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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Ensigns of Command"
#40273-149
Written by
H. B. Savage
Directed by
Cliff Bole
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 This script is not for publication or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.
3RD REVISED FINAL DRAFT
JULY 13, 1989
STAR TREK: "The Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Ensigns of Command"
CAST
PICARD SHELIAK
RIKER
DATA ARD'RIAN
BEVERLY GOSHEVEN
TROI HARITATH
GEORDI KENTOR
WORF
WESLEY Non-Speaking
ENGINEERS (2)
O'BRIEN OTHER LOCALS (26)
Non-Speaking
A VULCAN VIOLINIST YOUNG BOY (age 12)
A WOMAN VIOLIST BOY'S MOTHER
N.D. CREWMEMBERS (12)
SUPERNUMERARIES (CONN & OPS)
STAR TREK: "The Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Ensigns of Command"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
TEN FORWARD TAU CYGNA FIVE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE FRONTIER TOWN
TRANSPORTER ROOM
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM TOWN SQUARE
AQUEDUCT
PUMPING STATION
TAU CYGNA FIVE DATA'S SHUTTLE
ARD'RIAN'S FRONT ROOM
SHELIAK WARSHIP
SHELIAK WARSHIP
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Ensigns of Command"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ARD'RIAN ARD-ree-an
ARMENS ARE-mens
ARTEMIS ARE-tih-mus
GOSHEVEN GO-sheh-ven
HARITATH HAH-ree-tath
KENTOR KEN-tor
SHELIA Shell-LEE-ah
SHELIAK SHELL-lee-awk
S'SMARITH Ss-sa-MAH-rith
TEREMI-BOSONS Teh-REH-mee-BOH-suns
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Ensigns of Command"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Moving at impulse near some extraordinarily interesting
astronomical object.
2 INT. TEN-FORWARD
Present are PICARD, BEVERLY, and TWELVE N.D.
CREWMEMBERS. A VULCAN and ONE WOMAN are seated,
holding their instruments -- a violin and a viola.
O'BRIEN tunes his cello. DATA ENTERS carrying a
violin. He checks at the door, startled to see the
captain. Picard beckons, and Data crosses to him.
DATA
Captain, Doctor, I am honored by
your presence, but may I suggest
you attend the second concert.
BEVERLY
Why, Data?
DATA
Ensign Ortiz will perform the
violin part. My rendition will
be less enjoyable.
PICARD
Oh?
DATA
While I am quite proficient
Technically, according to my
fellow performers, I lack soul.
BEVERLY
Data, telling us why you're going
to fail before you make the
attempt is never wise.
DATA
But is not honesty always the
preferred choice?
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Excessive honesty can be
disastrous... particularly in a
commander.
DATA
(very intrigued)
Indeed?
PICARD
Knowing your limitations is one
thing. Advertising them to a crew
can damage your ability to lead.
DATA
Because you lose their respect?
BEVERLY
No, because you may begin to
believe in those limitations
yourself.
Data considers this, then moves to take his place with
the other performers.
2A ANGLE ON PICARD AND BEVERLY
O.s., the string quartet TUNES. There is the SOUND of
the communicator hail.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain, we're receiving a message
from the Sheliak Corporate.
Picard reacts with surprise, stands and EXITS. As he
leaves, the quartet starts to PLAY.
CUT TO:
3 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard ENTERS. RIKER and WORF at their usual stations.
Supernumeraries at CONN and OPS.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED:
WORF
Origin point of the message
confirmed. It is from the Shelia
star system.
RIKER
The Sheliak have not attempted
to communicate with the Federation
for a hundred and eleven years.
PICARD
On screen.
4 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
What appears is the text of a treaty. English on one
side, Sheliak on the other. Sheliak is not symbols
as we know them, but rather a pattern of lights. A
recorded message begins.
SHELIAK VOICE
Federation creatures, there are
humans on the fifth planet of Tau
Cygna. This planet was ceded
to the corporate in section one
hundred and thirty-three,
paragraph seventy-seven of the
Treaty of Armens. We will begin
settlement of this world in four
days. Remove the humans.
Riker is up, and heading for Science One.
PICARD
What the devil --
SHELIAK VOICE
Federation creatures, there are
humans on the fifth planet --
PICARD
Cancel message.
Inquiring look to Riker.
RIKER
Tau Cygna Five is in the de Laure
belt -- heavy concentrations of
hyperonic radiation.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Humans can't survive in such an
environment. Exposure to
hyperonic radiation is fatal.
RIKER
Then the Sheliak are asking us
to chase ghosts.
PICARD
No, Number One. The Sheliak
haven't broken a century of
silence to send us after phantoms.
An investigation is in order.
Set course for Tau Cygna Five.
Off Picard's expression:
FADE OUT.
END OF THE TEASER
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
entering orbit around a planet.
6 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Data, Beverly and Worf. Supernumerary
at CONN.
WORF
Human life form readings from the
planet.
RIKER
So, the Sheliak weren't
hallucinating.
PICARD
Numbers?
WORF
Impossible to get an accurate
reading, Captain. The high
radiation levels are disrupting
our sensors.
DATA
Hyperonic radiation also
interferes with ship's
transporters; they are now
inoperable.
WORF
So are the ship's phasers.
RIKER
How can humans survive down there?
BEVERLY
They must have found a way to
adapt.
(thinks it over)
Milan's work in radiation
sensitivity suggests it's
possible. Perhaps with extensive
virotherapy...
(grimly)
Until they found the answer, their
mortality rate must have been
staggering.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/79 - ACT ONE 6.
6 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Well, whoever they are and however
they've survived, we've got to
get them off the planet.
RIKER
By treaty, this world does belong
to the Sheliak...
PICARD
... who are within their rights
to demand the removal of these
"trespassers."
RIKER
And if we don't remove them, the
Sheliak will.
BEVERLY
How forcefully?
RIKER
To the Sheliak, humans are a lower
life form. They'd have no
compunctions about exterminating
the intruders.
Beverly is taken aback. Riker's dead serious.
PICARD
Mister Data. As you are unaffected
by hyperonic radiation, you will
go to the planet via shuttlecraft
and commence evacuation
procedures.
DATA
Aye, sir.
Without a word wasted the android is out of his chair,
and EXITS the bridge.
PICARD
Any speculation as to what he'll
find, Number One?
RIKER
A lost survey ship would be my
guess. A dozen or so survivors
at most.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/17/89 - ACT ONE 6A.
7 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - SHUTTLE LANDING SITE - DAY
Data is outside the shuttle, scanning with his
tricorder.
7A NEW ANGLE
as HARITATH and KENTOR (two male humans) and TWO N.D.
WORKERS cautiously approach the shuttle from the other
side (the shuttle blocks their view of Data).
