STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Justice" #40271-109 Story by John D.F. Black and Worley Thorne Teleplay by Worley Thorne Directed by James Conway Copyright 1987 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. 2ND REV. FINAL DRAFT SEPTEMBER 4, 1987 STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Justice" CAST PICARD FIRST EDO CITIZEN RIKER TWO EDO CITIZENS DATA RIVAN (YOUNG FEMALE EDO) TROI LIATOR (MALE EDO) BEVERLY EDOLORD TASHA FIRST EDO BOY GEORDI CONN CREWMEMBER WORF EDO GIRL WESLEY SECOND EDO BOY FIRST MEDIATOR (MALE EDO) SECOND MEDIATOR (MALE EDO) EDO ADULTS CHILDREN MUSIC GROUP OF EDO HARPISTS TRANSPORTER CHIEF MEDICAL TECHNICIAN STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Justice" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT Main bridge Command and Helm Areas SURFACE OF RUBICUN THREE Corridor Starboard Lounge SECOND SCENIC LOCATION Corridor Outside the Observation Lounge MYSTERY OBJECT Sickbay Corridor Sickbay EDO GARDENS EDO COUNCIL CHAMBERS EDO COUNCIL CHAMBERS STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Justice" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN PLANET ORBIT (OPTICAL) A lovely blue and white planet, close to Earthlike in appearance. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, stardate 41255.6. After delivering a party of Earth colonists to the Strnad solar system and providing... 2 CLOSER ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) emphasizing the starship's line. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) ... them with all their basic necessities, we have discovered another Class M planet in the adjoining Rubicun star system. 3 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) PICARD, TROI, WORF and WESLEY on duty with replacement bridge crew, all examining the planet, as: PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) We are now in orbit there, having determined it to be inhabited as well as unusually lovely. It is... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 2. 4 EMPHASIZING PICARD PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) ... a pastoral world, which also shows evidence of learning and civilization. My first officer has taken an away team down to make contact and they are in the process of returning to the ship. 5 COMMAND AND HELM AREAS Picard looking to Troi. PICARD Riker has sounded very enthused in his reports. TROI (nods) He says the planet has life forms almost identical to us. Interrupted by Beverly who ENTERS, obviously with much on her mind. BEVERLY Captain... ! (sees she has interrupted) Sorry, Troi. Troi smiles, beckons Beverly in. TROI The Doctor has something much more important on her mind, Captain. BEVERLY (frowns; to Troi) Please, Troi, do not pick up my feelings! TROI Your feelings? All we need are ears. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 3. 5 CONTINUED: PICARD (smiles to Beverly) You've been talking about it for days now... Shore leave for the crew. Beverly sees that her son Wesley has also thrown her a concerned look. She gives an apologetic nod to Troi. BEVERLY I'm tired myself. (to Picard) Establishing that colony has exhausted the entire crew, sir. We're not a supply vessel. Settling all those people was a strain on everyone. RIKER interrupts by ENTERING with DATA, GEORDI, TASHA. They all register enthusiasm, giving the replacement crew nods, smiles, thumbs up gestures as they take over their positions. Riker has continued straight to Picard, acknowledging Troi and Beverly too. PICARD Is it as good as your reports, Number One? RIKER (enthused) Exactly per my reports, sir. Class M, so Earthlike, so beautiful, it will startle you! BEVERLY It sounds wonderful for the children! (to Picard) The Holodecks are marvelous, of course, but nothing like giving them open space and fresh air... Beverly takes a simulated deep breath of air. TASHA I've listed my report on their customs and laws, sir. Fairly simple, common sense things. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 4. 5 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI Wild in some ways, puritanical in others. Neat as pins, ultra-lawful, and making love at the drop of a hat. TASHA Any hat. PICARD (smile) But even the happiest report has its negatives. Let's start with them. RIKER (grins) There are none, sir. Not that any of us can find. DATA But there is a problem here, sir! Data is puzzling over readings at his station. DATA (continuing) I do not understand this at all! WORF (to Picard) It's the faulty reading I reported, sir. TASHA Sensor technicians are working on it, sir. They've identified it as a "glitch" in the system. Picard turns back to Riker. PICARD I take it you find no "glitch" at all in this planet, however. TASHA If you approve shore leave, sir, we could start with a small group at first. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - TEASER 5. 5 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD Of course... (turns) Wesley, if we go, you will join the away team to evaluate this world as a place for young people to relax. WESLEY Yes, sir! He glances at Beverly to note her smiling approval of this. PICARD If all scans and observations confirm the reports... (nods) ... certainly I'll approve it. (beat) Let's hope it is not too good to be true. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 6. ACT ONE FADE IN: 6 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN PLANET ORBIT (OPTICAL) The same lovely planet. PICARD (V.O.) We are in orbit of a planet designated Rubicun Three... and have found it to be the home of a life form who call themselves the Edo. 7 EXT. SURFACE OF RUBICUN THREE (OPTICAL) The planet is as described. We are at an inhabited part of it... clean, neat, the "streets" appearing more like a running track, bordered with flowers. The TRANSPORTER EFFECT brings in our new away team of Riker, Troi, Tasha, Worf and Wesley. In the near distance, a group of very human appearing people have seen them arriving and two of them turn and race in this direction. Worf is quickly aware of it and prepares to interpose himself protectively. WORF Careful, sir... RIKER It's all right, Lieutenant, these are the Edo we met. 8 ANGLE ON THE EDO ARRIVING at high speed. A young female and male who, like other Edo we'll meet, are both tall, full haired, with even white teeth, great bodies. They're also dressed in loose, sexy clothing and these two wear a silvery necklace indicating high rank. Riker is watching an attractive Edo woman, saying: RIKER They certainly are... fit, right? Troi is looking at an Edo male. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 7. 8 CONTINUED: TROI They certainly are. RIVAN Health and happiness! LIATOR A pleasant day to you! Troi gives Riker an even sharper second look as the Edo ARRIVE and RIVAN, the woman, gives Riker a close and rather intimate hands-on hug which, although it touches upon the sensual, also combines genuine friendship, too. RIVAN You did return as promised! The man, LIATOR, is looking over Troi and Tasha with healthy interest. Like Rivan, although slim and very well muscled, he has a quiet dignity that fits well with this necklace-badge of leadership. RIKER Rivan, Liator... (indicating) Also from our vessel is Troi... LIATOR Slowly, slowly... (embraces Troi) I must also welcome this lovely one... (embracing Tasha) ... and this lovely one... Riker waits, watching with interest until Tasha disengages. She understands his look. TASHA (smiles) My pleasure. TROI Healthy sensuality, sir. I feel mainly happiness and friendship. RIVAN And I welcome this huge one... (hugs and fondles Worf) ... oh, yes, yes... