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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Symbiosis"
#40271-123
Story by
Robert Lewin
Teleplay by
Robert Lewin
and
Richard Manning & Hans Beimler
Directed by
Win Phelps
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 1988 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
REVISED FINAL DRAFT
FEBRUARY 17, 1988
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Symbiosis"
CAST
PICARD ORNARANS
RIKER T'JON
BEVERLY ROMAS
DATA MARGAN
TROI
TASHA BREKKANS
WORF SOBI
GEORDI LANGOR
GEORDI
WESLEY
NURSE
Non-Speaking
SECURITY GUARDS
SCIENCE OFFICERS
Voice-Over
COMPUTER VOICE
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Symbiosis"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
TRANSPORTER ROOM
SICKBAY
CARGO BAY
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
CORRIDORS
ENTRANCE TO CARGO BAY
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
TURBOLIFT
BREKKIANS' GUEST QUARTERS
MAIN ENGINEERING
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Symbiosis"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Ornara ore-NAHR-uh
Ornarans ore-NAHR-uns
Brekka BRECK-ah
Brekkians BRECK-ee-ans
Delos DELL-ose
Felicium fell-EE-see-um
Langor LANG-orr
Margan MAR-gun
Romas ROW-muss
Sobi SOW-bee
T'Jon tuh-ZHON
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Symbiosis"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
moving toward a brilliant sun. Even from here the
TURBULENCE on the surface of the sun is evident.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
All hands, this is the captain.
The sun in the Delos system is
undergoing large-scale magnetic
field changes, producing violent,
gigantic flares.
2 INT. ENTERPRISE - VARIOUS SHOTS
in corridors, Engineering, and so on as the ship's
company listens to their captain.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
(continuing)
We will be studying this star
at close range. Even though we
will be running with full
deflectors, the closeness of the
event and its severity are going
to create problems.
3 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
The bridge is manned as usual. WESLEY is at the Aft
Science Station.
PICARD
Intense magnetic fields have a
disruptive effect on electrical
systems. We can therefore expect
an interruption of communications,
and potential temporary loss of
other systems. As a precaution,
we are now going to Yellow
Alert...
He signals Tasha with a nod of his head and she
ACTIVATES the system.

STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - TEASER 2.
3 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(continuing)
Stay sharp, everyone.
4 OMITTED
5 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING
As technicians keep close watch on their stations.
DATA'S COM VOICE
Engineering, this is Ops. Bring
all systems on line and direct
full power to the shields.
The technicians carry out Data's order.
6 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard takes his seat.
DATA
All sections secure.
PICARD
Lieutenant La Forge?
GEORDI
Course set.
PICARD
Half impulse.
GEORDI
Half impulse, aye.
7 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it MOVES PAST CAMERA toward the dazzling sun.
8 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Everyone is intent:
PICARD
On Main Viewer.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - TEASER 3.
9 SCREEN (OPTICAL)
The great sun FILLS THE SCREEN WITH LIGHT. WE CAN
SEE no definition -- only intensity.
PICARD
Mask out the photosphere.
While we watch, the intensity of the sun itself is
MATTED OUT, LEAVING ONLY THE RIM which is erupting.
PICARD
Magnify. Quadrant one-seven,
sector four-zero-three.
And now WE can clearly SEE on the surface. Great,
powerful FLARES extend out above the rim.
10 REACTIONS
As they watch the wondrous eruptions on the surface
of the sun.
RIKER
I've never seen anything like
this before. The violence of
these eruptions is awesome.
PICARD
And humbling, Number One.
DATA
Reading an unusual number of
sunspots and eruptive prominences,
sir. The magnetic field is
extremely irregular.
11 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it moves in closer to the Delos sun.
12 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Wesley makes an adjustment at his Science Station.
WESLEY
Captain, deflectors are being hit
by a huge burst of X-rays.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - TEASER 4.
12 CONTINUED:
And all at once, Wesley's console is BATHED WITH A BLUE
AURORA; we HEAR STATIC SOUNDS. Wesley pulls back, more
delighted than alarmed.
WESLEY
(continuing)
Wow -- look!
(getting professional)
Sir, my console seems to be
overloading.
WORF
The X-ray burst is disrupting
systems, Captain. I'm adjusting
deflectors to compensate.
13 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING
They are also having difficulty. The intensity of the
radiation is affecting control systems.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Increase power to forward deflectors.
14 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The AURORA EFFECT on the Science Station DIES OUT.
PICARD
Status report.
WORF
All systems operational, sir.
TROI
Captain. The level of tension
on the ship is mounting.
PICARD
Understandable. Data?
DATA
If we are to investigate this
unusual solar activity -- we must
get closer.
Picard thinks for just a beat.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - TEASER 5.
14 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Mister La Forge, move us closer.
Picard studies the viewscreen.
PICARD
(continuing)
We'll be pushing our deflectors
to the limit, but we'll get a good
look at this phenomenon.
WORF
Captain, I have intercepted what
seems to be a distress signal.
Everyone's attention turns to this new emergency.
PICARD
Let me hear it.
VOICE (V.O.)
This... (garbled) -- this is
... (garbled) -- on the freighter
Sanction... (garbled) ... and
unable to... (garbled) .... Need
help.
DATA
The transmission is from a
freighter in orbit around the
fourth planet of the system.
However, the receiving station
is on the third planet.
PICARD
Open hailing frequency.
TASHA
Hailing frequencies open.
PICARD
Unidentified freighter, this is
the USS Enterprise. May we be
of assistance?
On the viewscreen the IMAGE IS CLUTTERED WITH STATIC.
T'JON (V.O)
(a garbled response)
Whoever you are, YES!
(garbled) .... cannot maintain...
(garbled) ... if you can help...
Picard listening.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - TEASER 6.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Can't you enhance the image?
TASHA
Too much interference.
PICARD
Set a course to intersect with
the freighter. Warp two.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Maintain Yellow Alert.
T'JON (V.O.)
Can't control... (garbled) ... ship
is losing orbit... (garbled) ...
heading into atmosphere...
without help, we'll burn up.
As Picard and Riker exchange a concerned glance:
15 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
16 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
coming out of warp.
