









                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                         "Devil's Due" 
                          #40274-187 
                              
                          Written by 
                        Philip LaZebnik 
                              
                    Based on a Teleplay by 
                   William Douglas Lansford 
                              
                          Directed by 
                           Tom Benko 


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 1990 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 This script is not for publication or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
                         
                       NOVEMBER 2, 1990

        STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "Devil's Due" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             ARDRA
                RIKER              KLINGON FEK'LHR
                DATA               HUMAN DEVIL
                BEVERLY            ACOST JARED
                TROI               DOCTOR HOWARD CLARK
                GEORDI             MARLEY (GHOST)
                WORF               
                                   Non-Speaking
                                    VENTAXIANS
                                      THREE AIDES
                COM VOICE             TWO SENTRIES
                                    3 SCIENCE STATION WORKERS
                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    
                  N. D. SECURITY GUARDS

        STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/02/90 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "Devil's Due" 
                        
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     SHUTTLE
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              PICARD'S QUARTERS        VENTAX TWO
              TRANSPORTER ROOM           AGRARIAN CITY
              CORRIDOR
              HOLODECK
                VICTORIAN BEDROOM
          
            VENTAX TWO
              SCIENCE STATION
              ATHENEUM
              VAULT
          
            SHUTTLE

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "Devil's Due" 
                       
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

              ACOST JARED            AH-kohst JAH-red
              AKUL K'TON             ah-KUHL K-TON
              ARDRA                  AR-druh
              ATHENEUM               a-THEE-n-eeum
              BERUSSIAN              behr-RUH-seean
              DRELLIANS              DRELL-ee-ans
              FEK'LHR                FECK-luhr
              GARV ETES              GAHRV ETT-ess
              GRE'THOR               GRAY-thor
              LIGILLIUM              ly-JIL-lee-um
              MENDORA                mehn-DOHR-uh
              TORAK                  TORE-ack
              TAU VELOR              TAU vell-OR
              VENTAXIANS             vehn-TAHX-ee-ahns
              ZATARL                 zah-TARL

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - TEASER      1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                         "Devil's Due"                              
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	At impulse.

2    CLOSEUP ON A GHASTLY TRANSPARENT WHITE FIGURE IN
	CHAINS (OPTICAL)

					MARLEY
			You don't believe in me.

	Pulling back to see DATA dressed in Dickensian clothes
	as the terrified Ebenezer Scrooge... the set is
	Scrooge's classic Victorian bedroom.

					DATA/SCROOGE
			I don't.

					MARLEY
			What evidence would you have of
			my reality beyond that of your
			senses?

					DATA/SCROOGE
			I don't know.

					MARLEY
			Why do you doubt your senses?

					DATA/SCROOGE
			Because a little thing affects
			them. A slight disorder of the
			stomach makes them cheats. You
			may be an undigested bit of beef,
			a blot of mustard, a crumb of
			cheese, a fragment of an underdone
			potato. There's more of gravy
			than of grave about you, whatever
			you are. Humbug, I tell you
			humbug!

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER      2.

3    INT. HOLODECK - ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	to reveal PICARD observing... The spirit raises a
	frightful cry and shakes its chain making an appalling
	noise and Data/Scrooge falls upon his knees, clasps his
	hands in fear before his face.

					PICARD
			Freeze program.

	As Marley freezes...

					PICARD
			Very nicely done, Data... your
			performance skills really are
			improving...

	Data shakes his head, doesn't agree... is dubious about
	his performance. He stands... turns to Picard...

					DATA
			I have taken your advice, Captain.
			This time I have not imitated
			another actor's rendition. It
			was my own interpretation...

					PICARD
			And a very interesting one...
			you should be congratulated...

					DATA
			Your courtesy is appreciated.
			But I am aware that I do not
			effectively convey the fear called
			for in this scene.

					PICARD
			Well, you've never known fear.
			But as an acute observer of
			behavior, you certainly should
			be able to approximate...

					DATA
				(interrupting)
			Sir... That would not be an
			appropriate basis for an effective
			performance. Not by the standards
			set by my mentors.

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER      3.

3    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Your mentors... ?

					DATA
			Yessir. I have studied the
			philosophies of virtually every
			known acting master, but I find
			myself particularly attracted to
			Stanislavsky, Adler, Garnav...
			proponents of a performance
			technique known as "The Method."

	Off Picard's reaction, they EXIT the holodeck...

4    OMITTED

5    INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS

	As they exit, Data still in costume, pushes a few
	holodeck computer buttons to end the program, then
	walks with Picard... a few supernumeraries glance at
	them as they pass...

					PICARD
			"Method acting?" Yes, I'm vaguely
			familiar with it... why would you
			choose such an old-fashioned
			approach...

					DATA
			Perhaps because the technique
			requires an actor to seek his own
			emotional awareness to understand
			the character he plays...

					PICARD
			But that would seem an impossible
			task for you, Data.

					DATA
			I have modified the method for
			my own use, sir. Since I have
			no emotional awareness to create
			a performance, I am attempting
			to use performance to create an
			emotional awareness. I believe
			if I can learn to duplicate the
			fear of Ebenezer Scrooge, then
			I will be one step closer to
			being truly human.

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - TEASER      4.

5    CONTINUED:

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain Picard, please report to
			the Bridge...

					PICARD
			On my way, Number One...
				(to Data)
			Data, the moment you decided to
			stop imitating other actors and
			to create your own
			interpretation... you were
			already one step closer to being
			truly human.

	He EXITS, leaving Data to ponder this.

6    INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	WORF, RIKER at their positions. As Picard ENTERS...

					RIKER
			We've received an emergency
			transmission from the Ventax Two
			science station...

					PICARD
			Nature of the emergency...

					RIKER
			Uncertain... the signal was
			interrupted by...

					WORF
				(interrupting, adjusting
				 his controls)
			Contact reestablished with Ventax
			Two, Commander.

					RIKER
			On screen.

	The viewscreen shifts from the starfield to the image
	of a wispy-haired, nervous and extremely harried man,
	DR. HOWARD CLARK. He is standing in a small,
	equipment-filled room; behind him are several
	TECHNICIANS, who are racing about frantically,
	gathering books, ledgers and other effects. The
	picture on the screen is filled periodically with
	bursts of static; every now and then the screen goes
	blank and then flickers back to life.

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER      5.

6    CONTINUED:

	Continually in the background we HEAR a distant roar,
	and an incessant pounding noise outside the door.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of
			the U.S.S. Enterprise. Please
			identify yourself.

					DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
			I am Doctor Howard Clark, director
			of the science station here on
			Ventax Two. Thank you for
			responding.

	As he speaks, the picture blurs, trembles and fades.

					PICARD
			Lieutenant Worf, can you improve
			our reception?

					WORF
			The trouble is at the transmission
			source, sir.

	The viewscreen image comes back to life uncertainly.

					PICARD
			Doctor Clark, we can barely
			maintain communication with you.
			Can you boost the level of your
			power source?

					DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
			I'm afraid not, Captain. It's
			under attack.

					PICARD
			Under attack?

					DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
			There is a mob outside, trying
			to break into the station. The
			planet is in chaos. Looting.
			Fires...

	Again, the picture breaks up momentarily.

