STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                       "Gambit, Part I" 
                          #40277-256 
                              
                           Story by 
                      Christopher Hatton 
                              and 
                         Naren Shankar 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                         Naren Shankar 
                              
                          Directed by 
                        Peter Lauritson 


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 1993 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT

                        JULY 26, 1993

         STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Gambit, Part I" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             BARAN
                RIKER              BARTENDER
                DATA               CHEKOTE
                BEVERLY            GIUSTI
                TROI               NARIK
                WORF               SANDERS
                GEORDI             TALLERA
                COMPUTER VOICE     VEKOR
                                   YRANAC
                                   TRANSPORTER CHIEF (V.O.)

                Non-Speaking       Non-Speaking
                  N.D. SECURITY      N.D. BAR PATRONS
                  N.D. CREWMEMBERS   

         STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Gambit, Part I" 
                       
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              BRIDGE
              READY ROOM               MERCENARY SHIP
              RIKER'S QUARTERS
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE       PLANET SURFACE -
              SICKBAY                    CLEARING
              YRANAC'S QUARTERS
          
            DESSICA TWO
              BAR
          
            MERCENARY SHIP
              BRIDGE
              RIKER'S QUARTERS

  STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "Gambit, Part I" 
                         
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                  BARAN           buh-RAN
                  BARRADAS        buh-RAD-us
                  DEBRUNE         deh-BROON
                  DESSICAN        DESS-i-kan
                  GIUSTI          JOOS-tee
                  GLYPH           GLIFF
                  NAFIR           nah-FEAR
                  NARIK           NAH-rick
                  SAKETHAN        suh-KETH-en
                  TALLERA         ta-LARE-uh
                  VEKOR           veh-KORE
                  YADALLA         yuh-DOLL-uh
                  YRANAC          yuh-RAN-ick

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - TEASER       1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                      "Gambit, Part I"                            
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. A BAR

	It's a rough, wretched watering-hole, just the kind of
	place you'd expect on a frontier world at the edge of
	Federation space. The patrons are a hard and nasty
	bunch -- if you're looking for trouble, this is a good
	place to find it.

2    TROI

	is at the counter, speaking with the BARTENDER, a
	large, intimidating male alien. Deanna is not in
	uniform and instead is wearing clothes that look
	perfectly normal in this place.

	There's a teasing, insouciant quality to Troi -- the
	bartender is attracted to her and she knows it; she's
	using it.

					BARTENDER
			Tell me... why is it so important
			that you find this man?

	Troi smiles, hinting at mystery.

					TROI
			We had some business dealings...
			he owes me money.

					BARTENDER
				(suggestively)
			If we had business dealings, I can
			tell you I wouldn't disappear...

					TROI
			Maybe we should discuss that
			possibility. But first, I have to
			find him... collect the money I'm
			owed...

					BARTENDER
			Let me guess... you and your
			friend were smuggling relics from
			the ruins of Nafir...

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/27/93 - TEASER       2.

2    CONTINUED:

					TROI
				(maybe)
			Mmmmmm...

					BARTENDER
			A dangerous game.

					TROI
			Maybe I like danger.

	He eyes her for a moment, hoping that's an invitation.

					BARTENDER
			Then you've come to the right
			place.
				(leans toward her)
			I'll be closing in a few hours.
			Perhaps we can discuss this...
			more privately.

	Troi would rather have a tooth drilled, but she smiles
	sweetly at him.

					TROI
			If I can't find him, I'll have to
			move on. Are you sure you haven't
			seen him?

					BARTENDER
			Human... two meters tall... smooth-headed...
			no, I don't remember
			anyone like that.

	Troi eyes him.

					TROI
			You're lying...

					BARTENDER
			And you're Betazoid... I thought
			so.

	He leans in to her, speaks quietly.

					BARTENDER
			The people who come here count on
			a certain amount of... anonymity.
			If I started answering questions
			about them... even to a very
			beautiful woman... I wouldn't be
			in business very long.

	He sets another drink in front of her.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - TEASER       3.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

					BARTENDER
			As a businesswoman, I'm sure you
			understand.

	And he moves off, leaving a frustrated Troi.

3    RIKER

	is in another part of the room. He is with a group of
	people who are in a raucous, merry mood. He laughs
	heartily with them, presumably at a tale that has just
	been told, claps one of them on the back, and
	withdraws.

					RIKER
			Great story... I'll have to
			remember that the next time I'm in
			a knife fight...

	He turns to encounter WORF, and the two move aside and
	talk quietly.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Any luck?

					WORF
			I think the one over there knows
			something.

	Worf looks casually toward a table in the background,
	and Riker's gaze follows.

4    YRANAC - THEIR POV

	A sleazy male Yridian sits alone at a table, sipping a
	drink and watching the scene around him furtively.

5    BACK TO SCENE

					WORF
			He wouldn't admit to having seen
			the Captain... but he said that
			anyone who visited the ruins of
			Nafir would probably come here
			eventually... I suspect he knows
			more.

					RIKER
			Let's go.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - TEASER       4.

5    CONTINUED:

	Riker moves immediately toward the table; Worf tries to
	tell him something.

					WORF
				(loud whisper)
			Commander -- I told him --

	But Riker is out of earshot. Worf follows him to the
	table where Yranac is sitting. The man looks up a bit
	nervously as they approach and sit with him.

					RIKER
			My friend here tells me you might
			know about the man we're looking
			for.

	Yranac's eyes dart around the room, as though checking
	to see if he's being observed.

					YRANAC
			The only reason I'm talking to
			you... is that I have a sister,
			too.

	Riker glances at Worf, puzzled.

					WORF
				(covering for Riker)
			I explained to him... that we are
			looking for the man who
			impregnated your sister.

	There is a brief beat as Riker looks at Worf, stifling
	his response (is that the best story you could come up
	with?); then he turns back to Yranac.

					RIKER
			You can imagine how much this
			means to me.

					YRANAC
			Family honor is important... If
			someone had defiled my sister...
			I would do anything... pay
			anything... to find the one
			responsible.

	Yranac's message is clear: he's selling this
	information.

					RIKER
			I see. And just how much would
			"anything" be?

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - TEASER       5.

5    CONTINUED: (2)

					YRANAC
			As much as... five bars of goldpress
			latinum.

	But before Riker can respond, a hand snakes around
	Yranac's neck, pulling him up and off the chair.

					BARTENDER
			I think you've had too much to
			drink. You'd better leave.

	The patrons in the immediate vicinity glance at the
	incident, and move away slightly. They're used to
	these unpleasantries and don't want to get involved.

					BARTENDER
			On your way, Yranac.

	Suddenly a phaser comes into frame and presses against
	the bartender's head.

					BEVERLY'S VOICE
			I'm sorry... but I think he wants
			to stay.

	The bartender flickers his eyes toward BEVERLY, who is
	also dressed in local clothes, and who holds the
	phaser. The bartender lets go of Yranac.

					BEVERLY
				(to Yranac)
			Sit down.

	Yranac does. Beverly keeps the phaser trained on the
	bartender. Riker leans in to Yranac.

					RIKER
			This --
				(gestures to Beverly)
			-- is my sister.
				(beat)
			She's angry.
				(beat)
			She has a vicious temper. I
			wouldn't cross her.

	Troi joins them and positions herself on the other side
	of Yranac.

					BARTENDER
			You talk and you're a dead man,
			Yranac.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - TEASER       6.

5    CONTINUED: (3)

	Yranac looks from one to the other, assessing. To
	Riker:

					YRANAC
			Perhaps there is an element of
			risk here that I did not fully
			appreciate.

					WORF
			And how much more latinum will it
			take to offset that risk?

					YRANAC
			This isn't about latinum.
				(spreads his hands)
			As a man with a sister -- a sister
			with a temper -- I can sympathize
			with you. But...
				(beat)
			How did you come here? Do you
			have a ship in orbit?

					RIKER
			Yes...

					YRANAC
			Then take me with you. You can
			drop me anywhere you like.

	Riker and Worf exchange a look.

					RIKER
			Agreed. Now talk.

	Yranac takes a breath.

					YRANAC
			The man you're looking for was
			here several weeks ago. There was
			a group of aliens sitting at this
			table... he was asking them
			questions.

					WORF
			Who were these aliens?

