STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Birthright, Part II" #40276-243 Written by Rene Echevarria Directed by Dan Curry 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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 STAR TREK: "Birthright, Part II" - 12/22/92 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Birthright, Part II" CAST PICARD SHREK RIKER BA'EL DATA GI'RAL TROI L'KOR WORF TOKATH GEORDI TOQ BEVERLY VARIOUS KLINGONS Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. CREWMEMBERS N.D. KLINGONS TRANSPORTER CHIEF N.D. ROMULANS TWO YOUNG MEN STAR TREK: "Birthright, Part II" - 12/22/92 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Birthright, Part II" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE READY ROOM PRISON COMPOUND PRISON COMPOUND JUNGLE MEETING HALL WORF'S QUARTERS THE PLANET BA'EL'S FAMILY'S QUARTERS SHREK'S SHUTTLE STAR TREK: "Birhtright, Part II"" - 1/05/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Birthright, Part II" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE GI'RAL gi-RAWL L'KOR luh-KOR BA'EL BAH-el TOQ TAWK GIN-TAK gin-TAWK (hard G as in go) MOK-BARA mock-ba-RA KAHLESS KAY-less KIN'TAR kin-TAR D'K TAHG dock-TAWG JINAQ jin-AWK QA'VAK kah-VAK KA-LA KAH-la MOLOR moh-LOR KI'TOW ki-TAU STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Birthright, Part II" TEASER FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode begins with a 90 second RECAP of Part I.) 1 INT. MEETING HALL - MOMENTS LATER L'KOR and the other Klingons have taken WORF back toward the center of the room; the Romulan Guards remain near the door. L'KOR We cannot leave this place. Worf can think of only one reason why: WORF Are you afraid to die escaping? L'Kor fixes him with a cold look. L'KOR We are dead, Worf. We died at Khitomer. Worf looks at them for an explanation. GI'RAL We were captured. It was worse than death. WORF Why did you allow it to happen? GI'RAL is angered by what Worf's question implies. GI'RAL We had no choice! (she explains) We were defending an outpost on the perimeter... the Romulans took out our shields... their next blast rendered us unconscious... when we awoke... we were prisoners... unarmed and shackled. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - TEASER 1A. 1 CONTINUED: Worf reacts almost viscerally to this humiliation. L'KOR We were interrogated for three months. We tried to starve ourselves... but they kept us alive. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - TEASER 2. 1 CONTINUED: GI'RAL The Romulan Commander -- Tokath-- thought he was being kind. L'KOR The Romulans hoped to trade our lives for territorial concessions. But the Klingon High Council refused to negotiate. (beat) They would not acknowledge their warriors had been taken prisoner. GI'RAL When it was clear that we would be of no use to them, Tokath offered to let us go. L'KOR But we knew that our families believed we had fallen in battle. We did not wish to return and dishonor them. GI'RAL We asked Tokath to let us stay. He took pity on us. Worf takes all this in. After a beat: WORF I understand your desire to preserve your families' honor. But what of your own? There is no honor in remaining prisoners. L'KOR We lost our honor when we were captured. It does not matter what happens to us. GI'RAL All that matters is that our families are not dishonored. One of the Elders has been going through Worf's backpack and steps forward to give L'Kor something he found -- it is Worf's COMBADGE. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - TEASER 3. 1 CONTINUED: (3) L'KOR (to Worf) This is Starfleet... where did you get it? WORF I am a Starfleet officer. Several of the Klingons laugh out loud at this assertion. WORF Much has changed since Khitomer. L'Kor looks at Worf and sees that he's telling the truth. L'KOR It does not matter. The world outside these walls no longer exists for us. We do not speak of it. GI'RAL You should try to forget that world as well. L'Kor regards Worf sadly. L'KOR Why did you come here, Worf? If you had found your father... you would have found only dishonor. WORF If he had been captured as you were, if I had found him here... I would be glad to see him. There would be no room in my heart for shame. L'Kor takes this in, his expression unreadable. L'KOR Much has changed since Khitomer. I can only hope that if my son came here... he would be Klingon enough to kill me. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - TEASER 4. 1 CONTINUED: (3) With this, L'Kor turns and leaves the room. Off Worf's reaction we... FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 5. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes) 2 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY) 3 OMITTED 4 ANGLE - WORF He is sitting alone on a BENCH to one side of the compound, surveying it. He looks around at the activity in the compound -- a young man is gardening; a group of young people run and play a game; three men play a game with dice. People go about their business, occasionally casting surreptitious glances at the stranger in their midst. Every time Worf's eye meets someone else's, they seem to turn away and return to what they were doing. This place is more a village than a prison -- flowers are planted near the well tended barracks; the wall that once served to pen prisoners is still there, but the gate is left open and people come and go at will. While there are several generations of Klingons in the camp, the only Romulans are the middle-aged guards who have been at this post for the last twenty years. Worf is the first person they've had to guard in a long time and they have to remind themselves to keep an eye on him and not be distracted by the goings on in the camp. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 6. 4 CONTINUED: Worf stands and begins to walk the perimeter of the compound wall, eyeing possible avenues of escape. The Guards keep a watchful eye. Worf's path takes him past a young man tending a vegetable patch at one end of the compound. The young man, TOQ, looks up from his hoeing, but when he sees it's Worf he resumes his work as if he has no interest in the stranger. Worf is about to continue his reconnoitering when he notices what Toq is using to hoe the ground: an elaborately carved Klingon BATTLE SPEAR. Without hesitation, Worf marches toward him and snatches it from his hand. WORF This is a Gin'tak spear. TOQ (reaching for it) What of it? Worf is outraged. WORF Have your parents taught you nothing? This is used for battle -- not for tilling soil. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 7. 4 CONTINUED: (2) TOQ We have no need for weapons here. The war is far away. WORF What war? TOQ (it's obvious) The war our parents came here to escape. Worf realizes that the young people have not been told everything. WORF That war... has been over for years. Toq looks at him skeptically, and snatches the spear back from him -- Worf doesn't resist. TOQ I'm not interested in what you have to say, Klingon. I have work to do. He turns away and resumes his hoeing. Worf watches him for a moment, then walks away, dismayed by the young man's total ignorance of his culture. He looks over at the Romulan Guards and sees that they have been watching the whole thing. They seem a bit on edge, as if uncertain how to react to the stranger's behavior. Worf decides to play it cool so as not to provoke them. He returns to where he was sitting before. After a moment, Worf looks up and sees that BA'EL, the young woman he saw in the woods, is looking at him. She is the first person in the camp to hold his gaze, and Worf returns it without realizing it... suddenly they both become embarrassed and look away. After a beat, she approaches him. BA'EL Hello again, Worf. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 8. 4 CONTINUED: (3) Worf acknowledges with a curt nod. BA'EL They say you're going to stay here with us. Worf realizes she too hasn't been told everything. WORF Not by choice. BA'EL Aren't you happy to escape the war? Worf looks at her, beginning to realize the extent of the lie they've been told. WORF The war... BA'EL Yes... we've heard the stories all our lives. How people are slaughtered in terrible battles... forced to fight, whether they want to or not. That's why our parents came here -- to make a safe home... a place where they could raise their children in peace. (beat) I should think you'd be relieved to get away from the fighting. You're safe here. WORF A place can be safe -- and still be a prison. Where I come from, people are free to come and go as they choose. Ba'el thinks he's misread the situation. Ingenuously -- BA'EL So are we. Worf regards the young woman. WORF Tell your Father you would like to leave. Tell him you want to visit the Klingon home world. See what he says. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 9. 4 CONTINUED: (4) Ba'el looks at him, considers. There is something almost defensive in her voice when she replies. BA'EL Why would I want to go there? It's dangerous. WORF Not any longer. Suddenly Gi'ral calls out to her daughter from across the compound. GI'RAL (off-camera) Ba'el! Come here! Ba'el and Worf look up and see Gi'ral heading toward them. BA'EL Yes, mother. (to Worf) You are not allowed to leave the compound? Worf shakes his head no. She stands. BA'EL (flirting) Then I suppose I won't be seeing you at the pond again. Worf looks away uncomfortably and she smiles and moves toward her mother. GI'RAL (a harsh whisper) I told you not to speak with him. BA'EL I'm sorry, mother. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 10. 4 CONTINUED: (5) With a last glance back at Worf, Ba'el crosses away with her Mother. After a moment, TWO FAINT BEEPS are heard. Worf touches the TRANSPONDER hidden in his hem, then stands and crosses toward his quarters. 5 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS Worf ENTERS and takes out the TRANSPONDER Shrek gave him. It is FLASHING, indicating that Shrek's shuttle has returned. Worf hides the TRANSPONDER again and considers his options. He crosses to the light control panel and inspects it. He pries it off the wall with his fingers in order to get at the circuity inside. He removes a piece of circuitry and begins to reconfigure it. The sound of approaching footsteps prompts him to close the panel and move to his bunk. There is a knock at the door. WORF Enter. The door swings open to reveal a middle-aged Romulan standing there. It is TOKATH, the officer mentioned by Gi'ral and L'Kor. TOKATH I am Tokath. Worf reacts to the name, but says nothing. TOKATH I can return later if I am disturbing you... ? Worf fixes him with a look. WORF It is a strange thing when a jailer concerns himself with his prisoner's comfort. TOKATH (smiles) Mine is a strange prison. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT ONE 11. 5 CONTINUED: WORF You robbed the Klingons of who they were. You dishonored them. TOKATH (challenging) By not slitting their throats when we found them unconscious? WORF I don't expect you to understand. You are a Romulan. TOKATH You're just like L'Kor was twenty years ago. Proud and angry. He hated me; all the Klingons did. And I had no love for them -- I won't deny it. (beat) When I informed the High Command that the Klingons wanted to remain here... I was told that unless I stayed to oversee them myself, they would be killed. (beat) My decision ended my military career. WORF Why did you do it? Tokath regards him for a beat. TOKATH I don't expect you to understand. You're a Klingon. Worf stares at him, perplexed by this complicated man. TOKATH But I do expect you to understand this: we've put aside the old hatreds. Here, Romulans and Klingons live in peace. I won't allow you to destroy what we have. WORF Do not deceive yourself. These people are not happy here. I see sadness in their eyes. TOKATH That's not what I see when I look in my wife's eyes. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT ONE 12. 5 CONTINUED: (2) Worf looks up sharply. Tokath regards him solemnly. TOKATH I married a Klingon. Worf reacts. TOKATH So you see, when I warn you not to disrupt our lives here, I'm not speaking just as a jailer... but as a man protecting his family. He fixes Worf with a look. TOKATH Do not test my tolerance. He turns on his heel and EXITS, leaving Worf still reeling from his revelation. 6 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY) A Klingon woman puts an empty container in a storage barrel set against the compound wall. Worf sees her, then looks over to see if the guards are looking at him. He ambles his way toward the barrel as if heading in no particular direction. When he's near it, he checks to make sure he isn't being watched and tosses the circuitry he took from the light panel into the barrel. He crosses over to where Ba'el is sitting with a woman who is rocking her CHILD to sleep in her arms. Ba'el is softly signing a lullaby in Klingon. Worf recognizes the words as being the same as the aria L'Kor sang the first night. As before, there is something about the way it is being sung that makes him frown slightly. BA'EL Bagh Da tuHmoh. ChojaH Duh rHo. ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo van'aj javDIch Qong DIr Sa'VIch ghIH yot quelI'Pa qevas HoH Qa She looks up when he approaches and smiles as she finishes the gentle melody -- the child is asleep. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT ONE 13. 6 CONTINUED: WORF Do you know what that song means? BA'EL No. I just like the melody. Worf is disturbed to hear this. Suddenly there is an EXPLOSION in the barrel. Everyone rushes toward it to see what is happening except Worf. He backs away until he's near the wall, then turns and begins to climb it. Ba'el looks back to see where Worf is, and catches a glimpse of him as he skips over the wall. Her heart leaps to her throat but she says nothing... he is gone. Suddenly one of the Romulans spies Worf and trips a warning KLAXON. 7 EXT. JUNGLE (DAY) as Worf makes his way through it at a run. He reacts to the sound of the klaxon and hurries away. CUT TO: 8 HIS PURSUERS as the Romulan guards push through the same area of vegetation Worf just passed -- they are only moments behind him. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 14. 9 WORF as he glances back over his shoulder and changes direction. 10 HIS PURSUERS as they crane their heads to try and catch a glimpse of their quarry through the foliage. 11 WORF as he comes to the pond where he saw Ba'el and splashes his way through it, then up the other side and away. 12 HIS PURSUERS as they come to the pond. Some go around, some through. 13 WORF as he hides in some fronds. Two booted figures pass within feet of him as they search for him. When they're gone, he steals away in another direction. 