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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Drumhead"
#40274-195
Written by
Jeri Taylor
Directed by
Jonathan Frakes
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 1991 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 This script is not for publication or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
FEBRUARY 7, 1991
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - 2/7/91 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Drumhead"
CAST
PICARD ADMIRAL NORAH SATIE
RIKER SABIN GENESTRA
DATA NELLEN TORE
BEVERLY LT. J'DDAN
TROI SIMON TARSES
GEORDI
WORF
Non-Speaking
STARFLEET SECURITY TEAM
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - 2/7/91 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Drumhead"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
OBSERVATION LOUNGE SMALLER SHIP
MAIN ENGINEERING
SICKBAY
TRANSPORTER ROOM
TURBOLIFT
CORRIDOR
INTERROGATION ROOM
PICARD'S QUARTERS
J'DAN'S QUARTERS
ADMIRAL'S GUEST QUARTERS
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - 2/12/91 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Drumhead"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
AMINO uh-MEEN-oh
CRUCES CREW-ses
DEOXYRIBOSE dee-ox-ih-RYE-bose
J'DAN j'DAN
SABIN SAY-bin
SATIE sah-TEE
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Drumhead"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse speed.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 44769.2.
For some weeks we have had a
Klingon exo-biologist on board
as part of a scientific exchange
program. Unfortunately, we
suspect that he may have been
involved not only in a security
breach but in the possible
sabotage of our warp drive.
2 OMITTED
3 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM
as seen in "The Defector." RIKER and TROI are
questioning; WORF stands by the door. In the hot seat
is a young Klingon civilian, J'DAN. He is wearing a
Starfleet communicator.
RIKER
What were you doing accessing
the propulsion system files on
Stardate 44758?
J'DAN
I didn't...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - TEASER 2.
3 CONTINUED:
RIKER
But you did... from computer
Twelve-B-Nine on Deck Thirty-six.
A short beat as J'Dan looks surprised.
RIKER
The computer logged in your
identification from your
communicator.
J'DAN
It must be a mistake.
TROI
J'Dan... we have confirmed
reports that schematic drawings
of our dilithium chamber fell
into Romulan hands... one week
later.
J'DAN
I know nothing about it.
RIKER
And you don't know anything about
the explosion that disabled the
warp drive at almost the same
time?
J'DAN
No. I was not involved. You
accuse me because I am Klingon.
Troi shakes her head...
TROI
Our Chief Security Officer is
Klingon, J'Dan -- that has
nothing to do with it.
J'DAN
Send me home, then, if you are
so distrusting.
RIKER
We've discussed that with the
Klingon High Council. You'll be
sent back... as soon as we've
finished our investigation.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - TEASER 2A.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
J'DAN
I have nothing more to say.
RIKER
Very well. Mister Worf... please
accompany the Lieutenant to his
quarters.
Worf comes forward and J'Dan rises. They EXIT. Riker
turns to Troi.
RIKER
What do you think?
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI
It's hard to tell. He is very
closed... but...
Troi is silent for a moment, tapping into her feelings.
TROI
He is hiding something.
4 INT. TURBOLIFT
Worf and J'Dan ride in silence for a bit. J'Dan
keeps sneaking looks at Worf, who stares straight
ahead.
J'DAN
On the Klingon Home World... your
name is not mentioned... it is
as though you never existed.
Worf shifts a little, impatiently, but makes no reply.
J'DAN
A terrible burden for a warrior
to bear... to become nothing...
without honor... without the
chance for glory...
The turbolift stops and the doors open. Worf exits
and turns to glare at J'Dan until he follows.
5 INT. CORRIDOR
The two proceed down a corridor.
J'DAN
I have friends... powerful
friends... on the Home World.
No answer.
J'DAN
I could talk to them... they might
help to restore your name...
Silence.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - TEASER 4.
5 CONTINUED:
J'DAN
If you could just take me to a
shuttlecraft...
They have reached J'Dan's quarters. The doors open,
Worf gestures to J'Dan to precede him. There is a
hesitation, then they ENTER.
6 INT. J'DAN'S QUARTERS
J'DAN
It could be done without any one
knowing --
But suddenly, Worf has pulled some swift Klingon
martial arts move and J'Dan is thrown back against
the wall, with Worf pinning him solidly, nose-to-nose.
WORF
I do not know how you managed to
transfer secret information to the
Romulans... but I will find out.
J'DAN
Pahtak -- !
WORF
And when we inform the Klingon
High Council, they will put you to
a slow death.
He holds J'Dan against the wall for a fierce instant,
then releases him and EXITS.
7 CLOSE ON J'DAN
as he follows Worf's exit with a vitriolic look.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
8 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND SMALLER SHIP (OPTICAL)
A Federation craft hovers near the Enterprise.
PICARD (V.O.)
Retired Admiral Norah Satie,
whose investigation exposed the
alien conspiracy against Starfleet
Command three years ago, is
arriving to assist in our
investigation.
9 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
PICARD and Riker watch as a group MATERIALIZES on the
pad: SABIN GENESTRA, a Betazoid man; NELLEN TORE, a
female assistant, and ADMIRAL NORAH SATIE, retired.
She surveys the waiting group before her, finds Picard,
and smiles radiantly. Norah Satie is middle-aged, a
beautiful woman who has become more so with maturity.
She is gracious, elegant, and decidedly feminine. Her
smile is generous, bespeaking warmth and intelligence.
She moves toward Picard, hand extended.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain Picard...
He takes her hand. The instinct is to kiss it -- she
evinces that kind of courtly behavior. But of course
that isn't Starfleet regulation, so Picard gives it a
proper grasp.
PICARD
Admiral Satie. Welcome to the
Enterprise.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I am delighted to be here.
(gesturing)
I've managed to acquire my former
staff... My aide, Sabin Genestra,
from Betazed, and my assistant,
Nellen Tore, from Delb Two.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 6.
9 CONTINUED:
PICARD
And my First Officer, Commander
William Riker. May I show you
to your quarters?
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain... if Starfleet Command
is so concerned with your report
that they brought me out of
retirement... I think I should
get right to work.
PICARD
Very well... Commander, will you
see to the Admiral's Staff?
Riker turns to the others as --
ADMIRAL SATIE
First, I'd like to inspect the
damage to your Engine Room.
And she heads for the door with Picard close at her
heels.
