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From: mears@hpindda.cup.hp.com (David Mears)
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Subject: Games People Play
Message-ID: <101470002@hpindda.cup.hp.com>
Date: 9 Mar 92 01:18:01 GMT
Organization: HP Information Networks, Cupertino, CA
Lines: 3086
Well, I got my most recently submitted script back from Paramount with
the standard rejection letter. And so, I thought I would make the script
available to those of you out there who might find it entertaining. Even
though the first script I submitted was actually submitted by myself and
another person, and therefore I'm not sure if Paramount would consider
this the second rejection of a script from me, I doubt I'll be sending in
any more. At this point, I think I'll spend my creative energies (small
though they've been for the last year or so) on getting a short story
published in a magazine.
I had submitted this script in the late spring/early summer time frame
last year, in hopes it would be early enough for consideration of the
entire season. The rejection letter that came back with the script was
dated from the middle of August, though the postmark on the return
envelope was dated from the middle of November. I guess it either got
lost in the Paramount mail room, or they're so busy reading scripts it
takes a while to get the rejected ones to the mail room. At the time
I got it back, I decided to wait until after the holidays and the news
group reorganization before posting the script. My only excuse for the
extra time before finally posting it now is a combination of being both
busy and lazy.
It's too bad they didn't like this script (well, other than the obvious
fact that I'd've liked to get a script accepted!) because with a few
small changes, I think this story could've worked into the story line
they used for Unification. Of course, I didn't know what Unification
would look like or be about at the time I wrote this.
If you like the story, or have useful constructive criticisms, feel
free to send them to me. If you want to duplicate this script in some
other publication (electronic or printed), I have three rules:
1) Ask me before you do it. I will most likely say yes, but
I ask that you give me the opportunity to say no.
2) Keep all copyright notices and disclaimers attached.
3) Send me a copy of the publication. If it's an electronic
only publication, email is fine. Otherwise, I'd like a
printed copy. When you email asking for permission, I'll
send you an address where you can mail it.
For whomever has been keeping the Star Trek FTP site, you hereby have
my permission, as per 1) above, to keep a copy of this there. Just let
me know you're doing so.
And now, without further ado, here is ``Games People Play.'' Enjoy!
----------
Copyright 1988, 1991 by David B. Mears. All Rights
Reserved.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Games People Play"
TEASER
FADE IN:
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
PICARD is alone, standing by the viewport staring out
at the stars going by in standard warp effect. He is
holding and sipping from a cup of steaming liquid.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 45407.7
The Enterprise is returning from a
full month patrol mission at the
Romulan Neutral Zone.
Reconstruction of the Fleet
following the Borg incident is now
complete, and it's hoped these
extra patrols will soon no longer
be needed. The past month has
been particularly difficult for
those members of my crew separated
from families left behind with the
saucer section at Omega Ceti
Seven. Having now rejoined with
them, we are on our way to Star
Base twenty nine where we all look
forward to some much needed rest
and relaxation.
A communicator chirp is heard.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Captain, we are receiving a
priority message from Starfleet
Command.
PICARD
Thank you, Lieutenant. I'll be
right there.
(to himself)
There's just no rest for the
weary.
INT. BRIDGE
WORF, RIKER, TROI, DATA and other assorted bridge
personnel are present. Picard enters from his Ready
Room.
WORF
The message is from Admiral
Calavicci.
Picard motions to Worf and the viewscreen changes to
show a large man.
CALAVICCI'S IMAGE
Captain Picard. I'm aware the
Enterprise is on her way to Star
Base twenty nine for a well
deserved rest, and I wouldn't
interrupt that if I had any other
choice, but I need you to divert
to the Theta Niobe system to pick
up Federation Under-Secretary
Wilson. He'll be waiting when you
arrive, and you'll be given full
details then. Calavicci out.
The viewscreen returns to the standard star image.
PICARD
Mister Data, set course and speed
for Theta Niobe, Warp seven.
DATA
Aye, Sir.
PICARD
Well, Number One, it appears our
time off will have to wait. When
we arrive at Theta Niobe, bring
Lieutenant Worf and meet me in
transporter room five. Until
then, I'll be in my quarters.
EXT. ENTERPRISE
Standard shot of Enterprise traveling through stars at
Warp speed.
INT. CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS
Picard is lying on his bed in the darkened room, eyes
open, thinking about recent events. An intercom chirp
is heard.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain, we're approaching the
Theta Niobe system.
PICARD
Thank you, Commander.
INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR
Picard is walking briskly toward the door to the
Transporter Room just ahead. Riker and Worf are seen
approaching from the opposite direction.
PICARD
Good timing, Number One.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
O'BRIEN is manning the transporter controls. Picard,
Riker and Worf enter.
O'BRIEN
Theta Niobe Seven reports Under-
Secretary Wilson ready for
transport, sir.
PICARD
Then let's not keep him waiting.
Energize.
Wilson beams aboard. Throughout the following
exchanges, he maintains a very jovial and relaxed
demeanor.
WILSON
Captain Picard, Commander Riker,
and Lieutenant Worf. Excellent!
I'm so very pleased to have the
opportunity to finally meet all of
you. You've each developed quite
a reputation, from that little
Borg adventure to all of your
other various exploits.
Picard shakes his hand.
PICARD
Welcome aboard, Mister Secretary.
Can you tell us what this is
about? Or would you prefer we
return to my Ready Room for some
privacy?
WILSON
You weren't told, Captain? I
assure you the secrecy was not
intentional. One of the foibles
of the bureaucracy, no doubt.
WORF
(sarcastically)
No doubt.
WILSON
Well Captain, I would be most
pleased if you would get me to
Olympia as quickly as possible.
RIKER
Olympia? That's where the
Federation Games are being played.
WILSON
Quite right, Commander. I was on
my way, passing by little Theta
Niobe here, when my transport ship
broke down. As you can imagine, a
small data station is ill prepared
to attempt star drive repairs. I
asked the Federation Council to
have Starfleet send the nearest
and fastest Starship available to
pick me up, and here you are.
WORF
Then there is no emergency. You
only want a ride to the Games.
WILSON
It's more of an emergency than
I've made clear, Lieutenant. You
see, my position in the Federation
is Under-Secretary, Department of
State, in Charge of Treaty and
Other non-Federation Contact
Affairs. This year the Games have
been opened to non-Federation
worlds, and it's critical, from a
diplomatic point of view, that I
be there.
PICARD
Of course. We're happy to be of
service.
(tapping com badge)
Picard to bridge. Data, set
course for Olympia, best possible
speed.
DATA'S COM VOICE
Aye, Sir.
WILSON
I was told, Captain, that you were
on your way to Star Base twenty
nine for some recreation. If
you'd change your mind and join me
on Olympia instead, I can provide
passes for the officers and crew
and I believe you'll enjoy the
Games as much as anything at Star
Base twenty nine.
PICARD
Yes, and more so I'm sure, Mister
Secretary. We'll be delighted to
take you up on your offer.
WILSON
And I'd feel more comfortable with
the Enterprise staying at Olympia.
In addition to the several non-
aligned worlds participating this
year, the Federation has also
invited the Romulans to come as
observers, as a prelude to
possible future diplomatic talks.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard and Wilson are present.
WILSON
Captain, I have more reasons to
want the Enterprise at Olympia
than just the Romulans. There've
been rumors a terrorist group may
try to disrupt the Games and I
wanted the best ship Starfleet
could send to help protect against
that.
PICARD
Terrorists? Within Federation
space?
WILSON
Much as we'd like to think
otherwise, Captain, it can happen.
