STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ensign Ro"
#40275-203
Story by
Rick Berman & Michael Piller
Teleplay by
Michael Piller
Directed by
Les Landau
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
FINAL DRAFT
JULY 18, 1991
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ensign Ro"
CAST
PICARD MOT, THE BARBER
RIKER ADMIRAL KENNELLY
DATA ENSIGN RO LAREN
BEVERLY KEEVE FALOR
TROI ORTA
GEORDI GUL DOLAK
WORF
Non-Speaking
GUINAN BAJORANS
TRANSPORTER OFFICER COLLINS
COMPUTER VOICE
FEMALE COM VOICE
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ensign Ro"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE VALO THREE
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM BAJORAN CAMP
BARBER SHOP
TRANSPORTER ROOM
CORRIDOR
TEN-FORWARD
RO'S QUARTERS
MOON CAVES
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ensign Ro"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
Antares an-TAR-eez
Bajorans bah-JOR-uh
Bajoran bah-JOR-an
Baleekam bah-LEE-kam
Balleek bah-LEEK
Cardassian car-DASS-ee-en
Garon GAH-run
Gul Dolak gull doh-LACK
Holza HOHL-tsa
Jaros JAHR-ohs
Keeve Falor KEEV fah-LOHR
Kennelly KEN-ell-ee
Mot MAHT (rhymes w/ bought)
Orta OHR-ta
Ro Laren ROH LAH-ren
Solarion soh-LEHR-ee-un
Valo VAH-lo
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Ensign Ro"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. ENTERPRISE BARBER SHOP (OPTICAL)
Close on PICARD in the barber chair, the barber's tools
working on his hair. Picard's face is unpleasant as
the BARBER chatters on.
BARBER
... there's a time when you want
to call a Romulan's bluff and
there's a time when you don't...
(beat, waiting for a
response, then... )
Wouldn't you say?
PICARD
(trying to be polite)
Yes, well, one does not always
have the luxury...
BARBER
(interrupting)
You've got to choose your time
and place with them. True or
false?
PICARD
(sighs)
Whenever possible.
BARBER
So, this time you were lucky.
Picard starts to respond, then simply grunts.
BARBER
(continuing)
I suppose all's well that ends
well but if I had been in your
shoes...
Picard frowns impatiently, glances in the mirror...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(interrupting)
Well, it looks very nice,
Mot... that should suffice...
BARBER
Hold on...
He picks up a new tool and checks the sideburns...
trims one side...
BARBER
(done)
...there.
... and now he is facing Picard eye to eye...
BARBER
I must tell you, Captain, Will
Riker was in for a trim
yesterday... and he agreed with
me a hundred per cent...
Picard cocks an eyebrow at that one.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Bridge to Captain Picard...
PICARD
(hits insignia, with
an edge)
Yes?
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker reacts slightly to the tone of voice.
RIKER
Sorry to interrupt. We're
receiving an emergency distress
signal from the Solarion Four
colony.
3 INT. BARBER SHOP
BARBER
Uh oh, right along the Cardassian
border...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED:
PICARD
(to com)
Lay in a new course. I'm on my
way.
He rises and silently acknowledges the barber and after
he exits, the barber shakes his head with concern,
turns to a colleague...
BARBER
(sighs)
I told him we never should have
colonized that close to the
Cardassians...
The other barber nods in agreement and...
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard ENTERS from the turbolift. RIKER, DATA, WORF
and SUPERNUMERARIES on the bridge.
PICARD
Report.
RIKER
The signal ended abruptly at oh
four five five... unable to raise
them on subspace...
PICARD
Hail them on upper and lower band
frequencies, Mister Worf...
WORF
I've tried, sir. No response.
PICARD
Time to the Solarion system?
DATA
Twenty-six minutes, Captain.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - TEASER 4.
4 CONTINUED:
Picard acknowledges, satisfied, settles in his command
chair... glances at Riker...
PICARD
I understand you've been
discussing alternative adversarial
engagement strategies with Mot.
RIKER
(reacts)
It would be more accurate to say
he was discussing them with me...
(beat)
He's the best barber in
Starfleet... what can you do... ?
WORF
Sir, receiving another signal from
a vessel leaving orbit of Solarion
Four... new frequency, low
band... audio only...
PICARD
Open the channel.
Some crackle in the reception.
MALE VOICE
This is the Bajorans. We claim
responsibility for the destruction
of the Federation colony on
Solarion Four. As long as we are
without our homeland, no one will
be safe in this sector.
As the signal ends, push in on Picard and...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT ONE 5.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
At a space station.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 45076.3.
We have arrived at Lya Station
Alpha with survivors from Solarion
Four. Admiral Kennelly has
rendezvoused to discuss the
Bajoran terrorist attack.
6 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Close on ADMIRAL KENNELLY, standing. Kennelly is a
younger man than Picard, more casual than your average
Admiral. He's not feeling at all well; has a headache
and a cold... the first thing he does when we cut to
him is sneeze...
KENNELLY
Sorry...
He pulls out a handkerchief and blows his nose.
Picard takes a step to a food replicator.
PICARD
(to com)
Ginger tea with honey, very hot.
The replicator makes it in a cup. Picard brings it
over. They sit.
KENNELLY
Ginger tea?
PICARD
My Aunt Rebecca's cure for the
common cold.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT ONE 6.
6 CONTINUED:
KENNELLY
Common, hell... I picked this up
from the Cardassian liaison last
weekend. It's some damn virus
they've sic'ed on me.
He inhales the steam from the tea first... his face
shows some relief...
7 ANGLE
PICARD
Did the liaison have anything to
say about the attack?
Kennelly sips some tea as he considers his answer a
beat.
KENNELLY
It's an old story for the
Cardassians. They've had
terrorist problems since they
annexed the Bajoran home world
forty years ago.
PICARD
But in forty years, the Bajorans
have never attacked a Federation
target...
KENNELLY
A new militant splinter group has
broken away from the Bajoran
settlement camps. Leader's name
is Orta. Apparently he's willing
to do whatever he has to to get
attention...
PICARD
And our response?
KENNELLY
(shrugs)
We're going to give him attention.
(beat)
I can't tell you how good this
feels on my throat...
Kennelly puts the tea down, sighs... rises, massages
his head to relieve the pain...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT ONE 7.
