











                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                      "Preemptive Strike" 
                    (fka "The Good Fight") 
                          #40277-276 
                              
                           Story by 
                         Naren Shankar 
                              
                          Teleplay by 
                        Rene Echevarria 
                              
                          Directed by 
                        Patrick Stewart 


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 This script is not for publication or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

                        MARCH 1, 1994

       STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - 03/01/94 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                      "Preemptive Strike" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD                  ENSIGN RO
                RIKER                   KALITA
                DATA                    MACIAS
                BEVERLY                 NECHAYEV
                TROI                    GUL EVEK
                WORF                    SANTOS
                GEORDI             
                COMPUTER VOICE     
                Non-Speaking            Non-Speaking
                  N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES     N.D SETTLERS

       STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - 03/01/94 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                      "Preemptive Strike" 
                       
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              BRIDGE
              TEN FORWARD              MAQUIS SETTLEMENT
              SICKBAY
              READY ROOM
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              RO'S QUARTERS
          
              ALIEN BAR
          
              MAQUIS SETTLEMENT
                MEETING ROOM
          
              RO'S MAQUIS SHIP
              SANTOS' MAQUIS SHIP

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike... " - 03/01/94 - PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                      "Preemptive Strike"
                           
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                 FORAIGA           four-AYE-guh
                 JUHRYAN           juh-RYE-uhn
                 BULARIAN          bull-AIR-ee-un
                 RONARA            ruh-NAH-ruh
                 JAROS             JAW-rohs
                 HASPERAT          HAS-per-uht
                 TOPIN             TOE-pin
                 HUGORA            hugh-GO-ruh
                 BELAKLAVION       bell-uh-KLAV-ee-on
                 KLAVION           KLAV-ee-on

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - TEASER   1.

                STAR TREK: The Next Generation                  
                     "Preemptive Strike"                           
                            TEASER                              

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it travels at impulse.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, Stardate 47941.7.
			The Enterprise is en route to a
			briefing on the situation in the
			Demilitarized Zone along the
			Cardassian border. Meanwhile, we
			are celebrating the return of an
			old friend.

2    INT. TEN FORWARD

	where a reception is in progress for RO LAREN --
	there's a buffet table, drinks, and some quiet music in
	the background.

	Everyone's excited about seeing Ro, and when she
	ENTERS, she is approached by TROI, BEVERLY and GEORDI.
	She's not entirely comfortable about the fuss that's
	being made over her.

					BEVERLY
			Welcome home.

					RO
			Thanks. It's good to be back.

	Troi gestures to Ro's new collar pip.

					TROI
			Congratulations on your promotion --
			Lieutenant.

	And Ro returns the gesture --

					RO
			Same to you -- Commander.

					TROI
			Thank you.

					GEORDI
				(teasing)
			I hear Advanced Tactical Training
			is a real picnic...

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER   2.

2    CONTINUED:

	Geordi is obviously teasing her in order to give her
	the chance to tell them something about what she's been
	up to, but Ro just smiles wryly at his comment.

					RO
			Right...

	There's a slight lull in the conversation.

					BEVERLY
			Did you see the buffet?

					TROI
			Yes, that's real Bajoran foraiga.

					GEORDI
			It wasn't easy to find.

					RO
			You shouldn't have gone to all
			this trouble...

	The others wave her comment off.

3    ON PICARD

	Ro sees him walking out of Ten Forward -- the one
	person she might have wanted to spend time with.

4    RESUME SCENE

	Where the conversation is at a bit of a standstill.

					TROI
			Where are your new quarters?

					RO
			Deck eight, section four.

	Again, Ro doesn't take the conversational opportunity --
	she's just not good at these sorts of gatherings.

					BEVERLY
			What do you plan to --

	Suddenly Picard's COM VOICE interrupts.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Picard to Lieutenant Ro.

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER   3.

4    CONTINUED:

					RO
				(hits combadge)
			Go ahead, sir.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			Please report to the Bridge.

					RO
			Yes, sir.
				(to the others)
			Excuse me.

	We follow Ro as she crosses to the door, and EXITS to --

5    INT. CORRIDOR

	where she's surprised to find Picard standing there
	waiting for her with a faint smile on his face.

					RO
			Captain...

					PICARD
			You seemed a bit overwhelmed by
			all the attention... I thought you
			could use a break.

	She smiles when he realizes that he pulled her away as
	a favor.

					RO
			To tell you the truth, I could...
			I want to see everyone, but I
			think I'd rather do it one at a
			time.

	Picard acknowledges that he understands. It's obvious
	that they're both very happy to see each other.

					PICARD
			You're looking fit, Lieutenant.
			Tactical Training must have agreed
			with you.

					RO
			You know me -- I enjoy a
			challenge.

					PICARD
			That school is more than a
			challenge. Half the class washes
			out every year.
					(MORE)

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER   4.

5    CONTINUED:

					PICARD (Cont'd)
				(beat)
			Somehow I knew you wouldn't be one
			of those.

					RO
			I want you to know I appreciate
			your recommending me.
				(beat)
			If it weren't for you, sir -- my
			life would be a much different one
			right now.

	Picard smiles at her. He has an almost paternal
	feeling about this young renegade.

	Suddenly RIKER'S COM VOICE interrupts.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
				(urgent)
			Bridge to Captain --

					PICARD
				(hits combadge)
			Go ahead.

6    INT. BRIDGE

	where Riker has the Bridge. N.D.s as needed.

					RIKER
			We're receiving a distress signal
			from a Cardassian ship near the
			Demilitarized Zone.

7    INT. CORRIDOR

					PICARD
			Change course to intercept -- I'm
			on my way.
				(to Ro)
			I'd like you at the Conn,
			Lieutenant.

	They head off down the corridor.

8    INT. BRIDGE

	as Picard and Ro ENTER from the Turbolift and take
	their positions. We're at red alert. WORF is at
	Tactical, DATA at Ops.

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - TEASER   5.

8    CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Report.

					RIKER
			The Cardassian ship relayed a
			distress signal but it was cut off
			before they could tell us what was
			wrong.

					RO
			I've got the ship on long-range
			sensors.
				(beat)
			It appears to be under attack --
			by several small ships.

					PICARD
			Can you identify them?

					RO
			No, sir. They aren't transmitting
			identification codes.

					DATA
			I will scan their warp signatures.

	A beat as Data works...

					DATA
			Sir, sensors indicate that the
			attacking vessels are Federation
			ships.

	Off this moment --

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  6.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

          (NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)            

9    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it hurtles by at impulse.

10   INT. BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)

					RO
			We're coming into visual range.

					PICARD
			On screen.

	On the VIEWSCREEN we see a Cardassian ship being
	strafed by several smaller MAQUIS SHIPS -- Picard and
	Riker react to their appearance.

					RIKER
			Those are Federation ships.

					PICARD
			Isolate one and magnify.

	On the Viewscreen we see one of the Maquis ships closer
	up -- it does not have Starfleet markings, or markings
	of any kind. Picard recognizes it anyway.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			The Maquis...
				(beat, grim)
			Open a channel.

	Worf works his console, indicates a channel is open.

					PICARD
			To all Maquis ships -- call off
			your attack or we will be forced
			to engage you.

	After a moment --

					WORF
			No response.

	Picard is not happy about this.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  6A.

10   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			You are Federation citizens. Your
			actions are in violation of our
			treaty with the Cardassians. Call
			off your attack.

	Again, no response. Picard is left with no other
	choice.

					PICARD
			Are we in firing range?

					WORF
			Not yet, sir.

					PICARD
			Arm phasers and photon torpedoes
			and stand by.

					RIKER
			I never thought we'd be firing on
			our own people to protect a
			Cardassian ship...

					DATA
			The Maquis ships are regrouping...
			they are closing in on the
			Cardassian vessel.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  7.

10   CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
				(off console)
			The Cardassian's shields are down
			to thirty percent.

