











                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                        "Coming Of Age" 
                   (fka "Starfleet Academy") 
                          #40271-119 
                              
                          Written by 
                          Sandy Fries 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Mike Vejar 


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 1987 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.


                     3RD REV. FINAL DRAFT

                       DECEMBER 30, 1987

         STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "Coming Of Age" 

                             CAST 

                PICARD             JAKE KURLAND
                RIKER              ADMIRAL GREGORY QUINN
                BEVERLY            LT. COMMANDER DEXTER REMMICK
                DATA               MORDOCK
                TROI               OLIANA MIRREN
                TASHA              T'SHANIK
                WORF               TAC OFFICER CHANG
                GEORDI             RONDON
                WESLEY             TECHNICIAN #1
                                   TECHNICIAN #2
                                   Voice-Over

         STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                        "Coming Of Age" 

                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              Deck 21 Forward Lounge
              Transporter Room         RELVA 7 (PLANET)
              Corridor
                                       SHUTTLECRAFT
              Captain's Ready Room
              Main bridge
          
              Holodeck
          
              Admiral's Quarters
              Main Engineering
          
            RELVA 7
              Classroom
              Corridor
              Testing Room
              Long corridor
              Environmental Lab
          
            SHUTTLECRAFT
              Cockpit

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - TEASER       1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                       "Coming Of Age"     
                        
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

A1	EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	orbiting the planet Relva 7.

B1	INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR

	WESLEY is running down the corridor after someone.

					WESLEY
			Hey, Jake! Wait a second!

	JAKE KURLAND, eighteen, dark-haired and intense, stops
	and waits for Wesley.

					WESLEY
				(continuing)
			How're you doing?

					JAKE
				(tries to smile)
			I'm fine. Really.

					WESLEY
			I'm real sorry...

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Acting Ensign Crusher, report to
			Deck Twenty-one Forward Lounge.

	Wesley ignores the request.

					JAKE
			It's not your fault.

					WESLEY
			Yes, I know, but I wish we were
			both going.

					JAKE
				(shrugging)
			Only thirty-two points...

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Acting Ensign Crusher, respond.

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - TEASER       2.

B1	CONTINUED:

	Wesley touches a com panel.

					WESLEY
			I'm on my way.

	Wesley looks at Jake.

					WESLEY
				(continuing)
			Gotta go.

	They shake hands.

					JAKE
			Do well for both of us.

	Wesley smiles at Jake and HURRIES BACK the other way.
	Jake stares dejectedly after him.

C1	INT. CORRIDOR - OUTSIDE DECK 21 FORWARD LOUNGE

	Beverly waits for Wesley just outside the lounge.

					WESLEY
			Mom, I can't be late.

					BEVERLY
			Don't worry. You have time.

1    INT. DECK 21 FORWARD LOUNGE

	A large cake with seventeen BURNING candles is in the
	center of the table. It says "HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY" and
	"GOOD LUCK, WESLEY." The whole BRIDGE CREW waits
	around the table as Wesley ENTERS with Beverly. He's
	touched, embarrassed and -- wants to get out of there.

					RIKER
			Happy Birthday, Wesley!

	Everyone ECHOES THE SENTIMENT.

					WESLEY
			Thanks everybody. But it's not
			until next month.

					RIKER
			Close enough.

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - TEASER       3.

1    CONTINUED:

					TROI
			You won't be here next month.
			After you pass the entrance exam,
			you'll be on your way to Starfleet
			Academy.

					BEVERLY
			Go on, make a wish.

	Wesley closes his eyes, thinks a moment, then blows out
	the candles. Everyone CLAPS as he makes the first cut.
	Troi takes over and cuts cake for everyone, handing
	pieces to Riker and Wesley.

					RIKER
			You'll breeze through those
			tests.

					WESLEY
			I hope so, sir.

					RIKER
			I know so. I remember how tough
			it was for me.

	He pauses, reliving the fear, then smiles at Wesley.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			But you've got brains, and family
			tradition, and actual experience.

					WESLEY
			I wish I felt that sure.

					GEORDI
			I was scared to death the whole
			time. But it's good for you.
			Keeps your adrenaline going. Not
			that you'll need it, Wes.

1A   ANOTHER ANGLE

	Troi hands pieces of cake to Data and Worf.

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - TEASER       4.

1A   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Thank you... Humans are
			fascinating. They celebrate the
			passage of time with such joy
			until a certain age, and then it
			becomes a topic of some
			discomfort. I suppose it is
			because each birthday is another
			step towards inevitable death.
			Do Klingons observe birthdays,
			Worf?

					WORF
			Klingons are born, live as
			warriors, and die.

					DATA
			Then how do you know how old you
			are?

					WORF
			I don't. Do you know?

					DATA
			I have no age.

	Data stares at Beverly, who's standing next to Picard.

					BEVERLY
			Is there something wrong?

					DATA
			No. I am simply trying to
			understand the celebration of
			aging. And how old were you when
			Wesley was born, Doctor?

	Beverly shoves her piece of cake at him.

					BEVERLY
			Have some cake, Data.

	She LEAVES him standing there with Picard.

					DATA
			I do not understand, sir. Why...

					PICARD
			You never ask a woman her age,
			Mister Data.

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - TEASER       5.

1A   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			I am very confused, sir.

					PICARD
			Some customs will never change.

					TASHA'S COM VOICE
			Acting Ensign Crusher, this is
			the Transporter Room. We are
			ready to beam you down to Relva 7.

					WESLEY
				(to the party)
			Thanks for the party, everyone.
			And the good wishes.

	They all RESPOND with "Good luck;" "Go get 'em;"
	"You'll do great."

					TASHA'S COM VOICE
			Captain Picard.

					PICARD
				(touching his
				 communicator)
			Picard here.

					TASHA'S COM VOICE
			We've received communication from
			Relva 7 that Admiral Gregory Quinn
			is about to beam aboard, sir.

					PICARD
			Admiral Gregory Quinn. Why wasn't
			I informed earlier, Lieutenant
			Yar?

					TASHA'S COM VOICE
			We just received the request, sir.

	Picard gestures to Riker.

					PICARD
			I'm on my way to the Transporter
			Room, Lieutenant. Number One!

	Picard and Riker FOLLOW Wesley and Beverly OUT the
	door.

1B
thru	OMITTED
1C

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - TEASER       6.

2    OMITTED

3    INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Riker, Picard and Beverly say good-bye to Wesley.
	Beverly reaches out to shake his hand, but Wesley leans
	over and kisses her. He nods and Tasha works the
	console and Wesley BEAMS DOWN to Relva 7. A beat, then
	almost immediately, ADMIRAL GREGORY QUINN and
	LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DEXTER REMMICK BEAM UP. Quinn is
	a rugged man in his early sixties. He is accompanied
	by Remmick, a young, blond, dedicated officer. They
	step off the platform.

					PICARD
			This is unexpected. Welcome
			aboard, Admiral.

					QUINN
			Thank you. Captain Jean-Luc
			Picard, Lieutenant Commander
			Dexter Remmick.

					REMMICK
			Sir.

	They shake hands, then Remmick steps back and watches.

					PICARD
			Allow me to present my staff:
			First Officer William Riker, Chief
			Medical Officer Beverly Crusher,
			chief of security, Lieutenant
			Tasha Yar.