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 8. 8 CONTINUED: (2) WORF (pleased) Nice planet! Rivan moves to Wesley, stops quizzically. RIVAN But you are a young one. I do not know your custom regarding love. Wesley is clearly nervous, although intrigued too. He clears his throat: WESLEY Uh... I guess... whatever you usually do... Rivan shows excellent taste, giving Wesley a "hug" but without any "extras." RIKER Others would like to visit here too. If you'll tell us what limits you'd place on the number... LIATOR Whatever pleases you. We can discuss it at the Council Chambers. RIVAN (to Riker) Shall we go there now or remain and play? RIKER Play? RIVAN At love. Unless you don't enjoy that. (to Worf) Perhaps you do? LIATOR (to Troi) And you? Yes, I can see that you do. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 9. 8 CONTINUED: (3) WESLEY Listen, maybe I'll just go on ahead... RIVAN (indicates Wesley) This is unfair to him. (to Wesley) We'll go to the Council Chambers. You'll find young people your age there. WESLEY (warily) Well... I really can't make any promises... LIATOR (laughs) You don't have to. Our rules are simple. No one does anything uncomfortable to them. RIVAN Come! Our people will want to know you. Then she turns back, glancing at the more formal clothing worn by the humans. LIATOR Rivan, perhaps they...can't...run. WESLEY (to Riker) Can't run? Sure we can run, right sir? RIKER (to the others) That's the custom here, running... (to Wesley) Right! Lead the way! Rivan, Liator, and Wesley LEAD OFF, the Others JOGGING AFTER them. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 10. 9 TRUCKING - EMPHASIZING RIKER AND WORF who find themselves out in front of Tasha and Troi. RIKER "When in Rome... ," eh? WORF When where, sir? CAMERA HOLDS as the Group runs past. 9A EXT. SECOND SCENIC LOCATION Rivan and Liator leading the Enterprise people along another lovely pathway where an elderly but very trim FIRST EDO CITIZEN and a pair of younger N.D. EDO CITIZENS see them coming and break into a run to join them. Lots of smiles and waves. 9B TRUCKING - EMPHASIZING AWAY TEAM AND FIRST EDO CITIZZEN The Enterprise people very much taken with the joy and good health they're seeing. First Edo citizen notes Tasha's light complexion and amazon form. FIRST EDO CITIZEN Good health to you! TASHA Happiness to you! (to Troi) It's like an "Eden" here. 10 EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS A combination of conference and recreation facilities, lots of light and air and spectacularly healthy looking people in revealing but comfortable garb. SOUND of delighted ADULT LAUGHTER from inside the chambers too. Two adults and a child DEPART on the run, another older woman ARRIVES -- on the run too. She doesn't seem to be breathing very hard at all. 11 ANGLE ON RIKER AND TEAM ARRIVING on the run with their Edo companions. They haven't done too badly. Rivan stops, looks Riker and the Enterprise people over, then moves in and embraces Riker again. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 11. 11 CONTINUED: RIVAN Good health! I thought you might be out of breath. A SHRIEK from children at play, several Edo children race INTO SIGHT. LIATOR Children, we've brought you a new friend! FIRST EDO BOY Hello! Join us! EDO GIRL Yes, please! Wesley joins the smiling children. RIKER (grins) We may surprise you in a lot of ways. 12 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS The kind of place you'd like to visit. No particularly formalized furnishing plan -- it includes just about any way anyone would like to sit or loll. The same sort of revealing but sensible garb here too -- along with good humor. In fact, joy is what is mainly present here. Lots of fruit, nuts, food and drink selections. A MUSIC GROUP of Harpists in sight -- admittedly strange looking harps on which they compose, and now and then PLAY LILTING MUSIC which, like everything else, is not taken too seriously here either. RIVAN Everyone! We've brought the visitors! LIATOR (gesturing to away team) Please enjoy what we have! 13 EMPHASIZING ENTERPRISE PEOPLE as they are taken charge of with great hospitality. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 12. 14 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT (OPTICAL) The same lovely planet. 15 INT. MAIN BRIDGE as Data ENTERS bridge from the turbolift, strides rapidly toward his station, his face reflecting concern. DATA I have traced it through all sensor channels, Captain! It is not a glitch... ! Picard becomes alarmed at Data's tone, follows him to the Ops station where Data begins going over readings again. DATA (continuing) ... or any other form of error or malfunction, sir. GEORDI Confirmed by my readings, sir. It's like a "shadow something"... DATA Exactly! As if it's not entirely in or out of our dimension. PICARD "What" is, Commander? Data points off to front starboard of the vessel. DATA Whatever is sitting out there without triggering our alarm relays, Captain. PICARD Center Main Viewer on that area. 16 ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) as the IMAGE there shifts slightly, but REVEALS nothing but the planet and star background previously seen. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT ONE 13. 16 CONTINUED: PICARD (to Data; continuing) I need more, Commander. Data seems stumped for a moment, then: DATA Permission to go to hailing frequencies, sir? A puzzled Picard nods. DATA Hailing frequencies open. On all frequencies and language forms, send... (beat) Enterprise to Object off our starboard bow. Request that you identify yourself! As suddenly, the "what" begins appearing -- A HUGE AND COMPLEX LOOKING OBJECT, A BIT SMALLER THAN THE ENTERPRISE. IT IS HALF-TRANSPARENT BUT PARTLY SOLID, TOO, AND VERY DEADLY LOOKING. A VESSEL? PERHAPS, BUT SEEMINGLY MORE, TOO. WE WILL LEARN THAT IT SOMEHOW EXISTS HERE AND IN ANOTHER CONTINUUM AT THE SAME TIME. At the moment it appears, the Enterprise RED ALERT with KLAXON comes on too. FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 14. ACT TWO FADE IN: 17 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL) The partially transparent Mystery Object as described, positioned very close to the starship Enterprise. Its very nearness implies threat. 18 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) The Red Alert lights FLASHING, the KLAXON SOUNDING a couple more times, then going SILENT. The mystery object IMAGE is on the Main Viewer; Picard and the others are as we last saw them. GEORDI Shields and deflectors up full, sir. Main phaser banks ready. PICARD Hailing frequencies? Any reply? DATA (puzzled) It was something unintelligible, Captain. Now running it through our logic and language circuits... PICARD Have a real look at it, Geordi! GEORDI (hurrying for the turbolift) Aye, sir. TASHA Sir, my sensors read it... well, as "half there." And it does look... She hesitates. Data finishes her thought. DATA As if it's partly...transparent. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 15. 