startrek-ml/Data/Tng/156.txt

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                          "The Price" 
              (f.k.a. "A Price Far Above Rubies") 
                          #40273-156 
                              
                          Written by 
                     Hannah Louise Shearer 
                              
                          Directed by 
                        Robert Scheerer 


THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                     REVISED FINAL DRAFT

                     SEPTEMBER 25, 1989


            STAR TREK: "The Price" - 9/25/89 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "The Price" 

                             CAST                               
                              
          PICARD                   SETH MENDOZA
          RIKER                    DEVINONI RAL
          DATA                     
          BEVERLY                  Barzan
          TROI                       PREMIER BHAVANI
          GEORDI                   
          WORF                     
          WESLEY                   Caldonian
          COMPUTER VOICE             LEYOR

                                   Ferengi
                                     DAIMON GOSS
                                     DOCTOR ARRIDOR
          Non-speaking             
          TWO MEDICAL ASSISTANTS   non-speaking
          WAITERS                    ROJAY
          FIVE OFF-DUTY CREWMEMBERS  KOL
          TECHNICIAN               

            STAR TREK: "The Price" - 9/25/89 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "The Price" 
                              
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE              SHUTTLECRAFT
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE       FERENGI SHIP
              TURBOLIFT                  FERENGI POD
              CORRIDOR
              TRANSPORTER ROOM         WORMHOLE EFFECT
              TEN-FORWARD
              SICKBAY
          
            EXERCISE ROOM
              TROI'S QUARTERS
              FERENGI GUEST QUARTERS
          
            SHUTTLECRAFT
              INTERIOR
          
            FERENGI POD
              INTERIOR

  STAR TREK: "The Price - REV. 9/28/89 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "The Price" 
                        
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

              MENDOZA                men-DOE-zah
              DEVINONI RAL           DEV-in-on-ee Raal
              BHAVANI                bah-VON-ee
              LEYOR                  LAY-or
              DAIMON GOSS            DAY-maun GOSS
              KOL                    COAL
              ARRIDOR                ARE-eh-door
              ROJAY                  ROE-jay
              FERENGI                fir-ENG-ee
              BARZAN                 BAR-zan
              CALDONIANS             cal-DOAN-ians
              CHRYSALIANS            chris-AL-ians
              WORMHOLE               WORM-HOLE
              MESON                  MAY-zahn
              LEPTON                 LEP-tahn

11:[5,#b],18:[1,#b],57:[1,#b]
       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - TEASER       1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                         "The Price"                               
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    CLOSEUP OF O'BRIEN

	Sitting.

					O'BRIEN
			The truth is I'm a career man...
			you know, married to my job...
			Mitzi doesn't understand that...
			I like her a lot... but I just
			don't think I'm ready for two
			marriages if you know what I
			mean...

2    REVERSE OF TROI - TROI'S OFFICE

	She's placid as usual, listening, or perhaps on
	automatic pilot.

					O'BRIEN
				(continuing)
			But at the same time, you know
			I wouldn't want to lose her...

					TROI
			Maybe you should come in with her
			and talk about it together.

					O'BRIEN
			Oh, I couldn't ask her to do
			that...

					TROI
			Sure you could. Why don't I make
			another appointment for you...

	And as she calls up her schedule on a PADD.

       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - TEASER       2.

3    INT. CORRIDOR

	Troi walking, looking very tired... Wes sees her,
	calls... moves down another corridor to her...

					WESLEY
			Counselor Troi... ?

	She takes the fatigue off her face, stops and turns...

					TROI
			Yes, Wesley...

					WESLEY
			Can I talk to you a minute... I
			have a real problem with my
			mother.

4    ON TROI

	who listens patiently as Wesley continues...

					WESLEY (O.S.)
			She's being completely
			unreasonable... see there's a
			party on Holodeck Four tonight...
			and all the other kids are staying
			overnight... well, most of them
			and...

	As she nods...

5    INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

	Troi ENTERS, exhausted, starts to take off her
	jacket...

					TROI
			Computer, dispatches...

					COMPUTER
			A research inquiry from the
			Manitoba Journal of
			Interplanetary Psychology and
			three communiques from your
			mother...

					TROI
				(reacts, three?)
			Transfer my mother's letters to
			my viewer...
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - TEASER       3.

5    CONTINUED:

					TROI (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			... and computer, I'd like a...
			a real chocolate sundae.

					COMPUTER
				(beat)
			Define "real" in context, please.

					TROI
			Real... not one of your perfectly
			synthesized, ingeniously enhanced
			imitations... real chocolate ice
			cream, real whipped cream...

					COMPUTER
			This unit is programmed to provide
			sources of nutritional value.
			Your request does not fall within
			current guidelines.

	Losing patience...

					TROI
			Listen, computer...

					COMPUTER
				(continuing)
			Do you wish to override program?

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Picard to Counselor Troi.

					TROI
				(frowns, to herself)
			Now what?
				(keys insignia)
			Yes, Captain?

									INTERCUT:

6    INT. TEN FORWARD

	A casual party in progress... PICARD, WORF, RIKER,
	DATA.

       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - TEASER       4.

6    CONTINUED:

	In the background, MENDOZA, a Federation negotiator,
	chats with several aliens including BHAVANI, the leader
	of Barzan, and LEYOR, the Caldonian representative.
	PICARD is smiling, jovial. A WAITER refills his
	champagne glass and not for the first time.

					PICARD
			The pleasure of your company is
			requested, Counselor. We're
			having an impromptu reception for
			the arriving delegates.

					TROI
				(reacts, not tonight)
			Captain, I'm not dressed for a
			reception...

					PICARD
			Oh, just throw on any old thing.
			We're about to get our first look
			at the wormhole.

									BACK TO:

7    INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

					TROI
			Of course, Captain. I'm on my
			way. Troi out.

	EXITING, frowns...

					TROI
				(to herself)
			God forbid, I should miss the
			first look at the wormhole.

8    INT. TEN FORWARD (OPTICAL)

	GEORDI and BEVERLY have joined the fun now too...
	waiters serve hors d'ouevres... Troi ENTERS, smiling,
	serene, our Troi... Riker goes to meet her... offers
	an arm...

					RIKER
			May I escort you in, Miss Troi...

	Moving with them...

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - 9/25/89 - TEASER          5.

8    CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Just tell me there's some
			chocolate here...

					PICARD
			Ah, Counselor Troi... allow me
			to do the introductions... Premier
			Bhavani of the Barzan...

	Bhavani is a strong, no-nonsense, elderly woman; an
	able judge of people. She wears a breathing device.

					TROI
			Your discovery has certainly
			produced a great deal of
			excitement, Premier.

					BHAVANI
			Hopefully, it will also produce
			a new era of prosperity for my
			people.

					MENDOZA
			We'll see to that...

					PICARD
			You know Mister Mendoza, the
			Federation negotiator...

					MENDOZA
			A pleasure to see you again,
			Counselor Troi.

	Mendoza is a middle-aged man with intelligent eyes and
	confidence.

					PICARD
			One of the Federation's worthy
			competitors in the bidding, Leyor
			of the Caldonians.

					LEYOR
			Madame.

	The Caldonian is more reserved -- with a quietness that
	comes more from academia than from shyness. Joining
	them is DEVINONI RAL, a well-dressed, strikingly
	attractive man with a disarming smile. On his arm is a
	stunning woman, an accessory.

