STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                           "Ethics" 
                          #40275-216 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Ronald D. Moore 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Chip Chalmers 


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 This script is not for publication or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

                       DECEMBER 9, 1991


             STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/9/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Ethics" 

                             CAST                               
                                
                PICARD                DOCTOR TOBY RUSSELL
                RIKER                 ALEXANDER
                DATA               
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                                      Non-Speaking
                NURSE OGAWA             INJURED CREW & CIVILIANS
                TRANSPORTER TECHICIAN   AN INJURED MAN
                                        AN INJURED WOMAN
                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  DOCTORS            
                  NURSES             
                  CIVILIAN MEDICS    

             STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/9/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Ethics" 
                       
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              CORRIDOR
              CARGO BAY
              SHUTTLEBAY
              TROI'S QUARTERS
              RIKER'S QUARTERS
              SICKBAY
              BEVERLY'S OFFICE
              MEDICAL LAB
              WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/13/91 - TEASER        1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                           "Ethics"                                
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit around a planet.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45587.3.
			We are picking up a consignment
			of chlorinide from Starbase
			Twenty-seven for transportation
			to the Mylaira system. Once we
			have delivered this material, we
			will investigate reported subspace
			anomalies in the Kelnaria region.

2    INT. CARGO BAY

	WORF and GEORDI are scanning some LARGE CARGO
	CONTAINERS with tricorders. There are other N.D.
	CREWMEMBERS in the b.g. checking the containers as
	well. The containers have been stacked in an intricate
	framework of metal support beams, pallettes, and
	lattices which reaches to the ceiling and almost
	completely fills the room.

					GEORDI
				(to Worf)
			No question. She was bluffing.

					WORF
			Bluffing is not one of Counselor
			Troi's strong suits.

	Geordi works his tricorder for a moment.

					GEORDI
				(off tricorder, to Worf)
			I'm still reading some chlorinide
			leakage, but I can't pin it down.

	Worf frowns at his tricorder.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - TEASER           2.

2    CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(points to different
				 section)
			Maybe over there...

	They move to another section of containers and Geordi
	crawls up in the lattice work to take some more
	readings.

					WORF
			It would have been unwise to
			call. My hand was not strong
			enough.

					GEORDI
			You had jacks and eights and
			she bluffed you with a pair of
			sixes.

					WORF
				(outraged)
			Sixes!

	Worf fumes for a moment as Geordi climbs down from the
	lattice. He suddenly looks at Geordi with suspicion.

					WORF
			How do you know what I had?

	Geordi slowly smiles and then deliberately adjusts his
	visor.

					GEORDI
			Let's just say... I had a special
			insight into your cards.

	Worf reacts and Geordi chuckles.

					GEORDI
				(off his look)
			Hey, next time bring a deck that's
			not transparent to infrared
			light.

	Worf shakes his head slightly in disgust.

					GEORDI
				(with humor)
			Don't worry, I only peek after
			the hand is over.

	Geordi checks his tricorder one more time.

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/13/91 - TEASER        3.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
				(frustrated, off
				 tricorder)
			Still nothing. Well... I'll get
			a dynoscanner and try again.

	Geordi moves to a different part of the bay.

3    WORF

	scans the containers again. He moves closer to the
	container structure...

4    A CARGO CONTAINER

	high above Worf. There is a thin wisp of GAS LEAKING
	from the container. The gas is MELTING part of the
	support upon which the container is sitting...

5    WORF

	Continues to scan the structure. He moves closer...

6    THE CARGO CONTAINER

	The structural support GIVES WAY and the cargo
	container starts to FALL.

7    WORF

	hears the RUMBLE from above and starts to move out of
	the way, but it's too late.

8    WIDER ANGLE

	as the heavy containers COLLAPSE on top of Worf.

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/13/91 - TEASER        4.

9    INCLUDE GEORDI

	who turned around just in time to see the collapse.

					GEORDI
			Worf!

	Geordi and the other crewmembers rush over to Worf and
	start to move the containers off of him. They lift one
	container and find Worf unconscious. As Geordi hits
	his communicator, PUSH IN on Worf's face.

					GEORDI
				(urgent, to
				 communicator)
			La Forge to sickbay! Medical
			emergency in cargo bay three!

	Hold for a beat on Worf's face...

									CUT TO:

10   INT. SICKBAY

	Worf is lying on his back with his eyes closed. He is
	dressed in a medical robe and is lying in one of the
	diagnostic beds. NURSE OGAWA is standing over Worf.
	After a beat, Worf moves slightly.

	Worf's eyes finally open and he looks around in
	confusion. BEVERLY moves to stand on the other
	side of him.

					WORF
			What... happened?

					BEVERLY
			The containers you were checking
			fell on you. You're lucky to be
			alive.

	Worf tries to sit up... then stops when he realizes
	that he can't move his lower body.

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/12/91 - TEASER        5.

10   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			I will not attempt to leave
			sickbay without your approval,
			Doctor. The restraining field
			is not necessary.

	Beverly and Ogawa exchange a look. Ogawa moves off to
	give them a little more privacy. Worf looks up at
	Beverly in confusion... what's going on here? Beverly
	puts on her best bedside manner.

					BEVERLY
			Worf... there is no restraining
			field.

					WORF
				(objecting)
			But I cannot move my legs.

					BEVERLY
			I know.
				(beat)
			You can't move because one of the
			containers shattered seven of your
			vertebrae... and crushed your
			spinal cord.

	Worf is shocked and this is very difficult for Beverly,
	but there's no way to sugar-coat it.

					BEVERLY
			I'm afraid... there's no way to
			repair this kind of injury.

	On Worf as he realizes the full impact of what she's
	saying...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/17/91 - ACT ONE        6.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

11   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship still in orbit.

12   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Worf has been moved to a private room just off main
	sickbay. There are several monitors, some medical
	equipment, and a diagnostic bed. Worf is sitting up in
	bed and has swung his legs over the side. His face is
	a mask of determination as he carefully grips the side
	of the bed and moves his feet down to the floor.

	Worf manages to get to a standing position, but it's
	only by using his hands and arms to maintain an iron
	grip on the bedframe. His legs are useless. He
	struggles as he tries to will his legs to work.

13   NEW ANGLE

	As the doors OPEN and Beverly ENTERS. Worf wrenches
	his body as he tries to move his legs, but the effort
	causes him to lose his grip on the bed. Both legs fold
	under his weight... Beverly rushes over to him and
	catches him just in time. She helps him back into bed.

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/17/91 - ACT ONE        7.

13   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			I know what you're trying to do
			and I understand why. But it's
			important that you remain in bed.

					WORF
			Klingons do not... lie in bed.

					BEVERLY
			They do if they have extensive
			internal injuries which need time
			to heal.

					WORF
			The muscles in my legs will
			atrophy unless they are used.
					(MORE)

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/17/91 - ACT ONE        8.

13   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF (cont'd)
			A vigorous program of exercise
			will be necessary for a full
			recovery.

	Beverly moves closer to him. Her tone is
	compassionate, yet firm as she lays out the simple
	truth to him.

					BEVERLY
			I understand that as a Klingon
			this is difficult for you... but
			you have to face your situation
			as it really is... not as you want
			it to be.
				(beat)
			I've sent for a neurogeneticist,
			but... you need to realize that
			you'll probably never regain total
			use of your legs.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT ONE          9.

13   CONTINUED: (3)

	Worf looks away, unable to deny the facts away any
	longer. A long beat passes.

					WORF
				(quiet)
			Leave me.

	Beverly moves toward the door... then stops.

					BEVERLY
			Your son has been asking to see
			you.

					WORF
				(forceful)
			No. I will not have him see me
			like this.

	Beverly almost argues with him... then decides against
	it.

					BEVERLY
			All right.

	She EXITS to...

14   INT. SICKBAY - CONTINUOUS

	The doors CLOSE behind Beverly after she ENTERS. She
	pauses for a moment, depressed and anguished over
	Worf's situation. She tries to shake off the
	feeling... picks up a PADD and starts to work it.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Bridge to Doctor Crusher. The
			Potemkin has arrived and Doctor
			Russell is ready to transport
			aboard.

