STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                   "The Ensigns of Command" 
                          #40273-149 
                              
                          Written by 
                         H. B. Savage 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Cliff Bole 


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

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 This script is not for publication or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

                    3RD REVISED FINAL DRAFT
 
                         JULY 13, 1989

   STAR TREK: "The Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                   "The Ensigns of Command" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD                 SHELIAK
                RIKER                  
                DATA                   ARD'RIAN
                BEVERLY                GOSHEVEN
                TROI                   HARITATH
                GEORDI                 KENTOR
                WORF                   
                WESLEY                 Non-Speaking
                                         ENGINEERS (2)
                O'BRIEN                  OTHER LOCALS (26)
   
                Non-Speaking           
                  A VULCAN VIOLINIST     YOUNG BOY (age 12)
                  A WOMAN VIOLIST        BOY'S MOTHER
                  N.D. CREWMEMBERS (12)  
                  SUPERNUMERARIES (CONN & OPS)

   STAR TREK: "The Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                   "The Ensigns of Command" 
                      
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              TEN FORWARD              TAU CYGNA FIVE
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE         FRONTIER TOWN
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM       TOWN SQUARE
                                         AQUEDUCT
                                         PUMPING STATION
            TAU CYGNA FIVE               DATA'S SHUTTLE
              ARD'RIAN'S FRONT ROOM
                                       SHELIAK WARSHIP
            SHELIAK WARSHIP

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                   "The Ensigns of Command" 
                 
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

              ARD'RIAN               ARD-ree-an
              ARMENS                 ARE-mens
              ARTEMIS                ARE-tih-mus
              GOSHEVEN               GO-sheh-ven
              HARITATH               HAH-ree-tath
              KENTOR                 KEN-tor
              SHELIA                 Shell-LEE-ah
              SHELIAK                SHELL-lee-awk
              S'SMARITH              Ss-sa-MAH-rith
              TEREMI-BOSONS          Teh-REH-mee-BOH-suns

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - TEASER   1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                   "The Ensigns of Command"                        
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Moving at impulse near some extraordinarily interesting
	astronomical object.

2    INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Present are PICARD, BEVERLY, and TWELVE N.D.
	CREWMEMBERS. A VULCAN and ONE WOMAN are seated,
	holding their instruments -- a violin and a viola.
	O'BRIEN tunes his cello. DATA ENTERS carrying a
	violin. He checks at the door, startled to see the
	captain. Picard beckons, and Data crosses to him.

					DATA
			Captain, Doctor, I am honored by
			your presence, but may I suggest
			you attend the second concert.

					BEVERLY
			Why, Data?

					DATA
			Ensign Ortiz will perform the
			violin part. My rendition will
			be less enjoyable.

					PICARD
			Oh?

					DATA
			While I am quite proficient
			Technically, according to my
			fellow performers, I lack soul.

					BEVERLY
			Data, telling us why you're going
			to fail before you make the
			attempt is never wise.

					DATA
			But is not honesty always the
			preferred choice?

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - TEASER   2.

2    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Excessive honesty can be
			disastrous... particularly in a
			commander.

					DATA
				(very intrigued)
			Indeed?

					PICARD
			Knowing your limitations is one
			thing. Advertising them to a crew
			can damage your ability to lead.

					DATA
			Because you lose their respect?

					BEVERLY
			No, because you may begin to
			believe in those limitations
			yourself.

	Data considers this, then moves to take his place with
	the other performers.

2A   ANGLE ON PICARD AND BEVERLY

	O.s., the string quartet TUNES. There is the SOUND of
	the communicator hail.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain, we're receiving a message
			from the Sheliak Corporate.

	Picard reacts with surprise, stands and EXITS. As he
	leaves, the quartet starts to PLAY.

									CUT TO:

3    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard ENTERS. RIKER and WORF at their usual stations.
	Supernumeraries at CONN and OPS.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - TEASER   3.

3    CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Origin point of the message
			confirmed. It is from the Shelia
			star system.

					RIKER
			The Sheliak have not attempted
			to communicate with the Federation
			for a hundred and eleven years.

					PICARD
			On screen.

4    ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	What appears is the text of a treaty. English on one
	side, Sheliak on the other. Sheliak is not symbols
	as we know them, but rather a pattern of lights. A
	recorded message begins.

					SHELIAK VOICE
			Federation creatures, there are
			humans on the fifth planet of Tau
			Cygna. This planet was ceded
			to the corporate in section one
			hundred and thirty-three,
			paragraph seventy-seven of the
			Treaty of Armens. We will begin
			settlement of this world in four
			days. Remove the humans.

	Riker is up, and heading for Science One.

					PICARD
			What the devil --

					SHELIAK VOICE
			Federation creatures, there are
			humans on the fifth planet --

					PICARD
			Cancel message.

	Inquiring look to Riker.

					RIKER
			Tau Cygna Five is in the de Laure
			belt -- heavy concentrations of
			hyperonic radiation.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - TEASER   4.

4    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Humans can't survive in such an
			environment. Exposure to
			hyperonic radiation is fatal.

					RIKER
			Then the Sheliak are asking us
			to chase ghosts.

					PICARD
			No, Number One. The Sheliak
			haven't broken a century of
			silence to send us after phantoms.
			An investigation is in order.
			Set course for Tau Cygna Five.

	Off Picard's expression:

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF THE TEASER                        

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT ONE   5.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

5    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	entering orbit around a planet.

6    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Beverly and Worf. Supernumerary
	at CONN.

					WORF
			Human life form readings from the
			planet.

					RIKER
			So, the Sheliak weren't
			hallucinating.

					PICARD
			Numbers?

					WORF
			Impossible to get an accurate
			reading, Captain. The high
			radiation levels are disrupting
			our sensors.

					DATA
			Hyperonic radiation also
			interferes with ship's
			transporters; they are now
			inoperable.

					WORF
			So are the ship's phasers.

					RIKER
			How can humans survive down there?

					BEVERLY
			They must have found a way to
			adapt.
				(thinks it over)
			Milan's work in radiation
			sensitivity suggests it's
			possible. Perhaps with extensive
			virotherapy...
				(grimly)
			Until they found the answer, their
			mortality rate must have been
			staggering.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/79 - ACT ONE  6.

6    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Well, whoever they are and however
			they've survived, we've got to
			get them off the planet.

					RIKER
			By treaty, this world does belong
			to the Sheliak...

					PICARD
			... who are within their rights
			to demand the removal of these
			"trespassers."

					RIKER
			And if we don't remove them, the
			Sheliak will.

					BEVERLY
			How forcefully?

					RIKER
			To the Sheliak, humans are a lower
			life form. They'd have no
			compunctions about exterminating
			the intruders.

	Beverly is taken aback. Riker's dead serious.

					PICARD
			Mister Data. As you are unaffected
			by hyperonic radiation, you will
			go to the planet via shuttlecraft
			and commence evacuation
			procedures.

					DATA
			Aye, sir.

	Without a word wasted the android is out of his chair,
	and EXITS the bridge.

					PICARD
			Any speculation as to what he'll
			find, Number One?

					RIKER
			A lost survey ship would be my
			guess. A dozen or so survivors
			at most.

									CUT TO:

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/17/89 - ACT ONE  6A.

7    EXT. PLANET SURFACE - SHUTTLE LANDING SITE - DAY

	Data is outside the shuttle, scanning with his
	tricorder.

