









                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                          "Ensign Ro" 
                          #40275-203 
                              
                           Story by 
                 Rick Berman & Michael Piller 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Michael Piller 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Les Landau 


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 1991 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 This script is not for publication or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

                        JULY 18, 1991

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Ensign Ro" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             MOT, THE BARBER
                RIKER              ADMIRAL KENNELLY
                DATA               ENSIGN RO LAREN
                BEVERLY            KEEVE FALOR
                TROI               ORTA
                GEORDI             GUL DOLAK
                WORF               
                                   Non-Speaking
                GUINAN               BAJORANS

                TRANSPORTER OFFICER COLLINS
                COMPUTER VOICE     
                FEMALE COM VOICE  
 
                Non-Speaking       
                  SUPERNUMERARIES    

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Ensign Ro" 
                            
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE       VALO THREE
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM       BAJORAN CAMP
              BARBER SHOP
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              CORRIDOR
              TEN-FORWARD
              RO'S QUARTERS
          
            MOON CAVES

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                          "Ensign Ro" 
                        
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                  Antares          an-TAR-eez
                  Bajorans         bah-JOR-uh
                  Bajoran          bah-JOR-an
                  Baleekam         bah-LEE-kam
                  Balleek          bah-LEEK
                  Cardassian       car-DASS-ee-en
                  Garon            GAH-run
                  Gul Dolak        gull doh-LACK
                  Holza            HOHL-tsa
                  Jaros            JAHR-ohs
                  Keeve Falor      KEEV fah-LOHR
                  Kennelly         KEN-ell-ee
                  Mot              MAHT (rhymes w/ bought)
                  Orta             OHR-ta
                  Ro Laren         ROH LAH-ren
                  Solarion         soh-LEHR-ee-un
                  Valo             VAH-lo

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - TEASER       1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                          "Ensign Ro"                               
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    INT. ENTERPRISE BARBER SHOP (OPTICAL)

	Close on PICARD in the barber chair, the barber's tools
	working on his hair. Picard's face is unpleasant as
	the BARBER chatters on.

					BARBER
			... there's a time when you want
			to call a Romulan's bluff and
			there's a time when you don't...
				(beat, waiting for a
				 response, then... )
			Wouldn't you say?

					PICARD
				(trying to be polite)
			Yes, well, one does not always
			have the luxury...

					BARBER
				(interrupting)
			You've got to choose your time
			and place with them. True or
			false?

					PICARD
				(sighs)
			Whenever possible.

					BARBER
			So, this time you were lucky.

	Picard starts to respond, then simply grunts.

					BARBER
				(continuing)
			I suppose all's well that ends
			well but if I had been in your
			shoes...

	Picard frowns impatiently, glances in the mirror...

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - TEASER       2.

1    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			Well, it looks very nice,
			Mot... that should suffice...

					BARBER
			Hold on...

	He picks up a new tool and checks the sideburns...
	trims one side...

					BARBER
				(done)
			...there.

	... and now he is facing Picard eye to eye...

					BARBER
			I must tell you, Captain, Will
			Riker was in for a trim
			yesterday... and he agreed with
			me a hundred per cent...

	Picard cocks an eyebrow at that one.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Bridge to Captain Picard...

					PICARD
				(hits insignia, with
				 an edge)
			Yes?

2    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker reacts slightly to the tone of voice.

					RIKER
			Sorry to interrupt. We're
			receiving an emergency distress
			signal from the Solarion Four
			colony.

3    INT. BARBER SHOP

					BARBER
			Uh oh, right along the Cardassian
			border...

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - TEASER       3.

3    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Lay in a new course. I'm on my
			way.

	He rises and silently acknowledges the barber and after
	he exits, the barber shakes his head with concern,
	turns to a colleague...

					BARBER
				(sighs)
			I told him we never should have
			colonized that close to the
			Cardassians...

	The other barber nods in agreement and...

4    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard ENTERS from the turbolift. RIKER, DATA, WORF
	and SUPERNUMERARIES on the bridge.

					PICARD
			Report.

					RIKER
			The signal ended abruptly at oh
			four five five... unable to raise
			them on subspace...

					PICARD
			Hail them on upper and lower band
			frequencies, Mister Worf...

					WORF
			I've tried, sir. No response.

					PICARD
			Time to the Solarion system?

					DATA
			Twenty-six minutes, Captain.

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - TEASER       4.

4    CONTINUED:

	Picard acknowledges, satisfied, settles in his command
	chair... glances at Riker...

					PICARD
			I understand you've been
			discussing alternative adversarial
			engagement strategies with Mot.

					RIKER
				(reacts)
			It would be more accurate to say
			he was discussing them with me...
				(beat)
			He's the best barber in
			Starfleet... what can you do... ?

					WORF
			Sir, receiving another signal from
			a vessel leaving orbit of Solarion
			Four... new frequency, low
			band... audio only...

					PICARD
			Open the channel.

	Some crackle in the reception.

					MALE VOICE
			This is the Bajorans. We claim
			responsibility for the destruction
			of the Federation colony on
			Solarion Four. As long as we are
			without our homeland, no one will
			be safe in this sector.

	As the signal ends, push in on Picard and...

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT ONE       5.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

		(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)

5    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	At a space station.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45076.3.
			We have arrived at Lya Station
			Alpha with survivors from Solarion
			Four. Admiral Kennelly has
			rendezvoused to discuss the
			Bajoran terrorist attack.

6    INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Close on ADMIRAL KENNELLY, standing. Kennelly is a
	younger man than Picard, more casual than your average
	Admiral. He's not feeling at all well; has a headache
	and a cold... the first thing he does when we cut to
	him is sneeze...

					KENNELLY
			Sorry...

	He pulls out a handkerchief and blows his nose.
	Picard takes a step to a food replicator.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Ginger tea with honey, very hot.

	The replicator makes it in a cup. Picard brings it
	over. They sit.

					KENNELLY
			Ginger tea?

					PICARD
			My Aunt Rebecca's cure for the
			common cold.

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT ONE       6.

6    CONTINUED:

					KENNELLY
			Common, hell... I picked this up
			from the Cardassian liaison last
			weekend. It's some damn virus
			they've sic'ed on me.

	He inhales the steam from the tea first... his face
	shows some relief...

7    ANGLE

					PICARD
			Did the liaison have anything to
			say about the attack?

	Kennelly sips some tea as he considers his answer a
	beat.

					KENNELLY
			It's an old story for the
			Cardassians. They've had
			terrorist problems since they
			annexed the Bajoran home world
			forty years ago.

					PICARD
			But in forty years, the Bajorans
			have never attacked a Federation
			target...

					KENNELLY
			A new militant splinter group has
			broken away from the Bajoran
			settlement camps. Leader's name
			is Orta. Apparently he's willing
			to do whatever he has to to get
			attention...

					PICARD
			And our response?

					KENNELLY
				(shrugs)
			We're going to give him attention.
				(beat)
			I can't tell you how good this
			feels on my throat...