					RIKER
			They may not be able to withstand
			another hit.

					WORF
			Sir, we are within weapons range.

					PICARD
			Mister Worf, can you detonate a
			torpedo spread between the Maquis
			ships and the Cardassians?

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

					PICARD
			Do it.

	Worf works his console and hears the SOUND of the
	torpedoes firing --

11   EXT. SPACE - STOCK SHOT (OPTICAL)

	as the torpedoes shoot out from the ship's hull.

12   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	Two Maquis ships are in frame, flying in formation.
	Suddenly a photon burst dead ahead causes them to veer
	sharply away and scatter.

13   INT. BRIDGE

					WORF
			The Maquis are breaking formation --
			they are withdrawing.

	Picard and Riker share a look of relief.

					PICARD
			Signal the Cardassians that we're
			standing by to assist them if they
			have any wounded.

	OFF this moment...

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  8.

14   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	near the Cardassian ship.

15   INT. SICKBAY

	where Beverly is treating GUL EVEK, last seen in
	"Journey's End."

	Several other N.D. CARDASSIANS are being treated by
	N.D. Starfleet Personnel in the background, and Evek
	keeps looking around to make sure they're all right,
	making Beverly's task that much tougher.

					GUL EVEK
			Do your people have experience
			treating Cardassians?

					BEVERLY
			Yes. Now please, sit still.

	Evek lets out a frustrated breath. Picard ENTERS and
	approaches. Beverly moves off to treat someone else.

					PICARD
			Gul Evek. I'm sorry we weren't
			able to come to your aid sooner.

	Gul Evek's response is far from grateful --

					GUL EVEK
			I suppose we're lucky you came at
			all... lately Starfleet seems to
			look the other way when the Maquis
			attack.

					PICARD
			I assure you that's not the case.
			We're doing everything we can to
			control them.

					GUL EVEK
				(with cold irony)
			The fact that they attacked my
			ship suggests your efforts have
			met with limited success.

	He fixes Picard with a look.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  9.

15   CONTINUED:

					GUL EVEK
			The Maquis came at us with photon
			torpedoes and type eight phasers --
			tell me, Captain, how do you
			suppose a group of civilians
			acquired that kind of weaponry?

					PICARD
			It was certainly not through
			official channels.

					GUL EVEK
			You don't think the fact that some
			of the Maquis are former Starfleet
			officers has anything to do with
			it?

	Picard's had just about enough of Gul Evek's
	accusations.

					PICARD
			Starfleet does not condone the
			Maquis' actions in the
			Demilitarized Zone.
				(beat)
			Any more than your government
			condones paramilitary actions by
			Cardassian civilians.

					GUL EVEK
			We have taken measures to deal
			with our colonists who have armed
			themselves.

	Picard throws Evek's words back at him --

					PICARD
			Considering that they destroyed a
			Juhryan freighter less than a week
			ago, I'd say your efforts have met
			with limited success.

	Evek leans in to Picard --

					GUL EVEK
			Give our military the right to
			operate in the Zone for one week,
			and we'll put a stop to
			paramilitary activity once and for
			all.

					PICARD
			What you're proposing would only
			perpetuate the cycle of violence.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  10.

15   CONTINUED: (2)

					GUL EVEK
			Captain, if the Maquis aren't
			stopped, this situation is going
			to escalate to the point where the
			Cardassian military will have no
			choice but to take matters into
			its own hands.

	Off Picard's face as Gul Evek's threat sinks in...

16   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	cruising near Admiral Nechayev's ship.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, supplemental. Gul
			Evek and his crew have left the
			Enterprise, and we have proceeded
			to our rendezvous with Admiral
			Nechayev.

17   INT. READY ROOM

	as Picard and NECHAYEV ENTER. Nechayev looks around,
	as though searching for something.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  11.

17   CONTINUED:

					NECHAYEV
			No Bularian canapes this time,
			Captain?

	Picard smiles.

					PICARD
			Twice seemed to be pushing it a
			little...

					NECHAYEV
			It's just as well.
				(conspiratorial)
			They're extremely fattening.

	Picard gestures her to a seat.

					PICARD
			You missed Gul Evek by a matter of
			hours. I asked him to stay -- I
			thought perhaps an admiral's
			assurances would convince him that
			we are trying to deal with the
			Maquis situation.

					NECHAYEV
				(annoyed)
			Evek manages to make the
			Cardassians sound like helpless
			sheep being preyed on by
			Federation wolves. The truth is,
			we caught the Cardassian
			government supplying its colonies
			in the Demilitarized Zone with
			weapons.

					PICARD
				(for what it's worth)
			Gul Evek assures me that practice
			has stopped.

					NECHAYEV
			Ah. How comforting.

	Nechayev seems a little more stressed than usual.
	Picard stares closely at her.

					PICARD
			Admiral... this Maquis situation
			has you worried...

	Nechayev gives him a look. The general thawing between
	them allows her to be more vulnerable with him.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  12.

17   CONTINUED: (2)

					NECHAYEV
			It's a mess... and it just keeps
			getting worse. I never imagined
			I'd have to worry about Federation
			citizens doing violence to others.

					PICARD
			Frankly, I can understand why our
			colonists have taken up arms --
			Starfleet isn't there to protect
			them anymore.

					NECHAYEV
			Believe me, Captain, if I were
			living that close to the
			Cardassians I'd keep a phaser
			under my pillow, too.

	This is a rare moment of candor from her -- another
	sign of improvement in their relationship.

					NECHAYEV
				(continuing)
			But in the last few weeks we've
			seen signs that the Maquis are
			moving beyond self-defense. Their
			ranks are growing... they've
			acquired ships, weapons... they
			seem to be preparing for a more
			aggressive military posture.

	Nechayev takes a breath... shakes her head at the sorry
	situation.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  13.

17   CONTINUED: (3)

					NECHAYEV
				(continuing)
			We have to put a stop to them...
			before the entire Demilitarized
			Zone ignites.
				(beat)
			But before we can stop them -- we
			have to find them. They seem to
			be scattered in small cells around
			the Zone. And we don't have
			reliable intelligence about any of
			them.

					PICARD
			Perhaps you need an undercover
			operative.

					NECHAYEV
			Our thinking exactly. We intend
			to infiltrate their organization.
				(beat)
			And the person we want to do it is
			aboard your ship right now.

	Off Picard's questioning look...

									CUT TO:

18   INT. RO'S QUARTERS

	where Picard has just told her Nechayev's plan.

					RO
			Starfleet wants me to infiltrate
			the Maquis?

					PICARD
			Because of your recent training...
			because you're Bajoran... and
			because of your past troubles with
			Starfleet -- you'll have a certain
			credibility.

	Ironically, Picard interrupted Ro while she was
	unpacking her belongings. These are the smaller,
	windowless quarters.

					RO
			Well, that's certainly true.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  14.

18   CONTINUED:

	She continues unpacking, perturbed, not thrilled by
	this idea. Picard watches her carefully, understanding
	her conflicting emotions.

					RO
				(continuing)
			And just when would this mission
			begin?

					PICARD
			Immediately.

	Ro shoots him a glance.

					RO
			I see.

	She pulls things out of her bag, smoothing and
	refolding, using the activity to quiet her mind.

					RO
				(continuing)
			I've spent the better part of my
			life fighting the Cardassians...
			I never thought I'd be helping
			them out.

					PICARD
			This is a rare case where our
			interests coincide with theirs --
			we both want peace in the
			Demilitarized Zone.

	Ro stares down at the articles of clothing in her hand.
	Solemnly --

					RO
			I've heard a lot about the Maquis.
				(beat)
			One of my instructors in Tactical
			Training... a Lieutenant Commander
			in Starfleet -- a man I admired
			and respectded... was sympathetic
			to them. He resigned and left to
			join them.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT ONE  15.