	Quinn nods to them.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			What can we do for you?

					QUINN
			I need to speak with you.

					PICARD
			Certainly. This way. Number One.

	They turn to leave, as:

					QUINN
			No. Alone.

					PICARD
			Is this personal?

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - TEASER       7.

3    CONTINUED:

					QUINN
			Official business.

					PICARD
			Then my first officer...

					QUINN
			... Alone, Captain.

This is unheard of. It's as if Riker's in big trouble
and no one knows why, as WE:

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE       8.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

4    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it orbits Relva 7.

					PICARD (V. O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 41416. 2.
			We are orbiting Relva 7, one of
			the testing sites where final
			examinations are taking place for
			entrance into Starfleet Academy.
			But with the appearance of my old
			colleague, Admiral Gregory Quinn,
			our stay has taken on another
			meaning.

5    OMITTED

5A   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Picard and Quinn ENTER. Remmick stands off to the
	side.

					QUINN
			Commander Remmick is with the
			Inspector General's office.

					PICARD
			Oh?

					QUINN
			He'll be conducting a complete
			investigation of the Enterprise.

					PICARD
			What are you looking for?

	Quinn turns to especially include Remmick. Remmick
	stands almost at attention.

					QUINN
			I have reason to believe there
			may be something very wrong on
			this ship... very wrong.

					PICARD
			Tell me what you suspect.

       STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE       9.

5A   CONTINUED:

					QUINN
			No. It's... inappropriate to
			discuss it now. We'll go over
			it fully when Mister Remmick
			concludes his investigation.
				(turns to Remmick)
			You will find out what is wrong
			on this ship. Starfleet is
			depending on you.

					REMMICK
			Yes, sir.
				(glances at Picard)
			Nothing and no one will stand in
			my way.

					QUINN
			And you, Captain, are ordered to
			cooperate in every way necessary
			with the investigation. Clear?

					PICARD
			Yes, sir.

					QUINN
			Mister Remmick, unless there are
			further questions...

					REMMICK
			No questions, sir.

					QUINN
			Get on with your duties.

					REMMICK
			Yes, sir!

	Remmick purposefully EXITS. When the door CLOSES:

					PICARD
			Greg, we've known each other for
			years. If you weren't just
			motivating young Mister Remmick, tell
			me what you believe is wrong.

	Quinn dodges the question.

					QUINN
			Captain, it is vitally important
			that my orders are followed
			exactly. I'll be staying on the
			ship.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE      10.

5A   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			As you wish, Admiral.

6    EXT. RELVA 7 (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING the planet.

7    INT. RELVA 7 - CLASSROOM

	Wesley is the first one to ARRIVE in the high-tech
	classroom. He looks around the room uncomfortably.
	There's an impressive array of DEVICES, including a
	special SENSOR UNIT. He reaches down to inspect it,
	but puts it back guiltily as OLIANA MIRREN ENTERS.
	She's a gorgeous eighteen-year-old human, a red-head
	with sparkle and probably a temper.

					OLIANA
			What is it?

					WESLEY
			What?

					OLIANA
			The unit you just put down. Don't
			worry. I won't tell anybody.

					WESLEY
			Oh. It's a flux coordinating
			sensor.

	Oliana puts out her hand. Wesley takes it and
	absentmindedly holds it. He's mesmerized by her.

					OLIANA
			I'm Oliana Mirren, one of the
			other finalists. You must be
			Wesley Crusher.

	She gently removes her hand from his.

					WESLEY
			Yeah! You know me?

					OLIANA
			I heard there was a very smart,
			very young man who'd be tough
			competition.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE      11.

7    CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
				(embarrassed)
			Well, you wouldn't be here if...

					OLIANA
			... I weren't smart? I know. But
			there's a lot more to it than
			that. You're lucky - you've had
			practical experience on the
			Enterprise.

	As she speaks, the door OPENS and T'SHANIK, a dark
	young Vulcan woman, who looks as if she's surprised
	anyone else bothered to show up, ENTERS with MORDOCK,
	a powerfully built alien with a special suit using
	circulating gas tubes. Mordock hangs back a little,
	quietly.

					T'SHANIK
			Oliana.
				(to Wesley)
			T'Shanik of Vulcana Regar.

					WESLEY
			Wesley Crusher, from the
			Enterprise.

					T'SHANIK
			You don't look as if you meet the
			age requirements.

					WESLEY
			Uh, I'll be sixteen next month.

					OLIANA
				(pats him on the
				 shoulder)
			Happy birthday. When this is all
			over, we'll celebrate.

	Wesley basks in the thought of celebrating anything
	with her, then realizes he's being rude. He turns to
	Mordock.

					WESLEY
			Hi. I'm Wesley Crusher.

	Mordock nods and moves forward.

					MORDOCK
			Mordock.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE      12.

7    CONTINUED: (2)

					WESLEY
			Mordock? The Mordock? The
			Benzite who constructed the
			Mordock Strategy? I thought you
			already were in the Academy.

					MORDOCK
			No. Only a hopeful, like you.

					WESLEY
			You're a legend in the Galactic
			Computer Network...

	TAC OFFICER CHANG ENTERS and walks to the head of the
	classroom.

					CHANG
			Finalists, please take your
			seats...

	The Four take seats at individual computer stations, as
	Chang continues.

					CHANG
				(continuing)
			I'm TAC Officer Chang. Welcome.
			You are here because you are all
			top candidates. Although only
			one student will be chosen for
			the Academy, you have shown from
			the preliminary testing that any
			of you could easily qualify.
				(makes eye contact with
				 each)
			We are looking for the person who
			combines all the important
			qualities necessary to be part
			of Starfleet's future. Integrity,
			intelligence, courage,
			imagination... and that
			indefinable quality of leadership.
			This may be the most difficult,
			exhausting experience of your
			life. And the most exciting
			challenge. Expect the
			unexpected... May you all do your
			best... Now, we'll begin.

	Chang LEAVES the room as the computers LIGHT UP. The
	four students immediately start the test. And the
	faster they answer the questions, the faster the
	computer asks them.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE      13.

7    CONTINUED: (3)

	They're all pounding away at extreme high speeds, but
	with different kinds of energy, and each time they take
	a test they'll respond with the same kind of energy.

	Wesley concentrates completely and works at an
	incredibly fast, even pace.

	T'Shanik works quickly, calmly and methodically.

	Mordock, with great intensity.

	Oliana, alternates bursts of energy with quiet. The
	students continue with their answers.

8    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

8A   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker commands the bridge, with Data and Geordi, Tasha
	and Worf at their regular stations. Remmick stands
	over Data, just watching him sit there. Remmick HOLDS
	A HAND DEVICE which he will carry with him everywhere
	-- A MINIATURE PERSONAL COMPUTER where he punches in
	every observation. Riker watches him without saying a
	word.

					DATA
			May I help you, Mister Remmick?

					REMMICK
			Just keep on doing whatever it
			is you're doing, Commander Data.

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

	Data continues staring, as Remmick moves over to
	Geordi.. and stands over him, making entries in his
	computer.

					GEORDI
			There's nothing much to see here,
			Commander. We're in standard
			orbit. And, uh, the station has
			to be manned, even if it's
			routine...

