STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Preemptive Strike" (fka "The Good Fight") #40277-276 Story by Naren Shankar Teleplay by Rene Echevarria Directed by Patrick Stewart 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 1994 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 MARCH 1, 1994 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - 03/01/94 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Preemptive Strike" CAST PICARD ENSIGN RO RIKER KALITA DATA MACIAS BEVERLY NECHAYEV TROI GUL EVEK WORF SANTOS GEORDI COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking Non-Speaking N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES N.D SETTLERS STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - 03/01/94 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Preemptive Strike" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE BRIDGE TEN FORWARD MAQUIS SETTLEMENT SICKBAY READY ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE RO'S QUARTERS ALIEN BAR MAQUIS SETTLEMENT MEETING ROOM RO'S MAQUIS SHIP SANTOS' MAQUIS SHIP STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike... " - 03/01/94 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Preemptive Strike" PRONUNCIATION GUIDE FORAIGA four-AYE-guh JUHRYAN juh-RYE-uhn BULARIAN bull-AIR-ee-un RONARA ruh-NAH-ruh JAROS JAW-rohs HASPERAT HAS-per-uht TOPIN TOE-pin HUGORA hugh-GO-ruh BELAKLAVION bell-uh-KLAV-ee-on KLAVION KLAV-ee-on STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: The Next Generation "Preemptive Strike" TEASER 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it travels at impulse. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 47941.7. The Enterprise is en route to a briefing on the situation in the Demilitarized Zone along the Cardassian border. Meanwhile, we are celebrating the return of an old friend. 2 INT. TEN FORWARD where a reception is in progress for RO LAREN -- there's a buffet table, drinks, and some quiet music in the background. Everyone's excited about seeing Ro, and when she ENTERS, she is approached by TROI, BEVERLY and GEORDI. She's not entirely comfortable about the fuss that's being made over her. BEVERLY Welcome home. RO Thanks. It's good to be back. Troi gestures to Ro's new collar pip. TROI Congratulations on your promotion -- Lieutenant. And Ro returns the gesture -- RO Same to you -- Commander. TROI Thank you. GEORDI (teasing) I hear Advanced Tactical Training is a real picnic... STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: Geordi is obviously teasing her in order to give her the chance to tell them something about what she's been up to, but Ro just smiles wryly at his comment. RO Right... There's a slight lull in the conversation. BEVERLY Did you see the buffet? TROI Yes, that's real Bajoran foraiga. GEORDI It wasn't easy to find. RO You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble... The others wave her comment off. 3 ON PICARD Ro sees him walking out of Ten Forward -- the one person she might have wanted to spend time with. 4 RESUME SCENE Where the conversation is at a bit of a standstill. TROI Where are your new quarters? RO Deck eight, section four. Again, Ro doesn't take the conversational opportunity -- she's just not good at these sorts of gatherings. BEVERLY What do you plan to -- Suddenly Picard's COM VOICE interrupts. PICARD'S COM VOICE Picard to Lieutenant Ro. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER 3. 4 CONTINUED: RO (hits combadge) Go ahead, sir. PICARD'S COM VOICE Please report to the Bridge. RO Yes, sir. (to the others) Excuse me. We follow Ro as she crosses to the door, and EXITS to -- 5 INT. CORRIDOR where she's surprised to find Picard standing there waiting for her with a faint smile on his face. RO Captain... PICARD You seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention... I thought you could use a break. She smiles when he realizes that he pulled her away as a favor. RO To tell you the truth, I could... I want to see everyone, but I think I'd rather do it one at a time. Picard acknowledges that he understands. It's obvious that they're both very happy to see each other. PICARD You're looking fit, Lieutenant. Tactical Training must have agreed with you. RO You know me -- I enjoy a challenge. PICARD That school is more than a challenge. Half the class washes out every year. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER 4. 5 CONTINUED: PICARD (Cont'd) (beat) Somehow I knew you wouldn't be one of those. RO I want you to know I appreciate your recommending me. (beat) If it weren't for you, sir -- my life would be a much different one right now. Picard smiles at her. He has an almost paternal feeling about this young renegade. Suddenly RIKER'S COM VOICE interrupts. RIKER'S COM VOICE (urgent) Bridge to Captain -- PICARD (hits combadge) Go ahead. 6 INT. BRIDGE where Riker has the Bridge. N.D.s as needed. RIKER We're receiving a distress signal from a Cardassian ship near the Demilitarized Zone. 7 INT. CORRIDOR PICARD Change course to intercept -- I'm on my way. (to Ro) I'd like you at the Conn, Lieutenant. They head off down the corridor. 8 INT. BRIDGE as Picard and Ro ENTER from the Turbolift and take their positions. We're at red alert. WORF is at Tactical, DATA at Ops. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER 5. 8 CONTINUED: PICARD Report. RIKER The Cardassian ship relayed a distress signal but it was cut off before they could tell us what was wrong. RO I've got the ship on long-range sensors. (beat) It appears to be under attack -- by several small ships. PICARD Can you identify them? RO No, sir. They aren't transmitting identification codes. DATA I will scan their warp signatures. A beat as Data works... DATA Sir, sensors indicate that the attacking vessels are Federation ships. Off this moment -- FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 6. ACT ONE FADE IN: (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.) 9 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it hurtles by at impulse. 10 INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL) RO We're coming into visual range. PICARD On screen. On the VIEWSCREEN we see a Cardassian ship being strafed by several smaller MAQUIS SHIPS -- Picard and Riker react to their appearance. RIKER Those are Federation ships. PICARD Isolate one and magnify. On the Viewscreen we see one of the Maquis ships closer up -- it does not have Starfleet markings, or markings of any kind. Picard recognizes it anyway. PICARD (continuing) The Maquis... (beat, grim) Open a channel. Worf works his console, indicates a channel is open. PICARD To all Maquis ships -- call off your attack or we will be forced to engage you. After a moment -- WORF No response. Picard is not happy about this. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 6A. 10 CONTINUED: PICARD You are Federation citizens. Your actions are in violation of our treaty with the Cardassians. Call off your attack. Again, no response. Picard is left with no other choice. PICARD Are we in firing range? WORF Not yet, sir. PICARD Arm phasers and photon torpedoes and stand by. RIKER I never thought we'd be firing on our own people to protect a Cardassian ship... DATA The Maquis ships are regrouping... they are closing in on the Cardassian vessel. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 7. 10 CONTINUED: (2) WORF (off console) The Cardassian's shields are down to thirty percent. RIKER They may not be able to withstand another hit. WORF Sir, we are within weapons range. PICARD Mister Worf, can you detonate a torpedo spread between the Maquis ships and the Cardassians? WORF Yes, sir. PICARD Do it. Worf works his console and hears the SOUND of the torpedoes firing -- 11 EXT. SPACE - STOCK SHOT (OPTICAL) as the torpedoes shoot out from the ship's hull. 12 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) Two Maquis ships are in frame, flying in formation. Suddenly a photon burst dead ahead causes them to veer sharply away and scatter. 