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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The High Ground"
#40273-160
Written by
Melinda M. Snodgrass
Directed by
Gabrielle Beaumont
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 This script is not for publication or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.
FINAL DRAFT
NOVEMBER 3, 1989
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/03/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The High Ground"
CAST
PICARD KYRIL FINN
RIKER ALEXANA DEVOS
DATA POLICE OFFICER
BEVERLY WAITER/KATIK
TROI
GEORDI
WORF
WESLEY Non-Speaking
RUTIANS IN PLAZA
RUTIAN POLICE
ANSATA TERRORISTS
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/03/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The High Ground"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM RUTIAN PLAZA
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
TRANSPORTER ROOM INDOOR/OUTDOOR CAFE
MAIN ENGINEERING
SICKBAY
CORRIDOR
ALEXANA'S OFFICE
CAVERN
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/03/89 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The High Ground"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ANSATA Ahn-SAH-tah
ALEXANA Alex-AH-nah
DEVOS DEH-vohs
KYRIL KIH-rill
KATIK KAH-tick
RUTIA RUE-tee-ah
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The High Ground"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise in orbit around a planet.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43510.7.
The Enterprise has put in at Rutia
Four to deliver medical supplies
following an outbreak of violent
protests.
2 EXT. PLAZA - DAY - ESTABLISHING
Shops, a cafe, people strolling. A modern community.
Beverly, Data and Worf are walking through the plaza.
PICARD (V.O.)
Although non-aligned, the planet
has enjoyed a long trading
relationship with the Federation.
Beverly spots the cafe, and stops.
BEVERLY
We've still got a few minutes
before our next meeting...
Worf scans the plaza. Everything seem calm. They
ENTER, and seat themselves at a table.
A WAITER stands by the door staring intently into the
plaza. He does not acknowledge the presence of the
Starfleet officers. Beverly is becoming annoyed, she
lifts her hand, signalling for service.
BEVERLY
Excuse me --
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
Suddenly, a bomb EXPLODES destroying a shop...
wounding several passers-by... people react, scared,
running...
QUICK PAN TO:
3 INT. INDOOR/OUTDOOR CAFE
DATA, WORF, BEVERLY at a table... already reacting,
Beverly on her feet, moving to help... Worf concerned
for her safety...
WORF
Doctor...
She ignores him, moves into the plaza... From outside
they HEAR SCREAMS and CRIES, and the WAILING of an
alert. Worf and Data are moving after her... behind
them, at the door, the waiter watches with interest,
also moves outside...
4 EXT. PLAZA
A scene of chaos. Shattered glass lies glittering on
the pavement. Dust and debris from the explosion is
settling. A jet of some escaping gas pours from a
broken pipe. Three people are down, all of them
showing blood.
5 ANGLE - TWO POLICEMEN
ENTER. Beverly starts to move to the first victim, but
an officer draws a phaser, and blocks her way.
BEVERLY
Put that thing away. I'm a
doctor.
Beverly isn't waiting for permission. She shoulders
past him. Beverly drops down next to a casualty, pulls
out her tricorder and examines him...
BEVERLY
Just lie still... don't try to
move...
Turning to Worf and Data --
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - TEASER 3.
5 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Lieutenant, I need bandages...
Disinfectant... something with
alcohol in it ...
WORF
Doctor, it is not safe...
BEVERLY
That's an order, Mister Worf...
Worf hesitates only briefly, exchanging a glance with
Data, goes toward the restaurant... as she moves to
look at another victim...
BEVERLY
There's a lot of bleeding, but
it's not as bad as it looks.
Don't be afraid.
The policeman looks at Data...
POLICEMAN
The Klingon is right. These
Ansata... they're madmen... there
could be another bomb.
(to the others)
Clear this area. Everyone out
of the plaza.
DATA
Doctor, a return to the Enterprise
would be prudent.
She just looks at him, continues her work.
DATA
This planet does have
physicians...
BEVERLY
Who aren't here yet. I am.
Worf comes back out of the restaurant with some
ripped-up tablecloths, some liquor bottles... he's
helped by the waiter who crosses to Beverly... as she
takes the materials, immediately begins to utilize them
in emergency care... she barely glances up at the
waiter who is interested in what she's doing... a
throwaway line --
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - TEASER 3A.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
Thank you.
WAITER
Not at all, Doctor.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - TEASER 4.
5 CONTINUED: (2)
He moves away... takes a beat at the entrance to the
cafe to look back again, thoughtfully, then enters...
6 ANOTHER ANGLE - DATA
DATA
Captain, there has been an
incident.
INTERCUT TO:
7 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and Riker at their usual stations.
Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.
DATA
(continuing)
... A bomb has been detonated by
the Ansata terrorists.
PICARD
Your security status?
DATA
Vulnerable, sir.
PICARD
Transporter Room Three, lock onto
the away team, prepare to beam
them back...
ENGINEER'S VOICE
Yes, Captain.
DATA
Sir, I recommended such a course,
but there are several wounded
people and Doctor Crusher...
PICARD
(frowns, interrupting)
Yes, I understand. Picard to
Doctor Crusher...
8 ANGLE ON BEVERLY
keys her insignia... continues to work...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - TEASER 5.
8 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Go ahead.
PICARD
I've been advised of your
situation by Mister Data.
BEVERLY
I already know what you're going
to say.
PICARD
(annoyed)
Doctor, will you at least allow
me to...
BEVERLY
The longer we argue, the
longer...
PICARD
You are endangering yourself and
the away team...
BEVERLY
Captain, right now, I'm trying
to pull a life back into a wounded
body with brandy and sleight of
hand. I'm not going anywhere...
Data and Worf don't have to stay.
Crusher out.
PICARD
Transporter Room, do you have lock
on the away team?
ENGINEER'S VOICE
Aye, sir. Shall I transport them?
Picard looks in frustration to Riker.
RIKER
I wouldn't want to be in the
Transporter Room to greet her.
PICARD
(a beat)
Picard to Data. Hold your
position until the Rutian medics
arrive.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - TEASER 6.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Aye, Captain.
END INTERCUT.
9 EXT. PLAZA
The WAILING of emergency vehicles is much closer.
Beverly continues to treat the wounded. Worf is
running tricorder scans of the buildings. Data moves
to him...
WORF
The tricorder is not reading any
other explosive devices in this
vicinity...
10 ANGLE - AN WOMAN IN AUTHORITY (ALEXANA)
arrives, accompanied by security guards... glances at
Data and Worf as she passes... examines the scene...
11 ANGLE - THE WAITER
moves barely outside the door of the restaurant to
watch...