					DEVINONI
			And I am Devinoni Ral.

       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - TEASER       6.

8    CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Ship's Counselor Deanna Troi.

	And it's already there between them in the moment, they
	both feel it. Introducing his lady friend as a pro
	forma aside --

					DEVINONI
			My traveling companion, Rojay.

	The woman, bored, barely acknowledges.

					MENDOZA
			My good friend, Ral, is the best
			hired gun in the business.

					TROI
			Hired gun?

					DEVINONI
			My "good friend", Mendoza means
			that I am a negotiator who serves
			a variety of clients... on this
			occasion I represent the
			Chrysalians.

					BHAVANI
			I believe it's almost time, isn't
			it Captain?

					PICARD
			Indeed. It will be visible
			directly ahead...

	The crowd moves to the windows...

					MENDOZA
			Is it always on time, Bhavani?

					BHAVANI
			Always. We see it every two
			hundred and thirty-three
			minutes... our scientists say it's
			due to radiation buildup in the
			acretion disk. The visible burst
			is very brief..

	On her last line... the sky lights up with a dramatic
	revelation... a wormhole... reactions.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - 9/25/89 - TEASER          7.

8    CONTINUED: (3)

					BHAVANI
			There it is, ladies and gentlemen.
			The Barzan Wormhole. The first
			and only stable wormhole known
			to exist. It's yours... for the
			right price.

	The group is overwhelmed at the spectacular sight
	before their eyes... except as we see Troi, she senses
	something else and as she turns, she sees Devinoni is
	not looking at the wormhole, but at her. Her eyes meet
	his... and he grins... and as the rest of the room sees
	stars... they see only each other as we...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT ONE       8.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

9    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around the Barzan planet.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, Stardate 43385.7.
			We are in orbit around Barzan,
			a planet which is entertaining
			bids for control of
			what appears to be a most unique,
			stable wormhole. It could
			conceivably provide a permanent
			shortcut within our galaxy.

10   INT. OBSERVATION DECK (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Worf, Bhavani, Mendoza, Leyor, Devinoni.
	Bhavani is at the head of the table, addressing the
	others...

					BHAVANI
			And as you all know, the
			environment on my planet is
			completely inhospitable to most
			other life forms. So I'd like
			to express my appreciation to you,
			Captain Picard, and your fine crew
			for hosting these negotiations
			aboard the Enterprise.
				(Picard acknowledges)
			Remember, Mister Mendoza, it
			doesn't give the Federation an
			advantage.

	Chuckles around the table. Mendoza acknowledges.
	Devinoni studies his competition around the table.
	He deliberately plays back throughout the scene. But
	he's working.

       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/29/89 - ACT ONE       9.

10   CONTINUED:

					BHAVANI
				(getting serious)
			The Barzan has been a society
			dependent on others for
			generations. We want that to end.
			The appearance of this stable
			wormhole in our space provides
			us with our first true natural
			resource. We have neither the
			experience nor technology to
			exploit it. You do.

	Riker ENTERS, with some concern on his face...

					RIKER
			Excuse me, a delegation of...
			Ferengi... wishes to be beamed
			aboard...

					PICARD
			You were not expecting the
			Ferengi, Premier... ?

					BHAVANI
			No, but I do not wish to create
			ill will, Captain. If they are
			interested in bidding, I have no
			objection.

	Picard thinks about saying he does... but realizes it's
	not his place. Very well...

					PICARD
				(keys insignia)
			Chief O'Brien, this is Picard.
			Beam the Ferengi directly to the
			observation lounge.

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			Aye, Captain...

	Three Ferengi MATERIALIZE near Riker. Their leader
	is GOSS. The others are KOL AND ARRIDOR.

					GOSS
			On behalf of all Ferengi, I
			protest... why were we not invited
			to these negotiations...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT ONE      10.

10   CONTINUED: (2)

	Riker exchanges a glance with Picard...

					BHAVANI
			My apologies. We did not
			anticipate your interest. You
			are welcome to join us.

					GOSS
			I am DaiMon Goss. These are my
			consuls... Kol and Doctor Arridor.
				(to Riker)
			We'll need chairs...

	Standing... and this must all be a quick exchange --

					PICARD
			DaiMon, I am Captain Jean-Luc
			Picard of the Enterprise... I'm
			serving as host for these
			proceedings...

					GOSS
			Good, then see to it that we get
			chairs at once.

					PICARD
				(with an edge)
			Perhaps you misunderstood...

					GOSS
			Fine, fine, just have your Klingon
			servant...

					WORF
				(pointed)
			I am in charge of security.

					GOSS
			Then who gets the chairs?

					PICARD
			DaiMon, due to the intimate nature
			of these negotiations, all parties
			agreed that one representative
			would suffice. I will be happy
			to provide your consuls with
			accommodations... and you may have
			my chair...

					GOSS
			Very well. Kol, the bag...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/29/89 - ACT ONE      11.

10   CONTINUED: (3)

	Kol hands Goss a sack... Riker leads Kol and Arridor
	out. They EXIT. Picard moves toward the door as
	Goss exchanges places with him.

					GOSS
			We can handle all the pleasantries
			later. I'm sure I'll never
			remember your names anyway, eh?
				(laughs)
			Enough of this foolishness. Let's
			get down to business.

	He turns the sack upside down and a pile of gold bars
	spills out across the tabletop.

					GOSS
			I'll match anyone's best offer...
			and add the gold on top of it.

	He holds out his hands in a fait accomplit motion.
	Sits back in his chair, with a confident grin. Bhavani
	reacts, nonplussed. Picard EXITS...

11   OUTSIDE THE DOOR - CLOSEUP

	a beat as the doors slide closed behind him and his
	eyes look skyward with a my-God reaction...

12   INT. TROI'S OFFICE (OPTICAL)

	She is studying personnel files of O'Brien and his
	girlfriend... but her mind drifts for a moment and she
	smiles to herself...

					TROI
			Computer... show me the file on
			delegate Devinoni Ral...

	On her screen, a very good picture of Ral appears with
	a read out...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/26/89 - ACT ONE      12.

12   CONTINUED:

					COMPUTER
			Devinoni Ral, human, age forty-one,
			born Brussels, European
			Alliance, relocated at age nineteen
			to Hurkos Three, a non-aligned
			planet...

	There is a chime at the door... she presses a button to
	pause the readout...

					TROI
			Come in.

	The doors slide open to reveal Devinoni... she reacts.
	He ENTERS, smiles...

					DEVINONI
			Should I call for an
			appointment... ?

					TROI
			No... I... was just looking over
			some personnel files...

	Which she casually clears off the screen...

					DEVINONI
			Too bad. I had hoped you might
			be thinking about... me.

	Which of course she was. She smiles...

					TROI
			I thought you'd be deep into
			negotiations by now...

					DEVINONI
			In recess. I never play the
			opening rounds, anyway.
			Inconsequential.

	He sits on her desk, looking down at her.

					DEVINONI
			Besides there are more interesting
			things to negotiate on this ship.
			Like dinner tonight?

					TROI
			What about your... traveling
			companion?

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT ONE      13.

12   CONTINUED: (2)

					DEVINONI
			My traveling companion... is
			traveling.
				(off her look)
			I sent her home.

					TROI
			Why?

					DEVINONI
			You know why.

	She does. Almost as a defense mechanism...

					TROI
			Weren't you getting along?