HARITATH
(in wonder)
A shuttlecraft!
KENTOR
Where's it from?
HARITATH
Look at the markings. I think
it's from the Federation.
Data steps into their view from around the shuttle.
DATA
Hello.
The four humans jump, startled.
HARITATH
We saw your ship... You're the
first visitor we've had in...
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT ONE 7.
7A CONTINUED: (2)
KENTOR
The first visitor we've ever had.
They take a closer look at Data.
HARITATH
You're -- not human.
DATA
That is correct. I am an android.
I am Lieutenant Commander Data
of the Federation Starship
Enterprise.
HARITATH
(excited)
Our great-grandparents were
citizens of the Federation.
(realizing)
But you don't want to waste time
talking to us...
KENTOR
You'll want to speak with
Gosheven. We'll take you to him.
DATA
Excellent.
HARITATH
I'm sure the Federation will be
very proud of us. Wait until you
see all we've accomplished.
DATA
And who, precisely, is "we?"
HARITATH
You don't know? No, I guess you
wouldn't, would you? We are the
descendants of the original
settlers -- from the colony ship
Artemis.
CUT TO:
8 INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE
Picard and Worf in their usual places. Riker at
Science One. Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT ONE 8.
8 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Got it. The Artemis, launched one
hundred forty-two years ago,
destination Septimis Minor. When
they failed to check in, Starfleet
began an extensive search.
PICARD
What carried the Artemis so far
off course?
9 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - SHUTTLE LANDING SITE - DAY
Haritath and Kentor wait patiently for Data to finish
him communication.
DATA
My local informant does not know.
In the early days survival on Tau
Cygna Five was more important than
history.
10 INTERCUTS
PICARD
Understood. How many are there?
DATA
Approximately fifteen thousand.
Reactions from the bridge crew. Now they really have
got a problem.
RIKER
(to Picard)
We've only got three days.
Without working transporters, we
couldn't have them out in time.
PICARD
Shuttles?
Worf does some figuring on his console.
WORF
Loading all the Enterprise
shuttlecraft to capacity --
evacuation would take four weeks,
four days.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE 9.
10 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Then we need more time. Mister
Data, prepare the colonists for
an evacuation.
DATA'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
Picard closes the com line.
PICARD
(continuing)
Mister Worf, get me the Sheliak.
WORF
Their home world is quite distant,
Captain. This will take some
time.
CUT TO:
11 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY
The main pumping station of Tau Cygna V. In the
distance are mountains. A thin white line descends
from the mountains, and as it comes closer we realize
it is an aqueduct. Along the line of the aqueduct are
lush fields, a veritable Garden of Eden, which ends
like a knife-cut and the desert returns. It culminates
in a strange cubistic-shaped purifying station. In a
pool, the water churns into a white froth.
GOSHEVEN, the leader, supervises TWO WORKERS testing
the water in the pool.
Data, Haritath, and Kentor approach.
HARITATH
Gosheven, look what's come --
Gosheven sees Data, looks him up and down very
carefully. Gosheven's as surprised as Haritath was,
but keeps a lid on it -- Data may represent a threat,
so Gosheven's attempting a poker face.
DATA
Lieutenant Commander Data of the
Starship Enterprise.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT ONE 10.
11 CONTINUED:
KENTOR
He's an android.
GOSHEVEN
So he is.
(a beat)
Well, you're here -- what do you
want?
DATA
My mission is to prepare this
colony for evacuation.
Reactions from the men. Gosheven is calm, almost
amused:
GOSHEVEN
Why?
DATA
Because this planet belongs to
the Sheliak.
GOSHEVEN
And just who is this Sheliak?
DATA
The term is plural. The Sheliak
are an intelligent, non-humanoid
life form, classification R-3 --
GOSHEVEN
(interrupting)
This colony's been here for a
hundred and forty years -- and
no one's ever seen a Sheliak.
I'd say that makes Tau Cygna
Five our planet. (ALTERNATE:
ninety years)
DATA
But the original destination of
the Artemis was Septimis Minor.
GOSHEVEN
The guidance systems on the
Artemis failed -- and sent them
off course. Far off course.
Our ancestors were lucky to find
any place to land.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE 11.
11 CONTINUED: (2)
HARITATH
And when they did, the radiation
started killing them.
GOSHEVEN
Hyperonic radiation took the lives
of a third of the colonists before
they learned they could adapt
to it.
KENTOR
But the colony survived -- and
prospered.
GOSHEVEN
(with pride)
Look around. We've brought
water to the desert, built a
community.
DATA
Your accomplishments are indeed
remarkable. However, the
Sheliak and the Federation
have a treaty that clearly makes
this planet Sheliak domain.
GOSHEVEN
Then change the treaty.
DATA
That may not be possible. The
Sheliak wish to colonize this
planet, and they are unwilling
to share it with humans.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE 12.
11 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA (cont'd)
If you are still here when the
Sheliak colony ship arrives,
they will eradicate you.
Haritath and Kentor exchange a worried glance, but
Gosheven is unfazed.
HARITATH
They would kill us all?
DATA
They have little regard for
human life. Thus, our most
sensible course is to prepare a
contingency plan for the
evacuation of your people.
GOSHEVEN
We're not evacuating.
Data is taken aback.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/79 - ACT ONE 12A.
11 CONTINUED: (4)
DATA
Perhaps I have not made myself
clear.
GOSHEVEN
Yes, you have. Now let me be
equally clear. There's going
to be no evacuation.
(a beat)
You've delivered your message --
so go back to your ship. I have
work to do.
Gosheven returns to his work on the pumping station.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT ONE 13.
11A ON DATA
as he considers his next move. Then -- an object comes
flying at Data.
With android speed and reflexes, Data catches the
object and examines it. It is an iron bar.
ARD'RIAN (O.S.)
Nice catch. Wonderful reflexes.
Data turns to see --
11B WIDER
ARD'RIAN, an attractive female, approaches.
ARD'RIAN
Sorry to test you like that --
but I was curious.
GOSHEVEN
(amused)
Found a new toy, have we, Ardy?
ARD'RIAN
Toy? This is the most incredible
android I've ever seen.
DATA
Have you seen many?
ARD'RIAN
Actually, no. You're the first.
GOSHEVEN
(to Ard'rian)
Only you would get this excited
over a walking calculator.
ARD'RIAN
(bridling)
He's more interesting than
anything else walking around
here...
Gosheven CHUCKLES -- he's succeeded in getting under
her skin.
GOSHEVEN
Depends on what you find
interesting.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE 13A.
11B CONTINUED:
Ard'rian's had enough of Gosheven's male conceit. She
moves away, motions for Data to follow. Data does.