	Kennelly puts the tea down, sighs... rises, massages
	his head to relieve the pain...

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT ONE         7.

7    CONTINUED:

					KENNELLY
			Listen, I'm the first to say that
			the Bajorans deserve attention...
			chased off their own planet by
			the Cardassians, forced to wander
			the galaxy, settling wherever they
			can find room...

					PICARD
				(acknowledges)
			On many worlds we've been to, they
			are isolated, treated as
			pariahs...

					KENNELLY
			The Federation has great sympathy
			for their cause... but they're
			not helping themselves with an
			attack like this.
				(beat)
			That's what you have to
			communicate to them.

	Picard studies his superior officer, knows there's
	more...

					PICARD
			That could be done through
			diplomatic channels, Admiral...
			what do you really want from us?

	Kennelly nods... takes a beat, then...

					KENNELLY
			Find this terrorist leader,
			Orta... get him back "on the
			reservation"... any way you can.

	Picard blinks... that's a hell of an order... and it's
	one he doesn't care for very much... he almost smiles
	incredulously...

					PICARD
			Any way I can...

					KENNELLY
			The Federation has dozens of
			settlements in that sector. We
			can't allow the violence to
			continue.

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT ONE       8.

7    CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			And what do I have to offer that
			might persuade him to cooperate?

					KENNELLY
			Amnesty.

					PICARD
				(not nearly adequate)
			Admiral...

					KENNELLY
			... and a promise that we will
			immediately begin to address this
			issue with the Cardassians...
			quietly, behind the scenes, using
			every legitimate means... the
			Bajorans have to be patient...

					PICARD
			They have endured generations of
			sympathy and promises. I cannot
			believe this Orta will be
			satisfied with more of the same.

					KENNELLY
			It's your job to see that he is,
			Jean-Luc.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Riker to Captain Picard.

					PICARD
				(to com)
			Go ahead.

									INTERCUT:

8    INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	Riker with A TRANSPORTER OFFICER (COLLINS).

					RIKER
			Captain, have you approved the
			transfer of a new officer to the
			Enterprise?

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Negative...

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT ONE         9.

8    CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Well, I've got one waiting to
			transport aboard...

9    INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(continuing)
			... complete with orders. Ensign
			Ro Laren.

	Riker says it with an edge. He knows who she is. And
	Picard also recognizes the name... reacts...

					PICARD
			Ro Laren? From the Wellington?

	He sees the Admiral signalling his attention...

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			The same one, sir. Should I tell
			her a mistake's been made?

					PICARD
				(re: the Admiral)
			Stand by, Commander.

	Picard looks to the Admiral...

					KENNELLY
			I wrote the orders.
				(off Picard's reaction)
			I thought she'd be valuable to
			you.

					PICARD
			Admiral... respectfully...
				(beat, trying to fashion
				 a polite way of saying
				 this)
			I would appreciate some consulting
			rights on the assignment of a new
			officer... especially someone with
			the record of Ro Laren...

					KENNELLY
			She's Bajoran.

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT ONE         10.

9    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			There are other Bajorans in
			Starfleet... assign one of them...

	With increasing tension...

					KENNELLY
			I've discussed this situation with
			her. I'm convinced she's the
			right one for the job...

					PICARD
			After what happened at Garon Two,
			she has no business serving on
			any starship as far as I'm
			concerned... let alone the
			flagship, my ship...

					KENNELLY
			You're taking her... it's all
			arranged... you have no idea how
			difficult it was to get her out
			of prison.

	Picard stares at the Admiral.

					PICARD
			It's that important to you...

					KENNELLY
			It's that important. To the
			mission.

	A long beat.

					PICARD
			Picard to Riker.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Go ahead.

					PICARD
			Proceed with the transport.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Sir... ?

					PICARD
			I'll fill you in later, Commander.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT ONE      11.

9    CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Yessir.

	The Admiral smiles.

					PICARD
			Admiral, I hope neither of us
			regrets this.

					KENNELLY
			You can handle her, Captain. If
			anyone can.

	Kennelly rises.

					KENNELLY
			I'll be on my way, then. Actually,
			you know, I think I'm feeling
			better.

					PICARD
				(even)
			Aunt Rebecca would be pleased.

10   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Starting on a grim-faced Riker, clearly upset at
	this...

					RIKER
			Energize.

	And as Collins works the controls, move to the
	transporter pad as ENSIGN RO LAREN MATERIALIZES. She
	is an attractive humanoid woman in her late twenties.
	Her eyes gain our first attention, perhaps because her
	brows are not separate but connect in a full line over
	both eyes... the effect is rather sensual and darkly
	intense.

	She carries a 24th-century backpack over one shoulder
	and is dressed in Starfleet red; on one ear she wears
	a silver ring. As she walks off the transporter, she
	hands Riker a disc with her orders. She arrives with
	all the enthusiasm of a plumber arriving to fix your
	toilet just before quitting time.

					RO
			Ensign Ro Laren reporting as
			ordered, Commander.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT ONE      12.

10   CONTINUED:

	Riker never breaks eye contact to look at her disc.

					RIKER
			You'll follow the Starfleet
			uniform code aboard this ship,
			Ensign.

	It takes her just a second to realize that he's talking
	about her earring. And she glances at Collins with
	the incredible smile of a woman who can't believe that
	wherever she goes there is one more asshole waiting to
	get on her case. Collins gives her nothing back.
	Riker silently waits her out.

	She says nothing more, but her eyes lock into his and
	say "the hell with you" as she calmly removes the
	earring. Riker EXITS. She follows.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT TWO      13.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

11   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship at warp.

12   INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Close on Picard, who is with Riker. Picard is unhappy
	about all this.

					RIKER
			There will be members of the crew
			who will not want to serve with
			Ensign Laren, Captain.

					PICARD
			They'll have to learn to live
			with it.

	Riker reacts, has rarely seen his captain with this
	edge.

					RIKER
			I intend to demand the highest
			standards of performance from her.

					PICARD
			I would expect nothing less.

	The chime rings. Picard does not immediately
	acknowledge it. Softer --

					PICARD
			It won't be for long, Will.

	They share a look. Then to the door --

					PICARD
			Come.

	Ro ENTERS.

					PICARD
			Yes, Ensign Laren, please have
			a seat...

					RO
			Ensign Ro. Sir.

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO         14.

12   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I beg your pardon?

	She sits.

					RO
			The Bajoran custom has the family
			name first, the individual's
			second. I am properly addressed
			as Ensign Ro.

					PICARD
				(glances at Riker)
			I'm sorry, I didn't...

					RO
			No reason you should know. It
			is an old custom. Most Bajorans
			these days accept the distortion
			of their names in order to
			assimilate. I do not.

	A beat. Already Ro has them on the defensive.

					PICARD
			I wish to be candid with you,
			Ensign.

					RO
			Please.

