












                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                          "Firstborn" 
                          #40277-273 
                              
                           Story by 
                         Mark Kalbfeld 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Rene Echevarria 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Jonathan West 


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

Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                         FINAL DRAFT

                       JANUARY 28, 1994

           STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Firstborn" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD                  ALEXANDER
                RIKER                   B'ETOR
                DATA                    LURSA
                BEVERLY                 K'MTAR
                TROI                    MOLOR
                WORF                    YRIDIAN
                GEORDI                  QUARK
                                        GORTA
                COMPUTER VOICE          SINGER
                                        ERIC

                Non-Speaking            Non-Speaking
                  N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES    N.D. KLINGONS

           STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Firstborn" 

                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              BRIDGE
              WORF'S QUARTERS/BEDROOM  KLINGON OUTPOST
              CORRIDOR
              TEN FORWARD
              TROI'S QUARTERS
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
          
              ROCKY PIT
              THE MINES

    STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Firstborn" 
                          
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                   KAHLESS         KAY-less
                   MOLOR           mo-LORE
                   ANJORAN         an-JORE-un
                   MARANGA         mah-RANG-guh
                   FULLERENES      full-er-EENS
                   K'MTAR          KIM-tar
                   KEARSARGE       KEER-sarj
                   VODREY          VOH-dree
                   MORATH          MO-rath
                   DURAS           DUR-rahs
                   BILITRIUM       bill-IT-tree-um
                   HITORA          hi-TORE-uh
                   GOWRON          GOW-ron
                   PAKLEDS         PACK-leds
                   KALLA           KALL-uh
                   UFANDI          oo-FAHN-dee
                   YRIDIAN         yir-ID-ee-un

         STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - TEASER         1.

                STAR TREK: The Next Generation                  
                          "Firstborn"                               
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	where CANDLES and other Klingon ARTIFACTS are arranged
	around the DIMLY LIT room. WORF, dressed in Klingon
	CEREMONIAL ROBES, paces back and forth, talking to
	himself -- he's practicing a speech.

					WORF
			-- as time passes, a boy
			inevitably becomes a man. What is
			not inevitable, is that a man
			become a warrior. A warrior must
			be forged like a sword, tempered
			by...
				(searches for word)
			-- by experience. The path of the
			warrior begins --

	He's interrupted when the DOOR OPENS and ALEXANDER
	rushes in with an excited look on his face. He hurries
	past Worf and toward his room.

					WORF
			Alexander --

	Before Worf can continue, the door CHIMES.

					WORF
			Come in.

	Alexander stops, turns --

					ALEXANDER
			No, wait --

	But it's too late -- the door OPENS and a multi-faceted
	high-tech WATER BALLOON sails through it and hits Worf
	smack in the chest, drenching him.

	We reveal a ERIC BURTON, a HUMAN about Alexander's age
	standing in the doorway; his hand flies to his mouth as
	he realizes what he's done.

					ERIC
			Sorry. I didn't mean to hit you.

         STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - TEASER         2.

1    CONTINUED:

	Worf looks down at his chest, then up at the boy, who
	decides not to wait around to see how this big Klingon
	is going to react to his mistake -- he turns and
	scampers off down the hall.

	Worf turns toward Alexander, who's frozen in place,
	waiting to see how his dad is going to take what
	happened.

					WORF
			What is the meaning of this?

					ALEXANDER
			I'm sorry. We made Fullerenes in
			chemistry class and filled them
			with water --

	Worf interrupts; he has more important things on his
	mind.

					WORF
			I asked you to meet me here after
			school. I have been waiting for
			you.

	Alexander realizes --

					ALEXANDER
			I forgot.

					WORF
			You forgot because you allowed
			yourself to be distracted by
			foolishness.

					ALEXANDER
			I'm sorry.

					WORF
			There is something important I
			want to discuss with you.

	He gestures that Alexander take a seat. Alexander
	looks around; his father is obviously up to something
	that has to do with Klington culture and the boy is a
	little wary.

	Worf launches into his speech -- even though he
	practiced it, there's an edge of nervousness in his
	voice.

       STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - TEASER       3.

1    CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
				(continuing)
			As time passes, a boy inevitably
			becomes a man. What is not
			inevitable, is that a man become
			a sword --

					ALEXANDER
			What?

	Worf realizes his mistake, corrects himself.

					WORF
			I meant warrior...

	Worf lets out a frustrated breath, tries to get back on
	track.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			The path of the warrior begins
			with the First Rite of Ascension.

					ALEXANDER
			Is that where they hit you with
			pain sticks?

					WORF
			No, that is the Second Rite.

					ALEXANDER
			Oh...

					WORF
			You are approaching the age of
			ascension... it is time for you to
			prepare for the ceremony.

					ALEXANDER
				(unsure)
			What do I have to do?

					WORF
			Your fighting skills will be
			tested... and your knowledge of
			the teachings of Kahless. It is
			very challenging, but I will help
			you prepare.

	Worf takes a thick CANDLE and hands it to Alexander,
	then takes a second candle for himself.

       STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - TEASER       4.

1    CONTINUED: (3)

					WORF
				(continuing)
			This is a kor'tova candle... it
			represents the fire that burns in
			a warrior's heart.

	Worf lights his from a large burning candle on the
	table.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			When you light yours, you will be
			declaring your intention to become
			a warrior.

	Alexander holds his candle, uncertain.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Go ahead.

					ALEXANDER
			What if... I don't want to?

					WORF
			If you do not participate in the
			rite before you are thirteen years
			of age, you will never be able to
			become a true Klingon warrior.

					ALEXANDER
			I don't care about that...

					WORF
			You may not care now, but someday
			you might.

					ALEXANDER
			Mother always said that I didn't
			have to do any of this Klingon
			stuff if I didn't want to.

					WORF
			It is your decision... but --

					ALEXANDER
			Good, then I'm not going to do it.

	Alexander puts the candle down and starts to stand.

					WORF
			Alexander --

       STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - TEASER       5.

1    CONTINUED: (4)

					ALEXANDER
			You just said it was up to me.
			And I don't want to be a warrior.

	And with that he turns and EXITS to his room... the
	door shuts behind him. Worf is disappointed,
	frustrated... Off his troubled expression we...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT ONE      6.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

2    INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	where PICARD, RIKER, DATA and Worf are concluding a
	mission briefing. Worf seems distracted, his mind
	elsewhere.

					PICARD
			As a result, the Kearsarge won't
			be able to rendezvous with us for
			another four days.

					RIKER
			Will we be holding position here
			until it arrives?

					PICARD
			Yes. And, as it looks as though
			we'll have a few days of relative
			quiet, I'm going to take advantage
			of the time by visiting the
			Hatarian System. There are
			ancient ruins there just being
			excavated.

					DATA
			The delay will also make it
			possible for Stellar Dynamics to
			complete their study of the Vodrey
			Nebula.

					RIKER
			I'll let them know they can have
			more access to the lateral sensor
			grid.

					PICARD
				(to Worf)
			This might be a good time to
			recalibrate the weapon targeting
			array.

	Worf doesn't seem to have heard him.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Mister Worf?

	Worf snaps out of it, focuses.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT ONE      6A.

2    CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Yes, sir. I will begin the
			procedure immediately.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT ONE      7.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Very good.
				(to all)
			Dismissed.

	Everyone stands.

					PICARD
				(continuing, to Worf)
			Lieutenant... could I have a word
			with you?

	Picard waits for Data and Riker to EXIT.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Several times during the briefing
			you seemed a bit... distracted.

	Worf frowns; he hoped to be able to conceal it.

					WORF
			I apologize. In the future, I
			will make sure my personal affairs
			do not interfere with my duties.

					PICARD
			Is everything all right?

	Worf considers before deciding to confide in Picard.

					WORF
			I... am having problems with
			Alexander. He has made it clear
			that he does not wish to
			participate in the First Rite of
			Ascension.

	Picard knows enough about Klingon culture to understand
	why this is important.

					PICARD
			I see...