					YRANAC
			I don't know. But they looked
			dangerous.
				(beat)
			They attacked him. He managed to
			incapacitate three of them before
			he was knocked down.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - TEASER       7.

5    CONTINUED: (4)

	He points to the wall behind him.

					YRANAC
			He was thrown against that wall...
			and fell there.

	Yranac points to a spot on the floor near the wall.
	Beverly hands the phaser to Troi, who keeps it trained
	on the bartender. She pulls out a tricorder and scans
	the wall and floor.

					BEVERLY
			I'm picking up some Starfleet
			fiber traces... and human cellular
			debris.

					RIKER
			Can you establish a DNA sequence?

	Beverly taps a few commands into her tricorder; she
	looks puzzled.

					BEVERLY
			There's something strange here.
			The cell structures are badly
			distorted. It looks as if they've
			been exposed to some kind of high
			energy field.

					WORF
			A weapon discharge?

					BEVERLY
			It could be. There are faint
			traces of micro-crystalline damage
			in the floor material. But I'm
			not familiar with the pattern.

	Yranac stares at her. He's realizing this group is
	other than what they seem.

					YRANAC
			Who are you people?

					RIKER
			You didn't say anything about a
			weapon.

	Yranac is beginning to look a little nervous.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - TEASER       8.

5    CONTINUED: (5)

					YRANAC
				(quickly)
			I hadn't finished yet. You'll
			like this... the man got what was
			coming to him. When they knocked
			him down, one of them took out a
			weapon... and fired.
				(hoping this is wellreceived)
			He was vaporized.

	There's a moment of stunned silence. Yranac looks from
	one to the other, anxiously awaiting their reaction.
	Troi is staring intently at him. Then she turns to
	Riker.

					TROI
			He's telling the truth.

	Off their reactions...

                                             FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      9.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

6    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

7    INT. SICKBAY

	Beverly is staring at an OKUDAGRAM of a DNA sequence
	displayed on the wall monitor. Riker ENTERS and
	crosses to her.

					RIKER
			Doctor?

	Beverly turns to him; her expression is grim.

					BEVERLY
			There's no question. It's Captain
			Picard's DNA.

	Riker is impassive, his expression unreadable, but it's
	all Beverly can do to keep from breaking down. It's
	hard for her to admit it to herself; she desperately
	wants to find some indication she's wrong, but she
	knows she isn't.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			I used a multi-base progression to
			regenerate the DNA. The technique
			is practically flawless...

	She continues to give her report, attempting to
	submerge her feelings in her work.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			The cellular damage could have
			been caused by a variety of energy
			fields... it's hard to be
			specific. I can't tell whether it
			was the field itself that killed
			him or if he was already dead
			when...

	She trails off, unable to continue. Riker wants to
	comfort her, but there isn't much to say.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT ONE   10.

7    CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I'll need your analysis for my
			report to Starfleet.

	She hands him a PADD.

					BEVERLY
			It's all here.

					RIKER
			Thank you.
				(beat)
			I'll inform the crew.

	Riker EXITS. Beverly returns to her work, trying to
	maintain her composure in the face of this tragedy.

                                             CUT TO:

8    INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS

	Riker is working at his desk when door CHIMES.

					RIKER
			Come.

	The DOOR OPENS and Troi ENTERS.

					TROI
			How are you doing?

					RIKER
			I'm all right.

	The words are not convincing.

					TROI
			The crew is pretty shaken up...
			I'm arranging a memorial
			service... I think you should be
			the one to deliver the eulogy.

	There's a long beat before Riker answers.

					RIKER
			You'd be better at something like
			that. Or Beverly. She knew him
			the longest...

	Troi knows he's avoiding.

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      11.

8    CONTINUED:

					TROI
			I know it won't be easy... but
			it's important for all of us to
			face what's happened. You're in
			command now. The crew will be
			looking to you for guidance --

					RIKER
			You don't understand. I can't
			give the eulogy because I won't be
			at the service.

	Troi is surprised at the extent of his denial.
	Carefully --

					TROI
			A memorial service helps to give
			everyone a sense of completion.
			Helps them begin the healing
			process...

					RIKER
			That's exactly the point. I don't
			want to heal.

					TROI
			Wil --

	He touches his chest.

					RIKER
			I've got an open wound in here, it
			hurts like hell, and I don't want
			it to get better. I don't want to
			believe that everything's all
			right.

					TROI
			You're angry...

					RIKER
			You're damn right. And I intend
			to stay angry -- until I find
			whoever's responsible for the
			Captain's death.

	Troi's patience evaporates. She's hurting, too, and
	her professional demeanor crumbles under the strain.

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      12.

8    CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			That's pretty selfish, Wil.
				(a beat as Riker is
				 taken aback)
			Do you think you're the only one
			in pain? That you have a monopoly
			on loss? Well, I've got news for
			you. We're all hurting... we're
			all angry. And like it or not,
			you've got a responsibility to the
			crew. You can't just indulge your
			personal desire for revenge.

					RIKER
				(harshly)
			That's enough, Counselor.

	They stare at each other, she still bristling, he
	jolted by her anger and vehemence. He regrets his
	attack.

					RIKER
				(continuing, softer)
			I'm sorry.
				(beat)
			Deanna. This isn't about revenge.
			It's about justice. The Captain
			died in a bar fight... for
			nothing. Somebody has to answer
			for that.
				(beat)
			Then I can mourn.

9    INT. BRIDGE

	Riker is in the Captain's chair; Worf is at tactical.
	Various N.D.s in the b.g. ENSIGN GIUSTI is at Ops.

					WORF
			Commander. We are receiving a
			transmission from Admiral Chekote
			at Starbase two-twenty-seven.

					RIKER
			Put it through to the Ready Room.

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

	Riker EXITS to...

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      13.

10   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	As Riker ENTERS, he stops; he stares at Picard's empty
	desk for a brief moment, feeling everything it
	represents... and then, decisively, he moves and sits
	down -- there will be time to remember later.

	He activates the desk terminal, and the image of
	ADMIRAL CHEKOTE appears on the monitor.

					RIKER
			Sir.

					CHEKOTE
			I've read your report, Commander.
			My condolences to you and your
			crew. Captain Picard's death is
			a loss to the entire Federation.
				(beat)
			I see you've asked to postpone
			your mission to the Argus
			sector... for what reason?

					RIKER
			I have a request, sir.
				(beat)
			I'd like to conduct an
			investigation into Captain
			Picard's death.

					CHEKOTE
			The Dessican authorities have
			jurisdiction in this case,
			Commander.

					RIKER
			I know that, sir. But frankly, I
			don't have much confidence in the
			authorities on Dessica Two.
			There's every reason to believe
			they're corrupt.

					CHEKOTE
			I suspect you're right. But the
			question remains... are you the
			one to pursue this?

					RIKER
			Sir, the Captain's death has hit
			me pretty hard. I may not be
			completely objective... but no one
			is more determined than I am.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      14.

10   CONTINUED:

					RIKER (Cont'd)
			I won't quit until we find out
			who's responsible.

	A beat, then Chekote nods.

					CHEKOTE
			All right, Commander. I'm
			officially placing the Enterprise
			on detached duty. Your mission is
			at your discretion. Good luck.

					RIKER
			Thank you, sir.

	Off Riker's determined expression...

11   INT. YRANAC'S QUARTERS

	Riker ENTERS to find Yranac sitting at a table
	surrounded by a huge assortment of food, eating
	heartily. Riker is carrying a PADD.

					YRANAC
			Ah, Commander Riker. I've been
			meaning to speak to you. I was
			wondering if you could move me to
			better quarters. I don't care
			much for the decor here.

					RIKER
			These are the best quarters we
			have.

	Yranac shrugs and continues eating.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Now that you've had some time to
			relax, I was hoping you might have
			remembered some details about the
			aliens you saw... something you'd
			forgotten earlier.

					YRANAC
			Sorry. My memory isn't what it
			used to be.

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      15.

11   CONTINUED:

	Riker suspects that Yranac knows more than he's
	telling, but Yranac's being cagey -- he's protecting
	every scrap of information he's got so he has something
	to bargain with. Riker's task is to get him to admit
	to as much as he can.

					RIKER
			You said the aliens looked
			dangerous. How could you tell?