ARD'RIAN
(to Data)
Cybernetic intelligence fascinates
me. Are your neural pathways
duotronic?
DATA
No -- they are positronic.
ARD'RIAN
I didn't know that was possible!
What's your memory capacity? How
many operations per second? I
have a million questions...
DATA
I am afraid I have no time to
answer one million questions.
I have a mission to accomplish.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE 14.
11B CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (cont'd)
I need to know more about your
people, and Gosheven seems
unwilling to talk to me further.
ARD'RIAN
(extending a hand)
I'm Ard'rian McKenzie. Perhaps
I can help you.
As Data shakes her hand, we:
CUT TO:
12 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker and TROI are seated as GEORDI, O'Brien
ENTER.
RIKER
Gentlemen, we're giving you an
assignment, and the one thing we
don't want to hear is that it is
impossible.
Riker defers to Picard. Geordi and O'Brien cast wary
glances at Picard. Now what the hell is he going to
want?
PICARD
I need the transporters to
function despite the hyperonic
radiation.
GEORDI
Impossi -- Yes, sir.
Geordi and O'Brien EXIT. Riker, Troi and Picard study
each other seriously.
RIKER
Even if we can get the Sheliak
to talk to us, they're not likely
to be accommodating.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT ONE 15.
12 CONTINUED:
TROI
Captain, when the treaty was
negotiated the Federation sent
three hundred and seventy-two
legal experts. What have we got?
PICARD
Thee... and me.
Off Troi's very dubious expression as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
13 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit around Tau Cygna V.
14 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard pacing, Troi seated as they wait for the call.
Worf at his station. Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.
WORF
No response.
PICARD
Try again. Boost signal strength.
Worf makes adjustments.
WORF
Sheliak Corporate. This is the
Starship Enterprise. Respond
please.
15 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN - (OPTICAL)
as it changes from a view of stars to -- someplace? a
bridge? Wherever the SHELIAK are calling from it is
a disturbing place for humans. Darkness, mirrored
surfaces, and hidden in the shadows a creature who is
decidedly unsettling for the crew. Its shape is
constantly shifting like oozing sludge, and there is
a hint of flickering eyes -- too many eyes.
SHELIAK
Conversation is neither required
nor desired.
Picard schools his features into an expression of
polite interest.
PICARD
Conversation is necessary if we
are to find a solution to our
mutual problem.
SHELIAK
Our involvement in Federation
illegality is not indicated.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT TWO 17.
15 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Both parties are involved, sir.
SHELIAK
Remove the humans from the Tau
Cygna system. Three Earth days
remain.
Troi leans in, and whispers:
TROI
Their culture is extremely formal,
almost ritualistic. An apology
might smooth matters.
PICARD
I apologize for our inadvertent
violation of the treaty.
SHELIAK
Acknowledged and accepted. Now
remove the human creatures.
PICARD
Let us negotiate in good faith...
SHELIAK
Negotiate to what purpose? The
treaty is signed.
PICARD
There is a thriving colony on the
planet. Rather than uproot these
people may I offer a compromise?
SHELIAK
Denied.
PICARD
Why?!
SHELIAK
The law is paramount. We are
entitled.
PICARD
This is not a law. It is a
treaty. It is designed to smooth
relations between peoples. Not
to act as a strait...
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO 18.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
But Picard's talking to a blank screen. The Sheliak
have hung up on him.
PICARD
... jacket.
Off Picard's annoyed expression.
CUT TO:
16 OMITTED
17 INT. ARD'RIAN'S FRONT ROOM - DAY
A comfortable room constructed of stone with a heavy
beamed ceiling. The furniture is hand hewn, durable
but comfortable. Contrasting with this are various
computer parts and consoles, both assembled and in
pieces, strewn about.
Ard'rian and Data ENTER.
ARD'RIAN
... you really think we'll have
to leave Tau Cygna Five?
DATA
The possibility exists, and
Gosheven appears unwilling to
prepare for it. Why?
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO 19.
17 CONTINUED:
ARD'RIAN
Maybe because you're an
android. I don't think Gosheven
likes the idea of machines
ordering him around.
DATA
I am not ordering him to do
anything; I am merely trying to
persuade him that his people
should prepare to evacuate.
(thinks)
Do you believe my suggested
course of action should be followed?
ARD'RIAN
Of course.
DATA
In spite of the fact that I am
an android?
ARD'RIAN
Because of that fact. I don't
have any silly prejudices against
computers -- I like them.
SHe gestures around the room, a bit apologetically:
ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
Not that any computer we have is
half as sophisticated as you...
Data looks at a particularly "primitive" computer:
DATA
No, I would say not.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO 20.
17 CONTINUED: (2)
ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
People can be selfish,
irrational, stubborn, malicious
-- you name it. But computers
don't have those failings.
Data follows her logic:
DATA
You conclude from this that I am
impartial... hence you accept
my recommendations.
She nods.
DATA (cont'd)
Yet Gosheven does not.
(thinks)
Perhaps he might reconsider his
position if someone other than
myself were to present the
arguments.
ARD'RIAN
Well, I'm willing to talk to him,
but I don't think he'll take me
seriously.
(with distaste)
He finds me attractive -- but I'm
not interested in him at all.
So he belittles me to protect his
ego --
18 OMITTED
19 NEW ANGLE
as Data's communicator TRILLS. He touches the
insignia.
DATA
Data, here.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
The Sheliak won't bargain.
DATA
Understood.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT TWO 20A.
19 CONTINUED:
PICARD'S COM VOICE
I'm contacting Starfleet to
arrange for transport. Get those
people prepared for evacuation.
We may have to move very quickly.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT TWO 21.
19 CONTINUED:
DATA
Yes, sir.
Data cuts the communication, turns to Ard'rian.
DATA
We must speak with Gosheven
immediately.
Ard'rian grabs a coat, and they EXIT.
CUT TO:
19A INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 16)
Geordi, O'Brien and WESLEY have the panels removed
from the wall behind the transporter console. Geordi's
tool box is nearby. Sophisticated tools litter the
floor. Off to the left side of the transporter are
six test objects. The trio is watching tensely as
O'Brien touches the console. A test object
MATERIALIZES looking like swiss cheese. Geordi picks
it up. Riker ENTERS.
RIKER
Gentlemen, how are you coming?
(spots the object)
What the hell is that?
Geordi sets aside the mutilated object.
GEORDI
Our first attempt.
O'BRIEN
We recalibrated the transporter
setting for the tightest possible
beam.
WESLEY
But we've got plenty of things
left to try.
Geordi is studying the test object again.
GEORDI
There's some really interesting
residue . . . reminds me of --
(a beat)
There's that damn pulsar in the
neighborhood.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO 22.