12 THE SCENE (OPTICAL)
as an extraordinary arc of light appears...
simultaneous with his arrival is a SOUND like lighting
finding ground. A CRACK of almost concussive
proportions. A MAN who seems to literally appear out
of the light. He wears a shoulder device. And he
looks to be in definite pain as he arrives. People
begin running ... because it is nothing new... in
quick cuts --
13 DATA AND WORF
react...
14 ALEXANA
is shielded by her guards...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - TEASER 7.
15 BEVERLY
turns and finds the man inches away... she recoils, but
the man catches her by the arm.
16 ANGLE - A GUARD (OPTICAL)
goes for his weapon, and the terrorist shoots from the
hip killing the guard. The terrorist strengthens his
hold on Beverly as...
17 DATA AND WORF
reach for their phasers... they don't have a clear shot
through the crowd... and as they jockey forward for
position...
18 BEVERLY AND THE TERRORIST (OPTICAL)
BEVERLY
You don't understand... I'm a
doc...
And then they're gone... VANISHING into a new burst of
light. On Data and Worf's reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/10/89 - ACT ONE 8.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
19 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit.
20 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker listen to Data and Worf's report...
DATA
A transporter would leave
residual ionization in the air...
but the tricorder readings found
no trace after the incident...
RIKER
People don't just appear and
disappear... there has to be some
way to track her...
DATA
We have been unable to detect the
signal from her communicator.
It has either been deactivated or
she is being held in a shielded
location.
A long beat... Picard angry, deep in thought. Then,
softly --
PICARD
Why... her?
WORF
Sir, I believe she was the
intended target of the abduction.
RIKER
Why would they want a Federation
hostage? Their fight doesn't
involve us.
WORF
It does now.
On reactions...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE 9.
21 INT. CAVERN
A perimeter of light holds the stygian darkness at
bay. In some places movable screens augment the
natural stone wall which have formed to create a
sense of privacy.
Beverly is in a secluded area with rock walls on three
sides. The alcove is furnished simply -- a cot, a
small table, and a folding chair. Beverly is seated
on the camp bed. Her hands and ankles have been bound,
and she shifts uncomfortably. She is angry and afraid,
and trying to hide it.
A MAN, KYRIL FINN enters. Beverly swallows hard, lifts
her chin, and tries to stare him down, but she ends up
looking only anxious.
Finn is an attractive man in his early thirties, but
he has an air of shyness and awkwardness which seems
out of place with his combat style clothing, and the
phaser he wears. His hair's a little too long and wavy
for serious bad-ass. In fact, with his hunch
shouldered stance and one hand dug deep into his pocket
he looks like a man trying to be overlooked. In his
other hand, he has a plate of food.
FINN
Are you hungry? Do you want
something to eat?
She just stares at him. Scared, doing bravado.
FINN
I doesn't matter to me. You
want to be hungry? Be hungry.
He sits in front of her... picks at the food, eating
with his hands...
FINN
What's your name?
No response.
FINN
You're a doctor on a Federation
starship?
(beat)
I always wondered what it would
be like to travel across the
galaxy.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE 10.
21 CONTINUED:
FINN (Cont'd)
(rueful, self-deprecating)
It's not something I've exactly
had time for.
Stonewalling him. He shrugs.
FINN
This isn't the best way to meet
new people, is it?
He stands.
FINN
If you want something, just ask
for me -- Kyril Finn.
(a beat)
They know me.
He EXITS and takes the plate of food with him. As
he exits, she looks down, angry, helpless...
22 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM - CLOSE ON WESLEY
who has just heard the news. Pulling back to reveal...
TROI
We have no reason to believe she's
been hurt in any way...
PICARD
In fact, it's more likely that
they will take good care of her...
if they want to use her as a
bargaining chip.
WESLEY
(beat)
A bargaining chip?
TROI
The innocent become the pawns in
a conflict like this, Wesley.
Picard thinks a beat, stands... begins to move around
the desk toward Wes.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT ONE 11.
22 CONTINUED:
PICARD
The Ansata separatists have been
trying for generations to be freed
from the rule of the Eastern
Continent. If they can get the
government to even acknowledge
their demands, then kidnapping
your mother will have served a
purpose.
He leans on his desk.
PICARD
(continuing)
That may be what they are after.
It may not. Frankly, I don't
care. All I care about is getting
her back, Wesley... In a few
minutes, we're leaving to meet
with the authorities...
WESLEY
(interrupting)
Request permission to be on the
away team, sir.
PICARD
No. You have an important job
to do here. If we are to find
your mother, we must have a way
to trace the movements of these
terrorists. I want you on the
team that will investigate this
new technology of theirs.
WESLEY
I understand.
PICARD
Report to Mister Data. Dismissed.
He exits. Picard glances at Troi. They share a
moment. She acknowledges his efforts.
TROI
He needs your strength right now.
PICARD
(beat)
History has shown us that strength
may be useless in the face of
terrorism, Counselor.
Off Troi's reaction...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT ONE 12.
23 INT. ALEXANA'S OFFICE - DAY
Alexana Devos, a striking woman in her late thirties,
meets with Picard and Riker. (This is the same woman
we saw in the teaser.) Tall and athletic, she is a
natural born leader. But she is also a woman under
great pressure, caught up in a struggle that she's no
longer sure she can win. Trying to deal with a hundred
problems at once has left her preoccupied and driven
and almost burned out. She is sitting down at a desk
littered with isolinear reader chips. On one wall are
monitors that provide a running text of current police
activity. She studies them intently.
PICARD
What exactly is Ansata policy in
regard to hostages?
ALEXANA
I doubt they have one. They don't
usually take hostages.
The implications of such a strategy is not lost on
Picard or Riker. She turns to face them...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE 13.
23 CONTINUED:
ALEXANA
These aren't people we're dealing
with here. They're animals...
(her anger rising)
Fanatics, who kill without remorse
or conscience... who think nothing
of murdering innocent people.
PICARD
They could just as easily have
shot her where she stood...
ALEXANA
(acknowledges)
Don't ask me to explain them.
I can't. The atrocities I've
seen...
A beat as Alexana forces herself to gain her composure.
ALEXANA
And now they have this new device
that makes them even more deadly.
How do I combat an enemy who fails
to register on any scanner until
they're literally standing in
front of you with a phaser pointed
at your head?
RIKER
What can you tell us about this
device?
Alexana removes an armband from a drawer, and tosses
it onto the desk.
ALEXANA
Not much, really.
Picard picks up the device, and inspects it, hands
it to Riker. Over this Alexana continues.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/5/89 - ACT ONE 14.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
ALEXANA (cont'd)
They first started using it two
months ago. We've taken several
of these off dead terrorists.
Our people have looked at them...
Nothing they can explain...
RIKER
You mind if we take this with
us... give our people a chance
to study it?