7 CONTINUED:
KENNELLY
Listen, I'm the first to say that
the Bajorans deserve attention...
chased off their own planet by
the Cardassians, forced to wander
the galaxy, settling wherever they
can find room...
PICARD
(acknowledges)
On many worlds we've been to, they
are isolated, treated as
pariahs...
KENNELLY
The Federation has great sympathy
for their cause... but they're
not helping themselves with an
attack like this.
(beat)
That's what you have to
communicate to them.
Picard studies his superior officer, knows there's
more...
PICARD
That could be done through
diplomatic channels, Admiral...
what do you really want from us?
Kennelly nods... takes a beat, then...
KENNELLY
Find this terrorist leader,
Orta... get him back "on the
reservation"... any way you can.
Picard blinks... that's a hell of an order... and it's
one he doesn't care for very much... he almost smiles
incredulously...
PICARD
Any way I can...
KENNELLY
The Federation has dozens of
settlements in that sector. We
can't allow the violence to
continue.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
And what do I have to offer that
might persuade him to cooperate?
KENNELLY
Amnesty.
PICARD
(not nearly adequate)
Admiral...
KENNELLY
... and a promise that we will
immediately begin to address this
issue with the Cardassians...
quietly, behind the scenes, using
every legitimate means... the
Bajorans have to be patient...
PICARD
They have endured generations of
sympathy and promises. I cannot
believe this Orta will be
satisfied with more of the same.
KENNELLY
It's your job to see that he is,
Jean-Luc.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Riker to Captain Picard.
PICARD
(to com)
Go ahead.
INTERCUT:
8 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Riker with A TRANSPORTER OFFICER (COLLINS).
RIKER
Captain, have you approved the
transfer of a new officer to the
Enterprise?
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Negative...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT ONE 9.
8 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Well, I've got one waiting to
transport aboard...
9 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
RIKER'S COM VOICE
(continuing)
... complete with orders. Ensign
Ro Laren.
Riker says it with an edge. He knows who she is. And
Picard also recognizes the name... reacts...
PICARD
Ro Laren? From the Wellington?
He sees the Admiral signalling his attention...
RIKER'S COM VOICE
The same one, sir. Should I tell
her a mistake's been made?
PICARD
(re: the Admiral)
Stand by, Commander.
Picard looks to the Admiral...
KENNELLY
I wrote the orders.
(off Picard's reaction)
I thought she'd be valuable to
you.
PICARD
Admiral... respectfully...
(beat, trying to fashion
a polite way of saying
this)
I would appreciate some consulting
rights on the assignment of a new
officer... especially someone with
the record of Ro Laren...
KENNELLY
She's Bajoran.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT ONE 10.
9 CONTINUED:
PICARD
There are other Bajorans in
Starfleet... assign one of them...
With increasing tension...
KENNELLY
I've discussed this situation with
her. I'm convinced she's the
right one for the job...
PICARD
After what happened at Garon Two,
she has no business serving on
any starship as far as I'm
concerned... let alone the
flagship, my ship...
KENNELLY
You're taking her... it's all
arranged... you have no idea how
difficult it was to get her out
of prison.
Picard stares at the Admiral.
PICARD
It's that important to you...
KENNELLY
It's that important. To the
mission.
A long beat.
PICARD
Picard to Riker.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Go ahead.
PICARD
Proceed with the transport.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Sir... ?
PICARD
I'll fill you in later, Commander.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT ONE 11.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Yessir.
The Admiral smiles.
PICARD
Admiral, I hope neither of us
regrets this.
KENNELLY
You can handle her, Captain. If
anyone can.
Kennelly rises.
KENNELLY
I'll be on my way, then. Actually,
you know, I think I'm feeling
better.
PICARD
(even)
Aunt Rebecca would be pleased.
10 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
Starting on a grim-faced Riker, clearly upset at
this...
RIKER
Energize.
And as Collins works the controls, move to the
transporter pad as ENSIGN RO LAREN MATERIALIZES. She
is an attractive humanoid woman in her late twenties.
Her eyes gain our first attention, perhaps because her
brows are not separate but connect in a full line over
both eyes... the effect is rather sensual and darkly
intense.
She carries a 24th-century backpack over one shoulder
and is dressed in Starfleet red; on one ear she wears
a silver ring. As she walks off the transporter, she
hands Riker a disc with her orders. She arrives with
all the enthusiasm of a plumber arriving to fix your
toilet just before quitting time.
RO
Ensign Ro Laren reporting as
ordered, Commander.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT ONE 12.
10 CONTINUED:
Riker never breaks eye contact to look at her disc.
RIKER
You'll follow the Starfleet
uniform code aboard this ship,
Ensign.
It takes her just a second to realize that he's talking
about her earring. And she glances at Collins with
the incredible smile of a woman who can't believe that
wherever she goes there is one more asshole waiting to
get on her case. Collins gives her nothing back.
Riker silently waits her out.
She says nothing more, but her eyes lock into his and
say "the hell with you" as she calmly removes the
earring. Riker EXITS. She follows.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT TWO 13.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
11 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship at warp.
12 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Close on Picard, who is with Riker. Picard is unhappy
about all this.
RIKER
There will be members of the crew
who will not want to serve with
Ensign Laren, Captain.
PICARD
They'll have to learn to live
with it.
Riker reacts, has rarely seen his captain with this
edge.
RIKER
I intend to demand the highest
standards of performance from her.
PICARD
I would expect nothing less.
The chime rings. Picard does not immediately
acknowledge it. Softer --
PICARD
It won't be for long, Will.
They share a look. Then to the door --
PICARD
Come.
Ro ENTERS.
PICARD
Yes, Ensign Laren, please have
a seat...
RO
Ensign Ro. Sir.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO 14.
12 CONTINUED:
PICARD
I beg your pardon?
She sits.
RO
The Bajoran custom has the family
name first, the individual's
second. I am properly addressed
as Ensign Ro.
PICARD
(glances at Riker)
I'm sorry, I didn't...
RO
No reason you should know. It
is an old custom. Most Bajorans
these days accept the distortion
of their names in order to
assimilate. I do not.
A beat. Already Ro has them on the defensive.
PICARD
I wish to be candid with you,
Ensign.
RO
Please.
PICARD
I am fully aware of your Starfleet
record, your problems on other
ships, the incident on Garon Two
that led to your court martial.