					WORF
			I have tried to tell him that it
			is an important part of a young
			Klington's life, but he does not
			understand...

	Picard senses Worf blames himself, tries to point out
	the larger context.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT ONE      8.

2    CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			He's had so little opportunity to
			spend time among Klingons... I
			doubt if he fully appreciates what
			a rich cultural heritage he comes
			from.

					WORF
			The festival of Kot'baval begins
			tomorrow. If he could take part
			in it, he would see that there is
			much more to Klingon life than
			what I have been able to show
			him... if only we were nearer the
			homeworld.

	Picard considers for a beat.

					PICARD
			What about the Klingon outpost on
			Maranga Four... I'm sure they'll
			celebrate the festival there.

					WORF
			Yes... but the outpost is on the
			far side of the Vodrey Nebula, it
			is three days away by shuttle...

					PICARD
			The Enterprise could be there in
			a fraction of that time, and still
			be back here for our rendezvous.

	Worf is grateful, but doesn't feel right about
	detouring the entire ship.

					WORF
			Sir, I could not ask you to --

					PICARD
			I'm willing to bet Stellar
			Dynamics would like nothing better
			than to make a trip around the
			Nebula; it'll give them the chance
			to study it that much more
			thoroughly.

	Worf looks at Picard, grateful... Off this moment...

3    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it approaches Maranga Four.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT ONE      9.

4    EXT. KLINGON OUTPOST - DAY

	where the festival of Kot'baval is in progress.
	Although there are signs of modernity, the town square
	has an ancient, almost medieval feel to it -- it has
	heavy stone walls, and little storefronts where
	colorful Klingon wares are sold.

	A Klingon street opera is being performed in the town
	square. TWO KLINGONS are singing and engaging in mockcombat,
	accompanied by LIVE MUSICIANS who are making a
	din only a Klingon could love. The two performers are
	elaborately clad in colorful ROBES, and their BAT'LETH
	SWORDS have little BELLS all around their frames that
	jangle as they fight -- whenever one of them executes
	a particularly good move he'll raise the sword above
	his head and shake it vigorously, bellowing some
	unintelligible Klingon lyric at the same time.

	Enterprise crewmembers, including GEORDI and BEVERLY,
	fill out the crowd of N.D. KLINGONS who crane their
	heads to watch what is going on. Alexander stands next
	to Worf, watching the spectacle with wide eyes.

	A vendor passes nearby and Worf calls out to her.

					WORF
			Bok'ta ku'mo. (over here)

	She approaches and Worf hands her a coin -- she gives
	him a bag of live worms. Worf takes a sumptuous
	handful, then hands the bag to Alexander, who's so busy
	watching the opera that he takes a mouthful without
	really looking at what it is. To Worf's surprise, he
	likes it, and keeps chewing without comment...

	Behind them, at the rear of the crowd, we REVEAL that a
	KLINGON of about fifty is intently watching Worf and
	Alexander. He's wearing battle gear, and his forehead
	ridges are somewhat less pronounced than what we're
	used to seeing.

	As father and son watch, the larger of the two
	performers fells the smaller one and sings out
	triumphantly, rattling his BAT'LETH in victory.

					GEORDI
			Who's that?

					WORF
			That is the tyrant Molor. He was
			so strong that no one could stand
			against him.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT ONE      10.

4    CONTINUED:

	The fallen singer cries out plaintively from the floor.

					SINGER
			Nok'tar be'got, hosh'ar te'not... ?

	The musicians bang and whistle their instruments to
	punctuate his words.

					BEVERLY
			What's he saying?

					WORF
			He is asking if anyone else will
			have the courage to stand up to
			Molor...

	Worf and Alexander look around at the crowd, but no one
	steps forward.

					SINGER
			Nok'tar be'got... ?

	Suddenly Worf steps forward and grabs the fallen
	singer's BAT'LETH. He sings out at a challenge to
	"Molor" at the top of his lungs --

					WORF
			Ki'rok Molor, ki'rok!

	"Molor" cries out when he sees Worf and springs toward
	him to attack.

					MOLOR
				(a battle cry)
			Ni'tokor bak'to!

	And the two men start to fight -- the movements are not
	choreographed, but they are controlled in that they are
	based on the forms of the mok'bara. As they fight they
	sing out and the crowd cheers them on.

					MOLOR
				(continuing)
			Ba'jak tu'mo!

	And their bat'leths clang together --

					WORF
				(defiant)
			O'tak tu'ro!

	Alexander watches rapt... behind him, we see the
	strange Klingon, staring intently at Alexander...

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT ONE      11.

4    CONTINUED: (2)

	After a few more thrusts and parries, Worf plays his
	part and pretends to be felled -- he sings out the same
	plea as before, wondering who will save them from
	Molor.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Nok'tar be'got?

	Molor sings out triumphantly, turns to the crowd, who
	boo and hiss the anti-hero. Worf gives Alexander an
	encouraging look.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Hosh'ar te'not?

	Alexander considers, then dashes forward and grabs the
	BAT'LETH from the floor. He raises it defiantly toward
	Molor.

					ALEXANDER
			Ki'rok Molor, ki'rok!

	Molor turns, and a smile lights up his face when he
	sees his young challenger.

					MOLOR
			What's this... ?

	He steps toward Alexander, weapon raised, and is
	careful to scale down his combat so as not to hurt the
	boy. Worf watches, thrilled as can be.

	Alexander, however, is pumped full of adrenaline -- he
	takes a few wild swings that Molor has to dodge by
	moving fast.

	Then he allows Alexander to make contact with one of
	the blows, and he falls back, feigning injury.

					MOLOR
			Jik'ta! You have wounded me!

	Alexander looks pleased with himself. Worf beams with
	pride.

					WORF
			You fought well.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT ONE      12.

4    CONTINUED: (3)

	Alexander smiles, turns back to the opera.

					ALEXANDER
			What happens now?

					WORF
			Only one man can stand against
			Molor.

	The crowd cheers because the first singer steps back
	into the square, now wearing a different head-dress
	that indicates he is playing Kahless.

					ALEXANDER
			It's Kahless!

	"Kahless" rears himself up and sings out defiantly --

					SINGER
			Nok'til Kahless. Molor gik'tal!

        STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT ONE        12A.

	CONTINUED: (4)

	The crowd roars their approval.

					WORF
			Kahless would rather die than live
			under Molor's tyranny...

	The two singers start to fight and sing, and the crowd
	watches in rapt attention.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT ONE      13.

4    CONTINUED: (5)

					ALEXANDER
			Ni'lot Kahless!

	Worf looks down at his son's wide-eyed face... things
	couldn't be going better...

									TIME CUT:

5    EXT. KLINGON OUTPOST - NIGHT

	The square is now deserted and dark. We pan across a
	sleeping FIGURE stretched out on a bench, then find
	Worf sitting nearby, waiting impatiently for Alexander.

	After a moment, the boy comes running across the
	square.

					ALEXANDER
			Father --

					WORF
			Where have you been?

					ALEXANDER
			We were watching the fire dancers.

					WORF
			We?

					ALEXANDER
			K'Nor and Bar'el -- they live here
			on the outpost. I need some
			money.

					WORF
			What for?

					ALEXANDER
			There's a man over there who's got
			Molor's head in a box -- the real
			Molor.

					WORF
			That is impossible. Molor died
			centuries ago.

					ALEXANDER
			I know -- it's mummified. He said
			he'd show it to us for fifty
			darseks.

        STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT ONE        14.

5    CONTINUED:

	Alexander clearly thinks this is something that should
	not be missed.

					WORF
			He is trying to take your money.

					ALEXANDER
			Please, Father. He's waiting.

					WORF
			No. It is late. We should go
			home.

					ALEXANDER
			But --

					WORF
			Alexander.

	Alex hears the finality in Worf's voice and backs off.

6    ANOTHER ANGLE

	revealing the Klingon who was staring at them before...
	he's standing in a shadowed doorway, watching them...

7    RESUME SCENE

	as Worf stands and starts to cross away.

