and is comfortable
making these kinds of decisions.
RIKER
I understand that. But we've got
other departments waiting to use
the array.
NELLA
We're at a critical juncture --
RIKER
(firm)
Commander.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 16.
17 CONTINUED:
Nella backs off. Though Riker won't be pushed, he is
willing to be flexible.
RIKER
I'll see what I can do about more
time tomorrow.
NELLA
Tomorrow... but ---
(beat; she realizes this
is the best she can
get)
Thank you, sir.
Riker nods an acknowledgment and she EXITS to the
Turbolift.
18 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
It's evening. Picard is holding his flute, listening
to a playback of a recording he just made. He is
dressed comfortably, a cup of tea on a nearby table.
The door CHIMES.
PICARD
End playback.
The Computer stops the recording.
PICARD
Come.
The door OPENS to REVEAL Nella standing in the doorway.
Under her arm is some sort of rolled-up SCROLL.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT TWO 17.
18 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(surprised)
Commander Daren.
NELLA
I hope you don't mind me dropping
by like this?
PICARD
I'm delighted. Come in.
She comes in and the door closes behind her. She sees
the flute in his hand.
NELLA
What kind of flute is that?
PICARD
It's Ressikan.
NELLA
I never saw one before.
Beat.
PICARD
They're not made anymore.
NELLA
How long have you been playing?
Picard doesn't quite know how to explain.
PICARD
A long time...
NELLA
I'd love to hear you play
sometime.
PICARD
I'm not very good.
NELLA
It doesn't matter, as long as you
enjoy it.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 18.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Yes, but I wouldn't want to
inflict it on anyone else.
She shrugs.
NELLA
May I try?
Picard hands her the instrument. She eyes it briefly,
sets her fingers to the holes, and tries it. The notes
are off key and flat. She stops and inspects it.
PICARD
You're not holding it quite
right...
NELLA
Show me.
Picard takes the flute and PLAYS a few notes, simple
and sweet. Nella is pleased by the sound. When he
finishes he shrugs as if it were nothing.
NELLA
You're better than you think.
PICARD
(dismissing this)
Please...
NELLA
Really. We should play together.
This isn't what Picard was hoping to hear.
PICARD
There's... no piano here.
NELLA
Oh, but there is.
Nella takes the scroll she brought in and unfurls it on
a nearby table. It's a sheet of piano keys that
flatten out to become a keyboard. She turns and sees
the expression of surprise on Picard's face.
NELLA
I picked it up on Mataline Two.
It's amazing.
She does a little ARPEGGIO to show off. It sounds like
a good electronic keyboard.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 19.
18 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Remarkable...
(hoping to get out of
this)
Why don't you play something for
me?
She eyes him, knowing what he's up to.
NELLA
You start... I'll jump in.
Picard can't think how to get out of it. He sets his
fingers on the flute tentatively.
PICARD
What... shall we play?
NELLA
What were you working on before I
came in?
Beat.
PICARD
Bach... the third Brandenburg.
NELLA
Perfect. Go ahead.
He gamely starts in; she waits a few beats and then
joins in. The moment she does, he is thrown off, and
stops.
PICARD
Sorry...
NELLA
It's all right... you're not used
to playing with anyone, are you?
PICARD
Just the computer.
She eyes him, suddenly feeling the plight of this man,
sitting alone in his room, playing music with a
computer.
NELLA
(gently)
Well... I may not be as precise as
a computer... but I think you'll
enjoy it more.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 20.
18 CONTINUED: (4)
NELLA (Cont'd)
(beat)
Let's try something a little
simpler. How about...
She begins playing "Frere Jacque." He smiles and
chimes in at the appropriate place for the round. They
play it through once. He has played his part solidly
and she is pleased.
NELLA
Very good! Now... let's have a
little fun with it.
She plays a slight variation on the "Frere Jacque"
melody.
NELLA
Try it. Improvise on the melody --
anything you want.
He takes a breath... starts to play... it's like a
beginner's improvisation, not very loose or imaginative --
but it's a beginning.
NELLA
That's wonderful! Keep going...
He does, and she joins in, noodling in and around his
playing. It's a delightful little counterpoint and it
helps to loosen him up. He becomes freer... takes a
few chances... she matches him... he launches into a
bold, venturesome direction and she starts laughing,
staying with him, feeling the joyousness that the
intermingling of music is bringing them both.
19 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise hanging in space near the nebula.
20 INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Data, and various N.D.s. Riker nods that a PADD
an N.D. is showing him checks out fine, then moves to
sit in the command chair. After a moment, Picard
ENTERS from his Ready Room. He's full of energy and
seems to be in a great mood.
PICARD
Number One... my sparring partner
cancelled for this afternoon. I
was wondering if you wanted to
join me?