					BEVERLY
				(to com)
			I'm on my way.

	She heads for the exit.

									CUT TO:

15   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE & POTEMKIN (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise and the Potemkin running side by side
	while still in orbit. (STOCK)

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT ONE          10.

16   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Beverly is waiting near the platform as the TRANSPORTER
	TECHNICIAN works the console. DR. TOBY RUSSELL
	MATERIALIZES. Doctor Russell is petite and her
	features are delicate, doll-like. She has an easy and
	friendly manner, but she tends to command a room and
	is used to being center stage at any gathering.
	Russell has a knack for settling instantly into her
	environment, and she already seems very much at home.

					BEVERLY
			Welcome aboard the Enterprise,
			Doctor Russell. I'm Beverly
			Crusher.

	They shake hands.

					RUSSELL
			A pleasure.
				(to Technician)
			I have some equipment aboard the
			Potemkin. Please have it sent
			to one of your medical labs.

					BEVERLY
				(to Technician)
			Send it to medlab four.

	The Technician nods and works the console. Russell
	turns to Beverly with a warm smile and then takes
	Beverly's arm as they begin to leave the transporter
	room.

					RUSSELL
				(on the move)
			Before we get down to business,
			I just wanted to say that I had
			the pleasure of reading your paper
			on cybernetic regeneration
			recently.

	They EXIT to...

17   INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

	Russell and Beverly walk down the corridor. Russell
	has definitely turned on the charm.

					BEVERLY
				(pleased)
			Really? You're the first person
			to mention it.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT ONE       11.

17   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
			Oh, I thought it was brilliant.
			Your ideas on bioactive interfaces
			border on revolutionary. It's going
			to be a genuine pleasure working
			with you.

					BEVERLY
			Thank you.
				(beat)
			Have you had a chance to review
			Worf's case history yet?

					RUSSELL
			Only briefly. I must admit, I
			was a little shocked to find the
			state of Klingon neurological
			medicine to be so... primitive.

					BEVERLY
			It's a cultural bias. When I
			contacted the Klingon Medical
			Division, I was told they usually
			let the patient die in a case like
			this... as a result they've done
			almost no research on
			neurological trauma.

					RUSSELL
				(with relish)
			We'll be in uncharted waters.

	Beverly doesn't share Russell's anticipation, but she's
	not bothered by it either.

					BEVERLY
			Worf's been having a hard time
			dealing with his injuries. He's
			always been a difficult patient,
			but now...

	They have arrived outside of sickbay and Beverly moves
	to go inside. The doors OPEN.

					BEVERLY
			He's a little tough to get along
			with at first, but I think you'll
			get to like him after---

					RUSSELL
			Doctor.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT ONE          12.

17   CONTINUED: (2)

	Beverly stops in the doorway. Russell seems to
	hesitate for a moment... then speaks in a soft and
	understanding voice.

					RUSSELL
			I know that as a starship doctor,
			you have to maintain close ties
			with patients. But I think it
			would be best if I maintain a
			discreet distance. That way, I
			can give you a completely
			objective opinion regarding
			treatment.

	Beverly looks at her for a beat... decides that Russell
	is making sense.

					BEVERLY
			Yes... you're probably right.

					RUSSELL
				(warm smile)
			Good. Well... I believe you said
			I'll be working in medlab four?

					BEVERLY
			Yes. This way.

	Beverly leads Russell down the corridor.

									CUT TO:

18   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship in orbit.

19   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Worf is propped up in bed as RIKER ENTERS. Riker
	forces himself to smile at his friend and try to put
	him at ease.

					RIKER
			You look pretty good for someone
			who's been eating sickbay food
			for three days.

	Worf makes a half-hearted attempt to return the smile,
	then indicates a chair.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT ONE          13.

19   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Please sit down, Commander.

	Riker sits down. Worf is very uncomfortable and
	embarrassed. He tries to sit a little straighter...
	pulls the bedclothes up a little further on his chest.

					WORF
			Thank you for agreeing to see me
			in... this condition.

					RIKER
			Worf, I'm not Klingon... I don't
			think there's any shame in being
			injured.

					WORF
			I am not merely injured... Doctor
			Crusher believes my... paralysis
			will be permanent.

	Riker takes a beat to take that in.

					RIKER
			I'm... sorry.

	Worf looks away from Riker, not wanting to see any pity
	in his face. This is very difficult for Worf, but he
	tries to keep his voice as even and restrained as
	possible.

					WORF
			I have a personal favor to ask.

					RIKER
			Name it.

	Long beat.

					WORF
			I want you to assist me in
			performing the... Hegh'bat
			ceremony.
				(beat)
			I want you to help me die.

	Riker recoils from the idea and looks at Worf with
	shock.

					RIKER
			What?

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT ONE       14.

19   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			When a Klingon can no longer stand
			and face his enemies as a
			warrior... when he becomes a
			burden to his family and
			friends... it is time for the
			Hegh'bat... time for him to die.

					RIKER
			Worf, there have to be other
			options.

	Worf turns back and meets Riker's eyes.

					WORF
				(firm)
			No, there are not.
				(beat, then quieter)
			I will not live as an object of...
			pity... or shame. My life as a
			Klingon is over.

					RIKER
			I won't help a friend commit
			suicide.

	Worf struggles... his voice drops down low as he makes
	a direct appeal to Riker.

					WORF
			We have served together for many
			years... fought side by side...
			I know you to be a brave and
			honorable man... if you truly
			consider me your friend... help
			me now... help me end my life as
			I lived it... with dignity and
			honor.
				(beat)
			Please.

	Riker wasn't prepared for this personal appeal from
	Worf. On Riker's reaction as he struggles with his
	conflicting emotions...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/12/91 - ACT TWO       15.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

20   INT. MEDICAL LAB (OPTICAL)

	A room filled with medical equipment of every size and
	description. Beverly and Russell are standing near
	a large unit which is projecting a HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGE
	of Worf's back and spinal column in mid-air. Beverly
	is pointing to the damaged vertebrae, which have been
	highlighted.

					BEVERLY
			The cortico-spinal tract has
			continued to deteriorate over the
			past seventy-two hours despite
			CPK enzymatic therapy.

	Russell walks slowly around the hologram...
	considering the injury from all angles.

					RUSSELL
			What about alkysine treatment?

					BEVERLY
			Ineffective.

					RUSSELL
			Overdesigned.
				(off Beverly's look)
			Klingon anatomy... twenty-three
			ribs, two livers, eight-chambered
			heart, double-lined neural pia
			mater... I've never seen so many
			unnecessary redundancies in one
			body.

					BEVERLY
			Klingon medicine refers to it as
			the brak'lul... almost every vital
			function in their bodies has a
			built-in redundancy in case the
			primary organ or system fails.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT TWO       16.

20   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
			It's a good design in theory, but
			in practice, all the extra organs
			mean there's just that much more
			that can go wrong.

	Russell glares at the hologram for a moment, then
	turns to Beverly.

					RUSSELL
			Let me show you something.

	Russell leads Beverly over to a strange-looking piece
	of medical equipment that has been moved into the lab
	on a cart. It should be even more advanced than our
	normal sickbay equipment.

					RUSSELL
			We've been experimenting with
			DNA-based generators... this is
			a genetronic replicator. It reads
			the DNA coding of damaged organs,
			translates that into a specific
			set of replicant instructions and
			then begins to "grow" a
			replacement.

	Beverly looks over the odd equipment with curiosity.

					BEVERLY
			I've read some of the preliminary
			work you've done... I thought this
			was still in the experimental
			stage.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/12/91 - ACT TWO       17.

20   CONTINUED: (2)

	Russell picks up a PADD and works it for a moment.

					RUSSELL
				(continuing)
			The early results have been very
			encouraging...

	She hands the PADD to Beverly... who begins to glance
	at it... Russell lets her read on for a moment... then
	decides the time is right to push for her plan.