I feel it only fair to inform you
that I am personally concerned
about your presence on this most
critical mission...
RO
I don't want to be here any more
than you want me to be here. Sir.
RIKER
Then why did you accept this
assignment?
RO
If I may be equally candid...
it's better than prison.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO 15.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
(galled)
Better than prison. Ensign, there
are officers who wait years to
serve aboard this...
RO
... being called back into
Starfleet wasn't my idea...
RIKER
... Nor ours...
RO
... and I'm not exactly happy about
it.
Picard is frustrated by all this... she doesn't fit,
she doesn't want to be here, she has an attitude...
PICARD
Nevertheless...
(beat)
... we are going to be serving
together and I think it would be
wise for Commander Riker and me
to clearly voice our expectations
and...
She rises.
RO
Captain, I know the routine. You
don't have to worry about me.
We're stuck with each other.
Let's get this over with as
quickly as possible and we'll go
our separate ways, okay?
She EXITS. Pointedly after the fact, Picard mutters,
under his breath...
PICARD
Dismissed.
As Picard and Riker exchange a glance...
13 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship comes out of warp.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO 16.
13 CONTINUED:
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. We
are approaching the Valo system
on the outskirts of Cardassian
territory, where many Bajorans
have resettled.
14 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard, Riker, Data, TROI, Worf, BEVERLY, Ro. Data
gives a mission update.
DATA
There are dozens of Bajoran
camps on the three M-class
planets. I suggest we may want
to begin on Valo Three, where an
ad hoc leader named Jas Holza
lives. The Federation has had
several dealings with him...
BEVERLY
I met Holza at a symposium a few
years ago...
PICARD
What can you tell us about him,
Doctor?
BEVERLY
(thinking back)
I found him to be a very concerned
leader and a good spokesman for
his people...
(beat, remembering)
And a terrific dancer...
Reactions from the table.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
Really... at the reception
afterwards...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO 17.
14 CONTINUED:
TROI
At least this man has genuine
experience in diplomacy...
PICARD
(acknowledges)
That is not a small advantage on
this mission... Very well...
Mister Data, contact Holza,
arrange a meeting... set a course
for Valo Three.
RIKER
Ensign Ro, you're familiar with
this star system; take the
conn...
Ro looks down, unhappy...
RIKER
Is there some problem, Ensign?
RO
You're wasting your time.
All eyes turn to her.
RO
Holza is nobody. He's the token
Bajoran that "respectable"
people...
(unsaid: like you)
... invite to symposiums and
diplomatic soirees. But he has
no real influence among my people.
DATA
Whom do you suggest we talk to,
Ensign?
RO
Don't you understand? These are
desperate people. Ready to martyr
themselves. They don't want to
talk...
WORF
This ship is prepared to defend
itself if necessary.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO 18.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
RO
It will be. Don't fool yourself.
This mission will end in
bloodshed.
A silence.
PICARD
(controlled)
Well. Let us hope you are
mistaken, Ensign. Now... perhaps
you could point us in the right
direction as Mister Data
suggested.
And there is something we can notice in Ro... a mixed
feeling about what she's doing... chalk it up to
tracking down her own people if you like for now...
but there is a certain inevitability, a certain regret
in her tone here... perhaps she knows more than she
is telling...
RO
(a beat)
I would go to the camp on the
southern continent of Valo Two...
find a man named Keeve Falor.
He has no diplomatic experience.
And he won't ask you to dance.
On reactions...
15 EXT. BAJORAN CAMP - DAY (OPTICAL)
As Picard, Data, Ro, Worf MATERIALIZE against a plain
desert background... they begin to move forward into
a new...
16 ANGLE
to reveal the camp... and it is a devastating sight. A
collection of several dozen ramshackle huts line the
barren ground... built from bits and pieces of junk
and wire and colored tarps... small chicken-like
animals roam freely... clothes hang on lines that
string the camp together...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO 19.
16 CONTINUED:
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. I
read about the achievements of
the ancient Bajoran civilization
in my fifth grade reader... they
were architects and artists and
builders and philosophers... when
humans were not yet standing
erect.
Picard takes in the scene before him.
PICARD (V.O.)
Now I see how history has
rewarded them...
17 ANGLE
The children see them. Dirty, ill-clothed... they run
to the exciting visitors... surround them with
curiosity and hunger, touch their clothes, make an
uproarious noise... Picard glances over and studies --
18 RO
as she looks at these young ones with warmth and pain
and identification, and one three-year-old child who is
stark naked looks at her... and she takes off her
Starfleet jacket, kneels down and wraps it around the
child. She catches the eye of Picard watching her and
there is a vulnerability in her we haven't seen before
as she simply explains...
RO
This used to be me.
(Note: Ro will play the rest of this sequence without a
jacket, and underneath is a Starfleet issue
body-shirt.)
KEEVE (o.c.)
Baleekam... Balleek... balleek!
19 ANGLE
to reveal KEEVE FALOR chasing off all the children...
he is a man in his forties, proud, honest, plain-
speaking. Like all the Bajorans, he is dressed simply,
and wears several silver earrings on both ears.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO 20.
19 CONTINUED:
There is something critical in his tone to Ro, and she
is a bit uncomfortable.
KEEVE
Ro Laren, it has been a long
time. We welcome your return.
RO
Keeve Falor. Captain Jean-Luc
Picard. Commander Data and
Lieutenant Worf.
PICARD
Thank you for meeting with us,
Mister Keeve.
KEEVE
You honor me by the proper use
of my name, Captain.
PICARD
Ensign Ro has educated me.
KEEVE
Has she. Good.
(even, to Ro)
I'm pleased you still remember.
And she can hear a prick of criticism... suggesting
that she is not truly one of them at all anymore.
KEEVE
Let me show you our camp.
20 ANGLE - WALKING
Picard and Keeve walk together... Ro a step away. Data
and Worf walk behind.
KEEVE
We are not a violent race,
Captain. Just passionate about
our cause. And that passion has
led some to take up arms.
PICARD
Do you know where we can find
Orta?
KEEVE
I'm afraid not.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO 21.
20 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Might you be able to help us
locate him?
KEEVE
I'm sorry. I don't wish to help
you.
Picard reacts.
KEEVE
Don't misunderstand. I for one
believe the raid on the Federation
outpost was poor judgment. You
are innocent bystanders, and I
cannot condone violence against
those who are not our enemies.
