STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                       "Suddenly Human" 
                          #40274-176 
                              
                          Written by 
                          Jeri Taylor 
                              
                          Directed by 
                      Gabrielle Beaumont 


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 1990 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 This script is not for publication or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.

                         FINAL DRAFT

                         JULY 9, 1990


       STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Suddenly Human" 

                             CAST                               
                              
           PICARD                    JONO
           RIKER                     CAPTAIN ENDAR
           DATA                      
           BEVERLY                   Starfleet Personnel
           TROI                      ADMIRAL CONNAUGHT ROSSA
           GEORDI                    
           WORF                      
           WESLEY                    Non-Speaking
                                     FOUR TALARIAN YOUTHS
                                     TALARIAN MILITIA
           TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S 
             VOICE                   Still Photos on Monitor
                                      CONNOR & MOIRA ROSSA
           Non-Speaking                WITH INFANT CHILD
           SUPERNUMERARIES           
           MEDICAL PERSONNEL         
                                     Voices
           TWO SECURITY MEN            CONNOR & MOIRA ROSSA
                                       JEREMIAH ROSSA (INFANT)

       STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Suddenly Human" 
                         
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     TALARIAN SHIPS
              TRANSPORTER ROOM           OBSERVATION CRAFT
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE         WARSHIP Q'MAIRE
              TEN FORWARD                TWO ADDT'L WARSHIPS
              SICKBAY
              BEVERLY'S OFFICE
              CORRIDORS (VARIOUS)
              N.D. QUARTERS
              PICARD'S QUARTERS
              RACQUETBALL COURT
          
            TALARIAN OBSERVATION CRAFT
          
            TALARIAN WARSHIP Q'MAIRE
              ENDAR'S READY ROOM (ON MAIN VIEWER)
          
            STARFLEET
              ADMIRAL ROSSA'S ROOM (ON MONITOR)

     STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/18/90 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Suddenly Human" 
                          
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                CONNAUGHT              cn-NAWT
                ENDAR                  EN-dar
                JONO                   JOHN-oh
                MOIRA                  MORE-ah
                Q'MAIRE                kuh-MARE
                TALARIAN               tah-LARE-ian
                ROSSA                  ROW-sa
                WODEN                  WOH-den

     STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER     1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                       "Suddenly Human"                            
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship approaches a small Talarian vessel, adrift.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, Stardate 44085.7.
			We have moved into Sector
			Two-One-Nine-Four-Seven in
			response to a distress call from
			a Talarian observation craft.
			The alien vessel appears adrift,
			and our initial probe has detected
			a life-threatening radiation leak
			within its propulsion system.

2    INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	To include MAIN VIEWER. PICARD, TROI, and RIKER in
	the Command Chairs. DATA at Ops, WORF at Tactical,
	WESLEY at Conn.

					WORF
			Sir, I get no further response
			from the vessel.

					PICARD
			Maintain an open channel.

					RIKER
			Doctor Crusher and her assistants
			are waiting in Transporter Room
			Three, Captain.

     STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER     2.

2    CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Sir, I must remind you that during
			the Galen border conflicts a
			common tactic of the Talarians
			was to abandon their observation
			craft, rig them to
			self-destruct...

					PICARD
				(nods)
			... and issue a general distress
			call, yes, I know...

					DATA
			This particular guerilla maneuver
			resulted in two hundred and
			nineteen fatalities over a three-
			year period.

	Picard is silent, pondering his options.

					RIKER
			Data, is there any way to detect
			their self-destruct device?

					DATA
			Negative, Commander. The
			Talarians employ a subspace
			proximity detonator. It would
			not be detectable to our scans...

					RIKER
				(joining in)
			... or the Away Team's tricorders.
			Right.

					WORF
			Captain, the Talarian warship
			Q'Maire is responding to the
			distress call.

					PICARD
			Position?

					WORF
			Halfway through the Woden sector.

					WESLEY
			It'll take them hours to get here,
			sir, even at maximum warp.

     STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER     3.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard turns to Troi, who has been quiet during all
	this, concentrating on what forces might be emanating
	from the stricken vessel.

					PICARD
			Counselor?

					TROI
			There is life on board... but it's
			fading.

	That's it. Picard makes his decision.

					PICARD
			Number One, assemble the rest of
			your away team and prepare for
			immediate rescue operations.

					RIKER
			Yes, sir.

	They lock eyes for a moment. Picard doesn't need to
	add, "Be careful." Riker knows all too well what he
	may be heading into.

3    INT. TALARIAN OBSERVATION CRAFT (OPTICAL)

	Gaseous, dark, flickering neon lights accent the area
	as Riker, Worf and BEVERLY MATERIALIZE with TWO MEDICAL
	SUPERNUMERARIES carrying equipment. Riker, tricorder
	in hand, steps forward, wary and alert. They move into
	the interior of the ship, scanning constantly with his
	tricorder, the others following.

					WORF
				(checking tricorder)
			Ancilary power is failing,
			Commander.

	They move throught the cabin, and then spot --

4    THEIR POV - AN ADJACENT AREA

	revealing FIVE TALARIANS, some with radiation burns,
	most too weak to stand. They wear a helmet-like head
	covering that is decidedly war-like in appearance, and
	all wear gloves.

     STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - TEASER     4.

4    CONTINUED:

	They all look young -- like our teen-agers.

					BEVERLY
			They're nothing more than
			children!

	And they are broken and wounded. Riker steps forward.

					RIKER
			I am Commander Riker of the
			Federation Starship Enterprise.
			We will evacuate you and give you
			medical care. You will not be
			harmed.

	There is no resistance, and Beverly springs into
	action, scanning the victims with a medical tricorder.
	Worf move into an adjacent corridor to reconnoiter.

					BEVERLY
				(keying insignia)
			Enterprise, prepping five Talarian
			males for transport directly to
			Sickbay... Trauma Team, stand
			by to receive injured... we have
			radiation burns, possible
			respiratory distress...

					TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE
			Transport locked in and ready,
			Doctor.

					BEVERLY
			Stand by for my order.

	As she and the medical assistants continue triage,
	Riker keys his insignia.

					RIKER
			Captain, it looks like this was
			a basic training ship. Five
			boys... in their teens... all
			in uniform...

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Proceed with the evacuation,
			Number One.

	Worf returns from his inspection.

     STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - TEASER     5.

4    CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			No other life signs on board, sir.

					BEVERLY'S (O.C.)
			Commander! Quickly!

	Riker rushes to Beverly's side: she's aiming her
	tricorder at a TALARIAN YOUTH, free hand removing his
	helmet.

					RIKER
			What is it?

	The helmet is removed, revealing a handsome young man
	of about fourteen -- looking not at all Talarian.

					BEVERLY (O.C.)
			Look... this boy... he's human!

	And on their stunned reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE    6.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

5    INT. SICKBAY

	One critical-status Talarian is being treated for
	radiation damage. Other survivors are whisked into the
	ward by MEDICAL SUPERNUMERARIES.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental: We
			have completed emergency
			evacuation of four Talarians
			-- and one human. How this young
			man found himself in the custody
			of these aliens remains a mystery.