					WORF
			Come, it is time to go.

	Behind them, we see TWO KLINGONS in civilian clothes
	emerge into the square and start to follow them.

					ALEXANDER
			I have to say goodbye.

					WORF
			You can see your friends again
			tomorrow.

					ALEXANDER
			We're coming back?

					WORF
			If you want to.

        STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT ONE        15.

7    CONTINUED:

	The two Klingons are moving in behind them in a
	menacing way, and a THIRD KLINGON emerges into the
	square in front of them.

	Worf senses something is going on -- he looks at the
	Klingon ahead, then turns to see the other two behind
	them, who have fanned out so as to corral their
	intended victims from three sides.

	When they see Worf has noticed them, the Klingons pull
	elaborately carved DAGGERS from their belts...
	Alexander realizes they're in danger and moves to his
	father's side -- they're surrounded. Off this moment
	we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT TWO      16.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

8    EXT. KLINGON OUTPOST - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	Worf and Alexander surrounded by the three armed
	assailants...

	Suddenly the Klingon who was watching from the shadows,
	K'MTAR, steps into the square and raises a DISRUPTOR.
	He FIRES at one of the attackers, but the shot goes
	wide and hits the far wall. The attackers are
	momentarily taken off-guard, and Worf seizes the moment --

					WORF
			Alexander, run --

	He points Alexander on the safest route and the boy
	scurries past the attackers and away...

	A second attacker lunges toward Worf, who dodges his
	weapon and delivers a kick to his mid-section... the
	third attacker strikes Worf a vicious blow that sends
	him to the floor.

	K'mtar can't risk taking another shot -- everything's
	happening too fast and he might hit Worf, so he rushes
	forward intending to join in the fight.

					K'MTAR
				(a battle cry)
			Ni'tokor bak'to!

	The sound of K'mtar's cry distracts the third attacker
	for the crucial second it takes Worf to recover... he
	gets a leg up and flips him over his prone body -- the
	attacker hits the floor hard and loses his grip on the
	dagger, which goes skittering across the floor.

	Because one of them has lost his weapon, and because an
	armed stranger is coming to the rescue, the three
	attackers beat a retreat.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT TWO      17.

8    CONTINUED:

					K'MTAR
			K'pla, Worf. They were no match
			for us.

	Worf turns to this stranger who knows his name... they
	look at each other, breathing hard...

					WORF
			I've seen you somewhere before.
			Who are you?

					K'MTAR
			A friend...

	K'mtar raises his hand to show a SIGNET RING on his
	finger -- Worf reacts as if he recognizes it.

					WORF
			Are you... K'mtar?

	K'mtar acknowledges.

					K'MTAR
			Your brother sent me here to
			protect you...

	Off this moment we...

									CUT TO:

9    INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	where Riker, Worf and K'mtar have met to discuss what
	happened. The dagger dropped in the attack is on the
	table, wrapped in a soft cloth. K'mtar seems a little
	impatient, as if he wants Riker to leave him and Worf
	alone.

					WORF
				(gesturing to K'mtar)
			He is gin'tak to the house of
			Mogh...

					RIKER
			Gin'tak?

        STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT TWO        17A.

9    CONTINUED:

					WORF
			An advisor so trusted that he is
			made part of a family.

	Riker takes this in.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT TWO      18.

9    CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			Do you have any idea who was
			behind the attack?

	K'mtar's attitude toward Riker is blunt to the point of
	being contentious.

					K'MTAR
			It is a Klingon matter. Not your
			concern.

	Riker is surprised at the sharpness of his tone, tries
	to be diplomatic but firm.

					RIKER
			One of my officers was almost
			killed. That makes it my concern.

	K'mtar eyes Riker briefly, then backs off.

					K'MTAR
			Recently rumors began to circulate
			on the homeworld that an
			assassination attempt was going to
			be made against the family of
			Mogh. Kurn sent me to make sure
			nothing happened to Worf.

					RIKER
			Why didn't you warn him before the
			attack was made?

					K'MTAR
			I tried to contact him by
			subspace, but was told Worf wasn't
			aboard. I decided to beam
			directly to the surface.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT TWO      19.

9    CONTINUED: (3)

	Worf unwraps the cloth and reveals the dagger.

					WORF
			One of the attackers dropped this
			dagger.
				(gestures)
			The design... represents the house
			of Duras.

					K'MTAR
			We have other evidence that
			indicates the Duras sisters, Lursa
			and B'Etor, were behind the
			attack.

					RIKER
			What do you think they're after?

					K'MTAR
			Kurn's seat on the council, of
			course.

					WORF
			We can not allow their attack on
			our house to go unanswered.

					K'MTAR
			First we have to find them... and
			they've been elusive.

	Riker considers for a moment.

					RIKER
			At one point they were at Deep
			Space Nine, trying to sell
			bilitrium explosives.

					K'MTAR
			That was months ago. No one knows
			where they went from there.

	Again, K'mtar's tone is sharp, unnecessarily harsh.
	Riker keeps his cool, responds evenly.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT TWO      20.

9    CONTINUED: (4)

					RIKER
			Maybe we can find out.
				(beat)
			We've arranged quarters for you,
			if you'd like to stay aboard.

					K'MTAR
			I would. Worf and I have much to
			discuss.

	Riker stands and the meeting breaks up.

10   OMITTED

11   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	where Worf and K'mtar are talking. Worf is annoyed
	with how K'mtar treated Riker, but K'mtar is oblivious.

					K'MTAR
			I'll send Kurn a message telling
			him what happened, but it will be
			days before he receives it -- he's
			gone to the Hitora colony as
			Gowron's representative.

					WORF
			K'mtar, why did you treat
			Commander Riker so
			disrespectfully?

	K'mtar looks utterly baffled by Worf's statement.

					WORF
			You were... rude.

					K'MTAR
			I may have been rude by human
			standards, but I meant no
			disrespect.
					(MORE)

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT TWO      21.

11   CONTINUED:

					K'MTAR (Cont'd)
			What's the matter Worf, have you
			been living among humans so long
			that you've forgotten how Klingons
			behave?

	Though he says this with a smile, Worf senses something
	more underneath it.

					WORF
			I have not forgotten... I am
			merely pointing out that their
			ways our different from ours.

					K'MTAR
			I trust you've made your son aware
			of that fact, as well?

	Worf reacts, unsure what K'mtar is implying.

					WORF
			Of course I have.

					K'MTAR
			Good. Because someday Alexander
			may be called upon to lead the
			house of Mogh. Kurn has no male
			heir, and he wants to be sure that
			Alexander is preparing himself.

	Worf's reaction is a bit defensive.

					WORF
			Does my brother doubt my ability
			to raise my son as a Klingon?

					K'MTAR
			No. But you are alone among
			humans. It cannot be easy to keep
			our ways.

	This strikes a nerve.

					WORF
			No... it has not been easy.

					K'MTAR
			How are his fighting skills? Can
			he handle a Bat'leth?

        STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT TWO        21A.

11   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			He is learning... he could be
			better.

					K'MTAR
			He must be. He's not far from the
			age of ascension.

	Worf is reluctant to admit it, but he feels he must.

					WORF
			Actually... Alexander has not
			committed himself to undergoing
			the rite.

					K'MTAR
			What?

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT TWO      22.

11   CONTINUED: (3)

					WORF
			I have tried to make him see how
			important it is, but he will not
			listen to me.

					K'MTAR
			Perhaps together, you and I can
			find a way to spark the boy's
			interest in his heritage.

					WORF
			I would be grateful for any help
			you could give.

					K'MTAR
			Tomorrow, then.

	K'mtar stands to go, then casts a glance toward the
	bedroom.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			May I say goodnight to him?

					WORF
			Of course.

	Worf and K'mtar cross toward the other room.

12   INT. BEDROOM

	as K'mtar goes to sit next to Alexander, who's tucked
	in under a blanket. Worf hangs back by the door.
	K'mtar picks up a picture of K'Ehlyer next to the bed.
	His attitude to Alexander is considerably less gruff.