19A CONTINUED:
WESLEY
Teremi-thorons.
O'BRIEN
This just got a lot harder.
WESLEY
They're one of the most elusive
sub-atomic particles known, and
they really shred a transporter
signal.
RIKER
Thank you, Ensign, I passed
physics.
(to Geordi)
Keep at it. We need those
transporters.
Riker EXITS.
GEORDI
We're going to have a lot of fun
cracking this one.
CUT TO:
20
thru OMITTED
21
22 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY
Gosheven, Data, and Ard'rian are standing near the pool
of water. Gosheven cups some water in a hand.
GOSHEVEN
See that? Do you have any idea
what it is? What it means?
DATA
It is water, a substance composed
of two atoms of hydrogen --
GOSHEVEN
It's not water. It's blood and
sweat -- the result of a hundred
and forty years of combined
effort. (ALTERNATE: ninety
years) This isn't a town.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT TWO 23.
22 CONTINUED:
GOSHEVEN (Cont'd)
It's a monument to every man,
woman, and child who has lived
and died on Tau Cygna Five.
ARD'RIAN
Gosheven, you're talking nonsense.
GOSHEVEN
Am I? My grandfather's buried
on that mountain.
(points to the distant
line of hills)
He died in a rock slide surveying
the route for this aqueduct. This
colony exists because of his
sacrifice, and the sacrifices of
thousands of others. No, we're
not leaving.
DATA
The Sheliak will not accept humans
on their planet. And they will
not hesitate to use force to
remove you.
GOSHEVEN
(calmly)
And we will not hesitate to fight
back.
DATA
You cannot win.
GOSHEVEN
You just don't understand, do you?
We will not be bullied off our
land... not by you, and not by
the Sheliak.
Gosheven whirls and walks away. End of conversation.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT TWO 24.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
ARD'RIAN
(re Gosheven; bitter)
Stubborn and irrational. Now what
do we do?
DATA
Are his sentiments typical among
the colonists?
ARD'RIAN
I hope not. Are you thinking
of bypassing Gosheven and taking
your case directly to the people?
DATA
(nods)
I see no other course of action.
If I can convince enough people
of the necessity of leaving --
ARD'RIAN
(a smile)
Don't you mean "if we can
convince?"
DATA
You are offering assistance?
Ard'rian nods, extends her arm -- c'mon, let's get
going. As they move off:
CUT TO:
22A EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 20)
In orbit around Tau Cygna V.
22B INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM (FORMERLY SC. 21)
Picard is pacing rapidly about the office. Riker
ENTERS.
RIKER
Yes, sir?
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT TWO 25.
22B CONTINUED:
PICARD
Three weeks. Starfleet is profuse
in their apologies, but it will
still be three weeks.
RIKER
Until?
PICARD
Until the arrival of a colony
transport ship equipped with
dedicated personnel shuttles.
RIKER
We can't wait three weeks.
PICARD
The Sheliak must agree to extend
our deadline.
Picard sits in silence for a beat.
PICARD (cont'd)
If they plan to settle Tau Cygna
Five two days from now...
RIKER
... one of their ships must already
be en route.
PICARD
(decides)
We're going to intercept that
ship.
RIKER
The Sheliak may interpret that
as a hostile act.
PICARD
We have to take the risk.
Off Picard's determined expression as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT THREE 26.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
23 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Riker pacing slowly, looking out at the stars.
RIKER
The Enterprise is going to try
to intercept the Sheliak colony
ship. Your job ... well, you know
your job.
CUT TO:
24 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY
Data standing alone in an archway.
DATA
Commander, in human parlance, I do
not believe I can "get the job
done." My training has prepared
me for starship command duties.
As a cultural contact I am
proving to be less than exemplary.
25 INTERCUTS
RIKER
What's the situation?
DATA
Their leader has rejected my
counsel. He denies the logic of
my arguments and talks of
structures they have built.
RIKER
Then try something else.
DATA
I have. In the last three hours
and eight minutes, I have spoken
to fifty-six colonists. Ten
refused to believe a threat
exists. Twenty-two favored
staying and fighting the Sheliak.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT THREE26A.
25 CONTINUED:
RIKER
(more to himself)
I don't have time for this.
DATA
Sixteen preferred negotiation or
some form of passive resistance.
Only eight were willing to
consider evacuation. And of those
eight --
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 27.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
(cutting him)
Data, I can't help you -- I don't
know these people; I haven't
talked to them. You have. Use
that fancy positronic brain of
yours -- and carry out your
mission.
Ard'rian walks up to join the android, politely keeps
a few paces away to let him complete his "phone call"
with privacy.
DATA
If I do not succeed, how violent
is the Sheliak reaction likely
to be?
RIKER
The treaty is the only thing which
kept them from eradicating the
colony the moment they discovered
it.
DATA
Ah.
RIKER
"Ah" is right. The lives of
fifteen thousand people are riding
on you. You'd better get
innovative. Riker out.
Data gazes into space, thinking. Ard'rian steps up.
Her mood is upbeat.
ARD'RIAN
Data -- we're having an effect.
So many people are asking
questions about the Sheliak that
Gosheven's called a public
meeting.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 28.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
Is there any indication that
Gosheven has changed his position?
ARD'RIAN
No. But a meeting will give you
the chance to present your
recommendations.
DATA
First, will Gosheven allow me to
speak? Second, even if he does,
what good will it do? So far,
my attempts at persuasion have
been ineffective.
Ard'rian looks at him with compassion for a beat --
then suddenly gives Data a quick kiss on the lips.
DATA (cont'd)
Why did you do that?
ARD'RIAN
You appeared to need it.
DATA
Among humans, a kiss normally
serves to seal a friendship or
to indicate support, attraction,
affection.
Ard'rian nods.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 29.
25 CONTINUED: (4)
DATA (cont'd)
In this context, I would assume
your intention was to express
support.
ARD'RIAN
That was my primary motivation.
The implication being that there were secondary
motivations. But if Data is aware of the implication,
he makes no sign.
ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
You don't really understand human
behavior, do you?
DATA
That is something of an
understatement.
ARD'RIAN
(sighs)
Sometimes I don't either.
androids are a lot more rational.
DATA
Thus far, that quality has not
helped me accomplish my mission.
ARD'RIAN
A rational argument isn't always
enough. Maybe to be more
persuasive, you need to use a
little reverse psychology.
DATA
(accessing)
Elicit a desired behavior by
advocating its opposite?
(a beat)
That implies deception, does it
not?
ARD'RIAN
A little. But if it helps us
get our point across...
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 30.
25 CONTINUED: (5)
DATA
(considers)
Perhaps this is a situation in
which excessive honesty is
detrimental.
As they walk off:
CUT TO:
26 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Travelling at warp speed.
