STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Vengeance Factor"
(f.k.a. "The Human Factor," "The Vengeance," "The Weapon")
#40273-157
Written by
Sam Rolfe
Directed by
Timothy Bond
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 1989 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 This script is not for publication or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
SEPTEMBER 29, 1989
STAR TREK: "The Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Vengeance Factor"
CAST
PICARD Acamarians
RIKER SOVEREIGN MAROUK
DATA YUTA
BEVERLY
TROI Gatherers
GEORDI BRULL
WORF TEMAREK
WESLEY CHORGAN
VOLNOTH
Non-speaking Non-speaking Acamarians
SUPERNUMERARIES BODYGUARD
MEDICS
TWO FEDERATION SCIENTISTS FEMALE MAID
SERVANTS
STAR TREK: "The Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/08/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Vengeance Factor"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
SICKBAY GAMMA HROMI TWO
OBSERVATION LOUNGE GATHERER CAMP
GUEST QUARTERS
RIKER'S QUARTERS
TEN FORWARD
FEDERATION OUTPOST
GATHERER SHIP
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/6/89 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Vengeance Factor"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ACAMAR AWK-uh-mahr
ACAMARIANS awk-uh-MAHR-ee-uns
ARTONIAN are-TONE-ians
BRULL BROOL
CHORGAN CHORE-gun
HROMI huh-ROM-ee
LORNACK LORE-nack
MALLON MAL-lon
MAROUK mar-RUKE
NORANIUM nor-RAY-knee-um
PENTHOR PEN-thor
RIGELLIAN rye-JELL-ee-un
TEMAREK TEM-ah-reck
TOLMAN TOLL-man
TONKIAN TAHN-key-in
TRALESTA tra-LESS-tah
VOLNOTH VOLL-noth
YUTA YOU-tah
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/10/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Vengeance Factor"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1
thru OMITTED
2
3 INT. FEDERATION OUTPOST (OPTICAL)
The two-man Federation scientific outpost has been
looted -- stripped of all equipment. Instrumentation
panels have been ripped from the walls; wave guides
dangle aimlessly. Piles of crates, shelves and
shattered scientific equipment are all over the floor,
blocking easy movement...
RIKER, WORF, BEVERLY, and DATA MATERIALIZE and survey
the damage.
RIKER
Someone sure stripped this place.
Worf examines an empty slab where a piece of equipment
undoubtedly rested.
WORF
The reactor is gone.
Riker examines a gaping hole in the wall.
RIKER
That's why no one answered our
hail for two days -- they had
nothing to answer it with.
Data scans with a tricorder.
DATA
Life signs five meters straight
ahead, Commander.
But straight ahead is blocked by all the garbage left
behind... on the other side is a door. Riker, Worf
and Data begin to move the stuff out of the way...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/10/89 - TEASER 2-3.
3A ON BEVERLY
detecting something else with her tricorder. She
looks over a smashed piece of equipment scattered on
the floor then picks up a small jagged piece of metal.
A drop of blood-like substance coats a sharp edge.
Riker glances over...
RIKER
Blood?
BEVERLY
Yes, but not human. I'll have
to do some analysis on it.
4 ON WORF AND DATA
finally reaching the closed door. Worf tries the
manual override -- the door remains closed.
WORF
It's jammed.
He glances at Data who steps forward, grabs the door.
A quick yank and the door slides open -- revealing
TWO FEDERATION SCIENTISTS lying motionless on the
floor.
5
thru OMITTED
5A
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/5/89 - ACT ONE 4.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
6 INT. SICKBAY
MEDICS are tending to the two scientists. Beverly's
analyzing the bloody piece of metal. Picard, Riker and
Data ENTER. Beverly reports:
BEVERLY
The two scientists are suffering
from phaser stuns... I'd guess
several hits each.
PICARD
Several... when one would surely
have sufficed.
BEVERLY
It'll take us a while to bring
them around, but they'll recover.
She indicates the sample she's analyzing.
BEVERLY (cont'd)
We found a sample of blood. It's
a rare iron-copper composite,
unique to one humanoid species:
the Acamarians.
PICARD
Acamarians.
(a beat)
That would suggest... the
Gatherers.
DATA
A likely hypothesis. The nomadic
marauders who refer to themselves
as Gatherers have raided other
outposts in neighboring sectors.
RIKER
But they've never ventured this
far before.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT ONE 5.
6 CONTINUED:
PICARD
And we cannot permit them to
spread their violent ways further.
(keys insignia)
Mister Crusher, set course for
the Acamar system.
WESLEY'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
CUT TO:
7 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Assuming orbit around a planet -- Acamar Three.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 43562.9.
In an effort to put an end to the
Gatherer raids, we have come to
the Acamar System to enlist the
aid of Marouk, the sovereign of
Acamar Three.
8 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, TROI. At the head of the table sits an
imposing, aristocratic middle-aged woman: MAROUK,
sovereign of Acamar.
Standing unobtrusively behind Marouk is a beefy male
BODYGUARD.
Acamarians are humanoid, perhaps a bit unkempt and
primitive (in appearance, not in intelligence) by our
standards.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT ONE 6.
8 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Their raids have made this sector
unsafe. Our research facilities
have been ransacked; trade routes
disrupted...
MAROUK
The Gatherers are elusive; we've
only managed to capture a handful
of them. However, with
Starfleet's help...
She's got the wrong idea. Picard interrupts sharply:
PICARD
Hunting them down is not what
I'm proposing.
MAROUK
Reconciliation with the Gatherers
is impossible. It's been tried.
Every time we've offered amnesty,
they've rejected it.
TROI
When was the last attempt made?
MAROUK
Eighteen years ago.
PICARD
(surprised)
Eighteen years?
MAROUK
Yes. We gave up trying.
RIKER
Why?
MAROUK
Because the Gatherers aren't
willing to change! For almost
a century, they've been
parasites... moving from star
system to star system, living on
what they could find... or steal.
They're little more than
barbarians.
PICARD
They are still your people.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT ONE 7.
8 CONTINUED: (2)
MAROUK
No. Captain, you have to
understand our history. A hundred
years ago, before the Gatherers
split off from our culture, we
were a savage, violent race.
Clans battled clans... bloody,
vengeful feuds that lasted for
generations.
(a beat)
But we overcame those ways...
broke the cycle of fighting and
revenge. All except the
Gatherers.
TROI
After a century of wandering,
they may be ready to come home.
PICARD
Despite all your progress, your
society is still divided. And
it will remain so until the
Gatherers return to Acamar.
Picard's words have had an effect. Marouk thinks it
over.
MAROUK
The attempt may be futile.
Picard stands.
PICARD
You have much to gain and little
to lose in making the effort.
The problem affects us all... it
cannot be ignored.
Marouk looks at Picard, grudgingly nods. She knows
he's right.