18   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			We're all sympathetic, Lieutenant.
			Our civilian population in the
			Demilitarized Zone is in a
			difficult situation.
				(beat)
			But sympathy ends at a certain
			point. The peace treaty isn't
			just a piece of paper. If the
			Maquis force us into a war with
			Cardassia, it could mean hundreds
			of thousands of lives.

	Ro nods an acknowledgement; she understands what's at
	stake.

					PICARD
			Laren, two years ago, Starfleet
			would never have tapped you for
			this mission. They must have a
			lot of confidence in you now.

	She turns to him, the man who's done so much for her,
	always believed in her.

					RO
			The way I see it... there's at
			least one good reason to take this
			mission, sir.
				(beat)
			That's to validate your faith in
			me.

	Picard and she share a smile as they think of
	everything they've been through together... Off this
	moment we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  16.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

19   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	a shot of a planet from space.

20   INT. ALIEN BAR (OPTICAL)

	A seedy joint on some planet in the Demilitarized Zone.
	Its patrons are a motley mix -- humans, Bajorans, and
	a few Aliens.

	The door OPENS and Ro ENTERS -- she's dressed in wornlooking
	civilian clothes. She casts a nervous look
	around, then moves toward the back of the bar -- we
	immediately get the feeling she's in trouble, trying to
	hide from someone.

	Several patrons take note of Ro's entrance -- including
	a HUMAN MALE at the bar, SANTOS. This is the kind of
	place where no one asks questions, so Ro is left alone.
	She sits on a bench against the back wall of the bar,
	near a HUMANOID who casts a baleful glance at her and
	then returns to his drink. Nearby, a male alien is
	being entertained by an alien prostitute -- they're
	kissing and laughing quietly to themselves.

	Suddenly the door bursts OPEN and Worf and Data ENTER
	with an urgent step -- they're looking for someone.

	Ro immediately slides over to the HUMANOID and sits on
	his lap, her back to Worf and Data -- his eyes go wide
	but before he can say anything she starts kissing him,
	pretending to be a prostitute. He doesn't resist.

	All eyes are on Worf and Data, who quickly reconnoiter
	the area -- nothing here, just some alien schlubs and
	a couple of hookers in the back corner.

					WORF
			We are looking for a Bajoran
			woman, dark hair.

	They are met with blank stares -- no one wants to get
	involved.

					DATA
			She is responsible for the death
			of a Cardassian soldier.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  17.

20   CONTINUED:

	Again, no one volunteers anything. The human at the
	bar, Santos, glances back at Ro -- he's definitely
	putting it together. Worf glares at the bartender.

					WORF
			If we learn that she has been
			here, this establishment will be
			closed down.

	Santos steps forward.

					SANTOS
			You say she had dark hair?

					WORF
			Yes.

	There's beat in which we think he's going to give her
	up.

					SANTOS
			She was here... you just missed
			her.

					DATA
			Do you know where she went?

					SANTOS
			No.

	Worf and Data exchange a glance, and then move toward
	the door. Worf casts a last scowl at the patrons, then
	they EXIT. Ro immediately extricates herself from the
	humanoid --

					RO
			Nice meeting you --

	He's disappointed to lose her, but Ro is already up and
	away before he can protest. She turns to Santos.

					RO
				(continuing)
			Thanks.

	With that, she crosses to the bar and orders. Santos
	watches her for a beat, then follows.

					SANTOS
			Did you kill that Cardassian?

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  18.

20   CONTINUED: (2)

	Ro studies his face before replying. She knows he took
	a risk lying for her, but she can't be sure why he did
	it.

					RO
			Starfleet thinks I did. That's
			reason enough to hide.
				(beat)
			Why did you tell them I'd left?

	Now it's his turn to study her face. The bartender
	slides a drink in front of Ro.

					SANTOS
			There are worse things a person
			could do than kill a Cardassian
			soldier.

	They hold each other's gaze for a long moment.

					RO
			You don't often meet someone
			willing to say that out loud.

					SANTOS
			In the Zone, there are a lot of us
			who feel that way.

	She raises her glass slightly.

					RO
			I'd like to meet people like that.

	Santos studies her face for a long beat. Ro takes a
	sip of her drink, when she turns to look at him again
	she sees that he's carrying a small PHASER. She
	reacts, but it's too late -- he FIRES, stunning her and
	causing her to crumple in her seat. Off this moment...

21   INT. MEETING ROOM

	where Ro is unconscious, laid out on a bench.

	Santos is with two others, a woman named KALITA, and an
	older human male named MACIAS. Macias has a scar on
	his face; his eyes shine with intelligence and
	kindness. Kalita has a phaser.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  19.

21   CONTINUED:

	All three of them are Maquis. Ro has been brought to
	a town in the DMZ where many of the settlers are Maquis
	or sympathizers. The room has a rough-hewn quality;
	this settlement is on the "frontier."

	Ro's eyes flutter open.

					MACIAS
			Don't be afraid. You're not in
			danger here.

	Ro sits up, touches her head to steady herself.

					SANTOS
			What's your name?

	Ro doesn't answer, partly because she doesn't know who
	these people are, partly because she's a little groggy.

					KALITA
			Did you kill that Cardassian
			soldier?

					RO
			Who are you?

					SANTOS
			The people who saved you from
			Starfleet.

	Ro looks around at them. She suspects these people are
	Maquis, but she must move cautiously.

					RO
			Thanks.
				(beat)
			But I'll be leaving now.

					KALITA
			Do you even know what planet
			you're on?

					RO
			Ronara Prime.

					SANTOS
			Not anymore.

	Ro reacts --

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  20.

21   CONTINUED: (2)

					RO
			Where am I then?

					KALITA
			We're not going to tell you that
			until we know more about you.

	Kalita's tone is colder than the others; she's more
	suspicious of Ro.

					RO
			Like what?

					SANTOS
			Did you kill that Cardassian?

					RO
			Yes.

					KALITA
			That's a risky thing to do in the
			Demilitarized Zone. You can end
			up being hunted by Starfleet and
			the Cardassians.

					RO
				(re: Santos)
			Then... why did he risk bringing
			me here?

	Kalita makes one thing clear.

					KALITA
			We're asking the questions. Who
			are you?

					RO
			My name is Ro Laren. I grew up in
			the Bajoran camps...

	Macias smiles his quiet smile.

					MACIAS
			That would explain why you have no
			love for Cardassians.

					RO
			I know what they're capable of.
			They tortured my father to
			death... and forced me to watch.

	Macias shakes his head in sympathy, but Santos and
	Kalita press on.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  21.

21   CONTINUED: (3)

					SANTOS
			Where do you live now?

					RO
			Nowhere...
				(beat)
			I was a Starfleet officer. But I
			was court martialed and spent time
			in the stockade on Jaros Two. I'm
			not exactly what you'd call
			Starfleet material.

					SANTOS
			When were you on Jaros?

	Ro acts like she's losing patience.

					RO
			What difference does it make?

	Kalita snaps her back hard.

					KALITA
			We want to check your story. When
			were you there?

					RO
			Starfleet let me out about three
			years ago because I agreed to do
			some work for them... mostly
			having to do with Bajor. But I
			got tired of watching them placate
			the Cardassians and left.

					KALITA
			You resigned?

					RO
			Not officially.
				(wry)
			That's part of the reason they're
			looking for me.

					SANTOS
			What were you doing on Ronara?

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  22.

21   CONTINUED: (4)

					RO
			Look, I've answered enough of your
			questions -- I'd like to know who
			you people are.

	Macias decides to give her an answer.

					MACIAS
			Let's just say... we sympathize
			with those who oppose Cardassia.

	Ro stares at the group for a long moment. Then --

					RO
			Are you Maquis?

	A small silence. No one gives away a thing.

					MACIAS
			What if we were... ?

	Ro faces him squarely.

					RO
			If you were... then I would ask if
			I could join you and help you
			fight.

	Macias glances over at Santos with a questioning look,
	and Santos nods a yes. Macias turns back to Ro.