					PICARD
			I am fully aware of your Starfleet
			record, your problems on other
			ships, the incident on Garon Two
			that led to your court martial.
			I feel it only fair to inform you
			that I am personally concerned
			about your presence on this most
			critical mission...

					RO
			I don't want to be here any more
			than you want me to be here. Sir.

					RIKER
			Then why did you accept this
			assignment?

					RO
			If I may be equally candid...
			it's better than prison.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO      15.

12   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
				(galled)
			Better than prison. Ensign, there
			are officers who wait years to
			serve aboard this...

					RO
			... being called back into
			Starfleet wasn't my idea...

					RIKER
			... Nor ours...

					RO
			... and I'm not exactly happy about
			it.

	Picard is frustrated by all this... she doesn't fit,
	she doesn't want to be here, she has an attitude...

					PICARD
			Nevertheless...
				(beat)
			... we are going to be serving
			together and I think it would be
			wise for Commander Riker and me
			to clearly voice our expectations
			and...

	She rises.

					RO
			Captain, I know the routine. You
			don't have to worry about me.
			We're stuck with each other.
			Let's get this over with as
			quickly as possible and we'll go
			our separate ways, okay?

	She EXITS. Pointedly after the fact, Picard mutters,
	under his breath...

					PICARD
			Dismissed.

	As Picard and Riker exchange a glance...

13   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship comes out of warp.

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO         16.

13   CONTINUED:

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. We
			are approaching the Valo system
			on the outskirts of Cardassian
			territory, where many Bajorans
			have resettled.

14   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, TROI, Worf, BEVERLY, Ro. Data
	gives a mission update.

					DATA
			There are dozens of Bajoran
			camps on the three M-class
			planets. I suggest we may want
			to begin on Valo Three, where an
			ad hoc leader named Jas Holza
			lives. The Federation has had
			several dealings with him...

					BEVERLY
			I met Holza at a symposium a few
			years ago...

					PICARD
			What can you tell us about him,
			Doctor?

					BEVERLY
				(thinking back)
			I found him to be a very concerned
			leader and a good spokesman for
			his people...
				(beat, remembering)
			And a terrific dancer...

	Reactions from the table.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			Really... at the reception
			afterwards...

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO         17.

14   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			At least this man has genuine
			experience in diplomacy...

					PICARD
				(acknowledges)
			That is not a small advantage on
			this mission... Very well...
			Mister Data, contact Holza,
			arrange a meeting... set a course
			for Valo Three.

					RIKER
			Ensign Ro, you're familiar with
			this star system; take the
			conn...

	Ro looks down, unhappy...

					RIKER
			Is there some problem, Ensign?

					RO
			You're wasting your time.

	All eyes turn to her.

					RO
			Holza is nobody. He's the token
			Bajoran that "respectable"
			people...
				(unsaid: like you)
			... invite to symposiums and
			diplomatic soirees. But he has
			no real influence among my people.

					DATA
			Whom do you suggest we talk to,
			Ensign?

					RO
			Don't you understand? These are
			desperate people. Ready to martyr
			themselves. They don't want to
			talk...

					WORF
			This ship is prepared to defend
			itself if necessary.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO      18.

14   CONTINUED: (2)

					RO
			It will be. Don't fool yourself.
			This mission will end in
			bloodshed.

	A silence.

					PICARD
				(controlled)
			Well. Let us hope you are
			mistaken, Ensign. Now... perhaps
			you could point us in the right
			direction as Mister Data
			suggested.

	And there is something we can notice in Ro... a mixed
	feeling about what she's doing... chalk it up to
	tracking down her own people if you like for now...
	but there is a certain inevitability, a certain regret
	in her tone here... perhaps she knows more than she
	is telling...

					RO
				(a beat)
			I would go to the camp on the
			southern continent of Valo Two...
			find a man named Keeve Falor.
			He has no diplomatic experience.
			And he won't ask you to dance.

	On reactions...

15   EXT. BAJORAN CAMP - DAY (OPTICAL)

	As Picard, Data, Ro, Worf MATERIALIZE against a plain
	desert background... they begin to move forward into
	a new...

16   ANGLE

	to reveal the camp... and it is a devastating sight. A
	collection of several dozen ramshackle huts line the
	barren ground... built from bits and pieces of junk
	and wire and colored tarps... small chicken-like
	animals roam freely... clothes hang on lines that
	string the camp together...

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO         19.

16   CONTINUED:

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. I
			read about the achievements of
			the ancient Bajoran civilization
			in my fifth grade reader... they
			were architects and artists and
			builders and philosophers... when
			humans were not yet standing
			erect.

	Picard takes in the scene before him.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Now I see how history has
			rewarded them...

17   ANGLE

	The children see them. Dirty, ill-clothed... they run
	to the exciting visitors... surround them with
	curiosity and hunger, touch their clothes, make an
	uproarious noise... Picard glances over and studies --

18   RO

	as she looks at these young ones with warmth and pain
	and identification, and one three-year-old child who is
	stark naked looks at her... and she takes off her
	Starfleet jacket, kneels down and wraps it around the
	child. She catches the eye of Picard watching her and
	there is a vulnerability in her we haven't seen before
	as she simply explains...

					RO
			This used to be me.

	(Note: Ro will play the rest of this sequence without a
	jacket, and underneath is a Starfleet issue
	body-shirt.)

					KEEVE (o.c.)
			Baleekam... Balleek... balleek!

19   ANGLE

	to reveal KEEVE FALOR chasing off all the children...
	he is a man in his forties, proud, honest, plain-
	speaking. Like all the Bajorans, he is dressed simply,
	and wears several silver earrings on both ears.

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO         20.

19   CONTINUED:

	There is something critical in his tone to Ro, and she
	is a bit uncomfortable.

					KEEVE
			Ro Laren, it has been a long
			time. We welcome your return.

					RO
			Keeve Falor. Captain Jean-Luc
			Picard. Commander Data and
			Lieutenant Worf.

					PICARD
			Thank you for meeting with us,
			Mister Keeve.

					KEEVE
			You honor me by the proper use
			of my name, Captain.

					PICARD
			Ensign Ro has educated me.

					KEEVE
			Has she. Good.
				(even, to Ro)
			I'm pleased you still remember.

	And she can hear a prick of criticism... suggesting
	that she is not truly one of them at all anymore.

					KEEVE
			Let me show you our camp.

20   ANGLE - WALKING

	Picard and Keeve walk together... Ro a step away. Data
	and Worf walk behind.

					KEEVE
			We are not a violent race,
			Captain. Just passionate about
			our cause. And that passion has
			led some to take up arms.

					PICARD
			Do you know where we can find
			Orta?

					KEEVE
			I'm afraid not.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO      21.

20   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Might you be able to help us
			locate him?

					KEEVE
			I'm sorry. I don't wish to help
			you.

	Picard reacts.

					KEEVE
			Don't misunderstand. I for one
			believe the raid on the Federation
			outpost was poor judgment. You
			are innocent bystanders, and I
			cannot condone violence against
			those who are not our enemies.