					DEVINONI
			Don't do that.

					TROI
			What?

					DEVINONI
			Don't do "Counselor" Troi.

					TROI
			Was I?

					DEVINONI
				(nods, beat)
			When you leave this office, who
			are you?

	She reacts. How do you answer a question like that?

					DEVINONI
				(an insight about her)
			Oh. So that's how it is.

	He stands... studying her... moving around her chair...

					DEVINONI
			You never do. You never leave
			the office.

	He hits home. Uncannily. He's behind her now... his
	hands are in her hair... what the hell?

					TROI
			What are you...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/26/89 - ACT ONE      14.

12   CONTINUED: (3)

					DEVINONI
			Ssshh...

	His fingers begin to unpin her hair... and we begin a
	ballet of long hair and fingers and hands in constant
	motion --

13   HER HAIR

	cascading free...

14   HIS HAND

	guiding the long strands down the back of her neck...
	stroking it... moving it...

15   HER HAND

	moving hair out of her eyes... finding his hand which
	takes hers... and turns her in...

16   THE SWIVEL CHAIR - REAR ANGLE

	long hair flowing over the back of the chair to face...

17   HER FACE

	twisting to meet...

18   HIS FACE

	and he takes her hair in both hands and moves it away
	from her mouth... and everything says he's going to
	kiss her but he doesn't...

					DEVINONI
			Dinner at eight?

	A quick gentle grin... and he's gone... we stay on
	Troi's face... we can hear the doors hiss open and
	closed... and Troi suddenly looks down and we move to
	find as she realizes her hands are gripping the arms of
	her chair as though she's on a perilous ride. And she
	is.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      15.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

18A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

19   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Picard, Riker, Data and Mendoza are studying the
	viewscreen where charts and graphs of the wormhole are
	displayed.

					DATA
			The data from the Barzan's probe
			into the wormhole is impressive,
			Captain. The wormhole delivered
			the probe beyond the Denkiri Arm,
			in the Gamma Quadrant.

					PICARD
			It would take us nearly a century
			at warp nine to cross that
			distance...

					DATA
			The same distance could be
			achieved in a matter of seconds
			through the wormhole.

	Riker groans. Off their looks...

					RIKER
			I was just imagining the Ferengi
			collecting tolls in front if we
			lose to them...

					MENDOZA
			I don't think the Ferengi are the
			greatest threat at the table...
			with all of DaiMon Goss' bluster,
			they don't have the resources the
			Barzans need.

					RIKER
			I'd say that fellow Devinoni's
			the one to watch out for...

					MENDOZA
				(reacts)
			An accurate observation... what
			made you recognize that?

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      16.

19   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			He's the most comfortable man in
			the group...

					MENDOZA
				(appreciating)
			You must play poker, Commander...

					RIKER
				(grin)
			Poker, isn't that a game of some
			sort?

					PICARD
			Commander Riker teaches poker.

					MENDOZA
			Our skills are not dissimilar,
			Commander.

					PICARD
			Mister Mendoza, if this lives up
			to its billing... it is a
			discovery of extraordinary
			value... but it is a big "if"...

					RIKER
			Wormholes are here one moment,
			gone the next... a stable wormhole
			is unheard of.

					MENDOZA
				(reacts)
			Are you saying this may not be
			what it seems?

					DATA
			The Barzans do not have manned
			space travel, so they had to
			resort to an automated probe.
			Its findings are limited. It
			cannot be determined from these
			charts how stable the wormhole
			really is or how long it will
			remain intact.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      16A.

19   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			The Federation could wind up
			"buying" itself the proverbial
			lemon, Mister Mendoza.

					MENDOZA
			And once the contract is
			negotiated and closed, we would
			be obliged to fulfill the terms.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      17.

19   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
			We really ought to see for
			ourselves.

					MENDOZA
			I don't think Bhavani could object
			to that...

					RIKER
			Geordi has continuous visual
			contact with the wormhole,
			Captain. He's the logical
			choice...

					DATA
			I would also like to volunteer,
			Captain...

					PICARD
				(acknowledges)
			Before anyone goes in there, we're
			going to conduct a full sensor
			analysis. I want to do everything
			possible to determine that it's
			safe.
				(beat)
			If we're satisfied, Data, you
			and Commander La Forge will enter
			the wormhole tommorrow.

20   INT. GUEST QUARTERS

	Goss and his aides, Kol and Arridor are huddled
	together, up to no good. Arridor has a syringe and is
	extracting from Goss's neck (with considerable pain to
	Goss) some fluid.

					ARRIDOR
			Just a moment of discomfort for
			a good cause, DaiMon.

	Arridor takes his fluid and does some quick work with
	it in a dish...

					ARRIDOR
			You understand this will not be
			lethal.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      17A.

20   CONTINUED:

					GOSS
			Doctor, you surprise me. I have
			no wish to kill anyone. A short
			term crippling will suffice.

					ARRIDOR
			Then, this will be just fine.

	He moves over and takes from his work a small (silver?)
	drop of fluid and squeezes a drop on Goss's left
	palm... it immediately changes color.

					ARRIDOR
			A distillation of your own blood
			pyrocytes... harmless to you...
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      18.

20   CONTINUED: (2)

					ARRIDOR (Cont'd)
			undetectable by the ship's
			bio-filters... but when absorbed
			through your victim's skin, it
			will provoke an extreme allergic
			reaction.

					GOSS
			I'd say it is time to extend the
			hand of the Ferengi to the
			representative of the Federation.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      19.

21   OMITTED

22   INT. CORRIDOR - AT TROI'S DOOR

	Devinoni rings the chime. The door slides open to
	reveal a very sexy lady... Deanna Troi, her hair still
	down, a lovely dress...

					DEVINONI
			Much... better.

					TROI
			Thank you. Come in for a drink?

	He ENTERS.

23   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Looking around with a critical eye.

					DEVINONI
			Ah, Federation decor...

					TROI
			Not your style?

					DEVINONI
			Conformity is not my style.

	At the food dispenser...

					TROI
			What would you like?

	He considers that for a moment... then leans in and
	kisses her gently on the lips.

					DEVINONI
			I'd even like another.

	She turns slightly with a "hold on"... takes a deep
	breath...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      20.

23   CONTINUED:

					DEVINONI
				(teasing)
			There she is again... Counselor
			Troi...

					TROI
			I am not... computer, champagne...

					DEVINONI
			... for two...

	A beat. The champagne arrives. He looks at her. She
	doesn't quite meet his eyes.

					DEVINONI
				(tongue-in-cheek)
			Am I moving too fast for you?

					TROI
			No, I'm moving too fast for me.

					DEVINONI
			Mmm, I like that better...

					TROI
				(and now she looks at
				 him)
			I haven't been able to stop
			thinking about you all day...

	Upon which she kisses him... passionately.
	Afterwards...

					DEVINONI
			You must've had a nice day.

					TROI
			Anticipation is fun.

	They kiss again.

					TROI
			We'll be late for dinner.

					DEVINONI
			Very late.

	And as he picks her up in his arms and moves toward the
	bedroom...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT TWO      21.

23A  INT. SICKBAY (FORMERLY 29)

	Mendoza ENTERS, walking unsteadily... sweating, looks a
	bit dizzy. Beverly notices, steps up.

					BEVERLY
			Mister Mendoza?

					MENDOZA
			I seem to be a bit warm...

