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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Defector"
(f.k.a. "A Question of Trust")
#40273-158
Written by
Ronald D. Moore
Directed by
Robert Scheerer
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 1989 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 This script is not for publication or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.
REVISED FINAL DRAFT
OCTOBER 16, 1989
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - 10/16/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Defector"
CAST
PICARD Romulans
RIKER SETAL/ADMIRAL JAROK
DATA TOMALAK
BEVERLY
TROI
GEORDI
WORF
COMPUTER VOICE
JOHN BATES
MICHAEL WILLIAMS
ADMIRAL HADEN (STARFLEET)
Non-Speaking
TWO SECURITY OFFICERS
SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - 10/16/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Defector"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM ROMULAN SCOUT SHIP
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
ENGINEERING 3 ROMULAN WARBIRDS
TRANSPORTER ROOM
GUEST QUARTERS 3 KLINGON SHIPS
DEBRIEFING ROOM
RELAXATION CENTER
SICKBAY
TEN-FORWARD
CORRIDOR (NEAR HOLODECK)
HOLODECK
ENGLISH CAMP
ROMULAN PLANET
EMPTY HOLODECK
ROMULAN SCOUT SHIP
ROMULAN WARBIRD
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - 10/16/89 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Defector"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
SETAL see-TALL
JAROK JAH-rock
TOMALAK TOM-uh-lack
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Defector"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. THE ENGLISH CAMP AT AGINCOURT - NIGHT
(HOLODECK)
Two soldiers: JOHN BATES and MICHAEL WILLIAMS..
WILLIAMS
Brother John Bates, is not that
the morning which breaks yonder?
BATES
I think it be. But we have no
great cause to desire the approach
of the day.
WILLIAMS
Who goes there?
King Henry ENTERS... his back to us... so we cannot
see who is playing him...
DATA (KING HENRY)
A friend.
WILLIAMS
Under what captain serve you?
DATA (KING HENRY)
Under Sir Thomas Erpingham.
WILLIAMS
I pray you, what thinks he of
our estate?
Reveal DATA...
DATA (KING HENRY)
Even as men wrecked upon a sand,
that look to be washed off the
next tide.
BATES
He hath not told his thought to
the king?
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
DATA (KING HENRY)
No, nor it is not meet he should.
For though I speak it to you, I
think the king is but a man, as
I am. The violet smells to him
as it doth to me, in his
nakedness he appears but a man.
Therefore, his fears, out of
doubt, be of the same relish as
ours are. Yet, no man should
possess him with any appearance
of fear, lest he, by showing it,
should dishearten his army.
2 ANGLE PICARD (OPTICAL)
observing... delighted...
BATES
He may show what outward courage
he will, but I believe, as cold
a night as 'tis, he could wish
himself in Thames up to the neck.
DATA (KING HENRY)
Methinks I could not die anywhere
so contented as in the king's
company, his cause being just and
his quarrel honorable.
WILLIAMS
That's more than we know.
BATES
Aye, or more than we should seek
after. If his cause be wrong,
our obedience to the king wipes
the crime of it out of us.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - TEASER 2A.
2 CONTINUED:
WILLIAMS
But if the cause be not good, the
king himself hath a heavy
reckoning to make when all those
legs and arms and heads chopped
off in a battle shall join
together at the latter day and
cry all "We died at such a place"
-- some swearing, some crying for
a surgeon, some upon their wives
left poor behind them. I am
afeared there are few die well
that die in a battle.
DATA (KING HENRY)
The king is not bound to answer
the particular endings of his
soldiers, the father of his son,
nor the master of his servant.
PICARD
Delightful... you're getting
better and better, Data...
Stepping out of character...
DATA
Freeze program.
The characters freeze.
DATA
(continuing)
Thank you, sir. I plan to study
the performances of Olivier,
Branagh, Shapiro, Kullnark...
PICARD
(frowns)
Data, you are here to learn about
the human condition... and there's
no better way than embracing
Shakespeare... but you must
discover it through your own
performance, not by imitating...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Picard...
PICARD
Yes, Number One.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Sensors are picking up an
unidentified craft in the Neutral
Zone... It's heading toward
Federation space...
PICARD
On our way... Picard out. We'll
get to the next act later, Data...
computer, end program.
The other characters DISAPPEAR and shortly thereafter,
the set disappears, too... Data begins to take off his
costume.
DATA
It is interesting that a king
could pass as a commoner, but why
should he wish to? If he is
the leader... should he not be
leading... ?
3 ANGLE
The door slides open and they EXIT...
PICARD
But listen to what Shakespeare
is telling you about the man,
Data... a king who has a true
feeling for his soldiers must
share their fears on the day of
battle.
3A INT. CORRIDOR
Walking... perhaps a passerby reacts to Data's
costume...
DATA
Sir, will I be able to schedule
a performance for the crew in
the near future?
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - TEASER 3A.
3A CONTINUED:
PICARD
Let's... not rush it, shall we... ?
As they move away...
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER at an aft station. WORF at tactical.
SUPERNUMERARIES at Ops and Conn. Picard ENTERS the
bridge. Monitors at the stations show a SCHEMATIC
DISPLAY of the Neutral Zone.
RIKER
Outpost Sierra Six confirms our
readings, sir. They identify it
as a Romulan scout ship... bearing
two-seven-zero mark one-four.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - TEASER 4.
5 CLOSER ON ONE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
As Picard, Riker and Data huddle over it... The
Enterprise is clearly labeled and shown as a steady
dot, and a flashing point of light in the Zone shows
the Romulan vessel.
PICARD
A scout ship? Curious. What
would bring a scout ship into the
Neutral Zone?
WORF
Shall we transmit a warning to
withdraw, sir... ?
A beat. Picard studies the...
6 FLASHING DOT - CU (OPTICAL)
7 RESUME MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Open hailing frequencies.
WORF
Aye, sir.
(stops and looks up in
surprise)
Captain, the Romulan is hailing
us.
PICARD
Visual... ?
WORF
Not within range yet...
PICARD
Open channel...
Much interference, static...
SETAL'S COM VOICE
Federation ship... do you read...
I require urgent assistance...
PICARD
This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard
of the...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - TEASER 5.
7 CONTINUED:
SETAL'S COM VOICE
(interrupting)
Federation ship... please help
me... requesting asylum... under
pursuit...
RIKER
Pursuit... ?
WORF
Visual contact. On screen,
Captain...
They turn to see...