In any case, we must protect
against even the possibility. The
Games are much too important not
to take any threat seriously,
especially with non-Federation
worlds, and the Romulans, present.
PICARD
The Enterprise was hardly intended
for police work.
WILSON
I have every confidence in your
ability to bring this mission to a
satisfactory conclusion, Captain.
PICARD
My senior staff should be hearing
this.
WILSON
What I've told you should be
considered need-to-know only,
Captain.
PICARD
The Enterprise does not function
with a cloak-and-dagger mentality,
Mister Secretary. Whatever the
Enterprise' mission, my senior
staff always has a need to know.
WILSON
My apologies, Captain. It is your
ship, and I don't want to
interfere with the way you run it.
Notify your senior staff as you
feel appropriate, but do limit the
knowledge to the minimum you can
feel comfortable with.
(pauses)
Captain, I can't stress enough the
importance of this mission. The
Federation lost more than just
ships and men in the Borg attack.
It lost credibility. Many members
are questioning the ability of the
Federation to protect them. The
stability of the entire Federation
is very precarious right now.
It's the main reason we're willing
to try to negotiate with the
Romulans for peace.
PICARD
The Romulans have never given any
indication in the past they'd be
willing to consider negotiations,
and they respect only strength.
If they were to suspect this
overture were based on a position
of weakness ...
WILSON
I agree it's a major risk,
Captain, but it's one we must
pursue.
PICARD
And what of the Klingons? I
assume they know?
WILSON
No, Captain, they don't. At
least, not yet. That's another
reason I must get to Olympia. I
had planned to discuss the issue
with Ambassador Krell before the
Romulans have a chance to arrive.
PICARD
How do you think the Klingons will
react?
WILSON
I don't know. Publically, the
Klingons decry the Romulans as
their worst enemy, but there have
been rumors of Klingons who would
rather be allied with the Romulans
than the Federation. Getting both
camps together, and forging a
Peace Treaty acceptable to all
will not be easy.
PICARD
It's a job I certainly wouldn't
want to have to deal with.
EXT. ENTERPRISE
The Enterprise is approaching a class M planet. There
are many ships in orbit around it.
INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Data, GEORDI, and others are present. The
planet is seen on the viewscreen. Several ships of
various sizes are already in various orbits. Wilson
and Picard enter from the Ready Room.
DATA
Entering standard orbit now,
Captain. Defensive shields and
weapons systems disabled as
required by the Olympian Contract.
WILSON
I'll be transporting down
immediately, Captain. There are
some important details that need
attending to. I'll see to it
preparations are made for you and
your crew to enjoy the Games.
PICARD
Commander Riker will be heading
the first shoreleave party. I
have a few things I must do first,
but I'll join you as soon as I
can.
GEORDI
Captain.
PICARD
Yes, Commander?
GEORDI
For a moment, I thought I'd picked
up the signature of a ship running
under cloak, but now it's gone.
WILSON
As I was afraid, Captain. There
IS a terrorist ship out there.
RIKER
Aren't you jumping a bit fast to
your conclusions, Mister
Secretary?
PICARD
Could it be the Romulans, Geordi?
GEORDI
Even the best Romulan cloak can't
mask the mass of a ship and its
effect on the surrounding space.
If you know where to look for it,
a cloaked vessel can't hide.
Whatever I thought I saw, there's
definitely nothing there now.
WILSON
Could they be using the
gravitational field of the moon to
hide their mass?
GEORDI
They could try, and the number of
other ships out there would add to
the sensor clutter and make it
more difficult, but I'd be able to
find a Romulan cloak if it were
there.
WILSON
Then what about a terrorist cloak?
RIKER
Cloaking technology is kept under
the tightest control by every
major galactic confederation that
has access to it. Even the
Ferengi aren't stupid enough to
sell that kind of technology to
fringe groups. It would be
impossible for a terrorist ship to
have a cloak.
WILSON
Surely your chief engineer
wouldn't have mentioned it if
there wasn't something out there.
PICARD
It's standard operating procedure
aboard the Enterprise to report
anything out of the ordinary, even
if there's very little chance of
it being important. We don't like
surprises.
WILSON
Nevertheless, Captain, perhaps it
would be best if your senior staff
were to stay aboard the Enterprise
for a while, until you've
determined just what you did see
out there.
PICARD
I can assure you, if my chief
engineer says there's nothing
there, then there's nothing there.
And even if there were, you'd want
my staff planetside to help
safeguard the Games.
WILSON
As you think best, Captain, as I
said before, it is your ship. I'd
best be getting down there to do
my job.
Wilson leaves the bridge through the aft turbolift.
PICARD
Number One, you should be getting
down to the planet yourself to
scout around. I'll join you soon.
Riker motions to them and leaves with Worf, Geordi,
and Data.
EXT. ENTERPRISE
Shot of Enterprise orbiting planet.
INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR
Riker, Troi, Data, Worf, Geordi and BEVERLY are
walking together down the corridor. All are dressed
in casual clothing except Data who is still in
uniform. Troi is not wearing a communicator badge.
RIKER
Everyone decided which events
they're going to?
GEORDI
For me, handball, volleyball, that
sort of thing.
TROI
I just want to lose myself in the
hustle and bustle of the crowds
for awhile. Then I'll decide if I
want to attend any specific event.
Care to come get lost with me,
Beverly?
BEVERLY
I appreciate the offer, Deanna,
but I want to be sure to get to
the Medical facilities. Sports
medicine has always been something
of a hobby and I want to see the
latest developments. Perhaps I'll
find you later.
RIKER
Now, now, Doctor. We're here for
fun, not work.
BEVERLY
My work is fun, to me, Commander.
Any doctor who would tell you
otherwise shouldn't be in the
profession.
DATA
I find the human concept of fun to
be quite intriguing. It has been
said that as the complexity of an
organism increases, so does the
need for play.
TROI
That's true, Data. People need to
let off steam from time to time.
DATA
As a highly complex and organized
unit myself, it seems appropriate
that I research the methods humans
have created for play. I plan to
attend as many events as possible.
RIKER
You've been unusually quiet since
you found we were coming to the
Games, Worf. Where do your
interests lie?
WORF
The martial arts competitions.
Lieutenant Yar had been preparing
to participate in the Games the
next time they were played.
RIKER
I'm sure she would have done very
well.
WORF
I also plan to visit the Klin Zha
exhibitions.
TROI
Klin Zha?
WORF
It is a ...
(slight pause)
contest from the Klingon Empire.
DATA
I have read about the Klin Zha.
It is similar to the human game of
chess, except it is played with
real people instead of board
pieces.
WORF
The Klin Zha is a learning for
combat, and a test of wills. Only
the most rudimentary of children's
variations have any similarity to
chess.
RIKER
The Klin Zha, Data, is more than a
game. It's a simulation of and
preparation for life itself for
the Klingon warrior.
WORF
You understand much of Klingon
culture, Commander.
They arrive at the Transporter Room door.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
The door opens and the six enter the room and mount
the transporter platform. Chief O'Brien is manning
the transporter controls.
RIKER
We'll separate once we get to the
surface to get a quick overview.
Then, meet back at the beamdown
point in two hours to regroup and
compare notes.
(to O'Brien)
Ready, Chief. Energize.
O'Brien works the controls and the six disappear.
After they leave, a strange signal appears on the
control panel. O'Brien presses several controls but
is unable to affect it. He goes to a small cabinet in
the wall to look for a tool, but can't find it.
O'BRIEN
Engineers. They never put their
tools away when they're done with
them.