					PICARD
			Ensign, set a new course for
			Ventax Two...

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - TEASER      6.

6    CONTINUED: (2)

	The Conn operator acknowledges... When the picture
	returns, the image is even fuzzier than before.

					PICARD
			Doctor Clark, what has caused the
			riots... ?

					DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
			Mass hysteria... it's impossible
			to explain... these people are
			all convinced their world is
			coming to an end... tomorrow.
			Please, we must have your
			immediate...

	The picture breaks apart and is lost for good. And
	on Picard's reaction, we

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE      7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

7    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around a bluish planet, Ventax Two.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, Stardate 44474.5.
			We have reached Ventax Two and
			are attempting to contact the
			Federation science station, which
			at last report was under siege
			by a mob.

8    INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard is seated in the Command Chair. Riker, Worf
	and Data are at their stations. Supernumerary at Conn.

					WORF
			They are transmitting again.

					PICARD
			On screen, before we lose contact.

	The viewscreen flickers to life. Again we see Dr.
	Clark on screen. The situation on the planet has
	obviously deteriorated. The roar of the mob outside
	and the pounding on the door practically drowns out
	all else. Smoke fills the room; the people inside are
	in a panic. The reception is terrible; we can hardly
	make out any details in the blur and snow of the
	picture. Dr. Clark is leaning in towards our
	viewpoint, yelling frantically.

					DR. CLARK (ON SCREEN)
			Enterprise, Enterprise! Do you
			read me? Emergency! We need
			help!

					PICARD
			Doctor Clark, this is Captain
			Picard. We are ready to beam you
			and your staff on board the...

	There is a CRASH, a sudden influx of light and a
	deafening roar. The door has collapsed off screen.

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE      8.

8    CONTINUED:

	There is pendemonium, an impressionistic blur of chaos
	and confusion barely decipherable as the snowy picture
	dissolves into visual static. The last words we hear
	over the broken picture --

					DR. CLARK (O.C.)
				(crying out)
			They're in! They're in!

					PICARD
			Transporter Room Three! Lock onto
			the station team and beam them
			aboard.

					TRANSPORTER OFFICER'S COM VOICE
			I've locked onto Doctor Clark.
			I can't pick out the others. It's
			a mess down there.

9    OMITTED

10   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Beam up Doctor Clark by himself...
			Mister Worf, escort him to my
			ready room...

					WORF
				(exiting)
			Aye, sir.

	Picard gets up to leave.

					PICARD
			Number One, try to make some sense
			of this "mess."

	As Picard EXITS the Bridge...

      STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE      9.

11   OMITTED

12   INT. CAPT. READY ROOM

	Dr. Clark, still shaky, is seated as Picard fetches two
	cups of tea...

					DR. CLARK
			The people of Ventax Two live
			in an agrarian society. At least,
			they do now.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE     10.

12   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			What do you mean, "now?"

					DR. CLARK
			It's an interesting
			anthropological question. One
			we were studying before the...
			trouble began. In their distant
			past the Ventaxian culture had
			achieved an extremely advanced
			scientific level, but a millennium
			ago they turned their backs on
			technology.

	Picard delivers a cup of tea... the doctor's hand is
	still unsteady...

					PICARD
			Be careful, it's hot...

	The doctor takes a sip trying to calm down...

					PICARD
			So they reverted to a simpler
			existence... ?

					DR. CLARK
			And have remained that way for
			centuries. First contact was made
			by a Klingon expedition seventy
			years ago. Since then, new
			technology has been available to
			the Ventaxians. They simply have
			no interest in it. There have
			been virtually no social problems
			to be found on this planet... in
			fact, I would have described their
			society as idyllic until...

	A beat as he searches to reasonably explain it...
	almost embarrassed to say so...

					PICARD
			Until what, doctor?

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/5/90 - ACT ONE     11.

12   CONTINUED: (2)

					DR. CLARK
			It's hard to believe...
				(beat)
			Several years ago, Acost Jared,
			the Ventaxian head of state,
			began to grow increasingly
			obsessed with the legend of
			"Ardra." With each passing day,
			he grew more anxious, until he
			talked about little else. "Ardra
			is coming back. Ardra will be
			here soon. We must all leave
			before Ardra returns."

					PICARD
			And who is Ardra?

					DR. CLARK
				(shakes his head in
				 disbelief)
			For all intents and purposes...
				(beat, sighs)
			... the devil.
				(off Picard's look)
			Captain, these people actually
			believe they've sold their souls
			to the devil.

	Before Picard can respond...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Riker to Captain Picard.

					PICARD
			Have you located the science team,
			Number One?

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Evidently they're being held
			hostage.

					DR. CLARK
				(horrified)
			Hostage...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(continuing)
			We have a Ventaxian leader on the
			viewscreen, name of Acost Jared.

	Picard is on his feet already on his way to the
	Bridge... Clark follows...

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE     12.

13   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Clark ENTER. Data, Worf, Riker, TROI
	present. On the viewscreen: JARED, a dignified man,
	dressed in contemporary 24th century clothes, paces
	with a handful of aides in the Atheneum.

					DR. CLARK
			Jared, you must secure the release
			of my people. I can't believe
			you would allow this.

	Jared shakes his head and smiles sadly.

					JARED
			Howard, my friend, you know how
			I abhor all acts of violence.
			But events are out of my control.

	Picard approaches the viewscreen...

					PICARD
			I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
			Is there nothing you can do... ?

					JARED
				(shakes his head)
			As the hour of Ardra's return
			approaches, fear has overwhelmed
			my people...

					DR. CLARK
				(to Picard)
			I've tried to explain to them that
			there is no evidence, no proof
			this... this mythic creature ever
			existed... let alone was about
			to return to enslave them...

					JARED
			It has been a thousand years.
			The prophecies have come true...

					PICARD
				(to Clark)
			Prophecies?

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE     13.

13   CONTINUED:

					DR. CLARK
			Ardra's arrival is supposed to
			be heralded by the "shaking of
			the cities"... there have been
			a series of geological tremors
			on the planet... minor quakes...
			nothing extraordinary...

					PICARD
			But poorly timed...

					JARED
			There is more. For several nights
			there have been visions of
			Ardra... again, just as the
			contract said would occur before
			her return.

					PICARD
			Visions? Do you mean dreams?

					JARED
			No. She has appeared. I myself
			have seen her.

					PICARD
			Jared, tell your people if our
			hostages are released, I am
			prepared to offer you Federation
			assistance should this Ardra
			return.

					JARED
			I am afraid it will not matter.
			They know your weapons are useless
			against her, Captain. I will make
			inquiries concerning the hostages.
			The innocent should not suffer
			for our sins... But I can make
			no promises...

	He ends the transmission. The planet returns to the
	viewscreen. Off Picard's reaction...

14   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - ENTERPRISE

	Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf, GEORDI, BEVERLY, Data and
	Dr. Clark are seated around the conference table.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE     14.

14   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			This situation is deteriorating,
			Captain... people are approaching
			levels of anxiety that could lead
			to suicide...

					PICARD
			Mister Data, what do we know about
			this Ardra figure?

