startrek-ml/Data/Tng/110.txt

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                         "The Battle" 
                              
                          #40271-110 
                              
                           Story by 
                        Larry Forrester 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Herbert Wright 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Rob Bowman 


Copyright 1987 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This script is not for publication or reproduction.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

                      SEPTEMBER 14, 1987

           STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "The Battle"                              
                              
                             CAST                               

                PICARD             FERENGI:
                RIKER                DAIMON BOK
                BEVERLY              KAZAGO
                DATA                 RATA
                TROI               
                TASHA              STARGAZER:
                GEORDI               PHANTOM BRIDGE CREW
                WORF                 VOICES (V.O.)
                WESLEY               FIRST VOICE (V.O.)
                                     SECOND VOICE (V.O.)
                                     THIRD VOICE (V.O.)

           STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "The Battle"                              
                                
                             SETS                               

             INTERIORS                 EXTERIORS
          
             USS ENTERPRISE            USS ENTERPRISE
               Captain's Quarters
               Main bridge             FERENGI VESSEL
               Sickbay
               Conference Room         USS STARGAZER
               Transporter Room #1
               Ready Room
          
             USS STARGAZER
               Bridge (Redress)
               Captain's Quarters (Redress)
          
             FERENGI STARSHIP
               Science Room
          

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - TEASER         1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                         "The Battle"                           
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND FERENGI VESSEL (OPTICAL)

	as the two starships cruise through space together.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 41723.9.
			In response to a Starfleet order
			we are in the Xendi Sabu star
			system having rendezvoused with
			a Ferengi vessel which has
			requested a meeting. Although...

2    CLOSER ON STARFLEET AND FERENGI VESSELS (OPTICAL)

	emphasizing the difference between the two.

					PICARD (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			... we arrived here and made
			appropriate signals to the Ferengi
			three days ago, they have so far
			responded only with the message:
			"Stand by, Enterprise."

3    INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	PICARD at his desk, star charts on a nearby monitor.
	He's in some physical discomfort, presses his knuckles
	to his temple, GROANS. We HEAR a CHIME from his door.

					PICARD
			Come!

	The door opens; BEVERLY ENTERS. She carries a medical
	kit.

					BEVERLY
			You called for me?

					PICARD
			Yes, Doctor. I've been feeling...
			odd, lately. Fatigued. And now
			I've got a headache.

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - TEASER         2.

3    CONTINUED:

	Unslinging her medical kit, Beverly looks up, surprised.

					BEVERLY
			A what?

					PICARD
			Certainly you know what a
			"headache" is, Doctor.

	Beverly is already beginning to move a medical tricorder
	sensor over Picard's head. WE HEAR it FAINTLY BEEPING
	as she checks readings she is getting.

					BEVERLY
			Of course. But I don't often
			encounter one.

	She makes an adjustment on the tricorder, gets HUM SOUND
	as she takes another kind of reading.

					PICARD
			The reason for it seems fairly
			obvious. What are these Ferengi
			up to? "Stand by, Enterprise."
			Stand by for what?

					BEVERLY
			I can't find a thing wrong.

					PICARD
			I can't either. But they could
			be baiting some kind of trap...

					BEVERLY
			With your head. I see nothing
			physically wrong, but I want to
			run additional scans in Sickbay.

					PICARD
			Doctor, all I've got is...

					BEVERLY
				(interrupting)
			... is an order to report to
			Sickbay.
				(friendly smile)
			From the one person aboard who can
			give you an order.

	Picard hesitates, then smiles and nods, starts to rise.

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - TEASER         3.

3    CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain from first officer.
			They're finally sending a message.

	Picard comes fully to his feet, touching his insignia.

					PICARD
			On my way, Number One.
				(CROSSING to door)
			Sorry, Doctor. Duty calls.

4    INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	RIKER, TROI, DATA, GEORDI, TASHA, and WORF are at their
	usual stations. Picard ENTERS JOINING Riker at the
	Command Area. The Main Viewer displays the Ferengi
	vessel.

					RIKER
			They're prepared to talk, sir.

					PICARD
			Have they given any hint what
			they've been waiting for?

					TASHA
			Negative on that, Captain. But
			they have identified their Captain
			as "Bok," DaiMon Bok.

					TROI
			If it's Bok I'm sensing, he seems
			anxious to meet you, sir.

					PICARD
			Me? Why me? I've never heard
			of him.

					GEORDI
			You'll be able to see him now,
			sir. They're willing to
			communicate on visual.

					DATA
			A reminder of something we learned
			the only other time we dealt with
			Ferengi, sir -- their hearing is
			very sensitive.

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - TEASER         4.

4    CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(nods)
			Yes, they could pick up even a
			whisper being transmitted.

					PICARD
			Consider ourselves reminded.
				(to Tasha)
			Open hailing frequencies.

					TASHA
			Hailing frequencies open, sir.

					PICARD
			Ferengi vessel! This is Captain
			Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise.
			We are transmitting visually.

	A beat, then the Main Viewer DISSOLVES INTO a FULL FRAME
	HEAD SHOT of DAIMON BOK, brightly lit, distorted. He's
	smoothly patronizing, clipped in speech, and arrogant.
	(OPTICAL)

					BOK
			Is this THE Captain Picard?

					PICARD
			Do we know each other?

					BOK
			I know you, Picard.

					PICARD
			I'm afraid you have the advantage.
			Is this... Bok?

					BOK
			I am Bok, DaiMon of the Ferengi.
			I have asked you here to discuss
			a mutual problem, Captain.

					PICARD
			What problem is that, DaiMon Bok?

					BOK
			I insist on speaking of that
			matter in person. Shall we meet
			on your vessel or mine?

	Troi signals Tasha who touches her panel.

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - TEASER         5.

4    CONTINUED: (2)

					TASHA
			Hailing frequencies closed.

					TROI
			Captain, I sense considerable
			deception on Bok's part. And
			danger!

					RIKER
			Then definitely, sir, you should
			meet with him here. Keep him
			under our control.

	Picard nods, turns and signals to Tasha who touches her
	panel again.

					TASHA
			Now open, sir.

					PICARD
				(toward Viewscreen)
			I appreciate your offer, DaiMon
			Bok, and ask you to be our guests.

					BOK
				(smiles)
			As you wish, Picard. Perhaps this
			will begin a new era of
			cooperation for both our peoples.
			In one Earth hour, then?

	Everyone on the bridge is stunned by the unexpected
	concession.

					PICARD
			One hour, Bok. End transmission.

	The viewer CLEARS BACK to the Ferengi ship. The
	Enterprise bridge crew reacts.

					WORF
			I can't believe they're coming
			here!

					PICARD
				(turns to Troi)
			They agreed a bit too easily.

	Troi nods.

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - TEASER         6.

4    CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
				(continuing; nods back)
			Then, in one hour we'll know why.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE         7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

5    INT. SICKBAY

	Beverly is using twenty-fourth century diagnostic tools to
	examine the prone Captain.

					PICARD
			Are you accustomed to always
			getting your way, Doctor?

					BEVERLY
				(nods)
			When my way makes sense, Captain.
			There are still forty minutes
			before the Ferengi beam over; I'll
			have these scans done in ten.

					PICARD
			A lot of effort for something as
			simple as a headache.

					BEVERLY
			"As simple?" It is my job to know
			your condition intimately. You
			should not have a headache unless
			something is wrong.

	She is clearly puzzled over finding nothing. She makes
	a new setting on the scanner.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			It may be true that headaches were
			once quite common... but this was
			in the days before the brain was
			charted...
				(very puzzled; a new
				 setting)
			... before we understood the nature
			of pain... when we were suffering
			from such things as the common
			cold.

	She swings the "scanner" away from Picard. He half
	rises.

					PICARD
			And so why do I have a headache,
			Doctor?

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE         8.