					PICARD
			Then I don't understand why you
			are unwilling...

					KEEVE
			Because you are innocent
			bystanders.

	They pause to watch as people wash clothes in water
	falling from an open pipe...

					KEEVE
				(pleasantly)
			You were innocent bystanders for
			decades as the Cardassians took
			our homes... as they violated and
			tortured our people in the most
			hideous ways imaginable... as we
			were forced to flee...

					PICARD
			We were saddened by those
			events... but they occurred within
			the designated borders of the
			Cardassian Empire...

					KEEVE
			... and the Federation is pledged
			not to interfere in the internal
			affairs of others.
					(MORE)

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO         22.

20   CONTINUED: (2)

					KEEVE (cont'd)
			How convenient it must be for you.
			To turn a deaf ear to those who
			suffer behind a line on a map.

					PICARD
			I'm not here to debate Federation
			policy. I am prepared to offer
			assistance...

					KEEVE
			Simply because of one terrorist
			attack? Then perhaps I have been
			wrong. We should have attacked
			the Federation long ago. What
			do you think of that, Ro?

					RO
			I think you are a small man who
			feels a rush of power in his belly
			and enjoys it far too much,
			Keeve. Stop talking and listen.

	He eyes her coldly.

					PICARD
			We have had our own problems with
			the Cardassians... now that there
			is a treaty, we are in a position
			to help. Your people have been
			forced to resettle all over the
			quadrant. We can make a
			legitimate case with the
			Cardassians that this is no longer
			an isolated problem. We will work
			diplomatically on your behalf...
			but first the terrorist attacks
			must end.

	A beat as Keeve considers, then, as an answer...

					KEEVE
			We live in different universes,
			you and I. Yours is about
			diplomacy, politics, strategy.
			Mine is about blankets. If we
			were to exchange places for a
			night, you would better
			understand.

         STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT TWO         23.

20   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Mister Data -- see to it that our
			replicators provide blankets for
			every man, woman and child here
			before nightfall.

					DATA
			Yessir.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, you will determine
			if these people have any other
			emergency needs and provide
			whatever we can...

					WORF
			Aye, sir.

	They move off. Keeve nods his appreciation.

					KEEVE
			Return to your ship. I will
			contact you when I have any
			information that might be of
			assistance. Ensign.

	He bows to Ro and EXITS. Picard and Ro are left
	alone... he studies her and nods and has to tell her...

					PICARD
			You were helpful.

					RO
			The blankets were helpful...
			nothing I said mattered.

	And although it is said in a self-effacing way, it is
	a way to blow off the compliment, to avoid bonding...
	In fact, she is a woman who cannot easily accept a
	compliment.

20A  ANGLE

	Picard moves to take in this setting.

					PICARD
			In an age when their technology
			should be able to feed and clothe
			all of them... that they should
			have to live like this...

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT TWO      24.

20A  CONTINUED:

					RO
			I couldn't. And I wouldn't.
			That's one reason why I ran away.
			They are lost... defeated...

	And he looks at her with new measure as she studies her
	peoples' camp...

					RO
			I will never be.

	And as the

21   ANGLE

	changes to give us the wide perspective of the two of
	them looking over the camp...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

        STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE        25.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

22   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Moving through the Valo system at impulse.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, stardate 45077.8.
			Keeve Falor has kept his promise
			and directed us toward the third
			moon of Valo One... where we will
			meet tomorrow with the terrorist
			leader, Orta.

23   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Beverly and Troi ENTER, see Ro drinking alone at a
	table. They exchange a glance: "C'mon, let's do the
	right thing." They walk over... smile...

					TROI
			Do you mind if we join you?

	Ro glances up...

					RO
			Yes.

	Bev and Troi's smiles fade, they walk on past Geordi
	and Guinan at the bar... and we stay with...

24   GEORDI AND GUINAN

	Mid-conversation...

					GEORDI
			... I'll tell you one thing... if
			I find myself on an away team with
			Ensign Ro... I'll never turn my
			back on her...

					GUINAN
			The captain obviously thought
			she'd be valuable on this mission.

        STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE        26.

24   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
				(shakes his head)
			This was orders. Had to be. She
			doesn't belong here. Doesn't
			belong in the uniform if you ask
			me.

					GUINAN
			Really.

					GEORDI
			Really.

					GUINAN
			Sounds like someone I'd like to
			meet.

	Geordi reacts as Guinan leaves...

25   WITH RO

	as Guinan doesn't ask, she just sits down.

					GUINAN
			Am I disturbing you?

					RO
			Yes.

					GUINAN
			Good. You look like someone who
			wants to be disturbed.

					RO
				(reacts)
			I'd rather be alone.

					GUINAN
			No you wouldn't.

					RO
				(reacts)
			I beg your pardon... ?

					GUINAN
			If you wanted to be alone, you
			would've stayed in your quarters.
			Only reason to come here is to
			be around people.

       STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE       26A.

25   CONTINUED:

	A beat. Obviously there's some truth that Ro has to
	grudgingly acknowledge.

					RO
				(not serious)
			There's always the view...

					GUINAN
			You've been looking at your drink
			all night. How's the view?

        STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT THREE        27.

25   CONTINUED: (2)

					RO
			Who are you?

					GUINAN
			Guinan. I keep the bar. I
			listen.

					RO
			Heard anything interesting?

					GUINAN
			Everyone's talking about you.

					RO
			Heard anything interesting?

					GUINAN
			Uh-huh.

	Ro gives her a sort of defensive grin, hiding pain...

					RO
				(beat)
			It's all true.

					GUINAN
			I've always found that truth is
			in the eye of the beholder.

					RO
			Isn't that supposed to be
			"beauty"?

					GUINAN
			"Truth", "beauty"... works for
			a lot of things.

	Ro actually lets a genuine smile slip through, retreats
	quickly into her drink.

					GUINAN
			They say you never told anyone
			the truth about Galon Two. You
			didn't even defend yourself at
			the court martial.

					RO
			What was to defend? I didn't
			follow orders. Eight members of
			the away team died.

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT THREE     28.

25   CONTINUED: (3)

					GUINAN
			Your fault.

					RO
			My fault.

					GUINAN
			So you sit alone in crowded rooms
			staring at your drink.

	Ro shrugs.

					GUINAN
				(realizing)
			You kind of enjoy it, don't you?

					RO
			Enjoy it... ?

					GUINAN
			You go out of your way to torture
			yourself... You work so hard at
			it, you've gotta love it.

					RO
				(beat)
			Who are you?

					GUINAN
			Guinan. I tend the bar. I
			listen.

	Beat.

					RO
			You're not like any bartender I
			ever met.

					GUINAN
			You're not like any Starfleet
			officer I ever met.
				(beat)
			This might be the start of an
			interesting friendship.

	Guinan rises.

					RO
			I never stay anywhere long enough
			to make friends.

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT THREE     29.

25   CONTINUED: (4)

					GUINAN
			Too late. You just made one.

