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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Rightful Heir"
#40276-249
Story by
James Brooks
Teleplay by
Ronald D. Moore
Directed by
Rick Kolbe
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 This script is not for publication or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
MARCH 8, 1993
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Rightful Heir"
CAST
PICARD DIVOK
RIKER GOWRON
DATA KAHLESS
BEVERLY KOROTH
TROI TORIN
WORF VOICES (O.C.)
GEORDI CROWD
KLINGON VOICE
COMPUTER VOICE
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. CREWMEBERS N.D. KLINGONS
TWO N.D. SECURITY
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Rightful Heir"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CORRIDOR BORETH
READY ROOM
OBSERVATION LOUNGE KLINGON SHIP
SHUTTLE BAY
TRANSPORTER ROOM
SICKBAY
WORF'S QUARTERS
KAHLESS' QUARTERS
HOLODECK/TEMPLE
BORETH
LAVA CAVE
TEMPLE
WORF'S CHAMBERS
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/09/93 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Rightful Heir"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ALWANIR al-WAH-ner
GARIMAN GARY-man
CARRAYA car-EYE-ah
DIVOK DE-vok
KOROTH KO-roth
MOLOR MO-lor
KRI'STAT KRE-stat
LUSOR loo-SOR
BAT'LETH BAT-leth
BORETH BOR-reth
GOWRON GOW-ron
BORTAS BOR-tas
QUIN'LAT KWIN-lat
WARNOG WAR-nog
KAHLESS KAY-less
MOGH MOG
Q'APLA k-PLAH
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Rightful Heir"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at warp.
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
DATA is in command, with N.D. CREWMEMBERS at all other
positions. RIKER and SEVERAL CREWMEMBERS ENTER from
the fore and aft Turbolifts. It's time to change
shifts and while Riker moves to Data, the other members
of Riker's shift take over their positions from the
people on Data's shift. No one moves to relieve the
N.D. Ensign standing at Tactical.
DATA
Good morning, Commander.
RIKER
Data. Interesting night?
DATA
I found it extremely interesting.
The lateral sensor array performed
three separate spectral analyses
of the Alwanir Nebula on three
distinct frequencies.
RIKER
Sorry I missed it.
DATA
(missing the ironic
tone)
I will have the reports sent to
you.
(begins making report)
We are still on course for the
Gariman system, our speed is warp
six and our ETA is thirteen
hundred hours. Sickbay reported
one minor injury in the exobiology
department at zero four
twenty hours.
RIKER
Very well.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
Riker glances up at Tactical and frowns. The Ensign is
still standing there, waiting awkwardly.
RIKER
(to Data)
Isn't Worf supposed to relieve
Ensign Torigan?
DATA
Yes, sir. I was not informed of
any change in the duty roster.
RIKER
(concerned)
He's never late.
(to com)
Riker to Lieutenant Worf.
Silence.
RIKER
Computer, locate Lieutenant Worf.
COMPUTER VOICE
Lieutenant Worf is in his
quarters.
Data and Riker exchange looks.
RIKER
Something's wrong. Data, you have
the Bridge.
(to com)
Security, meet me on deck seven,
section twenty-five baker.
Riker EXITS.
CUT TO:
3 INT. CORRIDOR
Riker and TWO N.D. SECURITY CREWMEMBERS move down the
Corridor and come to a stop outside Worf's Quarters.
The Security Officers take up positions on either side
of Riker as he reaches for the door panel. He presses
it... no response.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(to com)
Computer, override the security
lock on this door. Authorization:
Riker alpha six zero.
The doors open to reveal a DARK and MURKY room filled
with DENSE SMOKE. They cautiously EXIT to:
4 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
As Riker and the two officers ENTER the room. The room
is filled with acrid smoke and is lit only with dimly
seen ceremonial candles. They look about for a moment,
trying to peer through the gloom. Suddenly, they are
startled by a throaty ROAR out of the darkness.
WORF'S VOICE
TORVA LUK DO SHELL!
5 NEW ANGLE
Revealing WORF sitting cross-legged on the deck in his
bedroom. He is wearing some kind of Klingon ceremonial
robe and he is staring into a small FIRE which is
blazing in a stone firepit that is sitting in the
center of the bedroom. The look on his face is feral,
intense... Klingon. This, combined with the red light
of the fire, the smoke, and the dark shadows make this
an almost satanic, other-worldly scene.
There is a beat, and then Worf lifts his eyes from the
fire and sees Riker... his mouth twists into a snarl.
RIKER
(shocked)
Worf?
(beat)
What the hell are you doing?
Worf suddenly comes back to the here and now and the
snarl on his face gives way to sudden realization...
and surprise. Off their reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 4.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
6 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship drops out of warp.
7 INT. READY ROOM
Riker and PICARD are sitting at the desk.
PICARD
He had no explanation at all?
RIKER
Not a word. He just got dressed
and then reported for duty as if
nothing had happened.
(beat)
Captain, this isn't the first...
problem I've had with Worf lately.
PICARD
(surprised)
Oh?
RIKER
Until now, it wasn't anything
serious so I didn't bring it to
your attention. But, to be blunt,
he's been getting... sloppy. His
duty reports have been incomplete,
he's fallen behind in maintenance
checks, he just seems...
distracted.
Picard thinks for a moment.
PICARD
Where's Worf now?
RIKER
I confined him to quarters.
Picard thinks for a another beat, then stands and heads
for the door.
PICARD
You have the Bridge, Number One.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 5.
7 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Aye, sir.
They both EXIT.
CUT TO:
8 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
The smoke is gone, the normal lights are on, and the
fire has been put out. Worf is lying on his bed,
staring up at the ceiling. The door CHIMES. He hears
it, but he seems listless, almost apathetic. The door
CHIMES a second time.
WORF
Enter.
9 ANGLE ON DOOR
As Picard ENTERS. He looks around the room... the
ritual candles, lava rocks, and remnants of the fire
pit are all still in evidence. The room is a mess,
with Klingon implements and clothes lying all over the
place. Picard carefully picks his way through the
detritus and moves toward the bedroom.
When Worf sees that it's Picard, he moves to a sitting
position on the bed.
WORF
Captain.
Picard notes the untidy room and Worf's indifferent
attitude. He decides to give him a wake-up call.
PICARD
(hard)
On your feet, Lieutenant.
Worf's head snaps up at the tone in Picard's voice and
he stands stiffly.
WORF
Sir.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 6.
9 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(firm)
Mister Worf, your personal affairs
are strictly your concern unless
they interfere with the operation
of this ship. You've crossed that
line. Now as your Captain, I want
to know exactly what's going on.
Worf looks at him for a moment... and then responds
both to the sound of command and the note of compassion
in Picard's voice.
WORF
It is... difficult to explain.
PICARD
Try.
Worf nods after a beat and seems to accept the need to
get this out into the open. He moves about the room,
wrestling with some inner turmoil.
WORF
Ever since I returned from the
Carraya system I have felt...
empty...
Picard reacts to the mention of the Carraya system. He
remembers Worf's reluctance to talk about this and he
is careful not to push him too far.
PICARD
Does this have something to do
with the Klingons you... rescued
from Carraya Four?
WORF
(nods)
They were young... they knew
nothing of their heritage. So
while I was there, I tried to...
teach them... teach them about
their people, their culture.
A passion and fire comes into Worf's eyes and in his
movements that was missing only a moment ago as he
remembers his experiences.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 7.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
I told them our ancient stories...
instructed them in our customs...
explained our beliefs. And then
I told them about Kahless... how
he united our people long ago...
how he gave us honor and
strength... and how he promised to
return one day and lead us again.
(beat)
It took time... but I saw them
begin to discover the warriors
within themselves... to believe in
Kahless and his teachings... and
to become truly Klingon. It was
... unlike anything I had
experienced before.