10 INT. ENGINEERING - A LITTLE LATER
DATA and GEORDI oversee a scene which finds the section
isolation door between the dilithium chamber and the
pool table area closed. Behind the door there are
clouds of gas, and the hatch of the chamber has been
blown off.
GEORDI
We still can't get in there,
Captain. The radiation levels
are dropping, but they're too high
to raise the isolation door.
PICARD
How much longer will it be?
DATA
At the rate the levels have been
decreasing, we will be able to
gain entry in forty-nine hours.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 7.
10 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Maybe the Admiral would like to
see the visual log of the
explosion.
Satie acknowledges. They move to a wall monitor and
Geordi punches in commands.
GEORDI
This was logged four days ago...
at oh-three hundred hours.
11 ANGLE - MONITOR (OPTICAL) - INTERCUTTING
It is a video of the dilithium chamber... maybe a time
code in the corner... MOS... they wait... wait... and
then suddenly, the hatch to the chamber blows off and
across the room.
GEORDI
At that point the emergency
confinement field was activated
and the isolation doors came
down. No one was killed, but
two of my people are in Sickbay
with radiation burns.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Have you been able to make any
preliminary assessments?
DATA
A slow-motion study of the
explosion suggests that the
articulation frame collapsed.
ADMIRAL SATIE
The schematics that were stolen
from the Enterprise... I believe
some involved the articulation
frame of the dilithium chamber...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 7A.
11 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(acknowledging)
That is one reason we tend to
suspect sabotage.
DATA
Other evidence lends credence to
that theory, Captain. A review
of the sensor logs indicates that
every systems reading was well
within normal parameters until
fifty-two milliseconds before the
explosion.
GEORDI
We haven't found anything that
suggests there was a malfunction
anywhere along the line.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 8.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
Satie turns toward Picard.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain Picard... I think I need
a full briefing before we go any
further.
She looks through the isolation door at the grim
evidence of destruction.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Commander Data... La Forge... I'll
admit I'm glad I don't have to
do your job... good luck.
12 INT. SICKBAY
Worf ENTERS and approaches BEVERLY, who is examining
a patient on a bio-bed. He is swathed in wraps which
suggest burns. In the background is SIMON TARSES, a
mild-looking humanoid working at a monitor.
WORF
Excuse me, Doctor...
BEVERLY
Yes, Lieutenant?
WORF
When you have a moment... I must
ask you something...
She turns to him.
BEVERLY
Good timing. I'm finished here...
Mister Tarses... ?
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 9.
12 CONTINUED:
Tarses approaches from the monitor.
BEVERLY
Please enter these readings into
Ensign Dagget's file.
TARSES
Yes, Doctor.
He takes the tricorder and Beverly and Worf move off
together.
BEVERLY
What is it, Worf?
He shows her an object.
WORF
Did you issue this to J'Dan?
Beverly takes the object, inspects it...
BEVERLY
Looks like a micro-replicating
hyposyringe... but it's not
Starfleet issue...
WORF
It was found... in his quarters.
BEVERLY
J'Dan has Ba'ltmasor Syndrome...
he comes in regularly for
treatments... but we use our
own hyposprays. Is this one
Klingon?
WORF
Yes. Do you know what this
attachment is?
13 INSERT - HYPOSYRINGE
Worf indicates a small connection on the syringe.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 10.
14 BACK TO SCENE
BEVERLY
No... it's nothing we use...
Worf seems satisfied with that answer.
WORF
Thank you, Doctor.
BEVERLY
(a bit puzzled)
I hope that helps.
WORF
You've told me exactly what I
wanted to hear.
And he EXITS, as Beverly looks after him, perplexed.
15 INT. READY ROOM
Picard and Satie. The briefing has been continuing for
some time.
PICARD
There are disturbing overtones...
to the idea of a Klingon providing
information to the Romulans...
She keeps her eyes on Picard, revealing nothing.
PICARD
Are you... aware... of any other
Romulan-Klingon connections that
Starfleet Command might have
encountered recently?
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 11.
15 CONTINUED:
ADMIRAL SATIE
(gently)
I don't believe... what Starfleet
Command knows or doesn't know is
for me to reveal.
PICARD
This ship has had several
encounters which might suggest
a potential alliance between those
two powers --
ADMIRAL SATIE
We're aware of that, Captain.
What we must concentrate on is
the business at hand.
The door CHIMES.
PICARD
Come.
The doors open and Worf ENTERS, sees the Admiral,
stops.
WORF
Excuse me, Captain, I didn't know
--
PICARD
Please come in Mister Worf. I
particularly want our guest to
meet you... Admiral Satie...
my head of security, Lieutenant
Worf.
Nods of acknowledgment.
WORF
Captain... I have been pursuing
the investigation of Lieutenant
J'Dan. I believe I know how
he transferred information off
the Enterprise.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Good work, Lieutenant.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 12.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(producing the syringe)
This is J'Dan's. It is fitted
with an optical reader...
specially modified to read data
from Starfleet isolinear chips.
Satie takes the syringe and inspects it.
WORF
He can extract digital information
from a computer... encode it in
the form of amino-acid sequences,
and transfer those sequences into
a fluid in the syringe... Then
he injects someone, perhaps even
without their knowledge...
ADMIRAL SATIE
(suggesting a
conspiracy)
Or perhaps with their knowledge...
WORF
The information would be carried
in their bloodstream in the form
of inert proteins.
ADMIRAL SATIE
(shakes her head with
realization)
The body itself becomes a conveyor
of top-secret files...
She turns toward Worf, obviously impressed.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Lieutenant Worf... when we
confront J'Dan, I want you to
conduct the interrogation.
WORF
I would be honored.
Worf nods to the two and EXITS. Satie turns to Picard.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain... I predict that officer
will be extremely valuable in this
investigation.
Picard has no reason to doubt it.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 13-15.
16 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - SEVERAL DAYS LATER
Arranged to accommodate more questioners: Satie and
Sabin, Picard and Worf. Off to one side sits Nellen,
constantly taking notes. J'Dan is once again in the
hot seat as Worf stands over him; they look like
they've been at it a while.
WORF
I tracked the movements of each
person who left the Enterprise
since you've been here. I traced
one Tarkanian diplomat as far as
the Cruces system... where he
disappeared and has not been seen
since.
J'DAN
That proves nothing.
Worf produces the syringe; J'Dan eyes it warily.
WORF
This was found in your quarters.
J'DAN
I take injections. Everyone knows
that.