					K'MTAR
			Is this your mother?

					ALEXANDER
			She died when I was little.

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT TWO      23.

12   CONTINUED:

					K'MTAR
			You miss her a great deal, don't
			you... ?

	Alexander only nods, but it's clear that he does.
	K'mtar puts the picture back.

					K'MTAR
			It must be hard for you... being
			the only Klingon your age on board
			this ship.

					ALEXANDER
			Sometimes...

	Worf is surprised to hear the gentleness in this
	otherwise cantankerous man.

					K'MTAR
			Have you ever been to the
			homeworld?

					ALEXANDER
			No...

					K'MTAR
			I think you'd like it there. At
			your uncle's house there is a lake
			where you can swim. The water is
			so clear you can see to the
			bottom.

					ALEXANDER
			Really?

					K'MTAR
			And you have cousins there. They
			want to meet you.

	Alexander looks away, troubled by something.

					ALEXANDER
			I don't know...

	K'mtar seems to know just what it is -- as though he
	has a line directly into Alexander's heart.

        STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT TWO        23A.

12   CONTINUED: (2)

					K'MTAR
			I understand. You're afraid...
			you don't know if the Home World
			is safe.

	Alexander looks at him, amazed that this gentle man
	seems to know just what he's feeling.

					ALEXANDER
			Yes...

	K'mtar smiles and puts a hand on Alexander's shoulder,
	comforting.

					K'MTAR
			What happened today... on the
			planet... was frightening.
			You're still troubled...

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT TWO      24.

12   CONTINUED: (3)

					ALEXANDER
			I thought they were going to kill
			my father.

	K'mtar nods sympathetically...

					K'MTAR
			You must have wanted to help us
			fight them off.

					ALEXANDER
			I didn't know what to do...

					K'MTAR
			Someday, if you work hard, you'll
			be a warrior... a Klingon warrior,
			and you'll always feel safe
			because you'll know how to defend
			yourself. And do you know what
			else? If anyone ever tries to
			hurt your father again, you'll be
			able to fight at his side and make
			sure nothing happens to him. What
			do you think of that?

	Alexander smiles -- he's struck by this image of
	himself as older and stronger, and comforted by how
	empowered it makes him feel.

					K'MTAR
			Good night, Alexander. Dream
			well.

					ALEXANDER
			Good night, K'mtar.

	Alexander turns his face into his pillow and closes his
	eyes, comforted and able to sleep now. K'mtar
	exchanges a look with Worf, who has watched this tender
	scene with amazement.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     25.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

13   INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Riker has the Bridge, Worf is at tactical, and various
	N.D.s man the other consoles. Riker approaches Data
	and K'mtar, who are working at an aft science station.

					RIKER
			Any luck?

					DATA
			Starfleet records contain no
			mention of the Duras sisters after
			their departure from Deep Space
			Nine.

					K'MTAR
			Didn't I tell you as much?

	Riker ignores his tone, turns to Worf.

					RIKER
			Have you been able to make contact
			with Deep Space Nine?

					WORF
			I am being patched through now,
			sir...

	Worf works his console, then nods that he's ready.

					RIKER
			On screen.

	The starfield on the VIEWSCREEN is replaced by the
	image of QUARK, standing in front of a Cardassian-looking
	backdrop. A DS9 Security Guard is behind him.

					RIKER
				(a greeting)
			Quark...

	When Quark sees Riker's smiling face a look of alarm
	crosses his features.

					RIKER
			I see you remember me.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT THREE     26.

13   CONTINUED:

					QUARK
				(with a forced smile)
			How could I forget the only man
			ever to win triple down dabo at
			one of my tables... ?

					RIKER
			And how could I forget that you
			didn't have enough latinum to
			cover my winnings?

	Quark tries to gloss over this with a smile.

					QUARK
			I thought I explained that my
			brother had misplaced the key to
			the safe. Besides, those vouchers
			I gave you are every bit as good
			as latinum.

					RIKER
			Not exactly. You can spend
			latinum just about anywhere.
			Those vouchers are only good at
			your bar.

					QUARK
			I look forward to seeing you upon
			your return...
				(beat)
			Is that what this is about...
			you're on your way and you're
			calling to reserve a Holosuite
			program... ?

					RIKER
			Actually, I was hoping you could
			help me with something else.

	K'mtar is listening closely, wondering what Riker is up
	to.

					QUARK
			What would that be... ?

					RIKER
			I'm looking for some Klingon
			friends of mine... the Duras
			sisters -- Lursa and B'Etor?

					QUARK
			Oh, yes... Lursa and B'Etor...
				(gestures)
			Big talk... small tips.

					RIKER
			I thought you might know where
			they went.

    STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE    26A.

13   CONTINUED: (2)

	There's a beat as Quark realizes he's got the
	advantage.

					QUARK
			Me? What makes you think I'd
			know... ?

					RIKER
			Commander Sisko said if anyone
			would know, you would...

					QUARK
			He flatters me.
				(beat)
			Well... I did hear a rumor,
			actually...

					RIKER
			What kind of rumor?

					QUARK
			I don't know... I'm sure it was
			told to me in confidence...

					RIKER
			And how much is your "confidence"
			worth?

					QUARK
			How many vouchers do you have,
			again?

					RIKER
			Enough for twelve bars of latinum.

	There is a heavy silence.

					RIKER
			I'll be glad to return them.

					QUARK
			Ah. I believe the rumor was...
			that the sisters were trying to
			buy some second-hand mining
			equipment.

					RIKER
			What for?

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT THREE 26B-C.        

13   CONTINUED: (4)

					QUARK
			They learned of a magnesite
			deposit in the Kalla system... it
			belongs to the Pakleds, but those
			fools don't even know it's there.
			Your friends were trying to get at
			it.

	Riker takes this in.

					RIKER
			All right.
				(beat)
			I'll send you those vouchers...

					QUARK
			Don't bother... I voided them
			while we've been talking.

					RIKER
			So long, Quark...

	And the VIEWSCREEN returns to a starfield.

					RIKER
			How long would it take us to reach
			the Kalla system?

					WORF
				(off console)
			Approximately sixteen hours.

	When he hears Riker's intent K'mtar steps forward and
	questions Quark's assertion.

					K'MTAR
				(to Riker)
			Couldn't he have been lying?

					RIKER
			Why would he? I'd just end up
			knocking on his door again in a
			few days -- and I wouldn't be in
			as good a mood.

					K'MTAR
				(nodding)
			I congratulate you, Commander. I
			didn't think it would be possible
			to find the sisters.

	Riker turns to the con officer.

					RIKER
			Take us out of orbit.

	Off K'mtar's face... he seems to be eager for the hunt.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     27.

14   INT. CORRIDOR

	as Worf, K'mtar and Alexander make their way down it.
	Father and son are in work-out clothes, K'mtar in
	battle gear -- he has a knife in his belt.

					WORF
				(to Alexander)
			Today we will work on the
			Koh'manara block... it is a
			combination of the koh'bala pivot
			and the pak'ara thrust -- the
			forms I taught you last week.

					ALEXANDER
			Yes, Father...

	Worf sees that the boy is holding his bat'leth somewhat
	carelessly, so that its point is dragging behind him.

					WORF
			Alexander, have I not taught you
			to treat your sword with respect?

	Alexander frowns and takes a new hold of the bat'leth.
	K'mtar studies Alexander's face for a beat as they
	continue on.

					K'MTAR
			You're not looking forward to
			training, are you?

					ALEXANDER
			Not really...

					K'MTAR
			It can be boring repeating the
			same moves over and over again.

	Alexander's reaction indicates that he agrees
	wholeheartedly.

					WORF
			You must master the forms before
			you can apply them.

					K'MTAR
			That's true, but I was thinking we
			might try something different
			today.

	Worf looks at him -- what's he up to?

       STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT THREE       27A.

14   CONTINUED:

					K'MTAR
			I took the liberty of creating a
			Holodeck program.

					WORF
			What kind of program?

					K'MTAR
			I'll show you...

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     28.