5    CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			I haven't the slightest damned
			idea!

	She picks up a tiny device, turns it on and WE HEAR a
	light HUM from it.

					PICARD
			What's that?

	She presses it against his forehead. The light HUM
	becomes SHRILLER.

					BEVERLY
			Something doctors use when they
			feel foolish over being proven
			wrong.
				(takes device away)
			Feel better?

					PICARD
				(surprised)
			The pain's gone.

	She turns the device OFF, puts it aside.

					BEVERLY
			Medical fakery -- the pain's
			actually still there, just
			cloaked. I'll want further exams
			when this Ferengi matter is
			settled.

6    INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Riker, Troi, Data, Geordi, Tasha and Worf on duty as
	WESLEY ARRIVES by turbolift, hurriedly addresses Riker:

					WESLEY
			Sir! You'll soon be getting an
			intruder alert!

					RIKER
			What? Wesley, if you've something
			to report...

	But Wesley has hurried toward Geordi, interrupting:

         STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE         9.

6    CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
				(to Geordi)
			If you'll scan heading four-four
			mark one-six-three, Lieutenant,
			you'll find...

	INTRUDER ALERT SIGNAL sounds, Tasha reacting, turning
	to Riker:

					TASHA
			Intruder alert, sir...

					GEORDI
				(reading his panel)
			I've got something, sir... very
			distant.

	Turbolift opens TO BRING Picard onto the bridge,
	unnoticed by most as Tasha silences the ALERT and Wesley
	turns to Riker.

					WESLEY
			It's an old style starship,
			Constitution Class, heading this
			way under impulse power, sir.

					RIKER
			Says who?

	Picard moves in to Command Area. Conversation DIES as
	he takes his seat there.

					PICARD
			Carry on.
				(to Wesley)
			Answer the first officer's
			question.

					WESLEY
			Uh... says the long distance
			sensors, sir. I was in
			Engineering, playing around with
			boosting sensor output...

					DATA
				(interrupting; smiling)
			Very interesting. Boosting it
			how?
				(seeing Picard's look;
				 to Wesley)
			We will discuss it later.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        10.

6    CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
				(interrupting)
			I read it now, sir, as... a
			Constitution Class starship...
			coming this way under impulse
			power.

	Exactly as Wesley described it minutes before. Picard
	suddenly grimaces, a wave of pain catching him by
	surprise and he has to suppress a surprised GROAN and
	finds it necessary to again press a knuckle against his
	forehead for a moment.

					RIKER
			Sir? What's wrong?

					PICARD
				(fighting it off)
			Nothing, just... a mild headache.
				(to Wesley)
			The correct procedure, Ensign,
			would have been to signal your
			finding to the bridge immediately.

					WESLEY
			Yes, sir.

					RIKER
			Bringing it here personally...
				(indicates Main Viewer)
			... perhaps with the idea of being
			on hand for the Ferengi beam
			over... might have imperiled our
			ship had something hostile been
			approaching.

	Wesley has thrown Picard a nervous look at Riker's guess
	that the Ferengi beam over was his motive.

					WESLEY
			Yes, sir.

					WORF
			We are receiving no signal at all
			from the approaching starship,
			sir.

					DATA
				(to Picard)
			Time, sir.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        11.

6    CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Time? Oh, for the Ferengi to beam
			over.
				(to Riker)
			Do you see any problems connected
			with this old starship coming in?

					RIKER
			Suggest we'll be safer, sir, with
			the Ferengi over here whatever
			is happening.

					PICARD
			Concur.
				(to bridge)
			Stand by!
				(to Tasha)
			Let's bring them on visually.

					TASHA
			Hailing frequencies open, sir.

7    ANOTHER ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

					PICARD
			Enterprise to Ferengi vessel.
			We are standing by to receive you.

	The Ferengi vessel IMAGE on Main Viewer DISSOLVES INTO
	IMAGE OF BOK, being joined by KAZAGO, First Officer,
	and RATA, Second Officer.

					BOK
			Ready to transfer ourselves over,
			my dear Captain Picard.

					PICARD
			Question... where shall we receive
			you?

					BOK
			On your own bridge, of course.
			Ferengi efficiency!

	With a FERENGI LIGHT SWIRL BEAMING EFFECT, the three
	Ferengi figures FADE OUT OF SIGHT. The Main Viewer
	IMAGE DISSOLVES TO THE FERENGI SHIP IMAGE AGAIN.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        12.

8    ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	as the Enterprise bridge crew waits, but nothing happens
	for awhile. Finally:

					PICARD
			Data? What do you read?

					DATA
			Nothing, sir.

					WESLEY
			It could take a few moments,
			Captain. If they build up their
			beaming energy through capacitors
			as seems likely...

	Then, FERENGI BEAMING EFFECT STARTS WITH SOUND --
	FOLLOWED BY THE KIND OF LIGHT SWIRL WE JUST SAW ON THEIR
	SHIP. It solidifies into BOK, KAZAGO, and RATA.

					PICARD
			We welcome you in peace to the
			Enterprise, DaiMon Bok.

					BOK
				(ingratiating)
			It is our pleasure, Captain
			Picard. Might I introduce my
			first officer, Kazago, and my
			second, Rata?

					PICARD
				(nods to acknowledge)
			This is my first officer,
			Commander Riker...
				(Bok nods)
			And Counselor Troi. Second
			Officer Data; Lieutenant La Forge;
			security officers, Lieutenant Yar
			and Lieutenant Worf; Ensign
			Crusher.

	Bok has squinted hard at Troi and Tasha.

					BOK
			Yes, we have heard you use
			females...
				(checks them again)
			Clothed females. Most
			interesting.

					RIKER
				(smiles)
			They are that, sir.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        13.

8    CONTINUED:

	Kazago now turns to scrutinize Data.

					KAZAGO
			And the android was mentioned too.
				(to Picard)
			What is its price? We should like
			to purchase it.

					PICARD
			It... he is not for sale.
			Commander Data is...is...

	Made uncomfortable by this, Picard seeks the right
	words. Riker fills in:

					RIKER
			You wouldn't want him, Kazago.
			He's second-hand merchandise.

					DATA
				(rises)
			Second-hand, sir?
				(then sees Riker's
				 smile)
			Oh, of course! A human joke...

					TASHA
			Excuse, Captain, but the
			unidentified starship is
			continuing in, still no signal
			at all...

					BOK
			Think nothing of it.. It is under
			our control.

					PICARD
				(alert)
			One of our starships under your
			control?

					BOK
				(smiling)
			Do not be alarmed. It is a gift
			from us.
				(slight bow to Picard)
			With which we honor the "Hero of
			Maxia."

					PICARD
			Who?

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        14.

8    CONTINUED: (2)

					BOK
				(abrupt)
			Why you, Picard, of course! Don't
			you remember the Battle of Maxia?

					PICARD
			I'm sorry, I'm afraid I do not.
			Data?

	As the android searches his own memory, Bok is visibly
	disturbed at Picard's lack of memory.

					DATA
			Captain, he may refer to an
			incident which occurred seven
			years ago in the Maxia Zeta star
			system, where an unidentified
			starship...

					BOK
				(angry)
			Unidentified?! That fine vessel
			was Ferengi!

					DATA
				(to Picard)
			Which you destroyed, sir.

					PICARD
				(turns to Bok)
			My sincere regrets, Bok, but that
			ship did not identify itself.
			It simply attacked; we defended
			ourselves...

					BOK
				(beat)
			Such mistakes happen in space.

					DATA
				(to Picard)
			Hardly a "mistake," sir. Your
			report showed it deliberately
			attacked...

	Picard is signaling Data to forget it:

					TASHA
				(interrupting)
			Do you want the arriving vessel
			on Main Viewer, sir? It is only
			a thousand kilometers away now...

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        15.

8    CONTINUED: (3)

					BOK
			Put it on your viewer.

					PICARD
				(nods to Tasha)
			Main Viewer.

