











                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                       "The High Ground" 
                          #40273-160 
                              
                          Written by 
                     Melinda M. Snodgrass 
                              
                          Directed by 
                      Gabrielle Beaumont 


THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT
 
                       NOVEMBER 3, 1989
 

        STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/03/89 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "The High Ground" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             KYRIL FINN
                RIKER              ALEXANA DEVOS
                DATA               POLICE OFFICER
                BEVERLY            WAITER/KATIK
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                WESLEY             Non-Speaking
                                   RUTIANS IN PLAZA
                                   RUTIAN POLICE
                                   ANSATA TERRORISTS
                Non-Speaking       
                SUPERNUMERARIES    

        STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/03/89 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "The High Ground" 
                          
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM     RUTIAN PLAZA
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              TRANSPORTER ROOM         INDOOR/OUTDOOR CAFE
              MAIN ENGINEERING
              SICKBAY
              CORRIDOR
          
            ALEXANA'S OFFICE
          
            CAVERN

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/03/89 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                       "The High Ground" 
                           
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

              ANSATA                 Ahn-SAH-tah
              ALEXANA                Alex-AH-nah
              DEVOS                  DEH-vohs
              KYRIL                  KIH-rill
              KATIK                  KAH-tick
              RUTIA                  RUE-tee-ah

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - TEASER    1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                      "The High Ground"                            
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise in orbit around a planet.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, Stardate 43510.7.
			The Enterprise has put in at Rutia
			Four to deliver medical supplies
			following an outbreak of violent
			protests.

2    EXT. PLAZA - DAY - ESTABLISHING

	Shops, a cafe, people strolling. A modern community.
	Beverly, Data and Worf are walking through the plaza.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Although non-aligned, the planet
			has enjoyed a long trading
			relationship with the Federation.

	Beverly spots the cafe, and stops.

					BEVERLY
			We've still got a few minutes
			before our next meeting...

	Worf scans the plaza. Everything seem calm. They
	ENTER, and seat themselves at a table.

	A WAITER stands by the door staring intently into the
	plaza. He does not acknowledge the presence of the
	Starfleet officers. Beverly is becoming annoyed, she
	lifts her hand, signalling for service.

					BEVERLY
			Excuse me --

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - TEASER    2.

2    CONTINUED:

	Suddenly, a bomb EXPLODES destroying a shop...
	wounding several passers-by... people react, scared,
	running...

									QUICK PAN TO:

3    INT. INDOOR/OUTDOOR CAFE

	DATA, WORF, BEVERLY at a table... already reacting,
	Beverly on her feet, moving to help... Worf concerned
	for her safety...

					WORF
			Doctor...

	She ignores him, moves into the plaza... From outside
	they HEAR SCREAMS and CRIES, and the WAILING of an
	alert. Worf and Data are moving after her... behind
	them, at the door, the waiter watches with interest,
	also moves outside...

4    EXT. PLAZA

	A scene of chaos. Shattered glass lies glittering on
	the pavement. Dust and debris from the explosion is
	settling. A jet of some escaping gas pours from a
	broken pipe. Three people are down, all of them
	showing blood.

5    ANGLE - TWO POLICEMEN

	ENTER. Beverly starts to move to the first victim, but
	an officer draws a phaser, and blocks her way.

					BEVERLY
			Put that thing away. I'm a
			doctor.

	Beverly isn't waiting for permission. She shoulders
	past him. Beverly drops down next to a casualty, pulls
	out her tricorder and examines him...

					BEVERLY
			Just lie still... don't try to
			move...

	Turning to Worf and Data --

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - TEASER    3.

5    CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			Lieutenant, I need bandages...
			Disinfectant... something with
			alcohol in it ...

					WORF
			Doctor, it is not safe...

					BEVERLY
			That's an order, Mister Worf...

	Worf hesitates only briefly, exchanging a glance with
	Data, goes toward the restaurant... as she moves to
	look at another victim...

					BEVERLY
			There's a lot of bleeding, but
			it's not as bad as it looks.
			Don't be afraid.

	The policeman looks at Data...

					POLICEMAN
			The Klingon is right. These
			Ansata... they're madmen... there
			could be another bomb.
				(to the others)
			Clear this area. Everyone out
			of the plaza.

					DATA
			Doctor, a return to the Enterprise
			would be prudent.

	She just looks at him, continues her work.

					DATA
			This planet does have
			physicians...

					BEVERLY
			Who aren't here yet. I am.

	Worf comes back out of the restaurant with some
	ripped-up tablecloths, some liquor bottles... he's
	helped by the waiter who crosses to Beverly... as she
	takes the materials, immediately begins to utilize them
	in emergency care... she barely glances up at the
	waiter who is interested in what she's doing... a
	throwaway line --

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - TEASER    3A.

5    CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			Thank you.

					WAITER
			Not at all, Doctor.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - TEASER       4.

5    CONTINUED: (2)

	He moves away... takes a beat at the entrance to the
	cafe to look back again, thoughtfully, then enters...

6    ANOTHER ANGLE - DATA

					DATA
			Captain, there has been an
			incident.

									INTERCUT TO:

7    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Riker at their usual stations.
	Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.

					DATA
				(continuing)
			... A bomb has been detonated by
			the Ansata terrorists.

					PICARD
			Your security status?

					DATA
			Vulnerable, sir.

					PICARD
			Transporter Room Three, lock onto
			the away team, prepare to beam
			them back...

					ENGINEER'S VOICE
			Yes, Captain.

					DATA
			Sir, I recommended such a course,
			but there are several wounded
			people and Doctor Crusher...

					PICARD
				(frowns, interrupting)
			Yes, I understand. Picard to
			Doctor Crusher...

8    ANGLE ON BEVERLY

	keys her insignia... continues to work...

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - TEASER    5.

8    CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
			Go ahead.

					PICARD
			I've been advised of your
			situation by Mister Data.

					BEVERLY
			I already know what you're going
			to say.

					PICARD
				(annoyed)
			Doctor, will you at least allow
			me to...

					BEVERLY
			The longer we argue, the
			longer...

					PICARD
			You are endangering yourself and
			the away team...

					BEVERLY
			Captain, right now, I'm trying
			to pull a life back into a wounded
			body with brandy and sleight of
			hand. I'm not going anywhere...
			Data and Worf don't have to stay.
			Crusher out.

					PICARD
			Transporter Room, do you have lock
			on the away team?

					ENGINEER'S VOICE
			Aye, sir. Shall I transport them?

	Picard looks in frustration to Riker.

					RIKER
			I wouldn't want to be in the
			Transporter Room to greet her.

					PICARD
				(a beat)
			Picard to Data. Hold your
			position until the Rutian medics
			arrive.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - TEASER       6.

8    CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Aye, Captain.

									END INTERCUT.

9    EXT. PLAZA

	The WAILING of emergency vehicles is much closer.
	Beverly continues to treat the wounded. Worf is
	running tricorder scans of the buildings. Data moves
	to him...

					WORF
			The tricorder is not reading any
			other explosive devices in this
			vicinity...

10   ANGLE - AN WOMAN IN AUTHORITY (ALEXANA)

	arrives, accompanied by security guards... glances at
	Data and Worf as she passes... examines the scene...

11   ANGLE - THE WAITER

	moves barely outside the door of the restaurant to
	watch...

