STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Too Short A Season"
#40271-112
Story by
Michael Michaelian
Teleplay by
Michael Michaelian
and
D. C. Fontana
Directed by
Rob Bowman
Copyright 1987 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This script is not for publication or reproduction.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.
REV. FINAL DRAFT
OCTOBER 6, 1987
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Too Short A Season"
CAST
PICARD ADMIRAL MARK JAMESON
RIKER ANNE JAMESON
DATA JAMESON (BOY)
TROI KARNAS
BEVERLY BEVERLY
TASHA TASHA
GEORDI Non-Speaking Roles:
WORF TRANSPORTER CHIEF
MORDANITE SOLDIERS
OLD MORDANITE VETERANS
ENTERPRISE CREW MEMBERS
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Too Short A Season"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE IN SPACE
TRANSPORTER ROOM ORBITING PERSEPHONE V
SICKBAY ORBITING MORDAN IV
CONFERENCE LOUNGE
PICARD'S READY ROOM
JAMESON QUARTERS
CRUSHER'S OFFICE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
MORDAN
TUNNEL #1
TUNNEL #2
TUNNEL #3
KARNAS' OFFICE
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Too Short A Season"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT (OPTICAL)
The great ship circles a reddish planet. Behind both
is the backdrop of a sparkling splash of stars against
black space.
PICARD (V. O.)
Captain's log, stardate 41309.5.
We are in orbit around Persephone
V where I have been sent to confer
with Admiral Mark Jameson in
regard to an extraordinary
situation....
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE ON PICARD
All other bridge personnel are in place at their usual
stations.
PICARD
Starfleet received this subspace
transmission two days ago,
Admiral.
3 ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
REVEALING CLOSE UP OF ADMIRAL MARK JAMESON. The
Admiral is a man of eighty, still crusty and alert,
still a Starfleet warhorse. Jameson nods briskly as:
JAMESON
Let's see it, Captain.
4 ANGLE TOWARD COMMAND AREA
PICARD
On screen and relay to the
admiral, Mister Data.
Data taps his console quickly and:
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - TEASER 2.
5 CLOSE ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The Screen FLASHES UP a sharp color picture of KARNAS
in his OFFICE. There is a desk, several chairs. The
wall behind the desk is barren, save for a set of three
weapons mounted on it. Two of the weapons are
phaser-like, but of old design and of different sizes.
One of the weapons is a short pole about two inches
in diameter with a wicked-looking blade on either end.
Karnas sits at the desk, facing INTO CAMERA. He is
in his sixties, with a formal, military bearing, a man
with a good many worry lines marking his face, a man
without many smiles.
KARNAS
I am Karnas, governor of Mordan
IV. A dissident terrorist group
has taken Federation Ambassador
Hawkins and his staff hostage.
They will not discuss terms with
me. This is a crisis I cannot
resolve without assistance. The
terrorists are demanding a
Federation negotiator.
6 CLOSE TWO - PICARD AND RIKER
studying the screen as Karnas speaks.
7 ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
KARNAS
I feel there is only one
negotiator with the skills and
understanding to resolve this
situation. The hostages' lives
will depend on Starfleet
delivering this man to Mordan.
Commander Mark Jameson.
(corrects himself)
Admiral Jameson. The terrorists
have given you six Earth days to
arrive here -- or the hostages
will die. Please...hurry.
Abruptly, the Screen goes BLANK. A star b.g. appears.
It, in turn, is replaced by the IMAGE OF JAMESON.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - TEASER 3.
8 ANGLE ON PICARD
PICARD
Starfleet doesn't understand how
or why this situation developed.
Mordan IV has finally gained peace
after decades of civil war --
9 INTERCUT JAMESON ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN WITH PICARD AS
NEEDED (OPTICAL)
JAMESON
Forty years of civil war, Captain.
PICARD
Yes, sir. Karnas was largely
responsible for the planet's
unification and peace. Why
should he suddenly be unable to
deal with rebellious factions?
Jameson leans back in his chair, looking inward.
JAMESON
Forty-five years ago I negotiated
a hostage situation on Mordan.
Karnas was a young man then....
(light chuckle)
... but so was I. He seems to feel
I can handle the situation again.
Obviously Starfleet feels that
way too, or you wouldn't be here.
PICARD
(nods)
I'm detailed to take you to Mordan
IV as soon as you can be ready,
Admiral.
10 ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
JAMESON
My wife and I will beam aboard
at 1500 hours, Captain. Be
prepared to depart this starbase
and proceed immediately to Mordan
IV. Acknowledge.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - TEASER 4.
11 ANGLE ON COMMAND AREA
PICARD
Received and acknowledged, sir.
Picard out.
TROI
Nearly 1500 now, sir.
PICARD
(rising)
Well, Number One. Why don't we
go and welcome the admiral aboard?
12 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - ANGLE ON TRANSPORTER CHIEF,
PICARD AND RIKER
Picard and Riker ENTER, glancing toward the platform.
RIKER
Admiral Jameson, sir. Have you
met him before?
PICARD
Your hero, Number One?
RIKER
Not only mine. My father served
on the Falcon with him. I grew
up on stories about Mark Jameson.
PICARD
(nods)
I've heard all the legends about
him, too. Not only the Falcon's
missions and the Mordan rescue,
but the Gettysburg's explorations,
his command of the old Pegasus
in the Klingon conflicts....
13 ANGLE AT TRANSPORTER
Two Figures are BEGINNING TO MATERIALIZE on the pads.
As the TRANSPORTER EFFECT AND SOUND DIE DOWN Jameson
and his wife, ANNE, FULLY MATERIALIZED. Jameson appears
as he did on the Main Viewscreen -- except WE NOW SEE
he has been confined to a "physical support chair,"
which greatly inhibits the physical movements of his
lower body. The chair is enclosed around his hips and
legs, hiding them from our view.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - TEASER 5.
13 CONTINUED:
Anne Jameson is seventy, slim, one of those especially
graced women whose face still shows the looks that made
her a beautiful young woman. Picard and Riker exchange
a quick glance; the admiral's physical condition is a
surprise. Then they move forward as:
PICARD
Welcome aboard, Admiral.
(indicating Riker)
My executive officer, Commander
William Riker.
RIKER
My pleasure, sir.
(a nod to Anne)
Ma'am.
JAMESON
My wife, Anne.
Anne smiles graciously at Picard and Riker.
JAMESON
Captain, there are certain details
of this mission that you should
understand before we begin.
PICARD
Is this the place to be discussing
them, sir?
JAMESON
Why not? You and your first
officer are both here.
PICARD
Yes, sir.
JAMESON
Captain, I am not simply an
advisor. On any assignment I
accompany, Starfleet has
designated me Senior Mission
Officer. I control the Away Team
and all its actions. Is that
understood?
Picard and Riker exchange a surprised look.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - TEASER 6.
14 CLOSE ON JAMESON
He seems quite pleased with himself -- but also
concerned for Picard's feelings.
JAMESON
Of course, Captain, you will
command the ship -- but the
mission is mine. I trust you
are in complete agreement.
15 ON PICARD AND RIKER
nonplussed -- but what can Picard do? He puts the best
face on it he can and manages another smile.
PICARD
Yes, sir. Of course.
FADE OUT:
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 7.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
16 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
underway at warp speed, flashing by on her urgent
mission.
17 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE TOWARD GEORDI AND DATA
Geordi sees something on his console, turns in his
chair toward Picard.
GEORDI
Response to our message coming
in from Mordan, sir.
PICARD
Put it on the screen, Mister Data.
Data nods and tabs the panel quickly.
18 ANGLE ON COMMAND AREA
Picard, Riker and Troi are in their usual positions,
with Jameson installed in his support chair on Riker's
right. They all respond with interest as:
KARNAS (V.O.)
(filtered)
Mordan IV to Enterprise. This
is Karnas. I will speak to the
captain.
PICARD
I am Captain Picard, in command
of the Enterprise.