17 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Everyone is alert.
WORF
It is a freighter -- very old.
DATA
Captain, our sensors are being
severely affected by the sun
flares.
PICARD
Helm -- get us in as close as
possible to the freighter's
orbit.
GEORDI
Aye, sir.
DATA
There are six life forms aboard
the freighter.
WORF
Captain, the freighter's orbit
is decaying.
PICARD
How long until it loses integrity?
WORF
A matter of minutes.
PICARD
(he touches his
arm-panel)
Unidentified freighter, this is
the USS Enterprise.
There is a moment of hesitation where all that is heard
is STATIC, then:
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 8.
17 CONTINUED:
VOICE (V.O.)
Enterprise, this is the Aurelian
freighter... Sanction.
PICARD
Put this on the Main Viewer.
18 MAIN VIEWER - (OPTICAL)
The Screen is a clutter of LINES and SWIRLS.
TASHA
The visual transmission is still
breaking up.
The viewscreen REPAINTS WITH THE FREIGHTER IN ORBIT.
PICARD
Freighter, this is the Enterprise.
What is your situation?
T'JON (V.O.)
... (garbled) ... We are...
Several OTHER VOICES call out:
SOBI (V.O.)
Get us off here.
LANGOR (V.O.)
(female)
Please -- help us.
These desperate pleas are mixed with the OTHER VOICES
and added to the STATIC making this transmission
unintelligible.
PICARD
This is the Enterprise -- with
all this interference it is
difficult to copy your
transmission -- if you all talk
at once... it is impossible. Now
-- please -- say again. What is
your situation?
Again there is a lot of STATIC -- then some shouting
in the background and finally ONE MALE VOICE.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
I am T'Jon -- the captain of the
Sanction.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 9.
18 CONTINUED:
Picard is pleased that T'Jon's voice is calm and under
control.
PICARD
(to himself)
At last.
(to T'Jon)
How can we help?
There are raised VOICES SHOUTING to get them off. Then
T'Jon again restores order.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
We have lost -- I don't know...
something -- and I am no longer
able to maintain this orbit, nor
am I able to use main thrusters.
Everything's just kind of... you
know... dead, I guess. It's
all... you know... shut down.
PICARD
That's very vague. What's the
computer analysis?
T'JON'S COM VOICE
The computer's not working very
well.
PICARD
Data... can you tap into their
computer and clarify the
situation?
DATA
I will attempt it.
TASHA
Captain, the tractor beam is
available, if you want it.
RIKER
At least we can pull them out of
orbit before they enter the
atmosphere.
PICARD
Yes. Captain T'Jon -- we are
going to lock on our tractor beam
and pull you out of orbit.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Hey -- that's great.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 10.
18 CONTINUED:
In the background there are two excited VOICES to
counterpoint T'Jon's matter of fact response.
19 ANGLE ON TASHA
as she enters the information to set and lock the
tractor beams.
20 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND FREIGHTER (OPTICAL)
as the TRACTOR BEAM reaches out. It's TORN AND
RAGGEDY.
21 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Tasha re-enters the information. Her panel indicates
a malfunction.
TASHA
The solar flares are interfering
with the tractor beam, Captain.
I am unable to lock on.
WORF
Captain, the freighter's orbit
continues to deteriorate.
PICARD
Captain T'Jon, we are unable to
attach our tractor beam because
of the intense solar activity.
T'JON (V.O.)
(calmly)
I understand.
(giving up)
Thanks for trying.
Again in the background there are panicky CRIES.
DATA
Captain, I have determined what
is malfunctioning on the
freighter.
PICARD
Enterprise to Sanction. We have
analyzed your problem.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Great.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 11.
21 CONTINUED:
Picard gestures to Data to go ahead.
DATA
Your ship's design uses an
electromagnetic coil to constrict
the exhaust flow. That coil is
misaligned.
PICARD
Have you the necessary tools to
realign the coil?
T'JON'S COM VOICE
I don't think so.
DATA
Captain, I believe we can provide
the freighter with a temporary
substitute. Ship's stores contain
a coil of the proper type.
RIKER
(to Tasha)
Can we beam it over?
TASHA
Yes.
PICARD
Captain T'Jon, we will beam over
a replacement coil.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
That's great... and that will fix
us up?
PICARD
Well, once it's installed.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Right.
(a beat)
... And how do we do that?
Picard is dumbfounded. He glances over at Riker. Both
men are amazed.
PICARD
What's the matter with these
people? How can he be the captain
of the vessel and be ignorant of
its simplest functions?
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 12.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
If this weren't so serious it
would make you laugh.
PICARD
Captain T'Jon -- how long have
you been in command of the
freighter?
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Seven years. This is my
twenty-sixth voyage to Brekka.
PICARD
And you don't know how to align
a control coil?
T'JON'S COM VOICE
It's never come up.
RIKER
Is there anyone on board who can
do it?
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Hold on a minute... I'll ask.
There is a pause.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
(continuing)
Sorry -- nobody here knows
anything about it.
RIKER
I'll beam over with a team.
TASHA
Captain -- I strongly recommend
against anyone from this ship
beaming over. The solar
interference is too great.
WORF
The freighter has entered the
planet's atmosphere.
Disintegration is imminent.
RIKER
We are running out of options.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 13.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
(nods to Tasha and
Riker)
Let's get them off there.
Riker and Tasha are on their feet and heading for the
turbolift.
PICARD
Captain T'Jon. Prepare to beam
over.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
If you think that's best.
Picard is getting more than a little impatient with
T'Jon and his lack of concern.
PICARD
Unless you have another option
-- yes, I "think that's best."
T'JON'S COM VOICE
(amiable)
Whatever you say.
Off Picard's REACTION.
22 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Riker and Tasha ENTER. Tasha goes directly to the
console, takes over from a Transporter Chief, and
begins trying to lock on to the life forms on the
freighter.
TASHA
I can't maintain a positive lock.
23 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Wesley checks a readout.
WESLEY
An unusual E-M burst. Readings
off scale.
Another AURORA EFFECT, this time on Propulsion
Station.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 14.
24 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Riker and Tasha are working together.