12   THE SCENE (OPTICAL)

	as an extraordinary arc of light appears...
	simultaneous with his arrival is a SOUND like lighting
	finding ground. A CRACK of almost concussive
	proportions. A MAN who seems to literally appear out
	of the light. He wears a shoulder device. And he
	looks to be in definite pain as he arrives. People
	begin running ... because it is nothing new... in
	quick cuts --

13   DATA AND WORF

	react...

14   ALEXANA

	is shielded by her guards...

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - TEASER    7.

15   BEVERLY

	turns and finds the man inches away... she recoils, but
	the man catches her by the arm.

16   ANGLE - A GUARD (OPTICAL)

	goes for his weapon, and the terrorist shoots from the
	hip killing the guard. The terrorist strengthens his
	hold on Beverly as...

17   DATA AND WORF

	reach for their phasers... they don't have a clear shot
	through the crowd... and as they jockey forward for
	position...

18   BEVERLY AND THE TERRORIST (OPTICAL)

					BEVERLY
			You don't understand... I'm a
			doc...

	And then they're gone... VANISHING into a new burst of
	light. On Data and Worf's reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/10/89 - ACT ONE   8.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

19   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit.

20   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker listen to Data and Worf's report...

					DATA
			A transporter would leave
			residual ionization in the air...
			but the tricorder readings found
			no trace after the incident...

					RIKER
			People don't just appear and
			disappear... there has to be some
			way to track her...

					DATA
			We have been unable to detect the
			signal from her communicator.
			It has either been deactivated or
			she is being held in a shielded
			location.

	A long beat... Picard angry, deep in thought. Then,
	softly --

					PICARD
			Why... her?

					WORF
			Sir, I believe she was the
			intended target of the abduction.

					RIKER
			Why would they want a Federation
			hostage? Their fight doesn't
			involve us.

					WORF
			It does now.

	On reactions...

    STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE    9.

21   INT. CAVERN

	A perimeter of light holds the stygian darkness at
	bay. In some places movable screens augment the
	natural stone wall which have formed to create a
	sense of privacy.

	Beverly is in a secluded area with rock walls on three
	sides. The alcove is furnished simply -- a cot, a
	small table, and a folding chair. Beverly is seated
	on the camp bed. Her hands and ankles have been bound,
	and she shifts uncomfortably. She is angry and afraid,
	and trying to hide it.

	A MAN, KYRIL FINN enters. Beverly swallows hard, lifts
	her chin, and tries to stare him down, but she ends up
	looking only anxious.

	Finn is an attractive man in his early thirties, but
	he has an air of shyness and awkwardness which seems
	out of place with his combat style clothing, and the
	phaser he wears. His hair's a little too long and wavy
	for serious bad-ass. In fact, with his hunch
	shouldered stance and one hand dug deep into his pocket
	he looks like a man trying to be overlooked. In his
	other hand, he has a plate of food.

					FINN
			Are you hungry? Do you want
			something to eat?

	She just stares at him. Scared, doing bravado.

					FINN
			I doesn't matter to me. You
			want to be hungry? Be hungry.

	He sits in front of her... picks at the food, eating
	with his hands...

					FINN
			What's your name?

	No response.

					FINN
			You're a doctor on a Federation
			starship?
				(beat)
			I always wondered what it would
			be like to travel across the
			galaxy.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE   10.

21   CONTINUED:

					FINN (Cont'd)
				(rueful, self-deprecating)
			It's not something I've exactly
			had time for.

	Stonewalling him. He shrugs.

					FINN
			This isn't the best way to meet
			new people, is it?

	He stands.

					FINN
			If you want something, just ask
			for me -- Kyril Finn.
				(a beat)
			They know me.

	He EXITS and takes the plate of food with him. As
	he exits, she looks down, angry, helpless...

22   INT. CAPT. READY ROOM - CLOSE ON WESLEY

	who has just heard the news. Pulling back to reveal...

					TROI
			We have no reason to believe she's
			been hurt in any way...

					PICARD
			In fact, it's more likely that
			they will take good care of her...
			if they want to use her as a
			bargaining chip.

					WESLEY
				(beat)
			A bargaining chip?

					TROI
			The innocent become the pawns in
			a conflict like this, Wesley.

	Picard thinks a beat, stands... begins to move around
	the desk toward Wes.

      STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT ONE      11.

22   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			The Ansata separatists have been
			trying for generations to be freed
			from the rule of the Eastern
			Continent. If they can get the
			government to even acknowledge
			their demands, then kidnapping
			your mother will have served a
			purpose.

	He leans on his desk.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			That may be what they are after.
			It may not. Frankly, I don't
			care. All I care about is getting
			her back, Wesley... In a few
			minutes, we're leaving to meet
			with the authorities...

					WESLEY
				(interrupting)
			Request permission to be on the
			away team, sir.

					PICARD
			No. You have an important job
			to do here. If we are to find
			your mother, we must have a way
			to trace the movements of these
			terrorists. I want you on the
			team that will investigate this
			new technology of theirs.

					WESLEY
			I understand.

					PICARD
			Report to Mister Data. Dismissed.

	He exits. Picard glances at Troi. They share a
	moment. She acknowledges his efforts.

					TROI
			He needs your strength right now.

					PICARD
				(beat)
			History has shown us that strength
			may be useless in the face of
			terrorism, Counselor.

	Off Troi's reaction...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT ONE   12.

23   INT. ALEXANA'S OFFICE - DAY

	Alexana Devos, a striking woman in her late thirties,
	meets with Picard and Riker. (This is the same woman
	we saw in the teaser.) Tall and athletic, she is a
	natural born leader. But she is also a woman under
	great pressure, caught up in a struggle that she's no
	longer sure she can win. Trying to deal with a hundred
	problems at once has left her preoccupied and driven
	and almost burned out. She is sitting down at a desk
	littered with isolinear reader chips. On one wall are
	monitors that provide a running text of current police
	activity. She studies them intently.

					PICARD
			What exactly is Ansata policy in
			regard to hostages?

					ALEXANA
			I doubt they have one. They don't
			usually take hostages.

	The implications of such a strategy is not lost on
	Picard or Riker. She turns to face them...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE   13.

23   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANA
			These aren't people we're dealing
			with here. They're animals...
				(her anger rising)
			Fanatics, who kill without remorse
			or conscience... who think nothing
			of murdering innocent people.

					PICARD
			They could just as easily have
			shot her where she stood...

					ALEXANA
				(acknowledges)
			Don't ask me to explain them.
			I can't. The atrocities I've
			seen...

	A beat as Alexana forces herself to gain her composure.

					ALEXANA
			And now they have this new device
			that makes them even more deadly.
			How do I combat an enemy who fails
			to register on any scanner until
			they're literally standing in
			front of you with a phaser pointed
			at your head?

					RIKER
			What can you tell us about this
			device?

	Alexana removes an armband from a drawer, and tosses
	it onto the desk.

					ALEXANA
			Not much, really.

	Picard picks up the device, and inspects it, hands
	it to Riker. Over this Alexana continues.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/5/89 - ACT ONE   14.

23   CONTINUED: (2)

					ALEXANA (cont'd)
			They first started using it two
			months ago. We've taken several
			of these off dead terrorists.
			Our people have looked at them...
			Nothing they can explain...

					RIKER
			You mind if we take this with
			us... give our people a chance
			to study it?