Picard looks down at the rocks and debris scattered
around the room.
PICARD
Is that what you were doing here?
Trying to recapture those
feelings?
WORF
(nods)
I was trying to summon a vision of
Kahless.
PICARD
(lightly)
You might have tried using the
Holodeck instead of setting your
quarters on fire.
WORF
Using the Holodeck would not be
appropriate... everything had to
be real if Kahless were to appear.
(defeated)
But all this was for nothing... he
did not come to me.
He moves to a small Klingon statue sitting prominently
on a shelf and looks at it.
WORF
I gave Toq and the others a belief
in Sto-Vo-Kor: the life which
lies beyond this life... where
Kahless awaits us.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 8.
9 CONTINUED: (3)
WORF (Cont'd)
(beat)
When I saw the power of their
belief... I began to question the
strength of my own. And I found
it... wanting.
PICARD
Have you lost your... faith in Sto-Vo-Kor?
WORF
To lose something, one must first
possess it... I am not sure I ever
had a true belief.
Worf looks at Picard... feels guilty about the way he's
been acting.
WORF
But I should not have allowed it
to interfere with my duties. My
behavior has been --
PICARD
Inexcusable.
(beat)
But understandable. You are the
only Klingon in Starfleet... and
one of the few raised by human
parents. Perhaps the problem is
that you have only studied the
beliefs of your people... only
looked at them from the outside.
Picard moves around the room for a moment.
PICARD
It may be that what you seek
cannot be found on the Enterprise.
You may need to immerse yourself
in Klingon beliefs before you can
discover whether they hold any
truths for you.
(beat)
Is there anything you could do...
any place you could go... to
explore your faith more fully?
Worf thinks for a moment.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 9.
9 CONTINUED: (4)
WORF
Boreth. The Followers of Kahless
wait there for his return. To
Klingons, there is no more sacred
place.
Picard considers him for a long beat.
PICARD
Boreth is twelve days from here by
shuttle. As of this moment, you
are on leave.
WORF
Thank you, Captain.
PICARD
I hope you find what you're
looking for, Mister Worf.
(beat)
Because the next time you set foot
on this ship I expect you to carry
out your duties like a Starfleet
officer.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Picard EXITS. Worf moves back to the statue. Off his
look...
CUT TO:
10 EXT. BORETH (OPTICAL)
The planet surface is mountainous... desolate... no
cities or dwellings of any kind except for a single
temple situated high up on the tallest mountaintop.
11 CLOSE ON WORF
His eyes are closed and he is sweating heavily.
WORF
(low, intense)
Torva... Luk...
VOICES (O.C.)
... Do Shell...
We MOVE to REVEAL that we are in:
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT ONE 10.
12 INT. LAVA CAVE
Worf is sitting cross-legged on the floor of the cave
along with SEVERAL N.D. KLINGONS including one named
TORIN. All are dressed in ceremonial robes and are
sitting around a smoking fire pit with their eyes
closed. There are candles and Klingon artifacts in
evidence with smoke drifting throughout the cave. The
heat is intense and the scene should look like an
expanded and more traditional version of the scene in
Worf's Quarters in the Teaser. They've all been here
for several hours.
They all open their eyes and stare into the flames.
One Klingon takes a small pail and pours some water on
the flames, which then crackle and sizzle, sending out
even more smoke. Suddenly, one young Klingon -- DIVOK --
looks up and reacts to something.
DIVOK
Kahless! I see Kahless!
The others all look at him with pleasure except Worf,
who is disappointed that he is not the one receiving
the vision. Another Klingon, this one much older --
KOROTH -- the Head Cleric in charge of this place, nods
in satisfaction. He is an older man, his hair mostly
gray at this point, he is lean and trim -- a man whose
life is uncluttered by indulgence of any kind. He
wears a ceremonial garment that is part priestly
vestment, part battle armor.
Divok continues to watch something which only he can
see. His face is drenched with sweat and he seems on
the verge of total exhaustion.
DIVOK
He is standing before me...
holding a sword... he wants
something... me, he wants me! He
wants me to go with him!
Divok gets to his feet and starts to move toward the
unseen vision. Worf and the others have to catch him
before he falls into the fire. Divok practically
collapses into Worf's arms, his energy totally spent.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT ONE 11.
12 CONTINUED:
KOROTH
It is a powerful vision you have
had, Divok. Kahless has asked you
to join him in Sto-Vo-Kor. You
are only nineteen and yet your
place among the honored dead is
already secure
Koroth motions to the others.
KOROTH
Take him back to his chamber. Let
him sleep.
Divok lets the others help him up some crude steps and
out of the cave. Everyone EXITS except Worf. He
remains standing near the fire pit, with defeat written
on his face. After a beat, Worf dowses the fire with
water and it goes OUT.
CUT TO:
13 INT. WORF'S CHAMBERS
A small, spartan room with a single hard bed, a bench
and a crude chest. The building and furnishings are
obviously quite old. It should look like a monk's room
at a monastery. Worf is taking some personal items
from the chest and packing them in his haversack. He
is facing away from the open doorway when Koroth
ENTERS.
KOROTH
You are leaving us.
WORF
(without turning around)
It has been ten days, Koroth. But
I have had no visions... I have
received no insight.
(beat)
There is nothing for me here.
Koroth takes a few steps in the small room.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 12.
13 CONTINUED:
KOROTH
What is the story of The Promise,
Worf?
Worf says nothing for a beat.
WORF
When Kahless united the people and
gave them the laws of honor, he
saw that his work was done. So
one night he gathered his
belongings and went to the edge of
the city to say good-bye.
KOROTH
(picking up the thread
of the story)
The people wept... they did not
want him to go.
WORF
And Kahless said, "You are
Klingons. You need no one but
yourselves. I will go now... to
Sto-Vo-Kor. But I promise one day
I will return." Then Kahless
pointed to a star in the sky and
said, "Look for me there... on
that point of light."
Koroth opens his arms and indicates the entire room.
KOROTH
So here we are... on a world
circling that distant point of
light. It has been over fifteen
centuries since he made that
promise... and still we wait.
(beat)
What are ten days in the life of
one Klingon compared to that? Is
the son of Mogh really so easily
discouraged?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 13.
13 CONTINUED: (2)
Koroth turns away from Worf and moves a few steps away.
KOROTH
You came to us seeking answers...
but this is a place of questions.
Open your heart to Kahless... ask
him your questions... let him
speak to you with your mind
unclouded by doubt or hesitation.
Only then can you find what you
are looking for.
(beat)
If you cannot do that... then
perhaps you should return to your
starship.
Koroth EXITS. Worf takes a beat to consider the star
in the wall. Off his expression...
CUT TO:
14 INT. TEMPLE
The Temple is more like a war room than a church.
There are weapons on display everywhere, proud banners
and emblems adorn the walls and the room is dominated
at one end by a single ornate chair sitting on a raised
platform. There is a bat'leth sword on the chair.
There are a few spartan benches in the room.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 14.
14 CONTINUED:
Worf ENTERS from a doorway and walks through the
temple. No other Klingons are in sight and the Temple
is completely still... only the low sound of the wind
outside can be heard. He approaches a LARGE PAINTING
on the wall.
15 ON PAINTING
It is a heroic rendering of Kahless standing alone. He
is dressed in a distinctive garment that is very
different from the normal Klingon battledress. His
features are clearly visible in the painting and he
seems to beckoning someone to follow him. (Kahless
lived centuries ago and so there should be no
suggestion of anything remotely modern in the
painting.)
16 RESUME SCENE
Worf studies the painting for a moment.
WORF
(softly)
I will open my heart, Kahless.
(beat)
I will...
CUT TO:
17 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT ONE 15.
