STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Drumhead" #40274-195 Written by Jeri Taylor Directed by Jonathan Frakes 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 1991 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 FEBRUARY 7, 1991 STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - 2/7/91 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Drumhead" CAST PICARD ADMIRAL NORAH SATIE RIKER SABIN GENESTRA DATA NELLEN TORE BEVERLY LT. J'DDAN TROI SIMON TARSES GEORDI WORF Non-Speaking STARFLEET SECURITY TEAM STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - 2/7/91 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Drumhead" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE SMALLER SHIP MAIN ENGINEERING SICKBAY TRANSPORTER ROOM TURBOLIFT CORRIDOR INTERROGATION ROOM PICARD'S QUARTERS J'DAN'S QUARTERS ADMIRAL'S GUEST QUARTERS STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - 2/12/91 - PRONUNCIATION STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Drumhead" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE AMINO uh-MEEN-oh CRUCES CREW-ses DEOXYRIBOSE dee-ox-ih-RYE-bose J'DAN j'DAN SABIN SAY-bin SATIE sah-TEE STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "The Drumhead" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at impulse speed. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 44769.2. For some weeks we have had a Klingon exo-biologist on board as part of a scientific exchange program. Unfortunately, we suspect that he may have been involved not only in a security breach but in the possible sabotage of our warp drive. 2 OMITTED 3 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM as seen in "The Defector." RIKER and TROI are questioning; WORF stands by the door. In the hot seat is a young Klingon civilian, J'DAN. He is wearing a Starfleet communicator. RIKER What were you doing accessing the propulsion system files on Stardate 44758? J'DAN I didn't... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - TEASER 2. 3 CONTINUED: RIKER But you did... from computer Twelve-B-Nine on Deck Thirty-six. A short beat as J'Dan looks surprised. RIKER The computer logged in your identification from your communicator. J'DAN It must be a mistake. TROI J'Dan... we have confirmed reports that schematic drawings of our dilithium chamber fell into Romulan hands... one week later. J'DAN I know nothing about it. RIKER And you don't know anything about the explosion that disabled the warp drive at almost the same time? J'DAN No. I was not involved. You accuse me because I am Klingon. Troi shakes her head... TROI Our Chief Security Officer is Klingon, J'Dan -- that has nothing to do with it. J'DAN Send me home, then, if you are so distrusting. RIKER We've discussed that with the Klingon High Council. You'll be sent back... as soon as we've finished our investigation. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - TEASER 2A. 3 CONTINUED: (2) J'DAN I have nothing more to say. RIKER Very well. Mister Worf... please accompany the Lieutenant to his quarters. Worf comes forward and J'Dan rises. They EXIT. Riker turns to Troi. RIKER What do you think? STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - TEASER 3. 3 CONTINUED: (3) TROI It's hard to tell. He is very closed... but... Troi is silent for a moment, tapping into her feelings. TROI He is hiding something. 4 INT. TURBOLIFT Worf and J'Dan ride in silence for a bit. J'Dan keeps sneaking looks at Worf, who stares straight ahead. J'DAN On the Klingon Home World... your name is not mentioned... it is as though you never existed. Worf shifts a little, impatiently, but makes no reply. J'DAN A terrible burden for a warrior to bear... to become nothing... without honor... without the chance for glory... The turbolift stops and the doors open. Worf exits and turns to glare at J'Dan until he follows. 5 INT. CORRIDOR The two proceed down a corridor. J'DAN I have friends... powerful friends... on the Home World. No answer. J'DAN I could talk to them... they might help to restore your name... Silence. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - TEASER 4. 5 CONTINUED: J'DAN If you could just take me to a shuttlecraft... They have reached J'Dan's quarters. The doors open, Worf gestures to J'Dan to precede him. There is a hesitation, then they ENTER. 6 INT. J'DAN'S QUARTERS J'DAN It could be done without any one knowing -- But suddenly, Worf has pulled some swift Klingon martial arts move and J'Dan is thrown back against the wall, with Worf pinning him solidly, nose-to-nose. WORF I do not know how you managed to transfer secret information to the Romulans... but I will find out. J'DAN Pahtak -- ! WORF And when we inform the Klingon High Council, they will put you to a slow death. He holds J'Dan against the wall for a fierce instant, then releases him and EXITS. 7 CLOSE ON J'DAN as he follows Worf's exit with a vitriolic look. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: 8 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND SMALLER SHIP (OPTICAL) A Federation craft hovers near the Enterprise. PICARD (V.O.) Retired Admiral Norah Satie, whose investigation exposed the alien conspiracy against Starfleet Command three years ago, is arriving to assist in our investigation. 9 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL) PICARD and Riker watch as a group MATERIALIZES on the pad: SABIN GENESTRA, a Betazoid man; NELLEN TORE, a female assistant, and ADMIRAL NORAH SATIE, retired. She surveys the waiting group before her, finds Picard, and smiles radiantly. Norah Satie is middle-aged, a beautiful woman who has become more so with maturity. She is gracious, elegant, and decidedly feminine. Her smile is generous, bespeaking warmth and intelligence. She moves toward Picard, hand extended. ADMIRAL SATIE Captain Picard... He takes her hand. The instinct is to kiss it -- she evinces that kind of courtly behavior. But of course that isn't Starfleet regulation, so Picard gives it a proper grasp. PICARD Admiral Satie. Welcome to the Enterprise. ADMIRAL SATIE I am delighted to be here. (gesturing) I've managed to acquire my former staff... My aide, Sabin Genestra, from Betazed, and my assistant, Nellen Tore, from Delb Two. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 6. 9 CONTINUED: PICARD And my First Officer, Commander William Riker. May I show you to your quarters? ADMIRAL SATIE Captain... if Starfleet Command is so concerned with your report that they brought me out of retirement... I think I should get right to work. PICARD Very well... Commander, will you see to the Admiral's Staff? Riker turns to the others as -- ADMIRAL SATIE First, I'd like to inspect the damage to your Engine Room. And she heads for the door with Picard close at her heels. 