					YRANAC
			They killed someone. I'd say that
			qualifies them as dangerous.

					RIKER
			But you said that you noticed they
			looked dangerous before the fight
			even started. What made you think
			that? Were they unusually
			aggressive... ? Were they heavily
			armed... ?

					YRANAC
			I don't recall.

					RIKER
			They murdered a man in plain view
			of everyone in that bar... and you
			can't remember anything about
			them?

					YRANAC
			Now that you mention it, I do
			remember one thing...
				(beat)
			They said they'd kill anyone who
			talked about what happened.

					RIKER
			But you offered to help us.

	Yranac shrugs; he feels secure enough to admit this
	much.

					YRANAC
			You're right. I saw a business
			opportunity. And besides, they
			were gone.

					RIKER
			Do you know where they went?

	Yranac doesn't answer and instead simply smiles.

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      16.

11   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			You know who they are and you know
			where I can find them.

					YRANAC
			Perhaps I do.

					RIKER
			What do you want?

	Yranac thinks he's tantalized Riker enough.

					YRANAC
			Not a great deal, Commander. Just
			a shuttlecraft. I believe I'd
			like to travel for a while, see
			more of the galaxy. You
			understand.

					RIKER
			A shuttlecraft?
				(beat; smiles)
			Well, here's my offer. Instead of
			a ship, I'm going to give you some
			time.

					YRANAC
				(confused)
			Time?

					RIKER
			If you're lucky, you'll only have
			to spend the next five years in
			prison instead of the next twenty.

	Riker grabs Yranac by the front of the shirt and draws
	him to within an inch of his face.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			You've got twelve outstanding
			arrest warrants for fraud and
			petty theft in the Klingon Empire.
			If you tell me what you know, I'll
			pull a few strings... maybe get
			them to reduce your sentence after
			you're extradited.

	Yranac is in a full-blown panic.

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      17.

11   CONTINUED: (3)

					YRANAC
			You can't turn me over to the
			Klingons. They don't just
			imprison you... Do you know what
			the punishment is for fraud?

	Riker knows exactly what it is.

					RIKER
			Yes. I certainly do.

	Yranac is terrified at the prospect, but he's still
	trying to bargain his way out.

					YRANAC
			If I tell you what I know, you
			must promise you won't give me to
			the Klingons.

					RIKER
			I'll think about it.

					YRANAC
			Perhaps you could send me to a
			Federation rehabilitation colony
			instead.

					RIKER
			Talk!

	Yranac slumps; he's played all his cards and he's lost.
	His only chance now is to tell the truth.

					YRANAC
			The aliens were some kind of
			mercenary group. They've been
			operating in this sector for the
			last six months.

					RIKER
			Where do we find them?

					YRANAC
			I heard one of them mention the
			Barradas system... I think they
			were headed there.

					RIKER
			You think?

					YRANAC
				(miserable)
			That's all I know.

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT ONE      18.

11   CONTINUED: (4)

	Riker considers the information for a moment.

					RIKER
				(taps combadge)
			Riker to Data.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			Data here.

					RIKER
				(to combadge)
			Take us out of orbit. Set course
			for the Barradas system, warp six.

	Riker fixes Yranac with a hard stare and EXITS.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT TWO      19.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

12   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	dropping out of warp.

13   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Riker, Data, GEORDI, and Worf.

					DATA
			Barradas Three is the only M-class
			planet in this system, and it is
			listed as unpopulated. However,
			sensors have detected intermittent
			energy signals emanating from its
			surface.

					RIKER
			What's the source?

					GEORDI
			The signals are difficult to
			localize, but... they might be
			emissions from some kind of power
			converter...

					WORF
			Which could indicate a base or a
			ship.

					RIKER
			What else do we know about
			Barradas Three?

					DATA
			The planet was an outpost of the
			Debrune approximately two thousand
			years ago. The Federation
			Archaeological survey has
			catalogued numerous ruins on the
			surface.

	Riker considers for a beat.

					RIKER
			Mister Worf, I want a security
			detail to accompany the Away Team
			to the surface. I'll lead the
			team. Geordi, you're with me...
			Mister Data, you have the Bridge.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT TWO     19A.

13   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Aye, sir.

	As far as Riker is concerned, the meeting's over; he
	moves to leave and the others rise as well.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT TWO   20.

13   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Sir.

	Riker turns back to him.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			As Acting First Officer, I must
			question your decision to
			accompany the Away Team. If
			Captain Picard were here --

					RIKER
				(tightly)
			He's not.

					DATA
			I realize that, sir. But if he
			were, and he wanted to lead an
			Away Team, you would tell him that
			the Captain's place is --

					RIKER
			On the Bridge. I know.
				(beat)
			But not this time.

	And he EXITS. Data accepts the dismissal.

14   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	entering orbit around Barradas Three.

15   OMITTED

16   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - CLEARING - DAY

	Riker, Geordi, Worf, and two Security Officers, N.D. #1
	and N.D. #2, are in a large clearing. The forest has
	encroached on a variety of simple ruins; however, in
	several places through the site, there are strange
	INDENTATIONS in the ground: smooth, circularly-shaped
	holes which almost suggest that something was scooped
	away.

	Geordi, Worf and N.D. #1 are equipped with tricorders;
	the entire team is armed with phasers.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT TWO   21.

17   RIKER AND GEORDI

	are standing together as Geordi scans the site; the
	others continue working in the b.g.

	Geordi works his tricorder with frustration; he's
	having trouble getting clear readings.

					GEORDI
			It's tough to get accurate sensor
			readings... there's a lot of
			interference in the area.

					RIKER
			From what?

					GEORDI
			I'm not sure... it's unlocalized.
			It could be atmospheric...

					RIKER
			What do you make of this?

	Riker moves near one of the circular indentations in
	the ground. Geordi kneels down and examines the ground
	with his VISOR.

					GEORDI
			The ruins are ancient... but I'd
			say this indentation was made
			fairly recently...
				(unconvinced)
			There might have been a battle
			here...

	Riker looks at the indentation.

					RIKER
			It doesn't look like any blast
			point I've ever seen... the shape
			is too perfect.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT TWO   22.

17   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(surprised)
			Sir, there's micro-crystalline
			damage all through this area.
			It's the same kind of pattern
			Doctor Crusher picked up in the
			floor of that bar on Dessica Two.

					WORF (O.S.)
			Commander...

18   ANOTHER ANGLE - WORF (OPTICAL)

	Worf is standing near the edge of the clearing with
	N.D. #1. Riker and Geordi move to join them.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			I have found something.

	Worf points down at TWO ARTIFACTS which are lying in
	the grass. There are no other ruins nearby, and the
	artifacts look completely out of place where they are.
	Riker stares at them, puzzled.

					RIKER
				(musing)
			It almost looks as if someone...
			dropped them --

	Without warning, a PHASER BLAST hits N.D. #1 square in
	the chest; he goes down instantly.

	Geordi and Worf dive for safety behind some nearby
	ruins; Riker and N.D. #2 are forced away from the
	others in order to find cover.

19   THE SCENE (OPTICAL)

	The phaser fire came from the trees ahead of the Away
	Team; as the action plays out, we will see the
	attackers. They are a team of THREE ARMED MERCENARIES:
	the leader, a Romulan female, TALLERA; a large,
	intimidating alien female, VEKOR; and an alien male,
	NARIK.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT TWO     22A.

19   CONTINUED:

	(Note: while their individual uniforms are different,
	all the mercenaries have the same distinctive DEVICE
	attached to their necks.)

	Protected by covering fire, Tallera rushes out into the
	clearing, grabs the two artifacts, and dives back into
	cover.

	Our people quickly return fire with their phasers, but
	the mercenaries have us outgunned -- both halves of the
	Away Team are pinned down.

20   GEORDI

	taps his combadge as we HEAR continuing fire.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			La Forge to Enterprise... we are
			under attack...

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT TWO      23.

21   INT. BRIDGE

	Data is in command; Ensign Giusti is at Ops.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Repeat, we are under attack...

	A loud blast of static bursts through the com.

					GIUSTI
			Commander, we've lost contact with
			the Away Team.

					DATA
			Is there a malfunction?

					GIUSTI
				(checks console)
			No, sir... the com system is being
			jammed...

					DATA
			What is the source?