19 ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
(KARNAS'S OFFICE) Karnas is seen seated behind his
desk.
KARNAS
(abrupt, curt)
Is Admiral Jameson on board?
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 8.
20 ANGLE AT COMMAND AREA
The others glance over at Jameson, who sits up
straighter in his chair.
PICARD
(nods toward Jameson)
He is here, beside my first
officer. Do you wish to speak
to him now?
21 ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Karnas nods and squints INTO CAMERA as:
KARNAS
So, Jameson.
(squints again)
I see time has not been kind.
22 WIDER - INCLUDING TROI AND JAMESON
JAMESON
It seldom is, Karnas. However,
we could save a good deal of it
now if you'll outline the
terrorists' demands....
Troi is shifting her attention between Jameson and
Karnas (on the screen), taking in the speech and body
nuances of both men.
22A ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
KARNAS
They insist all discussions will
take place here... on Mordan. They
refuse to speak to me -- only to
you.
JAMESON (V.O.)
They could relay their terms on
your communications channels....
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 9.
22A CONTINUED:
KARNAS
(shakes head)
They insist on speaking face to
face when you arrive. They say
they will brook no excuses. If
there are any offered, your
ambassador and his people will
die. Unpleasantly. I believe
them -- and so should you,
Admiral.
JAMESON
(pause, then:)
Tell them I accept the conditions
of negotiation.
KARNAS
I will do so immediately. Karnas
out.
The IMAGE CUTS OUT, and is replaced by WARP STARS.
24 ANGLE TOWARD COMMAND AREA - EMPHASIZING PICARD AND
JAMESON
Jameson navigates his chair a little forward as:
RIKER
For a man in his position, Karnas
doesn't seem to know much about
the situation.
JAMESON
Wrong, Number One. He told me
the terrorists are desperate
enough to kill if they're crossed.
They're willing to talk one on
one, but not to him.
PICARD
(to Troi)
Counselor?
TROI
From his body language as well
as his words and tone... I'd judge
that what Karnas said was honest,
but I sensed a holding back.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 10.
24 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Perhaps he knows more about the
terrorists than he is willing to
admit.
JAMESON
Possible, but I suspect it's
closer to the mark if we said he
doesn't want to admit failure of
his own efforts to negotiate.
He is a proud man.
TROI
That could be, sir. Karnas has
established himself as a powerful
man on Mordan. Suddenly -- in
this situation -- his power is
useless.
Interrupted by:
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Sickbay to bridge. I am ready
for Admiral Jameson now.
PICARD
He is on his way, Doctor.
JAMESON
On my way to what, Captain?
PICARD
Just a routine medical checkup.
Ship's regulations.
25 CLOSE ON JAMESON
His expression flickers just slightly, but he nods
toward Picard, acquiescing.
26 ANGLE ON TROI
watching Jameson. She frowns as she senses something
behind Jameson's apparent agreement.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 11.
27 INT. SICKBAY - CLOSE ON BEVERLY
BEVERLY
Pardon me, sir, but refusing a
simple medical check --
CAMERA PULLS BACK TO INCLUDE JAMESON.
JAMESON
I'm sorry, Doctor, but it isn't
necessary.
(hands her a tiny disk)
The chief medical officer on
Starbase 45 ran a complete battery
of tests on me two days ago.
Semi-annual exam. You'll find
I've been a victim of Iverson's
Disease for five years. My
"case," as you doctors like to
call it, is now chronic. In
another year, it will undoubtedly
progress to terminal.
BEVERLY
I'm sorry --
JAMESON
No need. I do not accept the
prognosis, Doctor. But right now,
I don't have time to waste, and
there's no point in you wasting
your time either.
(indicates disk)
There's your information.
Beverly considers only briefly. Commanders don't win
arguments with admirals.
BEVERLY
Thank you, Admiral. I'll look
them over.
28 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
traveling at warp speed, as before.
29 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - WIDE SHOT
Gathered around the desk are Picard, Riker, Data, Troi
and Jameson.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 12.
29 CONTINUED:
RIKER
What I don't understand, sir, is
how Karnas knew you were still...
available.
JAMESON
Still alive, you mean.
RIKER
(unembarrassed)
So far as Karnas knew, you might
have been dead, sir.
JAMESON
Quite right, Commander. But I'm
not, and I imagine Ambassador
Hawkins told him that. I briefed
the ambassador about Mordan
before he left to take up
residence.
PICARD
All right. Karnas has a problem
he feels you can handle. What
can the terrorists want that
Karnas can't or won't give them?
DATA
Mordan has had peace for five
years. They have finally come
to a state of productivity that
satisfies their planetary needs,
but no more than that. Perhaps
the dissidents feel the Federation
can provide more -- technology,
science, agricultural
assistance....
JAMESON
I've negotiated many a treaty on
many planets, Picard. I've found
that peace -- or the appearance
of it -- is often a prelude to
war.
TROI
Admiral are you suggesting the
terrorists want arms and weapons?
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 13.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
JAMESON
They may. I am suggesting Karnas
is the last man to give them such
weapons.
PICARD
Karnas worked and fought for
years to achieve peace.
JAMESON
And he's not likely to throw it
away... even for the lives of the
hostages.
TROI
I see. You believe Karnas won't
negotiate on that point, so the
terrorists demanded an outside
negotiator.
JAMESON
I know Karnas. He is a warrior...
he lives for challenge. These
people have insulted his honor
by taking the embassy staff
hostage. I'll negotiate -- but
I'll have to be very careful in
handling Karnas. He'll want
revenge for that insult.
He looks around at them challengingly, daring them to
debate it. No one cares to argue with the expert, but
Troi still studies Jameson with particular interest.
30 INT. JAMESON QUARTERS - ANNE AND JAMESON
Anne is straightening out the final details of their
quarters, putting away clothing items, etc. As Jameson
ROLLS IN, seated in the support chair:
ANNE
(mildly teasing)
... You're late. Couldn't get away
from the bridge?
JAMESON
Didn't want to. It feels good
to be on one again.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 14.
30 CONTINUED:
ANNE
(going to him)
I'm glad, Mark.
(touches chair)
Do you want me to help you up?
Jameson waves her off, opens the front of the chair,
and lifts himself out of it into a regular chair. Anne
stares at him, somewhat surprised.
ANNE
You're stronger today...
JAMESON
I'm fine. Feel like a kid again.
Anne touches his face gently, smiling at him. Sure --
there are the good days. She pecks him on the cheek,
turns away to put away some final item.
ANNE
This ship is magnificent. Pity
we didn't have them twenty, thirty
years ago. We could have been
together almost all of your
career.
31 CLOSE ON JAMESON
as her voice comes OVER, we see he is beginning to feel
pain... gradually at first, and then getting worse... and
worse.
ANNE (V.O.)
It's so good to be able to be with
you now.
32 TWO SHOT
A GASP from Jameson as he can no longer contain the
pain. Anne swings around sharply, hurries to him.
ANNE
Mark! I'll call Sickbay --
His hand shoots out and traps her wrist, nailing her in
place.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 15.
32 CONTINUED:
JAMESON
No! There's no need. It's
happened before --
ANNE
When? You haven't said anything
--
JAMESON
It'll pass... give me a moment....
She watches him, concerned, caring. And the pain does
die away from his face, loosening its grip. His hand
on her arm loosens, too; and she absently rubs her
wrist where his fingers dug in and left deep red marks.
She's more worried about him than herself.
JAMESON
(continuing)
See... I'm better. It's going
away.
ANNE
What is it? Do the doctors know?
JAMESON
Just body changes... My last
checkup, they said I'd have to
expect it.
He notices she is still rubbing her arm, and he reaches
out to touch her gently.
ANNE
You're sure? Don't lie to me.
JAMESON
I'm sure.
He holds out his arms, and she bends into his embrace.
They hold each other very tightly -- old lovers still
in love.
33 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - TWO SHOT - BEVERLY AND
PICARD
BEVERLY
... All the medical information
the admiral provided is
satisfactory, sir....