	He stumbles -- and passes out. Beverly's right
	there; holding him, calling to a near-by MEDICAL
	SUPERNUMERARY...

					BEVERLY
			I need some help here...

	And as the assistant rushes to help her, supporting
	Mendoza to a bed...

23B  INT. CAPT. READY ROOM (FROM SCENE 32)

	Picard and Riker are with the three Ferengi.

					GOSS
			You attempt to gain every unfair
			advantage, Picard...

					PICARD
			Premier Bhavani has no
			objection...

					GOSS
			Well, I most certainly do...
			First, you conveniently arrange
			to play host... now you plan to
			send your own manned probe into
			the wormhole... the Federation
			thinks it can do anything it wants
			to. And I will not tolerate it
			any longer...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      22.

23B  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			We will gladly share the results
			of our exploration with all the
			delegates...

					GOSS
			And you expect us to believe what
			you report?

					RIKER
			Then send in your own probe, Goss.

					GOSS
			That's exactly what I intend to
			do. And I strongly suggest you
			stay out of our way.

	They EXIT in a huff.

					PICARD
			Tell Data and La Forge to do
			themselves a favor and stay out
			of their way.

	Riker acknowledges.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Captain Picard, please come to
			Sickbay...

					PICARD
				(keys insignia)
			Acknowledged, Doctor.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT TWO      23.

24
thru OMITTED
32

33   INT. SICKBAY

	Mendoza is unconscious on a diagnostic bed. Two
	MEDICAL ASSISTANTS tend to him.

	BEVERLY is working a computer, and not getting
	satisfaction from its readout. Picard and Riker stand
	over Mendoza's bed. Picard shakes his head at what
	seems an unfortunate turn of events.

					BEVERLY
			Whatever he's got is obviously
			not life threatening -- it's some
			kind of system-wide histaminic
			reaction. He certainly can't go
			back to the negotiations for
			several days.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT TWO      24.

33   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(a beat)
			Keep us advised.

	Moving with Picard and Riker out of Sickbay...

					PICARD
			The Federation's top negotiator
			taken out by a mysterious ailment.
			Suspicions?

					RIKER
			With the Ferengi around, always.

34   INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

					PICARD
			Well, I guess you'll have to fill
			in for him, Number One.

					RIKER
			Me?

					PICARD
			I am the designated host. It
			would be a most awkward
			transition. The next likely
			choice is you. Mister Mendoza
			would agree. He was quite
			impressed with your natural
			instincts.

					RIKER
			Excuse me, sir, but those weren't
			natural instincts... they're poker
			instincts... A parlor game
			doesn't exactly prepare me for
			this...

					PICARD
			Yes, the stakes are higher. But
			then... that's when the game gets
			interesting, doesn't it,
			Commander.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - 9/25/89 - ACT TWO 25-27.            

34   CONTINUED:

	He pats Riker on the back... and on the commander's
	reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                          END ACT TWO                           

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT THREE     28.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

35   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Worf, Wesley at their usual stations.
	Supernumerary at OPS.

					WESLEY
			The wormhole will reappear in
			thirty seconds.

					PICARD
			Shuttle nine, stand by...

					WORF
			Ferengi pod is moving into
			position, Captain...

36   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	The Ferengi pod moves into position beside the
	Enterprise shuttle.

37   INT. SHUTTLE

	Data and Geordi. Data is piloting. Looking out the
	window...

					GEORDI
				(transmitting)
			Ferengi pod, this is Lieutenant
			Commander La Forge in the
			Enterprise shuttle.

									INTERCUT:

38   INT. FERENGI POD

	Kol is the pilot... Arridor beside him.

					ARRIDOR
			This is Doctor Arridor, go ahead.

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT THREE     29.

38   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Would you care to take the point,
			Doctor?

					ARRIDOR
			We will gladly yield that honor
			to you, Lieutenant Commander.

39   EXT. SPACE - THE WORMHOLE (OPTICAL)

	As it suddenly blinks into existence in the center of
	the accretion disk. The subspace anomaly is itself
	a reflective half-sphere. It is rather like a soap
	bubble resting on the surface of a table, and can be
	entered from three planes.

40   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Proceed when ready.

41   EXT. SPACE - (OPTICAL)

	As the Enterprise shuttle noses into the bubble and
	VANISHES. The Ferengi pod follows a beat later.

42   EXT. SHUTTLE AND FERENGI POD (OPTICAL)

	The spectacular ride through the light show. A
	spectrum of primary colors are flowing in waves at the
	shuttle. There is a beautiful symmetry to these
	effects. A sense of something perfectly in balance.

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT THREE     30.

43   OMITTED

44   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					WORF
			Contact with the shuttle, sir.

					PICARD
			Pipe it in, Lieutenant.

	Data's voice comes over the speakers, but it is
	gradually getting very slow, finally so distorted
	that he cannot be understood... until it is mere broken
	sounds, no longer even connected.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			Captain, we have penetrated the
			outer event horizon of the
			wormhole. Sensors read severe
			doppler shifts...
				(distorted)

	What the bridge crew is hearing is gibberish. Picard
	frowns.

					WESLEY
			It's the relativistic time
			dilation, sir. Time is moving
			more slowly inside their part
			of the wormhole. I can process
			the audio to compensate...

					PICARD
			Make it so.

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/29/89 - ACT THREE     31.

44   CONTINUED:

	Wesley makes his adjustments, and now as Data's message
	becomes understandable... although it comes out with
	gaps between words, as though the computer is storing
	up and processing material and then playing it back.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			... and intense energy fields which
			appear to be stabilizing the
			wormhole. It is not clear why...
			Now approaching the singularity...

	The voice fades out... static...

					WESLEY
			They've passed beyond our
			communication capabilities, sir...

	Picard acknowledges and...

45   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Riker is at the table with the delegates, settling
	in... Devinoni studies Riker, senses his
	discomfort, decides to exploit it... but very, very
	cordially.

					DEVINONI
			Commander, I appreciate what a
			difficult position this is for
			you. If you don't understand
			something, I hope you won't be
			embarrassed to ask me...

	Riker recognizes the ploy... responds to it.

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/29/89 - ACT THREE     32.

45   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I think I have an idea what the
			rules are.

					DEVINONI
			That's what makes it so
			interesting... the rules of the
			game change to fit the moment.

					RIKER
			In that regard, it's not unlike
			commanding a starship, Mister Ral.

	They nod to each other, formal adversaries.

					BHAVANI
			Commander, Mister Mendoza has
			already presented many of the
			details of the Federation
			proposal. Is there anything you
			would like to add?

					RIKER
			A complete analysis of our bid
			is available on the ship's
			computer for your consideration,
			Premier... If I may summarize...

	Riker rises, goes to the viewscreen, calls up, a
	complex graph showing the specifics of the proposal...
	we don't need to see it in detail, but Riker will refer
	to it for illustration...

					RIKER
			Our proposal includes technology
			that will enhance your food
			production, your mining
			capabilities, and space travel.

46   DEVINONI

	watches Bhavani's reaction

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/29/89 - ACT THREE     33.

46   CONTINUED:

					RIKER (O.S.)
				(continuing)
			We offer scholars and scientists
			to investigate the wormhole's
			potential. And perhaps most
			critical of all, we offer
			Starfleet. The security of this
			passage must never be compromised.
			We offer protection of the
			wormhole in perpetuity.