10 INT. ENGINEERING - A LITTLE LATER DATA and GEORDI oversee a scene which finds the section isolation door between the dilithium chamber and the pool table area closed. Behind the door there are clouds of gas, and the hatch of the chamber has been blown off. GEORDI We still can't get in there, Captain. The radiation levels are dropping, but they're too high to raise the isolation door. PICARD How much longer will it be? DATA At the rate the levels have been decreasing, we will be able to gain entry in forty-nine hours. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 7. 10 CONTINUED: GEORDI Maybe the Admiral would like to see the visual log of the explosion. Satie acknowledges. They move to a wall monitor and Geordi punches in commands. GEORDI This was logged four days ago... at oh-three hundred hours. 11 ANGLE - MONITOR (OPTICAL) - INTERCUTTING It is a video of the dilithium chamber... maybe a time code in the corner... MOS... they wait... wait... and then suddenly, the hatch to the chamber blows off and across the room. GEORDI At that point the emergency confinement field was activated and the isolation doors came down. No one was killed, but two of my people are in Sickbay with radiation burns. ADMIRAL SATIE Have you been able to make any preliminary assessments? DATA A slow-motion study of the explosion suggests that the articulation frame collapsed. ADMIRAL SATIE The schematics that were stolen from the Enterprise... I believe some involved the articulation frame of the dilithium chamber... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 7A. 11 CONTINUED: PICARD (acknowledging) That is one reason we tend to suspect sabotage. DATA Other evidence lends credence to that theory, Captain. A review of the sensor logs indicates that every systems reading was well within normal parameters until fifty-two milliseconds before the explosion. GEORDI We haven't found anything that suggests there was a malfunction anywhere along the line. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 8. 11 CONTINUED: (2) Satie turns toward Picard. ADMIRAL SATIE Captain Picard... I think I need a full briefing before we go any further. She looks through the isolation door at the grim evidence of destruction. ADMIRAL SATIE Commander Data... La Forge... I'll admit I'm glad I don't have to do your job... good luck. 12 INT. SICKBAY Worf ENTERS and approaches BEVERLY, who is examining a patient on a bio-bed. He is swathed in wraps which suggest burns. In the background is SIMON TARSES, a mild-looking humanoid working at a monitor. WORF Excuse me, Doctor... BEVERLY Yes, Lieutenant? WORF When you have a moment... I must ask you something... She turns to him. BEVERLY Good timing. I'm finished here... Mister Tarses... ? STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 9. 12 CONTINUED: Tarses approaches from the monitor. BEVERLY Please enter these readings into Ensign Dagget's file. TARSES Yes, Doctor. He takes the tricorder and Beverly and Worf move off together. BEVERLY What is it, Worf? He shows her an object. WORF Did you issue this to J'Dan? Beverly takes the object, inspects it... BEVERLY Looks like a micro-replicating hyposyringe... but it's not Starfleet issue... WORF It was found... in his quarters. BEVERLY J'Dan has Ba'ltmasor Syndrome... he comes in regularly for treatments... but we use our own hyposprays. Is this one Klingon? WORF Yes. Do you know what this attachment is? 13 INSERT - HYPOSYRINGE Worf indicates a small connection on the syringe. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 10. 14 BACK TO SCENE BEVERLY No... it's nothing we use... Worf seems satisfied with that answer. WORF Thank you, Doctor. BEVERLY (a bit puzzled) I hope that helps. WORF You've told me exactly what I wanted to hear. And he EXITS, as Beverly looks after him, perplexed. 15 INT. READY ROOM Picard and Satie. The briefing has been continuing for some time. PICARD There are disturbing overtones... to the idea of a Klingon providing information to the Romulans... She keeps her eyes on Picard, revealing nothing. PICARD Are you... aware... of any other Romulan-Klingon connections that Starfleet Command might have encountered recently? STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 11. 15 CONTINUED: ADMIRAL SATIE (gently) I don't believe... what Starfleet Command knows or doesn't know is for me to reveal. PICARD This ship has had several encounters which might suggest a potential alliance between those two powers -- ADMIRAL SATIE We're aware of that, Captain. What we must concentrate on is the business at hand. The door CHIMES. PICARD Come. The doors open and Worf ENTERS, sees the Admiral, stops. WORF Excuse me, Captain, I didn't know -- PICARD Please come in Mister Worf. I particularly want our guest to meet you... Admiral Satie... my head of security, Lieutenant Worf. Nods of acknowledgment. WORF Captain... I have been pursuing the investigation of Lieutenant J'Dan. I believe I know how he transferred information off the Enterprise. ADMIRAL SATIE Good work, Lieutenant. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 12. 15 CONTINUED: (2) WORF (producing the syringe) This is J'Dan's. It is fitted with an optical reader... specially modified to read data from Starfleet isolinear chips. Satie takes the syringe and inspects it. WORF He can extract digital information from a computer... encode it in the form of amino-acid sequences, and transfer those sequences into a fluid in the syringe... Then he injects someone, perhaps even without their knowledge... ADMIRAL SATIE (suggesting a conspiracy) Or perhaps with their knowledge... WORF The information would be carried in their bloodstream in the form of inert proteins. ADMIRAL SATIE (shakes her head with realization) The body itself becomes a conveyor of top-secret files... She turns toward Worf, obviously impressed. ADMIRAL SATIE Lieutenant Worf... when we confront J'Dan, I want you to conduct the interrogation. WORF I would be honored. Worf nods to the two and EXITS. Satie turns to Picard. ADMIRAL SATIE Captain... I predict that officer will be extremely valuable in this investigation. Picard has no reason to doubt it. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 13-15. 16 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - SEVERAL DAYS LATER Arranged to accommodate more questioners: Satie and Sabin, Picard and Worf. Off to one side sits Nellen, constantly taking notes. J'Dan is once again in the hot seat as Worf stands over him; they look like they've been at it a while. WORF I tracked the movements of each person who left the Enterprise since you've been here. I traced one Tarkanian diplomat as far as the Cruces system... where he disappeared and has not been seen since. J'DAN That proves nothing. Worf produces the syringe; J'Dan eyes it warily. WORF This was found in your quarters. J'DAN I take injections. Everyone knows that. WORF But your injections don't require an optical chip reader. This device -- (points to it) -- has only one function: to transform computer information into biological sequences. Worf has nailed him. J'Dan knows it now. No reason to hold back now... he speaks with the fervor of a patriot: J'DAN The blood of all Klingons has become water... since the Federation alliance we have become a nation of mewling babies... The Romulans are strong... they are worthy allies... they do not turn Klingons into weaklings -- (turns to Worf) -- like you... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT ONE 16. 16 CONTINUED: Satie rises, crosses to J'Dan. ADMIRAL SATIE How did you damage the dilithium chamber? J'DAN I had nothing to do with that -- ADMIRAL SATIE No? You mean it was sheer coincidence that it was sabotaged after you gave the plans for its design to the Romulans? J'DAN I do not know. I had nothing to do with it. ADMIRAL SATIE You've admitted your crime. Why lie now? J'DAN I am not lying. She regards him calmly for a moment, then nods, finished, to Picard. PICARD You may have him confined, Mister Worf. Only too happy to do so, Worf leads J'Dan from the room. Satie approaches Sabin. ADMIRAL SATIE Sabin? SABIN I believe... he is telling the truth. A moment while they absorb this. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/12/91 - ACT ONE 17. 16 CONTINUED: (2) SABIN He admits stealing the files... but not sabotaging the dilithium chamber. I get no sense that he is lying. Picard considers the ramifications of this statement. PICARD If you're right... someone else may be involved. ADMIRAL SATIE I think, Captain... that you have a bigger problem on your ship than one Klingon Exchange Officer. And as Picard considers the dire implications of that possibility -- FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT TWO 18. ACT TWO FADE IN: 17 INT. ENTERPRISE - ADMIRAL'S QUARTERS - LATER Picard with Norah. They have finished an informal supper; she rises and brings a tray of coffee things; during the next, she pours for them and twists a rind of lemon into her own. She looks lovely tonight... fragile and delicate, like a piece of porcelain. She is a woman who has the capacity to be both forceful and vulnerable. ADMIRAL SATIE I've seen this before. The spectre of conspiracy on a starship is a frightening one. PICARD It's hard for me to believe... but I am grateful for your presence, Admiral. If anyone in Starfleet can help us, it's you. ADMIRAL SATIE Captain Picard... I find myself changing my mind about you... PICARD In what way... ? ADMIRAL SATIE When Starfleet ordered me here... it was with the express command that we work together on this problem... as equals... (beat) My father taught me to avoid partnerships... most of them are woefully lop-sided. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT TWO 19. 17 CONTINUED: PICARD That sounds like Judge Aaron Satie... ADMIRAL SATIE You knew my father? PICARD Through his writing. His judicial decisions were required reading at the Academy. ADMIRAL SATIE He was an extraordinary man. Every night at the dinner table... he'd pose a question for debate. My big brothers and I would wrangle it around, from one side and the other... my father would referee... he kept a stopwatch on us so we'd have to learn brevity... and he wouldn't let us leave until he thought we had completely explored the issue... PICARD I'm willing to wager you trounced your brothers in those debates... She laughs delightedly. ADMIRAL SATIE More than once. Father would love it when I nailed one of them on some subtle point of logic... (beat, sobering) All that I am, I owe to him. He was... a giant... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT TWO 20. 17 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD You must miss him very much. She looks quickly at him, his words striking at her rawest place. Unaccustomed tears threaten to sting her eyes, and she rises quickly, clearing the dishes, changing the subject. ADMIRAL SATIE I like your Mister Worf. Very direct, to the point. The two of you make a good combination. Having regained composure, she slips back into her seat, looks him in the eye. ADMIRAL SATIE Captain... I've always preferred working alone. (smiles) That way, if something goes wrong, I don't have to look far for the cause. (beat) I resented your being assigned to me. But... I was wrong. We're going to make quite a team. The warmth of her smile is infectious. Picard returns it. 18 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Worf showing Sabin the ship's roster... WORF J'Dan did not make friends easily... there are not many to question... SABIN (studying the list) You've done a thorough job, Lieutenant. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT TWO 21. 18 CONTINUED: WORF I am strongly motivated in this matter. SABIN (nods thoughtfully) Yes. I can see that. And I don't mind telling you I'm surprised. Frankly, when I first heard about your father... WORF (stiffens) My father... SABIN ...yes... There are some who believe he betrayed your people to the Romulans... WORF My father... what he did or did not do... is no one's concern but my own... SABIN (soothing) Of course. Of course. I only meant... before I saw you in action, I naturally considered you a possible security risk... but I want you to know you have the Admiral's and my complete confidence. You have nothing to prove to us. He means exactly the opposite of what he's saying. Sabin wants Worf to feel that he has to be even more 'patriotic' than anyone by rooting out the enemy. WORF If there is a conspiracy on board, I promise you I will find it... SABIN Good. You know the ship, you know the personnel... you know exactly what we're up against... we're counting on you, Lieutenant. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 22. 18 CONTINUED: (2) WORF (acknowledges) I will arrange for the interviews to begin. He exits. Stay a beat on Sabin who nods to himself, pleased with the way that went. 19 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - SEVERAL DAYS LATER The same group -- Picard, Satie, Sabin, Worf -- are interviewing Beverly. Nellen is in the corner, taking notes. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 23. 19 CONTINUED: ADMIRAL SATIE And how often did Lieutenant J'Dan come in for injections? BEVERLY About once a week. ADMIRAL SATIE Did you administer them yourself? BEVERLY No. One of my assistants did that... SABIN Did you ever hear him say anything... anything that might have seemed innocent at the time... that might now shed any light on this investigation? BEVERLY No, nothing. In fact, he rarely talked at all. Satie nods, that's all. PICARD Thank you, Doctor Crusher, we appreciate your time. You are excused now. Mister Worf, will you bring in the next person? Beverly gets up, and Worf escorts her to the door; she EXITS, and Worf admits Simon Tarses. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/14/91 - ACT TWO 24. 19 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD Please sit down, Mister Tarses. For the record, will you state your name and position? TARSES Simon Tarses, Crewman First Class, medical technician. PICARD I assure you this is an informal inquiry... we're not accusing you of anything. However, if you want counsel, it will be provided for you. Tarses sits, looking around nervously. It's clear he is pretty shook up about this. TARSES No, sir... I have nothing to hide. PICARD Very well. How long have you held your appointment on the Enterprise? TARSES Since... Stardate 43587. Eight-eight... ADMIRAL SATIE (studying a Padd) Mister Tarses... your records state that you were born on Mars Colony... TARSES That's right. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 25. 19 CONTINUED: (3) ADMIRAL SATIE Then you are human? TARSES Largely. My paternal grandfather was Vulcan. ADMIRAL SATIE Yes, I see that here. Tell me... what is your relationship to the Klingon, J'Dan? Tarses looks uncomfortable at this question, and becomes more nervous. TARSES I... he... I mean, there's no relationship... he just came in for his injections... ADMIRAL SATIE Did you give him those injections? TARSES Sometimes. There were several of us, actually... I might have done it twice... SABIN Did you ever hear him make any comments that might, in retrospect, be suspicious? TARSES Not really. He hardly talked. ADMIRAL SATIE Did you ever see him outside Sickbay? TARSES Once or twice in Ten-Forward... with a group of people. I never had a conversation with him. ADMIRAL SATIE Very well, Mister Tarses. I don't think there's need for more... Captain? STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT TWO 26. 19 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD You're excused, Crewman. A grateful Tarses gets up and EXITS. PICARD Mister Worf... SABIN Wait. All heads turn toward him. SABIN He's lying. Picard frowns, surprised; Satie leans forward, immediately responsive, looks curiously at Sabin. SABIN He's desperately frightened... he's covering something. PICARD It was clear he was frightened, but that's hardly an indication -- SABIN It's more than that. He wasn't truthful. He's covering a lie... one so big it's overwhelming him. He turns toward Satie. SABIN I think we've found the man. Satie reacts with satisfaction, and Worf is pleased that they've uncovered the prey. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT TWO 27. 20 CLOSE ON PICARD But Picard doesn't share the feelings of conquest. He is clearly uncomfortable with what has just happened. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 28. ACT THREE FADE IN: 21 INT. READY ROOM Picard and Satie. PICARD I'm not sure I can sanction any action against Mister Tarses based solely on Betazoid intuitions. ADMIRAL SATIE Sabin has uncanny instincts. I've learned to trust them. PICARD I must admit... that I'm a bit uneasy with this use of a Betazoid. ADMIRAL SATIE You have a Betazoid counselor... surely you are aware of the advantages. PICARD There is a difference between a counselor... and an investigator. ADMIRAL SATIE Are you saying you never use your counselor during interrogations? Of course, he does. He is forced to think about this. PICARD I do... but I don't act on the basis of her instincts alone. ADMIRAL SATIE Nor do I. PICARD You're asking me to restrict Tarses' movements -- based on Sabin's "feeling." STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 29. 21 CONTINUED: ADMIRAL SATIE If Counselor Troi suggested to you... that someone on the ship were dangerous... would you not act on that? Observe him... curb his activity? Picard confronts this. He's not sure he likes what he sees. PICARD I have to admit I probably would. And maybe I should re-evaluate that behavior. ADMIRAL SATIE Nonsense. Let's keep our priorities straight... the important thing is to uncover the conspiracy on this ship... and to prevent further damage. If Tarses is a possible saboteur, you cannot allow him access to the sensitive areas of the ship. And... I strongly suggest continuous surveillance. Picard paces, wrestles with this. PICARD If we had better evidence... ADMIRAL SATIE We will have better evidence... Sabin and Worf are continuing to investigate... but if you don't act until then... it may be too late. PICARD (he's sure now) No. I won't treat a man as a criminal unless there is probable cause to do so. ADMIRAL SATIE And while you're being so generous... you give a saboteur the chance to strike again. (MORE) STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT THREE 30. 21 CONTINUED: (2) ADMIRAL SATIE (Cont'd) Last time it was just a hatch cover... what if next time it's more serious? What if lives are lost? Can you afford not to act? But before Picard can respond -- GEORDI'S COM VOICE Engineering to Captain Picard... PICARD Yes, Mister La Forge... GEORDI'S COM VOICE Sir, could you come to Engineering right away? We've got something interesting to show you. Picard exchanges a quick glance with Satie. PICARD We'll be right there. 22 INT. ENGINEERING Data and Geordi, Picard and Satie. The isolation door is now up, though the dilithium chamber hatch is still missing. GEORDI We finally got in here about six hours ago, and we've been going over it inch by inch ever since. DATA We have made micro-tomographic analyses of the dilithium chamber... the hatch mounting... the blast pattern from the explosion... GEORDI We did mass spectrometer readings of the residue for chemical content... sifted the debris for bomb fragments... ADMIRAL SATIE And what did you find? STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 31. 22 CONTINUED: Geordi picks up a tricorder and gestures them toward the crystal chamber housing. GEORDI See the frame for the hatch... ? It ruptured -- (gestures) -- right there. And when we take a reading of that spot... He plays the tricorder over the spot, then shows the reading to Picard and Satie. GEORDI See? ADMIRAL SATIE (with a smile) I'm afraid I'm out of my element here, Commander. You'll have to interpret for me. PICARD There are sub-micron fractures in the metal casing... GEORDI That's right. A breakdown in the atomic cohesive structure. ADMIRAL SATIE Yes... ? And what caused them? DATA Those fractures suggest nothing more than simple neutron fatigue. I would speculate that when the engine was last inspected at McKinley station, the hatch casing was replaced with one which had an undetectable defect. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 32. 22 CONTINUED: (2) DATA I think, sir, that the conclusion of our investigation must be that the explosion was not intentional. GEORDI That's the way I see it. This wasn't sabotage at all... it was nothing more than an accident. Picard is surprised, but relieved. However, Admiral Satie's reaction seems tinged with disappointment. 23 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Satie, Worf, and Sabin. And Nellen, of course. SABIN An accident? I find that hard to believe... PICARD If my men say there was no sabotage, you can be sure there was none. There is a little click of the Padd, or a shift on the chair by Nellen, and Picard shoots a glance toward her. She is getting on his nerves. ADMIRAL SATIE Let's keep our perspective, gentlemen. Just because there was no sabotage doesn't mean there's not a conspiracy on this ship. We do have a confessed spy. SABIN And he had confederates. PICARD Do we know that for sure? ADMIRAL SATIE Of course he did. She moves closer to Picard. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 33. 23 CONTINUED: ADMIRAL SATIE Do you think J'Dan could have come on board the flagship of the Federation and done all that he did without help? PICARD It would be difficult... but not impossible... WORF We must continue to investigate Tarses. He was hiding something. Picard gives him a look... he realizes Worf is solidly behind Satie and Sabin in this. SABIN Captain Picard... Lieutenant Worf and I are working well together. I suggest we continue... if for no other purpose than to determine Tarses' innocence. PICARD I remind you all... that Tarses is innocent... until he is proven guilty. ADMIRAL SATIE (smoothly) Of course he is. What Sabin is saying is that he and Lieutenant Worf would like to establish Tarses' innocence unequivocally... for his own sake. Picard can certainly see the wisdom in this. PICARD Very well. But I hope we can put the matter to rest as quickly as possible. 24 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - A DAY LATER Picard ENTERS to find Satie, Sabin, and Worf already seated at the front table; Tarses in the witness' seat, and next to him sits Riker. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT THREE 34. 24 CONTINUED: To Picard's surprise, there is a small gathering of spectators in the rear of the room (which includes Beverly). He moves to his seat, addresses Satie quietly. PICARD You've opened the hearing to spectators? ADMIRAL SATIE (also sotto) It isn't good to have closed-door proceedings for too long... it invites rumor and speculation. Picard nods; this makes sense. ADMIRAL SATIE Besides... spies and saboteurs don't like the bright light of public inquiry. They're like roaches, scuttling for the dark corners... With this, she turns away and begins talking to Sabin. Picard is disquieted, and feeling more and more uncomfortable about the whole thing. PICARD This hearing is convened on Stardate 44740 as a continuing inquiry into the activities of Crewman Simon Tarses. (beat) Mister Tarses... for your own protection, I have assigned you counsel in the person of Commander William Riker. TARSES Begging your pardon, sir... I appreciate it, but... I don't need protection. I haven't done anything wrong. In the back of the room, Beverly stands. BEVERLY With the Captain's permission, I would like to make a statement. Satie is not too thrilled by this. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 35. 24 CONTINUED: (2) ADMIRAL SATIE This is irregular. Let's stick to procedure, here. RIKER It's not irregular to have a statement read into the record. This is a hearing, not a trial. PICARD Doctor, you may come forward. Satie gives Picard a look, but controls her reaction to the rebuff. Beverly comes to the front of the room; she catches Tarses' eye for a brief moment, and smiles sympathetically at him. BEVERLY Thank you. I would like to go on record as saying that I have worked with Crewman Tarses for eighteen months. His work has been exemplary. He is a model of diligence and reliability. He is devoted to Starfleet and as far as I'm concerned, his loyalty is without question. (beat) There's no way this man is a traitor. She glances down at him and he looks up at her with gratitude. BEVERLY Thank you for letting me speak. She turns to go back to her seat, but -- ADMIRAL SATIE Doctor Crusher... (she turns back) Did you ever observe Crewman Tarses with J'Dan... Beverly looks shocked by this question. BEVERLY Well, yes... he came in for injections -- STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 35A. 24 CONTINUED: (3) ADMIRAL SATIE I mean outside Sickbay. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT THREE 36. 24 CONTINUED: (3) ADMIRAL SATIE I mean outside Sickbay. BEVERLY (after a beat) I think so... maybe in Ten-Forward... ADMIRAL SATIE And whom else did you observe at these occasions, Doctor? Now Beverly really hesitates. She doesn't like the course this questioning is taking. BEVERLY I don't see what relevance that has here -- it was an innocent social gathering... ADMIRAL SATIE If it was innocent, why would you hesitate to give us the names? This is enough for Picard. PICARD Thank you, Doctor Crusher. You are excused. Satie turns toward him, ticked, and they have another sotto conversation: PICARD Admiral Satie... if you have a case to make against Tarses, you had better make it. Or I am calling this off here and now. Her cheeks flame, but she turns toward Sabin, nods. It is like slipping the noose from a hungry panther. SABIN Mister Tarses. Isn't it true that you have had access to the biological supplies in Sickbay? TARSES That's part of my job, yes. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT THREE 37. 24 CONTINUED: (4) SABIN J'Dan used deoxyribose suspensions to carry the encoded files he stole. Isn't it true that one of your duties is to prepare those suspensions? TARSES Several technicians share that job... SABIN And isn't it true that your security clearance gives you access to all the stores and files in Sickbay -- access which you can exercise at any time? TARSES Because I have access doesn't mean I -- SABIN What would you say if I told you there is evidence that the explosion in the engine room was caused by a corrosive chemical... one that is kept stored in Sickbay. Picard's head whips around to Satie, but she looks straight ahead. TARSES I had nothing to do with it -- SABIN How can we believe you? How can we possibly believe someone whom we know... we know... to be a liar? RIKER I object, sir... There is no basis for calling Officer Tarses a liar. PICARD (angry) Agreed. Mister Sabin... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT THREE 38. 24 CONTINUED: (5) SABIN Captain, there is a basis which will be clear in a moment. Mister Tarses, isn't it true that you deliberately and premeditatively lied when you filled out your personnel application and compounded that lie by repeating it to this committee? Tarses is ashen. TARSES What -- ? SABIN Isn't - it - true... that the paternal grandfather of whom you speak was not Vulcan... but was in fact a Romulan? That it is Romulan blood you carry... and a Romulan heritage that you honor? There is a buzz in the audience. Tarses, pale, stares at Sabin. Riker leans in and whispers in his ear. Tarses has to force his attention away from Sabin, concentrate on what Riker is saying. SABIN We're waiting, Mister Tarses. Tarses turns away from Riker, looks back at the table. TARSES On the advice of my counsel... I refuse to answer the question... in that... the answer... may serve... to incriminate me. He slumps, anguished, in his chair. 25 ON PICARD stunned by this development... and by the ugly turn he has seen take place in the conduct of this hearing. FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 39. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 26 INT. CORRIDOR Picard exits a turbolift and almost immediately an Ensign, having exited the Observation Lounge, hurries along the corridor past him. Picard continues toward the Lounge when the doors open and another Ensign comes hurrying out and toward the turbolift. Picard pauses to look after him and right away another one comes out. Puzzled, Picard ENTERS the Observation Lounge. 27 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard ENTERS to find Worf there, at the head of the table; several crew members stand near him, carrying Padds. WORF Ensign Bailey, you and Crewman Marcus will coordinate to track Tarses' movements for the last five years. Ensign Kellogg, I want a list of all his relatives... his known associates... especially old school friends... The crew persons are taking notes frantically. WORF And make arrangements to do an encephalographic polygraph scan... PICARD Mister Worf... WORF Yes, Captain? PICARD I need to speak with you. Worf hesitates, understands that he means "alone," and turns to the crew. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 40. 27 CONTINUED: WORF You are dismissed. Please get your reports to me as soon as possible. They disperse and Picard moves toward Worf. PICARD What is going on here? WORF Captain... I am conducting the investigation of Simon Tarses. Picard regards him solemnly, moves to the window. PICARD What has happened to us, Mister Worf? WORF Sir? PICARD I think... we're putting on a drumhead trial... WORF I don't understand... PICARD Five hundred years ago military officers would upend a drum on the battlefield... sit at it and dispense summary justice... decisions were quick... punishments severe... appeals denied. Those who came to a drumhead were doomed. WORF But... we know there is a traitor here. J'Dan has admitted his guilt. PICARD That's true. And he will stand for his crimes. WORF Tarses has all but done the same. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT FOUR 41. 27 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (a sharp look) How? WORF He refused to answer the question... about his Romulan grandfather. PICARD That is not a crime, Worf. Nor can we infer his guilt because he did not respond. WORF If a man is not afraid of the truth, he would answer. PICARD No. We must not let ourselves think that. The Seventh Guarantee is one of the most important rights granted by the Federation. We cannot use one of the fundamental principles of our Constitution and turn it against a citizen. Worf is struggling to understand. WORF Sir... the Federation does have enemies... we must seek them out... PICARD Yes... that's how it starts. But the road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is shorter than we might think. Something is wrong here, Worf... I don't like what we have become. Worf regards him, much more uncertain now as to his course. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 42. 28 INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS Picard carries tea to a seated Simon Tarses, who is almost as uneasy about a visit to the Captain's quarters as he is about his predicament. PICARD Here you are, Mister Tarses... do you care for lemon? TARSES No, thank you, sir. This is fine. Picard settles into a chair opposite, smiles at Tarses. He wants to put the young man at ease. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT FOUR 43. 28 CONTINUED: PICARD Tell me a little about yourself, Crewman... I know you were born on Mars Colony... TARSES Yes, sir... All my life I wanted to be in Starfleet. I went to the Academy's program for enlisted personnel... took training as a medical technician... served at several outposts... and the day I was posted to the Enterprise was the happiest day of my life. PICARD Did you ever consider applying to the Academy... going the whole route and becoming an officer? TARSES My parents wanted me to... and I thought about it... I used to sit under this big tree near the parade grounds... PICARD An elm tree? With a circular bench? TARSES That's the one... PICARD I spent many an hour there. It was my favorite spot to study. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/13/91 - ACT FOUR 44. 28 CONTINUED: (2) TARSES I used to sit... and watch the drills... and picture myself an officer. I knew it would make my mother happy... PICARD But you didn't do it. TARSES No... I was eighteen, and eager... the last thing I wanted to do was spend four years sitting in classrooms... I wanted to be out there... traveling the stars... I didn't want to wait for anything... He's lost himself for a moment, remembering his youthful eagerness... then, it catches up to him again... this nightmare that he's living now... he turns to Picard in distress. TARSES And now... it's done, isn't it? My career in Starfleet is finished... PICARD Not if you aren't guilty. TARSES It doesn't matter. I lied on my application... and that mistake will be with me for the rest of my life. He shakes his head, abject and defeated. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 45. 28 CONTINUED: (3) TARSES I couldn't wait to get started... and now it's over... Picard regards him with sympathy... but there's little he can say to argue. 29 INT. CORRIDOR - A LITTLE LATER Satie and Nellen hurry along, the Admiral dictating and Nellen tapping furiously. ADMIRAL SATIE Mister Worf has found a brother who still lives on Mars Colony... contact someone there and have him interviewed... Picard hails them from behind. PICARD Admiral Satie... Satie turns her head and sees him, but keeps walking and completes her thought to Nellen. ADMIRAL SATIE ... and start a background check into all his friends from the Academy training program. Picard has now caught up to them. ADMIRAL SATIE Yes, Captain? The three come to a halt in the corridor. Picard glances at Nellen, who is still tapping, but addresses Satie. PICARD I'd like to talk to you. ADMIRAL SATIE Of course. She stands, waiting. PICARD In private... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/7/91 - ACT FOUR 46. 29 CONTINUED: Pointedly, he reaches out and takes Nellen's Padd. PICARD ... and off the record. Satie is momentarily startled, but her aplomb is always at her fingertips. ADMIRAL SATIE Of course, Captain. (beat; smoothly) After all... you are my partner in this. And she turns and heads toward a turbolift; he follows. 30 INT. READY ROOM Satie is staring at Picard as though he had gone mad. ADMIRAL SATIE I cannot possibly believe you mean this. PICARD But I do. This must stop. It's gone too far... you lied to him about the Engine Room -- there was no volatile chemical found there... ADMIRAL SATIE It's just a tactic... a way of applying pressure. PICARD We are hounding an innocent man. ADMIRAL SATIE And how, may I ask, have you managed to determine that? PICARD I talked with him. A soft breath escapes her... short of a laugh but full of derision. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/14/91 - ACT FOUR 47. 