WORF
But your injections don't require
an optical chip reader. This
device --
(points to it)
-- has only one function: to
transform computer information
into biological sequences.
Worf has nailed him. J'Dan knows it now. No reason
to hold back now... he speaks with the fervor of a
patriot:
J'DAN
The blood of all Klingons has
become water... since the
Federation alliance we have
become a nation of mewling
babies... The Romulans are
strong... they are worthy
allies... they do not turn
Klingons into weaklings --
(turns to Worf)
-- like you...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 16.
16 CONTINUED:
Satie rises, crosses to J'Dan.
ADMIRAL SATIE
How did you damage the dilithium
chamber?
J'DAN
I had nothing to do with that --
ADMIRAL SATIE
No? You mean it was sheer
coincidence that it was sabotaged
after you gave the plans for its
design to the Romulans?
J'DAN
I do not know. I had nothing to
do with it.
ADMIRAL SATIE
You've admitted your crime. Why
lie now?
J'DAN
I am not lying.
She regards him calmly for a moment, then nods,
finished, to Picard.
PICARD
You may have him confined, Mister
Worf.
Only too happy to do so, Worf leads J'Dan from the
room. Satie approaches Sabin.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Sabin?
SABIN
I believe... he is telling the
truth.
A moment while they absorb this.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 17.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
SABIN
He admits stealing the files...
but not sabotaging the dilithium
chamber. I get no sense that he
is lying.
Picard considers the ramifications of this statement.
PICARD
If you're right... someone else
may be involved.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I think, Captain... that you have
a bigger problem on your ship than
one Klingon Exchange Officer.
And as Picard considers the dire implications of that
possibility --
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
17 INT. ENTERPRISE - ADMIRAL'S QUARTERS - LATER
Picard with Norah. They have finished an informal
supper; she rises and brings a tray of coffee things;
during the next, she pours for them and twists a rind
of lemon into her own. She looks lovely tonight...
fragile and delicate, like a piece of porcelain. She
is a woman who has the capacity to be both forceful
and vulnerable.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I've seen this before. The
spectre of conspiracy on a
starship is a frightening one.
PICARD
It's hard for me to believe...
but I am grateful for your
presence, Admiral. If anyone in
Starfleet can help us, it's you.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain Picard... I find myself
changing my mind about you...
PICARD
In what way... ?
ADMIRAL SATIE
When Starfleet ordered me here...
it was with the express command
that we work together on this
problem... as equals...
(beat)
My father taught me to avoid
partnerships... most of them are
woefully lop-sided.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT TWO 19.
17 CONTINUED:
PICARD
That sounds like Judge Aaron
Satie...
ADMIRAL SATIE
You knew my father?
PICARD
Through his writing. His judicial
decisions were required reading
at the Academy.
ADMIRAL SATIE
He was an extraordinary man.
Every night at the dinner table...
he'd pose a question for debate.
My big brothers and I would
wrangle it around, from one side
and the other... my father would
referee... he kept a stopwatch
on us so we'd have to learn
brevity... and he wouldn't let
us leave until he thought we had
completely explored the issue...
PICARD
I'm willing to wager you trounced
your brothers in those debates...
She laughs delightedly.
ADMIRAL SATIE
More than once. Father would love
it when I nailed one of them on
some subtle point of logic...
(beat, sobering)
All that I am, I owe to him. He
was... a giant...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT TWO 20.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
You must miss him very much.
She looks quickly at him, his words striking at her
rawest place. Unaccustomed tears threaten to sting
her eyes, and she rises quickly, clearing the dishes,
changing the subject.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I like your Mister Worf. Very
direct, to the point. The two
of you make a good combination.
Having regained composure, she slips back into her
seat, looks him in the eye.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain... I've always preferred
working alone.
(smiles)
That way, if something goes wrong,
I don't have to look far for the
cause.
(beat)
I resented your being assigned
to me. But... I was wrong. We're
going to make quite a team.
The warmth of her smile is infectious. Picard returns
it.
18 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Worf showing Sabin the ship's roster...
WORF
J'Dan did not make friends
easily... there are not many to
question...
SABIN
(studying the list)
You've done a thorough job,
Lieutenant.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT TWO 21.
18 CONTINUED:
WORF
I am strongly motivated in this
matter.
SABIN
(nods thoughtfully)
Yes. I can see that. And I don't
mind telling you I'm surprised.
Frankly, when I first heard about
your father...
WORF
(stiffens)
My father...
SABIN
...yes... There are some who
believe he betrayed your people
to the Romulans...
WORF
My father... what he did or did
not do... is no one's concern but
my own...
SABIN
(soothing)
Of course. Of course. I only
meant... before I saw you in
action, I naturally considered
you a possible security risk...
but I want you to know you have
the Admiral's and my complete
confidence. You have nothing to
prove to us.
He means exactly the opposite of what he's saying.
Sabin wants Worf to feel that he has to be even more
'patriotic' than anyone by rooting out the enemy.
WORF
If there is a conspiracy on board,
I promise you I will find it...
SABIN
Good. You know the ship, you know
the personnel... you know exactly
what we're up against... we're
counting on you, Lieutenant.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 22.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(acknowledges)
I will arrange for the interviews
to begin.
He exits. Stay a beat on Sabin who nods to himself,
pleased with the way that went.
19 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - SEVERAL DAYS LATER
The same group -- Picard, Satie, Sabin, Worf -- are
interviewing Beverly. Nellen is in the corner, taking
notes.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 23.
19 CONTINUED:
ADMIRAL SATIE
And how often did Lieutenant
J'Dan come in for injections?
BEVERLY
About once a week.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Did you administer them yourself?
BEVERLY
No. One of my assistants did
that...
SABIN
Did you ever hear him say
anything... anything that might
have seemed innocent at the
time... that might now shed any
light on this investigation?
BEVERLY
No, nothing. In fact, he rarely
talked at all.
Satie nods, that's all.
PICARD
Thank you, Doctor Crusher, we
appreciate your time. You are
excused now. Mister Worf, will
you bring in the next person?
Beverly gets up, and Worf escorts her to the door; she
EXITS, and Worf admits Simon Tarses.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/14/91 - ACT TWO 24.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Please sit down, Mister Tarses.
For the record, will you state
your name and position?
TARSES
Simon Tarses, Crewman First Class,
medical technician.
PICARD
I assure you this is an informal
inquiry... we're not accusing you
of anything. However, if you want
counsel, it will be provided for
you.