13 INT. BRIDGE WORF The Maquis are breaking formation -- they are withdrawing. Picard and Riker share a look of relief. PICARD Signal the Cardassians that we're standing by to assist them if they have any wounded. OFF this moment... STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 8. 14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) near the Cardassian ship. 15 INT. SICKBAY where Beverly is treating GUL EVEK, last seen in "Journey's End." Several other N.D. CARDASSIANS are being treated by N.D. Starfleet Personnel in the background, and Evek keeps looking around to make sure they're all right, making Beverly's task that much tougher. GUL EVEK Do your people have experience treating Cardassians? BEVERLY Yes. Now please, sit still. Evek lets out a frustrated breath. Picard ENTERS and approaches. Beverly moves off to treat someone else. PICARD Gul Evek. I'm sorry we weren't able to come to your aid sooner. Gul Evek's response is far from grateful -- GUL EVEK I suppose we're lucky you came at all... lately Starfleet seems to look the other way when the Maquis attack. PICARD I assure you that's not the case. We're doing everything we can to control them. GUL EVEK (with cold irony) The fact that they attacked my ship suggests your efforts have met with limited success. He fixes Picard with a look. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 9. 15 CONTINUED: GUL EVEK The Maquis came at us with photon torpedoes and type eight phasers -- tell me, Captain, how do you suppose a group of civilians acquired that kind of weaponry? PICARD It was certainly not through official channels. GUL EVEK You don't think the fact that some of the Maquis are former Starfleet officers has anything to do with it? Picard's had just about enough of Gul Evek's accusations. PICARD Starfleet does not condone the Maquis' actions in the Demilitarized Zone. (beat) Any more than your government condones paramilitary actions by Cardassian civilians. GUL EVEK We have taken measures to deal with our colonists who have armed themselves. Picard throws Evek's words back at him -- PICARD Considering that they destroyed a Juhryan freighter less than a week ago, I'd say your efforts have met with limited success. Evek leans in to Picard -- GUL EVEK Give our military the right to operate in the Zone for one week, and we'll put a stop to paramilitary activity once and for all. PICARD What you're proposing would only perpetuate the cycle of violence. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 10. 15 CONTINUED: (2) GUL EVEK Captain, if the Maquis aren't stopped, this situation is going to escalate to the point where the Cardassian military will have no choice but to take matters into its own hands. Off Picard's face as Gul Evek's threat sinks in... 16 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) cruising near Admiral Nechayev's ship. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, supplemental. Gul Evek and his crew have left the Enterprise, and we have proceeded to our rendezvous with Admiral Nechayev. 17 INT. READY ROOM as Picard and NECHAYEV ENTER. Nechayev looks around, as though searching for something. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 11. 17 CONTINUED: NECHAYEV No Bularian canapes this time, Captain? Picard smiles. PICARD Twice seemed to be pushing it a little... NECHAYEV It's just as well. (conspiratorial) They're extremely fattening. Picard gestures her to a seat. PICARD You missed Gul Evek by a matter of hours. I asked him to stay -- I thought perhaps an admiral's assurances would convince him that we are trying to deal with the Maquis situation. NECHAYEV (annoyed) Evek manages to make the Cardassians sound like helpless sheep being preyed on by Federation wolves. The truth is, we caught the Cardassian government supplying its colonies in the Demilitarized Zone with weapons. PICARD (for what it's worth) Gul Evek assures me that practice has stopped. NECHAYEV Ah. How comforting. Nechayev seems a little more stressed than usual. Picard stares closely at her. PICARD Admiral... this Maquis situation has you worried... Nechayev gives him a look. The general thawing between them allows her to be more vulnerable with him. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 12. 17 CONTINUED: (2) NECHAYEV It's a mess... and it just keeps getting worse. I never imagined I'd have to worry about Federation citizens doing violence to others. PICARD Frankly, I can understand why our colonists have taken up arms -- Starfleet isn't there to protect them anymore. NECHAYEV Believe me, Captain, if I were living that close to the Cardassians I'd keep a phaser under my pillow, too. This is a rare moment of candor from her -- another sign of improvement in their relationship. NECHAYEV (continuing) But in the last few weeks we've seen signs that the Maquis are moving beyond self-defense. Their ranks are growing... they've acquired ships, weapons... they seem to be preparing for a more aggressive military posture. Nechayev takes a breath... shakes her head at the sorry situation. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 13. 17 CONTINUED: (3) NECHAYEV (continuing) We have to put a stop to them... before the entire Demilitarized Zone ignites. (beat) But before we can stop them -- we have to find them. They seem to be scattered in small cells around the Zone. And we don't have reliable intelligence about any of them. PICARD Perhaps you need an undercover operative. NECHAYEV Our thinking exactly. We intend to infiltrate their organization. (beat) And the person we want to do it is aboard your ship right now. Off Picard's questioning look... CUT TO: 18 INT. RO'S QUARTERS where Picard has just told her Nechayev's plan. RO Starfleet wants me to infiltrate the Maquis? PICARD Because of your recent training... because you're Bajoran... and because of your past troubles with Starfleet -- you'll have a certain credibility. Ironically, Picard interrupted Ro while she was unpacking her belongings. These are the smaller, windowless quarters. RO Well, that's certainly true. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 14. 18 CONTINUED: She continues unpacking, perturbed, not thrilled by this idea. Picard watches her carefully, understanding her conflicting emotions. RO (continuing) And just when would this mission begin? PICARD Immediately. Ro shoots him a glance. RO I see. She pulls things out of her bag, smoothing and refolding, using the activity to quiet her mind. RO (continuing) I've spent the better part of my life fighting the Cardassians... I never thought I'd be helping them out. PICARD This is a rare case where our interests coincide with theirs -- we both want peace in the Demilitarized Zone. Ro stares down at the articles of clothing in her hand. Solemnly -- RO I've heard a lot about the Maquis. (beat) One of my instructors in Tactical Training... a Lieutenant Commander in Starfleet -- a man I admired and respectded... was sympathetic to them. He resigned and left to join them. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE 15. 18 CONTINUED: (2) PICARD We're all sympathetic, Lieutenant. Our civilian population in the Demilitarized Zone is in a difficult situation. (beat) But sympathy ends at a certain point. The peace treaty isn't just a piece of paper. If the Maquis force us into a war with Cardassia, it could mean hundreds of thousands of lives. Ro nods an acknowledgement; she understands what's at stake. PICARD Laren, two years ago, Starfleet would never have tapped you for this mission. They must have a lot of confidence in you now. She turns to him, the man who's done so much for her, always believed in her. RO The way I see it... there's at least one good reason to take this mission, sir. (beat) That's to validate your faith in me. Picard and she share a smile as they think of everything they've been through together... Off this moment we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 16. ACT TWO FADE IN: 19 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) a shot of a planet from space. 