O'Brien leaves the transporter room to find it
elsewhere. A few moments later, the transporter
activates and a man transports aboard. He is wearing
grey athletic style clothing and is carrying what
appears to be a small specialized tricorder device.
Throughout the following, he acts very calm and
deliberate. He presses some buttons on his device and
the transporter warning indicator stops. He then
checks the device and cautiously exits to the
corridor.
INT. SHIP'S CORRIDOR
Checking the device in his hand, the man heads off
down the corridor. Still checking the device, as he
comes to a junction, he suddenly stops and hides in a
doorway. Almost immediately, several crewmen come by
talking to themselves. When they have gone by, the
man once again starts off. Using the device as a
direction finder, he locates the nearest turbolift and
enters it.
INT. TURBOLIFT
The man presses some controls on the device in his
hand and the turbolift takes off. After some moments,
he checks something on the device, then sets it on the
hand rail, presses some buttons on it and the device
dematerializes. Within moments, the turbolift comes
to a halt and the doors open to the bridge.
INT. BRIDGE
Picard is present, but with only a skeleton bridge
crew. From this point on, the man acts animated and
excited. He exits the turbolift and quickly and
purposefully strides down to stand in front of where
Picard is seated. As he does so, Picard, startled,
stands up.
PICARD
What the ...?
LORIEN
Captain Picard? I would like to
place myself in your custody and
ask that you, as a representative
of your Federation, grant me
political asylum aboard the
Enterprise until such time as you
can transport me to a Federation
planet for processing.
PICARD
How the devil did you get here?
(tapping com badge)
Security!
LORIEN
I saw no security on my way here,
Captain. I am Lathe Lorien, a
member of the athletic delegation
from the planet Himsa, here to
participate in your Federation
Games.
PICARD
I was warned terrorists might try
to disrupt the Games. Why should
I believe you're not a distraction
intended to mask such terrorist
activity?
LORIEN
You could trust me, Captain. Or
you could contact the Himsan
delegation and ask them about me,
though I'd prefer you didn't do
that just yet. They'd be very
unhappy to know I'm no longer with
them. An unhappy Zildex can cause
much more havoc than any
terrorist.
PICARD
Zildex?
LORIEN
The head of the security
delegation from Himsa, here
ostensibly to make sure the Himsan
athletes are protected, though
kept under guard would be a more
accurate way of putting it.
PICARD
Even assuming for the moment I'm
willing to give you the benefit of
the doubt, I have more pressing
concerns to deal with right at the
moment.
LORIEN
What's more important to the
Federation than personal freedom?
PICARD
Granting political asylum isn't a
simple matter. There are many
difficulties to overcome and steps
to be taken, including dealing
with your local governmental
representatives.
LORIEN
Before you talk with them,
Captain, I'd like the opportunity
to give you my side of the story.
The turbolift doors open and two security men enter
the bridge.
PICARD
Very well. You'll wait in our
Observation Lounge until I can
assemble the rest of my staff.
The security men escort Lorien into the lounge.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard and Lorien are seated, but silent. The
security guards are standing on either side behind
Lorien's chair. Beverly, Worf, Data, Geordi, and
Riker enter from the bridge entrance. Worf goes to
the security guards and briefly talks with them before
sitting down. As Riker enters, Picard stands and
speaks softly to him.
PICARD
Where's Counselor Troi?
RIKER
I don't know, Captain. We split
up after beaming down so we
weren't together when you called.
When I put out the call to return,
she didn't respond.
PICARD
I was planning on being able to
use her empathic skills right now.
(tapping com badge)
Ensign Burlet, have you been able
to contact Secretary Wilson yet?
BURLET'S VOICE
No, Captain.
PICARD
Keep trying, and see if you can
get some help to locate Counselor
Troi.
BURLET'S VOICE
Yes, sir.
RIKER
(so everyone can hear)
I take it, Captain, this
conference has something to do
with our unknown guest?
PICARD
Yes, it does. But I'll let him
explain why he's here.
LORIEN
As I've already told your Captain,
my name is Lathe Lorien, and I'm a
member of the Himsan athletic
delegation to your Federation
Games. I've come to ask for
political asylum in your
Federation.
RIKER
Himsa's not a member of the
Federation? The name sounds
familiar.
DATA
Although Himsa is not a member of
the Federation, there is a
Federation scientific outpost on a
moon of the fourth planet in the
Himsan system.
RIKER
Ah yes. The Himsan system is the
only planetary system near the
Mutara Remnant. A research
station was established there for
scientific study.
BEVERLY
But that's within Federation
space. Why is Himsa not a member?
PICARD
They were asked to join, Doctor,
but they declined. Remember,
unlike some galactic powers, the
Federation doesn't create
membership by force.
RIKER
Weren't you responsible for the
negotiations, Captain?
PICARD
I was a member of the negotiating
team that lead to the
establishment of Marcus Station,
but I was hardly in charge. It
was one of the first diplomatic
assignments of my career.
RIKER
Political asylum is a rather
extraordinary request, Mister
Lorien. Do you really believe it
necessary?
LORIEN
The government of Himsa is a
brutally oppressive dictatorship,
Commander. While the ranking
state officials enjoy great wealth
and luxury, the masses are wracked
with poverty and disease. There
are a few, such as the athletic
teams, who are granted some small
favor in exchange for presenting
an acceptable front to outside
worlds, but even we do not have
personal freedoms. We are
controlled by the government in
everything we do or say. Most are
content to live the lie in order
to escape the poverty. I found I
could not.
RIKER
Economic hardship, while
deplorable, isn't grounds for
granting asylum.
LORIEN
I must find a way to let other
worlds know what is happening to
Himsa.
BEVERLY
What about the scientists at
Marcus Station? Aren't they close
enough to be aware of what's going
on?
LORIEN
The Himsan government has taken
great pains to cut the planet off
from any outside contact in order
to preserve the secrecy of their
atrocities. They neither allow
offworlders to visit the planet,
nor any unauthorized communication
out from the planet.
PICARD
The Himsans insisted negotiations
for the station be carried out on
the moon it was to occupy. Even
establishing first contact with
the Himsans to begin negotiations
was difficult because their planet
is completely shielded by an
energy field which blocks all
electromagnetic radiation and
sensor probes. Nothing gets in or
out unless they want it to.
(addressing Lorien)
Which will make it difficult to
get independent corroboration for
any claims. Do you have solid
evidence to present?
LORIEN
I'm afraid I have nothing I can
share with you, Captain.
PICARD
Then I'm afraid there's nothing we
can do for you regarding asylum.
If the Himsans have no objection,
you are certainly free to stay
with us and find a new home in the
Federation. However, if they
object ...
LORIEN
(interrupting)
They will, Captain, they can't
afford to let me leave with what I
know.
PICARD
We are forbidden by our Prime
Directive from interfering in the
internal affairs of any sovereign
world. There's nothing more we
can do for you.
Lorien now takes on a manner of anxiety.
LORIEN
Captain, do you know what it feels
like to be controlled by a power
so much greater than yourself,
your individuality and identity
are stripped from you, and you
lose everything there is that
makes you a unique person?
PICARD
I can empathize with you, Mister
Lorien, but there are larger
issues here to consider, unless
you can give me something more
substantial.
LORIEN
If you send me back, Captain, they
will kill me. People on Himsa
have a tendency to disappear
without a trace.
PICARD
Proof, Mister Lorien?
LORIEN
What if I told you there were
spies at Marcus Station? The
Himsan government is anxious to
learn of Federation scientific
secrets they can use to further
their power. What if I told you
the Himsans are planning to ask
the Romulans to establish a base
on Himsa in exchange for the power
they seek?