8 ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER - (OPTICAL)
A ROMULAN SCOUT SHIP is moving toward us. In the b.g.
a ROMULAN WARSHIP suddenly DECLOAKS.
9 REACTIONS
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
10 EXT. SPACE - ROMULAN SHIPS (OPTICAL)
The Romulan scout ship is overmatched... the warship is
relentless and it FIRES TORPEDOES at the smaller craft.
One of the torpedoes finds its mark.
11 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
As before... watching the viewscreen. Data has moved
to ops.
PICARD
Red Alert. Open a channel to
the warship.
RIKER
(to conn)
Come to intercept course. Keep
us out of the Neutral Zone.
WORF
Channel is open.
RIKER
(to Data)
When will the scout cross into
Federation territory?
DATA
Forty-one seconds...
PICARD
Romulan warbird, you have crossed
into the Neutral Zone, and are
engaged in hostile action.
Explain yourself and your intent.
Beat.
WORF
No reply, sir.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT ONE 7.
11 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Hail the scout.
WORF
Responding.
PICARD
On screen.
12 ANGLE - THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
SETAL, a Romulan male of about fifty (human) years of
age is sitting at the controls of his small ship.
There is evident damage in his bridge.
SETAL
Please, you must help me...
PICARD
We are moving to intercept...
maintain your course and power...
Suddenly, a muffled EXPLOSION and Setal's ship is
rocked violently. The transmission is abruptly cut off
and replaced with the starfield. The damaged scout
ship is clearly visible.
DATA
Scout ship is severely damaged,
Captain. Engines inoperative,
shields down.
RIKER
Position?
DATA
(works)
Coordinates one-four-zero by
two-zero-five.
RIKER
(quietly to Picard)
Federation space.
PICARD
Bring us to within five kilometers
of the scout. Mister La Forge,
prepare to extend our shields
around that ship.
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - ACT ONE 8.
13 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi at the console... supernumeraries in the b.g.
GEORDI
Captain, at that range, the
shields won't be able to take much
punishment.
DATA
Five kilometers, Commander.
RIKER
All stop.
PICARD
Extend shields.
GEORDI
Shields in place... we've got the
scout ship, Captain...
14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND ROMULANS (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise is near the scout ship, which is
drifting.
15 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The Romulan warship slows as it approaches the
Enterprise and the scout ship, and then stops. The
ships face each other.
16 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - (OPTICAL)
On the viewscreen, the Romulan warship sits facing the
Enterprise.
WORF
Weapons on the warbird are fully
powered, sir.
RIKER
Lock phasers...
PICARD
Open a channel.
WORF
Ready.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - ACT ONE 9.
16 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Romulan warbird, you are now in
Federation territory... if you
do not immediately withdraw...
Picard stops as he sees something on viewscreen.
17 ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
The Romulan warship turns and goes back the way it
came... CLOAKING as it goes...
RIKER
No argument?
WORF
Warbird has re-entered the Neutral
Zone, Captain. Heading for
Romulan territory.
(under his breath)
Cowards.
DATA
Massive power failure on the scout
ship, sir. All systems are going
off-line.
(beat)
Including life-support.
PICARD
(to Com)
Transporter Room Two, prepare to
beam the occupant of the Romulan
ship aboard.
Riker heads toward the turbolift.
RIKER
(indicating he should
follow)
Mister Worf.
Riker and Worf then EXIT bridge.
PICARD
Data, lock onto the scout ship
and take it in tow... cancel Red
Alert.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - ACT ONE 10.
18 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
A supernumerary is at the controls as Riker and Worf
arrive.
RIKER
Energize.
Worf stands with his hand on his phaser. The
supernumerary manipulates the controls.
19 ANGLE ON TRANSPORTER STAGE - (OPTICAL)
The figure of Setal MATERIALIZES on the platform. He
wears a Romulan uniform with no insignia. His neck
is injured, but he appears otherwise unhurt. Setal
looks about for a second.
SETAL
I must see your captain
immediately.
Riker steps forward. Worf, behind Riker, watches Setal
with great distrust.
RIKER
(notices injured arm)
We'll take you to Sickbay, after
that...
SETAL
(urgently)
This cannot wait. I have
information vital to your
survival.
On their reactions...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 11.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE WITH SCOUT SHIP IN TOW
The two crafts in space.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43462.5.
We have beamed aboard an apparent
Romulan defector. He claims to
be a low ranking logistics officer
with extraordinary information
about a new secret offensive.
21 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
A guard stands behind Setal as he tells his story to
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf, Geordi. The Romulan is
nearing the end of his account. He speaks with great
fervency. A man demanding to be heard. Picard listens
with a decidedly even expression.
SETAL
The humiliating defeat at the
Battle of Cheron has not been
forgotten. The new leaders have
vowed to discard the treaty and
claim the Neutral Zone. Nelvana
Three is only the first step.
RIKER
(skeptical)
And you're saying a whole base
is already established there... ?
SETAL
(acknowledges)
In forty-eight hours, the reactor
core will be on line.
RIKER
(impossible)
The Federation sensors that
monitor the Neutral Zone just...
missed it... ?
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 12.
21 CONTINUED:
Setal looks straight at Riker... eye to eye, doesn't
blink.
In a way, there's almost pride, a hint of smile, as he
says --
SETAL
It would seem so.
WORF
Unlikely.
Setal glances at Worf with distaste. Then back to
Picard...
SETAL
In two days, you will have a fleet
of Romulan warbirds... within
striking distance of fifteen
Federation sectors...
WORF
The Federation will not permit
it...
SETAL
(sharp)
Then it is war we're talking
about, isn't it?
(beat, to Picard)
Destroy the base now and the
threat is over.
Picard takes a long beat to study him... and nods.
PICARD
I'm sure you're tired from your
ordeal... and could use some
medical attention. Mister Worf,
accompany Sublieutenant Setal to
sickbay. We'll arrange for your
quarters.
SETAL
(to Picard)
No doubt you will wish to question
me further.
PICARD
No doubt.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 12A.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
Picard nods, that's all. Setal looks at him,
frustrated, that's not what he wanted to hear. Picard
looks back evenly. After a beat, Setal leaves. The
tension level drops considerably as the officers lean
back in their chairs, glance at each other.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 13.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
RIKER
He tells a hell of a story.
PICARD
You don't believe it...
RIKER
The empire knows we'd never allow
them to maintain a base within
the Neutral Zone.