					GIUSTI
			Somewhere on the surface...

	A beat as Data considers.

					DATA
			Bridge to Transporter Room Two.
			Can you get a lock on the Away
			Team?

					TRANSPORTER CHIEF'S VOICE
			Negative, sir. There's too much
			interference.

22   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - CLEARING - DAY (OPTICAL)

	Riker is crouched low behind a rock with N.D. #2.
	Riker indicates a clump of trees a short distance away.

					RIKER
			I'm going to try to reach those
			trees. If I can get there, we
			might be able to set up a
			crossfire. Keep me covered...

      STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT TWO      24.

22   CONTINUED:

	N.D. #2 nods... and then Riker makes a dash for the
	trees, as a PHASER BLAST EXPLODES behind him -- he
	catches part of the blast and he falls, unconscious.

23
thru	OMITTED
26

27   GEORDI AND WORF

	quickly regroup, and joined by N.D. #2, the three
	charge forward to try and get to Riker, but...

28   TALLERA, NARIK, AND VEKOR (OPTICAL)

	reach Riker first and surround him. An instant later,
	the entire group DEMATERIALIZES. (Note: The
	mercenaries' Transporter effect should be different
	from our own.)

	A second later, Geordi, Worf and N.D. #2 reach the spot --
	but they're too late. Riker is gone -- the mercenaries
	have captured him.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

  STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT THREE  25.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

29   EXT. SURFACE - CLEARING - DAY (CONTINUOUS)

	Geordi, Worf, and N.D. #2 are at the spot where Riker
	and the mercenaries dematerialized seconds before.

					DATA'S COM VOICE
			Data to Away Team... please
			respond...

	Geordi reacts, surprised -- the com jamming has
	stopped.

					GEORDI
				(to com)
			Data, we've been attacked. We've
			got one casualty... and Commander
			Riker has been taken captive.

					WORF
				(to com)
			Sir, the mercenaries have
			transported away... they must have
			a base or a ship nearby. Can you
			locate anything on sensors?

30   INT. BRIDGE

	Data and Giusti as before.

					GIUSTI
				(off console)
			Commander, we're picking up a
			vessel leaving orbit...

					DATA
			Why was it not detected earlier?

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT THREE     26.

30   CONTINUED:

					GIUSTI
				(off console)
			They could have been using the
			planet as a shield...
				(urgently)
			Sir, they are powering up their
			weapon systems.

					DATA
			Raise shields. Red Alert.

	The ship goes to red alert.

31   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & THE MERCENARY SHIP
	(OPTICAL)

	As the sleek, dangerous-looking mercenary ship races
	away from the planet, it fires on the Enterprise.

32   INT. BRIDGE

	as the SHIP SHAKES.

					DATA
			Damage report.

					GIUSTI
			Minor hit on the port deflector...
			no damage.
				(beat)
			They're running, sir... their
			speed is warp eight-point-seven
			and holding. I think they're at
			their maximum..

					DATA
			Take us to warp nine and pursue.
			Lock phasers on target.

					GIUSTI
			Aye, sir... we should be within
			phaser range in twenty-three
			seconds.

	A beat.
					GIUSTI
				(continuing)
			Switching to long-range
			scanners...
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT THREE     27.

32   CONTINUED:

					GIUSTI (Cont'd)
				(off console, concerned)
			Commander... the sensor image of
			that ship is extremely weak...
			it's fading...

	Giusti works her console frantically for a beat... and
	then she looks up.

					GIUSTI
				(continuing)
			The ship doesn't register on the
			long range sensors. I'm sorry,
			sir... we've lost them.

	Data reacts and moves to Ops.

					DATA
			Increase the sensor field
			bandwidth. Patch in the lateral
			sensor arrays to enhance
			detection.

					GIUSTI
				(works console,
				 frustrated)
			It's no good... the signal's
			gone... it just... disappeared.

	Data reacts to the news, concerned. He considers for
	a beat.

					DATA
			Plot a course and take us back to
			Barradas Three. Notify the Away
			Team to be ready for transport.

	Off Data's concerned expression.

33   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	back in orbit around Barradas Three.

34   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Data, Troi, Geordi, and Worf. Data is standing near
	the large monitor which is displaying a graphic of the
	mercenary ship and other associated information.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT THREE     28.

34   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Starfleet Intelligence has
			confirmed that a ship matching
			this configuration has been linked
			to raids on several other planets
			in this sector.

	Everyone is frustrated, but Geordi and Worf are
	particularly restive; they're upset with what they
	perceive to be their failure on the surface, and it's
	difficult for them to sit patiently through Data's
	careful, measured briefing.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			For the short time it was within
			our visual range, we were able to
			take sensor readings of the
			mercenary vessel.
				(beat)
			It appears to be encased in an
			energy-absorbing material.
			Although we can see the ship, this
			energy sheath renders it virtually
			undetectable to our long-range
			sensors.

					TROI
			There must be some way to track
			it.

	Geordi consults a PADD in front of him.

					GEORDI
			Data, I know this is a long
			shot... but if I remodulate the
			long-range sensor array, I might
			be able to increase its
			sensitivity enough to detect the
			ship.

	Data is not convinced.

					DATA
			Without a full compositional
			analysis of the energy sheath, the
			chances of finding the correct
			remodulation sequence are remote.
				(beat)
			Furthermore, based on their speed,
			they could be as far as two-point-three-seven
			light years from this
			location.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT THREE     29.

34   CONTINUED: (2)

	Troi, Geordi, and Worf react; that's a lot of space to
	search. But Worf is not ready to give up yet.

					WORF
			That means they must still be
			within this sector. If we used
			all available shuttlecraft to
			conduct a level-one search --

					DATA
			It would still take at least ten
			days to complete. In that time
			the mercenaries would continue to
			distance themselves from us.

	Data's logic is relentless -- and a little irritating.

					WORF
				(frustrated)
			Sir. They have taken Commander
			Riker. We must do something. We
			cannot just sit here.

					DATA
			On the contrary, Lieutenant, that
			is precisely what we must do.

	Data continues, unaware of the mounting frustration in
	the room.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			Since there are no viable
			alternatives, we will return to
			the surface and attempt to
			determine what the mercenaries
			were doing on this planet. An
			investigation may reveal some
			indication of their purpose.
			Notify me when you have assembled
			your search teams.
				(beat)
			Dismissed.

	Data has made it very clear just who is in command.
	The situation makes Troi, Geordi and Worf a little
	uncomfortable, but they all know how to follow orders.
	They EXIT unhappily. Off Data's determined expression.

35   EXT. SPACE - THE MERCENARY SHIP (OPTICAL)

	coming out of warp.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT THREE     30.

36   INT. MERCENARY SHIP - BRIDGE

	Tallera (the Romulan female we saw earlier) is leading
	a groggy Riker across the room as he struggles
	painfully back to consciousness. Riker's combadge is
	gone and there is now a small patch-like device (like
	all the other mercenaries wear) at the side of his
	throat.

	The mercenary bridge is sleek and spare with no wasted
	space, just like everything on this ship. A large
	Viewscreen dominates the forward section and there's a
	small Transporter pad in one corner. The walls are
	lined with consoles which are manned by various N.D.
	MERCENARIES. The ALERT LIGHTS are active, and there is
	a tense, urgent feeling on the bridge.

	In the center of the bridge is a raised platform
	encircled by a rail and a console. From here, the
	Captain commands an unobstructed view of the entire
	room. It should feel as though this ship and crew are
	always ready for battle.

	Tallera pushes Riker against the rail and stares at him
	silently.

	The mercenary captain, BARAN, stands on his platform.
	He's a humanoid male alien, intelligent, muscular -- a
	man to be reckoned with. Baran is wearing a small
	CONTROL DEVICE at his belt.

	Baran is engaged in a heated conversation with the
	engineer, Narik, and for the moment, ignores Riker and
	Tallera.

					NARIK
				(upset)
			I warned you not to push the
			engines so hard. Two of the power
			shunts are on the verge of
			collapse. We'll be lucky if we
			can maintain warp six.

					BARAN
			How long will it take to repair?

					NARIK
			I can try to realign the warp
			core... it'll take at least
			eleven hours.
				(beat)
			But I'll have to shut the engines
			down completely.