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 16.
33 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(it's routine)
Excellent, Doctor --
BEVERLY
(overriding)
Except for one thing.
Picard gives her an inquiring look and waits for it.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
The test results he gave me aren't
two days old, they're two months
old. The medical file coder
always includes the date as part
of the file number. He lied to
me, sir -- and I don't know why.
PICARD
He is eighty years old, Doctor.
For some, the memory begins to
fail....
BEVERLY
He suffers from Iverson's Disease,
sir. It affects the body -- not
the mind. I just have a gut
feeling he's hiding something.
PICARD
I'd expect that observation from
Counselor Troi, but --
(on her sharp look)
I respect your opinion, Doctor.
And I'll want you on the bridge
for the next day or so. The
admiral has to remain in the best
of health for these negotiations.
He might require your services.
The level look he exchanges with her tells her a lot.
Picard respects her judgment -- and he's uneasy about
the situation. She nods to him, she'll go with it.
34 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The great ship travels by at warp speed.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 17.
34 CONTINUED:
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's personal log... I am
puzzled and somewhat concerned
by the dating error Admiral
Jameson made on his medical
records.
35 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE ON COMMAND AREA
All regulars at their stations, Jameson in the support
chair surveying information at Science Station 2, near
Worf. Beverly is seated on the guest bench near Troi.
PICARD
(rises, turns to
Jameson)
Admiral, we're approaching the
Idini Star Cluster. Would you
like to take the Conn as we make
transit?
36 ANGLE ON JAMESON
He turns slightly in the chair and smiles at Picard.
JAMESON
Thank you, Captain. I would.
And then he swings away the enclosing front section of
the support chair, rises and walks toward the ramp.
37 INTERCUT REACTIONS - ALL KEY BRIDGE PERSONNEL
staring at Jameson as he moves a little unsteadily but
entirely on his own down the ramp. Halfway down, he
stumbles slightly, and Riker reaches out a hand to him.
Jameson waves him away, regains his balance and MOVES
ACROSS to Picard.
38 ANGLE ON BEVERLY
She is frowning deeply, not liking what she sees.
39 AT THE COMMAND CHAIR
Picard reins in his surprise, quickly collects himself.
Jameson is grinning, pleased with his feat.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT ONE 18.
39 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Well, Admiral. Quite a little
surprise you've pulled on us.
BEVERLY
Yes. Quite.
Jameson shoots a look at Beverly, nods to her.
JAMESON
Neglected to mention... I began
some new therapy before I left.
Seems to be working. I haven't
felt this good since the last time
I was in space. The Gettysburg.
All I needed to get me out of that
chair was the thought of walking
the decks in command of a starship
again.
Beverly stares at him, impassive -- and not buying
it.
PICARD
Admiral... you only have the Conn
temporarily.
JAMESON
(laughs lightly)
Figure of speech. Of course she's
your ship.
(takes the chair)
I'll just keep an eye on her for
a while.
As he continues to smile genially at Picard:
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 19.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
40 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
traveling at warp speed.
41 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - PICARD, BEVERLY
Picard has led the doctor into the room; Beverly is
still disturbed by what has happened. As the door
closes behind them, Picard turns to face her.
PICARD
The admiral displayed a remarkable
improvement out there, wouldn't
you say?
BEVERLY
Captain, no one recovers from
Iverson's Disease. There is no
known cure, and there are no cases
where it has gone into remission.
I haven't heard of any new
therapy that would have results
like this.
PICARD
Then how do you account for it?
BEVERLY
I can't. All I can tell you is
that the admiral has been confined
to the support chair for four
years by the effects of Iverson's.
By all the medical facts we know,
he should never have walked again.
Picard considers that, finally looks up at her.
PICARD
I'd like you to look into it,
Doctor. Thoroughly.
BEVERLY
Yes, sir.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 20.
42 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
traveling at high warp.
43 INT. JAMESON QUARTERS - ANGLE ON JAMESON
He is seated at a desk, studying a personal Viewer.
NOTE: The light is dim here, turned down so he can see
the screen better.
44 CLOSE ON VIEWER (OPTICAL)
Jameson is reviewing the Karnas message seen in the
Teaser.
KARNAS
The terrorists have given you
six Earth days to bring him here
-- or the hostages will die.
Please...hurry.
45 WIDER ANGLE - INCLUDING ANNE
(Viewer o.s.) She comes into the main room from the
bedroom area as:
ANNE
I don't know how much more
information you think you can get
out of that tape.
He rises, walks easily toward her, still in DIM LIGHT.
Anne stops, staring at him.
ANNE
Mark... ? My God... what happened?
JAMESON
It's a new therapy I've been
taking. It's -- working, Anne.
ANNE
(runs to him)
Oh, Mark!
He puts his arms around her, gives her a warm kiss.
In fact, as she responds, his kiss gets warmer. His
hands move toward a more intimate position. Anne pulls
back slightly, surprised by the sudden sensuality from
him.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 21.
45 CONTINUED:
ANNE
Mark... ?
JAMESON
I told you I just needed to get
back into space again.
ANNE
(studies him)
You're really looking much
better....
JAMESON
It's the new treatment.
46 EMPHASIZING ANNE
She is frowning a little.
ANNE
No... come here....
JAMESON
(makes another grab for
her)
I hope you're heading for the
bedroom.
ANNE
Stop it, Mark.
She takes his hand, leads him into the brighter area
of the room where a mirror hangs on the wall. As he
COMES INTO BRIGHTER LIGHT, WE SEE far more changes
about him than just the smoother walk. His hair has
darkened, lost some of the gray. Some of the deep
wrinkles in his face have softened. Anne moves
Jameson in front of the mirror and, in this brighter
light, she stares at him in shock.
ANNE
Mark, you look like you did twenty
years ago.
JAMESON
(laughs)
You're flattering me.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 22.
47 TWO SHOT
Anne looks up at him, frightened and angry.
ANNE
Mark, what the hell is going on?
JAMESON
I don't know what --
He suddenly breaks off, nearly falls to the floor,
wracked with intense pain. As an anguished CRY escapes
him, Anne reaches out to him.
ANNE
Mark!
Jameson goes to his knees, then collapses on his side.
Anne runs to the companel and activates it, near panic.
ANNE
(continuing)
Sickbay! Medical emergency in
the admiral's quarters!
Anne looks back at Jameson, who is curled into an
almost fetal position on the floor, still wracked with
intense pain. As he CRIES OUT AGAIN:
48 INT. CRUSHER'S OFFICE - BEVERLY AND PICARD
The Captain is looking over her shoulder at the Viewer
(o.s.). It is flashing up confirming information as
she talks:
BEVERLY
(frowning)
I've found traces of chemical
substances in his blood and tissue
samples, but none of them are in
our pharmacopeia. We're still
working on alien references to
substances like these. All I can
say is that he ingested something
that's strongly affecting his
body.
PICARD
Specifics, Doctor.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 23.
48 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Captain, there are so many things
going on here, I can't be positive
without a lot more tests.
PICARD
Give me what you have now.
BEVERLY
His red cell count is running
riot. Then there's the cellular
structure of his body tissue.
It's -- changing. I can't even
begin on that until I see what
it's changing to. His DNA is all
skewed. I don't know how it's
possible, but he even looks
younger. And Captain... there
is absolutely no sign of Iverson's
Disease.
PICARD
You said there is no cure for
Iverson's.
BEVERLY
(shakes head)
None we know of. Whatever else
these substances are doing to his
body, at least they've done that
for him. But how or why, I can't
say on the information I have now.
PICARD
Get me some answers, Doctor. As
soon as possible.
BEVERLY
Yes, sir.
Picard STRIDES OUT, and Beverly looks after him,
crinkles her nose slightly. Easy for him to say.
49 INT. JAMESONS' QUARTERS - ANGLE AT THE DOOR
as Picard ENTERS. Anne comes to meet him, concerned
and frightened -- more than we'd expect her to be.
ANNE
Captain....