	Across the ward, sitting cross-legged on a diagnostic
	bed, is JONO -- the human. He is ramrod straight, eyes
	fixed ahead, jaw clenched. With steely determination,
	he avoids any effort by Beverly to make contact with
	him. Troi observes.

					BEVERLY
			It's Jono, right? Is that what
			I heard them call you?

	She speaks casually, warmly, as she scans him with her
	tricorder. Jono ignores her.

					BEVERLY
			I'm Doctor Crusher. I'm examining
			you for radiation injuries. It
			won't hurt.
				(beat)
			I have a son not much older than
			you. Maybe you'd like to meet
			him.

	No response.

					BEVERLY
				(gamely)
			Well, Jono... you seem to have
			escaped radiation damage. Pretty
			lucky.
				(reacting to something
				 on the tricorder)
			How did this happen -- ?

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/25/90 - ACT ONE    7.

5    CONTINUED:

	Suddenly, Jono covers his face and emits a high-pitched
	shriek -- a keening -- and begins rocking back and
	forth. Other Talarians, like babies responding with
	sympathetic crying, take up the awful screech.
	Startled, Beverly moves away from the boy.
	Instinctively, Troi moves forward, toward him.

					BEVERLY
			What is it?

					TROI
			He's -- terrified.

6    OMITTED

6A   INT. SICKBAY - CONTINUOUS

	Picard and Riker ENTER; Beverly approaches them.

					BEVERLY
			They all just started up,
			Captain.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE    8.

6A   CONTINUED:

	A roomful of shrieking teenagers does not sit well with
	Picard.

					PICARD
			May I have your attention, please?

	They continue the keening sound.

					PICARD
			Please -- may I have your
			attention?

	No response. Finally, frustrated, Picard walks toward
	Jono.

					PICARD
			Stop that immediately!

	The unmistakable voice of authority gets Jono's
	attention instantly. He breaks off in mid-cry, turns
	and stares at Picard in a mixture of awe and respect.
	The others stop the screech as soon as Jono does.

					PICARD
			Well. That's better. Now, what's
			your name, young man?

	Jono blinks, but doesn't answer.

					TROI
			He won't talk, Captain. We
			haven't been able to get through
			to him.

					JONO
			Captain -- ?

	Electrified by that word, Jono jumps off the bed and
	crosses to Picard, bows his head.

					JONO
			Captain... I am Jono. Take me
			home, to my Captain. Take me home
			to Endar!

	Picard stares awkwardly down at the young man at his
	feet. Then he looks up at Troi, who has observed this
	little scene. She is smiling slightly. Picard has
	made an instant connection with this troubled boy.


    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/25/90 - ACT ONE    9.

7    INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE - MINUTES LATER

	Picard ENTERS with Beverly.

					BEVERLY
			He managed to escape radiation
			trauma... but his scans showed
			something else...

					PICARD
			What?

	Beverly rises, paces. She is disturbed by what she has
	to say.

					BEVERLY
			Two previously fractured ribs...
			a broken arm... a low-grade
			concussion. There may be
			neurological impairment... I'll
			have to examine him further. Jean
			Luc -- the Talarians have always
			been ruthless to their enemies...
			I think there's a real possibility
			they may have brutalized the
			child.

	Picard is appalled, but wants, as always, to consider
	all possibilities.

					PICARD
			Isn't it possible he was injured
			prior to his captivity?

					BEVERLY
			Not likely. He's been with them
			a long time... long enough to
			assimilate their cultural
			traits... and calcium trace
			patterns indicate the injuries
			occurred during the past seven
			years.

					PICARD
				(frowns)
			But if they have... abused the
			boy... why would he devoutly wish
			to return to them?

					BEVERLY
			That's not uncommon. It was
			identified centuries ago as the
			"Stockholm syndrome."

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE    10.

7    CONTINUED:

	Suddenly, there is commotion from the Sickbay and as
	Picard and Beverly react...

8    INT. SICKBAY - JONO - THEIR POV

	He is thrashing on the bed, resisting the efforts of
	two medical SUPERNUMERARIES and Troi to restrain him.
	Then, he bursts into that dreadful shriek. The other
	Talarians follow suit.

9    ON PICARD AND BEVERLY

	as they rush from the office.

					PICARD
			Now what?

	Jono has leapt from the table and is tearing around the
	room, shrieking.

					TROI
			I suggested he take off his
			gloves... Suddenly he went out
			of control.

	The medical personnel are still scrambling to grab
	Jono.

					BEVERLY
				(hits insignia)
			Security, we need some assistance
			in Sickbay...

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Acknowledged, Doctor.

					PICARD
			Jono -- !

	Seeing Picard, Jono stops shrieking, but keeps dancing
	away from his pursuers, agitated and hyperventilating.

					JONO
			She won't leave me alone! She
			keeps trying to dissect me!

					PICARD
			She was trying to help you!

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE   10A.

9    CONTINUED:

					JONO
			I don't want her help! All I want
			is to be with my brothers! Send
			us back to Captain Endar!

	Jono may be confused, and he may have suffered, but at
	the moment he's a child throwing a tantrum. Worf
	ENTERS, takes in the scene... begins to move at Jono...
	Picard wants to de-escalate the incident...

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE    11.

9    CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Jono -- I want you to stop this
			immediately!

	Jono stops short, responding almost involuntarily to
	the voice of authority. He lifts his head, then bows
	it again to Picard.

					JONO
			Yes, Captain.

					PICARD
			That's better. Now, if we're to
			accomplish anything --

					DATA'S COM VOICE
				(interrupting)
			Data to Picard.

					PICARD
			Go ahead.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			We have received a subspace
			communique from Starfleet Command,
			regarding the young human, sir.

	Jono's eyes flicker at this, but he does not move.

					PICARD
			Very well. Doctor, Counselor...
				(join me)

	Moving with Picard --

					BEVERLY
			Mister Worf, escort this young
			man to quarters... he's to be
			confined there until further
			notice.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/24/90 - ACT ONE    12.

9    CONTINUED: (3)

					WORF
			Yes, Doctor.

	Jono has listened to this interchange with interest. A
	beat as the boy and the Klingon measure one another.

10   OMITTED

10A  INT. N.D. QUARTERS

	Worf and Jono ENTER.

					JONO
			Why are you here, Klingon -- with
			them? Did they capture you, too?

					WORF
			They are not my captors. They
			are my comrades.

	Jono snorts derisively, then --

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE   12A.

10A  CONTINUED:

					JONO
			Why do you take orders from a
			female?

					WORF
				(reacts)
			Doctor Crusher? She is my
			superior officer.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT ONE    13.

10A  CONTINUED: (2)

					JONO
				(a snort of contempt)
			Among my people, a female could
			never outrank a man.

					WORF
			You are human, and among humans,
			females can achieve anything
			males can.

	Jono stares at him, clear-eyed and sure.

					JONO
			I am not human any more than you
			are. I am Talarian.

	Worf regards the boy with sadness, understanding his
	plight perhaps better than anyone.

					WORF
			You are confused...

	Suddenly, the boy launches into that ear-splitting wail
	again, jarring Worf from his sympathy.

					WORF
			Stop that!