18 INT. LAVA CAVES - SEVERAL HOURS LATER
Worf is sweating heavily as he concentrates... the
smoke is thick in the air... Divok is sitting nearby
watching and tending the fire.
WORF
Torva... Luk... Do... Shell...
Worf opens his eyes and looks into the flames.
19 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
There is a long beat and then suddenly there is a SWIRL
of SMOKE AND LIGHT on the opposite side of the fire
from Worf. A FIGURE begins to COALESCE in the cave.
Suddenly KAHLESS is standing before Worf in the cave.
He is dressed in the same garments as seen in the
painting. Worf's expression is one of awe and elation.
WORF
I see Kahless.
20 DIVOK
Reacts to the sight with shock... how can he see Worf's
vision?
21 WIDER
As Kahless blinks for a second. Worf does not see
Divok RUN OUT of the cave in terror. Worf stands up,
unaware that anything is wrong. Kahless looks around
for a moment... then steps forward.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT ONE 16.
21 CONTINUED:
Kahless moves toward him and reaches out his hand.
Worf hesitates, unsure what to do... and then he
reaches out tentatively. They clasp hands just as
Divok and SEVERAL OTHER KLINGONS -- including Torin --
coming running INTO the cave. They stop in shock at
the sight of Kahless.
Kahless looks up at them and Worf turns as well... he
suddenly realizes that everyone can see Kahless! He
turns back to him in shock.
WORF
You are... real?
KAHLESS
(in a strong, clear
voice)
I am Kahless... and I have
returned.
Off Worf's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 17.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
22 EXT. BORETH (OPTICAL)
As seen before.
23 INT. TEMPLE
Kahless ENTERS from the Lava Caves. The crowd of
Klingons seen at the end of Act One are all following
him in silent amazement. Worf is bringing up the rear
of the crowd, stunned and shocked... unsure what to
think or believe.
Kahless strides into the center of the room and looks
around for a beat. His gaze falls on the empty chair
with the bat'leth sword. He smiles and moves toward
it. He is about to pick it up when Koroth's voice
booms out.
KOROTH'S VOICE
(o.c)
What are you doing?
24 NEW ANGLE
Revealing Koroth standing at the rear of the room,
outrage clear on his face. The other Klingons exchange
nervous glances among themselves and then part to let
Koroth walk to the front of the room. Kahless faces
Koroth calmly, confidently.
KOROTH
Who are you?
Divok calls out to Koroth.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 18.
24 CONTINUED:
DIVOK
It is Kahless!
Koroth glances toward the large painting seen earlier
and then back to Kahless... the resemblance is uncanny.
KAHLESS
(quiet)
I have returned.
Kahless' gaze is intense, powerful... there is a
magnetism and strength to this man that even Koroth can
feel, but Koroth's eyes still narrow in suspicion.
KAHLESS
You doubt me.
Kahless turns and looks at the gathered Klingons
watching him with rapt attention in the Temple...
waiting to see what he will do or say. His voice now
rings out in the silence... strong and sure.
KAHLESS
(re: sword)
Who here knows the story of how
this sword was forged?
People look at each other in puzzlement. Torin finally
answers.
TORIN
No one knows. It is not written
in the sacred texts.
Kahless looks at Koroth, who is watching him carefully,
then turns back to the crowd.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT TWO 19.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
KAHLESS
I went into the mountains... all
the way to the Kri'stak Volcano.
I cut off a lock of my hair and
thrust it into the river of molten
rock which poured from the summit.
The hair began to burn, but then
I plunged it into the lake of
Lusor and twisted it into a sword.
(turns to Koroth)
And after I used it to kill the
tyrant Molor I gave it a name:
bat'leth, the sword of honor.
The reaction on Koroth is profound. His eyes widen and
he takes a step back, shocked by what he has heard.
KOROTH
You know...
(turns to others)
The story of the sword is known
only to the High Clerics... it was
never written down, so that if he
returned, we could be sure it was
Kahless.
Satisfied with Koroth's acceptance, Kahless turns to
the expectant crowd.
KAHLESS
I have returned because there is
a great need in my people... they
fight among themselves in petty
wars and corrupt the glory of the
Klingon spirit. They have lost
their way. But it is not too
late. I have returned and I will
lead my people again!
Koroth stands before Kahless and then very deliberately
goes down on one knee.
KOROTH
Vorcha-doh-baghk, Kahless! (All
hail Kahless)
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 20.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
Then following his lead, everyone in the room drops to
one knee... swept away by the emotion of the moment.
Only Worf remains standing in the doorway to the
caves... unsure what to do.
CROWD
Vorcha-doh-baghk, Kahless!
Kahless looks out over the crowd with confidence. He
sees Worf standing alone in the back of the room...
their eyes meet for a moment, then Worf looks away,
confused and uncertain.
CUT TO:
25 INT. WORF'S CHAMBERS
Worf ENTERS and goes directly to his haversack and
begins looking for something. He pulls out a tricorder
just as Kahless ENTERS behind him.
KAHLESS
What is it you are doing?
Worf turns quickly, hiding the tricorder momentarily.
After a beat, he pulls it out and shows it to Kahless.
WORF
I was getting my tricorder.
KAHLESS
Tri-Corder? Is it a weapon?
WORF
No. It is a tool. I was going to
use it to see if you were...
Worf trails off.
KAHLESS
(smiles)
To see if I were real. Proceed.
Use your Tri-Corder.
Worf scans Kahless with the tricorder. He reacts with
surprise to what he sees.
KAHLESS
Well?
WORF
You are... Klingon.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/09/93 - ACT TWO 21.
25 CONTINUED:
KAHLESS
What else could I be?
WORF
There are many possibilities... a
shape shifter, a holographic
projection...
Kahless laughs gently.
KAHLESS
... So, you are a skeptic, Worf.
I like that....
WORF
How do you know my name?
KAHLESS
We have met before. I appeared to
you in a vision... in the caves of
No'Mat... you were a child then...
and I told you...
(trying to remember)
... that you would do something...
no Klingon had ever done
before....
WORF
(stunned)
Yes...
KAHLESS
Was I ... correct?...
WORF
(nods)
I... am the first Klingon to serve
in Starfleet.
KAHLESS
(smiles)
"Star-Fleet"... there are still
many things you will have to
explain to me.
Worf looks at him with a mixture of puzzlement and awe.
KAHLESS
(continuing)
You have a question.
WORF
Why did you appear when I was in
the cave? Why not appear to
Koroth, or Torin?
Kahless smiles and puts a hand on his shoulder.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 21A.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
KAHLESS
Perhaps it is because you have the
heart of a true warrior.
(beat, studies him for
a moment)
You still do not believe it is me,
do you Worf?...
Worf takes a long moment... puts aside the tricorder
and then meets his gaze again.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 22.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
WORF
I... want to believe.
KAHLESS
(smiles)
That is a ... beginning... .
Kahless gestures out the door and after a beat Worf
moves toward the door. They EXIT together.
CUT TO:
26 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at impulse.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log: Stardate 46852.2.
Our mission to Endora Seven has
been cancelled on orders from
Starfleet Command. The Enterprise
is to proceed directly to the
planet Boreth, to take aboard a
very unusual guest.
27 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Data, and TROI are sitting at the table.
RIKER
Kahless? Hasn't he been dead for
over a thousand years?
DATA
One thousand five hundred and
forty-seven years to be exact.
TROI
Do the Klingons actually believe
that this is the real Kahless?
PICARD
It would seem that at least Gowron
believes it. He personally
contacted the Federation Council
and asked that a starship be sent
to bring Kahless back to the Home
World.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 23.
27 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Why wouldn't he send a Klingon
ship?
PICARD
Gowron would only say that there
were certain... security concerns
which prompted him to make this
request. As the nearest starship
to Boreth, the task is ours.
TROI
Have we heard from Worf?