      STAR TREK: "Coming of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE      14.

8A   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Is there something I can help you
			with, Mister Remmick?

	Remmick whips around to Riker.

					REMMICK
			When I'm ready, Mister Riker, I'll
			want to speak with you.
			Privately.

	Remmick moves aft, to stand next to Worf. Remmick
	watches Worf work at his console and makes more notes.
	Worf pretends he's not there. Geordi turns to Data.

					GEORDI
			Just having that guy around makes
			me feel guilty.
				(to Riker)
			Commander, what's this guy after?

					RIKER
			I don't know, Geordi. But I'm
			going to find out. Now.

	He gets up and heads purposefully for the Captain's
	Ready Room.

9
thru	OMITTED
10

11   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Picard is at his desk, star window at his shoulder.
	The doorbell CHIMES.

					PICARD
			Come.

	Riker ENTERS, and sits down as the Captain motions him.

					RIKER
			Captain, may I speak frankly?

					PICARD
			Always, Number One.

					RIKER
			As executive officer, I should
			be informed. I should know
			everything you know.

      STAR TREK: "Coming of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE      15.

11   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I agree. You should.

					RIKER
			What's this about? Remmick is
			going to turn this ship upside
			down.

					PICARD
			That is his job.

					RIKER
			And mine is to make sure the ship
			runs smoothly.

					PICARD
			Which you do very well.

					RIKER
			Sir, am I under investigation?

					PICARD
			I don't know.

					RIKER
			And if you did?

					PICARD
			I couldn't tell you.

					RIKER
			I don't understand, sir. This
			is extremely frustrating.

					PICARD
			No less so for me. But I have
			promised full cooperation. And
			we shall give it.

	Riker tries not to lose his temper.

					RIKER
			Sir.

	He EXITS the Ready Room as Picard looks after him
	unhappily.

12   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Remmick is waiting for Riker outside the captain's
	Ready Room.

      STAR TREK: "Coming of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT ONE      16.

12   CONTINUED:

					REMMICK
			I want some answers from you now,
			Commander Riker.

					RIKER
			Later.

					REMMICK
			You were ordered to cooperate...

					RIKER
			When it doesn't interfere with
			my duty. Not now, Remmick!

	The crew watches the furious Riker head for the
	turbolift.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "Coming of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      17.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

13   EXT. RELVA 7 (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING.

14   INT. RELVA 7 - CLASSROOM

	The four students sit in front of computer readout
	screens set apart from each other. T'Shanik is the
	only one who appears calm.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Last question on the Hyper Space
			Physics test: If the matter and
			antimatter tanks on a Galaxy Class
			starship are nine-tenths depleted,
			calculate the intermix ratio
			necessary to reach a starbase a
			hundred light years away at warp
			factor eight...

	All the students begin to use the calculators attached
	to the computer, except Wesley, who immediately punches
	in the answer. T'Shanik reaches the answer almost
	immediately. Mordock, driven and intense, is startled
	at their speed, then pushes in his answer. Oliana
	finishes last.

					COMPUTER VOICE
				(continuing)
			Thank you, students. You now have
			one hour free before the next
			test.

	The computer shuts down, its lights FADE OUT. T'Shanik
	EXITS the classroom immediately as Wesley, Oliana and
	Mordock relax.

					MORDOCK
			I admit, Wesley, you have a very
			fast mind.

					WESLEY
			As soon as I realized it was a
			trick question, there was only
			one answer.

      STAR TREK: "Coming of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      18.

14   CONTINUED:

					MORDOCK
			Yes. There is only one "ratio"
			with matter-antimatter. One to
			one.

	Wesley sneaks a look at Oliana. Her jaw is set, then
	she shrugs and smiles her bright smile at the two of
	the them.

					OLIANA
			You're both very lucky. I can't
			imagine what it feels like to have
			things come so easily. I have
			to push every step of the way.

					WESLEY
			Oh, no, Oliana, it doesn't come
			easily. I have to study all the
			time. Mordock's the one who's
			brilliant.

					OLIANA
			You really don't know, do you?
			It's a good thing you're cute,
			Wesley, or you could really be
			obnoxious.

	She pushes her chair back and gets up.

					OLIANA
				(continuing)
			See you later.

	She LEAVES the room.

					WESLEY
			Did you hear that Mordock? She
			said I was cute!

					MORDOCK
			Is that good, Wesley?

					WESLEY
			I don't know. I think so. Maybe.
			I don't know.

					MORDOCK
			Perhaps I was incorrect about the
			speed of your thought processes,
			Wesley.

      STAR TREK: "Coming of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      19.

15   OMITTED

16   EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	orbiting Relva 7. ESTABLISHING.

16A  OMITTED

17   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker STEPS OFF the turbolift and APPROACHES Picard.

					RIKER
			Captain, I think I should
			apologize.

					PICARD
			No need, Number One. Mister
			Remmick's presence is unnerving,
			to say the least.

					RIKER
			Regardless, sir, I should realize
			that whatever your reasons are,
			they're valid. Whether or not
			I understand them.

	Remmick ENTERS the bridge.

					REMMICK
			Are you available now, Mister Riker?
			Or do you still have duties to
			perform?

					RIKER
			I'm available, Mister Remmick.

					REMMICK
			Any problem with using your Ready
			Room, Captain?

	The crew considers this an intrusion.

					TASHA
			I'll find him a comfortable place
			on Deck Fifteen, sir.

					REMMICK
			It's more convenient here. Is
			there a problem, Captain?

      STAR TREK: "Coming of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      20.

17   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			No, Mister Remmick. Be my guest.

	Remmick ENTERS the Ready Room and motions for Riker to
	FOLLOW.

18   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Remmick sits at Picard's desk, Riker in front of him.

					REMMICK
			There are several seeming
			discrepancies in the captain's
			log. Let's go over them, one by
			one, shall we?

	Riker is surprised -- he thought he was the one on the
	hot seat, but it's Picard.

					RIKER
			The captain's log?

					REMMICK
			Yes. To your knowledge, has the
			captain ever falsified a log?

					RIKER
			Have you discussed this with him?

					REMMICK
			Right now, I'm asking you.

					RIKER
			If you want to discuss anything
			about Captain Picard, bring him
			in here and ask him face to face.

					REMMICK
			You are required to answer my
			questions, Mister Riker. Unless
			you're trying to cover something
			up? Now, there are several
			discrepancies in the captain's
			log. Shall we go over them, one
			by one?

					RIKER
			Proceed.

19   OMITTED

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      21.

19A  INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM (FORMERLY SCENE 16A)

	Troi calmly faces Remmick.

					REMMICK
			Do you believe the captain is
			emotionally and psychologically
			fit for command of this starship?
			There is nothing in his history
			or his personality that might
			suggest... mental lapses?

					TROI
			Nothing.

					REMMICK
			Not even the Ferengi incident with
			his old ship, the Stargazer?

					TROI
			He was being controlled by a
			mind-altering machine, Commander.
			Without his knowledge.

					REMMICK
			I would say that was a mental
			lapse.

20   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	Geordi is working on a panel as Remmick questions him.

					REMMICK
			So, you are saying Captain Picard
			had no control over this vessel.
			He handed it over to Kosinski,
			who took the entire crew to some
			sort of "alternate" universe.