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT ONE    14.

10A  CONTINUED: (3)

					JONO
			I will make the B'Nar -- the
			mourning -- until I am back with
			my brothers!

	He starts up again and Worf backs away, covering his
	ears, then EXITS, shaking his head.

11
thru	OMITTED
13

13A  INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker, Beverly, Troi and Data.

					DATA
			By matching DNA gene types,
			Starfleet was able to identify
			the young man as Jeremiah Rossa...

					RIKER
				(recognizing the name)
			Rossa...

					PICARD
			... as in Admiral Rossa, Data?

					DATA
			She is his grandmother, Captain.

	Riker whistles softly. Data calls up a still picture
	of the child with his parents on the monitor.

					DATA
			He was born fourteen years ago
			on the Federation Colony, Galen
			Four. His parents, Connor and
			Moira Rossa, were killed in a
			border skirmish three years, nine
			months later when the colony was
			overrun by Talarian forces.

					PICARD
			I remember. There were no
			survivors.

					DATA
			The child was listed as missing
			and presumed dead.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT ONE    15.

13A  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I knew another one of the Rossas
			who was killed in action at the
			Krasner outpost...

					PICARD
				(nods)
			Tragedy, it seems, follows the
			Rossa Family... the Admiral has
			lost both her sons...

					BEVERLY
			She'll have something to celebrate
			now...

					TROI
			Captain... if Jeremiah were
			returned to his family in his
			present condition... it would be
			a wrenching experience for
			everyone. Especially for him.
			He needs to re-discover his
			identity. He has to make some
			connection with his roots.

					PICARD
			I agree. Please take whatever
			means you need to accomplish that,
			Counselor.

					TROI
			I don't think I can do anything,
			Captain.

					PICARD
			Why not?

					BEVERLY
			Troi's right. It's very clear
			that the boy does not respond well
			to women.

					DATA
			The Talarians are a rigidly
			patriarchical society.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT ONE    16.

13A  CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Jeremiah needs to build a
			relationship with a man... a
			father figure... with whom he can
			explore his origins... and I think
			it should be you, Captain.

					PICARD
				(over my dead body)
			Oh, no, Counselor! I don't think
			so. He needs someone who is --
			trained in these things.

					TROI
			But you are the only person on
			board to whom he has shown any
			connection. If Jeremiah is to
			find his -- humanity -- then you
			are the only one who can help him.
			It's up to you, Captain.

	Picard stares at her, reflecting on both the enormity
	and the sheer awfulness of this responsibility.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO    17.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

14   INT. N.D. LIVING QUARTERS - A LITTLE LATER

	Jono sits cross-legged, his high-pitched wail now
	having achieved a ritualistic, mournful rhythm. He
	keeps at it, indefatigably, then suddenly breaks off as
	he sees --

15   PICARD

	who stands at the door, observing him.

					PICARD
			Jono... why do you make that
			noise?

					JONO
			It is the custom of my people when
			they are in distress.

					PICARD
			Is it not also the custom of your
			people to listen to the wishes
			of their Captain?

					JONO
			Yes.

					PICARD
			Then, as Captain of the Starship
			Enterprise, I ask you not to make
			that sound.

					JONO
				(nodding, obedient)
			Yes, sir.

					PICARD
			Good. Well. Now that we have
			that cleared up...
				(tries to look cheerful)
			Let's... get acquainted, shall
			we?

	Jono stares up at him, puzzled, and Picard smiles with
	what he hopes is sincerity.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO    18.

15   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(looking around)
			What do you think of your
			quarters? I know it's a bit --
			sterile. But if there's anything
			you'd like... pictures, perhaps,
			or games...

	He trails off as Jono looks around the room, silently
	inspecting it. Then he turns to Picard.

					JONO
			This is a cage. I am still your
			captive.

					PICARD
			Not at all. I thought you would
			be comfortable here --

					JONO
			Are you going to return me to my
			Captain?

					PICARD
				(temporizing)
			We will rendezvous with the
			warship Q'maire at
			Oh-seven-forty. We are
			preparing to transfer the
			Talarians to Captain Endar.

					JONO
			Including me?

					PICARD
			We will... discuss... your
			situation with Captain Endar.

	Jono eyes him briefly, then swings around to look at
	the living quarters.

					JONO
			I don't like this place.

					PICARD
			Well, we can find other quarters.
			

					JONO
			I have always lived with my
			Captain.

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO   18A.

15   CONTINUED: (2)

	He turns to look in Picard's eyes, challenging.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO    19.

15   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Ah. Yes, well... that won't work,
			here.

16   OMITTED

17   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - MINUTES LATER

	The door opens and Picard and Jono ENTER.

					PICARD
			I'm sure you'll see... there's
			nothing here that would appeal
			to a young person.

	Picard watches as Jono wanders the room, picking up
	things and putting them down in typical teen-age
	fashion. He picks up a Klingon dagger, inspects it
	curiously, turning it in his gloved hands.

					PICARD
			Put that down, please.

					JONO
			It's Klingon.

					PICARD
			Yes. Put it back where you got
			it.

	Jono flips the dagger onto the desk, flops down into
	a chair, sprawling. Picard places it exactly as it
	was before. Then he turns toward the boy.

					PICARD
			Well. Here we are, eh, Jono?

	Jono stares at him, not replying. Picard sits, trying
	to make conversation.

					PICARD
			I notice you haven't taken off
			your gloves...

	Jono sits straight, protectively puts his hands to his
	sides.

					JONO
			Not here.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO    20.

17   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Why not?

					JONO
			So that I don't have to touch an
			alien.

	Picard reacts. A beat. He leans toward the boy.

					PICARD
			Jono... your Captain, Endar? Has
			he ever hurt you?
				(off Jono)
			Inflicted pain?

					JONO
				(proudly)
			Pain is not a consideration.

					PICARD
			Then he has.

					JONO
			I did not say that. Can't you
			understand? Pain is not what
			matters. Passing the tests is
			everything.

					PICARD
			Is that what they are? Tests of
			pain?

					JONO
				(scornful)
			You don't understand anything.

					PICARD
			It's true I don't fully understand
			Talarians. But... you are not
			Talarian.

	At this, Jono stiffens and jumps to his feet.

					JONO
			I will not listen to this! I will
			not listen to your lies! Take
			me back to my cell! I'd rather
			be in prison than have you try
			to poison my mind!

	Picard sighs. This task is impossible.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO    21.

18   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - LATER

	Picard sits, musing, distressed. The SOUND OF A CHIME.

					PICARD
			Come.

	The door opens and Troi stands there.

					TROI
			You wanted to see me, Captain?

					PICARD
			Ah, yes, Counselor. Please --
			sit down.

	Troi sits opposite him.

					PICARD
			You may not be aware of this, but
			I have never been particularly
			comfortable around children.

	To Troi's credit, she does not laugh.

					TROI
			Really?

					PICARD
			For some reason, they just don't
			seem to respond to me.

					TROI
			I see...

					PICARD
			Frankly, I think my time is best
			served carrying out the duties
			and responsibilities of a
			Starfleet Captain.

					TROI
			Seldom have I heard an explanation
			so well rehearsed.

	He shoots her a look; she smiles.