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 21.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
Riker is unsure -- the Captain is far better than he
is.
RIKER
Fencing, sir? I'm really not very
good.
Picard dismisses this.
PICARD
It doesn't matter... as long as
you enjoy it.
Riker considers, then smiles and nods.
RIKER
Why not?
PICARD
(pleased)
Excellent. Fourteen hundred
hours, then.
He nods and returns to his Ready Room. Riker watches
him go, glad to see him in a good mood.
21 INT. SICKBAY
Nella is being examined by Beverly, who waves a SCANNER
over her right arm from elbow to wrist.
BEVERLY
You have a mild strain.
NELLA
I've been playing the piano a
lot... I guess the Captain and I
overdid it a little last night.
Beverly reacts to this, bemused.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 22.
21 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
The Captain?
NELLA
He plays a kind of flute...
Ressikan, I think he said.
BEVERLY
Yes... but I didn't realize he
played... duets.
NELLA
He never did before. But he
seemed to enjoy it. He's actually
quite promising.
BEVERLY
I see.
NELLA
Tell me... have you known him
long?
BEVERLY
Yes. A long time...
NELLA
He seems... somewhat isolated.
Beverly reflects on this.
BEVERLY
I'd say he's a private person...
but not isolated.
Nella takes this in. Beverly turns off the scanner
she's been using.
BEVERLY
There. That should help.
Nella flexes her wrist.
NELLA
It feels much better. Thank you.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 23.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
Good.
Nella hops off the biobed.
NELLA
I was afraid I'd have to cancel.
BEVERLY
(smiles)
Another duet?
They share a look and Nella EXITS.
22 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE
Open on the rungs of the ladder. A woman's hand comes
into frame, then another. She's climbing up. Then
Nella's body passes. She carries a small BAG slung
over one shoulder, and is dressed in civilian clothes.
PICARD (O.S.)
Where are we going?
NELLA
Keep climbing.
As Nella passes out of frame we see, emerging after her
on the ladder, the hands and face of Picard. He too is
in civilian clothes.
PICARD
I don't see why we can't just
practice in my quarters.
NELLA
We're almost there.
23 ANGLE ON JEFFERIES TUBE INTERSECTION
It is the intersection of a vertical and horizontal
tube. Nella climbs into the horizontal tube and scoots
over to make room for Picard.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, she reaches into her
bag and pulls out her SCROLL KEYBOARD, spreading it out
in front of her. After a moment, Picard emerges and
climbs into the tube with her.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 24.
23 CONTINUED:
NELLA
Do you know where we are?
PICARD
(looking around)
The fourth intersect of Jefferies
Tube twenty-five.
NELLA
No... this is the most
acoustically perfect spot on the
ship.
She starts to PLAY, and the sound fills the tube.
Picard hears that she's right and nods in appreciation.
NELLA
The intersection acts as a
resonance chamber.
She continues to play as Picard speaks.
PICARD
How did you find it?
NELLA
A little exploring.
PICARD
Don't tell me you climbed through
every tube on the ship?
NELLA
(smiles)
Well, not every one.
(indicating his bag)
Try it. See how it sounds.
Picard takes his flute from her bag. He puts it to his
lips... and begins playing the melody from "Inner
Light." It is lyrical, haunting... she is transfixed.
He stops, somewhat embarrassed by her rapt attention.
NELLA
That's beautiful. What is it?
PICARD
Just an old folk melody.
NELLA
I've never heard you play with
such feeling.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 25.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
She begins picking out the melody on the keyboard...
then adding chords. He watches her, enjoying her
concentration... hearing the beautiful melody.
She looks up and sees the look on his face.
Their eyes lock for a long moment. He breaks it off,
and Nella looks down at her keyboard. After a few
notes, Picard joins in. We stay with them for a few
moments before cutting to:
24 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi works alone at a CONSOLE. He hears something.
MUSIC? How can that be? He walks around the room
slowly. Where can it be coming from? Finally, he
leans into a Jefferies Tube and puts his head up the
shaft.
25 ON DATA
who ENTERS the room to see Geordi with his head
sticking up the tube. He's concerned.
DATA
Geordi. Is there a problem?
Geordi pulls his head out of the tube.
GEORDI
I hear music.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT TWO 26.
25 CONTINUED:
DATA
Music?
Geordi nods and moves away from the tube so that Data
can stick his head in.
DATA
I do not hear anything.
GEORDI
(surprised)
Are you sure?
Data nods. Geordi moves back toward the tube and leans
his head in.
GEORDI
(frustrated)
I know I heard something.
He listens, then pulls his head out.
GEORDI
It's stopped.