					GEORDI
			No, sir. That's not what I'm
			saying. Kosinski was sent by
			Starfleet to improve our warp
			drive. The captain was ordered
			to take him aboard.

					REMMICK
			According to his own logs, the
			bridge crew didn't think highly
			of Mister Kosinski's theories, yet
			the captain allowed him access
			to the engines anyway. Is that
			true, La Forge?

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      22.

20   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Not exactly, sir.

					REMMICK
			One way or the other, La Forge,
			Picard lost control of this ship.
			Is that true?

					GEORDI
			Yes, but that's not how it
			happened.

					REMMICK
			So, the answer is yes.

	Geordi is completely frustrated as Remmick makes
	notes.

21   OMITTED

22   INT. HOLODECK (OPTICAL)

	It's empty and SILENT. Wesley stares off into the
	distance, frowning. Worf ENTERS, startling Wesley.

					WORF
			Ensign Crusher... What are you
			doing on the Holodeck? I thought
			you were still on Relva 7.

					WESLEY
			I'm through testing for the day.

					WORF
			I'm sorry if I disturbed you.
			I'll leave.

					WESLEY
			No! Stay. I thought I wanted
			to be by myself, but I guess I
			didn't really.

					WORF
			How is the testing?

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      23.

22   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
			Okay. So far. It's not the ones
			I've studied for I'm worried
			about. It's the Psych Test,
			facing my deepest fear and living
			through it. I don't even know
			what it is. I'm trying to figure
			out what images to bring up.

					WORF
			Why?

					WESLEY
			I wanna scare myself. What do
			you think -- Bulgallian rats?
			Lightning storm?

					WORF
			Do those things frighten you?

					WESLEY
			Kinda. But's it's exciting, too.
			You know, that rolling feeling
			in your stomach?

					WORF
			No. I don't know. Wesley... The
			Psych Test is no more or less
			important than the rest of the
			process.

					WESLEY
			That's what they said, but it's
			all I can think about.

					WORF
			Thinking about what you can't
			control simply wastes your energy
			and creates its own fear.

					WESLEY
				(angry)
			How can they know what my deepest
			fear is when I don't?

					WORF
				(shrugs)
			By analyzing your psychological
			profile. They were right about
			everyone I tested with. Including
			myself.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      24.

22   CONTINUED: (2)

					WESLEY
			You? I didn't think there was
			anything that could frighten a
			Klingon warrior.

					WORF
			Only fools have no fear.

					WESLEY
			I'm sorry, Lieutenant Worf. I
			shouldn't ask so many personal
			questions.

	Worf stares at Wesley for a moment.

					WORF
			It is very... difficult for me
			to depend on anyone else. For
			anything. But especially for my
			life.

					WESLEY
			But on the Enterprise you do that
			every day. Everyone depends on
			everyone else to protect them.

					WORF
			Yes.

					WESLEY
			Then you got over it.

					WORF
			No. It is still my enemy.

	Wesley looks at Worf with intense admiration.

23   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Riker are at the Aft Station reviewing
	supply choices. Remmick stands, watching and making
	entries.

					RIKER
			... With this new extricator, sir,
			we could eliminate three other
			bulky machines from cargo space.

					PICARD
			Excellent, Number One.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      25.

23   CONTINUED:

					TASHA
			Captain, there's an unauthorized
			entry in Main Shuttlebay.

	Remmick becomes intensely interested.

					REMMICK
			"Unauthorized?"

					PICARD
			Who is it, Lieutenant?

					TASHA
			The computer reads the I.D.
			number of... Jake Kurland.

					PICARD
			Bridge to Main Shuttlebay.
			Mister Kurland... This is Captain
			Picard. Respond.

					REMMICK
			Isn't the area secured? I want
			answers.

					RIKER
			Not now, Remmick... Captain, he's
			going to take her out.

					PICARD
			Lock off the bay launch doors.

					WORF
			Too late, sir. He's using the
			flight emergency override...

					GEORDI
			Smart kid.

	Remmick's taking notes.

					TASHA
			... He's launching!

					PICARD
			Enterprise to shuttlecraft.
			Mister Kurland.

23A  EXT. SPACE - THE SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

	It LAUNCHES.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      26.

24   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - COCKPIT

	Jake's at the controls.

					JAKE
			Captain Picard. I'm going to
			Beltane Nine to sign onto a
			freighter. Tell my father I'm
			sorry.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Tell him in person. Bring the
			ship back. Now.

	Jake shakes his head and WHISPERS:

					JAKE
			No. I can't face him. I'm
			leaving.

	Jake works the controls, and the shuttle LURCHES, the
	LIGHTS DIM, the ENGINE NOISE DIES. His face shows
	panic as he frantically recomputes, and works the
	controls again.

					JAKE
				(continuing)
			I've lost power!

25   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	The crew is shocked by Jake's mistake.

					RIKER
			All he's got left are his
			maneuvering jets.

					GEORDI
			At that trajectory, he'll hit the
			atmosphere and melt at two hundred
			kilometers.

					PICARD
			Probable impact?

					DATA
			Atmospheric entry... seventy-eight
			seconds.

					PICARD
			Options?

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT TWO      27.

25   CONTINUED:

					TASHA
			He's out of transporter range.

					WORF
			Tractor beam?

					RIKER
			Won't work. He's too far away
			for a positive lock.

					REMMICK
			You're completely responsible for
			that boy's life, Captain.

					PICARD
				(to Remmick)
			Either get out of my way and be
			quiet, or I will have you escorted
			from the bridge... Visual on
			shuttle cockpit.

					TASHA
			Visual on Main Viewer.

	Jake's face APPEARS on the Main Viewer. He's
	terrified.

					JAKE (V.O.)
			The engine's dead. What am I
			gonna do?

					PICARD
			Stay calm, Jake. We'll get you
			back.

	The crew looks anxiously at Jake on the Viewer, then
	at Picard, who is grim.

25A  INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - COCKPIT (HIS P.O.V.) (OPTICAL)

	As Jake watches Relva 7 looming closer by the second.

					JAKE
			Please help me!

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     28.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

26   EXT. SPACE - SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

	as it hurtles towards Relva 7.

27   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - COCKPIT (CONTINUOUS ACTION)
(OPTICAL)

	Jake's futilely fighting the useless controls. Relva 7
	looms even CLOSER on his Viewer.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Jake!

					JAKE
			It's no use, Captain. I'm going
			to die out here.

28   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	ON the Main Viewer, Jake is desolate.

					PICARD
			Mister Kurland! You are not going
			to die out there. Do exactly
			as I tell you. Take the nose of
			the shuttle and aim it directly
			at Relva 7.

	Riker and the others REACT to this, startled.

29   OMITTED

30   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - COCKPIT (OPTICAL)

	The planet's COMING CLOSER.

					JAKE
			Aim it at Relva? I can't do
			that. It's crazy.

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     29.

31   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The crew watches grimly.

					DATA
			Twenty-eight seconds to impact...

					PICARD
			Jake, listen carefully. I'm the
			captain and I'm giving you an
			order. Aim the shuttle at Relva.
			Now.

32   INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - COCKPIT (OPTICAL)

	Jake hesitates, then maneuvers the nose of the craft
	directly at Relva.

					JAKE
			Okay. It's done.

33   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard is monitoring Data's console.