					PICARD
			All right, Counselor... I just
			don't think I'm the right person
			for this job.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO    22.

18   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Strange, isn't it? You'll travel
			light years, dodge asteroid
			storms, brave hostile aliens...
			but when asked to assume a
			parental role, you cringe. Why
			do you suppose that is?

					PICARD
			I'm not cringing... I am simply
			acknowledging my limitations.

					TROI
				(musing)
			When you were a child, did you
			have many friends? Other children
			you played with?

	Picard shifts; he's not entirely comfortable being
	probed.

					PICARD
			No, but I don't think that has
			anything to do with anything...
				(beat, pondering)
			Perhaps it's because... no, this
			is foolish. What does it matter?

					TROI
			What were you going to say?

	Picard hesitates; this is not easy territory for him.

					PICARD
			Just that... ever since I was a
			child... I knew exactly what I
			wanted -- to be a member of
			Starfleet. Nothing else mattered
			to me. Virtually my entire youth
			was spent pursuing that goal.
			In fact...
				(beat)
			I think... that I may have skipped
			my childhood.

	Touched, she gazes at him, knowing this
	self-exploration is difficult.

					TROI
			You know, Captain, almost no one
			is born being a good parent.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO   22A.

18   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI (Cont'd)
			Most people simply have to muddle
			through it, doing the best job
			they can.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO    23.

18   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			And... that's what I'm going to
			have to do?

					TROI
			Yes. And you might be surprised
			at how good you could be.

	Picard sighs. No getting off the hook here.

19   INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE PICARD'S QUARTERS

	Picard approaches his quarters, carrying a portable
	visual monitor; as he does, he hears the muffled sound
	of noise from within: a maelstrom of electronic sound,
	discordant and unstructured. Puzzled, he opens his
	door. The sound blasts forth, deafening.

20   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS

	The volume of the noise is truly frightening. Picard
	looks around his room, noting that the furniture has
	been completely re-arranged.

					PICARD
			Computer, turn off that noise!

	Instantly, there is blissful silence.

					PICARD
			Computer, what was that?

					COMPUTER'S VOICE
			The "Alba Ra"... a contemporary
			Talarian musical form.

					PICARD
			Jono? Where are you?

					JONO'S VOICE
			Here.

	Drawn by the voice, Picard looks up, and discovers Jono
	suspended from the ceiling in a spider-web hammock.

					JONO
			You turned off my music.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO    24.

20   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Yes, I certainly did, and I expect
			it to stay turned off. Jono,
			would you come down from there?

	With graceful twists and turns, Jono unravels himself,
	and descends like a bat from the ceiling.

					PICARD
				(indicating room)
			I see you've made yourself at
			home.

					JONO
				(shrugs)
			I cannot rest on your beds. They
			hurt my back.

	Exasperated, Picard starts to reply, then stops
	himself. Nothing to be served by antagonizing him. He's
	going to try to do this thing as best he can.

					PICARD
			Right... Jono, I want to show you
			something.

	He beckons the boy toward the monitor, which he
	activates.

21   INTERCUTTING WITH VISUAL MONITOR (OPTICAL)

	The photographs of the Rossa family on Galen IV --
	including the infant and child Jeremiah, seen earlier
	in the Observation Lounge.

					PICARD
			Those are Connor and Moira Rossa
			-- your parents. That baby is
			you... Jeremiah Rossa.

					JONO
				(frowns)
			My name is Jono.

					PICARD
			You were born Jeremiah, on Galen
			Four. Your colony was
			destroyed, later, during a border
			skirmish.

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO   24A.

21   CONTINUED:

	A chubby-cheeked child gazes into camera, laughing
	merrily -- a happy boy.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO    25.

21   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			You knew how to laugh once.

	Jono shoots him a dark look, doesn't reply.

					PICARD
			Do you remember any of that? Your
			parents, your home?

					JONO
			No. I know that Endar rescued
			me. He told me so.

					PICARD
			Jono, your parents were killed
			by Talarians...

					JONO
				(shrugs)
			It was war. Death is part of war.

	Picard knows all about war, and yet he is shocked at
	the boy's absolute lack of emotion. Then --

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain?

					PICARD
			What is it, Number One?

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			We have visual contact with the
			warship Q'Maire.

	Jono rises.

					JONO
			Endar...

					PICARD
				(warning hand)
			You stay put.
				(to Riker)
			I'm on my way.

	He EXITS. Jono watches him leave, and then, almost
	against his will, as though being drawn by unseen
	forces, he turns back to the monitor. He moves to it,
	stares at a picture of his parents. His hand reaches
	toward the image of his mother. Softly, SOUNDS begin
	building in his head -- the zap of phaser fire, and
	then a woman's voice, calling.

    STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT TWO    26.

21   CONTINUED: (3)

					MOIRA'S VOICE
			Jeremiah... Jeremiah!

	The boy withdraws his hand, closes his eyes, and by
	dint of sheer effort, wills the sounds away. They
	fade, and he opens his eyes again.

22   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	to include MAIN VIEWER. Data, Worf, and Wesley are at
	stations. Picard ENTERS, sits.

					PICARD
			Status, Mister Data.

					DATA
			Q'maire at station, holding steady
			at bearing zero-one-three, mark
			zero-one-five. Distance
			five-zero-six kilometers.

					PICARD
			Are its weapons systems active?

					DATA
			Negative.

					WORF
			Captain Endar requests an open
			channel.

					PICARD
			On screen.

	CAPTAIN ENDAR, a fierce but dignified presence, appears
	on the Main Viewer.

					ENDAR
			I am Captain Endar of the warship
			Q'Maire. To whom am I speaking?

					PICARD
			Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
			Federation Starship Enterprise.
			We have rescued four crew members
			from your observation craft. They
			have received medical attention
			and are ready for transport.

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT TWO   26A.

22   CONTINUED:

					ENDAR
			Your actions are duly noted. We
			will forward coordinates for
			immediate transport.

					RIKER
				(sotto)
			You're welcome, I'm sure.

       STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/9/90 - ACT TWO       27.

22   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			One moment, Captain. We have also
			discovered a human among your
			crew.

					ENDAR
				(visibly relieved)
			Jono!

					PICARD
			Actually, his name is Jeremiah
			-- Jeremiah Rossa.

					ENDAR
			What is his condition? Is he
			injured?

					PICARD
			He was not wounded in the
			mishap...

					ENDAR
			A blessing...

					PICARD
			But as a representative of the
			Federation I demand an
			explanation. Why has this child
			been held in your custody all
			these years?

					ENDAR
			No explanation is warranted,
			Captain. He is my son!

	Off Picard and Riker's astonishment:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT THREE   28.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

23   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND Q'MAIRE (OPTICAL)

	Both ships hold positions facing one another.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental:
			Endar's claim that Jeremiah Rossa
			is his son is clearly
			unacceptable.

24   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Endar and TWO TALARIAN MILITIA MATERIALIZE, and greet
	Riker and Worf.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			However, to avoid escalating
			tensions, I have extended an
			invitation to the Talarian leader
			to come aboard the Enterprise so
			that we may address the issue
			face-to-face.

25   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Picard with Endar.