RIKER
Freighter Sanction, this is the
Enterprise. We are having
difficulty getting a fix.
TASHA
(to Riker)
Have them go to their own
Transporter Room. It will be
tricky, but perhaps I can link
the two transporters in series
and get them over with the
increased power.
RIKER
It's worth a try.
(to intercom)
Captain T'Jon -- go immediately
to your Transporter Room.
Contact me from there.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
(still very calm)
Right, Enterprise -- we'll call
you from there... but, if you
can't get us with your
transporter, what makes you think
ours will do the job?
TASHA
I'm going to interconnect them.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
I didn't know you could do that.
TASHA
Hurry -- we're running out of
time.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
We're on the way.
Tasha shoots a look at Riker.
TASHA
I don't think they're going to
make it.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 15.
24 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Captain T'Jon doesn't seem to
care one way or the other.
TASHA
(touches the com)
Worf -- how much time do we have?
WORF'S COM VOICE
One minute, twenty-eight seconds.
Tasha taps the console.
TASHA
Captain T'Jon -- are you there?
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Yeah. We're in the transporter
room.
TASHA
Great. Activate your transporter.
Set coordinates nine -- seven --
zero -- three... mark two...
six... eight.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Did you say... two -- eight --
six... or eight -- eight -- six.
TASHA
(frustrated almost to
the point of anger)
TWO -- SIX -- EIGHT.
T'JON'S COM VOICE
Got it.
25 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and the others.
WORF
The hull temperature of the
freighter is passing three
thousand degrees.
PICARD
What's the holdup, Number One?
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 16.
26 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Riker touches his communicator.
RIKER
We are establishing the link now.
There is a pause, then:
T'JON'S COM VOICE
We are ready.
Tasha at the console.
TASHA
Then all six of you get on the
transporter platform -- on my
signal, energize.
She exchanges a look of exasperation with Riker.
TASHA
(continuing; to Riker)
I've got their initial transporter
signal. Interlock complete.
(intercom)
Energize on my mark. Four --
three -- two -- one -- energize.
27 TRANSPORT PLATFORM (OPTICAL)
As the MATERIALIZATION BEGINS -- AND FADES OUT -- AND
BEGINS AGAIN.
28 ANGLE ON TASHA
working the console.
29 TRANSPORTER PLATFORM (OPTICAL)
What MATERIALIZES is not the people -- but a large
cargo barrel.
30 ANGLE ON RIKER AND TASHA
Both very surprised.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Did you get them off?
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT ONE 17.
30 CONTINUED:
RIKER
No. They stayed on the freighter
-- and sent their cargo.
31 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard is astounded.
PICARD
Cargo!? Are those people crazy?
(a beat)
What could possibly be that
important?
WORF
Sir -- the freighter is
disintegrating.
Off Picard's REACTION.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
32 EXT. SPACE - THE FREIGHTER (OPTICAL)
The Ornaran freighter drifts further away toward the
planet Brekka.
33 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Manned as before. Picard can't believe his ears.
GEORDI
Captain, the freighter is entering
the atmosphere. Her hull
temperature is building.
PICARD
Number One -- I don't understand
these people. Their lives are
in danger and they're sending over
cargo?
34 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
The barrel sits innocently on the transporter pad.
Riker and Tasha are astounded.
RIKER
Unbelievable.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
We're losing the freighter.
You've got to beam those people
over now.
RIKER
(to Tasha)
Clear that cargo. Beam it to a
hold.
TASHA
Aye, sir.
Tasha hits a control. The barrel DEMATERIALIZES.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 19.
34 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(to Sanction)
Freighter Sanction... this is the
Enterprise, get on the transporter
pad and...
(to Tasha)
Forget it. Just lock on to any
life forms you can find and get
them over.
TASHA
Trying, sir.
35 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
as Geordi checks a readout.
GEORDI
The freighter is going down.
PICARD
Transporter Room! You're out of
time.
36 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Tasha feverishly works the controls.
TASHA
Reading six life forms...
(shakes her head)
But I can't get a solid lock.
RIKER
We've no choice. Energize.
37 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as the MATERIALIZATION EFFECT starts on the pad, then
FADES. Tasha fights the controls, trying to bring in
the signal. Finally, FOUR HUMANOIDS MATERIALIZE on
the pad.
RIKER
You said SIX - where are...
(fearing the worst)
... the other two?
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 20.
37 CONTINUED:
TASHA
(shakes her head)
The lock didn't hold, sir.
RIKER
Re-establish.
TASHA
It's too late.
37A INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
On the viewscreen, the freighter Sanction HITS THE
ATMOSPHERE.
38 ANGLE ON PICARD
PICARD
Number One!?
39 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
as the BEAM IN BECOMES COMPLETE. Riker and Tasha
look over the new arrivals.
RIKER
Two are lost, sir. But we saved
four.
On the transporter pad are the four humanoids: T'JON,
ROMAS, and SOBI (three males) as well as LANGOR (a
female). They are instantly divided into pairs -
because of the physical differences, clothing and
manner.
T'Jon and Romas, of the planet Ornara, are scruffy,
unclean, and almost wild in appearance. Their manner
is nervous, belligerent, somewhat high-strung. In
contrast, Sobi and Langor, of the planet Brekka, are
attractive, well-dressed, well-groomed, intelligent,
and genteel.
Riker STEPS FORWARD.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 21.
39 CONTINUED:
RIKER
I am Commander William Riker of
the USS Enterprise.
(solemnly)
I'm sorry. We were unable to
rescue the other two.
The four aliens REACT with indifference.
RIKER
Were they with you...
(then indicating the
other pair)
... or with you?
Something else is on their minds.
T'JON
(nearly frantic)
With us.
RIKER
We did everything we could, if
you had come instead of the cargo,
you could have all made it.
T'Jon looks around - near panic.
T'JON
The cargo... Where is it?
ROMAS
(also panicking)
You did save it, didn't you?
RIKER
(mystified)
Yes, we did. It's in one of our
cargo holds. You act like it's
more important than your comrades.
Judging by their reactions, Riker's right.
T'JON
May we see it?