9    ANOTHER ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	on which an IMAGE of an approaching Constitution Class
	starship WILL APPEAR.

					KAZAGO
			We have set its controls to
			automatically take station in
			space next to your Enterprise.

					BOK
				(to Picard)
			There is no one aboard it.

					RATA
				(to Picard)
			When, with your permission, its
			log will be downloaded into this
			ship's records.
				(smiles)
			At a price...

					BOK
				(thunders)
			No price!

					KAZAGO
				(astounded)
			No price?

					PICARD
			For what purpose? What is this
			all...

	Picard's headache comes back, striking him hard this
	time. He GROANS, surprised, presses hard on his own
	temples. Troi comes to her feet, alarmed.

					TROI
			I felt something too, Captain.
			What is it?

					RIKER
			Sir... ?

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        16.

9    CONTINUED:

					BOK
			Perhaps it is... his conscience?

					TROI
				(a tigress)
			Why do you say that?!

					RIKER
			Bridge to Sickbay...

					PICARD
				(overlapping)
			No... no, I'm fine...

					TROI
				(to Picard; puzzled)
			It seemed as if... as if it were...
			something from your past?

					PICARD
			I'm all right now; I'm fine.
				(to Bok; indicating
				 viewer)
			What is this all about?

					BOK
			It is about the battle I
			mentioned, Captain. A gift in
			honor of that occasion. Look at
			that ship closely.

					PICARD
				(to Geordi)
			Enlarge please, La Forge.

	On Main Viewer, the IMAGE MAGNIFIES into closer view.
	Picard is mesmerized by what he is seeing -- and
	recognizing. Bok is amused by this.

					PICARD
			It... it is the Stargazer. My old
			ship, but how... where did you find
			it?

					BOK
			It was a derelict, adrift in space
			on the far side of this star
			system. How it got there...
				(grand gesture)
			... is none of my business,
			Captain. But now that vessel is
			yours, if you wish to have it.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT ONE        17.

9    CONTINUED: (2)

					KAZAGO
				(to Bok)
			We are not selling it to him?

					BOK
			Call it an act of friendship.

					RATA
			At no cost!? Ugly. Very ugly!

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        18.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN;

10   EXT. SPACE - THREE VESSELS (OPTICAL)

	The Ferengi, the Stargazer, and the Enterprise next to
	each other.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 41724.1.
			Bok and his officers have returned
			to their vessel, inviting us now
			to officially take possession of
			the Stargazer. They will stand
			by while completing the
			downloading of its log to us.

11   INT. SICKBAY

	Picard now under the full body scanner, while a
	concerned Beverly, with technician, gives him a complete
	scan. Troi stands in b.g., very curious.

					BEVERLY
			Like before?

					PICARD
			Perhaps... it hit with more impact.

					TROI
			"Hit?"
				(to Beverly)
			Sorry, but anything could be
			important.

					BEVERLY
			You say you "felt" something
			yourself?

					TROI
			I... believe so. Like... well, a
			thought...
				(puzzled)
			But rather... "mechanical" in
			nature.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        19.

11   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Are you sure it wasn't one of my
			thoughts? At that moment, I was
			remembering being at the helm of
			the Stargazer, a maneuver being
			made. We were hit...
				(beat; puzzled)
			Something's burning... I smell
			smoke!
				(pushing at scanner)
			Don't you smell it?

	Beverly has moved in past the technician, speaks soothingly.

					BEVERLY
			There's nothing burning, Jean-Luc.

					PICARD
			Ah... no, of course. It was... the
			memory I was calling up.
				(finds a smile for
				 Beverly)
			Sorry.

	Riker ENTERS as Troi moves toward Picard, concerned.

					TROI
			Memory or... "nightmare?"

					PICARD
				(smiling again)
			Well, it was strong, whatever it
			was.
				(looks up at Riker)
			Ready, Number One.

					RIKER
			Staff's waiting if Doctor Crusher
			approves.

					BEVERLY
			I'll do better than that -- I'll
			go along.

12   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - MINIMUM CREW

	Geordi at Riker's station, Worf and Wesley holding down
	Conn and Ops.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        20.

12   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			But if they don't know what the
			Ferengi are up to, what good is
			it to sit there guessing?

					WESLEY
			Well... sometimes it determines
			exactly what you don't know.

					GEORDI
			Dead on target, my friend. Would
			you like to go up and listen to
			them?

					WESLEY
				(beat)
			Some day. Right now I'm happy to
			be here.

13   INT. CONFERENCE ROOM

	CAMERA BEGINS ON Riker, who is conducting this
	de-briefing. Then INCLUDES Picard, Data, Troi, and
	Beverly.

					PICARD
			We were traveling at warp two
			through the Maxia Zeta star system
			when an unidentified starship
			suddenly appeared and fired on
			us! From close range.

					RIKER
			Where did it come from?

					PICARD
			It must've been lying in a deep
			moon crater nearby. The first
			attack damaged our shields, and
			in the confusion it hit us a
			second time.

					RIKER
			No clue who they were?

14   CLOSER - EMPHASIZING PICARD

	seeming to become absorbed in the story.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        21.

14   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			No name, no reason...
				(looks up sharply)
			Can you identify them, Vigo? Our
			shields are failing; if they come
			in again... ?

					TROI
				(interrupting)
			Sir? Who's Vigo?

	It seems to take Picard a moment to adjust to where he
	is.

					PICARD
			Ah... my weapons officer on the
			Stargazer.
				(weak smile)
			I was getting caught up in this.

					RIKER
				(puzzled for a moment)
			Then, with your shields failing,
			sir...

					PICARD
			I improvised. With the other ship
			coming in for the kill...
				(describes with his
				 hands)
			... I ordered a sensor bearing,
			and when it went into its return
			arc...

					DATA
			... you performed what Starfleet
			textbooks now call "The Picard
			Maneuver."

					PICARD
			What any good helmsman could have
			done. I dropped into high warp...
				(with his hands)
			... then stopped right off the
			target vessel's bow...
				(slaps hands together)
			... and fired everything I had.

					RIKER
			By blowing into warp speed, you
			appeared for an instant to be in
			two places at once...

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        22.

14   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			And our attacker fired on the
			wrong one.

					RIKER
			As you say, "what any good
			helmsman could have done."
				(smiles)
			But you did it first...

					PICARD
			A "save our skins" maneuver. The
			Stargazer was on fire, finished.
			We had to abandon ship, and limp
			through space in shuttlecraft for
			weeks before being picked up.
				(beat)
			I haven't thought about it in
			years...

					DATA
			The Ferengi are standing by for
			us to take possession of the
			Stargazer, sir.

					PICARD
				(to Riker)
			I want to go over to her.

					RIKER
				(nods)
			I understand, sir.
				(smiles)
			Once my people make certain she's
			safe.

15   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE, FERENGI VESSEL, STARGAZER
(OPTICAL)

	The past and the present.

16   INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS BATTLE BRIDGE)

	A BEAM OF LIGHT explores the deserted bridge. Signs
	of fire still remain, blackened consoles and scorched
	wall panels. It comes to rest on a wall PLAQUE, which
	Data reads out loud:

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        23.

16   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			USS Stargazer. Constitution
			Class. Starfleet Registry NCC
			2893...

	Suddenly, the bridge LIGHTS are up, as Geordi strides
	in.

					GEORDI
			I activated the emergency power
			cells...
				(looks around)
			Amazing they still work.

	Data has turned on a position viewer. Worf joins his
	team members, tricorder in hand.

					WORF
			The rest of the ship is all clear
			of surprises, Lieutenant Yar.

					GEORDI
			When I read about this ship at
			the Academy, I never dreamed I'd
			ever be on her.

					TASHA
				(touches insignia)
			Yar to Enterprise. All clear,
			sir.

17   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker's in command, Picard absent.

					RIKER
			Thank you, Lieutenant. Captain?