					PICARD
			Good. Monitor your speed
			exactly. When it hits point zero-two-zero,
			I want you to restart
			the engine and pull up, hard!

33A  INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - COCKPIT

	ON Jake's face.

					JAKE
			Point zero-two-zero speed...
			Captain, I sure hope you're right.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			You'll just have to trust me.

					JAKE
				(nodding)
			Point zero-zero-three; zero-zero-nine;
			zero-one-two...

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     30.

33B  INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker and the others tensely watch Jake's face.
	He's pouring sweat.

					PICARD
			Hang on tight. It's going to be
			bumpy.

					JAKE (V.O.)
			Zero-one-five, zero-one-nine.

					PICARD
			Now! Start the engine!

33C  INT. SHUTTLECRAFT - COCKPIT (OPTICAL)

	Jake starts the engine. WE HEAR IT CATCH as he pulls
	the shuttle up.

33D  EXT. SPACE - SHUTTLECRAFT (OPTICAL)

	WE SEE the shuttle angle off the planet's atmosphere.

34   OMITTED

35   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	CHEERS all around, including Remmick, who's standing
	over the console.

					RIKER
			Incredible, Captain!

					REMMICK
			He bounced her off the atmosphere!

					PICARD
			Mister Kurland, can you maneuver the
			shuttle home?

					JAKE (V.O.)
			Yes, sir.

					PICARD
			Do so. Then report to Mister Riker.

	Jake is so relieved, he doesn't care he's in deep
	trouble.

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     31.

35   CONTINUED:

					JAKE (V.O.)
			Yes, sir!

					RIKER
			Main Shuttle Bay, prepare to
			receive shuttle.

	Remmick stops smiling.

					REMMICK
			Very... original, Captain. But
			how did this child gain access
			to a Shuttlecraft?

					RIKER
			Kurland is a highly qualified
			Enterprise Academy candidate and
			fully trained in many areas ...
			including shuttles.

					REMMICK
			And did this "full" training
			include discipline?

					PICARD
			Young men sometimes make rash
			choices, Mister Remmick. Which is
			why Mister Kurland will receive a
			strong refresher specifically in
			discipline...

					REMMICK
			I'll note that in my report.

	Picard turns away from Remmick as Riker starts to
	protest:

					PICARD
			Full cooperation, Number One.

36   EXT. RELVA 7 (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING.

37   INT. RELVA 7 - CORRIDOR

	Wesley walks down the hall as Oliana is having an
	intense M.O.S. discussion with Chang outside his
	office. He's telling her what her point standing is
	in relation to the other candidates. Chang ENTERS
	his office, leaving her there looking dejected.

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     32.

37   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
			Oliana!

					OLIANA
			Oh. Hi, Wes.

					WESLEY
			I, um, thought you might want to
			have lunch... together.

					OLIANA
			Thanks, but I'm not very hungry.

					WESLEY
			Oh... okay.

	She pats him on the hand.

					OLIANA
			It's not you... it's just that
			Mordock and you are so far ahead
			in points, I'll never catch up.

					WESLEY
			Oh. Sorry.
				(worried)
			You're not leaving., are you?

					OLIANA
			And give up? Never. Besides,
			it'll be good practice for next
			year. See you later.

	She's almost back to her cheerful self. Wesley stares
	after her thoughtfully, then turns around, almost
	bumping into Mordock.

					MORDOCK
			Ah, Wesley. Distracted by the
			female human again. No matter.
			It does not seem to diminish your
			mental faculties. You do good
			work.

					WESLEY
			Me? No, you're the one. I've
			studied the Mordock Strategy...

					MORDOCK
			Are you a player of Benzite chess?

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     33.

37   CONTINUED: (2)

					WESLEY
			Sure!

					MORDOCK
			If you like, we can discuss this
			at lunch... I am hungry.

	Wesley cheers up.

					WESLEY
			Me too!

	They start towards the Mess Hall. RONDON, an
	irritable, powerful-looking Alien, WALKS TOWARDS them
	with a package under his arm.

					RONDON
				(to Wesley)
			You. I have a package for
			Operations. Where is it?

					WESLEY
			End of the corridor on your right.
			Room 406...

	As Rondon walks away, he BUMPS right into Wesley.

					RONDON
			You blocked my path... you
			Bulgallian sludge rat!

	TAC Officer Chang LEAVES his office and HEADS their
	way.

					WESLEY
			I apologize. An honest mistake,
			okay? I'm sorry.

					CHANG
			Is there a problem here,
			gentlemen?

					WESLEY
			No, sir... I, he...

					RONDON
				(shouting)
			How dare you! I am Rondon, you
			despicable Melanoid slimeworm!
				(raises fist)
			Liar!

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     34.

37   CONTINUED: (3)

	Wesley sees the fist and suddenly becomes tough and
	straightforward. He advances towards Rondon.

					WESLEY
			Who do you think you're bullying?
			You bumped into me. It was your
			mistake. You were rude.
				(assuming defense
				 posture)
			Do you want this to become
			violent?

	Mordock moves to separate them, but Chang motions him
	back, as Wesley holds his ground. Abruptly, Rondon
	warmly pats Wesley on the Back.

					RONDON
			Friend. I like you.

	He turns and is GONE. Mordock is confused.

					MORDOCK
			A very strange reaction.

					WESLEY
			Not really. When he held up his
			hand, I could see it was
			webbed... the sign of a Zaldan.

					CHANG
			But you became hostile.

					WESLEY
			Zaldans are infuriated by
			courtesy. They see it as a form
			of phony social behavior, designed
			to hide real feelings.

					CHANG
			Congratulations, Mister Crusher.
			You handled that particular
			incident very well.

	Mordock is alerted.

					MORDOCK
			Was that "incident" deliberate?

					CHANG
			It's important to know how you
			candidates deal with other
			cultures, other species.

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     35.

37   CONTINUED: (4)

					MORDOCK
			Then it was a test.

					CHANG
			Yes. Not all tests are
			announced. Or what they appear
			to be.

	He smiles and LEAVES.

					MORDOCK
			Zaldans have webbed fingers?
			I wouldn't have passed.

	They share a look. They can't relax for a second.

38   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	still in orbit.

39   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE - MONTAGE

	Remmick holds court as he interviews the bridge
	Officers, one by one. First is Data:

					REMMICK
			Commander Data, I'm getting very
			little cooperation from the bridge
			crew. You're an android, correct?

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

					REMMICK
			And as an android, you are
			programmed to tell the entire
			truth?

					DATA
			Yes, sir.

					REMMICK
			There is a problem with this ship,
			Mister Data. It's in the records,
			somewhere. I need your help to
			find it.

					DATA
			All the ship's records are
			available to you, sir.

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     36.

39   CONTINUED:

					REMMICK
			This information is very cleverly
			hidden. Your captain is not what
			he appears to be. Do not forget
			you have loyalty to Starfleet
			above all else.

					DATA
			Loyalty is not the issue,
			Commander. There is nothing wrong
			with Captain Picard -- or the
			ship's logs. Therefore there must
			be something wrong with your
			original assumption.

					REMMICK
			That is not acceptable, Mister Data.

					DATA
			Acceptable or not, sir, it is the
			truth.