39A INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
The alien cargo is in the cargo bay. The DOORS OPEN
and Riker, Tasha, T'Jon, Romas, Sobi, and Langor ENTER.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 22.
39A CONTINUED:
As they catch sight of the cargo, Sobi and Langor are
gratified; T'Jon and Romas are ecstatic.
T'JON
Thank you. It's just we thought
we had lost it.
SOBI
(casually)
Careful with your choice of words,
T'Jon. It's ours, not yours.
T'JON
(heating up)
We paid a fair price for it!
LANGOR
You offered a fair price, but we
have not received it.
ROMAS
You accepted our goods in trade!
SOBI
Then where are they? Tell me!
T'JON
That's not our problem!
LANGOR
No more than the barrel is your
property. It's as simple as this.
The goods were never delivered;
they were destroyed with your
ship.
SOBI
Hence the deal was incomplete;
hence possession of the Felicium
remains ours!
ROMAS
(a plea)
We need it.
SOBI
(to Riker)
Commander, I request you transport
my associate --
(nods to Langor)
-- and myself down to our planet,
with our merchandise.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 23.
39A CONTINUED: (2)
T'JON
Yes, get them out of here! But
the barrel stays.
LANGOR
(to Sobi)
There's no reasoning with you.
SOBI
(to her)
Langor, you expect too much from
them. You always have and you
are always disappointed.
(then to T'Jon with a
hard edge)
You didn't pay -- so it's not
yours.
T'JON
Damn you, Sobi --
T'Jon grabs Sobi's arm -- and there is a FLASH OF
SPARKS as the bodies touch. Sobi grimaces in pain,
grabs back at T'Jon. Another FLASH OF SPARKS, this
time hurting T'Jon.
TASHA
(drawing her phaser)
Stop this! Now!
40 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as a free-for-all continues. Sobi and T'Jon grapple,
and we HEAR SPARKING NOISES as their electrical fields
try to cancel each other out. Romas tries to rush to
T'Jon's aid; Langor grabs Romas's arm. More SPARKS.
Riker touches a com panel:
RIKER
Security to Cargo Bay Eleven!
Tasha makes and adjustment on her phaser and fires.
T'Jon and Sobi are SLIGHTLY stunned by the blast.
TASHA
Behave yourselves, Gentlemen.
They both "brush themselves off," shoot each other
hostile looks, but the physical part of their dispute
is, for the moment, resolved.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 24.
40 CONTINUED:
Security Personnel ENTER, phasers drawn.
TASHA
(re the aliens)
Escort our "visitors" to the
Observation Lounge.
The visitors LEAVE.
TASHA
(eyeing the aliens)
A natural electrical charge... ?
RIKER
Formidable.
TASHA
Yes, and a difficult weapon to
confiscate.
41 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Sobi and Langor are seated at one side of a table,
glaring sullenly at T'Jon and Romas who are sitting
opposite them. Two security personnel are standing
a few feet away. T'Jon and Romas are changing -- they
are becoming slightly more frantic; their condition
will continue to deteriorate.
T'JON
We have to resolve this. There
isn't much time.
SOBI
What can you offer?
T'JON
Everything we had went down with
the Sanction.
SOBI
Then it is going to be difficult
to accommodate you.
42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Geordi, Data, Troi.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 25.
42 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Solar flares are increasing in
magnitude, sir. Deflectors are
shaky, but holding.
PICARD
Maintain.
(to Riker)
And our rather combative guests,
Number One?
RIKER
Waiting for you in the
Observation Lounge, sir.
PICARD
Data, what can you tell me about
the inhabitants of this system?
DATA
Not very much, sir. The only
recorded contact with the Delos
system was over two hundred years
ago. A scout ship reported two
inhabited planets, both
technologically just on the edge
of acquiring space travel.
GEORDI
Odd that in two centuries, neither
civilization advanced further.
TROI
Sir, I find it strange that none
of our visitors feel much remorse
about the two freighter passengers
who perished... yet their barrel
of cargo is a source of great
anxiety to them.
PICARD
Yes, let us pay a call and get
some answers. Counselor, Number
One, Mister Data...
Riker, Picard, Data, and Troi EXIT into the Observation
Lounge.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 26.
43 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
As before. Riker, Picard, Troi, and Data ENTER. Riker
performs introductions:
RIKER
Captain, may I present Sobi and
Langor from the planet Brekka,
which we are now orbiting. And
T'Jon and Romas... from the
neighboring planet, Ornara.
PICARD
I am sorry we could not save your
ship.
T'JON
You could have repaired it.
PICARD
Yes.
T'JON
We have only two left. Neither
works. They are critical to our
survival. Could you fix them?
PICARD
Mister Data?
DATA
Our computer downloaded the
specifications for the magnetic
coils the freighters depend on,
sir. Assuming the malfunction
is similar... suitable
replacements can be fabricated.
All the visitors are relieved. It's the first time
they have had similar reactions to an event.
PICARD
(to Data)
Instruct Engineering to proceed.
DATA
Aye, sir.
T'JON
Now, as for our cargo...
SOBI
Our cargo, Captain.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 27.
43 CONTINUED:
ROMAS
Wrong, Sobi --
Picard jumps in to forestall the argument.
PICARD
My first officer has said
ownership of the cargo is in
dispute. This is a question which
must be settled by whatever legal
mechanisms exist between your
societies.
T'JON
Captain Picard, you don't
understand. This is a matter of
life and death.
PICARD
Why is that? What is the cargo?
T'JON
Medicine.
PICARD
Indeed.
ROMAS
Our home planet is in desperate
need, Captain. Ornara suffers
from a lethal plague.
T'JON
The cargo you have impounded
represents the only hope of life
for our people.
Picard turns to Sobi and Langor.
PICARD
Is that right?
SOBI
Yes.
LANGOR
You must think us heartless
brutes, Captain, but look at our
side of it. The plant which
yields the medicine Felicium grows
only in remote areas of our home
planet Brekka.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 28.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
SOBI
It must be painstakingly
cultivated, harvested, and
purified... a complex and
expensive process.
LANGOR
That single shipment of Felicium
represents an enormous investment.