STAR TREK: "The Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/2/89 - ACT ONE 8.
9 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Data, Wesley, Worf, supernumeraries. Picard, Riker,
Troi, Marouk, and the bodyguard ENTER from the
Observation Lounge.
PICARD
Sovereign Marouk, how soon will
you be ready to leave Acamar?
MAROUK
I am ready now, Captain. I need
only bring aboard two more
servants...
RIKER
I'll see to that... and to your
accommodations, Sovereign.
Marouk nods a thank you to Riker, turns to Picard:
MAROUK
I have reason to believe there
is a Gatherer encampment somewhere
in the Hromi Cluster.
PICARD
Mister Data?
DATA
The Federation has charted but
not explored several Class M
planets in that area. Any of
those planets might well serve
as a base.
PICARD
Mister Crusher, set course for
the Hromi Cluster.
WESLEY
Aye, sir.
10 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
leaving its orbit of Acamar Three.
11 INT. GUEST QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
as Marouk ENTERS, followed by Riker. She crosses to
the port, looks out at the stars as the ship goes into
Warp. An impressive sight. Marouk turns to Riker:
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT ONE 9.
11 CONTINUED:
MAROUK
A fine ship, Commander.
RIKER
We're very proud of her.
In b.g., the bodyguard and two more servants ENTER,
carrying suitcases. One new arrival is a middle-aged
female MAID.
The other is YUTA, a fragile girl in her early
twenties; pretty, with a delicate, quiet manner. Like
all Marouk's servants, if she has a personality it's
invisible.
12 NEW ANGLE
as Yuta sets down the suitcase, looks up. Her eyes
happen to meet Riker's. A friendly smile from Riker.
Some women would turn away, blushing shyly; some would
smile back in friendship -- or invitation. Yuta does
neither -- just looks incuriously at Riker. No
reaction at all.
MAROUK (O.S.)
Yuta --
13 WIDER (OPTICAL)
as Yuta turns to Marouk.
MAROUK
A light meal in twenty minutes.
Yuta nods in obedience, but Marouk has already turned
away to look out the port at the stars streaking by.
14 ON YUTA (OPTICAL)
approaching Riker. In b.g., the other servants are
unpacking the suitcases.
YUTA
May I be shown to the kitchen,
Commander?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT ONE 10.
14 CONTINUED:
RIKER
You're the chef?
YUTA
Yes. I'll prepare all meals for
the sovereign and her servants.
RIKER
We can provide you with a kitchen
if you wish... but it's not really
necessary. The food dispensers
can synthesize anything you want.
Yuta absorbs this without reaction. Riker leads Yuta
to a food slot.
RIKER (cont'd)
I'll show you.
(to Marouk)
Sovereign, may I offer you a
drink?
Marouk doesn't turn from the port:
MAROUK
Yes, thank you. Cold water.
RIKER
(to food slot)
A glass of water... five degrees.
A glass of water MATERIALIZES in the food slot. Yuta
shows mild interest. Riker takes the glass, starts
to deliver it to Marouk. Yuta politely blocks him,
extends her hand for the glass.
YUTA
Please.
Riker's about to say "it's all right, I'll do it" --
but there's something immovable about her stance. He
hands her the glass. She sniffs it, calmly takes a
sip. Riker doesn't know whether to be amused or
horrified.
RIKER
You're also the food taster?
Yuta looks at him -- what's so odd about that?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT ONE 11.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
YUTA
That's part of the cook's duties.
Satisfied she hasn't been poisoned, Yuta takes the
glass to Marouk, who accepts it without comment. Yuta
returns to Riker.
YUTA (cont'd)
I'm sure the sovereign will wish
to sample many of the cuisines
your ship has to offer, but there
are certain Acamarian dishes she
will insist upon.
RIKER
I'll arrange for a technician to
help you program your recipes
into the computer. I'd like to
try some myself. What's your
specialty?
YUTA
I have none.
A simple statement of fact. Riker smiles at her. His
natural good will and charm would melt an ice cap.
RIKER
Don't be modest. You can't tell
me you haven't come up with a
few original triumphs...
And, wonder of wonders, Yuta smiles back. Not much of
a smile... but it's a start.
YUTA
There is a spiced parthus dish...
RIKER
"Parthus?"
YUTA
A green vegetable with fleshy
roots.
RIKER
Ah. Parthus... a la Yuta. I
look forward to tasting it.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT ONE 12.
14 CONTINUED: (3)
RIKER (Cont'd)
(to Marouk, taking his
leave)
Sovereign...
But Marouk's still gazing with fascination out the
port, doesn't hear him. Riker turns back to Yuta,
gives her a respectful nod:
RIKER (cont'd)
Chef...
Riker exits. Yuta's small smile increases a bit.
Servants don't get this sort of attention; she's not
quite sure how to respond... but she likes Riker.
15 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Arriving in orbit around Gamma Hromi Two.
16 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Troi, Data, Wesley, Worf.
WESLEY
Entering standard orbit of Gamma
Hromi Two, sir.
DATA
I am detecting life readings on
the surface, sir... and several
small areas of heat and carbon
dioxide emission indicative of
combustion.
WESLEY
Campfires, Data.
RIKER
(to Picard)
It's worth a look.
PICARD
Make it so.
17 EXT. GATHERER CAMP - NIGHT (OPTICAL)
Riker, Worf, GEORDI, and Data MATERIALIZE in the midst
of a "junkyard" of high-tech equipment scattered about.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/10/89 - ACT ONE 13.
17 CONTINUED:
Worf scans the area with his tricorder as Geordi, Data
and Riker inspect the various piles of stuff.
GEORDI
Artonian lasers, Tonkian homing
beacons... quite a collection.
Data looks at a pile of scrap metal.
DATA
Noranium alloys. Their salvage
value is low.
RIKER
Looks like the Gatherers aren't
very discriminating in what they
steal.
Worf looks over the array, then announces with disgust:
WORF
The spoils of animals without
honor.
Worf lifts a tarp on another pile.
WORF (cont'd)
Commander.
Riker, Data, and Geordi step up to examine Worf's find
-- a small reactor.
18 CLOSE ON WORF
frowning suddenly. He sniffs the air, then grabs
Riker, Data, and Geordi, pulls them to the ground --
WORF
Ambush!
19 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as THREE GATHERERS (BRULL, TEMAREK, and one n.d.) --
armed with phaser rifles -- pop out from behind a ridge
and take aim at the away team. (Like their Acamarian
cousins, the Gatherers are muscular humanoids with a
"primitive" appearance -- belied by their sophisticated
weapons.) They FIRE.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT ONE 14.
20 ON RIKER, WORF, GEORDI, AND DATA (OPTICAL)
as a PHASER BLAST just misses them.
21 WIDER (OPTICAL)
Data, Riker, and Geordi scramble behind some rocks as
Worf provides a BLAST of cover FIRE, then he too finds
cover.