ALEXANA
Not at all. And I'll put you in
touch with our research people, if
you wish.
PICARD
I appreciate your help.
ALEXANA
(a wry smile)
Perhaps if we found ourselves in
possession of some of that
advanced Federation weaponry of
yours it would shift the balance
of power back to our favor.
PICARD
That we cannot do for you.
ALEXANA
(as she expected)
No, of course not.
Picard rises. The others follow suit.
PICARD
I would like to leave Commander
Riker to assist in your search
for Doctor Crusher.
As she walks them to the door:
ALEXANA
(it won't help)
If you like...
RIKER
You don't sound very optimistic.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT ONE 15.
23 CONTINUED: (3)
ALEXANA
I know my enemy, Commander...
They don't leave much room for
optimism.
Off Picard and Riker's worried expressions.
24 INT. CAVERN
As before, Finn enters with a plate of food. Same line
--
FINN
Are you hungry? Do you want
something to eat?
She's looking quite a bit more tired than before. But
she's still not willing to respond... at least not on
the first volley.
He studies her... puts down the plate, moves to her...
Beverly can't control the impulse. She shrinks back in
fear.
FINN
Relax, I'm just going to...
He indicates her bonds. He drops to one knee, and
releases her ankles. (And note: that despite his
rumpled, good guy attitude there is a side of this that
could be considered torture, manipulation, setting up
dependency.)
FINN
Come on. Eat something. What's
the point of not eating? You're
the only one who suffers. Do I
look like it's bothering me?
Okay, it's bothering me.
He picks up the plate and holds it out in front of her.
She finally takes it... begins to pick up the meat with
her fingers, eats...
FINN
No forks. Sorry.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE 16.
24 CONTINUED:
A beat as he watches her eat, pleased with this
victory.
FINN
Did I mention my name is Finn?
And you're... ?
A beat.
BEVERLY
Why have you brought me here?
FINN
I need a doctor.
BEVERLY
There are doctors on Rutia.
FINN
I need someone better... I heard
you were here from the Federation
flagship and I knew you had to
be...
BEVERLY
How did you know that?
FINN
I heard.
(beat)
Now you'll help me. Just like
you help them...
BEVERLY
What are you talking about?
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT ONE 17.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
FINN
(angry)
Your ship carries medical
supplies for them... for the other
side... why does the Federation
ally itself with the Rutians...
BEVERLY
We didn't... all we did was to
bring...
FINN
Medical supplies...
BEVERLY
People were hurt...
FINN
I know. I hurt them.
He grabs the food dish out of her hands. Stands.
FINN
You're finished eating. Get up.
When she looks up at him, hesitating with fear... he
reaches down and pulls her up roughly...
FINN
Get up.
He indicates for her to precede him out of the alcove,
and she begins to obey. They start out into the cave
proper. Beverly suddenly pauses, and looks up at him.
She is embarrassed by the non-sequitur, but can't
control herself.
BEVERLY
I have... a son.
FINN
You'll be with him again, Doctor.
I see no reason to kill you.
The inference being if he did see a reason later, he
might. As he waits for her to move by him, the perfect
gentleman... she looks at him, finally moves forward
and we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
25 INT. CAVERN
For the first time, we see full breadth of the rebel
camp... as Finn and Beverly move by, a pair of
children, one watches while the other cleans a
weapon... people look over at Beverly, exchange looks
with Finn who nods confidently -- he's got this under
control.
He leads her to a section of the cave that has been
set aside as an infirmary. A section of the cave has
been set aside as an infirmary. Five patients rest
on cots. A couple are bandaged, but don't seem to be
in much distress. The other three are thrashing,
delirious with pain. One of them is the man who
kidnapped Beverly. He motions to her -- this is my
problem... she looks at them with concern... gets down
on her knees, runs a tricorder scan checks the
readings... shakes her head...
BEVERLY
I need instruments from my ship
to diagnose something like this...
FINN
(straight)
You think if I allowed you to call
your ship, they would transport
your instruments... ?
BEVERLY
When I inform the captain how
serious the situation is, I'm sure
he'll agree. I've told you, Finn,
the Federation is not allied with
Rutians... we came on an errand
of mercy...
FINN
(straight)
And since the Federation does not
wish to take sides, he will send
you the medical supplies we need.
BEVERLY
Absolutely.
A beat before he grins... signals a TERRORIST BOY
about twelve who comes over, carrying a box...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO 19.
25 CONTINUED:
FINN
I anticipated your needs.
The boy opens the box to reveal an impressive array of
medical instruments. She reacts.
BEVERLY
These are Federation supplies...
we just delivered them to the
medical dispensary this morning...
FINN
(shrugs)
I heard.
Off her reaction, as she reaches in for an
instrument...
26 INT. ALEXANA'S OFFICE - DAY
Alexana and Riker are studying files on the wall
monitors. A seemingly never-ending inventory of names,
addresses and police records.
RIKER
You're telling me all these people
belong to the Ansata?
ALEXANA
Not really. We suspect the
organization itself only consists
of some two hundred members. There
are over five thousand names on
this list. Citizens we know to
be sympathetic to their cause.
They pass along weaponry and
information. March in pro-Ansata
demonstrations... participate in
general strikes.. or the
occasional riot.
Riker shakes his head in disbelief.
RIKER
How did all of this ever get
started?
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT TWO 20.
26 CONTINUED:
ALEXANA
We denied them independence.
That gave them a noble cause...
seventy years ago.
(bitterly)
And now it's just an excuse for
more violence.
RIKER
You hate them as much as they hate
you.
ALEXANA
Believe it or not I always
considered myself moderate.
RIKER
What changed your mind?
ALEXANA
(shrugging, take your
pick)
Being stationed here the last six
months. Watching the body count
grow. The three assassination
attempts on my life.
RIKER
I can see where that could affect
your point of view.
ALEXANA
But I guess the event that really
opened my eyes took place only
a few days after my arrival. A
terrorist bomb destroyed a
shuttlebus... sixty school
children. There were no
survivors.
A beat as Riker absorbs this information.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/9/89 - ACT TWO 21.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
ALEXANA
The Ansata claimed it was a
mistake. That their intended
target was a police transport.
As if that made everything all
right.
(a beat)
That day I vowed to put an end
to terrorism in this city. And
I will.
A grim smile from Riker. It's not a smile of approval.
Rather it's one of respect. This is clearly not a
woman to be taken lightly. As she turns back to study
the computer screen...
CUT TO:
27 INT. CAVERN
Beverly is finishing her examinations, as the terrorist
boy assists her.
BEVERLY
(to the boy)
Thank you. You're very helpful...
you could learn to do this when
you grow up...
(beat)
... if you grow up.