18   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM #1 (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Beverly and Tasha are present on the pads.

					PICARD
			Yes, Commander

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Stargazer searched and secured,
			sir. Give her my best.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        24.

18   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I will that, Number One.
				(to Chief)
			Energize!

	And the TRANSPORTER EFFECT sends the trio OUT OF SCENE.

19   INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)

	as the captain and companions MATERIALIZE. Picard
	stands still for a moment, a living "deja vu" in
	process.

					PICARD
			Hello, old friend...

	Data is at the Science Station monitor which he had
	turned on earlier.

					DATA
			You'll find this intriguing,
			Captain.

					PICARD
			What do you find, Data?

					DATA
			Last entry was dated seven years
			ago, sir. By you...
				(reading)
			"We are forced to abandon our
			starship. May she find her way
			without us."
				(looks up)
			Apparently, she did.

	Beverly is watching Picard carefully.

					BEVERLY
			How are you feeling, Captain?

					PICARD
			Fine, Doctor.
				(to Tasha)
			Lieutenant Yar, run a structural
			analysis on the Stargazer for
			impulse tow.
				(to Data)
			Data, download all computers to
			the Enterprise and file...
				(to all)
			I'm going to my old cabin.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        25.

20   INT. STARGAZER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS (REDRESS)

	Not as much fire damage here as on the bridge. Picard
	sits center, an old travel chest cracked open and
	several items from it on a nearby table. He pulls out
	an old framed diploma from it, inspects it.

21   CLOSE ANGLE DOWN ON OPEN TRAVEL CHEST (OPTICAL)

	where taking out the diploma has REVEALED A METALLIC
	SPHERE which is about a half-meter in diameter.
	Suddenly it GLOWS, HUMS.

22   BACK TO SHOT

	in the midst of Picard being racked with pain, which
	doubles him up, GROANING.

23   EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING FERENGI STARSHIP (OPTICAL)

	Menacing.

24   INT. FERENGI STARSHIP - SCIENCE ROOM (INTERCUT AS
NEEDED) (OPTICAL)

	TIGHT on a silver-grey half-meter wide SPHERE identical
	to the one we just saw with Picard, with a pulsating
	light band around its equator. CAMERA WIDENS to include
	Bok, near a large wall SCREEN - WAVY LINES move across,
	as Bok works the controls.

					BOK
				(to himself)
			Try this, "Hero of Maxia."

25   INT. STARGAZER - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

	Picard again racked with pain.

					PICARD
			DAMNNNN!

	Picard lurches, stumbling against his chest.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			OHHHH!

	He falls atop the chest, closing it. A beat, then he
	gets shakily to his feet again, disoriented.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        26.

25   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY (O.S.)
			Captain?

	Then she APPEARS at the door. He is fighting his way
	back to control.

					BEVERLY
			Another headache, sir?!
				(eyes him)
			That worries me. I want you back
			on the Enterprise.

					PICARD
			Yes, but... my things here...

					BEVERLY
			I'll see they're sent to your
			Enterprise quarters.

26   EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING again.

27   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Kazago is seen on our starship's Main Viewer. Riker is
	looking in that direction.

					RIKER
			Enterprise now taking possession
			of Stargazer, Kazago.

					KAZAGO
			Permission granted, Riker.

	Riker looks up, amused.

					RIKER
			Actually it was quite a bargain,
			Kazago. I thought the Ferengi
			always made a profit on things.

	Kazago's VIEWER IMAGE growls a Ferengi obscenity,
	DISSOLVING INTO A VIEW OF THE FERENGI VESSEL. Everyone's
	at their station. Picard ENTERS.

					RIKER
			Set sub-warp speed for towing,
			La Forge.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        27.

27   CONTINUED:

	Picard returns to his chair in Command, as Troi watches
	him, frowning as she feels something she doesn't like...

					DATA
			Starfleet has responded to our
			request, sir. A tug will
			rendezvous with us and tow the
			Stargazer back to Xendi Starbase
			Nine.

					RIKER
			Very well, Data.
				(to Picard)
			How was it, Captain?

					PICARD
				(distant)
			Strange, Number One. Like
			visiting the house you grew up
			in, but no one's home, except the
			phantoms of the past...

					TROI
			It has troubled you?

					PICARD
			Not as much as this damn headache,
			Counselor. Take over, Number One.

					RIKER
			Aye, sir.

	Picard EXITS. Riker exchanges a concerned look with
	Troi.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			What's wrong?

					TROI
			I wish I could say.

28   INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

	Picard ENTERING, passes his chest and the other things
	we saw in his Stargazer cabin. He goes to his bunk,
	throws himself down heavily.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        28.

29   CLOSE ON PICARD

	A beat as he rests, then he breathes with almost a
	GROAN, and CAMERA BEGINS MOVING IN TO EXTREME CLOSE
	SHOT. VOICES FADE IN; ECHOES FROM THE PAST.

					VOICES (V.O.)
			... shields weakening, Captain!
			Torpedoes armed! Where are they?
			Ohmygod, sir!
				(explosive NOISES)
			Fire! Fire!!

	And Picard's eyes POP OPEN, an old terror returns --
	but immediately the voices STOP.

30   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Riker waiting while Data closes the door. He offers
	the nearby monitor to Riker.

					RIKER
			What is it, Data? Why all the
			mystery?

					DATA
			It is the records of the Stargazer,
			sir. What the Ferengi call the
			"Battle of Maxia"...
				(using monitor)
			It seems the Captain's personal
			log contains a much different
			version of that conflict than the
			official historic account.

	Riker hardly knows how to take this, but he looks at
	the monitor.

					RIKER
			What are you saying?

					DATA
			It would appear that the starship
			which Captain Picard attacked,
			had in fact, been under a flag
			of truce...

					RIKER
			What?!

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT TWO        29.

30   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			And apparently, the captain
			destroyed the ship without notice
			or provocation.

					RIKER
			Impossible. What about the fire
			aboard the Stargazer?

					DATA
			An accident in Engineering.

					RIKER
			And the proof?

					DATA
			It is logged in his own voice.
			Would you care to hear it?
				(no answer)
			Sir? Sir?

	CAMERA slowly TIGHTENS on the baffled Riker, as we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       30.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

31   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE, STARGAZER AND FERENGI VESSEL
(OPTICAL)

	as the Enterprise tows the Stargazer by its tractor
	beam.

					RIKER (V.O.)
			First officer's personal log,
			stardate 41724.2. An unexpected
			discovery made by Commander Data
			in the downloaded log of the
			Stargazer...

32   CLOSE ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

					RIKER (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			... appears to indicate Captain
			Picard was guilty of falsifying
			the report he made to Starfleet
			concerning the Stargazer's last
			voyage.

33   INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

	Picard seems stunned by what he's hearing from his desk
	computer, his own voice plays back quietly under the
	scene, not to be understood.

					PICARD
			What does this mean?

					RIKER
			I don't know, sir. That sounds
			like your voice.

					PICARD
			Don't you know it is, Number One?

					RIKER
			No, sir, I don't. I refuse to
			believe you could have said that.

34   CLOSE ON DESK COMPUTER

	from which Picard's VOICE now plays NORMAL VOLUME.

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       31.

34   CONTINUED:

					PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
			... and I admit I must have
			mistaken their subspace antenna
			for a weapons cluster.
			Unfortunately, I fired our main
			phasers...

35   BACK TO SHOT

	as Riker and Picard hear NORMAL VOLUME:

					PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
				(continuing)
			... and our direct hit destroyed
			the unknown vessel instantly.

	Moving almost as through fatigue, Riker TURNS OFF the
	desk computer.

					RIKER
			I recognize, of course, your voice
			has been simulated somehow. I've
			already put Data to work on it.

					PICARD
			Thank you, Will.
				(shakes head)
			I never made that log entry, of
			course. But it still creates a
			duty for you to perform.