					DATA
			She is a cornerstone of Ventaxian
			theology. It seems that Ardra
			came to Ventax Two and promised
			one thousand years of peace and
			prosperity. As her price, she
			would return and enslave the
			entire population. In the
			Ventaxian culture, it is
			considered bad luck to speak her
			name out loud. The threat "may
			Ardra come to your door" is
			considered a most insulting
			epithet.

					DR. CLARK
			I've often puzzled over this dark
			legend. It simply doesn't fit in
			with the rest of Ventaxian
			mythology... which is sunny and
			joyous.

					BEVERLY
			Perhaps the Ardra myth is a result
			of their contact with the
			Klingons.

	Geordi glances at Worf...

					GEORDI
				(joking)
			Are you implying Klingons are not
			sunny and joyous?

	Worf grunts.

					DATA
			Ardra predates the Klingon
			influence on Ventax Two.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - ACT ONE     14A.

14   CONTINUED: (2)

					DR. CLARK
			There are ancient scrolls
			concerning Ardra that are stored
			in the Atheneum vaults...
			scholars study them... they have
			been of little public interest
			until recently...

	Picard takes a beat to consider his options...

					PICARD
			I think I should meet with Acost
			Jared... he's still our best hope
			for the release of the hostages.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - ACT ONE     15.

14   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
				(rising)
			I'll arrange to have him
			transported aboard...

					PICARD
			No... I'm going down to the
			planet...

					WORF
			Sir, you risk being taken as an
			additional hostage...

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			Mister O'Brien can stay locked
			on our communicators and pull us
			out, if necessary. Mister Worf
			and Mister Data, you will
			accompany me... I'm hoping the
			hostages have not been moved
			far... if the opportunity
			presents itself we will move
			quickly...

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

	Rising...

					PICARD
			Counselor, I'll want you with me
			too...

	As they begin to EXIT...

14A  EXT. VENTAX CITY (MATTE SHOT) - ESTABLISHING

	A large agrarian city with evidence of turmoil...
	smoke from fires... an alien siren blares... some
	burned out structures.

15   INT. ATHENEUM (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Worf, Troi and Data MATERIALIZE... the
	sentries are posted at the door... Jared and his small
	circle of aides move toward Picard.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE     16.

15   CONTINUED:

					JARED
			Captain Picard! You shouldn't
			have come. Your life is in danger
			here...

					PICARD
			Jared, you must attempt to calm
			your people. There is no reason
			for panic.

					JARED
			No reason... !

					PICARD
			If the tremors have frightened
			people... leading to this
			hysteria over Ardra... allow us
			to reassure them...
				(looking to Data)

					DATA
			We have scanned the tectonic
			stress patterns of your planet's
			crust... there is no evidence
			that the quakes pose any kind of
			threat...

					JARED
				(overlapping)
			No, no, the threat is from
			Ardra... you cannot understand...

					PICARD
			If you can at least help us locate
			our people...

	His words are interrupted by a tremor... the shaking
	increases in intensity... a few things fall and
	break...

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT ONE     17.

15   CONTINUED: (2)

					JARED
				(whispering)
			She is here.

					PICARD
			Nonsense... it is only...

	But as the tremor continues, a sharp, spinning light
	suddenly appears, so intense, that they are all forced
	to shield their eyes... and as Data and Worf pull
	phasers... the spinning light fades to reveal ARDRA,
	a stunning woman, dressed in black. The Ventaxians
	cower and murmur "Ardra" as she looks at Jared and
	smiles.

					ARDRA
			Time's up.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO     18.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

16   INT. ATHENEUM (OPTICAL)

	Ardra walks gingerly through the fallen debris. She is
	by no means overly-dramatic in an anti-Christ sort of
	way, in fact she underplays the role entirely... she's
	much more the William Morris agent than the classic
	devil. When she approaches one of the Ventaxians, they
	cower and back away in fear.

					ARDRA
			I am disappointed. I expected
			my tenants to take better care
			of my property.

	She stops before Jared... who summons every last bit of
	his courage to confront her.

					JARED
			Ardra, most powerful one, I am
			Jared, Leader of Ventax Two. I
			take responsibility for all that
			displeases you. Please do not
			punish my people.

					ARDRA
			Punish? Who said anything about
			punishing? I merely expect your
			end of our contract to be upheld.

					JARED
			Thank you, Ardra.

	Picard watches this exchange, carefully sizing the
	woman up.

					ARDRA
			And don't talk like some ancient
			prophet around me, with "thees"
			and "thous" and "most powerful
			ones"... it was appealing for
			a few centuries but I bore easily.
			And stop cowering! When I want
			you on your knees, I'll let you
			know...
				(noticing Picard)
			Much better... a fine example for
			the others; who would you be?

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO     19.

16   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I am Jean-Luc Picard of the
			Federation Starship Enterprise.

					ARDRA
				(barely acknowledges)
			Keep up the good work.
				(turning back to Jared)
			Now, the first thing we'll need
			is an accounting of all you've
			been accumulating for me...

	With a magician's flourish, she waves a hand and a
	small scroll appears in her hand...

					ARDRA
				(continuing)
			This form will provide guidelines
			for a full census of the
			population with emphasis on
			productivity and economic
			forecasts...

	Picard blocks her path... demanding her attention...

					PICARD
			Who are you?

					ARDRA
			My, you are forceful, aren't you?
			Good. I like my men to be
			forceful. At least at the start.

					PICARD
			If your intent is intimidation,
			madame, you are not succeeding.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO     20.

16   CONTINUED: (2)

					ARDRA
				(studies him with
				 growing interest)
			That's all right. I like a
			challenge.

					TROI
			An entire planet has been
			terrorized because of the
			suggestion that you are going to
			enslave the population...

					ARDRA
				(shrugs)
			Well, it's true. Of course, I
			wouldn't put it so melodramatically.
			It's just a standard contract with
			an unusually long term.

					DATA
			So, you do purport to be the
			mythic figure Ardra?

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO     21.

16   CONTINUED: (3)

					ARDRA
			I have many names my pale friend.
			I'm Mendora in the Berussian
			Cluster. Torak to the Drellians.

	Glancing at Worf --

					ARDRA
			The Klingons call me Fek'lhr.

					WORF
			You are not Fek'lhr.

17   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	She smiles at him and the twisting energy EFFECT spins
	her into a giant Klingon beast...

					ARDRA/FEK'LHR
			Ah, but I am... I am the Guardian
			of Gre'thor. Where the dishonored
			go when they die.

18   PICARD, WORF, TROI AND DATA

	react.

19   ARDRA (OPTICAL)

	returning back to normal. (In essence, this is a brief
	holographic effect). She looks to Picard for a
	reaction - how'd you like that one?

					ARDRA
				(stepping to Jared)
			But here on Ventax Two, I am
			called Ardra. The same Ardra who
			negotiated a contract with these
			people... ten centuries ago today.

	Picard studies her dubiously. She reacts off his
	look.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO     21A.

19   CONTINUED:

					ARDRA
			Ah, you doubt me. A non-believer.
			Really, Jean-Luc Picard of the
			Federation Starship Enterprise, no
			doubt you have travelled the
			galaxy, encountered a diverse
			universe of creatures... Is there
			no room for the likes of me?

					PICARD
			I have encountered many with a
			more credible claim to being the
			devil than you, madame.