The boy just looks at her curiously.
27A ANGLE
Finn is chatting off to the side with some of his
friends... sees that she's finished, breaks off and
moves toward her... She moves away from the
patients...
BEVERLY
They're dying.
He reacts... really quite stunned.
BEVERLY
I'm seeing a complicated set of
conditions... their DNA is warped
somehow; it's disrupting their
entire cellular chemistry...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO 21A.
27A CONTINUED:
FINN
You can't do anything?
BEVERLY
I can make them more comfortable.
That's all. The damage is too
extensive.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT TWO 22.
27A CONTINUED: (2)
Finn's eyes grow dark... he looks sadly at his
comrades, moves a step or two away from Beverly as he
whispers something we don't hear, perhaps a prayer.
Beverly studies him. He looks at her... begins to
walk.
BEVERLY
If I could detect the condition
earlier...
FINN
... you would be able to reverse
the damage?
BEVERLY
Perhaps. I don't know.
(beat)
What happened to them...
FINN
It's the inverter.
They move to the equipment... the shoulder harnesses,
generator, other tech equipment.
FINN
(irony)
It has given our cause a new life.
But asks for our lives in return.
BEVERLY
What does it do?
FINN
We transport through a dimensional
shift that the Rutian sensors
can't trace.
BEVERLY
Dimensional shifting? You can't
do that with humanoid tissue.
FINN
There are risks... the designers
warned us... but it works.
She looks at him, finds this incredible. She uses her
tricorder to examine him...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO 23.
27A CONTINUED: (3)
BEVERLY
You're showing the same distorted
readings. Not as severe as the
others but --
FINN
(brushing it off)
Doesn't matter.
BEVERLY
It does if it kills you.
FINN
(simply)
Don't you know? A dead martyr's
worth ten posturing leaders.
On her reaction...
28 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
At the pool table, Wesley and Data are examining one
of the Ansata armbands... that they have opened...
DATA
A subspace field coil with an
isolated power source...
curious...
WESLEY
How could something this small
manage to get them anywhere?
At the console, Geordi has seen something on a monitor,
reacts...
GEORDI
Hey, guys... look at this...
Wesley takes the Ansata armband, as they move to
Geordi.
GEORDI
The Rutian team picked up a faint
nuclear vibration during the
terrorist movements...
WESLEY
(mind thinking)
Nuclear vibration...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/5/89 - ACT TWO 24.
28 CONTINUED:
DATA
That could possibly indicate
subspace transition rebound during
transport...
WESLEY
(coming to him)
Wait a minute... computer, call
up files on... what was it
called...
(excited, to Data and
Geordi)
We spent an hour on it in my
astral physics course last year...
folded space transport...
GEORDI
(connecting)
Alternate dimensions...
DATA
Are you referring to the Elway
Theorem?
WESLEY
Yes... computer, files on the
Elway Theorem... what if they're
moving inter-dimensionally?
DATA
But the Elway Theorem proved to
be entirely inaccurate... all
research was abandoned by the mid-
twenty-third century...
Looking at the monitors as the files come up...
WESLEY
Data, look at it... the faint
nuclear vibration is consistent...
and Elway used an isolated field
coil just like this one.
GEORDI
It would be untraceable by any
standard sensing device.
DATA
But it was proven to be fatal.
To use this technology would be
an irrational act.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO 25.
29 ANGLE - PICARD
ENTERS, having overheard the last two speeches...
PICARD
We may well be dealing with
irrational people, Data. Is there
a way to trace this... ?
GEORDI
(checking with his
colleagues)
With an adaptive subspace
echogram, maybe... ?
DATA
If anyone is willing to transport
in this manner, Captain, they
would suffer significant internal
damage which could be detected.
PICARD
(adding it up)
And it sounds as though they might
require the services of... a
doctor.
Reactions.
30 EXT. PLAZA - DAY
It's a round-up. Uniformed police officers have people
stopped.
The twenty-fourth century version of papers (a transparent
triangle shaped card which is read by a light pen) are
being checked.
Alexana and Riker, in the company of her security
guards watch the proceedings.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - ACT TWO 26.
31
thru OMITTED
32
33 NEW ANGLE
As the waiter we saw in the teaser is taken into
custody. He glares at Riker and Alexana as he's taken
away.
34 BACK TO RIKER AND ALEXANA
RIKER
This is no way to live.
ALEXANA
For us or them?
RIKER
For both of you.
ALEXANA
I know it's not pretty, Riker.
But this is what terrorism has
done to this city.
RIKER
There must be a better way than
this to deal with it.
ALEXANA
I know my methods seem harsh but
believe me, they're gentle
compared to my predecessors.
Suspects would be brought into
police headquarters and...
mysteriously vanish. I put a stop
to that.
RIKER
And what happened to this
predecessor of yours?
ALEXANA
He was murdered.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO 27.
34 CONTINUED:
As Riker reacts, a woman and her son -- a boy about
Wesley's age -- are fettered with twenty-fourth century
handcuffs are led away.
For some reason, this arrest affects Riker more than
the others, and his tone is sharp.
RIKER
Are you going to tell me that
boy's a threat?
ALEXANA
It's possible.
(a beat)
That shuttlebus I told you
about... the bomb was set by a
teenager.
Riker can only shake his head. He's getting fed up
with the whole situation.
ALEXANA
And in a world where children blow
up children... everyone's a
threat.
And as they watch the round-up continue:
CUT TO:
35 INT. CAVERN
The infirmary. Beverly is trying to ease the three
patients who are suffering from the dimensional effect.
She is suffering with them and for them, because
there's nothing she can do except make them
comfortable. She administers a hypo to the young
woman, then sits next to her on the bed, and clasps the
girl's hand. The terrorist boy is eager to assist.
Finn is seated on a low rock wall which surrounds the
infirmary. Beverly is unaware of him for she is intent
on her patients. He is sketching, but periodically
he looks up and studies Beverly.
36 ANGLE ON BEVERLY
As she becomes aware of the scrutiny. She looks up,
annoyed, and notices Finn.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO 28.
36 CONTINUED:
He is the source of all her troubles, and so frowns,
but then becomes puzzled at his actions.
Beverly stands, and circles around the cots and the
walls to come up behind him.
37 ANGLE ON - THE SKETCH PAD
It is a very fine sketch of Beverly's hands clasping
the girl's.
BEVERLY
You should be drawing, not
killing people.
FINN
I can do both.
And his attitude infuriates her.
BEVERLY
How can you have such a casual
attitude toward killing?
FINN
(without humor)
I take my killing very seriously,
Doctor.
She shakes her head, unable to understand this man.
FINN
(shrugs her off)
You are an idealist...