DATA
Commander, it would not be an
atypical Romulan ploy. In their
long history of war, the Romulans
have rarely attacked first... they
prefer to test their enemy's
resolve.
RIKER
And how many times in their
history has there been a Romulan
defector?
DATA
(beat, checking his
files)
Never, sir.
RIKER
(point made)
Because loyalty is fundamental
to their culture.
GEORDI
(unconvinced)
You really think he's a spy,
Commander?
RIKER
(nods)
I think he's been planted to draw
us into the Neutral Zone... we'd
look like the aggressors...
PICARD
... and the Romulans would have
a legitimate excuse to respond
with force.
RIKER
Exactly.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 14.
21 CONTINUED: (4)
DATA
That would also not be an atypical
Romulan ploy, sir.
PICARD
(thoughtful)
It is always a chess game with
them, isn't it?
Geordi looks out the viewport at the craft.
GEORDI
Well at least he's given us the
chance to get a look at some
Romulan technology.
PICARD
(acknowledges)
Mister La Forge, you will head
the away team over to the scout.
(to Riker)
Commander, you and Counselor Troi
will conduct Setal's
interrogation.
DATA
Permission to observe the
interrogation, sir...
PICARD
No, I need you with me on the
bridge, Data... there's much to
be done.
(beat)
We have less than forty-eight
hours to prevent a war... or
perhaps start one. That depends
on establishing the truth of...
Suddenly the Scout Ship EXPLODES. As all react:
22 INT. SICKBAY
BEVERLY administers to Setal's neck as Riker questions
him. Worf and the security guard stand nearby.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 15.
22 CONTINUED:
SETAL
(of course)
I set the auto-destruct sequencer
before I left the ship.
RIKER
Why?
SETAL
(smiles, incredulous)
Wouldn't you? To prevent your
ship from being captured?
RIKER
Excuse me for being a little
confused, Setal, but I thought
you were defecting...
SETAL
I am not a traitor.
(beat)
All you can see is the opportunity
to exploit me. The Federation
credo, exploitation. You couldn't
get aboard my ship fast enough
-- strip it down, "what secrets
might it reveal that we can
use... ?" You are a short sighted
people... can't you understand
I came to stop a war.
Setal winces with pain...
BEVERLY
If you could just hold still for
a moment...
She sprays something on his would that clearly brings
relief...
BEVERLY
With your metabolism, it will take
a couple of days to heal...
SETAL
Thank you, Doctor... I am
fortunate that you know something
of Romulan medicine.
52:[1,#b],88:[1,#b]
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 16.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
(glancing at Worf)
I've had a chance to gain some
experience recently.
SETAL
Ah yes... the incident at
Galorndon Core, our two
officers...
WORF
(instantly suspicious)
You are aware of a great deal for
a logistics clerk.
SETAL
It was common knowledge.
(weary, to Riker)
I can show you my rating code.
WORF
Forged credentials are a simple
matter for a spy.
SETAL
(eyes never leaving
Riker)
How can you allow Klingon Pahtk
to walk around in a Starfleet
uniform?
Worf steps forward... rising confrontation...
WORF
You are lucky this is not a
Klingon ship. We know how to deal
with spies...
SETAL
Remove this tohzah from my
sight...
Riker freezes Worf with a look and then replies to
Setal calmly.
RIKER
(calmly, to Setal)
Your knowledge of Klingon curses
is impressive.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT TWO 17.
22 CONTINUED: (3)
RIKER (Cont'd)
(beat)
But, as the Romulans might say,
only a Veruul would use such
language in public.
Setal is surprised by Riker's use of the Romulan word.
He gives him a grudging smile of respect. Riker
doesn't return the smile, but is determined to avoid
a confrontation, looking at Setal --
RIKER
Mister Worf, please see to the
security arrangements for our
guest's stay...
Worf takes a beat, glances at Riker who doesn't look
back and then EXITS.
A beat and then Setal erupts in LAUGHTER.
RIKER
You find something amusing?
SETAL
(nodding)
Lieutenant Worf, I like him. Or,
to be more accurate, I understand
him. He's a warrior. Proud,
fearless, living only for combat.
(the smile fading)
Exactly the type who will get us
all killed if we're not careful.
As Riker reacts to this:
23 INT. GUEST QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
The doors open and Setal is escorted in by Riker...
an n.d. security guard remains outside the door. Setal
looks over his new home, unimpressed by what he sees.
Riker shows him the food slot.
RIKER
This is the food station... you
can reach me through the
com panel.
(at the door)
Later, there are a few more
questions we'd like to ask you...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 18.
23 CONTINUED:
Setal sighs in frustration. Riker gives him a look and
EXITS. Setal looks out the window and thinks about
what he's doing. The look on his face is tortured.
SETAL
Computer, water.
COMPUTER
Temperature?
SETAL
Twelve onkians.
COMPUTER
This system is calibrated to the
Celsius metric system.
Setal frowns, what the hell is that? Frustrated, he
can't even order a glass of water in this new
environment. Finally...
SETAL
Any temperature at all. On the
cold side of your system, whatever
that is.
The water MATERIALIZES. He takes it. Drinks. He sits
down on his bed. He pulls off his boot, removes his
wristband, flips it open to reveal a...
24 TINY COMPARTMENT
containing a thin blue chip -- (NOTE: Not obviously
for ingestion, we shouldn't know what the hell it is...
something that could destroy the Enterprise? What is
his plot?)
25 SETAL
stares at it, then snaps the wristband closed.
26 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON MONITOR
Graphic. A look at the scanners' interpretation of the
Neutral Zone...
DATA (O.C.)
There is no unusual activity in
the Nelvana System...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/19/89 - ACT TWO 19.
26 CONTINUED:
Pulling back to reveal Picard standing behind Data at
an aft station...
PICARD
Isolate and magnify the Nelvana
star system.
Data does so... and we get a computer graphic look
at the focus of this mystery.
DATA
Nothing on the sensors, sir.
PICARD
It is hard to believe what we
cannot see, Data. And yet, with
their cloaking technology, a fleet
of Romulan warships could
conceivably be passing right
before our eyes.
(thoughtfully)
There must be a way we can
neutralize that advantage...
COMPUTER
Captain Picard, priority one
message from Starfleet coming
in on secured channel.
On the move --
PICARD
In my Ready Room. Delay time,
computer... ?
COMPUTER
Two hours, twenty-two minute delay
from time of transmission at
Starfleet Command on Lya Three.