					RUSSELL
			Beverly, the genetronic replicator
			can create a completely new neural
			conduit for your Lieutenant Worf.

					BEVERLY
				(a little shocked)
			Replace his entire spinal column?

					RUSSELL
			Exactly. Instead of splicing and
			pasting together broken
			connections like a couple of
			glorified tailors, we create a
			new, living system.

	Beverly takes a beat to consider this... she glances
	down at the PADD in her hand... presses some buttons
	to move the text forward... she has some serious
	doubts.

					BEVERLY
				(looking for the data)
			I had no idea you were already
			using this on humanoids...

					RUSSELL
			I haven't been. This'll be the
			first time.

					BEVERLY
				(reacts)
			First time?

					RUSSELL
			I've done dozens of holosimulations...
			the success rate is up to 
			thirty-seven percent...

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/12/91 - ACT TWO       18.

20   CONTINUED: (3)

					BEVERLY
			Thirty-seven percent... even a
			holographic patient would balk
			at those odds.

					RUSSELL
			Sooner or later it has to be tried
			on a living patient.

					BEVERLY
			We're talking about a spinal
			column. Even to attempt it,
			you'd have to remove his
			existing spine. We don't know
			enough about Klingon neurological
			medicine to reattach it. If
			something goes wrong, he'll die.

	Beverly sets the PADD down and regards Russell
	seriously.

					BEVERLY
			I agree it has remarkable
			potential but it's still in the
			most preliminary stages of research.
			We can't possibly justify the risk
			to Worf. I'm afraid we'll just
			have to make do with the more
			conventional approaches.

	Russell almost continues to fight... then seems to
	reconsider. She smiles slightly at Beverly.

					RUSSELL
			You're probably right. It's too
			radical an approach.

	Beverly is relieved that Russell isn't going to push
	for this approach, but that doesn't solve their
	problem.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Doctor Crusher, please report to
			the bridge.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT TWO          19.

20   CONTINUED: (4)

					BEVERLY
				(to com)
			On my way.

	Beverly EXITS.

									CUT TO:

21   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship goes into warp.

22   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	PICARD, DATA, and Riker at their stations. Beverly
	ENTERS from a turbolift.

					PICARD
			Doctor, the transport ship Denver
			has struck a gravitic mine left
			over from the Cardassian war.
			They've sustained heavy damage.

					RIKER
			Their last message said they were
			attempting to crash land on one
			of the planets in the Mericor
			system. We should arrive in just
			under seven hours.

					BEVERLY
			How many people were aboard?

					DATA
			The Denver's standard crew
			complement is twenty-three, but
			they were transporting five
			hundred seventeen colonists to
			the Beloti sector.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT TWO          20.

22   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			I'll need to convert all three
			shuttlebays to emergency triage
			centers. I also want all
			civilians with medical training
			to report for duty.

					PICARD
			Make it so.

	Beverly EXITS and Picard heads for the ready room.

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			Captain, may I speak with you in
			private?

					PICARD
			Certainly, Number One. Mister
			Data, you have the bridge.

					DATA
			Aye, sir.

	Riker & Picard head for the ready room.

									CUT TO:

23   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship at warp.

24   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Riker is moving about the room... restless, clearly
	disturbed. Picard is calmly listening to his officer.

					RIKER
			I've always tried to keep an open
			mind... not to judge someone
			else's culture by my own... but
			for me to be a part of this
			"ceremony"...

	Riker trails off and Picard waits for a beat before
	speaking.

					PICARD
			I understand that Doctor Crusher
			believes he will never regain the
			use of his legs.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT TWO          21.

24   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			That doesn't mean his life is
			over.

					PICARD
			That's a very... Human
			perspective, Will. But to any
			Klingon in Worf's position...
			life is over.

					RIKER
			I can't accept that.

	Picard takes a beat... looks out the window for a
	moment.

					PICARD
			If you were dying... terminally
			ill from a disease for which there
			was no cure... and the few
			remaining days of your life would
			be spent in pain. Don't you think
			that you might come to see death
			as... a release?

					RIKER
			Worf isn't dying and he's not in
			pain... he can live a long life
			without---

					PICARD
				(firm)
			You or I could learn to live with
			a disability of this kind. But
			to Worf... his life ended when
			those containers fell on him.
			We don't have to agree with it...
			we don't have to understand it...
			but we do have to respect his
			beliefs.

					RIKER
				(repeating for emphasis)
			I can respect his beliefs, but
			Worf wants me to take an active
			role in ending his life.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT TWO          22.

24   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			He asked for your help because
			you're his friend. That means
			that you'll have to make your
			decision based on that friendship.

					RIKER
			Which leaves me right back where
			I started.

					PICARD
			I'm sorry, Will. I can't make this
			decision for you... but I can tell
			you that Klingons choose their
			friends with great care. If Worf
			didn't feel he could count on
			you... he never would have asked.

	On Riker's troubled expression...

									CUT TO:

25   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	TROI is trying to deal with a very angry ALEXANDER.

					ALEXANDER
			Why won't you let me see him?

					TROI
			Alexander, I told you it's not
			my decision. Your father doesn't
			want to---

					ALEXANDER
			I don't believe you. My father
			wants to see me. You're the one
			keeping me away from him!

	Troi regards him coolly for a beat... refusing to get
	into a shouting match with this kid. Her voice is calm
	and assured.

					TROI
			I think you know that's not true.

	Alexander's anger recedes a little in the face of
	Troi's serene visage. His voice becomes somewhat less
	strident.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/16/91 - ACT TWO       23.

25   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANDER
			Then why can't I see him?

					TROI
			Your father is going through a
			very difficult time. He needs
			to be alone for now.

					ALEXANDER
			But why?

	Troi moves to a couch and motions to Alexander, who
	sits with her after a beat. Troi keeps her voice calm
	and soothing as she tries to reassure the boy.

					TROI
			He's been injured, Alexander, and
			he's... embarrassed. To have
			anyone see him now would make him
			feel worse... even if it were
			you.

	Alexander thinks about this for a beat.

					ALEXANDER
			This is part of that Klingon
			stuff, isn't it?
					(MORE)

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/16/91 - ACT TWO       24.

25   CONTINUED: (2)

					ALEXANDER (cont'd)
			My mother always said that
			Klingons had a lot of dumb ideas
			about honor.

					TROI
			Alexander, that... "Klingon stuff"
			is very important to your father.

					ALEXANDER
				(hurt)
			Well, it isn't very important to
			me. I don't care about being
			Klingon, I just want to see my
			father.

	It's obvious that Alexander is exhausted... this whole
	experience has been very draining for him. Troi moves
	to him and her voice becomes softer, more soothing.

					TROI
			It's been a long day... why don't
			you get ready for bed and we'll
			talk about this again in the
			morning.

	Alexander nods glumly and then EXITS to the adjacent
	room. Troi watches after him for a moment.

									CUT TO:

26   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Worf is lying in bed as he listens to Troi.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/16/91 - ACT TWO       25.

26   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Alexander is scared... confused...
			hurt... and all because his father
			is refusing to see him.

					WORF
			You know why I left those
			instructions.

					TROI
			Yes I do. It's not the "Klingon"
			way, right?

					WORF
			It is a question of honor, and
			I would ask you to respect my
			wishes in this matter, Counselor.

					TROI
			All I care about at this moment
			is a little boy who's terrified
			he's going to lose his father.

	Beverly and Russell ENTER. Troi glances at them...
	leans down and fixes Worf with a hard look.

					TROI
				(quiet, but firm)
			Maybe it's time you stopped lying
			around here worrying about your
			honor... and began thinking about
			someone else... like your son.

	Troi turns and EXITS. Beverly and Russell exchange a
	look... what was that all about?

					BEVERLY
			Would you like us to come back
			later?

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT TWO       26.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			No. Come in, Doctor.

					BEVERLY
			This is Doctor Toby Russell from
			the Adelman Neurological Institute.
			She specializes in spinal injuries
			like yours.

					WORF
				(to Russell)
			Doctor.