We can't just give it away!
T'JON
We paid for it.
(to Picard)
We are asking only for what is
ours.
LANGOR
That is your viewpoint. Ours,
of course, differs.
ROMAS
You are going to hold to that
position.
Sobi spreads his hands helplessly.
SOBI
I am constrained to abide by the
terms of our agreement.
ROMAS
(with quiet intensity)
Then you condemn us to death!
T'Jon tries to calm his companion:
T'JON
Romas --
ROMAS
(to Sobi and Langor)
You disgust me! If you saw the
suffering the plague has brought,
would you still be so heartless?
He makes a small gesture.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT TWO 29.
43 CONTINUED: (3)
ROMAS
(continuing)
We are going to get to find out,
when you see what the plague does
to us.
Picard is stunned.
PICARD
Romas -- you and T'Jon carry the
disease?
ROMAS
(bitterly)
Yes. Every Ornaran does.
PICARD
Then you may have brought it
aboard my ship!
(to Riker)
Was there a medical scan during
transport?
RIKER
Unverified -- the solar flares may
have caused a malfunction in the
biofilters --
An alarmed Picard doesn't wait for the rest. He slaps
a com panel.
PICARD
Red Alert! Medical emergency --
decks twelve and thirteen. Doctor
Crusher to the Observation Lounge
immediately!
On the concerned expressions of our bridge crew, WE:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
44 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The solar flares continue to dance around the
Enterprise.
45 INT. SICKBAY
With a security team guarding the doorway, Beverly
scans the four visitors. The Brekkians, Sobi and
Langor, seem perfectly healthy. They are relaxed and
smiling.
SOBI
You find us well, I trust?
BEVERLY
As far as I can tell. Your
physiology is somewhat different
but I detect no dangerous virus
or bacteria.
LANGOR
I assure you we are in perfect
health.
Beverly moves over to examine the Ornarans. In
contrast to the Brekkians, T'Jon and Romas look quite
sickly -- they are both antsy and sweaty.
T'JON
(impatient)
We're not! We need our medicine.
SOBI
(correcting)
Our medicine.
T'JON
We paid for it -- it's ours now!
BEVERLY
Enough!
The visitors glare at each other.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 31.
45 CONTINUED:
SOBI
(smiling)
Of course you are right, Doctor.
Could we leave now?
BEVERLY
I see no reason why not.
(to the security guard)
Escort them to their quarters.
Picard ENTERS. Beverly leaves her four "patients" and
goes to her office. The visitors all look
apprehensive. Each realizes that Captain Picard holds
their future in his hands.
LANGOR
Captain, could I talk with you
please... in private.
PICARD
Not right now.
And he FOLLOWS Beverly INTO her office.
45A INT. DR. CRUSHER'S OFFICE
Picard ENTERS and closes the door behind him.
PICARD
What have you learned?
BEVERLY
The Brekkians are free of
infection. The Ornarans have all
the symptoms of a disease -- but
I can't find a cause.
PICARD
Perhaps the transporter filtered
it out when they were beamed
aboard?
BEVERLY
(shaking her head)
There's no record of it. Then
again, the solar flare activity
may have caused a transporter
malfunction.
PICARD
Are they going to die?
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 32.
45A CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
The physiology is somewhat
different from ours, so I need
to check further, but... my
instinct says no.
PICARD
Do you think we are in danger from
this plague?
BEVERLY
Again, I don't think so, but I
need more time to know for sure.
PICARD
There are some missing pieces to
the puzzle, don't you feel that
too?
BEVERLY
What's missing here is a little
humanity.
Picard gives her a little look of surprise.
PICARD
(lightly)
Are we losing our professional
detachment, Doctor?
BEVERLY
Perhaps. As Captain, I think you
should know that I am developing
a very active dislike of the
Brekkians.
PICARD
Understandable.
Hold on Beverly as Picard EXITS.
45B INT. SICKBAY
Picard STEPS OVER TO the aliens. T'Jon is very nervous
and anxious.
T'JON
Captain, you must give us back
our cargo.
PICARD
I can't do that.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 33.
45B CONTINUED:
T'JON
Why not? It belongs to us.
PICARD
And the Brekkians insist it is
theirs.
ROMAS
They lie!
PICARD
Maybe so, but it's not for me to
decide.
ROMAS
(losing his composure)
We need some now... NOW! I don't
care if it's your 'decision' or
not... get us some!
T'JON silences Romas with a gesture; T'Jon attempts
to speak calmly.
T'JON
Captain, what's happening to us,
is happening to thousands more
on Ornara. Please understand the
magnitude of the problem.
ROMAS
(angry)
Your people don't need it --
(indicating the
Brekkians)
-- they don't need it... our
people do!
T'JON
If you don't give it to us, you
will be party to murder... not
only us, but an entire
civilization!
Instantly, T'Jon realizes he's gone too far:
T'JON
(continuing)
Sorry, I did not mean to insult
you. I'm feeling very shaky.
ROMAS
We cannot hold out much longer!
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 34.
45B CONTINUED: (2)
Picard looks to Beverly.
BEVERLY
No, Captain -- I think they should
have it. They believe it will
help them. That in itself might
control their symptoms.
Picard turns back to the Ornarans.
PICARD
I'll talk with the Brekkians.
T'JON
Thank you, Captain. I appreciate
anything you can do.
Picard nods and EXITS.
46 INT. BREKKIAN'S GUEST QUARTERS
Sobi and Langor are relaxing in their quarters. They
have adapted quickly to the creature comforts the
Enterprise has to offer. Picard ENTERS.
SOBI
May I say, Captain, how impressed
we are with your ship and its
facilities.
PICARD
Thank you.
LANGOR
And its crew. Everyone is so
efficient and professional.
PICARD
I am glad you are comfortable.
I've come to seek your agreement
to an Ornaran request.
SOBI
We cannot --
LANGOR
(interrupting)
Wait. Let the Captain speak.
We want to be reasonable.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 35.
46 CONTINUED:
Langor's control of the situation does not go unnoticed
by Picard.
PICARD
The Ornarans are quite ill and
are insistent that they need
Felicium.
SOBI
That is not surprising.