27 INT. READY ROOM
He ENTERS. On his viewer, a series of colors...
virtually a rainbow of lines intersecting like some
kind of computer art...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT TWO 20.
27 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Computer, key access four-one-two
mark eight-zero. Picard. Jean-
Luc. Starfleet priority code
Gamma. Decode.
As he sits, the colors zip around and form a Federation
logo with the text: EYES ONLY - CAPTAIN J.L. PICARD
emblazoned across it. In the corner of the screen:
a digital time of transmission as well as the real
time... is indicated throughout the message...
28 ANGLE - VIEWER
PICARD
Begin message.
The logo fades out to be replaced by ADMIRAL HADEN,
a stocky command officer. Because of the distance
between the Enterprise and Starfleet, static both
visual and auditory interfere with the playback.
ADMIRAL HADEN
Captain, we have received an
official protest from the Romulan
Empire demanding the return of
your defector. We are obviously
refusing to comply. I join in
your skepticism, but if it is a
deception, the Romulans are
certainly going all out to make
a good show of it. The
Federation Council has convened
in emergency session.
(more personal)
There's no doubt in my mind this
will eventually fall on your
shoulders, Jean-Luc. You've got
him. You must decide if he's
telling the truth. For now, I
suggest you proceed along the
Neutral Zone border toward a
Federation position proximate to
Nelvana Three.
The admiral's picture disappears, leaving only the
real time clock running on the blank screen.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT TWO 20A.
28A PICARD
considers thoughtfully for a long beat. To com panel
--
PICARD
Picard to Lieutenant Worf. Please
come to my Ready Room.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT TWO 21.
29 INT. DEBRIEFING ROOM
The debriefing takes place on a raised platform in the
middle of the room. Setal sits across from Riker and
Troi. An n.d. security guard (the same one we've seen
before) stands nearby.
A flashing light on his chair indicates the
conversation is being recorded. Riker has a PADD with
notes that he refers to occasionally.
RIKER
You've never actually stepped foot
on Nelvana Three.
SETAL
That's right.
RIKER
(referring to PADD)
You were a logistics officer
assigned to sector eight-one-five...
SETAL
(recognizing ploy)
Eight-one-four.
RIKER
Eight-one-four, yes. So your
conclusions about the secret base
are solely based on a few files
you happened to see in a
computer.
SETAL
Massive files, Commander...
transport schedules, troop
movements... construction
reports...
RIKER
And where are they?
(off his look)
All these files? Why not bring
the files to prove what you're
saying?
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT TWO 22.
29 CONTINUED:
SETAL
It was not a simple matter of
just taking them... Romulan
security is unmatched...
RIKER
Yet you managed to get all the
way across the Neutral Zone in
a one man ship... quite an
achievement...
SETAL
I saw an opportunity... I took
it... by the time they realized
I had the scout ship... it was
too late...
RIKER
Are all logistics officers taught
to pilot scout ships?
SETAL
I depended a great deal on the
computer to navigate. I have
rudimentary knowledge, that's
all...
TROI
Do you expect anything out of this
for yourself?
SETAL
(reacts)
The idea of a Romulan pursuing a
noble cause is impossible, I
suppose.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT TWO 23.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
It was only a question.
SETAL
(getting angry)
Do you realize I have given up
my life for this? I can never
go back. Do you think I did this
for wealth, a new home, what?
RIKER
We're trying to get to the truth
here, Sublieutenant.
SETAL
You have the truth before you. You
are too blind to see it.
(softly)
I have seen enough bloodshed for
one lifetime.
RIKER
(still not buying it)
So have we all.
SETAL
(with sudden passion)
Then do as I ask! I know how
difficult it is for you to believe
me. I feel the same suspicions
toward you. But we must look
beyond our long-standing animosity
and work toward the good of both
our people.
He reaches out with both hands, palms upward in a
gesture of supplication.
30 THE ROMULAN WARBIRD CHASING THE SCOUT SHIP
(OPTICAL)
With time code.
GEORDI (V.O.)
Slow playback... display engine
logs and power data of both
vessels...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT TWO 24.
30 CONTINUED:
The picture slows... the computer adds a graphic
overlay that identifies the speed and power of both
Romulan vessels... the camera pulls back to reveal
it's a monitor at...
31 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ENGINEERING STATION
Geordi with Picard, Data and Beverly at a monitor.
GEORDI
Now... look what happens at
zero-nine-five-four-three-three
on the clock...
32 THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
GEORDI (O.S.)
The scout has sustained engine
damage... forcing it to drop to
point-six-one-five impulse
power... for all intents and
purposes he's finished, dead...
the warship should overtake
him... only it doesn't. Point
two-six seconds later, the
warbird slows to precisely
the same speed...
33 RESUME - ENGINEERING STATION
GEORDI
Three times... three speed
fluctuations... the warship
always kept its distance... I
don't think they wanted to catch
up.
BEVERLY
And yet they fired at the scout
ship... they could have killed
him...
DATA
Not necessarily, Doctor... the
Romulans have the same capability
to direct the impact of their
weapons as we do.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT TWO 25.
33 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Doctor, is there any possibility
his wound was self-inflicted?
BEVERLY
It was a bad burn... I hardly
think...
PICARD
A possibility...
Beverly sighs, forced to acknowledge the possibility.
Looking at the monitor again... on Picard, realizing
the import of this...
34 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 26.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Holding position.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43463.7.
We are holding a position at the
Neutral Zone border proximate to
Nelvana Three.
36 INT. SETAL'S GUEST QUARTERS
Feeling trapped, Setal paces around the room.
PICARD (V.O.)
There are twenty one hours left
before the Romulan base becomes
functional, if our guest is
telling the truth. Counselor
Troi, however, feels Sublieutenant
Setal is being deliberately
deceptive.
37 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard is drinking tea as he plays back another
communique from Starfleet. (It is likely that Picard
got little rest the night before and he looks a bit
tired.)
38 ANGLE THE COMPUTER SCREEN
A grim-faced Admiral Haden.
ADMIRAL HADEN
The Monitor and the Hood are
headed in your direction though
they will arrive too late to be
of assistance. Warnings have gone
out to all outposts along the
border... as well as several
independent vessels in nearby
sectors.
(a beat)
No one here wants a war, Captain.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 26A.
38 CONTINUED:
ADMIRAL HADEN (Cont'd)
But we're prepared to take them
on if that's what they want. All
Federation starships have been
placed on Yellow Alert.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT THREE 27.