PICARD
No. All communication with Boreth
has been cut-off since yesterday.
That sounds ominous and they all exchange looks.
Picard takes a beat, then gets up and heads for the
door.
PICARD
Set course for Boreth, Number One.
Warp six.
RIKER
Aye, sir.
They all EXIT.
CUT TO:
28 EXT. BORETH (OPTICAL)
As seen before.
29 INT. TEMPLE
The temple is swarming with Klingons... a massive
celebration is underway complete with ample food and
bombastic Klingon opera filling the air. Tables and
benches have been brought in to fill the area. A large
stone cistern is filled with liquid of some type and
various Klingons plunge goblets into it and then drink
heartily. The room is festive, almost giddy with
celebration as Klingons slap each other around in macho
goodfellowship.
Kahless is sitting on the raised chair seen earlier.
Koroth and Torin are both sitting near him, while Worf
occupies a bench nearby.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT TWO 24.
29 CONTINUED:
Worf is watching the proceedings with a reserved
expression on his face... not joining in the
celebration. Kahless is listening to Torin.
TORIN
(cautioning)
Gowron is the Leader of the
Council... he commands the entire
Defense Force... if he chooses to
oppose you...
This doesn't faze Kahless in the least.
KAHLESS
(to Koroth & Torin)
Do not worry. We stand on the
threshold of a new era for our
people... Klingons from all over
the Empire... will flock to my
banner...
(beat)
And yet something still weighs
heavy on the brow of the son of
Mogh...
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 24A.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
Worf looks up and sees Kahless looking directly at him.
A few heads turn and Worf is a little uncomfortable at
this very public dialog, but he doesn't flinch from
answering honestly.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 25.
29 CONTINUED: (3)
KAHLESS
(continuing)
Are you contemplating yet another
question for me?
(ironic smile)
After three days, I am beginning
to wonder if you know how to do
anything else.
This elicits a few feeble chuckles, but there is a
definite edge beginning to creep into Kahless' voice
and more and more heads are starting to turn toward
this conversation.
WORF
Questions are the beginning of
wisdom... it is the mark of a true
warrior.
The smile on Kahless' face loses some of its mirth.
The room gets a little quieter.
KAHLESS
But do not forget that a leader
need not answer questions from
those he leads... it is enough
that he says to do a thing... and
they will do it. If he says to
run, they run... if he says to
fight, they fight... if he says
to die...
(beat)
... they die.
WORF
Yes. If the... commander is
worthy of their trust.
The Temple is now dead silent... everyone is watching
the exchange with mounting tension. The air crackles
between the two men.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 26.
29 CONTINUED: (4)
Kahless quickly stands, a feral look on his face.
Without breaking eye contact with Worf, he moves into
a clear space in the room. Kahless picks up his
bat'leth and steps into the clearing and waits.
30 WORF
Looks around for a beat... all eyes are on him. After
a moment, Worf steps into the clearing and faces
Kahless. Someone throws a bat'leth to Worf and he
grips it tightly... they both tense and wait.
31 WIDER
Koroth moves closer. He looks from Worf to Kahless and
back.
KOROTH
E'Gok! (Begin!)
Worf and Kahless swing their swords at each other and
begin to fight.
The fight is fast-paced... intense... each man looking
for an opening, but finding none...
The fight builds... the ferocity of the crowd grows
with every blow... suddenly their swords lock together.
Kahless pulls Worf backward and they both go flying
into a nearby table.
Both men scramble to their feet and face each other...
there is a tense beat and suddenly Kahless ROARS with
laughter. Worf and the crowd fall silent, unsure how
to respond. Kahless' laugh fills the room for a
moment... then he looks around at the astonished faces
of the gathered Klingons.
KAHLESS
What is wrong? Is there only
anger and bloodlust in your souls?
Is that all that is left in the
Klingon heart?
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT TWO 27.
31 CONTINUED:
KAHLESS (Cont'd)
We do not fight merely to spill
blood, but to enrich the spirit.
Look at us... two warriors locked
in battle, fighting for honor.
How can you keep from ...
singing... out for all to hear,
(loud, broadly)
... "We are Klingons!"...
There is a beat... and then smiles form on their
faces... tentative at first.
KAHLESS
... Yes! Let it out!... Let the
joy in your heart be heard!
He laughs again... and it starts to spread throughout
the gathering.
KAHLESS
We are Klingons!
They begin to shout and yell... a surge of emotion
sweeps through the hall. The noise of the crowd
becomes a shriek of pure joy.
KAHLESS
We are Klingons!
Kahless turns and catches Worf's eye, who is standing
in the middle of all this revelry with uncertainty.
There is a moment and then Worf begins to smile.
Kahless throws an arm around Worf and they move off
into the crowd together...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
32 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship is orbiting Boreth.
33 INT. SHUTTLE BAY
Worf's shuttlecraft has just landed in the bay.
Picard, Riker, and Troi are waiting. The shuttlecraft
door OPENS and Kahless ENTERS from the shuttlecraft,
followed by Koroth, Torin and Worf.
Kahless looks around the bay for a beat... his attitude
is curious about his surroundings, but not shocked by
them. He's never been on a spaceship, but Kahless has
that regal bearing that refuses to be over-awed by
anything. Picard and Riker step forward.
PICARD
Welcome aboard the Enterprise.
I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Kahless looks to Worf.
KAHLESS
(re: Picard)
This is the... "human" you told me
about?
WORF
Yes.
Kahless turns back to Picard and claps him on the
shoulder so hard it almost knocks Picard down.
KAHLESS
You must be a mighty warrior to
command such respect.
PICARD
(recovering quickly)
Thank you.
Kahless' eye notices Troi and he beams with pleasure.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 29.
33 CONTINUED:
KAHLESS
And you do me a great honor by
giving me one of your women.
Worf quickly steps in.
WORF
They have... different ways.
KAHLESS
(unfazed)
Ah. Then she is not a gift.
WORF
No.
Koroth moves to Kahless' side.
KOROTH
It is as I said... we should be on
a Klingon warship. This is not
the place for us.
KAHLESS
Their customs may be different,
but Worf tells me they are not
dishonorable... and I am eager to
see the weapons on this "Star-Ship."
Picard moves in smoothly.
PICARD
I would be happy to arrange a tour
of the entire ship for you, once
you've settled in. Perhaps
Commander Riker could begin by
showing you your quarters.
KAHLESS
That is acceptable.
RIKER
Then, if you'll follow me...
Kahless, Torin and Koroth follow Riker OUT of the
shuttlebay.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 30.
34 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Troi, Data, GEORDI and BEVERLY are
questioning Worf.
BEVERLY
(to Worf)
Did you take any other tricorder
readings... a neuro-physiology
scan or an anatomical profile?
WORF
No.
BEVERLY
(to others)
Then it's going to be hard to
eliminate any possibility at this
point. He could be a coalescent
being taking Klingon form... a bioreplicant...
or even a Klingon
surgically altered to resemble
Kahless...
TROI
I felt no deception or malice from
him... just an over-whelming sense
of confidence... almost arrogance.
PICARD
Worf, what are his plans when he
returns to the Home World?
WORF
He wants to restore the glory of
the Empire by purging it of
dishonor and corruption.
RIKER
I don't think Gowron's going to
like the sound of that.
GEORDI
That might have something to do
with why he wanted a Federation
ship to bring Kahless. Gowron may
not want to be seen embracing
this... Messiah before he knows
what Kahless wants.
PICARD
Perhaps this Kahless is a...
stalking horse for someone else...
someone who intends to seize
control from Gowron.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 32.
34 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
It is not an... empirical matter.
It is a matter of... faith.
DATA
Faith. Then you do believe
Kahless may have... supernatural
attributes?
Worf is uncertain and he says nothing.