PICARD
Then would you object to allowing
them enough Felicium for their
immediate needs?
SOBI
Captain, we Brekkians are in
business -- we are not in the
habit of giving away what has not
been paid for.
PICARD
You would let them die rather than
share the medicine?
Sobi and Langor exchange a look.
LANGOR
We want to be fair, Captain. We
agree to permitting them two
dosages for immediate use.
SOBI
(magnanimous)
No charge.
PICARD
I'll have our medical officer
handle it.
LANGOR
I trust you won't mind if we are
present while you open the cargo,
Captain.
The Captain gestures politely to come along.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 36.
47 INT. CARGO BAY
Picard, Beverly, Data, Sobi, Langor, two science
officers, and a security team are gathered around the
barrel of Felicium. Using a strange set of
contraptions, a minuscule amount of Felicium is
extracted from the barrel.
LANGOR
Point-zero-one milliliters is the
proper individual dosage.
PICARD
(impressed)
A very potent substance.
SOBI
We've perfected our distillation
process over the years. In my
grandfather's day, the same amount
of Felicium would have filled five
rooms this size, Captain.
DATA
No doubt you have applied your
technology from other industries
to the refinement of this product.
SOBI
We have no other industry.
PICARD
None at all?
LANGOR
We don't need any. The Ornarans
provide us everything we need --
in exchange for this.
DATA
Fascinating. Your society
dedicated exclusively to the
production of a single product.
PICARD
A product for which you have no
use for, but which the Ornarans
can't live without.
LANGOR
One of the little ironies of life,
Captain.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 37.
47 CONTINUED:
SOBI
But one we'd be fools not to take
advantage of. It is mutually
beneficial.
LANGOR
The Ornarans provide us with the
necessities of life and we provide
them with the necessities of
living. It is a fair exchange.
PICARD
(interrupting)
A most interesting relationship.
BEVERLY
Excuse me... I'll take this to
Sickbay.
48 INT. SICKBAY
T'Jon and Romas prepare to dose themselves as Beverly
watches. Each person on Ornara has a device for
administering the drug. It's a small cylinder which
converts the Felicium into something which is then
injected into the fat part of the hand just below the
thumb.
BEVERLY
Can I help?
T'Jon
No.
ROMAS
(to his friend)
Hurry up!
T'Jon takes the dosage devise (NOTE: it should not look
like something currently used by doctors or dopers)
and presses it against Romas hand. Romas immediately
REACTS. He relaxes -- the tension leaves him -- then
slowly he smiles.
T'Jon doses himself. Instantly, his former edginess
vanishes; a wave of calm comes over him.
BEVERLY
You are feeling better?
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT THREE 38.
48 CONTINUED:
T'JON
Yes. Thank you. I'm fine now.
T'Jon and Romas are totally blissed out. We HOLD on
Beverly's look of concern.
49 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The turbolift doors OPEN and Beverly ENTERS.
PICARD
Report, Doctor Crusher.
BEVERLY
I may not know Felicium's full
effect on Ornaran physiology.
But I know how to interpret
physical reactions.
PICARD
Are the Ornarans recovering?
BEVERLY
Both T'Jon and Romas are fine...
in fact, too fine.
(a beat)
Felicium is a narcotic.
PICARD
Then T'Jon, Romas -- indeed every
Ornaran --
BEVERLY
-- is a drug addict.
ON the Captain's expression of concern, WE:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 39.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
50 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around Brekka as before.
51
thru OMITTED
52
53 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Data is seated working at a computer screen. Picard
ENTERS, immediately FOLLOWED BY Riker and Troi.
RIKER
It's a fascinating little tale
we've run into of disease -- rescue
-- commerce -- and interdependence
between two worlds.
PICARD
You have piqued my interest,
Number One -- please continue.
RIKER
Mister Data.
DATA
Beginning several thousand years
ago, the two worlds took different
paths. Ornara became technically
sophisticated, Brekka did not.
Then two hundred years ago Ornara
was stricken by a devastating
plague.
RIKER
Their advanced technology could
offer no solution.
DATA
Somehow, and there is limited
information on this point, the
cure was found in a plant which
is indigenous to only Brekka, and
which resisted all attempts at
cultivation on Ornara.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 40.
53 CONTINUED:
RIKER
In any case a trading situation
quickly developed, which still
exists.
DATA
The Ornarans acquire the Felicium
from the Brekkians, and in
exchange, the Ornarans provide
the Brekkians with foods and
staples.
BEVERLY (O.S.)
A nice arrangement for the
Brekkians.
RIKER
And for the Ornarans -- without
the medicine they would all die.
Beverly JOINS the others. She has her diagnostic
device in her hand.
BEVERLY
No they wouldn't. Captain, here
are the results of my analysis.
Felicium is definitely a powerful
and addictive narcotic. What's
more, despite what the Ornarans
have been saying, it's not a
medicine. It was a medicine, and
it did cure the plague, two
hundred years ago.
PICARD
And they no longer need it.
BEVERLY
The plague is irrelevant now: it
doesn't exist... and it's not
going to recur.
Off their REACTIONS.
PICARD
The Ornarans have no medical need
for Felicium.
BEVERLY
No, but their physical and
psychological need is very real.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 41.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
There is a long pause. Everyone slowly looks toward
Picard, and for a beat, Picard is pensive.
BEVERLY
What are you going to do?
PICARD
Based on what we know so far...
there is nothing I can do.
BEVERLY
And you don't think drug addiction
and exploitation is sufficient
cause?
PICARD
This situation has existed for
a very long time. Those two
societies are intertwined in a
symbiotic relationship.
BEVERLY
With one society profiting at the
expense of the other.
PICARD
That's how you see it.
BEVERLY
I can synthesize a non-addictive
substitute which will ease their
withdrawal symptoms.
PICARD
No. We can't do that either.
BEVERLY
I know this. You can't let them
have the Felicium.
PICARD
Why? Because it goes against our
moral sensibilities? Our mission
is not to force Federation or
Earth values on others in the
galaxy.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 42.
53 CONTINUED: (3)
BEVERLY
In this case... you're wrong,
Captain. One hundred percent
wrong.