15   ANOTHER CORRIDOR

	as they approach a Holodeck door.

					K'MTAR
			Computer... run program K'mtar
			alpha-one.

	After a moment.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Program initiated. Enter when
			ready.

	They move to the door, which OPENS onto --

16   EXT. KLINGON OUTPOST - DAY (OPTICAL)

	which is now deserted. They ENTER, and cross into the
	center of the square.

					ALEXANDER
			Why did you want to recreate this?

					K'MTAR
			You said you wished you'd been
			able to help your father fight,
			but you didn't know how...

	Alexander acknowledges --

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			You've probably thought about the
			attack over and over again.

	Alexander looks up at him, wondering how he knows this --

					ALEXANDER
			Yes...

					K'MTAR
			Then let's see what happens this
			time.

	He hands Worf his knife.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT THREE     29.

16   CONTINUED:

					K'MTAR
			Computer, give us two Klingon
			warriors.

	Suddenly TWO KLINGON WARRIORS MATERIALIZE near Worf and
	Alexander, wearing full battle-gear and carrying
	bat'leths (and/or knives).

	Alexander stares at the two burly Klingons.

					ALEXANDER
			How can I fight somebody that big?

					K'MTAR
			It is not size that matters.
			Cunning... skill... and
			observation are the most important
			weapons.

	He turns toward the warriors.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing, a battle
				 cry)
			Ni'tokor bak'to!

	Father and son engage their adversaries as K'mtar
	watches. Worf dispatches his, and after Alexander
	fights for a few more beats --

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			Freeze program.

	Alexander's adversary FREEZES in mid-battle. K'mtar
	indicates the figure Alexander was fighting.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			Look what this ko'tal is doing.
			See his legs, they give a clue to
			what his next move will be.

	Alexander studies the figure for a beat.

					ALEXANDER
			His weight is all on his right
			foot.

					WORF
			Yes, he's going to have to shift
			it to regain his balance.

    STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE    29A.

16   CONTINUED: (2)

					K'MTAR
			Stand ready.
				(to com)
			Computer, resume program.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     30.

16   CONTINUED: (3)

	The figure REANIMATES, and pivots just as predicted --
	Alexander is ready for him, and is able to knock him to
	the ground.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			Po'tajg! (well done)

	Alexander smiles proudly. He's standing over his
	adversary, who's laid flat on his back, defenseless.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			Finish him.

	Alexander's features change when he hears this -- he
	looks down at the defenseless man, who's looking up at
	him, his eyes wide with dread.

	Alexander can't bring himself to do it... he looks up
	at K'mtar, then Worf -- much to their dismay, he throws
	his bat'leth aside.

	With a guttural cry the Holodeck figure suddenly leaps
	to his feet and grabs the knife from his belt -- he's
	going for Alexander...

					K'MTAR
			Freeze program.

	The figure FREEZES, his knife caught in mid-slash
	toward Alexander.

					WORF
			You should have killed him when
			you had the chance.

					K'MTAR
			Why didn't you?

	Alexander is clearly distraught over what's happened --

					ALEXANDER
			I... I don't know...

	The boy's response angers K'mtar -- he indicates the
	holofigure.

					K'MTAR
			Look at him! He didn't care that
			you showed him mercy. He was
			going to kill you.

    STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE    30A.

16   CONTINUED: (4)

	Alexander looks to his father; K'mtar's anger is
	scaring him. Worf can't help but intercede on his
	son's behalf.

					WORF
			K'mtar... enough.

					K'MTAR
			If this were real he'd be dead
			now.

	Alexander's had enough -- he turns and runs toward the
	door.

					WORF
			Alexander --

	But he ignores him and EXITS. Worf and K'mtar turn to
	each other... their shared hope of turning Alexander
	into a warrior seems more remote than ever...

17   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at impulse.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     31.

18   INT. BRIDGE

	Data has the Bridge, Worf is at tactical, various N.D.s
	as needed. Riker ENTERS from the Ready Room.

					DATA
			We are approaching Kalla Three.

	Data takes the Ops position.

					RIKER
			Assume a standard orbit.
				(to Worf)
			Any evidence of a mining
			operation?

					WORF
				(off console)
			A shaft has been cut through the
			outer crust... there is evidence
			of machinery, but it does not
			appear to be in use.

					RIKER
			Life signs?

					DATA
			It is difficult to say. The
			magnesite is interfering with bioreadings.

					RIKER
				(to Data)
			Assemble an Away Team.

	Data gestures to Worf, and they head for the Turbolift.

19   INT. THE MINES

	where Geordi, Data, Worf and an N.D. SECURITY OFFICER
	are moving through an underground TUNNEL. They carry
	PALM BEACONS and PHASERS.

	They see that there is a larger area up ahead, and that
	it's ILLUMINATED by some light source. There are
	SOUNDS of activity; a person moving around.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     32.

19   CONTINUED:

	They take a moment to prepare, then step out into this
	open area, their weapons raised.

20   OMITTED

21   INT. A ROCKY PIT

	as they react to what they see -- a lone DOPTERIAN --
	GORTA, sitting on a crate, morosely eating out of a
	can. He turns at the sound of their entrance, a look
	of surprise on his face.

					GEORDI
			Who are you?

	It takes the Ferengi a moment to recover from his
	shock.

					GORTA
			Gorta... I'm Gorta...

					WORF
			What are you doing on this planet?

					GORTA
				(evasive)
			I... crashed here.

	Riker fixes him with a look.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     33.

21   CONTINUED:

	Geordi and Worf exchange a skeptical look. Data gives
	no indication that he doesn't believe him.

					DATA
			Then you are denying involvement
			in illegal mining activities.

					GORTA
				(as if he's realizing
				 only now)
			Mining? So that's what all this
			equipment is for...

					DATA
			I suspect that you are feigning
			ignorance.

					GORTA
			What a thing to say.

					WORF
			We are looking for two Klingon
			women, sisters --

					GORTA
			Lursa! B'Etor? Do you know where
			they are?

					GEORDI
			Actually we were hoping you did.

	Gorta pulls back, sensing he might be able to cut a
	deal.

					GORTA
			Maybe I do...

					DATA
			Would you be willing to share your
			information with us?

					GORTA
			My personal code of conduct
			prohibits sharing. But I'd
			consider a trade...

					GEORDI
			Does your personal code of conduct
			tell you that when you're stranded
			on a planet with no way off, you
			shouldn't try to cut deals?

    STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT THREE    33A.

21   CONTINUED: (2)

					GORTA
			You have a point.

					DATA
			We could certainly provide you
			with passage off this planet in
			exchange for information.

					GORTA
			Could you perhaps... fail to tell
			the Pakleds that we were mining
			their ore?

					GEORDI
			Don't push your luck.
				(beat)
			But if you can get us to the Duras
			sisters, I'll see what I can do.

					GORTA
			The Duras sisters... they are
			magnificent, aren't they?

					WORF
			Where are they now?

					GORTA
			Selling the ore, I imagine. They
			took everything, the ore, the
			ship...
				(with admiration)
			Such treachery... I can't help but
			adore them.

					DATA
			What kind of ship do they have?

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     34.

21   CONTINUED: (3)

					GORTA
			A Bird of Prey. With a working
			cloaking device. Who knows how
			they got hold of that...

					WORF
			And where have they gone?

					GORTA
			We were going to sell the ore to
			a Yridian trader. We were
			supposed to meet him in the Ufandi
			system.

					DATA
			Gather your belongings. It is
			time to leave.

	The Ferengi tosses the can over his shoulder and
	indicates he's ready.

					GORTA
			Like I said... they took
			everything.

	Off this moment...

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     35.

22   INT. TEN FORWARD

	where Worf is sitting at the bar, alone. The usual
	compliment of N.D.s. After a moment, K'mtar approaches
	him -- he's had time to think about what happened.

					K'MTAR
			Worf...

	Worf acknowledges with a small nod.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			I'm sorry about what happened. I
			shouldn't have gotten so angry.
			It's just that... I'm worried
			about Alexander.