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 24.
49 CONTINUED:
PICARD
There are some questions I have
to ask the admiral, Mrs. Jameson.
JAMESON (O.S.)
Ask away. There's nothing to hide
now.
Picard looks o.s. at the man standing in the doorway to
the bedroom -- and goes rigid.
50 CLOSE ON JAMESON
He now looks like a man in his fifties -- vital,
strong, still ready to take on the world.
51 WIDER - TO INCLUDE PICARD, ANNE
PICARD
(recovers himself)
Admiral -- in addition to your
rank, you are a particularly
valuable commodity just now.
Starfleet has a right to some
answers.
Jameson shrugs, gestures toward a group of chairs.
Picard and Anne follow him there as:
JAMESON
I'd been planning this for a long
time -- ever since I learned I
had Iverson's Disease. Since it
put me in that chair.
From her expression, this is news to Anne.
ANNE
What did you do, Mark?
52 CLOSER ON THE GROUP
as they sit.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 25.
52 CONTINUED:
JAMESON
There's a planet in the Cerberus
system -- Cerberus II -- they say
the natives have a process that
rejuvenates the body... gives you
your youth back.
PICARD
I've heard that story, too. It's
a myth.
JAMESON
It's true, Picard. I'm the living
proof. Oh, it's dangerous -- the
mortality rate is high -- and it's
painful.
(ruefully)
Very painful. Aliens are seldom
allowed to obtain the process,
but I managed it. I negotiated
a treaty for Cerberus II several
years ago, and they felt obligated
to honor my request for the
process.
PICARD
(studies him)
Obviously it works rapidly. How
does it work?
JAMESON
The herb and drug combinations
are self-administered... slowly,
over a period of two years. Every
response is different, depending
on a being's DNA.
(to Anne)
I got enough for both of us, Anne
-- but I had to test it on myself
first. I couldn't risk you. If
I died... well, I was half a man
anyway, to what did it matter... ?
ANNE
It would matter to me.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 26.
52 CONTINUED: (2)
JAMESON
But I was starting to change,
Anne. It was almost undetectable,
but the improvement was there.
Then this hostage situation came
up, and I knew I'd have to be at
my peak to deal with it. I
didn't have time to wait for the
drugs to work naturally --
PICARD
You took the whole dose.
JAMESON
I took both of them. And look
at me! Annie, look at me. I'm
strong, alert, I'm fit. I'm
fitter than you are, Picard. And
I'm getting younger!
PICARD
The only question I have, Admiral,
is why you felt it necessary to
be young to negotiate the hostage
release. Surely Karnas requested
you because of your age and
experience.
Jameson stares at him -- then glances away, his face
flushing. He doesn't have an answer. Picard sighs,
rises.
PICARD
I'll be on the bridge, Admiral,
if you wish to talk further.
Picard EXITS.
53 CLOSE ON ANNE
ANNE
Why didn't you tell me, Mark?
We've always been honest with each
other -- until now.
CAMERA ANGLE WIDENS TO INCLUDE JAMESON as he faces her
bitter anger. The visible difference in their ages
is very apparent here.
JAMESON
Annie, I did it for us.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 27.
53 CONTINUED:
ANNE
I'm sure you believed that --
until you had a chance to head
up a mission... to command again.
Then you just upended the bottle
-- or whatever it was -- and damn
all. Did you think about me at
all?
JAMESON
I got enough of the dosage for
both of us....
ANNE
But you never asked if I wanted
it. It's just like you, Mark,
to assume that what you felt was
right was the only answer.
JAMESON
It was the right answer for me.
It was killing you, having to take
care of an invalid. What good
was I to you? Annie -- we can
be together again....
He takes her in his arms, tries to kiss her
passionately. She exerts a strong, angry effort and
pushes him away.
ANNE
Let me go!
JAMESON
I can get another supply of the
drug for you --
Anne SOBS IN ANGER -- he just doesn't get it -- and she
runs into the bedroom. The door slides closed behind
her. Jameson is angry at her behavior. He slaps his
open palm on a piece of nearby furniture, heads rapidly
for the door.
54 INT. CONFERENCE LOUNGE - ANGLE ON JAMESON
He is seated at the table in front of a small Viewer.
There is no one else in the room. The lights are
DIMMED DOWN, and Jameson's face is largely in shadow.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 28.
54 CONTINUED:
JAMESON
Commander Data, I wish to open
a communication frequency to
Karnas.
55 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE ON PICARD AND DATA
Picard sits up straight as:
DATA
Aye, sir.
PICARD
A moment, Mister Data. Admiral,
this is Picard. May I know the
purpose of this communication?
56 INT. CONFERENCE LOUNGE - ON JAMESON
JAMESON
Karnas must have tried to
negotiate with the terrorists
before he was forced to call on
me. I want all the information
he has access to.
57 INTERCUT BETWEEN PICARD ON BRIDGE AND JAMESON AS
NEEDED
PICARD
You said he was a proud man...
probably sensitive about his
failure to deal with the
situation. Is it wise to press
him on this?
JAMESON
I'm the negotiator, Picard.
Karnas will have to cooperate
with me and the terrorists, and
damn his sensitivities.
PICARD
Then I suggest a secured channel,
Admiral.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 29.
57 CONTINUED:
JAMESON
(beat, then:)
A sensible precaution, Picard.
Make it so.
Picard nods to Data, who tabs his console as:
DATA
Aye, sir. Frequency open and
secured.
58 INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - ON JAMESON
NOTE: The LIGHTS in the room REMAIN DIM; Jameson is
careful to remain back away from the light, so his face
is in shadow and cannot be clearly seen.
JAMESON
(to Viewer)
Karnas.
59 ANGLE ON VIEWER (OPTICAL)
WE SEE Karnas, again in his office. His attitude is
firm, formal, but with a touch of belligerence.
KARNAS
What is it you want, Admiral?
60 INTERCUT CLOSE ON JAMESON AND KARNAS ON VIEWER AS
NEEDED. (OPTICAL)
JAMESON
We're on a secured channel,
Karnas. You can talk freely.
Who's behind this thing? You said
dissidents.
KARNAS
(carefully)
Yes... political opponents who feel
the Federation will disavow me
as governor if they stir up enough
trouble on Mordan.
JAMESON
Then who is it? Ardan? Gilnor?
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 30.
60 CONTINUED:
KARNAS
They're dead, Jameson. A long
time now. For a long time I
thought you were dead, too.
JAMESON
I almost died a couple of times
on missions, but I always made
it through somehow.
KARNAS
(coldly)
Yes. Now you're coming back to
Mordan -- to negotiate for
hostages again. It's almost as
though the forty-five years
between never happened....
Jameson stiffens and stares at the image on the viewer,
suddenly realizing what this is about.
JAMESON
You've never forgiven me.
KARNAS
Should I have -- after the legacy
of war you left us in your last
"negotiation?"
JAMESON
There are no dissidents, are
there? No terrorists. You have
the hostages.
KARNAS
And if I have? You're coming to
Mordan, Jameson. You're going
to negotiate for their lives, and
I'm going to ask a very high price
for them.
JAMESON
What if I refuse?
KARNAS
Then the hostages will die.
You've seen how my executioners
work. They are still as efficient
as they were... perhaps even more
skilled now. You'll come -- even
if you don't have much honor left.
Karnas out.
The Viewer GOES BLANK.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 31.
61 CLOSE ON JAMESON
angry, determined now on a course of action.
62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
traveling as before at high warp speed.
63 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - FULL SHOT
All personnel in their accustomed stations. Jameson
ENTERS from the Conference Lounge doors, CROSSING to
Picard as:
JAMESON
Are we still on schedule to arrive
at Mordan in thirty-eight hours?
GEORDI
Yes, sir. We're at warp four now.
JAMESON
Picard, I want a jump to warp eight
so we arrive ahead of our announced
ETA. It'll throw Karnas off balance,
and we can catch him before he's
ready.
PICARD
Ready for exactly what, Admiral?