22 ON RIKER (OPTICAL)
his back against a rock, and phaser in hand.
DATA
Rigellian phaser rifles. Not very
powerful.
Another BLAST scorches the rock nearby.
RIKER
Powerful enough...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/10/89 - ACT TWO 15.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
23 EXT. GATHERER CAMP - NIGHT (OPTICAL)
As before. The three Gatherers have positioned
themselves well -- Riker, Data, and Geordi are pinned
behind a cluster of equipment while Worf is behind
another. Riker yells to the Gatherers:
RIKER
We want to talk --
A phaser BLAST from the Gatherers confirms they aren't
interested in chatter.
24 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as Worf moves closer to Riker, Data, and Geordi --
his adroit maneuvering sparing him from a phaser HIT.
WORF
Your words are wasted, Commander.
(holding up his phaser)
They understand only this.
RIKER
(convincing himself as
well)
We're here to establish a
dialogue.
A phaser bolt STREAKS OVERHEAD. Then Riker has a
thought:
24A RIKER'S POV
of the pile of scrap metal Data looked at earlier.
24B ON RIKER
as he turns to Data.
RIKER
Data... noranium vaporizes at... ?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/10/89 - ACT TWO 16.
24B CONTINUED:
DATA
Two thousand three hundred
fourteen degrees. Of course,
noranium carbide alloys vaporize
at a slightly higher temperature.
Riker indicates the pile of alloys -- Worf, Data, and
Geordi catch on.
GEORDI
Phaser setting seven ought to do
it...
Riker nods; all four adjust their phasers.
25 ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as Riker, Data, Geordi, and Worf FIRE at the pile of
noranium. The noranium quickly bellows huge clouds of
SMOKE -- filling the area almost immediately.
RIKER
Now!
25A ANGLE
In a quick moment, Riker gives the others sotto voce
instructions, then using the smoke as cover, the four
make a break for it.
26 ON THE GATHERERS (OPTICAL)
trying to peer through the smoke. We hear:
RIKER (O.S.)
Enterprise -- four to beam up!
Energize!
Brull, the Gatherer leader, sneers with contempt.
BRULL
Cowards.
Brull turns his attention to the rising smoke. He
grabs a bucket of sand and pours it on the noranium.
The two others Gatherers follow suit. After a beat,
the smoke ceases.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - ACT TWO 17.
27 ON BRULL
as he breathes a sigh of relief -- his precious loot
not completely lost.
As the smoke clears --
28 ANGLE ON RIKER, WORF, DATA, AND GEORDI
emerging from the smoke -- phasers aimed at Brull and
the two Gatherers.
WORF
(to Brull)
Your ambushes would be more
successful if you bathed more
often.
Brull GRUMBLES, but he knows there is nothing he or
his Gatherers can do.
RIKER
We've brought the sovereign of
Acamar...
BRULL
(surprised)
Marouk... here?
RIKER
(nods)
With an offer of amnesty.
Brull and the other two Gatherers are curious, but
suspicious.
CUT TO:
29 OMITTED
30 EXT. GATHERER CAMP - NIGHT
CLOSE on Yuta taking a sip of wine. WIDEN to reveal
Marouk, her bodyguard, Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf,
Brull, and other Gatherers (including VOLNOTH, a old
man, and Temarek) sitting in a circle around a FIRE.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - ACT TWO 18.
30 CONTINUED:
MAROUK (O.S.)
Full dispensation will be extended
to all Gatherers who are willing
to return to Acamar Three.
After a beat, Yuta nods -- "it's okay" -- and hands the
chalice to Marouk, who drinks. Brull frowns
BRULL
You don't trust me.
MAROUK
Should I?
Marouk passes the chalice to Brull.
BRULL
Oh, but you expect me to trust
you. Perhaps you just poisoned
it yourself.
He gruffly hands the chalice to Temarek... all this
for show...
BRULL
Taste it.
Temarek looks and says who me? Brull finally grabs
his hair, and pours the wine down his throat,
laughs... Marouk is furious, insulted, standing, looks
to Picard...
MAROUK
Barbarians... this is futile...
PICARD
Sovereign...
Rising voices upon voices --
BRULL
(standing)
Go home, old woman...
PICARD
Brull...
MAROUK
You people haven't changed in a
hundred years.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - ACT TWO 19.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
BRULL
You were there. You should know.
PICARD
Sit down.
They both stop and look at Picard.
PICARD
We are here to talk.
MAROUK
It is a waste of time, Captain...
they don't care how they live...
BRULL
And I am supposed to believe that
you do care how we live?
MAROUK
Yes.
PICARD
She is here, isn't she, Brull?
BRULL
Perhaps you forced her...
MAROUK
Nobody forces me anywhere,
Brull... nobody.
Brull looks at her, believes it, grins, sits down.
Picard looks at Marouk, she sits.
BRULL
(feigning disinterest)
What is there for us on Acamar
Three?
MAROUK
A life. A home. You can end your
wandering, your miserable
existence...
BRULL
Do I look miserable?
Marouk's first instinct is to go back at him... but
Picard looks her off.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - ACT TWO 20.
30 CONTINUED: (3)
MAROUK
The clan wars are over, Brull.
It is a past we are ashamed of.
It is why you had to leave.
(beat)
Now it is time to come home.
Brull thinks it over. Maybe it's a worthwhile offer.
But being a good poker player, he keeps a gruff face as
he commands:
BRULL
I want to talk privately with
Picard and Marouk. Everyone else
-- leave.
The other Gatherers get to their feet. Yuta and
Marouk's bodyguard look to Marouk. She nods to them --
"go." Picard indicates to Riker, Worf, and Troi that
they should go, too.
30A NEW ANGLE
As everyone -- including Riker, Troi, and Worf -- leave
Picard, Marouk, and Brull to negotiate. Riker looks to
Troi:
RIKER
Any insights, Counselor?
TROI
Brull's ready to negotiate. He
wants privacy so he won't appear
weak in the presence of the other
Gatherers.
Riker nods agreement. They look back at Picard,
Marouk, and Brull in the b.g.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/10/89 - ACT TWO 21.
30B ANOTHER ANGLE
A few yards away, Volnoth passes Yuta, taking a second
look at her, as if she's vaguely familiar. Yuta looks
calmly back at him. Volnoth walks off.
FOLLOW Yuta as she follows Volnoth.
31 NEW ANGLE
as Yuta turns a corner, is out of sight of Riker and
the others. She continues walking until she comes
upon:
32 ANGLE ON VOLNOTH
alone, warming his hands over a fire pit.
YUTA (O.S.)
You are of the clan Lornack.
VOLNOTH
(crossly)
So?
Volnoth looks up as Yuta steps into the firelight. He
scowls.
VOLNOTH (cont'd)
I've seen you before.