					WORF
			As am I.

					K'MTAR
			Kurn told me that his mother
			actively discouraged him from
			exploring his Klingon heritage...

					WORF
			When he came to live with me, he
			knew nothing of our ways.
				(beat)
			He often reminds me of things his
			mother said to him... I try not to
			disregard her wishes, I want him
			to honor her memory...

    STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE    35A.

22   CONTINUED:

	There is a beat as K'mtar regards Worf, seems to
	struggle to find the right way to say something.

					K'MTAR
			Someday... I'm sure he'll
			appreciate you. And be grateful
			for all you've given him.

	Worf appreciates the statement. K'mtar takes a breath,
	must raise a difficult issue.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			Still, compared to other boys his
			age, Alexander's fighting skills
			are years behind.

	Worf knows it's true.

					WORF
			I know. He has not put in the
			time he needs to learn the skills.

     STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE     36.

22   CONTINUED: (2)

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			I think you should consider
			sending him to the training
			Academy on Ogat. Your brother is
			an influential man; he could see
			to it that Alexander was admitted.

					WORF
			Send him... to Ogat?

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			I'm only thinking of what's best
			for him. At the Academy he'd
			learn our ways, he'd live like a
			Klingon.

					WORF
			I want him to learn our ways,
			but... this is his home.

	K'mtar keeps at it.

					K'MTAR
			How can you expect him to lead our
			house someday when all he's known
			is life aboard a Federation
			starship?

					WORF
			He is my son; he belongs with me.

	K'mtar loses his temper --

					K'MTAR
			The boy is more human than
			Klingon. If he stays here, he'll
			never be a warrior. He'll never
			be able to defend our family
			against its enemies.

					WORF
			Enough... the decision is mine.

					K'MTAR
			Not necessarily. It would be
			within my rights to invoke ya'nora
			kor.

	Worf reacts --

         STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT THREE         37.

22   CONTINUED: (3)

					WORF
			You would challenge my fitness to
			raise my own son?

					K'MTAR
			For the good of our house, yes.

	There is a brief second as the men hold eyes...
	K'mtar's plea to Worf seems an urgency that's born of
	pain -- an anguish that comes from deep within.

					K'MTAR
			Worf... I beg you... stop thinking
			of yourself. It's Alexander we
			must consider.
				(beat)
			Look into your heart... and do
			what's best for him.

	And with that K'mtar turns and EXITS Ten Forward,
	leaving Worf angry and troubled...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         38.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

23   INT. TROI'S QUARTERS

	where Worf has just told Troi everything.

					TROI
			-- if K'mtar invoked ya'nora kor,
			your vote would cancel his, and it
			would be up to your brother to
			decide who would get custody of
			Alexander.

					WORF
			I am confident my brother would
			not vote against me.

	But his voice betrays some doubt.

					TROI
			You don't sound confident...

	Worf's face tells her she's right... he considers for
	a beat.

					WORF
			Perhaps I should let Alexander
			know what is at stake... it might
			induce him to spend more time
			training.

					TROI
			I'm not sure that's a good idea...
			it might scare him.

	Worf feels frustrated, that it's too late to change his
	son.

					WORF
			I should have tried harder... I
			should have taken him to visit the
			homeworld...

					TROI
			Worf... Alexander is part human,
			and that part of him is every bit
			as important as his Klingon side.
			I think you've done a wonderful
			job of exposing him to both sides
			of his heritage.

	Worf appreciates what she's saying, but is still
	troubled.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FOUR         39.

23   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			But by doing that, I may have made
			it impossible for him to be
			accepted as a true Klingon.

					TROI
			There are those who'd say you're
			not a true Klingon, just because
			you wear that uniform.

	Worf bristles... but he knows it's true.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			The truth is you've found a
			balance within yourself, a balance
			that feels right to you. You have
			to trust that Alexander will be
			able to find his own balance.
			Just as you did.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         40.

23   CONTINUED: (2)

	Worf takes this in...

					WORF
			Part of me wants to give him that
			freedom... but what if he turns
			away from his Klingon heritage?
			What will happen to my father's
			house? Who will lead it?

	Troi has no answer for him... off Worf's dilemma...

24   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	where Alexander is listening to K'mtar recount an
	ancient Klingon story.

					K'MTAR
			-- Kahless was determined to teach
			his brother a lesson for having
			told a lie, but Morath refused to
			fight his brother, and instead ran
			away. Kahless pursued him across
			valleys and over mountains, all
			the way to the edge of the sea.
			And there on the shore, they
			fought for --

					ALEXANDER
			Twelve days and twelve nights. I
			know, I've heard this story
			before.

	Alexander isn't being dismissive, it's just that he
	wants to ask a question about the story before K'mtar
	moves on.

					K'MTAR
			Alexander, it is important to tell
			these stories, even if we already
			know them.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         41.

24   CONTINUED:

					ALEXANDER
			Why was Kahless so mad about the
			lie his brother told?

					K'MTAR
			Because it made him look like a
			coward.

					ALEXANDER
			If Kahless had just let him
			explain what happened, maybe they
			wouldn't have had to fight about
			it.

					K'MTAR
			You are missing the point --

					ALEXANDER
			And I don't see what's so wrong
			with running away -- maybe Morath
			didn't want to fight his brother
			because he didn't want to have to
			kill him.

					K'MTAR
			He ran because he was a coward --

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         42.

24   CONTINUED: (2)

					ALEXANDER
			How do you know that's why?

					K'MTAR
				(firm)
			No more questions! These are our
			stories. A warrior must learn how
			to interpret them properly.

	Alexander bristles at being shut down like this.

					ALEXANDER
			I'm trying to --

					K'MTAR
			No, your head is full of foolish
			human notions about the way things
			are. You are Klingon. You must
			begin to act like one.

	Alexander stands up for himself.

					ALEXANDER
			I'm part human, too.

					K'MTAR
			Listen to me, Alexander... when a
			human looks at you, he doesn't see
			himself, he sees a Klingon.

					ALEXANDER
			It doesn't matter what I look
			like.

					K'MTAR
			It does. You're different from
			everyone aboard this ship. And no
			matter how much people pretend
			otherwise, they'll always see you
			as different.

	K'mtar is playing on that most basic of childhood fears --
	the fear of being different from others, of sticking
	out.

					ALEXANDER
			That's not true...

	Alexander doesn't want to believe him, but it's clear
	that K'mtar's words are making him feel unsure about
	himself...

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR        42A.

24   CONTINUED: (3)

					K'MTAR
			It is. The only way you'll ever
			feel like you really belong, is if
			you leave here and go live with
			your own kind.

	K'mtar sees that he's getting to him --

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			I know a Klingon school you could
			go to; you'd be welcome there.
			They'd teach you how to be a
			warrior -- prepare you for the
			Rite of Ascension.

					ALEXANDER
			I don't know if I want to do
			that...

	There's an edge of desperation in K'mtar's voice; he
	feels like he's hooked Alexander, and now has to reel
	him in.

					K'MTAR
			After you've been there a while...
			you'll find you won't want to do
			anything else.

	But Alexander manages to shake off his doubts --

					ALEXANDER
			But I don't want to leave the
			Enterprise --

					K'MTAR
			You must! Everything depends on
			it.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         43.

24   CONTINUED: (4)

					ALEXANDER
			I thought you were different. I
			thought you understood me. But
			you don't. You're just like my
			Father. All you care about is me
			becoming a warrior. Why don't you
			just leave me alone!

	And with that he turns and runs out the door... the
	anger and frustration drains from K'mtar's face, and
	something else bleeds in -- a look of profound loss...
	He buries his face in his hands...

25   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at impulse.

					RIKER (V.O.)
			First Officer's Log, stardate
			47779.4. We've entered the Ufandi
			system, where we believe the Duras
			sisters might have come to sell
			the ore they mined on Kalla Three.

26   INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Riker and Troi in the command area. Data is at Ops,
	Worf at tactical.

					DATA
				(off console)
			I am detecting a vessel holding
			position near the third planet...
				(works)
			It is a Yridian freighter.