30 CONTINUED: ADMIRAL SATIE I see. And he told you he was a victim of circumstance... blameless and pure... PICARD No... he admits his mistake in falsifying his application... but that doesn't make him a traitor. She stares at him, smiling a bit, shaking her head in wonder. ADMIRAL SATIE Can you be so incredibly naive... ? She circles toward him, speaking gently, as though talking to a child. ADMIRAL SATIE Captain... do you know how I have spent the last four years? Traveling from planet to Starbase to planet... She moves away again, into her restless pacing. ADMIRAL SATIE I have no home... I live on starships and shuttlecraft... I haven't seen a family member in years... I have no friends. She turns back to him. ADMIRAL SATIE But I have a purpose. My father taught me... from the time I was a little girl still clutching a blanket... that the United Federation of Planets is the most remarkable institution ever conceived. It is my cause to make sure that this extraordinary union is preserved... She moves closer to him. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 47A. 30 CONTINUED: (2) ADMIRAL SATIE I cannot imagine why you are suddenly trying to block this investigation... there have been others, in the past, who got in my way. They came to regret it. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 48. 30 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD (not intimidated) The hearings on Simon Tarses must stop. If necessary, I will go to Starfleet Command. ADMIRAL SATIE Captain, I have news for you... I've been in constant contact with Starfleet Command. And the hearings aren't going to stop -- they're going to be expanded. Picard is taken aback. PICARD What are you saying -- ? ADMIRAL SATIE I am going to get to the heart of this conspiracy... if it means investigating every last person on this ship. (beat) And every hearing from now on will be held in the presence of Admiral Thomas Henry of Starfleet Security. I've requested that he be brought here at once... PICARD You never told me about this -- ADMIRAL SATIE I report directly to Starfleet Command. I do not require your permission or your approval for my decisions. PICARD Admiral... what you're doing here... is unethical... it's immoral... and I will fight it. Her eyes all but crackle. She moves toward him. ADMIRAL SATIE Do what you must, Captain. And so will I. She turns and EXITS without another word. Picard is deeply unsettled by what has happened. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FOUR 49. 30A EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at impulse speed. 30B INT. BRIDGE - A LITTLE LATER Picard sits in his chair, lost in a brown study. DATA Captain, the warp engines are back on line. We are ready to commence restart sequences. No answer from Picard. Data turns around to him. DATA Sir? PICARD (snapping out of it) Yes... ? Oh... yes, Mister Data. Proceed. Riker leans toward him. Above, the turbolift door OPENS. PIKER Are you all right, Captain? PICARD Yes, of course. Just a bit -- preoccupied. And now Nellen rounds the ramp and approaches Picard, hands him a Padd. He takes it, puzzled. NELLEN Admiral Satie has ordered you to report to the interrogation room at oh-nine-hundred hours tomorrow morning. (beat) You are to be questioned before the committee. Picard stares at her, stunned. Nellen gives nothing away... not a smirk or a twitch. But underneath, there is a palpable sense of triumph. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 50. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 31 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM Now, there are more people in the gallery, including a greying Starfleet Admiral. At the head table are only Satie and Sabin. Worf is in the audience. And, in the hot seat -- Picard. SABIN Your full name? PICARD Jean-Luc Picard. SABIN Rank and position? PICARD Captain, Federation Starship Enterprise. SABIN How long have you held that post? PICARD Over three years. Since Stardate 41140. SABIN Very well. (turns to Satie) Admiral? But before she can begin questioning -- PICARD If you don't mind... I would like to address the committee. ADMIRAL SATIE If you have a statement, you'll get an opportunity to make it later -- PICARD I believe that Chapter Four, Article Twelve of the Uniform Code of Justice grants me the right to make a statement before questioning begins... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 51. 31 CONTINUED: She stares icily at him, but knows he is right. ADMIRAL SATIE Very well. Picard rises and approaches the head table. His manner is soothing... clearly he's trying to calm things down, not inflame them. PICARD I am deeply concerned by what is happening here. It began when we apprehended a spy, a man who admitted his guilt and who will answer for his crime. But the hunt didn't stop there. Another man, Simon Tarses, was brought to trial -- and it was a trial, no matter what others may call it. He pauses, picking his way carefully through this mine field. PICARD Unfortunately, it was a trial based on insinuation and innuendo. Nothing substantive against Crewman Tarses was offered, much less proven. He walks toward Tarses, who sits in the audience. PICARD This man has a Romulan grandfather. For that, his career stands in ruins. Have we become so fearful? Have we become so cowardly that we must extinguish a man because he carries the blood of a current enemy? He paces back and forth in front of the table. PICARD I remind you... we are not descended from cowardly people. We come from those who were willing to think the unthinkable, speak the unspeakable... (MORE) STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 52. 31 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD (Cont'd) ... and to defend with passion ideas and causes which were, at the moment, unpopular. He moves toward Satie, a final, urgent plea. PICARD Admiral, let us not condemn Simon Tarses or anyone else on the basis of half-truth. I implore you... do not continue with this proceeding. End it here. He returns to his seat. The Starfleet Admiral waits with a grim, thoughtful look on his face. Sabin turns to Norah, who is looking down, fiddling with a Padd, making little notations, seemingly unaffected by Picard's words. ADMIRAL SATIE (beat; still looking down, soft and calm) Captain Picard... do you believe in the Prime Directive? PICARD Of course. ADMIRAL SATIE In fact, it is Starfleet General Order Number One, isn't it? PICARD Your point, Admiral... ? ADMIRAL SATIE (now she looks at him) Would it surprise you to learn that you have violated the Prime Directive a total of nine times since you took command of the Enterprise? (without allowing him to answer) I must say, Captain, it surprised the hell out of me. PICARD My reports to Starfleet document the circumstances in each of those instances -- STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 53. 