Tarses sits, looking around nervously. It's clear he
is pretty shook up about this.
TARSES
No, sir... I have nothing to hide.
PICARD
Very well. How long have you held
your appointment on the
Enterprise?
TARSES
Since... Stardate 43587.
Eight-eight...
ADMIRAL SATIE
(studying a Padd)
Mister Tarses... your records
state that you were born on Mars
Colony...
TARSES
That's right.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 25.
19 CONTINUED: (3)
ADMIRAL SATIE
Then you are human?
TARSES
Largely. My paternal grandfather
was Vulcan.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Yes, I see that here. Tell me...
what is your relationship to the
Klingon, J'Dan?
Tarses looks uncomfortable at this question, and
becomes more nervous.
TARSES
I... he... I mean, there's no
relationship... he just came in
for his injections...
ADMIRAL SATIE
Did you give him those injections?
TARSES
Sometimes. There were several
of us, actually... I might have
done it twice...
SABIN
Did you ever hear him make any
comments that might, in
retrospect, be suspicious?
TARSES
Not really. He hardly talked.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Did you ever see him outside
Sickbay?
TARSES
Once or twice in Ten-Forward...
with a group of people. I never
had a conversation with him.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Very well, Mister Tarses. I don't
think there's need for more...
Captain?
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 26.
19 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
You're excused, Crewman.
A grateful Tarses gets up and EXITS.
PICARD
Mister Worf...
SABIN
Wait.
All heads turn toward him.
SABIN
He's lying.
Picard frowns, surprised; Satie leans forward,
immediately responsive, looks curiously at Sabin.
SABIN
He's desperately frightened...
he's covering something.
PICARD
It was clear he was frightened,
but that's hardly an indication
--
SABIN
It's more than that. He wasn't
truthful. He's covering a lie...
one so big it's overwhelming him.
He turns toward Satie.
SABIN
I think we've found the man.
Satie reacts with satisfaction, and Worf is pleased
that they've uncovered the prey.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT TWO 27.
20 CLOSE ON PICARD
But Picard doesn't share the feelings of conquest. He
is clearly uncomfortable with what has just happened.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
21 INT. READY ROOM
Picard and Satie.
PICARD
I'm not sure I can sanction any
action against Mister Tarses based
solely on Betazoid intuitions.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Sabin has uncanny instincts. I've
learned to trust them.
PICARD
I must admit... that I'm a bit
uneasy with this use of a
Betazoid.
ADMIRAL SATIE
You have a Betazoid counselor...
surely you are aware of the
advantages.
PICARD
There is a difference between a
counselor... and an investigator.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Are you saying you never use your
counselor during interrogations?
Of course, he does. He is forced to think about this.
PICARD
I do... but I don't act on the
basis of her instincts alone.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Nor do I.
PICARD
You're asking me to restrict
Tarses' movements -- based on
Sabin's "feeling."
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 29.
21 CONTINUED:
ADMIRAL SATIE
If Counselor Troi suggested to
you... that someone on the ship
were dangerous... would you not
act on that? Observe him... curb
his activity?
Picard confronts this. He's not sure he likes what he
sees.
PICARD
I have to admit I probably would.
And maybe I should re-evaluate
that behavior.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Nonsense. Let's keep our
priorities straight... the
important thing is to uncover the
conspiracy on this ship... and
to prevent further damage. If
Tarses is a possible saboteur,
you cannot allow him access to
the sensitive areas of the ship.
And... I strongly suggest
continuous surveillance.
Picard paces, wrestles with this.
PICARD
If we had better evidence...
ADMIRAL SATIE
We will have better evidence...
Sabin and Worf are continuing to
investigate... but if you don't
act until then... it may be too
late.
PICARD
(he's sure now)
No. I won't treat a man as a
criminal unless there is probable
cause to do so.
ADMIRAL SATIE
And while you're being so
generous... you give a saboteur
the chance to strike again.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT THREE 30.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
ADMIRAL SATIE (Cont'd)
Last time it was just a hatch
cover... what if next time it's
more serious? What if lives are
lost? Can you afford not to act?
But before Picard can respond --
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Engineering to Captain Picard...
PICARD
Yes, Mister La Forge...
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Sir, could you come to Engineering
right away? We've got something
interesting to show you.
Picard exchanges a quick glance with Satie.
PICARD
We'll be right there.
22 INT. ENGINEERING
Data and Geordi, Picard and Satie. The isolation door
is now up, though the dilithium chamber hatch is still
missing.
GEORDI
We finally got in here about six
hours ago, and we've been going
over it inch by inch ever since.
DATA
We have made micro-tomographic
analyses of the dilithium
chamber... the hatch mounting...
the blast pattern from the
explosion...
GEORDI
We did mass spectrometer readings
of the residue for chemical
content... sifted the debris for
bomb fragments...
ADMIRAL SATIE
And what did you find?
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 31.
22 CONTINUED:
Geordi picks up a tricorder and gestures them toward
the crystal chamber housing.
GEORDI
See the frame for the hatch... ?
It ruptured --
(gestures)
-- right there. And when we take
a reading of that spot...
He plays the tricorder over the spot, then shows the
reading to Picard and Satie.
GEORDI
See?
ADMIRAL SATIE
(with a smile)
I'm afraid I'm out of my element
here, Commander. You'll have to
interpret for me.
PICARD
There are sub-micron fractures
in the metal casing...
GEORDI
That's right. A breakdown in the
atomic cohesive structure.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Yes... ? And what caused them?
DATA
Those fractures suggest nothing
more than simple neutron fatigue.
I would speculate that when the
engine was last inspected at
McKinley station, the hatch casing
was replaced with one which had
an undetectable defect.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 32.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
I think, sir, that the conclusion
of our investigation must be that
the explosion was not
intentional.
GEORDI
That's the way I see it. This
wasn't sabotage at all... it was
nothing more than an accident.
Picard is surprised, but relieved. However, Admiral
Satie's reaction seems tinged with disappointment.
23 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Satie, Worf, and Sabin. And Nellen, of course.
SABIN
An accident? I find that hard
to believe...
PICARD
If my men say there was no
sabotage, you can be sure there
was none.
There is a little click of the Padd, or a shift on the
chair by Nellen, and Picard shoots a glance toward her.
She is getting on his nerves.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Let's keep our perspective,
gentlemen. Just because there
was no sabotage doesn't mean
there's not a conspiracy on this
ship. We do have a confessed spy.