27 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
As before, except there are more high tech tools and
equipment lying about. Geordi is lifting yet another
trashed test object off the platform. He holds it
mutely out to Wesley and O'Brien who stare dully at
this latest failure. There are now four intact
objects and three blasted ones. Picard ENTERS.
PICARD
(you will get it done)
How are we progressing, Mister
La Forge?
GEORDI
(it's impossible)
About like you'd expect.
PICARD
(get it done)
Splendid.
Picard EXITS.
WESLEY
(wearily)
He wants the impossible.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT THREE 31.
27 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(with a grin)
That's the short definition for
"captain."
Geordi and O'Brien have already returned to work. Wes
looks at them bemused, then shrugs and pitches in.
CUT TO:
28 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY
A large horseshoe-shaped amphitheater with a place for
the engineers and Gosheven. A number of citizens --
including Haritath and Kentor -- have turned out for
the debate so the place is filled. In the b.g. is the
aqueduct purifying plant.
GOSHEVEN
You've all heard about the android
Starfleet sent here, and you've
been discussing why he's come.
Data and Ard'rian ENTER. Gosheven ignores them.
GOSHEVEN (cont'd)
I called this meeting to replace
misinformation with cold, hard
fact.
The colonists are craning their necks to look at Data.
Gosheven realizes Data's presence can't be ignored. He
strides over to confront Data.
GOSHEVEN
Leave. Immediately.
DATA
I wish to speak.
GOSHEVEN
No.
DATA
(loud, for the crowd's
benefit)
You deny me the opportunity to
address the assemblage?
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 32.
28 CONTINUED:
GOSHEVEN
This meeting is not for outsiders.
DATA
Do you consider your position so
weak that it cannot withstand
debate?
HARITATH
Let him talk.
MURMURS of assent from the crowd. Gosheven gives a
terse nod. In a sense Data's called him a coward and
he has to stand up to this city slicker, this outsider.
Data steps front and center. In an effort to pull this
off, he attempts to use human rhetorical devices
(timing, dynamics, inflection, gestures, etc.) -- but,
as there's no real passion behind them, they come off
as studied and not quite sincere. A good performance,
but still a performance.
DATA
You know of the Sheliak threat.
Starfleet wishes to evacuate you
for your own protection.
Gosheven has decided otherwise.
That is his right. And I will
not waste time trying to reverse
that decision.
Surprised reactions from the crowd. This is not what
they expected to hear.
DATA (cont'd)
I admire your conviction in the
face of certain defeat. Your
effort will be valiant, though
doomed. Still, when you die,
you will die for land and honor.
29 ANGLE ON
The crowd. Data's starting to get a reaction. People
are beginning to eye each other nervously. It's one
thing to thumb your nose at a distant enemy, quite
another to talk about dying.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 33.
30 ANGLE ON DATA
As he reaches down, and takes a YOUNG BOY (twelve or
so) by the arm, and pulls the child up next to him.
DATA
Your children will understand that
they are dying for a worthy cause.
Big crowd reaction here. Murmurs from various people.
Mothers pull their children closer to them. Data
steals a glance at Ard'rian -- "how am I doing?"
Ard'rian nods encouragingly back -- "fine."
DATA
(continuing)
Long after the battle is over,
their courage will be remembered
and extolled.
Ard'rian jumps in to support him.
ARD'RIAN
Remembered by who?
DATA
(as if he hadn't
considered that)
Ah, that is true. There will be
no one left alive to remember.
31 ANGLE ON GOSHEVEN
as he begins to applaud slowly.
GOSHEVEN
A valiant try, android, but what
a low opinion you must have of
us.
The boy's MOTHER snatches her son back from Data, and
pulls him down in her lap.
DATA
I was simply attempting to
describe your inevitable
destruction in a manner that
would have an emotional effect.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 34.
31 CONTINUED:
HARITATH
(standing)
And he did it pretty damned well.
MURMURS of agreement from the crowd.
GOSHEVEN
Are you ready to follow this
machine, Haritath? Give up
everything? Without a fight?
He says we're going to lose, I
think that's his own cowardice
talking!
Kentor stands. He has a calm but commanding presence.
KENTOR
And what if he's right, and you're
wrong? Shouldn't we consider that
possibility?
More crowd reaction. Sympathy is swinging away from
Gosheven.
HARITATH
We may be sacrificing ourselves
for nothing --
GOSHEVEN
Last winter we buried your little
girl -- laid her to rest next to
your mother, and you dare speak
of sacrifice?
Gosheven whirls and nails Kentor with a look.
GOSHEVEN
(continuing)
And you, Kentor, we built you
a new house after the fire wiped
you out. Can you simply walk away
from that?
KENTOR
Better to walk away than to be
annihilated.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT THREE 35.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
GOSHEVEN
(addressing them all)
This colony exists because
generations gave their lives for
it. Many people died before we
found a way to adapt to the
radiation. Many more died
bringing water to the desert.
My father --
ARD'RIAN
(interrupting)
-- is buried on that mountain.
Well, who's going to be left to
bury you?
A vote of confidence is about to take place, and
Gosheven realizes he's about to lose it. He falls back
on the innate authority of an elected leader.
GOSHEVEN
Have you considered what this
evacuation means? Everything we
have, we abandon. Everything
we've built turns into dust.
Everything we've accomplished
means nothing.
(shakes head)
Well, I say NO! You elected me
to be your leader -- follow me
now! I don't think our chances
are as hopeless as he says. And
I'm willing to stake our lives
on it. Any objections?
He rakes the crowd with a look. Some mutterings, but
nobody's quite ready to lead the revolution.
GOSHEVEN
(continuing)
Good, because here... we...
stand.
A few people step up to pound Gosheven on the back, but
most of the crowd remains huddled, glancing from Data
to Gosheven and back again. Haritath and Kentor step
away to talk in private.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT THREE 36.
32 ANGLE ON DATA
standing with Ard'rian.
DATA
(almost to himself)
Then here you die.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT THREE 37.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
33 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Wesley, Geordi and O'Brien. There are now three
intact test object and four trashed ones. These are
three exhausted people. They've been working round
the clock.
WESLEY
Maybe if we bypassed the autosequence
and decompiled the
pattern buffer... ?
GEORDI
(shrugs)
It's no crazier than anything
else we've tried.
Wesley drops down by the panel, and begins to tinker
while Geordi places the last test object on the
platform. Suddenly the transporter console blows a
fuse. Electricity races across the panel, and the
console goes dark. O'Brien is not a happy man. Wesley
slowly stands up. O'Brien struggles with himself, but
can't master it.
O'BRIEN
Ensign Crusher.
WESLEY
Yes, sir.