BEVERLY
I live in an ideal culture...
there is no need for your kind
of violence... we've proven that.
He looks at her, grunts.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO 29.
37 CONTINUED:
FINN
Your origins on Earth are from
the American continent, are they
not?
BEVERLY
North America.
FINN
I have read your history books.
This is a war for independence.
I am no different than your own
George Washington...
BEVERLY
Washington was a military general.
He was not a terrorist.
FINN
Doctor, the difference between
a general and terrorist is only
the difference between winners
and losers. You win, you're
called a general. You lose...
BEVERLY
You are killing innocent people...
Can't you see the immorality of
what you're doing... or have you
killed so often, you've become
blind to it?
Finn looks at her, shakes his head at her naivete.
FINN
How much innocent blood has been
spilled for the cause of freedom
in the history of your Federation,
Doctor? How many good and noble
societies have bombed civilians
in war? Wiped out whole cities.
And now that you enjoy the comfort
that has come from their battles,
their killing... you frown on my
immorality... ? Doctor, I am
willing to die for my freedom.
And, in the finest tradition of
your own great civilization, I'm
willing to kill for it too.
And as he leaves her to think about that...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
38 INT. ALEXANA'S OFFICE
Riker and Alexana have just finished interviewing one
of the detainees from the round-up. He stares sullenly
at them as Alexana dismisses him with:
ALEXANA
(curtly)
All right you can go.
She nods to one of her security guards who stands
inside the doorway. The security guard waits for the
detainee to get out of his chair and then escorts him
out of the office. This has been going on a long time.
Riker paces around, tense and frustrated.
ALEXANA
If you want, I could become more
persuasive.
Riker refuses to even consider it.
RIKER
No.
Alexana nods, accepting, if not totally agreeing with
his decision.
The security guard enters with the waiter who is
nervous but defiant. Seats him. Alexana consults her
wall screen computer.
ALEXANA
You're Katik Shaw, the waiter from
the Lumar Cafe.
(he nods)
You witnessed both the explosion
and the kidnapping.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE 31.
38 CONTINUED:
KATIK
I saw nothing.
Riker's impatience is growing.
ALEXANA
We are aware of your ties with
the Ansata... For all we know
you planted the bomb yourself...
Where have they taken her?
KATIK
I don't know what you're talking
about.
RIKER
I've had enough of this.
Before Alexana can respond, Riker places himself
between her and the prisoner.
RIKER
(to Katik)
I want you to take a message back
to your people. Tell them the
Federation is willing to negotiate
for the release of Doctor Crusher.
ALEXANA
Riker... !
Riker cuts her off.
RIKER
She's a Starfleet officer. That
makes her my responsibility.
Alexana's silence is a tacit agreement.
RIKER
(to Katik)
Your side has demands, we're
willing to listen to them. We
want her back. It's as simple
as that.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE 32.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
Katik studies Riker trying to deceive whether there's
any truth behind the officer's words. After a beat,
Riker moves away.
RIKER
(continuing; to Alexana)
I don't think it's necessary to
detain this gentleman any longer.
Katik looks over at Alexana, figures there's no way
she'll let him go so easily. Alexana glances at Riker
who is also waiting for her response. Finally she
breaks the silence.
ALEXANA
(to Katik)
Get out.
Katik tries to hide his amazement. He hurries out of
the room before she can change her mind.
ALEXANA
I should have him followed, but
we'll try it your way.
RIKER
Is that what you want?
She sits down at her desk. Suddenly she seems very
weary.
ALEXANA
What I want is to go home. Back
to my own country. To leave
behind the roundups, the
interrogations, the bodies lying
in the street. To be able to walk
without bodyguards, and not have
to jump at every unexpected noise.
That's what I want Riker.
She leans back in her chair, angry.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE 33.
39 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard is standing by Data who is working at Science
One. Supernumeraries at Conn, Ops and Tactical.
DATA
The dimensional jump creates a
subspace pressure modulation,
Captain. By setting up a
magnetosphere faint echogram that
can monitor each of their
movements, we may be able to
collect enough data to trace their
power source.
PICARD
Can you estimate the number of
jumps it will take?
DATA
Dimensional shifting is such an
unstable procedure that I cannot
say.
Picard acknowledges... as he starts to move away, Data
continues, stops him.
DATA
Captain, I am finding it difficult
to understand many aspects of
Ansata conduct. Much of their
behavioral norm would be defined
by my program as unnecessary and
unacceptable.
PICARD
And by my... "program" as well,
Data.
DATA
But, if that is so, Captain, why
are their methods often
successful?
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE 34.
39 CONTINUED:
DATA (Cont'd)
(off Picard's reaction)
I have been reviewing the history
of armed rebellion and it appears
that terrorism is an effective
way to promote political change.
PICARD
I have never subscribed to the
theory that political power flows
from the barrel of a gun, Data...
DATA
In most instances, you would be
correct. But there are numerous
examples where it was
successful... the independence
of the Mexican State from Spain,
the Irish Unification of 2024,
the Kenzie Rebellion...
PICARD
Yes, I'm aware of them...
DATA
Then, would it be accurate to say
that terrorism is acceptable when
the options for peaceful
settlement have been foreclosed?
PICARD
Data, we cannot condone violence.
DATA
Even in response to violence?
Picard looks at him.
PICARD
These are questions that mankind
has been struggling with since
creation. I am afraid your
confusion, Data... is only human.
On Data's reaction...
40 INT. CAVERN
Finn is sketching again... studying Beverly as she
works among the patients...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE 35.
40 CONTINUED:
The FLASH (O.S.)... Finn turns to see the waiter
coming toward him as the terrorist boy comes over and
takes his shoulder harness from him...
WAITER
Everyone is being rounded up.
He glances at Beverly who looks back curiously...
FINN
Because of her?
WAITER
(acknowledges)
The Federation wants to negotiate
her release...
FINN
... while they arrange for the
Rutian police to fill up the
detention cells...
WAITER
(nods in agreement)
A Starfleet officer is working
with the director. He wants a
meeting with you.
FINN
I'm sure he does.
He shakes his head... looks at Beverly... looks at the
sketch in his hand...
41 THE SKETCH
is of Beverly...
42 FINN
acknowledges away the waiter, moves toward her...
FINN
Your Federation colleagues have
engineered mass arrests to
pressure me into releasing you.
BEVERLY
I'm sure you've misunderstood...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - ACT THREE 36.
42 CONTINUED:
FINN
They are working with the police.
He's seen it with his own eyes.
BEVERLY
All they want is to get me back
safely.
FINN
I'm not going to release you.
And he looks at her and perhaps there is a sexual
tension here.
FINN
I need you here.
BEVERLY
To find a way to reverse the
effects of the dimensional
shift... ? I can do that right
now. Stop using it.