14 HIS PURSUERS as they catch sight of him through a break in the foliage and resume their chase. 15 WORF as he comes to a clearing and sees a figure standing on the other side -- it is SHREK, the alien who brought him to the planet. Through the foliage, we catch a glimmer of his shuttle's hull. 16 SHREK as he waves Worf to come toward him. Suddenly a look of concern crosses his features. 17 WORF as he reacts to the change of expression on Shrek's face -- too late. Suddenly he's tackled to the ground by a figure that lunges into the frame. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT ONE 15. 18 SHREK as he takes a last look back at Worf and disappears into the foliage. 19 WORF on the ground, wrestling with whoever tackled him. He manages to throw the figure off him and is stunned to discover that it is Toq, the young Klingon who was tending the garden. Worf reacts to the discovery that he is being chased by his own kind. Before he can do anything the Romulan guards come crashing through the brush brandishing weapons. Worf is caught. Off Toq's look of satisfaction we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT TWO 16. ACT TWO 20 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it hangs in space. PICARD (v.o.) Captain's Log, Stardate 46580.1. The Yridian vessel Lieutenant Worf boarded at Deep Space Nine has failed to arrive for our scheduled rendezvous. It is now twelve hours overdue. 21 INT. BRIDGE PICARD ENTERS from his Ready Room. RIKER, DATA, TROI and various N.D's are at their posts. RIKER Still no sign of them on long range scanners, sir. Picard looks concerned. PICARD Contact DS Nine -- find out what they know about this Yridian trader. Riker moves toward an Aft station. RIKER Hopefully he filed a flight plan before he left the station. PICARD (nods) That's the only chance we have of finding Worf. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT TWO 17. 21 CONTINUED: (2) Picard settles into his chair next to Troi. PICARD When Worf asked for leave... I had the feeling he was hoping none of it was true: that his father was dead, that he hadn't been captured. TROI I think part of him was hoping that. But another part of him wanted more than anything to find his father. PICARD I'm sure that's true. (beat) But if Mogh... or any other Klingon... had been held prisoner for twenty years... would they want to be found? Troi acknowledges his point. Off their shared concern... STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT TWO 18. 22 EXT. SPACE - THE PLANET (OPTICAL) Establishing. 23 INT. MEETING HALL (DAY) Tokath ENTERS. L'Kor is with Worf, who is seated. The tension in the room is palpable. Toq and a Romulan guard stand off to the side, weapons in hand. TOKATH I have alerted the Romulan border patrols to be on the lookout for a Yridian ship. L'KOR If it escapes... others will learn that we're here. TOKATH I've ordered surveillance stepped up. If there are more intruders, we'll stop them. Tokath signals the guards. Toq and the Romulan step forward. The Romulan aims his weapon at Worf's head so that he won't resist, and Toq grabs Worf's arm and pulls his sleeve up. Tokath pulls a HYPO type device from his pocket. TOKATH We haven't had to use one of these in a long time. He holds the device to Worf's skin and administers an injection. TOKATH It implants a small boridium pellet under the skin... we can use its energy signature to track you. Worf looks down at his arm with a grim expression. L'Kor regards him, his face almost sympathetic. L'KOR In time, you will grow accustomed to life here. Worf looks at him with undisguised distaste. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 19. 23 CONTINUED: WORF Never. Tokath realizes the intransigent Klingon will not accept his captivity easily. TOKATH (to L'Kor) He is one of yours. Deal with him however you like. (beat) But I warn you... if he becomes a disruption, I will not be so tolerant. L'Kor nods and Tokath turns and EXITS. L'Kor turns to Worf and regards him with a steely expression. L'KOR Toq... you will guard him. The youth steps forward. L'KOR (indicating Worf) He is free to move around inside the compound. But make certain he does not cause trouble. L'Kor and the Romulan guard turn away and EXIT. Worf and Toq size each other up. Toq is pleased to be trusted with this assignment and intends to be vigilant. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 20. 24 OMITTED 25 WORF as he comes around a corner into the space between two barracks. He smashes a fist against a barrack wall in frustration. Realizing he has to get hold of himself, he takes a deep breath and straightens his spine. He holds two fingers together and passes them down along the length of his torso -- this is the first movement of the Mok'bara, the Klingon martial art we saw him doing in Part One. He begins to do the forms of the ritual exercise -- deliberate and controlled, centering himself. 26 INTERCUT WITH BYSTANDERS as they begin to notice what the stranger is doing. Several teenaged Klingons watch Worf in fascination. Ba'el comes to see what they are looking at, as does Toq -- though everybody keeps their distance. Ba'el decides to approach Worf. BA'EL What are you doing? Worf leans into a forward thrust and holds the position. WORF The Mok'bara... STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 21. 26 CONTINUED: WORF The forms clear the mind... and center the body. He stands and pivots into a new position, moving his arm in front of him in a controlled arc. Ba'el tries to mimic the movement. Worf sees her awkward attempt and does it again for her. WORF No. Like this... She tries again, better this time. Ba'el looks at him, intrigued. He does another movement, slowly -- a second time for her benefit. She mimics it, and Worf notices TWO YOUNG MEN at a distance, trying the forms themselves. After a hesitant glance at each other, they cross over to him. Behind them, Toq looks on... concerned. WORF (to the gathered young people) This is the Mok'bara... a great warrior called Kahless invented the forms when he went to the underworld in search of his father. Kahless showed him the forms, and his father was able to remember his body and return to the world of the living. The young people look on in fascination. WORF First you must learn to breathe... stand up... as tall as you can... They do as he says. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT TWO 22. 27 ANGLE - TOQ as he decides Worf shouldn't be doing this and begins to cross toward him. 28 WORF as he corrects one of the young men. WORF Take a wider stance. Suddenly Toq is behind Worf and reaches to grab him by the shoulder. TOQ You must stop -- But before he knows what is happening, Worf has grabbed him by the arm and flipped him over so that he is holding him from behind. It happens so fast Toq can't even resist. WORF The forms are the basis for Klingon combat. You would be wise to learn them. Worf stands Toq up and lets him go. WORF I will teach you. Join us. Toq straightens his tunic and glares at Worf. TOQ We'll see what L'Kor thinks of this. He stomps away in anger. Worf looks after him, then turns back to the others. WORF Again... take your stance... Off the faces of the gathered youths... 29 INT. BA'EL'S FAMILY'S QUARTERS A redress of Worf's quarters, though these are cluttered with the trappings of a family's everyday life. Ba'el sticks her head in the door. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 22A. 29 CONTINUED: BA'EL Mother? (when there's no answer) She's not here. Come in... STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 23. 29 CONTINUED: (2) Ba'el leads Worf inside. She takes him to a corner and pulls a CLOTH off a large CHEST. BA'EL This is what I wanted to show you. She opens the chest and Worf sees that it is packed with Klingon ARTIFACTS: armor, knives, insignia, arm bands, etc. BA'EL I don't know why, but I'm not supposed to look at these things. She reaches inside and pulls out an armored BREASTPLATE. BA'EL They're Klingon, aren't they? WORF Yes... BA'EL I thought you might be able to tell me about them. WORF (pointing to breastplate) This is a warrior's armor. He pulls out a ceremonial dagger, inspects it. WORF And this is the D'k tahg... He brushes at some rust on the blade. WORF It should not be allowed to rust like this... Ba'el reaches inside and pulls out a beautiful AMULET hanging on a chain. BA'EL Isn't it beautiful? She puts it around her neck. Worf leans in to look at the design of the amulet -- he and Ba'el are very close, their heads almost touching. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 23A. 29 CONTINUED: (3) WORF That is a Jinaq... it is given to a daughter when she comes of age, old enough to take a mate. Ba'el blushes and looks down. Worf realizes and is suddenly uncomfortable as well. Suddenly: GI'RAL (off-camera) Ba'el! BA'EL Mother -- Gi'ral ENTERS and sees Ba'el wearing the amulet. GI'RAL Take that off at once. Ba'el stands and takes the necklace off. GI'RAL (to Worf) Go. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 24. 29 CONTINUED: (4) WORF Why is she forbidden to know what these things are? GI'RAL They do not matter here. Go. Ba'el gestures that he should comply. Worf contains his frustration and EXITS. 30 EXT. COMPOUND (NIGHT) Worf is recounting a Klingon myth around the campfire. His listeners are mostly young people, including Ba'el, their faces in rapt attention as he tells the story. An old Klingon woman sits nearby, listening and nodding. Toq sits further away, smirking to himself at the parts of the story he finds less than credible. WORF ... Kahless held his father's lifeless body in his arms. He could not believe what his brother had done. Then his brother threw their father's sword into the sea, saying that if he could not possess it, neither would Kahless. That was the last time the brothers would speak. 31 REVEAL L'KOR standing in the shadows, listening with some concern. 32 SCENE BA'EL What happened to the sword? WORF Kahless looked into the ocean and wept, for the sword was all he had left of his father... and the sea filled with his tears and flooded beyond the shore. Toq scoffs to himself. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 24A. 32 CONTINUED: WORF The people begged Kahless to stop his weeping, and he did... and walked into the water to find the lost sword. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 25. 32 CONTINUED: (2) WORF (Cont'd) He searched and searched the murky ocean bottom, holding his breath for three days and three nights... This is too much for Toq and he scoffs out loud: TOQ That is impossible! Worf fixes him with a look. WORF For you, perhaps. Not for Kahless. He was a great warrior. TOQ You're making it up. WORF These are our stories. They tell us who we are. The old woman nods to herself. Suddenly L'Kor's voice rings out. L'KOR It is late. It is time to sleep. The young people grumble a little but stand to go. Ba'el gives Worf a long look as she leaves. L'Kor stands there until the young people are all gone... his eyes locked on Worf's. They face off, as if a silent battle is engaged. At last, L'Kor turns and disappears into the shadows. 33 EXT. THE COMPOUND (NIGHT) as Worf approaches the door to his quarters. BA'EL (off-camera) Worf... She emerges from the shadows. BA'EL You never answered my question. Worf doesn't know what she means. There is a smile in her voice. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT TWO 26. 33 CONTINUED: BA'EL Did Kahless find his father's sword? WORF Yes. He found it. She moves closer. BA'EL The stories you tell... are they true? WORF I have studied them all my life... and find new truths in them every time. Around them, the camp is asleep. They are alone in the moonlight. BA'EL Kahless... did he ever take a mate? WORF That is... another story. BA'EL Tell me... She moves very close to him. Worf can't resist his attraction to her. He closes his eyes... leans in close, takes her scent in the Klingon manner. Their cheeks touch... he nuzzles her neck, relishing the smell of her skin. He reaches up to touch her hair, the side of her head... he pulls her hair back off her ears and is stunned to see that they are pointed like a Romulan's... He reacts viscerally, pulls away. He stares at her, uncomprehending. WORF You are... Romulan. Ba'el doesn't understand his reaction. She looks at him, confused and hurt... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE27. ACT THREE FADE IN: 34 EXT. COMPOUND (NIGHT) Worf has moved away from Ba'el, doesn't face her. She walks toward him, perplexed by his attitude. BA'EL Tokath is my father. I thought you knew that. Worf can't even get his mind around it. WORF How could your mother... mate with a... Romulan? Ba'el is equally unable to understand Worf's attitude. BA'EL Why shouldn't she? WORF It is... an obscenity. Ba'el's face falls... she is stunned by the intensity of his feelings. BA'EL What are you saying? They love each other... WORF Romulans are treacherous... deceitful... they are without honor. BA'EL My father is a good man. He is kind, and generous... there is nothing dishonorable about him. WORF He was part of a cowardly attack on Khitomer... thousands of Klingons were massacred -- many of them women and children. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT THREE 28-29. 34 CONTINUED: She stares at him. BA'EL I don't know what you're talking about. My father came here to escape the wars. He would never kill anyone. Worf turns on her, impatient with the lies. WORF Ask him. Ask your mother. Tell them you want to know the truth. Their eyes lock for a moment; hers in a moment of uncertainty... a realization that they have taken a step that can never be taken back... a wish that they could regain the romantic feelings that had threatened to overwhelm them just a few moments ago. But Worf's eyes are cold. She turns and leaves without another word. 35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it hangs in space. 35A OMITTED 35B INT. BRIDGE as Picard ENTERS from the Ready Room and joins Riker and GEORDI at an Aft Science station. PICARD What is it, Number One? RIKER We just received the Yridian's flight plan from Deep Space Nine. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT THREE30. 35B CONTINUED: GEORDI He gets around... he's been to three different systems in the past week -- he could have left Worf at any of them. Picard frowns; he was hoping for better evidence. PICARD Are any of these systems near Romulan space? GEORDI Two of them. The Nequencia and the Carraya systems. Picard considers. PICARD Let's head for the closer one. RIKER Aye, sir. Riker moves away. Picard and Geordi share a look of concern for their missing friend. 36 thru OMITTED 38 39 EXT. SPACE - THE PLANET (OPTICAL) Establishing. 