26 INT. JEFFERIES TUBE INTERSECTION
Picard and Nella are exchanging a warm and deep kiss.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 27.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
27 INT. TURBOLIFT
where we pick up Picard and Nella after they've left
the Jefferies Tube, still in civilian clothes. She is
holding the bag which contains her keyboard and
Picard's flute.
There is a charge in the air between them.
NELLA
... I'd heard about Kerelian
tenors all my life, but nothing
could've prepared me for that
man's voice. Soaring...
incredible range.
PICARD
I'm told there are nuances only
Kerelians can hear -- we don't
have the ears for it.
The lift stops and an N.D. ENTERS. Picard's demeanor
changes slightly; he stops looking at Nella and stares
straight ahead.
After a moment she looks up at him.
NELLA
I should be finished with my
survey by eleven hundred hours.
It is clear that she is asking when Picard will be
free, and when they can get together. As the lift
slows to a stop, Picard answers her as if she were
reporting to her commanding officer.
PICARD
Very good, Commander.
And he EXITS the Turbolift. Nella is left wondering if
he wouldn't rather just forget what happened between
them in the Jefferies Tube. Off her reaction...
27A INT. BRIDGE
Picard -- now in uniform -- Riker, Troi, Worf and
various N.D.'s. Geordi ENTERS from the Turbolift and
approaches Riker, who is at aft science with an N.D.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 27A.
27A CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Commander, we've finished the warp
field test.
RIKER
You brought it in ahead of
schedule.
GEORDI
No problem. We got modulation
efficiency up point five percent.
RIKER
Good work.
(to science N.D.)
Notify Spectral Analysis they can
have an hour on the main sensor
array.
The N.D. nods and moves away. Suddenly:
WORF
Captain...
(reads off his console)
The Federation Outpost on
Bersallis Three reports that they
are entering a period of fire
storm activity.
PICARD
Is the outpost in any danger?
WORF
No, sir. The storm is heading for
the northern continent, which is
not populated.
GEORDI
Bersallin fire storms come in
seven year cycles -- this might be
a good chance to study them.
RIKER
We have two days before our
rendezvous with the Havana...
Picard considers.
RIKER
(to helmsman)
Helm, set course for Bersallis
Three. Warp five.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 27B.
27A CONTINUED: (2)
The helmsman responds.
PICARD
(standing)
Counselor, would you join me in my
Ready Room?
She stands and they move toward it.
PICARD
You have the Bridge, Number One.
28 INT. READY ROOM
Picard and Troi have settled into the couch. Picard
lets out a breath, prepares himself for what he has to
say.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT THREE 28.
28 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I wanted to talk to you about a
matter of... protocol.
(beat)
I know there are no Starfleet
regulations about a Captain
becoming involved with a fellow
officer, but...
TROI
You'd like my opinion about you
and Commander Daren.
Picard regards her wryly.
PICARD
It's that obvious?
TROI
Obvious in way that pleases people
who care about your happiness?
Yes, it is.
PICARD
But I have to be concerned about
more than my own happiness.
TROI
And you think that perhaps your
feelings toward Nella could change
the way you function as Captain...
PICARD
Yes. Relationships with coworkers
can be fraught with
consequences.
TROI
That's true. But cutting yourself
off from your feelings can carry
consequences that are just as
important.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT THREE 29.
28 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
I've always believed that becoming
involved with someone under my
command could compromise my
objectivity.
(beat)
And yet...
He trails off.
TROI
Captain... are you asking my
permission?
PICARD
If I were... would you give it?
She considers.
TROI
Yes.
Picard takes this in, a mixture of relief and
trepidation.
29 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at warp.
30 INT. CORRIDOR
as Picard approaches the door to Stellar Sciences.
He's about to stride right through when he remembers
the other night and decides to ring first.
31 INT. CARTOGRAPHY LAB
where Nella is working alone at a console. She's
engrossed in her work and doesn't look up at the SOUND
of the chime.
NELLA
Come in.
Picard ENTERS. When she doesn't turn around:
PICARD
Nella...
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT THREE 30.
31 CONTINUED:
She turns and sees him. Given what happened in the
Turbolift, she decides to keep it professional.
NELLA
Can I help you, sir?
Picard frowns when he hears her refer to him like this.
PICARD
I'm sorry about what happened this
morning in the Turbolift.
(he tries to explain)
When that crewman walked in I
felt... self-conscious. It might
take me a while to get used to the
idea of the crew seeing us
together.
Nella's face softens as she realizes why he did it.
NELLA
I understand...
She moves closer to him.
NELLA
I'm glad you told me. For a
minute there I thought I'd misread
you...
(smiles)
One kiss and you're off to find
someone else.
Picard smiles at this...
PICARD
I promise you... I'm not one for
casual relationships.