BEVERLY
Himsa is deep within Federation
territory. They can't allow the
Romulans in, can they?
DATA
While there is no precedent in
Federation history, Federation law
does allow every independent
governing body within Federation
space to affiliate with any other
governing structure they so
choose. Although this situation
was undoubtedly unforeseen by the
Federation founders, it is
possible.
RIKER
A Romulan base within Federation
space?
PICARD
What can you give me in the way of
evidence, Mister Lorien?
LORIEN
(after short pause)
I'm afraid I have nothing I can
share with you, Captain.
PICARD
Then there's little more we can do
for you. We'll do what we can,
but I wouldn't get my hopes too
high. Until things are resolved,
you can stay in our guest
accommodations. A security guard
will escort you there.
LORIEN
Am I to consider myself a prisoner
on your ship, Captain?
PICARD
Any time you wish to leave, you
need only ask. However,
considering how you came to us,
would you have me give you free
run of the ship without
supervision?
LORIEN
No, you're right, Captain. I
understand completely. I'll be
waiting to hear from you,
hopefully with positive news.
Lorien and the security guards leave via the door to
the outside hallway. Data, Geordi and Riker return
through the door to the bridge. Beverly stays seated,
and Worf stops to talk to Picard before leaving for
the bridge.
WORF
Captain, I wish to place myself on
report.
PICARD
For what, Lieutenant?
WORF
As Chief of Security, it was my
responsibility to prevent
unauthorized access to the
Enterprise and to the bridge. I
failed in my duty.
PICARD
You weren't even aboard at the
time, Lieutenant.
WORF
I am still responsible for the
actions or inactions of my men.
PICARD
Very well, Mister Worf, consider
yourself on report. Just make
sure it doesn't happen again!
WORF
Yes, Sir!
Worf leaves and returns to the bridge. Beverly gets
up and comes to talk to Picard.
BEVERLY
You're not going to let them get
their hands on him, are you?
PICARD
You know I'm sympathetic to his
supposed plight, Doctor, and I'd
like to believe him, and let him
stay in the Federation, but my
hands are going to be tied. If
his people ask for him back, I
have no choice but to return him.
BEVERLY
You hide it from nearly everyone,
Jean Luc, but I know you too well.
You still haven't fully gotten
over what the Borg put you
through. How can you calmly send
him back, knowing what kind of
environment he'd be subjected to?
PICARD
You don't understand, Beverly.
There are more things going on
here than you're aware of.
BEVERLY
What I do understand is that he'll
be killed if we return him.
PICARD
And what of the hundred or so
people at Marcus Station? The
treaty establishing the station
disallowed all weapons, either
offensive or defensive. If we
upset the Himsans, those people
could be in danger.
BEVERLY
I've never believed in trading one
life for many. It may be an
interesting philosophical
discussion if you're the one
volunteering for the sacrifice,
but do you have the moral right to
make that decision for someone
else?
PICARD
Do you have the moral right to
make that decision for the station
scientists, Doctor?
BEVERLY
You don't know for sure they'd be
in any real danger.
PICARD
We don't know for sure Lorien
would be killed. We don't know
any of what he told us is true.
BEVERLY
I know people, Captain, and I can
feel in my heart he's right.
PICARD
As much as I value your opinion,
Doctor, you're not Counselor Troi.
Sometimes, Beverly, you think
entirely too much with your heart.
BEVERLY
As Chief Medical Officer aboard
this ship, it's part of my job
description. Look it up.
PICARD
Why can't you look at things from
a more rational viewpoint, just
once?
BEVERLY
Because, my dear Jean Luc, that's
your job.
Beverly leaves to return to her duties, leaving Picard
to ponder.
INT. BRIDGE
Data and an unnamed Ensign are seated at Ops and Conn.
Worf is at the tactical station, and Riker is in the
Captain's chair. Picard enters the bridge from the
Observation lounge, and Riker moves to let him sit
down.
PICARD
Any word yet on Secretary Wilson
or Counselor Troi?
WORF
No sir, but we are receiving a
message from the planet's surface.
PICARD
On screen.
The main view screen changes to show an attractive
petite woman wearing a dark suit that looks something
like a uniform as well. Behind her are two very large
men wearing similar suits.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
Captain Picard, I believe?
PICARD
And you are?
ZILDEX' IMAGE
Colonel Zildex, commander Himsan
Protective Forces. Captain, we
seem to have, um, temporarily
misplaced one of our fine
athletes, one by the name of Lathe
Lorien. Have you, by any chance,
seen him?
PICARD
The Enterprise is not at Olympia
to run a lost and found service
for missing athletes, Colonel.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
Don't play games with me, Captain.
I know Lorien illegally made his
way aboard your vessel and has
probably by now tried to trick you
with some fantastic story.
Unfortunately, we didn't realize
until after arriving at Olympia
that he's a very sick man,
suffering from delusional
behavior. He's dangerous to you
and to himself and we must have
him back. You will return him to
us immediately.
PICARD
Colonel Zildex, I'm sure you
command great respect on your own
world, but one does not address
the Captain of a Starfleet vessel
demanding anything. Mister Lorien
is here as a guest of the
Federation and will remain so
until all the details of his
situation have been determined and
a final decision has been made.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
Decision? What decision?
PICARD
Mister Lorien has asked permission
to stay within the Federation.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
We cannot allow that, Captain.
PICARD
I assure you, Colonel, the
Federation has no intention of
interfering with the internal
affairs of any lawful world
government. Unless we find reason
to do otherwise, Mister Lorien
will be returned to you at the
earliest possible convenience.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
Very well, Captain, we can be
patient, but only to a point. Do
not delay what you know is
inevitable. Contact your
superiors, make your decisions,
and return him to us.
The viewscreen image returns to the planet.
RIKER
It's a shame to waste such beauty
on such an unpleasant personality.
PICARD
I'm sure she's considerably more
formidable than appearances would
indicate, Number One. We mustn't
allow ourselves to become
complacent.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. BRIDGE
The same people are present as before.
WORF
I have finally been able to
contact Secretary Wilson, Captain.
The screen changes to show the image of Wilson.
WILSON'S IMAGE
I was expecting your call,
Captain. I apologize for not
being able to answer you earlier,
but I had some other matters to
attend to first. I suppose you're
calling now about the Lorien
affair.
PICARD
Then you're aware of what's going
on?
WILSON'S IMAGE
Colonel Zildex contacted me a few
minutes ago and gave me her side
of the story. I can pretty well
guess the other side as well.
PICARD
Are you aware that Lorien has
officially asked for political
asylum in the Federation?
WILSON'S IMAGE
No, I wasn't. What did you tell
him?
PICARD
That we would look into the
matter, but we're unlikely to be
able to accommodate him. I told
him if the Himsans asked for his
return, we'd have to oblige them.
WILSON'S IMAGE
You've done the right thing,
Captain. We can't afford to have
the Himsans making a fuss right
now. Just the appearance of
meddling, even if untrue, could
seriously jeopardize everything
we're working so hard for.
PICARD
Lorien has said he has information
vital to the security interests of
the Federation. He claims the
Himsans are planning to allow the
Romulans to set up a base within
the Himsan system.
WILSON'S IMAGE
(concerned)
If this becomes widely known, it
could jeopardize the negotiations.
Did he provide you with any
evidence?
PICARD
No.
WILSON'S IMAGE
(relieved)
Then I think we can safely ignore
it as rumor. He must be returned
to the Himsans to avoid an
incident.
PICARD
I was afraid that would be the
case. I'd hoped, however, you
might be able to give me a viable
alternative.