PICARD
Then I don't understand why you
are unwilling...
KEEVE
Because you are innocent
bystanders.
They pause to watch as people wash clothes in water
falling from an open pipe...
KEEVE
(pleasantly)
You were innocent bystanders for
decades as the Cardassians took
our homes... as they violated and
tortured our people in the most
hideous ways imaginable... as we
were forced to flee...
PICARD
We were saddened by those
events... but they occurred within
the designated borders of the
Cardassian Empire...
KEEVE
... and the Federation is pledged
not to interfere in the internal
affairs of others.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO 22.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
KEEVE (cont'd)
How convenient it must be for you.
To turn a deaf ear to those who
suffer behind a line on a map.
PICARD
I'm not here to debate Federation
policy. I am prepared to offer
assistance...
KEEVE
Simply because of one terrorist
attack? Then perhaps I have been
wrong. We should have attacked
the Federation long ago. What
do you think of that, Ro?
RO
I think you are a small man who
feels a rush of power in his belly
and enjoys it far too much,
Keeve. Stop talking and listen.
He eyes her coldly.
PICARD
We have had our own problems with
the Cardassians... now that there
is a treaty, we are in a position
to help. Your people have been
forced to resettle all over the
quadrant. We can make a
legitimate case with the
Cardassians that this is no longer
an isolated problem. We will work
diplomatically on your behalf...
but first the terrorist attacks
must end.
A beat as Keeve considers, then, as an answer...
KEEVE
We live in different universes,
you and I. Yours is about
diplomacy, politics, strategy.
Mine is about blankets. If we
were to exchange places for a
night, you would better
understand.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO 23.
20 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Mister Data -- see to it that our
replicators provide blankets for
every man, woman and child here
before nightfall.
DATA
Yessir.
PICARD
Mister Worf, you will determine
if these people have any other
emergency needs and provide
whatever we can...
WORF
Aye, sir.
They move off. Keeve nods his appreciation.
KEEVE
Return to your ship. I will
contact you when I have any
information that might be of
assistance. Ensign.
He bows to Ro and EXITS. Picard and Ro are left
alone... he studies her and nods and has to tell her...
PICARD
You were helpful.
RO
The blankets were helpful...
nothing I said mattered.
And although it is said in a self-effacing way, it is
a way to blow off the compliment, to avoid bonding...
In fact, she is a woman who cannot easily accept a
compliment.
20A ANGLE
Picard moves to take in this setting.
PICARD
In an age when their technology
should be able to feed and clothe
all of them... that they should
have to live like this...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO 24.
20A CONTINUED:
RO
I couldn't. And I wouldn't.
That's one reason why I ran away.
They are lost... defeated...
And he looks at her with new measure as she studies her
peoples' camp...
RO
I will never be.
And as the
21 ANGLE
changes to give us the wide perspective of the two of
them looking over the camp...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE 25.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
22 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Moving through the Valo system at impulse.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 45077.8.
Keeve Falor has kept his promise
and directed us toward the third
moon of Valo One... where we will
meet tomorrow with the terrorist
leader, Orta.
23 INT. TEN-FORWARD
Beverly and Troi ENTER, see Ro drinking alone at a
table. They exchange a glance: "C'mon, let's do the
right thing." They walk over... smile...
TROI
Do you mind if we join you?
Ro glances up...
RO
Yes.
Bev and Troi's smiles fade, they walk on past Geordi
and Guinan at the bar... and we stay with...
24 GEORDI AND GUINAN
Mid-conversation...
GEORDI
... I'll tell you one thing... if
I find myself on an away team with
Ensign Ro... I'll never turn my
back on her...
GUINAN
The captain obviously thought
she'd be valuable on this mission.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE 26.
24 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(shakes his head)
This was orders. Had to be. She
doesn't belong here. Doesn't
belong in the uniform if you ask
me.
GUINAN
Really.
GEORDI
Really.
GUINAN
Sounds like someone I'd like to
meet.
Geordi reacts as Guinan leaves...
25 WITH RO
as Guinan doesn't ask, she just sits down.
GUINAN
Am I disturbing you?
RO
Yes.
GUINAN
Good. You look like someone who
wants to be disturbed.
RO
(reacts)
I'd rather be alone.
GUINAN
No you wouldn't.
RO
(reacts)
I beg your pardon... ?
GUINAN
If you wanted to be alone, you
would've stayed in your quarters.
Only reason to come here is to
be around people.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE 26A.
25 CONTINUED:
A beat. Obviously there's some truth that Ro has to
grudgingly acknowledge.
RO
(not serious)
There's always the view...
GUINAN
You've been looking at your drink
all night. How's the view?
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE 27.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
RO
Who are you?
GUINAN
Guinan. I keep the bar. I
listen.
RO
Heard anything interesting?
GUINAN
Everyone's talking about you.
RO
Heard anything interesting?
GUINAN
Uh-huh.
Ro gives her a sort of defensive grin, hiding pain...
RO
(beat)
It's all true.
GUINAN
I've always found that truth is
in the eye of the beholder.
RO
Isn't that supposed to be
"beauty"?
GUINAN
"Truth", "beauty"... works for
a lot of things.
Ro actually lets a genuine smile slip through, retreats
quickly into her drink.
GUINAN
They say you never told anyone
the truth about Galon Two. You
didn't even defend yourself at
the court martial.
RO
What was to defend? I didn't
follow orders. Eight members of
the away team died.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT THREE 28.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
GUINAN
Your fault.
RO
My fault.
GUINAN
So you sit alone in crowded rooms
staring at your drink.
Ro shrugs.
GUINAN
(realizing)
You kind of enjoy it, don't you?
RO
Enjoy it... ?
GUINAN
You go out of your way to torture
yourself... You work so hard at
it, you've gotta love it.
RO
(beat)
Who are you?
GUINAN
Guinan. I tend the bar. I
listen.
Beat.
RO
You're not like any bartender I
ever met.
GUINAN
You're not like any Starfleet
officer I ever met.
(beat)
This might be the start of an
interesting friendship.
Guinan rises.
RO
I never stay anywhere long enough
to make friends.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT THREE 29.
25 CONTINUED: (4)
GUINAN
Too late. You just made one.
She moves back to the bar... leaving Ro to consider
what just happened.