39 ANGLE PICARD
HOLD a beat on his reaction, aware the Enterprise has
moved closer to war. There is a chime.
PICARD
Come.
The door opens and Data ENTERS.
DATA
You wanted to see me, Captain?
PICARD
Data, prepare a class one probe.
Set sensors for maximum scan.
I want every meter of Nelvana
Three monitored.
DATA
I will start my calibrations, sir.
He turns to leave.
PICARD
One moment.
Data stops, waits patiently to hear what Picard has
to say. The captain points to a chair.
PICARD
(continuing)
Sit down.
DATA
Do you require something else from
me, sir?
PICARD
Yes. Your clarity of thought,
your objectivity... as always...
(a beat)
We're very possibly about to go
to war, Data. The repercussions
of what we do during the next
twenty-four hours may be felt
for years to come. I'd like you
to keep the official record of
these events, so we may give
history the benefit of a
dispassionate view.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT THREE 28.
39 CONTINUED:
DATA
I will begin immediately, sir.
Is that all?
No. Picard looks at him thoughtfully.
PICARD
How are the crew's spirits?
DATA
They are concerned, Captain, of
course. But confident. Can you
not see that yourself?
PICARD
Unlike King Henry, it's not so
easy for me to disguise myself
and walk among my troops.
(beat)
That's all, Data.
Data EXITS. Picard sits there a beat... to himself --
PICARD
"Now if these men do not die well,
it will be a black matter for the
King that led them to it."
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 29.
40 INT. DEBRIEFING ROOM
Setal is tired of answering questions.
SETAL
Why must we waste time playing
this ridiculous game?
TROI
(ignoring the insult)
I sense there is more here you
wish to tell us, yet you force
yourself to hold back.
SETAL
I've told you all you need to know
about Nelvana Three.
TROI
I am not speaking of the base.
Setal definitely doesn't like the turn the conversation
has taken.
SETAL
The base is all that matters.
RIKER
You're lying, Setal.
SETAL
If you'll go to Nelvana Three,
you will see...
RIKER
We're not going anywhere til we
get to the truth...
Setal glares at Riker....
RIKER
You're a spy, aren't you?
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 30.
40 CONTINUED:
SETAL
No.
RIKER
Then prove it. You can start by
telling me something about the
location and strength of the
Romulan fleet...
SETAL
I don't know it...
Quick --
RIKER
(why not?)
You're a logistics officer...
SETAL
For only one sector...
RIKER
Who's your commanding officer?
SETAL
Admiral Alidar Jarok.
RIKER
The position of Romulan bases
along the Neutral Zone...
Setal slams the table with his palm.
SETAL
I don't know...
RIKER
In your sector then...
Setal pounds the table again.
SETAL
Irrelevant.
RIKER
Strength of troops under your
admiral's command...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 31.
40 CONTINUED: (2)
SETAL
(pounding)
Irrelevant.
(pounding)
Irrelevant.
Riker continues on the attack.
RIKER
I agree with you... it's not worth
playing this game.
Setal slumps back in his seat. Tired and defeated.
SETAL
What a fool I've been. To have
come looking for courage in a lair
of cowards.
On Riker and Troi's reaction.
41 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Which is now at full crew. Picard standing at command,
Data at Ops, Worf at Tactical and supernumeraries at
Conn and other stations. The atmosphere is tense.
COMPUTER
Captain Picard, priority message
from security officer, Klingon
vessel Patakt...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/17/89 - ACT THREE 32.
41 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, handle this at
security station, deck nine...
WORF
Aye, sir...
Picard watches Worf EXIT into turbolift then moves
closer to ops.
DATA
Sensors are configured for
planetary probe, sir... ready for
launch.
PICARD
Proceed.
42 EXT. ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Stock shot of probe being fired off.
43 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The probe moving away on the Main Viewer. Data checks
panel.
DATA
Probe on course. Sensors are
functioning...
Picard moves toward his Ready Room...
PICARD
Coordinate your analysis with
Mister La Forge... I want your
report with dispatch...
He EXITS.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 33.
44 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING
Data and Geordi. Geordi is working at the console
as if the first readings from the probe are sent back
and analyzed. We see a computerized rendering of
Nelvana Three, a grid is placed over it, graphs of raw
data appear and disappear... as they work...
GEORDI
I don't know, Data... my gut tells
me we oughta believe what this
guy is trying to tell us...
DATA
Your gut?
GEORDI
It's just a... a feeling, you
know? Instinct, emotions...
DATA
It seems to me those qualities
interfere with rational judgment.
GEORDI
You're right. They do sometimes.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 34.
44 CONTINUED:
DATA
Then why not rely strictly on
fact?
GEORDI
You can't always trust the plain
and simple facts... they lie
sometimes...
DATA
They can lead to wrong
conclusions, but they cannot lie.
Geordi doesn't know exactly how to explain.
GEORDI
What do you think? Is he a
defector or not?
DATA
The facts to date would lead to
an objective conclusion that he
is not.
GEORDI
(shakes his head)
Somehow I think we're gonna catch
the Romulans with their pants down
on Nelvana Three... Just like he
says.
Data blinks. Almost impossible to accept this.
Processing.
DATA
"With their pants down." A
metaphor, catching them in the
act... because your "gut" tells
you so...
GEORDI
But of course you can't just go
with your gut either. It's a
combination, Data... let me put
it this way... all these feelings
that get in the way of human
judgment... that confuse the hell
out of us... that make us second
guess ourselves. We need them.
We need them to help fill in the
missing pieces... because we
almost never have all the facts.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 35.
44 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
So a person fills in missing
pieces of the puzzle with his own
personality... resulting in a
conclusion based as much on
instinct and emotion as on fact.
GEORDI
Now you're getting it.
DATA
What does one do if he has no
instinct and emotion?
Geordi reacts a beat, then, noticing on his console...
GEORDI
Data... look at this... the facts
just took a left turn...
45 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard, Geordi, Data. They are revealing the
surprising results of their probe analysis.
DATA
As the probe went into orbit
around Nelvana Three, it began
to pick up low level subspace
radio emissions...
PICARD
Could they be naturally occuring?
DATA
The patterns are clearly
artificial, Captain...
GEORDI
The signal is so faint our ship
sensors can't read it from this
distance.
PICARD
Can we decode it?
GEORDI
(shakes his head)
We've tried. It's probably
Romulan... but we can't be sure.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT THREE 36.