					RUSSELL
			Lieutenant. Doctor Crusher has
			been updating me on your case.
			We'd like to talk to you about
			some of your options.

					WORF
			Please proceed.

					BEVERLY
			We've discussed a variety of
			surgical procedures... I'm afraid
			none of them would be able to
			repair the spinal cord. But we
			do have a way for you to regain
			most of your mobility.

27   INCLUDE MONITOR (OPTICAL)

	Beverly moves to the monitor and activates the screen.
	A diagram of Worf's body comes up with SEVERAL IMPLANTS
	highlighted on the schematic.

					BEVERLY
				(indicating monitor)
			We can implant a series of neural
			transducers in your lower torso
			and legs. They're designed to
			pick up the electrical impulses
			from your brain and then stimulate
			the corresponding muscles. With
			a little work, you'll eventually
			regain sixty to seventy percent
			of your motor control.

	Russell picks up two motor assist bands (about the size
	and shape of a dog collar and as seen in
	"Transfigurations").

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/16/91 - ACT TWO       27.

27   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
			The first step would be to fit
			your legs with motor assist units
			like these.

	Russell places the band around Worf's right leg.

					RUSSELL
			They're a training device... once
			you've mastered using them, we
			can move on to the implants. Now,
			try to move your leg.

	Worf looks down at his leg for a moment... then watches
	in horror as it suddenly jerks and spasms. Neither
	Beverly nor Russell seem at all concerned about this.

					BEVERLY
			That's good for a first try.
			It'll take some time before you
			get used to manipulating the---

					WORF
				(firm)
			No.

	Worf rips the band from his leg.

					WORF
			I will not live like that.

					BEVERLY
			These are very sophisticated
			devices. With enough time, they
			will give you--

					WORF
			Sixty percent of my mobility.
			I will not be seen... lurching
			through corridors like some
			half-Klingon machine... an object
			of ridicule and disgust.

	Beverly takes a beat, then moves closer to Worf. She
	lowers her voice and makes a personal connection and
	plea with her patient.

          STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT TWO          28.

27   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			I understand how you feel... and
			I know that right now, this all
			sounds a little frightening...
			but I think it's important that
			you take your time before making
			a decision. All I ask is that
			you give this some thought.

	Worf keeps his expression neutral... but he doesn't
	actually reject it. Beverly decides that's at least
	something and she moves to leave. Russell makes no
	move to follow her. Russell steps forward.

					RUSSELL
			There is one other option I'd like
			you to consider... it's called
			genetronic replication....

	Worf looks up. Beverly is surprised.

					RUSSELL
			It's still in the experimental
			stage... but if it works, it will
			return virtually all of your
			mobility... and without the need
			for artificial implants.

	On Beverly's expression...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT THREE      29.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

A28	EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship at warp.

28   INT. SICKBAY

	Beverly and Russell ENTER from Worf's sickbay room.
	Beverly turns and confronts Russell.

					BEVERLY
			I thought we had discussed
			genetronics.

					RUSSELL
			We did.

					BEVERLY
			And I also thought we had decided
			against recommending it.

					RUSSELL
			You heard him... he'd rather die
			than live with the implants. I
			just gave him a better option than
			suicide.

					BEVERLY
			He's grasping at straws and you're
			giving him one. Now, instead of
			dealing with his paralysis, he's
			going to be thinking about this
			miracle cure of yours.

					RUSSELL
			There's a real chance this could
			work. And if it does, it'll be
			a major breakthrough in
			neurogenetics that will change
			a lot of people's lives.

					BEVERLY
			You're using the desperation of
			an injured man as an excuse to
			try a procedure you couldn't do
			under normal circumstances. I
			checked with Starfleet Medical
			and they've refused your requests
			to test genetronics on humanoids
			three times already.

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT THREE        29A.

28   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
			Are you really going to hide
			behind the rules of some
			bureaucracy? Your patient's life
			is at stake here.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Picard to Doctor Crusher.

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/20/91 - ACT THREE      30.

28   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
				(to com)
			Go ahead, Captain.

									INTERCUT:

29   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Data are at the aft science station.

					PICARD
			We've located the survivors from
			the Denver.

					BEVERLY
			We're ready down here. I have
			triage teams standing by.

					PICARD
			Very well. We'll begin
			transporting the casualties aboard
			immediately. Bridge out.

	Russell looks at Beverly and gives her a small smile.

					RUSSELL
			Could you use an extra pair of
			hands?

	Beverly returns her smile... a truce seems to have been
	called.

					BEVERLY
			Absolutely.

									CUT TO:

30
thru	OMITTED
33A

34   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Troi and Alexander ENTER. The boy is surprised to see
	Worf standing by the bed. Worf is wearing the motor
	assist bands on his legs and is standing very still
	with one hand clamped to a table for support.

					ALEXANDER
			Father?

					WORF
			Come in, Alexander.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/20/91 - ACT THREE 31-33.          

34   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANDER
				(confused)
			Deanna said you hurt your back...
			that you couldn't walk.

					WORF
			I am... still struggling with my
			injury.

					ALEXANDER
			I was worried about you.

					WORF
			We have much to talk about,
			Alexander. There will be
			difficult times ahead... you must
			be strong.

					ALEXANDER
			I understand.

					WORF
			Good.

	Worf pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts.

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT THREE        33A.

34   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			As Klingons, we must always be
			prepared for any---

	Forgetting for a moment his precarious position, Worf
	tries to shift his weight and suddenly FALLS to the
	floor at Alexander's feet. The boy is horrified and
	bends down to help his father along with Troi.

					ALEXANDER
			Father!

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/20/91 - ACT THREE      34.

35   WORF

	Looks up at his son and feels humiliated.

					WORF
				(to Troi)
			Take him away.

					TROI
			Worf, let me help you---

					WORF
				(harsh to Alexander)
			Leave!

	Alexander takes a step back and looks at Troi. She
	realizes that it would be best for him to leave.

					TROI
			Go on, Alexander. It'll be all
			right. I'll take care of your
			father.

	Alexander looks once more at his father and then runs
	out of the room. Worf sags on the ground... he puts
	his head down and his face burns with shame. Troi
	knows that the best thing to do is to say nothing for
	now, so she sits next to him in silence...

									CUT TO:

36   INT. SHUTTLE BAY

	The bay has been converted into an emergency
	hospital/triage center. The room is filled with a
	variety of medical equipment, diagnostic beds, gurneys,
	etc.

	There are MANY INJURED CREWMEMBERS & CIVILIANS lying
	on the deck or in the beds and they are being tended
	to by DOCTORS, NURSES, and CIVILIAN MEDICS. People
	are moving about quickly and efficiently and there is
	a sense of urgency in the room.

	Beverly walks across the bay, pausing occasionally
	to glance at this patient or that one. She's been
	at this for a while.

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/20/91 - ACT THREE      35.

37   NEW ANGLE

	Where we see Russell looking at an injured MAN who
	is lying on a diagnostic bed with a sheet over his
	head. Russell is running a scanner over his arm and
	then places the arm back on his chest. The man is
	dead. Russell goes to a monitor and studies an
	Okudagram.

	Beverly comes over and sees the dead man. She picks
	up a PADD sitting at the foot of the bed. Her attitude
	is professional and there is no hint of recrimination
	in her voice.

					BEVERLY
			What happened here?

					RUSSELL
			He went into neural metaphasic
			shock.

					BEVERLY
				(puzzled)
			From leporazine? That's unusual.

					RUSSELL
			He couldn't take leporazine, his
			blood pressure was too low. So
			I had to try a different treament.

					BEVERLY
			A morathial series?

					RUSSELL
			No. I tried a new rybotherapy
			I've been working with. It's
			called Borathium, and I've had
			some very good results...

	Beverly is more surprised than angry. She has trouble
	believing that Russell would actually do this.

					BEVERLY
			You used this man for one of your
			experiments?

					RUSSELL
			Borathium is decades ahead of
			leporazine or morathial.

	Beverly starts a slow burn.

					BEVERLY
			Morathial would have saved his
			life.

