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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Who Watches the Watchers"
#40273-152
Written by
Richard Manning & Hans Beimler
Directed by
Robert Wiemer
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
it is lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
2ND REVISED FINAL DRAFT
AUGUST 7, 1989
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " - 8/7/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Who Watches the Watchers"
CAST
PICARD Mintakans
RIKER NURIA
DATA LIKO
BEVERLY OJI
TROI FENTO
GEORDI HALI
WORF
BARRON
Non-Speaking
PALMER
WARREN
MEDICS
ENTERPRISE CREW
MINTAKANS
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " - 8/9/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Who Watches the Watchers"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE MINTAKA THREE
MAIN BRIDGE ASSEMBLY HALL
OBSERVATION LOUNGE DUCK BLIND
READY ROOM PATH
SICKBAY SECLUDED AREA
TRANSPORTER ROOM
TEN FORWARD
CORRIDOR
DUCK BLIND
ASSEMBLY HALL
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " 8/7/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Who Watches the Watchers"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Cruising at warp speed.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43125.2.
We are en route to Mintaka Three,
where a three-man Federation
anthropological field team has
been studying the inhabitants.
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
PICARD is flanked by RIKER and TROI. WORF and DATA
are at their stations; SUPERNUMERARIES as needed.
PICARD (V.O.)
Our mission is to resupply the
outpost and repair their
malfunctioning reactor.
TURBOLIFT DOORS OPEN and GEORDI ENTERS.
PICARD
Report, Mister La Forge.
GEORDI
We've finished replicating the
parts they need.
(a beat)
What I don't understand is why
a three-man station needs a
reactor that can produce
four-point-two gigawatts.
Riker knows, but wants to see if Geordi can figure it
out for himself:
RIKER
That's enough to power a small
phaser bank, a subspace relay
station, or...
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(putting it together)
... a hologram generator. Right
-- a "duck blind."
PICARD
(nods)
The anthropologists are studying
an extended family of Mintakans
at close range... from a
camouflaged observation post.
TROI
According to Doctor Barron's
preliminary reports, the Mintakans
are proto-Vulcan humanoids at the
Bronze Age level. Quite peaceful
and highly rational.
PICARD
(nods)
Not surprising, considering how
closely their evolution has
paralleled Vulcan.
WORF
Captain, incoming transmission
from Mintaka Three.
PICARD
On screen.
On the MAIN VIEWER appears the fuzzy image of BARRON,
intermittently broken up by LINES AND SWIRLS of STATIC
INTERFERENCE. Barron is a middle-aged human; he's in
a small cave-like room -- the "DUCK BLIND" -- which
is both scientific laboratory and living quarters for
the three members of the field team. One wall contains
ports looking out onto the planet.
Behind Barron, two more scientists -- PALMER (a young
human male) and WARREN (an older human female) --
work on the malfunctioning reactor. Barron's mood
is calm, unhurried -- the situation is not desperate.
BARRON
Barron to Enterprise. Our
temporary repairs have failed.
The reactor is now inoperative.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/9/89 - TEASER 2A.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Do you have battery backup?
BARRON
Three hours' worth at best.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - TEASER 3.
2 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
Captain, if we increase to warp
seven we can be there in twenty-three
minutes.
PICARD
Make it so.
(to Barron)
We're on our way --
On the Main Viewer, an EXPLOSION rocks the outpost.
Haywire ELECTRICAL BOLTS cascade everywhere. A console
a few feet from the reactor SHORTS OUT. STATIC and
INTERFERENCE obscure the image.
Barron and Warren are STRUCK by the BOLTS and knocked
unconscious. Palmer, also ZAPPED, covers his eyes,
temporarily blinded, and gropes randomly.
3 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
A hillside with sheer rock walls and outcroppings.
About three meters up a nearly sheer rockface is a
narrow path. A large section of the rockface above the
path SHIMMERS and FADES AWAY -- revealing the exterior
ported wall of the "duck blind" (the interior of which
is built inside the rockface). BLUE SPARKS dance
about the metal structure of the duck blind.
3A INT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
Palmer stumbles to a port, falls through it to the
outside --
3B EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
Palmer has fallen clear of the duck blind. Dazed and
disoriented, he makes his way down the path and EXITS
the area.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - TEASER 4.
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard watches the Main Viewer helplessly as the image
from Mintaka -- with Barron lying on the floor --
BREAKS UP completely and DISAPPEARS.
WORF
We've lost contact, sir.
PICARD
Increase to warp nine.
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
streaking to the rescue.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
6 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around Mintaka Three.
7 INT. DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
Riker, Data, Geordi, BEVERLY, and A MEDIC MATERIALIZE
inside the duck blind. SPARKS and CORONA EFFECTS are
coursing through all metal parts of the structure.
Riker and Geordi start working on the damaged reactor
while Data begins repairs on the shorted-out console.
Beverly and the medic tend to the injured Barron and
Warren.
8 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - PATH - DAY
Two Mintakans -- middle-aged LIKO and his teenaged
daughter OJI -- are walking. Mintakans look very
similar to Vulcans -- they have the same pointed ears
and arched eyebrows. Note: Though Mintakans are a
cool-headed, rational people, they are not as stoic and
emotionless as Vulcans.
LIKO
Why did we have to come so early?
OJI
When the sun reaches its zenith,
I have to be ready to take the
measurements.
LIKO
(amused)
You'll be ready. You've read
the sundial hundreds of times.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT ONE 6.
8 CONTINUED:
OJI
Yes, father -- but never as the
appointed recordkeeper.
LIKO
(smiles)
You're taking your duties quite
seriously. Your mother would have
been proud of you.
8A EXT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Liko and Oji ENTER the area, which is presently
unoccupied. Outside the "assembly hall" is a large
bronze sundial/astrolabe. Oji steps up to the
astrolabe, takes a preliminary sighting. In doing so,
she notices something o.s.:
9 REVERSE ANGLE (OPTICAL)
On a distant hillside, the exterior of the duck blind
is visible. Oji points it out to Liko:
OJI
What is that?
LIKO
I don't know...
Curious, they quickly head off toward the hillside.
10 INT. DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
The medic works on Warren as Beverly tends to Barron,
who is semi-conscious.