7A   NEW ANGLE

	as HARITATH and KENTOR (two male humans) and TWO N.D.
	WORKERS cautiously approach the shuttle from the other
	side (the shuttle blocks their view of Data).

					HARITATH
				(in wonder)
			A shuttlecraft!

					KENTOR
			Where's it from?

					HARITATH
			Look at the markings. I think
			it's from the Federation.

	Data steps into their view from around the shuttle.

					DATA
			Hello.

	The four humans jump, startled.

					HARITATH
			We saw your ship... You're the
			first visitor we've had in...

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT ONE  7.

7A   CONTINUED: (2)

					KENTOR
			The first visitor we've ever had.

	They take a closer look at Data.

					HARITATH
			You're -- not human.

					DATA
			That is correct. I am an android.
			I am Lieutenant Commander Data
			of the Federation Starship
			Enterprise.

					HARITATH
				(excited)
			Our great-grandparents were
			citizens of the Federation.
				(realizing)
			But you don't want to waste time
			talking to us...

					KENTOR
			You'll want to speak with
			Gosheven. We'll take you to him.

					DATA
			Excellent.

					HARITATH
			I'm sure the Federation will be
			very proud of us. Wait until you
			see all we've accomplished.

					DATA
			And who, precisely, is "we?"

					HARITATH
			You don't know? No, I guess you
			wouldn't, would you? We are the
			descendants of the original
			settlers -- from the colony ship
			Artemis.

									CUT TO:

8    INT. ENTERPRISE - MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Worf in their usual places. Riker at
	Science One. Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT ONE   8.

8    CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Got it. The Artemis, launched one
			hundred forty-two years ago,
			destination Septimis Minor. When
			they failed to check in, Starfleet
			began an extensive search.

					PICARD
			What carried the Artemis so far
			off course?

9    EXT. PLANET SURFACE - SHUTTLE LANDING SITE - DAY

	Haritath and Kentor wait patiently for Data to finish
	him communication.

					DATA
			My local informant does not know.
			In the early days survival on Tau
			Cygna Five was more important than
			history.

10   INTERCUTS

					PICARD
			Understood. How many are there?

					DATA
			Approximately fifteen thousand.

	Reactions from the bridge crew. Now they really have
	got a problem.

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			We've only got three days.
			Without working transporters, we
			couldn't have them out in time.

					PICARD
			Shuttles?

	Worf does some figuring on his console.

					WORF
			Loading all the Enterprise
			shuttlecraft to capacity --
			evacuation would take four weeks,
			four days.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE   9.

10   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Then we need more time. Mister
			Data, prepare the colonists for
			an evacuation.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			Aye, sir.

	Picard closes the com line.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Mister Worf, get me the Sheliak.

					WORF
			Their home world is quite distant,
			Captain. This will take some
			time.

									CUT TO:

11   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY

	The main pumping station of Tau Cygna V. In the
	distance are mountains. A thin white line descends
	from the mountains, and as it comes closer we realize
	it is an aqueduct. Along the line of the aqueduct are
	lush fields, a veritable Garden of Eden, which ends
	like a knife-cut and the desert returns. It culminates
	in a strange cubistic-shaped purifying station. In a
	pool, the water churns into a white froth.

	GOSHEVEN, the leader, supervises TWO WORKERS testing
	the water in the pool.

	Data, Haritath, and Kentor approach.

					HARITATH
			Gosheven, look what's come --

	Gosheven sees Data, looks him up and down very
	carefully. Gosheven's as surprised as Haritath was,
	but keeps a lid on it -- Data may represent a threat,
	so Gosheven's attempting a poker face.

					DATA
			Lieutenant Commander Data of the
			Starship Enterprise.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT ONE   10.

11   CONTINUED:

					KENTOR
			He's an android.

					GOSHEVEN
			So he is.
				(a beat)
			Well, you're here -- what do you
			want?

					DATA
			My mission is to prepare this
			colony for evacuation.

	Reactions from the men. Gosheven is calm, almost
	amused:

					GOSHEVEN
			Why?

					DATA
			Because this planet belongs to
			the Sheliak.

					GOSHEVEN
			And just who is this Sheliak?

					DATA
			The term is plural. The Sheliak
			are an intelligent, non-humanoid
			life form, classification R-3 --

					GOSHEVEN
				(interrupting)
			This colony's been here for a
			hundred and forty years -- and
			no one's ever seen a Sheliak.
			I'd say that makes Tau Cygna
			Five our planet. (ALTERNATE:
			ninety years)

					DATA
			But the original destination of
			the Artemis was Septimis Minor.

					GOSHEVEN
			The guidance systems on the
			Artemis failed -- and sent them
			off course. Far off course.
			Our ancestors were lucky to find
			any place to land.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE   11.

11   CONTINUED: (2)

					HARITATH
			And when they did, the radiation
			started killing them.

					GOSHEVEN
			Hyperonic radiation took the lives
			of a third of the colonists before
			they learned they could adapt
			to it.

					KENTOR
			But the colony survived -- and
			prospered.

					GOSHEVEN
				(with pride)
			Look around. We've brought
			water to the desert, built a
			community.

					DATA
			Your accomplishments are indeed
			remarkable. However, the
			Sheliak and the Federation
			have a treaty that clearly makes
			this planet Sheliak domain.

					GOSHEVEN
			Then change the treaty.

					DATA
			That may not be possible. The
			Sheliak wish to colonize this
			planet, and they are unwilling
			to share it with humans.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE   12.

11   CONTINUED: (3)

					DATA (cont'd)
			If you are still here when the
			Sheliak colony ship arrives,
			they will eradicate you.

	Haritath and Kentor exchange a worried glance, but
	Gosheven is unfazed.

					HARITATH
			They would kill us all?

					DATA
			They have little regard for
			human life. Thus, our most
			sensible course is to prepare a
			contingency plan for the
			evacuation of your people.

					GOSHEVEN
			We're not evacuating.

	Data is taken aback.

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/79 - ACT ONE 12A.

11   CONTINUED: (4)

					DATA
			Perhaps I have not made myself
			clear.

					GOSHEVEN
			Yes, you have. Now let me be
			equally clear. There's going
			to be no evacuation.
				(a beat)
			You've delivered your message --
			so go back to your ship. I have
			work to do.

	Gosheven returns to his work on the pumping station.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT ONE  13.

11A  ON DATA

	as he considers his next move. Then -- an object comes
	flying at Data.

	With android speed and reflexes, Data catches the
	object and examines it. It is an iron bar.

					ARD'RIAN (O.S.)
			Nice catch. Wonderful reflexes.

	Data turns to see --

11B  WIDER

	ARD'RIAN, an attractive female, approaches.

					ARD'RIAN
			Sorry to test you like that --
			but I was curious.

					GOSHEVEN
				(amused)
			Found a new toy, have we, Ardy?

					ARD'RIAN
			Toy? This is the most incredible
			android I've ever seen.

					DATA
			Have you seen many?

					ARD'RIAN
			Actually, no. You're the first.

					GOSHEVEN
				(to Ard'rian)
			Only you would get this excited
			over a walking calculator.

					ARD'RIAN
				(bridling)
			He's more interesting than
			anything else walking around
			here...

	Gosheven CHUCKLES -- he's succeeded in getting under
	her skin.

					GOSHEVEN
			Depends on what you find
			interesting.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE  13A.