TASHA'S COM VOICE
Captain, I am receiving a call
from Ornara.
PICARD
Patch it in here.
TASHA'S COM VOICE
The signal's ragged, but I think
I can put it on the Viewscreen.
Picard turns the viewscreen so the others in the room
can see. The SCREEN LIGHTS UP with a less than perfect
picture of MARGAN.
MARGAN
I am Margan. Are my people on
board your ship?
PICARD
Some of them, yes.
MARGAN
May I speak with them?
PICARD
Yes.
(touching his com panel)
Lieutenant Yar, have the Ornarans
brought in... no, wait, I don't
want them to have access to the
bridge.
(then, to Margan)
We will contact you in a few
minutes.
(then to Yar)
I will take this in the guest
quarters.
Picard EXITS.
53A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Data joins Wesley at the Aft Science Stations.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 43.
53A CONTINUED:
WESLEY
(amazed)
I can understand how this could
happen to the Ornarans... What
I can't understand is why anyone
would voluntarily become dependent
upon a chemical.
DATA
(checking readouts)
Yet, the voluntary addiction to
drugs is a recurrent theme in many
cultures.
WESLEY
(nods)
As in the twenty-first century...
when Earth governments used
narcotics to control the military.
DATA
Or look at the twentieth century.
The dangers of drug abuse were
well known, yet their use was
commonplace.
WESLEY
Why?
DATA
That is what I do not understand.
Tasha overhears, STEPS UP.
TASHA
No one wants to become dependent.
That happens later.
WESLEY
But it does happen. So why do
people even start?
TASHA
Oh, lots of reasons... My home
planet was a place of great
poverty and violence. For some,
the only escape was through drugs.
DATA
I fail to comprehend how a
chemical substance can provide
an escape.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 44.
53A CONTINUED: (2)
TASHA
It doesn't. But it makes you
think it does.
(a beat)
You have to understand -- drugs
can make you feel good.
Wesley and Data listen intently.
TASHA
(continuing)
They put you on top of the world.
You're happy... Sure of yourself.
In control. A lot of people never
feel that otherwise.
DATA
But it is artificial.
TASHA
It doesn't feel artificial. It
feels natural, good, and mind
expanding.
(a beat)
Until the drug wears off. Then
you pay the price. Once you come
down, you're lower than when you
started. So you take the drug
again -- and it kicks you back
up. But not as high this time.
WESLEY
(catching on)
So you take more.
TASHA
But each peak gets lower and
the valleys get deeper. Before
you know it -- you're taking the
drug not to feel good but to keep
from feeling bad.
WESLEY
And that's the trap.
TASHA
You think the drug expands your
universe -- but it actually
shrinks it. Shrinks it to where
you and the drug are all that's
left.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 45.
53A CONTINUED: (3)
TASHA (Cont'd)
(a beat)
Pretty soon, all you care about
is getting your next dosage.
You'll lie, cheat, steal --
anything to get that fix.
DATA
Certainly by then you would
realize the danger.
TASHA
That's the worst of it. You don't
care. The drug is your salvation
-- your survival. Nothing else
is important.
Wesley thinks it over and, after a beat, shakes his
head.
WESLEY
I guess I just don't understand.
Tasha smiles and puts a hand on his shoulder.
TASHA
Wesley, I hope you never do.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Lieutenant Yar, we are ready in
the guest quarters.
54
thru OMITTED
56
56A INT. GUEST QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Picard, Beverly and Riker are there with the Ornarans.
The TRANSMISSION FADES IN AND OUT.
MARGAN
T'Jon. Have you got it?
T'JON
Well, it's here, but...
MARGAN
You've got to get it to us.
T'Jon... please... We're dying
here. You don't know... this is
the worst it's ever been.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 46.
56A CONTINUED:
T'Jon is visibly moved by what he is hearing.
T'JON
I'm doing everything I can.
See... what happened was...
56B REACTIONS
From Picard and T'Jon.
MARGAN
(cuts him off)
Stop. I can't listen. T'Jon...
we need the medicine. So, many
people... so much suffering.
You've got to get it to us. I
can't... I can't go on. Help,
T'Jon... please.
The SCREEN SHUTS OFF. For a beat everyone is quiet.
The strain on T'Jon is very evident. The pressure is
enormous.
PICARD
I'm sorry.
T'Jon then turns and puts a death grip on the person
nearest to him. Commander Riker.
T'JON
Take us to our planet - leave us
there with our medicine or this
person dies.
Picard takes a STEP FORWARD, then STOPS.
T'JON
(continuing)
Don't you see -- I have no choice.
We were sent to bring back the
Felicium. The suffering on my
planet is too great. People are
dying. It doesn't matter any more
whether we are entitled to the
Felicium... we have to have it.
PICARD
Let him go.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FOUR 47.
56B CONTINUED:
T'JON
Take us there now -- or give us
a shuttle -- but we must have the
medicine... if you refuse, this
person dies.
PICARD
I will not be coerced.
T'JON
I'll do it. I'll kill him.
The strain of the pressure is all over T'Jon.
PICARD
(calmly)
No you won't. You're not a killer
and neither am I.
T'Jon releases Riker, who sags a little, then catches
his balance.
T'JON
Help us... please... help us.
PICARD
I'm not sure that I can.
There is anguish on Beverly's face from those words.
57
thru OMITTED
58
59 CLOSE SHOT ON PICARD
His face is serious, intent, introspective.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
60
thru OMITTED
62
62A INT. ORNARAN GUEST QUARTERS
As they all stand and consider what to do. Langor
APPEARS AT THE DOOR.
LANGOR
Captain Picard, we couldn't help
overhearing. Could I see you for
a moment?
Picard is almost relieved by the distraction.
PICARD
Come with me, Doctor. This could
be interesting.
63 INT. BREKKIAN GUEST QUARTERS
Picard and Beverly are there with Langor and Sobi.
LANGOR
We have thought about this a great
deal.
SOBI
Both of us feel deeply about what
is happening on Ornara.
LANGOR
Although this is going to cause
hardship to us and to our people,
we have decided to give the
Felicium to them.
A slow smile plays at the corners of Picard's mouth.