					ARDRA
			The devil! Now there's one I
			haven't heard in a long time.
				(beat)
			You are an interesting one. In
			your soul, there is an insatiable
			quest for new experience and
			exploration. You will discover
			that I touch that need in you,
			Picard... that I can satisfy it
			in a way no woman has for you
			before...
				(she eyes Troi
				 competitively on that
				 line; continuing to
				 Picard)
			... and you will believe.

	Picard's steady eye never wavers...

					PICARD
			You claim you were here a thousand
			years ago and negotiated a
			contract... ?

					ARDRA
			That's correct.

					PICARD
			I'd like to see that contract...

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO     22.

20   INT. ATHENEUM VAULT

	Several Ventaxians carry a stack of scrolls and thick
	volumes to Picard, Data, Worf, Troi and Jared.

					JARED
			The scrolls of Ardra...

					ARDRA
			A longwinded description of a very
			simple business arrangement. I
			did away with their wars, famine
			and economic ruin, and provided
			them a thousand years of paradise.
			My terms were clearly stated.
			They went into this with their
			eyes open. I'm sure you'll find
			everything is in order...

					PICARD
				(challenging)
			You won't mind if we don't take
			your word for it... ? Jared, with
			Your permission, Mister Data will
			review the documents...
			thoroughly.

					JARED
				(Ardra's in charge now)
			It is no longer my decision.

	At first Ardra's eyes flash at the thought of Picard's
	interference, but then the sly grin of one who
	appreciates playing the game comes to her lips.

					ARDRA
			I have intrigued you, haven't I,
			Picard?

					PICARD
			I only remain here to secure
			the release of Federation
			hostages.

	She snaps her head toward Jared.

					ARDRA
				(angry)
			Hostages? Is this true?

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO     23.

20   CONTINUED:

					JARED
				(shuddering)
			Yes, Ardra. Panic gripped the
			people as the time of your return
			grew closer...

					ARDRA
				(smiles)
			Yes, I do have that effect on
			people. See that the hostages
			are released... Now!

					JARED
			Immediately.

	He scurries off. Picard studies her.

					ARDRA
			Let us not cloud this with bit
			players, Picard. You will not
			leave because you find me
			irresistible.

	She smiles. The energy effect spins and she
	disappears. After a beat, Picard keys his insignia--

					PICARD
			Enterprise, advise Doctor Clark
			that the hostages are being
			released...

					DR. CLARK'S COM VOICE
			This is Clark. You did it,
			Captain, thank goodness...

	Picard reacts, glances at his team...

					PICARD
				(mostly to himself)
			Goodness... had nothing to do with
			it.
				(to Com)
			Enterprise, three to beam up.
			Mister Data will remain on the
			surface...
				(to Data)
			I want a complete report on the
			contents of these scrolls. I
			will not abandon this planet to
			that woman.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO     24.

20   CONTINUED: (2)

	As they DEMATERIALIZE, Data moves to the volumes and
	begins to read through the pages at incredible speed...

21   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

22   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Troi, Beverly, Geordi, Clark and Worf
	are assembled around the table.

					RIKER
			Could she be another refugee from
			the "Q" continuum?

					BEVERLY
			For that matter could she be Q?

					PICARD
			Q would never bother with
			contracts.

					TROI
			Or be interested in economic
			forecasts...

					PICARD
			Yes, I noticed that too,
			Counselor... I had the distinct
			feeling we were in the presence
			of a flim-flam artist...

					WORF
			But her powers...

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT TWO     24A.

22   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Her powers are at best unclear.
			Think about it, Worf...
			Transporter technology can make
			things appear and disappear...
			the illusion of turning into a
			Klingon creature could be
			accomplished by a holographic
			projection...

					DR. CLARK
			And creating a minor tremor could
			be the result of a low-frequency
			tractor beam projected against the
			tectonic plates.

					PICARD
			We're capable of recreating any
			of these events but she dresses
			them up and delivers them with
			a dramatic flair...

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO     25.

22   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			Like a magician.

					PICARD
			Exactly.

					TROI
			She has an incredibly focused
			mind... it was virtually
			impossible to sense any
			deception... or anything else for
			that matter...

					GEORDI
			The best magicians won't ever let
			you see what's up their sleeve,
			Counselor...

					RIKER
			There must be a power source she's
			tapping into to produce all these
			effects... she's not hiding that
			up her sleeve...

					PICARD
				(acknowledges)
			Number One, you and Worf will run
			high-resolution scans of this
			star system. Look for a ship or
			a base of operations -- anything
			large enough to generate that
			power... Mister La Forge,
			accompany Doctor Clark back to
			the science station... see if
			you can trace the origin of the
			tremors...

					COM VOICE
			Security to Bridge. Intruder on
			board.

	Reactions and...

23   INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	everyone from the Observation Lounge ENTERS. Ardra is
	sitting in the Captain's chair...

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO     26.

23   CONTINUED:

					ARDRA
			Your chair offers a lovely view
			of my planet, Picard... come sit
			with me...

					PICARD
			Madame, you will either leave my
			Bridge or I will remove you by
			force...

					ARDRA
			By force... ? I'm disappointed.
			You didn't strike me as that sort,
			Picard... But by all means,
			try.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf...

	Worf moves in but she turns with a magician's flourish
	hands up... and Worf bounces off a blue forcefield that
	flashes when he hits it... she walks over and takes
	Picard's arm and it is clear that the forcefield has
	disappeared.

					ARDRA
			I was really hoping you'd try
			it yourself.

	He discards her arm.

					PICARD
			Transporter Room Three, lock on
			to the intruder and transport her
			to the planet surface...

					COM VOICE
			Aye, sir...

24   ANGLE - NOT INCLUDING CONN AND OPS (OPTICAL)

	The transporter effect begins... she disappears... all
	eyes are on her. Picard moves to the Ops officer whose
	back is to us.

					PICARD
			Ensign, I want shields up until
			further notice.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO     27.

24   CONTINUED:

	The ensign turns and it is Ardra in an Ensign's uniform
	who now sits at Ops...

					ARDRA
			Yessir, Captain. Whatever you
			say.

	She rises...

					RIKER
			We're not impressed by your magic
			tricks.

					ARDRA
			I pity you. We live in a universe
			of magic, which evidently you
			cannot see.

	Data ENTERS from the turbolift... reacts to the
	scene...

					ARDRA
			Ah, my pale friend has returned...
			have you finished examining the
			contract?

					DATA
				(to Picard)
			I have, sir.

					PICARD
			Report, Data.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT TWO     28.

24   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			The contract does agree to deliver
			the people of Ventax Two into the
			personal servitude of Ardra at
			the end of one thousand years
			of peace. I have compared the
			terms to the body of laws which
			govern the planet. The language
			of the agreement is correct in
			every detail.

					ARDRA
			Such speed and accuracy. You're
			much too talented to be human...

					DATA
			I am an android.

					ARDRA
			Android. Of course. How
			wonderful. An unexpected bonus.

					RIKER
			Bonus?

					ARDRA
			When the contract came to term,
			I gained clear title to the
			planet, anything on the surface,
			in the air or in orbit. You see,
			the Enterprise belongs to me now
			as well.

	Picard looks at Data.