20 INT. ALIEN BAR (OPTICAL) A seedy joint on some planet in the Demilitarized Zone. Its patrons are a motley mix -- humans, Bajorans, and a few Aliens. The door OPENS and Ro ENTERS -- she's dressed in wornlooking civilian clothes. She casts a nervous look around, then moves toward the back of the bar -- we immediately get the feeling she's in trouble, trying to hide from someone. Several patrons take note of Ro's entrance -- including a HUMAN MALE at the bar, SANTOS. This is the kind of place where no one asks questions, so Ro is left alone. She sits on a bench against the back wall of the bar, near a HUMANOID who casts a baleful glance at her and then returns to his drink. Nearby, a male alien is being entertained by an alien prostitute -- they're kissing and laughing quietly to themselves. Suddenly the door bursts OPEN and Worf and Data ENTER with an urgent step -- they're looking for someone. Ro immediately slides over to the HUMANOID and sits on his lap, her back to Worf and Data -- his eyes go wide but before he can say anything she starts kissing him, pretending to be a prostitute. He doesn't resist. All eyes are on Worf and Data, who quickly reconnoiter the area -- nothing here, just some alien schlubs and a couple of hookers in the back corner. WORF We are looking for a Bajoran woman, dark hair. They are met with blank stares -- no one wants to get involved. DATA She is responsible for the death of a Cardassian soldier. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 17. 20 CONTINUED: Again, no one volunteers anything. The human at the bar, Santos, glances back at Ro -- he's definitely putting it together. Worf glares at the bartender. WORF If we learn that she has been here, this establishment will be closed down. Santos steps forward. SANTOS You say she had dark hair? WORF Yes. There's beat in which we think he's going to give her up. SANTOS She was here... you just missed her. DATA Do you know where she went? SANTOS No. Worf and Data exchange a glance, and then move toward the door. Worf casts a last scowl at the patrons, then they EXIT. Ro immediately extricates herself from the humanoid -- RO Nice meeting you -- He's disappointed to lose her, but Ro is already up and away before he can protest. She turns to Santos. RO (continuing) Thanks. With that, she crosses to the bar and orders. Santos watches her for a beat, then follows. SANTOS Did you kill that Cardassian? STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 18. 20 CONTINUED: (2) Ro studies his face before replying. She knows he took a risk lying for her, but she can't be sure why he did it. RO Starfleet thinks I did. That's reason enough to hide. (beat) Why did you tell them I'd left? Now it's his turn to study her face. The bartender slides a drink in front of Ro. SANTOS There are worse things a person could do than kill a Cardassian soldier. They hold each other's gaze for a long moment. RO You don't often meet someone willing to say that out loud. SANTOS In the Zone, there are a lot of us who feel that way. She raises her glass slightly. RO I'd like to meet people like that. Santos studies her face for a long beat. Ro takes a sip of her drink, when she turns to look at him again she sees that he's carrying a small PHASER. She reacts, but it's too late -- he FIRES, stunning her and causing her to crumple in her seat. Off this moment... 21 INT. MEETING ROOM where Ro is unconscious, laid out on a bench. Santos is with two others, a woman named KALITA, and an older human male named MACIAS. Macias has a scar on his face; his eyes shine with intelligence and kindness. Kalita has a phaser. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 19. 21 CONTINUED: All three of them are Maquis. Ro has been brought to a town in the DMZ where many of the settlers are Maquis or sympathizers. The room has a rough-hewn quality; this settlement is on the "frontier." Ro's eyes flutter open. MACIAS Don't be afraid. You're not in danger here. Ro sits up, touches her head to steady herself. SANTOS What's your name? Ro doesn't answer, partly because she doesn't know who these people are, partly because she's a little groggy. KALITA Did you kill that Cardassian soldier? RO Who are you? SANTOS The people who saved you from Starfleet. Ro looks around at them. She suspects these people are Maquis, but she must move cautiously. RO Thanks. (beat) But I'll be leaving now. KALITA Do you even know what planet you're on? RO Ronara Prime. SANTOS Not anymore. Ro reacts -- STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 20. 21 CONTINUED: (2) RO Where am I then? KALITA We're not going to tell you that until we know more about you. Kalita's tone is colder than the others; she's more suspicious of Ro. RO Like what? SANTOS Did you kill that Cardassian? RO Yes. KALITA That's a risky thing to do in the Demilitarized Zone. You can end up being hunted by Starfleet and the Cardassians. RO (re: Santos) Then... why did he risk bringing me here? Kalita makes one thing clear. KALITA We're asking the questions. Who are you? RO My name is Ro Laren. I grew up in the Bajoran camps... Macias smiles his quiet smile. MACIAS That would explain why you have no love for Cardassians. RO I know what they're capable of. They tortured my father to death... and forced me to watch. Macias shakes his head in sympathy, but Santos and Kalita press on. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 21. 21 CONTINUED: (3) SANTOS Where do you live now? RO Nowhere... (beat) I was a Starfleet officer. But I was court martialed and spent time in the stockade on Jaros Two. I'm not exactly what you'd call Starfleet material. SANTOS When were you on Jaros? Ro acts like she's losing patience. RO What difference does it make? Kalita snaps her back hard. KALITA We want to check your story. When were you there? RO Starfleet let me out about three years ago because I agreed to do some work for them... mostly having to do with Bajor. But I got tired of watching them placate the Cardassians and left. KALITA You resigned? RO Not officially. (wry) That's part of the reason they're looking for me. SANTOS What were you doing on Ronara? STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 22. 21 CONTINUED: (4) RO Look, I've answered enough of your questions -- I'd like to know who you people are. Macias decides to give her an answer. MACIAS Let's just say... we sympathize with those who oppose Cardassia. Ro stares at the group for a long moment. Then -- RO Are you Maquis? A small silence. No one gives away a thing. MACIAS What if we were... ? Ro faces him squarely. RO If you were... then I would ask if I could join you and help you fight. Macias glances over at Santos with a questioning look, and Santos nods a yes. Macias turns back to Ro. MACIAS We will check your story. Kalita hesitates, but Macias fixes a firm gaze on her. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 23. 21 CONTINUED: (5) MACIAS Go ahead. I'll keep an eye on her. Kalita hands Macias her phaser, and she and Santos EXIT... After a moment, he sets the phaser down as if unconcerned about Ro, and starts to rub his legs. MACIAS (continuing) My circulation isn't what it used to be... He looks at her for a beat. MACIAS (continuing) Come... let's stretch our legs. He heads for the door, and Ro follows... 