DATA
As an android, I am unable to
accept something which cannot be
proven through rational means. I
would appreciate hearing your
insight on this matter.
WORF
Perhaps some other time,
Commander. I do not believe I
could provide much... insight at
the moment.
Data nods and they both EXIT.
CUT TO:
35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship goes into warp.
36 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 31.
34 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Like the Duras sisters...
DATA
Or the B'nok faction.
WORF
There is another possibility.
(beat)
It could be the real Kahless. He
may have actually returned... as
he promised.
Worf's statement is met with silence. Data breaks the
uncomfortable quiet after a beat.
DATA
The appearance of Kahless in the
lava cave is consistent with the
stories found in the Klingon
sacred texts.
RIKER
No offense, Worf... but I have
trouble believing that the man I
just escorted to deck eight is...
supernatural.
WORF
I am not saying that he is... I
merely think we should not
completely reject the possibility.
PICARD
We have no reason to rule out
anything. We haven't been ordered
to discover the origins of our
guest, or tell anyone what they
should believe... we are simply
to transport Kahless to the Home
World... and while he's with us,
he will be treated as an honored
guest.
Picard stands and the meeting breaks up. Everyone
heads for the door, but Data stops Worf for a moment.
DATA
Lieutenant. May I ask you a
personal question?
(off his nod)
In the absence of empirical data,
how will you determine whether or
not this is the real Kahless?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 33-34.
37 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
Worf is showing Kahless a ceremonial knife.
WORF
It was given to me during my Rite
of Ascension by a man who had
known my father.
Kahless takes the knife... feels the heft of the
weapon.
KAHLESS
(surprised)
Did you observe the Rite here...
among these aliens?...
WORF
No... I returned to the Home World
for the ceremony. But these...
aliens have allowed me to conduct
other Klingon rituals on the
Enterprise. They understand that
it is part of me.
KAHLESS
You mentioned a son... where is
he?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 35.
37 CONTINUED:
WORF
He is visiting my adoptive parents
on Earth.
KAHLESS
Will he understand our ways
growing up among all these...
aliens?
WORF
I have instructed him in our
traditions... but Alexander will
have to find his own path... as I
did.
Kahless considers the knife for a moment.
KAHLESS
A good knife... well forged. But
even the best blade will rust and
grow dull unless it is cared
for...
Kahless returns it to Worf who replaces the knife in a
sheath. Kahless moves about the room, noting the
various artifacts and Klingon emblems.
KAHLESS
I was concerned that living with
aliens would dull your edge.
(beat)
I am pleased to see that I was
wrong.
Kahless moves directly to Worf and puts a hand on his
shoulder.
KAHLESS
You have stood alone among these
aliens... kept our traditions and
our customs... held on to your
heritage with no guidance from a
Klingon mother or father... and
you were willing to face me in
single combat knowing that you had
no chance to win.
(beat)
You are Klingon... and I would be
proud to fight with you at my
side.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 36.
37 CONTINUED: (2)
Kahless' force of personality and magnetism give the
words a profound impact on Worf. The greatest Klingon
warrior of them all has just validated his entire life.
The look on Worf's face is pride mixed with awe for
Kahless. Off Worf's expression...
CUT TO:
38 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker in command, Data at Ops.
DATA
(off console)
Commander, there is an incoming
message. Text only.
Riker moves to Ops.
DATA
It is from Gowron. He is aboard
the Klingon ship Bortas and is
requesting that we alter course to
rendezvous with him.
RIKER
(reading console)
The rendezvous coordinates are
twenty-three light years outside
the Klingon Border. What's he up
to?
(beat, then to Con
Officer)
Prepare to alter course.
(to com)
Captain Picard to the Bridge,
please.
CUT TO:
39 OMITTED
40 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise... moves close to a Klingon ATTACK
CRUISER.
41 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Picard is standing near the platform as GOWRON and an
N.D. Klingon Aide MATERIALIZE.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 37.
41 CONTINUED:
Gowron is wearing his leader's cloak on his shoulders
and a scowl on his face. The Aide is carrying some
kind of ceremonial box. Gowron moves directly to
Picard, tension and rage in his every move.
PICARD
Welcome aboard, Gowron.
GOWRON
(short)
Where is he, Picard?
PICARD
I assume you're referring to
Kahless.
GOWRON
I am referring to the filthy
pahtak who is using his name.
PICARD
Well, the... person in question is
in his quarters at the moment.
Gowron and the Aide head for the door and Picard
quickly goes with them as they EXIT.
42 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Gowron, the Aide, and Picard ENTER from the Transporter
Room.
GOWRON
(rapid)
What have you learned about him so
far? What kind of medical
analysis have you done? Do you
have any theories about his true
origin?
PICARD
We haven't done any analyses.
GOWRON
What kind of fools do you have
working for you, Picard? The
imposter's been aboard for nearly
a day.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 38.
42 CONTINUED:
PICARD
If you wanted to run tests on
Kahless, you should've sent a
Klingon vessel for him.
GOWRON
And have him begin spreading his
poisonous lies through a ship of
loyal Klingons? Never.
PICARD
If he's really an imposter you
shouldn't have anything to worry
about.
Gowron stops and turns on Picard.
GOWRON
Kahless has been dead for a
thousand years... but the idea of
Kahless is still alive. Have you
ever fought an idea, Picard? It
has no weapon to destroy, no body
to kill. The idea of Kahless'
return must be stopped here. Now.
Or it will travel through the
Empire like a wave... and leave
nothing but destruction behind.
Off Picard's reaction.
CUT TO:
43 INT. KAHLESS' QUARTERS
Kahless, Koroth, Torin, and Worf are listening to
Picard.
PICARD
... so Gowron has come aboard in
order to test your claim.
KOROTH
(with contempt)
Gowron knows his days are nearly
over... so now he comes crawling
aboard with some kind of "test."
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 39.
43 CONTINUED:
TORIN
We do not have to prove anything
to Gowron.
KAHLESS
What is this... test?
PICARD
He has brought a knife with him...
a knife that was supposed to be
stained with the blood of Kahless.
TORIN
(appalled)
Gowron has brought the Knife of
Kirom? No one is permitted to
remove it from the sacred vault.
KOROTH
Gowron does not care about what is
sacred.
PICARD
(to Kahless)
Gowron wants to run a genetic
analysis on a sample of the blood
and on you. It should tell us if
there is a... biological match.
(beat)
If you agree to the test... I will
make the Enterprise facilities
available to... ensure that it is
conducted impartially.
Kahless seems genuinely unconcerned about all this he
lets his gaze wander over to Worf, who is struggling
with his own feelings. He and Worf exchange a long
look.
KAHLESS
Perhaps it is time to settle the
doubts of those who do not yet
believe...
(beat)
I will allow the test.
Off their reactions...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/09/93 - ACT THREE 40.
44 CLOSE ON KNIFE
It is very old and stained with blood. A HAND enters
the frame and waves a medical SCANNER over it. MOVE TO
REVEAL that we're in:
45 INT. SICKBAY
Beverly is scanning the knife with the scanner and
holding her tricorder in the other hand. Gowron, the
Aide, Worf, and Picard are watching. She finishes the
scan.
BEVERLY
All right... that should do it.
Beverly puts the scanner back in the tricorder and
works it for a moment. The Aide carefully replaces the
knife in the ceremonial box seen earlier.
BEVERLY
Computer, run a genetic comparison
on this blood sample and the
tissue belonging to Kahless.
46 INCLUDE WALL MONITOR (OPTICAL)
As Beverly moves to the large wall monitor and
activates it. The screen is scrolling two DNA IMAGES
side by side... scanning them and comparing them.
Everyone watches the screen anxiously. Finally the
scan is complete and the image stops scrolling. The
two DNA patterns are identical.
COMPUTER VOICE
The genetic patterns are
identical.