					MACIAS
			We will check your story.

	Kalita hesitates, but Macias fixes a firm gaze on her.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  23.

21   CONTINUED: (5)

					MACIAS
			Go ahead. I'll keep an eye on
			her.

	Kalita hands Macias her phaser, and she and Santos
	EXIT... After a moment, he sets the phaser down as if
	unconcerned about Ro, and starts to rub his legs.

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			My circulation isn't what it used
			to be...

	He looks at her for a beat.

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			Come... let's stretch our legs.

	He heads for the door, and Ro follows...

22   EXT. MAQUIS SETTLEMENT - NIGHT

	as Ro and Macias walk through the central square.
	Again, this is a "frontier town" -- it has a rough-hewn
	quality, although there is evidence of Federation
	technology.

	Various N.D. SETTLERS go about their business as Ro
	and Macias walk and talk.

					RO
			Aren't you taking a chance by
			letting me see all this? What if
			my story doesn't check out -- what
			if I'm not who I say I am?

					MACIAS
			Then we'll have a problem, won't
			we?

	It is a definite threat, but Macias' manner makes the
	statement less ominous.

					RO
			You are Maquis, aren't you?

					MACIAS
			Many people here are.

					RO
			Starfleet considers you outlaws.
			They're afraid you'll destroy the
			peace treaty.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  24.

22   CONTINUED:

					MACIAS
			They don't understand the
			situation here in the Zone.

	Ro hears the anger in his voice.

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			I lived on Juhraya... the colony
			suddenly found itself in
			Cardassian territory when the
			treaty was signed. Some of us
			chose to stay and take our
			chances.
				(beat)
			One night I was dragged from my
			bed and beaten. The authorities
			clucked their tongues and agreed
			it was an unfortunate incident...
			and did nothing.

	Ro shakes her head, disturbed.

					RO
			I'm not surprised. The
			Cardassians intend to make life so
			unpleasant for Federation citizens
			that they'll leave.

	Macias looks at her, gratified that she understands the
	situation so well.

					MACIAS
			Exactly. And no one seems to see
			that except the Maquis.

	There is a silence as they walk. Then--

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			How old were you when your father
			was killed?

	Ro goes into a shutdown mode. This is something she
	still doesn't talk about easily.

					RO
			I'd rather not talk about it.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  25.

22   CONTINUED: (2)

	Macias gives her a look, recognizes the denial, backs
	off. They have drawn near an outdoor cafe (or food
	vendor of some kind). Macias gestures.

					MACIAS
			Are you hungry? Would you like
			something?

					RO
			No. Thank you.

					MACIAS
				(to vendor)
			Hasperat.

	As the vendor prepares the burrito-like dish --

					RO
				(surprised)
			You like hasperat?

					MACIAS
			An old Bajoran friend of mine used
			to make it. Although his was much
			stronger.

	He takes a bite of the sandwich.

					MACIAS
			He died years ago... fighting the
			Cardassian occupation of Bajor...
			I miss his company... and his
			hasperat...

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT TWO 26-27.      

22   CONTINUED: (3)

					RO
			My father made the strongest
			hasperat you've ever tasted.
			Everything else seems mild by
			comparison.

					MACIAS
			Did he teach you how to make it?

					RO
			Yes. But I haven't tried it in
			years.

					MACIAS
				(beat)
			If you would make the brine for
			truly strong hasperat -- and I
			mean eye-watering, tongue-searing
			strong -- you would make an old
			man very happy.

	Ro smiles at him.

					RO
			I'd enjoy making it again.

	Behind them, Santos and Kalita ENTER the square from a
	building and start to approach them.

					SANTOS (O.S.)
			Macias...

	Macias and Ro turn around. Santos and Kalita move
	nearer.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  28.

22   CONTINUED: (4)

					SANTOS
			I checked with my sources at
			Starfleet...
				(re: Ro)
			Her story's true.

	Macias turns to Ro and smiles.

					MACIAS
			I was sure it was.

	Ro is strangely touched by the trust this man has
	demonstrated in her, though she continues to guard
	those feelings well.

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			Kalita -- she'll stay with you
			until we can find her a room.

	Kalita doesn't respond, but acquiesces. She turns and
	Ro follows her... but allows herself one quick glance
	back at Macias.

23
thru	OMITTED
24

25   EXT. MAQUIS SETTLEMENT - DAY

	Camera MOVES through the square as the citizens go
	about their business on a typical day. It's warm and
	sunny, and people seem to be in a good mood. Camera
	FINDS Ro sitting in the sun, a half-eaten hasperat roll
	at her side. Santos approaches her.

					SANTOS
			Why aren't you with the others?

	Ro looks up at him, surprised.

					RO
			Kalita told me to stay here -- she
			had things to do.

	Santos smiles knowingly. He realizes Kalita is trying
	to keep Ro away from the group.

					SANTOS
			You've been here a week and she
			still doesn't trust you.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  29.

25   CONTINUED:

	Ro looks at him, puzzled.

					SANTOS
				(continuing)
			We're meeting to discuss
			strategy...

	Ro realizes Kalita was deliberately excluding her.

					RO
			So that's what she meant by
			"things to do." Kalita reminds
			me of someone I knew during the
			occupation... being a part of the
			resistance was the only thing he
			cared about. It was his identity.

	Santos smiles...

					SANTOS
			That does sound like Kalita...

					RO
			Don't get me wrong, I was glad to
			have him on my side... but he was
			hard to be around.
				(beat)
			Sometimes people would stay up
			late... telling stories -- you
			know, trying to forget about our
			troubles for a while. Kanore
			would come out of his tent in a
			huff and tell everyone to be quiet --
			that we should get some rest so
			we'd have "strength for our
			struggle."

					SANTOS
			What would people do?

					RO
				(smiles)
			We'd ignore him.

					SANTOS
			That sounds like the only way to
			handle a person like that...

	He shoots her a meaningful look.

					SANTOS
			I have to go... the meeting's
			about to start.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 29A.

25   CONTINUED: (2)

	He starts to cross away. Ro considers what he said for
	a beat, then decides to follow. Santos sees her and
	waits, a small smile on his face... Off this moment...

26   INT. MEETING ROOM

	Macias, Kalita and several others are there, including
	a Native American. Santos and Ro ENTER.

					MACIAS
			Ah... there you are.

	As Ro and Santos take seats...

					KALITA
				(continuing)
			We've just heard a disturbing
			rumor.

					RO
			Another rumor?

	Kalita hears the skepticism in her tone.

					KALITA
			One that I think we should take
			seriously. A trader coming from
			Pendi Two said he could verify
			that the Cardassians are going to
			start supplying their colonists
			with bio-genic weapons.

	This gets Macias' attention.

					RO
			I thought every shipment coming
			into the Zone was searched...

					KALITA
				(scoffing at her
				 naivete)
			The Cardassians always seem to
			find a way to get around problems
			like that.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO  30.

26   CONTINUED:

					SANTOS
			We have to make a preemptive
			strike. Send a message to
			Cardassia that we won't sit still
			and let them kill us with toxins.

					MACIAS
			Agreed. But we can't mount a
			strike without medical supplies --
			and our stockpile is dangerously
			low.

					KALITA
				(concerned)
			If we put in a request for more,
			it'll draw suspicion.

	A moment as they ponder this grim situation. Ro
	hesitates, then --

					RO
			I can get medical supplies.

	They all turn to stare at her.

					RO
				(continuing)
			I served on the Enterprise. They
			keep extra med-kits on hand for
			relief missions.

	Santos almost finds this amusing.

					SANTOS
			You're wanted by Starfleet.
			They're not going to give you medkits
			just because you ask.

					RO
			I have no intention of asking. I
			intend to take them.

					KALITA
			How? The Enterprise is a
			fortress.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 03/16/94 - ACT TWO 30A.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					RO
			I know how its security systems
			work. Give me a ship... I can do
			it.

					SANTOS
			It's madness...