									CUT TO:

	Remmick interviewing Worf:

					REMMICK
				(looking at some notes)
			Just how did this contaminant come
			on board?

					WORF
			By accident, sir.

					REMMICK
			Meaning Captain Picard has no
			standing procedure for this type
			of situation?

					WORF
			No. Meaning "by accident" sir.

					REMMICK
			You don't like me very much, do
			you?

					WORF
			Is it required, sir?

									CUT TO:

	Remmick interviewing Beverly:

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     37.

39   CONTINUED: (2)

					REMMICK
			How would you characterize your
			relationship with Captain Picard?

					BEVERLY
			We're officers of Starfleet who
			have known each other for many
			years.

	Remmick leans in towards her.

					REMMICK
			Everything said here is
			confidential, Doctor. You can
			be completely open with me.

					BEVERLY
			About what?

					REMMICK
			About how you feel serving with
			a man who was responsible for the
			death of your husband.

					BEVERLY
			My personal feelings about
			Captain Picard are irrelevant
			to this investigation. And none
			of your business.

									CUT TO:

	Remmick with Picard.

					REMMICK
			Then you confirm the logs are
			accurate: you violated the Prime
			Directive with the Edo? You
			deliberately interfered with their
			laws?

					PICARD
			Yes. It's exactly as I explained
			it in the log records.

					REMMICK
			All to save Doctor Crusher's son?

					PICARD
			One of my crew was held unjustly.
			I stand by my decision.

     STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT THREE     38.

39   CONTINUED: (3)

	Remmick fumbles around, looking for something else to
	ask.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Mister Remmick, you have talked to
			everyone on this ship. I think
			you've had enough time to find
			out whatever it is you need to
			know.

					REMMICK
			Are you worried that if I keep
			looking I'll find what you're
			guilty of?

					PICARD
			The only thing I'm guilty of is
			allowing this charade to go on
			too long.

	He gets up, as WE:

40   OMITTED

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FOUR      39.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

41   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit around Relva 7.

42   INT. ENTERPRISE - ADMIRAL'S QUARTERS

	The admiral looks weary as Picard and he watch each
	other carefully.

					PICARD
			If it's me you're after, Admiral,
			ask me directly what you want to
			know. Then tell me exactly what's
			going on.

					QUINN
			I need a little more time,
			Jean-Luc.

					PICARD
			How much time? I won't tolerate
			my crew being harassed any longer.

					QUINN
			Remmick's full report is almost
			ready.

					PICARD
			I want to be here when he presents
			it.

					QUINN
			That has always been my intention.

	Quinn pushes a com button near his hand.

					QUINN
				(continuing)
			Commander Remmick, report to
			Admiral Quinn.

					REMMICK'S COM VOICE
			On my way, sir.

	Picard looks at Quinn sadly.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FOUR      40.

42   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			This has been a strain on our
			friendship.

					QUINN
			I know. Believe me, Jean-Luc,
			I regret that, but it has been
			necessary.

43   EXT. RELVA 7 (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING.

44   INT. RELVA 7 - CLASSROOM

	The four finalists are again in front of their separate
	computer screens. Chang is at the front of the room.

					CHANG
			This test will be graded as to
			the number of problems you
			complete within the allotted time.

	As the computers LIGHT UP, he LEAVES the room.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			The Carlundrum I.Q. Test will now
			appear. The task is to predict
			the variable patterns of Platonic
			Solids. Your responses will be
			timed. Begin.

	The four students stare at their separate screens as
	images APPEAR. Wesley watches the screen as various
	SHAPES (triangles, squares, etc.) APPEAR in various
	COLORS and PATTERNS, SPINNING in a space, ROTATING
	along their axes, and REAPPEARING with DIFFERENT
	markings. The PICTURE CHANGES rapidly from one to
	another in seemingly meaningless combinations. Wesley
	watches, then begins his move.

45   ANGLE ON WESLEY AND MORDOCK

	as they continue to predict the patterns and program
	the shapes and colors onto the screen before the
	computer does. Wesley is really having a good time.
	Mordock, on the other hand, is tense and misses one
	or two sequences, then has to go back.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FOUR      41.

46   ACROSS THE ROOM

	T'Shanik moves methodically and calmly through the
	problems. Oliana moves with great bursts of energy,
	then pauses.

47   WESLEY

	pushes the console with ease. The time is rapidly
	diminishing. Mordock begins to struggle.

					MORDOCK
			I... I can't get... it.

					WESLEY
			Don't fight it. Relax into it
			and just do it automatically.

					MORDOCK
			No... it's going too fast!

	Mordock jabs at the controls, but his fingers trip over
	one another. Wesley glances over to Mordock's screen.

					WESLEY
			You're doing all right...

	Wesley looks back to his screen, and keeps up, but has
	lost a few seconds.

					MORDOCK
			No... no. Wesley, I can't do it.

	Wesley glances away again, points at Mordock's screen.

					WESLEY
			(DIALOGUE TO BE WRITTEN)

	Mordock realizes he's right, and punches the
	combination in, finishing the test. The last set of
	SHAPES FLASH different COLORS. Wesley finishes his
	test a beat later.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Test completed.

	Mordock is very upset as Chang COMES BACK INTO the
	room.

					MORDOCK
			Mister Chang...

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FOUR      42.

47   CONTINUED:

					CHANG
			Congratulations, Mordock. That
			was the second fastest time
			recorded on this test. You all
			did well.

					MORDOCK
			It should not have been that way.
			Mister Crusher helped me.

					CHANG
			Yes. I know. An interesting
			choice, Mister Crusher. Especially
			considering how close you and Mister
			Mordock are in overall score.

					WESLEY
			Yes, sir.

					CHANG
			You all have an hour to prepare
			for your last test.

					WESLEY
			The Psych Test, sir?

					CHANG
			We prefer to think of it as a
			psychological evaluation based
			on reactions to various individual
			problems.
				(smiles)
			But the Psych Test will do.

48   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	orbiting Relva 7.

49   INT. ENTERPRISE - ADMIRAL'S QUARTERS

	Remmick ENTERS.

					REMMICK
			Sir.

					QUINN
			Please sit down, Mister Remmick.
			Proceed with your report.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FOUR      43.

49   CONTINUED:

	Picard is intent, ready and willing to hear Remmick's
	findings. Remmick is very uncomfortable.

					REMMICK
			Admiral, I've done my best to be
			objective during this
			investigation. And yet, I feel
			a sense of failure.

	He hesitates.

					QUINN
			Continue.

					REMMICK
			I couldn't find what you asked,
			sir. I spoke with officer after
			officer, at length. I probed the
			log reports. And I have found
			nothing wrong. Except, perhaps,
			a casual familiarity among the
			bridge crew, but... mostly that
			comes from a sense of teamwork.
				(beat)
			I'm sorry, sir. I did my best.

					QUINN
			Quite. You're dismissed,
			Commander.

					REMMICK
			Yes, sir.

	He gets up to leave, and pauses at the door.

					REMMICK
				(continuing)
			Captain Picard, my tour in the
			Inspector General's office will
			be up in six months. When I'm
			finished, this is where I'd like
			to serve, sir.

	He nods and LEAVES. Picard looks at Quinn.

					QUINN
			Don't judge the young man too
			harshly. He's a good officer.

					PICARD
			It's not him I'm judging.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FOUR      44.