FEMALE COM VOICE
Bridge to Ensign Ro.
RO
Go ahead.
FEMALE COM VOICE
Subspace communication coming in
for you, Ensign.
RO
Thank you.
She's still thinking about what Guinan said, exchanges
a glance with her and EXITS. Hold on Guinan a beat
then..
26 INT. RO'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
As she ENTERS.
RO
Computer, direct subspace
transmission to monitor...
As she moves to the monitor, the Starfleet logo is
displayed... there's a BEEP and... the logo is replaced
with the picture of Admiral Kennelly at a desk...
KENNELLY
Your report, Ensign.
RO
Everything's going exactly as you
predicted, Admiral...
27 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit of a moon.
28 INT. CORRIDOR NEAR TRANSPORTER ROOM
Picard and Riker on the move...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT THREE 29A.
28 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Any indications of weapons or
vessels beneath the surface?
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT THREE 30.
28 CONTINUED: (2)
RIKER
(shakes his head)
The composition of the moon's
crust is blocking the sensors...
PICARD
... which is very likely why they
chose this moon for their base
of operations...
They enter...
29 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
Worf, Data and Troi are waiting for them. Collins,
the Transporter Officer, is at the controls.
RIKER
We're on a timetable here.
Where's Ro?
PICARD
(keys insignia)
Captain Picard to Ensign Ro.
No response.
DATA
Computer, locate Ensign Ro.
COMPUTER VOICE
Ensign Ro is not on board the
Enterprise.
WORF
(to Collins)
Check the transport log.
COLLINS
(pressing a panel,
reacts)
She beamed down almost six hours
ago, sir...
PICARD
(frowns)
Mister Collins, any activity at
the designated site of our
meeting...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - ACT THREE 31.
29 CONTINUED:
COLLINS
(checking)
No, sir. They didn't show up...
RIKER
What the hell is going on...
Moving to the transporter pad... to Collins --
PICARD
Prepare to transport us to the
same location Ensign Ro beamed
to... Mister Worf, phasers...
They draw their phasers and...
30 INT. MOON CAVES - DAY (OPTICAL)
A rocky, claustrophobic area... narrow passages go off
in several directions.
The away team MATERIALIZES... phasers drawn... there
is no activity... Data pulls out a tricorder, takes
readings...
DATA
The tricorder is picking up
molecular displacement traces...
it suggests movement through
this area during the last ten
hours...
PICARD
See if we can determine their
direction... Standard search
pattern...
WORF
Maintain tricorder security
link.
The group spreads out, each using a tricorder...
PICARD AND WORF
move one way through the shadows of the rocks...
measuring with the tricorder...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT THREE 32.
31A DATA AND TROI
do the same. After a beat, Troi kneels down to check
a tricorder reading by a cave...
TROI
Data, I'm picking up energy
fluctuations over here...
(keys insignia)
Troi to Picard.
(a beat, reacts)
Captain, acknowledge...
She exchanges a concerned glance with Data... he keys
his combadge...
DATA
Data to Picard... Data to Worf...
They're already on the move... back toward Picard and
Worf...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT THREE 33.
31B
thru OMITTED
34
35 ANGLE
As they round a bend, Data and Troi see Picard and
Worf... bound and gagged and at phaser point... Data
and Troi react as more Bajorans terrorists appear from
the shadows, moving up behind them... Troi and Data
have no choice, they drop their phasers and allow
themselves to be taken prisoner. And we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - ACT FOUR 34.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
36 INT. CAVES
as before.
37 RO
ENTERS with a person whose face is shrouded. This
is ORTA. He moves away from her to confront Picard...
he speaks through a voice box that is implanted in the
side of his neck... it is an eerily metallic sounding
voice...
ORTA
Captain Picard... I am Orta.
Please excuse my appearance.
Unfortunately, as a guest of the
Cardassians some years ago, my
face... was mutilated... my vocal
cords cut.
PICARD
Abducting us was not necessary.
ORTA
I'm sorry. But after speaking
with Ro Laren, I decided that it
was.
PICARD
Then she has done us both a
disservice. For I am committed
to peace.
ORTA
I am not at all interested in
peace. And I am not convinced
you are, either.
And now Ro moves forward...
RO
(to Picard)
Captain, I did not come here to
undermine the mission...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR 35.
37 CONTINUED:
And Picard is livid with her... he is diplomatically
controlled, but there is a cutting edge in his voice...
PICARD
Ensign, whatever your motives,
you have already done enough
damage to these negotiations.
With your permission, Orta, I will
have her transported back to my
ship.
RO
I came here to convince these
people to listen to you... I
didn't want this to end in
bloodshed...
PICARD
(losing patience, to
Orta)
There will be no bloodshed...
RO
You don't know all the facts,
Sir.
Picard turns to face her...
PICARD
Perhaps you could share them
with me.
She wilts from his stare... finds herself in personal
conflict, confused loyalties, secret orders... there is
much she cannot tell him. Orta answers before she has
a chance to.
ORTA
Ro Laren is attempting to protect
the interests of two worlds,
Captain. She finds herself
uncomfortably caught between them.
PICARD
If you wish her to remain, I will
agree, but she is not helping
matters by fostering distrust
between us...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR 36.
37 CONTINUED: (2)
ORTA
I believe her concerns are
justified.
PICARD
I can assure you....
ORTA
(interrupting)
All is not what it seems to be,
Captain. Perhaps someone is using
you to get to me... perhaps you
are a victim of this deception
as well, I do not know.
PICARD
Deception?
ORTA
Your mission was to seek out the
Barjoran terrorists who destroyed
the Federation settlement on
Solarion Four...
PICARD
Yes...
ORTA
As I have informed Ro Laren --
it was not the Bajorans.
Off Picard's reaction...
38 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit around the moon.
39 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker is at command. The turbolift opens and the
away team ENTERS in mid-conversation... Picard
pointedly is not participating, moves slowly
toward his ready room.
WORF
... he admits responsibility for
dozens of attacks on Cardassian
targets. Why should we believe
him about Solarion Four?
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR 36A.
39 CONTINUED:
RO
He has no reason to lie.
WORF
He fears our reprisal.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR 37.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
I didn't perceive fear or
deception from him.
WORF
If they did not attack Solarion
Four, who did? And why would
anyone want to falsely implicate
the Bajorans?