					ENDAR
			Yes... I was in charge of the
			force that repelled the
			trespassers on Galen Four.
				(beat)
			I must say your Federation troops
			fought tenaciously.

					PICARD
			Among them Connor and Moira Rossa.

					ENDAR
			I suppose. After the battle, I
			found this squalling child,
			huddled by the body of a young
			woman. His mother, presumably.

	An awful image. Picard is stirred.

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT THREE   29.

25   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			And so, you -- kidnapped him.

					ENDAR
			A harsh term, Captain. I rescued
			the child. There was almost no
			one left alive on Galen Four...
			was I to leave him screaming by
			his mother's body?

					PICARD
			You should have notified
			Federation authorities. To
			conceal him was a clear violation
			of our agreement.

					ENDAR
			I took him in accordance with
			my peoples' traditions.

					PICARD
			What... tradition... is it that
			empowered you to capture a
			helpless child?

					ENDAR
			I lost my son at the hands of
			humans during the conflict over
			Castal One. Talarian custom
			allows me to claim the son of a
			slain enemy.

					PICARD
				(weighing this)
			I understand your tradition,
			Endar. May I ask... does it
			extend also to brutalizing the
			surrogate son?

					ENDAR
			What are you talking about?

					PICARD
			Our medical officer found evidence
			of injuries so severe that they
			might even be considered
			torture...

  STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE  29A.

25   CONTINUED: (2)

					ENDAR
			No! I have never harmed Jono!

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE   30.

25   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Then explain the fractured ribs!
			The concussion... the broken
			arm...

					ENDAR
			Youth.

	The simplicity of this answer catches Picard.

					ENDAR
			Have you ever been a father,
			Picard? Have you ever had a son
			desperately try to win your
			approval? Your respect?

	Picard ponders this.

					ENDAR
			Jono broke his ribs riding a
			T'stayan -- six hooves, a very
			powerful animal. The arm? In
			a contest with other youths. He
			endured the pain -- and won the
			competition.
				(beat)
			He will be a great warrior one
			day.

					PICARD
			Doesn't he deserve to become more
			than that?

	Picard rises, pacing.

					PICARD
			His heritage is human, Endar.

					ENDAR
			A heritage long since forgotten.

					PICARD
				(an inner decision made)
			Captain Endar, while on board,
			you are welcome to supervise the
			return of your crew. But I cannot
			allow Jeremiah Rossa to be
			returned to your custody. His
			true family is waiting for him
			on Earth.

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT THREE   31.

25   CONTINUED: (4)

	Endar rises, too, a buried rage burning from his eyes.

					ENDAR
			Then under no circumstances will
			I allow your ship to leave our
			territory.

					PICARD
			I have already reported our
			position and the nature of this
			violation to Starfleet.

					ENDAR
			And I have already called our
			reserved forces into the sector.

					PICARD
				(amazed)
			Are you saying you would be
			willing to go to war over the boy?

					ENDAR
			Would you not for your only son?

	Picard stares at him. He realizes they are on the
	brink of catastrophe.

					PICARD
			We have been at peace for years.
			Let us not rush headlong toward
			war.

					ENDAR
			Then help me to avoid it!
				(beat)
			If you will allow me to see Jono,
			it will be clear to you -- I have
			been a good father. He has grown
			up happy in my keeping.

	Picard turns away, his mind roiling. What is the right
	decision? Is there a right decision?

26   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Jono still sits in front of the monitor, flipping
	through the various photographs, over and over. Troi
	is with him.

  STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE  31A.

26   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Those were your parents. Do you
			remember them?

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT THREE   32.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					JONO
			That was long ago. Endar is my
			father.

					TROI
			And who is your mother?

					JONO
			We don't have mothers. Females
			are only for mating. And work.

					TROI
			And the men? What is their
			purpose?

					JONO
			Passing the tests. Becoming
			strong.

					TROI
			The tests... endurance, pain,
			determination... all so that you
			can excel at making war?

					JONO
				(scornful)
			Females understand nothing.
				(puts his face in hers)
			Life is not easy on our planet.
			If we do not test ourselves
			constantly, we become weak -- and
			the weak die quickly!

					TROI
			And the females? Surely they are
			weak.

					JONO
			Of course. But we protect them.

	He looks at her, fierce male pride burning in his eyes.

					TROI
			I see.

	Her gaze shifts toward the monitor, and Jono's look
	follows.

					TROI
			And when you look at this
			picture... of you and the human
			female who was your mother...
			how do you feel about her?

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/24/90 - ACT THREE   33.

27   OMITTED

28   INSERT - MONITOR SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Moira Rossa holds her infant son, who snuggles securely
	at her breast. His tiny fingers are clasped around one
	of her fingers, and she is smiling at him with
	unashamed adoration. His baby smile returns that
	unqualified love.

29   JONO

	tears his eyes from the screen, agitated and disturbed.

30   OMITTED

31   INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE

	Picard is with Beverly and Troi.

					PICARD
			Then you think it would be unwise
			to let Endar see Jono.

					BEVERLY
			I think it's dangerous. Abusers
			can have subtle but powerful
			influence over their victims.

					PICARD
				(a beat)
			I'm not convinced he was abused,
			Doctor. I've talked to the man,
			and if I am any judge of
			character... I'd say he deeply
			cares about the boy's welfare.

					BEVERLY
			Captain, we learned long ago
			always to err on the side of
			protecting the child. I think
			Endar should be kept away from
			Jono.

					TROI
			I'm not sure I agree, Captain.

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/13/90 - ACT THREE   34.

31   CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard looks to her...

					TROI
			I sense... awakening memories in
			the boy... this is a very fragile
			time for Jono, and if we send away
			the man he calls "father" without
			even letting them see each other
			-- how will we ever gain his
			trust?

					PICARD
			Yes... There is also something
			else we should keep in mind. We
			are deep in Talarian territory.
			A semblance of diplomacy is called
			for.
				(beat)
			I shall allow the visit.

	Beverly doesn't agree, but she understands.

					BEVERLY
			All I ask... is that the visit
			be supervised. Don't let them
			be alone together.

	Picard considers, nods.

					PICARD
			Agreed.

	He EXITS toward Endar.

32   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - LATER

	Troi sits with Endar; they look up as the doors slide
	open. Picard ENTERS with Jono, who spots his "father"
	and rushes forward.

					JONO
			Endar!

	He bows his head to the Talarian Captain, just as he
	did with Picard. Endar extends his arms and Jono comes
	to him; then the two gently press their foreheads
	together.

					ENDAR
			Jono... my son...

      STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/9/90 - ACT THREE      35.

32   CONTINUED:

	Their eyes close as they rock gently, heads pressed
	together.

33   PICARD AND TROI

	silently observing this moment of alien affection.
	They withdraw to a corner of the room so as not to
	intrude. They cannot hear Endar and Jono clearly.

34   RESUME ENDAR AND JONO

	They separate, Endar finding it difficult to hide
	concern. They sit, and speak in hushed voices, huddled
	together.

					ENDAR
			Have they treated you well?

					JONO
			Yes, Captain. Except...

	His eyes flicker over toward Picard.

					ENDAR
			Except?