BARRON
(delirious)
Keep work... Palmer... Warren...
Beverly applies a hypo.
10A ON RIKER AND GEORDI (OPTICAL)
still working on the reactor; Data is finishing up on
the console nearby.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/16/89 - ACT ONE 6A.
10A CONTINUED:
DATA
The hologram generator is now
functional.
RIKER
Or would be, if we had power...
GEORDI
Almost there...
10AA EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
Liko and Oji ENTER the area around the duck blind and
stop in amazement. Liko gestures for Oji to stay
hidden as he cautiously approaches the path leading to
the duck blind.
10B WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
The medic working on Warren nods to Beverly -- ready.
Beverly taps her communicator:
BEVERLY
Enterprise -- beam Martinez and
his patient directly to Sickbay.
Warren and the medic attending her DEMATERIALIZE. Data
looks up:
DATA
Doctor --
Beverly also looks up --
11 ANGLE ON THE PORT (OPTICAL)
Peeking in one of the ports is Liko -- stunned at the
sight of these strangers magically disappearing.
Curious, Liko pokes his head further into the port, and
places a hand on the metal frame.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT ONE 7.
11 CONTINUED:
A furious ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE ZAPS Liko; dazed and
disoriented, he stumbles back.
12 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
Liko has fallen away from the duck blind. He slips
off the narrow path, falls three meters, and lands hard
on a section of jagged rock, severely gashing his head.
He GROANS.
13 ANGLE ON OJI
Oji is at the bottom of the path. She's about to come
to her father's aid, but holds back as she sees:
14 ON BEVERLY (OPTICAL)
Beverly has already emerged from the duck blind and is
heading down the path to Liko's side.
15 ANGLE ON LIKO (OPTICAL)
in intense pain. Beverly approaches, administers a
hypo. A moment later, Liko is out cold. Beverly
examines him, then touches her communicator:
BEVERLY
Crusher to Enterprise. Medical
emergency. Two to beam directly
to Sickbay.
Beverly and Liko DEMATERIALIZE.
15A ANGLE ON OJI
emerging from her hiding place and moving toward the
spot where her father disappeared.
16 INT. DUCK BLIND - DAY
Riker and Geordi at the reactor. Geordi finishes up:
GEORDI
That should do it.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 8.
16 CONTINUED:
Geordi makes an adjustment. The reactor HUMS to life.
17 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
As the camouflage unit kicks in, the duck blind
DISAPPEARS; the rockface is now, to all appearances,
solid rock.
18 ANGLE ON OJI
gazing bewildered at the wall of rock. She's
overwhelmed by the inexplicable wonders she has
witnessed.
CUT TO:
19 INT. SICKBAY
Busy. MEDICAL PERSONNEL are performing surgery on Liko
and applying various forms of burn and anti-radiation
treatment to Warren and Barron.
Beverly moves from one station to another, giving
orders. She crosses to Liko's biobed. The medic
is finishing up with Liko.
20 NEW ANGLE
as Picard ENTERS, crosses to Liko's biobed, and reacts
to the sight of a Mintakan aboard the Enterprise.
Picard glowers at Beverly, but before he can speak:
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 9.
20 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Before you start quoting the Prime
Directive -- he'd already seen
us; the damage was done. It was
bring him aboard or let him die.
PICARD
Then why didn't you let him die?
BEVERLY
Because we were responsible for
his injuries!
PICARD
I don't know if I concur with
that reasoning, Doctor. But now
that he's here, you must remove
all memory of his encounter with
the away team.
BEVERLY
By erasing short-term recall?
PICARD
It's been accomplished before.
BEVERLY
Yes, I'm familiar with Doctor
Pulaski's technique.
(studies Liko)
Though I can't guarantee it will
be effective on Mintakan brain
chemistry --
Beverly is interrupted by a COMMOTION O.S. --
21 ANGLE ON BARRON
Barron has regained consciousness, but he's half-delirious
and agitated. He struggles wildly with a
medic who's trying to restrain him:
BARRON
No! We must evacuate --
Picard, Beverly, and other medics run to Barron's
biobed and hold him back. Beverly zaps Barron with
a hypospray; Barron's struggles weaken.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 9A.
21 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
(forceful)
Doctor Barron! You're on the
Enterprise. You're safe now.
Barron gazes at her; reason slowly returns.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 10.
22 ANGLE ON LIKO
CLOSE on Liko's face -- after a beat, Liko's eyes open.
BARRON (O.S.)
The others?
PICARD (O.S.)
Doctor Warren is here. We're
doing all we can.
Liko, not daring to move a muscle, looks to the source
of the voices:
23 ANGLE - WHAT LIKO SEES
Medical personnel, Beverly, and Picard are gathered
around Barron's biobed. Picard is the only one in a
red uniform; he stands out dramatically.
BARRON
And Palmer? Where is Palmer?
PICARD
Still on Mintaka Three.
BARRON
Picard -- you have to find him.
PICARD
We will.
BARRON
He may be hurt --
PICARD
Rest assured -- we will not leave
until we locate Palmer.
Picard's strength and conviction mollify Barron.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 11.
23 CONTINUED:
BARRON
Thank you, Picard.
Beverly helps Barron lie back and relax. Picard moves
away from the biobed, taps his communicator:
PICARD
Picard to bridge. Report.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Scans of the planet detect no
humans, Captain.
PICARD
Very well. Take us into a close
orbit.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Sir, a close orbit will
increase sensor efficiency by
only four percent.
PICARD
I want that four percent,
Lieutenant.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Picard out.
24 NEW ANGLE
as Picard turns, finds himself looking at Liko -- who's
looking right back at him. Picard's speechless. After
a beat:
LIKO
(tentative)
Picard?
Liko's voice catches everyone's attention. Beverly
moves instantly to Liko's side, knocks Liko out with a
hypospray.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 12.
24 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Damn --
PICARD
Doctor, your next task is clear.
Beverly nods as she looks at her troublesome patient:
CUT TO:
25 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around Mintaka Three.
26 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY
Oji is atop a bluff, finishing her reconnaissance. No
luck. She returns to the duck blind rockface, touches
it once more. Nothing happens. The hologram
generator's doing its job; the rockface looks and feels
authentic.