YUTA
Yes.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/10/89 - ACT TWO 22.
32 CONTINUED:
VOLNOTH
But it's impossible.
YUTA
No. Look closer.
Yuta moves closer. She's absolutely calm. Volnoth
squints at her, confused.
YUTA (cont'd)
I am Yuta --
Yuta reaches out to touch Volnoth's face --
YUTA (cont'd)
-- of the clan Tralesta.
33 CLOSE ON VOLNOTH
as Yuta's fingertips come in contact with his skin.
It's a feather-light touch -- but Volnoth's suddenly
in horrible pain. He opens his mouth to scream --
nothing comes out but a desperate GASP.
34 WIDER
as Volnoth's legs give out; he collapses, writhing in
pain.
YUTA
I am the last of my line. But
my clan will outlive yours.
Volnoth stiffens in agony and dies.
35 CLOSE ON YUTA
looking down at the dead man. She displays neither
satisfaction nor remorse... no emotion whatever.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - ACT THREE 23.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
36 EXT. GATHERER CAMP - NIGHT
Picard, Brull and Marouk are standing. Riker returns
to the edge of the group, stands by awaiting orders
from Picard.
BRULL
(grudgingly)
Marouk's offer has value...
still, I'm not sure...
In the b.g., Yuta rejoins the bodyguard, Riker, Troi,
Worf, and the other Gatherers.
PICARD
(trying to pin him down)
But you agree it's worth
presenting to your leader.
BRULL
(more decisive)
Chorgan is a better judge of such
things... I will go to him... you
will hear from me in twenty days.
PICARD
Brull, in twenty days, I hope to
be... very far away from here.
That has a couple levels of meaning...
MAROUK
With all due respect, Brull, I
would like to make the offer to
Chorgan myself.
Brull grunts, well, maybe... Picard seizes it and
motions for Riker and the others to join him.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - ACT THREE 23A.
36 CONTINUED:
PICARD
We will gladly take you with
us aboard the Enterprise. It will
give you a chance to enjoy
Federation hospitality. How many
of your men do you want to
accompany you?
BRULL
I'll come alone. If this is a
trap --
MAROUK
It isn't.
Brull nods sourly as if he's not a hundred percent convinced.
He turns to the other Gatherers:
BRULL
Mallon -- you'll take charge while
I'm gone. If I don't return in
ten days --
TEMAREK (O.S.)
Brull!
Everyone turns --
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/12/89 - ACT THREE 24.
37 ANGLE - THE SECLUDED AREA
where Volnoth was killed. Temarek is leaning over the
corpse of Volnoth. Brull ENTERS, followed by Picard,
Riker, and Marouk. Troi, Worf, and the others
approach, but keep in the b.g.
37A ON RIKER
touching his insignia.
RIKER
Away team to Enterprise. Medical
Emergency.
37B WIDER
Brull looks at Riker curiously --
BRULL
Volnoth was an old man. There's
nothing to be done.
RIKER
There's a chance our doctors can
do something...
Brull shrugs -- "why bother?"
BRULL
(to Temarek)
You found him?
TEMAREK
Yes. And there are no other
members of the Lornack clan
here... so I claim his
possessions.
BRULL
(a formality)
Granted.
Brull turns away in indifference as Temarek starts to
pull off one of Volnoth's boots.
37C MAROUK (OPTICAL)
looks from Temarek stripping the corpse to Brull, can't
conceal her distaste.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT THREE 24A.
37C CONTINUED:
MAROUK
Have you no respect for the dead?
BRULL
What's there to respect about a
corpse?
Marouk looks helplessly to Picard -- how can you deal
with such barbarians? She walks away. Beverly
MATERIALIZES. Moves quickly to scan the body... Riker
has to push Temarak, who is stripping the corpse, out
of the way. She shakes her head.
BEVERLY
He's been dead too long.
RIKER
How?
BEVERLY
Cardiac arrest...
But there's a look, an edge to her voice... she stands
and Temerek goes back at the body... Riker moves with
out of earshot of the others...
RIKER
You don't sound convinced.
BEVERLY
No, it was a heart attack, all
right. But I can't figure out
what caused it. Cardiac muscle
is strong... no sign of arterial
occlusion...
Off Riker's curiosity...
37D PICARD AND BRULL (OPTICAL)
PICARD
Is there anything you need to
bring with you, Brull?
BRULL
Like what?
PICARD
Anything... a change of clothes,
perhaps...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/12/89 - ACT THREE 25.
37D CONTINUED:
BRULL
No, I just changed into these...
recently.
PICARD
Very well then...
(keys insignia)
Picard to Enterprise... two...
BRULL
My quarters are to be just as big
as hers...
PICARD
(acknowledges,
naturally)
Two to beam up...
As they DEMATERIALIZE...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT THREE 25A.
38 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Orbiting Gamma Hromi Two.
39 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Troi, Data, Wesley, Worf. Brull ENTERS,
escorted by Worf. All eyes are on Brull, who in turn
eyes the crew with suspicion and curiosity.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/5/89 - ACT THREE 26.
39 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Brull -- show Mister Crusher the
course to plot.
As Picard indicates Wesley, Brull reacts:
BRULL
A child?
PICARD
(pointedly)
That "child" is one of the finest
ensigns under my command. He also
happens to pilot this ship.
BRULL
That does not inspire my
confidence. But if you want me
to show him, I'll show him.
40 NEW ANGLE
as Brull crosses to helm, looks over Wesley's shoulder.
Wesley indicates the panel.
WESLEY
This is our present position.
BRULL
Then set a heading of three-four-
three mark seven-two.
WESLEY
That'll take us through the center
of an asteroid belt.
BRULL
What's the matter -- can't you
fly your way around a couple of
rocks?
WESLEY
(mildly)
Sure I can. But if we take this
heading...
(punches it in)
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 27.
40 CONTINUED:
WESLEY (Cont'd)
... we avoid the belt entirely,
and we only lose twelve point one
minutes at warp seven.
BRULL
Have it your way.
And Brull marches away from the helm.
41 OMITTED
42 INT. TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL)
Relaxing at a table are Picard and Marouk, with Yuta
and the bodyguard close by.
Alone at a secluded table in b.g. is Wesley, doing
homework on a PADD. He's got his feet up, has a goodly
supply of snack food at hand (can't study without
munchies).
Yuta pours a bit more Acamarian brandy for Marouk and
Picard.
MAROUK
For centuries, my planet was in
chaos. Loyalty to one's clan was
absolute, and the slightest injury
to one member demanded violent
retaliation.
PICARD
And these blood feuds could last
for decades?
MAROUK
(acknowledges)
The obsession for vengeance would
be passed on from generation to
generation. And with each act
of retribution, the violence would
escalate...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 28.
42 CONTINUED:
PICARD
It's not unlike the history of
my own planet, Marouk.