DATA
Perhaps someone wanted to draw
us into this conflict...
RO
But what would anyone have to
gain by that... ?
PICARD
(interrupting)
Ensign. May I see you in my ready
room?
RO
Yessir.
She follows him.
40 INT. READY ROOM
Picard ENTERS, jaw tight, controlled... turns on a dime
the moment they enter... eye to eye with Ro.
PICARD
You do not leave this ship without
authorization.
RO
Captain, I'm sorry, but...
PICARD
This is not a discussion. You're
restricted to your quarters for
the remainder of the mission.
A beat as she stares at him incredulously...
PICARD
Dismissed.
She EXITS.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR 38.
40A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Continuous action as she makes the long walk to the
turbolift... avoiding eye contact with the others.
40B EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Still in orbit of the moon.
40C INT. RO'S QUARTERS
She lays on her bunk staring at the ceiling, tight...
trying to find some answers... feeling humiliated...
a door chime... she ignores it. Again.
RO
What?
The door opens. Guinan ENTERS.
GUINAN
Heard you'd been grounded.
RO
I really don't feel like talking
right now.
GUINAN
Sure you do.
RO
(exasperated)
How come every time I tell you
something you tell me I really
mean the exact opposite?
GUINAN
You're one of those people who's
got their poles reversed... you
take a little unscrambling, but
I've had a lot of practice.
Ro sighs. Guinan sits.
GUINAN
So what do you feel like talking
about?
RO
Nothing you can help me with.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR 39.
40C CONTINUED:
GUINAN
Never know until you try.
RO
I got myself into this. I'm just
trying to figure a way out.
That's all.
(meaningful beat,
softer)
Without anyone getting killed this
time.
And that's real. That's from pain. A beat.
RO
Seems like everybody's always just
pulling my strings... that I've
got no control.
GUINAN
For people like you and me...
who lose our homes... that's how
life feels sometimes...
RO
You?
GUINAN
My people lost their homeworld
too.
Ro realizes she's talking to someone who understands
her, decides to confide in Guinan... at least part
of the way...
RO
(beat)
I'm in trouble.
Guinan looks at her silently... gives her room to
continue...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR 40.
40C CONTINUED: (2)
RO
There's more going on here than
anyone on this ship knows... it's
more than I know how to deal with.
And I don't know who to trust...
GUINAN
Including yourself.
RO
Especially myself.
Beat.
GUINAN
I was in serious trouble once.
More than I could handle alone.
RO
What kind of trouble?
GUINAN
Not important now. Not yet. What
is important is that I'd still
be caught up in it to this day...
if I hadn't trusted one man...
40D INT. READY ROOM
Picard at his desk studying his monitor... chime...
PICARD
Come.
The door opens and Guinan leads Ro in. Picard reacts.
GUINAN
Ensign Ro has some things to talk
to you about.
PICARD
Ensign Ro has been confined to
her quarters.
GUINAN
She can go right back to her
quarters when she's done.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR 41.
40D CONTINUED:
PICARD
Guinan, I don't know why you are
involved in this, but...
GUINAN
She's my friend.
And she gives Picard an even look and EXITS. Picard
muses a beat, looks at Ro, decides to proceed.
PICARD
I have found that Guinan is very
selective about whom she calls
a friend.
(a beat)
Sit down.
They sit.
RO
Sir, when I'm finished telling
you what I have to tell you...
I'm probably gonna wind up back
in the stockade. And if that's
how it has to be...
(she shrugs, so be it)
I just can't do this anymore.
PICARD
What is it you can't do anymore,
Ensign?
RO
Admiral Kennelly came to me in
prison... told me he'd arrange
to get me out if I'd accept a
mission...
PICARD
That part I know.
RO
Nossir. Not this mission. One
for him and only him.
(off Picard's reaction)
You were being sent to talk, to
negotiate... the Admiral knew that
was hopeless... My job was to
give Orta an incentive...
PICARD
What kind of incentive... ?
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR 42.
40D CONTINUED: (2)
RO
One that you couldn't offer.
That Starfleet couldn't offer.
Orta was to end the terrorism
against the Federation. Return
with his people to the camps.
In return he would get...
(a serious admission)
Weapons. Ships. Things that
could really make a difference
against the Cardassians in the
future.
A silence. Picard tries to digest this.
PICARD
I find that... almost impossible
to believe. To suggest that
Admiral Kennelly would consider
sending weapons to terrorists...
RO
If you ask him, he will deny it.
But it's true. I didn't leave
the ship without authorization...
I received it last night from the
Admiral.
PICARD
You have been in contact with
Admiral Kennelly during this
mission?
RO
Yessir. The subspace log can
confirm that part of it at least.
A beat. Picard rises... trying to make some sense of
this...
PICARD
Arming these people would be a
violation of all that the
Federation stands for. You cannot
be blind to that...
RO
Nossir. I'm not. But this was
something... I had to do.
(beat)
When I was seven years old...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR 43.
40D CONTINUED: (3)
RO (cont'd)
I was given a piece of sugar candy
and led by a Cardassian into a
room. My father was sitting
inside. And he looked at me with
eyes I'd never seen... And then
the Cardassian began to ask him
questions... and during the next
two hours as I was forced to
watch, my father was tortured
until he died. I remember feeling
so... ashamed... as my father
begged for mercy... I was ashamed
of him for being so weak. I was
ashamed of being Bajoran. Later
I began to understand how
misguided those feelings were.
And yet somehow they have remained
a part of me. I do not want to
be ashamed of my heritage any
longer.
(beat)
I serve the Federation. But I
am Bajoran. A Starfleet admiral
presented me with an opportunity
to help my people in their fight
against the Cardassians. I had
to accept it.
Picard studies her...
PICARD
Have you made this offer to Orta?
RO
No. After he told me the Bajorans
had not attacked Solarion Four...
nothing made sense anymore. I
decided to wait until I could
figure out what was going on...
Picard rises...
PICARD
That was a wise choice, Ensign.
It probably saved you from another
court martial.
A silent beat.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR 44.
40D CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
Have you briefed Admiral Kennelly
since our return from the surface?
RO
Nossir. Captain, I don't know
who to trust anymore...
PICARD
Then why did you come to me?
RO
That strange bartender of yours...
She has a way of getting to you,
you know?
(Picard nods)
She said you were her friend.