JAMESON
I believe Karnas is planning
something new... something that
will directly endanger the
hostages' lives.
PICARD
What happened in your
communication to bring you to that
conclusion? It seems a big
jump....
JAMESON
I'm not at liberty to say, Picard,
but negotiation is not the answer
or the issue here. The hostages'
lives are at stake.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT TWO 32.
63 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I agree the most important thing
is saving the lives of the
hostages...
JAMESON
And you agree with that, too,
Riker?
RIKER
I do, sir.
JAMESON
Good. Because I plan to
personally lead an away team on
an armed rescue mission to get
them out of there.
On Picard and Riker's stunned shock and surprise:
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 33.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
64 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship is traveling at warp speed against a
background of streaking stars.
65 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - FULL SHOT
Gathered in the Command area are Picard, Riker, Tasha,
Worf, Troi. Jameson presides from the Command Chair.
Data and Geordi are at their stations.
JAMESON
Commander Data, will you bring
up the plans I requested on the
Viewscreen, please.
DATA
Yes, sir.
He begins to work his console. As Data activates the
Main Viewscreen, Jameson leans forward.
JAMESON
Most of Mordan's principal city
was devastated in the war. What
was left consisted of a network
of underground tunnels -- a rat's
maze. When they rebuilt the city,
they simply built over the
tunnels.
DATA
I have it, sir.
66 CLOSE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Jameson was right. The GRAPHIC seen on the screen
depicts what looks like a complicated crochet-work
doily, every line indicating a tunnel.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 34.
67 BACK TO WIDER ANGLE
RIKER
Admiral, even if you're right
about Karnas being behind this,
he still wants to negotiate. Or
at least to talk. Why not hear
what he has to say?
JAMESON
I've heard what he has to say,
and I have good reason to believe
he's lying.
GEORDI
Pardon me, sir, but where do these
come into the picture?
JAMESON
This is where Karnas held his
hostages before and where I
believe he has them now.
PICARD
Wouldn't that be a little too
obvious, Admiral?
JAMESON
Karnas is a dogged strategist,
Picard -- not a brilliant one.
He sticks to what works.
PICARD
An overt rescue attempt could push
Karnas into killing the hostages
outright.
JAMESON
I don't think that's what he
wants, Picard.
PICARD
Then what does he want?
Troi studies Jameson closely, reacting with a slight
frown to his remarks.
TASHA
Maybe his threats are just a way
to bargain for what he wants....
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 35.
67 CONTINUED:
JAMESON
Karnas means exactly what he
says, Lieutenant. He will kill
the hostages if we don't get them
out of there.
PICARD
Therefore you see an armed raid
as our only option.
JAMESON
You don't agree.
PICARD
I would point out no one else has
heard or considered Karnas's
demands but you, Admiral. The
Federation might take a different
view of them if they knew what
they were.
JAMESON
Starfleet gave me command of the
away team, Picard. I intend to
use them as I see fit.
68 INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM - PICARD, TROI, BEVERLY
They are gathered around Picard's desk as WE COME IN:
PICARD
Is Jameson physically able to lead
an away mission, Doctor?
BEVERLY
His cells, his tissue, even his
bones are still de-aging, but I'd
say he was. Generally, I'd call
Admiral Jameson a healthy
man... about forty-five... in
excellent physical condition.
PICARD
What about his mind?
BEVERLY
The same. Brain scan reveals all
cells and tissue are changing,
but healthy. No loss of
memory... exellent grasp of facts.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 36.
68 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Counselor?
TROI
Certainly his physical capacities
have been restored. I sense that
gives him great satisfaction.
When he came aboard, he seemed
hopeful, eager. Now there seems
to be a harder, more forceful
attitude... ambition....
PICARD
More of a young man's attitude,
I'd say. Aggressive... going right
for the throat of a situation
instead of considering the
alternatives.
TROI
Part of that is ambition too.
He wants to be the man he once
was. He is the man he once was,
but sometimes old memories aren't
very accurate. He was able to
lead away teams like this once.
Now he believes he can do it
again.
As Beverly mulls over the implications of that one:
69 INT. CRUSHER'S OFFICE - BEVERLY, TROI, ANNE
Anne is miserable, carrying the signs of her anguish on
her face.
ANNE
Our anniversary is next week.
Fifty years....
BEVERLY
In his heart, he's still the same
man you married, Anne.
TROI
That's true. He still cares for
you, despite the physical changes
he's undergoing.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 37.
69 CONTINUED:
ANNE
(confused, anguished)
But he's getting younger, and I'm
-- well, look at me. Why did he
do this... ?
TROI
There are lives at stake, Mrs.
Jameson.
ANNE
What about our lives? Mine and
his, together?
BEVERLY
(takes Anne's hand)
Anne... I think I know a little
of what you're feeling. My
husband died on an away mission.
We'd been married two years. So
little time. Look at what you've
had with Mark --
ANNE
Years, yes -- but not together.
I was looking forward to time
together finally -- our
retirement. Now he's young again
and has a life to live over.
Troi and Beverly exchange a worried glance.
TROI
She has to know, Doctor.
ANNE
Know what?
BEVERLY
Anne... he's --
ANNE
What is it?
BEVERLY
He's not stabilizing.
(pause)
He may not have that life to live
over.
Anne looks at her in anguish and despair as we go to:
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 38.
70 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as before, traveling at high warp speed.
71 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - WIDE ANGLE
as Picard ENTERS. It's dimly lit, indicating it's late
-- ship's time. Picard makes his way toward a
comfortable chair, then:
JAMESON (O.S.)
We'll be at Mordan in three hours.
72 ANOTHER ANGLE - INCLUDING JAMESON
He is seated further back from the windows, a drink of
some kind in his hand. Picard changes direction and
joins him as:
PICARD
I couldn't sleep either.
Jameson indicates the glass in his hand... an offer.
Picard shakes his head and sits down opposite him. We
can see in this closer look at Jameson that he looks
younger still -- mid-thirties, perhaps.
JAMESON
I never could before a mission.
Always wound up in the Observation
Lounge, staring out at the stars.
Thinking.
PICARD
Maybe in this case rethinking?
JAMESON
Perceptive. They always have
given you high marks for that at
Starfleet, Picard.
PICARD
(shrugs it away, then:)
Why is this mission so important
to you? Why did you risk your
life so you could lead it
personally?
JAMESON
I want to save lives, Picard.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 39.
72 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Noble sentiment -- but too easy
an answer. You've been here
before. You negotiated a release
of hostages with Karnas before.
Why is it now your answer is an
armed raid?
Jameson is silent, staring into his glass.
PICARD
(continuing)
It's my away team you're going
to send in. There's something
you're not telling me, and I have
a right to know what it is.
JAMESON
(grunts)
Do you know the background? The
Mordanites had some
sophistication, but were still
ruled by tribal family units.
Karnas's father was the ruling
chief of one of the families, and
another tribe had him
assassinated. Karnas seized the
passengers of a starliner and
held them hostage, demanding that
Starfleet provide him with weapons
that would enable him to defeat
his rivals.
PICARD
That's the official record.
JAMESON
(nods)
Officially the story is that after
two other mediators were
murdered, I went in and negotiated
with Karnas to bring out the
hostages safely.
PICARD
Are you saying that's not the
truth?
JAMESON
It wasn't my golden oratory that
saved them, Picard. I gave Karnas
the weapons he wanted.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 40.
72 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
You did what?
JAMESON
I gave exactly the same weapons
to his rivals. My interpretation
of the Prime Directive. Let them
solve their problems with those
arms on an equal basis.
Picard is staring at him with disbelief and disgust.
PICARD
That decision plunged them into
forty years of civil war.
JAMESON
I didn't know that would happen.
I thought, a minor war -- it'll
be settled in less than a year.
How could I know it would be four
decades? I falsified the reports
to Starfleet, but I've lived with
that on my soul, Picard.
Sixty-three people came away safe
-- but millions died on Mordan
because I delivered those weapons.