27 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - SECLUDED AREA - DAY (OPTICAL)
In a location not visible from the duck blind area, the
sleeping body of Liko MATERIALIZES. Slowly, Liko
awakens.
28 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY
as Oji starts to walk back down the path.
LIKO (O.S.)
(weak)
Oji?
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/9/89 - ACT ONE 13.
28 CONTINUED:
Startled, Oji turns, looks about, tries to place which
direction the voice came from --
OJI
Father?
29 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - SECLUDED AREA - DAY
as Liko sits up, examines himself.
LIKO
Here...
After a beat, Oji ENTERS, rushes to her father's side
-- and is amazed to see that her father's wounds have
disappeared.
OJI
I thought I'd never see you again.
When you and the woman vanished,
I was sure you were dead.
LIKO
I think I was... but I was brought
back to life. I awoke in an
incredible place -- and my wounds
were gone. I had been healed.
OJI
How is that possible?
Liko ponders this gravely.
LIKO
Long ago, our people believed in
beings with great powers. These
beings made the rains come, told
the sun when to rise, and caused
all life to be born, to grow,
to die.
OJI
But those are just tales -- old
superstitions.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT ONE 14.
29 CONTINUED:
LIKO
Perhaps the beliefs of our
ancestors are true. Nothing else
can explain what's happened.
(a beat)
Everything's changed now, Oji.
We must tell the others...
On Liko's resolute expression, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/16/89 - ACT TWO 15.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
30 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Troi, Data, and Beverly. Beverly is
in mid-report.
BEVERLY
... Barron is stable, but Warren
is still critical.
RIKER
Palmer is missing, and scans of
the planet pick up Mintakan life
forms only -- no humans.
However...
Riker looks to Data.
DATA
The area around the duck blind
exhibits Karst topography --
sinkholes, underground rivers,
and caverns. And the rock strata
contain a high concentration of
thallium compounds, which may be
obstructing our sensor beams.
PICARD
So if Palmer, in his delirium,
fled into a cave, we might be
unable to detect his life signs.
DATA
Correct.
BEVERLY
Captain, if he is still alive,
he probably needs medical
attention. We must send an away
team to locate him.
TROI
But our presence mustn't interfere
with the cultural development of
the Mintakans.
PICARD
Agreed. Further contamination
must be prevented.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/9/89 - ACT TWO 16.
30 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Sir, I have a suggestion.
CUT TO:
31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Orbiting Mintaka Three.
RIKER (V.O.)
First officer's log, Stardate
43125.3. Counselor Troi and I
are beaming down to Mintaka Three
to locate Doctor Palmer and
determine the extent of the
cultural contamination.
32 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - SECLUDED AREA - DAY (OPTICAL)
The same spot where Liko was beamed down. Riker and
Troi MATERIALIZE, along with two bundles of woven
cloth.
Riker and Troi have been made up as Mintakans,
complete with angled eyebrows and pointed ears.
They're wearing typical Mintakan garb: austere,
mannerly outfits of woven cloth.
RIKER (V.O.)
Doctor Crusher has temporarily
altered our features and skin
color. She's also implanted
subcutaneous communicators so that
any transmissions we receive will
be inaudible to the Mintakans.
Riker and Troi look around. No one's in sight.
RIKER
Riker to Enterprise -- do you
read?
Riker hears Data's com voice via direct bone
conduction, so it sounds unusually thin and faint:
DATA'S COM VOICE
(filtered)
Perfectly, Commander. I will be
monitoring you continuously.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT TWO 17.
32 CONTINUED:
Riker and Troi pick up their bundles of woven cloth.
TROI
Mintakan emotions are quite
interesting. Like the Vulcans,
they have highly ordered minds...
A very sensible people.
They start to walk. Riker automatically takes the
lead. Troi stops him, moves in front of him. MOVE
with them as they walk.
TROI (cont'd)
(enjoying this)
For example, Mintakan women
precede their mates. It's a
signal to other women.
RIKER
"This man's taken; get your own?"
TROI
Not precisely... More like, "if
you want his services, I'm the
one to negotiate with."
RIKER
What kinds of "services?"
TROI
All kinds.
RIKER
(amused)
Ah. They are a sensible race.
Riker and Troi come around a rock formation and find
themselves on a path leading to the assembly hall area.
32A EXT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
A few MINTAKANS are entering the area. Riker and Troi
ENTER and follow the Mintakans toward the assembly
hall.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/9/89 - ACT TWO 17A.
33 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Assorted MINTAKANS are gathered around Liko and Oji.
This is the "town hall" where Mintakans meet daily --
both to barter and to talk, philosophize, exchange
information, and debate ideas.
Among the listeners is NURIA, an attractive, middle-aged
Mintakan woman who's the leader of this community;
the Mintakans respect her calm, clear-headed
intelligence and give extra weight to her opinions.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT TWO 18.
33 CONTINUED:
Next to Liko and Oji is FENTO, an elderly Mintakan man
who's the community's "storyteller" -- its oral
historian.
LIKO
I understand your skepticism.
Had it not happened to me, I would
find it difficult to accept as
well.
34 ANGLE ON RIKER AND TROI
as they enter the assembly hall.
OJI (O.S.)
But it did happen, just as we've
told you.
Riker and Troi stay on the outskirts of the group.
35 WIDER
as Liko turns to a skeptical Fento.
LIKO
Fento -- you know the legends
better than anyone. Don't they
speak of beings like the ones I've
seen --
OJI
-- who could vanish like smoke?
FENTO
(dubious)
There are the stories of the
Overseer... who could appear and
disappear at will...
To Liko, this is confirmation. Fento's tone, however,
indicates that though he's aware of the legend, he
doesn't believe it.
LIKO
And couldn't this Overseer heal
the dead?
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT TWO 18A.
35 CONTINUED:
FENTO
(nods)
He had supreme power -- or so our
ancestors believed.
Liko nods. That's more confirmation.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/18/89 - ACT TWO 19.
35 CONTINUED: (2)
LIKO
I believe I've seen the
Overseer...
RIKER
(sotto)
Uh-oh...