Beverly's expression is harsh.
SOBI
They can pay for it when they are
able.
LANGOR
We don't want to cause any
suffering.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 49.
63 CONTINUED:
For a beat Picard doesn't answer. Both Beverly and
Picard make the connection at the same time.
PICARD
(to Beverly)
I wonder why I expected this.
LANGOR
Pardon?
PICARD
It's the other shoe.
BEVERLY
(to Langor)
The Ornarans are not aware, are
they?
LANGOR
Of what?
BEVERLY
That the plague which nearly
destroyed Ornara... infected your
world as well.
LANGOR
You don't know that for sure.
BEVERLY
It had to.
PICARD
But somehow, one of your ancestors
realized that your desire for the
drug continued after the disease
had been cured. They made the
connection and were able to end
their addiction.
BEVERLY
(scornful)
But these same wonderful people
also realized that their neighbors
never found out. Their need for
the drug grew to the point it is
now. Your sole source of support
comes from providing the narcotic.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 50.
63 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
And the refinement process of
which you are so proud was a way
to make Felicium even more
addicting... and tighten your
grip on the Ornarans even further.
LANGOR
Are you going to tell them?
PICARD
No. I can't tell them. You see,
I am bound by the rules of the
United Federation of Planets,
which say I am not to interfere
in other worlds, other cultures.
To tell them any of this would
be interfering and would violate
the Prime Directive.
SOBI
(suspicious)
You're talking to us about it...
PICARD
Telling you things you already
know... which changes nothing.
BEVERLY
Jean-Luc. I can synthesize
something which will alleviate
their suffering and make
withdrawal painless.
LANGOR
That won't be necessary, because
if I understand the captain, he
is going to allow the Ornarans
to have the Felicium.
PICARD
Yes, I am.
BEVERLY
You can't do that. Some things
go beyond words on a page. These
Brekkians have knowingly enslaved
others. They have caused untold
suffering and hardship, just so
their pitiful lives could be
easier. At least don't give the
Ornarans more drugs.

STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 51.
63 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
It is not for me to make any of
these decisions.
LANGOR
You are absolutely right, Captain.
Sobi and Langor are smug.
64
thru OMITTED
67
67A INT. CARGO HOLD
Sobi, Langor, T'Jon, Romas, Beverly, and Picard are
present. The barrel of Felicium is the centerpiece
for this gathering, along with the parts which have
been fabricated for the Ornaran freighters.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Captain, we've arrived at Ornara
and assumed standard orbit.
PICARD
(to intercom)
Acknowledged. Thank you.
Picard CROSSES to stand in front of the four aliens.
PICARD
(continuing)
Forgive me for doing what I must.
(to T'Jon and Romas)
I'm beaming you down to your
world... with your Felicium.
T'Jon and Romas are delighted.
T'JON
Good. I knew it would work out
this way.
ROMAS
You've made the only humanitarian
decision, Captain.
Picard nods joylessly.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 52.
67A CONTINUED:
SOBI
(to T'Jon)
Langor and I will beam down to
Ornara with you.
LANGOR
We'll work out payment terms for
the Felicium.
T'JON
On behalf of my people, I extend
thanks for your benevolent
attitude.
Sobi and Langor smile proudly. Beverly is fuming at
the hypocrisy, but keeps it hidden.
T'JON
(continuing)
And I also thank you, Captain,
for doing the right thing.
Romas indicates the coils.
ROMAS
Your gift of these coils will
ensure that our freighters will
continue to work.
PICARD
(firmly)
No.
T'JON
(confused)
No.
PICARD
I will not supply you with spare
parts for your freighters. If
you want them repaired, you'll
have to do that yourself.
The four aliens are stunned.
ROMAS
In a short time our freighters
will be inoperable.
PICARD
Quite possibly.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 53.
67A CONTINUED: (2)
T'JON
But we depend on those freighters!
We must have those parts.
SOBI
If you withhold those coils,
you're disrupting the stability
of both our planets --
LANGOR
-- and interfering with a trade
arrangement that has lasted for
generations! What of this Prime
Directive of yours?
PICARD
Nothing in the Prime Directive
compels me to help you.
ROMAS
You're an executioner, Captain.
You want our world to perish.
PICARD
No. That's not what I want.
T'JON
But without our freighters, there
will be no more shipments of
Felicium! We will die!
Picard doesn't respond. Beverly is empathetic:
BEVERLY
You must trust in yourselves.
There are... other options.
PICARD
And you must understand that my
oath as a Starfleet officer gives
me no choice in the matter.
The four aliens stare at him, unable to comprehend how
Picard can do this to them. Picard touches a com panel.
PICARD
(continuing)
Transporter Room. Lock onto our
guests and their cargo and beam
them down to Ornara.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 54.
67A CONTINUED: (3)
T'JON
(stiffly)
Captain, I hope you realize what
you've done to us.
PICARD
Of that, you can be sure.
(a beat)
Good luck.
68 OMITTED
68A NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as the four aliens and the cargo DEMATERIALIZE, leaving
Picard and Beverly alone in the cargo bay. Without
a word, Picard turns and EXITS. Beverly FOLLOWS.
68B INT. TURBOLIFT
as Picard ENTERS. Before the doors close, Beverly also
ENTERS. A long beat, then:
BEVERLY
When the Felicium runs out, the
people of Ornara will suffer
horrible withdrawal pains.
PICARD
No doubt.
BEVERLY
We could have made their burden
easier.
PICARD
Only in the short run. Painful
as it will be, the people of
Ornara -- and the people of Brekka
-- must shape their own destinies.
BEVERLY
It sounds so... heartless.
PICARD
Doctor, it was not an easy
decision.
BEVERLY
I just hope it was the right one.
STAR TREK: "Symbiosis" - 2/17/88 - ACT FIVE 55.
68C INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Manned as before. The turbolift doors OPEN; Picard
and Beverly STEP OUT ONTO the bridge. Picard takes
his chair:
PICARD
Mister La Forge, take us out of
orbit.
GEORDI
Aye, sir. Course laid in.
PICARD
Engage.
69 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it leaves orbit.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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