					RIKER
			Yes, sir, I must report it to
			Starfleet. But at this distance,
			it will take at least a full day
			for subspace communications to
			reach there...

					PICARD
			... and another full day for their
			answer to return. I'd like the
			truth on this by then.

					RIKER
			Sir, you can't believe they'd
			relieve you from command...

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       32.

35   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Why shouldn't they? Better safe
			than sorry with the Ferengi now
			making friendship overtures.

					RIKER
			And it's certain that the Ferengi
			are behind this faked log. No
			wonder they're still out there,
			waiting...

	Riker trails his words at the sight of Picard now
	grimacing in pain.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Headache back, sir?

					PICARD
			Damn!
				(nods)
			I'll call the doctor again.

					RIKER
			It's no wonder you have one, with
			all this going on, sir.
				(moving for door)
			Try to relax. I've got things in
			hand.

					PICARD
			Once again...

	Riker EXITS. Picard, obviously still in pain, turns
	back to his desk computer, switches it ON. From it,
	he hears:

					PICARD'S RECORDED VOICE
			This is a confession, given by
			me, Jean-Luc Picard, commanding
			USS Stargazer, in the hopes that
			my belated honesty will be taken
			into account by Starfleet when
			judging...

36   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker ENTERS on his way to the Ready Room.

					RIKER
			La Forge, open hailing frequencies.

					GEORDI
			Open, sir.

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       33.

36   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I'll take it in the Ready Room.
				(as he EXITS)
			A secure channel, Geordi.

	And as Riker closes the Ready Room door behind him,
	Geordi complies, puzzled.

					GEORDI
			Secure, Commander.

37   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Riker's seated in Picard's chair, as he hails the
	Ferengi.

					RIKER
			Starship Ferengi! This is
			Commander Riker here. I'd like
			to speak to First Officer Kazago.

	A beat, and on the small Viewer in the room, Kazago
	APPEARS.

					KAZAGO
			A problem, Riker?

					RIKER
			Is our channel secure on your end?

					KAZAGO
				(pushes o.s. button)
			It is now.

					RIKER
			Are you aware of the details of
			the Battle of Maxia?

					KAZAGO
			Captain Bok has just made me aware
			of it, Riker. The infamy of your
			Picard is now fully known.

					RIKER
			Infamy?!

					KAZAGO
			I would call the wanton
			destruction of an unarmed vessel
			infamy.

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       34.

37   CONTINUED:

	Riker's doubt got a new shot in the arm.

					RIKER
			And if I produce evidence that
			Captain Picard's log entry was
			falsified to indicate that... ?

					KAZAGO
			What else would your decadent
			culture say to defend such
			disgrace?! But I can hardly
			imagine you contacted me to
			discuss an ancient battle.
				(impatient)
			What do you want of me?

					RIKER
			Just one question.

					KAZAGO
			As you humans say, I'm all ears.

					RIKER
			First officer to first officer,
			Kazago, if your Captain Bok knew
			of that, why this peaceful meeting
			to present us with the Stargazer?

					KAZAGO
			We freely give YOU back your
			derelict warship and now you
			accuse US of crime, Riker?!
				(amazed)
			I can bear NO more insults!

	At that, the screen abruptly GOES BLACK, Kazago's
	patience gone. Riker is as stumped as before.

38   INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Bok's using the sphere, the wall screen a strong pattern
	of wavy lines (as in twentieth century oscilloscopes).

39   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS

	Picard is now GROANING, suffering intense pain. The
	door chime SOUNDS.

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       35.

39   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Who the hell is it?!

	Beverly ENTERS, as the door opens. She's carrying the
	medical device which previously eliminated Picard's
	pain.

					BEVERLY
			Not resting, Captain?

					PICARD
			More like dying, Doctor. What's
			wrong with me?!

	She puts the pain relief device on Picard again, turns
	it on.

					BEVERLY
			I wish to hell I knew, Captain.
			But something unusual has
			definitely happened to you.

					PICARD
			Why do doctors always state the
			obvious like it's a revelation?

					BEVERLY
			Why do captains always think
			they're immortal?
				(reads band)
			Better now?

40   INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM - CLOSE ON BOK
(OPTICAL)

	Bok makes an adjustment, and the discordant hum "tunes"
	the lines to move faster.

41   INT. PICARD'S' QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE

	Picard has another terrible wave of pain, which doubles
	him over, to Beverly's surprise.

					PICARD
			Aghhh! My head!

					BEVERLY
				(tabs it higher)
			Now that has to do it right?

	From Picard's reaction, we know it doesn't...

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       36.

41   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			No!

	Beverly tries another device on Picard in concert -- a
	"light needle" -- like a pencil with a laser beam
	extension.

					BEVERLY
			You didn't say it's been this bad!

					PICARD
			It hasn't been! But it is getting
			worse, Doctor...

42   INT. FERENGI VESSEL - SCIENCE ROOM - CLOSE ON BOK
(OPTICAL)

	Bok makes another adjustment, and the lines move slower.

43   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE

	Beverly seems to be getting results, as Picard responds.

					BEVERLY
			It has to be some kind of
			emotional pressure connected with
			the Stargazer...

					PICARD
			I got the damn headache before
			I even knew my old ship still
			existed...
				(pain easing)
			But maybe you're partly right...

	Beverly sits next to him.

					BEVERLY
			Want to talk to Counselor Troi
			about it?

					PICARD
				(pain again)
			What I need now is a friend...

					BEVERLY
				(quietly)
			I'm here.

	Picard eases up to a sitting position opposite Beverly,
	the subject as painful as the headache.

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       37.

43   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(eyes CLOSE)
			The Stargazer was an exploration
			vessel. The fight at Maxia was
			not my first action, but it was
			the first time I ever killed
			anyone.

					BEVERLY
			You had no choice...

	Picard jams OPEN his eyes, the nightmare still alive
	for him.

					PICARD
			Didn't I? I don't know
			anymore... I just don't know.

					BEVERLY
			Commander Riker told me about the
			altered log, sir. If that's
			troubling you...

					PICARD
				(ignores her)
			The last three nights, I... hear
			voices. I'm standing on the
			bridge, fire all around me... the
			klaxons, smoke, and I give the
			order...
				(amazed)
			And now the Stargazer is really
			here!
				(back to her)
			And that log... Am I going crazy?
			How do I know if I was in my right
			mind at Maxia? How do I know if
			I'm in my right mind now?

	With that, Beverly quickly injects Picard with a
	hypospray, and eases him back onto the bed. He doesn't
	resist, as she attaches two sensor pads on his forehead.

					PICARD
			What was... that?

					BEVERLY
			Just something to let you sleep.

					PICARD
				(already working)
			Yes... sleep... I need sl...

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       38.

43   CONTINUED: (2)

	And Picard drifts off, thanks to medical expertise,
	as Beverly lowers the lights and EXITS.

44   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)

	as both SLOW, against the starry forever.

45   INT. ENTERPRISE - CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS

	Picard's back is AWAY FROM CAMERA. A beat, then a
	MOAN... He shifts his leaden weight, in an unconscious
	attempt to get comfortable, as CAMERA SLOWLY TIGHTENS.
	Over which, reverb VOICES, muted.

					VOICES (V. O.)
			... shields weakening, Captain!
			Torpedoes armed!
				(explosion)
			Where are they?

46   INT. FERENGI SHIP - SCIENCE ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Bok's narrowing in on what he's looking for as he
	adjusts the wavy lines again, so that they begin to
	parallel each other in synch...

					BOK
				(to himself)
			And now, dear captain, you are
			ready to live the past!

47   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE

	Picard starts to squirm, his arm twitches, CAMERA
	TIGHTENING. VOICES CONTINUE, REVERB AND MUTED.

					VOICES (V.O.)
			Where did they... come from?
				(KLAXON)
			Phasers, sir? Sir?
				(blast)
			SIR?