22 EXT. MAQUIS SETTLEMENT - NIGHT as Ro and Macias walk through the central square. Again, this is a "frontier town" -- it has a rough-hewn quality, although there is evidence of Federation technology. Various N.D. SETTLERS go about their business as Ro and Macias walk and talk. RO Aren't you taking a chance by letting me see all this? What if my story doesn't check out -- what if I'm not who I say I am? MACIAS Then we'll have a problem, won't we? It is a definite threat, but Macias' manner makes the statement less ominous. RO You are Maquis, aren't you? MACIAS Many people here are. RO Starfleet considers you outlaws. They're afraid you'll destroy the peace treaty. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 24. 22 CONTINUED: MACIAS They don't understand the situation here in the Zone. Ro hears the anger in his voice. MACIAS (continuing) I lived on Juhraya... the colony suddenly found itself in Cardassian territory when the treaty was signed. Some of us chose to stay and take our chances. (beat) One night I was dragged from my bed and beaten. The authorities clucked their tongues and agreed it was an unfortunate incident... and did nothing. Ro shakes her head, disturbed. RO I'm not surprised. The Cardassians intend to make life so unpleasant for Federation citizens that they'll leave. Macias looks at her, gratified that she understands the situation so well. MACIAS Exactly. And no one seems to see that except the Maquis. There is a silence as they walk. Then-- MACIAS (continuing) How old were you when your father was killed? Ro goes into a shutdown mode. This is something she still doesn't talk about easily. RO I'd rather not talk about it. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 25. 22 CONTINUED: (2) Macias gives her a look, recognizes the denial, backs off. They have drawn near an outdoor cafe (or food vendor of some kind). Macias gestures. MACIAS Are you hungry? Would you like something? RO No. Thank you. MACIAS (to vendor) Hasperat. As the vendor prepares the burrito-like dish -- RO (surprised) You like hasperat? MACIAS An old Bajoran friend of mine used to make it. Although his was much stronger. He takes a bite of the sandwich. MACIAS He died years ago... fighting the Cardassian occupation of Bajor... I miss his company... and his hasperat... STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT TWO 26-27. 22 CONTINUED: (3) RO My father made the strongest hasperat you've ever tasted. Everything else seems mild by comparison. MACIAS Did he teach you how to make it? RO Yes. But I haven't tried it in years. MACIAS (beat) If you would make the brine for truly strong hasperat -- and I mean eye-watering, tongue-searing strong -- you would make an old man very happy. Ro smiles at him. RO I'd enjoy making it again. Behind them, Santos and Kalita ENTER the square from a building and start to approach them. SANTOS (O.S.) Macias... Macias and Ro turn around. Santos and Kalita move nearer. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 28. 22 CONTINUED: (4) SANTOS I checked with my sources at Starfleet... (re: Ro) Her story's true. Macias turns to Ro and smiles. MACIAS I was sure it was. Ro is strangely touched by the trust this man has demonstrated in her, though she continues to guard those feelings well. MACIAS (continuing) Kalita -- she'll stay with you until we can find her a room. Kalita doesn't respond, but acquiesces. She turns and Ro follows her... but allows herself one quick glance back at Macias. 23 thru OMITTED 24 25 EXT. MAQUIS SETTLEMENT - DAY Camera MOVES through the square as the citizens go about their business on a typical day. It's warm and sunny, and people seem to be in a good mood. Camera FINDS Ro sitting in the sun, a half-eaten hasperat roll at her side. Santos approaches her. SANTOS Why aren't you with the others? Ro looks up at him, surprised. RO Kalita told me to stay here -- she had things to do. Santos smiles knowingly. He realizes Kalita is trying to keep Ro away from the group. SANTOS You've been here a week and she still doesn't trust you. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 29. 25 CONTINUED: Ro looks at him, puzzled. SANTOS (continuing) We're meeting to discuss strategy... Ro realizes Kalita was deliberately excluding her. RO So that's what she meant by "things to do." Kalita reminds me of someone I knew during the occupation... being a part of the resistance was the only thing he cared about. It was his identity. Santos smiles... SANTOS That does sound like Kalita... RO Don't get me wrong, I was glad to have him on my side... but he was hard to be around. (beat) Sometimes people would stay up late... telling stories -- you know, trying to forget about our troubles for a while. Kanore would come out of his tent in a huff and tell everyone to be quiet -- that we should get some rest so we'd have "strength for our struggle." SANTOS What would people do? RO (smiles) We'd ignore him. SANTOS That sounds like the only way to handle a person like that... He shoots her a meaningful look. SANTOS I have to go... the meeting's about to start. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 29A. 25 CONTINUED: (2) He starts to cross away. Ro considers what he said for a beat, then decides to follow. Santos sees her and waits, a small smile on his face... Off this moment... 26 INT. MEETING ROOM Macias, Kalita and several others are there, including a Native American. Santos and Ro ENTER. MACIAS Ah... there you are. As Ro and Santos take seats... KALITA (continuing) We've just heard a disturbing rumor. RO Another rumor? Kalita hears the skepticism in her tone. KALITA One that I think we should take seriously. A trader coming from Pendi Two said he could verify that the Cardassians are going to start supplying their colonists with bio-genic weapons. This gets Macias' attention. RO I thought every shipment coming into the Zone was searched... KALITA (scoffing at her naivete) The Cardassians always seem to find a way to get around problems like that. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 30. 26 CONTINUED: SANTOS We have to make a preemptive strike. Send a message to Cardassia that we won't sit still and let them kill us with toxins. MACIAS Agreed. But we can't mount a strike without medical supplies -- and our stockpile is dangerously low. KALITA (concerned) If we put in a request for more, it'll draw suspicion. A moment as they ponder this grim situation. Ro hesitates, then -- RO I can get medical supplies. They all turn to stare at her. RO (continuing) I served on the Enterprise. They keep extra med-kits on hand for relief missions. Santos almost finds this amusing. SANTOS You're wanted by Starfleet. They're not going to give you medkits just because you ask. RO I have no intention of asking. I intend to take them. KALITA How? The Enterprise is a fortress. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 30A. 26 CONTINUED: (2) RO I know how its security systems work. Give me a ship... I can do it. SANTOS It's madness... KALITA We can't trust her with something like this. We don't know anything about her. Macias holds Ro's eyes for a moment. MACIAS I know... that she can make very strong hasperat. Ro smiles at him. KALITA What? MACIAS We need medical supplies. I think we should let her try. A brief hesitation -- KALITA All right. But I'm going with her. Macias glances at Ro. RO I could use an extra hand at the controls. And a witness. Macias nods, and Ro and Kalita hold a look, both defiant and unyielding. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 31. ACT THREE FADE IN: 27 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) a Maquis ship traveling at impulse. 