In b.g., Riker and Troi ENTER, cross to a table. Yuta
sees, politely approaches Marouk:
YUTA
Your pardon, Sovereign; may I be
excused briefly? Commander Riker
requested I prepare him an
Acamarian dish.
MAROUK
Of course, Yuta.
Yuta moves off, EXITS -- just as Brull ENTERS. Brull
crosses toward the bar.
42A ANGLE ON THE BAR
as a bartender hands Brull a drink. Brull takes a
slug, looks around, sees Wesley in the corner, starts
toward him.
43 ANOTHER ANGLE
As Brull steps up to Wesley's table, sits down, helps
himself to some of Wesley's snacks. Wesley's taken
aback, but tries to be polite.
BRULL
What are you doing?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 29.
43 CONTINUED:
WESLEY
My studies.
Brull picks the PADD out of Wesley's hands, inspects
it. It's covered with complex equations.
BRULL
What is this?
WESLEY
Math.
BRULL
I can see that. What's it mean?
WESLEY
It's the locally Euclidean
metrization of a k-fold
contravariant Riemannian tensor
field.
Brull nods as if he knows what Wesley's talking about.
BRULL
You good at it?
Wesley shrugs noncommittally. He's getting impatient
with Brull. Brull picks up on it:
BRULL (cont'd)
You don't like me.
WESLEY
I didn't say --
BRULL
(cutting him)
That's no problem. I have many
friends that don't like me.
(a beat)
What do you know about me?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 30.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
WESLEY
You're a thief.
BRULL
I do it to survive -- not because
I enjoy it.
Brull looks challengingly at Wesley. Wesley, not
wanting to get into an argument, avoids Brull's gaze.
BRULL (cont'd)
And we Gatherers value freedom.
We do as we want and answer to
no creature.
WESLEY
(curious)
But you're helping Sovereign
Marouk to change all that...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 31.
43 CONTINUED: (3)
BRULL
Maybe I just want something
better... for me, and for my
children.
Wesley's surprised. Brull doesn't exactly look like
a father figure.
WESLEY
You have children?
BRULL
(nods)
Two sons. One's almost your age.
(a beat)
He's not so good at math.
Wesley smiles; maybe this guy isn't such a bad guy.
43A ANGLE ON RIKER AND TROI
in quiet conversation. Yuta steps up, carrying a tray
with a covered plate. Riker smiles.
RIKER
Parthus a la Yuta?
Yuta nods modestly.
YUTA
With the help of one of your food
stations.
Yuta sets the tray on a table, unveils the dish, hands
forks to Riker and Troi. They taste the dish and are
impressed.
TROI
It's wonderful.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 32.
43A CONTINUED:
RIKER
Truly excellent.
YUTA
Thank you.
RIKER
Will you join us?
YUTA
I don't want to intrude...
Troi gets to her feet, offers Yuta her chair.
TROI
Not at all; I was just about to
leave. Please -- sit down.
Yuta takes Troi's seat. Troi smiles a knowing smile at
Riker, then EXITS. Riker takes another forkful.
RIKER
It really is delicious.
YUTA
I am glad it pleases you,
Commander.
RIKER
I'm not your commander. My name
is William.
YUTA
I will call you William if you
prefer.
RIKER
I do. You say "Commander" to me
the same way you say "Sovereign"
to Marouk.
YUTA
(understands)
As a servant.
Riker nods as he takes another bite.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 33.
43A CONTINUED: (2)
YUTA (cont'd)
You're an excellent commander,
but you'd make a poor sovereign.
RIKER
Why's that? Not that I
disagree...
YUTA
You're not comfortable with
servants.
RIKER
No. I prefer the company of
equals.
YUTA
So you treat me as an equal.
RIKER
And you're not comfortable with
that?
YUTA
I'm not used to it. I've always
been a servant. I'm not
complaining -- the sovereign
treats me well. I have all that
I could want.
RIKER
What about freedom?
A long beat. Yuta's expression turns melancholy,
fatalistic.
YUTA
I can never have that.
RIKER
You're the property of the
sovereign?
YUTA
No. I'm not her slave. I can
leave whenever I wish.
RIKER
(a guess)
But you have no place to go?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 34.
43A CONTINUED: (3)
YUTA
Just the opposite. My path is
all too clear.
Yuta falls silent. Riker attempts to lighten the
moment:
RIKER
Yuta, you're an excellent cook,
but you talk in riddles.
Yuta smiles without humor.
YUTA
I've never been very good at
conversation.
Yuta looks over at Marouk in the b.g. Marouk's smiling
as she watches Yuta. It makes Yuta self-conscious.
YUTA (cont'd)
I think the sovereign wants me
to return. Enjoy the Parthus.
Yuta crosses back to Marouk's table. Riker watches
her go, then returns to his meal. After a beat, his
communicator BEEPS.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Sickbay to Commander Riker. I've
discovered something interesting,
Will...
RIKER
I'll be right there...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" REV. 10/9/89 - ACT THREE 35.
44 OMITTED
44A INT. SICKBAY
Beverly is frowning with concentration as she works
at a computer station. Riker ENTERS.
RIKER
Doctor, you're scowling.
BEVERLY
I'm thinking.
RIKER
And?
BEVERLY
The old Gatherer on the planet?
I've found what caused his heart
attack.
Beverly indicates the computer monitor.
BEVERLY (cont'd)
The medical tricorder almost
missed it, but there was a
microvirus in his body... it
attached to parasympathetic
nerves and acted as a
cholinesterase inhibitor, blocking
autonomic nerve impulses.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/3/89 - ACT THREE 36.
44A CONTINUED:
RIKER
And that stopped his heart?
BEVERLY
(nods)
But here's the interesting part.
The microvirus will only attach
to cells which contain a very
specific DNA sequence.
RIKER
How specific?
BEVERLY
Without knowing more about their
genetic makeup, I can't be sure...
but my guess is, this virus would
only kill one Acamarian in a
million.
Riker WHISTLES.
RIKER
That's an awfully single-minded
bug.
BEVERLY
Too single-minded. I can't
believe it's a naturally occurring
virus.
Riker sees where this is leading:
RIKER
Meaning somebody engineered it...
BEVERLY
Meaning Volnoth was murdered.
Riker ponders this gravely as we:
45
thru OMITTED
47
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT FOUR 37.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
A47A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Coming out of warp.
47A INT. RIKER'S QUARTERS (FORMERLY SCENE 52)
Riker's alone, in the midst of a conversation with
Data who's on the bridge.
DATA'S COM VOICE
Sir, Acamar Three has agreed to
your request for access to its
databases. They are now
transmitting them to our computer
over subspace link.
RIKER
Good. Notify Doctor Crusher when
Acamar's medical database is
online. Riker out.
SOUND of DOOR CHIME.
RIKER (cont'd)
Come in.