O'BRIEN
If you ever touch my transporter
again... I'll kill you.
WESLEY
Sorry, sir.
CUT TO:
33A EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY
Data watches the town meeting break up into small
groups of people TALKING among themselves. Ard'rian
approaches.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE 38.
33A CONTINUED:
Haritath and Kentor step up furtively.
HARITATH
Mister Data -- I want to tell you
that... well, Gosheven doesn't
speak for all of us.
Ard'rian looks at Data hopefully -- maybe the early
returns aren't so bad after all.
HARITATH (cont'd)
I see no point in dying
needlessly.
DATA
And you, Kentor?
KENTOR
I'm not sure. Gosheven has done
well for us. But I'd like to hear
more of what you have to say.
HARITATH
There are many others that feel
the same way but are uneasy about
confronting Gosheven.
ARD'RIAN
Get them together. We'll meet
at my house.
Haritath and Kentor nod agreement then slip away.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT FOUR 39.
33A CONTINUED: (2)
Ard'rian leads Data toward her house. They EXIT.
34
thru OMITTED
35
36 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Traveling at warp speed.
37 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Picard has brought Troi in for consultation.
TROI
In our dealings with other
non-humanoid races there has been
some point of reference; not so
with the Sheliak.
PICARD
We must have something in common.
We communicate.
TROI
Barely. The Sheliak have learned
several Federation languages, but
theirs continues to elude us.
STAR TREK: "Ensions of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FOUR 40.
37 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(have we tried?)
Telepaths?
TROI
Attempted and failed.
PICARD
This is ludicrous!
TROI
No, sir, the fact that any alien
race communicates with another
is quite remarkable.
She lifts Picard's tea cup from the desk.
TROI
(continuing)
We are stranded on a planet. No
language in common, but I want
to teach you mine.
Troi points to the cup.
TROI
(continuing)
S'smarith. What did I just say?
PICARD
Cup? Glass?
TROI
Are you sure? I might have meant
liquid, clear, brown, hot. And
we conceptualize the universe in
relatively the same way.
PICARD
Point taken.
TROI
During your talks you must be
extremely accurate. The treaty
is 500,000 words. The length was
to accommodate the Sheliak. They
consider our language irrational,
and demanded this level of
complexity to avoid any future
misunderstandings.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FOUR 41.
37 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain, we have the vessel
carrying the Sheliak colonists
on visual.
PICARD
On my way.
(to Troi)
So it begins.
They EXIT onto:
38 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
The tension on the bridge is palpable. Picard moves
swiftly to the command station. Riker relinquishes
command.
39 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Where a Sheliak ship hangs ominously.
PICARD
Open hailing frequencies. This
is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
Starship Enterprise.
We again have a vision of the mirrored, shadowed,
shifting place. A hint of a watcher in the shadows.
SHELIAK
Your purpose, Enterprise?
PICARD
We desire face-to-face negotiation
to settle the crisis on Tau Cygna
Five.
Troi hands him a PADD.
PICARD
(continuing)
We are entitled to consultation
under paragraph five hundred and
sixty-three subparagraph nine.
A beat as the Sheliak look it up.
SHELIAK
Granted.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR 42.
39 CONTINUED:
The screen again shows the Sheliak vessel.
RIKER
Was that an invitation?
PICARD
I'm going to take it as such.
Number One, you have the bridge.
Troi and Picard EXIT. HOLD on Riker.
RIKER
Helm, maintain relative position.
Mister Worf, have Transporter Room
Two stand by.
WORF
Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
40 INT. ARD'RIAN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Haritath, Kentor, and a group of other colonists are
gathered around Data and Ard'rian.
KENTOR
... and once the Federation
resettles us, we'll be left
alone?
DATA
If you so desire.
HARITATH
We do. We like doing things on
our own.
DATA
The Federation will offer as
little or as much help as you
dictate.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR 42A.
40 CONTINUED:
Nods all around; they are impressed. Data is the
perfect no-pressure salesman; he simply presents the
facts. Ard'rian looks expectantly to Kentor;
Kentor's still uncertain.
ARD'RIAN
Kentor -- are you with us?
Kentor makes up his mind:
KENTOR
Yes.
(a beat)
The question is, how do we
convince Gosheven?
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR 43.
40 CONTINUED: (2)
HARITATH
Why do we need to?
KENTOR
Because he's respected. Most
people will do as he says.
ARD'RIAN
The people respect you, too.
If you take a stand, they'll
fall in line.
KENTOR
I don't know. Gosheven's got a
lot of supporters...
GOSHEVEN (O.S.)
Don't forget that, Kentor.
Everyone turns to see --
40A OMITTED
40B NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Gosheven fills the doorway. He ENTERS and looks
around the room.
GOSHEVEN
I'm disappointed. I thought we
had settled this.
DATA
Apparently, that is not correct.
Gosheven steps up to Data.
GOSHEVEN
(to Data)
Still stirring up trouble?
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR 44.
40B CONTINUED:
ARD'RIAN
Since when is talk trouble?
Gosheven ignores her -- looking only at Data.
GOSHEVEN
It's over. Don't you get it?
You had your say, and you lost.
DATA
I appear to be reversing that
defeat.
GOSHEVEN
No, you're not -- you're just
stubborn.
(getting closer)
Well, let me tell you something...
Gosheven touches Data with an electronic prod -- BLUE
SPARKS dance over Data. Data's whole body stiffens
-- then goes limp and falls.
GOSHEVEN
(completes his thought)
... so am I.
ARD'RIAN
Damn you, Gosheven --
Ard'rian rushes to Data's aid.
HARITATH
You killed him?
GOSHEVEN
I've killed no one.
(to Ard'rian)
I've merely shut down a machine.
Ard'rian looks daggers at Gosheven, who turns his
attention to the gathering.
GOSHEVEN (cont'd)
That's it, everyone. Time to
go home.
The momentum has changed. A few sheepish glances as
one or two of the group head for the door.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR 45.
40C ON ARD'RIAN
She's pulled out an electronic scanner from her piles
of computer junk and is checking out the fallen Data.
40D WIDER
to include Gosheven.
GOSHEVEN
(to Ard'rian)
You'll see I'm right.
He EXITS. We hold on Ard'rian and Data.
CUT TO:
41 INT. SHELIAK SHIP (OPTICAL)
Picard and Troi MATERIALIZE. What surrounds them bears
little resemblance to a ship. Darkness hangs like bats
in the corners. What little light there is filters
through swirling mist. As they look down the effect is
as if they are walking on black ice, and tiny lights,
like flickering eyes twinkle beneath the floor's
surface.
SHELIAK
Advance and speak.
Troi and Picard exchange glances for they can see no
sign of the creature they are speaking with. They step
forward, and are pinned in a bright light.