(beat, vulnerable)
Finn, I have a life, a son who
needs me.
FINN
He is on the ship?
She nods. Finn looks uncomfortably down... and then
back again with guilty eyes...
FINN
I am sorry he is on the ship.
She realizes what he's thinking --
BEVERLY
No...
FINN
(no choice)
They have joined forces with the
Rutians against us...
BEVERLY
We are not your enemy...
FINN
They are more valuable to me than
an enemy.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT THREE 37.
42 CONTINUED: (2)
FINN (Cont'd)
For seventy years we've been
shouting, and no one's heard us.
Destroy the Federation flagship...
someone will listen.
He starts away. Beverly rushes after him...
BEVERLY
Please...
FINN
They are the ones who interfered.
They brought medical supplies.
They organized mass arrests. They
are killing your son, not me.
BEVERLY
Please, don't do this, Finn. I'll
do anything you ask.
He studies her a moment, contemplating all the things
he could ask of her.
FINN
I had a son, too. He was thirteen
when he died in detention.
And he moves away. On her reaction...
43 INT. CORRIDOR - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Two crewpersons walking down the corridor. The SOUND
of the inter-dimensional transporter, and an armed
Ansata terrorist APPEARS. She opens fire, and one
crewperson goes down... she turns and runs...
44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and Troi at Command. Wesley at Science One.
Worf at Tactical. Data at Ops. Supernumerary at Conn.
WORF
Intruder alert deck twelve...
Almost simultaneously...
WESLEY
I've got a subspace reflection.
It's a dimensional shift...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT THREE 38.
44 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Red Alert. Sound general
quarters.
The red alert begins to SOUND.
45 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Geordi is in his little side office. Red Alert is
sounding. Geordi leaps to his feet, and starts moving
toward Engineering proper. A couple of techs in
coveralls pause in their work on the main warp drive,
and also react to the red alert.
The SOUND, and a terrorist APPEARS on the upper
catwalk, and another APPEARS on the lower level by the
techs.
GEORDI
Security to Engineering.
The terrorist on the lower level fires, and kills a
tech. The terrorist then spins around and fires at
Geordi who dives for cover. The other techs run out...
46 EXT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
Intruders in Engineering...
DATA
Casualties reported on deck
twelve. Sickbay is responding.
PICARD
Seal off all decks... lock on
transporters to intruder signals.
ENGINEER'S COM VOICE
Intruder signals unstable,
Captain, I cannot lock on...
DATA
They are moving inter-dimensionally...
neither the
transporters nor forcefields will
be able to contain them, sir.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE 39.
47 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
The man on the upper level tosses down a satchel
charge. The second terrorist slaps it on the side of
the warp chamber. It clings like a limpet, and the
band on the edge LIGHTS. It is PULSING and emitting a
BEEP in a climbing cadenza. The gunmen VANISH, and
Geordi charges back into Engineering.
48 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Explosive charge on the main warp
chamber...
PICARD
Transporter room three, lock on
the explosive device and energize.
ENGINEER'S COM VOICE
It's scrambling the sensors,
Captain... I can't pinpoint it.
PICARD
Begin emergency evacuation...
prepare for saucer separation...
Mister La Forge, can you remove
the charge from the engine core...
49 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
GEORDI
Stand by... I'm trying...
He grabs the charge on the engine core, and yanks. It
doesn't budge.
GEORDI
They've got it locked on
somehow... hold on...
Frenziedly he snatches a tool from a console, and
surgically removes the charge with the laser. It drops
into his hand. He moves quickly across the room to get
it away from the engine core... on the move --
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE 40.
49 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Got it. Transporter Room, stand
by to lock on my signal and
transport two kilometers off the
starboard nacelle.
50 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
TROI
(reacts)
His signal... ?
Picard motions for her to be calm, Geordi knows what
he's doing...
51 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi yanks off his communicator. He slaps it onto
the device as he pushes it out of Engineering... and
ducks back for cover... The sound of the bomb has
become an almost frenzied SCREAM.
GEORDI
Transporter Room, now...
52 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The bomb MATERIALIZES and EXPLODES.
53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before. The tension is palpable. Picard is on his
feet.
PICARD
Commander La Forge. Report.
54 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING
Geordi leans against the wall, and touches a companel.
GEORDI
Transport complete...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE 41.
54 CONTINUED:
He moves to his fallen colleague..
GEORDI
I have a man down.
55 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
WESLEY
More subspace reflections...
Picard, his concentration broken by Wesley sudden
exclamation, looks back.
PICARD
Can you calibrate their
destination?
WESLEY
No, sir, the readings are --
The SOUND, the LIGHT and Finn and another terrorist
APPEAR. They spray a few shots around the bridge...
one hits Data's console which explodes in his face,
he tries to see, attempting to keep the ship
operational... other consoles explode... Troi and
Wesley and other supernumeraries dive for cover...
TROI
(during action)
Transporter Room. Code one
evacuation: Picard.
(no acknowledgment)
Transporter Room...
As Worf goes for his phaser and stuns the second
terrorist... who groans and hits his shoulder pad as
he goes down and VANISHES... at the same time, Finn
wounds Worf... and turns to see
56 ANGLE - PICARD (OPTICAL)
moving at him... the captain gets in a good hard lick
before Finn grabs him in a bearhug... a major struggle
ensues as Data leaves his post, charging...
Finn keys the dimensional device. Finn and Picard
VANISH as Data's hands close on nothing.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR 42.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
57 INT. CAVERN
Picard is led by two terrorists into the alcove... as
Beverly looks up and their eyes meet...
58 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker stands at command, and bleakly surveys the
bridge. Alexana and Troi are at his side. Geordi is
at Engineering, and Wesley and Data look on from
Science One. Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.
TROI
Lieutenant Worf is recovering in
Sickbay. The wound was not
severe.
RIKER
Dead and injured?
TROI
Three dead, four wounded.
GEORDI
Another millisecond, and there
would have been a big dust cloud
orbiting Rutia instead of the
Enterprise.
Riker surveys the damage... feels the responsibility.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR 43.
58 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Why. I just asked if they would
talk...
ALEXANA
You have your answer, Riker.
She gives him a sympathetic look -- we've all got to
learn the hard way. The anger, the determination grows
in his eyes.
WESLEY
Sir, the next time the Ansata use
the dimensional jump we should
be able to get a fix on their
power source.
Riker nods, impatient to move into action.
59 INT. CAVERN
Picard is seated on the camp bed. His hands have been
cuffed behind his back. Beverly is tending his
battered face. Picard is stunned... impossible to
believe all this... reliving the nightmare for her...
PICARD
Worf went down... I don't know
if he's alive or dead... there
were other casualties...