45 CONTINUED:
DATA
Cloaked Romulan ships could
produce this effect.
PICARD
What about the planet surface?
GEORDI
Reading nothing but barren rock.
They might be able to hide a base
from the probe... its capabilities
are limited. The only way we'll
know for sure is if we go and take
a look for ourselves.
PICARD
(acknowledges)
That will be all, gentlemen.
Data and Geordi EXIT. Picard weighs his options.
46 INT. TEN-FORWARD
Setal, alone at a table nursing some exotic alien
concoction and mournfully contemplating the starfield
out the viewport. The n.d. security guard sits nearby.
Setal feels himself being stared at. Looks up to find:
47 DATA
observing him from the next table.
SETAL
I take it you've never seen a
Romulan before.
DATA
That would be an incorrect
assumption.
SETAL
Then why do you invade my privacy?
DATA
I am attempting to ascertain what
my guts tell me about you.
SETAL
(a beat)
You're the android.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - ACT THREE 37.
47 CONTINUED:
SETAL
(continuing)
I know a host of Romulan
cyberneticists who would love to
be this close to you.
DATA
I do not find the concept
particularly appealing.
SETAL
Nor should you.
Setal goes back to brooding. Data is determined to
reach a deeper understanding of this man. He notices
Setal has gone back to studying the view.
DATA
I am told by various crewmembers
that this viewport is their
favorite on the ship.
SETAL
I thought it would bring me
comfort. But these are not my
stars. Even the heavens are
denied to me here.
Setal takes a sip of his drink.
SETAL
(makes a face)
Synthetic swill...
He pushes it away.
SETAL
(continuing)
I don't suppose your food
terminals are capable of preparing
a Romulan ale.
DATA
I am afraid they would require the
molecular structure of the beverage
in question. And, as you are no
doubt aware, our knowledge of your
planet is quite limited.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - ACT THREE 38.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
SETAL
The loss is yours. For I have
visited over a hundred different
worlds and none possessed the
awesome beauty of Romulus.
DATA
Am I correct in assuming you
regret your decision to come here?
Setal shakes his head.
SETAL
No, what I did had to be done.
(melancholy)
But to never again see the
firefalls of Gath Gal'thong, or
the spires of my home rising above
the Apnex Sea. To be exiled from
your home is a bitter thing.
DATA
It does appear unlikely that you
will ever be allowed to return
to your world again.
Data's seeming indifference is a blow to Setal.
SETAL
The cold reaction of an android.
DATA
But perhaps we can bring Romulus
to you.
Off Setal's surprised reaction.
48 INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE HOLODECK
Data is rapidly keying a program into the Holodeck's
Com panel. A skeptical Setal watches closely. The
security guard remains in the b.g. He steps away from
the com panel.
COMPUTER VOICE
Program complete.
DATA
Run program.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT THREE 39.
48 CONTINUED:
The door slides open. Data gestures Setal inside.
DATA
(continuing)
After you.
Setal hesitates a moment before his curiosity gets the
better of him. He ENTERS.
49 INT. HOLODECK (OPTICAL)
CLOSE ON Setal and Data as they stare at the Holodeck's
recreation of Romulus. (An exotic vision to be
determined later.) Setal reacts, pleased with what he
sees.
SETAL
The valley of Chula. I know it
well.
For a moment, Setal is almost convinced he's back on
Romulus. Then slowly the smile fades from his face as
a grim realization takes hold.
DATA
You are free to stay here as long
as you wish.
SETAL
Turn it off. I no longer live
here.
Data realizes Setal is in no mood to be contradicted.
DATA
Cancel program.
The landscape disappears. We are now inside the bare
set of the Holodeck. A huge empty place.
SETAL
(looking around)
This is my home now. My future.
Setal comes to a decision.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - 10/16/89 - ACT THREE 40.
49 CONTINUED:
SETAL
(continuing)
I've sacrificed everything. It
must not be in vain.
He appears to stand a little taller as he turns to
Data.
SETAL
(continuing; an order)
Arrange a meeting between myself
and Captain Picard.
(a beat)
Tell him Admiral Jarok wants to
see him.
And as Jarok (Setal) stares defiantly at Data, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FOUR 41.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
50 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM - CLOSEUP - COMPUTER SCREEN
Federation logo. "EYES ONLY, CAPTAIN J.L. PICARD."
The clock ticking in digital display. The image of
Admiral Haden appears...
ADMIRAL HADEN
Captain, we have confirmed that
you are holding Admiral Alidar
Jarok...
INTERCUTTING:
51 CLOSEUPS OF PICARD WATCHING
ADMIRAL HADEN
He's been identified as the
commander at the massacre of the
Norkan outposts. The council
strongly advises you to consider
Jarok an unreliable source of
information.
His picture fades away... the clock continues.
52 WIDE
Keying his insignia --
PICARD
Show him in.
Picard deliberately makes himself busy, does not look
up when a security ensign escorts Jarok (Setal) in.
PICARD
Wait outside, Ensign. Have a
seat... Admiral Jarok.
The guard EXITS. Jarok doesn't sit, waits impatiently
for the captain to finish what he's doing.
JAROK
Captain... there is no more
time...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FOUR 42.
52 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(casual, you do not give
orders here)
Have a seat, Admiral.
Jarok sits, frustrated. Picard finally looks up.
PICARD
I am not convinced you are
telling the truth.
JAROK
(extreme frustration)
What must I do...
PICARD
(shrugs)
You must convince me.
Picard stands... moves around the room...
PICARD
If I had irrefutable evidence...
(beat)
... but you did not bring
irrefutable evidence. You brought
no evidence at all. In fact, this
entire escape stretched your
credibility beyond belief. Now
we hear that you are not even who
you claimed to be.
(beat)
A Romulan defector is virtually
a contradiction in terms. But
Admiral Jarok crossing the
lines...
JAROK
I have explained my motives to
your interrogators...
PICARD
Yes, peace in our galaxy.
(beat)
Except you are not a man of peace,
Admiral. Your military record,
what we know of it, is clear...
JAROK
(overlapping)
... which is precisely why I chose
an alternate identity here...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FOUR 42A.
52 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(overlapping)
... the massacre at the Norkan
Outposts, for example...
JAROK
(beat, quietly)
Your "massacre" was called the
Norkan Campaign on my world,
Captain. One world's hero is
another world's madman. Perhaps
I am neither one.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FOUR 43.