					ALEXANA
			Not at all. And I'll put you in
			touch with our research people, if
			you wish.

					PICARD
			I appreciate your help.

					ALEXANA
				(a wry smile)
			Perhaps if we found ourselves in
			possession of some of that
			advanced Federation weaponry of
			yours it would shift the balance
			of power back to our favor.

					PICARD
			That we cannot do for you.

					ALEXANA
				(as she expected)
			No, of course not.

	Picard rises. The others follow suit.

					PICARD
			I would like to leave Commander
			Riker to assist in your search
			for Doctor Crusher.

	As she walks them to the door:

					ALEXANA
				(it won't help)
			If you like...

					RIKER
			You don't sound very optimistic.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT ONE   15.

23   CONTINUED: (3)

					ALEXANA
			I know my enemy, Commander...
			They don't leave much room for
			optimism.

	Off Picard and Riker's worried expressions.

24   INT. CAVERN

	As before, Finn enters with a plate of food. Same line
	--

					FINN
			Are you hungry? Do you want
			something to eat?

	She's looking quite a bit more tired than before. But
	she's still not willing to respond... at least not on
	the first volley.

	He studies her... puts down the plate, moves to her...
	Beverly can't control the impulse. She shrinks back in
	fear.

					FINN
			Relax, I'm just going to...

	He indicates her bonds. He drops to one knee, and
	releases her ankles. (And note: that despite his
	rumpled, good guy attitude there is a side of this that
	could be considered torture, manipulation, setting up
	dependency.)

					FINN
			Come on. Eat something. What's
			the point of not eating? You're
			the only one who suffers. Do I
			look like it's bothering me?
			Okay, it's bothering me.

	He picks up the plate and holds it out in front of her.
	She finally takes it... begins to pick up the meat with
	her fingers, eats...

					FINN
			No forks. Sorry.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT ONE   16.

24   CONTINUED:

	A beat as he watches her eat, pleased with this
	victory.

					FINN
			Did I mention my name is Finn?
			And you're... ?

	A beat.
					BEVERLY
			Why have you brought me here?

					FINN
			I need a doctor.

					BEVERLY
			There are doctors on Rutia.

					FINN
			I need someone better... I heard
			you were here from the Federation
			flagship and I knew you had to
			be...

					BEVERLY
			How did you know that?

					FINN
			I heard.
				(beat)
			Now you'll help me. Just like
			you help them...

					BEVERLY
			What are you talking about?

      STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT ONE      17.

24   CONTINUED: (2)

					FINN
				(angry)
			Your ship carries medical
			supplies for them... for the other
			side... why does the Federation
			ally itself with the Rutians...

					BEVERLY
			We didn't... all we did was to
			bring...

					FINN
			Medical supplies...

					BEVERLY
			People were hurt...

					FINN
			I know. I hurt them.

	He grabs the food dish out of her hands. Stands.

					FINN
			You're finished eating. Get up.

	When she looks up at him, hesitating with fear... he
	reaches down and pulls her up roughly...

					FINN
			Get up.

	He indicates for her to precede him out of the alcove,
	and she begins to obey. They start out into the cave
	proper. Beverly suddenly pauses, and looks up at him.
	She is embarrassed by the non-sequitur, but can't
	control herself.

					BEVERLY
			I have... a son.

					FINN
			You'll be with him again, Doctor.
			I see no reason to kill you.

	The inference being if he did see a reason later, he
	might. As he waits for her to move by him, the perfect
	gentleman... she looks at him, finally moves forward
	and we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT TWO      18.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

25   INT. CAVERN

	For the first time, we see full breadth of the rebel
	camp... as Finn and Beverly move by, a pair of
	children, one watches while the other cleans a
	weapon... people look over at Beverly, exchange looks
	with Finn who nods confidently -- he's got this under
	control.

	He leads her to a section of the cave that has been
	set aside as an infirmary. A section of the cave has
	been set aside as an infirmary. Five patients rest
	on cots. A couple are bandaged, but don't seem to be
	in much distress. The other three are thrashing,
	delirious with pain. One of them is the man who
	kidnapped Beverly. He motions to her -- this is my
	problem... she looks at them with concern... gets down
	on her knees, runs a tricorder scan checks the
	readings... shakes her head...

					BEVERLY
			I need instruments from my ship
			to diagnose something like this...

					FINN
				(straight)
			You think if I allowed you to call
			your ship, they would transport
			your instruments... ?

					BEVERLY
			When I inform the captain how
			serious the situation is, I'm sure
			he'll agree. I've told you, Finn,
			the Federation is not allied with
			Rutians... we came on an errand
			of mercy...

					FINN
				(straight)
			And since the Federation does not
			wish to take sides, he will send
			you the medical supplies we need.

					BEVERLY
			Absolutely.

	A beat before he grins... signals a TERRORIST BOY
	about twelve who comes over, carrying a box...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO   19.

25   CONTINUED:

					FINN
			I anticipated your needs.

	The boy opens the box to reveal an impressive array of
	medical instruments. She reacts.

					BEVERLY
			These are Federation supplies...
			we just delivered them to the
			medical dispensary this morning...

					FINN
				(shrugs)
			I heard.

	Off her reaction, as she reaches in for an
	instrument...

26   INT. ALEXANA'S OFFICE - DAY

	Alexana and Riker are studying files on the wall
	monitors. A seemingly never-ending inventory of names,
	addresses and police records.

					RIKER
			You're telling me all these people
			belong to the Ansata?

					ALEXANA
			Not really. We suspect the
			organization itself only consists
			of some two hundred members. There
			are over five thousand names on
			this list. Citizens we know to
			be sympathetic to their cause.
			They pass along weaponry and
			information. March in pro-Ansata
			demonstrations... participate in
			general strikes.. or the
			occasional riot.

	Riker shakes his head in disbelief.

					RIKER
			How did all of this ever get
			started?

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT TWO   20.

26   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANA
			We denied them independence.
			That gave them a noble cause...
			seventy years ago.
				(bitterly)
			And now it's just an excuse for
			more violence.

					RIKER
			You hate them as much as they hate
			you.

					ALEXANA
			Believe it or not I always
			considered myself moderate.

					RIKER
			What changed your mind?

					ALEXANA
				(shrugging, take your
				 pick)
			Being stationed here the last six
			months. Watching the body count
			grow. The three assassination
			attempts on my life.

					RIKER
			I can see where that could affect
			your point of view.

					ALEXANA
			But I guess the event that really
			opened my eyes took place only
			a few days after my arrival. A
			terrorist bomb destroyed a
			shuttlebus... sixty school
			children. There were no
			survivors.

	A beat as Riker absorbs this information.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/9/89 - ACT TWO   21.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					ALEXANA
			The Ansata claimed it was a
			mistake. That their intended
			target was a police transport.
			As if that made everything all
			right.
				(a beat)
			That day I vowed to put an end
			to terrorism in this city. And
			I will.

	A grim smile from Riker. It's not a smile of approval.
	Rather it's one of respect. This is clearly not a
	woman to be taken lightly. As she turns back to study
	the computer screen...

									CUT TO:

27   INT. CAVERN

	Beverly is finishing her examinations, as the terrorist
	boy assists her.

					BEVERLY
				(to the boy)
			Thank you. You're very helpful...
			you could learn to do this when
			you grow up...
				(beat)
			... if you grow up.