	Baran fixes Narik with a hard look.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT THREE     31.

36   CONTINUED:

					BARAN
			We're not stopping. We can't
			afford to be sitting helpless in
			space. I want warp eight
			available in five hours. And I'm
			not going to listen to your
			excuses.

	Narik glares angrily at Baran but does not dispute him.
	He nods and moves to a console in the b.g. Baran then
	turns and stares coldly at Riker.

					BARAN
			What were you doing on Barradas
			Three?

					RIKER
				(all I'm saying)
			William T. Riker, Commander, SC
			two-three-one dash four-two-seven.

	Baran cocks his head and regards him. Is he going to
	play this silly game?

					BARAN
			All right. I am Arctus Baran...
			and I don't have a number.
				(beat)
			Now. What were you doing on
			Barradas Three -- Commander?

					RIKER
			We were studying the ruins. It
			was a scientific expedition.

					BARAN
			Don't patronize me. Those ruins
			have been studied for centuries.
			There's nothing new to learn from
			them.

					RIKER
			Then what were you doing there?

	Baran smiles, acknowledging the riposte. Then he takes
	the device at his belt and activates it. Riker sinks
	to his knees, gasping, in tremendous pain.
	Instinctively, he tries to pull the patch off his neck.

					BARAN
			Don't bother, Commander, you can't
			remove it. It's a neural servo.
			It's connected directly to your
			nervous system.
					(MORE)

  STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/30/93 - ACT THREE  32.

36   CONTINUED: (2)

					BARAN (Cont'd)
			It lets me control precisely how
			much pain you feel.
				(beat)
			This setting is usually
			sufficient.
				(beat)
			However, if necessary it can go
			much higher.

	Baran lets Riker writhe in pain for a beat before he
	shuts off the device. Riker's pain stops and he
	groans, barely able to speak, exhausted by the ordeal.

					BARAN
			These devices were my
			predecessor's idea... a convenient
			way of enforcing discipline...

					RIKER
				(weakly)
			What happened to him?

					BARAN
				(I got rid of him)
			He failed to discipline me
			sufficiently...

	The female alien, Vekor, moves near the platform.

					VEKOR
			This is a waste of time, Baran.
			Get rid of him now.

					BARAN
			You should be more patient, Vekor.
			It can be rewarding.
				(beat)
			We will wait. Let the memory of
			his pain argue with him for a
			while... maybe it will change his
			attitude.

	Narik steps forward.

					NARIK
			Vekor's right -- we should get rid
			of him. It's dangerous to have
			someone from Starfleet on board.

					BARAN
			Dangerous? It might be
			profitable. A Starfleet Commander
			is a valuable hostage.

  STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/30/93 - ACT THREE  32A.

36   CONTINUED: (3)

					VEKOR
			Starfleet won't negotiate with us.
			But they'll pursue us as long as
			we have him.

	We're beginning to see that this crew is not just one
	harmonious, happy team. Everyone is suspicious of the
	others and everyone is looking out for himself first.

	Baran presses his pain control briefly; Vekor cries out
	and staggers back.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT THREE     33.

36   CONTINUED: (3)

					BARAN
			This discussion is over, Vekor.
			Return to your post.

	But Vekor meets Baran's gaze and does not move. The
	tension is building...

					PICARD (O.S.)
			They're right, Baran, and you know
			it...

	The group turns to see...

37   PICARD

	As he turns around from one of the consoles to face the
	others. He's dressed like one of the mercenaries.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			I say kill him. Now.

	Off Riker's stunned reaction.

                                             FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FOUR     34.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

38   INT. MERCENARY BRIDGE (CONTINUOUS)

	Riker is completely stunned at the sight of Picard, but
	he quickly controls himself -- before he says anything,
	he has to figure out what's going on here.

	Picard, however, doesn't even give Riker a second
	glance; his attention is focused entirely on Baran.

					PICARD
				(re: Riker)
			If he has nothing to give us, then
			we should kill him now and be done
			with it. Everyone seems to
			recognize that fact except you.

	Picard speaks harshly, with a violent edge that's only
	barely restrained.

					BARAN
			I don't need a consensus to run
			this ship, Galen.

	This is not the first argument Baran and Picard have
	had, and the hostility between the two men is evident.
	Picard is about to respond when suddenly, the SHIP
	SHUDDERS slightly and the LIGHTS DIM.

					BARAN
				(quickly)
			What's going on?

	Narik quickly moves to monitor one of the consoles in
	the b.g.

					NARIK
			We're bypassing the aft plasma
			couplings... the power loss should
			only last a few seconds...

	A short beat passes and the lights return to normal.
	Baran returns his attention to Picard.

					BARAN
			You should learn not to limit your
			options. Riker could be useful to
			us in the future.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FOUR     35.

38   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			He may not be as useful as you
			think...

	Picard moves toward Riker.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			... if this is the same Riker I've
			heard about.

	Riker is deeply confused; he doesn't know what Picard
	is doing or how to react to it. For now, he's just got
	to try and play along.

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			And which "Riker" is that?

					PICARD
			Commander of the Enterprise... ?
			Formerly assigned to the USS
			Hood... ?

					RIKER
			That's right.

					PICARD
			Then you must be the William T.
			Riker with a history of
			insubordination...

	As Picard continues to speak, Riker begins to pick up
	something in his tone and manner -- he senses where
	Picard's going with this.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			He was even relieved of duty once,
			during the Cardassian incident at
			Minos Korva.

	Picard's story has thrown Baran off balance.

					BARAN
				(to Picard)
			How do you know all this?

  STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FOUR  35A.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			I've been smuggling artifacts out
			of Federation sites for years.
			It's difficult to avoid developing
			a... familiarity with certain
			Starfleet personnel...

	Picard turns directly to Riker.

					PICARD
				(taunting)
			If we hadn't captured him, he
			probably would've ended up in
			front of a court martial.

	By now, Riker understands what Picard has been trying
	to set up, and he plays into it.

					RIKER
				(hard)
			I've gotten out of them before.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FOUR     36.

38   CONTINUED: (3)

	Baran looks thoughtfully at Riker.

					PICARD
				(to Baran)
			He's no use to us. Finish him now
			or let me do it for you.

	But before Baran can reply, the SHIP SHUDDERS again.
	For a moment, everyone thinks it's just Narik making
	repairs like before... and then suddenly, the ship
	LURCHES FORWARD, accelerating rapidly; the ALARM
	KLAXONS sound.

	Baran reacts, concerned; he shoves Riker toward an ND
	Mercenary.

					BARAN
				(to ND)
			Watch him.

	The argument is quickly forgotten as Baran, Tallera,
	Narik, Vekor, and Picard rush to the consoles. The
	WHINE of the ship's engines begins to get louder...

					BARAN
				(to Narik, accusing)
			What have you done?

					NARIK
			It has nothing to do with my
			repairs...
				(works console)
			I think there's a malfunction in
			the engine's intermix chamber...

					VEKOR
			We're accelerating...

					TALLERA
			Plasma pressure is rising...

					BARAN
			Where's the malfunction?

					NARIK
			It could be any one of thirty
			subsystems. It'll take time to
			locate...

					TALLERA
			I don't think you're going to have
			the chance. Plasma pressure is
			reaching critical levels...

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/28/93 - ACT FOUR   37.

38   CONTINUED: (4)

	The whine of the engines increases...

					BARAN
			Seal off the intermix chamber.

					VEKOR
				(works console)
			I can't... the override sequence
			won't engage...

39   ANGLE ON PICARD

	as he works his console.

					PICARD
			It's the antimatter flow
			regulator... It's locked open...

	As Baran rushes over to inspect Picard's panel, for a
	brief moment, Picard manages to make eye contact with
	Riker.

40   RIKER

	catches the glance -- what's Picard up to now?

41   RESUME SCENE

					TALLERA
			Plasma pressure has exceeded
			maximum levels... eight percent
			above critical and rising.

					NARIK
			We have to jettison the core...

					BARAN
			No! We'll be stranded here --

					PICARD
			The flow regulator is frozen...

	Riker catches Picard's eye for a moment -- and realizes
	what's going on -- Picard has created the malfunction
	specifically for Riker to fix.

					RIKER
			Let me do it.

	Baran and the others react.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/28/93 - ACT FOUR   38.