	Riker sits, feeling he's done pretty well for the first
	time up. Devinoni stays seated... his eyes still on
	Bhavani. Her eyes meet his...

					BHAVANI
			Mister Ral... ?

					DEVINONI
				(a beat, as though
				 reluctant)
			Mister Riker's placed a great deal
			of emphasis on defense... a
			subject he obviously knows well,
			having served Starfleet in many
			a conflict.

	And Bhavani unconsciously barely nods... a tell...
	Devinoni catches it... stands...

					DEVINONI
				(continuing)
			The Chrysalians are enemies of no
			one... and choose to remain that
			way. Neutral.

					RIKER
			Neutral. And uninvolved, sir,
			in virtually all interstellar
			matters of consequence.

	Devinoni moves over to Riker's chart on the viewscreen
	as though to study it...

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT THREE     33A.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

					DEVINONI
				(interrupting)
			No one would claim that the
			Chrysalians are as powerful as
			the mighty Federation, but we have
			resources and technology and
			scientists too. We have also had
			peace for ten generations.

	Riker reacts. Devinoni nods to him.

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/26/89 - ACT THREE     34.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

					DEVINONI
			This is a fine proposal,
			Commander.

	He turns off the viewscreen. Overlapping... the groan
	of Deanna Troi...

47   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON HER FOOT

	is shiny with oil... as his hands work, slowly,
	methodically massaging it...

					DEVINONI (O.S.)
			I was just thinking...

					TROI (O.S.)
			Mmmm?

					DEVINONI (O.S.)
			Maybe I could stretch out these
			negotiations a few extra days.

					TROI (O.S.)
			Mmmm.

					DEVINONI (O.S.)
			Would you like that?

					TROI (O.S.)
				(yes)
			Mmm-hmmm.

	His hands continue to work... then her foot pulls away
	and after a beat, Troi's face lies in the same spot...
	(the camera can be locked)... his hands begin to
	massage oil into her fingers... looking up off
	camera...

					TROI
			Devinoni Ral, who are you?

48   NEW ANGLE - WIDER

	as he continues to massage her fingers... they are
	dressed in sexy nightclothes... his pajama top is
	off.

        STAR TREK: "The Price" - 9/25/89 - ACT THREE        35.

48   CONTINUED:

					DEVINONI
			What do your Betazoid senses tell
			you about me?

					TROI
			Not very much...
				(smiles)
			My human physical response must
			be blocking them out.

					DEVINONI
			Good.

					TROI
			It's never happened before.

					DEVINONI
			I rather like it that I'm more
			difficult to read than your other
			men...

					TROI
			I don't have any others...
			currently.

					DEVINONI
			How about Commander Riker?

	Mood breaker. She sits up.

					TROI
			Who have you been talking to... ?

					DEVINONI
			No one. I just sensed something
			when I saw the two of you
			together.

					TROI
				(reinstates the mood)
			Will Riker and I are good friends.

					DEVINONI
			Uh huh...

	She sort of pushes him playfully down on the bed, he
	rolls on his stomach and she climbs on his back...
	begins to knead oil across his back...

					TROI
			It was once a little more than
			that.

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT THREE     36.

48   CONTINUED: (2)

					DEVINONI
			Mmmm-hmm...

					TROI
			And how come we're talking about
			me and not you?

					DEVINONI
			Don't you have enough people
			telling you about their lives?
			Who counsels the counselor?

	She smiles, he has a point.

					TROI
			Uh uh, I want to know about you
			now...

	He turns over. She's sitting on his lower chest.

					DEVINONI
			I am a man of commerce. And I'm
			what you see right now. No games,
			no strategies. Just me, wanting
			to run away with you.
				(she reacts)
			And knowing that if I asked you,
			you'd never leave this damned
			ship.

	Yes she would... right now, in this moment, she
	would... but she knows better than to trust the moment
	and avoids responding.

					TROI
			When I first saw you, I felt as
			if I'd been waiting for you. I've
			been trying to understand why or
			how that's possible.

					DEVINONI
			Does it matter?

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT THREE     37.

48   CONTINUED: (3)

	She shakes her head, no.

					DEVINONI
			It will... when I tell you. But
			you must promise never to tell
			anyone else.

					TROI
			What?

					DEVINONI
			I am partly Betazoid too.
				(she reacts)
			My mother was half... I am one
			quarter.

					TROI
			You're empathic?

					DEVINONI
			The only one of five children.
			I must admit I was never as
			comfortable sensing emotions as
			you seem to be...

					TROI
			That's why you left Earth...

	He acknowledges.

					DEVINONI
			I've learned to live with it, use
			it... as you have... but still,
			it isolates us, doesn't it... ?
				(she acknowledges)
			I thought it would always be that
			way for me. Now, all of a sudden
			the rules I live by don't mean
			anything any more. I had tucked
			my heart away... didn't need it,
			didn't want it. At the
			negotiating table it can be fatal
			to have a heart... but I never
			realized how much I missed it
			until I looked at you.

	And as she stretches out on top of him, leans down to
	be with him...

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT THREE     37A.

48A  EXT. WORMHOLE (OPTICAL)

	The shuttle continues to move through the light show.

49   INT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)

					GEORDI
			I'm picking up an increase in
			accretion matter filtering in from
			the terminus.

50
thru OMITTED
51

51A  EXT. SPACE - WORMHOLE EXIT (OPTICAL)

	Calm. Quiet. A sharp contrast to the excitement of
	the last shot. No visible sign of the wormhole...  and
	then suddenly the shuttle bursts out of "nowhere" ... a
	beat later, the Ferengi pod follows...

51B  EXT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)

	As it stabilizes.

					GEORDI
			We made it...

					DATA
			Monitors are functioning normally
			again.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			Ferengi pod, everybody in one
			piece over there?

51C  INT. FERENGI POD

					ARRIDOR
			Our condition is no concern of
			yours, Enterprise shuttle. We
			are competitors in this venture,
			not partners. Ferengi pod, out.

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT THREE     38.

51D  INT. SHUTTLE

					GEORDI
				(to himself)
			Happy landings to you too.

					DATA
				(re: readings)
			Curious.

					GEORDI
			Huh?

					DATA
			We are not where we are supposed
			to be.

					GEORDI
			What do you mean... we're on the
			other side of the wormhole, aren't
			we... ?

					DATA
			According to the Barzan probe,
			we should be in the Gamma
			Quadrant... but the readings
			clearly indicate we are nearly
			two hundred light years away.
			In sector three-five-five-six of
			the Delta Quadrant.

					GEORDI
			Maybe the Barzan's readings were
			wrong...

					DATA
			Maybe their readings were
			correct. Their probe could have
			exited the wormhole at a different
			location.

51E  ANGLE - WINDOW (OPTICAL)

	to see outside... the wormhole is still invisible.
	Geordi adjusts his VISOR, reacts to something he
	sees...

					GEORDI
			Data, I'm picking up a subatomic
			fluctuation... meson and lepton
			activity is increasing...

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT THREE     39.

51E  CONTINUED:

	As Data reacts, runs a check of the monitors...

					DATA
			Gravitational acceleration is also
			increasing...

	Push in on Geordi staring out...

					GEORDI
			Something very strange is
			happening to this wormhole.

	As his concern grows...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT FOUR      40.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

52   INT. EXERCISE ROOM

	The room is mirrored, set up for exercising. Beverly
	is stretching as Troi ENTERS late...