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT THREE      36.

37   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
			His injuries were so severe I
			don't think any conventional
			treatment could've saved him.

					BEVERLY
			The point is, you didn't even try
			the standard treatments.

					RUSSELL
			I made the choice I thought gave
			him the best chance of surviving.
				(with a trace of
				 sarcasm)
			Isn't that what you would have
			done?

					BEVERLY
			I think you took advantage of the
			situation in order to test one
			of your theories -- just like
			you're trying to do with Worf.

	Russell eyes her briefly, moves a step closer.

					RUSSELL
			That's what this is really about,
			isn't it? Lieutenant Worf. I'm
			offering him the chance to recover
			fully -- a chance you can't give
			him.

					BEVERLY
			What this is about is the kind
			of medicine you seem to practice.

					RUSSELL
			I make no excuses about my
			approach to medicine. I don't like
			losing a patient any more than you
			do. But I'm looking down a long
			road, Doctor... this man didn't
			die for nothing -- the data I
			gathered was invaluable... it will
			eventually help save thousands
			of lives.

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT THREE      36A.

37   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			I doubt that will comfort his
			family.

					RUSSELL
			Let me ask you this: if, some
			years from now, Borathium therapy
			were to save the life of someone
			you loved... would you still
			condemn me?

					BEVERLY
			I won't get drawn into a
			hypothetical argument, Doctor.
			Your research on this ship is
			over. You're relieved from all
			medical duties until further
			notice. Is that clear?

					RUSSELL
				(ice)
			Perfectly.

	The two doctors glare at each other for a moment, and
	then Russell walks away. On Beverly's reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/13/91 - ACT FOUR       37.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

38   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship in orbit.

39   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Worf is in bed as Beverly ENTERS. Her attitude is
	warm, cheerful... this is Beverly at her best, caring
	for a patient and trying to help him through a
	difficult time, but Worf isn't going to make this easy
	for her. His mind is obviously elsewhere.

					BEVERLY
			Good morning.

					WORF
			Doctor.

	She checks the diagnostic monitor above the bed, then
	checks his pulse herself and makes a couple of other
	hands-on checks of his condition.

					BEVERLY
			I'd like to run a couple of tests
			today... most of it is fairly
			boring: blood work, molecular
			studies, things like that.

	Worf doesn't react to the humor or light tone in
	Beverly's voice. His mind is obviously elsewhere.

					WORF
			Why do you wish to do these tests?

					BEVERLY
			I need the data for some
			preparatory work I've been doing.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/13/91 - ACT FOUR       38.

39   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Work... on the implants?

					BEVERLY
			Yes.

	Worf looks away and his expression hardens.

					WORF
			I will not submit to the test.

	Beat.

					BEVERLY
			I'm not trying to pressure you...
			but we need to have some of this
			work done in case you change your
			mind.

					WORF
			I have made my decision. I wish
			to die.

					BEVERLY
			There are alternatives other than
			full recovery and ending your
			life. The use of neural implants
			is only one of them.

					WORF
			I am not interested.

					BEVERLY
				(frustrated)
			You haven't even heard me out.

         STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT FOUR         39.

39   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			No!
				(beat, then quieter)
			Leave me... please.

	Beverly looks at him for a beat, but sees no point in
	continuing this argument. She finally EXITS.

39A  INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE

	Beverly ENTERS and sits down at her desk. She's had
	a grueling couple of days and the previous scene with
	Worf has only added to the strain. She picks up a PADD
	and then tosses it back on the table in irritation.

					PICARD
			Doctor?

	Beverly looks up in surprise to see Picard standing
	in the doorway. Picard is quick to pick up on
	Beverly's frustration and turmoil.

					PICARD
			I was on my way to look in on your
			patient.

					BEVERLY
			Be my guest... but don't expect
			a lot of conversation, he's in
			full Klingon mode: honorable,
			strong... and closed-minded.

	Picard waits a beat... quietly changes the subject for
	a moment.

					PICARD
			I understand you've relieved
			Doctor Russell of duty.

					BEVERLY
			That's right. She's
			irresponsible. I won't have her
			practicing medicine on this ship.

	Picard sits down... adopts a more personal and intimate
	tone.

					PICARD
			Beverly... maybe you should
			consider letting her go ahead with
			the genetronic procedure.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FOUR       40.

39A  CONTINUED:

	Beverly looks at him with astonishment. She's been
	under a lot of stress and her anger and frustration
	are very near the surface.

					BEVERLY
			How can you say that? She has
			a theory, based on a little
			empirical data and a lot of
			supposition...

					PICARD
			If he can't make a full
			recovery... Worf's going to kill
			himself.

					BEVERLY
				(firm)
			Not in my sickbay, he's not. I'll
			put him in a restraining field
			and post security outside the door
			before I let him commit suicide.

	Picard keeps his voice low and reasonable, letting
	Beverly vent her emotions.

					PICARD
			How long could you keep him like
			that? A week... a month... a
			year?

					BEVERLY
			If I have to. Suicide is not an
			option.
				(beat)
			Setting aside for the moment the
			fact that a paraplegic can live
			a very full life, there is also
			a conventional therapy that can
			restore much of his mobility.

					PICARD
			But not all of it.

					BEVERLY
				(frustrated)
			No, not all of it! There are some
			things I can't fix. Klingon or
			not, he's got to accept that his
			condition---

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/12/91 - ACT FOUR      40A.

39A  CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard breaks in gently, but firmly.

					PICARD
			He can't make the journey you're
			asking of him, Beverly.
				(beat)
			You want him to go from
			contemplating suicide to accepting
			his condition and living with the
			disability. But that's too far...
			the road in between covers a
			lifetime of values and beliefs...
			he can't do it.

	Beverly leans back in the chair and rubs her eyes
	briefly in fatigue and frustration... she's been having
	the same argument with herself, and so far she hasn't
	heard any good options. Picard continues after a beat.

					PICARD
			But perhaps he can come part of
			the way... maybe he can be
			persuaded to forgo the ritual...
			in order to take a chance at
			regaining the kind of life he
			needs.
				(beat)
			A Klingon may not be able to
			accept defeat... but he knows all
			about taking risks.

	Beverly thinks about this for a beat... she's starting
	to waver a little. Her next argument is not nearly
	so forceful as her last.

					BEVERLY
			Starfleet Medical has rejected
			her proposals to use
			genetronics on humanoids three
			times.

					PICARD
			If they were aware of all the
			circumstances in this case...
			don't you think it might affect
			their decision?

	Beverly thinks for a long beat... she's not so sure
	they wouldn't agree with Picard. She tries one last
	argument.

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FOUR      40B.

39A  CONTINUED: (3)

					BEVERLY
			The first tenet of good medicine
			is don't make the patient any
			worse. Right now he's alive and
			functioning... but if he goes
			into this operation he'll probably
			come away a corpse.

					PICARD
			It may not be good medicine...
			but for Worf, it may be the only
			choice.

	Picard waits for another moment... then finally stands
	and quietly EXITS, leaving Beverly with a great deal to
	think about.

									CUT TO:

39B  INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS

	Riker is carrying a cup of tea and sitting down at his
	desk. He's been at this for a long time and he's
	tired. He takes a sip and then turns back to the
	computer terminal.

         STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT FOUR         41.

39B  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(to computer)
			Continue program.

39C  ON TERMINAL (OPTICAL)

	The screen comes to life and shows a great deal of
	Klingon text.

39D  RESUME SCENE

	Riker continues reading the information on the
	screen... suddenly he sees something unexpected... and
	he begins to get an idea...

									CUT TO:

39E
thru	OMITTED
40

41   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Worf is lying in bed as Riker ENTERS. Riker is
	carrying a Klingon ceremonial robe, a knife, and other
	ceremonial objects. He puts them on the bed. Worf
	reacts with surprise for a moment... he hadn't expected
	Riker so soon. But he quickly composes himself and
	then speaks with great formality.

					WORF
			I am ready, Commander.