SABIN
And he had confederates.
PICARD
Do we know that for sure?
ADMIRAL SATIE
Of course he did.
She moves closer to Picard.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 33.
23 CONTINUED:
ADMIRAL SATIE
Do you think J'Dan could have
come on board the flagship of the
Federation and done all that he
did without help?
PICARD
It would be difficult... but not
impossible...
WORF
We must continue to investigate
Tarses. He was hiding something.
Picard gives him a look... he realizes Worf is solidly
behind Satie and Sabin in this.
SABIN
Captain Picard... Lieutenant Worf
and I are working well together.
I suggest we continue... if for
no other purpose than to determine
Tarses' innocence.
PICARD
I remind you all... that Tarses
is innocent... until he is proven
guilty.
ADMIRAL SATIE
(smoothly)
Of course he is. What Sabin is
saying is that he and Lieutenant
Worf would like to establish
Tarses' innocence
unequivocally... for his own sake.
Picard can certainly see the wisdom in this.
PICARD
Very well. But I hope we can put
the matter to rest as quickly as
possible.
24 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - A DAY LATER
Picard ENTERS to find Satie, Sabin, and Worf already
seated at the front table; Tarses in the witness' seat,
and next to him sits Riker.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 34.
24 CONTINUED:
To Picard's surprise, there is a small gathering of
spectators in the rear of the room (which includes
Beverly). He moves to his seat, addresses Satie
quietly.
PICARD
You've opened the hearing to
spectators?
ADMIRAL SATIE
(also sotto)
It isn't good to have closed-door
proceedings for too long... it
invites rumor and speculation.
Picard nods; this makes sense.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Besides... spies and saboteurs
don't like the bright light of
public inquiry. They're like
roaches, scuttling for the dark
corners...
With this, she turns away and begins talking to Sabin.
Picard is disquieted, and feeling more and more
uncomfortable about the whole thing.
PICARD
This hearing is convened on
Stardate 44740 as a continuing
inquiry into the activities of
Crewman Simon Tarses.
(beat)
Mister Tarses... for your own
protection, I have assigned you
counsel in the person of Commander
William Riker.
TARSES
Begging your pardon, sir... I
appreciate it, but... I don't need
protection. I haven't done
anything wrong.
In the back of the room, Beverly stands.
BEVERLY
With the Captain's permission,
I would like to make a statement.
Satie is not too thrilled by this.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 35.
24 CONTINUED: (2)
ADMIRAL SATIE
This is irregular. Let's stick
to procedure, here.
RIKER
It's not irregular to have a
statement read into the record.
This is a hearing, not a trial.
PICARD
Doctor, you may come forward.
Satie gives Picard a look, but controls her reaction
to the rebuff. Beverly comes to the front of the room;
she catches Tarses' eye for a brief moment, and smiles
sympathetically at him.
BEVERLY
Thank you. I would like to go
on record as saying that I have
worked with Crewman Tarses for
eighteen months. His work has
been exemplary. He is a model
of diligence and reliability.
He is devoted to Starfleet and
as far as I'm concerned, his
loyalty is without question.
(beat)
There's no way this man is a
traitor.
She glances down at him and he looks up at her with
gratitude.
BEVERLY
Thank you for letting me speak.
She turns to go back to her seat, but --
ADMIRAL SATIE
Doctor Crusher...
(she turns back)
Did you ever observe Crewman
Tarses with J'Dan...
Beverly looks shocked by this question.
BEVERLY
Well, yes... he came in for
injections --
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 35A.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
ADMIRAL SATIE
I mean outside Sickbay.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 36.
24 CONTINUED: (3)
ADMIRAL SATIE
I mean outside Sickbay.
BEVERLY
(after a beat)
I think so... maybe in
Ten-Forward...
ADMIRAL SATIE
And whom else did you observe at
these occasions, Doctor?
Now Beverly really hesitates. She doesn't like the
course this questioning is taking.
BEVERLY
I don't see what relevance that
has here -- it was an innocent
social gathering...
ADMIRAL SATIE
If it was innocent, why would you
hesitate to give us the names?
This is enough for Picard.
PICARD
Thank you, Doctor Crusher. You
are excused.
Satie turns toward him, ticked, and they have another
sotto conversation:
PICARD
Admiral Satie... if you have a
case to make against Tarses, you
had better make it. Or I am
calling this off here and now.
Her cheeks flame, but she turns toward Sabin, nods. It
is like slipping the noose from a hungry panther.
SABIN
Mister Tarses. Isn't it true that
you have had access to the
biological supplies in Sickbay?
TARSES
That's part of my job, yes.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT THREE 37.
24 CONTINUED: (4)
SABIN
J'Dan used deoxyribose
suspensions to carry the encoded
files he stole. Isn't it true
that one of your duties is to
prepare those suspensions?
TARSES
Several technicians share that
job...
SABIN
And isn't it true that your
security clearance gives you
access to all the stores and files
in Sickbay -- access which you
can exercise at any time?
TARSES
Because I have access doesn't mean
I --
SABIN
What would you say if I told you
there is evidence that the
explosion in the engine room
was caused by a corrosive
chemical... one that is kept
stored in Sickbay.
Picard's head whips around to Satie, but she looks
straight ahead.
TARSES
I had nothing to do with it --
SABIN
How can we believe you? How can
we possibly believe someone whom
we know... we know... to be a
liar?
RIKER
I object, sir... There is no
basis for calling Officer Tarses
a liar.
PICARD
(angry)
Agreed. Mister Sabin...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT THREE 38.
24 CONTINUED: (5)
SABIN
Captain, there is a basis which
will be clear in a moment.
Mister Tarses, isn't it true that
you deliberately and
premeditatively lied when you
filled out your personnel
application and compounded that
lie by repeating it to this
committee?
Tarses is ashen.
TARSES
What -- ?
SABIN
Isn't - it - true... that the
paternal grandfather of whom you
speak was not Vulcan... but was
in fact a Romulan? That it is
Romulan blood you carry... and
a Romulan heritage that you honor?
There is a buzz in the audience. Tarses, pale, stares
at Sabin. Riker leans in and whispers in his ear.
Tarses has to force his attention away from Sabin,
concentrate on what Riker is saying.
SABIN
We're waiting, Mister Tarses.
Tarses turns away from Riker, looks back at the table.
TARSES
On the advice of my counsel...