					TROI
			Sorry.

	She's clearly up and bouncy, does a liberating stretch,
	and shakes with good feelings... and Beverly has to
	notice...

					BEVERLY
			You're unusually "limber" this
			morning.

					TROI
				(smiles)
			I'll say.

					BEVERLY
			Uh huh... ?

					TROI
			Devinoni Ral.

	They begin dance stretching. Off Beverly's look --

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT FOUR      41.

52   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			It's ridiculous. And wonderful.
			I feel... completely out of
			control. Happy. Terrified.
			There's nothing rational about
			this.

					BEVERLY
			Who needs rational when your toes
			curl up... ?

					TROI
			I'm afraid I'm going to lose
			myself... I can't get enough of
			him. Is it possible to fall in
			love in one day?

					BEVERLY
			I did.

	They change into another stretch.

					TROI
			It was like this for you and
			Jack?

					BEVERLY
			No, it was another fellow. Fell
			in love in a day. It lasted a
			week. But what a week.
				(beat, remembers)
			Then I met Jack... took months
			to figure it out with Jack.

					TROI
			Maybe I should slow down... catch
			my breath, not let this get out
			of control...

	They look at each other a beat. Both shake their heads
	at the same time...

					BEVERLY & TROI
			Nah.

53   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	A few off-duty crew members are scattered throughout.
	Goss is putting a few moves on a good-looking woman at
	the bar... she finally tires of him, walks out.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT FOUR      42.

54   DEVINONI AND LEYOR SIT

	by themselves. Leyor sips juice.

					DEVINONI
			To be honest, I was surprised to
			see the Caldonians here at all,
			Leyor...

					LEYOR
			You must think Caldonia very
			insular, Mister Ral.

					DEVINONI
			Not at all... on the contrary,
			I've respected your world's
			commitment to pure research. It's
			just that, well...
				(maybe I shouldn't)

					LEYOR
			Go ahead, please...

					DEVINONI
			Well, scholars don't always enjoy
			administrative demands...

	Leyor takes a beat... his eyes give Devinoni the
	tell... he feels the rest...

					DEVINONI
			And certainly we've seen here that
			the administration of the
			wormhole...

					LEYOR
			Yes... I must admit I have begun
			to feel some trepidation about
			that...

					DEVINONI
				(he's got him)
			I'm sure you have. I'm sure we
			all have, Leyor...
				(beat)
			Do you realize that during the
			next century, the number of
			ships...

55   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	All parties are seated with distance between them
	around the table. Bhavani brings the meeting to order.

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/26/89 - ACT FOUR      43.

55   CONTINUED:

					BHAVANI
			Gentlemen, this open session is
			called by request of the Caldonian
			delegation.

	She nods to Leyor, who stands.

					LEYOR
			Madame Bhavani, Caldonia withdraws
			from these proceedings.

	Riker's eyes narrow... mind working...

					BHAVANI
			For what reasons, Leyor?

					LEYOR
			It has been made very clear that
			the maintenance and administrative
			requirements are beyond our
			ability...

					RIKER
			Leyor, the Federation would like
			to negotiate a trade agreement
			to acquire your planet's rich
			deposits of Trillium 323 which
			we will add to our bid, Premier
			Bhavani...

					LEYOR
			My apologies. We have already
			reached an agreement with the
			Chrysalians...

	As Leyor exits, Riker exchanges a look with Devinoni...
	who nods as the baron who just shot down a Federation
	bi-plane.

					RIKER
			Mister Ral, you either had very
			good instincts -- or foreknowledge
			of the Caldonian withdrawal.

					DEVINONI
			Some people just don't wish to
			transact business with the
			Federation, Commander.
				(to Bhavani)
			The Chrysalians hereby add the
			Caldonian Trillium 323 to its bid,
			Premier...

	Off Riker's reaction...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT FOUR      44.

56   EXT. SPACE - THE TWO SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

	At the other side of the wormhole... which is still not
	visible...

56A  INT. FERENGI POD

	Picking up in the middle of an argument...

					ARRIDOR
			I have no intention of leaving
			yet. We are not finished taking
			our readings...

									INTERCUT:

57   INT. SHUTTLE

					GEORDI
			I'm telling you, it's changing...
			Look, your readings must be
			showing you the same things we're
			getting... this is not the Gamma
			Quadrant.

					ARRIDOR
			I will not confirm your
			speculations...

					DATA
			It is not a speculation, Doctor.
			We are not where the Barzans said
			we should be... which would
			indicate that this side of the
			wormhole is not stable.

					GEORDI
			There are meson and lepton
			fluctuations... local
			gravitational fields are
			increasing exponentially...
			everything says we better get
			the hell out of here...

					ARRIDOR
			It will be visible again in forty
			seconds... we will make our own
			judgments then...

     STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT FOUR     44A.

57   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			I can see it now... and I'm
			telling you that you don't have
			time to wait... not even forty
			seconds...

      STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT FOUR      45.

57   CONTINUED: (2)

					ARRIDOR
			Ferengi pod, out.

					GEORDI
			Dammit, Arridor, we're seventy
			thousand light years away from
			our ships... follow us... we'll
			lead you in...

	No response.

					GEORDI
			Idiots.

57A  ANGLE - (OPTICAL)

	to include the windows. Geordi takes the controls...

					GEORDI
			It's getting worse. I'm taking
			us in, Data... with or without
			them...

	Increasing speed...

					DATA
			Thrusters at half power...
			three-quarters...

					GEORDI
			Entering outer event horizon...

	Outside the windows, the light show begins... they're
	back inside the wormhole...

58
thru	OMITTED
59

59A  EXT. FERENGI POD - SPACE (OPTICAL)

	Alone in space.

60   INT. FERENGI POD (OPTICAL)

					ARRIDOR
			They panic quickly under
			pressure.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/28/89 - ACT FOUR         45A.

60   CONTINUED:

	The wormhole appears outside.

					ARRIDOR
			There, precisely as scheduled,
			right where I expected it to be.

	And a beat later, the hole suddenly twists into an odd
	shape and cracks away at super-warp speed... and
	disappears. On the Ferengis' open-mouth reaction...

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FOUR          46.

61   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

	A romantic candlelight dinner alone. They are dressed
	in nightclothes... he wears a robe, she is in her sexy
	nightgown... there is a little tension from Troi...

					TROI
			Everyone's talking about the way
			you absorbed the Caldonian bid
			today...

					DEVINONI
			It was there for the taking...
				(shrugs)
			So I took it...

					TROI
			Commander Riker didn't know how
			you managed it...

					DEVINONI
			Let me tell you something, Will
			Riker's good... the most dangerous
			man in the room to me... he has
			every instinct of a fine
			negotiator...

					TROI
			... he just doesn't have an edge.
			Your edge.

					DEVINONI
			Our edge... and you make it sound
			unethical.

					TROI
			Isn't it?

	Devinoni smiles, this is not a conversation he wants to
	have.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FOUR          47.

61   CONTINUED:

					DEVINONI
			Deanna, it's just business...

					TROI
				(beat)
			Why haven't you told anyone that
			you're an empath?

	Disturbed that she won't let it go.

					DEVINONI
			I find it makes people
			uncomfortable.

					TROI
			I think you don't tell them...
			so you can gain an advantage.

	Trying to joke it away --

					DEVINONI
			I used it to gain an advantage
			with you... and you didn't mind...