41   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
				(to Baran)
			I've had a lot of experience with
			these kinds of system failures...
			I might be able to do something.

					TALLERA
			Plasma pressure is eleven percent
			above critical... The containment
			fields are beginning to degrade...

	Baran really has no other option.

					BARAN
				(to Riker)
			Go!

	Riker rushes to Picard's console, works the commands,
	and quickly studies the readout.

					RIKER
			It looks like you've got a control
			logic lockout in the regulator
			subsystem.

	He begins to work the panel...

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			I'm going to try to run an active
			bypass through the plasma flow
			convertor...

	He pushes Narik towards another console.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			Start running a phase-locked
			feedback through the regulator...
			I'll need about a six second
			delay...

	Narik angrily shoves Riker away.

					NARIK
			I don't take orders from you.

					BARAN
			Do as he says!

	Narik glares at Riker and begins to work his console.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/28/93 - ACT FOUR   39.

41   CONTINUED: (2)

					TALLERA
			Plasma pressure is fourteen
			percent above critical...

	Riker moves to another station, OPENS A PANEL and
	begins working inside it.

					BARAN
			If you fail--

					RIKER
				(cuts him off)
			We'll all be dead anyway.
				(beat, works)
			Just a few more seconds...

	Riker moves back to a console and makes a final
	adjustment... The ship SHUDDERS briefly, and the whine
	of the engines quickly drops back to normal.

					TALLERA
			Plasma pressure is dropping...
				(beat)
			We're back into safe levels.

	There's a moment of relief.

					RIKER
				(to Baran)
			If you want to make sure that
			doesn't happen again, you'd better
			re-initialize the regulator
			subprocessors. A full diagnostic
			on the intermix chamber wouldn't
			hurt either.

					BARAN
				(to Narik and Vekor)
			Do it.

	Narik and Vekor nod and move away; Baran, Tallera, and
	Picard are left with Riker.

					BARAN
				(to Tallera, re: Riker)
			Put him in quarters for now.

	Riker smiles confidently at Picard.

					RIKER
				(to Picard)
			Still wish you'd killed me?

	Picard glares at Riker but says nothing; then he EXITS.
	Off Baran's thoughtful expression as Tallera leads
	Riker away.

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FOUR     40.

42   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	still in orbit around Barradas Three.

43   EXT. PLANET SURFACE - CLEARING (OPTICAL)

	Data, Geordi, Worf, and an N.D. Security Team are
	exploring the ruins and the site of the battle.

44   DATA

	is carefully studying one of the strange, circular
	indentations in the ground as Worf and Geordi walk up
	to him.

					WORF
			The search teams have reported in,
			sir. They located several
			archaeological sites. Each one
			has been looted.

	Geordi considers.

					GEORDI
			It's possible that the micro-crystalline
			damage I found in
			these indentations was the result
			of some kind of high-energy
			Transporter beam...
				(beat)
			... but I still don't understand.
			There's nothing here that's
			particularly valuable. Why would
			anyone want to steal any of these
			things?

	Data considers.

					DATA
			Perhaps these artifacts have
			special value to the Romulans.

					WORF
			The Romulans?

					DATA
			These structures were built by the
			Debrune. That race was an ancient
			offshoot of the Romulans. And the
			ruins on the planet where Captain
			Picard was killed were also
			Romulan in origin.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FOUR   41.

44   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			The leader of the group which
			attacked us was a Romulan.
				(beat)
			Perhaps they are controlling the
			mercenaries...

					DATA
			But the question remains: Why are
			they stealing these artifacts?

	Reactions.

45   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	still in orbit around Barradas Three.

46   INT. BRIDGE - ANGLE ON AFT SCIENCE

	In the b.g., Worf is at tactical and Ensign Giusti is
	at Ops.

	Data and Geordi are looking at the monitor which
	displays an OKUDAGRAM of several star systems and
	associated information. Several planets are
	highlighted.

					DATA
			There are several archaeological
			sites in this sector containing
			ruins which are Romulan in origin.
				(beat, pointing)
			These are the locations which have
			been attacked by the mercenary
			vessel.

					GEORDI
			It looks like they've done a
			pretty thorough job.

					DATA
			The only sites which have not been
			attacked are on Calder Two,
			Yadalla Prime, and Draken Four.

	Geordi considers.

					GEORDI
			Yadalla and Draken are on the far
			edge of the sector... but Calder
			Two is less than a day from here
			at maxiumum warp.

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FOUR   42.

46   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			That would be their next likely
			target.

	Geordi studies the display.

					GEORDI
			According to this, there's a
			Federation outpost on Calder Two.

					DATA
			But it is only a small science
			station; it has limited defensive
			capabilities.
				(beat)
			I do not believe it could
			withstand an attack by the
			mercenary ship.

	The implications are clear. Data gets up and moves to
	the captain's chair.

					DATA
			Mister Worf. Send a message to
			the Federation outpost on Calder
			Two. Advise them that if a ship
			matching the mercenary vessel's
			configuration approaches, they
			should attempt to delay them until
			our arrival.
				(to Giusti)
			Ensign Giusti, take us out of
			orbit. Set course for the Calder
			system. Warp nine.

					GIUSTI
			Aye, sir.

47   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	goes into warp.

                                             CUT TO:

     STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FOUR     43.

48   INT. MERCENARY SHIP - RIKER'S QUARTERS

	Riker is alone and thoroughly agitated -- he's got
	plenty of questions and no answers. Suddenly, the DOOR
	OPENS and Picard ENTERS.

					PICARD
			We don't have much time...

	Picard is rushed and urgent, but he is no longer the
	violent, angry character he was on the bridge -- this
	is the Picard Riker knows.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			I hardly expected to see you here,
			Wil.

	For a brief moment, Riker just stares at him; he's not
	sure how to react.

					RIKER
			I was trying to find the people
			who killed you.
				(beat)
			A witness in that bar saw you
			vaporized.

					PICARD
			These mercenaries use weapons
			which activate their Transporter.
			It allows them to beam away
			objects quickly, by simply firing
			at them. That's what they did to
			me.

	Riker's totally frustrated -- he wants answers.

					RIKER
			I don't understand any of this.
			Who are these people? How did you
			get involved with them?

					PICARD
			One of the sites I wanted to study
			had been raided. A lot of
			artifacts were stolen... the site
			was practically destroyed. I
			wanted to find who was
			responsible.
				(beat)
			I tracked them to the bar on
			Dessica Two. I suppose I asked
			too many questions... They
			captured me to find out how much
			I knew about their operation...

   STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FOUR   44.

48   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			But you ended up as part of the
			crew...

					PICARD
			I convinced them I was a smuggler
			named "Galen", and I offered to
			help them appraise the relics
			they'd stolen...

	Picard keeps one eye anxiously trained on the door --
	he knows someone could walk in at any moment..

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Wil, these aren't common thieves.
			They're stealing Romulan artifacts
			from archaeological sites
			throughout this sector...
				(beat)
			Baran has me analyzing each one
			for a particular particle
			signature. They're looking for a
			specific artifact...

					RIKER
			Why?

					PICARD
			That's what we have to find out.
			And Baran is the key. I believe
			he's the only one on board who
			really knows what we're looking
			for.
				(beat)
			I want you to try to get close to
			Baran... gain his confidence.

	Riker begins to catch on.

					RIKER
			That's why you set up the engine
			failure... you knew I'd be able to
			fix it...

					PICARD
				(nods)
			He also believes you're a less
			than perfect Starfleet officer...
			you'll have to play into that
			role.
					(MORE)

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FOUR         45.

48   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			Baran doesn't care much for me --
			he tolerates me because he needs
			me to test the artifacts. If you
			and I become enemies, there's a
			better chance you can become his
			friend.

	A beat.

					RIKER
			All right. I'll do what I can --

	Suddenly, the DOOR OPENS and Baran ENTERS. Without a
	moment's hesitation, Picard PUNCHES Riker in the face.

					BARAN
				(furious)
			What are you doing here?

	Picard is trying to make this look like an
	interrogation.

					PICARD
			Getting some answers. Just
			because you couldn't get him to
			talk --

	Suddenly, Picard gasps and grabs his neck; Baran has
	activated his pain device. Baran lets it continue for
	a beat before shutting it off.