40 INT. BA'EL'S FAMILY'S QUARTERS Ba'el is tidying up somewhat aimlessly, lost in thought. There is a knock at the door. She opens it and sees Worf standing there. She doesn't let him in. BA'EL (tight) What do you want? WORF I... I am sorry if I upset you. Ba'el's face softens at the apology. She moves away from the door, tacitly agreeing to hear him out. Worf comes in. This is hard for him. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 30A. 40 CONTINUED: WORF I was surprised... I became angry. But I do not blame you. You cannot help being what you are. She stares at him, sensing that this apology might be somewhat qualified. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE31. 40 CONTINUED: (2) BA'EL There's nothing wrong with what I am. Worf tries to explain. WORF What I mean is... it is not your fault. BA'EL What? Being born? I'm sorry if that offends you. Worf stops at this, tries to grapple with it. WORF No, I... In his frustration, he falls back on what he knows. WORF It is hard to explain. Klingons and Romulans are blood enemies -- we have been for centuries... BA'EL Not here. Here we live in peace. WORF But I do not live here. She moves toward him, making a personal appeal. BA'EL Worf... before you knew... you were attracted to me. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE32. 40 CONTINUED: (3) Worf can't deny it. BA'EL Can't you leave the hatred behind, too? Can't you accept me... as I am? Worf stares at her, torn... he knows the rightness of what she says. But -- WORF I don't know. Ba'el is crushed. She turns and RUNS off-camera into another room. Worf stares after her for a moment and then turns to leave. He sees Gi'ral standing there, eyes burning into him. GI'RAL What have you done to her? WORF You are responsible. She is what she is because of you. (with disgust) Lying down with a Romulan. GI'RAL Who are you to judge me? She speaks quietly, but there is an inner intensity that burns from her. GI'RAL My husband died at Khitomer. We had left a son on the Home World... five years old. The first year I was here I thought I would die from the pain of knowing I'd never see him again. She moves away, pacing as she talks. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 33. 40 CONTINUED: (4) GI'RAL Not a day goes by that I don't think of him, wonder about him. But I will never know who he is. I gave him up -- because I loved him too much to dishonor him. WORF I understand your sacrifice. And I respect it. But to mate with a Romulan -- this I do not understand. GI'RAL By the second year, I had stopped weeping for my son. There were days when I could even laugh... and I began to look around me and realize that this would be my world forever. (beat) I looked at Tokath... our captor. I saw that he was a kind man... and a lonely one. (beat) And I knew that he was looking at me, as well. She moves toward him, eyes drilling into him. GI'RAL In the third year I decided to give up hatred... and loneliness. I am not ashamed of that decision, and I won't be judged for it. (beat) Leave this house. You've done enough harm. Worf stares at her for a moment, conflicted and silent. Then he turns and EXITS. Gi'ral stares after him, determined to protect her nest. 41 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY) as Worf comes out from the quarters. He looks around the compound and his eye is caught by something familiar about a GAME a group of young people are playing. They are rolling a HOOP along the ground with some sticks, playing some kind of goal-scoring game with it. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 34. 41 CONTINUED: Worf's attention is caught by the brightly COLORED BANDS along the shafts of the sticks and the rim of the hoop (which is slightly smaller than a hula hoop). He crosses toward the players and picks up an unused stick, which we now see has a pointed blade on the end like a SPEAR. He rolls a hoop along the ground and launches the spear at it -- sending it straight through the hole in its center and into the ground. WORF Ka'la! The young people look at him, astonished by the feat and intrigued by Worf's ritual-like words. Toq, however, is annoyed. TOQ That's not how you play this game. WORF The Qa'vak is not a game -- it hones the skills of the hunt. TOQ (mocking) The hunt? He looks around at his fellows with amusement. TOQ We have replicators here. WORF Klingons do not hunt because they need food. The hunt is a ritual that reminds us of where we come from. TOQ I know where I come from. Right here. Worf eyes the defiant youth. He holds up the hoop. WORF It is a difficult skill to master. Perhaps you are too young. Toq rises to the challenge. TOQ Throw it. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/08/93 - ACT THREE35. 41 CONTINUED: (2) Toq stands ready and Worf throws the hoop along the ground. Toq launches his spear at the hoop but its flight is haphazard and it misses by several yards. Toq frowns but Worf spares him humiliation by being encouraging. WORF Your arm is strong. But it needs practice. Hold your other arm like this... (he demonstrates) ... and aim along it. He gestures to his abdomen. Toq grabs another spear from a nearby boy, and Worf gestures to the boy who had scrambled to retrieve the hoop. WORF Throw. This time, Toq's aim is better and he manages to strike the hoop with a glancing blow, deflecting its trajectory. WORF Ka'la! Toq allows a small smile, pleased in spite of himself. Worf nods approvingly. WORF You learn quickly. Perhaps it is time to put your skills to the test. TOQ What do you mean? WORF Come. I will teach you how to hunt. TOQ You're not allowed to leave the compound. Worf turns and starts heading for the meeting hall. TOQ They won't allow it. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT THREE 36. 41 CONTINUED: (3) WORF I think they will. Off Toq's face as he hurries to keep up with Worf: CUT TO: 42 INT. MEETING HALL 43 CLOSE - TOKATH as he laughs at the preposterousness of the request. TOKATH Hunting? Have you lost your mind? 44 WIDEN to include L'Kor, Toq and Worf. WORF The boy could come with me. Tokath and L'Kor exchange glances. WORF I cannot sit in the compound like an old man. I must practice my skills. L'KOR We can't let you out. You've already tried to escape once. WORF I give you my word as a warrior. I will not try to escape. Tokath dismisses this and turns away. TOKATH Leave us. We have work to do. But Worf is still looking at L'Kor, awaiting his decision. L'KOR Tokath... He gave his word. Tokath looks at his friend, surprised. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT THREE37. 44 CONTINUED: TOKATH Are you seriously suggesting we open the gates and let him wander free... with only a boy as his guard? Toq bristles a bit at that. L'KOR Twenty-three years ago I gave you my word. In all this time, have I ever broken it? Tokath looks at Worf, shrugs. TOKATH I told you he was yours to deal with. If you want to take this risk, the responsibility is yours. L'Kor nods, turns to Toq. L'KOR You will go with him. Take a weapon. If he breaks his word and tries to escape... kill him. Off his steely expression... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FOUR 38. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 45 EXT. JUNGLE (DAY) Toq is following Worf as he makes his way through the jungle. Worf carries a SPEAR; Toq has a DISRUPTOR. Worf is completely involved in tracking his game and takes no notice of Toq's uneasiness. Worf suddenly plunges into some bushes; alarmed, Toq follows, disruptor drawn and aimed at Worf. TOQ Stop! Worf turns to him, calm and curious, and stares at him for a beat. Then he realizes Toq thinks he was trying to get away. WORF Kahless was condemned to die by the tyrant Molor, who was angered that Kahless had incited the people against him. The night before his execution, Kahless asked that he be allowed to go out into the night and say farewell to the moon and the stars... for he knew that in the netherworld, he would not see them again. Worf looks at Toq. WORF Kahless gave his word that he would come back, and Molor let him go. TOQ That was foolish. WORF The next day at dawn, Kahless returned... and was put to death. Toq is amazed by the story. TOQ He could have saved himself. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FOUR 39. 45 CONTINUED: WORF He had given his word. Molor understood what that meant. Just as L'Kor did. Toq understands, looks down, almost ashamed to have doubted Worf. WORF Come. He leads Toq away. 46 ANGLE - THE SUN to indicate the passage of time. 47 EXT. JUNGLE - DAY as Worf and Toq move with great stealth into a small clearing. All their attention is focused on the brush ahead of them, as if their quarry were just beyond it. Worf stops moving and sniffs the air. They speak in whispers. WORF (gestures) He is there. But the wind has shifted. We must wait. TOQ Why? We're so close. WORF Never approach your prey from upwind; the breeze will carry your scent. Toq nods that he understands. Worf catches the scent again. WORF The wind is shifting again. Toq tries to catch the scent as well. He doesn't, and gets frustrated. TOQ I don't smell anything. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 40. 47 CONTINUED: WORF He is there. TOQ How can you -- Toq stops in mid-sentence as he catches the scent for the first time. He's amazed at this seemingly new ability. TOQ Yes... I can smell it. Worf nods approvingly. WORF Remember the scent. More than anything else, it will guide you. TOQ It's strong. I can't believe I couldn't smell it before. WORF Let it work its way into your blood. Toq feels himself being swept up in the moment. TOQ I can feel my heart pounding. WORF Yes. This is the moment where life and death meet. Toq looks at Worf, his eyes shining. WORF This is who we are. Warriors. Toq looks at Worf, grateful for what he has shared. TOQ I was never taught that... WORF There is much you were never taught. There is a sudden rustling in the brush, and Worf's senses quicken. He gestures for silence, then moves forward. Toq stares after him for a beat, struck by what Worf has said. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 41. 48 INT. MEETING HALL (NIGHT) Where the Klingons and Romulans have gathered to eat. Tokath sits with the Klingon Elders at the head of the table, Gi'ral and Ba'el sit nearby. Over the years, the Klingons have learned to eat with less boisterousness than is typical. Tokath is eating with relish, but L'Kor is picking at his food; he is concerned about Worf and Toq's continued absence. Tokath realizes this. TOKATH Aren't you hungry, L'Kor? (beat) Or are you upset because your prisoner hasn't returned? L'KOR I should not have sent the boy with him. If he's been hurt -- TOKATH Don't worry, my friend. They'll be back... after all, a warrior keeps his word. Isn't that so? The sarcasm is so mild as to go unnoticed, but L'Kor notices. He stirs his food some more. Ba'el regards the two men... decides to ask a risky question. BA'EL Father... if I wanted to visit Romulus, or the Klingon Home world -- would I be allowed to go? A silence falls over the table. Tokath and Gi'ral exchange a look. Suddenly, Worf and Toq burst into the room. Toq has the skinned CARCASS of a dead animal slung over his shoulder. He smiles broadly at the stunned diners. TOQ Ka'la! He swings the carcass off his shoulder and slaps it onto the center of the table. TOQ Tonight we eat well. Tokath stands, his voice icy. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 42. 48 CONTINUED: TOKATH Get that off my table. All eyes turn to see how Toq will react. He looks at Tokath, his face unreadable. TOQ You do not kill an animal unless you intend to eat it. TOKATH (firm) Get rid of it. Toq and Tokath face off. TOQ I intend to, Tokath. He looks around the room. TOQ But not until it's cooked. He breaks into a broad smile. Several of the older Klingons recognize this very Klingon brand of humor and break into a hearty, table pounding laugh. TOQ Today I learned the ritual hunt. But that is not all I learned. I discovered that warrior's blood runs in my veins. He looks over the assembled group, who watch him, riveted. TOQ I do not know how or why, but we have forgotten ourselves. Our stories are not told, our songs are not sung. (gesturing to Worf) Tonight as we came home, we sang a song of victory -- a song known to me only as a lullaby. But it is a warrior's song. He speaks the first two lines. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FOUR 43. 48 CONTINUED: (2) TOQ Bagh Da tuHmoh... fire streaks the heavens. ChojaH Duh rHo... battle has begun. He repeats them, this time pounding out an accompanying beat on the table with his fist. TOQ Bagh Da tuHmoh. ChojaH Duh rHo. ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo' ylja'Qo As he moves into the second stanza, Worf and a few others begin to pound out the same rhythm. TOQ van'aj javDIch Qong DIr Sa'VIch ghIH yot quelI'Pa qevas HoH Qa As voices around the room begin to join in, the lullaby we've heard before becomes a rousing marching song, a song of battle intended to quicken the blood. Tokath and L'Kor share a look of concern. The Romulan looks over at his daughter and sees that she too has joined in. TOKATH Ba'el! But she doesn't hear. THE GROUP teblaw'nghu mughato'Du ylja'Qo ylja'Qo! ylja'Qo!! They begin to repeat it a second time. Tokath looks over to L'Kor and is disturbed to see that he is absently mouthing along, without even realizing it. He looks to Gi'Ral for support, and though she is not singing, he sees that her eyes are shining, that she is moved by the words. Worf and Toq stand at the end of the table, leading the song. Tokath's eyes catch Worf's and their gazes lock. Tokath's look carries a warning: stop this or face the consequences. But Worf continues to lead the song. We go out on the rousing chords of the song, and Worf's defiant look as he leads this Klingon rebellion. FADE OUT. END ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 44. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 49 INT. MEETING HALL Later. The room has been cleared; only Worf and Tokath remain, facing off. Tokath regards Worf solemnly for a beat, then paces away from him, musing, troubled. TOKATH Well, Worf... you've had quite an effect on the young people. Worf's eyes bore into Tokath. He senses this is the ultimate confrontation between the two. WORF I have done nothing more than show them what they are. TOKATH No. You have shown them what you want them to be. Tokath moves close to Worf. TOKATH Tell me this: do you know of any place, any time in history that Klingons and Romulans have lived together in peace? Worf is silent; he has no answer. TOKATH We have despised each other... fought each other... for centuries. He pauses, eyeing Worf. TOKATH Except here. On this remote planet... Romulans and Klingons live together in harmony. (beat) No government, no leader, has ever done what I have done here. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 45. 49 CONTINUED: WORF It is a worthy achievement to bring peace between enemies. (beat) But the cost of that peace may be too high. TOKATH Higher than endless war? WORF The people here have lost the sense of who they are. They have lost their heritage. TOKATH In what way? A few stories not told... a few songs not sung... not a great loss, when compared to our living in peace. Tokath's argument is logical, intellectual. But Worf's perspective is something deeply, passionately felt. WORF Those are our rituals... they define us. They tell us what we came from... what our children will grow to be. Without traditions, we have no identity -- we have no pride. Tokath makes a scoffing sound. TOKATH Klingon pride. Is it really so valuable? Or is it just a tired habit... Worf moves toward Tokath, eyes burning. WORF Today Toq went with me on the ritual hunt... I saw what happened to him when he caught the scent of his prey on the wind... for the first time in his life, he felt powerful... that's what he has been denied by living here... that's what you have tried to take away from him. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FIVE 45A. 49 CONTINUED: (2) WORF For you, perhaps that is enough. The young people may want more. Tokath turns on him, intensity rising in him. TOKATH More? What more is there than what they have here? Would you really suggest they go into a universe where some would hate them -- simply because of who they are? Those traditions and rituals you cherish so much would not allow them to remain friends with Romulans. Tokath moves closer, eyes locked on Worf. TOKATH Enough of this. We could talk all night and not convince the other. (beat) I offer you a choice. Live with us... as one of us... WORF Or? TOKATH Or I will have you put to death. WORF Then that is what you will have to do. TOKATH Worf, consider this carefully -- WORF That death will be honorable. The young people will see what it is to die as a Klingon. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 46. 49 CONTINUED: (3) Tokath looks at Worf... sees the resolve in his eyes... and knows he has no choice. 50 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS (NIGHT) Worf is alone, doing the forms of the Mok'bara... preparing to meet death. There is a KNOCK at the door. WORF Enter. The door opens and a Romulan guard lets Ba'el in. BA'EL (to guard) Thank you. The guard EXITS, and Worf and Ba'el face each other for a silent beat. Then, she withdraws the HYPO device they used to implant the tracking pellet. BA'EL I will remove the tracking device. You can go over the wall and hide in the jungle. She moves toward him, but he catches her wrist and stops her. WORF Why are you doing this? She hesitates, not meeting his eye. Then -- BA'EL My father is wrong. (beat) No matter how I might feel about you, you don't deserve to die. He holds her wrist until she looks up at him. WORF I am not going to run away, Ba'el. She stares at him in disbelief. BA'EL They will kill you. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 47. 50 CONTINUED: WORF Yes. But they will not defeat me. BA'EL (shaking her head) I don't understand you. He drops her wrist, gathers his thoughts. WORF A Klingon does not run from his battles. BA'EL Is that really the lesson you want us to learn? (beat) You've taught us a great deal... awakened something in us that we didn't know existed... (beat) But I don't understand what we can learn from your death. WORF Then you don't yet understand what it is to be Klingon. She moves toward him... mind grappling with ideas and issues she's never encountered in her sheltered existence... but sensing one small core of truth in the confusion. BA'EL Worf... in spite of everything that's happened, I sense that you still care for me. Am I wrong? Worf hesitates. This is a difficult issue for him to confront -- the one about which he is most conflicted. He is silent. She moves closer. BA'EL It's so easy for you to talk of being a warrior... of honor and death... is it so hard to speak of love? He turns away from her. She lifts a hand to his shoulder. BA'EL Worf... please... STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 47A. 50 CONTINUED: (3) He finally turns to her, speaks with great difficulty. WORF I... would not have thought it possible to love a Romulan... BA'EL But you do... ? WORF Yes. She throws her arms around him. BA'EL If you have come that far... can't you take the next step? Can't you stay here with us... with me? A torturous question; Worf agonizes. There is no right answer. WORF If there were a way... I would take you with me... She smiles wanly at him. BA'EL If there's anything I've learned from you... from your reaction to me... it's that I have no place out there. Other Klingons won't accept me for what I am. Worf stares at her; she has clarified the issue. WORF And if I stay here... these Klingons will not accept me for what I am. Impasse. Ba'el turns away, anguish bringing her to anger. BA'EL Why did you come here? We were happy... we didn't know there was anything missing from our lives... WORF Ba'el... STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 47B. 50 CONTINUED: (4) She turns suddenly and rushes impetuously into his arms. She kisses him ardently and he holds her tightly. Then she pulls away. BA'EL Good-bye, Worf. And she runs from the room. 51 EXT. COMPOUND (DAY) Everyone in the camp is gathered in the central square. They wait, talking quietly among themselves. Worf is brought from his quarters by two Romulans. When he emerges, the crowd falls silent. This is not a bloodthirsty mob, but a group of people doing what they believe is best for the community, whatever their personal feelings might be for the condemned man. As he is led toward the compound wall, Worf is brought past Tokath and the Elders. The Romulan's face is steely, but L'Kor can't meet Worf's eyes. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 48. 51 CONTINUED: As Worf passes Ba'el, their eyes meet and he sees that hers are full of tears. The Romulans stand Worf against the compound wall and move back toward the crowd, which stands away at some distance in a semi-circle. Worf stands tall; there is no fear in his eyes. Tokath steps forward and speaks in a voice loud enough for all to hear, trying to head off the possibility that Worf be seen as a martyr. TOKATH I know there are those among you who may question what I'm about to do. And you would not be wrong to do so. He walks slowly among the crowd, addressing them as friends. TOKATH I have questioned myself... I have spent the night considering my decision, challenging myself to justify whether it is right. He hesitates, eyes sweeping the group. TOKATH And I have reached the conclusion that it is absolutely necessary to put this man to death. He moves closer to the group of people. They listen intently. TOKATH We have all shared an extraordinary passage... from being enemies... to becoming a family. He approaches a Klingon woman, puts his hand on her shoulder. TOKATH Turla, you were midwife when my daughter was born... she might have died if it had not been for you. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 48A. 51 CONTINUED: (2) He moves to a Romulan man who holds his arm in an awkward position. TOKATH Sentith... you wrestled with a wild morag... to save a Klingon child. He moves to a Klingon man. TOKATH I stood at your side when you married, Ba'ktor. (beat) And wept with you when she fell ill and died. He gestures around the crowd. TOKATH Every one of you could tell similar stories... of things we have shared... in love and in sorrow. He walks back toward Worf. TOKATH What we have built together... would be destroyed by this man. And I cannot let that happen. (to Worf) I give you one last chance to accept our way of life. Worf stares fiercely at him. WORF Your words are eloquent, Tokath. But the truth is that I am being executed because I brought something dangerous to your young people: knowledge. He pauses to let this sink in. WORF Knowledge of their origins. Knowledge of the real reasons you are here in this camp. The truth is a threat to you... STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 48B. 51 CONTINUED: (3) TOKATH Enough. (to the Romulans) Stand ready. The guards unholster their disruptors. Ba'el looks at Tokath, stricken, devastated. BA'EL Father... please... But Tokath ignores her plea. TOKATH Raise your weapons. They do. Suddenly a VOICE rings out from across the compound. TOQ (O.S.) Ki'tow! (Stop!) 52 TOQ as he emerges from a barrack dressed in full battle regalia. He is wearing the armor from the chest that Ba'el showed Worf. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 49. 53 BACK TO SCENE Toq starts over to where Worf is standing against the wall. Tokath eyes him with barely controlled rage. Toq speaks out in a loud, clear voice. TOQ If you kill him... you will have to kill me, too. He stands next to Worf. TOKATH Step aside, Toq. TOQ Worf would rather die than accept this way of life. Toq fixes his eyes on Tokath's. TOQ And so would I. There is an uncomfortable silence. TOQ I want to leave... as do many others. You will have to kill us to keep us here. WORF You see, Tokath? It's already too late. Tokath reacts to this... he feels it even more necessary to maintain his position and go through with the execution. TOKATH I am warning you -- move aside now. But Toq stands there defiantly. Tokath knows that if he backs down on this, he's lost. He turns to the Romulans. TOKATH Stand ready. The Romulans turn toward Worf and Toq. L'Kor looks at Tokath and sees the determination in his eyes. He turns and pleads to Toq. L'KOR Toq. Move away... But Toq just stands there. L'Kor turns to Worf, hoping to appeal to him. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 50. 53 CONTINUED: L'KOR He will listen to you. Tell him... WORF He has the right to make his choice. L'Kor looks to Tokath, his eyes beseeching. But Tokath is determined. TOKATH Raise your weapons. The Romulans raise their weapons. TOKATH Take aim -- But suddenly L'Kor moves forward and stands in front of Toq. Before Tokath can reply, another Klingon moves in to stand next to L'Kor. And one by one, the people make their choice, moving to take their place in front of Worf and Toq. Tokath is shaken... and outraged. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 51. 53 CONTINUED: (2) He takes out his own disruptor, trains it on the group. But, as he does... Ba'el moves forward and stands in front of the group... holding her father's look unblinking. TOKATH (aghast) Ba'el... Gi'ral comes forward, gently lowers her husband's hand. GI'RAL Tokath... long ago, when your captives asked to stay here... we hoped not to dishonor our children on the Home World. But perhaps, over the years, we lost sight of the children we raised here. (beat) This is our prison. It should not be theirs. The threat of violence fades and is replaced by a sense of overwhelming sadness. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 52. 53 CONTINUED: (3) There is a long beat. Then Tokath turns to Worf and, almost imperceptibly, nods. Worf turns to the young people. WORF Years ago, your parents made a great sacrifice for the sake of their families. Today they do so again. For that, we must honor them. A few murmurs of appreciation. WORF You must promise them -- that you will never reveal their secret. No one must know of this place. Parents and young people talk. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/13/93 - ACT FIVE 53. 53 CONTINUED: (4) Toq hurries to Worf. TOQ There's a supply ship due in a few days. They will take us... Toq rattles on, but Worf's attention is focused on -- 53A BA'EL who stands at a distance, her parents on either side of her, staring at Worf. Their eyes lock together. TOQ'S VOICE When they arrive, Tokath will explain to them. We'll be able to start a new life... The sounds of the camp fade... and then Ba'el looks down, turns and walks away. Her mother and father follow her. 54 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it travels at impulse. PICARD (V.O) Captain's Log, Stardate 46581.5. We have scanned the planets of the Nequencia system and found no evidence of a Romulan prison camp. We are now enroute to the Carraya system, closer to Romulan space. 55 INT. BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data and various N.D's. Data responds to something on his monitor. DATA Captain, we are receiving a subspace message. It is a Romulan signal, text only. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/06/93 - ACT FIVE 54. 55 CONTINUED: DATA (Cont'd) (surprised) It is from Lieutenant Worf. He is aboard a Romulan scout ship. Picard stands and moves toward him. DATA He is requesting a rendezvous. PICARD Input the coordinates and change course. Picard turns back to Riker and they share a smile of relief. 56 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (STOCK) as it hangs in space near a Romulan scout ship. 57 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM Picard, BEVERLY and a Transporter Chief are at the control console. A group of young Klingons is being led out the door by an N.D.. We HEAR the sound of materialization. 58 ANGLE ON TRANSPORTER PAD where Worf, Toq, and two young Klingons are on the platform. Beverly scans them. BEVERLY They seem fine. We'll be giving them all thorough checkups in Sickbay. PICARD Thank you, Doctor. Worf steps off and moves toward Picard; Beverly takes the others out. 59 BACK TO SCENE Picard regards Worf, a smile on his face. PICARD Welcome home, Lieutenant. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - 12/22/92 - ACT FIVE 54A. 59 CONTINUED: WORF Thank you, sir. PICARD (to com) Picard to Bridge. Signal the Romulan ship that we have the last group on board. STAR TREK: "Birthright, Pt. II" - REV. 01/05/93 - ACT FIVE 55. 59 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER'S COM VOICE Aye, sir. There is an awkward moment of silence. PICARD I see you found what you were looking for, Mister Worf. WORF No, sir. There was no prison camp. Picard reacts, hearing a tone in Worf's voice. Worf takes a breath. WORF Those young people are survivors... of a vessel that crashed in the Carraya system four years ago. Worf looks Picard right in the eye. WORF No one survived Khitomer. Picard knows full well what Worf is saying. They hold a look. PICARD I understand, Mister Worf. He gestures toward the door, and the two men start toward it. 60 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it moves away we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END