GOWRON
(stunned)
But how... how can this be?
Worf stares at the screen for a moment... then an
expression of pure joy comes across his face.
WORF
It is true... Kahless has
returned.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT THREE 41.
46 CONTINUED:
Off his expression...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 42.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
47 INT. KAHLESS' QUARTERS
Koroth and Torin are looking over some PADDS at a
table. The door CHIMES.
KOROTH
Enter.
Worf ENTERS. He seems happy, content, a man who has
just entered a wonderful and enriching time in his
life.
WORF
Koroth, Torin.
(looks around)
I had hoped to speak with
Kahless...
Koroth and Torin exchange glances.
KOROTH
(apologetic)
Another time, Worf. There is much
for Kahless to do before we arrive
at the Home World... many things
to consider.
A little disappointed, Worf begins to move toward the
door.
KAHLESS' VOICE
(o.c.)
Worf?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/10/93 - ACT FOUR 43.
48 NEW ANGLE
Revealing that Kahless has just ENTERED from the
bedroom. He smiles warmly and clasps Worf on the
shoulder in goodfellowship.
KAHLESS
Where are you going?
Worf glances at Koroth and Torin.
KOROTH
(gently)
Kahless, it might be better if --
KAHLESS
(impatient)
Go away, Koroth. I've listened to
you and Torin until my ears burn
with politics. Let me and Worf be
alone for a while.
Koroth wants to object, but Kahless' wishes are pretty
apparent. Koroth and Torin exchange uneasy glances,
then bow to the inevitable.
KOROTH
As you wish.
Koroth and Torin EXIT. Kahless moves to a pitcher
sitting on a table and pours a drink for himself and
Worf.
KAHLESS
They are good men. But they
chatter like tree hens.
Kahless laughs and Worf laughs with him.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/10/93 - ACT FOUR 44.
48 CONTINUED:
He hands the goblet to Worf and they each take a
swallow. Worf screws up his face in distaste.
WORF
I am sorry our replicators do not
do justice to Klingon Warnog...
Kahless takes another taste... then shakes his head.
He can't taste the difference.
KAHLESS
It has been so long since I have
tasted any food or drink... there
are many things I have forgotten.
Worf is a little disturbed by this... some flaws are
showing up in his hero. There is a quiet beat.
WORF
Kahless, may I ask you about...
death... and Sto-Vo-Kor? Tell me
what awaits us beyond this life.
Kahless moves to the window and looks out into space.
He says nothing for a long moment. Worf waits with
anticipation... hoping that the secrets of life and
death are about to be unveiled to him. Finally Kahless
turns back to him.
KAHLESS
I do not have those answers.
Worf's disappointment and confusion is obvious.
Kahless moves to him... for some reason he seems eager
to explain.
KAHLESS
I am merely a... traveller...
someone who has journeyed back and
forth between this world and the
next.
(beat)
While I am in this form, I know
only about this world...
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 45.
48 CONTINUED: (2)
Worf nods in understanding.
KAHLESS
And there is much work for me to
do in this world... and you will
be part of it, Worf.
WORF
(surprised)
Me?
KAHLESS
(smiles)
It was your purity of heart that
summoned me back from Sto-Vo-Kor...
and Koroth has told me
about the respect you have earned
in the Federation and the Empire.
I want you to have a place at my
side as we restore honor to our
people.
Worf is overwhelmed by this thought... Kahless moves
back to the window and looks out into space. He's much
more confident now.
KAHLESS
Let me tell you about the new
Empire we will forge...
CUT TO:
49 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Worf is standing at the window looking out into space
in the same position that we just left Kahless. Gowron
is sitting at the table. Worf's expression is eager
and optimistic.
WORF
... it will be glorious.
Worf smiles and looks out into space for a beat.
Gowron is not swayed by anything Worf has told him...
he scowls at Worf in bitterness.
GOWRON
It will be war.
Worf turns back to him in irritation, but Gowron will
have no more of this.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 46.
49 CONTINUED:
GOWRON
You are not a fool, Worf. Do you
really think that every Klingon in
the Empire will bend his knee and
grovel before this man just
because Koroth says he is Kahless?
WORF
He is Kahless. Your own test
proved it.
GOWRON
I will not hand over the Empire to
Koroth because of one test.
WORF
It is not Koroth, it is --
GOWRON
Of course it is Koroth. Open your
eyes... Koroth and the other
"Guardians" have always opposed
me. This is nothing more than a
ploy for them to finally seize
power.
Gowron takes a beat... moves to the windows and looks
outside for a moment.
GOWRON
Even now, there are warriors on my
own ship who want to see
Kahless... there are others who
believe he is an imposter... the
divisions are already forming...
WORF
It does not have to be that way...
we could all join together and
welcome Kahless as a united
people.
GOWRON
Don't you see? This is exactly
why they want you to join them...
because your brother sits on the
Council and your voice carries
weight in the Empire. They want
you to influence others to follow
them.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 47.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
Gowron considers him for a moment... tries a different
approach.
GOWRON
Worf, we fought together once...
side by side to keep the Empire
from being torn apart... will you
stand by and let these impostors
destroy all that we fought so hard
to protect?
(beat)
Renounce him, Worf. Stand with me
and we can hold the Empire
together.
Worf looks at him for a moment... then shakes his head
sadly.
WORF
You do not understand. Kahless is
our future... only with his help
can we revive the pure warriors
within ourselves.
(beat)
Listen to him, Gowron... open your
heart and hear his words as I
have. He will restore your
faith... as he has restored mine.
Give him a chance to lift your
spirit and cleanse your heart
before you take up arms.
Gowron appears to be considering Worf's words. Off
Worf's confident expression...
CUT TO:
50 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL)
The two ships hang in space together.
51 INT. CORRIDOR
Worf and Koroth are walking toward the Holodeck.
Koroth is disturbed.
KOROTH
You should not have arranged this
without my approval.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT FOUR 48.
51 CONTINUED:
They stop outside the Holodeck doors.
WORF
I did. Kahless approved.
A long beat before Koroth answers in a low, tight
voice.
KOROTH
Yes. Yes, of course he did.
Worf touches the computer panel and they both EXIT to
the Holodeck.
52 INT. HOLODECK/TEMPLE - CONTINUOUS
The Holodeck has recreated the same Temple as seen
earlier. Koroth and Worf ENTER and find Data and Torin
waiting for them. Koroth moves to speak privately with
Torin, while Data approaches Worf.
DATA
Lieutenant, would my presence here
be inappropriate? I would greatly
appreciate the opportunity to
study Klingon beliefs in this
forum, but I do not wish to give
offense.
WORF
Kahless welcomes all who come to
hear his words. Your presence
will not give offense.
DATA
Thank you.
They both turn at the SOUND of the Holodeck doors
OPENING.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT FOUR 49.
53 INCLUDE DOORWAY
Just as Gowron (wearing his cloak), and SEVERAL N.D.
KLINGONS ENTER from the Corridor. They are escorted by
THREE N.D. ENTERPRISE SECURITY GUARDS. Gowron and
Koroth trade spiteful looks.
GOWRON
Koroth. I see that not all fools
die young.
Suddenly an o.c. Klingon interrupts.
KLINGON VOICE
Kahless!
They all turn and see Kahless ENTER the Temple.
Gowron's men are shocked and even Gowron can't help but
show some surprise as Kahless moves confidently into
the room. Gowron glances from Kahless to the large
painting on the wall... he can't deny the unmistakable
resemblance. Worf smiles at their reactions. Kahless
sits in his chair. Data takes an unobtrusive seat in
the back.
KOROTH
Kahless, may I present Gowron,
Leader of the High Council.
Kahless gives him a regal nod.
KAHLESS
You may sit.
Gowron decides to bide his time for the moment. He
sits on one of the benches and they follow suit.