WILSON'S IMAGE
If there were anything I could do,
Captain, to give Mister Lorien a
way to escape his captors, I
would. It's an unpleasant
situation, but such is the nature
of this job. I do have the utmost
confidence in you, Captain.
The viewscreen image returns to the planet.
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, please contact
Mister Lorien and have him report
to the bridge, then get Colonel
Zildex on main viewer.
WORF
There's no response from guest
quarters.
PICARD
Not there? Or not answering?
WORF
Captain, I now have an intruder
alert in main engineering.
PICARD
Lorien?
WORF
Unknown.
PICARD
Very well. I'll go to Engineering
to see about our intruder. You
stay here and try to contact
Lorien's guard.
(tapping com badge)
Chief O'Brien. We have uninvited
guests in main engineering. Be
prepared to remove them on my
signal.
O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
You've got it.
PICARD
Commander Riker, you have the
bridge.
WORF
Captain, I ...
PICARD
Don't worry, Lieutenant, this time
you caught them.
Picard leaves the bridge through the aft turbolift.
INT. MAIN ENGINEERING
Geordi, Zildex, her two companions, and two security
guards are present. The two guards have phasers
trained on the Himsans. Geordi is holding some
objects. Picard enters and confronts Zildex.
PICARD
Zildex!
UNNAMED GUARD
We found them as they were trying
to leave engineering.
GEORDI
(holding up objects)
And we found these planted at the
base of the fusion couplers.
PICARD
Thermite bombs.
GEORDI
They wouldn't have done much real
damage, but they'd've produced
quite a diversion, assuming that's
what they intended.
PICARD
A cover to try to sneak around the
Enterprise to find Lorien,
Colonel? You've made a grave
miscalculation this time.
ZILDEX
No, Captain, it's you who've
miscalculated. We told you our
patience had limits. We will have
Lorien.
PICARD
You're in no position to demand
anything any more, Colonel. For
your information, I was preparing
to contact you to make the
arrangements for Lorien's return
when you pulled this little stunt.
Now, I'm no longer sure I want to
do that.
ZILDEX
You must, Captain. There are many
worlds that will not look kindly
on the Federation interfering in
Himsan internal affairs.
PICARD
And how will they react to an
illegal boarding party of Himsans
making an armed assault on a
Federation starship?
ZILDEX
We are not armed, Captain.
PICARD
(pointing to the bombs)
Then how do you explain these?
ZILDEX
Planted by Lorien, for whatever
twisted goals he has in mind.
UNNAMED GUARD
We also found these on them,
Captain.
The guard holds up some crude old style phasers.
ZILDEX
Planted on us by your own guards,
Captain, to make us look bad.
PICARD
Do you expect anyone will actually
believe that, Colonel?
ZILDEX
If only one world believes,
Captain, it will be enough. Why
not just make things simple for
yourself and release Lorien to us.
If you do that, we promise to
forget the entire incident.
PICARD
Colonel, I have more important
issues to deal with than your
petty little games.
Picard is interrupted by an intercom chirp.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain Picard, we've just
received a message from Chief
Magistrate Harlaw of Central City.
PICARD
Regarding Counselor Troi?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
No, she's still missing, but
Harlaw reports Secretary Wilson
has been kidnapped.
PICARD
Kidnapped? More of your tricks,
Colonel?
ZILDEX
Captain, you wound us. Why can't
you believe we are a peaceful
people and would never seek to
harm anyone?
PICARD
You've given me every reason to
believe otherwise, Colonel.
ZILDEX
We are not responsible for
Secretary Wilson's disappearance.
However, Captain, do let me put
your mind at ease about your
missing counselor.
PICARD
What have you done with her,
Colonel? If you think holding
Troi prisoner will help you get
Lorien back, you're sadly
mistaken. It will only make
things worse.
ZILDEX
Troi a prisoner, Captain? Oh no,
no, no! Counselor Troi is an
honored guest of the Himsan
government and is enjoying the
finest hospitality we can provide.
PICARD
Let me speak with her.
ZILDEX
She asked not to be interrupted,
Captain, while she's being
entertained. But perhaps if you
would allow us to return with
Lorien now, she would wish to
celebrate the occasion back aboard
your ship with her friends.
PICARD
If you harm her in any way,
Colonel ...
ZILDEX
Captain Picard, you accuse us
unjustly, yet who is making the
threats?
PICARD
(tapping com badge)
Chief O'Brien, our Himsan guests
wish to leave. Now!
The transporter effect removes the three Himsan
security personnel. Captain Picard begins to leave to
return to the bridge.
PICARD
Mister LaForge, be sure there are
no more little gifts from the
Himsans left behind.
Red Alert klaxons begin to sound.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Captain Picard. A Romulan Warbird
has just decloaked and is taking
up orbit around Olympia.
INT. BRIDGE
Worf, Riker, Data and others are present. Picard
returns to the bridge through the aft turbolift.
PICARD
Status, Mister Worf.
WORF
Sensors say his weapons and
shields are disabled, as required,
but I do not trust him.
PICARD
Very well, go to yellow alert.
And get me the commander of that
Warbird on screen.
WORF
He is already asking for you,
Captain.
The main view screen changes to show the interior of
the Warbird and its commander.
PICARD
So, Tomalak. What's the meaning
of this?
TOMALAK'S IMAGE
We were invited to observe the
Games by your own Federation,
Picard. We're here on peaceful,
and officially sanctioned,
business.
PICARD
That doesn't give you the right to
arrive cloaked and show up
unannounced, Commander.
TOMALAK'S IMAGE
It is the way Romulans arrive. Do
not try to sidestep the issue,
Picard. We are the ones being
wronged here. Olympian officials
have been most uncooperative
placing us in contact with
Federation Under-Secretary Wilson.
PICARD
The Secretary is temporarily
indisposed.
TOMALAK'S IMAGE
It would be most unfortunate,
Captain, if Secretary Wilson were
unwilling to meet with us after
we've traveled all this way to see
him.
PICARD
He's merely unavailable at the
moment. I can assure you he'll be
most anxious to talk to you as
soon as he's able. In the mean
time, if you'd care to discuss
matters with me, ...
TOMALAK'S IMAGE
We are not pleased, Captain. We
will wait for Wilson. For a short
time. Do not keep us waiting
long.
The screen image returns to the planet.
WORF
Captain, Ambassador Krell is
asking for you now.
PICARD
On screen.
The viewscreen changes to show the Klingon Ambassador.
KRELL'S IMAGE
A Romulan Warbird has just taken
up orbit around Olympia and you
have done nothing to challenge it,
Picard?
PICARD
Ambassador Krell, hasn't Secretary
Wilson contacted you about this?
KRELL'S IMAGE
We have not seen the Secretary.
PICARD
I don't understand. Secretary
Wilson was supposed to meet with
you as soon as he arrived to let
you know about the Romulans. The
Federation has invited them to act
as observers at the Games in hopes
of beginning negotiations on a
Peace Treaty.
KRELL'S IMAGE
There can never be peace between
Klingons and Romulans.
PICARD
Not more than seventy years ago,
the same was said about Klingons
and the Federation, by both sides,
yet here we are, Mister
Ambassador.
KRELL'S IMAGE
This incident will be reported to
the Klingon High Council, Captain.
I can not promise what their
response will be.
PICARD
I'm certain Secretary Wilson will
be able to clarify things once we
find him.
KRELL'S IMAGE
He is missing?
PICARD
So I've been told. I haven't yet
had time to contact Magistrate
Harlaw for the details.