27A INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP where we find Kalita sitting in the cockpit -- the ship is on auto-pilot. Ro is working on a PANEL in the rear of the ship. There's a heavy silence between them -- Kalita is not only suspicious of Ro, she's skeptical that she can do what she promised. After a moment, Ro finishes working... as she crosses forward toward the cockpit -- RO I set the transporter confinement parameters to maximum -- we should be able to fill our hold with medical supplies in just a single beam out. KALITA (with irony) I had no idea it was going to be so easy... Ro bristles at Kalita's tone, but thinks better of replying in kind... she keeps herself in check. She sits in the cockpit and starts working the console. RO We're approaching the Federation border... KALITA How do you plan to get out of the Demilitarized Zone without being searched at one of the checkpoints? RO We're going to cross the border here. Kalita reacts to what seems an improbable claim. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 32. 27A CONTINUED: KALITA There are sensor buoys all along the border. If we cross anywhere other than a checkpoint, Starfleet will send a ship to investigate. RO With the right security codes, we can disable the proximity detectors on the buoys. KALITA Starfleet changes those codes all the time. Ro's hands fly across the controls. RO I know the encryption algorithims. If I can access the bouy's protocol subsystem I should be able to figure out the codes. KALITA Should be able to? As she works: RO Do you want this mission to succeed? KALITA Of course I do -- we need those medical supplies. RO In that case, let me do my job. Kalita is about to reply when there is a beeping SOUND from the control panel. RO (continuing) I'm in... Suddenly the console BEEPS a warning. Ro reacts -- STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 33. 27A CONTINUED: (2) KALITA What's wrong? Ro works the controls with great urgency. RO If I don't input the right code in the next twenty seconds, we'll trigger the proximity alarm. Kalita reaches for the helm control. KALITA I'm getting us out of sensor range. RO Don't. If we break the com-link, we won't be able to try again. Kalita withdraws her hand. Ro works with urgency -- finally, a beep-beep. Ro slumps back into her chair in relief. RO It worked... until they change the access codes again, we can cross the border here. Though Kalita doesn't let on, she's impressed with what Ro's done. Off this moment... 28 thru OMITTED 30 31 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it hangs in space. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 47943.2. It has been over a week since Lieutenant Ro left the Enterprise... we have yet to receive any communication from her. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 34. 31A INT. BRIDGE Riker has the Bridge, Data at Ops, Worf at Tactical, N.D's as needed. Picard ENTERS from the Ready Room. RIKER We picked up a request for emergency assistance from a Federation science ship in the Topin system. Picard considers for a beat -- this couldn't have come at a worse time. PICARD Are there any other ships in the vicinity? RIKER We're the closest. Picard turns to the con officer. PICARD Helm, set course for the Topin system. (to Data) Signal the science ship that we're on our way. DATA It is unlikely that they would receive our communication. The Topin system contains an unstable binary-star. It generates significant subspace interference. PICARD Will we be able to use our sensors to find them? DATA Most of our sensor systems will be ineffective, although our directional array may be able to cut through the interference. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 35. 31A CONTINUED: RIKER But that array has such a narrow scan field... (with grim irony) -- we might as well break out the palm-beacons and try to find them that way... It seems a daunting prospect... Off this moment... 31B EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) where the Maquis ship hangs motionless. In the b.g. we can see the distinctive STAR of the Topin system. 32 INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP where Ro and Kalita are waiting. Again, a silence hangs between them. KALITA This is insane... we're sitting here with no sensors, blind to the outside -- waiting for a galaxy class Starship to come swooping down on us... RO Don't worry... it'll be hard for them to locate us with just their directional sensors. Besides, they're looking for a damaged science ship that wants to be found... Suddenly a console beeps. They react -- RO They're here... Standby to engage thrusters. 32A INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard, Riker, Data and Worf as before. RIKER Anything? STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 36. 32A CONTINUED: DATA (off console) No, sir. It will take approximately six hours to scan this system. Riker and Picard glance at the VIEWSCREEN, which is obscured by static because of all the interference. Suddenly -- WORF (urgent) Sir -- the distress call is being repeated. PICARD (to Data) Can you locate the signal? DATA (working) I am attempting to do so. 32B INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP Ro and Kalita as before. RO All stop. KALITA (off console) They're scanning our last position. RO All right, I've locked onto their sensor beam. I'm going to use it to maneuver into transporter range. Kalita is looking at Ro -- she can't quite believe they've come this far. KALITA How are we going to beam through their shields? RO We can't -- if we're going to get those medical supplies, we're going to have to take this ship through their shields. Off Kalita's astonished reaction at Ro's audacious plan... STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 37. 32C INT. BRIDGE as before. DATA Sir, I am scanning the area from which the distress signal was sent... but I am unable to detect a vessel. WORF Captain -- the computer has detected a piggyback communication on the last distress signal... PICARD Can you decode it? WORF It will take a few moments. PICARD Do it. 32D INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP where Ro is explaining what she's doing to Kalita. RO The Enterprise shields have a weak point... When the ship is at impulse, the thrust destabilizes the shield configuration right at this point. On the MONITOR, Ro indicates a graphic of the Enterprise, and a point directly behind the main impulse engines, between the nacelles. RO (continuing) I'm going to try to punch through there. KALITA Won't they detect us? STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 38. 32D CONTINUED: RO They'll know something's penetrated the shields, but with all the interference it'll take them a few seconds to find us. We'll have to beam the medical supplies aboard and get out fast. Kalita tries to assimilate all that's happened... She can't quite believe it, but she's beginning to think Ro can pull just about anything off... 32E INT. BRIDGE as before. WORF The message is difficult to decode... the interference has garbled much of the transmission. But it seems to be from Lieutenant Ro. PICARD Ro... is on that ship... ? Reactions. Suddenly -- DATA (off console) Sir, a vessel of some kind is attempting to penetrate our aft shields. Picard considers for half a beat -- PICARD Let it through. Off this moment... 32F INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP as Ro works her controls. We see her react to something she sees -- a small smile... Picard must have gotten her message. For Kalita's sake, she plays it through. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 39. 32F CONTINUED: RO We're going to make it... 32G EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as the Maquis ship slips through the shield bubble and moves into a point between the nacelles. The great cylinders loom large next to the tiny ship. 32H INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP RO All right, we're in... Kalita works her console. KALITA Energizing. We hear the SOUND of transport and they both turn to the back of the shuttle. 