	She moves back to the bar... leaving Ro to consider
	what just happened.

					FEMALE COM VOICE
			Bridge to Ensign Ro.

					RO
			Go ahead.

					FEMALE COM VOICE
			Subspace communication coming in
			for you, Ensign.

					RO
			Thank you.

	She's still thinking about what Guinan said, exchanges
	a glance with her and EXITS. Hold on Guinan a beat
	then..

26   INT. RO'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	As she ENTERS.

					RO
			Computer, direct subspace
			transmission to monitor...

	As she moves to the monitor, the Starfleet logo is
	displayed... there's a BEEP and... the logo is replaced
	with the picture of Admiral Kennelly at a desk...

					KENNELLY
			Your report, Ensign.

					RO
			Everything's going exactly as you
			predicted, Admiral...

27   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit of a moon.

28   INT. CORRIDOR NEAR TRANSPORTER ROOM

	Picard and Riker on the move...

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT THREE     29A.

28   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Any indications of weapons or
			vessels beneath the surface?

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT THREE     30.

28   CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
				(shakes his head)
			The composition of the moon's
			crust is blocking the sensors...

					PICARD
			... which is very likely why they
			chose this moon for their base
			of operations...

	They enter...

29   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	Worf, Data and Troi are waiting for them. Collins,
	the Transporter Officer, is at the controls.

					RIKER
			We're on a timetable here.
			Where's Ro?

					PICARD
				(keys insignia)
			Captain Picard to Ensign Ro.

	No response.

					DATA
			Computer, locate Ensign Ro.

					COMPUTER VOICE
			Ensign Ro is not on board the
			Enterprise.

					WORF
				(to Collins)
			Check the transport log.

					COLLINS
				(pressing a panel,
				 reacts)
			She beamed down almost six hours
			ago, sir...

					PICARD
				(frowns)
			Mister Collins, any activity at
			the designated site of our
			meeting...

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - ACT THREE     31.

29   CONTINUED:

					COLLINS
				(checking)
			No, sir. They didn't show up...

					RIKER
			What the hell is going on...

	Moving to the transporter pad... to Collins --

					PICARD
			Prepare to transport us to the
			same location Ensign Ro beamed
			to... Mister Worf, phasers...

	They draw their phasers and...

30   INT. MOON CAVES - DAY (OPTICAL)

	A rocky, claustrophobic area... narrow passages go off
	in several directions.

	The away team MATERIALIZES... phasers drawn... there
	is no activity... Data pulls out a tricorder, takes
	readings...

					DATA
			The tricorder is picking up
			molecular displacement traces...
			it suggests movement through
			this area during the last ten
			hours...

					PICARD
			See if we can determine their
			direction... Standard search
			pattern...

					WORF
			Maintain tricorder security
			link.

	The group spreads out, each using a tricorder...

	PICARD AND WORF

	move one way through the shadows of the rocks...
	measuring with the tricorder...

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT THREE     32.

31A  DATA AND TROI

	do the same. After a beat, Troi kneels down to check
	a tricorder reading by a cave...

					TROI
			Data, I'm picking up energy
			fluctuations over here...
				(keys insignia)
			Troi to Picard.
				(a beat, reacts)
			Captain, acknowledge...

	She exchanges a concerned glance with Data... he keys
	his combadge...

					DATA
			Data to Picard... Data to Worf...

	They're already on the move... back toward Picard and
	Worf...

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT THREE     33.

31B
thru	OMITTED
34

35   ANGLE

	As they round a bend, Data and Troi see Picard and
	Worf... bound and gagged and at phaser point... Data
	and Troi react as more Bajorans terrorists appear from
	the shadows, moving up behind them... Troi and Data
	have no choice, they drop their phasers and allow
	themselves to be taken prisoner. And we:

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - ACT FOUR      34.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

36   INT. CAVES

	as before.

37   RO

	ENTERS with a person whose face is shrouded. This
	is ORTA. He moves away from her to confront Picard...
	he speaks through a voice box that is implanted in the
	side of his neck... it is an eerily metallic sounding
	voice...

					ORTA
			Captain Picard... I am Orta.
			Please excuse my appearance.
			Unfortunately, as a guest of the
			Cardassians some years ago, my
			face... was mutilated... my vocal
			cords cut.

					PICARD
			Abducting us was not necessary.

					ORTA
			I'm sorry. But after speaking
			with Ro Laren, I decided that it
			was.

					PICARD
			Then she has done us both a
			disservice. For I am committed
			to peace.

					ORTA
			I am not at all interested in
			peace. And I am not convinced
			you are, either.

	And now Ro moves forward...

					RO
				(to Picard)
			Captain, I did not come here to
			undermine the mission...

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR      35.

37   CONTINUED:

	And Picard is livid with her... he is diplomatically
	controlled, but there is a cutting edge in his voice...

					PICARD
			Ensign, whatever your motives,
			you have already done enough
			damage to these negotiations.
			With your permission, Orta, I will
			have her transported back to my
			ship.

					RO
			I came here to convince these
			people to listen to you... I
			didn't want this to end in
			bloodshed...

					PICARD
				(losing patience, to
				 Orta)
			There will be no bloodshed...

					RO
			You don't know all the facts,
			Sir.

	Picard turns to face her...

					PICARD
			Perhaps you could share them
			with me.

	She wilts from his stare... finds herself in personal
	conflict, confused loyalties, secret orders... there is
	much she cannot tell him. Orta answers before she has
	a chance to.

					ORTA
			Ro Laren is attempting to protect
			the interests of two worlds,
			Captain. She finds herself
			uncomfortably caught between them.

					PICARD
			If you wish her to remain, I will
			agree, but she is not helping
			matters by fostering distrust
			between us...

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR      36.

37   CONTINUED: (2)

					ORTA
			I believe her concerns are
			justified.

					PICARD
			I can assure you....

					ORTA
				(interrupting)
			All is not what it seems to be,
			Captain. Perhaps someone is using
			you to get to me... perhaps you
			are a victim of this deception
			as well, I do not know.

					PICARD
			Deception?

					ORTA
			Your mission was to seek out the
			Barjoran terrorists who destroyed
			the Federation settlement on
			Solarion Four...

					PICARD
			Yes...

					ORTA
			As I have informed Ro Laren --
			it was not the Bajorans.

	Off Picard's reaction...

38   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit around the moon.

39   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker is at command. The turbolift opens and the
	away team ENTERS in mid-conversation... Picard
	pointedly is not participating, moves slowly
	toward his ready room.

					WORF
			... he admits responsibility for
			dozens of attacks on Cardassian
			targets. Why should we believe
			him about Solarion Four?

     STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR     36A.

39   CONTINUED:

					RO
			He has no reason to lie.

					WORF
			He fears our reprisal.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR      37.

39   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			I didn't perceive fear or
			deception from him.

					WORF
			If they did not attack Solarion
			Four, who did? And why would
			anyone want to falsely implicate
			the Bajorans?