PICARD
Karnas could have worked for peace
all those years instead of
continuing the war. It's not all
on your head, Admiral.
JAMESON
But I started it. I lit the
match. Now, finally, I can
vindicate myself, if only in a
small way. I came to negotiate,
but that isn't what Karnas wants.
PICARD
Revenge. That's why he demanded
you when he found out you were
still alive.
JAMESON
I'm not going to give it to him,
Picard. I'm going to do what I
should have done the first time.
We're taking the hostages out
by force. No deals.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT THREE 41.
73 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT AROUND MORDAN IV
(OPTICAL)
Mordan is not a very promising looking planet. In
fact, it's a mud-brown ball with some hints of blue and
green. The Enterprise is in standard orbit.
74 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - WIDE ANGLE
Jameson is standing, facing Picard and Riker. Already
on the pad are Tasha, Worf, Data, Geordi. All are
equipped with phasers. Data and Tasha also have
tricorders. Jameson steps up on the pad.
JAMESON
Prepare to energize, Chief.
PICARD
Belay that.
The chief looks helplessly from one officer to the
other. Who's he supposed to obey?
PICARD
(continuing)
Admiral, the correct place for
you is on the bridge...
JAMESON
I will remind you one more time,
Picard, I am the Senior Mission
Commander, and I'm leading this
team.
Picard pauses for just a beat, then steps up on the
platform himself.
RIKER
Sir?
PICARD
The Admiral is correct, Number
One. He has that right. But I'm
the captain of this ship, and I
have it, too. You have command
of the Enterprise, Commander
Riker.
(to the Chief)
Energize.
As Riker watches the TRANSPORTER EFFECT BEGIN TO BUILD:
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 42.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
75 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT AROUND MORDAN
(OPTICAL)
as before, the Enterprise holding standard orbit around
the planet.
76 INT. TUNNEL - DAY - ANGLE ON AWAY TEAM
as they MATERIALIZE IN THE TRANSPORTER EFFECT. As soon
as the TRANSPORTER EFFECT FADES, the Team is
immediately busy, checking phasers, Data taking
tricorder readings. Jameson looks around, seems to
recognize where he is. The tunnel itself is old, seems
unmaintained.
JAMESON
Yes...perfect. We are in the M-4
tunnel directly under the
governor's residence. M-4 is a
subsidiary tunnel, but it crosses
and links with several main ones.
DATA
I am sorry, sir. That does not
correspond with the information
I have on the tricorder, sir.
JAMESON
Your information is incorrect,
Commander. I know these tunnels
like the back of my own hand.
(gestures off)
That way. It takes us to the
hatch that will let us into M-1
tunnel. Keep scanning for signs
of human life forms. Karnas held
his hostages in these tunnels
before. He'll do it again.
Jameson STARTS OFF down the tunnel. The others FOLLOW,
staying alert.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 43.
77 CLOSER - PICARD AND DATA
Data drops in beside Picard, staring at the tricorder
screen in bewilderment.
DATA
The admiral is definitely
incorrect, Captain. The tunnel
schematics we have indicate this
is a dead end. It was sealed off
two years ago....
PICARD
I've no doubt you're right, Mister
Data. However, forty-five years
ago, I'm sure it linked in with
the tunnels Admiral Jameson
remembers.
78 INT. TUNNEL #2 - DAY - ANGLE ON THE TEAM (OPTICAL)
They round a corner -- and see the way has been blocked
off. There was a hatch of some kind, but this has been
cemented over. Geordi scans it with his VISOR.
GEORDI
Steelplast. Fairly recent
installation.
JAMESON
Damn. This is the most direct
route. Set phasers to cut through
it.
Worf and Tasha adjust their phasers and FIRE at the
blocked area.
79 ANGLE AT BLOCKED AREA (OPTICAL)
The two PHASER BEAMS slash in and cut a rough square in
the blocked area.
80 BACK TO WIDER ANGLE
TASHA
If you have the coordinates for
where you think the hostages are,
sir, we could just beam in there.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 44.
80 CONTINUED:
JAMESON
But Karnas might not have them
in the same place. There is no
substitute for a personal
reconnoiter, Lieutenant.
TASHA
No, sir.
She glances at Picard, decides not to say anything
else. With Jameson leading, they step through the hole
into another tunnel.
81 INT. TUNNEL #3 - ON THE AWAY TEAM
The team moves along this tunnel, toward an
intersection ahead. There is some debris in the way,
as though part of the tunnel had given way at one time
and has been shored up. Geordi is still scanning with
his VISOR.
GEORDI
Admiral, there's an infrared light
signal ahead. Steady beam,
straight across the tunnel, chest
high. Another at hip level.
TASHA
An alarm trigger or --
PICARD
Reset phasers to stun.
Jameson steps forward, and:
WORF
Look out, sir!
82 ANOTHER ANGLE - AT INTERSECTION (OPTICAL)
Ahead of them, a SQUAD OF MORDANITE SOLDIERS has come
around the corner of the intersection, armed and ready
for action. Our team brings phasers up, but the
Mordanites FIRE FIRST. Tasha moves herself in front of
Picard, but he pulls her down flat behind the tunnel
debris as PHASER-LIKE FIRE zips over their heads. The
SOUND OF THE FIRE is different, flat and humming.
Tasha begins to FIRE back.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 45.
82 CONTINUED:
Worf, in the meantime, has bodily picked up Jameson
and moved him aside, against the wall, using his own
big body as a shield for the Admiral. Data ducks down
beside Picard.
DATA
Their phasers, sir -- set on
kill.
PICARD
(drily)
Thank you, Mister Data. I have
heard the sound before.
83 ANGLE ON JAMESON AND WORF (OPTICAL)
Jameson has unhitched his phaser and is firing quickly
down the tunnel toward the Mordanites. Worf's fire is
steady, methodical. Several Mordanites fall stunned as
a result of our people's fire. Jameson moves away from
the wall and the cover of Worf's body and tries to
charge down the tunnel toward the soldiers, who are
offering up a steady fire.
84 WIDER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Picard reaches out to try to stop Jameson, but the
Admiral suddenly crumples, almost into Data's arms.
TASHA
Is he hit?
DATA
(trying to examine him)
I cannot tell --
PICARD
(tabs communicator)
Enterprise, this is Picard. Five
to beam up -- now!
The five of them cluster together. MORDANITE FIRE is
still steady as the soldiers begin to advance toward
them. Tasha and Worf maintain a steady covering fire
that slows them down. Then the TRANSPORTER EFFECT
BEGINS TO BUILD AND COVER OUR PEOPLE.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 46.
85 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - ANGLE ON PLATFORM
as the team IS MATERIALIZED. As soon as the EFFECT
STOPS, Picard bends down to where Data, supporting
Jameson, is lowering him to the platform.
PICARD
How badly is he hurt?
DATA
I do not see any sign of a wound,
sir.
86 CLOSER ON THE GROUP
WE DO NOT SEE Jameson's face, which is turned AWAY FROM
CAMERA. He is doubled over, shaking violently as
though palsied. Data looks up at Picard, frowning.
DATA
It appears to be another attack,
sir.
PICARD
(to Tasha)
Call Doctor Crusher here
immediately.
TASHA
Sir.
(goes to transporter
console)
Transporter Room Three to Sickbay.
Doctor Crusher, please report
immediately with Medical Support
Team.
87 ANGLE ON JAMESON
WE DO NOT SEE his face. He CRIES OUT in agony, and
writhes painfully.
88 OMITTED
89 INT. SICKBAY - ANGLE ON JAMESON
He is lying on one of the examination beds, face
turned AWAY FROM CAMERA, still shaking in pain. Troi
is standing by with Anne as a medtech monitors him
closely.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 47.
90 INT. CRUSHER'S OFFICE - PICARD AND BEVERLY
BEVERLY
This last attack is the worst one
he's suffered, sir. The others
were overwith fairly quickly.
He hasn't recovered from this one
yet, and nothing has been able
to relieve his pain.