					JONO
			I was forbidden to make the
			B'Nar.

	Endar's gaze darts toward Picard, also, but he doesn't
	seem too distressed by this "atrocity."

					ENDAR
			It's all right. I know that you
			mourned in your heart.
				(eyeing Jono)
			Well, Jono... what do you think
			of these humans?

	It's a charged question, and Jono hesitates, glances
	down, lifts his eyes again.

					JONO
			They... they look like me.

	This troubles Endar, and he leans forward.

					ENDAR
			They want to keep you, you know.

      STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - 7/9/90 - ACT THREE      36.

34   CONTINUED:

					JONO
			I know.

					ENDAR
			You are of the age of decision.
			What is your choice?

	Jono hesitates again, and Endar frowns. The boy is
	having a surprisingly difficult time with this.

					ENDAR
			Well? Do you want to stay?

	All children tend to tell their parents what they want
	to hear, and Jono is no exception.

					JONO
			No, of course not.

	And all parents want to believe their children when
	they say the comfortable thing.

					ENDAR
			Then you shall not.
				(rising)
			I am going back to the Q'Maire.
			I will leave the humans with a
			choice. If they do not make the
			one we know is right... it may
			lead to war.

	Endar again presses his forehead to Jono's.

					ENDAR
			You may die.

	Again, the slightest hesitation, before --

					JONO
			I am ready to die.

	And as Endar and Jono stand together in the fleeting
	comfort of a shared lie --

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR   37.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

35   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, with Riker, Troi, Beverly, Worf and Data.

					WORF
			Captain, sensors indicate two
			warships approaching from opposite
			directions along the border.

					PICARD
			Their offensive potential?

					DATA
			Talarian warships are limited to
			neutral particle weapons,
			high-energy X-ray lasers and
			merculite rockets. No match for
			the Enterprise, Captain.

					PICARD
			The last thing I want is to be
			forced into destroying one of
			their ships.

					RIKER
			They won't back off. They've
			been willing to fight to the
			death in past encounters.

					PICARD
				(somber)
			The lines are being drawn... all
			this for a chosen son.

					WORF
			Is it worth it, Captain? To go
			to war -- over a child?

	Picard shoots him a glance.

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR   38.

35   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			You might not ask that,
			Lieutenant, if he were your
			child.

					PICARD
			There must be a way to avoid
			this...

	He ponders a moment, then --

					TROI
			If we can just reach Jono... help
			him to make some connection with
			his origins... then he may choose
			to come with us.

					RIKER
			Do you really think Endar would
			go along with that?

					DATA
			If Endar respects Talarian custom,
			he may have to.
				(off reactions)
			According to their tradition, a
			male child of fourteen has reached
			the age of decision. They undergo
			a ceremony of initiation and after
			that have the freedom to make
			their own choices.

					PICARD
				(with hope)
			Endar's entire claim on Jono is
			based on Talarian custom... he'd
			have a hard time backing away from
			it now...

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR   39.

35   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			Captain -- there's a subspace
			communication from Starfleet
			Command.

					PICARD
			On screen.

					WORF
			Sir, the message is for Jeremiah
			Rossa.

	Curious, Picard rises.

					PICARD
			Have the boy brought to my Ready
			Room.

	And he EXITS to his Ready Room.

36   INT. READY ROOM - MINUTES LATER (OPTICAL)

	Picard sits with Jono as they view the visual monitor.
	Addressing them is CONNAUGHT ROSSA, a woman in her
	60's, of regal bearing and gracious manner. She wears
	a Starfleet uniform.

					CONNAUGHT
			Jeremiah... my name is Connaught
			Rossa. I am your father's mother.
			I wish we could talk in person,
			but that will have to wait. When
			I heard the miracle that you were
			alive, I wanted to reach out to
			you as soon as possible.
				(beat)
			I find myself wondering what you
			look like... and all I can do is
			imagine your father at your age.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FOUR   40.

36   CONTINUED:

					CONNAUGHT (Cont'd)
			You come from a family that would
			make you proud. Many of them have
			given their lives to bring peace
			to the galaxy. You are the last
			of the Rossas. I am so very
			thankful that you have been given
			back to us, to carry on the line.
				(beat)
			Your grandfather and I will greet
			you with all the love in our
			hearts. Have a safe journey home,
			Jeremiah.

	The screen goes blank. Jono stares at it. Then --

					JONO
			She wears a Starfleet uniform.

					PICARD
			Yes.

					JONO
			What is her rank?

					PICARD
			She is an Admiral.

	Jono turns toward Picard.

					JONO
			She outranks you.

					PICARD
			Yes.

	Jono, overwhelmed, rises and begins pacing, agitated.

					JONO
			If I were home now, I would go
			to the brae, and run along the
			river... run as fast as I could!

	Picard lifts a hand, wanting to settle the frenzied
	young man.

					PICARD
			Jono...

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR       41.

36   CONTINUED: (2)

					JONO
			I can't do any of the things that
			calm me here! You won't let me
			have my music, you won't let me
			make the B'Nar! I feel if I have
			to hold still much longer I will
			die!

					PICARD
			Jono -- let me show you what I
			do when I get those feelings.

	Jono looks at him, curiosity aroused.

37   INT. RACQUETBALL COURT - LATER (OPTICAL)

	Picard is with Jono, giving him basic instruction in
	the game. It has changed over the centuries in about
	the way that tennis, say, changed from Henry VIII's
	day to the present. The basic principles are the same;
	the racquet is different -- sleeker, more streamlined
	-- and the ball is electronic: perhaps it glows from
	within. Most important, when it is hit, or hits a
	wall, there is an ELECTRONIC SOUND -- something that
	will begin to sound not unlike a phaser.

					PICARD
				(demonstrating)
			I serve from here... like this...
				(serves)
			And you must hit it back before
			it bounces twice. Let's try it.

	Picard lobs an easy serve into Jono's forehand; the
	boy with unerring instinct hits a kill shot about a
	foot off the ground. Picard turns to look at him.

					PICARD
			Not bad.

					JONO
			I win at all the games.

					PICARD
			I can believe it. Well, shall
			we give this a try?

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR       42.

38   SERIES OF SHOTS (OPTICAL)

	as Picard and Jono ENTER into a rousing and
	surprisingly close game. Jono has natural ability and
	the resilience of youth, and gives Picard a run for it.
	The electronic ZAP of the ball as it ricochets around
	the court becomes louder and louder, and gradually its
	presence changes, sounding more and more like a weapon.

39   JONO (OPTICAL)

	reacts to this, shaking his head as though to clear it.

					PICARD
			Jono? You all right?

					JONO
			Fine.

	He serves and they ENTER into a long rally... the
	SOUNDS becoming louder, now mixed with more sounds of
	WARFARE -- muffled explosions, people shouting, the
	rapid sound of phaser fire. Then, the sound of voices
	--

					CONNOR'S VOICE
			Take him and get to cover!

					MOIRA'S VOICE
			I can't leave you!

	Jono stops, face twisted in anguish. He covers his
	ears, tries to blot out the sound. He will murmur,
	"No, no... " softly through the rest. Picard's voice
	will echo as though it's coming from far away.