	The boy just looks at her curiously.

27A  ANGLE

	Finn is chatting off to the side with some of his
	friends... sees that she's finished, breaks off and
	moves toward her... She moves away from the
	patients...

					BEVERLY
			They're dying.

	He reacts... really quite stunned.

					BEVERLY
			I'm seeing a complicated set of
			conditions... their DNA is warped
			somehow; it's disrupting their
			entire cellular chemistry...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO   21A.

27A  CONTINUED:

					FINN
			You can't do anything?

					BEVERLY
			I can make them more comfortable.
			That's all. The damage is too
			extensive.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT TWO   22.

27A  CONTINUED: (2)

	Finn's eyes grow dark... he looks sadly at his
	comrades, moves a step or two away from Beverly as he
	whispers something we don't hear, perhaps a prayer.
	Beverly studies him. He looks at her... begins to
	walk.

					BEVERLY
			If I could detect the condition
			earlier...

					FINN
			... you would be able to reverse
			the damage?

					BEVERLY
			Perhaps. I don't know.
				(beat)
			What happened to them...

					FINN
			It's the inverter.

	They move to the equipment... the shoulder harnesses,
	generator, other tech equipment.

					FINN
				(irony)
			It has given our cause a new life.
			But asks for our lives in return.

					BEVERLY
			What does it do?

					FINN
			We transport through a dimensional
			shift that the Rutian sensors
			can't trace.

					BEVERLY
			Dimensional shifting? You can't
			do that with humanoid tissue.

					FINN
			There are risks... the designers
			warned us... but it works.

	She looks at him, finds this incredible. She uses her
	tricorder to examine him...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO   23.

27A  CONTINUED: (3)

					BEVERLY
			You're showing the same distorted
			readings. Not as severe as the
			others but --

					FINN
				(brushing it off)
			Doesn't matter.

					BEVERLY
			It does if it kills you.

					FINN
				(simply)
			Don't you know? A dead martyr's
			worth ten posturing leaders.

	On her reaction...

28   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	At the pool table, Wesley and Data are examining one
	of the Ansata armbands... that they have opened...

					DATA
			A subspace field coil with an
			isolated power source...
			curious...

					WESLEY
			How could something this small
			manage to get them anywhere?

	At the console, Geordi has seen something on a monitor,
	reacts...

					GEORDI
			Hey, guys... look at this...

	Wesley takes the Ansata armband, as they move to
	Geordi.

					GEORDI
			The Rutian team picked up a faint
			nuclear vibration during the
			terrorist movements...

					WESLEY
				(mind thinking)
			Nuclear vibration...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/5/89 - ACT TWO   24.

28   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			That could possibly indicate
			subspace transition rebound during
			transport...

					WESLEY
				(coming to him)
			Wait a minute... computer, call
			up files on... what was it
			called...
				(excited, to Data and
				 Geordi)
			We spent an hour on it in my
			astral physics course last year...
			folded space transport...

					GEORDI
				(connecting)
			Alternate dimensions...

					DATA
			Are you referring to the Elway
			Theorem?

					WESLEY
			Yes... computer, files on the
			Elway Theorem... what if they're
			moving inter-dimensionally?

					DATA
			But the Elway Theorem proved to
			be entirely inaccurate... all
			research was abandoned by the mid-
			twenty-third century...

	Looking at the monitors as the files come up...

					WESLEY
			Data, look at it... the faint
			nuclear vibration is consistent...
			and Elway used an isolated field
			coil just like this one.

					GEORDI
			It would be untraceable by any
			standard sensing device.

					DATA
			But it was proven to be fatal.
			To use this technology would be
			an irrational act.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO   25.

29   ANGLE - PICARD

	ENTERS, having overheard the last two speeches...

					PICARD
			We may well be dealing with
			irrational people, Data. Is there
			a way to trace this... ?

					GEORDI
				(checking with his
				 colleagues)
			With an adaptive subspace
			echogram, maybe... ?

					DATA
			If anyone is willing to transport
			in this manner, Captain, they
			would suffer significant internal
			damage which could be detected.

					PICARD
				(adding it up)
			And it sounds as though they might
			require the services of... a
			doctor.

	Reactions.

30   EXT. PLAZA - DAY

	It's a round-up. Uniformed police officers have people
	stopped.

	The twenty-fourth century version of papers (a transparent
	triangle shaped card which is read by a light pen) are
	being checked.

	Alexana and Riker, in the company of her security
	guards watch the proceedings.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - ACT TWO   26.

31
thru	OMITTED
32

33   NEW ANGLE

	As the waiter we saw in the teaser is taken into
	custody. He glares at Riker and Alexana as he's taken
	away.

34   BACK TO RIKER AND ALEXANA

					RIKER
			This is no way to live.

					ALEXANA
			For us or them?

					RIKER
			For both of you.

					ALEXANA
			I know it's not pretty, Riker.
			But this is what terrorism has
			done to this city.

					RIKER
			There must be a better way than
			this to deal with it.

					ALEXANA
			I know my methods seem harsh but
			believe me, they're gentle
			compared to my predecessors.
			Suspects would be brought into
			police headquarters and...
			mysteriously vanish. I put a stop
			to that.

					RIKER
			And what happened to this
			predecessor of yours?

					ALEXANA
			He was murdered.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO   27.

34   CONTINUED:

	As Riker reacts, a woman and her son -- a boy about
	Wesley's age -- are fettered with twenty-fourth century
	handcuffs are led away.

	For some reason, this arrest affects Riker more than
	the others, and his tone is sharp.

					RIKER
			Are you going to tell me that
			boy's a threat?

					ALEXANA
			It's possible.
				(a beat)
			That shuttlebus I told you
			about... the bomb was set by a
			teenager.

	Riker can only shake his head. He's getting fed up
	with the whole situation.

					ALEXANA
			And in a world where children blow
			up children... everyone's a
			threat.

	And as they watch the round-up continue:

									CUT TO:

35   INT. CAVERN

	The infirmary. Beverly is trying to ease the three
	patients who are suffering from the dimensional effect.
	She is suffering with them and for them, because
	there's nothing she can do except make them
	comfortable. She administers a hypo to the young
	woman, then sits next to her on the bed, and clasps the
	girl's hand. The terrorist boy is eager to assist.

	Finn is seated on a low rock wall which surrounds the
	infirmary. Beverly is unaware of him for she is intent
	on her patients. He is sketching, but periodically
	he looks up and studies Beverly.

36   ANGLE ON BEVERLY

	As she becomes aware of the scrutiny. She looks up,
	annoyed, and notices Finn.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO   28.

36   CONTINUED:

	He is the source of all her troubles, and so frowns,
	but then becomes puzzled at his actions.

	Beverly stands, and circles around the cots and the
	walls to come up behind him.

37   ANGLE ON - THE SKETCH PAD

	It is a very fine sketch of Beverly's hands clasping
	the girl's.

					BEVERLY
			You should be drawing, not
			killing people.

					FINN
			I can do both.

	And his attitude infuriates her.

					BEVERLY
			How can you have such a casual
			attitude toward killing?

					FINN
				(without humor)
			I take my killing very seriously,
			Doctor.

	She shakes her head, unable to understand this man.

					FINN
				(shrugs her off)
			You are an idealist...

					BEVERLY
			I live in an ideal culture...
			there is no need for your kind
			of violence... we've proven that.