	But she won't be had... she looks at him. He puts down
	his fork. Okay, you want it? You got it --

					DEVINONI
			The point of negotiating is to
			take advantage, Deanna. I don't
			know what the other side is
			offering, they don't know what
			I'm offering. We dance around
			each other until someone wins.
			I never cry foul when I lose.

					TROI
			But you're reading their emotional
			states, their inner selves, then
			using that to manipulate them.

	He becomes slightly impatient.

					DEVINONI
			Deanna, people have been doing
			that for thousands of years, by
			listening carefully, by watching
			body language. I just happen to
			be better at it. You do it.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT FOUR          48.

61   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
			I do it to help my crew, not
			outmanueuver them. And I don't
			hide that I'm an empath.

					DEVINONI
			You announce it to every alien
			culture you encounter? Or do you
			use it to give your side an
			advantage. Do you tell the
			Romulan in the ship about to
			attack that you can feel that
			he's bluffing or do you just tell
			it to your captain?

	Troi reacts, on the defensive...

					TROI
			That's different. It's a matter
			of protection...

					DEVINONI
			Your protection... your captain,
			your crew... your edge.
				(beat)
			Yes. It's a matter of life and
			death when you take the advantage.
			Me, I deal in property, in
			exchange... no one gets hurt.
				(beat)
			Which of us would you say has the
			greater problem of ethics?

	He rises from the table... leaving Troi alone to think
	about his question. She has no easy answers.

									FADE OUT.

                         END ACT FOUR                           

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          49.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

62   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

63   OMITTED

64   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Riker is at a table alone, making some notes for his
	next round... Devinoni arrives with a drink in his
	hand.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT FIVE          50.

64   CONTINUED:

					DEVINONI
			May I join you, Commander?

	Riker motions to him to sit.

					RIKER
			Bought out the Ferengi yet, Ral?

					DEVINONI
			Think I should try?

					RIKER
			No. But I think you will. One
			way or another, it'll come down
			to you and me.

	Devinoni smiles.

					DEVINONI
			You know, you're very good at
			this... better than you realize.

					RIKER
			I hope I'm better than you
			realize, Ral.

					DEVINONI
				(smiles)
			The last mile of the marathon
			is always the toughest. That's
			when the winners are willing to
			take the big risks... are you
			ready to do that?

					RIKER
			We'll see, won't we...

					DEVINONI
			Well, let's see right now... I'm
			prepared to reach a firm agreement
			with Bhavani before we learn the
			results of your probe's
			expedition. Are you?

	Riker hesitates...

					DEVINONI
			Mmmm, that would not be looked
			upon favorably by the Federation,
			I'd imagine.
					(MORE)

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT FIVE         50A.

64   CONTINUED: (2)

					DEVINONI (Cont'd)
			See, you have to be willing to
			take that last step alone...
			or it isn't worth playing.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/25/89 - ACT FIVE          51.

64   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			Your point of view, not mine.

					DEVINONI
			Oh, I see that, Commander...
			otherwise you wouldn't be second
			in command of this ship.

	Devinoni gives Riker no time to react.

					DEVINONI
			You know, I feel responsible for
			you in a way... related.
				(smiles)
			Deanna. We both love Deanna...
			in different ways, of course.

					RIKER
			I'll remove the burden of that
			responsibility right now. My
			relationship with Deanna stands
			on its own. Without help from
			you.

					DEVINONI
			Of course it does. She's an
			extraordinary woman. Lovely,
			brilliant --- very passionate.

	He leans closer to Riker, still smiling.

					DEVINONI
			She could have been yours, Will.
			But you didn't do enough to keep
			her, and now, I'm here and I'm
			going to take her too.

	Riker really looks at Devinoni, as if he's seeing him
	for the first time. He relaxes back into his seat and
	smiles.

					RIKER
			You know, I think this is the
			first bad play I've seen you
			make...

	Devinoni reacts.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          52.

64   CONTINUED: (4)

					RIKER
			If you bring happiness into
			Deanna's life, nothing would
			please me more. You're not really
			a bad sort, Ral, you just don't
			have any values... beyond the
			value of today's bid, that is.
			She's just the one to give some
			meaning to your sorry existence...
			if you're smart enough to take
			it. I doubt that you are.

	Standing, toasting him --

					RIKER
			To the last mile.

	Riker leaves, feeling better than he has in days.
	Devinoni watches him unhappily. Glances over to see...

65   ANGLE - GOSS

	at a table trying to pick up a couple of sexy crew
	women... but as he sits, they exchange a look and
	leave. Goss is disappointed.

66   DEVINONI

	gets up, and joins Goss at his table...

					DEVINONI
			Federation women have a game they
			call "playing hard to get".

					GOSS
			Yes, I do not at all find it
			amusing.

					DEVINONI
			On Chrysalia, the women outnumber
			the men four to one. They
			virtually throw themselves at your
			feet...

	As Goss' interest perks up considerably...

       STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT FIVE 53-55.         

67
thru	OMITTED
74

75   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					WORF
			Sir, the Ferengi vessel is moving
			out of orbit, impulse power...
				(beat)
			They are approaching the entry
			to the wormhole, sir.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Computer, is the Ferengi Goss
			still aboard the Enterprise?

					COMPUTER
			DaiMon Goss departed the
			Enterprise at fourteen hundred
			hours.

					WORF
			Ferengi are powering forward
			missile launchers...

					PICARD
			Yellow Alert. Hail the Ferengi.

					WORF
			DaiMon Goss responding.

					PICARD
			On screen.

76   ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Goss is in the Ferengi captain's Ready Room.

					PICARD
			Request an explanation for your
			actions, DaiMon Goss.

					GOSS
			I have learned from informed
			sources that the Federation has
			manipulated these negotiations
			from the very beginning... and
			has already signed a secret
			agreement with the Barzans.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/26/89 - ACT FIVE         55A.

76   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			That is not true...

					GOSS
			The Ferengi offer was never
			seriously considered.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT FIVE          56.

76   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Premier Bhavani welcomed you to
			these proceedings, Goss... despite
			my better judgment...

					GOSS
			We will be ignored no longer.

					WORF
			They've fired a missile directly
			at the opening, sir!

					PICARD
			Destroy it.

					WORF
			Firing phasers.

77   ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Seeing the Ferengi torpedo... as the Enterprise phaser
	hits it. It EXPLODES.

78   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Riker with Bhavani and Devinoni...

					BHAVANI
			Your offers both have merit,
			gentlemen... if I could find a
			deciding factor...

	Red Alert. Riker reacts, keys his insignia...

					RIKER
			Riker to Picard. What's
			happening, Captain?

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Goss has fired a missile at the
			wormhole... I need you on the
			bridge, Number One...

					RIKER
				(on the move)
			Excuse me.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          57.

78   CONTINUED:

	He EXITS. Bhavani and Devinoni exchange a concerned
	glance...

					DEVINONI
			Excuse me for saying so under the
			circumstances, Premier... But
			this fight is really between the
			Federation and the Ferengi... it
			is unconscionable that your
			wormhole is being used as a pawn
			in their power struggle.

	Off her reaction...

79   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Riker arrives as does Troi...

					PICARD
				(to viewscreen)
			You must know we will not allow
			you to do this, Goss.

					GOSS
			If the Ferengi cannot have the
			wormhole, no one will...

	Picard signals Worf to mute the viewscreen.