I refuse to answer the question...
in that... the answer... may
serve... to incriminate me.
He slumps, anguished, in his chair.
25 ON PICARD
stunned by this development... and by the ugly turn he
has seen take place in the conduct of this hearing.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 39.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
26 INT. CORRIDOR
Picard exits a turbolift and almost immediately an
Ensign, having exited the Observation Lounge, hurries
along the corridor past him. Picard continues toward
the Lounge when the doors open and another Ensign comes
hurrying out and toward the turbolift. Picard pauses
to look after him and right away another one comes out.
Puzzled, Picard ENTERS the Observation Lounge.
27 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard ENTERS to find Worf there, at the head of the
table; several crew members stand near him, carrying
Padds.
WORF
Ensign Bailey, you and Crewman
Marcus will coordinate to track
Tarses' movements for the last
five years. Ensign Kellogg, I
want a list of all his
relatives... his known
associates... especially old
school friends...
The crew persons are taking notes frantically.
WORF
And make arrangements to do an
encephalographic polygraph scan...
PICARD
Mister Worf...
WORF
Yes, Captain?
PICARD
I need to speak with you.
Worf hesitates, understands that he means "alone," and
turns to the crew.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 40.
27 CONTINUED:
WORF
You are dismissed. Please get
your reports to me as soon as
possible.
They disperse and Picard moves toward Worf.
PICARD
What is going on here?
WORF
Captain... I am conducting the
investigation of Simon Tarses.
Picard regards him solemnly, moves to the window.
PICARD
What has happened to us, Mister
Worf?
WORF
Sir?
PICARD
I think... we're putting on a
drumhead trial...
WORF
I don't understand...
PICARD
Five hundred years ago military
officers would upend a drum on
the battlefield... sit at it and
dispense summary justice...
decisions were quick...
punishments severe... appeals
denied. Those who came to a
drumhead were doomed.
WORF
But... we know there is a traitor
here. J'Dan has admitted his
guilt.
PICARD
That's true. And he will stand
for his crimes.
WORF
Tarses has all but done the same.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT FOUR 41.
27 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(a sharp look)
How?
WORF
He refused to answer the
question... about his Romulan
grandfather.
PICARD
That is not a crime, Worf. Nor
can we infer his guilt because
he did not respond.
WORF
If a man is not afraid of the
truth, he would answer.
PICARD
No. We must not let ourselves
think that. The Seventh Guarantee
is one of the most important
rights granted by the Federation.
We cannot use one of the
fundamental principles of our
Constitution and turn it against
a citizen.
Worf is struggling to understand.
WORF
Sir... the Federation does have
enemies... we must seek them
out...
PICARD
Yes... that's how it starts. But
the road from legitimate suspicion
to rampant paranoia is shorter
than we might think. Something
is wrong here, Worf... I don't
like what we have become.
Worf regards him, much more uncertain now as to his
course.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 42.
28 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS
Picard carries tea to a seated Simon Tarses, who is
almost as uneasy about a visit to the Captain's
quarters as he is about his predicament.
PICARD
Here you are, Mister Tarses...
do you care for lemon?
TARSES
No, thank you, sir. This is fine.
Picard settles into a chair opposite, smiles at Tarses.
He wants to put the young man at ease.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT FOUR 43.
28 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Tell me a little about yourself,
Crewman... I know you were born
on Mars Colony...
TARSES
Yes, sir... All my life I wanted
to be in Starfleet. I went to
the Academy's program for enlisted
personnel... took training as a
medical technician... served at
several outposts... and the day
I was posted to the Enterprise
was the happiest day of my life.
PICARD
Did you ever consider applying
to the Academy... going the whole
route and becoming an officer?
TARSES
My parents wanted me to... and
I thought about it... I used to
sit under this big tree near the
parade grounds...
PICARD
An elm tree? With a circular
bench?
TARSES
That's the one...
PICARD
I spent many an hour there. It
was my favorite spot to study.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT FOUR 44.
28 CONTINUED: (2)
TARSES
I used to sit... and watch the
drills... and picture myself an
officer. I knew it would make
my mother happy...
PICARD
But you didn't do it.
TARSES
No... I was eighteen, and eager...
the last thing I wanted to do was
spend four years sitting in
classrooms... I wanted to be out
there... traveling the stars...
I didn't want to wait for
anything...
He's lost himself for a moment, remembering his
youthful eagerness... then, it catches up to him
again... this nightmare that he's living now... he
turns to Picard in distress.
TARSES
And now... it's done, isn't it?
My career in Starfleet is
finished...
PICARD
Not if you aren't guilty.
TARSES
It doesn't matter. I lied on my
application... and that mistake
will be with me for the rest of
my life.
He shakes his head, abject and defeated.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 45.
28 CONTINUED: (3)
TARSES
I couldn't wait to get started...
and now it's over...
Picard regards him with sympathy... but there's little
he can say to argue.
29 INT. CORRIDOR - A LITTLE LATER
Satie and Nellen hurry along, the Admiral dictating and
Nellen tapping furiously.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Mister Worf has found a brother
who still lives on Mars Colony...
contact someone there and have
him interviewed...
Picard hails them from behind.
PICARD
Admiral Satie...
Satie turns her head and sees him, but keeps walking
and completes her thought to Nellen.
ADMIRAL SATIE
... and start a background check
into all his friends from the
Academy training program.
Picard has now caught up to them.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Yes, Captain?
The three come to a halt in the corridor. Picard
glances at Nellen, who is still tapping, but addresses
Satie.
PICARD
I'd like to talk to you.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Of course.
She stands, waiting.
PICARD
In private...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 46.
29 CONTINUED:
Pointedly, he reaches out and takes Nellen's Padd.
PICARD
... and off the record.
Satie is momentarily startled, but her aplomb is always
at her fingertips.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Of course, Captain.
(beat; smoothly)
After all... you are my partner
in this.
And she turns and heads toward a turbolift; he follows.
30 INT. READY ROOM
Satie is staring at Picard as though he had gone mad.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I cannot possibly believe you mean
this.
PICARD
But I do. This must stop. It's
gone too far... you lied to him
about the Engine Room -- there
was no volatile chemical found
there...
ADMIRAL SATIE
It's just a tactic... a way of
applying pressure.
PICARD
We are hounding an innocent man.
ADMIRAL SATIE
And how, may I ask, have you
managed to determine that?
PICARD
I talked with him.