	He looks at her, grunts.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT TWO   29.

37   CONTINUED:

					FINN
			Your origins on Earth are from
			the American continent, are they
			not?

					BEVERLY
			North America.

					FINN
			I have read your history books.
			This is a war for independence.
			I am no different than your own
			George Washington...

					BEVERLY
			Washington was a military general.
			He was not a terrorist.

					FINN
			Doctor, the difference between
			a general and terrorist is only
			the difference between winners
			and losers. You win, you're
			called a general. You lose...

					BEVERLY
			You are killing innocent people...
			Can't you see the immorality of
			what you're doing... or have you
			killed so often, you've become
			blind to it?

	Finn looks at her, shakes his head at her naivete.

					FINN
			How much innocent blood has been
			spilled for the cause of freedom
			in the history of your Federation,
			Doctor? How many good and noble
			societies have bombed civilians
			in war? Wiped out whole cities.
			And now that you enjoy the comfort
			that has come from their battles,
			their killing... you frown on my
			immorality... ? Doctor, I am
			willing to die for my freedom.
			And, in the finest tradition of
			your own great civilization, I'm
			willing to kill for it too.

	And as he leaves her to think about that...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE  30.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

38   INT. ALEXANA'S OFFICE

	Riker and Alexana have just finished interviewing one
	of the detainees from the round-up. He stares sullenly
	at them as Alexana dismisses him with:

					ALEXANA
				(curtly)
			All right you can go.

	She nods to one of her security guards who stands
	inside the doorway. The security guard waits for the
	detainee to get out of his chair and then escorts him
	out of the office. This has been going on a long time.

	Riker paces around, tense and frustrated.

					ALEXANA
			If you want, I could become more
			persuasive.

	Riker refuses to even consider it.

					RIKER
			No.

	Alexana nods, accepting, if not totally agreeing with
	his decision.

	The security guard enters with the waiter who is
	nervous but defiant. Seats him. Alexana consults her
	wall screen computer.

					ALEXANA
			You're Katik Shaw, the waiter from
			the Lumar Cafe.
				(he nods)
			You witnessed both the explosion
			and the kidnapping.

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE  31.

38   CONTINUED:

					KATIK
			I saw nothing.

	Riker's impatience is growing.

					ALEXANA
			We are aware of your ties with
			the Ansata... For all we know
			you planted the bomb yourself...
			Where have they taken her?

					KATIK
			I don't know what you're talking
			about.

					RIKER
			I've had enough of this.

	Before Alexana can respond, Riker places himself
	between her and the prisoner.

					RIKER
				(to Katik)
			I want you to take a message back
			to your people. Tell them the
			Federation is willing to negotiate
			for the release of Doctor Crusher.

					ALEXANA
			Riker... !

	Riker cuts her off.

					RIKER
			She's a Starfleet officer. That
			makes her my responsibility.

	Alexana's silence is a tacit agreement.

					RIKER
				(to Katik)
			Your side has demands, we're
			willing to listen to them. We
			want her back. It's as simple
			as that.

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE  32.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

	Katik studies Riker trying to deceive whether there's
	any truth behind the officer's words. After a beat,
	Riker moves away.

					RIKER
				(continuing; to Alexana)
			I don't think it's necessary to
			detain this gentleman any longer.

	Katik looks over at Alexana, figures there's no way
	she'll let him go so easily. Alexana glances at Riker
	who is also waiting for her response. Finally she
	breaks the silence.

					ALEXANA
				(to Katik)
			Get out.

	Katik tries to hide his amazement. He hurries out of
	the room before she can change her mind.

					ALEXANA
			I should have him followed, but
			we'll try it your way.

					RIKER
			Is that what you want?

	She sits down at her desk. Suddenly she seems very
	weary.

					ALEXANA
			What I want is to go home. Back
			to my own country. To leave
			behind the roundups, the
			interrogations, the bodies lying
			in the street. To be able to walk
			without bodyguards, and not have
			to jump at every unexpected noise.
			That's what I want Riker.

	She leans back in her chair, angry.

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE  33.

39   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard is standing by Data who is working at Science
	One. Supernumeraries at Conn, Ops and Tactical.

					DATA
			The dimensional jump creates a
			subspace pressure modulation,
			Captain. By setting up a
			magnetosphere faint echogram that
			can monitor each of their
			movements, we may be able to
			collect enough data to trace their
			power source.

					PICARD
			Can you estimate the number of
			jumps it will take?

					DATA
			Dimensional shifting is such an
			unstable procedure that I cannot
			say.

	Picard acknowledges... as he starts to move away, Data
	continues, stops him.

					DATA
			Captain, I am finding it difficult
			to understand many aspects of
			Ansata conduct. Much of their
			behavioral norm would be defined
			by my program as unnecessary and
			unacceptable.

					PICARD
			And by my... "program" as well,
			Data.

					DATA
			But, if that is so, Captain, why
			are their methods often
			successful?
					(MORE)

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE  34.

39   CONTINUED:

					DATA (Cont'd)
				(off Picard's reaction)
			I have been reviewing the history
			of armed rebellion and it appears
			that terrorism is an effective
			way to promote political change.

					PICARD
			I have never subscribed to the
			theory that political power flows
			from the barrel of a gun, Data...

					DATA
			In most instances, you would be
			correct. But there are numerous
			examples where it was
			successful... the independence
			of the Mexican State from Spain,
			the Irish Unification of 2024,
			the Kenzie Rebellion...

					PICARD
			Yes, I'm aware of them...

					DATA
			Then, would it be accurate to say
			that terrorism is acceptable when
			the options for peaceful
			settlement have been foreclosed?

					PICARD
			Data, we cannot condone violence.

					DATA
			Even in response to violence?

	Picard looks at him.

					PICARD
			These are questions that mankind
			has been struggling with since
			creation. I am afraid your
			confusion, Data... is only human.

	On Data's reaction...

40   INT. CAVERN

	Finn is sketching again... studying Beverly as she
	works among the patients...

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE  35.

40   CONTINUED:

	The FLASH (O.S.)... Finn turns to see the waiter
	coming toward him as the terrorist boy comes over and
	takes his shoulder harness from him...

					WAITER
			Everyone is being rounded up.

	He glances at Beverly who looks back curiously...

					FINN
			Because of her?

					WAITER
				(acknowledges)
			The Federation wants to negotiate
			her release...

					FINN
			... while they arrange for the
			Rutian police to fill up the
			detention cells...

					WAITER
				(nods in agreement)
			A Starfleet officer is working
			with the director. He wants a
			meeting with you.

					FINN
			I'm sure he does.

	He shakes his head... looks at Beverly... looks at the
	sketch in his hand...

41   THE SKETCH

	is of Beverly...

42   FINN

	acknowledges away the waiter, moves toward her...

					FINN
			Your Federation colleagues have
			engineered mass arrests to
			pressure me into releasing you.

					BEVERLY
			I'm sure you've misunderstood...

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/8/89 - ACT THREE  36.

42   CONTINUED:

					FINN
			They are working with the police.
			He's seen it with his own eyes.

					BEVERLY
			All they want is to get me back
			safely.

					FINN
			I'm not going to release you.

	And he looks at her and perhaps there is a sexual
	tension here.

					FINN
			I need you here.