					KALITA
			We can't trust her with something
			like this. We don't know anything
			about her.

	Macias holds Ro's eyes for a moment.

					MACIAS
			I know... that she can make very
			strong hasperat.

	Ro smiles at him.

					KALITA
			What?

					MACIAS
			We need medical supplies. I think
			we should let her try.

	A brief hesitation --

					KALITA
			All right. But I'm going with
			her.

	Macias glances at Ro.

					RO
			I could use an extra hand at the
			controls. And a witness.

	Macias nods, and Ro and Kalita hold a look, both
	defiant and unyielding.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 31.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

27   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	a Maquis ship traveling at impulse.

27A  INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

	where we find Kalita sitting in the cockpit -- the ship
	is on auto-pilot. Ro is working on a PANEL in the rear
	of the ship. There's a heavy silence between them --
	Kalita is not only suspicious of Ro, she's skeptical
	that she can do what she promised. After a moment, Ro
	finishes working... as she crosses forward toward the
	cockpit --

					RO
			I set the transporter confinement
			parameters to maximum -- we should
			be able to fill our hold with
			medical supplies in just a single
			beam out.

					KALITA
				(with irony)
			I had no idea it was going to be
			so easy...

	Ro bristles at Kalita's tone, but thinks better of
	replying in kind... she keeps herself in check. She
	sits in the cockpit and starts working the console.

					RO
			We're approaching the Federation
			border...

					KALITA
			How do you plan to get out of the
			Demilitarized Zone without being
			searched at one of the checkpoints?

					RO
			We're going to cross the border
			here.

	Kalita reacts to what seems an improbable claim.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 32.

27A  CONTINUED:

					KALITA
			There are sensor buoys all along
			the border. If we cross anywhere
			other than a checkpoint, Starfleet
			will send a ship to investigate.

					RO
			With the right security codes, we
			can disable the proximity
			detectors on the buoys.

					KALITA
			Starfleet changes those codes all
			the time.

	Ro's hands fly across the controls.

					RO
			I know the encryption algorithims.
			If I can access the bouy's
			protocol subsystem I should be
			able to figure out the codes.

					KALITA
			Should be able to?

	As she works:

					RO
			Do you want this mission to
			succeed?

					KALITA
			Of course I do -- we need those
			medical supplies.

					RO
			In that case, let me do my job.

	Kalita is about to reply when there is a beeping SOUND
	from the control panel.

					RO
				(continuing)
			I'm in...

	Suddenly the console BEEPS a warning. Ro reacts --

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 33.

27A  CONTINUED: (2)

					KALITA
			What's wrong?

	Ro works the controls with great urgency.

					RO
			If I don't input the right code in
			the next twenty seconds, we'll
			trigger the proximity alarm.

	Kalita reaches for the helm control.

					KALITA
			I'm getting us out of sensor
			range.

					RO
			Don't. If we break the com-link,
			we won't be able to try again.

	Kalita withdraws her hand. Ro works with urgency --
	finally, a beep-beep. Ro slumps back into her chair in
	relief.

					RO
			It worked... until they change the
			access codes again, we can cross
			the border here.

	Though Kalita doesn't let on, she's impressed with what
	Ro's done. Off this moment...

28
thru	OMITTED
30

31   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it hangs in space.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, Stardate 47943.2.
			It has been over a week since
			Lieutenant Ro left the
			Enterprise... we have yet to
			receive any communication from
			her.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 34.

31A  INT. BRIDGE

	Riker has the Bridge, Data at Ops, Worf at Tactical,
	N.D's as needed. Picard ENTERS from the Ready Room.

					RIKER
			We picked up a request for
			emergency assistance from a
			Federation science ship in the
			Topin system.

	Picard considers for a beat -- this couldn't have come
	at a worse time.

					PICARD
			Are there any other ships in the
			vicinity?

					RIKER
			We're the closest.

	Picard turns to the con officer.

					PICARD
			Helm, set course for the Topin
			system.
				(to Data)
			Signal the science ship that we're
			on our way.

					DATA
			It is unlikely that they would
			receive our communication. The
			Topin system contains an unstable
			binary-star. It generates
			significant subspace interference.

					PICARD
			Will we be able to use our sensors
			to find them?

					DATA
			Most of our sensor systems will be
			ineffective, although our
			directional array may be able to
			cut through the interference.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 35.

31A  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			But that array has such a narrow
			scan field...
				(with grim irony)
			-- we might as well break out the
			palm-beacons and try to find them
			that way...

	It seems a daunting prospect... Off this moment...

31B  EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	where the Maquis ship hangs motionless. In the b.g.
	we can see the distinctive STAR of the Topin system.

32   INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

	where Ro and Kalita are waiting. Again, a silence
	hangs between them.

					KALITA
			This is insane... we're sitting
			here with no sensors, blind to the
			outside -- waiting for a galaxy
			class Starship to come swooping
			down on us...

					RO
			Don't worry... it'll be hard for
			them to locate us with just their
			directional sensors. Besides,
			they're looking for a damaged
			science ship that wants to be
			found...

	Suddenly a console beeps. They react --

					RO
			They're here... Standby to engage
			thrusters.

32A  INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Riker, Data and Worf as before.

					RIKER
			Anything?

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 36.

32A  CONTINUED:

					DATA
				(off console)
			No, sir. It will take
			approximately six hours to scan
			this system.

	Riker and Picard glance at the VIEWSCREEN, which is
	obscured by static because of all the interference.
	Suddenly --

					WORF
				(urgent)
			Sir -- the distress call is being
			repeated.

					PICARD
				(to Data)
			Can you locate the signal?

					DATA
				(working)
			I am attempting to do so.

32B  INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

	Ro and Kalita as before.

					RO
			All stop.

					KALITA
				(off console)
			They're scanning our last
			position.

					RO
			All right, I've locked onto their
			sensor beam. I'm going to use it
			to maneuver into transporter
			range.

	Kalita is looking at Ro -- she can't quite believe
	they've come this far.

					KALITA
			How are we going to beam through
			their shields?

					RO
			We can't -- if we're going to get
			those medical supplies, we're
			going to have to take this ship
			through their shields.

	Off Kalita's astonished reaction at Ro's audacious
	plan...

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 37.

32C  INT. BRIDGE

	as before.

					DATA
			Sir, I am scanning the area from
			which the distress signal was
			sent... but I am unable to detect
			a vessel.

					WORF
			Captain -- the computer has
			detected a piggyback communication
			on the last distress signal...

					PICARD
			Can you decode it?

					WORF
			It will take a few moments.

					PICARD
			Do it.

32D  INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

	where Ro is explaining what she's doing to Kalita.

					RO
			The Enterprise shields have a weak
			point... When the ship is at
			impulse, the thrust destabilizes
			the shield configuration right at
			this point.

	On the MONITOR, Ro indicates a graphic of the
	Enterprise, and a point directly behind the main
	impulse engines, between the nacelles.

					RO
				(continuing)
			I'm going to try to punch through
			there.

					KALITA
			Won't they detect us?

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 38.

32D  CONTINUED:

					RO
			They'll know something's
			penetrated the shields, but with
			all the interference it'll take
			them a few seconds to find us.
			We'll have to beam the medical
			supplies aboard and get out fast.

	Kalita tries to assimilate all that's happened... She
	can't quite believe it, but she's beginning to think Ro
	can pull just about anything off...

32E  INT. BRIDGE

	as before.

					WORF
			The message is difficult to
			decode... the interference has
			garbled much of the transmission.
			But it seems to be from Lieutenant
			Ro.

					PICARD
			Ro... is on that ship... ?

	Reactions. Suddenly --

					DATA
				(off console)
			Sir, a vessel of some kind is
			attempting to penetrate our aft
			shields.

	Picard considers for half a beat --

					PICARD
			Let it through.

	Off this moment...