LIKO
He is called the Picard.
MURMURS from the Mintakans. This is heady stuff.
Riker and Troi exchange an "oh, hell... " glance and
speak in low tones:
TROI
His memory is intact.
RIKER
The procedure didn't work.
36 NEW ANGLE
as Nuria steps forward.
NURIA
Liko -- all this talk of a
supernatural being... No one's
believed that for countless
generations. Just as we no longer
believe the stars control our
fates, or that the spirits of the
dead haunt the living.
LIKO
I'm not saying all the old beliefs
are true. But I did see the
Picard, and I was restored to
life.
More MURMURS from the Mintakans.
37 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT TWO 20-22.
38 WIDER
as Riker and Troi step forward and address Liko.
TROI
We are visitors; we've come to
trade our cloth. May we speak?
NURIA
Please do -- we welcome outsiders.
I am Nuria.
TROI
I am Troi; this is Riker.
(to Liko)
You've had a very interesting
dream.
LIKO
(scoffs)
Dream? It was real!
OJI
My father and I both witnessed
these beings.
TROI
If you are father and daughter,
you may have shared the same
dream.
LIKO
That is not reasonable.
RIKER
Is it any less reasonable than
being magically propelled to a
strange place by "the Picard?"
The Mintakans exchange looks. Riker makes a good
point. Then:
HALI (O.S.)
Nuria!
The Mintakans turn --
39
thru OMITTED
41
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT TWO 23-23A.
42 NEW ANGLE
as HALI and one more MINTAKAN HUNTER (both with
elaborately-designed crossbows) come into view at the
entrance to the assembly hall -- carrying a bedraggled
and unconscious Palmer.
Surprised reactions from the Mintakans. Liko and Oji
are triumphant.
LIKO
It has to be -- Palmer -- the one
the Picard wished to find.
The Mintakans rush as one to gather around Palmer, peer
at him, touch his skin and clothing. They're not
aggressive -- merely curious about the stranger.
NURIA
(examining Picard)
Remarkable. You were speaking
the truth.
LIKO
The Picard will be pleased.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT TWO 24.
43
thru OMITTED
44
45 ON RIKER AND TROI
exchanging a look. So much for their cogent
arguments.
RIKER
Riker to Picard.
46 INT. SICKBAY
Picard and Beverly in f.g. Warren lies motionless on
her biobed, her vital signs dangerously low.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT TWO 25.
46 CONTINUED:
Barron, in a hospital gown, is standing next to Warren.
PICARD
Go ahead, Number One.
47 INTERCUTS - SICKBAY AND MINTAKA THREE
RIKER
We have a problem.
PICARD
The contamination?
RIKER
It's worse than we suspected.
The Mintakans are beginning to
believe in a god -- and the one
they've chosen... is you.
PUSH IN on Picard's appalled reaction, and --
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 26.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
48 INT. SICKBAY
As before.
BARRON
Picard -- you must beam Palmer
aboard immediately. Without
medical attention --
PICARD
It's not that simple. He's
surrounded by Mintakans. If he
dematerializes before their
eyes...
BARRON
... it will slightly increase the
cultural contamination which
already exists. A small price
for saving Palmer's life.
Picard thinks it over, addresses the com panel:
PICARD
Number One -- is there any chance
of your freeing Palmer and
transporting up unseen?
49 INTERCUTS - SICKBAY AND MINTAKA THREE
Riker and Troi, still out of earshot of the Mintakans,
survey the area.
RIKER
We can try...
PICARD
Try hard. Picard out.
50 ANGLE ON BARRON
scowling at Picard.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT THREE 27.
50 CONTINUED:
BARRON
Picard, I must protest. You're
endangering Palmer with this
delay.
PICARD
I'm aware of that. But each of
us -- including Doctor Palmer --
took an oath to uphold the Prime
Directive... if necessary, with
our lives.
51 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Nuria, Liko, Oji, Hali, Fento, and the other Mintakans
are still gazing at the unconscious Palmer. Riker
stands nearby; Troi is not present. Hali explains:
HALI
We followed a hornbuck into a
cave. The stranger was there --
asleep.
NURIA
This Palmer is one of the
Overseer's servants?
LIKO
Yes -- the Picard has many
servants.
(to Fento)
Isn't that true?
FENTO
(still skeptical)
According to the legends. But
if Palmer is a servant of the
Overseer, what was he doing in
the cave?
OJI
Perhaps he ran away.
HALI
Or he failed the Picard somehow
and was hiding from him.
LIKO
We should bind him in case he
wakes and tries to escape.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT THREE 27A.
51 CONTINUED:
RIKER
It's senseless to hold this
stranger captive. This Overseer
talk is nothing more than an old
superstition.
Fento nods agreement.
NURIA
I disagree. All the evidence
suggests the Overseer does exist.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/15/89 - ACT THREE 28.
51 CONTINUED: (2)
LIKO
And I heard the Picard say he
wanted to find Palmer.
OJI
Then by keeping Palmer safe, we
will please the Picard.
LIKO
And he'll grant us favors in return.
NURIA
Favors?
Nuria raises an eyebrow, looks to Fento for
elaboration. Fento shrugs:
FENTO
The Overseer was said to be
all-powerful. He could provide
gentle winters, plentiful hunting,
fertile crops... anything.
LIKO
(quiet intensity)
He could even bring back those
who have died.
Oji looks at Liko as Liko's meaning dawns. Is it
possible... ? Liko smiles warmly back at Oji: yes, it
is. The Mintakans look to Nuria, who reaches a
decision:
NURIA
We will keep Palmer for the
Picard.
A BUZZ of approval from the Mintakans -- good decision.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 29.
52 NEW ANGLE
Troi ENTERS.
TROI
I've seen another one -- like
Palmer!
LIKO
Another servant of the Picard?
TROI
(nods)
He's headed toward the caves!
NURIA
Fento -- stay and bind Palmer.
Troi, Nuria, Liko, Oji, Hali, and the others EXIT the
assembly hall.
53 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Troi leads Nuria, Liko, Oji, Hali, and the others off
toward the hills.
54 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Fento leans over Palmer, starts tying him up with a
length of woven rope. Riker steps up next to Fento.