					DATA
			Perhaps someone wanted to draw
			us into this conflict...

					RO
			But what would anyone have to
			gain by that... ?

					PICARD
				(interrupting)
			Ensign. May I see you in my ready
			room?

					RO
			Yessir.

	She follows him.

40   INT. READY ROOM

	Picard ENTERS, jaw tight, controlled... turns on a dime
	the moment they enter... eye to eye with Ro.

					PICARD
			You do not leave this ship without
			authorization.

					RO
			Captain, I'm sorry, but...

					PICARD
			This is not a discussion. You're
			restricted to your quarters for
			the remainder of the mission.

	A beat as she stares at him incredulously...

					PICARD
			Dismissed.

	She EXITS.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR      38.

40A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Continuous action as she makes the long walk to the
	turbolift... avoiding eye contact with the others.

40B  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Still in orbit of the moon.

40C  INT. RO'S QUARTERS

	She lays on her bunk staring at the ceiling, tight...
	trying to find some answers... feeling humiliated...
	a door chime... she ignores it. Again.

					RO
			What?

	The door opens. Guinan ENTERS.

					GUINAN
			Heard you'd been grounded.

					RO
			I really don't feel like talking
			right now.

					GUINAN
			Sure you do.

					RO
				(exasperated)
			How come every time I tell you
			something you tell me I really
			mean the exact opposite?

					GUINAN
			You're one of those people who's
			got their poles reversed... you
			take a little unscrambling, but
			I've had a lot of practice.

	Ro sighs. Guinan sits.

					GUINAN
			So what do you feel like talking
			about?

					RO
			Nothing you can help me with.

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR      39.

40C  CONTINUED:

					GUINAN
			Never know until you try.

					RO
			I got myself into this. I'm just
			trying to figure a way out.
			That's all.
				(meaningful beat,
				 softer)
			Without anyone getting killed this
			time.

	And that's real. That's from pain. A beat.

					RO
			Seems like everybody's always just
			pulling my strings... that I've
			got no control.

					GUINAN
			For people like you and me...
			who lose our homes... that's how
			life feels sometimes...

					RO
			You?

					GUINAN
			My people lost their homeworld
			too.

	Ro realizes she's talking to someone who understands
	her, decides to confide in Guinan... at least part
	of the way...

					RO
				(beat)
			I'm in trouble.

	Guinan looks at her silently... gives her room to
	continue...

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FOUR      40.

40C  CONTINUED: (2)

					RO
			There's more going on here than
			anyone on this ship knows... it's
			more than I know how to deal with.
			And I don't know who to trust...

					GUINAN
			Including yourself.

					RO
			Especially myself.

	Beat.

					GUINAN
			I was in serious trouble once.
			More than I could handle alone.

					RO
			What kind of trouble?

					GUINAN
			Not important now. Not yet. What
			is important is that I'd still
			be caught up in it to this day...
			if I hadn't trusted one man...

40D  INT. READY ROOM

	Picard at his desk studying his monitor... chime...

					PICARD
			Come.

	The door opens and Guinan leads Ro in. Picard reacts.

					GUINAN
			Ensign Ro has some things to talk
			to you about.

					PICARD
			Ensign Ro has been confined to
			her quarters.

					GUINAN
			She can go right back to her
			quarters when she's done.

        STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR        41.

40D  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Guinan, I don't know why you are
			involved in this, but...

					GUINAN
			She's my friend.

	And she gives Picard an even look and EXITS. Picard
	muses a beat, looks at Ro, decides to proceed.

					PICARD
			I have found that Guinan is very
			selective about whom she calls
			a friend.
				(a beat)
			Sit down.

	They sit.

					RO
			Sir, when I'm finished telling
			you what I have to tell you...
			I'm probably gonna wind up back
			in the stockade. And if that's
			how it has to be...
				(she shrugs, so be it)
			I just can't do this anymore.

					PICARD
			What is it you can't do anymore,
			Ensign?

					RO
			Admiral Kennelly came to me in
			prison... told me he'd arrange
			to get me out if I'd accept a
			mission...

					PICARD
			That part I know.

					RO
			Nossir. Not this mission. One
			for him and only him.
				(off Picard's reaction)
			You were being sent to talk, to
			negotiate... the Admiral knew that
			was hopeless... My job was to
			give Orta an incentive...

					PICARD
			What kind of incentive... ?

        STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR        42.

40D  CONTINUED: (2)

					RO
			One that you couldn't offer.
			That Starfleet couldn't offer.
			Orta was to end the terrorism
			against the Federation. Return
			with his people to the camps.
			In return he would get...
				(a serious admission)
			Weapons. Ships. Things that
			could really make a difference
			against the Cardassians in the
			future.

	A silence. Picard tries to digest this.

					PICARD
			I find that... almost impossible
			to believe. To suggest that
			Admiral Kennelly would consider
			sending weapons to terrorists...

					RO
			If you ask him, he will deny it.
			But it's true. I didn't leave
			the ship without authorization...
			I received it last night from the
			Admiral.

					PICARD
			You have been in contact with
			Admiral Kennelly during this
			mission?

					RO
			Yessir. The subspace log can
			confirm that part of it at least.

	A beat. Picard rises... trying to make some sense of
	this...

					PICARD
			Arming these people would be a
			violation of all that the
			Federation stands for. You cannot
			be blind to that...

					RO
			Nossir. I'm not. But this was
			something... I had to do.
				(beat)
			When I was seven years old...
					(MORE)

        STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR        43.

40D  CONTINUED: (3)

					RO (cont'd)
			I was given a piece of sugar candy
			and led by a Cardassian into a
			room. My father was sitting
			inside. And he looked at me with
			eyes I'd never seen... And then
			the Cardassian began to ask him
			questions... and during the next
			two hours as I was forced to
			watch, my father was tortured
			until he died. I remember feeling
			so... ashamed... as my father
			begged for mercy... I was ashamed
			of him for being so weak. I was
			ashamed of being Bajoran. Later
			I began to understand how
			misguided those feelings were.
			And yet somehow they have remained
			a part of me. I do not want to
			be ashamed of my heritage any
			longer.
				(beat)
			I serve the Federation. But I
			am Bajoran. A Starfleet admiral
			presented me with an opportunity
			to help my people in their fight
			against the Cardassians. I had
			to accept it.

	Picard studies her...

					PICARD
			Have you made this offer to Orta?

					RO
			No. After he told me the Bajorans
			had not attacked Solarion Four...
			nothing made sense anymore. I
			decided to wait until I could
			figure out what was going on...

	Picard rises...

					PICARD
			That was a wise choice, Ensign.
			It probably saved you from another
			court martial.

	A silent beat.

        STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FOUR        44.

40D  CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD
			Have you briefed Admiral Kennelly
			since our return from the surface?

					RO
			Nossir. Captain, I don't know
			who to trust anymore...

					PICARD
			Then why did you come to me?

					RO
			That strange bartender of yours...
			She has a way of getting to you,
			you know?
				(Picard nods)
			She said you were her friend.