Yuta ENTERS, stops just inside the door.
YUTA
I'm disturbing you.
RIKER
Not at all.
Yuta steps forward. The door closes.
YUTA
As the sovereign has no further
need of my services this evening,
she suggested I might spend some
time with you.
RIKER
What a charming suggestion...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT FOUR 38.
47A CONTINUED:
YUTA
She appreciates the... affection
... you have shown me.
RIKER
Was it so obvious...
YUTA
(smiles gently)
Yes.
RIKER
(joking)
Well, I've already dined... but,
maybe you know a good Acamarian
dessert recipe.
Yuta leans forward and kisses Riker.
YUTA
Does that please you?
He answers by kissing her back. As they break, as he
holds her, whispering to him...
YUTA
Tell me what you want, William.
I will do anything you wish...
Riker takes pause at the servitude sound of that...
looks at her... still intimate --
RIKER
You've got the night off,
remember?
YUTA
I don't understand.
Riker's more uncomfortable now... she notices.
YUTA
You don't want me to give you
pleasure?
RIKER
(pulling away)
Not as a servant. I told you...
I prefer equals.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/9/89 - ACT FOUR 39.
47A CONTINUED: (3)
YUTA
Even in matters of love?
RIKER
Especially in matters of love.
YUTA
(beat)
I've offended you.
RIKER
No.
He takes her hand.
RIKER
I only want to make you as happy
as you want to make me. You're
entitled to that...
She looks at him, then draws completely away. Sighs.
YUTA
No. I'm not.
RIKER
(reacts)
Yuta...
YUTA
I do not feel pleasure. Or
passion. I haven't been able
to... for a long time.
RIKER
I don't know who did this to you
or why... but it can change.
YUTA
(regret)
I wish it could. Tonight most
of all.
(beat)
I'm sorry...
He takes her arm as she starts to leave... but then
the insistent sound of the RED ALERT KLAXON. He looks
at her... wishing they could finish the conversation...
but she pulls away and leaves as... the ship is ROCKED
by a phaser hit and Riker EXITS on the double.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 39A.
48 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard, Troi, Data, Wesley, and Worf are at their
stations. Brull ENTERS from the aft turbolift,
occupied by a security officer, looks at the
viewscreen.
PICARD
Your people have provided a warm
welcome.
BRULL
That's Chorgan's ship.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 40.
A48A ANGLE ON MAIN VIEWER (OPTICAL)
On the viewscreen, a small Gatherer ship FIRES at us.
B48A ON PICARD
As the HIT shakes the ship.
WORF
Shields holding.
PICARD
(indicating Worf's
station)
Worf -- contact Chorgan and tell
him Brull has brought us here to
talk.
Worf opens a channel as Brull crosses to Worf's
station. Riker ENTERS from the turbolift as yet
another HIT shakes the ship.
WORF
Chorgan's not responding.
A third HIT. Picard's patience is waning.
PICARD
Mister Worf, can we knock out
their shields without seriously
damaging their ship?
WORF
I believe we can, sir.
PICARD
Prepare phasers and open
channel...
Worf works his station.
WORF
Phasers locked. Channel open,
Captain.
PICARD
This is Jean-Luc Picard...
Interrupted by another HIT. Picard's patience is
exhausted:
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 40A.
B48A CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to himself)
Let's focus their attention.
(to Worf)
Fire.
48A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise's phasers BLAST away, making a direct
HIT on the Gatherer ship's shields.
48B INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 41.
48B CONTINUED:
WORF
Their forward shields are
inoperative.
PICARD
Well done, Lieutenant.
Brull speaks from Worf's station:
WORF
They're hailing us, sir.
PICARD
That's better.
(to Worf)
On screen.
49 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
as the image of CHORGAN fills the screen. Like all
Gatherers, Chorgan has a brutish, rough presence --but
he also has an indisputable air of command...
CHORGAN
Brull -- you traitor! You led
them here to destroy me --
PICARD
Chorgan, if I had wanted you
destroyed, you wouldn't be talking
now.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 42.
49 CONTINUED:
Enough of the stick -- now for the carrot.
PICARD (cont'd)
Obviously, I want something else.
CHORGAN
And what is that?
PICARD
I have on board Sovereign Marouk
of Acamar Three. I want you to
hear what she and Brull have to
say.
BRULL
It's worth listening to her,
Chorgan.
CHORGAN
I don't wish to hear either of
you.
PICARD
(with finality)
You have no choice. Prepare to
receive us -- we're coming aboard
your ship. Picard out.
Picard motions to Worf and the image of Chorgan
disappears from the screen, replaced by the Gatherer
ship in the starfield.
PICARD (cont'd)
Cancel Red Alert. Have Sovereign
Marouk meet me in Transporter
Three.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Riker approaches the captain.
RIKER
You're going alone, Captain?
PICARD
The danger is minimal, Number One.
Chorgan's not likely to do
anything rash while the
Enterprise's phasers are trained
upon his ship.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 42A.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
It's still a risk.
PICARD
For these negotiations to succeed,
I must be a mediator -- not an
enforcer.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/11/89 - ACT FOUR 43.
49 CONTINUED: (3)
Picard leads Brull to the turbolift.
PICARD (cont'd)
You have the bridge, Number One.
Picard and Brull EXIT.
50 OMITTED
51 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
motionless relative to the small Gatherer ship.
52 OMITTED
53 INT. GATHERER SHIP
Chorgan sits behind a large table, his Gatherer guard
standing protectively behind him. There are two empty
seats on the other side of the table.
Marouk, her bodyguard, Yuta, and Picard are led in
by Brull. Picard sets the tone with:
PICARD
Chorgan. May I introduce
Sovereign Marouk.
The two leaders acknowledge each other with a slight
nod. Chorgan wants to control the meeting.
CHORGAN
You may sit.
Marouk waits for her bodyguard to pull the chair for
her, then sits as if she owned the chair. Picard waits
for her to sit, then takes the other chair. Brull
stands to one side while Yuta, carrying a small bag,
remains in the b.g.
PICARD
(to Chorgan)
I think you will find Marouk's
proposal --
CHORGAN
You know, Picard -- I could take
you prisoner.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/12/89 - ACT FOUR 44.
53 CONTINUED:
Picard looks at him evenly, is determined to get on
with the business at hand. Chorgan smiles, backing
down.
CHORGAN
Don't worry, I've no intention
of doing so. You've gone to a
lot of trouble to get here -- I'm
curious why.
Picard was never worried. Shrewdly, he allows Chorgan
to save face:
PICARD
Then let's proceed.
Marouk smiles, having not missed a beat of the
dynamics.
MAROUK
Quite simply, I propose amnesty
for every Gatherer...
CHORGAN
Amnesty. You mean slavery.
BRULL
Chorgan, if you want to know what
I think...