They look at each other for a long moment... suddenly
one of Nella's colleagues ENTERS behind them, carrying
a PADD. The scientist nods at them distractedly, then
goes to work on a wall console.
PICARD
There's something I want to tell
you...
Picard glances at the scientist.
PICARD
(continuing)
But not here...
Nella nods and we...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 31.
32 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
where Nella is sitting on the couch, listening as
Picard tells her a story.
PICARD
Do you remember that folk melody
I played for you this morning?
She nods.
PICARD
I learned it on a planet called
Kataan.
NELLA
Never heard of it.
PICARD
I'm not surprised. Its sun went
nova over a thousand years ago.
Nella looks confused.
NELLA
I don't understand.
PICARD
The Enterprise encountered a probe
sent from the planet before it was
destroyed. The probe scanned me --
I lost consciousness, and in the
space of twenty-five minutes... I
lived a lifetime there.
Picard sits down next to her, takes her hand.
PICARD
I had a wife... children.
Picard sees Nella struggling to get her mind around it
all.
PICARD
It was all very real to me.
She squeezes his hand. Picard looks at her.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/28/93 - ACT THREE 32.
32 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(continuing)
When I awoke, all that was left of
my life there... was the flute I'd
taught myself to play.
Nella is moved by his story...
NELLA
(softly)
Why are you telling me all this?
PICARD
Because I want you to understand
what my music means to me.
(beat)
And what it means for me to be
able to share it with someone.
She looks at him.
NELLA
Thank you.
Her face is filled with emotion. They kiss... more
passionately than before... and we go out as she leans
back flat onto the couch, pulling him with her...
33 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at warp.
34 INT. CORRIDOR
as Riker makes his way along it. When he passes an
intersection, Nella sees him and calls out.
NELLA
Commander --
Riker slows for her to catch up.
NELLA
(continuing)
I was hoping to talk to you about
Ensign Cabot's transfer.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 33.
34 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Quantum Mechanics didn't want to
give him up.
NELLA
But he wants to come to my
department.
Riker reacts.
RIKER
How do you know that?
NELLA
I offered it to him.
Riker stops.
RIKER
Transfers have to be cleared
through me -- before an offer's
made.
Nella realizes she made a mistake.
NELLA
I'm sorry. We were just talking
and --
RIKER
It's okay. But Fontana should
stay where he is.
Riker is about to resume down the corridor.
NELLA
(apologetic)
Commander, please... don't make
that decision final.
(beat)
I realize I shouldn't have made
the offer, but he's perfect for
the job. And quantum mechanics is
over-staffed anyway.
Riker looks at her.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 34.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
Commander... do you realize the
position you're putting me in?
She has no idea.
NELLA
I think I'm just doing what any
good department head would do --
trying to build the best staff I
can.
Riker realizes she doesn't see his problem. He frowns
slightly, makes a decision.
RIKER
Look... I'll review the situation
and let you know as soon as I can.
He moves off, leaving Nella a little confused by his
attitude.
35 INT. READY ROOM
Picard is reading at his desk. The door CHIMES.
PICARD
Come.
Riker ENTERS.
RIKER
Can I have a minute?
PICARD
Of course. Come in.
Riker approaches, clearly feeling uncomfortable.
RIKER
It's about Lieutenant Commander
Daren...
(beat)
As a department head, she comes to
me about systems allocation,
personnel transfers -- things like
that.
Picard nods, sensing that Riker is telling him
something he already knows as a way of leading up to
something difficult.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 1/26/93 - ACT THREE 34A.
35 CONTINUED:
RIKER
I have to say, I'm beginning to
feel... uncomfortable dealing with
her requests.
Picard realizes.
PICARD
Because of her relationship with
me.
RIKER
Yes.
PICARD
Number One... are her requests
unusual?
Riker considers.
RIKER
No, sir.
PICARD
Would you say she's just trying to
do her job?
RIKER
Yes.
This is what Picard was hoping to hear.
PICARD
Then let her.
(beat)
And feel free to do yours.
Picard tries to put him at ease.
PICARD
Ship's resources are your
responsibility. I've always had
complete confidence in your
judgment.
Riker is glad to hear this from him. He smiles and
stands.
RIKER
Thank you, sir.
Picard nods and Riker EXITS. Though Picard has dealt
with the situation, his face still registers concern.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 34B.
35A INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
where Nella is in the middle of telling Picard a story
over dinner. The lights and incidental music give the
scene a romantic feel.
NELLA
... I can't believe I'm going to
get a chance to study the fire
storms on Bersallis. Did you know
they're generated by solar flare
activity? Apparently the
radiation --
She stops when she senses his distraction.
NELLA
I'm boring you.
Her smile is self-deprecating. Picard looks at her.
PICARD
It's not that.