11B  CONTINUED:

	Ard'rian's had enough of Gosheven's male conceit. She
	moves away, motions for Data to follow. Data does.

					ARD'RIAN
				(to Data)
			Cybernetic intelligence fascinates
			me. Are your neural pathways
			duotronic?

					DATA
			No -- they are positronic.

					ARD'RIAN
			I didn't know that was possible!
			What's your memory capacity? How
			many operations per second? I
			have a million questions...

					DATA
			I am afraid I have no time to
			answer one million questions.
			I have a mission to accomplish.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT ONE   14.

11B  CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA (cont'd)
			I need to know more about your
			people, and Gosheven seems
			unwilling to talk to me further.

					ARD'RIAN
				(extending a hand)
			I'm Ard'rian McKenzie. Perhaps
			I can help you.

	As Data shakes her hand, we:

									CUT TO:

12   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker and TROI are seated as GEORDI, O'Brien
	ENTER.

					RIKER
			Gentlemen, we're giving you an
			assignment, and the one thing we
			don't want to hear is that it is
			impossible.

	Riker defers to Picard. Geordi and O'Brien cast wary
	glances at Picard. Now what the hell is he going to
	want?

					PICARD
			I need the transporters to
			function despite the hyperonic
			radiation.

					GEORDI
			Impossi -- Yes, sir.

	Geordi and O'Brien EXIT. Riker, Troi and Picard study
	each other seriously.

					RIKER
			Even if we can get the Sheliak
			to talk to us, they're not likely
			to be accommodating.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT ONE  15.

12   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Captain, when the treaty was
			negotiated the Federation sent
			three hundred and seventy-two
			legal experts. What have we got?

					PICARD
			Thee... and me.

	Off Troi's very dubious expression as we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT TWO  16.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

13   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around Tau Cygna V.

14   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard pacing, Troi seated as they wait for the call.
	Worf at his station. Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.

					WORF
			No response.

					PICARD
			Try again. Boost signal strength.

	Worf makes adjustments.

					WORF
			Sheliak Corporate. This is the
			Starship Enterprise. Respond
			please.

15   ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN - (OPTICAL)

	as it changes from a view of stars to -- someplace? a
	bridge? Wherever the SHELIAK are calling from it is
	a disturbing place for humans. Darkness, mirrored
	surfaces, and hidden in the shadows a creature who is
	decidedly unsettling for the crew. Its shape is
	constantly shifting like oozing sludge, and there is
	a hint of flickering eyes -- too many eyes.

					SHELIAK
			Conversation is neither required
			nor desired.

	Picard schools his features into an expression of
	polite interest.

					PICARD
			Conversation is necessary if we
			are to find a solution to our
			mutual problem.

					SHELIAK
			Our involvement in Federation
			illegality is not indicated.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT TWO  17.

15   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Both parties are involved, sir.

					SHELIAK
			Remove the humans from the Tau
			Cygna system. Three Earth days
			remain.

	Troi leans in, and whispers:

					TROI
			Their culture is extremely formal,
			almost ritualistic. An apology
			might smooth matters.

					PICARD
			I apologize for our inadvertent
			violation of the treaty.

					SHELIAK
			Acknowledged and accepted. Now
			remove the human creatures.

					PICARD
			Let us negotiate in good faith...

					SHELIAK
			Negotiate to what purpose? The
			treaty is signed.

					PICARD
			There is a thriving colony on the
			planet. Rather than uproot these
			people may I offer a compromise?

					SHELIAK
			Denied.

					PICARD
			Why?!

					SHELIAK
			The law is paramount. We are
			entitled.

					PICARD
			This is not a law. It is a
			treaty. It is designed to smooth
			relations between peoples. Not
			to act as a strait...

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO   18.

15   CONTINUED: (2)

	But Picard's talking to a blank screen. The Sheliak
	have hung up on him.

					PICARD
			... jacket.

	Off Picard's annoyed expression.

									CUT TO:

16   OMITTED

17   INT. ARD'RIAN'S FRONT ROOM - DAY

	A comfortable room constructed of stone with a heavy
	beamed ceiling. The furniture is hand hewn, durable
	but comfortable. Contrasting with this are various
	computer parts and consoles, both assembled and in
	pieces, strewn about.

	Ard'rian and Data ENTER.

					ARD'RIAN
			... you really think we'll have
			to leave Tau Cygna Five?

					DATA
			The possibility exists, and
			Gosheven appears unwilling to
			prepare for it. Why?

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO   19.

17   CONTINUED:

					ARD'RIAN
			Maybe because you're an
			android. I don't think Gosheven
			likes the idea of machines
			ordering him around.

					DATA
			I am not ordering him to do
			anything; I am merely trying to
			persuade him that his people
			should prepare to evacuate.
				(thinks)
			Do you believe my suggested
			course of action should be followed?

					ARD'RIAN
			Of course.

					DATA
			In spite of the fact that I am
			an android?

					ARD'RIAN
			Because of that fact. I don't
			have any silly prejudices against
			computers -- I like them.

	SHe gestures around the room, a bit apologetically:

					ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
			Not that any computer we have is
			half as sophisticated as you...

	Data looks at a particularly "primitive" computer:

					DATA
			No, I would say not.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO   20.

17   CONTINUED: (2)

					ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
			People can be selfish,
			irrational, stubborn, malicious
			-- you name it. But computers
			don't have those failings.

	Data follows her logic:

					DATA
			You conclude from this that I am
			impartial... hence you accept
			my recommendations.

	She nods.

					DATA (cont'd)
			Yet Gosheven does not.
				(thinks)
			Perhaps he might reconsider his
			position if someone other than
			myself were to present the
			arguments.

					ARD'RIAN
			Well, I'm willing to talk to him,
			but I don't think he'll take me
			seriously.
				(with distaste)
			He finds me attractive -- but I'm
			not interested in him at all.
			So he belittles me to protect his
			ego --

18   OMITTED

19   NEW ANGLE

	as Data's communicator TRILLS. He touches the
	insignia.

					DATA
			Data, here.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			The Sheliak won't bargain.

					DATA
			Understood.

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT TWO 20A.

19   CONTINUED:

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			I'm contacting Starfleet to
			arrange for transport. Get those
			people prepared for evacuation.
			We may have to move very quickly.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT TWO  21.

19   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

	Data cuts the communication, turns to Ard'rian.

					DATA
			We must speak with Gosheven
			immediately.

	Ard'rian grabs a coat, and they EXIT.

									CUT TO:

19A  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 16)

	Geordi, O'Brien and WESLEY have the panels removed
	from the wall behind the transporter console. Geordi's
	tool box is nearby. Sophisticated tools litter the
	floor. Off to the left side of the transporter are
	six test objects. The trio is watching tensely as
	O'Brien touches the console. A test object
	MATERIALIZES looking like swiss cheese. Geordi picks
	it up. Riker ENTERS.

					RIKER
			Gentlemen, how are you coming?
				(spots the object)
			What the hell is that?

	Geordi sets aside the mutilated object.

					GEORDI
			Our first attempt.

					O'BRIEN
			We recalibrated the transporter
			setting for the tightest possible
			beam.

					WESLEY
			But we've got plenty of things
			left to try.

	Geordi is studying the test object again.

					GEORDI
			There's some really interesting
			residue . . . reminds me of --
				(a beat)
			There's that damn pulsar in the
			neighborhood.