	Now he convulsively turns over as muted sounds of battle
	continue.

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       39.

47   CONTINUED:

					VOICES (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			What should we do, sir?
				(radio static)
			Should we fire back?

	TIGHT on Picard, as his eyes suddenly OPEN... and WE
	HEAR the muted CRACKLING SOUND of flames.

					VOICES (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			Fire, Captain, FIRE!

48   INT. FERENGI VESSEL SCIENCE ROOM - ON BOK

	working his device, satisfaction on his alien face.

					BOK
				(to himself)
			You will injure yourself as once
			you injured me!

49   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - BACK TO SCENE

	CAMERA WHIP ZOOMS in on Picard's eyes as he swivels and
	sits up, his face suddenly FILLING FRAME.

					VOICES (V.O.)
			SIR?!

	As CAMERA WHIP ZOOMS BACK OUT... he RISES up to his feet,
	suddenly in command again, and Picard (in his mind) is
	now aboard the Stargazer.

50   WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Phantoms of Picard's Stargazer bridge crew (DOUBLE
	EXPOSURE) are in Picard's quarters -- playing it as if
	at battle stations. A KLAXON (muted) is sounding,
	DOUBLE EXPOSURE SMOKE and FLAMES are licking at the
	FRAME. Picard under fire...

					PICARD
				(normal volume)
			Damage report!

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       40.

50   CONTINUED:

					VOICES (V.O.)
				(muted)
			Fusion generator under surge
			control, sir!
				(muted static)
			Power systems failing!

					PICARD
			Sensor bearing on hostile ship!

					VOICES (V.O.)
			Seven, seven mark nineteen, sir!
			Fire in Engineering...

					PICARD
			Ready phasers, and lock!
				(MOVES ACROSS room)
			Stand by for warp nine, heading
			seven, seven mark twenty...
				(another room position)
			And ENGAGE!

	The muted SOUNDS of battle INCREASE in complexity as
	Picard makes his maneuver.

					PICARD
			Steady. NOW reverse and stop!
				(goes for it)
			Phasers FIRE! Torpedoes AWAY!

	At that a muted EXPLOSION and SOUND of the enemy ship
	breaking up o.s. fills the phantom smoked room, as
	Picard chokes and stands dumb to the the CHEERS of his
	phantom crew.

51   CLOSE - PICARD (OPTICAL)

	CAMERA TIGHTENS on the troubled man's face, vague,
	in-and-out of focus amidst the phantom flames, reacting
	to the phantom fumes.

					PICARD
			Fire!

52   EXTREME CLOSE - PICARD

	His EYES filled with horror, his face a grim mask of
	unwanted, surprise victory.

       STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT THREE       41.

52   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			FIRE!!

	As he stares blankly INTO CAMERA, we:

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        42.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

53   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)

	The smaller derelict vessel on the leash of our giant
	starship. The Ferengi vessel is traveling with them
	in b.g.

54   INT. READY ROOM

	Riker, Data and Geordi discuss computer tampering
	evidence.

					DATA
			By comparing the main Stargazer
			computer log with Captain Picard's
			personal log, I have found
			"checksum" discrepancies, sir.

					RIKER
			What does that mean?

					DATA
			All information is time-coded by
			entry, and the bits when totaled
			produce an aggregate amount
			which...

					RIKER
				(interrupts)
			I don't want a lesson in computer
			science! Bottom line?

					DATA
			One of these two logs is a
			forgery.

					GEORDI
				(smiles)
			Correction -- the log just found
			aboard the Stargazer is a forgery.

					DATA
			As I said. That is one of them,
			isn't it?

	Picard ENTERS the Ready Room looking peaked, but
	buoyant.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        43.

54   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			You're looking better, Captain.

					PICARD
			A little sleep, thanks to the
			doctor, works wonders. Any report
			on the logs?

					DATA
			Yes, sir. Whoever tampered with
			your personal log was clever...

					GEORDI
			... but slightly clumsy. There's
			no doubt it is a fabrication.

	Beverly ENTERS bearing the Captain's brain scan reports.

					BEVERLY
			Number One, we think you should
			see this brain scan graph which...
				(sees Picard)
			What are you doing here?!

					PICARD
				(amused)
			I thought I was captain of this
			starship, Doctor.

					BEVERLY
			Of course you are, but I...

					PICARD
			Thank you for your confirmation
			of that.
				(includes the others)
			But now, except for Commander
			Riker, I want you all back at your
			stations...
				(emphatic)
			Is that clear?

	After momentary hesitation over Picard's new gruffness,
	all EXIT except Riker, Beverly and Troi.

					BEVERLY
				(indicates report)
			I have some business concerning
			your health, sir...

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        44.

54   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			I mean you too, Doctor. I have
			business with Riker.

	Clearly, Beverly is considering arguing this. She
	glances to Riker, then decides to give in.

					BEVERLY
			Under protest, Captain.

	She EXITS and Riker turns to Picard, uncertain.

					RIKER
			You have orders for me, sir?

					PICARD
			Release the Stargazer from the
			tractor beam, Number One.

					RIKER
			Sir?

					PICARD
			The tractor beam.

					RIKER
			Sir, are you abandoning...

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			No. Her inertia will carry the
			Stargazer along on this heading
			with us. Or did you sleep through
			the Academy lecture on conserving
			tractor beam power?

					RIKER
			No, sir. I'll release her, or
			course.

	Riker EXITS, leaving the troubled Picard alone with his
	thoughts.

55   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)

	as the tractor beam wavers, then DISAPPEARS, the tether
	gone. The Stargazer continues holding its relative
	position.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        45.

56   INT. SICKBAY

	Beverly and Troi are looking at colored X-ray-like
	GRAPHICS of a skull and "brain-map."

					BEVERLY
			Obviously, there is some thought
			process disorder here but I cannot
			find any physical reason for it.
				(turns to Troi)
			Anything?

					TROI
			I'm puzzled too. I keep sensing
			random thoughts... but two sets
			of them. As if they were his,
			but intermixed with his from
			another source.

	During this, Wesley has ENTERED and Beverly notices him.

					BEVERLY
			I'm busy at the moment, Wesley...

					WESLEY
			I know you're busy, Mom, but when
			I went back to the main sensors
			in Engineering to try some more
			sensitivity experiments...

					BEVERLY
				(interrupting)
			Wes! I'll be glad to hear about
			it when I'm through with...

					WESLEY
				(interrupting)
			But, Mom, this is important!

	Beverly turns back, annoyed, but Troi has picked up
	something from Wesley and speaks before Beverly can.

					TROI
			Does it have something to do with
			Captain Picard?

					WESLEY
			Yes, ma'am...
				(indicates scans)
			... if that's what you're talking
			about there. I don't know
			anything about brain scans but
			I glanced at these when you were
			studying them, Mom, and I
			noticed...
					(MORE)

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        46.

56   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY (Cont'd)
				(pointing at scan
				 graphs)
			... these patterns here were like
			patterns of the low-intensity
			transmissions picked up from the
			Ferengi ship.
				(nods)
			I just went back and checked and
			they're exactly the same.

					TROI
				(beat)
			What kind of transmissions?

					WESLEY
			I don't know. Engineering has
			nothing like it on record.

					TROI
				(to Beverly)
			Let's get to the captain...

					BEVERLY
			No, they might be affecting the
			captain. To Riker!

	The two Women EXIT fast, leaving Wesley standing there.
	Then:

					WESLEY
			You're welcome, ladies.
				(shaking his head)
			Adults!

57   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker on duty along with Geordi, Data, Tasha and Worf.
	turbolift arrives with Beverly and Troi ENTERING bridge
	carefully; then, seeing Picard isn't present, they hurry
	to Riker.

					BEVERLY
			The captain, Commander?