CHORGAN
(interrupting)
I don't.
(to Marouk)
Say what you came to say. But
I tell you right now I doubt that
I'll believe it.
MAROUK
(beat)
I didn't believe this very
persuasive Federation captain
when he suggested that we could
reconcile our differences. But
I am convinced now it is the right
thing not just for you, but for
us too. We need you back.
And Picard looks at Marouk with appreciation... as
Chorgan grumps.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/12/89 - ACT FOUR 44A.
53 CONTINUED: (2)
Marouk turns, indicates Yuta:
53A ANGLE ON YUTA
quietly opening her bag, withdrawing a decanter of
brandy, and moving toward Chorgan.
MAROUK
I've brought some Acamarian
brandy... I'm sure it's been a
long time...
53B NEW ANGLE
Chorgan barely looks at Yuta and the brandy, waves her
off rudely. Yuta patiently returns to her place near
Marouk. There will be other opportunities.
CHORGAN
You have spent a century hunting
us down --
PICARD
She's trying to put an end to
that.
CHORGAN
By luring us back and putting us
in prisons.
MAROUK
No -- by accepting you back as
free men.
CHORGAN
(sarcastic)
And will you feed and clothe us,
too?
MAROUK
(sharply)
No, of course I won't!
(gaining control)
What I will do is give you the
means to feed and clothe
yourselves. We've already set
aside land you can...
CHORGAN
Do we look like farmers to you?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/12/89 - ACT FOUR 45.
53B CONTINUED:
MAROUK
Then don't farm. Use the land
as you wish. It is yours. And
the moment you set foot on it,
you'll be better off than you are
today. You won't be running any
longer...
CHORGAN
(beat)
We would need autonomy...
MAROUK
Autonomy...
53BA PICARD
breaking in...
PICARD
Let us acknowledge, Sovereign,
that Chorgan appears willing to
discuss your offer...
53C ON YUTA
In the b.g., biding her time.
MAROUK (O.S.)
There are many levels of autonomy,
certainly your region would have
home rights...
CHORGAN (O.S.)
Those rights will be spelled out
before I agree to anything...
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 46.
54
thru OMITTED
55
55A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker, Troi, Data, Worf, supernumeraries. Riker is
with Data at an aft station, scanning databases. Text
and pictures FLASH over the monitor.
DATA
Commander, I'm afraid the only
entry on Volnoth in the Acamarian
database is a birth record.
RIKER
(studying the screen)
Probably one of the last of the
Gatherers to be born on their
planet.
Beverly ENTERS... moves to the aft station beside Data.
BEVERLY
I've been digging through the
medical database from Acamar Three
for hours and I've found another
victim of the microvirus that
killed Volnoth. But just one.
Riker joins her as she punches up the record. Text
appears on a monitor.
BEVERLY
Fifty-three years ago. A Gatherer
named Penthor-Mul.
Riker looks it over...
RIKER
Data -- got anything in your files
on this Penthor-Mul?
Data running a check... reading --
DATA
Yes. He was captured while
leading a Gatherer raid on an
Acamarian outpost. He died of
a heart attack before his trial
ended.
(reacts)
Commander, he was a member of the
Lornack Clan.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 47.
55A CONTINUED:
Riker reacts.
RIKER
(realizing)
Display Volnoth's birth record
again.
Data calls it up again on the viewer... As she sees
it...
BEVERLY
(reacts)
Lornack... the same clan....
RIKER
The only two recorded deaths from
this microvirus... members of
the same clan... what does that
tell us, Doctor?
BEVERLY
If these microbes were engineered
for murder, I'd say somebody's
going after the whole family.
DATA
(noting new information)
Commander, Chorgan, the present
leader of the Gatherers, is also
from the Lornack clan.
Beverly and Riker react.
RIKER
(to Data)
I want to know just how this clan
was involved in the Acamarian
blood feuds... any clues to their
enemies you can find...
(to Beverly)
How could this virus be
transmitted?
BEVERLY
More ways than I can count. And
it's perfectly safe to the
carrier... as long as he doesn't
have the same DNA patterns.
RIKER
Tailor made for their victims...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 47A.
55A CONTINUED: (2)
Data finds what he's looking for...
DATA
Sir, eighty years ago, the
Lornacks massacred a rival clan,
the Tralestas. It ended a feud
that had lasted for two hundred
years.
RIKER
Ended it?
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 48.
55A CONTINUED: (3)
DATA
According to these records, there
were no survivors. The Tralesta
clan was annihilated.
BEVERLY
Something tells me they may not
have all been wiped out.
RIKER
There's got to be a missing link
here...
Data continues his scan... whirring through pictures
and text...
BEVERLY
Computer, any members of the
Acamarian delegation in the
Tralesta clan?
COMPUTER
Clan affiliation is not within
provided records.
Data halts the scan.
DATA
Commander, I believe I have found
a correlation between the two
deaths... your "missing link" ...
Riker and Beverly look at Data's monitor...
55B INSERT - THE MONITOR SCREEN (OPTICAL)
A still photo of the Gatherer PENTHOR and a few
Acamarians leaving the courthouse. Half hidden by one
of the Acamarians is a familiar face.
DATA (O.S.)
That is Penthor-Mul being led
from his trial.
RIKER
I don't see the connection...
DATA
Behind him to the left, sir...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/6/89 - ACT FOUR 49.
55B CONTINUED:
RIKER
Computer, scan left and magnify.
The photo magnifies until the half-hidden face fills
the screen. It's a young woman's face.
55C RIKER
reacts, beginning to suspect, gives Data a look...
DATA
The computer can extrapolate and
reconstruct the rest of the face,
sir.
RIKER
(tight)
Do it.
55D INSERT - THE MONITOR SCREEN (OPTICAL)
as the computer "draws in" the other half of the
face... and it's plain now that face is Yuta's. Her
hair is a different color and style -- but there's no
mistaking her.
55E RIKER
reacts.
BEVERLY
But the photograph was taken over
fifty years ago.
RIKER
Fifty-three years... and she
hasn't aged a day.
56
thru OMITTED
58
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 50.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
59
thru OMITTED
64
65 INT. GATHERER SHIP
Starting on Yuta who stands nearby as the negotiations
continue... pulling back to reveal Marouk at one end
of the table, and then on the far opposite side,
Chorgan with his Gatherer guard and Brull standing
behind him. Picard is at the middle of the table.
The discussion is heated:
MAROUK
Three seats on the ruling council?
CHORGAN
If we're going to be subject to
your laws, we want a part in
making them.
MAROUK
I agree you're entitled to
representation... but not on the
ruling council.
CHORGAN
Unacceptable. The real power is
in the council. You're trying
to shut us out already --
MAROUK
No -- you're trying to take too
much! No group has three seats
on the council.
CHORGAN
(heating up)
I don't care what others have --
MAROUK
(exploding)
Yes -- you only care about what
you can take.