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT TWO   22.

19A  CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
			Teremi-thorons.

					O'BRIEN
			This just got a lot harder.

					WESLEY
			They're one of the most elusive
			sub-atomic particles known, and
			they really shred a transporter
			signal.

					RIKER
			Thank you, Ensign, I passed
			physics.
				(to Geordi)
			Keep at it. We need those
			transporters.

	Riker EXITS.

					GEORDI
			We're going to have a lot of fun
			cracking this one.

									CUT TO:

20
thru	OMITTED
21

22   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY

	Gosheven, Data, and Ard'rian are standing near the pool
	of water. Gosheven cups some water in a hand.

					GOSHEVEN
			See that? Do you have any idea
			what it is? What it means?

					DATA
			It is water, a substance composed
			of two atoms of hydrogen --

					GOSHEVEN
			It's not water. It's blood and
			sweat -- the result of a hundred
			and forty years of combined
			effort. (ALTERNATE: ninety
			years) This isn't a town.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT TWO   23.

22   CONTINUED:

					GOSHEVEN (Cont'd)
			It's a monument to every man,
			woman, and child who has lived
			and died on Tau Cygna Five.

					ARD'RIAN
			Gosheven, you're talking nonsense.

					GOSHEVEN
			Am I? My grandfather's buried
			on that mountain.
				(points to the distant
				 line of hills)
			He died in a rock slide surveying
			the route for this aqueduct. This
			colony exists because of his
			sacrifice, and the sacrifices of
			thousands of others. No, we're
			not leaving.

					DATA
			The Sheliak will not accept humans
			on their planet. And they will
			not hesitate to use force to
			remove you.

					GOSHEVEN
				(calmly)
			And we will not hesitate to fight
			back.

					DATA
			You cannot win.

					GOSHEVEN
			You just don't understand, do you?
			We will not be bullied off our
			land... not by you, and not by
			the Sheliak.

	Gosheven whirls and walks away. End of conversation.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT TWO  24.

22   CONTINUED: (2)

					ARD'RIAN
				(re Gosheven; bitter)
			Stubborn and irrational. Now what
			do we do?

					DATA
			Are his sentiments typical among
			the colonists?

					ARD'RIAN
			I hope not. Are you thinking
			of bypassing Gosheven and taking
			your case directly to the people?

					DATA
				(nods)
			I see no other course of action.
			If I can convince enough people
			of the necessity of leaving --

					ARD'RIAN
				(a smile)
			Don't you mean "if we can
			convince?"

					DATA
			You are offering assistance?

	Ard'rian nods, extends her arm -- c'mon, let's get
	going. As they move off:

									CUT TO:

22A  EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SC. 20)

	In orbit around Tau Cygna V.

22B  INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM (FORMERLY SC. 21)

	Picard is pacing rapidly about the office. Riker
	ENTERS.

					RIKER
			Yes, sir?

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT TWO  25.

22B  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Three weeks. Starfleet is profuse
			in their apologies, but it will
			still be three weeks.

					RIKER
			Until?

					PICARD
			Until the arrival of a colony
			transport ship equipped with
			dedicated personnel shuttles.

					RIKER
			We can't wait three weeks.

					PICARD
			The Sheliak must agree to extend
			our deadline.

	Picard sits in silence for a beat.

					PICARD (cont'd)
			If they plan to settle Tau Cygna
			Five two days from now...

					RIKER
			... one of their ships must already
			be en route.

					PICARD
				(decides)
			We're going to intercept that
			ship.

					RIKER
			The Sheliak may interpret that
			as a hostile act.

					PICARD
			We have to take the risk.

	Off Picard's determined expression as we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT THREE 26.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

23   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Riker pacing slowly, looking out at the stars.

					RIKER
			The Enterprise is going to try
			to intercept the Sheliak colony
			ship. Your job ... well, you know
			your job.

									CUT TO:

24   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY

	Data standing alone in an archway.

					DATA
			Commander, in human parlance, I do
			not believe I can "get the job
			done." My training has prepared
			me for starship command duties.
			As a cultural contact I am
			proving to be less than exemplary.

25   INTERCUTS

					RIKER
			What's the situation?

					DATA
			Their leader has rejected my
			counsel. He denies the logic of
			my arguments and talks of
			structures they have built.

					RIKER
			Then try something else.

					DATA
			I have. In the last three hours
			and eight minutes, I have spoken
			to fifty-six colonists. Ten
			refused to believe a threat
			exists. Twenty-two favored
			staying and fighting the Sheliak.

STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT THREE26A.

25   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(more to himself)
			I don't have time for this.

					DATA
			Sixteen preferred negotiation or
			some form of passive resistance.
			Only eight were willing to
			consider evacuation. And of those
			eight --

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  27.

25   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
				(cutting him)
			Data, I can't help you -- I don't
			know these people; I haven't
			talked to them. You have. Use
			that fancy positronic brain of
			yours -- and carry out your
			mission.

	Ard'rian walks up to join the android, politely keeps
	a few paces away to let him complete his "phone call"
	with privacy.

					DATA
			If I do not succeed, how violent
			is the Sheliak reaction likely
			to be?

					RIKER
			The treaty is the only thing which
			kept them from eradicating the
			colony the moment they discovered
			it.

					DATA
			Ah.

					RIKER
			"Ah" is right. The lives of
			fifteen thousand people are riding
			on you. You'd better get
			innovative. Riker out.

	Data gazes into space, thinking. Ard'rian steps up.
	Her mood is upbeat.

					ARD'RIAN
			Data -- we're having an effect.
			So many people are asking
			questions about the Sheliak that
			Gosheven's called a public
			meeting.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  28.

25   CONTINUED: (3)

					DATA
			Is there any indication that
			Gosheven has changed his position?

					ARD'RIAN
			No. But a meeting will give you
			the chance to present your
			recommendations.

					DATA
			First, will Gosheven allow me to
			speak? Second, even if he does,
			what good will it do? So far,
			my attempts at persuasion have
			been ineffective.

	Ard'rian looks at him with compassion for a beat --
	then suddenly gives Data a quick kiss on the lips.

					DATA (cont'd)
			Why did you do that?

					ARD'RIAN
			You appeared to need it.

					DATA
			Among humans, a kiss normally
			serves to seal a friendship or
			to indicate support, attraction,
			affection.

	Ard'rian nods.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  29.

25   CONTINUED: (4)

					DATA (cont'd)
			In this context, I would assume
			your intention was to express
			support.

					ARD'RIAN
			That was my primary motivation.

	The implication being that there were secondary
	motivations. But if Data is aware of the implication,
	he makes no sign.

					ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
			You don't really understand human
			behavior, do you?

					DATA
			That is something of an
			understatement.

					ARD'RIAN
				(sighs)
			Sometimes I don't either.
			androids are a lot more rational.

					DATA
			Thus far, that quality has not
			helped me accomplish my mission.

					ARD'RIAN
			A rational argument isn't always
			enough. Maybe to be more
			persuasive, you need to use a
			little reverse psychology.

					DATA
				(accessing)
			Elicit a desired behavior by
			advocating its opposite?
				(a beat)
			That implies deception, does it
			not?

					ARD'RIAN
			A little. But if it helps us
			get our point across...

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  30.

25   CONTINUED: (5)

					DATA
				(considers)
			Perhaps this is a situation in
			which excessive honesty is
			detrimental.