BEVERLY
Was... Wes... on the bridge...
He looks at her, sorry he hadn't thought to anticipate
a mother's fears...
PICARD
Yes...
Her look asks if he's all right... he has no way to
answer her...
PICARD
He took cover... I didn't see any
more than that...
(beat)
Are you all right?
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR 44.
59 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
(nods)
They needed a doctor.
PICARD
Side effects of their transport?
BEVERLY
Yes...
She looks at him... how did you know?
PICARD
We're getting closer to tracing
their movements... actually, it
was Wesley who put us onto this
dimensional jumping of theirs...
Their eyes meet...
PICARD
He's been extraordinary throughout
this. He'll make a fine officer,
Beverly.
BEVERLY
He's had good role models...
An intimate beat.
BEVERLY
I'm sorry.
(off his look)
If I'd just returned to the
ship...
PICARD
(shakes his head)
I could have had you beamed up.
BEVERLY
(reacts)
You wouldn't dare.
PICARD
(reacts back)
I would and I should have.
And this plays extremely casually, low key -- quick
repartee, out of left field for this time and place...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR 45.
59 CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
Without my permission...
PICARD
If you won't follow orders...
BEVERLY
If you give reasonable orders,
I'll obey reasonable orders...
PICARD
Doctor, I will be the judge of
reason when it comes to my
orders...
He stops. They look at each other with affection.
It's not comfortable for Picard... he begins to look
around at his surroundings.
BEVERLY
There aren't any exits to the
surface.
PICARD
Then the only way out is by
transporter or the dimensional
jump.
BEVERLY
A mode of travel I'd encourage
you to avoid. It's killing them.
PICARD
They're mad.
She doesn't answer right away.
BEVERLY
I don't know any more. The
difference between a madman and
a committed man willing to die
for a cause... it's begun to blur
over the last couple days...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR 46.
59 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
(concerned)
Beverly, I don't have to warn you
about the psychological impact
of being a hostage...
BEVERLY
I know. I understand that. But
their leader, Finn, he's not what
you'd expect...
PICARD
No, he's certainly not what I'd
expect. Without cause or reason,
his little band of outlaws has
attacked my ship...
BEVERLY
But he did have reasons... the
medical supplies, the arrests...
Jean-Luc, if we really examine
our role in this...
PICARD
Beverly, you are arguing for a
man who may have murdered your
son.
And she has to swallow hard and feel where she is and
she cannot quite touch the ground and it scares the
hell out of her.
FINN'S VOICE
I didn't kill your son...
Beverly.
60 ANGLE
to see Finn has entered... hands shoved into his
pockets.
FINN
We were not able to destroy the
ship. We had to settle for him...
(to Picard)
She wouldn't even tell me her
name. How many days? I call her
"Doctor." Are you hungry? Do you
want something to eat?
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR 47.
60 CONTINUED:
PICARD
You've made a grave
miscalculation...
FINN
Oh?
PICARD
You've assaulted a Federation
starship, killed and wounded
members of her crew, kidnapped
two officers... do you not expect
a response?
FINN
On the contrary, I'm counting on
it.
PICARD
You want Federation involvement?
FINN
Captain, there's a lot to admire
in the Federation, but there's
a hint of moral cowardice in your
dealings with non-aligned planets.
You do business with a government
that's crushing us. And then you
say you aren't involved. But of
course you are. You just don't
want to get dirty.
PICARD
You accuse us of cowardice while you
plant bombs in shadows...
FINN
I've been fighting the only war
I can against an intractable
enemy. Now, I'm fighting a big
war against a much more powerful
adversary. Can't you see how that
helps me?
BEVERLY
I'm afraid I don't.
PICARD
He has added a chair to the
negotiating table.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR 47A.
60 CONTINUED: (2)
FINN
You added the chair, Captain.
I am simply forcing you to sit
in it. The Federation will
quickly tire of our little war...
they will want you back... they
will want to get as far away from
Rutia as they can. And I will
not make it easy. Eventually,
the Federation will force the
government to make concessions.
And then a few more. And then a
few more.
(sardonic)
Until we can finally reach an
honorable agreement that saves face
for all sides.
(beat)
Except we win.
And Picard studies him... and realizes his scenario is
very sound. And this is said leader to leader --
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR 48.
60 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
You understand I will not
cooperate in any way...
FINN
You have already cooperated,
Captain... just by coming here.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR 49.
61 INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
Troi is on her way to her quarters when suddenly there
is a SOUND, LIGHT, and Finn appears (O.S.). As Troi
reacts, Finn lifts a hand, recovering a beat from the
pain.
FINN
I'm not here to hurt you. Just
hear what I have to say.
Troi nods, forcing herself to remain calm. After a
beat, Red Alert SOUNDS... they know he's there...
FINN
Your people are safe. How long
they stay that way depends on you.
We demand an embargo and trade
sanctions levied against Rutia.
The Federation will blockade the
planet... allow no ships in or
out. This will continue until
the government of Rutia consents
to talks mediated by a Federation
counsel. You have twelve hours
to make your decision.
As two security men round the bend, Finn VANISHES.
62 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Wesley and Data check their readings at Science One.
Then Wesley turns to Riker and Alexana who are at
Command.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/3/89 - ACT FOUR 50.
62 CONTINUED:
WESLEY
(grim faced)
Got it.
That's just what Riker was hoping to hear. Off his
expression, as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR 51.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
63 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
64 OMITTED
65 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Wesley, Data, Riker and Alexana are gathered about
Science One.
WESLEY
We've pinpointed the Ansata base
some three hundred kilometers from
the city, on the southern tip of
the continent.
DATA
Sensors indicate it is located
thirty meters below ground,
implying a cave or cavern-like
dwelling.
RIKER
Any passages leading to the
surface?
DATA
Our readings show no evidence of
any, Commander.
RIKER
Then whatever light they have must
be artificially generated.
ALEXANA
If we can shut it down, you could
use the confusion to find your
people.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE 52.
65 CONTINUED:
Worf ENTERS from the aft turbolift. He looks drawn
but determined as he approaches Riker.
WORF
Request permission to join the
rescue party, sir.
(a beat)
I owe it to the captain.
Riker knows how much this means to Worf. The Klingon's
intensity is almost palpable.
RIKER
Permission granted.
Worf's condition has just improved a hundred percent.
Riker looks over at Alexana. It's time. Alexana
nods. She's ready.
RIKER
Mister Data... You have the
bridge.
Riker and Alexana head toward the turbolift.
WESLEY
Commander Riker?
Riker turns.
WESLEY
(continuing; summing
it up for all)
Good luck.
Riker is all too aware of the boy's concerns.