49   CONTINUED: (2)

					QUINN
			Don't judge me too harshly,
			either. Not until I'm finished.
			We had to be very sure about you.
				(beat)
			Some time ago, a few of us in
			Starfleet Command became
			suspicious of problems within
			the Federation.

					PICARD
			What kind of problems?

					QUINN
			Something or someone is trying
			to destroy the fabric of all we've
			built over the last two hundred
			years.

					PICARD
			What's your evidence?

					QUINN
			I can't go into that. Too many
			other people are involved. But
			if we're right, this is the most
			critical time in the history of
			the Federation.

					PICARD
			What do you want from me?

					QUINN
			I don't know if the threat is
			coming from within or from the
			outside. I need people I can trust
			in strong positions throughout
			the Federation.

					PICARD
			You have my complete support.
			You know that.

					QUINN
			Not enough. I want to promote
			you to admiral, Jean-Luc. I want
			you to take over as Commandant
			of Starfleet Academy.

					PICARD
			The Academy?

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FOUR      45.

49   CONTINUED: (3)

					QUINN
			Yes. I need you close.

					PICARD
			Then there was never a problem
			with the Enterprise.

					QUINN
			No. I had to be sure you hadn't
			been co-opted.

					PICARD
			Greg, the real issue is politics.
			I'm no good at politics. Surely
			there are others more suited.

	Picard isn't sure how to take all of this.

					QUINN
			I sense you're doubtful about
			this. All right. Suppose it's
			the rambling paranoia of an old
			man. Even if I am wrong, and I
			hope I am, you're still the best
			man for the job.

					PICARD
			I appreciate the value of what
			you're offering. It's not
			something I can decide quickly.

	Quinn pushes him.

					QUINN
			I need your answer soon, Captain.

					PICARD
			All right. You'll have it
			tonight, Admiral.

	As they shake hands, WE

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE      46.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

50   EXT. RELVA 7 (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING.

51   INT. RELVA 7 - CORRIDOR

	Wesley sits nervously waiting outside the Testing Room.
	He closes his eyes and tries to do breathing exercises
	to keep himself calm. Chang COMES OUT of the Testing
	Room.

					CHANG
			Mister Mordock will be finished with
			his Psych Test momentarily.

	Wesley watches the door, waiting. It slides OPEN, but
	no one is there. Then... Mordock EMERGES, badly
	shaken, his face covered with sweat. He looks down
	at his hands.

					WESLEY
			Mordock? Are you... all right?

	Mordock tries not to scare Wesley.

					MORDOCK
			I will be...

					CHANG
			Mister Crusher... you're next. Good
			luck.

	Chang gestures for Wesley to enter. Wesley hesitates,
	then STEPS THROUGH. The door slides SHUT behind him.

52   OMITTED

53   INT. RELVA 7 - TESTING ROOM

	An ordinary room. White walls, two or three chairs, no
	windows. Wesley looks around for some guidance as to
	the next step. He waits a beat, then looks around and
	decides to sit down. Still nothing.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE      47.

53   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
			Hello?

	He gets up and starts to pace.

					WESLEY
				(continuing)
			I'm here. I'm, uh, ready.

	Nothing. He sits down again.

					WESLEY
				(continuing; muttering)
			Maybe they forgot.

	Wesley jumps up again and resumes pacing.

					WESLEY
				(continuing)
			Breathe. Gotta remember to
			breathe.

	He's startled by something -- a sound, a sense of
	something wrong. He becomes alert, checking out the
	room. He takes another deep breath, then realizes he
	hears something in the distance -- MUFFLED THUD. He
	moves towards the door he entered. He listens intently
	near the door, and hears a LOUDER NOISE. Wesley opens
	the door manually and ENTERS the corridor.

54   INT. RELVA 7 - LONG CORRIDOR

	Several more O.S. EXPLOSIONS. Wesley runs towards its
	source. He reaches a door and hears ALARMS RINGING
	and another EXPLOSION. The door says: "ENVIRONMENTAL
	MAINTENANCE LABORATORY." He runs down the empty
	corridor and YELLS.

					WESLEY
			Somebody help! Something's wrong
			in the lab!

	There is no response. Then he hears:

					TECHNICIAN #1 (V.O.)
			Help! We're trapped. Help!
			We're gonna die.

					COMPUTER VOICE (V.O.)
			Evacuate immediately. Sixty-five
			seconds to life-support seal-off.

	Wesley presses the wallplate and the door GLIDES OPEN.

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE      48.

55   INT. RELVA 7 - ENVIRONMENTAL LAB

	Wesley ENTERS cautiously. The door CLOSES behind him.
	WIND HOWLS through the room, which has been partially
	trashed by the explosions. It's FREEZING. A large
	pipe has fractured, allowing fumes of liquid hydrogen
	(or another gas) and a vortex of wind to act as a barrier
	between Wesley and the TWO TECHNICIANS.

	TECHNICIAN #1 is cowered in a corner, uninjured,
	YELLING, on the other side of the wind tunnel. His
	pathway out is partially blocked by debris, so he must
	cross the vortex to get to the door.

	TECHNICIAN #2, is trapped, under a piece of equipment
	on the far side of the vortex, not far from Technician
	#1.

	Wesley hesitates, then makes his way ACROSS the HOWLING
	WIND to the injured Technician. The WIND and COLD
	continue to batter the two of them.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Evacuate immediately. Forty-five
			seconds to life-support seal-off.

	Wesley tries to move the equipment off the trapped
	man.

					WESLEY
				(to Technician #1)
			Help me move this!

	The Technician remains cowered in the corner, shaking
	his head. Wesley keeps pushing the equipment.

					WESLEY
				(continuing)
			You have to help me!

					TECHNICIAN #1
			I can't! It's too late. We're
			going to die! The liquid
			hydrogen's gonna blow!

					TECHNICIAN #2
			Please don't leave me! The
			shut-off valve ruptured. If we
			don't get out of here fast,
			they'll seal us off to contain
			the explosion!

      STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE      49.

55   CONTINUED:

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Evacuate immediately. Twenty-five
			seconds to seal-off.

	Wesley finds something to use as a lever. The
	equipment begins to move slightly. Beads of sweat pour
	off Wesley's face as he makes a Herculean last effort.
	Technician #2's leg is free. Wesley drags him out.
	He turns to Technician #1.

					WESLEY
			Come on!

					TECHNICIAN #1
			There's no way out! I can't move
			through that!

					WESLEY
			You have to. I can't carry you
			both! You can walk. Come on.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Evacuate immediately. Five
			seconds to seal-off.

	Technician #1 remains terrified in the corner. Wesley
	hesitates a moment, then half-carries, half-drags
	Technician #2 through the vortex towards the exit.
	He looks back:

					WESLEY
			I'm sorry.

	Wesley pulls Technician #2 THROUGH THE DOOR to the
	corridor.

56   INT. RELVA 7 - CORRIDOR

	Wesley pulls Technician #2 THROUGH THE DOOR INTO the
	corridor. The door SNAPS SHUT behind him. Chang is
	standing there, waiting. Wesley's heart is pounding,
	his adrenaline up.

					WESLEY
			Officer Chang! There's been an...

					CHANG
			It's all right, Wesley.