PICARD
It seems we find ourselves with...
something in common.
(a thoughtful beat)
Do you think Orta would cooperate
with us to determine the truth
here?
RO
I think I can persuade him.
PICARD
Good.
(beat)
Our orders were to find him, bring
him back to the camps... any way
we could... perhaps that is
exactly what we should do.
RO
And then what?
PICARD
And then watch what happens.
Off her reaction...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 45.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Still in orbit around the moon.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, supplemental. I
have become convinced that we are
somehow involved in a conspiracy.
I am hopeful the purpose behind
it will be revealed in the next
few hours.
42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Kennelly is on the big screen. He still has his cold,
and a hoarse throat. Picard, Riker, Worf, Data at
their positions. Ro is at the conn.
KENNELLY
Well done, Captain.
PICARD
It was a team effort, Admiral.
Ensign Ro proved invaluable.
KENNELLY
Good. What's the next step?
PICARD
The Enterprise will escort a
Bajoran Antares-class carrier
to the Valo Three camp at oh-five
hundred hours... Orta and his
people will be aboard.
KENNELLY
Keep us advised of your progress.
PICARD
Acknowledged.
(beat)
How's that Cardassian virus,
Admiral?
KENNELLY
(smiles)
A little better, thanks.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 46.
42 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Good. We will report as soon as
our mission is accomplished.
Picard out.
The screen returns to starfield.
RIKER
Ensign Ro, take us to the
designated coordinates...
RO
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Mister Data...
A beat. He sits in command.
DATA
Yes, Captain?
PICARD
(thoughtful)
Keep an eye on the Cardassian
border, will you?
DATA
Aye, sir.
43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
At impulse moving out of orbit...
44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
WORF
The Bajoran vessel is moving up
from the surface, Captain.
PICARD
On screen.
The viewscreen shows a smallish, older carrier moving
up from the moon...
PICARD
Hail them, Mister Worf...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - ACT FIVE 47.
44 CONTINUED:
WORF
Audio channel open... the ship
has no visual capabilities.
PICARD
This is Captain Picard, we are
prepared to escort you to Valo
Three...
FEMALE VOICE
Acknowledged, Captain. Be advised
that our ship is limited to half
impulse...
PICARD
Ensign Ro, set a course for Valo
Three... half impulse.
RO
Aye, sir.
PICARD
Engage.
45 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As it escorts the Bajoran ship at half impulse.
46 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
DATA
I am monitoring increased activity
inside Cardassian space... two
ships are moving along the
border... heading one-four-two
mark zero-five-one...
PICARD
Mister Worf, can you identify the
class of these ships?
WORF
Cardassian warships... Galor
class, type three...
RIKER
Top of the line...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 48.
46 CONTINUED:
DATA
They are moving into a course
parallel to our own, Captain.
Picard glances at Riker... he expected something like
this...
PICARD
Yellow alert. Continue to monitor
them...
RIKER
Ensign Ro, what's the closest we
get to the Cardassian border on
the current heading to Valo
Three?
RO
Thirteen thousand, four hundred
kilometers, sir.
RIKER
E-T-A?
RO
Eight minutes.
Riker glances at Picard, who acknowledges...
PICARD
That's where it will be.
47 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
As before, escorting the Bajoran ship.
48 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
DATA
The Cardassian ships are changing
course... they are crossing the
border...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FIVE 48A.
48 CONTINUED:
WORF
They're increasing power to
forward weapon grids...
RIKER
Red alert.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 49.
48 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Ensign Ro... change course to
intercept the Cardassians... open
channel to the Bajoran vessels...
WORF
Open.
PICARD
This is the Enterprise. We are
moving to intercept two Cardassian
warships... maintain your present
course and speed.
FEMALE VOICE
Acknowledged, Enterprise.
WORF
Cardassians are in visual range.
PICARD
On screen.
49 ANGLE (OPTICAL)
to include the viewscreen as the warships move into
view...
WORF
We are being hailed by the
Cardassians...
PICARD
Open a channel, Mister Worf.
50 OMITTED
51 A CARDASSIAN CAPTAIN (OPTICAL)
appears on the viewscreen. With great diplomacy...
PICARD
I am Jean-Luc Picard of the
Federation Starship Enterprise...
how can I help you?
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 50.
51 CONTINUED:
DOLAK
Gul Dolak, Cardassian Militia Four
One. We have no argument with
you, Captain...
PICARD
I'm pleased to hear that, Gul
Dolak, for all of us in the
Federation value the peaceful
relations with our Cardassian
neighbors.
DOLAK
No more than we value the
relations with our Federation
neighbors.
PICARD
Good. Now that we've established
our mutual good will... what's
on your mind?
DOLAK
We have identified the Bajoran
ship you are escorting as a
terrorist carrier...
PICARD
Terrorist carrier... are you
certain?
DOLAK
Most certain, Captain. It has
committed many crimes against
us... we know its markings
well...
PICARD
Well, rest assured, there will
be no terrorist attacks today.
We are escorting these Bajoran
settlers to the camp on Valor
Three. You may monitor their
course if you wish.
DOLAK
We would request that you
withdraw... and leave the matter
to us.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 51.
51 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
This is neutral space, Gul Dolak.
You have no jurisdiction here.
DOLAK
Nor do you.
PICARD
If we withdraw, what do you intend
to do to the Bajoran vessel?
DOLAK
We intend to destroy it.
PICARD
I see. Well, that puts me in a
difficult position. I've promised
to escort these people to their
camps.
DOLAK
You are protecting the enemies
of the Cardassian people... if
you do not withdraw, we will take
great offense...
PICARD
(beat)
I'm sorry to offend you, Gul
Dolak. But I cannot withdraw.
DOLAK
We are prepared to take any steps
necessary.
PICARD
Is that intended as a threat?
DOLAK
It is a complaint. From your
Cardassian neighbors. You have
one hour to withdraw. Dolak out.
The Cardassian ships return to the viewscreen.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 52.
52 OMITTED
53 CLOSE ON PICARD
PICARD
Advise Starfleet of our status,
Mister Data.
(beat, rising)
When Admiral Kennelly calls, I'll
speak to him in my ready room.
54 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
with the two Cardassian ships in stalemate. The
Bajoran vessel has moved out of view.
55 INT. CAPT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Kennelly on the monitor...
PICARD
It seemed, Admiral, that they knew
our course, our destination, our
plan...