	As they walk off:

									CUT TO:

26   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Travelling at warp speed.

27   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	As before, except there are more high tech tools and
	equipment lying about. Geordi is lifting yet another
	trashed test object off the platform. He holds it
	mutely out to Wesley and O'Brien who stare dully at
	this latest failure. There are now four intact
	objects and three blasted ones. Picard ENTERS.

					PICARD
				(you will get it done)
			How are we progressing, Mister
			La Forge?

					GEORDI
				(it's impossible)
			About like you'd expect.

					PICARD
				(get it done)
			Splendid.

	Picard EXITS.

					WESLEY
				(wearily)
			He wants the impossible.

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/14/89 - ACT THREE 31.

27   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(with a grin)
			That's the short definition for
			"captain."

	Geordi and O'Brien have already returned to work. Wes
	looks at them bemused, then shrugs and pitches in.

									CUT TO:

28   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY

	A large horseshoe-shaped amphitheater with a place for
	the engineers and Gosheven. A number of citizens --
	including Haritath and Kentor -- have turned out for
	the debate so the place is filled. In the b.g. is the
	aqueduct purifying plant.

					GOSHEVEN
			You've all heard about the android
			Starfleet sent here, and you've
			been discussing why he's come.

	Data and Ard'rian ENTER. Gosheven ignores them.

					GOSHEVEN (cont'd)
			I called this meeting to replace
			misinformation with cold, hard
			fact.

	The colonists are craning their necks to look at Data.
	Gosheven realizes Data's presence can't be ignored. He
	strides over to confront Data.

					GOSHEVEN
			Leave. Immediately.

					DATA
			I wish to speak.

					GOSHEVEN
			No.

					DATA
				(loud, for the crowd's
				 benefit)
			You deny me the opportunity to
			address the assemblage?

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  32.

28   CONTINUED:

					GOSHEVEN
			This meeting is not for outsiders.

					DATA
			Do you consider your position so
			weak that it cannot withstand
			debate?

					HARITATH
			Let him talk.

	MURMURS of assent from the crowd. Gosheven gives a
	terse nod. In a sense Data's called him a coward and
	he has to stand up to this city slicker, this outsider.

	Data steps front and center. In an effort to pull this
	off, he attempts to use human rhetorical devices
	(timing, dynamics, inflection, gestures, etc.) -- but,
	as there's no real passion behind them, they come off
	as studied and not quite sincere. A good performance,
	but still a performance.

					DATA
			You know of the Sheliak threat.
			Starfleet wishes to evacuate you
			for your own protection.
			Gosheven has decided otherwise.
			That is his right. And I will
			not waste time trying to reverse
			that decision.

	Surprised reactions from the crowd. This is not what
	they expected to hear.

					DATA (cont'd)
			I admire your conviction in the
			face of certain defeat. Your
			effort will be valiant, though
			doomed. Still, when you die,
			you will die for land and honor.

29   ANGLE ON

	The crowd. Data's starting to get a reaction. People
	are beginning to eye each other nervously. It's one
	thing to thumb your nose at a distant enemy, quite
	another to talk about dying.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  33.

30   ANGLE ON DATA

	As he reaches down, and takes a YOUNG BOY (twelve or
	so) by the arm, and pulls the child up next to him.

					DATA
			Your children will understand that
			they are dying for a worthy cause.

	Big crowd reaction here. Murmurs from various people.
	Mothers pull their children closer to them. Data
	steals a glance at Ard'rian -- "how am I doing?"
	Ard'rian nods encouragingly back -- "fine."

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Long after the battle is over,
			their courage will be remembered
			and extolled.

	Ard'rian jumps in to support him.

					ARD'RIAN
			Remembered by who?

					DATA
				(as if he hadn't
				 considered that)
			Ah, that is true. There will be
			no one left alive to remember.

31   ANGLE ON GOSHEVEN

	as he begins to applaud slowly.

					GOSHEVEN
			A valiant try, android, but what
			a low opinion you must have of
			us.

	The boy's MOTHER snatches her son back from Data, and
	pulls him down in her lap.

					DATA
			I was simply attempting to
			describe your inevitable
			destruction in a manner that
			would have an emotional effect.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  34.

31   CONTINUED:

					HARITATH
				(standing)
			And he did it pretty damned well.

	MURMURS of agreement from the crowd.

					GOSHEVEN
			Are you ready to follow this
			machine, Haritath? Give up
			everything? Without a fight?
			He says we're going to lose, I
			think that's his own cowardice
			talking!

	Kentor stands. He has a calm but commanding presence.

					KENTOR
			And what if he's right, and you're
			wrong? Shouldn't we consider that
			possibility?

	More crowd reaction. Sympathy is swinging away from
	Gosheven.

					HARITATH
			We may be sacrificing ourselves
			for nothing --

					GOSHEVEN
			Last winter we buried your little
			girl -- laid her to rest next to
			your mother, and you dare speak
			of sacrifice?

	Gosheven whirls and nails Kentor with a look.

					GOSHEVEN
				(continuing)
			And you, Kentor, we built you
			a new house after the fire wiped
			you out. Can you simply walk away
			from that?

					KENTOR
			Better to walk away than to be
			annihilated.

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT THREE 35.

31   CONTINUED: (2)

					GOSHEVEN
				(addressing them all)
			This colony exists because
			generations gave their lives for
			it. Many people died before we
			found a way to adapt to the
			radiation. Many more died
			bringing water to the desert.
			My father --

					ARD'RIAN
				(interrupting)
			-- is buried on that mountain.
			Well, who's going to be left to
			bury you?

	A vote of confidence is about to take place, and
	Gosheven realizes he's about to lose it. He falls back
	on the innate authority of an elected leader.

					GOSHEVEN
			Have you considered what this
			evacuation means? Everything we
			have, we abandon. Everything
			we've built turns into dust.
			Everything we've accomplished
			means nothing.
				(shakes head)
			Well, I say NO! You elected me
			to be your leader -- follow me
			now! I don't think our chances
			are as hopeless as he says. And
			I'm willing to stake our lives
			on it. Any objections?

	He rakes the crowd with a look. Some mutterings, but
	nobody's quite ready to lead the revolution.

					GOSHEVEN
				(continuing)
			Good, because here... we...
			stand.

	A few people step up to pound Gosheven on the back, but
	most of the crowd remains huddled, glancing from Data
	to Gosheven and back again. Haritath and Kentor step
	away to talk in private.

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT THREE 36.

32   ANGLE ON DATA

	standing with Ard'rian.

					DATA
				(almost to himself)
			Then here you die.

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/18/89 - ACT THREE 37.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

33   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Wesley, Geordi and O'Brien. There are now three
	intact test object and four trashed ones. These are
	three exhausted people. They've been working round
	the clock.

					WESLEY
			Maybe if we bypassed the autosequence
			and decompiled the
			pattern buffer... ?

					GEORDI
				(shrugs)
			It's no crazier than anything
			else we've tried.

	Wesley drops down by the panel, and begins to tinker
	while Geordi places the last test object on the
	platform. Suddenly the transporter console blows a
	fuse. Electricity races across the panel, and the
	console goes dark. O'Brien is not a happy man. Wesley
	slowly stands up. O'Brien struggles with himself, but
	can't master it.

					O'BRIEN
			Ensign Crusher.