PICARD
Do you have any answers, Doctor?
BEVERLY
I'm afraid none of it is very
hopeful. The compound he took
seems to be rejuvenating the DNA,
but it's also sloughing off the
old cells too fast for his body
to cope. His body is trying to
grow and die and regenerate all
at the same time.
PICARD
(sighs)
You're saying the overdose of
the drug he took is working too
well.
BEVERLY
Exactly, sir.
PICARD
When will it stop?
BEVERLY
It won't... because it can't.
Eventually, he won't be able to
stand the strain.
91 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON PICARD
ENTERING from the aft turbolift. Riker comes out of
the Command Chair toward him. NOTE: Data, Worf and
Tasha are now back at their regular stations. Troi is
not on the bridge.
RIKER
The admiral... ?
PICARD
Sickbay. "Not good" is a galactic
understatement.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 48.
91 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Karnas again, sir. On the screen.
He actives his console.
92 ANGLE ON PICARD INCLUDING MAIN VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Karnas's image APPEARS ON SCREEN in the same setting as
before.
KARNAS
Enterprise. There has been an
armed intrusion in the tunnels
beneath the city. That smells
of Jameson. Where is he?
PICARD
This is Picard. I am sorry to
inform you that the admiral is
critically ill, Karnas.
KARNAS
(coming out of the
chair)
That is not my concern. Sick or
well, you have ten minutes to beam
him down, Captain Picard.
Otherwise, the hostages die.
The VIEWSCREEN GOES BLANK. Then:
TROI'S COM VOICE
Sickbay to bridge.
PICARD
Picard.
TROI'S COM VOICE
Doctor Crusher requests your presence
in Sickbay immediately, sir.
Picard exchanges a worried look with Riker, then:
PICARD
On my way.
As he HURRIES for the turbolift:
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 49.
93 INT. SICKBAY - ANGLE AT DOOR
as Picard ENTERS. Beverly meets him, her face grim.
PICARD
What is it?
BEVERLY
You'd better see for yourself.
94 ANGLE AT JAMESON'S BED
Troi is trying to comfort Anne, who huddles at the side
of the bed in utter despair. Picard approaches, looks
down at the body there -- and his jaw drops.
95 CLOSE ON JAMESON
The eyes are alive and intelligent -- but the face and
body Picard sees are those of a teen-aged boy. NOTE:
Jameson's VOICE remains the same as before.
JAMESON (BOY)
Picard....
96 WIDER - GROUP
JAMESON (BOY)
Picard, I have to get to Karnas.
BEVERLY
I can't allow him out of my care,
sir.
JAMESON (BOY)
My last option, Picard. The raid
failed... all I have left to
bargain with is myself....
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Bridge to Picard.
PICARD
(to companel)
Picard here. What is it, Number
One?
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 50.
97 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ON RIKER
RIKER
A new demand from Karnas, sir.
If we don't deliver Jameson in
five minutes, a hostage will be
executed. Fifteen minutes after
that, another.
98 INT. SICKBAY - ON PICARD, BEVERLY, JAMESON
RIKER'S COM VOICE
He promises the method of
execution will be both slow and
painful.
A beat, as Picard looks from Beverly to Jameson.
JAMESON
Let me go. If I turn myself over
to him, he'll let the hostages
go. It's me he wants.
PICARD
It's certain death for you,
Admiral.
JAMESON
My life for how many hostages,
Picard? Twenty?
(hard)
Let me go.
PICARD
(beat, then:)
Number One, inform Karnas we'll
be beaming down in less than five
minutes.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
"We," sir?
PICARD
You have your orders, Number One.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir. Riker out.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FOUR 51.
99 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - ANGLE ON PLATFORM
as Picard, Beverly (with medical kit) and the boy
Jameson are mounting the platform. Jameson's uniform,
while still that of an admiral, hangs loosely on him.
Riker ENTERS, moves toward them as:
RIKER
Captain, you can't go down there
again --
(stops, staring at the
boy)
Jameson... ?
PICARD
Yes. Exactly why I have to go,
Will. As a Starfleet captain,
I have negotiating powers.
(to Transporter Chief)
Energize.
The Transporter Chief works his console. The
TRANSPORTER EFFECT BEGINS TO BUILD and cover the
figures of Picard, Beverly and the boy Jameson.
100 INT. KARNAS'S OFFICE - DAY
The TRANSPORTER EFFECT MATERIALIZES the three figures
directly in front of Karnas's desk. Karnas is waiting,
puzzled to see three. There are several Mordanite
soldiers in the room, but it will be noticed they are
old soldiers -- veterans in their late fifties and
sixties.
Karnas gets to his feet as THE MATERIALIZATION EFFECT
FADES, and he sees Picard, Beverly and the boy Jameson.
KARNAS
(outraged)
Who are you! I want Jameson!
PICARD
This is Admiral Mark Jameson.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 52.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
101 INT. KARNAS'S OFFICE - DAY - PICARD, JAMESON (BOY)
as we left them. Karnas stares at the boy in the
Starfleet uniform, dismisses him with a grunt, and
turns to Picard.
KARNAS
This charade will accomplish
nothing, Picard. Beam Jameson
down, and the hostages will be
freed. Continue this -- and I
promise you they will die -- and
you with them.
JAMESON (BOY)
Karnas, if you'll just listen....
KARNAS
(to Picard)
Why have you brought him here?
This is no place for children.
JAMESON (BOY)
(interrupting)
Peretor Karnas. You always were
a stubborn man. I thought you
wanted me. I'm here. Release
the hostages. now.
Karnas stares at him, startled for a moment, then:
KARNAS
"Peretor" was my old title. Why
do you call me that?
JAMESON (BOY)
Because you're acting like the
warrior you were -- not like the
planetary governor you are.
KARNAS
Picard, I warn you, this trick
is going too far. He has been
coached... for some devious
reason. If this farce is not
stopped immediately, you and the
hostages will be put to death.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 53.
101 CONTINUED:
Suddenly Jameson doubles over, the intense pain driving
him to his knees. Beverly rushes to him as:
PICARD
Admiral!
Beverly is checking him, frowning. She administers a
hypospray, which seems to ease him a bit.
102 ANGLE ON KARNAS AND PICARD
KARNAS
I'm waiting for an explanation,
Captain.
PICARD
He is the admiral. Before we left
on this mission, he administered
an overdose of an alien de-aging
drug to himself. He wanted to
face you with strength again... on
even terms. This is what the drug
has done to him.
103 ANOTHER ANGLE - INCLUDING BEVERLY AND JAMESON
Beverly has helped Jameson to a chair. He seems to be
weak, almost frail. Karnas paces in front of the desk,
railing at Picard.
KARNAS
This story you are telling is
unbelievable. Jameson is a man
of eighty, not --
(points to Jameson)
-- this. I want that old man,
Picard. I want to show him this
world he helped to make... the
scars on old soldiers' bodies...
the graveyards of our young
dead... the wasted cities we are
still rebuilding... and all of
it caused by him.
PICARD
As I understand the facts, Karnas,
you were the one who demanded
weapons to avenge your father's
death.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 54.
103 CONTINUED:
KARNAS
But Jameson didn't give weapons
only to us. If he had, we would
have triumphed over our enemies
in less than a year, and we would
have had peace in all these
decades. When Jameson gave
weapons to both sides, he gave
us forty years of war. I want
him to pay for that, Picard.
Jameson is hit by another viciously painful attack,
GASPS AND MOANS in pain. Beverly takes a quick reading
on her instruments, looks over at Picard.
BEVERLY
Sir, I think Mrs. Jameson should
beam down. Now.
PICARD
(nods quickly)
Do it.
As Beverly touches her communicator:
104 ANGLE ON PICARD AND KARNAS
PICARD
Karnas, I've asked Doctor Crusher
to bring down the visual records
we've made of Admiral Jameson's
deterioration. Will you look at
them?
KARNAS
You're wasting my time, Picard.