52 CONTINUED: (3)
Picard is willing to acknowledge that.
PICARD
On what basis shall I decide,
Admiral? Your good word? Are
you willing to reveal ways to
overpower the Romulan B-type
warbirds we may encounter? Are
you prepared to help us detect
them through their cloaking
shields?
A long beat. Jarok does not want to answer. Picard
uses it...
PICARD
You see my problem, Admiral. You
ask us for faith in circumstances
not only difficult to believe but
compounded by your own lies, and
your own reluctance to tell us
all you know...
JAROK
I cannot betray my people...
PICARD
You have already betrayed your
people. You have made your
choices. You are a traitor, sir.
If the bitter taste of it
disagrees with you, I am truly
sorry. But I will not risk the
lives of my crew because you think
you can dance on the edge of the
Neutral Zone. You have crossed
over, Admiral. I suggest you make
yourself comfortable.
Jarok swallows hard, he knows he cannot ride the fence
much longer. He jumps off it in an odd direction...
JAROK
Do you have children, Captain
Picard? A family?
PICARD
No.
JAROK
Then you have sacrificed too much
for your career.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FOUR 43A.
52 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
(no interest in this)
Yes, this is all very interesting,
but...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FOUR 44.
52 CONTINUED: (5)
But Jarok continues...
JAROK
There's a moment in a man's life,
Captain, that you cannot know...
when he looks down at the first
smile of his baby girl and he
knows that he must change the
world for her... for all children.
It is for her that I am here.
Not to betray the Romulan Empire,
but to save it.
He grows silent, downcast, shakes his head.
JAROK
For months, I tried to persuade
the high command that another war
would destroy the empire. They
grew tired of my arguments, and
finally censored me, sent me off
to command a distant sector. This
was my only recourse. I will
never see my child smile again,
Captain. She will grow up
believing her father was a
traitor. But she will grow up.
(beat)
If you act, Picard. If we stop
the war before it begins...
Picard studies him a beat, unmoved...
PICARD
(softly, the obvious)
I cannot. And will not. Unless
I have your unequivocal
assistance.
Off Jarok's look...
53 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
All principals except Wesley and Picard. Picard
ENTERS.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT FOUR 44A.
53 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Admiral Jarok has provided me with
the strength, location and
tactical plans for the Romulan
fleet.
(reactions)
Mister La Forge, he is prepared
to give you data regarding
engines, weapons and cloaking
systems on the warbird class
starship. But I believe we'll
find his experience as a field
commander more valuable in a
strategic sense than in the
technical areas.
GEORDI
(blown away)
Any edge'll help, Captain.
PICARD
Don't depend on it. For all we
know, he may still be lying.
(beat)
We'll find out soon enough.
Number One, set a course for
Nelvana Three.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT FOUR 45.
54
thru OMITTED
56
57 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Holding at the Neutral Zone border.
DATA (V.O.)
Second officer's log,
supplemental. We are prepared
to enter the Neutral Zone in
direct violation of the Treaty
of Algeron.
58 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard in command... Data at Ops... Worf at Tactical...
Riker is conferring with supernumerary at Conn...
DATA (V.O.)
We must presume Romulan warships
are cloaked and monitoring us.
We expect swift and heavy
resistance as we approach Nelvana
Three.
59 RIKER - ECU
RIKER
Course plotted and laid in.
60 DATA - ECU
DATA
All decks showing condition red.
61 INT. ENGINEERING - GEORDI ECU
GEORDI
Engineering ready, sir.
62 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - WORF ECU
WORF
Defensive systems standing by.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT FOUR 46-49.
63 PICARD - ECU
A beat.
PICARD
Engage.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
64 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at warp speed.
65 INT. GUEST QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Jarok, sitting on his bed, lost in his personal
agony... glances out his window...
66 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER
Tactical?
WORF
Nothing on sensors.
Riker reacts surprised, concerned... moves to Picard...
RIKER
I don't like it... I would have
expected a greeting party...
PICARD
Number One, you echo another
noteworthy commander in a similar
circumstance. One of your
countrymen...
(off his look)
George Armstrong Custer when his
Seventh Cavalry arrived at the
Little Big Horn.
RIKER
May we have better luck.
DATA
Approaching Nelvana system.
RIKER
Engage impulse engines.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/16/89 - ACT FIVE 51.
67 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Entering the Nelvana system, the ship drops out of
warp... a stellar light revealed from a planet
crossing in front of the star suggests a dawning to
this day of battle... and the thoughtful viewer may
remember Shakespeare's words from the teaser.
68 INT. GUEST QUARTERS
Jarok waits and wonders.
69 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker moves to look over Worf's shoulder as he
continues to monitor the tactical sensors.
RIKER
Nelvana Three on screen.
70 ANGLE - MAIN VIEW SCREEN - NELVANA THREE
a dull, uninteresting rock... slowly approaches. Riker
moves back to Picard...
RIKER
Still no sign of them on
sensors...
(beat, trace of
discomfort)
In a way, I'd rather be fighting
my way there... it's too damned
easy.
PICARD
Prepare to enter standard orbit.
71 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship moves into orbit Nelvana Three.
72 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard and Riker on their feet now, standing between
conn and ops studying Nelvana III.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 52.
72 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Data?
DATA
Scanning the planet. No life
forms. No power sources. No
weapons systems.
RIKER
No indication of a base at all?
DATA
No sir.
PICARD
The subspace signal the probe
detected? The ionization
disturbances?
DATA
I am picking them up, sir... but I
cannot identify the source...
They... seem to be moving in an
orbital path with an eight hundred
kilometer apogee.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Have Jarok brought to the bridge.
RIKER
It's possible they abandoned the
base after he defected.
DATA
There is no scarring on the
planet surface that would denote
heavy construction of any kind.
RIKER
A cloaking device, perhaps...
something to hide the whole
base...
DATA
A cloaking device operating on
the surface would be given away
by visible distortion effects.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 52A.
72 CONTINUED: (2)
A security guard arrives with Jarok. They look at him
a beat as he ENTERS... as though he will now reveal
the truth. He doesn't.
PICARD
Perhaps you'd like to tell us why
we're here, Admiral.
Off his reaction...
RIKER
There doesn't seem to be a base.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 53.
72 CONTINUED: (3)
JAROK
(honestly confused)
I don't understand...
Motioning to the viewscreen --
PICARD
Nelvana Three, Admiral... no base,
no weapons, no sign of life at
all.