32F  INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

	as Ro works her controls. We see her react to
	something she sees -- a small smile... Picard must have
	gotten her message. For Kalita's sake, she plays it
	through.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 39.

32F  CONTINUED:

					RO
			We're going to make it...

32G  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as the Maquis ship slips through the shield bubble and
	moves into a point between the nacelles. The great
	cylinders loom large next to the tiny ship.

32H  INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

					RO
			All right, we're in...

	Kalita works her console.

					KALITA
			Energizing.

	We hear the SOUND of transport and they both turn to
	the back of the shuttle.

32I  NEW ANGLE

	revealing a large stack of medical kits in the aft
	section.

32J  RESUME SCENE

	as Kalita smiles in disbelief.

					RO
			Let's get out of here...

	Off this moment...

32K  INT. BRIDGE

					WORF
				(off console)
			Captain, a quantity of medical
			supplies was beamed out of Cargo
			Bay Seven.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 40.

32K  CONTINUED:

	Picard is unconcerned.

					DATA
				(off console)
			The vessel that penetrated our
			shields is of the same design as
			the ships used by the Maquis.
				(beat)
			It is moving off...

					PICARD
			Let it go.
				(beat)
			There must be someone with her...
			We should make it look like we're
			trying to stop them.
				(to Worf)
			Lock phasers on their previous
			position and fire.

	We hear the SOUND of phasers firing. Riker turns to
	Picard.

					RIKER
				(wry)
			Now we know what they mean by
			Advanced Tactical Training...

	Off their shared smile...

33   EXT. SPACE - THE MAQUIS SHIP (OPTICAL)

	at impulse.

34   EXT. MAQUIS SETTLEMENT - DAY

	where Ro and Kalita are being greeted by a jubilant
	group of Maquis including Macias and Santos. Kalita is
	animatedly telling the story of how they did it.
	Santos can't believe what he's hearing --

					SANTOS
			You took your ship through their
			shields?

					KALITA
			Ro parked us between their warp
			nacelles. I thought she was
			crazy, but it worked. She knew
			exactly what she was doing.

	Macias puts a hand to Ro's shoulder.

 STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT THREE 40A.

34   CONTINUED:

					MACIAS
			Well, done.

					SANTOS
			We should inventory the
			supplies... find out what we
			have.

	The others acknowledge and move off. Before crossing
	away, Kalita turns to Ro --

					KALITA
			I'll see you later...

	She treats Ro with the easy manner of a friend. Ro
	smiles, and Kalita moves off.

					MACIAS
			Well... it seems that Kalita's
			decided you're not a Federation
			spy after all...

	Ro manages a smile.

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			She's suspicious of everyone at
			first. And rightly so -- we've
			learned to be cautious with
			strangers.

					RO
			I understand...

					MACIAS
			But I've known since I first met
			you -- in your heart, you're one
			of us...

	Ro is struck by the irony of the moment... but somehow,
	the certainty in Macias' voice strikes a chord in
	her... Off her expression we...

									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR  41.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

35
thru	OMITTED
42

43   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	hanging in space.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, supplemental.
			Having earned the Maquis' trust
			with her raid on the Enterprise,
			Lieutenant Ro has been given
			access to a ship and allowed to
			leave the settlement by herself.

44   OMITTED

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR  42.

45   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE

	where Picard and Ro are meeting. They're both glad to
	see each other...

					RO
			There are rumors that the
			Cardassians are supplying their
			colonists with bio-genic weapons.

	Picard can see that she's genuinely concerned about
	this.

					PICARD
			Frankly, I find it hard to
			believe. Every ship going into
			the Demilitarized Zone is being
			searched.

					RO
			The Maquis are convinced that the
			Cardassians have found a way
			around the searches.

	Picard considers for a beat.

					PICARD
			We might be able to use that...

					RO
			Sir... ?

					PICARD
			We've come up with a plan that has
			the potential to seriously curtail
			the Maquis.

	This gets Ro's attention.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR  43.

45   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			We want to give them a target so
			threatening -- that they'd be
			willing to commit as many people
			and ships as possible to destroy
			it.

					RO
			What do you mean, give them a
			target?

					PICARD
			Bio-genic weapons, for example.
			You could provide the Maquis with
			intelligence that the Cardassians
			are in fact supplying their
			colonists with them.

					RO
			That'll get their attention, all
			right...

					PICARD
			You could tell them that in order
			to get past the check-points, the
			Cardassians are shipping the
			components for these weapons
			through third parties. We'll put
			together a convoy and send it
			toward the Demilitarized Zone.

	Ro sees where he's going --

					RO
			And when the Maquis attack it,
			Starfleet will be waiting for
			them.

					PICARD
			We'll station our ships in the
			Hugora Nebula to avoid detection.

	Ro is silent for a beat, assimilating Picard's plan...
	and her role in it.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR  44.

45   CONTINUED: (3)

					RO
			Basically, I'd be leading them
			into a trap...

					PICARD
			That's correct.

	He studies her face for a beat. Picard senses she's
	feeling conflicting emotions about this.

					RO
				(carefully)
			If your plan works, what will
			Starfleet do when the Maquis
			attack the convoy?

					PICARD
			Our intention is to outnumber them
			so heavily that they'll have no
			choice but to surrender.

					RO
			These people are used to fighting
			impossible odds -- I don't think
			they're going to surrender.

	Picard takes this in.

  STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR  45.

45   CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD
			I hope you're wrong. Because if
			they don't, we'll have to try to
			disable their vessels...
				(beat)
			-- you know as well as I do that's
			not always possible.

	Picard sees Ro swallow back, hard.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			If you have a problem with any of
			this, I need to know now.

	She doesn't want to let him down --

					RO
			If I did, it wouldn't stop me from
			carrying out my duty, sir.

	Picard is gratified to hear this.

					PICARD
			I knew I could count on you...

	Ro manages a small smile... Off this moment...

46   INT. MEETING ROOM
(FORMERLY SCENE 41)

	where Ro is in the process of implementing Picard's
	plan -- planting misinformation. Macias, Kalita and
	Santos are present.

					RO
			-- it took a while, but I managed
			to patch into Starfleet's comsystem.
			I intercepted a
			communication from one of the
			check-points on the border.
			They're concerned because a Pakled
			transport came through carrying
			retro-viral vaccines.

	No one sees a problem with this --

					SANTOS
			Why is that a concern?

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR      46.

46   CONTINUED:

					RO
			Last week, a Ferengi transport
			came through carrying bio-mimetic
			gels. By themselves, neither of
			these is dangerous. But Starfleet
			is concerned because with a few
			more components the Cardassians
			could put together a bio-genic
			device.

	Reactions. This is their worst fear come to life.

					KALITA
			What is Starfleet going to do
			about it?

					RO
			They can't do anything. These
			items are all perfectly legal.

	Frustrated reactions.

					MACIAS
			How close are the Cardassians to
			having the components they need?

					RO
			Very close. Two days ago, a
			Yridian convoy left Deep Space
			Nine for the Demilitarized Zone.
			It's carrying isomiotic hypos,
			plasma flares and quarantine pods.

					KALITA
			We can't let that convoy reach its
			destination.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR      47.

46   CONTINUED: (2)

					SANTOS
			But it's too big for us to go
			after alone.

					MACIAS
			I'll discuss the situation with
			the other cell leaders --
			considering what's at stake,
			they'll want to help.

	With that, the meeting starts to break up. Ro takes a
	moment to collect herself -- it worked, but she doesn't
	know how she feels about it.

47   EXT. SETTLEMENT - NIGHT

	Ro sits watching the busy square full of citizens.
	THREE HOODED MONKS are seen in the b.g. Macias
	approaches.

					MACIAS
			I've sent a communication to the
			others...

	She nods glumly, and Macias sees that something is on
	her mind.

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			When this is over, we'll
			celebrate.

					RO
			When it's over?

					MACIAS
			When Cardassia realizes they can't
			intimidate us into leaving our
			colonies.