She sees that he's got something serious on his mind.
PICARD
Commander Riker came to talk to me
this afternoon.
(beat)
About you.
Nella reacts -- she'd been thinking about their
encounter herself.
NELLA
About the personnel transfer?
He nods.
NELLA
I thought he felt uncomfortable.
(hoping it's not true)
Did he think I was asking for
special treatment?
Picard nods.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT THREE 34C.
35A CONTINUED: (2)
NELLA
I was just doing what I thought
was best for my department.
PICARD
That's what I told him. But we
have to be very careful.
Obviously it's easy for people to
misunderstand.
NELLA
I don't like the thought of having
to second-guess people all the
time. If I have to worry about
what people are thinking about me,
I'll be concentrating on the wrong
thing. And I won't be as
effective an officer.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT THREE 35.
35A CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
All I'm saying is that it's
something we have to be aware of.
But don't compromise yourself, do
what you have to do.
He catches her eye.
PICARD
Because if I find out that the
head of Stellar Sciences isn't
effective anymore, I'll do what I
have to do...
(smiles)
I'll replace her.
Nella smiles, the incident suddenly seems manageable
now that it's been brought out into the open.
NELLA
Noted, sir.
PICARD
I suggest we forget about this and
enjoy the evening.
They raise their wine glasses and clink, eyeing each
other fondly.
NELLA
What about that dessert you
promised me?
PICARD
Ah, yes.
(he stands)
A concoction I first sampled on
Thelka Four...
But before he can continue, Worf's com voice
interrupts:
WORF'S COM VOICE
Bridge to Captain. Bersallis
Three reports that the storm has
changed its speed and heading.
They are predicting it will hit
the outpost within eight hours and
are requesting evacuation.
PICARD
On my way.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT THREE 36.
35A CONTINUED: (5)
Picard looks across the table at Nella. They're both
disappointed that they won't have their evening
together, but that's life aboard a Starship.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FOUR 37.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
36 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it drops out of warp.
PICARD
Captain's Log, Stardate 46693.1.
We have entered the Bersallis star
system and are making preparations
to evacuate the Federation Outpost
on the third planet.
37 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Beverly, Data, Geordi, Nella and an N.D.
colleague (Marquez) have assembled to discuss the
situation.
GEORDI
The fire storms can kick up winds
of over two hundred kilometers per
hour -- and temperatures as high
as three hundred degrees C.
BEVERLY
Incredible... what causes them?
NELLA
They form when solar flare
radiation from the Bersallin sun
reacts with high energy plasma
present in the planet's
atmosphere.
BEVERLY
Wasn't the outpost built to
withstand the conditions?
GEORDI
Yes; the structure is reinforced
and insulated. But this is no
ordinary storm; it's twice as big
as any they've ever had. The
outpost won't withstand it.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FOUR 38.
37 CONTINUED:
RIKER
We'll be arriving a little over an
hour before the storm hits.
(beat)
It'll take at least two hours to
transport all the colonists off
the surface.
The direness of the situation is brought home to all
present. After a moment.
NELLA
I led a team of geologists to
study the plasma geyser on Taurus
Four -- we cross-connected a few
thermal deflector units to create
a protective shield against the
heat.
GEORDI
A fire wall...
NELLA
Could something like that work
here?
Geordi considers.
GEORDI
It might.
Geordi moves to the OKUDAGRAM on the wall monitor that
shows an overhead view of the outpost.
GEORDI
The storm is approaching the
outpost from this direction.
(he indicates)
If we set up a series of thermal
deflector units along the northern
perimeter, we could create a fire
wall to deflect some of the heat --
the outpost's insulation could
probably handle the rest.
DATA
Thermal deflectors generate a
field approximately four hundred
meters wide. We would need to
cross-connect six units and align
them so their fields overlap.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FOUR 38A.
37 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
How many people would it take to
set it up?
GEORDI
Twelve, two per team. Cross-connecting
that many units will be
tricky; once they're set up we'll
have to leave them in place and
transport our people out -- no one
could survive very long outside
the outpost.
Riker looks to Picard.
PICARD
Let's do it.
Riker dives right into it.
RIKER
The storm's going to interfere
with communications --
everything'll have to be
coordinated from the surface.
Everyone nods that they understand the risks involved.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FOUR 39.
37 CONTINUED: (3)
RIKER
(to Data)
Mister Data, you'll coordinate the
evacuation of the colonists.
(to Beverly)
Doctor, they have nine patients in
the outpost infirmary. Your
priority will be getting them to
Sickbay -- after that you'll stay
aboard the Enterprise and be ready
to receive casualties.
(to N.D. officer)
Marquez, you'll take some people
down to track the storm -- you'll
need to keep all teams apprised of
its heading.