					RIKER
			Put it on screen.

	A Yridian freighter APPEARS on the VIEWSCREEN.

					RIKER
			Scan for magnesite in its hold.

	Data works his console.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         44.

26   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			The resonance signature indicates
			that there is magnesite ore
			present...

					RIKER
			Then we're too late. The sisters
			have already been here.

					TROI
			Somehow I doubt the Yridians are
			going to be very forthcoming about
			where they might have gone...

					DATA
				(off console)
			Sir, readings indicate that there
			are only five hundred kilograms of
			ore in the Yridian's hold...

					WORF
			There should be over ten thousand
			kilograms...

					RIKER
			That's odd...
				(to Worf)
			Hail them.

	Worf works his console and a YRIDIAN -- YOG -- appears
	on the VIEWSCREEN.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			I'm Commander Riker of the
			Federation Starship Enterprise.

					YRIDIAN
			I am Yog... why are we speaking?

	Yog's syntax can be a little odd.

					RIKER
			Our sensors indicate you're
			carrying magnesite ore...

					YRIDIAN
			Magnesite, yes.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         45.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			Where did you get it?

					YRIDIAN
			From a Corvallen. For a good
			price.

	Riker glances at Troi, who gives a small shake of her
	head to indicate she doesn't believe him.

					RIKER
			Where's this... Corvallen now? I
			have orders to acquire some
			magnesite.

					YRIDIAN
			He is gone...
				(gestures)
			Where? I don't know.

					RIKER
			Wouldn't you be interested in
			selling me the ore you're
			carrying?

	Worf and Troi exchange a look -- what is Riker up to?

					YRIDIAN
			No, I have a buyer.

					RIKER
			You haven't heard my offer.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FOUR         46.

26   CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
			Half a gram of Anjoran bio-mimetic
			gel.

	The Yridians eyes widen -- this is clearly an
	outrageous offer.

					YRIDIAN
			Done.

					RIKER
			Once we've verified the ore's
			purity, we'll beam over the gel.

	Riker starts to cross back toward his chair. The
	Yridian's face DISAPPEARS from the VIEWSCREEN, replaced
	by a shot of the freighter.

					TROI
			You're up to something...

	But Riker doesn't answer. He starts inputting
	something into his chair's control panel.

					RIKER
			Have the Transporter Room beam the
			ore to these coordinates.

					DATA
				(off console)
			Sir, that would place the ore
			directly off the ship's starboard
			bow.

					RIKER
			I know.

					WORF
				(off console)
			Transport complete.

	On the VIEWSCREEN, a CRATE hangs in space.

					RIKER
			Lock phasers on the ore and fire.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         47.

26   CONTINUED: (4)

	Worf works his console.

					WORF
			Firing.

27   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as a BEAM lances out from the phaser banks.

28   INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

	where a shimmering EXPLOSION appears on the VIEWSCREEN;
	particles of shiny dust are spewn everywhere, and for
	a moment, the outline of a KLINGON BIRD OF PREY is
	visible against the shimmer.

					WORF
			A Bird of Prey...

	When the explosion dissipates seconds later, the ship
	disappears because it is cloaked.

					RIKER
			Put a tractor beam on it.

	Worf complies. Data and Troi exchange a look --

					TROI
			How did you know?

					RIKER
			The Yridians had only part of the
			shipment in their hold -- I
			realized we must've arrived before
			they had the chance to transfer
			the rest.

					WORF
			Sir, the Klingon ship is hailing
			us.

					RIKER
			On screen.

	The indignant faces of LURSA and B'ETOR APPEAR on the
	VIEWSCREEN.

					LURSA
			Release our vessel at once!

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         48.

28   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			I don't think so.

					B'ETOR
			We've done nothing wrong. We were
			engaging in a simple business
			transaction.

					RIKER
			We know you're dealing in stolen
			ore.

	The sisters exchange a look.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			But what I really want to talk
			about is the assassination attempt
			on Lieutenant Worf.

					B'ETOR
			What assassination attempt? This
			is the first I've heard of it.

					LURSA
				(hopeful)
			Did it succeed?

	Lursa barks a laugh, and B'Etor joins in with her own
	grating squawk.

					RIKER
			We have evidence that you were
			behind it.

					LURSA
			That is outrageous.

					B'ETOR
			What is this evidence?

					RIKER
			Beam over and we'll show you.

	The sisters exchange a glance.

					B'ETOR
			We will be there shortly.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         49.

28   CONTINUED: (2)

	The VIEWSCREEN goes to a space shot.

									CUT TO:

29   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	where Riker, Troi, Lursa, B'Etor, Worf and K'mtar have
	met. An N.D. Security Guard is posted at the door.
	The sisters refuse to sit, preferring to pace around
	and slam their hands on the table for emphasis. Worf
	places the wrapped dagger on the table in front of
	them.

					WORF
			This was dropped by one of the
			assassins...

	He unwraps the cloth to reveal the dagger.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			It bears the crest of your house.

	The sisters' eyes widen when they see it's true.

					B'ETOR
			Ge'ko... kaf'la. (It's true. How
			can this be?)

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FOUR 50-50A         

29   CONTINUED:

					LURSA
			Someone must have given it to the
			assassins -- to implicate us.

	Skeptical looks from Worf and K'mtar. But Riker sees
	that Troi is looking at Lursa intently -- it's as if
	she half believes her.

					TROI
			Why would someone do that?

	B'Etor draws herself up in indignation.

					B'ETOR
			In order to tarnish our good name.

					WORF
				(under his breath)
			You can't tarnish a rusted
			blade...

	Lursa flies into a fury, she's fairly spitting it out --

					LURSA
			Ji'ko to'val!

					WORF
			Gir'nak tovo'sor!

	Riker stops Worf --

					RIKER
			Mister Worf --

	Worf backs off. Riker turns to K'mtar, who's been
	uncharacteristically quiet -- he seems almost
	distracted.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			You said you had other evidence
			they were involved.

					K'MTAR
			Yes... on the homeworld.

					RIKER
			Then we'll set a course there. I
			want this cleared up.

					K'MTAR
			I will send a message to Kurn...
			he may wish to return to the
			homeworld as well.

	K'mtar EXITS.

            STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - 01/28/94 - ACT FOUR            51.

29   CONTINUED: (3)

	B'Etor is staring down at the dagger, her attention has
	been caught by something.

					B'ETOR
			Bet'ala nog'tor. (look at this)

	She nudges her sister and indicates some markings on
	the dagger -- Lursa reacts as if she sees something
	totally unexpected, then her hand moves almost
	involuntarily to her stomach, as if to cradle it.

					LURSA
			Impossible...

					TROI
			What is it?

	B'Etor picks up the dagger -- Worf starts to intervene
	but Riker stops him.

					B'ETOR
			These markings represent the
			members of our house...
				(indicates)
			This symbol represents our
			father...
				(indicates)
			Myself, my sister... and this...
			represents her son.

					WORF
			I was not aware you had a son.

					LURSA
			I do not... But I am with child...

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         52.

29   CONTINUED: (4)

					B'ETOR
			She found out only a few days
			ago... and she's told no one but
			me.

	Reactions. B'Etor holds the dagger up to Riker.

					B'ETOR
				(continuing)
			How can this marking be here?
				(re: dagger)
			Where did this come from... ?

	Our people have no answer to this mystery.

					WORF
			I will talk to K'mtar.

	And he EXITS...

30   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	where Alexander is sleeping peacefully; the light that
	comes in through the doorway from the main room casts
	a shaft across his quietly breathing form.

	Suddenly a shadow is thrown across his body by a figure
	that's stepped into the doorway.

31   NEW ANGLE

	revealing that it is K'mtar, standing there looking
	down at Alexander. His features are drawn, his eyes
	filled with dread.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FOUR         53.

31   CONTINUED:

	He raises a hand and we reveal that he is carrying a
	disruptor -- he's come to kill Alexander. It's clear
	from the look on his face that this isn't something he
	wants to do, but something he feels he has to do. He
	steps toward him...