					RIKER
			Resting in his quarters...
				(meaningfully)
			... after ordering both of you
			to your duty stations.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        47.

57   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			This is more important!

					RIKER
				(cocks an eyebrow)
			Than the captain's orders?

					BEVERLY
			Yes, when we have reason to
			believe his judgment is being
			affected.

	Everyone on the bridge is listening and Riker
	acknowledges this with a sweeping gesture.

					RIKER
			Well then, why not let everyone
			in on it?

					TROI
			It affects them too. There have
			been some strange...
				(to Beverly)
			Did he say "low intensity... ?"
				(gets a nod)
			... unusual low intensity
			transmissions from the Ferengi
			vessel...

					RIKER
			Did who say?

					BEVERLY
			My son!

	Riker takes a beat at this, then nods. Beverly exhibits
	the brain scans, pointing at places there.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			... transmissions which exactly
			match certain anomalies found in
			the captain's brain scans.
				(looks up)
			Something over there is affecting
			Captain Picard's thought patterns.

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        48.

57   CONTINUED: (2)

	Riker needs only a split-beat to absorb this, then he
	whirls to his computer panel.

					RIKER
			Computer, tell me Captain Picard's
			location!

					COMPUTER
			Captain Picard is in Transporter
			Room Three.

					RIKER
			What? Computer, emergency order
			to Transporter Room Three...

					COMPUTER
				(interrupting)
			New information. Captain Picard
			is no longer aboard the
			Enterprise.

58   EXT. SPACE - THE FERENGI VESSEL (OPTICAL)

	CAMERA MOVING IN toward the alien vessel.

59   INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)

	as Picard MATERIALIZES, back on his flame-scarred only
	command post. He walks to his captain's chair and sits.

					BOK (O.S.)
			Welcome back, Captain.

	ANGLE WIDENS TO INCLUDE Bok, above Picard at Tactical.

					PICARD
				(swivels, stands)
			What is happening?

					BOK
				(to Com)
			Shields up, computer.

					COMPUTER
			Shields in place.

					PICARD
			What are you doing?

        STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR        49.

59   CONTINUED:

					BOK
				(laughs)
			Collecting on an old debt...

	At that, Bok lifts the silver-grey sphere up, as it
	HUMS. He taps it and it RESONATES strangely.

					PICARD
				(throbbing pain)
			AGHHH-H-H!!

60   INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	All at their usual stations, minus Picard, plus Beverly.

					RIKER
			Stargazer! Respond, Captain!

					TASHA
				(checks board)
			Shields up, sir. No way to beam
			over help.

					GEORDI
			I am reading something very
			strange. A low intensity beam
			of intermittent pulse inside this
			starship.

					DATA
			I have a fix on it...
				(surprised)
			Inside Captain Picard's quarters.

					TASHA
				(to Worf)
			You transferred some of his
			belongings from the Stargazer... ?

					WORF
				(nodding; to his feet)
			Including a fairly heavy chest... !

					RIKER
			Go take a look, fast!

	Worf EXITS on the run.

					GEORDI
				(indicating Main Viewer)
			The Stargazer is powering up!

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR            50.

60   CONTINUED:

	On the Main Viewer, the Stargazer brightens up. (OPTICAL)

61   INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (REDRESS) (OPTICAL)

	Bok is very pleased with Picard's suffering, as the
	Ferengi puts down the silver-grey sphere and its GLOWING
	and HUMMING stops. Picard's pain subsides but not his
	confusion.

					BOK
			I have been waiting a long seven
			years for this, Picard!

					PICARD
			I have no idea what you're talking
			about...

					BOK
			Do you not, hu-man? Can you not
			remember the crime you committed
			against my very blood?
				(Picard is stumped)
			You murdered my only son!

					PICARD
			Your son?

					BOK
			He was the commander of the ship
			you destroyed!)
				(pained)
			On his first voyage as DaiMon.

	Picard is puzzled, confused.

					PICARD
			The ship... ? The... the Ferengi
			ship that attacked me...
				(looks around)
			... or is it about to attack me?

					BOK
			And I have spent these years
			searching... seeking... a proper
			blood revenge. And I found it!

	Bok lifts the sphere triumphantly, and it starts to glow
	and HUM. He taps it harder than ever before, its
	strange RESONANCE LOUDER, and Picard's physical anguish
	knocks him to his knees.

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FOUR            51.

61   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			OHHHHH... ! OHHHHH... !

					BOK
				(eyeing device)
			From a distant world which hu-man
			evil has not yet reached. May
			you never secure these! I am rich,
			yet two of these cost me the
			profits of an entire life.

	Despite the enormous pain, Picard is struggling to his
	feet now.

					PICARD
			You cannot... control me like...

	Bok, highly amused, taps the sphere into a new level
	of RESONANCE, echoed by Picard grabbing his head in near
	heart-stopping agony.

					BOK
			Die well, Picard.

	Bok steps out mid-deck, stops, and FERENGI TRANSPORTER
	EFFECT SWIRLS about him and he DISAPPEARS. CAMERA WHIP
	PANS, MOVES IN ON Picard who crouches, unseeing,
	shuddering in pain.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            52.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

62   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)

	The Ferengi vessel still in far b.g. The Stargazer,
	powered, fully lit, is turning, moving away from the
	Enterprise.

					RIKER (V.O.)
			First officer's log, stardate
			41724.3. Captain Picard, without
			explanation, has beamed himself
			to the Stargazer which is now
			moving away from us...

63   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Main Viewer showing Stargazer per previous SCENE. Riker
	is at the Captain's position, and Troi, Data, Geordi,
	Worf, and Tasha are at theirs. Beverly sits in the
	command area too, holding in her lap the strange
	metallic sphere from Picard's cabin.

					RIKER (V.O.)
				(continuing)
			... under its own power.

					TASHA
			Hailing frequencies open, sir.

					RIKER
			Enterprise to Stargazer, please
			respond.

	They wait. No answer.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Enterprise to Stargazer... to
			Captain Picard aboard Stargazer,
			please answer.
				(waits; to Data)
			Mister Data, what was Stargazer's
			condition?

					DATA
			Considerable fire damage to
			interior surface as reported, sir.
			But none of her main systems are
			crippled.

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            53.

63   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(hates to ask)
			Armaments, Lieutenant Yar?

					TASHA
			Six photon torpedoes short, sir,
			probably used when the Captain
			destroyed his Ferengi attacker
			seven years ago. Otherwise fully
			armed.

	Riker puzzles over this, motions to Beverly. She hands
	him the strange Ferengi sphere which he examines for
	a moment, then turns to Worf.

					RIKER
			Where in the Captain's quarters
			was it, Mister Worf?

					WORF
			His chest from the Stargazer, sir.
			Just where I had left it -- he
			hadn't yet unpacked.

					BEVERLY
			So, he may not have even known
			it was there. And if this is able
			to pick up or magnify a
			thought-altering transmission...

					TROI
				(nodding)
			... it could have prepared him for
			whatever's happening now.

					RIKER
			Let's find out... or try to.
				(turning to Tasha)
			Contact the Ferengi vessel,
			Lieutenant.

					TASHA
				(touching panel)
			Hailing frequencies open, sir.

	Riker stands, carries the sphere to in front of the Main
	Viewer, as:

					RIKER
			Enterprise to Ferengi vessel, we
			transmit visually. Do you
			respond?

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            54.

63   CONTINUED: (2)

	The Main Viewer shifts to an ANGLE ON FERENGI VESSEL
	which in turn DISSOLVES INTO A VIEW OF FIRST OFFICER
	KAZAGO, who looks somewhat annoyed.

					KAZAGO
			Why is our gift to you under
			power, hu-man?

					RIKER
			I'll discuss that with your
			captain.

					KAZAGO
			He is working in our ship's
			laboratory. Where is your
			captain?

					RIKER
				(beat)
			He's beamed himself aboard the
			Stargazer, and I'm wondering...
				(brings sphere up into
				 view)
			... if this has anything to do with
			it?