A soft breath escapes her... short of a laugh but full
of derision.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/14/91 - ACT FOUR 47.
30 CONTINUED:
ADMIRAL SATIE
I see. And he told you he was
a victim of circumstance...
blameless and pure...
PICARD
No... he admits his mistake in
falsifying his application... but
that doesn't make him a traitor.
She stares at him, smiling a bit, shaking her head in
wonder.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Can you be so incredibly
naive... ?
She circles toward him, speaking gently, as though
talking to a child.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain... do you know how I have
spent the last four years?
Traveling from planet to Starbase
to planet...
She moves away again, into her restless pacing.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I have no home... I live on
starships and shuttlecraft... I
haven't seen a family member in
years... I have no friends.
She turns back to him.
ADMIRAL SATIE
But I have a purpose. My father
taught me... from the time I was
a little girl still clutching a
blanket... that the United
Federation of Planets is the most
remarkable institution ever
conceived. It is my cause to make
sure that this extraordinary union
is preserved...
She moves closer to him.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 47A.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
ADMIRAL SATIE
I cannot imagine why you are
suddenly trying to block this
investigation... there have been
others, in the past, who got in
my way. They came to regret it.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 48.
30 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
(not intimidated)
The hearings on Simon Tarses must
stop. If necessary, I will go
to Starfleet Command.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain, I have news for you...
I've been in constant contact with
Starfleet Command. And the
hearings aren't going to stop --
they're going to be expanded.
Picard is taken aback.
PICARD
What are you saying -- ?
ADMIRAL SATIE
I am going to get to the heart
of this conspiracy... if it means
investigating every last person
on this ship.
(beat)
And every hearing from now on
will be held in the presence of
Admiral Thomas Henry of Starfleet
Security. I've requested that
he be brought here at once...
PICARD
You never told me about this --
ADMIRAL SATIE
I report directly to Starfleet
Command. I do not require your
permission or your approval for
my decisions.
PICARD
Admiral... what you're doing
here... is unethical... it's
immoral... and I will fight it.
Her eyes all but crackle. She moves toward him.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Do what you must, Captain. And
so will I.
She turns and EXITS without another word. Picard is
deeply unsettled by what has happened.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 49.
30A EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse speed.
30B INT. BRIDGE - A LITTLE LATER
Picard sits in his chair, lost in a brown study.
DATA
Captain, the warp engines are back
on line. We are ready to
commence restart sequences.
No answer from Picard. Data turns around to him.
DATA
Sir?
PICARD
(snapping out of it)
Yes... ? Oh... yes, Mister Data.
Proceed.
Riker leans toward him. Above, the turbolift door
OPENS.
PIKER
Are you all right, Captain?
PICARD
Yes, of course. Just a bit --
preoccupied.
And now Nellen rounds the ramp and approaches Picard,
hands him a Padd. He takes it, puzzled.
NELLEN
Admiral Satie has ordered you to
report to the interrogation room
at oh-nine-hundred hours tomorrow
morning.
(beat)
You are to be questioned before
the committee.
Picard stares at her, stunned. Nellen gives nothing
away... not a smirk or a twitch. But underneath, there
is a palpable sense of triumph.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
31 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM
Now, there are more people in the gallery, including a
greying Starfleet Admiral. At the head table are only
Satie and Sabin. Worf is in the audience. And, in
the hot seat -- Picard.
SABIN
Your full name?
PICARD
Jean-Luc Picard.
SABIN
Rank and position?
PICARD
Captain, Federation Starship
Enterprise.
SABIN
How long have you held that post?
PICARD
Over three years. Since Stardate
41140.
SABIN
Very well.
(turns to Satie)
Admiral?
But before she can begin questioning --
PICARD
If you don't mind... I would like
to address the committee.
ADMIRAL SATIE
If you have a statement, you'll
get an opportunity to make it
later --
PICARD
I believe that Chapter Four,
Article Twelve of the Uniform Code
of Justice grants me the right
to make a statement before
questioning begins...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 51.
31 CONTINUED:
She stares icily at him, but knows he is right.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Very well.
Picard rises and approaches the head table. His manner
is soothing... clearly he's trying to calm things down,
not inflame them.
PICARD
I am deeply concerned by what is
happening here. It began when
we apprehended a spy, a man who
admitted his guilt and who will
answer for his crime. But the
hunt didn't stop there. Another
man, Simon Tarses, was brought
to trial -- and it was a trial,
no matter what others may call
it.
He pauses, picking his way carefully through this mine
field.
PICARD
Unfortunately, it was a trial
based on insinuation and innuendo.
Nothing substantive against
Crewman Tarses was offered, much
less proven.
He walks toward Tarses, who sits in the audience.
PICARD
This man has a Romulan
grandfather. For that, his career
stands in ruins. Have we become
so fearful? Have we become so
cowardly that we must extinguish
a man because he carries the blood
of a current enemy?
He paces back and forth in front of the table.
PICARD
I remind you... we are not
descended from cowardly people.
We come from those who were
willing to think the unthinkable,
speak the unspeakable...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 52.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
... and to defend with passion
ideas and causes which were, at
the moment, unpopular.
He moves toward Satie, a final, urgent plea.
PICARD
Admiral, let us not condemn Simon
Tarses or anyone else on the basis
of half-truth. I implore you...
do not continue with this
proceeding. End it here.
He returns to his seat. The Starfleet Admiral waits
with a grim, thoughtful look on his face. Sabin turns
to Norah, who is looking down, fiddling with a Padd,
making little notations, seemingly unaffected by
Picard's words.
ADMIRAL SATIE
(beat; still looking
down, soft and calm)
Captain Picard... do you believe
in the Prime Directive?
PICARD
Of course.
ADMIRAL SATIE
In fact, it is Starfleet General
Order Number One, isn't it?
PICARD
Your point, Admiral... ?
ADMIRAL SATIE
(now she looks at him)
Would it surprise you to learn
that you have violated the Prime
Directive a total of nine times
since you took command of the
Enterprise?
(without allowing him
to answer)
I must say, Captain, it surprised
the hell out of me.
PICARD
My reports to Starfleet document
the circumstances in each of those
instances --
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 53.
31 CONTINUED: (3)
ADMIRAL SATIE
Yes, we're looking into those
reports, Captain, very closely
into those reports... after which
I'm sure we'll have more questions
for you about your so-called
commitment to Starfleet's Prime
Directive.
She glances at the Starfleet Admiral for approval...
she doesn't get it. He's waiting to see where this
goes. He looks at her evenly as...