	Suddenly the door OPENS and Worf ENTERS from the
	corridor. He sees that K'mtar has a weapon and,
	without hesitation, rushes forward and grabs hold of
	him, pulling him out of the doorway and into the main
	room.

	(NOTE: the door to Alexander's room should shut when
	he's pulled away.)

	Worf struggles with K'mtar, trying to get the disruptor
	away from him. But K'mtar, adrenalin-filled, resists.
	Finally Worf slams his fist against K'mtar's weapon arm
	and the disruptor goes skittering across the floor.

	Worf's momentum takes him away from the direction of
	the disruptor; K'mtar runs for it, grabs it, and whirls
	to face Worf, charging hard at him. He points the
	disruptor right at Worf.

					K'MTAR
			No further.

	Worf stops, sees the determination in K'mtar's face.

					WORF
			K'mtar... why are you doing this?

	K'mtar gestures with the disruptor for Worf to step out
	from in front of Alexander's door.

					K'MTAR
			Step away from the door.

	But Worf isn't moving.

					WORF
			You will have to kill me.

	K'mtar stares at him, anguish on his face.

					K'MTAR
			I won't do that. But I can stun
			you -- then kill the boy.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT FOUR        53A.

31   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			What?

					K'MTAR
			I... am Alexander.

	Off this shocking revelation...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT FIVE         54.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

32   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS

	Worf stares at him in disbelief...

					WORF
			What... are you saying?

	K'mtar is weak... holding his damaged throat... gasping
	for air...

					K'MTAR
			I... am your son... Alexander...
			I have come to this time from
			forty years in the future.

	Worf stares at him, then seizes him once more by the
	shoulders, shaking him.

					WORF
			P'tak! Tell me the truth or I
			will kill you.

					K'MTAR
			Look at me!

	Still holding him by the shoulders, Worf stares at the
	man, deep into his eyes.

					K'MTAR
			You said when you first met me
			that I looked familiar.

					WORF
			I could have seen you on the
			Homeworld...

					K'MTAR
			No. Look closely. I am your son.

	Worf stares at him, still doubtful... yet, seeing
	something in the man's eyes. And, after all, Worf
	knows that time travel is possible.

					WORF
			If you are Alexander... you will
			remember the final words your
			mother said as she died.

	K'mtar fixes him with a steely look.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT FIVE        54A.

32   CONTINUED:

					K'MTAR
			I was three years old. She was
			dying when we found her. She
			barely managed to whisper my
			name... and she took my hand...
			and placed it in yours.
				(beat)
			Then she died. You howled with
			rage... and then you told me to
			look at her... to look at death...
			and always to remember.
				(beat)
			And I always have.

	These are details Worf has never shared with anyone.
	This must be Alexander.

					WORF
			How... have you done this? Come
			to this time?

					K'MTAR
			Forty years from now the ways are
			well known. But few are willing
			to risk the dangers.
				(beat)
			I decided I must take the risk.

					WORF
			And you did it... in order to end
			your own life?

	K'mtar is so overwhelmed with emotion that it's hard
	for him to speak...

					K'MTAR
			I was hoping I wouldn't have to...
			that I could change things, change
			myself. But I couldn't.
			Everything's going to turn out the
			way it did before. And I can't
			let that happen.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FIVE        54B.

32   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			Why? What is going to happen that
			is so terrible?

	K'mtar looks at his father, roiled by emotion.

					K'MTAR
			You will be killed. Because I was
			naive... too weak... to be able to
			protect you.

					WORF
			I don't believe that...

					K'MTAR
			I was there! I saw you
			murdered... and I was to blame.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FIVE         55.

32   CONTINUED: (3)

	Worf can't help but have a visceral reaction to the
	news of his own death, but he pushes it aside -- what's
	happened to Alexander is more important to him.

					WORF
			You mustn't blame yourself.

					K'MTAR
			You don't understand -- I never
			became a warrior! I became a
			diplomat... a "peacemaker."

	His voice is full of disdain.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			When the time came for me to lead
			our family -- I thought I could
			single-handedly put an end to the
			fighting between the great
			houses... I declared publicly
			that the house of Mogh would take
			the first step to end the feuding.
			There would be no more
			retribution, no more revenge.

	He looks at his father, pain in his eyes.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			You tried to warn me... you tried
			to tell me that I mustn't show
			weakness... but I thought you
			were a foolish old man. I told
			you that you were a relic of an
			earlier time, and that a new era
			of peace was at hand.

	He looks down, ashamed.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			But you were right. My enemies
			saw my weakness... and they moved
			against me.

	He looks up at his father, tears in his eyes.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FIVE         56.

32   CONTINUED: (4)

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			Unless I stop it all now...
				(gestures to door)
			-- that boy will see his father
			killed on the floor of the Council
			Chamber.

	Worf tries to make sense of it all.

					WORF
			That's why you wanted to take
			Alexander away. To turn him into
			a warrior, not a peacemaker.

					K'MTAR
			I staged the assassination attempt
			to frighten him... make him
			realize he must learn the ways of
			a warrior.

	Worf turns away, hearing the familiarity of those
	words.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			If I had listened to you... if I
			had become the warrior you
			wanted... you would not have died
			in my arms.

	Worf reaches out, touches the shoulder of his son...
	his son who is older than he is, now. He is struggling
	to come to some resolution of his own ideals, hoping to
	communicate to Alexander a truth that will soothe him.

					K'MTAR
				(continuing)
			Who is to say what the future will
			be now, after you have disrupted
			time? I may die tomorrow... or I
			may outlive you.

	He hesitates, looking for the words to reach his son.

					WORF
			But when I die... I would like an
			honorable death. And the only way
			that is possible -- is for you
			accept yourself, as you are, and
			stay true to what you believe.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FIVE        56A.

32   CONTINUED: (5)

	K'mtar listens carefully.

					WORF
			The cause of peace is a worthy
			one... go back, and continue to
			work for it. Your struggle must
			continue.

					K'MTAR
			But it is a futile struggle...

					WORF
			No... you've already changed
			things more than you realize.

					K'MTAR
			The boy I was has not changed...

      STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/01/94 - ACT FIVE 57-57A         

32   CONTINUED: (6)

					WORF
			I'm talking about myself.

	K'mtar studies his father's face.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			You have given me a glimpse into
			my son's future. I see now that
			he has his own destiny... and I
			believe it will be a great one...

	They look at each other for a long moment... then move
	into each other's arms and embrace...

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 01/31/94 - ACT FIVE         58.

32   CONTINUED: (7)

					K'MTAR
			I love you, Father...

					WORF
			And I you, Alexander...

	Off this moment...

33   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	at impulse.

34   EXT. HOLODECK/KLINGON OUTPOST - DAY

	as Worf ENTERS from the corridor to find Alexander in
	the town square, practicing moves with his BAT'LETH.
	He turns when he sees his father.

					ALEXANDER
			I've been waiting -- where's
			K'mtar?

	Worf approaches his son...

					WORF
			He had to leave... he was called
			away...

	Alexander is visibly disappointed.

					ALEXANDER
			He never said goodbye.

					WORF
			He asked me to say goodbye for
			him.

          STAR TREK: "Firstborn" - REV. 02/02/94 - ACT FIVE         59.

34   CONTINUED:

	Worf squats down so that his eyes are level with
	Alexander's.

					WORF
			He wanted me to tell you that no
			matter what happens, no matter
			what you decide to do with your
			life, he'll always care about you
			a great deal.

	Alexander takes this in...

					ALEXANDER
			When will I see him again?

					WORF
			It may be a long time...

	Alexander is disappointed to hear this, but tries to
	take it well...

					ALEXANDER
			We should start practice...

	He moves to pick up his BAT'LETH...

					WORF
			Alexander... there will be plenty
			of time for training. Why don't
			we... just spend some time
			together?

	Alexander is a little surprised to hear his father say
	this, but pleased... as they start to cross away, Worf
	puts an arm around his son's shoulder. Off this moment
	we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             