					WESLEY
			Yes, sir.

					O'BRIEN
			If you ever touch my transporter
			again... I'll kill you.

					WESLEY
			Sorry, sir.

									CUT TO:

33A  EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY

	Data watches the town meeting break up into small
	groups of people TALKING among themselves. Ard'rian
	approaches.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT THREE  38.

33A  CONTINUED:

	Haritath and Kentor step up furtively.

					HARITATH
			Mister Data -- I want to tell you
			that... well, Gosheven doesn't
			speak for all of us.

	Ard'rian looks at Data hopefully -- maybe the early
	returns aren't so bad after all.

					HARITATH (cont'd)
			I see no point in dying
			needlessly.

					DATA
			And you, Kentor?

					KENTOR
			I'm not sure. Gosheven has done
			well for us. But I'd like to hear
			more of what you have to say.

					HARITATH
			There are many others that feel
			the same way but are uneasy about
			confronting Gosheven.

					ARD'RIAN
			Get them together. We'll meet
			at my house.

	Haritath and Kentor nod agreement then slip away.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT FOUR  39.

33A  CONTINUED: (2)

	Ard'rian leads Data toward her house. They EXIT.

34
thru	OMITTED
35

36   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Traveling at warp speed.

37   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard has brought Troi in for consultation.

					TROI
			In our dealings with other
			non-humanoid races there has been
			some point of reference; not so
			with the Sheliak.

					PICARD
			We must have something in common.
			We communicate.

					TROI
			Barely. The Sheliak have learned
			several Federation languages, but
			theirs continues to elude us.

 STAR TREK: "Ensions of Command" - REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FOUR 40.

37   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(have we tried?)
			Telepaths?

					TROI
			Attempted and failed.

					PICARD
			This is ludicrous!

					TROI
			No, sir, the fact that any alien
			race communicates with another
			is quite remarkable.

	She lifts Picard's tea cup from the desk.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			We are stranded on a planet. No
			language in common, but I want
			to teach you mine.

	Troi points to the cup.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			S'smarith. What did I just say?

					PICARD
			Cup? Glass?

					TROI
			Are you sure? I might have meant
			liquid, clear, brown, hot. And
			we conceptualize the universe in
			relatively the same way.

					PICARD
			Point taken.

					TROI
			During your talks you must be
			extremely accurate. The treaty
			is 500,000 words. The length was
			to accommodate the Sheliak. They
			consider our language irrational,
			and demanded this level of
			complexity to avoid any future
			misunderstandings.

 STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FOUR 41.

37   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain, we have the vessel
			carrying the Sheliak colonists
			on visual.

					PICARD
			On my way.
				(to Troi)
			So it begins.

	They EXIT onto:

38   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The tension on the bridge is palpable. Picard moves
	swiftly to the command station. Riker relinquishes
	command.

39   ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Where a Sheliak ship hangs ominously.

					PICARD
			Open hailing frequencies. This
			is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
			Starship Enterprise.

	We again have a vision of the mirrored, shadowed,
	shifting place. A hint of a watcher in the shadows.

					SHELIAK
			Your purpose, Enterprise?

					PICARD
			We desire face-to-face negotiation
			to settle the crisis on Tau Cygna
			Five.

	Troi hands him a PADD.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			We are entitled to consultation
			under paragraph five hundred and
			sixty-three subparagraph nine.

	A beat as the Sheliak look it up.

					SHELIAK
			Granted.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR  42.

39   CONTINUED:

	The screen again shows the Sheliak vessel.

					RIKER
			Was that an invitation?

					PICARD
			I'm going to take it as such.
			Number One, you have the bridge.

	Troi and Picard EXIT. HOLD on Riker.

					RIKER
			Helm, maintain relative position.
			Mister Worf, have Transporter Room
			Two stand by.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

									CUT TO:

40   INT. ARD'RIAN'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

	Haritath, Kentor, and a group of other colonists are
	gathered around Data and Ard'rian.

					KENTOR
			... and once the Federation
			resettles us, we'll be left
			alone?

					DATA
			If you so desire.

					HARITATH
			We do. We like doing things on
			our own.

					DATA
			The Federation will offer as
			little or as much help as you
			dictate.

  STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR  42A.

40   CONTINUED:

	Nods all around; they are impressed. Data is the
	perfect no-pressure salesman; he simply presents the
	facts. Ard'rian looks expectantly to Kentor;
	Kentor's still uncertain.

					ARD'RIAN
			Kentor -- are you with us?

	Kentor makes up his mind:

					KENTOR
			Yes.
				(a beat)
			The question is, how do we
			convince Gosheven?

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR      43.

40   CONTINUED: (2)

					HARITATH
			Why do we need to?

					KENTOR
			Because he's respected. Most
			people will do as he says.

					ARD'RIAN
			The people respect you, too.
			If you take a stand, they'll
			fall in line.

					KENTOR
			I don't know. Gosheven's got a
			lot of supporters...

					GOSHEVEN (O.S.)
			Don't forget that, Kentor.

	Everyone turns to see --

40A  OMITTED

40B  NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Gosheven fills the doorway. He ENTERS and looks
	around the room.

					GOSHEVEN
			I'm disappointed. I thought we
			had settled this.

					DATA
			Apparently, that is not correct.

	Gosheven steps up to Data.

					GOSHEVEN
				(to Data)
			Still stirring up trouble?

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR      44.

40B  CONTINUED:

					ARD'RIAN
			Since when is talk trouble?

	Gosheven ignores her -- looking only at Data.

					GOSHEVEN
			It's over. Don't you get it?
			You had your say, and you lost.

					DATA
			I appear to be reversing that
			defeat.

					GOSHEVEN
			No, you're not -- you're just
			stubborn.
				(getting closer)
			Well, let me tell you something...

	Gosheven touches Data with an electronic prod -- BLUE
	SPARKS dance over Data. Data's whole body stiffens
	-- then goes limp and falls.

					GOSHEVEN
				(completes his thought)
			... so am I.

					ARD'RIAN
			Damn you, Gosheven --

	Ard'rian rushes to Data's aid.

					HARITATH
			You killed him?

					GOSHEVEN
			I've killed no one.
				(to Ard'rian)
			I've merely shut down a machine.

	Ard'rian looks daggers at Gosheven, who turns his
	attention to the gathering.

					GOSHEVEN (cont'd)
			That's it, everyone. Time to
			go home.

	The momentum has changed. A few sheepish glances as
	one or two of the group head for the door.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FOUR      45.

40C  ON ARD'RIAN

	She's pulled out an electronic scanner from her piles
	of computer junk and is checking out the fallen Data.

40D  WIDER

	to include Gosheven.

					GOSHEVEN
				(to Ard'rian)
			You'll see I'm right.

	He EXITS. We hold on Ard'rian and Data.

									CUT TO:

41   INT. SHELIAK SHIP (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Troi MATERIALIZE. What surrounds them bears
	little resemblance to a ship. Darkness hangs like bats
	in the corners. What little light there is filters
	through swirling mist. As they look down the effect is
	as if they are walking on black ice, and tiny lights,
	like flickering eyes twinkle beneath the floor's
	surface.

					SHELIAK
			Advance and speak.

	Troi and Picard exchange glances for they can see no
	sign of the creature they are speaking with. They step
	forward, and are pinned in a bright light.