	Kazago is clearly surprised at the sight of the sphere.

					KAZAGO
			How do you have possession of
			that?

					RIKER
			It was found in our captain's
			belongings, brought over from the
			Stargazer.

	Kazago now hesitates himself, his mind racing.

					KAZAGO
			It... is a forbidden device. A
			Thought Maker. If your captain
			is... criminal enough to own one...

					RIKER
				(interrupting)
			Kazago, I ask again, first officer
			to first officer... what is going
			on? Something is happening that
			neither of us seems to know about.

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            55.

63   CONTINUED: (3)

					KAZAGO
				(beat; hesitant)
			It... is not seemly to question
			one's own DaiMon, Riker. I... am
			not prepared to do that...

					TASHA
				(overlapping; to Riker)
			Sir... I have the Stargazer.

					RIKER
			Switch now!

	Tasha tabs her controls and the IMAGE of the Ferengi
	First Officer DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE OF STARGAZER BRIDGE.
	(OPTICAL) It is Picard there, NOT looking into camera
	but able to HEAR Riker when he speaks. Picard looks
	disoriented.

					RIKER
			Captain Picard, this is the
			Enterprise, sir...

					PICARD
				(not understanding)
			Do not attack again! We are on
			a peaceful...

	Picard staggers, coughs, as if from a weapons hit and
	smoke there -- which we do not see.

					TROI
			He's living a delusion, sir. He's
			seeing things we don't...

					PICARD
			Give your identity! You force
			us to defend ourselves!
				(turning; shouting)
			Phasers full up! Arm torpedoes!
			Why aren't shields at full
			power... ?

	Picard has reached to a panel, touched a control... with
	which STATIC OVERLAYS VIEWSCREEN IMAGE. (OPTICAL)

					TASHA
			We've lost him, sir...

	The Main Viewer IMAGE now has become one of the
	Stargazer on a course which will bring it back toward
	the Enterprise.

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            56.

63   CONTINUED: (4)

					GEORDI
			When he put the shields up...

64   INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE - FULL ON PICARD

	He's in the midst of a battle, but we're not seeing what
	he's seeing. He races to a control panel.

					PICARD
			Damn, I said...
				(flicking switches)
			... put fusion generators on surge
			control.
				(to another panel)
			You're moving too slowly. Arm
			the torpedoes, man!

	He COUGHS, heavily, waves invisible smoke from his face,
	shouting:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Vigo! Get a fire control party
			up here!

	Picard's movement has brought him CLOSE SHOT and now,
	as his eyes and expression determinedly decide what
	next to do, CAMERA PUSHES IN TO EXTREME CLOSEUP.

65   PICARD AND BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	The bridge now filled with the shadows from Picard's
	mind. Phantom bridge crew, fire, and smoke (DOUBLE
	EXPOSURE) in the midst of the Battle of Maxia. Picard
	alone is real, but reacting to the phantom figures and
	battle.

					FIRST VOICE (V.O.)
			Shields weakening, Captain!

					PICARD
			Weapons report!

					SECOND VOICE (V.O.)
			Phasers coming to full charge,
			sir. Torpedoes armed!

					PICARD
			Who are they? Identify them!

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            57.

65   CONTINUED:

					FIRST VOICE (V.O.)
			They're turning for a third pass
			at us, sir!

					THIRD VOICE (V.O.)
			We can't take another hit,
			Captain!

66   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Our regulars watching IMAGE of Stargazer on Main Viewer
	as it turns toward them.

					TROI
			I can now feel anger from our
			captain, first officer.
			Frustration over whatever he
			is re-living...

					GEORDI
			The Battle of Maxia, sir! That's
			all it can be.

					RIKER
			Mister Data?

					BEVERLY
			What is that "maneuver" he became
			famous for... ?

					RIKER
				(overlapping)
			The Picard Maneuver!
				(whirling)
			Mister Data, what is the defense
			against that?

					DATA
			There is no defense, sir.

					RIKER
			Then devise one! Fast!

	Data reacts to this impossible demand, then is suddenly
	busy. Main Viewer IMAGE SHIMMERS, DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE
	OF KAZAGO ON THE FERENGI BRIDGE.

					KAZAGO
			First Officer Kazago to hu-man
			Riker.

					RIKER
			Not now, Kazago!

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            58.

66   CONTINUED:

					KAZAGO
			We do not wish to become involved
			in what has become clearly a
			Federation matter...

					RIKER
			Fine, fine, Enterprise out!

					KAZAGO
			But you should also know that
			DaiMon Bok no longer commands this
			vessel, Riker. His first officer
			has confined him for engaging in
			this unprofitable adventure.
				(nods)
			Good luck, First Officer Riker.

	The Main Viewer again DISSOLVES INTO IMAGE OF THE
	STARGAZER which is now heading directly for the
	Enterprise.

					DATA
			I have computed a possibility,
			Commander. Since even deep space
			contains trace gases, sir, a
			vessel in the Picard maneuver
			might seem to disappear, but our
			sensors could locate any sudden
			compression of those gases...

					RIKER
				(hurried)
			And use it as an aiming point?
			Blast our own captain to bits?

					DATA
			Aim our tractor beam at it, sir!
			Seize it! This class starship has
			enough power for that.

					RIKER
				(fast)
			In our captain's words... make
			it so! Set sensors, tractor
			beam...
				(waiting)
			I hope you're right, Data...

					DATA
			No question of it, sir...

	Riker throws him an annoyed look.

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            59.

67   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)

	as suddenly the Stargazer goes into a WARP BLUR.

68   INT. ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Here she comes!

					RIKER
			Stand by!

	On the Main Viewer, the Stargazer is suddenly two places
	at once, as it unexpectedly appears right off the bow,
	to the upper left side...

					RIKER
			Lock on tractor beam!

	And the Enterprise shoots out its mighty force-beam
	tether again, entrapping the smaller Stargazer. The
	Stargazer struggles to pull free -- it FIRES a salvo
	that rocks against the Enterprise shields, hard.

69   INT. STARGAZER BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	The Viewer shows the Enterprise, but Picard doesn't yet
	"see" it... and he's quite alone on his bridge, his
	delusion slipping. The smoke, flames and voices are
	gone.

					PICARD
			Ready phasers!

					RIKER (V.O.)
			Captain Picard, listen to me!

					PICARD
			Is that you, Vigo?

					RIKER (V.O.)
			It's Commander Riker, sir!

	The Viewer switches to a FULL SHOT of Riker. Picard
	is momentarily distracted by the new image.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Captain, hear me! Look around
			you, the Ferengi are using a
			thought device on you...

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            60.

69   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Stand by for warp...
				(inner conflict)
			Who are you?!

					RIKER
			It's Riker, sir. Your Number One.
			Look for a silver sphere...

	Picard struggles against his inner directive, as he
	angles and sees the SPHERE behind him, glowing and
	HUMMING.

					RIKER
				(continuing; sees it
				 too)
			There it is! Destroy it with
			your phaser, Captain!

					PICARD
			Phaser...
				(glances back)
			Yes, a sphere... Bok used it...

					RIKER
			Destory it!

					PICARD
				(fumbles in pocket)
			Phaser... destroy the sphere.

	And Picard manages to remove his phaser, and in a quick
	beat, BLASTS the Ferengi brain machine to bits. Picard
	staggers, weakened.

					RIKER
			Captain! Are you all right?

	Picard feebly touches his insignia.

					PICARD
			Enterprise, lock on. Beam me
			home, Riker.

	As the familiar TRANSPORTER EFFECT DE-MATERIALIZES
	Picard.

            STAR TREK: "The Battle" - 9/14/87 - ACT FIVE            61.

70   EXT. ENTERPRISE AND STARGAZER (OPTICAL)

	as the smaller vessel, back on its tether, is towed off.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END