					PICARD
			It seems we find ourselves with...
			something in common.
				(a thoughtful beat)
			Do you think Orta would cooperate
			with us to determine the truth
			here?

					RO
			I think I can persuade him.

					PICARD
			Good.
				(beat)
			Our orders were to find him, bring
			him back to the camps... any way
			we could... perhaps that is
			exactly what we should do.

					RO
			And then what?

					PICARD
			And then watch what happens.

	Off her reaction...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

      STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE      45.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

41   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Still in orbit around the moon.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. I
			have become convinced that we are
			somehow involved in a conspiracy.
			I am hopeful the purpose behind
			it will be revealed in the next
			few hours.

42   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Kennelly is on the big screen. He still has his cold,
	and a hoarse throat. Picard, Riker, Worf, Data at
	their positions. Ro is at the conn.

					KENNELLY
			Well done, Captain.

					PICARD
			It was a team effort, Admiral.
			Ensign Ro proved invaluable.

					KENNELLY
			Good. What's the next step?

					PICARD
			The Enterprise will escort a
			Bajoran Antares-class carrier
			to the Valo Three camp at oh-five
			hundred hours... Orta and his
			people will be aboard.

					KENNELLY
			Keep us advised of your progress.

					PICARD
			Acknowledged.
				(beat)
			How's that Cardassian virus,
			Admiral?

					KENNELLY
				(smiles)
			A little better, thanks.

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          46.

42   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Good. We will report as soon as
			our mission is accomplished.
			Picard out.

	The screen returns to starfield.

					RIKER
			Ensign Ro, take us to the
			designated coordinates...

					RO
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			Mister Data...

	A beat. He sits in command.

					DATA
			Yes, Captain?

					PICARD
				(thoughtful)
			Keep an eye on the Cardassian
			border, will you?

					DATA
			Aye, sir.

43   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	At impulse moving out of orbit...

44   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

					WORF
			The Bajoran vessel is moving up
			from the surface, Captain.

					PICARD
			On screen.

	The viewscreen shows a smallish, older carrier moving
	up from the moon...

					PICARD
			Hail them, Mister Worf...

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/26/91 - ACT FIVE          47.

44   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Audio channel open... the ship
			has no visual capabilities.

					PICARD
			This is Captain Picard, we are
			prepared to escort you to Valo
			Three...

					FEMALE VOICE
			Acknowledged, Captain. Be advised
			that our ship is limited to half
			impulse...

					PICARD
			Ensign Ro, set a course for Valo
			Three... half impulse.

					RO
			Aye, sir.

					PICARD
			Engage.

45   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As it escorts the Bajoran ship at half impulse.

46   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					DATA
			I am monitoring increased activity
			inside Cardassian space... two
			ships are moving along the
			border... heading one-four-two
			mark zero-five-one...

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, can you identify the
			class of these ships?

					WORF
			Cardassian warships... Galor
			class, type three...

					RIKER
			Top of the line...

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          48.

46   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			They are moving into a course
			parallel to our own, Captain.

	Picard glances at Riker... he expected something like
	this...

					PICARD
			Yellow alert. Continue to monitor
			them...

					RIKER
			Ensign Ro, what's the closest we
			get to the Cardassian border on
			the current heading to Valo
			Three?

					RO
			Thirteen thousand, four hundred
			kilometers, sir.

					RIKER
			E-T-A?

					RO
			Eight minutes.

	Riker glances at Picard, who acknowledges...

					PICARD
			That's where it will be.

47   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As before, escorting the Bajoran ship.

48   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					DATA
			The Cardassian ships are changing
			course... they are crossing the
			border...

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FIVE         48A.

48   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			They're increasing power to
			forward weapon grids...

					RIKER
			Red alert.

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          49.

48   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Ensign Ro... change course to
			intercept the Cardassians... open
			channel to the Bajoran vessels...

					WORF
			Open.

					PICARD
			This is the Enterprise. We are
			moving to intercept two Cardassian
			warships... maintain your present
			course and speed.

					FEMALE VOICE
			Acknowledged, Enterprise.

					WORF
			Cardassians are in visual range.

					PICARD
			On screen.

49   ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	to include the viewscreen as the warships move into
	view...

					WORF
			We are being hailed by the
			Cardassians...

					PICARD
			Open a channel, Mister Worf.

50   OMITTED

51   A CARDASSIAN CAPTAIN (OPTICAL)

	appears on the viewscreen. With great diplomacy...

					PICARD
			I am Jean-Luc Picard of the
			Federation Starship Enterprise...
			how can I help you?

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          50.

51   CONTINUED:

					DOLAK
			Gul Dolak, Cardassian Militia Four
			One. We have no argument with
			you, Captain...

					PICARD
			I'm pleased to hear that, Gul
			Dolak, for all of us in the
			Federation value the peaceful
			relations with our Cardassian
			neighbors.

					DOLAK
			No more than we value the
			relations with our Federation
			neighbors.

					PICARD
			Good. Now that we've established
			our mutual good will... what's
			on your mind?

					DOLAK
			We have identified the Bajoran
			ship you are escorting as a
			terrorist carrier...

					PICARD
			Terrorist carrier... are you
			certain?

					DOLAK
			Most certain, Captain. It has
			committed many crimes against
			us... we know its markings
			well...

					PICARD
			Well, rest assured, there will
			be no terrorist attacks today.
			We are escorting these Bajoran
			settlers to the camp on Valor
			Three. You may monitor their
			course if you wish.

					DOLAK
			We would request that you
			withdraw... and leave the matter
			to us.

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          51.

51   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			This is neutral space, Gul Dolak.
			You have no jurisdiction here.

					DOLAK
			Nor do you.

					PICARD
			If we withdraw, what do you intend
			to do to the Bajoran vessel?

					DOLAK
			We intend to destroy it.

					PICARD
			I see. Well, that puts me in a
			difficult position. I've promised
			to escort these people to their
			camps.

					DOLAK
			You are protecting the enemies
			of the Cardassian people... if
			you do not withdraw, we will take
			great offense...

					PICARD
				(beat)
			I'm sorry to offend you, Gul
			Dolak. But I cannot withdraw.

					DOLAK
			We are prepared to take any steps
			necessary.

					PICARD
			Is that intended as a threat?

					DOLAK
			It is a complaint. From your
			Cardassian neighbors. You have
			one hour to withdraw. Dolak out.

	The Cardassian ships return to the viewscreen.

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          52.

52   OMITTED

53   CLOSE ON PICARD

					PICARD
			Advise Starfleet of our status,
			Mister Data.
				(beat, rising)
			When Admiral Kennelly calls, I'll
			speak to him in my ready room.

54   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	with the two Cardassian ships in stalemate. The
	Bajoran vessel has moved out of view.

55   INT. CAPT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)

	Kennelly on the monitor...

					PICARD
			It seemed, Admiral, that they knew
			our course, our destination, our
			plan...