(to Nella)
Commander, you'll coordinate the
deployment of the deflectors.
Picard stiffens slightly when he hears this. Riker
turns to the assembled faces.
RIKER
Let's go.
He stands and the meeting breaks up. Picard stays
seated, his eyes on the Okudagram on the wall. When
nearly everyone's gone, he asks Nella to stay in an
even tone.
PICARD
Commander Daren... ?
She turns.
PICARD
(continuing)
About these thermal deflectors...
He stands and moves toward the Okudagram. By the time
he's there, everyone else is gone.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 1/26/93 - ACT FOUR 40.
37 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
(continuing)
It seems to me that any one of a
number of people could coordinate
their deployment.
Given their discussion, Nella is a little surprised to
hear him say this.
NELLA
I assume Commander Riker chose me
because I'm the best person for
the job.
Picard can't deny it. Nella takes his hand, moved by
his concern for her.
NELLA
Didn't we agree not to let our
relationship get in the way of our
work?
Picard lets out a breath, nods. But he still doesn't
like it.
NELLA
I'll be all right.
She smiles to reassure him. Out on his look...
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FOUR 41.
38 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise slides into orbit above the planet. On
the surface, the mammoth firestorm appears as a huge
hurricane of flashing fire and boiling black smoke.
39 INT. CORRIDOR
ON THE MOVE with Riker and Picard as they discuss final
preparations.
RIKER
Lieutenant Marquez is already set
up on the surface. Apparently the
storm is still gaining speed --
he's estimating it'll hit the
colony in less than fifty minutes.
Picard takes this in.
They EXIT to...
40 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
The Transporter pad is filled with N.D. team members
awaiting transport. Nella is among them, loaded with
equipment. As Picard and Riker ENTER, the first
officer heads onto the pad to take his place.
Picard nods slightly to Riker, but his eyes fix on
Nella's, speaking volumes.
PICARD
Energize.
Picard holds Nella's eyes until she and the others
DEMATERIALIZE. Off his look we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT FIVE 42.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits Bersallis Three. The dark red area of
firestorm activity has now grown significantly larger,
engulfing as large an area as a hurricane would on
Earth.
42 INT. BRIDGE
Picard is in the command chair; all stations are
manned. There is an undercurrent of shared concern for
those who face the real danger -- the colonists and
members of the crew on the planet.
WORF, dividing his time between Tactical and Mission
Ops, is assisted by an N.D. stationed at Mission Ops.
Picard's manner is intense and fast-paced, but not
harried.
PICARD
How long before the storm reaches
the outpost?
WORF
Seventeen minutes.
A growing concern for his crew registers on Picard's
face.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to Bridge.
PICARD
Go ahead.
43 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
where Geordi is working at the transporter control
circuitry on the far side of the room. An N.D. is
working the transporter controls.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 43.
43 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
The ionization from the storm is
interfering with the transporters.
I'm compensating, but it's slowing
things down.
We hear the sound of transport in process.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Keep at it, Mister La Forge.
44 NEW ANGLE
to include the six people who have just been brought
aboard. The look of relief on their faces is evident,
mixed with concern for their friends still on the
surface.
45 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE - NIGHT (OPTICAL)
Two N.D. crewmembers, Richardson and Deng, are working
near a rock face; each is setting up a DEFLECTOR UNIT.
The units are cylindrical, and have a tripod base; they
are capped by an emitter array, which lights up when
the unit is activated.
Nella ENTERS the scene to check on their progress,
having just come from an area where another team was
working.
She opens her TRICORDER and begins to scan the area
between the two units.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Daren.
Riker's com voice crackles with static.
NELLA
(activates combadge)
Daren, here. Go ahead, Commander.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
You've got less than nine minutes
before the storm reaches the
northern perimeter.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 44.
45 CONTINUED:
NELLA
I'm with team six right now, sir.
We're about to bring the
deflectors on-line.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Whenever you're ready.
NELLA
(hits badge again)
Daren to perimeter teams. Stand
by to cross-connect deflectors...
She casts a glance at Richardson and Deng, who nod that
they're ready.
NELLA
Activate.
The N.D.'s activate their units remotely, using PADD-like
devices. The units pulse to life, throwing up a
field that extends out of frame but is only visible for
a moment.
NELLA holds up her tricorder and scans.
NELLA
Team three, increase your output
by point two percent.
(beat; off tricorder)
Good...
(scans)
Deng, decrease nutation by point
four percent.
Deng works her unit.
NELLA
(beat; off tricorder)
Good... we've almost got it.
Off Nella's look of concentration.
46 INT. BRIDGE
Picard is standing between Ops and the Helm.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 45.
46 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Crusher to Bridge.
PICARD
Go ahead, Doctor.