					BEVERLY
			To find a way to reverse the
			effects of the dimensional
			shift... ? I can do that right
			now. Stop using it.
				(beat, vulnerable)
			Finn, I have a life, a son who
			needs me.

					FINN
			He is on the ship?

	She nods. Finn looks uncomfortably down... and then
	back again with guilty eyes...

					FINN
			I am sorry he is on the ship.

	She realizes what he's thinking --

					BEVERLY
			No...

					FINN
				(no choice)
			They have joined forces with the
			Rutians against us...

					BEVERLY
			We are not your enemy...

					FINN
			They are more valuable to me than
			an enemy.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT THREE     37.

42   CONTINUED: (2)

					FINN (Cont'd)
			For seventy years we've been
			shouting, and no one's heard us.
			Destroy the Federation flagship...
			someone will listen.

	He starts away. Beverly rushes after him...

					BEVERLY
			Please...

					FINN
			They are the ones who interfered.
			They brought medical supplies.
			They organized mass arrests. They
			are killing your son, not me.

					BEVERLY
			Please, don't do this, Finn. I'll
			do anything you ask.

	He studies her a moment, contemplating all the things
	he could ask of her.

					FINN
			I had a son, too. He was thirteen
			when he died in detention.

	And he moves away. On her reaction...

43   INT. CORRIDOR - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Two crewpersons walking down the corridor. The SOUND
	of the inter-dimensional transporter, and an armed
	Ansata terrorist APPEARS. She opens fire, and one
	crewperson goes down... she turns and runs...

44   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and Troi at Command. Wesley at Science One.
	Worf at Tactical. Data at Ops. Supernumerary at Conn.

					WORF
			Intruder alert deck twelve...

	Almost simultaneously...

					WESLEY
			I've got a subspace reflection.
			It's a dimensional shift...

     STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - 11/3/89 - ACT THREE     38.

44   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Red Alert. Sound general
			quarters.

	The red alert begins to SOUND.

45   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	Geordi is in his little side office. Red Alert is
	sounding. Geordi leaps to his feet, and starts moving
	toward Engineering proper. A couple of techs in
	coveralls pause in their work on the main warp drive,
	and also react to the red alert.

	The SOUND, and a terrorist APPEARS on the upper
	catwalk, and another APPEARS on the lower level by the
	techs.

					GEORDI
			Security to Engineering.

	The terrorist on the lower level fires, and kills a
	tech. The terrorist then spins around and fires at
	Geordi who dives for cover. The other techs run out...

46   EXT. MAIN BRIDGE

					WORF
			Intruders in Engineering...

					DATA
			Casualties reported on deck
			twelve. Sickbay is responding.

					PICARD
			Seal off all decks... lock on
			transporters to intruder signals.

					ENGINEER'S COM VOICE
			Intruder signals unstable,
			Captain, I cannot lock on...

					DATA
			They are moving inter-dimensionally...
			neither the
			transporters nor forcefields will
			be able to contain them, sir.

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE  39.

47   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	The man on the upper level tosses down a satchel
	charge. The second terrorist slaps it on the side of
	the warp chamber. It clings like a limpet, and the
	band on the edge LIGHTS. It is PULSING and emitting a
	BEEP in a climbing cadenza. The gunmen VANISH, and
	Geordi charges back into Engineering.

48   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Explosive charge on the main warp
			chamber...

					PICARD
			Transporter room three, lock on
			the explosive device and energize.

					ENGINEER'S COM VOICE
			It's scrambling the sensors,
			Captain... I can't pinpoint it.

					PICARD
			Begin emergency evacuation...
			prepare for saucer separation...
			Mister La Forge, can you remove
			the charge from the engine core...

49   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

					GEORDI
			Stand by... I'm trying...

	He grabs the charge on the engine core, and yanks. It
	doesn't budge.

					GEORDI
			They've got it locked on
			somehow... hold on...

	Frenziedly he snatches a tool from a console, and
	surgically removes the charge with the laser. It drops
	into his hand. He moves quickly across the room to get
	it away from the engine core... on the move --

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT THREE  40.

49   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Got it. Transporter Room, stand
			by to lock on my signal and
			transport two kilometers off the
			starboard nacelle.

50   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					TROI
				(reacts)
			His signal... ?

	Picard motions for her to be calm, Geordi knows what
	he's doing...

51   INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi yanks off his communicator. He slaps it onto
	the device as he pushes it out of Engineering... and
	ducks back for cover... The sound of the bomb has
	become an almost frenzied SCREAM.

					GEORDI
			Transporter Room, now...

52   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	The bomb MATERIALIZES and EXPLODES.

53   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before. The tension is palpable. Picard is on his
	feet.

					PICARD
			Commander La Forge. Report.

54   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	Geordi leans against the wall, and touches a companel.

					GEORDI
			Transport complete...

  STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT THREE  41.

54   CONTINUED:

	He moves to his fallen colleague..

					GEORDI
			I have a man down.

55   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

					WESLEY
			More subspace reflections...

	Picard, his concentration broken by Wesley sudden
	exclamation, looks back.

					PICARD
			Can you calibrate their
			destination?

					WESLEY
			No, sir, the readings are --

	The SOUND, the LIGHT and Finn and another terrorist
	APPEAR. They spray a few shots around the bridge...
	one hits Data's console which explodes in his face,
	he tries to see, attempting to keep the ship
	operational... other consoles explode... Troi and
	Wesley and other supernumeraries dive for cover...

					TROI
				(during action)
			Transporter Room. Code one
			evacuation: Picard.
				(no acknowledgment)
			Transporter Room...

	As Worf goes for his phaser and stuns the second
	terrorist... who groans and hits his shoulder pad as
	he goes down and VANISHES... at the same time, Finn
	wounds Worf... and turns to see

56   ANGLE - PICARD (OPTICAL)

	moving at him... the captain gets in a good hard lick
	before Finn grabs him in a bearhug... a major struggle
	ensues as Data leaves his post, charging...

	Finn keys the dimensional device. Finn and Picard
	VANISH as Data's hands close on nothing.

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR   42.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

57   INT. CAVERN

	Picard is led by two terrorists into the alcove... as
	Beverly looks up and their eyes meet...

58   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker stands at command, and bleakly surveys the
	bridge. Alexana and Troi are at his side. Geordi is
	at Engineering, and Wesley and Data look on from
	Science One. Supernumeraries at Conn and Ops.

					TROI
			Lieutenant Worf is recovering in
			Sickbay. The wound was not
			severe.

					RIKER
			Dead and injured?

					TROI
			Three dead, four wounded.

					GEORDI
			Another millisecond, and there
			would have been a big dust cloud
			orbiting Rutia instead of the
			Enterprise.

	Riker surveys the damage... feels the responsibility.

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR   43.

58   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Why. I just asked if they would
			talk...

					ALEXANA
			You have your answer, Riker.

	She gives him a sympathetic look -- we've all got to
	learn the hard way. The anger, the determination grows
	in his eyes.

					WESLEY
			Sir, the next time the Ansata use
			the dimensional jump we should
			be able to get a fix on their
			power source.

	Riker nods, impatient to move into action.

59   INT. CAVERN

	Picard is seated on the camp bed. His hands have been
	cuffed behind his back. Beverly is tending his
	battered face. Picard is stunned... impossible to
	believe all this... reliving the nightmare for her...

					PICARD
			Worf went down... I don't know
			if he's alive or dead... there
			were other casualties...