32I NEW ANGLE revealing a large stack of medical kits in the aft section. 32J RESUME SCENE as Kalita smiles in disbelief. RO Let's get out of here... Off this moment... 32K INT. BRIDGE WORF (off console) Captain, a quantity of medical supplies was beamed out of Cargo Bay Seven. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 40. 32K CONTINUED: Picard is unconcerned. DATA (off console) The vessel that penetrated our shields is of the same design as the ships used by the Maquis. (beat) It is moving off... PICARD Let it go. (beat) There must be someone with her... We should make it look like we're trying to stop them. (to Worf) Lock phasers on their previous position and fire. We hear the SOUND of phasers firing. Riker turns to Picard. RIKER (wry) Now we know what they mean by Advanced Tactical Training... Off their shared smile... 33 EXT. SPACE - THE MAQUIS SHIP (OPTICAL) at impulse. 34 EXT. MAQUIS SETTLEMENT - DAY where Ro and Kalita are being greeted by a jubilant group of Maquis including Macias and Santos. Kalita is animatedly telling the story of how they did it. Santos can't believe what he's hearing -- SANTOS You took your ship through their shields? KALITA Ro parked us between their warp nacelles. I thought she was crazy, but it worked. She knew exactly what she was doing. Macias puts a hand to Ro's shoulder. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 40A. 34 CONTINUED: MACIAS Well, done. SANTOS We should inventory the supplies... find out what we have. The others acknowledge and move off. Before crossing away, Kalita turns to Ro -- KALITA I'll see you later... She treats Ro with the easy manner of a friend. Ro smiles, and Kalita moves off. MACIAS Well... it seems that Kalita's decided you're not a Federation spy after all... Ro manages a smile. MACIAS (continuing) She's suspicious of everyone at first. And rightly so -- we've learned to be cautious with strangers. RO I understand... MACIAS But I've known since I first met you -- in your heart, you're one of us... Ro is struck by the irony of the moment... but somehow, the certainty in Macias' voice strikes a chord in her... Off her expression we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 41. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 35 thru OMITTED 42 43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) hanging in space. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, supplemental. Having earned the Maquis' trust with her raid on the Enterprise, Lieutenant Ro has been given access to a ship and allowed to leave the settlement by herself. 44 OMITTED STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 42. 45 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE where Picard and Ro are meeting. They're both glad to see each other... RO There are rumors that the Cardassians are supplying their colonists with bio-genic weapons. Picard can see that she's genuinely concerned about this. PICARD Frankly, I find it hard to believe. Every ship going into the Demilitarized Zone is being searched. RO The Maquis are convinced that the Cardassians have found a way around the searches. Picard considers for a beat. PICARD We might be able to use that... RO Sir... ? PICARD We've come up with a plan that has the potential to seriously curtail the Maquis. This gets Ro's attention. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 43. 45 CONTINUED: PICARD (continuing) We want to give them a target so threatening -- that they'd be willing to commit as many people and ships as possible to destroy it. RO What do you mean, give them a target? PICARD Bio-genic weapons, for example. You could provide the Maquis with intelligence that the Cardassians are in fact supplying their colonists with them. RO That'll get their attention, all right... PICARD You could tell them that in order to get past the check-points, the Cardassians are shipping the components for these weapons through third parties. We'll put together a convoy and send it toward the Demilitarized Zone. Ro sees where he's going -- RO And when the Maquis attack it, Starfleet will be waiting for them. PICARD We'll station our ships in the Hugora Nebula to avoid detection. Ro is silent for a beat, assimilating Picard's plan... and her role in it. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 44. 45 CONTINUED: (3) RO Basically, I'd be leading them into a trap... PICARD That's correct. He studies her face for a beat. Picard senses she's feeling conflicting emotions about this. RO (carefully) If your plan works, what will Starfleet do when the Maquis attack the convoy? PICARD Our intention is to outnumber them so heavily that they'll have no choice but to surrender. RO These people are used to fighting impossible odds -- I don't think they're going to surrender. Picard takes this in. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 45. 45 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD I hope you're wrong. Because if they don't, we'll have to try to disable their vessels... (beat) -- you know as well as I do that's not always possible. Picard sees Ro swallow back, hard. PICARD (continuing) If you have a problem with any of this, I need to know now. She doesn't want to let him down -- RO If I did, it wouldn't stop me from carrying out my duty, sir. Picard is gratified to hear this. PICARD I knew I could count on you... Ro manages a small smile... Off this moment... 46 INT. MEETING ROOM (FORMERLY SCENE 41) where Ro is in the process of implementing Picard's plan -- planting misinformation. Macias, Kalita and Santos are present. RO -- it took a while, but I managed to patch into Starfleet's comsystem. I intercepted a communication from one of the check-points on the border. They're concerned because a Pakled transport came through carrying retro-viral vaccines. No one sees a problem with this -- SANTOS Why is that a concern? STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 46. 46 CONTINUED: RO Last week, a Ferengi transport came through carrying bio-mimetic gels. By themselves, neither of these is dangerous. But Starfleet is concerned because with a few more components the Cardassians could put together a bio-genic device. Reactions. This is their worst fear come to life. KALITA What is Starfleet going to do about it? RO They can't do anything. These items are all perfectly legal. Frustrated reactions. MACIAS How close are the Cardassians to having the components they need? RO Very close. Two days ago, a Yridian convoy left Deep Space Nine for the Demilitarized Zone. It's carrying isomiotic hypos, plasma flares and quarantine pods. KALITA We can't let that convoy reach its destination. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 47. 46 CONTINUED: (2) SANTOS But it's too big for us to go after alone. MACIAS I'll discuss the situation with the other cell leaders -- considering what's at stake, they'll want to help. With that, the meeting starts to break up. Ro takes a moment to collect herself -- it worked, but she doesn't know how she feels about it. 47 EXT. SETTLEMENT - NIGHT Ro sits watching the busy square full of citizens. THREE HOODED MONKS are seen in the b.g. Macias approaches. MACIAS I've sent a communication to the others... She nods glumly, and Macias sees that something is on her mind. MACIAS (continuing) When this is over, we'll celebrate. RO When it's over? MACIAS When Cardassia realizes they can't intimidate us into leaving our colonies. Ro smiles grimly. RO Something tells me it might be a long time before we'll be celebrating. He eyes her, hearing her somberness. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 48. 