	Riker regards Worf for a moment. Riker's definitely
	got a chip on his shoulder and a hardline attitude.
	He's not here to meekly go along with this Klingon
	business and it shows.

					RIKER
			I've been studying this ritual
			of yours, and you know what I've
			decided?
				(beat)
			I think it's despicable.

	Worf is shocked by this blunt appraisal, but Riker
	continues without waiting for some kind of response.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/16/91 - ACT FOUR       42.

41   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I hate everything about it... the
			casual disregard for life...
			the way it tries to cloak suicide
			in some glorious notion of honor.
			I may have to respect your
			beliefs... but I don't have to
			like them.

					WORF
			It is not something I expect you
			to understand.

					RIKER
			No... All you really expect me
			to do is bring you the knife and
			then walk away, so you can kill
			yourself in peace. Well, I'm not
			going to make it that easy for
			you.

					WORF
			It is not easy for me. But each
			of us must die when his time
			comes... and my time---

					RIKER
			Do you remember Sandoval?

	Worf remembers, but does not acknowledge.

					RIKER
			Hit by a disruptor blast two years
			ago. She lived for about a week.
			How about Fang-lee... Marla
			Aster... Tasha Yar... how many
			good men and women -- how many
			friends have we watched die? Even
			I've lost count. But every one
			of them -- every single one --
			fought for life until the very
			end.

      STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FOUR      42A.

41   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			I do not welcome death, Commander.

					RIKER
			Are you sure? I get the sense
			you're feeling pretty noble about
			the whole thing.
				(mocking)
			Look at Worf... isn't he
			courageous? Isn't he an honorable
			Klingon?

	Worf glares at him but Riker keeps boring in.

					RIKER
			Well, let me remind you of
			something... a Klingon does not
			put his own desires above those
			of his family and friends.
				(beat)
			How many people on this ship
			consider you a friend? How many
			owe you their lives? Have you given
			any thought to how you have affected
			the people around you? And how
			they might feel about your dying?

	Worf looks away, not wanting to hear this.

					RIKER
			And what about the Klingon Empire?
			If you hadn't put yourself on the
			line, the Empire would be ruled
			by Duras and allied with the
			Romulans. Maybe you should
			think about what you still have
			left to do instead of lying
			around and --

					WORF
				(a shout)
			Enough!

	Riker pulls back and there is a tense beat between the
	two men. Riker has touched a nerve and Worf takes a
	moment to restrain his emotions.

					WORF
				(quieter)
			Will you, or will you not, help
			me with the Hegh'bat?

	Riker picks up the knife and considers it for a moment.

         STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT FOUR         42B.

41   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
			You're my friend... and in spite
			of everything I've said... if it
			were my place, I'd probably help
			you.
				(beat)
			But I've been studying Klingon
			law and ritual... and I discovered
			that it's not my place to fill
			that role.
				(beat)
			According to tradition, that honor
			falls to a family member...
			preferably the oldest son.

	Worf is surprised -- and not happy -- that Riker has
	discovered this.

					WORF
			That is not possible. He is a
			child.

					RIKER
			"The son of a Klingon is a man
			the day he can first hold a
			blade." True?

					WORF
			Alexander is not fully Klingon...
			he is part Human.

					RIKER
			That's an excuse. What you really
			mean to say is that it would be
			too hard for you to look at your
			son and tell him that he must hand
			you the knife... watch you stab
			it into your heart... and then
			pull the knife from your chest
			and wipe the blood on his sleeve.
				(beat)
			That is the rite of death, isn't
			it?

	Worf maintains a stony silence. Riker tosses the knife
	back on the bed.

					RIKER
			I'm sorry, Worf... but I can't
			help you. There's only one
			person on board who can do that.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FOUR       43.

41   CONTINUED: (4)

	Riker EXITS, leaving Worf to make his decision.

41A  OMITTED

42   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship at warp.

									CUT TO:

	INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Alexander ENTERS and goes to the bed. Worf is holding
	the knife... he looks up at his son for a long silent
	moment.

					ALEXANDER
			You... wanted to see me?

					WORF
			I need you to help me.

					ALEXANDER
			Anything, Father.

					WORF
			I've taught you about Klingon
			customs... the beliefs which
			we value.
				(beat)
			According to tradition, I must
			take my life after suffering this
			kind of injury.

	Alexander looks shaken by this, but tries to be brave.
	Worf looks at him for a long moment.

					WORF
			But I have decided to break with
			tradition. I have decided to
			live.

	Alexander is flooded with relief.

					ALEXANDER
			I am glad, Father.

         STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT FOUR         44.

43   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			I must still undergo a dangerous
			operation. I may still die. But
			it will not be by my own hand.

	He hands the knife to Alexander.

					WORF
			Return this to our quarters.

					ALEXANDER
			Yes, sir.

	Alexander turns to go... hesitates... then turns back
	and impulsively hugs his father. Worf warmly returns
	the embrace as we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

        STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/16/91 - ACT FIVE 45-46.          

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

44   OMITTED

44A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship at warp.

					BEVERLY (V.O.)
			Chief Medical Officer's log,
			supplemental. After further
			consultation with Starfleet
			Medical, and a great deal of
			soul-searching... I have
			reluctantly granted Lieutenant
			Worf's request to undergo the
			genetronic procedure.

45   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Worf is lying in bed, listening to Alexander as Troi
	looks on.

					ALEXANDER
			We started doing multiplications
			today. The teacher said I'm
			faster than anybody else in my
			class.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FIVE           47.

45   CONTINUED:

	Nurse Ogawa ENTERS and gives them a small smile... they
	all know it's time to go. Worf looks at Alexander for
	a moment.

					WORF
			We will speak again soon.

					ALEXANDER
			Yes, Father.

	A brief beat and then Alexander gives his father a
	tight hug. Worf hugs the boy back and then they
	finally let go. Alexander backs away without another
	word and EXITS. Worf looks up at Troi.

					WORF
			If I die... he must be cared
			for...

					TROI
			I'll make sure he reaches your
			parents' home safely.

					WORF
			No. My parents are elderly. They
			cannot care for Alexander.
				(beat)
			Counselor, I have given this a
			great deal of thought... I have
			a serious request to make of you.
			Would you consider...

	Worf is more well, intimate, than we've ever seen
	him... he is too embarrassed to continue... she
	realizes what he was about to ask...

					TROI
			You want me to raise Alexander... ?

					WORF
				(softly, warm)
			I have come to have a great...
				(unsaid affection)
			... respect for you, Deanna. You
			have been most helpful in guiding
			me since Alexander's arrival.
			I cannot imagine anyone who would
			make a better parent to my son.
				(beat as they look at
				 each other)
			If it is too much to ask...

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/18/91 - ACT FIVE          47A.

45   CONTINUED: (2)

	Troi is surprised and deeply touched by this request.
	She takes his hand in hers... they share a look for a
	moment.

					TROI
			I'd be honored.

	Worf nods in satisfaction... then Troi EXITS. Worf
	watches after her for a beat, then turns to Ogawa.

					WORF
			I am ready.

									CUT TO:

46   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship moving at warp speed.

47   INT. MEDICAL LAB (OPTICAL)

	The scene is similar to the one we saw earlier in the
	holodeck, but there is more tension present. Beverly
	and Ogawa are assisting Russell in the procedure.
	Everyone is wearing surgical gowns and masks. The
	surgical clamshell is in place over Worf's back. All
	the medical talk during surgery should be short and
	clipped... no time for wasted words or actions here.

       STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/18/91 - ACT FIVE 48-48A.          

47   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
			Focus the drechtal beams on the
			anterior and posterior spinal
			roots.

	Beverly works the clamshell for a moment.

					BEVERLY
			Focused.

					RUSSELL
			Initiate.

	A THICK GREEN BEAM comes down from the overheard
	doughnut and goes into the clamshell. A corresponding
	GREEN GLOW can be seen underneath the clamshell as the
	radiation works on Worf's back.

					BEVERLY
				(off monitor)
			All neural connections below the
			first cervical vertebrae have been
			separated.