					BEVERLY
			Was... Wes... on the bridge...

	He looks at her, sorry he hadn't thought to anticipate
	a mother's fears...

					PICARD
			Yes...

	Her look asks if he's all right... he has no way to
	answer her...

					PICARD
			He took cover... I didn't see any
			more than that...
				(beat)
			Are you all right?

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR   44.

59   CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY
				(nods)
			They needed a doctor.

					PICARD
			Side effects of their transport?

					BEVERLY
			Yes...

	She looks at him... how did you know?

					PICARD
			We're getting closer to tracing
			their movements... actually, it
			was Wesley who put us onto this
			dimensional jumping of theirs...

	Their eyes meet...

					PICARD
			He's been extraordinary throughout
			this. He'll make a fine officer,
			Beverly.

					BEVERLY
			He's had good role models...

	An intimate beat.

					BEVERLY
			I'm sorry.
				(off his look)
			If I'd just returned to the
			ship...

					PICARD
				(shakes his head)
			I could have had you beamed up.

					BEVERLY
				(reacts)
			You wouldn't dare.

					PICARD
				(reacts back)
			I would and I should have.

	And this plays extremely casually, low key -- quick
	repartee, out of left field for this time and place...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR   45.

59   CONTINUED: (2)

					BEVERLY
			Without my permission...

					PICARD
			If you won't follow orders...

					BEVERLY
			If you give reasonable orders,
			I'll obey reasonable orders...

					PICARD
			Doctor, I will be the judge of
			reason when it comes to my
			orders...

	He stops. They look at each other with affection.
	It's not comfortable for Picard... he begins to look
	around at his surroundings.

					BEVERLY
			There aren't any exits to the
			surface.

					PICARD
			Then the only way out is by
			transporter or the dimensional
			jump.

					BEVERLY
			A mode of travel I'd encourage
			you to avoid. It's killing them.

					PICARD
			They're mad.

	She doesn't answer right away.

					BEVERLY
			I don't know any more. The
			difference between a madman and
			a committed man willing to die
			for a cause... it's begun to blur
			over the last couple days...

   STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR   46.

59   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
				(concerned)
			Beverly, I don't have to warn you
			about the psychological impact
			of being a hostage...

					BEVERLY
			I know. I understand that. But
			their leader, Finn, he's not what
			you'd expect...

					PICARD
			No, he's certainly not what I'd
			expect. Without cause or reason,
			his little band of outlaws has
			attacked my ship...

					BEVERLY
			But he did have reasons... the
			medical supplies, the arrests...
			Jean-Luc, if we really examine
			our role in this...

					PICARD
			Beverly, you are arguing for a
			man who may have murdered your
			son.

	And she has to swallow hard and feel where she is and
	she cannot quite touch the ground and it scares the
	hell out of her.

					FINN'S VOICE
			I didn't kill your son...
			Beverly.

60   ANGLE

	to see Finn has entered... hands shoved into his
	pockets.

					FINN
			We were not able to destroy the
			ship. We had to settle for him...
				(to Picard)
			She wouldn't even tell me her
			name. How many days? I call her
			"Doctor." Are you hungry? Do you
			want something to eat?

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR       47.

60   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			You've made a grave
			miscalculation...

					FINN
			Oh?

					PICARD
			You've assaulted a Federation
			starship, killed and wounded
			members of her crew, kidnapped
			two officers... do you not expect
			a response?

					FINN
			On the contrary, I'm counting on
			it.

					PICARD
			You want Federation involvement?

					FINN
			Captain, there's a lot to admire
			in the Federation, but there's
			a hint of moral cowardice in your
			dealings with non-aligned planets.
			You do business with a government
			that's crushing us. And then you
			say you aren't involved. But of
			course you are. You just don't
			want to get dirty.

					PICARD
			You accuse us of cowardice while you
			plant bombs in shadows...

					FINN
			I've been fighting the only war
			I can against an intractable
			enemy. Now, I'm fighting a big
			war against a much more powerful
			adversary. Can't you see how that
			helps me?

					BEVERLY
			I'm afraid I don't.

					PICARD
			He has added a chair to the
			negotiating table.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR      47A.

60   CONTINUED: (2)

					FINN
			You added the chair, Captain.
			I am simply forcing you to sit
			in it. The Federation will
			quickly tire of our little war...
			they will want you back... they
			will want to get as far away from
			Rutia as they can. And I will
			not make it easy. Eventually,
			the Federation will force the
			government to make concessions.
			And then a few more. And then a
			few more.
				(sardonic)
			Until we can finally reach an
			honorable agreement that saves face
			for all sides.
				(beat)
			Except we win.

	And Picard studies him... and realizes his scenario is
	very sound. And this is said leader to leader --

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR       48.

60   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			You understand I will not
			cooperate in any way...

					FINN
			You have already cooperated,
			Captain... just by coming here.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FOUR       49.

61   INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)

	Troi is on her way to her quarters when suddenly there
	is a SOUND, LIGHT, and Finn appears (O.S.). As Troi
	reacts, Finn lifts a hand, recovering a beat from the
	pain.

					FINN
			I'm not here to hurt you. Just
			hear what I have to say.

	Troi nods, forcing herself to remain calm. After a
	beat, Red Alert SOUNDS... they know he's there...

					FINN
			Your people are safe. How long
			they stay that way depends on you.
			We demand an embargo and trade
			sanctions levied against Rutia.
			The Federation will blockade the
			planet... allow no ships in or
			out. This will continue until
			the government of Rutia consents
			to talks mediated by a Federation
			counsel. You have twelve hours
			to make your decision.

	As two security men round the bend, Finn VANISHES.

62   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Wesley and Data check their readings at Science One.
	Then Wesley turns to Riker and Alexana who are at
	Command.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/3/89 - ACT FOUR       50.

62   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
				(grim faced)
			Got it.

	That's just what Riker was hoping to hear. Off his
	expression, as we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FOUR       51.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

63   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

64   OMITTED

65   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Wesley, Data, Riker and Alexana are gathered about
	Science One.

					WESLEY
			We've pinpointed the Ansata base
			some three hundred kilometers from
			the city, on the southern tip of
			the continent.

					DATA
			Sensors indicate it is located
			thirty meters below ground,
			implying a cave or cavern-like
			dwelling.

					RIKER
			Any passages leading to the
			surface?

					DATA
			Our readings show no evidence of
			any, Commander.

					RIKER
			Then whatever light they have must
			be artificially generated.

					ALEXANA
			If we can shut it down, you could
			use the confusion to find your
			people.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE       52.

65   CONTINUED:

	Worf ENTERS from the aft turbolift. He looks drawn
	but determined as he approaches Riker.

					WORF
			Request permission to join the
			rescue party, sir.
				(a beat)
			I owe it to the captain.

	Riker knows how much this means to Worf. The Klingon's
	intensity is almost palpable.

					RIKER
			Permission granted.

	Worf's condition has just improved a hundred percent.
	Riker looks over at Alexana. It's time. Alexana
	nods. She's ready.

					RIKER
			Mister Data... You have the
			bridge.

	Riker and Alexana head toward the turbolift.

					WESLEY
			Commander Riker?

	Riker turns.

					WESLEY
				(continuing; summing
				 it up for all)
			Good luck.

	Riker is all too aware of the boy's concerns.