31 CONTINUED: (3) ADMIRAL SATIE Yes, we're looking into those reports, Captain, very closely into those reports... after which I'm sure we'll have more questions for you about your so-called commitment to Starfleet's Prime Directive. She glances at the Starfleet Admiral for approval... she doesn't get it. He's waiting to see where this goes. He looks at her evenly as... SABIN Captain, could you explain just what happened on Stardate 44390? PICARD Excuse me? SABIN Let me refresh your memory. You were transporting a Vulcan ambassador... T'Pel... PICARD I was following orders to deliver the ambassador to a destination near the Neutral Zone, and -- ADMIRAL SATIE I don't think we need the preamble. SABIN In fact, she was not a Vulcan at all, was she? She was a Romulan spy. PICARD That's correct. SABIN A spy whom you delivered back into the hands of the enemy. ADMIRAL SATIE Tell me, Captain... when the deception was revealed... and she stood proudly on the Bridge of a Romulan ship... did you make any effort to retrieve her? STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 54. 31 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD No. ADMIRAL SATIE No? Even though you knew she carried Federation secrets she had been accumulating for years? PICARD There was no chance of getting her back. We were deep in Romulan space. The safety of my crew was my primary concern. WORF (rises to defend Picard) The Enterprise could have been captured by Romulans... Captain Picard did the only thing he could. Satie turns to him, stunned and furious at his perfidy. ADMIRAL SATIE Really, Lieutenant? And where were you while this traitor was on board the Enterprise? Where was ship's security? SABIN Wouldn't you say it is questionable judgment, Captain, to have a security officer whose father was a Romulan collaborator? Worf rises... begins to move toward the podium. PICARD Lieutenant? Worf stops, sits. Satie continues to glance at the Starfleet Admiral who looks increasingly uncomfortable and unconvinced by Satie's argument. She moves to her biggest gun... ADMIRAL SATIE Captain Picard... have you fully recovered from your experience with the Borg? STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/25/91 - ACT FIVE 55. 31 CONTINUED: (5) Picard's eyes go cold. PICARD Yes. I am fully recovered. ADMIRAL SATIE It must have been awful... actually becoming one of them... being forced to use your vast knowledge of Starfleet operations to aid the Borg... Picard has assumed a tight masque. Satie, carrying her Padd, moves in the general direction of the visiting Starfleet Admiral, playing to him but not being obvious about it. ADMIRAL SATIE Just how many of our ships were destroyed? (checks Padd) ...ah. I have it... thirty-nine... with the loss of life measured at nearly eleven thousand... She pauses to let this sink in. There is a stirring among the audience. She looks toward the Admiral, begins talking about Picard in the third person. ADMIRAL SATIE One wonders how this man can sleep at night... having caused so much destruction... 32 CLOSE ON THE STARFLEET ADMIRAL He looks hard at Satie... uncomfortable... losing patience with this... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 56. 33 RESUME As Satie strikes back at Picard. ADMIRAL SATIE I question your actions, Captain... I question your choices... I question your loyalty... She glares at the Admiral, who looks down at the floor. He's finding this harder and harder to endure. There is a small silence, and Picard's voice fills it, speaking softly but in a tone that commands attention. PICARD There is a saying... which many of us have heard since we were school children... "With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied -- chains us all, irrevocably." Two bright spots have appeared on Norah Satie's cheeks. Her eyes burn into Picard. PICARD Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie -- as wisdom and warning. The very first time any man's freedoms are trampled... we are all damaged. (beat) I fear... that today... on this starship... we are forging that chain. 33A ON SATIE ADMIRAL SATIE (outraged) How dare you -- you who consort with Romulans... invoke my father's name to support your traitorous arguments... It is an offense... to everything I hold dear... to hear those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets. (MORE) STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/25/91 - ACT FIVE 56A. 33A CONTINUED: ADMIRAL SATIE (Cont'd) My father was a great man... his name stands for principle, and integrity... you dirty that name by speaking it... The Admiral is now staring at her, dismayed by what she is saying. ADMIRAL SATIE (continuous) He loved the Federation... but you, Picard... corrupt it... you and those like you undermine our very way of life... The Admiral wants no more of this debacle. He rises and starts for the door. ADMIRAL SATIE I will expose you for what you are... I've brought down bigger men than you, Picard... STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/25/91 - ACT FIVE 57. 33A CONTINUED: (2) The room is hushed. She turns around, sees all eyes on her. She now sees the Admiral's empty chair. She casts one glance at Picard, who holds her gaze coolly. She takes a breath, moves toward her table, sits. ADMIRAL SATIE (with dignity) I have nothing more to say. Silence. SABIN Perhaps... we should take a recess... until tomorrow. People begin rising and moving out of the room. In the midst of it all, Norah Satie sits like a prim sculpture, hands folded neatly on the table, back erect, eyes focused right in front of her. The room is a mass of movement and confusion, in the midst of which she is a rock in the stream, eddies swirling around her as she sits in perfect stillness at her table. 33B OMITTED 34 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) 35 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard sits alone in the darkened room, staring out at the tableau of stars. Worf ENTERS, pauses, sensitive to Picard's somber mood. WORF Am I bothering you, sir? PICARD No... please, come in, Mister Worf. Worf approaches. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/15/91 - ACT FIVE 58. 35 CONTINUED: WORF It's over. Admiral Henry has called an end to any more hearings on this matter. PICARD That's good. WORF Admiral Satie... has left the Enterprise. Picard swivels his chair around to face Worf. PICARD We think we have come so far... the torture of heretics and the burning of witches is ancient history... and then... before you can blink an eye... it threatens to start all over again. WORF I believed her... I helped her... I didn't see what she was. PICARD Villains who wear black hats are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged. WORF I think... after yesterday... people will not be as ready to trust her. PICARD Maybe. But it won't stop her. She -- someone like her -- will always be with us... waiting for the right climate to flourish... spreading disease in the name of liberty. (beat) Vigilance, Worf. That is the price we must continually pay. STAR TREK: "The Drumhead" - REV. 2/14/91 - ACT FIVE 59. 36 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) continues its patrol. FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END