18 CONTINUED: PICARD Data, what the hell is it? It is rather frightening to see Data turn to his Captain... slowly shake his head. 18A INT. STARBOARD LOUNGE - (OPTICAL) Geordi ENTERING on a run, racing to the first large port, from which the mystery object/vessel thing can be seen from here too. He stands examining it. Then: GEORDI Lieutenant La Forge to Captain. PICARD'S COM VOICE Go ahead, La Forge. What can you make out? GEORDI This is something I've never seen before, sir. 18B INT. MAIN BRIDGE - COMMAND AREA - (OPTICAL) Picard intent upon: GEORDI'S COM VOICE It's as if it isn't entirely in our dimension, sir. PICARD Anything else? GEORDI'S COM VOICE Negative, sir. It's something I don't understand. DATA (to Picard) I have some information on its first transmission, sir. It translates as... (looks up) ... "stand by." STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 16. 18B CONTINUED: CONN CREWMEMBER Sir! Sensors show something emerging from that... that ship, if you want to call it that. DATA Verified. Something very small... 19 EXT. SPACE - ON MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL) REVEALING A TINY PINPOINT OF LIGHT having come out of the side of the mystery object (no hatchway visible) CROSSING orbital space toward the Enterprise. 20 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Data watching Main Viewer. DATA Getting smaller... 21 EXT. SPACE - ANGLE ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Still smaller now, the PINPOINT OF LIGHT moves toward the starship then actually passes through its "solid" side. 22 INT. ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR (OPTICAL) Several crewpersons stopping, astonished at the sight of what this CLOSER VIEW shows as the SWIRLING BLOB OF LIGHT comes INTO SIGHT near the corridor deck and passes on an upward diagonal path of EXITING VIEW near the ceiling beyond. (It is on its way to the bridge.) 23 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) where Conn is reacting to an alarm from his panel. Geordi RE-ENTERS bridge, takes his position. CONN CREWMEMBER Intruder alert, sir! But I don't... (puzzled) ... show a location... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 17. 23 CONTINUED: PICARD (to Geordi) Why a tiny swirl of light, Lieutenant? Could you make out anything else? GEORDI (puzzling; looks up) No, sir. Perhaps it is meant to seem "non-threatening" to us. DATA (interrupting) The away team signal has been cut off, Captain! We are no longer in contact with our people! Conn is very puzzled over a reading at his station. CONN CREWMEMBER Intruder relays do show something... He hesitates, puzzled. PICARD Why has everything become a something, or a whatever? He gets his answer as the tiny SWIRLING LIGHT OBJECT COMES INTO VIEW. It is about the size of a 'light bulb' now, moving more slowly than before. COMING IN ON AN UPWARD ANGLE THROUGH THE DECK, IT STOPS NOW, SUSPENDED IN THE MID-BRIDGE AREA. 24 ANGLE ON COMMAND AREA (OPTICAL) Picard has come to his feet, watching as the TINY SWIRLING LIGHT OBJECT which moves in his direction, and STOPS. Picard has tried not to retreat before the mysterious thing, but it is with some difficulty. Conn has moved in holding a large hand phaser ready, but has gotten a headshake from Picard. Then, from the tiny swirling light object, a VOICE we'll come to know as the EDOLORD. THE WORDS ARE TRANSMITTED WITH SUCH VOLUME THAT THEY LITERALLY SHAKE THE BRIDGE (OPTICAL OR CAMERA JIGGLE). A couple of the bridge crew throw hands to ears protectively. At the same time, we HEAR SOUND OF SOMETHING SHATTERING "GLASSLIKE" AS IT COMES APART, various PANELS FLARE WITH LIGHT. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 18. 24 CONTINUED: EDOLORD (V.O.) STATE THE PURPOSE... Apparently aware the volume has been too great, the Edolord message is begun again at least at a bearable volume level. EDOLORD (V.O.) (continuing; repeating) STATE... (volume still reduced) STATE THE PURPOSE OF WHAT YOU HAVE DONE! 25 SHOT PERMITTING NEXT EFFECT (OPTICAL) Picard fighting to stay calm. As he realizes he has heard the entire message: PICARD I am Captain Picard, commanding this Federation starship... VIOLENTLY, THE ENTIRE MAIN BRIDGE BUCKS AND SHAKES (OPTICAL AND/OR CAMERA MOVEMENTS) IN A WAY SUGGESTING SOMETHING "SHAKING SENSE" INTO A SMALL CHILD OR ANIMAL. All not seated are thrown to the deck or must hang on. 26 ANOTHER ANGLE Data moves toward the Command Area, examining the LIGHT SWIRL. EDOLORD (V.O.) (repeating) STATE THE PURPOSE OF YOUR VISIT HERE! PICARD (toward LIGHT SWIRL) We have sent down what we call an away team to make peaceful contact with... EDOLORD (V.O.) DO YOU PLAN TO LEAVE LIFE FORMS HERE? STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 19. 26 CONTINUED: PICARD No... we are merely visiting here... EDOLORD (V.O.) (interrupting) BUT YOU DID MORE AT THE WORLD YOU JUST LEFT. WHY HAVE YOU LEFT YOUR OWN LIFE FORMS THERE? DATA The colony we just planted, sir... PICARD We found that world uninhabited. The life forms we left there... (carefully choosing his words) ... had sought the challenge... (shrugs) ... at least that's the basic reason... had sought the challenge of creating a new lifestyle, a new society there. (beat; explaining) All life on our world is driven to... to protect its own form by re-seeding itself as... as widely as possible. EDOLORD (V.O.) DO NOT INTERFERE WITH MY CHILDREN BELOW! 27 ANGLE ON DATA (OPTICAL) genuinely puzzled over Picard's last statement. Suddenly the TINY LIGHT SWIRL RISES TOWARD DATA, comes to rest floating inches in front of his face. Then, Data registers a surprised expression now as he continues looking at the SWIRLING LIGHT OBJECT. Then: DATA Captain... I do not understand how, but it is asking me if I was... constructed for information exchanges. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 20. 27 CONTINUED: PICARD (hesitates, then) If there... is any way of our learning more about whatever is out there, Data... Data starts to nod, a movement which triggers action -- the tiny LIGHT SWIRL moving in to touch Data's forehead -- resulting in Data going down to the deck with a crash. 28 ANGLE DOWN ON DATA (OPTICAL) His entire form GLOWING as he goes stiff, eyes rolling back in their sockets. 29 EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS ESTABLISHING. 30 CLOSER ON ENTRY as Wesley comes INTO VIEW with THREE EDO YOUTHS of about his own age, two male and one a very pretty young female who has very much caught Wesley's attention. The boys have a ball; they're all smiling, laughing. FIRST EDO BOY Watch! You can't do this! The Edo boy stands expertly on his hands. Wesley eyes this, decides to do something else. He turns a series of cartwheels. The Edo kids CHEER with enthusiasm, especially the girl who hugs Wesley impulsively. EDO GIRL I want to do something too! With you. WESLEY (loses smile; warily) Uh... What? EDO GIRL Something you can teach me. Will you? STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 21. 30 CONTINUED: WESLEY Well, actually, there are some games I... uh, don't quite know yet... EDO GIRL It's playing ball. Will you teach me? WESLEY (relieved) Oh, sure. If you have a bat for the ball, I'll show you my favorite. (sees their puzzlement) A bat... (shows measurement) ... a stick or branch, about this thick, this long... EDO GIRL We can get it from the gardens. They race OFF leading the way, beginning to toss the ball back and forth. 