47 CONTINUED: MACIAS Don't be discouraged, Ro. It will take time... but the important thing is that we not give up. She eyes him sharply. RO I spent ten years in the camps. I don't give up. He puts a hand on her shoulder, affectionate. MACIAS I've been thinking about what our celebration will be like for a long time. We'll have a huge dinner... you'll make hasperat and I'll make blueberry pie... we'll drink wine and we'll dance. He smiles and leans toward her. MACIAS (continuing) I'll even play the belaklavion. That will give everyone a laugh. She looks up at him, curious. RO You... play the klavion? MACIAS (laughing, dismissive) Yes, badly. It's a difficult instrument... but I enjoy the challenge. There is a small pause. RO My father... played the klavion. Macias glances sidelong at her. This is the first spontaneous offering Ro has made about her father. He is silent. There is another pause, and then Ro continues. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 49. 47 CONTINUED: (2) RO When I was very young... and afraid of monsters under my bed... my father would play for me. He said the sound of the klavion had special powers. Monsters were afraid of it... and they'd disappear whenever they heard it. (beat) When I listened to the music he played for me... I was never afraid to go to sleep. She hesitates, then, very quietly... RO When he died... I realized... even he couldn't make all the monsters go away. Macias reaches out and covers Ro's hand with his own, a comforting gesture. MACIAS Why wait... ? Let's go to the market. Let's get the food for a feast. For a celebration... RO A celebration of what? MACIAS Of absolutely nothing. Just to celebrate. She smiles and stands. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 50. 47 CONTINUED: (3) Ro I'd like that. They start across the square. Suddenly there's a commotion -- the three monks throw back their hoods and we see that they're really Cardassians. They pull weapons from their robes and start FIRING. People are scattering and trying to take cover. The Cardassians had the advantage of surprise, and have taken up strategic positions that provide them shelter and allow them to dominate the fight. Some of the Maquis are shooting back, but most weren't armed when the attack broke out. We see several Maquis rush from a door carrying weapons -- they toss them to their comrades, including Ro. 47A ON SANTOS (OPTICAL) behind a structure -- a weapons blast hits it and he steps out to take a SHOT. 47B A CARDASSIAN (OPTICAL) as Santos' shot takes him down -- two Cardassians are left. 47C RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL) Several Maquis have taken hits and are down. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 51-52. 47C CONTINUED: Macias takes a second Cardassian down, but the last Cardassian gets off a lucky shot -- and Macias takes a blast in the chest. He falls... and the Cardassian is felled by Ro. Ro and Kalita run to Macias' side. RO Macias... He's badly wounded and in pain. MACIAS They must have found out... there was a Maquis cell here... Ro is inspecting the wound and sees that it's severe. RO Kalita -- get one of the med kits. Hurry. Kalita runs off. Macias is fading fast. RO (continuing) You have to hang on... He dismisses this with a faint shake of his head. When he speaks, his voice is little more than a whisper. MACIAS When an old fighter like me dies... someone always steps forward to take his place... He takes her hand, looks into her eyes for a last time, and smiles his gentle smile... 48 OMITTED 49 ON RO as she watches Macias' life slip away from him... Off this moment we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 53. ACT FIVE FADE IN: A50 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) (FORMERLY SCENE 43) as it hangs in space. B50 INT. BRIDGE (FORMERLY SCENE 44) Riker has the Bridge. Data is at Aft Science, N.D.s as needed. Picard ENTERS from his Ready Room. PICARD What is it? RIKER We just got a communication from Lieutenant Ro. Data's decoding it now. Riker and Picard approach Data, who turns away from his console, finished. DATA (to Picard) She is requesting that you meet with her. Picard is disturbed by this message. RIKER Was that part of your plan? PICARD No. Something must have gone wrong. CUT TO: C50 INT. ALIEN BAR (FORMERLY SCENE 45) as Picard ENTERS, dressed in slightly ragged-looking civilian clothes. Many of the same motley characters are here tonight as well. Picard doesn't see Ro, and so makes his way to the bar. The BARTENDER approaches him to see if he wants anything. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 54. C50 CONTINUED: PICARD Ale. Picard pays for his beverage with coins he brought for this purpose. The door OPENS and Ro ENTERS. The Humanoid she kissed before is sitting near the entrance and his eyes light up when he sees her. He stands to approach his old flame but Ro fixes him with a look. RO Not tonight. She moves past the disappointed fellow and goes to sit next to Picard at the bar. She gives him a come-hither smile, as though soliciting him. RO (continuing) Hello... are you alone? Picard turns and gives her an appraising look. PICARD I hope not. She smiles again, caressing his cheek. RO Why don't we get acquainted... ? There's a table in the back that's more... private. PICARD I'd like that. They make their way to the back table and sit, Ro being very physical with him, caressing, holding his hand. Picard plays the very eager john. The scene is played out as they talk serious business while outwardly appearing to be engaging in casual romanticizing. RO We have to cancel the mission. PICARD Why? RO The Maquis didn't go for the bait. They think a convoy is too big a target. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 54A. C50 CONTINUED: (2) This makes no sense to Picard. He considers for a beat as Ro traces her fingers on his palm. PICARD But there are only six ships. We could even cut down the number. RO It's... it's the commitment of resources... of grouping so many of the Maquis together at once... (beat) They feel it would make them too vulnerable. Picard frowns, trying to reconcile what she's saying. PICARD Every intelligence report I get from Starfleet suggests that the Maquis are eager to expand their strikes... are looking to escalate their activity... but you're telling me that's not true... ? Ro takes a moment, trying to cover. RO It's... probably different in every cell. The people I've met tend to be more -- conservative. I'm sure others have a more militant attitude... He stares at her. None of this rings true. PICARD (softly) Laren... what's going on? She takes his look for a moment, then glances around them. RO Do you have the money I asked you to bring? PICARD Yes. RO Put some on the table. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 54B. C50 CONTINUED: (3) PICARD What? RO By this time, we should be negotiating my price. Picard digs into his pocket, takes out a few coins. Ro picks one up, inspects it. RO (continuing) When you sent me on this mission, I thought I could do it. Even though it meant helping Cardassians. Even though it meant betraying people who were fighting them. (beat) But now... I'm not sure about where I stand. Picard takes this in. PICARD Laren, are you telling me you want to back out of this mission? RO Sir, I don't want to let you down, I swear I don't -- PICARD This has nothing to do with me -- it's about you. If you back out now, you'll be throwing away everything you've worked for. RO (desperately reaching) Wouldn't it be better to postpone this operation... let me stay with them longer, meet other Maquis leaders... learn where their cells are... it seems to me I could be more valuable if I had more time... STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 54C. C50 CONTINUED: (4) PICARD And just prolong the inevitable? No. (beat) We're committed to this mission. My only question to you is -- can you carry out your orders? Wretched, Ro looks at him, not answering. PICARD (continuing) Lieutenant... I could put you before a board of inquiry for having lied to me about this operation. I could certainly have you court martialed if you sabotage it. (beat) But I don't want to have to threaten you to do this... I want you to make the decision. This is the man who gave her a chance. This is the man who has stood by her. And all he wants is what's right for her. RO I'll carry out my orders, sir. Picard takes a breath, considers his options. PICARD I feel it necessary to have Commander Riker return with you. He can pose as a relative. Her look asks the question: is that necessary? PICARD (continuing) To make sure nothing happens that might obstruct this mission. Ro looks down, acknowledging the fact that she's ruptured their relationship. He can no longer trust her.  