					PICARD
			Director, we will comply with your
			request to remove the colony on
			Tau Cygna Five, but we need time.

					SHELIAK
			The given time has elapsed. We
			carry the membership and we will
			proceed with their debarkation.

					TROI
			The temporary presence of these
			humans should not interfere
			with your plans.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT FOUR      46.

41   CONTINUED:

					SHELIAK
			Unacceptable. You must remove
			the creatures.

					PICARD
			I'm trying! But the needed ship
			won't be available for three
			weeks.

					SHELIAK
			Then you are in violation.

					PICARD
			I have admitted that! I'm only
			asking for a little tolerance.

					SHELIAK
			Section five hundred and one,
			paragraph seven hundred and
			sixteen, subparagraph five --
			unwanted lifeforms inhabiting H
			class worlds may be removed at
			the discretion of the Sheliak
			corporate.

					PICARD
			We will remove them. But you
			must grant us the time we require.

					SHELIAK
			You need time, Picard of the
			Enterprise, we will save you time.
			We will eradicate the human
			infestation.

					PICARD
				(outraged)
			They are not vermin! They are
			citizens of the Federation and
			I will not permit this travesty!

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FOUR      47.

41   CONTINUED: (2)

					SHELIAK
			Intelligent converse is
			impossible. You do not discuss,
			you gibber.

					PICARD
			Between intelligent species of
			good will --

	Suddenly the Sheliak transporter kicks in, and slams
	Picard and Troi back to the Enterprise. They have been
	rudely thrown out on their ears.

42   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	The startling EFFECT of the Sheliak transporter and
	Picard and Troi APPEAR. Riker, Worf, and the
	supernumeraries at Conn and Ops react.

	Picard and Troi are both very disoriented, staggering
	slightly. Riker steadies them both.

					RIKER
			I take it the Sheliak just hung
			up on us. Again.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/19/89 - ACT FIVE      48.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

42A  INT. ARD'RIAN'S LIVING ROOM

	Ard'rian worriedly inspects the unmoving Data with an
	electronic scanner. Data twitches, "reboots," comes
	back to life, and sits up. Ard'rian SIGHS, relieved.

					ARD'RIAN
			I was afraid your neural pathways
			were scrambled beyond repair.

					DATA
			I am equipped with diagnostic
			circuits and can correct many
			malfunctions.

	Data moves his head, arms, and legs, testing his
	responses.

					ARD'RIAN
			I'm not surprised at Gosheven's
			behavior. But Kentor and the
			others... they said they were
			on our side.
				(bitter)
			I guess words don't mean very
			much.

	Data mulls this over carefully.

					DATA
			Perhaps that has been part of our
			difficulty. Words are all we have
			been using.
				(thinking)
			Humans seem to take much stronger
			notice of actions.

	Data makes a decision, gets to his feet.

					DATA (cont'd)
			I require a phaser.

					ARD'RIAN
			What's a phaser?

					DATA
			A type of weapon. Unfortunately
			it will not function in the
			presence of hyperonic radiation.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT FIVE      49.

42A  CONTINUED:

	Data ponders this new problem for a beat, then shrugs
	it off:

					DATA (cont'd)
			I will have to be innovative.

									CUT TO:

42B  INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - CYGNA FIVE - DAY

	Data has opened up a phaser and is adapting it. His
	forearm is opened, revealing his arm's inner workings;
	Data is "cannibalizing" his arm for parts to modify the
	phaser. Ard'rian looks on in fascination.

					DATA
			Hyperonic radiation randomizes
			phaser beams. But I believe I
			can improvise a servocircuit which
			will compensate by continuously
			recollimating the output.

					ARD'RIAN
			You're using your own neural
			subprocessors to build a smarter
			phaser.

					DATA
			Essentially correct.

	Ard'rian's impressed. Data completes his work.

					DATA (cont'd)
			Get word to Gosheven. Tell him
			I am coming to the pumping
			station. Tell him I am going
			to destroy the aqueduct.

	Ard'rian is gaping like a carp over this, doesn't know
	what to say. Finally manages:

					ARD'RIAN
			He'll try to stop you --

					DATA
			I sincerely hope so.

	Off Ard'rian's expression:

									CUT TO:

      STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" - REV. 7/19/89 - ACT FIVE    49A.

43   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise hanging motionless in space with the
	Sheliak ship.

44   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					PICARD
				(to Worf)
			Go to Yellow Alert. Shields up.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			Mister Riker, put us nose to nose
			with the Sheliak ship. If she
			makes a move, match it.

					RIKER
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			Open a hailing frequency.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FIVE      50.

44   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			They're not responding, sir.

					PICARD
				(tight control)
			They don't have to answer. They
			just have to listen! Sheliak
			vessel, you will have to go
			through me to get at the colony
			on Tau Cygna Five!

45
thru	OMITTED
46

47   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

					WORF
			No response.

					PICARD
			Close channel -- and get me that
			treaty! They've been beating us
			over the head with it for three
			days. Let's see if we can't find
			something in it that can be
			turned to our advantage.

					RIKER
			We're going to try to beat them
			at their own game?

					WORF
			The treaty is how long?

					TROI
			Five hundred thousand words.

					WORF
				(glumly)
			We are going to regret Data's
			absence.

									CUT TO:

48   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - MAIN STREET - DAY (OPTICAL)

	The square. FOUR MEN armed with rifles stand
	shoulder to shoulder in front of the plant and
	aqueduct. Standing defiant and unarmed, save for the
	probe at his belt, on an upper level is Gosheven.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/20/89 - ACT FIVE      51.

48   CONTINUED:

	Off to one side are a number of colonists (including
	Ard'rian, Haritath, and Kentor), nervously awaiting
	the outcome.

	Then a PHASER STUN hits one of the armed men; he
	drops. As the others whirl to take aim --

48A  NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	A PHASER BEAM sweeps across the line of armed men,
	STUNNING them instantly. No one even gets a shot off.

	Gosheven, astonished, reaches for the probe at his
	belt. Data calmly stands up from his hiding place,
	aims his phaser. Gosheven freezes -- it's futile;
	obviously Data could stun him before he could get
	anywhere near Data.

48B  WIDER (OPTICAL)

	as Data steps out into the street, holds his phaser
	up for all to see.

					DATA
			That was the "stun" setting.

	Data switches the setting on the phaser --

					DATA (cont'd)
			This is not.

	Data turns, BLASTS the control panel on the aqueduct.
	A shower of SPARKS. EFFECT as the reaction races up
	the aqueduct. The water stops flowing. Gosheven is
	speechless. Data addresses the colonists:

					DATA (cont'd)
			I could reduce this pumping
			station to a pile of debris...
			but I trust my point is clear.
			I am one android with a single
			weapon. There are hundreds of
			Sheliak on the way... and their
			weapons are far more powerful.

	Data pauses. The colonists are dead silent.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/24/89 - ACT FIVE      52.

48B  CONTINUED:

					DATA (cont'd)
			And the Sheliak may not even offer
			you a target. They can obliterate
			this colony from orbit. You will
			die never having seen the faces
			of your killers.

	Data walks deliberately to one of the stunned
	defenders, picks up the rifle with his free hand, holds
	it out to the group of colonists.

					DATA (cont'd)
			The choice is yours.

	The colonists look at one another. Finally:

					KENTOR
			There are other places -- other
			challenges. It's time to move
			on.