Kahless looks at them for a moment... he seems
completely in charge... when he speaks, he keeps his
voice quiet and controlled.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 50.
53 CONTINUED:
KAHLESS
Long ago, a storm was heading for
the city of Quin'lat. Everyone
took protection within the walls
except one man who remained
outside. I went to him and asked
what he was doing. "I am not
afraid," he said. "I will not
hide my face behind stone and
mortar. I will stand before the
wind and make it respect me." I
honored his choice and went back
inside. The next day, the storm
came... and the man was killed...
The wind does not respect a fool.
(beat)
Do not stand before the wind,
Gowron.
A murmur goes through the crowd... the other Klingons
are clearly awestruck by Kahless and the force of his
personality, but Gowron's attitude only hardens.
GOWRON
What was his name?
KAHLESS
What?
GOWRON
If you were really there, you
should be able to tell us the name
of the man outside the walls.
KOROTH
What kind of question is that?
GOWRON
I did not ask you, Koroth. I
asked him.
(to Kahless)
Describe him to us... what was he
wearing? How tall was he? What
color were his eyes?
Koroth is definitely agitated, but Kahless seems
unconcerned.
KAHLESS
I do not remember. It was long
ago, and in another lifetime.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 51.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
KAHLESS (Cont'd)
(stands, strong)
All that matters is that I have
returned to restore faith and hope
to my people... to lead them back
to the way of honor... to the
glory that was once theirs and can
be again. Is that what you
oppose, Gowron?
Gowron stands and faces him squarely.
GOWRON
I oppose you. I say you are not
Kahless... and I will not bend my
knee to you as long as I can draw
a breath or pick up a blade.
Gowron drops his cloak, pulls a knife from his belt and
stands waiting for Kahless. Koroth starts to move
between them, but Worf stops him.
WORF
(to Koroth)
No. I do not believe Kahless will
kill him.
Koroth stops and steps back, but his look of worry is
directed at Kahless, not Gowron. Kahless calmly pulls
a knife of his own and the two men square off in the
center of the room.
They circle each other warily for a moment, seeking an
opening. Kahless is confident and calm... Gowron is
deadly. Gowron takes a swipe at Kahless, who parries
it. Kahless smiles... he's trying to transcend the
moment as he did with Worf in Act Two.
KAHLESS
A good try, Gowron... but not
enough.
Kahless makes an attack of his own, but Gowron easily
stops it and he fights back viciously. Kahless backs
up under the assault... then throws off Gowron for a
moment. Kahless laughs loudly. Gowron looks at him in
puzzlement.
KAHLESS
You have no joy, Gowron. Is your
heart so filled with distrust and
suspicion that you have forgotten
what it is to be truly Klingon.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FOUR 52.
53 CONTINUED: (3)
But Gowron's heart cannot be turned as easily as
Worf's. He suddenly lunges for Kahless, knocking him
back... a few more blows and Kahless' knife goes flying
out of his hand. Kahless is knocked down, helpless.
Gowron moves in for the kill, raising his knife in the
air and preparing to plunge it into Kahless' chest.
Suddenly Worf rushes in and grabs his arm, preventing
him from striking.
The room is utterly silent... everyone is transfixed by
the image of Worf saving the mightiest warrior of them
all from being killed. Gowron smiles and relaxes... he
pulls the knife away and looks down at the helpless
Kahless in triumph.
GOWRON
(mocking)
"Kahless... the greatest warrior
of them all... "
Off Worf's stunned reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 54.
54 CONTINUED:
WORF
(hard)
There is no future here... no
glorious new era for our people.
(moves to Kahless)
Gowron was right, you don't know
the name of the man who faced the
storm... you don't even know what
real Warnog tastes like... and you
certainly are not the greatest
warrior of all.
(beat)
Whoever you are... you're not
Kahless.
The words seem to sting Kahless and Koroth moves to get
Worf out of here.
KOROTH
You've said enough, now get out.
Worf grabs Koroth, slams him against the wall and
glares into his eyes.
WORF
(deadly)
You are using the name of Kahless
in some twisted game... for that
alone you should die... and if you
do not tell me what you have done,
I will kill you right here.
Koroth looks into Worf's eyes, sees that he means it...
then looks at Torin. Torin drops his eyes and looks
away. Finally Koroth acquiesces and Worf releases him.
Koroth takes a couple of steps around the room,
gathering his thoughts before speaking. This is very
difficult for him.
KOROTH
(to Kahless)
The problems with your memory...
are a result of... the way you
returned.
KAHLESS
What do you mean?
KOROTH
(beat, glances at Torin)
We -- the Guardians -- have been
awaiting your return for
centuries.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/09/93 - ACT FIVE 55.
54 CONTINUED: (2)
KOROTH (Cont'd)
(beat)
But we did not have the technology
to bring you back until now. We
were able to use an organic sample
of the first Kahless to... give
you life.
KAHLESS
The first Kahless?
Worf suddenly realizes what happened.
WORF
(shocked)
A clone. He is a clone.
KAHLESS
What is a... clone?
WORF
(disgusted)
A being created in a laboratory...
from genetic material taken from
another being. You are a copy...
a fraud.
KOROTH
(to Kahless)
You are not "just" a copy. We
gave you more than the body of
Kahless.
TORIN
We found a way to imprint specific
information into your neurosynaptic
patterns... we gave you
memories. And not just any
memories... we gave you the
experiences of Kahless as written
in the sacred texts.
Kahless stands... walks around the room, trying to
understand what he's hearing...
KAHLESS
So I did not do any of the things
I remember... I was never at the
city of Quin'lat... I never went
to the Kri'stat Volcano...
(beat)
But what about Worf? I remember
apparing to him in the caves of
No'Mat when he was a boy...
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 56.
54 CONTINUED: (3)
TORIN
We gave you that memory as well.
Worf told me of his vision when he
first arrived on Boreth.
KOROTH
You were not... awakened until the
moment we transported you into the
cave... and you appeared to Worf.
Before that time you were
unconscious... in a laboratory
where we accelerated your growth,
corrected any genetic anomalies
that occurred, and gave you the
wisdom and memories that --
WORF
They grew you in a test tube...
like some kind of fungus... then
programmed you like a machine.
Kahless reacts, stung by the words.
KOROTH
(defensive)
You are twisting the truth.
Worf has had enough of this, his anger boils to the
surface.
WORF
You talk to me about the truth?
You, who have brought this... lie
to life and then called it
Kahless?
KOROTH
It is not a lie! Genetically, he
is Kahless. And he is needed by
our people. You know better than
anyone the corruption and dishonor
that is destroying the Empire.
They need him.
WORF
They do not need a false god.
KOROTH
How do you know that this is not
the way the prophesy was to be
fulfilled? Who is to say that
what we did is wrong?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 56A.
54 CONTINUED: (4)
WORF
I am. And I will not let this...
fraud continue.
Worf moves toward the door, but Koroth quickly stands
in his way.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/11/93 - ACT FIVE 57.
54 CONTINUED: (5)
KOROTH
Worf, you cannot tell Gowron about
this.
But Worf is not in the mood to be stopped so easily.
He glares hotly into his face.
WORF
(low, deadly)
Do not give me orders, Koroth.
But Koroth doesn't back off.
KOROTH
All right. I won't tell you what
to do. But consider this: Do you
want Gowron's corruption to infect
every corner of the Empire? Do
you want our people to continue
sacrificing their honor until they
are no different from Romulans?
(beat)
If you tell Gowron what we have
told you, it will destroy --
(nods at Kahless)
-- him... and with him the last
chance to restore hope to our
people. It's your choice.
Worf steps back, looks one last time at Kahless, then
EXITS.
CUT TO:
55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL)
The two ships as seen before.
56 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/15/93 - ACT FIVE 58.