KENNELLY
("unconvinced")
I'm sure they monitor the border
at all times for terrorist
activity... their sensors just
picked up Orta's ship, that's
all...
PICARD
I'm not convinced of that...
KENNELLY
The important thing is, what do
we do now?
PICARD
Any suggestions, Admiral?
KENNELLY
You have to protect the Cardassian
peace, that's our top priority.
PICARD
Sir, I see no way to protect the
Cardassian peace without
sacrificing the Bajorans.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FIVE 53.
55 CONTINUED:
KENNELLY
If that's your call, I'll support
it.
Picard's eyes go cold... he studies the miserable,
manipulative son of a bitch.
PICARD
No. I'm not willing to give them
up.
KENNELLY
You're not looking at the big
picture, Jean-Luc... we can't
afford to lose the Cardassian
treaty...
PICARD
Well, I just see a different big
picture, Admiral... it looks
something like this...
(beat)
I see the Cardassian liaison, with
his Cardassian virus, coming to
meet with you after the attack
on Solarion Four. Now, we have
a mutual enemy, he says. The
Bajoran terrorists. The
Cardassians can't find them. But
maybe the Federation can. I am
beginning to see that our mission
has been, in fact, to expose
Orta... so the Cardassians could
move in and destroy him.
KENNELLY
(softly, unyielding)
I think you've lost your
perspective, Captain. We'll
discuss it further when you
return. For now, I'm giving you
a direct order to withdraw.
Kennelly out.
The Starfleet logo returns. Picard reacts.
56 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Picard ENTERS.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 54.
56 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Ensign Ro, set a course, bearing
one-eight-seven mark
one-zero-two... one quarter
impulse.
Ro glances, makes eye contact with Picard...
RO
Aye, sir.
Picard sits in command...
RIKER
He ordered us to withdraw?
Picard nods silently. Riker looks back to the
viewscreen.
57 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Moves off from the Cardassians.
58 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
The Cardassians are moving toward
the Bajoran vessel, Captain.
PICARD
Hold present course.
59 EXT. SPACE - THE CARDASSIAN SHIPS (OPTICAL)
swoop down toward the Bajoran vessel... fire several
rounds... the Bajoran vessel explodes.
60 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
The Bajoran ship has been
destroyed.
Ro reacts. Picard nods, it's done.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 55.
60 CONTINUED:
DATA
Subspace transmission coming from
Starfleet, Captain. Admiral
Kennelly.
PICARD
On screen.
DATA
It is on a secure channel.
Perhaps in your ready room,
Captain?
PICARD
No. Here. On screen.
61 ANGLE - TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Kennelly appears.
KENNELLY
Report.
PICARD
The Cardassians have destroyed
the Bajoran ship.
KENNELLY
(nods, "regretfully")
All hands lost... ?
PICARD
No, sir.
KENNELLY
Survivors?
PICARD
No, sir. No one was on board.
KENNELLY
What are you talking about?
PICARD
The ship was controlled from the
ground. Communications were
handled through a subspace relay
aboard the vessel.
KENNELLY
This was your idea, Picard?
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 55A.
61 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Actually, no... this was Ensign
Ro's idea... but I fully endorsed
it. I suspected that something
like this might occur.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FIVE 56.
61 CONTINUED:
KENNELLY
They're terrorists, dammit. Why
the hell would you want to protect
them?
PICARD
I am more concerned with
protecting the honor and integrity
of Starfleet.
KENNELLY
Do you know how many of our people
they killed on Solarion Four?
PICARD
The Bajorans did not attack Solarion
Four.
KENNELLY
Is that what Orta told you?
PICARD
Yes.
KENNELLY
And you believed him?
PICARD
Admiral, Orta's ships are old and
obsolete. They do not have warp
capabilities. They could not have
reached another star system...
let alone attack one.
That revelation hits Kennelly pretty hard... he blinks
for the first time.
KENNELLY
But then who was responsible?
PICARD
I would suggest you ask your
friend the Cardassian liaison,
Admiral. The only explanation
I can think of is that the
Cardassians staged it.
KENNELLY
The Cardassians. Why?
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 57.
61 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Perhaps they were hoping to find
someone in Starfleet like you,
Admiral, who would be foolish
enough to solve their Bajoran
problem for them.
Admiral Kennelly's nonplussed face stares out from
the viewscreen... various reactions from our crew...
ending with Ensign Ro.
62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
In orbit around Valo Two.
63 EXT. BAJORAN CAMP - DAY (OPTICAL)
Picard and Ro walk...
RO
What will happen to him?
PICARD
I'm not sure. A hearing,
definitely. Perhaps a court
martial.
RO
If he's sent to the stockade on
Jaros Two, tell him to request
a room in the east wing... the
west wing gets awfully hot in the
afternoon.
(beat)
How soon do you intend to return
to Lya Station Alpha, sir?
PICARD
A few weeks. We have some
surveying to do in sector
two-one-three-oh-five.
RO
Then, perhaps I should arrange
for other transportation back.
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE 58.
63 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Ensign, you were recruited for
one mission and if you wish to
be relieved of further duty, I
will approve it. But I'd like
you to consider remaining in
Starfleet.
RO
(reacts)
You're not serious.
PICARD
It would be a shame for Starfleet
to lose someone with your
potential.
RO
(heartfelt)
Thank you.
(reality beat)
But this uniform... it just
doesn't fit, Captain... and you
know it.
PICARD
That can change.
RO
I don't think so.
PICARD
I've observed a certain quality
about you that... might be
harnessed, molded...
RO
... don't count on it...
STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FIVE 59.
63 CONTINUED: (2)
Exasperated.
PICARD
There's still a lot you can learn
from Starfleet, Ensign.
RO
I've always thought Starfleet
could learn a lot from me,
Captain.
PICARD
(beat)
That is an attitude I have found
to be common among the best
officers I've served with.
(beat)
You are not one of those officers,
Ensign, but you might be
someday... if you decide to work
at it.
RO
An interesting challenge, sir.
And I rarely refuse an interesting
challenge.
(a beat)
There would be one condition.
PICARD
Condition... ?
She attaches her silver earing to her ear. Picard
studies her and nods.
PICARD
Picard to Enterprise. Two to beam
up.
And as they DEMATERIALIZE...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END