RIKER
Excuse me... that knot won't hold.
If I may assist...
FENTO
Please do.
As Riker unties the rope:
RIKER
The trick is to make a knot that
tightens under pressure. Here,
I'll show you...
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT THREE 30.
55 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - PATH - DAY
Nuria, Liko, Oji, Hali, and the others are following
Troi. Oji suddenly notices the sun's position, stops:
OJI
Father -- the sun's reaching its
zenith. If I don't go to measure...
LIKO
Go.
Oji turns around, rushes back the way she came.
56 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Fento has been bound and gagged by Riker.
RIKER
Forgive me, friend... but the
stranger must be set free.
Riker picks up Palmer in a fireman's carry and starts
off.
57 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Riker EMERGES from the assembly hall, carrying Palmer,
and heads for a path out of the area (not the same path
Troi took).
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 30A.
57 CONTINUED:
Riker sees Oji ENTER the area at the far end.
RIKER
Riker to Enterprise. Lock on and
prepare to beam us directly to
Sickbay, but wait for my signal.
DATA'S COM VOICE
(filtered)
Acknowledged, Commander.
Oji sees Riker --
OJI
Riker?
Riker ignores her, keeps heading out.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT THREE 31.
58 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - PATH - DAY
Troi leading the others as before.
OJI (O.S.)
(distant)
Riker! Stop!
NURIA
Oji?
OJI (O.S.)
(distant)
It's Riker -- he's taking Palmer!
Nuria puts it together instantly, whirls to face Troi:
NURIA
Yari -- don't let her escape.
The Mintakan hunter levels his crossbow at Troi, takes
her captive. The others follow Nuria as she charges
back toward the assembly hall area.
59 OMITTED
60 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Riker is about to reach a path through the rocks
surrounding the assembly hall area. Nuria and the
others ENTER the area at the other end. Hali levels
his crossbow to take a shot at Riker, but Riker ducks
between the rocks, EXITS the area. The Mintakans
pursue.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/24/89 - ACT THREE 32.
61 OMITTED
62 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - ANOTHER PATH - DAY (OPTICAL)
Riker carrying Palmer; Nuria and the Mintakans in
pursuit. Finally, Riker finds what he's been looking
for: a spot where he's momentarily out of sight of the
Mintakans.
RIKER
I'm clear. Energize!
Riker and Palmer DEMATERIALIZE. A moment after they're
gone, Nuria and the others ENTER, rush down the path
past where Riker disappeared, and keep going.
63 OMITTED
64 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
as Riker and Palmer MATERIALIZE in Sickbay. Beverly
and a medic help Riker put Palmer on a biobed. Riker
stretches his aching muscles.
RIKER
Data. Has Counselor Troi beamed
up?
DATA'S COM VOICE
Negative, Commander. Sensors show
she's in the midst of a group of
Mintakans.
RIKER
Damn.
Riker EXITS.
65 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Hali uses a knife to cut Fento's ropes. Nuria, Liko,
Oji, and other Mintakans surround Troi. Liko's
concerned; Troi is calm.
NURIA
Hali -- find Riker and Palmer.
Hali motions for the hunter and other Mintakans to
accompany him; they EXIT. Liko accosts Troi:
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT THREE 32A.
65 CONTINUED:
LIKO
Why? Why did you and Riker take
Palmer from us?
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 33.
65 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
We did not "take" Palmer...
66 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Data, and Worf are silent, listening to Troi's
communicator. Riker ENTERS.
TROI'S COM VOICE
... we set him free. Riker and
I don't believe these fables about
the Overseer.
LIKO'S COM VOICE
Don't you realize what you've
done?
67 INTERCUTS - BRIDGE AND MINTAKA THREE
LIKO
You've angered the Picard -- and
we may all suffer for it!
(to Fento)
Weren't there stories of the
Overseer destroying those who
offended him?
FENTO
Stories. Nothing more.
NURIA
Liko, we'll get Palmer back.
Riker was carrying him -- they
can't have gone far.
LIKO
Still, the Picard may blame us
for Palmer's escape.
(points to Troi)
Perhaps we should punish her --
to let the Overseer know that she
and Riker acted alone.
NURIA
We'll keep Troi captive.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT THREE 34.
67 CONTINUED:
LIKO
That's not enough.
NURIA
You would have us harm her?
Liko looks sadly at Troi. He's not a zealot out for
blood -- he's concerned for the future of his people.
This isn't an easy thing to suggest, but -- in Liko's
eyes -- it's imperative.
LIKO
If it will hold off the Picard's
anger -- yes. I've seen how
powerful he is...
68 ON NURIA
weighing Liko's argument as the anxious Mintakans look
to her for orders. Sometimes being the leader is a
hell of a burden.
NURIA
(slowly)
I am unwilling to hurt Troi
needlessly.
(a beat)
We will wait for Hali and the
others to return.
OJI
And if they don't find Palmer?
NURIA
(looking at Troi)
Then we may have to do as Liko
suggests.
69 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, and Barron.
PICARD
(to Barron)
You believe the Mintakans are
capable of harming Troi?
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 34A.
69 CONTINUED:
BARRON
(nods)
They are not normally a violent
people... but these are
extraordinary circumstances.
They're trying to comprehend what
they believe to be a god.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 35.
69 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Recommendations?
BARRON
The Mintakans wish to please the
Overseer, but they can only guess
what he wants. They need a sign.
PICARD
Are you suggesting...
BARRON
(nods)
You must go down to Mintaka Three.
RIKER
Masquerading as a god?
PICARD
Out of the question. The Prime
Directive --
BARRON
Has already been violated. The
damage is done; all we can do now
is minimize it.
PICARD
By sanctioning their false
beliefs?
BARRON
By giving them guidelines...
letting them know what the
Overseer expects of them.
PICARD
I cannot -- I will not impose a
set of commandments on these
people. To do so violates the
essence of the Prime Directive.
BARRON
Like it or not, we've rekindled
the Mintakans' belief in the
Overseer.
RIKER
(to Barron)
And you're saying that belief will
eventually develop into a
religion.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 35A.
69 CONTINUED: (3)
BARRON
It's inevitable. And without
guidance, that religion could
degenerate into inquisitions...
holy wars... chaos.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 36.