					BARAN
			No one conducts an interrogation
			on this ship without my
			permission.
				(beat)
			Is that understood?

	Picard returns Baran's stare but does not respond; he
	simply EXITS.

	Off Riker and Baran's expressions.

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FIVE       46.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

49   INT. MERCENARY BRIDGE

	Baran is standing on the central platform briefing the
	crew. Picard, Vekor, Narik, and Tallera and other N.D.
	Mercenaries are gathered around.

					BARAN
			Our next objective is located in
			the Sakethan burial mounds on
			Calder Two.

	Picard reacts -- he recognizes the name.

					PICARD
			Calder Two isn't just another
			archaeological site. There's a
			Federation outpost there.

					BARAN
				(dismissive)
			I don't see that as a problem.

					PICARD
			It's defended by Starfleet.
			They're not going to just stand by
			while we walk in and take whatever
			we want.

					BARAN
			I'm aware of the tactical
			situation.

					VEKOR
				(concerned)
			What are their defenses?

					BARAN
			Nothing to worry about. They have
			a type-four deflector shield
			protecting the outpost and the
			ruins.

					PICARD
			They'll also have a minimum of two
			phaser banks... and possibly even
			photon torpedoes. Is that enough
			to worry about?

					TALLERA
			How do you know so much about this
			outpost?

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FIVE       47.

49   CONTINUED:

	Tallera studies Picard suspiciously. Picard answers
	without breaking stride.

					PICARD
			I tried to smuggle a Sakethan
			glyph stone out of there two years
			ago. I barely got away in one
			piece.

	Baran can feel the group losing confidence in his plan.
	He moves quickly to reassure them.

					BARAN
			Our weapons are more than a match
			for their defenses. I anticipate
			we'll be able to destroy the
			outpost in less than fifteen
			minutes. After that, we'll send
			in Tallera and the landing party
			to secure the relics.

	Picard is in very difficult position: he has to protect
	the outpost, but at the same time, Picard wants Baran
	to succeed with the raid so that he'll be able to
	continue his mission.

					PICARD
			Fifteen minutes is more than
			enough time to transmit a distress
			call.

					BARAN
			By the time they're able to detect
			us, we'll be jamming their
			communications. They'll have no
			chance to send a message.

	The others mercenaries are not so confident.

					NARIK
			But our sensors will be useless as
			well.
				(beat)
			Starfleet's already searching for
			this ship. They could be on top
			of us without our realizing it.

					PICARD
			He's right. And our landing party
			would be stranded on the surface.

					BARAN
			That's a risk I'm prepared to
			take.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FIVE       48.

49   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			That's because you won't be down
			there... your life won't be at
			risk.

	Baran bristles at the implication.

					BARAN
			If we don't find what we're
			looking for, none of our lives
			will be worth anything.

	Picard seizes on this.

					PICARD
			Why? Who are we working for?

	Baran has no intention of answering the question.

					BARAN
			All you need to know is that we
			have to attack that outpost. We
			don't have a choice.

					PICARD
			Maybe we do.
				(beat)
			Why don't we use Riker?

	Baran reacts.

					PICARD
			A Starfleet Commander might be
			able to talk us past the outpost
			security without raising any
			suspicions.
				(beat)
			Once they drop their shields, we
			could beam the artifacts up
			without having to leave the ship.

	Baran sees that his crew is quickly falling into line
	with Picard.

					VEKOR
				(to Picard)
			Why would Riker help us? Just
			because he's out of favor with
			Starfleet doesn't mean he's ready
			to betray them.

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         49.

49   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			If he doesn't help us, we'll
			destroy the outpost and kill
			everyone on it. He's still a
			Starfleet officer... he won't let
			innocent people die if he can
			prevent it.

					TALLERA
				(quietly, to Baran)
			The last time we engaged
			Starfleet, we lost a man. We
			can't afford any more casualties.
				(beat)
			If we can avoid a battle, I think
			we should.

	A tense beat. Baran has no supporters left here... he
	has no other choice.

					BARAN
			All right. We'll try it.
				(beat; to group)
			We'll be at Calder Two in
			approximately five hours... you
			all know your duties. I want this
			ship ready for battle...
				(pointedly to Picard)
			... in case your plan doesn't work.

	Baran EXITS. Off Picard's expression.

                                             CUT TO:

50   INT. MERCENARY SHIP - CARGO BAY

	The room looks like a cross between an archaeological
	museum and a science lab. The walls are jammed with
	scientific consoles, and the remaining spaces are
	filled with artifacts scattered around the room in and
	out of cargo containers.

	Picard is working at a console; he has a TRICORDER and
	a PADD, and a small relic sits on a SCANNER PAD in
	front of him. The scanner pad looks like it was
	cobbled-together from several tech-instrument
	attachments.

	Picard is performing a complex, multi-step analysis.
	He scans the relic with his tricorder and works the
	console, making several adjustments to the scanner.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/30/93 - ACT FIVE       50.

50   CONTINUED:

	He carefully adjusts the scanner with a tool before
	he's satisfied -- it's clear this is a difficult and
	time-consuming process.

					PICARD
			Computer. Access spectral
			enhancement mode three and begin
			scan.

	The scanner pad LIGHTS UP, and a short beat later, the
	computer BEEPS.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Scan complete.

					PICARD
			Analysis?

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Terikon particle decay profile
			does not fall within specified
			reference range. Probability of
			match: zero-point-zero-four
			percent.

	Picard makes a note in his PADD and takes the relic off
	the scanner. He picks up another artifact and places
	it on the scanner.

					PICARD
			Computer. Reset diagnostic for
			new sample, lot number three-six-nine-A...

	The DOOR OPENS and Tallera ENTERS.

					TALLERA
			Baran wants to see the analysis of
			the last lot. He thinks you're
			moving a little slowly.

					PICARD
			Tell Baran if he wants the
			analysis done faster, he can do it
			himself. If he wants it done
			correctly, he can wait.

	Picard turns his attention back to the sample, but
	Tallera moves to the console and turns off the scanner.

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         51.

50   CONTINUED: (2)

					TALLERA
			Do you enjoy living dangerously,
			Galen? Baran can kill you in an
			instant if he activates his
			control device...

	Tallera's manner is friendly, even seductive. She's
	trying to draw Picard out, figure him out.

					PICARD
			I doubt he'll do that. I've
			increased the accuracy of the
			identification process by a factor
			of ten. I'm the best person here
			to analyze these artifacts, and
			Baran knows it.

	He snaps the scanner back on and places another
	artifact on the pad.

					PICARD
			Computer, begin scan.

					TALLERA
			He may need you now -- but I know
			Baran, and I can tell you he's not
			going to back down forever.
				(beat)
			You accomplish nothing by
			provoking him.

	Picard turns to her. He might be able to use this
	opportunity to get some information himself.

	In the background, we hear the computer voice:

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Scan complete.

					PICARD
			I don't like operating in the
			dark. If I knew what the point of
			this mission were... why I'm
			scanning these relics...

					TALLERA
			If Baran felt it were wise to let
			the crew know that, I'm sure he
			would have.

	A beat as Picard assesses her.

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         52.

50   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Do you know what this is all
			about?

	She smiles, an enigmatic smile that suggests a special
	relationship between her and Baran.

					TALLERA
			What Baran knows, I know...

					PICARD
			Then tell me what we're doing
			here. Why are we risking our
			lives taking these artifacts? Who
			wants them?

					TALLERA
			I see no reason to tell you
			anything... but you can rest
			assured I don't necessarily share
			everything I know with Baran,
			either.

	A beat as she moves closer to him.

					TALLERA
				(softly)
			This conversation, for example...
			will stay between us.

	He gives her a look. Is there a hint of complicity?
	Of seduction?

	He can't be sure what this mysterious woman is getting
	at, but he certainly doesn't trust her.

					PICARD
			You can tell him every word I've
			said. He knows I don't think he's
			much of a leader.

	Tallera takes a step back, as though feeling a rebuff.
	The edge has returned to her voice.

					TALLERA
			He's been in charge of this crew
			for a long time.

					PICARD
			He wouldn't be captain for five
			minutes if he didn't have the
			control device.
					(MORE)

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         53.

50   CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
			The crew follows him because they
			have no choice. Baran's power is
			based only on fear and
			intimidation.