	She works the clamshell again and the green BEAM STOPS.

					RUSSELL
				(to Ogawa)
			Microtome.

	Ogawa hands her the instrument.

					RUSSELL
			I'm severing the brain stem...
				(uses instrument at base
				 of Worf's head)
			Now.

	Ogawa touches a control at one of the monitors. From
	now on, the pace picks up even quicker as they now race
	against the clock.

					OGAWA
			Cerebral cortex placed on life
			support at zero eight thirty-one
			hours. Three hours twenty-six
			minutes remaining until onset of
			primary brain dysfunction.

					RUSSELL
				(to Beverly)
			Okay... let's remove the support
			frame.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE           49.

47   CONTINUED: (3)

	They remove the surgical clamshell, exposing Worf's
	back.

					BEVERLY
				(to Ogawa)
			Exo-scalpel.

	Ogawa hands her an instrument. Beverly activates the
	device, producing a thin LASER beam. She uses it to
	begin making an incision along Worf's back.

									CUT TO:

48   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Riker are looking over some reports on a
	couple of PADDs, but it's clear that there's something
	else on both their minds.

					RIKER
			I've notified Starfleet that our
			survey of sector
			three-seven-six-two-eight will
			have to be delayed at least a week
			while we drop off survivors from
			the Denver.

					PICARD
			Good.
				(beat)
			I understand Mister La Forge has
			reported a minor fluctuation in
			the starboard warp coil.

					RIKER
				(acknowledges)
			I've scheduled a stress simulation
			routine for this afternoon to
			check it out.

	There's a silent pause... neither of them is really
	interested in these reports. Riker waits for a
	moment... then in a very quiet voice...

					RIKER
			Has there been any word?

					PICARD
			No.

	They both ponder that for a moment...

									CUT TO:

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE           50.

49   INT. MEDICAL LAB (OPTICAL)

	Russell and Beverly are working at the genetronic
	machine seen earlier. Worf's entire SPINAL COLUMN has
	been placed on the genetronic device and the gleaming
	white of the bone is in stark contrast to the dark
	surfaces of the machine. Ogawa is standing near Worf's
	unconscious form in the b.g., monitoring his signs.

					RUSSELL
				(to Beverly)
			Initiate DNA sequencer.

	As Beverly works the console, a LASER-LIKE BEAM scans
	the bone and DNA coding information begins to scroll
	across a monitor on the machine. They both watch the
	screen for a moment...

					BEVERLY
			Reading initial sequences at ten
			to the ninth base pairs
			per second.

					RUSSELL
			Once we're past the first two
			levels, we'll begin the encoding
			sequence.
				(turns to Ogawa)
			Increase TCH levels to---

	An ALARM sounds from gentronic device and the LASER
	STOPS.

					BEVERLY
				(concerned)
			What happened?

					RUSSELL
				(reading monitor)
			The scanner is having trouble
			reading the Klingon dorsal root
			ganglia.

	Russell works the machine for a moment... the LASER
	APPEARS... then STOPS again. Russell frowns.

					BEVERLY
				(concerned)
			Did this show up in your
			simulations?

					RUSSELL
			Yes... but I thought we'd made
			sufficient adjustments.
					(MORE)

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FIVE          50A.

49   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL (cont'd)
				(to Ogawa)
			Bring me the detronal scanner.

	Ogawa brings an instrument and Russell points it at the
	spinal column.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FIVE           51.

49   CONTINUED: (2)

					RUSSELL
			I can scan the ganglia
			manually... it'll just take
			longer.

	Beverly looks a question to Ogawa, who then checks a
	monitor.

					OGAWA
			One hour forty-three minutes until
			primary brain dysfunction.

	Russell keeps working.

									CUT TO:

50   OMITTED

51   INT. SICKBAY

	Troi and Alexander are sitting on the couch. He's
	halfheartedly playing with some game, but his mind is
	clearly elsewhere. Troi puts her arm around him and
	Alexander accepts the comforting gesture.

									CUT TO:

51A  INT. MEDICAL LAB

	Russell is standing near the genetronic machine while
	Beverly and Ogawa wait near Worf's body.

52   THE GENETRONIC MACHINE

	which has a SMALL CLEAR BOX sitting on the machine next
	to Worf's spinal column. We can see a long, thin piece
	of tissue which looks like fettucini, floating in some
	clear liquid in the box.

53   RESUME SCENE

	Ogawa takes the clear box from the machine and
	carefully takes it over to the table and sets it down
	on a nearby cart.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE           52.

53   CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
				(to Ogawa)
			Forceps.

	Ogawa hands her two pairs of forceps and Russell uses
	them to pick up the thin piece of tissue. She and
	Beverly begin to place the tissue into Worf's back
	(which is o.c.).

					RUSSELL
				(to Beverly)
			Retract the paraspinal muscle.

					BEVERLY
			Got it.
				(beat)
			Watch the proximal nerve endings.

					RUSSELL
			I see them. Make sure that the
			cranial segment is at least
			fifteen centimeters from the brain
			stem.

					OGAWA
			I'm reading a slight fluctuation
			in the isocortex.

					BEVERLY
			Twenty cc's inoprovaline.

	Ogawa uses the hypospray.

					RUSSELL
				(to Beverly)
			Okay, release the retractors on
			the paraspinal, please.

	Beverly works.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE          52A.

53   CONTINUED: (2)

					RUSSELL
			How much longer can we keep him
			on life support?

					OGAWA
			Twenty-seven minutes.

	Russell and Beverly exchange a quick glance. Russell
	steps back and Ogawa slides the clamshell back into
	place.

					RUSSELL
				(to Ogawa)
			Close, please.

	Ogawa works the clamshell for a moment as Russell moves
	to the genetronic machine.

					OGAWA
			Ready.

	Russell works the genetronic machine for a moment...
	and LIGHTS flash on the machine in respose. Russell
	crosses back to the operating table and the three of
	them watch the screen on the clamshell.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FIVE           53.

54   ON CLAMSHELL (OPTICAL)

	The monitor screen on the clamshell shows a schematic
	view of Worf's back and torso. As they work, a new
	spinal column and cord begins to GROW on the monitor.
	The effect is similar to watching time-lapse
	photography of plants or crystals being grown as the
	bone and nerve endings begin to take form in Worf's
	back.

55   RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)

	As they watch the screen.

					RUSSELL
				(pleased)
			Tissue growth proceeding at the
			anticipated rate... no initial
			signs of rejection...

	As they continue to watch the monitor...

									CUT TO:

55A  INT. SICKBAY

	Troi is still on the couch... Alexander has fallen
	asleep in her lap. She strokes the boy's hair for a
	moment... now that she doesn't have to put up a brave
	front, we can see the anxiety Troi is actually feeling.

55B  INT. MEDICAL LAB (OPTICAL)

	Beverly and Russell are still watching the clamshell
	monitor. Ogawa's attention is focused on a monitor.
	The atmosphere is tense and urgent.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE           54.

55B  CONTINUED:

					RUSSELL
			Okay. We're ready. Terminate
			life support.

					OGAWA
			Life support disengaged.

	They turn to watch a group of readouts which show
	various vital medical information.

					BEVERLY
			Looking good so far...

	For a moment, all seems fine... suddenly all hell seems
	to break loose as various ALARMS start to go off. The
	following dialog is overlapping and urgent as they try
	to save Worf.

					OGAWA
			Fluctuations in the isocortex.

					BEVERLY
			Forty cc's inoprovaline.

	Ogawa applies the hypospray.

					RUSSELL
			Synaptic response falling.

					OGAWA
			BP dropping... now sixty over
			ten. VeK'tal response falling
			rapidly.

					BEVERLY
			Increase oxygen mixture to
			ninety-five percent.

					RUSSELL
				(working)
			Beginning direct synaptic
			stimulation.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE           55.

55B  CONTINUED: (2)

					OGAWA
			Respiration is shallow and rapid.
				(beat)
			No response in the isocortex!

					BEVERLY
			Seventy-five cc's inoprovaline.