SABIN
Captain, could you explain just
what happened on Stardate 44390?
PICARD
Excuse me?
SABIN
Let me refresh your memory. You
were transporting a Vulcan
ambassador... T'Pel...
PICARD
I was following orders to deliver
the ambassador to a destination
near the Neutral Zone, and --
ADMIRAL SATIE
I don't think we need the
preamble.
SABIN
In fact, she was not a Vulcan at
all, was she? She was a Romulan
spy.
PICARD
That's correct.
SABIN
A spy whom you delivered back
into the hands of the enemy.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Tell me, Captain... when the
deception was revealed... and she
stood proudly on the Bridge of
a Romulan ship... did you make
any effort to retrieve her?
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 54.
31 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
No.
ADMIRAL SATIE
No? Even though you knew she
carried Federation secrets she
had been accumulating for years?
PICARD
There was no chance of getting
her back. We were deep in Romulan
space. The safety of my crew was
my primary concern.
WORF
(rises to defend Picard)
The Enterprise could have been
captured by Romulans... Captain
Picard did the only thing he could.
Satie turns to him, stunned and furious at his
perfidy.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Really, Lieutenant? And where
were you while this traitor was
on board the Enterprise? Where
was ship's security?
SABIN
Wouldn't you say it is
questionable judgment, Captain,
to have a security officer whose
father was a Romulan
collaborator?
Worf rises... begins to move toward the podium.
PICARD
Lieutenant?
Worf stops, sits. Satie continues to glance at the
Starfleet Admiral who looks increasingly uncomfortable
and unconvinced by Satie's argument. She moves to
her biggest gun...
ADMIRAL SATIE
Captain Picard... have you fully
recovered from your experience
with the Borg?
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/25/91 - ACT FIVE 55.
31 CONTINUED: (5)
Picard's eyes go cold.
PICARD
Yes. I am fully recovered.
ADMIRAL SATIE
It must have been awful...
actually becoming one of them...
being forced to use your vast
knowledge of Starfleet operations
to aid the Borg...
Picard has assumed a tight masque. Satie, carrying
her Padd, moves in the general direction of the
visiting Starfleet Admiral, playing to him but not
being obvious about it.
ADMIRAL SATIE
Just how many of our ships were
destroyed?
(checks Padd)
...ah. I have it...
thirty-nine... with the loss of
life measured at nearly eleven
thousand...
She pauses to let this sink in. There is a stirring
among the audience. She looks toward the Admiral,
begins talking about Picard in the third person.
ADMIRAL SATIE
One wonders how this man can sleep
at night... having caused so much
destruction...
32 CLOSE ON THE STARFLEET ADMIRAL
He looks hard at Satie... uncomfortable... losing
patience with this...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 56.
33 RESUME
As Satie strikes back at Picard.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I question your actions,
Captain... I question your
choices... I question your
loyalty...
She glares at the Admiral, who looks down at the floor.
He's finding this harder and harder to endure. There
is a small silence, and Picard's voice fills it,
speaking softly but in a tone that commands attention.
PICARD
There is a saying... which many
of us have heard since we were
school children... "With the first
link, the chain is forged. The
first speech censured, the first
thought forbidden, the first
freedom denied -- chains us all,
irrevocably."
Two bright spots have appeared on Norah Satie's cheeks.
Her eyes burn into Picard.
PICARD
Those words were uttered by Judge
Aaron Satie -- as wisdom and
warning. The very first time any
man's freedoms are trampled...
we are all damaged.
(beat)
I fear... that today... on this
starship... we are forging that
chain.
33A ON SATIE
ADMIRAL SATIE
(outraged)
How dare you -- you who consort
with Romulans... invoke my
father's name to support your
traitorous arguments... It is
an offense... to everything I hold
dear... to hear those words used
to subvert the United Federation
of Planets.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/25/91 - ACT FIVE 56A.
33A CONTINUED:
ADMIRAL SATIE (Cont'd)
My father was a great man... his
name stands for principle, and
integrity... you dirty that name
by speaking it...
The Admiral is now staring at her, dismayed by what
she is saying.
ADMIRAL SATIE
(continuous)
He loved the Federation...
but you, Picard... corrupt it...
you and those like you undermine
our very way of life...
The Admiral wants no more of this debacle. He rises
and starts for the door.
ADMIRAL SATIE
I will expose you for what you
are... I've brought down bigger
men than you, Picard...
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/25/91 - ACT FIVE 57.
33A CONTINUED: (2)
The room is hushed. She turns around, sees all eyes
on her. She now sees the Admiral's empty chair.
She casts one glance at Picard, who holds her gaze
coolly. She takes a breath, moves toward her table,
sits.
ADMIRAL SATIE
(with dignity)
I have nothing more to say.
Silence.
SABIN
Perhaps... we should take a
recess... until tomorrow.
People begin rising and moving out of the room. In the
midst of it all, Norah Satie sits like a prim
sculpture, hands folded neatly on the table, back
erect, eyes focused right in front of her. The room is
a mass of movement and confusion, in the midst of which
she is a rock in the stream, eddies swirling around
her as she sits in perfect stillness at her table.
33B OMITTED
34 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
35 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard sits alone in the darkened room, staring out
at the tableau of stars. Worf ENTERS, pauses,
sensitive to Picard's somber mood.
WORF
Am I bothering you, sir?
PICARD
No... please, come in, Mister
Worf.
Worf approaches.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 58.
35 CONTINUED:
WORF
It's over. Admiral Henry has
called an end to any more hearings
on this matter.
PICARD
That's good.
WORF
Admiral Satie... has left the
Enterprise.
Picard swivels his chair around to face Worf.
PICARD
We think we have come so far...
the torture of heretics and the
burning of witches is ancient
history... and then... before you
can blink an eye... it threatens
to start all over again.
WORF
I believed her... I helped her...
I didn't see what she was.
PICARD
Villains who wear black hats are
easy to spot. Those who clothe
themselves in good deeds are well
camouflaged.
WORF
I think... after yesterday...
people will not be as ready to
trust her.
PICARD
Maybe. But it won't stop her.
She -- someone like her -- will
always be with us... waiting for
the right climate to flourish...
spreading disease in the name of
liberty.
(beat)
Vigilance, Worf. That is the
price we must continually pay.
STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/14/91 - ACT FIVE 59.
36 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
continues its patrol.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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