					PICARD
			Can he possibly believe that a
			missile will have any destructive
			effect on a wormhole?

	And focus on Troi... as she begins to realize something
	is dreadfully wrong...

					RIKER
			One of those missiles would have
			a destructive effect if it
			exploded near our shuttle...

	Riker steps forward, signalling Worf to resume voice
	contact.

					RIKER
			Goss... don't you realize we both
			have shuttlecraft in there?

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE         57A.

79   CONTINUED:

					GOSS
			Casualties of war, Commander.
			My men are prepared to die. Are
			yours?

					TROI
			Captain...

					PICARD
				(off her look)
			Viewscreen off.

					TROI
			He's lying. I'm almost sure of
			it. He does not mean what he
			says.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          58.

79   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			Why... what is he doing it for
			then?

	Push in on Troi, realizing...

80   ANGLE

	at the turbolift... Bhavani and Devinoni...

					BHAVANI
			Permission to enter the bridge,
			Captain...

					PICARD
			Premier, with all due respect...

					DEVINONI
			Captain, I believe I am in a
			better position to settle this
			with DaiMon Goss than you are...
				(Picard reacts)
			May I address him?

	Picard motions for them to come forward...

81   ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

					DEVINONI
			DaiMon Goss, this is Devinoni
			Ral...

	Goss reappears on the viewscreen.

					GOSS
			I have nothing to say to you, Ral.

					DEVINONI
			Then, just listen. The planet
			of Barzan has reached an agreement
			with the Chrysalians for long term
			control of the wormhole.
				(Riker reacts)
			On behalf of the Chrysalians, I
			am prepared to offer the Ferengi
			free access to the wormhole in
			perpetuity...

	And stay on Troi as she follows this...

					GOSS
			I have your word on this?

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          59.

81   CONTINUED:

					DEVINONI
			My word, sir. In return for some
			Ferengi convoy privileges to be
			negotiated in good faith.

					GOSS
			This is an acceptable offer.

					WORF
			Ferengi vessel has shut down
			forward missile launchers.

					PICARD
			Stand down, Red Alert.

					BHAVANI
			Commander Riker, I'm sorry you
			had to learn about my decision
			this way. You represented the
			Federation well. But I have come
			to believe that the Chrysalians'
			neutrality and tradition of peace
			is more desirable to my planet.

					TROI
			Excuse me, Premier. There is
			something you should know...

	And Devinoni flashes a look at Troi... who reacts...

					TROI
			I'm sorry, was there something
			you wanted to say, Mister Ral?

					DEVINONI
			No... not at all...

					TROI
			I sense you are uncomfortable
			suddenly...

					DEVINONI
			Well, after all, this was a tense
			situation...

					TROI
			But that's what is so odd about
			it... it was not tense at all...
			I sensed no tension from DaiMon
			Goss... or you...

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          60.

81   CONTINUED: (2)

					GOSS
			I was tense... I was ready to
			blow it up... I strongly
			protest...

					PICARD
				(enough already)
			Off screen.

	Goss' image disappears...

					TROI
			It was almost as though... you
			both were performing a scene for
			all of us...

					DEVINONI
			Excuse me, Captain, I think
			there's a slight conflict of
			interest here...

					TROI
			I agree. Entirely. Devinoni
			asked me not to tell anyone about
			his empathic powers... which he
			uses to manipulate competitors
			in a negotiation.

	Reactions.

					TROI
			Certainly, that put me in a
			conflict of interest which I hope
			I have now resolved. Premier,
			I believe Ral has used your fear
			of continuing aggression between
			the Federation and its enemies
			to undermine our position. I also
			believe this incident was staged
			by Ral and Goss to provide you
			with a reason to decide in favor
			of the Chrysalians.

	And Troi and Ral exchange a long look... and he finally
	grins at her... shrugs, well, it's just another deal.
	Wesley, who has been monitoring the sensors... reacts
	to something he hears.

					WESLEY
				(excited)
			Captain...

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE         60A.

81   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
				(knows by the sound in
				 his voice)
			On speaker.

	At first, it's just broken phrases and hiss, slowly
	coming together...

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Shuttle nine to Enterprise...
			Shuttle nine to Enterprise...

					PICARD
			Shuttle, this is Picard... do you
			read...
				(no response)
			On screen...

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT FIVE          61.

82   ANGLE - VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The wormhole is not visible... but a tiny image of the
	shuttle suddenly appears out of nowhere...

83   OMITTED

									INTERCUT:

84   INT. SHUTTLE

					GEORDI
			This is Shuttle nine... reporting
			back... barely.

					PICARD
			The Ferengi pod?

					GEORDI
			They're trapped on the other side,
			sir. In the Delta Quadrant. We
			tried to warn them. They wouldn't
			follow us.

					PICARD
			Elaborate.

					DATA
			Captain, this end of the wormhole
			is currently stable but the other
			end apparently shifts position
			periodically. The Barzan probe
			had no way to recognize this.
			Eventually, both sides will be
			unstable.

					GEORDI
			It's a dry well, Captain.
			Worthless.

84A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Acknowledged, Shuttle nine. Main
			Shuttlebay, prepare for final
			approach.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE         61A.

84A  CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Captain, DaiMon Goss is demanding
			to know where his men are.

					PICARD
			Advise him to set his coordinates
			for the Delta Quadrant,
			Lieutenant... He might run into
			them in eighty years or so.

	Riker crosses to Devinoni.

					RIKER
			Mister Ral, I congratulate you
			on winning the rights to the
			Barzan wormhole...

					DEVINONI
				(tight)
			I take the risks. I stand by my
			agreements.

	Off Riker's half grin...

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          62.

85   OMITTED

86   INT. CORRIDOR - AT TROI'S QUARTERS

	As the door opens to reveal Troi. She reacts as she
	sees...

87   REVERSE - DEVINONI

	A look.

					TROI
			Come in...

88   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

					TROI
			When do you leave?

					DEVINONI
			Soon. I've... been recalled by
			the Chrysalians... explanations
			demanded and so forth.

					TROI
			I'm sorry.

					DEVINONI
				(shrugs)
			I've done all right for them over
			the years... they know the stakes.
			It'll be fine.

	They look at each other a long beat. "Fine" is not in
	their faces.

					DEVINONI
			I had to do it, Troi...

	Troi looks at him... can't accept that...

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/27/89 - ACT FIVE          63.

88   CONTINUED:

					DEVINONI
			Bhavani was ready to go with the
			the Federation. I sensed it.
			And I'd used up every card in the
			deck... I had to change the rules.

					TROI
			You must have known that I
			couldn't allow you to do that...

					DEVINONI
				(beat, grins)
			My human physical response must
			have blocked out my Betazoid
			senses.

	She knows, acknowledges.

					DEVINONI
				(beat)
			In a way, I'm glad you did it.
			It's made me take a hard look at
			who I am. I don't like what I
			see.

	He moves to her... she allows it.

					DEVINONI
			Deanna... I once asked you to
			run away with me. I'm asking you
			again. I need you. You could
			help me change. You could be my
			conscience.

	He kisses her. After they break...

					TROI
			I already have a job as a
			counselor.

          STAR TREK: "The Price" - REV. 9/26/89 - ACT FIVE          64.

88   CONTINUED: (2)

	He reacts. He slowly retreats to the door, shrugs...
	and EXITS. On her expression, with no regrets, we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END