31 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - EMPHASIZING RIKER Riker in the midst of reacting to something Worf has just said. With him the balance of the away team is mixing happily with various of the Edo. RIKER (touching his insignia) Enterprise, come in. (waits, then again) Captain, do you read me? He gets nothing in return. Troubled, he turns to Worf, speaking quietly: RIKER (continuing) Let's... it may be nothing, but let's move our people together. WORF (nods, then) Including the boy, Wesley? He's outside... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 22. 31 CONTINUED: TROI Is there some problem? Troi has somehow sensed Riker's feelings and made her way toward them now. RIKER We've lost contact with our ship. TROI (scans room) It's nothing these people have done... I'm certain of that. Their minds are so open... RIKER Help me locate Wes. He's wandered somewhere. He LEADS Troi toward the entrance as Worf eases his way toward the rest of the Away Team. 32 OMITTED 33 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - EMPHASIZING WORF Not wanting to create a false emergency, he works his way toward Tasha carefully. She's with Rivan, Liator and other Edo. WORF If I can take a moment of your time, Lieutenant... TASHA Yes, Worf... but you've got to hear this. (to Liator) Are you telling me that there's no crime here whatsoever? No one breaks any laws? LIATOR (smiles) Once they did. Long, long ago there was much disorder. (smiles; shakes head) But not now. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 23. 33 CONTINUED: TASHA (to Liator and Rivan) But I've seen no sign of... of police... those who enforce laws. RIVAN We have very few. They're called "Mediators." And they are needed only in one place each day... LIATOR The "punishment zone." An area that's selected for a period of time. TASHA It's a completely random selection? LIATOR (nods) No one but our Mediators know what place or for how long. We're very proud of the wisdom of our ancestors. No person ever knows where or when a zone will be. RIVAN (smiling too) ... and so no one risks death. WORF (suddenly alert) Death? RIVAN (nodding) ... by breaking any law. TASHA Wait, let's explain this... LIATOR (nodding, pleased) Only one punishment for any crime. WORF Anyone who commits any crime in the punishment zone dies! STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT TWO 24. 33 CONTINUED: (2) LIATOR (nods) The law is the law. Our peace is built on that. TASHA Even a small thing? Such as ignoring a rule like "keep off the grass?" RIVAN (nods; happily) Then no one breaks that rule. Who wants to risk execution? There's always a white wall or fence to remind anyone of a forbidden area like that... Tasha begins EXITING calling a question back to the Edo. TASHA And just who tells visitors of those rules? WORF We'd better find Wesley! They leave behind two puzzled Edo. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 25. ACT THREE FADE IN: 34 EXT. EDO GARDENS Wesley INTO VIEW with his friends, still tossing the ball back and forth. He makes a difficult catch, capturing the Edo girls' admiration again. (In b.g. is an attractive, glassed potting shed surrounded by a low white fence.) EDO GIRL You're very clever at this! Wesley decides to show off, runs ahead... WESLEY At home we play a lot of it. (gestures; running ahead) Here, toss the ball ahead of me! Which is done, but it is going over his head. 35 CLOSE ON EDO GIRL registering concern. EDO GIRL No, Wes... 36 PANNING WESLEY making a strong effort to reach the ball, leaping a neat white fence at the potting enclosure. The Boys are now registering too. FIRST EDO BOY (shouting) No! It's forbidden to disturb the new plants... ! 37 ANGLE ON WESLEY'S FALL Leaping for the ball, missing... falling into the potting shed. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 26. 38 GROUP SHOT - THE YOUNG PEOPLE The girl hanging back, ANXIOUS. The boys pressing in, short of the white fence. Wesley lying in the broken glass of the Shed. FIRST EDO BOY Couldn't you see the fence? That's for new plants... SECOND EDO BOY (overlapping first) Don't ever go past a white marker! WESLEY (getting up) What's wrong? The the girl sees someone approaching from O.S., reacts horrified, SCREAMS. 39 WIDER ANGLE REVEALING a pair of Edo MEDIATORS (local law enforcement) hurrying toward the potting shed area in b.g. They are middle-aged men, exceedingly trim and healthy-looking, also kindly in appearance. Their only indication of office is a neat belt and pouch. But at the sight of them the girl SHRIEKS AGAIN and it is from genuine despair and fear for Wesley. EDO GIRL Oh, no! Oh, please, no! 40 PAN THE MEDIATORS IN as Wesley climbs back over the fence, brushing himself off. The Edo young people now back away, awed at what has happened. FIRST MEDIATOR Speak the truth. We are Mediators. WESLEY (brushing clothes) I said I was fine. Just some splinters... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 27. 40 CONTINUED: EDO GIRL (staying back; through tears) He doesn't know; he's from another place. SECOND MEDIATOR (genuinely) How very sad. But this zone has been selected. FIRST EDO BOY He doesn't understand! FIRST MEDIATOR (nods) It's always sad... now doubly so. SOUND OF RUNNING STEPS, heralding: RIKER (O.S.) What's happening here? 41 ANGLE TO INCLUDE RIKER AND TROI HURRYING IN to where the two Mediators stand with Wesley. The Edo young people are frightened, stay in b.g. WESLEY (to Riker) I was chasing a ball... (indicating shed) ... and fell into that. I'm really sorry! MEDIATOR You admit you did that? Freely? Wesley straightens up, throwing a look toward Riker. WESLEY I'm with Starfleet. We don't lie. Riker gives Wesley a look with some pride hidden in it. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 28. 41 CONTINUED: RIKER (to Mediators) It won't happen again. We apologize. FIRST MEDIATOR We're sorry, too. But that changes nothing. Mixed with MORE RUNNING FOOTSTEPS. 42 WIDER ANGLE TO INCLUDE the rest of the away team, Tasha and Worf, as they ARRIVE. TASHA Careful, Commander, they've got some strange laws here... RIKER I thought you reviewed the laws here. TASHA But they list nothing about punishment. That's what all this is about. FIRST MEDIATOR One moment, please... (to young Edo) Is there a witness to this transgression? Hesitantly, sadly, the other young people nod. FIRST EDO BOY But it was my fault; I threw the ball past him... First Mediator holds up his hand, appearing to be genuinely saddened as he silences the Edo boy. Second Mediator drops his head in a gesture of extreme sadness too. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 29. 42 CONTINUED: FIRST MEDIATOR We have a visible transgression, ample witnesses, and an admission of guilt... (to Wesley) ... and it deeply pains us to do what we must. Are you prepared for punishment? First Mediator has opened his pouch during this, brought out a small device (to be identified as a syringe). Second Mediator has stepped to get to the rear of Wesley, trying to get past Riker. SECOND MEDIATOR (to Riker) Please? WORF Punishment? If you mean what the others were talking about... RIKER (demanding) What kind of punishment? Name it! FIRST MEDIATOR Death, of course! Don't make it... (raising syringe) ... difficult for the boy... Second Mediator has now squeezed past Riker, obviously intending to grab Wesley's arms from the rear... and is up-ended fast by Riker while Tasha and Worf bring out phasers trained directly on First Mediator. WORF Drop that; drop it now! The Mediators seem even more stunned by what the humans have done. The syringe has been dropped; Tasha retrieves it, holds it for Riker's examination. TASHA It's a kind of syringe... Riker grabs it, holds it under First Mediator's nose. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 30. 42 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER What is this? You said "death;" is it "poison?" FIRST MEDIATOR (offended; very upset) But... but of course it is! Completely painless; the boy would have felt nothing... (indicating Wesley) But look at him now. You've frightened him! WESLEY (disbelieving) He was going to kill me? SECOND MEDIATOR (to Riker) And if this Zone were still in effect, you would all deserve death. FIRST MEDIATOR It was announced you came as friends. Is this how friends act? During which Riker has touched his insignia. RIKER Enterprise from away team, come in. (waits) Are you receiving us, Enterprise? TASHA (touching insignia) Urgent, Enterprise. Please respond! 43 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL) in orbit of the planet. 44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE EMPHASIZING DATA (OPTICAL) CONTINUING LAST SHOT with the exception that Beverly is now present, leaning over Data and checking him with a medical tricorder. Both are also anxiously aware of the tiny LIGHT SWIRL and his GLOWING FORM. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 31. 44 CONTINUED: PICARD Condition? BEVERLY No sign of consciousness, but the balance of the readings are quite normal for him. 45 EMPHASIZING PICARD AND BEVERLY Both anxious. PICARD I believe this is some form of information exchange with whatever is over there. At least, I hope that's it. BEVERLY Any communication from our away team? 46 EMPHASIZING DATA (OPTICAL) as Picard shakes his head. PICARD Something is blocking communication both... He cuts off mid-word. The LIGHT SWIRL breaks contact with Data -- THEN ABRUPTLY DISAPPEARS! 47 ANGLE ON PICARD AND BEVERLY REACTING to this, and to the LIGHT GLOW fading from Data whose eyes remain closed. Beverly reaches in quickly, touching Data, examining him again. 48 WIDER ON MAIN BRIDGE Reactions from the others to that and to the SOUND of TASHA'S VOICE in mid-message: TASHA'S COM VOICE ... Security, urgent. Repeating, Enterprise from away team... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT THREE 32. 48 CONTINUED: GEORDI (interrupting) This is the Enterprise, Lieutenant. We're receiving you now. 49 ANGLE ON DATA Beverly checking readings on her medical tricorder again. TASHA'S COM VOICE This is an urgent call for Captain Picard. RIKER'S COM VOICE We may need your presence here, Captain. We have serious trouble with... with a member of our away team and an unusual law they have here... PICARD Captain to Riker, stand by. (to Beverly) Signs of consciousness? BEVERLY None yet. Perhaps in minutes, hours... I don't yet know what's happened to him. PICARD Take him to Sickbay; call me the instant he's awake. (to Geordi) Anything new on that... that thing out there? GEORDI Negative, sir. PICARD Captain to first officer. I'm beaming down. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 33. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 50 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT (OPTICAL) still next to each other, orbiting the planet. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental. We have encountered a strange vessel-like object, one with frightening power, which appears to exist partly in another dimension. On the world below... 51 EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS ESTABLISHING. As before, both young and old are seen traveling easily at a run. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) ... what began as a shore leave opportunity among delightful inhabitants of a lovely Earthlike planet... has led incredibly to a death sentence... 52 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBERS - WIDE ANGLE in which Picard is being led to what appears a "seat of honor" next to Rivan, Liator, other planet folk. Riker, Troi and Geordi are moving in to take a place next to the Captain. Hovering anxiously nearby are Tasha and Worf holding their small phasers unobtrusively in hand as they scan the Edo, alert for any further surprises. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) ... a death sentence proclaimed against... one of our crew members for what our world considers a petty, non-criminal infraction. How can I allow a crew member to die for that? (MORE) STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 34. 52 CONTINUED: PICARD (Cont'd) How does the Prime Directive apply to this case? Indeed if we do save our crewmember, how will the frightening object up here react to that? 53 CLOSER ON KEY GROUP Before Picard takes his seat, he moves Troi aside, speaks quietly: PICARD Care to comment privately how you read any of this... TROI (shakes head) Unnecessary, sir. (indicates) I get strong feelings that they are honest almost to a fault. But they do have great respect, even pride, in their own ways. Picard moves to take his seat. LIATOR Welcome to our world, Captain. We regret that our system of justice is troubling you. PICARD Wesley Crusher -- where is he? RIKER In accord with the Prime Directive, Captain, I've let them hold him pending the outcome of this. RIVAN (gently) He is safe and unharmed. We promise that. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 35. 53 CONTINUED: RIVAN Captain Picard... I do not know how you Earth people conduct law and justice; even if you respect such things... PICARD We do. LIATOR Good, so do we. Our precepts have been handed down from long ago. The tranquility you see in our lives has been made possible by our laws... RIVAN We are a people of law. They do sometimes bring us sadness, but we have learned to adjust to that. Perhaps your laws work as well... PICARD They haven't always, but they do now. LIATOR Do you execute criminals? PICARD No... not any longer, that is. RIVAN You did once? PICARD Unfortunately, yes. But since then... RIVAN (interrupts) And when you did, was it believed necessary to do so? PICARD Can we please get to the facts concerning our crewmember? (MORE) STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 36. 53 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (Cont'd) (waits; gets no answer) Yes, some people then felt it was necessary. But we've learned how to detect the seeds of criminal behavior... Capital punishment is no longer justified in our world as a deterrent. LIATOR But you once believed execution necessary. (to Rivan) So, we are not yet as "advanced" as they are. (to Picard) And since you are "advanced" in other ways too, I suggest you use the, ah, transfer device... RIVAN "Beam... " LIATOR ... the "beam" device to permit the Wesley boy to escape from us. We will record him as a convicted-criminal out of our reach... (then sarcasm) ... an "advanced" person who luckily escaped the barbarism of this backward little world. Picard reacts uncomfortably to this. PICARD Unfortunately, we have a law ourselves known as the Prime Directive... RIVAN (nods) Riker has explained it to us... PICARD Is the boy in the slightest danger from you right now? Rivan and Liator exchange looks. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 37. 53 CONTINUED: (3) LIATOR (to Rivan) Until sundown? RIVAN (nods; to Picard) Because you are strangers, we are delaying enforcement of the law. But we must act by the time of sundown. PICARD Then, I have another question now, please. While orbiting... while circling high above your world as we do... we encountered a strange object, a "vessel" perhaps? Do you know of such a thing? It was... well, you could say not entirely real, at least not completely what you might call solid... RIVAN Do you mean God? PICARD God? LIATOR God is said to be somewhere up there. Protecting us. A long beat during which the Enterprise people exchange looks, uncertain what this could mean. PICARD Exactly... exactly how would you describe "God?" RIVAN (indicating Picard) As you just did. As existing both here and in another place also. LIATOR But when God wants to show its power, it can make itself felt most fully. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 38. 53 CONTINUED: (4) GEORDI (with a look to Picard) We know. Communicator BOS'N WHISTLE SOUNDS; Picard touches his insignia. PICARD Picard here. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE CMO Crusher here, sir. Commander Data has just regained consciousness. PICARD What condition? Can he talk? BEVERLY'S COM VOICE He is insisting on it, sir. Urgently. Troi has made a signal to Picard, mouths the word "Wesley." PICARD Stand by; Picard out. (to Troi) I'd rather explain about her son to her personally. (to Rivan and Liator) You promise Wesley Crusher will be safe until sundown? LIATOR (nods) You have our word. PICARD Then, will one of you return with me to our vessel? RIVAN (nods) Of course. I'll go as a hostage for the boy's safety. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 39. 53 CONTINUED: (5) PICARD No, that's not it. I want you to... identify something for me, if you can. (touches insignia) Captain to Transporter Room. Stand by for three to beam up... Picard motions to Troi, beckons for Rivan to join them as they stand to one side. RIVAN I'm...frightened... TROI (touches her gently; smiling) No reason to be. PICARD Transporter Room, energize. 54 EFFECTS ANGLE - (OPTICAL) as Picard, Troi and Rivan BEAM OUT. 55 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT/VESSEL still in orbit of the planet together. 55A INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Troi and Rivan ENTER SCENE coming down the corridor. Rivan is astonished by what she is seeing. She looks from Troi to a couple of very efficient appearing crewmembers who are passing. RIVAN But this is a ... a city. A great city! Now, Beverly ENTERS SCENE also, her expression freezing as she sees Picard and bears down upon him. BEVERLY Captain, I've just seen the away team report about Wesley... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 40. 55A CONTINUED: PICARD (interrupting; firmly) In a moment, Doctor... BEVERLY (interrupting) "In a moment... " PICARD (icily) Exactly, Doctor, in a moment. (to Rivan; more gently) You were about to say... ? Rivan gives Beverly a puzzled glance, then turns her attention to Picard, indicating the vessel. RIVAN Since you have all this power, why be concerned about our laws? You could take the boy from us! PICARD (troubled smile) It's not that simple. Beverly gives a quick look at Rivan and Picard at this, beginning to understand at least something of what may be happening. With so much of her own at stake, it is all Beverly can do to keep from interrupting again, but Picard's firm expression detains her. Picard, Beverly, and Troi lead Rivan into a turbolift. Troi gives a troubled look toward Rivan. 55B INT. MAIN BRIDGE as Picard, Troi and Rivan ENTER from turbolift. TROI From here we can view whatever's outside our vessel. RIVAN Do you mean my world?! You said we'd be high above it... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 41. 55B CONTINUED: PICARD (nods) And something else that's up here circling your world too. It's very important to us... perhaps to you... to know what it is. Rivan is puzzled. 56 ANGLE INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) REVEALING THE MYSTERY VESSEL/OBJECT out beyond what WE CAN SEE of the Enterprise. CAMERA PANS to Rivan, Picard, Troi, and Beverly. At the instant Rivan sees it, she drops to one knee, clenching her eyes closed, with hands crossed over her chest. PICARD I'm sorry, Rivan, but this was necessary. Do you know what that is? Rivan nods jerkily, her eyes still clenched closed. TROI (waits; then gently) Can you tell us what it is? Rivan stays frozen in the same position. Picard now waits, then: PICARD Is it "God?" Rivan again nods jerkily, eyes still clenched. PICARD (continuing) Now, it's very important you answer something. How do you recognize what it is? 57 ANOTHER ANGLE Rivan actually trembling. Troi bends close, speaks encouragingly: STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 42. 57 CONTINUED: TROI Nothing will harm you, I promise! Just tell us how you recognize it. RIVAN (beat; weakly) It... has appeared...before. It is... the same. PICARD Can you speak to it... Does it speak to you? TROI Captain... ! 57A ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL) Troi is pointing agitatedly to where the mysterious object/vessel is GLOWING BRIGHTER, and the bridge begins to shake as WE HEAR THE IMMENSE VOLUME OF THE VOICE WE HEARD EARLIER IN THE BRIDGE. EDOLORD (V. O.) RETURN MY CHILD! BEVERLY (to Captain; puzzled) "Return... ?" Picard's eye falls on the trembling Rivan and he suddenly understands. The moment interrupted by the Enterprise beginning to SHUDDER and the LIGHTS BLINK OFF, EMPHASIZING THE NOW BRIGHTLY GLOWING EDOLORD OBJECT/VESSEL. TROI It's coming toward us, sir... ! And this is exactly what is happening. THE EDOLORD OBJECT/VESSEL IS MOVING TOWARD THE ENTERPRISE ON A COLLISION COURSE. The Enterprise is SHAKING heavily now, WE CAN HEAR STRUCTURAL STRAIN. Picard understands what to do, takes off his insignia, attaching it to Rivan's clothing as: STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 43. 57A CONTINUED: PICARD Picard to Transporter Room, urgent! TROI Yes, do that! But hurry... ! BEVERLY It is still coming toward us... TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S COM VOICE Transporter Chief to Captain... PICARD One to beam down to away team location. Hurry! 57B ANGLE EMPHASIZING RIVAN (OPTICAL) Picard steps back from her, his insignia attached to her clothing. PICARD Engage, Transporter Room, urgent! Engag... The TRANSPORTER SOUND cuts him off and Rivan BEAMS OUT. 57C ANGLE INCLUDING VIEWER (OPTICAL) as slowly the LIGHTS COME ON and the EDOLORD OBJECT/VESSEL RETURNS TO ITS ORIGINAL DISTANCE FROM ENTERPRISE. 57D INT. SICKBAY CORRIDOR as a turbolift door opens, Picard and Beverly EMERGING to stride down the corridor toward Sickbay. BEVERLY What do you intend to do about my son? PICARD He is being held safely, until sundown... Beverly pulls to a stop, faces Picard. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 44. 