					DATA
			I'm afraid one could interpret
			the contract that way, sir.

	Picard shoots a look at Ardra, who smiles...
	disappears and back in the Ops chair is a very confused
	Ensign...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE    29.

                           ACT THREE                            

25   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. The
			claim this woman, who calls
			herself Ardra, has made upon my
			ship is clearly an empty threat.
			But she has further inspired my
			determination to expose her for
			the fraud she is.

26   INT. CAPT. READY ROOM

	Picard at his desk... working on a computer. The bell
	chimes.

					PICARD
			Come.

	Data ENTERS.

					DATA
			You asked to see me, sir?

					PICARD
				(acknowledges)
			Mister Data... A wise man once
			said there's a sucker born every
			minute.

					DATA
			Barnum, P.T., sir.

	He sits.

					PICARD
			I have been examining the dynamics
			of what used to be called the
			confidence game... it is really
			quite fascinating and worthy of
			your study...

					DATA
			Do you believe Ardra is, to use
			the vernacular, a "con artist",
			sir... ?

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/8/90 - ACT THREE 30-30A.       

26   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I do, Mister Data... and our job
			is to find a way to out con the
			con artist...

					DATA
			Sir, if I may point out, the
			Ventaxians did have a thousand
			years of peace and tranquility...
			as Ardra promised...

	Picard stands, takes a thoughtful beat...

					PICARD
			We can only speculate about what
			occurred on this planet a thousand
			years ago, Data... Maybe a
			Ventaxian leader saw the
			destruction of his society at hand
			and conceived this Contract of
			Ardra to motivate change. Or
			maybe there really was an Ardra
			of some sort who was the basis
			of this myth.
				(shrugs)
			Who knows? The point is --
			somehow a fundamental theology was
			created that transformed this
			society.
					(MORE)

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE    31.

26   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD (Cont'd)
			But along with all the benefits
			of change, came a latent fear that
			has been passed down through
			generations...

					DATA
			A fear that someday Ardra would
			return for remuneration.

					PICARD
				(nods)
			And now we are asked to believe
			she has.
				(beat)
			As you may recollect from your
			performance as Ebenezer Scrooge,
			Data, "fear" can be a powerful
			motivator.

					DATA
			Indeed, Captain, in the story,
			the spirits used fear to motivate
			Scrooge to reform his character.

					PICARD
			In the hands of a con artist, fear
			can be used to motivate obedience,
			capitulation... to exploit
			innocent people. That is what
			I believe is happening here.

					DATA
			Is there no possibility at all
			she is the same Ardra who was here
			a millenium ago?

					PICARD
			I appreciate the fact that we have
			encountered species that live that
			long... so I will admit the
			possibility. But I do not believe
			this woman is the devil or had
			the powers to create harmony on
			this world. These people made
			massive changes that improved
			their quality of life... they did
			this on their own. And I intend
			to prove it. But I need a
			loophole... something I can use
			to challenge the validity of the
			contract...

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE    31A.

26   CONTINUED: (4)

					DATA
			The language seems carefully
			chosen to avoid any loopholes,
			sir...

					PICARD
			Check it again... and check every
			Ventaxian legal precedent for
			the last thousand years...

	Data acknowledges, rises to leave.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			We'll talk first thing in the
			morning.

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT THREE    32.

26   CONTINUED: (5)

	Data pauses at the door...

					DATA
			Sir, I feel I should point out
			one possibly incongruous aspect
			of your Scrooge analogy.

					PICARD
			What's that, Data?

					DATA
			The spirits that frightened
			Scrooge turned out to be quite
			real...

	Picard acknowledges and Data leaves and Picard starts
	to turn back to his studies, but pauses long enough
	to say to himself --

					PICARD
			Bah. Humbug.

27   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

28   INT. PICARD'S QUARTERS - CLOSE ON PICARD

	asleep on his bed... a book open on his chest where it
	lay when he fell asleep... his face suddenly bathed in
	a mysterious blue light... a blowing wind rolls through
	the room... his eyes open...

	ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Ardra stands before him bathed in blue light... her
	veils blowing gently in the breeze, revealing inviting
	glimpses of her skin beneath... her hair blowing in
	the breeze... Picard sits up...

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Security to Captain's quarters...

	There is no response...

					PICARD
			Picard to Lieutenant Worf!

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT THREE    33.

29   CONTINUED:

					ARDRA
			I've arranged for a bit of
			privacy... just the two of us.

					PICARD
			I'm growing tired of your games,
			madame...

					ARDRA
			Oh, come now, Picard, you know
			you find me tantalizing... give
			in to your desires...

	He goes to the door... it does not open...

					PICARD
			I find nothing tantalizing in your
			garish display... on the contrary,
			I find it obvious and common...

					ARDRA
			Easily fixed.

	An effect and suddenly she is dressed demure, prim and
	proper...

					ARDRA
			I can be your ideal woman,
			Picard... prim and proper and
			chaste... until I succumb to your
			charms... Or would your fantasies
			turn more toward a professional
			woman, perhaps one in a Starfleet
			uniform... perhaps I could even
			be...

	Another effect and now, Troi is sitting there speaking
	with Ardra's voice...

					TROI/ARDRA
				(continuing)
			... someone close at hand and yet
			unattainable... I can do anything
			for you, Captain. Anything you
			could ever imagine.

					PICARD
			You shallow, pathetic woman.

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE    33A.

29   CONTINUED: (2)

	Ardra returns to normal.

					ARDRA
			I could give you a night that
			would light fire in your dreams
			until you die... and you would
			reject me?

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT THREE    34.

29   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Easily.

					ARDRA
			You shall regret it.

					PICARD
			I think not.

					ARDRA
			Oh, you will...

	And with a flourish, she waves her arm at Picard and
	he vanishes...

30
thru	OMITTED
31

32   INT. SCIENCE STATION (OPTICAL)

	Picard APPEARS in the science station in his
	bedclothes. Most of the debris has been cleared away
	and some of the equipment is back in working order.
	Several SCIENCE STATION WORKERS are huddled over
	various machine components. Geordi and Dr. Clark are
	conferring in one corner, look up in surprise at
	Picard.

					GEORDI
			Captain, we weren't expecting you
			here.

					PICARD
			Neither was I.

					GEORDI
				(to communicator)
			La Forge to Enterprise.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Go ahead.

					GEORDI
			Worf, the Captain's here... You
			better beam him back on board...

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			The Captain! But I have no...

	Picard moves into Geordi's comm range.

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT THREE    35.

32   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			It's all right Worf. Ardra
			somehow transported me down here.
			Beam me directly to my quarters.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			We've locked on to you.
				(pause)
			Transporters are malfunctioning,
			Captain... some sort of
			interference... checking...

	Clark arrives with a labcoat to cover Picard...

					PICARD
			Just have Mister Data fetch me
			in a shuttle and have him bring
			along a uniform...

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Did you say a uniform?

					PICARD
			I did.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
				(beat)
			Aye, sir...

33   EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)

34   INT. SHUTTLE (OPTICAL)

	Data is at the helm, piloting Picard back to the
	Enterprise, which is visible in the distance. Picard
	is adjusting the top of the uniform...

					PICARD
				(frustrated)
			La Forge and Doctor Clark have
			made no headway... Worf and
			Commander Riker have not picked
			up anything on their scans...