	The "injured" Technician gets up, brushes himself off,
	and shakes Wesley's hand. Wesley's shocked.

          STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE          50.

56   CONTINUED:

					TECHNICIAN #2
			Thanks.

	He WALKS down the corridor, leaving Wesley with Chang.
	Wesley's still pale and breathing shallowly, when
	Technician #1 EXITS the Lab, nods to them both, and
	FOLLOWS the other Technician.

					CHANG.
			Excellent performance, Mister
			Crusher.

					WESLEY
			Performance?!... That was the test.

					CHANG
			Yes.

					WESLEY
			But a man died!

					CHANG
			Theoretically, yes. You had to
			make a choice. And you did.
			There's no right or wrong about
			it. Your greatest fear has been
			that you couldn't make that
			decision.

	Wesley just looks at him, and nods his head slowly.

					WESLEY
			Because of my father? Because
			Cap... someone made that choice
			and my father died.

	Chang smiles and pats Wesley on the shoulder.

57   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	orbiting Relva 7.

58   INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Picard is standing as Riker ENTERS.

					RIKER
			Sir?

          STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE          51.

58   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Yes, Number One?

					RIKER
			Mister Remmick has left the ship.

					PICARD
			Yes. He found nothing wrong on
			the Enterprise. You may inform
			the crew that Admiral Quinn is
			most impressed.

					RIKER
			Thank you. They'll be pleased...
			Can you explain now what he was
			after?

					PICARD
			They were after me, Number One.
			They want me to take over as
			Commandant of Starfleet Academy.

					RIKER
			Congratulations! What a wonderful
			choice, sir! You'll be able to
			shape the minds of the future
			leaders of Starfleet.

	He looks at Picard, realizes his ambivalence.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			You haven't decided what you're
			going to do.

					PICARD
			Yes I have, Number One. I'm
			going for a walk.

59   EXT. RELVA 7 (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING.

60   INT. RELVA 7 - CLASSROOM

	Chang is at the front of the class as the four students
	await his decision. Wesley, Oliana and Mordock are
	nervous, T'Shanik impassive.

          STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE          52.

60   CONTINUED:

					CHANG
			I'm proud of all of you. You've
			done a superb job. Each of you
			would make a fine Starfleet
			officer. It's unfair that only
			one candidate from Relva will
			attend the Academy this year --
			and a loss to the Federation if
			the rest of you do not return to
			test again... Mister Mordock will
			be the candidate. His results
			were slightly higher than Mister
			Crusher's. Congratulations, Mister
			Mordock. You are the first
			Benzite in Starfleet.

	Wesley slumps in his seat. Mordock looks at all of
	them, then turns to Chang.

					MORDOCK
			Thank you, sir, but it's not
			right. It shouldn't be me.
			Wesley lost points because he
			helped me. He shouldn't be
			punished for his generosity.

					CHANG
			He wasn't. He lost time, but
			it wasn't only that...
			Candidates, thank you and good
			luck.

	They all stand as Chang EXITS.

					MORDOCK
			I am sorry, Wesley.

					WESLEY
			It's okay. You deserved to win.
			Besides, you would've done the
			same thing for me.

	They all look questioningly at Mordock, who hesitates.
	Then he looks at his comrades:

					MORDOCK
			Yes. I believe I would.

	T'Shanik APPROACHES Mordock.

					T'SHANIK
			Congratulations.

          STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE          53.

60   CONTINUED: (2)

	She nods to the others and LEAVES the room as Oliana
	and Wesley shake hands with Mordock.

					OLIANA
			Well, personally, I hate losing.
			So you'd better be ready next
			year, Wesley. I won't be easy
			to beat.

	Wesley smiles at the thought of seeing her again,
	whatever the circumstances.

61   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	ESTABLISHING.

62
thru	OMITTED
63

64   INT. CORRIDOR

	Picard strides down the corridor when he runs into
	Jake Kurland, who takes one look at him and would like
	to be anywhere else on the Enterprise.

					PICARD
			Mister Kurland!

					JAKE
			Yes, sir.

	Picard is uncomfortable around him.

					PICARD
			Are you... feeling better?

					JAKE
			Yes, sir... I'm sorry I damaged
			the shuttle. But Mister Riker says
			I can work on fixing it as part
			of my "discipline" training.

					PICARD
			Good idea. I hope you learned
			that running away doesn't solve
			anything, young man.

					JAKE
			Yes, sir. I'm sorry I messed up.

          STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE          54.

64   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I know. But you did keep your
			wits about you out there... don't
			forget that.

					JAKE
			No, sir. And... thank you for
			saving my life.

	Now Picard would rather be anywhere else on the ship.

					PICARD
			You're welcome.

	He turns and WALKS BACK the other way.

64A  OMITTED

65   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Wesley stands there, alone and melancholy, staring at
	the starfield outside the window. Picard ENTERS.

					PICARD
			Mister Crusher? Why aren't you in
			your dress uniform for Admiral
			Quinn's farewell dinner?

					WESLEY
			I... I didn't think it would be
			appropriate.

					PICARD
			Why not?

					WESLEY
			I failed, Captain. I didn't get
			into the Academy. I failed you...
			and the Enterprise.

					PICARD
			Ridiculous. Did you do your best?

	A beat. Wesley nods.

          STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE          55.

65   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			When you test next year -- and
			you will test again -- do you
			think your performance will
			improve?

					WESLEY
			Well, yes...

					PICARD
			Good. The only person you're
			truly competing against is
			yourself.

					WESLEY
			Then you're not disappointed?

					PICARD
			Your failures and successes have
			to be measured within, Wesley.
			Not by me or anyone else... But
			if it helps you to know this, I
			failed my first time. And you
			may not tell anyone!

					WESLEY
			You? You failed?

					PICARD
			Yes. But not the second time.
			Now, do me the honor of sitting
			next to me at dinner. I'm going
			to have to disappoint an old
			friend.

	Picard smiles at Wesley as they walk to the door.

65A  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Quinn stand next to the platform. The only
	other person in the room is Tasha, at the controls.

					QUINN
			I wish I could convince you to
			change your mind.

					PICARD
			I'll serve you better here.

	Quinn gives up.

          STAR TREK: "Coming Of Age" - 12/30/87 - ACT FIVE          56.

65A  CONTINUED:

					QUINN
			This is where you belong.

					PICARD
			If you need me...

	Quinn brushes aside Picard's concern.

					QUINN
			I've been playing politics too
			long. Perhaps I see conspiracy
			everywhere. Don't worry.

	Quinn shakes Picard's hand and then steps onto the
	platform.

					QUINN
				(continuing)
			Safe travels, my friend.

	Quinn nods to Tasha, who works the console. Picard
	stares at Quinn for a long time, as if memorizing what
	he looks like. The admiral is BEAMED DOWN.

65B  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard STEPS OFF the turbolift. He walks to where
	Wesley sits at the Conn, and stands between Wesley and
	Data.

					PICARD
			Set course to Algeron 4, Mister
			Crusher.

					WESLEY
			Course plotted and laid in, sir.

					PICARD
			You know, we're really alike, you
			and I. Both explorers to the
			core... Engage, Mister Crusher.

	Wesley smiles happily at Picard's praise.

66   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	moves off to its next destination, as WE:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         
                            THE END                             