47 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Not the one Geordi was in; a different N.D. is manning
the controls. Beverly has come aboard with some
infirmary patients, who are being led away by N.D.
personnel.
BEVERLY
I've just brought aboard the last
of the infirmary patients and
they're on their way to Sickbay.
But we still have over a hundred
colonists down there.
48 INT. BRIDGE
PICARD
Understood, Doctor.
The concern on Picard's face is evident. The Bridge is
monitoring surface transmissions -- the static in them
only serves to heighten the sense of danger.
NELLA'S COM VOICE
Daren to Commander Riker.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker, here. Go ahead.
NELLA'S COM VOICE
We've got a problem --
49 EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE - NIGHT
The wind has picked up and Nella has to shout to be
heard.
NELLA
... we're having trouble keeping
the deflectors cross-connected.
The only way this is going to work
is if we calibrate them manually.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 46.
49 CONTINUED:
RIKER'S COM VOICE
If you stay with the deflectors,
will they protect you when the
storm hits?
NELLA looks at her team members.
50 INT. BRIDGE
NELLA'S COM VOICE
I don't know, sir. For a few
minutes... maybe.
Picard's face registers what this all means.
PICARD
Number One, how many colonists are
left to transport?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Seventy three, sir.
PICARD
How long do you need?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
At least ten more minutes.
Picard takes this in.
WORF
Captain, the storm will reach the
northern perimeter in four
minutes.
Picard is faced with a difficult choice... perhaps the
most difficult decision he's ever had to make.
PICARD
Picard to perimeter teams.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 47.
51 EXT. THE PLANET'S SURFACE
Nella and crew receive Picard's static-ridden
communique with grim faces.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
... It is imperative that you hold
your positions until we finish the
evacuation of the colony. Picard
out.
Off Nella's face...
51A INT. BRIDGE
Picard's look reflects his concern. He may just have
condemned Nella to death.
After a moment.
PICARD
Picard to La Forge.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge here.
PICARD
Keep a signal lock on all
perimeter team members.
GEORDI
Captain, the storm's interference
won't --
But Picard interrupts.
PICARD
As soon as the last of the
colonists are evacuated I want
those perimeter teams out of
there. Is that understood?
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Yes, sir.
51B EXT. PLANET'S SURFACE - NIGHT
Nella is scanning the invisible deflector field with
her tricorder. She gets a troubling reading.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 47A.
51B CONTINUED:
NELLA
(activates combadge)
Daren to perimeter teams... the
storm's interference is going to
make our job harder than we
thought. We may lose
communication, so it's up to each
of you to keep your units
operational.
(beat)
A lot of people are depending on
us. Daren, out.
We hear the sound of the storm getting closer. Nella
moves onto the rock face to get a higher vantage point.
52 CLOSE - NELLA
as she reacts to what she sees.
NELLA
(under her breath)
Oh, my god.
53 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Nella's POV of the approaching FIRESTORM. The
deflector field FRITZES on for a moment -- it seems
scant protection from the immense angry cloud of flame
that is bearing down on them... there's no way out.
54 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard and Worf are at an aft station, looking at the
OKUDAGRAM seen earlier.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT FIVE 48.
54 CONTINUED:
As they watch, the perimeter positions, blinking green,
are overrun by the solid red field of the firestorm.
WORF
The storm has reached the
perimeter.
55 CLOSE - PICARD
we can only imagine what he's going through.
56 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits Bersallis.
57 INT. SICKBAY
Riker is seated on an examining table, being attended
to by Beverly. All background beds are filled.
Picard ENTERS from the corridor. When Riker sees him,
his face tightens.
RIKER
I got out with the last of the
colonists. If it hadn't been for
the perimeter teams, we wouldn't
have made it.
At least Picard knows that he made the right decision --
those who sacrificed their lives did so to save many
others. But Picard takes no comfort in knowing this.
RIKER
We managed to get four of the
teams off the surface.
(grim)
The interference kept us from
getting the other two... I don't
see how they could have survived.
Picard takes this in, stone-faced.
PICARD
Which teams are missing?
RIKER
Three and six.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT FIVE 49.
57 CONTINUED:
Riker senses that though Picard desperately wants to
know, he can't bring himself to ask.
RIKER
The last I knew, Commander Daren
was with team six.
Picard's face is ashen. He nods, then turns and leaves
the room.
58 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard is very much alone. He sits very still.
Silence.
After a long moment, he looks over at the table where
his flute sits in its case.
He crosses over to the table and looks down at it. He
reaches out his hand, and carefully closes the case
shut... It is as if a chapter in his life is gone
forever.
After a moment, the silence is interrupted.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Bridge to Captain.
It takes Picard a long moment to respond.
PICARD
Go ahead, Mister Worf.