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/8/90 - ACT THREE    36.

34   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Sir, I have found one obscure
			precedent in Ventaxian law that
			might be of interest.

					PICARD
			Yes?

					DATA
			It is noted as Akul K'Ton versus
			Garv Etes... dated Ventaxian year
			nine-three-one, A.A.... a dispute
			was registered in the township
			of Tau Velor...

					PICARD
			Summarize the pertinent points,
			Data...

					DATA
			In effect, it was a contract
			dispute over services rendered
			by a Klingon craftsman on the
			construction of a Ventaxian home.
			Because the dispute involved an
			alien culture, the parties decided
			that arbitration rather than the
			courts would resolve the issue.
			Both sides were required to agree
			on an arbiter and the case was
			decided in favor of the Ventaxian.
			It is the only known case
			involving an alien claimant.

					PICARD
			That's exactly what I needed...
			good work, Data...

					DATA
			But, sir, why would Ardra agree
			to an arbitration in this
			matter...

					PICARD
			I intend to play a confidence game
			of my own on our new landlord...

					DATA
				(reacts)
			How, sir?

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT THREE    37.

34   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			The same way any confidence game
			is run... by making her believe
			she is getting something for
			nothing...

					DATA
				(to communicator)
			Shuttle One to Enterprise...
			prepare for docking sequence...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Proceed, Shuttle One.

35   ANGLE ON ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as the shuttle nears the shuttle bay. But suddenly,
	the Enterprise vanishes. The shuttle is alone in
	space.

36   INT. SHUTTLE

	Picard leans forward and speaks into the communicator.

					PICARD
			Enterprise. Enterprise. Do you
			read me? Enterprise, come in.

	There is no reply.

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR     38.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

36A  EXT. VENTAX - DAY (MATTE SHOT)

37   INT. SCIENCE STATION

	Data is at a monitor, with Picard close by. Geordi and
	Dr. Clark are working at nearby equipment.

					DATA
			I cannot locate the Enterprise
			anywhere within one lightyear of
			the planet.

					PICARD
			I don't believe Ardra is capable
			of transporting the Enterprise
			a lightyear away. Continue
			hailing them, Mister Data...
			repeat on all frequencies...

	Geordi straightens up from his monitor.

					GEORDI
			Hey, I think we've found
			something.

	Picard moves over to Geordi.

					GEORDI
			A sudden jump in Z particle
			readings, right around the time
			the Enterprise disappeared.

					PICARD
			Where did it originate?

					DR. CLARK
			It was too brief to pinpoint.

					GEORDI
			But it could suggest a hidden
			power source...

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR     39.

37   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Gentlemen, I need to find that
			source in order to defeat this
			woman...

					GEORDI
			Well, if you can get her to
			perform a few more magic tricks
			like that one we might be able
			to track it down...

38   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	As Ardra appears...

					ARDRA
			So, I trust you have a bit more
			respect for me now.

					PICARD
			What have you done with my ship,
			Ardra?

					ARDRA
			I've done nothing with your ship.
			My ship is safely in my
			possession.

					PICARD
			I do not recognize your claim on
			the Enterprise or on this world
			for that matter... and in
			accordance with Ventaxian legal
			precedent I call for an
			arbitration...

					ARDRA
			An arbitration? There is nothing
			to arbitrate here...

					PICARD
			But there is, madame, for you are
			a fraud and I intend to prove you
			could not have affected the
			changes that took place on this
			planet...

					ARDRA
			Do you not believe what you see
			with your own eyes... your ship
			is gone...

    STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR    39A.

38   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			An illusion. Magicians have been
			making all sorts of things
			disappear for ages.

					ARDRA
				(smiles)
			You underestimate me... but then
			most people do... until it's too
			late.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR     40.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			If you are who you say you are,
			you have nothing to lose in an
			arbitration.

	Ardra raises an eyebrow, too smart to fall easily into
	the trap.

					ARDRA
			I also have nothing to gain. I
			already have possession of this
			planet and your ship...

					PICARD
			I am prepared to offer you a
			further incentive... if you win,
			I will take you to the ruins of
			Ligillium...

					ARDRA
				(reacts)
			The Zaterl Emerald? You know
			where it is?

					PICARD
			I do.

	She seriously considers it, smiles...

					ARDRA
			You're clever.
				(beat)
			But I have enough jewels.

	Picard is disappointed, he thought he had her and now
	she turns away... and then after a beat, she turns
	back...

					ARDRA
			If you wish this foolish
			arbitration, I will choose my own
			prize...

					PICARD
			And what would that be?

	She moves closer to Picard.

					ARDRA
			You.

	Picard reacts.

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/6/90 - ACT FOUR     41.

38   CONTINUED: (3)

					ARDRA
			By all rights, your body is
			already mine... but I want more...
			I want your heart, your mind, your
			soul... And I want you to give
			them to me without resistance,
			of your own free will.
				(a beat)
			So, do you still wish to pursue
			this most dangerous game?

					PICARD
			I agree to your terms.

					ARDRA
				(smiles)
			Picard, I will enjoy you morning
			noon and night.

					PICARD
			We must agree on an arbiter.

					ARDRA
			Very well. I choose Mister Data.
			Any objections?

	Picard didn't expect this. He fumbles for a response.

					PICARD
			Mister Data? He is a member of
			my crew.

					ARDRA
			Of my crew. And he's an android.
			He is incapable of deceit or bias.
			He has no feelings to get in the
			way of his judgment.

					DATA
			Ardra, before he responds, may
			I have a word in private with
			Captain Picard?

	She nods. Data takes Picard aside.

					DATA
			Sir, I request that you reject
			me as arbiter.

					PICARD
			Why?

     STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR     42.

38   CONTINUED: (4)

					DATA
			Ardra is right. If I am chosen,
			I will perform my duties without
			bias or sentiment. I cannot
			guarantee that I will deliver a
			verdict in your favor.

					PICARD
			Data, where else on this planet
			will I find someone that she
			cannot intimidate. You are
			incapable of fear... in this play,
			you are the perfect choice for
			the role.

					DATA
			Sir, I will have to precisely
			follow the rules of conduct for
			a ventaxian jurist.

					PICARD
			I understand. You'll make a fine
			judge.

	Picard moves back to Ardra.

					PICARD
			I accept Data as arbiter.

					ARDRA
			Then let the hearing begin.

39   INT. ATHENEUM

	The hearing is held in the round, distinctly different
	than our own courtroom experience. The questioner (at
	the moment, Ardra) is in the center, moving around at
	will, asking questions of any witness she chooses.
	Data is in a neutral position between Picard and
	Ardra's chair. Also present is Jared. There are no
	spectators. Ardra addresses Jared --

					ARDRA
			Could you describe the state of
			your planet when I first visited
			a thousand years ago?

	Picard rises.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FOUR        43.

39   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Objection. The witness has no
			personal knowledge.

					DATA
			Overruled. He is qualified to
			present an historical view.
			Answer the question.

	Disgruntled, Picard sits back down.

					JARED
			A thousand years ago our planet
			was dying. Overcrowded and
			dangerous city-states warred
			unceasingly with each other. The
			air and water were polluted with
			industrial waste. There was a
			constant threat of starvation and
			epidemic.