					OGAWA
			Heart rate erratic.

					RUSSELL
			He's going into cardiac arrest.

					BEVERLY
			Okay... let's go to chlromydride.
			Fifteen cc's.

	Ogawa applies another hypospray.

					RUSSELL
			We're losing him.

					OGAWA
				(off monitor)
			No BP, no pulse.

					RUSSELL
			Brain activity?

					OGAWA
			Showing no higher brain
			functions.

					BEVERLY
			All right... twenty-five cc's of
			cordrazine.

					RUSSELL
			That'll kill him.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE          55A.

55B  CONTINUED: (3)

					BEVERLY
				(bitter)
			Looks like we've done a pretty
			good job of that already, Doctor.

	Ogawa hands Beverly another hypospray and Beverly
	applies it. They watch the monitors... but there is no
	sign of life.

					OGAWA
			No BP, no pulse... no activity
			in the isocortex.

					BEVERLY
			Cortical stimulator.

	Ogawa grabs a device and places it on Worf's head.
	Beverly goes to a monitor showing Worf's brain activity
	(which is null at this point).

					BEVERLY
			Now.

	Ogawa activates the instrument and Worf's body JERKS
	slightly. There is a corresponding BURST of activity
	on the monitor screen... then nothing.

					BEVERLY
			Again.

					RUSSELL
			Doctor...

	Again Worf twitches, there is a burst on the screen...
	and then nothing.

					BEVERLY
				(insistent)
			Again.

					RUSSELL
			Beverly.

	Still nothing on the monitor. There is a very long,
	quiet beat. Beverly finally takes off her gloves.

					BEVERLY
			All right...
				(to Ogawa)
			Make a note in the log.
				(beat)
			Death occurred at... twelve
			hundred, forty hours.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE          55B.

55B  CONTINUED: (4)

	They all wait for a moment... then Ogawa begins moving
	equipment away from Worf and shutting off the monitors.

					RUSSELL
			It was all going so well... no
			anomalies during replication...
			no initial rejection...

	Beverly looks up at Russell with bitterness and pain in
	her eyes. She EXITS.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/10/91 - ACT FIVE           56.

55C  INT. SICKBAY

	Troi and Alexander are still on the couch as Beverly
	ENTERS, exchanges a look with Troi.

					TROI
				(reacts)
			No...

	Alexander wakes up at the sound... looks at Beverly...

					BEVERLY
			Alexander... I'm so sorry...

					ALEXANDER
			I want to see him.

					TROI
			Alex...

					ALEXANDER
			No. I want to see him!

	And as Beverly and Troi exchange a glance...

									CUT TO:

56   OMITTED

56A  INT. MEDICAL LAB

	Beverly, Ogawa, Russell, and Troi watch as Alexander
	bravely walks over to his father's body, which is still
	lying on the surgical table. Russell watches,
	helplessly, in a room where only moments ago she was
	confident and clearly in charge. Alexander is trying
	to hold back his tears... to behave like his father
	would have wanted... he puts his hands on Worf's
	head... manfully throws back his head and tries to
	yell a Klingon howl at the ceiling... but his voice
	breaks and the shout of defiance breaks into a sob and
	the tears finally begin to roll down his face.

	Troi quickly moves to him and takes the boy into her
	arms to comfort him. Beverly, emotionally exhausted,
	looks on for a moment... her eyes turn to Worf.

56B  BEVERLY'S POV

	Worf's still form on the table... suddenly his neck
	stiffens, chin snaps back slightly and he takes in a
	quick, shallow breath... holds it for a beat... then
	releases it.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/11/91 - ACT FIVE          56A.

56C  BEVERLY

	takes a moment to realize what's happening, then she
	reacts and races over to Worf.

					BEVERLY
				(to Ogawa)
			Activate biomonitors. Twenty-five
			cc's polyadrenaline.

	Ogawa turns on a few of the monitors in the b.g. and
	hands Beverly a hypospray. Troi and Alexander look up
	with curiosity. Beverly moves to the monitors and
	begins to scan them quickly... they all still show
	nothing.

					RUSSELL
			What's going on?

					BEVERLY
				(still looking at
				 monitors)
			I'm not sure...
				(beat, realizing)
			But, if I'm right, one of those
			"unnecessary redundancies" might
			be---

					OGAWA
			Doctor!

	They all look at Ogawa's monitor, which is beginning to
	show an irregular HEART BEAT.

					BEVERLY
			That's it! Begin cardio-aid and
			ventilation.

	More and more monitors begin to come to life and show a
	living body once again.

					BEVERLY
				(amazed)
			Look at that... he must have
			a backup for his synaptic
			functions as well.

					OGAWA
			Vital signs are stabilizing...

	Alexander hugs Troi with joy as relief sweeps the room.

									CUT TO:

57   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship in orbit around the planet seen in the Teaser.

           STAR TREK: "Ethics" - REV. 12/12/91 - ACT FIVE          56B.

58   INT. BEVERLY'S OFFICE

	Beverly is at her desk as Russell ENTERS from sickbay.
	Russell's attitude is light and pleasant.

					RUSSELL
			Well, I'd say your patient's
			recovery is going well. I've
			never seen anyone up on their feet
			so soon after this kind of
			surgery.

	Beverly doesn't answer, but turns to look at a PADD
	sitting on her desk. Russell's light manner falls away
	as she realizes that Beverly isn't going to let bygones
	be bygones.

					RUSSELL
			You're not even going to
			acknowledge what I did for him
			are you? You just can't admit
			that it was my research which made
			this possible.

	Beverly looks up and considers Russell for a moment.

					BEVERLY
			I'm delighted that Worf is going
			to recover. You gambled. He won.
			Most of your patients aren't so
			lucky.
				(beat)
			You scare me, Doctor. You risk
			peoples' lives and justify it in
			the name of research. But genuine
			research takes time... sometimes
			a lifetime of painstaking,
			detailed work to get results.
			Not you -- you take shortcuts...
			right through living tissue. You
			put your "research" ahead of your
			patients, and as far as I'm
			concerned, that's a violation of
			our most sacred trust.
				(beat)
			No one remembers the patients who
			died unnecessarily... not in the
			glow of a remarkable achievement
			like this one, do they? I'm sure
			the work you've done here will be
			hailed as a stunning breakthrough.
			Enjoy your laurels, Doctor. I'm not
			sure I could.

              STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT FIVE             57.

58   CONTINUED:

	Beverly turns away from Russell and picks up the PADD
	again. Russell watches her for a moment... then EXITS.

									CUT TO:

59   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship leaves orbit and goes into warp.

60   INT. WORF'S SICKBAY ROOM

	Worf is standing between two parallel bars which are
	at waist level. Some of his weight is on his arms,
	which are tightly gripping the bars, but he is making
	good progress as he tries to walk. Troi, Beverly,
	and Alexander stand off to one side and watch.

					BEVERLY
			I told you this would take time,
			Worf.

	Worf struggles to lurch forward another step.

					BEVERLY
			Your muscles are still sorting
			out the new neural inputs...
			don't rush it.

              STAR TREK: "Ethics" - 12/09/91 - ACT FIVE             58.

60   CONTINUED:

	Worf moves forward another step and his leg falters...
	he almost falls, but catches himself on the bars.
	Alexander almost rushes over, but Troi gently puts a
	hand on his shoulder.

					TROI
				(softly)
			Alexander, remember what we talked
			about. Your father wants to do
			this by himself.

	Alexander nods reluctantly and waits with Troi.

61   WORF

	Steadies himself again... he looks at Alexander for
	a moment... sees the look of concern and helplessness
	on the boy's face. Worf thinks for a few seconds and
	then turns to Troi.

					WORF
			It's all right, Counselor. I
			would... appreciate some help
			from my son.

	Alexander's face lights up and he runs over to his
	father and helps him to straighten out his leg.

					WORF
				(to Alexander)
			We will... work together.

					ALEXANDER
			Yes, sir.

	They share a moment together and now with his son at
	his side, Worf resolutely begins to put one foot
	forward again.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END