57D CONTINUED: BEVERLY When he faces execution! Although he has committed no crime, certainly none that any sane and reasonable person would... Beverly's words have come faster, louder, until she finally realizes she is giving way emotionally. She stops, controls herself with an effort we can see. BEVERLY (continuing) I... apologize, sir... but this is very difficult for me... PICARD You saw what that thing was about to do. I have a ship, an entire crew to consider... BEVERLY If you felt the same, you'd be as frightened and trembling... PICARD (quietly) But I am. They face each other silently. Then she nods. BEVERLY Data is in Sickbay here. You'll find him able to talk. 58 INT. SICKBAY Data is conscious, being scanned on Sickbay equipment by a MEDICAL TECHNICIAN. As Beverly and Picard ENTER, the Technician pauses in what he is doing. MEDICAL TECHNICIAN He's checking out fine, Doctor. BEVERLY (nods) Finish it later, please. The medical technician withdraws. Picard moves in to bedside. Data nods at him. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 45. 58 CONTINUED: DATA I was an excellent choice for them, Captain. They could communicate with me quite... (shakes head) ... I was about to say quite "easily," but there was nothing "easy" about it. Fortunately, they stopped short of overloading my circuitry... PICARD (interrupting) You're saying they. It is a vessel of some sort... DATA (interrupting) Definitely not a single "entity" if that's what you mean, sir... although they know the Edo worship them as a "God thing." PICARD They know... ? DATA (nods) They recognize that this is quite expected and harmless at the present Edo stage of evolution, and... PICARD (interrupting) What kind of vessel? DATA (without pause) It is perhaps not what we'd understand as a "vessel," sir. The dimensions this one occupies allows them to... well, to be in several places at once. But they consider this entire star cluster to be theirs, and it was probably unwise of us to attempt to place a human colony in this area. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 46. 58 CONTINUED: (2) DATA (Cont'd) Of course, there are three thousand four other planets in this general star cluster in which we... PICARD Data, don't babble! DATA "Babble," sir? I am not aware that I ever babble, sir. It may be that from time to time I have considerable information to communicate, and you may question the way I organize it... Data trails off as he becomes aware of Picard's expression. PICARD Please "organize" it into brief answers to my questions. Do they accept our presence at this planet? Obeying Picard exactly (and without any sign of rancor), Data gives clipped answers. DATA Not yet decided, sir. PICARD (waits) Please feel free to volunteer any important information, however. DATA I volunteer that they are now observing us, sir. PICARD To judge what kind of life forms we are? DATA No, it is more curiosity, sir. I doubt they expect us to abide by their value systems. Picard throws a glance toward Beverly, as: STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 47. 58 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD Do they... know of our Prime Directive? DATA They know everything I know, sir. PICARD And, in your opinion, if we violated the Prime Directive.. ? BEVERLY (interrupting; blurting it) That's not a fair question at... Beverly bites off her words. But it is all she can do to keep from saying more. PICARD (to Data) Continue. DATA That would be a case of judging us by our own rules, sir. If we violate our own Prime Directive, they might consider us deceitful and untrustworthy. (beat) You do recall, sir, they cautioned us not to interfere with their "children" below. (looks from Beverly to Picard) What has happened? BEVERLY (exploding) The Edo want to execute my son. (to Picard) I will not allow that to happen, Jean-Luc! She exhibits a fury that Data has watched with considerable interest. He turns to Picard. DATA Most interesting, sir. The emotion of motherhood, compared to all others felt by humans... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FOUR 48. 58 CONTINUED: (4) Beverly whirls on Data now. BEVERLY SHUT UP! She DASHES angrily from the room. Data looks from Picard, to her, to Picard. Then he nods: DATA You were right, sir. I do tend to babble. FADE OUT. END ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 49. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 59 EXT. SPACE - EMPHASIZING ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The mystery object between starship and planet, their relative positions not moving. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, stardate 41255.9. Whatever the object or vessel in orbit with us, it hangs there like a "nemesis". It is one thing to communicate with something mysterious... 60 INT. STARBOARD LOUNGE (OPTICAL) Picard sitting alone, looking out at the mysterious object. PICARD (V.O.) (continuing) ... but it is quite another to be silently observed by it. I am concerned whether it understands the same concept of reason that we do? Picard ponders all this for a moment more until Data ENTERS. Picard beckons. DATA You sent for me, sir? PICARD Let's talk some more, Data. DATA Yes sir. What level of communication? Picard gives him an annoyed look. PICARD Any. My apologies for saying you babbled. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 50. 60 CONTINUED: DATA But I do, sir. (beat) It was wise to beam back the Edo woman. PICARD (nods) Barely in time. DATA (nods) The Edo's "God" is very protective of its children. PICARD There was no choice but to learn... (indicates mystery object) ... what we could about that thing from her. DATA Apparently the Edo people had seen it before, from time to time, sir. PICARD (nods) But I'm sorry I had to. She was so frightened. DATA (nods) Understandable. To share an orbit with "God" is no small experience. Picard looks at Data, smiles. PICARD You have a facility for seeing things not in the way we do, but as they truly are. Picard shifts in his seat closer to Data, addresses him eye to eye. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 51. 60 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (continuing) I need help, my friend. I cannot let Wesley or any member of this vessel be sacrificed this way. The Prime Directive does not really intend that. DATA The problem, sir, is there! (indicates mystery object) Although they have learned of the Prime Directive from my mind, how will they evaluate it? How do they reason? What are their values? Remember its warning to us, sir. PICARD Exactly. How do I explain not obeying the laws down there, not permitting young Crusher's execution? Does that endanger this ship and over a thousand other lives? DATA Would you choose one life over one thousand, sir? PICARD (snaps) I refuse to let arithmetic decide questions like that! Picard examines Data's expression again. Then, he indicates out toward the mysterious object/vessel again. PICARD Did you learn anything of the relationship between the Edo and that? Why are they so certain it is "God?" DATA Any sufficiently advanced life form can appear to others to be that, sir. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 52. 