PICARD
Director, we will comply with your
request to remove the colony on
Tau Cygna Five, but we need time.
SHELIAK
The given time has elapsed. We
carry the membership and we will
proceed with their debarkation.
TROI
The temporary presence of these
humans should not interfere
with your plans.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT FOUR 46.
41 CONTINUED:
SHELIAK
Unacceptable. You must remove
the creatures.
PICARD
I'm trying! But the needed ship
won't be available for three
weeks.
SHELIAK
Then you are in violation.
PICARD
I have admitted that! I'm only
asking for a little tolerance.
SHELIAK
Section five hundred and one,
paragraph seven hundred and
sixteen, subparagraph five --
unwanted lifeforms inhabiting H
class worlds may be removed at
the discretion of the Sheliak
corporate.
PICARD
We will remove them. But you
must grant us the time we require.
SHELIAK
You need time, Picard of the
Enterprise, we will save you time.
We will eradicate the human
infestation.
PICARD
(outraged)
They are not vermin! They are
citizens of the Federation and
I will not permit this travesty!
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FOUR 47.
41 CONTINUED: (2)
SHELIAK
Intelligent converse is
impossible. You do not discuss,
you gibber.
PICARD
Between intelligent species of
good will --
Suddenly the Sheliak transporter kicks in, and slams
Picard and Troi back to the Enterprise. They have been
rudely thrown out on their ears.
42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
The startling EFFECT of the Sheliak transporter and
Picard and Troi APPEAR. Riker, Worf, and the
supernumeraries at Conn and Ops react.
Picard and Troi are both very disoriented, staggering
slightly. Riker steadies them both.
RIKER
I take it the Sheliak just hung
up on us. Again.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT FIVE 48.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
42A INT. ARD'RIAN'S LIVING ROOM
Ard'rian worriedly inspects the unmoving Data with an
electronic scanner. Data twitches, "reboots," comes
back to life, and sits up. Ard'rian SIGHS, relieved.
ARD'RIAN
I was afraid your neural pathways
were scrambled beyond repair.
DATA
I am equipped with diagnostic
circuits and can correct many
malfunctions.
Data moves his head, arms, and legs, testing his
responses.
ARD'RIAN
I'm not surprised at Gosheven's
behavior. But Kentor and the
others... they said they were
on our side.
(bitter)
I guess words don't mean very
much.
Data mulls this over carefully.
DATA
Perhaps that has been part of our
difficulty. Words are all we have
been using.
(thinking)
Humans seem to take much stronger
notice of actions.
Data makes a decision, gets to his feet.
DATA (cont'd)
I require a phaser.
ARD'RIAN
What's a phaser?
DATA
A type of weapon. Unfortunately
it will not function in the
presence of hyperonic radiation.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT FIVE 49.
42A CONTINUED:
Data ponders this new problem for a beat, then shrugs
it off:
DATA (cont'd)
I will have to be innovative.
CUT TO:
42B INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - CYGNA FIVE - DAY
Data has opened up a phaser and is adapting it. His
forearm is opened, revealing his arm's inner workings;
Data is "cannibalizing" his arm for parts to modify the
phaser. Ard'rian looks on in fascination.
DATA
Hyperonic radiation randomizes
phaser beams. But I believe I
can improvise a servocircuit which
will compensate by continuously
recollimating the output.
ARD'RIAN
You're using your own neural
subprocessors to build a smarter
phaser.
DATA
Essentially correct.
Ard'rian's impressed. Data completes his work.
DATA (cont'd)
Get word to Gosheven. Tell him
I am coming to the pumping
station. Tell him I am going
to destroy the aqueduct.
Ard'rian is gaping like a carp over this, doesn't know
what to say. Finally manages:
ARD'RIAN
He'll try to stop you --
DATA
I sincerely hope so.
Off Ard'rian's expression:
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/19/89 - ACT FIVE 49A.
43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise hanging motionless in space with the
Sheliak ship.
44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
PICARD
(to Worf)
Go to Yellow Alert. Shields up.
WORF
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Mister Riker, put us nose to nose
with the Sheliak ship. If she
makes a move, match it.
RIKER
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Open a hailing frequency.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FIVE 50.
44 CONTINUED:
WORF
They're not responding, sir.
PICARD
(tight control)
They don't have to answer. They
just have to listen! Sheliak
vessel, you will have to go
through me to get at the colony
on Tau Cygna Five!
45
thru OMITTED
46
47 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
WORF
No response.
PICARD
Close channel -- and get me that
treaty! They've been beating us
over the head with it for three
days. Let's see if we can't find
something in it that can be
turned to our advantage.
RIKER
We're going to try to beat them
at their own game?
WORF
The treaty is how long?
TROI
Five hundred thousand words.
WORF
(glumly)
We are going to regret Data's
absence.
CUT TO:
48 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY (OPTICAL)
The square. FOUR MEN armed with rifles stand
shoulder to shoulder in front of the plant and
aqueduct. Standing defiant and unarmed, save for the
probe at his belt, on an upper level is Gosheven.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FIVE 51.
48 CONTINUED:
Off to one side are a number of colonists (including
Ard'rian, Haritath, and Kentor), nervously awaiting
the outcome.
Then a PHASER STUN hits one of the armed men; he
drops. As the others whirl to take aim --
48A NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
A PHASER BEAM sweeps across the line of armed men,
STUNNING them instantly. No one even gets a shot off.
Gosheven, astonished, reaches for the probe at his
belt. Data calmly stands up from his hiding place,
aims his phaser. Gosheven freezes -- it's futile;
obviously Data could stun him before he could get
anywhere near Data.
48B WIDER (OPTICAL)
as Data steps out into the street, holds his phaser
up for all to see.
DATA
That was the "stun" setting.
Data switches the setting on the phaser --
DATA (cont'd)
This is not.
Data turns, BLASTS the control panel on the aqueduct.
A shower of SPARKS. EFFECT as the reaction races up
the aqueduct. The water stops flowing. Gosheven is
speechless. Data addresses the colonists:
DATA (cont'd)
I could reduce this pumping
station to a pile of debris...
but I trust my point is clear.
I am one android with a single
weapon. There are hundreds of
Sheliak on the way... and their
weapons are far more powerful.
Data pauses. The colonists are dead silent.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT FIVE 52.
48B CONTINUED:
DATA (cont'd)
And the Sheliak may not even offer
you a target. They can obliterate
this colony from orbit. You will
die never having seen the faces
of your killers.
Data walks deliberately to one of the stunned
defenders, picks up the rifle with his free hand, holds
it out to the group of colonists.
DATA (cont'd)
The choice is yours.
The colonists look at one another. Finally:
KENTOR
There are other places -- other
challenges. It's time to move
on.