					KENNELLY
				("unconvinced")
			I'm sure they monitor the border
			at all times for terrorist
			activity... their sensors just
			picked up Orta's ship, that's
			all...

					PICARD
			I'm not convinced of that...

					KENNELLY
			The important thing is, what do
			we do now?

					PICARD
			Any suggestions, Admiral?

					KENNELLY
			You have to protect the Cardassian
			peace, that's our top priority.

					PICARD
			Sir, I see no way to protect the
			Cardassian peace without
			sacrificing the Bajorans.

             STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FIVE            53.

55   CONTINUED:

					KENNELLY
			If that's your call, I'll support
			it.

	Picard's eyes go cold... he studies the miserable,
	manipulative son of a bitch.

					PICARD
			No. I'm not willing to give them
			up.

					KENNELLY
			You're not looking at the big
			picture, Jean-Luc... we can't
			afford to lose the Cardassian
			treaty...

					PICARD
			Well, I just see a different big
			picture, Admiral... it looks
			something like this...
				(beat)
			I see the Cardassian liaison, with
			his Cardassian virus, coming to
			meet with you after the attack
			on Solarion Four. Now, we have
			a mutual enemy, he says. The
			Bajoran terrorists. The
			Cardassians can't find them. But
			maybe the Federation can. I am
			beginning to see that our mission
			has been, in fact, to expose
			Orta... so the Cardassians could
			move in and destroy him.

					KENNELLY
				(softly, unyielding)
			I think you've lost your
			perspective, Captain. We'll
			discuss it further when you
			return. For now, I'm giving you
			a direct order to withdraw.
			Kennelly out.

	The Starfleet logo returns. Picard reacts.

56   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard ENTERS.

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          54.

56   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Ensign Ro, set a course, bearing
			one-eight-seven mark
			one-zero-two... one quarter
			impulse.

	Ro glances, makes eye contact with Picard...

					RO
			Aye, sir.

	Picard sits in command...

					RIKER
			He ordered us to withdraw?

	Picard nods silently. Riker looks back to the
	viewscreen.

57   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Moves off from the Cardassians.

58   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					WORF
			The Cardassians are moving toward
			the Bajoran vessel, Captain.

					PICARD
			Hold present course.

59   EXT. SPACE - THE CARDASSIAN SHIPS (OPTICAL)

	swoop down toward the Bajoran vessel... fire several
	rounds... the Bajoran vessel explodes.

60   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					WORF
			The Bajoran ship has been
			destroyed.

	Ro reacts. Picard nods, it's done.

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          55.

60   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Subspace transmission coming from
			Starfleet, Captain. Admiral
			Kennelly.

					PICARD
			On screen.

					DATA
			It is on a secure channel.
			Perhaps in your ready room,
			Captain?

					PICARD
			No. Here. On screen.

61   ANGLE - TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Kennelly appears.

					KENNELLY
			Report.

					PICARD
			The Cardassians have destroyed
			the Bajoran ship.

					KENNELLY
				(nods, "regretfully")
			All hands lost... ?

					PICARD
			No, sir.

					KENNELLY
			Survivors?

					PICARD
			No, sir. No one was on board.

					KENNELLY
			What are you talking about?

					PICARD
			The ship was controlled from the
			ground. Communications were
			handled through a subspace relay
			aboard the vessel.

					KENNELLY
			This was your idea, Picard?


          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE         55A.

61   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Actually, no... this was Ensign
			Ro's idea... but I fully endorsed
			it. I suspected that something
			like this might occur.

             STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - 7/18/91 - ACT FIVE            56.

61   CONTINUED:

					KENNELLY
			They're terrorists, dammit. Why
			the hell would you want to protect
			them?

					PICARD
			I am more concerned with
			protecting the honor and integrity
			of Starfleet.

					KENNELLY
			Do you know how many of our people
			they killed on Solarion Four?

					PICARD
			The Bajorans did not attack Solarion
			Four.

					KENNELLY
			Is that what Orta told you?

					PICARD
			Yes.

					KENNELLY
			And you believed him?

					PICARD
			Admiral, Orta's ships are old and
			obsolete. They do not have warp
			capabilities. They could not have
			reached another star system...
			let alone attack one.

	That revelation hits Kennelly pretty hard... he blinks
	for the first time.

					KENNELLY
			But then who was responsible?

					PICARD
			I would suggest you ask your
			friend the Cardassian liaison,
			Admiral. The only explanation
			I can think of is that the
			Cardassians staged it.

					KENNELLY
			The Cardassians. Why?

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          57.

61   CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Perhaps they were hoping to find
			someone in Starfleet like you,
			Admiral, who would be foolish
			enough to solve their Bajoran
			problem for them.

	Admiral Kennelly's nonplussed face stares out from
	the viewscreen... various reactions from our crew...
	ending with Ensign Ro.

62   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	In orbit around Valo Two.

63   EXT. BAJORAN CAMP - DAY (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Ro walk...

					RO
			What will happen to him?

					PICARD
			I'm not sure. A hearing,
			definitely. Perhaps a court
			martial.

					RO
			If he's sent to the stockade on
			Jaros Two, tell him to request
			a room in the east wing... the
			west wing gets awfully hot in the
			afternoon.
				(beat)
			How soon do you intend to return
			to Lya Station Alpha, sir?

					PICARD
			A few weeks. We have some
			surveying to do in sector
			two-one-three-oh-five.

					RO
			Then, perhaps I should arrange
			for other transportation back.

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/25/91 - ACT FIVE          58.

63   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Ensign, you were recruited for
			one mission and if you wish to
			be relieved of further duty, I
			will approve it. But I'd like
			you to consider remaining in
			Starfleet.

					RO
				(reacts)
			You're not serious.

					PICARD
			It would be a shame for Starfleet
			to lose someone with your
			potential.

					RO
				(heartfelt)
			Thank you.
				(reality beat)
			But this uniform... it just
			doesn't fit, Captain... and you
			know it.

					PICARD
			That can change.

					RO
			I don't think so.

					PICARD
			I've observed a certain quality
			about you that... might be
			harnessed, molded...

					RO
			... don't count on it...

          STAR TREK: "Ensign Ro" - REV. 7/19/91 - ACT FIVE          59.

63   CONTINUED: (2)

	Exasperated.

					PICARD
			There's still a lot you can learn
			from Starfleet, Ensign.

					RO
			I've always thought Starfleet
			could learn a lot from me,
			Captain.

					PICARD
				(beat)
			That is an attitude I have found
			to be common among the best
			officers I've served with.
				(beat)
			You are not one of those officers,
			Ensign, but you might be
			someday... if you decide to work
			at it.

					RO
			An interesting challenge, sir.
			And I rarely refuse an interesting
			challenge.
				(a beat)
			There would be one condition.

					PICARD
			Condition... ?

	She attaches her silver earing to her ear. Picard
	studies her and nods.

					PICARD
			Picard to Enterprise. Two to beam
			up.

	And as they DEMATERIALIZE...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             