					ARDRA
			And then what happened?

					JARED
			And then you came.

	Picard rises again.

					PICARD
			Objection. There is no conclusive
			evidence that this woman visited
			the planet a thousand years ago...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FOUR        44.

39   CONTINUED: (2)

					ARDRA
				(to Picard)
			I suppose you want a thousand year
			old witness?

					PICARD
				(dry, to Ardra)
			That would be quite acceptable.

					ARDRA
			Jared. In the contract, does it
			specify how you would know me when
			I return?

					JARED
			Yes... by the date...

					ARDRA
			Anything else... ?

					JARED
			... by the shaking of the cities...
			and by the visions...

					ARDRA
			And all of these occurred on
			schedule.

					JARED
			Yes.

					ARDRA
			Your honor, I submit I have
			established my identity as stated
			by the contract.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR        44A.

39   CONTINUED: (3)

					DATA
				(a beat,
				 considering)
			Captain Picard, my interpretation
			of Ventaxian law suggests under
			these circumstances, this is
			acceptable... your objection is
			overruled.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FOUR        45.

39   CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD
				(rising, aghast)
			But your honor... !

					DATA
			Sir, I have ruled. Sit down.

	Picard blinks, sits down.

					DATA
				(to Ardra)
			You may proceed.

					ARDRA
			Thank-you, your honor.
				(to Jared)
			When I first set foot on Ventax
			Two, what did I offer your people?

					JARED
			According to the scrolls, you
			offered to give us a thousand
			years of peace and prosperity,
			if we would promise to surrender
			ourselves to you at the end of
			the term.

					ARDRA
			Now why do you think they would
			strike such a bargain...

					PICARD
			I must object! The answer would
			be pure speculation.

					DATA
			The question is phrased correctly.
			Please answer.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR         46.

39   CONTINUED: (5)

					JARED
			We had nothing to lose. There
			was no hope in sight.

					ARDRA
			Until I came along.

					PICARD
			Objection!

					ARDRA
			I withdraw the observation. No
			further questions.

					PICARD
			Your honor, nothing in this
			testimony proves that Ardra
			herself had any power to affect
			the lives of the Ventaxians.
			My opponent has failed to prove
			her case and I therefore move
			that her claim be summarily
			dismissed.

					DATA
			I find no cause to invalidate the
			contract at this time. The
			arbitration will continue.

					ARDRA
			Your honor, Captain Picard as a
			new visitor to my planet has been
			a consistent doubter of my
			abilities... I'd like to ask him
			a few questions if I may...

					DATA
			It is highly irregular to question
			the opposing advocate but I see
			no reason to deny it. Proceed...

					ARDRA
			Please don't take any offense at
			these questions, you know how fond
			I am of you...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR         47.

39   CONTINUED: (6)

					PICARD
			Objection.

					DATA
			Sustained. The advocate will
			refrain from expressing personal
			affections for her opponent.

					ARDRA
			You don't believe my powers are
			real, do you.

					PICARD
			No, I don't.

					ARDRA
			Then, sir, may I ask you to
			explain... this...

	As she waves her hand... a tremor shakes the room...
	Data pounds the gavel...

					DATA
			You are out of order...

40   OMITTED

41   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

					ARDRA
				(ignoring Data)
			Or this?

	And she waves her hand and Picard disappears... Data
	bangs the gavel...

					DATA
			The advocate will refrain from
			making her opponent disappear.

	Picard reappears...

					ARDRA
			Or this?

	And she is replaced by a larger than life horrific
	image of the human devil, red, with horns and a tail...

					ARDRA/DEVIL
			Can you explain it, Picard?

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR         48.

41   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Any further disruption and I will
			rule you in contempt of court.
			Is that understood?

42   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	Ardra returns to normal.

					ARDRA
			I'm sorry, your honor.
				(to Picard)
			Yes or no, can you explain any
			of this?

					PICARD
				(beat)
			No.

					ARDRA
			I rest my case, your honor.

	She flashes a smile at Picard... and on his
	expression...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR         49.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

43   INT. SCIENCE STATION

	Geordi is closely monitoring the instrument in the
	reconstructed science station. Dr. Clark is nearby
	on another monitor... his assistants are also working
	nearby.

					DR. CLARK
			The decay rate of these Z
			particles makes it almost
			impossible to trace the source...

	Geordi works at his console. Calm, cool,
	concentrating.

					GEORDI
			I'm correlating particle
			trajectories... they're starting
			to align... wait a minute...
				(reacting)
			I have coordinates... thirty-four
			degrees north, sixty-two degrees
			east, at an altitude of two
			hundred ten kilometers.

					DR. CLARK
			That would put it in orbit...
				(checking)
			... above the western magnetic
			pole... running visual scan...

44   ON THE MONITOR (OPTICAL)

	A starfield appears.

					DR. CLARK (O.C.)
			Nothing.

45   GEORDI

	examines it closely.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FOUR        49A.

45   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Uh uh... this time, I don't buy
			the magic... something's gotta
			be there...
				(thinks a beat)
			Let's run a wavelength stretchout
			and bring it down into the
			ultraviolet... check intervals
			of half an angstrom...

	As they begin...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/8/90 - ACT FIVE         50.

46   INT. ATHENEUM

	Picard is now at the center of the room.

					PICARD
			Jared, you have described quite
			thoroughly the history of your
			people before and after Ardra's
			first visit. But I am a little
			unclear on the change itself.
			Did Ardra simply snap her fingers,
			transforming Ventax Two into
			paradise?

					ARDRA
			Objection. Picard is mocking me.

					DATA
			Overruled. The opposing
			advocate's job is to mock your
			argument.

	Picard smiles as Data turns back to Jared.

					DATA
			Please answer the question.

					JARED
			The changes occurred gradually,
			over a long period of time.

					PICARD
			Did she personally form the
			government that has peacefully
			ruled Ventax Two for a millennium?

					JARED
			No, historical records indicate
			a council was convened to assess
			our options. They drew up a new
			constitution which the population
			later ratified.

					PICARD
			I see. So Ardra advised this
			council...

					JARED
			No.

					PICARD
			Well, then she must have destroyed
			all weapons on the planet...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE        50A.

46   CONTINUED:

					JARED
			No, our leaders did that. And
			they signed a treaty of
			non-aggression.

					PICARD
			Which Ardra wrote, I assume.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE         51.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

					JARED
			There is no indication she had
			anything at all to do with the
			treaty.

					PICARD
			Well then, let's move on to the
			environmental gains made on Ventax
			Two. How were those
			accomplished...

					JARED
			We shifted our economy from an
			industrial to an agrarian
			base... it was more ecologically
			sound.

					PICARD
			But Ardra must have at least
			purified the polluted water and
			air...

					JARED
			No, the record shows there were
			a series of initiatives covering
			everything from atmospheric
			contaminants to waste disposal.

					PICARD
			Did Ardra pick up even one piece
			of trash?

					ARDRA
			Objection!

					DATA
			To what?

					ARDRA
			To the tone of voice.

					DATA
			Overruled.

					JARED
			Ardra had left Ventax Two before
			the environmental reforms began.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE        51A.