					PICARD
			Jono -- what is it?!

	Jono flails on the ground as the vortex of sound
	increases.

					CONNOR'S VOICE
			Take Jeremiah... get to the
			forest! I'll hold them off!

					MOIRA'S VOICE
			No, come with us!

					CONNOR'S VOICE
			Go!

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FOUR       43.

39   CONTINUED:

	Rapid sound of PHASERS, now, and many shouting voices,
	explosions. We hear a child's voice... "Mama...
	mama... "

					JONO
				(barely audible)
			Mama...

					MOIRA'S VOICE
			Jeremiah... Jeremiah... This way!

	A sudden explosion, louder than the rest, and a woman's
	dreadful scream. Jono sinks to the ground, head buried
	in his hands. The child's voice begins to cry in
	terror, calling out, "Mama... mama... mama... "

40   PICARD AND JONO

	as the sounds begin to fade. Picard kneels with him,
	puts his arm around the shaking boy's shoulders. Jono
	looks up at him, his face wet with tears.

					JONO
			She was... all red. I cried...
			but she didn't answer me...

	The boy breaks into sobs again and buries his head.
	Picard rubs his shoulder. He's not sure just what he
	should be doing, but he does know that an important
	breakthrough has been made.

41   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - LATER

	Jono sits talking with Picard. They are still in
	racquetball clothes. Jono is subdued, but talks
	freely.

					JONO
			... she used to sing to me... I
			don't remember the melody, just
			the sound of her voice...

	He stops, shakes his head.

					JONO
			Before I remembered these things,
			I was strong. Now...
				(touches his chest)

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR       44.

41   CONTINUED:

	The boy draws a deep breath.

					JONO
			I have endured much pain. But
			this... I do not like.

					PICARD
			It is part of being human, Jono.
			But as deeply as you can feel hurt
			-- you can also feel joy.

	Jono looks up at him, sadly.

					JONO
			I do not think so. I think I will
			always feel like this.

	Picard is not sure where to go from here.

					PICARD
			Jono -- are you tired?

					JONO
			Yes. But I do not want to rest.
			I think --
				(looks up, almost
				 surprised)
			-- I think I am hungry.

42   INT. TEN FORWARD - MINUTES LATER

	Picard ENTERS with Jono, now both showered and
	dressed. Picard spots Riker at a table with Wesley
	and Data, steers the boy toward them.

					RIKER
			Well, how was racquetball?

					PICARD
			He gave me quite a game for his
			first time out.

	The flicker of a smile -- the first we've seen -- plays
	on Jono's lips. He is much more relaxed now, as though
	a great burden has fallen away.

					JONO
			I look forward to the next time,
			Captain.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR       45.

42   CONTINUED:

	Picard grins, glad that Jono's cockiness is returning.

					PICARD
			I'm sure you do. sit down, Jono.
			What would you like?

	Jono and Picard sit. Jono looks around at the table,
	points to Wesley's banana split.

					JONO
			What's that?

					WESLEY
			That's called a banana split and
			it's maybe the best thing there
			is in the universe.
				(pushes it forward)
			Here -- give it a try.

	Jono stares at it for a second, unsure how to attack
	it. Riker slides a spoon toward him. Jono looks
	puzzled.

					DATA
			It is called a spoon.

	Jono nods, grabs the spoon, looks up at them
	questioningly.

					WESLEY
			Go ahead.

	Jono is holding the spoon in his fist, like a knife.
	Having received permission, he holds it over the banana
	split "boat" -- and then jabs down into it with all
	his force! This flips the opposite end of the "boat"
	up, flinging the contents out and right toward Wesley!

42A  WESLEY

	has a spattering of whipped cream on his face and
	chest.

43   OMITTED

44   FULL SHOT

	Jono stares at him, at first shocked at what he has
	done.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FOUR       46.

44   CONTINUED:

					JONO
			Forgive me --

	He glances around the table and sees Picard smiling --
	and Riker trying to hold in a laugh. Finally Riker
	can't help it and he snorts with laughter. Wesley
	starts laughing. Then Jono looks back at Wesley and
	then he bursts into laughter.

					DATA
			I fail to see why this is amusing.

					RIKER
				(still chuckling)
			Check your data banks on humor...
			subheading "Slapstick"...

					DATA
				(inspecting Wesley)
			Comedy stressing farce and
			horseplay... ah, this no doubt
			is a variation on... "Pie in the
			Face"...

					RIKER
			Now do you see why it's funny?

					DATA
			No, I do not. But I will take
			your word. It is very amusing.

	Jono is still giggling. Wesley summons a waitress.

					WESLEY
			Let's start over. A fresh banana
			split for me, one for my friend
			here.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FOUR       47.

44A  ON PICARD AND RIKER

	as they move off to the side, Jono, Wesley, and Data
	remain at the table.

					PICARD
			Look at him. He's like a
			different person.

					RIKER
			Who would ever have thought he
			could laugh out loud like that?

					PICARD
			And half an hour ago he was crying
			in my arms like a baby.

	Riker, not having realized this, looks at Picard in
	surprise and awe. Picard smiles, feeling content that
	things are going to work out just fine.

45   OMITTED

45A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND Q'MAIRE (OPTICAL)

46   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - LATER

	The rooms are darkened, but we can see Jono, resting in
	his ceiling hammock. His eyes are open. He stares
	into the darkness for a few beats, and then he lifts
	up, descends from the ceiling.

47   INT. CAPTAIN'S BEDROOM

	Picard is asleep. Jono ENTERS, approaches Picard like
	a thief in the night. He gazes down at the sleeping
	Captain, struggling with his emotions.

48   CLOSE ON PICARD AND JONO

	Picard is groggy, but recognizing Jono, gives him a
	smile. Jono returns the smile -- then loses the smile
	to a terror within.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FOUR       48.

48   CONTINUED:

	Suddenly his gloved hand appears, raising the Klingon
	dagger! He sounds an anguished cry, then plunges the
	dagger down, straight into Picard's chest.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE       49.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

49   INT. SICKBAY

	Picard is on a bed with Beverly scanning him. Picard
	is unconscious and pale.

					BEVERLY
			Two bleeders... single-plane
			penetration...
				(calling out)
			I need the autosuture over here!

	Assistants move swiftly as she keeps scanning.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			It looks like the blade hit the
			sternum and was deflected... it
			could have been a lot worse.

50   ON PICARD

	as he stirs, eyes fluttering open and sees Beverly, who
	has the autosuture and is using it on him. Picard
	looks around as though coming out of a fog, trying to
	get his bearings.

					PICARD
			Then it wasn't a dream...

					BEVERLY
			I'm afraid not...

	Beverly is using the autosuture to stop the bleeding
	and repair damaged tissue.

					BEVERLY
			No vital organs were pierced...
			no major arteries...

					PICARD
			Where is the boy now?

					BEVERLY
			Worf has him in security. Hold
			still...

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE       50.

50   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I want to see him. Here, now.

					BEVERLY
				(firmly)
			He'll wait until I'm finished.

	Picard acquiesces, puts his head back down and winces
	in pain.

51   OMITTED

52   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker in command, Worf at Tactical, Data at Ops, Wesley
	on the Conn.