60 CONTINUED: (3) DATA (Cont'd) (looks out toward the Object) But when they were probing my thoughts, Captain, I could feel that whatever they are now, they once existed in this dimension, just as we do. Perhaps also in the same kind of "flesh and blood" form. Since then, however, they have evolved considerably further. Their present existence in mixed dimensions no doubt has advantages we do not understand... PICARD Then, in their earlier flesh and blood existence they could have once shared our kind of values. DATA The Edo share them, sir. PICARD Why would advanced things like that feel obliged to protect the Edo? DATA Perhaps because the Edo are a child-race by comparison. Possibly a race which the life forms over there "planted" here much as we now plant human colonies on Class-M planets. Interrupted by Beverly ENTERING. She moves to face Picard, trying for a somewhat respectful position of attention. She is mastering her emotions, but the pain is obvious. BEVERLY Having fulfilled my professional obligations regarding Commander Data... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 53. 60 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD You now request permission to beam down -- permission granted. (stands) You can accompany me while I try to resolve this. (starts; then stops and turns) And you should know that whatever the cost, I will not allow them to execute your son. Beverly turns to Picard -- she wants to fall crying at his feet, or embrace him, cover him with kisses of gratitude. BEVERLY (correctly) Thank you, sir. PICARD (to Data) Take command, Data. Picard STRIDES OUT of the lounge, then Beverly HURRIES AFTER him. As he leaves, Data smiles a second time. DATA Aye, sir. 61 EXT. COUNCIL CHAMBER Only a few Edo in sight. It's getting late in the day. 62 INT. COUNCIL CHAMBER - ANGLE ON RIKER at the door, looking outside. Then he turns, takes a few steps to where Liator sits talking with Rivan. RIVAN Almost dark. (turns) I want the boy brought here now. On hearing this, Tasha and Worf move in. They do not brandish their phasers but it is clear they will enforce what Riker wants. Rivan and Liator obviously understand this -- and perhaps do not really oppose it. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 54. 62 CONTINUED: TASHA I'll go along with you. LIATOR Of course. They EXIT. Then WE HEAR the TRANSPORTER ARRIVAL SOUND and: 63 TRANSPORTER SHOT (OPTICAL) where several Edo come to their feet in wonder again as PICARD AND BEVERLY BEAM IN. RIVAN (O.S.) Captain Picard... Her RUNNING FOOTSTEPS as she hurries INTO SCENE. Reaching Picard, she drops worshipfully to one knee, crossing her hands across her chest, eyes closed as when she saw the mystery/vessel object. She hands Picard his insignia. RIVAN I saw you share the sky with God. You must be Gods. (turning to the other Edo, eyes still clenched) And the boy too. The Edo there shuffle nervously, uncertainly. They have always appeared to be a calm, intelligent life form, never seeming overly superstitious, but should they reject this possibility? Beverly turns to Picard hopefully; is this an answer to the dilemma? Then Picard bends, lifts Rivan up by her elbows. PICARD No, no, we're not "Gods." (small smile) Your own idea of that is much better for you at this time... WESLEY (O.S.) (interrupting) Mother... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 55. 64 ANOTHER ANGLE to INCLUDE WESLEY ENTERING along with Liator, the two Mediators. Those two act rather stiffly, officers of law who have tried to do their sworn duty and are having outsiders interfering with it. Wesley has stopped short of going to his mother. WESLEY (to Beverly) I guess you know a lot has happened here... BEVERLY (nodding; holding it in) I know. WESLEY Are you going to let them kill me, sir? PICARD No. (turning to Liator and Mediators) But I'd like to prevent it in a way you can understand... FIRST MEDIATOR How can we let this happen, Liator? Everything we respect, our law, our peace, our world's order... SECOND MEDIATOR (moving to Picard) You are more powerful but we beg you not to do this to us. At least study what we once were -- hurtful to each other, savage, thieving... RIKER (interrupting) We understand. In fact, your system of law and punishment may be better than many we once had. (points at Picard) But he has laws he must obey too. And one of them says he must protect his people from harm. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 56. 64 CONTINUED: LIATOR We did not ask you to come here... PICARD (nods) Which has to do with another law I must obey. All of us are sworn not to interfere with other life in the galaxy. I am caught between the two. If I save this young man, I break that law... FIRST MEDIATOR And you should be executed if you do so! PICARD (nods) I may suffer almost as much. Starfleet takes our Prime Directive very seriously... SECOND MEDIATOR No, it is God who will punish you! RIKER (nods) That has crossed our minds too. LIATOR Our laws have been violated. What of justice? TASHA What of justice to Wesley? Does he deserve to die? FIRST MEDIATOR What makes our law strong is the certainty of punishment! BEVERLY But my son had no warning... SECOND MEDIATOR We cannot allow ignorance of the law to become a defense... STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 57. 64 CONTINUED: (2) RIVAN Is it possible we are wrong about that? Surely there is such a thing as too much harshness... FIRST MEDIATOR We do not dispense mercy... only justice. TASHA (calls from entrance) Their sun is almost down, sir. PICARD (to the others) Stand ready to beam out. 65 ANGLE FOR BEAM OUT (OPTICAL) as the Away Team gathers in position. CROSSING toward them, Picard passes Liator. PICARD The question of justice has concerned me a good deal lately. Pained me. Until now, Liator. I realize now that there can be no justice... SECOND MEDIATOR God will destroy you! PICARD (back to Liator) ... no justice so long as laws are absolute. Life itself is an exercise in exceptions. RIKER (quietly) Bravo. When has justice ever been as simple as a rulebook, sir? (looks around) Six to beam up, Captain? PICARD (touches insignia) Six to beam up. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 58. 65 CONTINUED: SECOND MEDIATOR (screams it) God will punish you! And with this ringing in their ears, they BEAM OUT. 66 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MYSTERY OBJECT/VESSEL both still in orbit. 67 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - INCLUDING MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL) as the turbolift DISCHARGES Picard, Riker and the others. The balance of our regulars are on duty there too. RIKER Main Viewer on! They slowly take their positions, eyes on the Viewer. As Wesley ENTERS with Beverly, Geordi looks up. GEORDI Greetings, Jailbird. It doesn't get a big laugh at this moment. PICARD Hailing frequencies open. TASHA Open, sir. PICARD To the object sharing this orbit... we will remove the human colonists from the adjoining solar system if signaled to do so. Or we'll proceed on our mission, if signaled to do that. Please tell us... DATA Captain! The IMAGE on the Viewer begins FADING, FINALLY DISAPPEARS. STAR TREK: "Justice" - 9/4/87 - ACT FIVE 59. 67 CONTINUED: GEORDI Is that a signal? PICARD (beat) I was hoping for more. GEORDI More of what, sir? I'm happy it's gone. RIKER (nods) We're all thrilled with that, sir. PICARD (beat) I was hoping we'd learn more about it. But since we can't... (looks to Riker) Take us out of here, Number One. RIKER Gladly, sir. 68 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it begins leaving orbit. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END