	Ro smiles grimly.

					RO
			Something tells me it might be a
			long time before we'll be
			celebrating.

	He eyes her, hearing her somberness.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR      48.

47   CONTINUED:

					MACIAS
			Don't be discouraged, Ro. It will
			take time... but the important
			thing is that we not give up.

	She eyes him sharply.

					RO
			I spent ten years in the camps.
			I don't give up.

	He puts a hand on her shoulder, affectionate.

					MACIAS
			I've been thinking about what our
			celebration will be like for a
			long time. We'll have a huge
			dinner... you'll make hasperat
			and I'll make blueberry pie...
			we'll drink wine and we'll dance.

	He smiles and leans toward her.

					MACIAS
				(continuing)
			I'll even play the belaklavion.
			That will give everyone a laugh.

	She looks up at him, curious.

					RO
			You... play the klavion?

					MACIAS
				(laughing, dismissive)
			Yes, badly. It's a difficult
			instrument... but I enjoy the
			challenge.

	There is a small pause.

					RO
			My father... played the klavion.

	Macias glances sidelong at her. This is the first
	spontaneous offering Ro has made about her father. He
	is silent. There is another pause, and then Ro
	continues.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR      49.

47   CONTINUED: (2)

					RO
			When I was very young... and
			afraid of monsters under my bed...
			my father would play for me. He
			said the sound of the klavion had
			special powers. Monsters were
			afraid of it... and they'd
			disappear whenever they heard it.
				(beat)
			When I listened to the music he
			played for me... I was never
			afraid to go to sleep.

	She hesitates, then, very quietly...

					RO
			When he died... I realized... even
			he couldn't make all the monsters
			go away.

	Macias reaches out and covers Ro's hand with his own,
	a comforting gesture.

					MACIAS
			Why wait... ? Let's go to the
			market. Let's get the food for a
			feast. For a celebration...

					RO
			A celebration of what?

					MACIAS
			Of absolutely nothing. Just to
			celebrate.

	She smiles and stands.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR      50.

47   CONTINUED: (3)

					Ro
			I'd like that.

	They start across the square. Suddenly there's a
	commotion -- the three monks throw back their hoods and
	we see that they're really Cardassians. They pull
	weapons from their robes and start FIRING.

	People are scattering and trying to take cover. The
	Cardassians had the advantage of surprise, and have
	taken up strategic positions that provide them shelter
	and allow them to dominate the fight.

	Some of the Maquis are shooting back, but most weren't
	armed when the attack broke out. We see several Maquis
	rush from a door carrying weapons -- they toss them to
	their comrades, including Ro.

47A  ON SANTOS (OPTICAL)

	behind a structure -- a weapons blast hits it and he
	steps out to take a SHOT.

47B  A CARDASSIAN (OPTICAL)

	as Santos' shot takes him down -- two Cardassians are
	left.

47C  RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)

	Several Maquis have taken hits and are down.

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FOUR 51-52.     

47C  CONTINUED:

	Macias takes a second Cardassian down, but the last
	Cardassian gets off a lucky shot -- and Macias takes a
	blast in the chest. He falls... and the Cardassian is
	felled by Ro.

	Ro and Kalita run to Macias' side.

					RO
			Macias...

	He's badly wounded and in pain.

					MACIAS
			They must have found out... there
			was a Maquis cell here...

	Ro is inspecting the wound and sees that it's severe.

					RO
			Kalita -- get one of the med kits.
			Hurry.

	Kalita runs off. Macias is fading fast.

					RO
				(continuing)
			You have to hang on...

	He dismisses this with a faint shake of his head. When
	he speaks, his voice is little more than a whisper.

					MACIAS
			When an old fighter like me
			dies... someone always steps
			forward to take his place...

	He takes her hand, looks into her eyes for a last time,
	and smiles his gentle smile...

48   OMITTED

49   ON RO

	as she watches Macias' life slip away from him... Off
	this moment we...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      53.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

A50	EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
(FORMERLY SCENE 43)

	as it hangs in space.

B50	INT. BRIDGE
(FORMERLY SCENE 44)

	Riker has the Bridge. Data is at Aft Science, N.D.s as
	needed. Picard ENTERS from his Ready Room.

					PICARD
			What is it?

					RIKER
			We just got a communication from
			Lieutenant Ro. Data's decoding it
			now.

	Riker and Picard approach Data, who turns away from his
	console, finished.

					DATA
				(to Picard)
			She is requesting that you meet
			with her.

	Picard is disturbed by this message.

					RIKER
			Was that part of your plan?

					PICARD
			No. Something must have gone
			wrong.

									CUT TO:

C50	INT. ALIEN BAR
(FORMERLY SCENE 45)

	as Picard ENTERS, dressed in slightly ragged-looking
	civilian clothes. Many of the same motley characters
	are here tonight as well.

	Picard doesn't see Ro, and so makes his way to the bar.
	The BARTENDER approaches him to see if he wants
	anything.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      54.

C50	CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Ale.

	Picard pays for his beverage with coins he brought for
	this purpose. The door OPENS and Ro ENTERS. The
	Humanoid she kissed before is sitting near the entrance
	and his eyes light up when he sees her. He stands to
	approach his old flame but Ro fixes him with a look.

					RO
			Not tonight.

	She moves past the disappointed fellow and goes to sit
	next to Picard at the bar. She gives him a come-hither
	smile, as though soliciting him.

					RO
				(continuing)
			Hello... are you alone?

	Picard turns and gives her an appraising look.

					PICARD
			I hope not.

	She smiles again, caressing his cheek.

					RO
			Why don't we get acquainted... ?
			There's a table in the back that's
			more... private.

					PICARD
			I'd like that.

	They make their way to the back table and sit, Ro being
	very physical with him, caressing, holding his hand.
	Picard plays the very eager john. The scene is played
	out as they talk serious business while outwardly
	appearing to be engaging in casual romanticizing.

					RO
			We have to cancel the mission.

					PICARD
			Why?

					RO
			The Maquis didn't go for the bait.
			They think a convoy is too big a
			target.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE     54A.

C50	CONTINUED: (2)

	This makes no sense to Picard. He considers for a beat
	as Ro traces her fingers on his palm.

					PICARD
			But there are only six ships. We
			could even cut down the number.

					RO
			It's... it's the commitment of
			resources... of grouping so many
			of the Maquis together at once...
				(beat)
			They feel it would make them too
			vulnerable.

	Picard frowns, trying to reconcile what she's saying.

					PICARD
			Every intelligence report I get
			from Starfleet suggests that the
			Maquis are eager to expand their
			strikes... are looking to escalate
			their activity... but you're
			telling me that's not true... ?

	Ro takes a moment, trying to cover.

					RO
			It's... probably different in
			every cell. The people I've met
			tend to be more -- conservative.
			I'm sure others have a more
			militant attitude...

	He stares at her. None of this rings true.

					PICARD
				(softly)
			Laren... what's going on?

	She takes his look for a moment, then glances around
	them.

					RO
			Do you have the money I asked you
			to bring?

					PICARD
			Yes.

					RO
			Put some on the table.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE     54B.

C50	CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			What?

					RO
			By this time, we should be
			negotiating my price.

	Picard digs into his pocket, takes out a few coins. Ro
	picks one up, inspects it.

					RO
				(continuing)
			When you sent me on this mission,
			I thought I could do it. Even
			though it meant helping
			Cardassians. Even though it meant
			betraying people who were fighting
			them.
				(beat)
			But now... I'm not sure about
			where I stand.

	Picard takes this in.

					PICARD
			Laren, are you telling me you want
			to back out of this mission?

					RO
			Sir, I don't want to let you down,
			I swear I don't --

					PICARD
			This has nothing to do with me --
			it's about you. If you back out
			now, you'll be throwing away
			everything you've worked for.

					RO
				(desperately reaching)
			Wouldn't it be better to postpone
			this operation... let me stay with
			them longer, meet other Maquis
			leaders... learn where their cells
			are... it seems to me I could be
			more valuable if I had more
			time...