KRELL'S IMAGE
Very well, Captain. As we are
within Federation territory, we
will do nothing for the moment. I
assure you, however, we will be
watching the Romulans very
closely. If they make even the
slightest move to arm their
weapons systems, we will make sure
they have no opportunity to use
them.
The viewscreen image changes to the planet.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
INT. BRIDGE
The same people are present.
WORF
I have Magistrate Harlaw for you,
Captain.
The main viewscreen changes images to show a short,
fat, balding, nervous looking man seated behind a
cluttered desk, with beads of sweat on his forehead
and upper lip.
PICARD
Magistrate Harlaw, you're no doubt
aware that a Romulan Warbird has
just entered orbit around your
planet.
HARLAW'S IMAGE
Yes, Captain, they've already
contacted me, looking for
Secretary Wilson.
PICARD
What can you tell us about the
Secretary's disappearance?
HARLAW'S IMAGE
Not much, Captain. We received a
message indicating that Secretary
Wilson had been taken hostage and
that further information would be
sent at a later time.
PICARD
Could the message have come from
the Romulans?
HARLAW'S IMAGE
I don't think so. It came quite
some time before they arrived, and
at least outwardly, they've been
nothing but polite.
PICARD
Were you able to trace the
message?
HARLAW'S IMAGE
No, Captain, not really. It was
sent in milliburst and we weren't
able to absolutely pinpoint its
origin, though we were able to
determine it came from planetary
orbit. There are, however, no
ships in the general area where we
believe it originated, so we may
be mistaken.
PICARD
Could it have come from the
Himsans?
HARLAW'S IMAGE
Definitely not from their
planetary delegation. I'm not as
sure about their ship, but I don't
believe so. It's in a different
orbital position than the general
area our sensors detected the
message coming from.
PICARD
I was just talking with Colonel
Zildex and she denied any
knowledge of Wilson's
disappearance, but they have been
threatening and I don't trust her.
HARLAW'S IMAGE
I don't either, Captain, but I
have no evidence that would
implicate her in this.
PICARD
Are you absolutely certain
Wilson's been taken?
HARLAW'S IMAGE
After we got the message, we
checked the office the Secretary
was using, and he wasn't there.
There was no sign of a struggle,
though, Captain, so we don't
believe he was taken by force from
that location. We've been unable
to locate him in any of the other
places he might be expected to be.
PICARD
And what of Counselor Troi?
HARLAW'S IMAGE
We've had no luck in finding her
either, Captain, but there are
millions of people here for the
Games and she could realistically
be anywhere among them.
PICARD
Colonel Zildex claimed she was
with the Himsans someplace, but
she wouldn't say where.
HARLAW'S IMAGE
We can provide no evidence one way
or the other, Captain. We will
continue our search concentrating
on areas where the Himsans are
located, but we have no authority
to pursue the search into their
private compounds. In fact,
Captain, we have very little
authority to do much of anything
even if we were to find her in
their custody. This is a small
world, established primarily for
the Games, and our offices aren't
prepared for anything more than
simple administrative chores.
PICARD
Thank you, Magistrate, I know
you're doing all you can, and we
do appreciate it.
HARLAW'S IMAGE
We'll let you know if we find
anything, Captain.
The view screen image reverts to the planet.
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, until we can find
Wilson, there's little else we can
do with the Romulans but keep a
watchful eye on them. Mister
Data, Olympian officials may not
have the authority to physically
search Himsan compounds, but
there's nothing to prevent us from
focusing our own sensor search for
her there.
DATA
Yes, sir.
Data begins making adjustments on the control board in
front of him as he searches. After a short while, he
responds.
DATA
There appear to be no persons in
or near any of the known Himsan
compounds matching the physical
characteristics of Counselor Troi.
If they are indeed holding her
captive, it is somewhere else.
RIKER
Their ship perhaps?
Data makes some more adjustments.
DATA
I am unable to get any life
readings at all from within their
ship. It is surrounded by a field
which prevents sensor access.
RIKER
Shielded, like their planet.
The aft turbolift doors open and Lorien and his
security guard enter the bridge.
LORIEN
I understand you were looking for
me, Captain. It was to deliver
good news, I hope.
PICARD
No, I'm afraid not. I was about
to let you know we were going to
return you to your people, when we
had an intruder alert in
Engineering.
LORIEN
And you suspected me, so you were
checking up. You still don't
trust me, Captain?
PICARD
Trust must be earned, Mister
Lorien, and so far you've done
nothing to earn it. However, I do
tend to believe you've been honest
with us so far, for other reasons.
LORIEN
Well, Captain, I suppose that is
something.
PICARD
Why weren't you in the guest
quarters?
LORIEN
You told me I wasn't a prisoner,
Captain. I assumed that meant I
wasn't to be confined to quarters
either. I wanted some time to
reflect and I asked my companion
here if he could escort me to your
Botanical Gardens.
GUARD
I didn't think it would be a
problem, Captain, since it's not
in a restricted area.
PICARD
No, it's all right, normally it
wouldn't have been a problem at
all. The timing was just
unfortunate.
LORIEN
And your intruder, Captain?
PICARD
Colonel Zildex, come to try to
take you by force.
LORIEN
She's even bolder than I expected.
Letting me get away must put her
in more trouble than I imagined.
PICARD
And now, we're not only missing a
member of my crew, but someone has
claimed to have abducted a
Federation official.
LORIEN
Zildex?
PICARD
Colonel Zildex claims to know
nothing of Wilson, but she does
claim our Counselor is a guest of
the Himsan government. She no
doubt believes she can force us to
trade you for her.
LORIEN
Can she, Captain?
PICARD
No. The Federation does not deal
with terrorists, even if they're
representatives of an officially
recognized government. Every
member of my crew knows and
accepts the risks that come with
their job.
LORIEN
You are an honorable people
indeed, Captain. I never intended
to place your ship or your crew in
any jeopardy. Perhaps I should
leave your ship and take my
chances eluding Zildex.
PICARD
I appreciate the gesture, Mister
Lorien, but ...
WORF
(interrupting)
Captain, we are being hailed.
On the viewscreen, a small scout ship suddenly
decloaks in front of them.
PICARD
On screen, Lieutenant.
The viewscreen shows the interior of the small scout
ship. There are several people who are wearing
costumes and masks which hide their faces and bodies.
Wilson can be seen seated in a chair with two of the
costumed people in back of him guarding him. The
voice of the terrorist is electronically altered.
TERRORIST IMAGE
As you can see, Captain Picard,
Secretary Wilson is safe with us.
PICARD
(quietly)
Data, what can you tell me about
that ship or the people on it?
DATA
(working controls)
There is a force shield
surrounding their ship our sensors
cannot penetrate.
PICARD
Does it match the Himsan sensor
shields?
DATA
While there are some similar
properties, they are not
identical.
LORIEN
That doesn't look like any Himsan
vessel I've even seen, Captain.
RIKER
With a cloaking device like that,
they must be Romulan.
TERRORIST IMAGE
Captain Picard, you are ignoring
us.
PICARD
What is it you want?
TERRORIST IMAGE
We want you to send us the Himsan
fugitive. Once we have him,
Secretary Wilson will be free to
join you.
WILSON'S IMAGE
Don't do it, Picard. You know the
Federation can't bargain with
terrorists.
PICARD
What would you possibly want with
Mister Lorien?
TERRORIST IMAGE
Why we wish him to join us is of
no concern to you, Captain.
Suffice it to say we simply do.
He's not a member of your crew, or
even of the Federation, why should
you care what happens to him?