And Kentor EXITS. One by one, the colonists follow
him. The mantle of leadership has passed.
48C NEW ANGLE
Gosheven, slump shouldered, bends and scoops up a
handful of dirt at the base of the silent pool. Data
moves to join him.
GOSHEVEN
I really was willing to stay and
die for this.
DATA
I know that, but it is just a
thing, and things can be replaced.
Lives cannot. Live, rebuild and
be remembered.
A long beat. Then Gosheven wipes his hand on his
pants, and walks back to join his people.
49 OMITTED
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FIVE 53.
50 ANGLE ON DATA
watching Gosheven go. Data looks down at the phaser
for several moments, then holsters it. He looks up to
find Ard'rian gazing at him with an expression of pride
and love.
51 OMITTED
52 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Troi is seated at Science One with Picard hanging over
her shoulder. Riker and Worf are at Science Two.
Pages of treaty crawl past on both screens.
WORF
This is hopeless. Fighting would
be preferable.
A look from Riker.
PICARD
That's it.
He indicates a clause.
TROI
I don't follow you, sir.
PICARD
Worf, get me the Sheliak.
WORF
(just heard the
reprieve)
Yes, sir!
Picard, Riker and Troi return to the command station.
The strange Sheliak scene replaces a view of the ship.
PICARD
Pursuant to paragraph one thousand
two hundred and ninety I formally
request third party arbitration
of our dispute.
A beat while they look it up.
SHELIAK
Agreed.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FIVE 54.
52 CONTINUED:
PICARD
And further, pursuant to
subsection D, three, I name the
Grizzelas to arbitrate.
SHELIAK
Grizzelas?
Riker glances, puzzled, at Troi.
RIKER
(mouths)
Grizzelas?
Troi quells him with a look.
PICARD
Unfortunately they are currently
in their hibernation cycle, but
they'll awaken in six months, and
then we'll get this matter
settled. Now, do you want to
wait... or give me my three weeks?
SHELIAK
Absurd. We carry the membership!
We can brook no delay!
PICARD
Then I declare the treaty in
abeyance!
SHELIAK
Wait! Negotiation is --
Picard gestures to Worf -- cut the transmission. Worf
obeys. A long beat.
RIKER
(smiling)
You enjoyed that.
PICARD
You're damn right.
WORF
Captain, they are hailing us.
Picard studies his nails. Takes a turn around the
bridge. Settles himself back in the command chair.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FIVE 55.
52 CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
(continuing)
Sir?
PICARD
(a beat)
On screen.
The Sheliak reappear.
SHELIAK
You may have your three weeks,
Picard of the Enterprise.
PICARD
(with careful
enunciation)
Thank you.
The screen returns to a view of the Sheliak ship
pulling away. Instant release of tension. Suddenly
the turbolift doors open, and Geordi ENTERS. He is
looking frazzled. People's expressions reflect the
thought that "dear God, he did it."
GEORDI
Captain, we can do it! We can
modify the transporters.
PICARD
Excellent.
GEORDI
It'll take fifteen years, and a
research team of a hundred --
PICARD
(dryly)
Mister La Forge, I believe we will
postpone.
GEORDI
(with a grin)
Yes, sir.
Geordi EXITS.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/14/89 - ACT FIVE 56.
53 EXT. PLANET SURFACE - SHUTTLE LANDING SITE - DAY
Data is inside the shuttle making preparations for
departure.
DATA
Commander Data to Enterprise.
I am preparing to leave Tau Cygna
Five and await rendezvous
instructions.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Acknowledged. Stand by.
Outside the shuttle, Ard'rian approaches. Data sees
her, emerges from the shuttle to meet her.
ARD'RIAN
Hi.
DATA
Hello, Ard'rian.
ARD'RIAN
The evacuation plan is going well.
When the transport ship arrives,
we'll be ready.
(a beat)
You succeeded.
DATA
I would not have succeeded without
your support and insight, and I
appreciate your assistance.
ARD'RIAN
Good. Then you won't forget me?
DATA
I am incapable of forgetting.
I will remember every detail of
my visit with perfect clarity.
ARD'RIAN
But nothing more?
DATA
I do not understand.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/14/89 - ACT FIVE 57.
53 CONTINUED:
Ard'rian bites the bullet:
ARD'RIAN
I guess what I really want to know
is -- do you have any feelings
for me?
DATA
I have no feelings of any kind.
Ard'rian is silent.
ARD'RIAN
No. Of course you don't.
Data studies her. She's downcast. Mimicking her
behavior earlier, he gives her a quick kiss on the
lips, startling her.
ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
What was that for?
DATA
You appeared to require it.
ARD'RIAN
You observed I was unhappy and
did what you concluded would make
me feel better. A purely rational
deduction.
She's still downcast.
DATA
Have I disappointed you?
ARD'RIAN
No, I'm disappointed in myself
-- for wanting something I know
I can't have.
(a beat)
Data, in so many ways you're
superior to humans. But you are
still a machine... without
emotion.
DATA
Yes.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/14/89 - ACT FIVE 57A.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
ARD'RIAN
It's so easy to believe otherwise.
It's so easy to read things into
your behavior... and perceive
feelings where none exist.
(a beat)
Well, I am human and I do have
feelings... silly though they may
be at times. I like you, Data.
You're my favorite android.
DATA
But I am the only android you have
ever met.
ARD'RIAN
Rational to the last.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FIVE 58.
53 CONTINUED: (3)
And with a smile, Ard'rian EXITS. Data climbs into
the shuttle, and the door closes.
CUT TO:
54 OMITTED
55 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard is listening to a recording of Data's string
quartet concert in Ten Forward. DOOR CHIME.
PICARD
Come.
Data ENTERS.
PICARD (cont'd)
Welcome home, Mister Data. Well
done.
DATA
Thank you, sir.
PICARD
The good doctor was kind enough
to provide me with a recording
of your concert. Your
performance shows a good deal
of feeling.
DATA
As I have lately had to remind
others, I have no feelings.
PICARD
That's hard to believe; your
playing is quite beautiful.
DATA
Strictly speaking, it is not
"my" playing. It is a precise
imitation of the techniques of
Jascha Heifetz and Trenka Bron-Ken.
STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FIVE 59.
55 CONTINUED:
PICARD
And is there nothing of Data in
what I'm hearing?
Data ponders this.
PICARD (cont'd)
You chose the violinists.
Heifetz and Bron-Ken had
radically different styles, but
you combined them -- successfully.
DATA
I suppose I have learned to be
innovative... when necessary, sir.
Picard nods. He's made his point.
PICARD
Mister Data... I look forward to
your next concert.
On Data's thoughtful expression, we:
56 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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