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 54D. C50 CONTINUED: (5) He stands, gathers his coins. PICARD (loudly) Sorry -- I don't have that kind of money. He turns and EXITS the bar. Off Ro's face as she watches him go... STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 55. D50 thru OMITTED 50 51 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) hanging inside a Nebula (STOCK SHOT). PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, supplemental. We have received word from Commander Riker and Lieutenant Ro that the Maquis will be attacking the convoy as planned... our ships have taken up position in the Hugora Nebula to wait for them. 52 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard and Worf are at an aft station with Data, looking at a sensor readout on a MONITOR. The readout shows a section of space on a grid -- on the left edge we see the nebula, and in the center, the convoy, depicted as a series of blips. Along the right side a line demarcates the border of the DMZ. DATA I have established a relay-link with the sensor probe we left on the perimeter of the Nebula. (gestures) This is the convoy. We are expecting the Maquis attack force to cross the border from the Demilitarized Zone here. He indicates the right edge of the screen. PICARD As soon as they cross the border, we'll intercept them... WORF In order to insure that the ship Commander Riker and Lieutenant Ro are piloting does not come under fire, I have relayed its warp signature to the rest of our attack force. Data reacts to something on the monitor, calls the Captain's attention to the screen, where a few blips have entered from the right edge. DATA Sir, the Maquis squadron is coming into sensor range. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 56. 52 CONTINUED: PICARD Go to red alert. Off Picard's face as he realizes it's begun... 53 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) a squadron of Maquis ships flying in formation at impulse. 54 INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP Riker and Ro are silent as they pilot the ship for a beat. She's about to betray a group of people she's come to care about and she feels awful about it. SANTOS' COM VOICE Squad leader to all ships. RO Go ahead, squad leader. INTERCUT: 55 INT. SANTOS' MAQUIS SHIP where Santos and the Native American Maquis are in the cockpit. SANTOS We'll be crossing the border in less than one minute. Arm your weapons. RO'S COM VOICE Acknowledged. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 57. 56 thru OMITTED 59 60 INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP (OPTICAL) as they work their controls. RIKER Starfleet can't make its move until we're out of the Demilitarized Zone. We're to break formation and take cover in the Nebula as soon as they appear. Ro takes this in without comment. RO (off console) The ships in the convoy are raising their shields... they've spotted us. Riker checks his console. RIKER We cross the border in thirty seconds... As the moment approaches, the turmoil within Ro intensifies. We see a look cross her features, as if she's come to a decision within herself. She reaches forward and calmly works a control. After a beat, we hear the SOUND of a power surge. RIKER What the -- When Riker turns toward her he sees that she has a HAND PHASER aimed at him. RO I'm sorry... but I can't let this happen. Off his stunned reaction... STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 58-59. 61 thru OMITTED 63 64 INT. BRIDGE where Picard is standing with Data looking at the aft station monitor. DATA (off console) Sir, the vessel being piloted by Lieutenant Ro is firing a low-intensity particle beam into the Nebula... PICARD What the hell is she doing? DATA The polarizing effect created by the beam may make it possible for us to be detected. Picard's face hardens -- PICARD Can you counter the effect? Data works his console. DATA I will attempt to do so. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 60. 65 INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP where a frustrated Riker glares at a determined Ro. SANTOS'S COM VOICE Ro, why are you firing? RO Scan the Nebula -- there's a Starfleet attack force hiding inside it. 66 INT. SANTOS' MAQUIS SHIP as he reacts to his console. SANTOS I see them -- (to com) Squad leader to all ships -- abort the mission. Repeat, abort the mission. 67 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL) DATA Sir, the Maquis ships are breaking formation. On the MONITOR, the Maquis blips are scattering. PICARD Have they crossed the border? DATA No, sir. They are withdrawing... Picard slams the console in frustration. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 61. 67 CONTINUED: WORF (off console) Sir, Lieutenant Ro's ship is not retreating with the others... (beat) It is heading toward us... Picard takes this in. PICARD When she comes aboard... take her into custody... Picard's tone says it all -- he feels personally betrayed by her. Off this moment... 68 INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP (OPTICAL) Ro works the controls for a few beats, careful to keep the phaser trained on Riker. Finally she finishes and stands, avoiding Riker's gaze. RO Alpha Seven to Alpha Nine. KALITA'S COM VOICE Go ahead. RO Stand by to beam me aboard. KALITA'S COM VOICE Standing by. Ro and Riker look at each other for a beat. RO You can take this ship back to the Enterprise. RIKER You're going with them? There's more concern in his voice than anger. RO Yes... it's been a long time since I felt like I really belonged somewhere. Riker acknowledges. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 62. 68 CONTINUED: RO Could you tell Captain Picard something for me? Riker nods that he will. RO (continuing) Tell him... that I'm sorry. She moves to the center of the cockpit, ready for beam out. RIKER So long, Ro. Take care of yourself. RO Good-bye. (to com) Energize. Off Riker's face as he watches her DEMATERIALIZE... 69 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as it moves at impulse through a starfield. 70 INT. READY ROOM where Riker has just told Picard everything. RIKER She seemed... very sure that she was making the right choice. Picard takes this in. RIKER (continuing) I think her only real regret... was that she let you down. STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 63. 70 CONTINUED: But Picard isn't buying it. PICARD She let us all down... Riker hands Picard a PADD he's carrying. RIKER Here's my report... Picard nods, and Piker turns and EXITS. Picard looks down at the PADD... we see a distant look in his eyes -- he's not reading it, his mind is elsewhere. After a moment, he sets it down on the desk, and moves toward the window. He looks out at the stars... thinking about the events of the last few days, wondering, perhaps, if he'll ever see Ro again... Off this moment... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END