					WORF
			Talarian warships converging,
			Commander, range five hundred
			kilometers.

					RIKER
			On screen.

53
thru	OMITTED
54

55   ANGLE - MAIN VIEW (OPTICAL)

	The main viewer now shows the Q'Maire; two other
	warships are behind it, moving toward the Enterprise.

					RIKER
			Any communication, Lieutenant
			Worf?

					WORF
			No, sir. We have an open channel.

					WESLEY
			Commander, the warships' closing
			velocities are decreasing...
			staggered approach vectors
			bearing zero, one hundred twenty,
			and two hundred forty degrees.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Riker to La Forge.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FIVE       51.

55A  INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS - INTERCUTTING

					GEORDI
			La Forge here, sir.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Geordi, the Talarians are moving
			into attack posture. Classic
			triangular envelopment.

					GEORDI
			I've tapped the impulse engines
			for additional power to shields,
			Commander. We're ready.

55B  INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

					WORF
			Commander, Captain of the Q'Maire
			requests communication.

					RIKER
			Well, here we go. On screen.

	As Captain Endar looms on the viewer.

					ENDAR
			Captain Picard... have you made
			your decision?

					RIKER
			This is Commander Riker. What
			are your intentions, Captain
			Endar?

					ENDAR
				(puzzled, cautious)
			Where is Captain Picard?

					RIKER
				(beat)
			He has been injured. I am in
			command now.

					ENDAR
			Very well. Please prepare my
			son for immediate transport.

					RIKER
			I'm afraid that's not possible.
			Last night, Jono attacked Captain
			Picard and tried to murder him.
			We are holding him in custody.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE       52.

55B  CONTINUED:

	Endar is clearly taken aback by this, but swiftly
	re-groups.

					ENDAR
			If you had returned him with the
			others, this would never have
			happened! I hold you responsible
			for this incident.

					RIKER
			He'll have to come back with us
			now, Endar. It will be up to
			Starfleet to decide the
			consequences.

	Endar glowers darkly, rage building.

					ENDAR
			I do not accept that decision.
			I repeat, you will prepare my son
			for transport. If he is not on
			board in five minutes, you will
			suffer the consequences.

	The screen goes dark.

					RIKER
			Red alert.

	The red alert warning sounds.

					WORF
			Talarian vessels routing power
			to forward rockets...

					RIKER
				(frowns, sighs)
			Ready all weapons, Mister Worf...

56   INT. SICKBAY

	Two SECURITY MEN escort Jono into Picard's Sickbay
	cubicle. The boy stands before Picard, taut as a wire,
	staring straight ahead.

					PICARD
			Jono... why did you do it?

					JONO
			That doesn't matter.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FIVE       53.

56   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I think it does. It matters to
			me.

					JONO
			What matters is that I have
			attacked a Captain. I am ready
			to be put to death.

	Picard stares at him. Does he believe that?

					PICARD
			You think you are to be killed?

	Jono's eyes flicker toward him, briefly.

					JONO
			To attack a superior is the worst
			offense. I will die at your
			hands.

					PICARD
			Jono, you aren't going to die at
			my hands or anyone else's.

					JONO
			But... I committed a terrible
			crime...

					PICARD
			What I want to know is why? You
			seemed so happy just a few hours
			ago...

	The memories of happiness seem to bring Jono renewed
	anguish.

					JONO
			I was.

	The boys turn away, overwhelmed by the emotions that
	are battling within him.

					JONO
			But then... I thought about my
			father. I felt like I was
			betraying him.

	Picard studies the boy... sees his pain...

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/27/90 - ACT FIVE      53A.

	CONTINUED: (2)

					JONO
				(continuing)
			I'd be throwing away all that
			he's given me... all that I
			learned from him... my home...
			running along the river... playing
			in the games... sharing victory
			with my brothers...
				(a pause)
			... all the things that are part
			of my life.

	The boy draws a breath, looks at Picard with infinite
	sadness.

					JONO
			As I grew closer to... you... I
			knew it meant leaving more and
			more of that life behind.
			Forgive me, Captain -- I could
			not allow myself to do that.

	Picard absorbs this.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/18/90 - ACT FIVE       54.

57   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

	Things are very tense.

					WORF
			Q'Maire is requesting
			communication on a secure
			channel, Commander.

					RIKER
			On screen.

58   ANGLE TO INCLUDE MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)

	Endar appears.

					ENDAR
			Commander Riker, you have failed
			to transport my son aboard the
			Q'Maire.

					RIKER
			Our position has not changed.
			We are returning him to Starfleet.

					ENDAR
			I regret your stubbornness. Much
			will be lost.

					PICARD (O.S.)
			One moment, Captain...

59   ANGLE - PICARD AND JONO (OPTICAL)

	ENTERING, the Captain, assisted by Jono into his chair.

					PICARD
			Captain Endar, last night Jono
			attacked me with a dagger.

					ENDAR
			Which he could not have done had
			he been returned to me with the
			others!

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/19/90 - ACT FIVE       55.

59   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(silencing hand)
			There was a crime committed on
			board this ship... but it was not
			Jono's -- it was mine.

	Puzzled, Endar waits to hear what Picard means.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			When we found Jono, it seemed
			so clear what had to be done.
			We knew if he could only be
			persuaded to make the decision
			to stay... you would most likely
			let him. So with the best of
			intentions, we tried to convince
			him... and, in so doing,
			thoroughly failed to listen...
			to his feelings, his needs.

	Jono is staring at Picard, hanging on his every word.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			That was the crime, and it has
			taken a huge toll on a strong
			and noble young man. It must be
			rectified.

	Picard looks around the bridge, where he has everyone's
	rapt attention.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Jono will return home -- to the
			only home he has ever known. To
			the father that he loves. To you,
			Endar.

	Endar is astonished, stupefied -- and achingly
	grateful.

					ENDAR
			Thank you, Captain...

					PICARD
			Please transmit coordinates for
			his immediate transport.

        STAR TREK: "Suddenly Human" - REV. 7/16/90 - ACT FIVE       56.

60   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - LATER (OPTICAL)

	Supernumerary at the controls. Picard motions Jono
	toward the transporter platform.

					PICARD
			Goodbye, Jono.

					JONO
			Goodbye, Captain.

	Jono starts for the platform, stops, turns, walks back
	to Picard. He hesitates, then removes his gloves.
	Stepping forward, he takes gentle hold of Picard's
	head, tilting it down until their foreheads are pressed
	together in affection and solidarity.

					JONO
				(softly)
			Thank you.

	He breaks the embrace and moves to the transporter
	platform. In seconds, he is gone.

61   CLOSE ON PICARD

	eyes on the empty pad, sure the right thing has been
	done.

									DISSOLVE TO:

62   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - LATER

	Picard ENTERS, finds the room still disheveled, his
	furniture still disarranged. He looks up, sees the
	hammock dangling from the ceiling. He smiles,
	remembering the antic child, but then feels a chill,
	realizing how empty the room now seems. He reaches
	up, plucks the hammock from its hooks, and cradles it
	in his hands. He knows he has been given something
	by knowing this boy. He begins to put his room back
	to its former orderliness.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END