Stunned, moving toward the screen...
JAROK
But I saw the tactical
communiques... records...
timetables for completion... an
entire legion was assigned to the
mission...
Picard studies the face of the Romulan.
PICARD
Could they have been feeding you
disinformation?
Slow push to Jarok.
PICARD
(continuing)
You said you had been censored.
Reassigned four months ago. They
knew of your dissatisfaction...
could this have been a test of
your loyalty?
JAROK
(uncertain)
No... no, that's impossible...
PICARD
They let you escape with an
arsenal of worthless secrets...
what other explanation is there?
RIKER
Captain, permission to withdraw
from the Neutral Zone.
PICARD
Proceed.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 54.
72 CONTINUED: (4)
RIKER
Helm a hundred eighty degrees about.
Get us out of here, Geordi...
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
I hear you, Commander...
As Jarok continues to stare at the planet with his
mouth open in confusion...
73 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Turning course... but as it turns suddenly three
Romulan warbirds UNCLOAK...
74 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
Three Romulan warships
uncloaking... coordinates...
(no time for that)
They're firing photon torpedoes...
75 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise is struck by the torpedoes from all
three ships....
76 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Shaking from the impact...
WORF
Shields holding...
RIKER
Damage...
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Minor damage in the secondary
hull... power transfer fields may
be pinched off... working on it...
More hits rock them...
WORF
Captain... ?
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 55.
76 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Not yet, Mister Worf.
(beat)
This is just a tap on the
shoulder. Or we wouldn't be here
talking about it.
And we may wonder for the moment what that is about...
then the assault ends and...
WORF
They're hailing us, Captain...
PICARD
On screen...
77 ANGLE - THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Reveals the same Romulan commander (TOMALAK), the smug
bastard who confronted Picard at Galorndon Core.
TOMALAK
Captain Picard, I hardly expected
to see you again so soon. It
seems this time you are the one
who has made an aggressive move
across the Neutral Zone...
PICARD
Commander Tomalak, as I suspect
you already know, we have
responded to a warning of a
Romulan incursion on Nelvana
Three...
TOMALAK
But, Captain, as you can see,
there is no incursion...
PICARD
There is the matter of an
unidentified subspace radio
emission... and ionization
distubrances...
TOMALAK
Ah, you must mean our orbiting
probe... we are studying Nelvana
Three for...
(lying)
archaeological research...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 55A.
77 CONTINUED:
PICARD
With a cloaked satellite...
TOMALAK
Really, Captain, would you have
us believe this satellite is an
excuse for your aggressive charge
across the Neutral Zone?
PICARD
Believe whatever you wish,
Tomalak. We will be on our way.
TOMALAK
Without even an apology, Captain?
Picard is furious.
PICARD
If an apology will do, I will
offer it.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/20/89 - ACT FIVE 56.
77 CONTINUED: (2)
TOMALAK
I'm afraid it won't. So I will
save you the humiliation.
PICARD
Get to it, Tomalak.
TOMALAK
You see, Picard, after we dissect
your Enterprise for every precious
bit of information, I plan to
display its broken hull in the
center of the Romulan capitol as
a symbol of our victory. It will
inspire our armies for generations
to come and serve as a warning to
any other traitor who would create
ripples of disloyalty.
Jarok now understands what has happened... cannot hold
it in any longer... moving forward to confront
Tomalak...
JAROK
All the communiques, the records,
the timetables... they were
fiction, written for my benefit...
it was all a... a test... a test
of my loyalty... and you used me
to lure the Enterprise into the
Neutral Zone.
TOMALAK
(bored, interrupting)
First, Captain, you will return
the traitor, Jarok... then you
will surrender as prisoners of
war...
PICARD
Do you seriously expect me to
agree to those terms?
TOMALAK
No, Captain Picard, I expect you
won't.
(beat)
You have thirty seconds to decide.
PICARD
I do not require one second.
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 57.
77 CONTINUED: (3)
TOMALAK
Captain Picard, I urge you.
Surrender. Consider the men and
women you would lead into a lost
cause.
PICARD
If the cause is just and
honorable, they are prepared to
give their lives. Are you
prepared to die today, Tomalak?
TOMALAK
I expected more from you than an
idle threat, Picard.
PICARD
And so you shall have it. Now,
Mister Worf.
Prearranged signal --
WORF
Aye, Captain...
Worf presses a panel on the tactical command sending
a signal that results in --
78 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Surrounded by the three Romulan ships... and suddenly
the Romulan ships are surrounded as three Klingon Birds
of Prey MATERIALIZE.
79 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
WORF
Klingon vessels are armed and
ready, Captain.
Tomalak blinks.
PICARD
What shall it be, Tomalak?
Tomalak looks long and hard at Picard...
TOMALAK
You will still not survive our
assault...
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 58.
79 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Nor will you survive ours,
Commander. Shall we die
together... ?
A long look at Picard and then Tomalak slowly grins.
TOMALAK
I look forward to our next
meeting, Captain.
He nods a nod of respect a la the Red Baron... and the
transmission disappears, returns to starfield, showing
the six ships.
WORF
Romulan disruptors powering down,
Captain.
80 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Romulan warships DISAPPEAR. Klingon ships
remain.
81 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD
Mister Worf, extend the
appreciation of the Federation...
and my personal gratitude... to
the Klingons.
WORF
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Take us home, Number One.
Riker acknowledges, pausing to note Jarok, the man who
cannot go home again. Slow push to him...
JAROK
I did it... for nothing. My home,
my family. For nothing.
HARD CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "The Defector" - REV. 10/18/89 - ACT FIVE 59.
82 INT. CORRIDOR
Data and Picard urgently on the move... reaching an
doorway where a guard stands... several medical
technicians, Beverly and Riker are already inside....
83 INT. GUEST QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Jarok is on the bed, dead, lying face up, eyes closed
at peace. To Picard as he ENTERS --
BEVERLY
He ingested a Felodesine chip.
He must have brought it with him.
I'm sorry, Captain... there was
no antidote.
Riker hands him a letter on a PADD.
RIKER
A letter to his wife and
daughter.
DATA
Sir, he must have known it would
be impossible for us to deliver
this.
Picard gives it to him, nods. A last look as they take
him away.
PICARD
Today, perhaps... but if there
are others as courageous as
Admiral Jarok... there is hope
for a day of peace when we can
take his letter home.
As they EXIT...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END