	And Kentor EXITS. One by one, the colonists follow
	him. The mantle of leadership has passed.

48C  NEW ANGLE

	Gosheven, slump shouldered, bends and scoops up a
	handful of dirt at the base of the silent pool. Data
	moves to join him.

					GOSHEVEN
			I really was willing to stay and
			die for this.

					DATA
			I know that, but it is just a
			thing, and things can be replaced.
			Lives cannot. Live, rebuild and
			be remembered.

	A long beat. Then Gosheven wipes his hand on his
	pants, and walks back to join his people.

49   OMITTED

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FIVE      53.

50   ANGLE ON DATA

	watching Gosheven go. Data looks down at the phaser
	for several moments, then holsters it. He looks up to
	find Ard'rian gazing at him with an expression of pride
	and love.

51   OMITTED

52   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Troi is seated at Science One with Picard hanging over
	her shoulder. Riker and Worf are at Science Two.
	Pages of treaty crawl past on both screens.

					WORF
			This is hopeless. Fighting would
			be preferable.

	A look from Riker.

					PICARD
			That's it.

	He indicates a clause.

					TROI
			I don't follow you, sir.

					PICARD
			Worf, get me the Sheliak.

					WORF
				(just heard the
				 reprieve)
			Yes, sir!

	Picard, Riker and Troi return to the command station.
	The strange Sheliak scene replaces a view of the ship.

					PICARD
			Pursuant to paragraph one thousand
			two hundred and ninety I formally
			request third party arbitration
			of our dispute.

	A beat while they look it up.

					SHELIAK
			Agreed.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FIVE      54.

52   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			And further, pursuant to
			subsection D, three, I name the
			Grizzelas to arbitrate.

					SHELIAK
			Grizzelas?

	Riker glances, puzzled, at Troi.

					RIKER
				(mouths)
			Grizzelas?

	Troi quells him with a look.

					PICARD
			Unfortunately they are currently
			in their hibernation cycle, but
			they'll awaken in six months, and
			then we'll get this matter
			settled. Now, do you want to
			wait... or give me my three weeks?

					SHELIAK
			Absurd. We carry the membership!
			We can brook no delay!

					PICARD
			Then I declare the treaty in
			abeyance!

					SHELIAK
			Wait! Negotiation is --

	Picard gestures to Worf -- cut the transmission. Worf
	obeys. A long beat.

					RIKER
				(smiling)
			You enjoyed that.

					PICARD
			You're damn right.

					WORF
			Captain, they are hailing us.

	Picard studies his nails. Takes a turn around the
	bridge. Settles himself back in the command chair.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/13/89 - ACT FIVE      55.

52   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Sir?

					PICARD
				(a beat)
			On screen.

	The Sheliak reappear.

					SHELIAK
			You may have your three weeks,
			Picard of the Enterprise.

					PICARD
				(with careful
				 enunciation)
			Thank you.

	The screen returns to a view of the Sheliak ship
	pulling away. Instant release of tension. Suddenly
	the turbolift doors open, and Geordi ENTERS. He is
	looking frazzled. People's expressions reflect the
	thought that "dear God, he did it."

					GEORDI
			Captain, we can do it! We can
			modify the transporters.

					PICARD
			Excellent.

					GEORDI
			It'll take fifteen years, and a
			research team of a hundred --

					PICARD
				(dryly)
			Mister La Forge, I believe we will
			postpone.

					GEORDI
				(with a grin)
			Yes, sir.

	Geordi EXITS.

									CUT TO:

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/14/89 - ACT FIVE      56.

53   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - SHUTTLE LANDING SITE - DAY

	Data is inside the shuttle making preparations for
	departure.

					DATA
			Commander Data to Enterprise.
			I am preparing to leave Tau Cygna
			Five and await rendezvous
			instructions.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Acknowledged. Stand by.

	Outside the shuttle, Ard'rian approaches. Data sees
	her, emerges from the shuttle to meet her.

					ARD'RIAN
			Hi.

					DATA
			Hello, Ard'rian.

					ARD'RIAN
			The evacuation plan is going well.
			When the transport ship arrives,
			we'll be ready.
				(a beat)
			You succeeded.

					DATA
			I would not have succeeded without
			your support and insight, and I
			appreciate your assistance.

					ARD'RIAN
			Good. Then you won't forget me?

					DATA
			I am incapable of forgetting.
			I will remember every detail of
			my visit with perfect clarity.

					ARD'RIAN
			But nothing more?

					DATA
			I do not understand.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/14/89 - ACT FIVE      57.

53   CONTINUED:

	Ard'rian bites the bullet:

					ARD'RIAN
			I guess what I really want to know
			is -- do you have any feelings
			for me?

					DATA
			I have no feelings of any kind.

	Ard'rian is silent.

					ARD'RIAN
			No. Of course you don't.

	Data studies her. She's downcast. Mimicking her
	behavior earlier, he gives her a quick kiss on the
	lips, startling her.

					ARD'RIAN (cont'd)
			What was that for?

					DATA
			You appeared to require it.

					ARD'RIAN
			You observed I was unhappy and
			did what you concluded would make
			me feel better. A purely rational
			deduction.

	She's still downcast.

					DATA
			Have I disappointed you?

					ARD'RIAN
			No, I'm disappointed in myself
			-- for wanting something I know
			I can't have.
				(a beat)
			Data, in so many ways you're
			superior to humans. But you are
			still a machine... without
			emotion.

					DATA
			Yes.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/14/89 - ACT FIVE     57A.

53   CONTINUED: (2)

					ARD'RIAN
			It's so easy to believe otherwise.
			It's so easy to read things into
			your behavior... and perceive
			feelings where none exist.
				(a beat)
			Well, I am human and I do have
			feelings... silly though they may
			be at times. I like you, Data.
			You're my favorite android.

					DATA
			But I am the only android you have
			ever met.

					ARD'RIAN
			Rational to the last.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FIVE      58.

53   CONTINUED:	(3)

	And with a smile, Ard'rian EXITS. Data climbs into
	the shuttle, and the door closes.

									CUT TO:

54   OMITTED

55   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Picard is listening to a recording of Data's string
	quartet concert in Ten Forward. DOOR CHIME.

					PICARD
			Come.

	Data ENTERS.

					PICARD (cont'd)
			Welcome home, Mister Data. Well
			done.

					DATA
			Thank you, sir.

					PICARD
			The good doctor was kind enough
			to provide me with a recording
			of your concert. Your
			performance shows a good deal
			of feeling.

					DATA
			As I have lately had to remind
			others, I have no feelings.

					PICARD
			That's hard to believe; your
			playing is quite beautiful.

					DATA
			Strictly speaking, it is not
			"my" playing. It is a precise
			imitation of the techniques of
			Jascha Heifetz and Trenka Bron-Ken.

       STAR TREK: "Ensigns of Command" REV. 7/17/89 - ACT FIVE      59.

55   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			And is there nothing of Data in
			what I'm hearing?

	Data ponders this.

					PICARD (cont'd)
			You chose the violinists.
			Heifetz and Bron-Ken had
			radically different styles, but
			you combined them -- successfully.

					DATA
			I suppose I have learned to be
			innovative... when necessary, sir.

	Picard nods. He's made his point.

					PICARD
			Mister Data... I look forward to
			your next concert.

	On Data's thoughtful expression, we:

56   OMITTED

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END