69 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
Your own reports describe how
rational these people are.
Millennia ago, they abandoned all
belief in the supernatural. And
now you're asking me to sabotage
that achievement... send them
back into the Dark Ages of fear
and superstition.
(adamant)
No. We must undo the damage we've
caused.
(turning to Riker)
Number One -- tell me about the
group's leader.
RIKER
Nuria is exceptionally fair-minded
and sensible... the Mintakans
trust her judgment. If we could
convince her we're not gods...
PICARD
... she might be able to persuade
the others.
BARRON
And how do you propose to convince
her?
PICARD
She sees the Picard as a magical
figure. I'm going to show her
how the magic works.
(a beat)
Bring her aboard.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT THREE 36A.
70 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - DAY
Troi is being guarded by two Mintakans. Liko and Oji
are standing nearby. Nuria is walking away, toward
the exit.
71 ON TROI
Troi doesn't react as Data's voice pops into her ear:
DATA'S COM VOICE
(filtered)
Counselor, sensors indicate five
Mintakans in your immediate
vicinity.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT THREE 37.
71 CONTINUED:
DATA'S COM VOICE (cont'd)
Four are motionless; the fifth
is eight meters away, proceeding
south. Is Nuria one of these
five?
TROI
("yes")
Mmm-hmm.
72 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Worf, supernumeraries. Data reacts to
the odd sound Troi just made.
DATA
Was that intended to be an
affirmative?
RIKER
(a smile)
Yes, Data, it was.
73 INTERCUTS - BRIDGE AND MINTAKA THREE
DATA
Is Nuria the closest of the five?
TROI
("nope")
Mmm-mmm.
Data reacts, puzzled again. Riker "translates":
RIKER
Negative.
DATA
Is Nuria the one in motion?
TROI
("yes")
Mmm-hmm.
RIKER
Lock sensors on Nuria.
DATA
Locked on, Commander. We can
beam Nuria aboard at will.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/16/89 - ACT THREE 38.
73 CONTINUED:
Picard gets to his feet.
PICARD
Data, when sensors indicate she's
alone, beam her to Transporter
Room One.
DATA
Aye, sir.
Picard EXITS into a turbolift.
74 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In close orbit to Mintaka Three.
75 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Picard ENTERS, approaches the ENSIGN at the console.
PICARD
Ensign Hoy, I'll handle this.
The Ensign EXITS and Picard takes his place behind
the console. Picard energizes.
76 ANGLE ON THE TRANSPORTER PAD (OPTICAL)
as Nuria MATERIALIZES -- and GASPS in shock. What's
happened? Where the hell is she?
PICARD (O.S.)
Nuria -- don't be afraid.
Nuria turns to face --
77 WIDER
Picard steps forward, nods reassuringly.
PICARD
No one's going to harm you.
Nuria can barely speak:
NURIA
Who... ?
PICARD
My name is Jean-Luc Picard.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/7/89 - ACT THREE 39.
78 ON NURIA
astonished. She sinks to her knees in fear and
reverence, and we --
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
79 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Nuria is still on her knees on the transporter pad.
Picard takes another step. She averts her eyes.
PICARD
Please -- get up.
No response.
PICARD (cont'd)
Get up! You don't kneel to me.
NURIA
You do not wish it?
PICARD
I do not deserve it.
Picard extends a hand. Slowly, timidly, Nuria takes
it. Picard lifts her to her feet, stands eye-to-eye
with her, clasps her hand.
PICARD (cont'd)
Look at me. Feel the warmth of
my hand, the rhythm of my pulse.
I am not a supreme being -- I am
flesh and blood, like you.
Nuria shakes her head -- inconceivable.
NURIA
Not like me...
PICARD
Like you! Different in
appearance, yes. But we are both
living beings -- we are born, we
grow, we live, we die. In all
the ways that matter, we are
alike.
NURIA
But -- you are the Picard!
Nuria gazes at him, uncomprehending. Picard smiles.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/23/89 - ACT FOUR 41-41A.
79 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Let me show you my people.
(ALTERNATE:)
Let me show you something.
Picard leads Nuria to the door, which OPENS. Nuria
jumps back, startled -- then looks at Picard, gathers
courage from his presence. In the corridor, a
CREWMEMBER passes.
NURIA
What a wondrous place this is.
Even the doors obey your commands.
PICARD
It is wondrous -- but not
miraculous. The doors merely work
differently from the ones you
know.
Picard and Nuria EXIT into the corridor.
80
thru OMITTED
81
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT FOUR 42.
82 OMITTED
83 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Picard and Nuria are at a window, looking at the
magnificent sight of Mintaka Three set amid thousands
of stars. Nuria is overwhelmed. So many wonders...
NURIA
That is my home?
PICARD
Seen from far, far above.
NURIA
Yet we don't fall.
(a beat)
I never imagined I would see the
clouds... from the other side.
Your powers are truly boundless.
She looks like she's ready to drop to her knees again,
and that's not the attitude Picard is trying to
inspire. He SIGHS, tries again:
PICARD
Nuria -- your people live in huts.
Was it always so?
NURIA
No. We have found remnants of
tools in caves. Our ancestors
must have lived there.
PICARD
Why do you now live in huts?
NURIA
Huts are better. Caves are dark
and wet --
PICARD
If huts are better, why did your
people ever live in caves?
NURIA
The most reasonable explanation
is that at one time we didn't know
how to make huts.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT FOUR 43.
83 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(nods)
Just as there was a time when you
didn't know how to make cloth --
or bows.
NURIA
That is reasonable.
PICARD
Someone invented huts. Someone
invented the bow. And they taught
others, who taught their children,
who taught their children's
children...
Nuria mulls it over. Makes sense. She nods.
PICARD (cont'd)
Now suppose one of your cave-dwelling
ancestors could see you
as you are today. What would she
think?
NURIA
I don't know.
PICARD
Put yourself in her place. You
have a power she lacks. You can
kill a hornbuck from a great
distance.
NURIA
Only because I have a bow.
PICARD
She has never seen a bow -- it
doesn't yet exist in her world.
To you, it's a simple tool. To
her, it's magic.