57 INT. HOLODECK/TEMPLE
The Temple as seen before. Worf ENTERS and sees TWO
N.D. KLINGONS sitting cross-legged on the floor in
front of the Kahless painting with a couple of lighted
candles and Klingons artifacts in front of them. Worf
is surprised to see them here... he begins to move
closer to them, but before getting there, he hears
Data's voice.
DATA'S VOICE
(o.c.)
They have been here for three
hours seventeen minutes.
58 NEW ANGLE
Including Data, who is sitting on one of the back
benches, observing.
DATA
They refused to transport back to
the ship with the rest of Gowron's
men. They insisted on waiting
here until they see Kahless again.
Their faith appears to be
unaffected by his inability to
defeat Gowron. They still
believe.
Worf looks at them with pity.
WORF
Then they are fools.
DATA
Does that mean you no longer
believe this is the real Kahless?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 59.
58 CONTINUED:
WORF
(difficult)
Yes.
Data considers.
DATA
I am curious. Do you still
believe that the real Kahless will
return someday? Or has this
experience only deepened the
spiritual crisis which originally
sent you to Boreth?
WORF
I... do not know.
DATA
I understand your dilemma. I once
had what could be considered a
crisis of the spirit.
WORF
(shocked)
You?
DATA
Yes. The Starfleet officers who
first activated me on Omicron
Theta told me that I was an
android -- nothing more than a
very sophisticated machine in
human form.
(beat)
However I realized that if I were
simply a machine, then I could
never be anything else -- I could
not grow beyond my programming.
I found that difficult to accept.
(beat)
I chose to believe that I was a
person, that I had the potential
to become more than a collection
of circuits and subprocessors.
(beat)
It is a belief that I still hold.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 60.
58 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
How did you come to your decision?
DATA
I believe I made a... "leap of
faith."
Worf looks over at the Klingons sitting on the floor.
As he considers Data's words...
CUT TO:
59 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Gowron and Koroth are both trying to browbeat Picard
into agreeing to their requests while Kahless sits at
the table in silence... a man watching others argue
over his fate. TWO N.D. SECURITY GUARDS stand watch
in the b.g.
GOWRON
(re: Kahless)
I will not allow the Enterprise to
enter Klingon space with him on
board.
KOROTH
(to Picard)
The Klingon High Council asked you
to bring Kahless to the Home
World. Only they can withdraw the
request. The Enterprise must
continue on its mission.
GOWRON
There is no mission, Koroth...
your plan has failed.
KOROTH
I will enjoy watching the life
bleed from your veins.
PICARD
Gentlemen, please. Let us stick
to the issue at--
Worf ENTERS the room. He moves to Kahless and the two
men share a silent look for a moment.
PICARD
Mister Worf?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 61.
59 CONTINUED:
WORF
Captain, will you excuse us for a
moment?
Beat.
PICARD
Of course.
Picard stands and indicates for the Guards to follow
him. They all EXIT. Once they're gone, everyone looks
to Worf to see what he will do. After a beat, Worf
moves to Gowron.
WORF
The man that appeared to me on
Boreth is not the real Kahless.
He is a clone.
GOWRON
A clone!
WORF
Yes.
Koroth looks bitter and disappointed. Gowron looks at
him in triumph.
GOWRON
(to Koroth)
Did you really think you would get
away with this kind of fraud? I
will have you and this abomination
put to death with --
WORF
(hard)
It does not matter, Gowron. You
will still not be able to stand
against him.
GOWRON
What? He's not real. You just
said so.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 62.
59 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
I said he was not the real
Kahless... but in the minds of
our people he can be just as
powerful as Kahless.
(beat)
Even now, two members of your own
crew are sitting on our
Holodeck... waiting for him to
return.
GOWRON
I do not care what they think.
WORF
They are not alone... like many of
our people, they need something to
believe in... just as I did...
something larger than
themselves... something that will
give their lives meaning. They
need Kahless.
GOWRON
But when they find out the
truth... ?
WORF
It will not matter. Despite the
facts, they will still believe...
They will... make a leap of
faith... and there will be others
just like them... not everyone...
but enough to plunge the Empire
into civil war if you oppose them.
GOWRON
What are you saying? That I
should just... hand over the
Empire?
WORF
No... that would be unwise as
well.
KOROTH
Then what are you proposing, Worf?
Worf moves to Kahless and looks at him.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 63.
59 CONTINUED: (3)
WORF
You were right about one thing,
Koroth... our people are becoming
corrupt and decadent... they need
moral leadership. Kahless can be
that leader... as Emperor.
GOWRON
(outraged)
There hasn't been an Emperor in
three centuries!
WORF
The political power would remain
with the High Council. Kahless
would be... a figurehead. But he
would have the ability to rally
the people... to lead by
example... and guide them in
spiritual matters.
KOROTH
The title is meaningless without
the power to back it up.
Worf ignores him and addresses Kahless directly.
WORF
Real power is in the heart. You
would have the power to mold the
Klingon heart... you could return
them to honorable ways...
according to the original
teachings of Kahless, which are
within you... it would be a great
challenge, if you have the courage
to accept it.
GOWRON
And what will we tell the people
about their new Emperor? That he
appeared in a cave or a
laboratory?
WORF
We will tell them the truth... all
of the truth. But we will also
tell them that even if he is not
the real Kahless... he is the
rightful heir to Kahless.
GOWRON
And if I refuse to go along with
this?
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 64.
59 CONTINUED: (4)
WORF
Then my brother and all who
support him on the Council will
fight you... and I will fight
you... and the Empire will fall
back into civil war.
Gowron considers that for a moment... finally turns to
Koroth.
GOWRON
What do you say to this, Koroth?
Koroth thinks for a moment... then turns to Kahless
KOROTH
What I say is unimportant. What
do you say?
Kahless and Worf exchange a long look... then Kahless
finds some strength deep down within himself and he
rises up out of the chair, regal and proud.
KAHLESS
It is acceptable.
Koroth drops to one knee. Worf looks at Gowron, then
Worf goes down on one knee.
KAHLESS
Join with me, Gowron. Let us
usher in this new era together.
Gowron takes a beat, looks at Kahless, then finally
bends his knee as well.
GOWRON
(softly)
Vorcha-doh-baghK... Kahless.
Off the look on Kahless' face.
CUT TO:
60 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Worf is saying good-bye to Kahless.
KAHLESS
Farewell, Worf.
WORF
Good-bye.
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - REV. 03/09/93 - ACT FIVE 65.
60 CONTINUED:
There is a trace of sadness in Worf's voice and a
dispirited look on his face which Kahless picks up on.
KAHLESS
What's wrong? You should be proud
of what you have accomplished.
Worf shakes his head.
WORF
I went to Boreth to find my
faith... and for a time I thought
I did... but now, my heart is
empty again. I do not know what
to believe...
KAHLESS
You doubt the real Kahless will
return one day... you doubt that
he is still waiting for you in Sto-Vo-Kor?
Worf nods. Kahless takes a beat and then reaches deep
down inside... and when he speaks it is the first
inkling of what this man can one day become for his
people... a true leader.
KAHLESS
Kahless left us -- all of us -- a
powerful legacy... a way of
thinking and acting that makes us
Klingon. If his words hold wisdom
and his philosophy is honorable...
then does it really matter if he
returns? What is important is
whether we follow his teachings...
perhaps the words are more
important than the man.
Worf considers this for a moment.
KAHLESS
Q'apla, son of Mogh.
WORF
Q'apla... Kahless.
Kahless steps up on the stage and then DEMATERIALIZES.
Off Worf's thoughtful expression...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Rightful Heir" - 03/08/93 - ACT FIVE 66.
61 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & KLINGON SHIP (OPTICAL)
The Klingon ship peels off from the Enterprise and
leaves.
62
thru OMITTED
63
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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