RIKER
We'll bring them home, Wes.
They enter the turbolift.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE 53.
65A INT. CAVERN
Finn walks over as Beverly treats the wounded...
he's carrying his sketch pad.
FINN
You're glad to see your captain...
BEVERLY
Yes.
Beat. He looks at her... almost a jealous look.
FINN
I may have to kill him.
She just freezes...
FINN
I just wanted to warn you.
BEVERLY
Finn, he can help you... he is
very influential...
FINN
He will not help us...
BEVERLY
If you could convince him that
your cause is...
FINN
You could convince him perhaps.
Not I.
At her weakest...
BEVERLY
I've talked to him. I'll...
try...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE 54.
65A CONTINUED:
FINN
(shrugs)
If our places were reversed, I
would expect to die...
And that statement is an error of judgement by Finn.
Right here Beverly begins to regain some of her
power... because she knows exactly what the
circumstance would be like if the places were
reversed...
BEVERLY
(a beat)
Your places would never be
reversed. He wouldn't forcibly
abduct you... or play games with
your life. He would treat you with
respect...
FINN
I have treated you with
respect...
BEVERLY
You've scared the hell out of me,
Finn.
(he reacts)
You've controlled me through
fear... just like you've tried
to control this whole continent.
FINN
You haven't tasted real fear yet,
Doctor...
BEVERLY
Is that the best you can do? Is
fear the only weapon you have...
FINN
(beat, thinks)
No, but it's a good one.
A beat. He's pleased with his response.
BEVERLY
You know what scares me the most,
Finn? It scares me to think that
you might win this fight and gain
real power.
That hurts him. She begins to leave.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE 55.
65A CONTINUED: (2)
FINN
Doctor... I don't want you to fear
me.
Without words to express his feelings, he gives her his
pad... and walks away... she opens it to see her face
sketched on a number of pages... on her reaction...
66 INT. CAVERN
A secluded area, somewhat shielded from the main camp.
Riker, Worf and Alexana... and three policemen...
begin to move quickly forward...
66A ANGLE - TWO TERRORISTS
standing by the entrance to the main cavern... Worf
and one of the policemen move quickly up behind them...
slap tiny hyposprays against their necks. There is
a quiet HISS, and the rebels slump. Worf and the
policeman quickly pull the unconscious rebels into
cover.
While this is occurring Riker crawls forward using all
available cover, to get a look at the camp proper.
67 ANOTHER ANGLE
The camp. People going about their business.
68 ANOTHER ANGLE
As Riker scrambles back to his companions. Using hand
signals he indicates where he believes the generator
is located. Alexana nods, and draws her phaser. Leads
her men into the darkness.
Riker and Worf move back... they see --
68A HIS POV - BEVERLY
moving into the alcove...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE 56.
69 INT. THE ALCOVE
Beverly returns...
PICARD
How dangerous would another ride
through the inverter be to us?
BEVERLY
I'm not sure. But I don't want
you to start thinking...
PICARD
It is our obligation to think of
escape...
BEVERLY
He's prepared to kill you.
PICARD
A fine reason to escape...
(beat)
Do you think you've gained his
confidence?
She reacts, shows Picard the sketchbook... he reacts
as he sees it.
PICARD
Indeed, you have... and a bit
more... this might prove to be
an advantage, Doctor...
BEVERLY
(interrupting)
Jean-Luc, there are some things...
I want to say... just in case we
don't get out of this...
And he looks at her and we can only speculate on what
she might say... because suddenly the lights go. For
an instant they are in total blackness then emergency
back-up comes on. The cave is now heavily shadowed,
and eerie in the red lit gloom.
PICARD
Have they found us... ?
69A ANGLE ON - FINN (FORMERLY SCENE 71)
He is looking about wildly. He seems to make a
decision, and he starts running for the alcove.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE 57.
70 ANOTHER ANGLE - RIKER AND WORF
Moving swiftly through the darkness. They are seen
by a pair of terrorists and must overpower them on
their way to the rescue... quietly, quickly... they
take them down...
70A WEAPONS CACHE
Several terrorists run to get access to their phaser
rifles... but as they do, Rutian police move out and
cover them...
71 OMITTED
72 ANGLE ON - ALEXANA
She spots Finn. She moves after him...
73 ANGLE ON - THE ALCOVE
Finn ENTERS. Finn raises a phaser at Picard.
BEVERLY
Finn...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE 58.
73A ANGLE - ALEXANA (OPTICAL)
At the mouth of the alcove... FIRES her phaser and
Finn goes down... Riker and Worf arrive, move to
Picard... the terrorists are all covered... Worf frees
the captain from his cuffs...
73B BEVERLY
moves to Finn's body, checks his vital signs.
BEVERLY
He's dead.
73C INT. CAVERN - OUTSIDE THE ALCOVE
As they come out. Riker exchanges a look with Alexana.
And he is not harsh in this because he has shared her
frustration, but still --
RIKER
You didn't have to kill him.
ALEXANA
As a prisoner he would have been
a focus for violence as his
followers tried to free him.
Now, he's a martyr, but the death
toll may be lower -- at least in
the short term.
(beat)
An imperfect solution for an
imperfect world.
WORF
Captain...
They turn to see...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE 59.
73D OMITTED
73E THE TWELVE YEAR OLD TERRORIST BOY
standing there, holding a phaser rifle pointed at
Alexana... hate burning in his eyes. A long beat.
73F ANGLE - BEVERLY
turns to the boy, she implores him with her eyes to
give her the gun...
BEVERLY
No more killing.
He finally, slowly gives up the gun... and Rutians rush
him and take him away.
ALEXANA
Already another one to take his
place... it never ends.
RIKER
(not so sure)
He could have killed you. He
didn't. Maybe the end begins with
one boy putting down a gun.
Off her look.
74
thru OMITTED
76
77 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
C.U. on Wesley at Conn. Anxiously waiting.
78 NEW ANGLE
to include Data at Command. Troi and Geordi nearby.
Supernumeraries at all other posts.
The turbolift doors open and in come Picard and
Beverly, followed by Riker and Worf.
Wesley and Beverly share a long, loving smile across
the room. He hurries over. A tight hug.
BEVERLY
I hear I owe my rescue to you.
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE 59A.
78 CONTINUED:
WESLEY
I was just part of the team.
(a real kid)
It's good to have you back.
(smiling at Picard)
Both of you. Sir.
Picard glances around the bridge... it's good to be
back.
PICARD
(a beat)
Take us out of orbit, Mister
Crusher.
Then noticing mother and son are not quite ready to let
go of one another.
PICARD
(continuing)
At your convenience.
On our reunited crew...
STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/5/89 - ACT FIVE 60.
78A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As it leaves orbit, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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