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE     54C.

C50	CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD
			And just prolong the inevitable?
			No.
				(beat)
			We're committed to this mission.
			My only question to you is -- can
			you carry out your orders?

	Wretched, Ro looks at him, not answering.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Lieutenant... I could put you
			before a board of inquiry for
			having lied to me about this
			operation. I could certainly have
			you court martialed if you
			sabotage it.
				(beat)
			But I don't want to have to
			threaten you to do this... I want
			you to make the decision.

	This is the man who gave her a chance. This is the man
	who has stood by her. And all he wants is what's right
	for her.

					RO
			I'll carry out my orders, sir.

	Picard takes a breath, considers his options.

					PICARD
			I feel it necessary to have
			Commander Riker return with you.
			He can pose as a relative.

	Her look asks the question: is that necessary?

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			To make sure nothing happens that
			might obstruct this mission.

	Ro looks down, acknowledging the fact that she's
	ruptured their relationship. He can no longer trust
	her.

   
      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE     54D.

C50	CONTINUED: (5)

	He stands, gathers his coins.

					PICARD
				(loudly)
			Sorry -- I don't have that kind of
			money.

	He turns and EXITS the bar. Off Ro's face as she
	watches him go...

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      55.

D50
thru	OMITTED
50

51   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	hanging inside a Nebula (STOCK SHOT).

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log, supplemental. We
			have received word from Commander
			Riker and Lieutenant Ro that the
			Maquis will be attacking the
			convoy as planned... our ships
			have taken up position in the
			Hugora Nebula to wait for them.

52   INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard and Worf are at an aft station with Data,
	looking at a sensor readout on a MONITOR. The readout
	shows a section of space on a grid -- on the left edge
	we see the nebula, and in the center, the convoy,
	depicted as a series of blips. Along the right side a
	line demarcates the border of the DMZ.

					DATA
			I have established a relay-link
			with the sensor probe we left on
			the perimeter of the Nebula.
				(gestures)
			This is the convoy. We are
			expecting the Maquis attack force
			to cross the border from the
			Demilitarized Zone here.

	He indicates the right edge of the screen.

					PICARD
			As soon as they cross the border,
			we'll intercept them...

					WORF
			In order to insure that the ship
			Commander Riker and Lieutenant Ro
			are piloting does not come under
			fire, I have relayed its warp
			signature to the rest of our
			attack force.

	Data reacts to something on the monitor, calls the
	Captain's attention to the screen, where a few blips
	have entered from the right edge.

					DATA
			Sir, the Maquis squadron is coming
			into sensor range.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      56.

52   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Go to red alert.

	Off Picard's face as he realizes it's begun...

53   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	a squadron of Maquis ships flying in formation at
	impulse.

54   INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

	Riker and Ro are silent as they pilot the ship for a
	beat. She's about to betray a group of people she's
	come to care about and she feels awful about it.

					SANTOS' COM VOICE
			Squad leader to all ships.

					RO
			Go ahead, squad leader.

									INTERCUT:

55   INT. SANTOS' MAQUIS SHIP

	where Santos and the Native American Maquis are in the
	cockpit.

					SANTOS
			We'll be crossing the border in
			less than one minute. Arm your
			weapons.

					RO'S COM VOICE
			Acknowledged.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      57.

56
thru	OMITTED
59

60   INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP (OPTICAL)

	as they work their controls.

					RIKER
			Starfleet can't make its move
			until we're out of the
			Demilitarized Zone. We're to
			break formation and take cover in
			the Nebula as soon as they appear.

	Ro takes this in without comment.

					RO
				(off console)
			The ships in the convoy are
			raising their shields... they've
			spotted us.

	Riker checks his console.

					RIKER
			We cross the border in thirty
			seconds...

	As the moment approaches, the turmoil within Ro
	intensifies. We see a look cross her features, as if
	she's come to a decision within herself.

	She reaches forward and calmly works a control. After
	a beat, we hear the SOUND of a power surge.

					RIKER
			What the --

	When Riker turns toward her he sees that she has a HAND
	PHASER aimed at him.

					RO
			I'm sorry... but I can't let this
			happen.

	Off his stunned reaction...

   STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE 58-59.     

61
thru	OMITTED
63

64   INT. BRIDGE

	where Picard is standing with Data looking at the aft
	station monitor.

					DATA
				(off console)
			Sir, the vessel being piloted by
			Lieutenant Ro is firing a low-intensity
			particle beam into the
			Nebula...

					PICARD
			What the hell is she doing?

					DATA
			The polarizing effect created by
			the beam may make it possible for
			us to be detected.

	Picard's face hardens --

					PICARD
			Can you counter the effect?

	Data works his console.

					DATA
			I will attempt to do so.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      60.

65   INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP

	where a frustrated Riker glares at a determined Ro.

					SANTOS'S COM VOICE
			Ro, why are you firing?

					RO
			Scan the Nebula -- there's a
			Starfleet attack force hiding
			inside it.

66   INT. SANTOS' MAQUIS SHIP

	as he reacts to his console.

					SANTOS
			I see them --
				(to com)
			Squad leader to all ships -- abort
			the mission. Repeat, abort the
			mission.

67   INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

					DATA
			Sir, the Maquis ships are breaking
			formation.

	On the MONITOR, the Maquis blips are scattering.

					PICARD
			Have they crossed the border?

					DATA
			No, sir. They are withdrawing...

	Picard slams the console in frustration.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      61.

67   CONTINUED:

					WORF
				(off console)
			Sir, Lieutenant Ro's ship is not
			retreating with the others...
				(beat)
			It is heading toward us...

	Picard takes this in.

					PICARD
			When she comes aboard... take her
			into custody...

	Picard's tone says it all -- he feels personally
	betrayed by her. Off this moment...

68   INT. RO'S MAQUIS SHIP (OPTICAL)

	Ro works the controls for a few beats, careful to keep
	the phaser trained on Riker. Finally she finishes and
	stands, avoiding Riker's gaze.

					RO
			Alpha Seven to Alpha Nine.

					KALITA'S COM VOICE
			Go ahead.

					RO
			Stand by to beam me aboard.

					KALITA'S COM VOICE
			Standing by.

	Ro and Riker look at each other for a beat.

					RO
			You can take this ship back to the
			Enterprise.

					RIKER
			You're going with them?

	There's more concern in his voice than anger.

					RO
			Yes... it's been a long time since
			I felt like I really belonged
			somewhere.

	Riker acknowledges.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      62.

68   CONTINUED:

					RO
			Could you tell Captain Picard
			something for me?

	Riker nods that he will.

					RO
				(continuing)
			Tell him... that I'm sorry.

	She moves to the center of the cockpit, ready for beam
	out.

					RIKER
			So long, Ro. Take care of
			yourself.

					RO
			Good-bye.
				(to com)
			Energize.

	Off Riker's face as he watches her DEMATERIALIZE...

69   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	as it moves at impulse through a starfield.

70   INT. READY ROOM

	where Riker has just told Picard everything.

					RIKER
			She seemed... very sure that she
			was making the right choice.

	Picard takes this in.

					RIKER
				(continuing)
			I think her only real regret...
			was that she let you down.

      STAR TREK: "Preemptive Strike" - REV. 3/16/94 - ACT FIVE      63.

70   CONTINUED:

	But Picard isn't buying it.

					PICARD
			She let us all down...

	Riker hands Picard a PADD he's carrying.

					RIKER
			Here's my report...

	Picard nods, and Piker turns and EXITS.

	Picard looks down at the PADD... we see a distant look
	in his eyes -- he's not reading it, his mind is
	elsewhere. After a moment, he sets it down on the
	desk, and moves toward the window.

	He looks out at the stars... thinking about the events
	of the last few days, wondering, perhaps, if he'll ever
	see Ro again... Off this moment...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             