Picard steps in to cool things down:
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 51.
65 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Sovereign -- were the situation
reversed, you would be demanding
the same levels of representation.
Marouk cools down.
MAROUK
You're right, Captain.
(to Chorgan)
I apologize for my temper.
Chorgan, still fuming, forces a nod.
PICARD
Perhaps a short pause would be
helpful.
CHORGAN
I agree.
(gruffly trying to make
amends)
Maybe a taste of that brandy...
MAROUK
Excellent thought. Yuta...
65A ANGLE ON YUTA
obediently pours brandy. Picard takes a
conversational tone, both to give the combatants a
respite and to melt some of the ice that still exists
between them:
PICARD (O.S.)
It's quite remarkable how much
alike the two of you actually
are...
MAROUK (O.S.) CHORGAN (O.S.)
(no way) Foolishness...
Really, Captain...
PICARD (O.S.)
I'm being quite honest... both
able negotiators... strong
leaders.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 52.
65A CONTINUED:
BRULL
We don't obey weak leaders.
Chorgan glances sharply at Brull...
CHORGAN
We have nothing at all in
common... we have agreed to
nothing...
Yuta hands a glass of brandy to Marouk, starts toward
Chorgan with another glass.
PICARD
Wrong, Chorgan... we've agreed to
have some brandy together.
Chorgan smiles as Yuta moves within striking distance
of Chorgan.
66 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Riker MATERIALIZES, phaser in hand. Everyone's
astounded. The Gatherer guard goes for his phaser
rifle. Riker FIRES, stunning the guard. Chorgan,
bellowing, starts to get to his feet.
CHORGAN
Treachery! A Federation trap --
RIKER
Don't move!
Riker aims the phaser at Chorgan, who freezes, glares
at Riker. The guard is already starting to shake off
the effects of the stun. Riker and Picard exchange
a look.
PICARD
Chorgan, I assure you Commander
Riker has a good reason for his
actions...
(beat)
... you do, Number One?
Everyone's motionless -- including Yuta, who's a yard
behind Chorgan.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 53.
66 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Yuta. Move away from Chorgan.
Yuta looks unemotionally at Riker, doesn't move.
RIKER (cont'd)
Do it.
YUTA
Why?
RIKER
Because of a man you once knew...
Penthor-Mul.
Reactions.
CHORGAN
Penthar-Mul? How do you know
Penthar-Mul?
RIKER
He was murdered fifty years ago...
CHORGAN
Murdered... ? That's not so...
he died of...
RIKER
He was killed just as Volnoth
was... by a deadly virus designed
to attack your clan...
CHORGAN
What do you mean? Designed by
whom... ?
RIKER
Tell him, Yuta...
YUTA
I don't understand.
RIKER
You were with Penthor-Mul when
he died...
YUTA
If it was fifty years ago... how
could I...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 54.
66 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
I know, Yuta...
Chorgan starts to make a move. Yuta makes a small move
toward Chorgan --
RIKER
Stop! Chorgan -- keep perfectly
still. Your life is in danger.
Shocked reactions from everyone but Yuta.
RIKER (cont'd)
Yuta -- step back.
YUTA
William, this is not your concern.
RIKER
It is now. You're about to commit
murder.
Yuta realizes Riker's on to her and there's no point
in pretending further.
YUTA
(very calm)
It isn't murder. It's justice.
CHORGAN
Who are you?
YUTA
Yuta... of the clan Tralesta.
CHORGAN
There are no more Tralestas.
67 ANOTHER ANGLE
Chorgan and Marouk are stunned. Yuta calmly explains:
YUTA
Five survived the last Lornack
raid... but on that day a century
ago, my life ended and my search
began. I was the one chosen...
transformed... my cells were
altered... my aging slowed...
enough to finish my task.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 55.
67 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Murdering innocent people -- is
that your task?
YUTA
He's not innocent. He's a
Lornack.
MAROUK
You used me in order to get to
the last few you couldn't reach.
YUTA
Yes, Sovereign.
CHORGAN
You'll never leave this ship.
If I don't kill you myself, my
men will.
YUTA
You are the last. Once you're
dead, what happens to me doesn't
matter.
RIKER
Yuta... the wars are over.
YUTA
You cannot understand...
RIKER
No, I can't. You're right.
Because I've seen the part of you
that regrets what you have
become... Yuta, listen to me...
you don't have to do this any
more.
68 ON YUTA
as the first signs of regret cross her face.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/12/89 - ACT FIVE 56.
68 CONTINUED:
YUTA
I have no choice.
RIKER
You do...
And now the regret really shows through on Yuta's
face. Haltingly, she extends a hand in Riker's
direction --
YUTA
William... I --
Riker lowers the phaser, extends his other hand toward
Yuta -- "come on... " Yuta pauses --
YUTA (cont'd)
I'm... sorry.
69 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as Yuta whirls, reaches to touch Chorgan -- and Riker
FIRES.
The stun charge shakes Yuta up -- but she remains
conscious, recovers her footing. Riker changes the
phaser setting, FIRES again. It knocks Yuta back. But
she keeps coming.
Riker has no choice. He adjusts the phaser --
RIKER
Don't --
Yuta reaches for Chorgan again --
And Riker FIRES. Setting eight. Vaporize.
And Yuta's gone.
70 WIDER
Silence. No one moves. Slowly, Chorgan stands.
CHORGAN
Commander, I'm in your debt...
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 57.
71 CLOSE ON RIKER
His haunted expression tells us he hasn't heard a word
of Chorgan's...
72
thru OMITTED
73
74 INT. TEN-FORWARD
Riker's sitting alone at the bar, gazing into an
untouched drink in front of him. Picard ENTERS.
takes a beat to study him, then proceeds to sit down
next to him. After a beat, Riker glances up, knows
why the captain is there, nods an acknowledgement...
there's not a lot of eye contact.
PICARD
New orders from Starfleet.
Riker cocks his brow.
PICARD
The rendezvous with the Goddard
has been postponed.
RIKER
And in the meantime?
PICARD
Starbase three four three. We're
to take on medical supplies for
the Alpha Leonis system.
RIKER
Sounds pretty routine.
PICARD
With the Gatherer truce in effect,
it should be.
(a beat)
We won't require a full ship's
complement. I'm going to extend
shore leave on the starbase to
anyone who wants it.
Riker gives Picard a long look, appreciating what
Picard's taking pains not to say...
RIKER
I'll pass that along to the crew,
Captain.
Picard nods, takes his leave of Riker, EXITS.
STAR TREK: "Vengeance Factor" - REV. 10/13/89 - ACT FIVE 58.
75 ON RIKER (OPTICAL)
a beat as he stands, crosses to a food slot.
RIKER
Parthus. A la Yuta.
As the dish MATERIALIZES, we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END