NURIA
(musing)
I suppose she might think so.
PICARD
And how would she react to you?
NURIA
I think... she would fear me.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT FOUR 44-44A.
83 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Just as you fear me.
Nuria nods slowly. Picard's made his point. After a
long beat:
NURIA
(matter-of-fact)
I do not fear you any longer.
PICARD
Good. My people once lived in
caves, too. We learned to build
huts... and, later, to build ships
such as this one.
NURIA
Perhaps some day my people will
travel above the sky...
PICARD
Of that, I have absolutely no
doubt.
84 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - NIGHT
A fire has been lit in a fire pit. Flashes of
LIGHTNING outside are followed by distant THUNDER.
Liko, Oji, and Fento are worried.
LIKO
It's not the season for lightning.
It must be a warning...
FENTO
(protests)
We've had storms at this time of
year before.
ANOTHER BOLT FRACTURES the night outside. The
Mintakans react.
OJI
Not like this one...
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT FOUR 45.
84 CONTINUED:
LIKO
It must mean something!
(mounting anxiety)
The Picard is angry with us. He
blames us for Palmer's escape.
FENTO
Liko -- we don't know that the
Overseer is responsible for this
storm...
LIKO
(interrupts, panicking)
Will he also send floods? My wife
died in last year's floods -- will
we all die now?
Still more THUNDER. Liko makes a decision:
LIKO (cont'd)
We must find Nuria.
As Liko, Oji, and Fento EXIT, the THUNDER CRASHES ever
closer.
85 INT. READY ROOM
Nuria and Picard are looking at the model of the
Stargazer.
NURIA
Picard... you have shown me
wonders I could never have
imagined... and I am grateful
beyond words... but might I
request something for my people?
Picard is moved by her devotion to her people.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT FOUR 45A.
85 CONTINUED:
PICARD
You are indeed a leader.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/14/89 - ACT FOUR 46.
85 CONTINUED: (2)
NURIA
You have shown me such generosity;
I wish my people could share in
it.
(a beat)
Six Mintakans died in a flood last
winter. Four of them were
children.
Picard grows wary as he sees what's coming:
NURIA (cont'd)
Would you bring them back to life?
Picard takes a long beat before replying:
PICARD
That is beyond my power.
NURIA
Why? You restored Liko's life.
Did the six who died offend you
in some way?
(a new thought)
Or have I offended you? Should
I have ordered the death of Troi?
Please -- if there is anything
I can do to change your mind...
86 ON PICARD
A sobering realization.
PICARD
(almost to himself)
I've failed to get through to you,
haven't I? Despite all my
efforts...
Nuria looks at Picard, her expression pleading for him
to do her people this simple favor. And all Picard can
do is look helplessly back at her...
87 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - NIGHT
Oji and Fento ENTER, rush up to a desperate Liko as
LIGHTNING CRACKLES outside.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT FOUR 47.
87 CONTINUED:
OJI
Nuria can't be found. No one
knows where she's gone.
Hali and the Mintakan hunter ENTER, out of breath.
LIKO
Hali! Any sign of Palmer or
Riker?
HALI
(shaking his head)
They've escaped us. We searched
everywhere.
The LOUDEST THUNDER CRASH; this time, directly
overhead.
OJI
What do we do now?
After a moment of indecision:
LIKO
As the Picard wishes. Punish
those responsible.
Liko holds out his hand to Hali -- "give me your
crossbow." The Mintakans are astonished.
FENTO
Nuria would not allow --
LIKO
Nuria isn't here -- and we can't
wait.
More ear-splitting THUNDER. Hali looks from Liko to
the others, reluctantly makes up his mind, hands his
crossbow to Liko. Liko marches off toward the captive
Troi.
88 CLOSE ON TROI
watching impassively as Liko strides purposefully
toward her, crossbow in hand...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FIVE 48-48A.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
89
thru OMITTED
90
91 INT. SICKBAY
Warren has started to spasm. A medic is at Warren's
side. Barron looks on helplessly. Beverly ENTERS,
tapping her communicator as she crosses --
BEVERLY
Crusher to Picard. I think
we're going to lose Warren.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
On my way.
Warren's spasms worsen. Beverly looks at the
monitor. Not good. The medic has a hypo ready;
Beverly glances at it, shakes her head.
A massive convulsion shakes Warren's body. The vital
signs are dropping. Beverly and the medic can do
little more than wipe the sweat from Warren's brow and
keep Warren restrained. It's any doctor's nightmare
-- being forced to watch from the sidelines as the
patient fights the final battle.
Picard ENTERS. Nuria is right behind him.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT FIVE 49.
92 ON WARREN
Another spasm. Her eyes open. She tries to speak,
but hasn't the strength. Beverly motions for Barron
to stand near so Warren can see him. Warren can barely
focus -- but she recognizes Barron, tries to take his
hand. Barron clasps her tiny, frail hand and holds
on.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT FIVE 50.
92 CONTINUED:
BARRON
I'm here, Mary.
Beverly watches the vital signs. Almost nil.
BEVERLY
(to Medic)
Prepare two cc's of norep.
The medic readies a hypo. Warren is hit with a
seizure; her eyes close as a wave of pain racks her
body. Again she tries to speak -- nothing. With a
last effort of will, she forces her eyes open, looks up
at Barron --
-- and then, mercifully, it's over; Warren goes limp;
her vital signs drop to zero. Beverly takes the hypo,
injects Warren's carotid artery, but it's futile and
she knows it.
BEVERLY (cont'd)
(to Barron)
I'm sorry.
Barron sits down, bows his head in grief.
93 ON PICARD AND NURIA
Picard lowers his head, grieves over their loss.
Nuria, profoundly moved, looks from Picard to Barron to
Beverly -- their remorse is palpable.
NURIA
(quietly)
Picard?
Picard doesn't respond.
NURIA (cont'd)
You could not save her.
PICARD
No.
NURIA
You do have limits. You are not
masters of life and death.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT FIVE 51.
93 CONTINUED:
PICARD
No, we are not.
(a beat)
We can cure many diseases and
repair many injuries. We can
extend life... but despite all
our knowledge -- all our advances
-- we are just as mortal as you
are... just as powerless to
prevent the inevitable.