PICARD
I'm responsible for the welfare of
everyone aboard my ship, be they
crew, family or guest, and I will
do everything in my power to see
they all remain safe.
TERRORIST IMAGE
It really doesn't matter, Captain.
The only way Secretary Wilson will
be returned to you is in exchange
for the Himsan. You have one hour
to decide. We will contact you
then.
PICARD
One hour or one year will make no
difference. Secretary Wilson is
expendable, if necessary, and he
knows and accepts that, as does
every other Starfleet or
Federation representative. We
will not deal with threats.
TERRORIST IMAGE
One hour, Captain.
The viewscreen image fades and the scout ship has
disappeared.
WORF
If we could find them, we could
disable them and take Secretary
Wilson from them.
PICARD
Geordi, can we find them?
GEORDI
I'm trying, Captain, but I don't
think so. I don't know if it's
interference from the other ships,
or if the Romulans have had a
tremendous breakthrough in
cloaking technology, but I can
find no trace of them.
PICARD
Mister Worf, even if we could find
them, how do you propose we
disable them with our weapons
systems disarmed?
WORF
We must activate all systems.
Without our shields, we are open
to attack from the terrorist ship.
PICARD
And if we do activate shields, the
Romulans will surely detect it and
react. It could be the beginning
of galactic war.
WORF
Captain, the Romulans are
contacting us again.
The viewscreen shows the interior of the Romulan ship.
TOMALAK'S IMAGE
Captain, what is the meaning of
this? If you have lured us here
to demonstrate some new Federation
weapon, you will be sorry indeed.
PICARD
I assure you, Commander, this is
not a Federation plot. It could,
however, very easily be a Romulan
plan to disrupt the Games and
endanger the negotiations between
our two governments.
TOMALAK'S IMAGE
Does the Federation desire war
with the Romulan Empire so
fervently, Picard, or is it just
you who do?
PICARD
No one wants war, Tomalak. And if
you truly know nothing about that
ship out there, then you have
nothing to fear. We will contact
you when Secretary Wilson is ready
to talk with you. Until that
time, please stand by.
Picard motions to have the connection cut off.
LORIEN
Captain Picard, I've already told
you I had no intention of letting
your ship or crew become
endangered because of me. I can
do no less for an official of the
Federation. I will turn myself
over to these people so you can
get your friend back.
RIKER
From what you've told us and
everything we've seen, those
terrorists are almost certainly
Romulans. They don't want you
telling the Federation about their
plans any more than Colonel Zildex
does. And they won't be any
kinder to you than she would.
PICARD
Absolutely not, Mister Lorien,
it's too dangerous.
LORIEN
You were perfectly willing to turn
me over to Zildex a little while
ago, Captain. I'd be dead within
minutes of getting into her
clutches. Whatever the terrorists
do to me could be no worse than
that.
RIKER
You don't know the Romulans.
LORIEN
Regardless of what you believe, I
have no proof they are Romulans
and I'd much rather take my
chances with the unknown than
Zildex.
PICARD
There's no guarantee they'll
release Secretary Wilson even if I
do let you go. I'm sorry, Mister
Lorien, but I cannot permit you to
jeopardize yourself.
LORIEN
(angrily)
You cannot allow me? I'm not a
member of your crew that you can
order to do, or not to do. You've
told me repeatedly I'm not a
prisoner here, yet you continue to
treat me as if I were. Are you
going to prevent me from doing
this?
PICARD
(reluctantly)
No. But I don't like it. It sets
a bad precedent to deal with
terrorists.
LORIEN
You're not, Captain. I'm doing
this of my own free will. The
Federation has nothing to do with
this.
RIKER
Colonel Zildex won't like this one
little bit.
LORIEN
(smiling)
All the more reason to do it.
Shall we tell her, Captain?
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
INT. BRIDGE
The same people are present as before.
WORF
I have Colonel Zildex, now,
Captain.
The viewscreen changes to show Zildex and her two
companions.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
So, Captain, I see you have Lorien
there with you. You are ready to
turn him over to us?
PICARD
Not exactly.
LORIEN
For some unknown reason, Zildex,
the people who kidnapped Wilson
want me in exchange for him. The
Captain once told me I'd done
nothing to earn his trust. I'm
about to change that.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
You can't do that, Picard. Lorien
belongs to us.
PICARD
So long as Mister Lorien is aboard
a Federation vessel, he is a free
man and belongs to no one. Now
that he's asked to be permitted to
do this, there's nothing within
Federation law that would allow me
to stop him. Of course, once he's
left our ship, you may feel free
to attempt to negotiate with the
kidnappers for his return to you.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
And just how do you expect me to
do that, Picard? I don't even
know who or what they are.
PICARD
At that point, it will no longer
be Federation business.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
The galaxy will not take kindly to
Federation interference, Captain.
PICARD
On the contrary, Colonel, the
Federation has nothing to do with
it.
ZILDEX' IMAGE
If you ever expect to see your
Counselor again, Picard ...
At that moment, the aft turbolift opens and Counselor
Troi enters the bridge and calmly sits down in her
seat.
TROI
I see we have a visitor, Captain.
PICARD
Counselor!
ZILDEX' IMAGE
(worried)
Counselor?
RIKER
Deanna, are you all right?
PICARD
How did you escape?
TROI
Escape what, Captain? I've been
on Olympia enjoying the crowds and
the Games. When I couldn't find
any of the other members from the
shoreleave party, I decided to
return to the Enterprise.
PICARD
But we couldn't contact you by
communicator.
TROI
I left it in my cabin. We ARE
supposed to be on vacation,
Captain.
PICARD
Zildex!
ZILDEX' IMAGE
Uh, Captain, we seem to be having
some technical difficulties in our
communications. We'll have to
contact you at a later time.
The viewscreen image returns to the planet.
PICARD
It is good to see you, Counselor!
You can't imagine what's been
going on here in your absence.
I'm afraid it'll take some time to
explain.
WORF
We are being hailed.
RIKER
Whoever they are, they're
punctual.
PICARD
On screen.
The viewscreen changes to show the inside of the scout
ship as it was seen before.
TERRORIST IMAGE
Have you made your decision,
Captain?
PICARD
As I told you before, the
Federation does not make deals
with terrorists.
TERRORIST IMAGE
That is truly unfortunate,
Captain.
PICARD
However, Mister Lorien has
requested I allow him to come to
you on a voluntary basis and I've
agreed.
TERRORIST IMAGE
That's much better, Captain. I
knew you wouldn't let me down.
PICARD
I want you to understand this
decision was Mister Lorien's alone
and as such is not an officially
sanctioned position by myself or
the Federation.
TERRORIST IMAGE
I really don't care, Captain, I
have what I want. If you wish to
wash your hands of it, that's your
business.
PICARD
How do we know you'll keep your
word and return Secretary Wilson
to us once Mister Lorien is aboard
your ship?
TERRORIST IMAGE
You don't. You'll just have to
trust us. You have no other
choice.
PICARD
I believe we do. If you'll
permit, my Transporter Chief can
rig a bidirectional transporter
lock. Wilson and Lorien will be
transported simultaneously, and
each of us will be able to abort
the transfer if either detects any
tricks by the other.
TERRORIST IMAGE
Very well, Captain. You may have
your bidirectional transporter
lock. We will be monitoring until
you're ready for transfer.
The viewscreen changes to the planet image.
LORIEN
Captain, I'd like to speak with
you, privately, before I go, if I
may.
PICARD
We can speak in my Ready Room.
Picard and Lorien exit the bridge and enter the
Captain's Ready Room.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard and Lorien have just entered the room.