					RIKER
			We'll bring them home, Wes.

	They enter the turbolift.

									CUT TO:

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE       53.

65A  INT. CAVERN

	Finn walks over as Beverly treats the wounded...
	he's carrying his sketch pad.

					FINN
			You're glad to see your captain...

					BEVERLY
			Yes.

	Beat. He looks at her... almost a jealous look.

					FINN
			I may have to kill him.

	She just freezes...

					FINN
			I just wanted to warn you.

					BEVERLY
			Finn, he can help you... he is
			very influential...

					FINN
			He will not help us...

					BEVERLY
			If you could convince him that
			your cause is...

					FINN
			You could convince him perhaps.
			Not I.

	At her weakest...

					BEVERLY
			I've talked to him. I'll...
			try...

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE       54.

65A  CONTINUED:

					FINN
				(shrugs)
			If our places were reversed, I
			would expect to die...

	And that statement is an error of judgement by Finn.
	Right here Beverly begins to regain some of her
	power... because she knows exactly what the
	circumstance would be like if the places were
	reversed...

					BEVERLY
				(a beat)
			Your places would never be
			reversed. He wouldn't forcibly
			abduct you... or play games with
			your life. He would treat you with
			respect...

					FINN
			I have treated you with
			respect...

					BEVERLY
			You've scared the hell out of me,
			Finn.
				(he reacts)
			You've controlled me through
			fear... just like you've tried
			to control this whole continent.

					FINN
			You haven't tasted real fear yet,
			Doctor...

					BEVERLY
			Is that the best you can do? Is
			fear the only weapon you have...

					FINN
				(beat, thinks)
			No, but it's a good one.

	A beat. He's pleased with his response.

					BEVERLY
			You know what scares me the most,
			Finn? It scares me to think that
			you might win this fight and gain
			real power.

	That hurts him. She begins to leave.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE       55.

65A  CONTINUED: (2)

					FINN
			Doctor... I don't want you to fear
			me.

	Without words to express his feelings, he gives her his
	pad... and walks away... she opens it to see her face
	sketched on a number of pages... on her reaction...

66   INT. CAVERN

	A secluded area, somewhat shielded from the main camp.
	Riker, Worf and Alexana... and three policemen...
	begin to move quickly forward...

66A  ANGLE - TWO TERRORISTS

	standing by the entrance to the main cavern... Worf
	and one of the policemen move quickly up behind them...
	slap tiny hyposprays against their necks. There is
	a quiet HISS, and the rebels slump. Worf and the
	policeman quickly pull the unconscious rebels into
	cover.

	While this is occurring Riker crawls forward using all
	available cover, to get a look at the camp proper.

67   ANOTHER ANGLE

	The camp. People going about their business.

68   ANOTHER ANGLE

	As Riker scrambles back to his companions. Using hand
	signals he indicates where he believes the generator
	is located. Alexana nods, and draws her phaser. Leads
	her men into the darkness.

	Riker and Worf move back... they see --

68A  HIS POV - BEVERLY

	moving into the alcove...

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE       56.

69   INT. THE ALCOVE

	Beverly returns...

					PICARD
			How dangerous would another ride
			through the inverter be to us?

					BEVERLY
			I'm not sure. But I don't want
			you to start thinking...

					PICARD
			It is our obligation to think of
			escape...

					BEVERLY
			He's prepared to kill you.

					PICARD
			A fine reason to escape...
				(beat)
			Do you think you've gained his
			confidence?

	She reacts, shows Picard the sketchbook... he reacts
	as he sees it.

					PICARD
			Indeed, you have... and a bit
			more... this might prove to be
			an advantage, Doctor...

					BEVERLY
				(interrupting)
			Jean-Luc, there are some things...
			I want to say... just in case we
			don't get out of this...

	And he looks at her and we can only speculate on what
	she might say... because suddenly the lights go. For
	an instant they are in total blackness then emergency
	back-up comes on. The cave is now heavily shadowed,
	and eerie in the red lit gloom.

					PICARD
			Have they found us... ?

69A  ANGLE ON - FINN (FORMERLY SCENE 71)

	He is looking about wildly. He seems to make a
	decision, and he starts running for the alcove.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE       57.

70   ANOTHER ANGLE - RIKER AND WORF

	Moving swiftly through the darkness. They are seen
	by a pair of terrorists and must overpower them on
	their way to the rescue... quietly, quickly... they
	take them down...

70A  WEAPONS CACHE

	Several terrorists run to get access to their phaser
	rifles... but as they do, Rutian police move out and
	cover them...

71   OMITTED

72   ANGLE ON - ALEXANA

	She spots Finn. She moves after him...

73   ANGLE ON - THE ALCOVE

	Finn ENTERS. Finn raises a phaser at Picard.

					BEVERLY
			Finn...

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE       58.

73A  ANGLE - ALEXANA (OPTICAL)

	At the mouth of the alcove... FIRES her phaser and
	Finn goes down... Riker and Worf arrive, move to
	Picard... the terrorists are all covered... Worf frees
	the captain from his cuffs...

73B  BEVERLY

	moves to Finn's body, checks his vital signs.

					BEVERLY
			He's dead.

73C  INT. CAVERN - OUTSIDE THE ALCOVE

	As they come out. Riker exchanges a look with Alexana.
	And he is not harsh in this because he has shared her
	frustration, but still --

					RIKER
			You didn't have to kill him.

					ALEXANA
			As a prisoner he would have been
			a focus for violence as his
			followers tried to free him.
			Now, he's a martyr, but the death
			toll may be lower -- at least in
			the short term.
				(beat)
			An imperfect solution for an
			imperfect world.

					WORF
			Captain...

	They turn to see...

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/7/89 - ACT FIVE       59.

73D  OMITTED

73E  THE TWELVE YEAR OLD TERRORIST BOY

	standing there, holding a phaser rifle pointed at
	Alexana... hate burning in his eyes. A long beat.

73F  ANGLE - BEVERLY

	turns to the boy, she implores him with her eyes to
	give her the gun...

					BEVERLY
			No more killing.

	He finally, slowly gives up the gun... and Rutians rush
	him and take him away.

					ALEXANA
			Already another one to take his
			place... it never ends.

					RIKER
				(not so sure)
			He could have killed you. He
			didn't. Maybe the end begins with
			one boy putting down a gun.

	Off her look.

74
thru	OMITTED
76

77   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	C.U. on Wesley at Conn. Anxiously waiting.

78   NEW ANGLE

	to include Data at Command. Troi and Geordi nearby.
	Supernumeraries at all other posts.

	The turbolift doors open and in come Picard and
	Beverly, followed by Riker and Worf.

	Wesley and Beverly share a long, loving smile across
	the room. He hurries over. A tight hug.

					BEVERLY
			I hear I owe my rescue to you.

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/6/89 - ACT FIVE      59A.

78   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
			I was just part of the team.
				(a real kid)
			It's good to have you back.
				(smiling at Picard)
			Both of you. Sir.

	Picard glances around the bridge... it's good to be
	back.

					PICARD
				(a beat)
			Take us out of orbit, Mister
			Crusher.

	Then noticing mother and son are not quite ready to let
	go of one another.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			At your convenience.

	On our reunited crew...

       STAR TREK: "The High Ground" - REV. 11/5/89 - ACT FIVE       60.

78A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As it leaves orbit, we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             