Nuria gazes at Picard as if seeing him for the first
time -- empathizing with his remorse, his helplessness,
his humanity.
NURIA
You are a remarkable people. But
you are not superior beings.
(a beat)
My people must be made to
understand that.
Picard nods agreement.
94 INT. MINTAKA THREE - ASSEMBLY HALL - NIGHT
As before. The THUNDER continues. Liko steps up to
the captive Troi, followed by Oji, Fento, and Hali.
TROI
Liko -- you don't want to kill
me.
LIKO
I have no choice. I must do as
the Picard wishes.
TROI
Are you sure you know what he
wants?
Liko is torn. No, he's not sure.
TROI (cont'd)
(after a beat; to the
others)
That's one problem with believing
in a supernatural being... trying
to determine what he wants.
A PEAL of THUNDER.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/21/89 - ACT FIVE 51A.
94 CONTINUED:
LIKO
We must do something.
OJI
But what if we do the wrong thing?
95 NEW ANGLE
Liko, agonized, picks up the crossbow and moves toward
Troi.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT FIVE 52.
95 CONTINUED:
As the Mintakans part, clearing the way, Liko makes an
invocation:
LIKO
Picard. We need your guidance.
Is it your wish that this woman
should die?
(a beat)
Answer us! Speak!
PICARD (O.S.)
Liko!
Everyone turns to see --
96 ANGLE ON PICARD
ENTERING, accompanied by Nuria. Note: This is no grand
entrance of a god. Quite the opposite -- they simply
walk in the entrance.
97 WIDER
Liko sighs with relief.
LIKO
The Picard! The Overseer has
come!
Picard steps up.
PICARD
No, Liko -- I am not the Overseer.
I am a man... a traveller from
a faraway land. Nothing more.
Strange talk from a god. Liko's confused.
LIKO
But you restored my life! I am
your servant.
PICARD
You are no one's servant. I
deserve neither your obedience
nor your worship.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT FIVE 53.
97 CONTINUED:
LIKO
Why are you trying to deceive me?
NURIA
Picard speaks the truth. I've
visited his people... I've seen
how they live... how they die.
When death takes their loved ones,
they are as helpless as we are.
LIKO
Then how was I brought back to
life?
NURIA
You were not dead. Picard's
people have knowledge we lack --
they can heal wounds that we
cannot.
Liko whirls upon Picard.
LIKO
You can bring people back from
the dead. Show them, Picard.
You can bring my wife back to me.
PICARD
I can't.
LIKO
Why? Why won't you do this for
me? Have I failed you somehow?
Are you angry with me?
PICARD
I am not angry.
LIKO
Then I beg you -- bring her back
to life!
Picard answers with silence.
LIKO (cont'd)
I will give you my life in
exchange! Please -- take back
what you've given me -- and give
it to her! Let her live!
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT FIVE 54.
97 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
It is beyond my power.
LIKO
Nothing is beyond your power!
You are the Overseer -- I'll
prove it!
Liko raises the crossbow, aims it at Picard. Nuria,
shocked, starts toward Liko --
NURIA
Liko!
98 ON PICARD
as he blocks Nuria with his arm.
PICARD
Go ahead, Liko. If I am
all-powerful, you can't hurt me.
(a beat)
If, however, I am telling the
truth and I am mortal... you will
kill me.
Picard lets that sink in.
PICARD (cont'd)
But if the only proof you will
believe is my life -- then shoot.
Liko doesn't respond, keeps the crossbow aimed at
Picard's heart.
NURIA
Don't do it, Liko!
Picard remains unflinching.
99 CLOSE ON LIKO
A jumble of emotions -- anger, frustration, fear, and
doubt swirl in Liko's mind.
OJI
Father -- no!
Oji grabs Liko's arm to stop him. The crossbow fires.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/16/89 - ACT FIVE 55.
100 ON PICARD
as the bolt strikes him in the shoulder -- hurling him
to the ground.
101 WIDER
as Nuria rushes to Picard's side. Picard writhes in
pain. Nuria touches his wound and holds up her bloody
hand for all to see.
Liko drops his crossbow and steps up to Picard. Liko's
shock gives way to grief as he stares at the wounded
man lying in agony.
102 NEW ANGLE
The Mintakans approach Picard with curiosity. The fear
and reverence are gone.
102A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Orbiting Mintaka Three.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental.
Before we dismantle the
observation post and depart, I
must make one last visit to
Mintaka Three.
103 EXT. MINTAKA THREE - DUCK BLIND - DAY (OPTICAL)
Picard, wearing a sling on his arm, stands before the
rockface. (His wounded shoulder has been healed in
Sickbay.)
Above and behind Picard is the (camouflaged) rockface.
Gathered are Nuria, Liko, Oji, Hali, Fento, and several
other Mintakans. One of the children hands Picard
some woven cloth. Picard nods his appreciation, then
taps his communicator.
PICARD
Now, Mister La Forge.
The rockface camouflage DISAPPEARS, REVEALING the duck
blind. The natives are surprised -- but not
overwhelmed.
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/10/89 - ACT FIVE 56.
103 CONTINUED:
NURIA
What is it?
PICARD
A place where we could watch your
people.
FENTO
Why?
PICARD
To study you. To understand your
ways.
NURIA
Why should a people so advanced
want to learn about us?
PICARD
Because we were once as you are.
To study you is to understand
ourselves.
FENTO
But why did you have to hide from
us?
LIKO
(realizing)
Because their presence would
affect us... as it affected me.
Picard is pleased that Liko has made this leap.
PICARD
It is our highest law that we
shall not interfere with other
cultures.
OJI
Then revealing yourselves was an
accident.
PICARD
Yes. And now we must leave.
OJI
Why? There's so much you could
teach us...
STAR TREK: "Who Watches... " REV. 8/11/89 - ACT FIVE 57.
103 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(gently)
But that would also be
interfering. You must progress
on your own.
NURIA
As we will. You've shown us
that nothing is beyond our reach.
PICARD
Not even the stars.
NURIA
I wish you good journeys, Picard.
Remember my people.
PICARD
Always.
104 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as she breaks orbit and leaves Mintaka Three behind.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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