PICARD
Only a few moments.
When Karnas does not reply immediately, Picard nods to
Beverly, who hands her medical P.A.D.D. to Picard.
PICARD
(continuing)
You saw Admiral Jameson when he
was on board en route to Mordan?
KARNAS
Yes.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 55.
104 CONTINUED:
PICARD
You recognized him?
KARNAS
(reluctantly)
Yes.
Picard holds out the medical P.A.D.D. for him to see.
PICARD
And this is the man you saw.
105 CLOSE ON P.A.D.D. SCREEN (OPTICAL)
The screen shows Jameson as he was at the beginning, in
the physical support chair.
KARNAS (V.O.)
Yes. This is the man I want.
106 WIDER ANGLE - PICARD AND KARNAS
PICARD
Never again, Karnas.
He holds out the tricorder again. Karnas reluctantly
looks.
107 CLOSE ON TRICORDER SCREEN (OPTICAL)
Still shots APPEAR in sequence -- Jameson as he began
to de-age, as he became younger and younger.
PICARD (O.S.)
Once he took the compound ... there
was no way to stop it.
The final picture is the boy Jameson.
108 WIDER - EMPHASIZING KARNAS, PICARD
Karnas stares across the room at Jameson, who is being
tended by Beverly. The boy has begun to shake. Not
pain, but a quivering in the body that cannot be
stopped.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 56.
108 CONTINUED:
THE SOUND OF THE TRANSPORTER BEGINS, and ANNE
MATERIALIZES IN THE ROOM. She looks around, sees
Jameson's terrible condition and quickly goes to him.
She sits beside him, takes his hand, but he is paying
no attention to her. His eyes are on Karnas.
PICARD
You'll have to deal with me,
Karnas. Whatever you wanted from
Jameson isn't possible any more.
Karnas leans against his desk, stares around at the old
soldiers who had come to share his moment of triumph
over their legendary enemy. None of them know what
to think, but Karnas clearly is still not convinced.
PICARD
(continuing)
You wanted revenge, Karnas. You
blamed your war on Jameson, and
there's no doubt he had a lot to
do with it. But you had the
weapons, and you used them. You
could have tried for negotiations
for peace on your planet long ago.
You chose to fight instead. How
many of those forty years of war
are on your head?
KARNAS
Jameson has to pay for his
crimes... I have sworn it to my
people. When I found out he was
alive, I gave them my word I would
kill him for what he did. A public
execution... public retribution
for what he did to us.
Picard realizes he may be talking to a wall. But one
more time:
PICARD
(points to the boy)
Then there's Jameson. He wanted
to atone for what he'd done here.
Forty-five years ago, he made the
wrong decision, and he wanted to
come here to somehow right it.
He wanted to negotiate, and when
that failed, he decided to fight.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 57.
108 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD (Cont'd)
Your men foiled that, and all he
has left now is to give himself
up to you. He's brought this
retribution on himself.
KARNAS
No. I don't believe you. You
are shielding Jameson on the ship
and telling me this tale to save
his life.
109 ANGLE ON JAMESON (BOY)
He is still shuddering, gets to his feet. Anne tries
to hold his hand, but he pulls away from her. Beverly
signals to her to let him go, but she keeps a close eye
on him herself.
JAMESON (BOY)
Peretor Karnas... there were only
two of us in the meeting. You
didn't even trust your lieutenants
then. You told me old Peretor
Sain had ordered your father's
assassination. You told me you
wanted arms to destroy him. Peace
wasn't on your mind. You just
wanted revenge. And I gave you
the weapons to do it.
KARNAS
Jameson told you all this.
JAMESON (BOY)
I am Jameson. Do you want a list
of the weapons I gave you? Only
you and I would know what it was,
because I erased every trace of
them from the records.
KARNAS
Jameson still could have told you
this.
(beat)
If you are him, show me the scar.
JAMESON
(rolls up sleeve)
There. The blood cut you gave
me to seal our bargain.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 58.
109 CONTINUED:
He holds out his arm, and Karnas stares at him.
110 CLOSE ON JAMESON'S (BOY'S) ARM
A curious V-shaped scar arcs across the wrist, almost
like a chevron.
111 ANGLE ON KARNAS AND JAMESON
Karnas looks up at Jameson... and he finally believes.
KARNAS
It is you. Somehow... it is you.
Suddenly, Karnas twists away, reaches for the wall
behind his desk and the weapons there. He grabs one
of the phasers and raises it, aiming it at Jameson's
heart.
KARNAS
(continuing)
Then die by one of your own
weapons!
Everyone else is frozen by the moment. The boy/man
simply stands there, still shuddering from the terrible
changes going on in his body, but not afraid. Slowly,
Karnas lowers the weapon.
KARNAS
(continuing)
No. My revenge is in letting
you live like this.
112 EMPHASIZING JAMESON (BOY)
He holds for a long beat, and then he crumples to the
floor with a CRY of agony. Beverly and Anne go to him
immediately, Beverly running a quick scan with her
instruments.
113 PICARD AND KARNAS
as Karnas moves forward, laying the weapon down on his
desk. Jameson CRIES OUT AGAIN, in terrible pain.
KARNAS
Such pain....
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 59.
113 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Doctor Crusher?
114 ANGLE ON BEVERLY, JAMESON (BOY), ANNE
Beverly looks up, shakes her head.
BEVERLY
His body can't rejuvenate any
further. The compound he took
is trying to force the organs and
tissue to go further, younger,
and they can't take the stress.
It's like he's -- imploding. I
can't do anything to stop it, sir.
Jameson CRIES OUT AGAIN.
PICARD
Can you give him something for
the pain?
Slowly, sadly, Beverly shakes her head.
115 CLOSE ON JAMESON (BOY) AND ANNE
Quietly, she moves in beside Beverly, who pulls back
out of the way. Anne takes the boy's head in her arms,
cradles him against her. No matter that this is just a
young teenager now -- this is still the man she loved
for fifty years.
ANNE
Mark... can you hear me?
JAMESON (BOY)
Yes.
ANNE
I'll always love you.
JAMESON (BOY)
Annie with the golden hair....
ANNE
(forces a smile)
Flatterer. It's grey now.
JAMESON (BOY)
I only see the gold....
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 60.
115 CONTINUED:
He convulses in a wave of fierce pain, and she holds on
to him tight. Then as it seems to pass, and he looks
up at her:
116 CLOSE ON JAMESON'S EYES
They are old eyes, filled with the memories of eighty
years. And then they close for the last time.
117 WIDER - EMPHASIZING ANNE, JAMESON (BOY), KARNAS
As the others look on, Anne begins quietly to weep.
Karnas moves closer, staring down at the strange body
of his old enemy. Finally:
KARNAS
Rest, Jameson. Your long night
-- and mine -- is over.
(up to Picard)
The hostages will be released
immediately, Captain. I am
prepared to be -- cooperative.
118 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE IN ORBIT AROUND MORDAN
(OPTICAL)
Enterprise in standard orbit.
119 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ANGLE ON COMMAND AREA
where Picard is completing the dictation of his log.
PICARD
... The hostages have been freed
by Karnas, unharmed.
(pause)
Personal note. The body of
Admiral Mark Jameson has been
buried on Mordan, at the request
of his widow and with the
permission of Karnas. Log out.
Picard glances across to Riker, shakes his head.
PICARD
The quest for youth, Number One...
so futile. Age and wisdom have
their graces.
STAR TREK: "Too Short... " - 10/6/87 - ACT FIVE 61.
119 CONTINUED:
RIKER
I wonder if one doesn't have to
have age and wisdom to appreciate
that, sir.
PICARD
I hope not, Number One. It would
be such a waste of youth.
(beat, then:)
Mister La Forge, prepare to take us
out of orbit. Set course for Isis
III.
GEORDI
Aye, sir. Leaving orbit.
120 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND MORDAN (OPTICAL)
as the sleek starship begins her pull away from the
planet and heads for the stars.
FADE OUT:
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END