WORF'S COM VOICE
We've found survivors, sir..
They're beaming up now.
Everything is written on Picard's face.
PICARD
On my way.
59 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
where a few perimeter team members are being helped off
the pad by medical personnel; they're in bad shape,
their uniforms blackened with smoke.
Picard ENTERS and sees that Nella is not among them.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - 01/25/93 - ACT FIVE 50.
59 CONTINUED:
He keeps his face even -- it wouldn't be appropriate to
show his crew that he was looking for someone in
particular.
As an N.D. survivor passes, Picard puts a reassuring
hand to his shoulder.
When the last of the survivors have filed out, Picard
turns to leave as well -- any hope of seeing Nella
again is gone.
Suddenly, he hears the sound of the transporter humming
to life. He stops and turns to face the chamber.
As the N.D. works the console, three figures begin to
MATERIALIZE on the pad. As Picard watches, the woman
he thought he'd lost takes shape before his eyes.
Nella is safe.
A look of incredible relief washes over Picard's face.
Inside, he wants to run to hold her, but he's the
Captain. He can't.
Their eyes meet for a brief moment before the medical
technicians take her away. But there was something in
Nella's eyes Picard can't place...
60 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it orbits Bersallis.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46697.2.
Although we succeeded in rescuing
all six hundred forty-three
Bersallin colonists... we lost
eight crewmembers. Let the record
show that they gave their lives in
the performance of their duty.
Commendations will follow.
61 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Nella sits opposite Picard. Although it's an informal
setting, she is reporting to him almost as if they were
in the Observation lounge. Both are in uniform.
NELLA
... when communications went out,
I knew we had to fend for
ourselves.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 51.
61 CONTINUED:
NELLA (Cont'd)
We modified our phasers to create
resonant disruptions in the
deflector field... the disruptions
formed small pockets inside the
plane of the field... and we each
stood inside one to wait out the
storm.
(beat)
Richardson didn't make it... all
Deng and I could do was stand
there... and watch.
He looks at her... hearing the flat tone of her
voice... knowing the unspoken feelings.
PICARD
Nella... you know I had to give
that order --
She lifts a hand quickly and touches his lips.
NELLA
Don't... don't say you're sorry.
He takes her hand in his.
PICARD
It couldn't have been easy for
you... hearing me order you to
face death.
She doesn't answer for a moment, taking in his words,
acknowledging their truth. Then --
NELLA
At first, when I heard you tell us
to hold our positions, I didn't
question it. Of course we
would... that was our job.
(beat)
But when I saw that storm coming
toward us...
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 51A.
61 CONTINUED: (2)
A long beat passes.
PICARD
Part of you must have... blamed
me.
NELLA
A small part, maybe... But in the
end, I was more afraid that you
would blame yourself if I died.
She gives him a weak smile.
NELLA
Would you have?
Picard hesitates... rises... paces toward the window,
gathering thoughts.
PICARD
I've lost people under my
command... people I cared about
deeply... but never someone I've
been in love with.
He turns back to face her.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 52.
61 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
When I thought you were dead, I
went into some kind of shutdown...
I didn't want to think, I didn't
want to feel. I was here, in my
quarters, and... the only thing I
could focus on was music... and
how it would never give me joy
again.
She is silent, watching him. A long beat...
NELLA
Well... where do we go from here?
He turns to her... says the difficult words.
PICARD
We could continue... hoping we
wouldn't face a situation like
that again... knowing that we
might... hoping the pressures on
us wouldn't begin to erode our
feelings for each other...
(beat)
That's not what I want for us.
NELLA
I know. Neither do I.
PICARD
(reluctantly)
I don't think we can serve on the
same ship.
She looks at him, knowing he's right... wishing it
weren't so...
NELLA
It would be difficult... for both
of us.
There is a long, difficult moment... each hoping the
other will somehow refuse to accept the inevitable.
But --
NELLA
I'll put in for a transfer.
Picard takes this in.
PICARD
We can arrange shore leave
together.
STAR TREK: "Lessons" - REV. 01/26/93 - ACT FIVE 52A.
61 CONTINUED: (4)
She smiles sadly. In theory they can... but starships
range wide... schedules are difficult to coordinate...
NELLA
Yes, of course.
Beyond that, there's nothing else to say. Now, staying
there feels awkward. She rises, moves to him... lifts
a hand to his cheek, and kisses him softly on the
mouth.
NELLA
Promise me something?
Picard looks at her.
NELLA
(continuing)
Don't give up your music.
Picard nods almost imperceptibly.
She smiles through her sadness... then walks out the
door. Picard watches as the door slides shut behind
her. He's alone... with only the faint hum of his
ship to keep him company. Will he see her again?
62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it moves away.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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