46   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Excuse me, but it sounds as though
			with a great deal of hard work
			and courage, your ancestors
			changed this world all by
			themselves.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FIVE        52.

46   CONTINUED: (4)

	Ardra stands up again.

					ARDRA
			Objection. The advocate is
			drawing conclusions.

					DATA
			Sustained.
				(to Picard)
			I will draw my own conclusions,
			if you do not mind.

					PICARD
			No further questions.

					DATA
				(to Ardra)
			Rebuttal?

					ARDRA
			Just two questions. Is there any
			doubt in your mind, any doubt at
			all, that if I had not intervened,
			the terrible conditions here would
			have continued?

	A long beat.

					ARDRA
			I remind you that you're under
			oath.

					JARED
			No doubt at all.

					ARDRA
			Then, as "former" head of state
			for the Ventaxian people, you are
			satisfied that I fulfilled my part
			of the bargain.

					JARED
				(head down, defeated)
			Yes, Ardra.

					ARDRA
			Thank-you. Your honor, what more
			can be said. Both sides agree
			the terms of the contract have
			been fulfilled.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FIVE        53.

46   CONTINUED: (5)

					DATA
			Captain Picard, do you have any
			further evidence to present before
			I render judgment?

	At that moment, Geordi ENTERS the room...

					PICARD
			I believe my associate, Mister
			La Forge is bringing me that very
			information... If I may have a
			recess...

					GEORDI
			Hi, Data.

					DATA
			Hi, Geordi. A one hour recess
			is granted.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE         54.

47   ANGLE

	Picard moves to join Geordi in the back of the room
	out of earshot...

					PICARD
			Mister La Forge, my reputation
			as a litigator, not to mention
			my soul, is in serious jeopardy...

					GEORDI
			Well, whatever's been going on
			over here gave us exactly what
			we needed...

					PICARD
			You've identified her source of
			power... ?

					GEORDI
				(nods)
			It's a cloaked ship...

					PICARD
			She has a Romulan cloaking device?

					GEORDI
			More likely, a bad copy of one.
			We picked it up through a
			wavelength stretchout...

					PICARD
			And the Enterprise?

					GEORDI
			Exactly where it's supposed to
			be. Ardra extended her cloaking
			shields around it... set up a
			subspace damping field to
			interfere with normal operations.
			I've isolated the frequency spread
			and penetrated the field.

					PICARD
			Can you make contact?

					GEORDI
			Already have...

					PICARD
			Good... here's what I want to
			do... but we have less than an
			hour...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/13/90 - ACT FIVE        55.

48   ANGLE FAVORING ARDRA

	as she observes Picard and Geordi talking animatedly.

49   EXT. VENTAX - DAY (MATTE SHOT)

	favoring the Atheneum. (This is to present a time
	passage.)

50   INT. ATHENEUM (OPTICAL)

	Picard back in the middle asking the questions.

					PICARD
			Jared, you are a wise and
			experienced leader, I would guess
			you trust your senses...

					JARED
			Yes... I would say so...

					PICARD
			And all your senses tell you this
			woman here is the most powerful
			force on this planet, don't
			they...

					JARED
			Yes...

					PICARD
			Jared, what would you say if I
			told you that Ardra has no powers
			whatsoever?

					JARED
			But... we have seen her powers
			right here...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/2/90 - ACT FIVE         56.

50   CONTINUED:

					ARDRA
			That's right, and you will again.

					PICARD
			Ah yes, Ardra's magic. Jared,
			would you believe me if I told
			you that I could steal Ardra's
			powers and perform the same
			magical acts as she?

					JARED
			I am sorry, Captain Picard, but
			you are not Ardra.

					PICARD
			That is true. I am not Ardra.
			And yet, I can create a tremor
			just as she did.

	Picard airily waves his hand... and the tremor rolls
	across the room... Ardra reacts, stunned...

					ARDRA
			Objection, your honor...

					DATA
			I think he deserves some
			leeway... overruled... but we
			have seen enough, Captain.

					PICARD
			Agreed. Ardra, if you would do
			the honors and stop the tremors...

					ARDRA
			Uh... of... of course...

	Nothing happens.

					PICARD
			What's the matter?

					ARDRA
			I like the tremors.

					PICARD
			Well, I don't.

	He snaps his fingers and the tremors instantly stop.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE         57.

50   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Recognize the old bag of tricks?
			How about this one?

	He gestures towards Ardra. She disappears.

					PICARD
			Come back if you can, Ardra.
			No... ? Fine, allow me...

	She reappears...

					ARDRA
			Of all the impudence.

					PICARD
			Impudence?

51   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	as he turns into the Klingon monster...

					PICARD/FEK'LHR
			Impudence is pretending to be
			Fek'lhr of Klingon...

52   REACTIONS

					DATA
			Captain, your leeway has run out.

53   PICARD (OPTICAL)

	back to normal...

					PICARD
			Your honor, I appreciate the
			court's indulgence... allow me
			to explain. A team from the
			Enterprise has taken control of
			this woman's ship in orbit around
			Ventax Two. Thank you for your
			help, Number One.

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE         58.

53   CONTINUED:

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Glad to be of service, sir.

					PICARD
			They have been monitoring me on
			my communicator... and executing
			a prearranged program on her
			ship's computer... a fairly
			ingenious combination of force
			field projection, holography, and
			transporter effects. Ardra
			controls her magic literally by
			the blink of an eye... centuries
			old technology -- an implant that
			allows her eye movements to choose
			and activate each illusion.
				(beat)
			She once told us she is known by
			many names. At least she was
			honest about that. Her crew has
			admitted that she has in fact
			used twenty-three aliases in this
			sector alone...

					ARDRA
				(overlapping)
			You had no right...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE         59.

53   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			... deceiving innocent people in
			petty schemes for years.

	He turns to Jared.

					PICARD
			Ventax Two offered her the
			greatest opportunity of her
			nefarious career. She learned
			about the myth of Ardra, studied
			it... and expertly played on your
			fears until your people were ready
			to virtually surrender to her.

					ARDRA
				(standing)
			Your Honor, under the
			circumstances, I believe it is
			only fair that I release the
			Ventaxians from their
			obligation... and I'll even let
			them keep the peace they have...
			and I'll just be on my way...

	But Jared touches a panel, signaling TWO SENTRIES to
	ENTER. As Ardra starts to leave, the sentries block
	her way.

					DATA
			With the advocate's withdrawal,
			the contract is hereby dissolved.

	He slams down the gavel.

					DATA
			This arbitration is adjourned.

	All rise.

					JARED
			Thank you, Captain... you saved
			our lives...

					PICARD
			No, Jared... as I've tried to tell
			you, you saved your own lives a
			long time ago...

	Data approaches... the 'old' Data...

         STAR TREK: "Devil's Due" - REV. 11/7/90 - ACT FIVE         60.

53   CONTINUED: (3)

					DATA
			Congratulations, sir.

					PICARD
				(nods)
			Your honor.

	But as they turn to leave, they find themselves facing
	Ardra... She raises an eyebrow....

					ARDRA
			You would have had more fun if
			you lost.
				(beat)
			Until we meet again, Jean-Luc
			Picard of the Starship
			Enterprise.

	With that, the sentries take her away... as Data and
	Picard exchange looks and begin to exit...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             