LORIEN
Is this room equipped with a
security field, Captain?
PICARD
That won't be necessary. My crew
would never violate my trust by
spying.
LORIEN
As you think best, Captain, it is
your ship and your crew.
(pauses)
I'm violating my most basic
instinct by talking to you here,
but I believe you deserve to know
some of the truth. Nothing of
what is said, or not said, here
must ever leave this room.
PICARD
You have my word.
LORIEN
I can tell you're still concerned
about my safety and that of your
friend.
PICARD
I have no reason to trust those
people, and every reason not to.
LORIEN
Do you feel you can trust me, yet?
PICARD
I believe so.
LORIEN
Then believe me, Captain, when I
tell you now that I guarantee I
will be well taken care of when I
leave your ship, and Secretary
Wilson will be returned having
suffered nothing for the ordeal.
PICARD
You can't guarantee that unless
you're working with the
terrorists.
(pauses looking for reaction)
And if that were the case, you've
been involved in an operation that
put at risk the life of an
important Federation official.
Under those circumstances, I have
no choice but to place you in
custody.
LORIEN
Secretary Wilson was never in any
danger and has cooperated at every
step.
PICARD
Are you suggesting this was a
Federation operation?
LORIEN
Officially, I can make no such
suggestion.
PICARD
Then the advanced cloaking
technology on that ship is of
Federation origin? I'd not even
heard rumors of such breakthroughs
in Federation science.
LORIEN
There are many things in the
Federation that are not widely
discussed. I was placed into
Himsan society a long time ago to
find out what they would be so
eager to hide. I now have that
information and it's absolutely
vital to Federation security
interests. What I told you about
them inviting the Romulans to set
up a base was true.
PICARD
You also said you had no positive
proof.
LORIEN
I said I had no proof I could give
you.
PICARD
The Federation would never spy on
another government as you suggest.
It would be a blatant violation of
the Prime Directive. The
Federation is an open society, it
does not spy.
LORIEN
When you make first contact with
an emerging planet, you send in
spies to scout things out.
PICARD
People are sent to gather needed
information so that problems can
be prevented during the actual
contact, but they're not spies.
LORIEN
They go in, unknown, to gather
information. You may call it
something else, but how is it
different from spying?
PICARD
It's entirely different. We do
not interfere in the planet's
evolution or government. The goal
is entirely different. The
Federation is a peaceful society.
LORIEN
If the Federation loves peace so
dearly, why create a warship such
as the Enterprise and a military
such as Starfleet?
PICARD
The Enterprise is not a warship,
it is a ship of exploration and
peace.
LORIEN
Then it must be the most heavily
armed ship of exploration in
history. Do you need to be able
to destroy a planet in order to
explore it?
PICARD
We never use our weapons in an
offensive capacity.
LORIEN
Then why have them?
PICARD
Not every society believes in
peace as the Federation does. We
must be able to defend ourselves
when necessary. The use of force
is a choice never to be taken
lightly, but it sometimes is the
only choice available to us.
LORIEN
Exactly, Captain. And sometimes
the rules of a civilized society
can be too restrictive when
dealing with those who don't play
by the rules. It is a choice
never to be taken lightly, but it
sometimes is the only choice
available.
(slight pause)
There are many types of games,
Captain. There are those played
on Olympia, with wreaths and
medals for prizes. And there are
much more deadly games where the
stakes are much higher.
PICARD
I'm still not convinced I can
agree with your position, Mister
Lorien, but you certainly do
present an interesting argument.
LORIEN
I should be going now, Captain.
Am I still free to do so?
PICARD
It's against my better judgement,
but I suppose I owe it to you
anyway.
Picard and Lorien leave the Captain's Ready Room.
INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
O'Brien is present. The door opens and Picard and
Lorien enter. Lorien takes his place on the
transporter platform.
LORIEN
It's been quite an experience,
Captain Picard. And you're quite
an exceptional man. Perhaps
someday, if things turn out well,
we'll meet again and we can
continue our discussion.
PICARD
I would look forward to that.
O'BRIEN
Two-way lock established, Captain.
PICARD
Thank you Mister O'Brien.
Energize.
The transporter effect occurs over two pads, removing
Lorien and bringing in Wilson on an adjacent pad.
PICARD
Welcome aboard the Enterprise,
again, Mister Secretary.
WILSON
It's good to be back, Captain.
An intercom chirp sounds.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
The terrorist ship has
disappeared, Captain. And the
Romulans are getting very
restless. Is Secretary Wilson
safely aboard?
WILSON
I've never felt better, Commander.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
That's good to hear, Mister
Secretary. Captain, Colonel
Zildex has contacted us again and
asked for political asylum. She
doesn't want to return to Himsa
having failed in her mission.
PICARD
What did you tell her, Number One?
RIKER'S COM VOICE
I told her we'd be unable to help
her, as it would interfere with
the internal affairs of the Himsan
government, but that perhaps she
could try the Romulans. She
didn't seem very happy.
WILSON
(laughing)
I don't imagine she would be.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
What now, Captain?
WILSON
I do apologize for the
difficulties you've had to endure
since coming here, Captain, but my
original offer still stands.
Please join me on Olympia and
enjoy the Games.
Picard pauses, uncertainly.
WILSON
(continuing)
I promise, Captain, I expect no
more unpleasant surprises.
PICARD
Very well. Number One, start
organizing the shore parties.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Yes, sir! Right away.
PICARD
If I didn't know better, Mister
Secretary, I'd almost be led to
think this entire incident was
well planned in advance.
WILSON
Ah, but Captain, you do know
better, don't you? I can see we
have some things to discuss.
PICARD
Would you care to join me for a
drink in our Ten Forward lounge?
WILSON
I think your Ready Room would be
more appropriate.
Picard and Wilson exit the transporter room.
INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Picard and Wilson are present.
WILSON
I want to thank you, Captain, for
everything you've done to resolve
this crisis.
PICARD
But I didn't really do anything.
WILSON
Precisely, Captain. Sometimes
that's the best possible choice in
a crisis. I knew you'd carefully
examine all options and would make
no rash decisions. We've been
able to keep the Federation pretty
much out of this incident and I
think things will not go poorly
for us as a result.
PICARD
Even with popular opinion on our
side, and Colonel Zildex out of
the picture, the Himsan government
may still seek to take revenge on
the scientists at Marcus Station.
WILSON
The USS Excalibur is at Marcus
Station now delivering supplies.
They can stay there as long as
necessary to prevent any problems.
PICARD
Everything's been accounted for,
hasn't it? But you took an awful
chance having the Romulans here.
And why didn't you prepare the
Klingons for their arrival as you
said?
WILSON
I'll tell you the truth, Captain,
even though we invited them, we
never really expected the Romulans
to show up. And I didn't want to
put any strain on our Alliance
with the Klingons if it wasn't
necessary.
PICARD
So when the Romulans did show up,
it was a risk you hadn't planned
on. We all believed they were
behind the kidnapping.
WILSON
When Tomalak showed up, I did
consider calling the whole thing
off. I probably would have if you
hadn't told me about the Romulan
base. Until that point, we had no
idea what Lorien had discovered.
PICARD
When I practically accused Tomalak
of being involved with the
terrorists ...
WILSON
It certainly did make things more
interesting, and my job more
difficult, but I thrive on a
challenge, Captain. It's too
early to tell, but things could
turn out better than we expected.
Wilson suddenly becomes jovial again.
WILSON
(continuing)
And when this is over, I WILL take
you up on that drink offer. I
hear you have quite an interesting
hostess in your Ten Forward. I
look forward to meeting her.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END.