	Tallera regards him gravely, probing, trying to assess
	him.

					TALLERA
			That almost sounds like a prelude
			to mutiny...

					PICARD
			If someone were to challenge Baran --
			the crew would follow.

					TALLERA
			I was right. You do like living
			dangerously...

	There is a beat as she moves closer to him.

					TALLERA
			I like you, Galen. I can tolerate
			a lot from someone like you... but
			only to a point.
				(beat)
			I intend to complete this mission
			successfully and get what's been
			promised me. If it looks as
			though you're getting in the way
			of that... I'll deal with you
			myself.

	She turns and EXITS. Picard stares after her, trying
	to gauge just how formidable she really is.

                                             CUT TO:

51   EXT. SPACE - THE MERCENARY SHIP (OPTICAL)

	enters orbit around Calder Two.

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         54.

52   INT. MERCENARY BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Tallera, Narik, and Vekor are in the b.g. at
	various stations. Riker is talking to a Starfleet
	Officer, LIEUTENANT SANDERS, on a monitor at one of the
	consoles. Baran stands nearby, out of view of the
	screen, watching Riker carefully.

					SANDERS
			Commander, no one is allowed on
			the surface without prior
			authorization from the Federation
			Science Council.

					RIKER
			I'm aware of that, Lieutenant, but
			the outpost is in imminent danger
			of attack. I want to station
			security personnel on the surface
			to protect you.
				(beat)
			I am ordering you to drop your
			shields.

	Sanders takes his time considering.

					SANDERS
			I'm sorry, sir... but the
			regulations are very specific. I
			can't do it.
				(beat)
			If you like, you can remain in
			orbit until we contact the Science
			Council, but we're experiencing
			some communication difficulties
			right now, so it might take some
			time --

	Baran abruptly cuts off the transmission.

					BARAN
				(angry)
			They're delaying on purpose.
			Someone has warned them.

	Baran gestures to an N.D. at the weapons console.

					BARAN
			Charge main disruptor array...
			destroy the outpost.

	Picard sees that although there's no longer any way to
	avoid a battle, there might still be a way to save the
	people below -- but he has to act quickly. Picard
	moves to the weapons console and moves the N.D. out of
	the way...

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/28/93 - ACT FIVE      54A.

52   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			That would take too long.
			Starfleet might be here any
			minute...

	Picard begins working the console...

					BARAN
			What are you doing?

					PICARD
			I'm configuring the disruptors to
			fire a phase-resonant pulse... If
			I can hit their shield generator
			at precisely the right frequency,
			I should be able to knock it off-line
			with a single shot...
				(beat)
			Firing...

	We hear the SOUND of disruptors firing... A tense
	beat...

					PICARD
				(off console)
			Their shields are down...

	Baran and Picard exchange a brief glance.

53   BARAN

	moves quickly to Tallera's station. Tallera is
	studying her console intently.

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         55.

53   CONTINUED:

					BARAN
			The artifacts should be located in
			several small structures...
			arranged in staggered
			formations...

					TALLERA
			I'm scanning...

	Tallera works the console for a beat.

					TALLERA
			I think I've found them.

					BARAN
			Lock the coordinates and start
			bringing them up.

	Tallera works her console...

54   ANGLE ON TRANSPORTER (OPTICAL)

	as several artifacts MATERIALIZE on the Transporter
	pad.

55   RESUME SCENE

					BARAN
			There should be at least two more
			pieces down there.

					TALLERA
				(off console)
			I've got them --

	Tallera suddenly looks up from her console.

					TALLERA
				(continuing)
			I've lost transporter lock.

	Picard breaks in.

					PICARD
			They've managed to get their
			shields back up.

	Baran moves to Picard.

					BARAN
			I need those artifacts. Lock all
			disruptors on target... this time
			I want that outpost destroyed.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FIVE       56.

55   CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard reacts -- there's no way he can disobey the
	order... Picard moves to the weapons control
	station...

	Suddenly, the SHIP SHAKES -- it's been hit.

56   OMITTED

57   INT. BRIDGE

	Data is at command and Troi is at her station; Worf is
	at tactical and Giusti at ops.

					WORF
			Direct hit on their aft deflector,
			sir... They are undamaged.

					DATA
			Ensign, scan for Starfleet
			combadge signals. Is Commander
			Riker aboard that ship?

					GIUSTI
				(works console)
			I can't tell, sir. Sensors are
			unable to penetrate their hull.

					DATA
			Open a channel.
				(to com)
			This is the Federation Starship
			Enterprise. You are ordered to
			stand down...

58   INT. MERCENARY BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

					DATA'S COM VOICE
				(continuing)
			... Drop your shields and prepare
			to be boarded.

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         57.

58   CONTINUED:

	Baran instantly accuses Riker.

					BARAN
			You sent them a message... you
			told them where to find us.

					RIKER
			That's ridiculous... when did I
			have the chance?

	Baran has one option left. He takes out his pain
	control device and shows it pointedly to Riker.

					BARAN
				(re: device)
			This is set to kill.
				(beat)
			Order your ship to disengage.

	He shoves Riker in front of the main Viewscreen.

					BARAN
				(to N.D. Mercenary)
			Activate visual.

59   INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Riker appears on the Viewscreen. Reactions all around.

					DATA
			Commander. Are you all right?

                                             INTERCUT:

60   INT. MERCENARY BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

					BARAN
				(insistent)
			Tell them!

	Riker has an idea... he's going to make a desperate
	gamble.

					RIKER
				(hard)
			Withdraw the Enterprise, Mister
			Data. That's an order.

          STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - 07/26/93 - ACT FIVE         58.

60   CONTINUED:

					DATA
				(puzzled)
			Sir, that is impossible. The ship
			you are on has violated a
			Federation outpost. It is my duty
			to stop it.

					RIKER
			I'm your commanding officer and
			I'm giving you a direct order.
			Understood?

	Worf and Data exchange a look. What the hell is going
	on?

					DATA
			Commander, if you could explain --

                                             END INTERCUT:

61   INT. MERCENARY BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

					RIKER
			I've never explained my orders to
			you before and I'm not going to
			start now.

	Riker cuts off the transmission and turns quickly to
	Baran.

					RIKER
			I have no intention of letting
			them blow us into space.
				(beat)
			If I can set up a low energy com
			link between the ships... I can
			use my personal command codes to
			deactivate their shields.

	Baran looks at him for a quick beat and then indicates
	a nearby console.

					BARAN
			Do it.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/28/93 - ACT FIVE       59.

61   CONTINUED:

	Riker moves to the console and begins working
	furiously.

62   INT. ENTERPRISE BRIDGE

	Everyone is still mystified by Riker's behavior.

					DATA
			Counselor, could Commander Riker
			have been drugged or mentally
			altered in some way to explain
			this?

					TROI
			I didn't sense anything which
			would indicate that...

					WORF
				(off console)
			Commander, we are receiving some
			kind of signal from the mercenary
			ship...
				(beat; astonished)
			These are Commander Riker's access
			codes... he is attempting to shut
			down our shields...

					TROI
			That doesn't make any sense. He
			knows those codes would have been
			changed as soon as he was
			captured...

	A beat as Data considers this strange situation.
	Then...

					DATA
			That is correct, Counselor. He
			does know.
				(beat)
			Mister Worf. Prepare to drop the
			shields.

					WORF
				(astonished)
			Sir? We will be totally
			defenseless.

					DATA
			I am aware of that.

       STAR TREK: "Gambit, Part I" - REV. 07/27/93 - ACT FIVE       60.

62   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			The moment they see our --

					DATA
			That is an order.

	A beat.

					WORF
			Aye-aye, sir.

	Reluctantly, Worf works his console.

63   INT. MERCENARY SHIP

	Riker, Picard, Baran, and Tallera are gathered around
	a console.

					RIKER
			It worked! Their shields are
			dropping...

	Baran turns to Picard.

					BARAN
			Fire!

	Picard exchanges a look with Riker... and presses the
	button.

64   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE AND MERCENARY SHIP
	(OPTICAL)

	The Mercenary ship opens fire on the helpless
	Enterprise, scoring a direct hit on the warp nacelles.

                                             FREEZE FRAME.

	SUPER: TO BE CONTINUED...

                                             FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                         END OF PART I