star trek: renaissance dan carlson & shaun …...quinlan don't even think about it, buster....

STAR TREK: RENAISSANCE

"Outstanding Questions"

Written by Dan Carlson & Shaun Hamley

This teleplay is originally from www.startrekrenaissance.com "Star Trek" and related names are registered trademarks of Paramount Pictures, Inc. This original work of fiction is written solely for non-profit purposes. Copyright 2003 by The Renaissance Group All rights reserved

RENAISSANCE: "Outstanding Questions" - TEASER 1.

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise in all its grandeur, orbiting a dusty reddish-brown planet.

CROSS (V.O.)Captain's Log, Stardate 79644.8. We've been assigned to patrol in theCambra Sector -- yet another out-of-the-way assignment to keep theEnterprise out of the public eye. Fortunately, there's at least amission of mercy involved this time. Civilian starships in this regionhave recently been coming under attackby unidentified forces; our job isto protect the colonies in this regionand to track down these pirates.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIEFING ROOM

At the table, CROSS, TALORA, and DOJAR sit poring over anumber of PADDs.

They appear to have been working for a while.

DOJAR(mid-sentence)

...And the distress signal from gridA-15 turned out to be a false alarm. The freighter Nakajima Maru apparentlysuffered a failure of its primarytransponder array, garbling its identsignal.

Cross sighs.

CROSSThat's the third incident involvingfaulty equipment in the past twodays alone.

TALORACivilians operating this far outgenerally have fewer opportunitiesfor repairs.

DOJARThe fact remains that since we arrivedin the sector, there hasn't been asingle confirmed sighting of thesepirates.


CROSSThey're lying low until we get sickof chasing shadows and leave.

TALORAA reasonable course of action whenthe Federation sends in a heavycruiser to take care of the trouble...

DOJAR(continuing)

I've been coordinating with Operationsand Stellar Cartography to try toget some long-range scans, try tolocate some clues as to where theymight be hiding.

(beat)But information is sketchy -- Ihaven't even been able to piecetogether a reliable profile of whatkinds of ships are involved... oreven if there's just one group.

Cross thinks for a beat before responding.

CROSSKeep at it, Lieutenant. When theaway teams get back from the surface,I want to resume our patrol route.

(beat, inquiring)If that's all?

DOJAR(frustrated)

Such as it is...

Cross nods, then rises. Talora and Dojar rise with him.

CROSSAll right, then. Oh, and let meknow when Quinlan beams back up. Iwant to get her take on this piratesituation.

Turning, Cross EXITS. Talora moves to follow, before:

DOJAR(hesitantly)

Talora... a word with you, on anothermatter?

Something in his tone of voice raises Talora's concern. Wehear the doors close behind them following Cross's exit.

TALORAWhat is it?


Almost reflexively, Dojar glances around, but they'renaturally alone.

DOJARIt's... about the Janus files.

A beat as Talora reacts, nonplussed.

DOJAR (CONT'D)I've been hacking away at them inpractically every spare moment I'vehad in the past three months... andI haven't made a dent in them.

(beat, hurriedly)I know you've said several timesthat you want to keep as few peopleinvolved as possible.

Talora takes a breath, about to interrupt, but Dojar presseson.

DOJAR (CONT'D)But realistically, Talora, I can'tdo any more with it. I'm not aprofessional hacker.

TALORA(insistent)

We absolutely cannot risk bringingin anyone else on this until we havemore information. It's enough thatwe're risking our own careers overthis little "project."

DOJAR(unfazed)

But that's just it! I can't getanything more without some help.

(beat, determined)I've already talked to Quinlan aboutthis. She agrees with me.

Talora's head snaps up, a sour look on her face.

TALORADojar, don't.

DOJAR(ironic)

You can't order me on this one,Talora. It's off the books, remember?

TALORA(beat, accepting)

We'll talk it over together when shegets back... then we'll make adecision.


Dojar nods, then rises and exits without another word.

CUT TO:

EXT. REPOW SAMWA -- DAY

A dusty, dirty city... if it can be called a city. A medium-large grouping of ground-hugging, prefabricated buildingslaid out in disorganized concentric rings around a centralstarship landing facility.

The settlement is bustling with traffic -- a few shuttlesand small civilian craft are taking off or landing, but it'smostly ground traffic winding its way between the variousbuildings. It's a mildly busy, yet lackluster example of aFederation border trade colony.

INT. BAR

A wide shot of a dim, busy room -- like just about anyalcoholic beverage establishment we've seen. Lots of tablesand chairs, lots of drinks, lots of customers in variousstates of inebriation. Flashing lights are everywhere,contrasting with the overall dim lighting, creating an almoststrobe-like effect. Think of a cross between a modern sportsbar and the Mos Eisley cantina.

At the bar itself, a Yridian bartender is taking orders,handing out drinks. Aliens from all across the Alpha andBeta Quadrants can be seen -- Humans, Ferengi, Nausicaans,and other less-well-known races as well.

Off in the corner, we can see JENNIFER QUINLAN, dressed incivilian clothes, seated at a table and conferring with arather greasy-looking Ferengi trader (GRISHNA). We enter inmid-conversation.

QUINLANLook, I know Dehlia Nahamas. Shehasn't been holding out in this sectorfor the past twenty years just tocrawl under a rock when some newthugs come into town. I've got animportant project I need her helpon. You're the best info-dealer onCambrada, Grishna.

(aggressive)I find it hard to believe you don'tknow something.

Grishna gives a slimy smile.

GRISHNAI can certainly understand your need. I may be able to help you...

(beat, mercenary)How much latinum do you have on you?


Quinlan makes a show of patting her pockets.

QUINLAN(sarcastic)

Latinum, latinum... I know I've gotit somewhere...

(beat, mock-apologetic)Sorry, I'm all out.

GRISHNASorry. No latinum, no news.

(lasciviously)But there might be some other way ofproviding payment...

Quinlan suddenly lunges across the table and grabs Grishnaby the collar.

GRISHNA (CONT'D)(surprised, alarmed)

Hey, what are you--

QUINLANDon't even think about it, buster. Now, you're gonna tell me whereNahamas is, or I'm gonna startsqueezing somewhere where you don'twant to be squeezed.

As Quinlan speaks, a shadow falls over the table.

VOICE (O.S.)(harsh, broken English)

What you doing?

Quinlan looks up to see a large, burly NAUSICAAN loomingover her.

QUINLAN(indignant)

I'm conducting a business negotiation. Who the hell are you?

Still cowering under Quinlan's grip, Grishna manages a weak,smug smile.

GRISHNAMeet Dolgran, my associate.

Dolgran flashes a growling, unfriendly smile. Quinlan seemsto get a sinking feeling, and manages a blustery smile inreturn.

QUINLAN(curt)

Pleased to meet you. What's yourassociation? Business or pleasure?


DOLGRAN(gruff, broken English)

Not your concern -- but you find outif you not let go of him.

(beat, eager)Maybe you find out anyway.

Quinlan stares for a minute, before coming to a decision. With startling suddenness, she gives Grishna a big SHOVE andimmediately twists to deliver a full-body blow to Dolgran'sgut.

Caught off-guard, Dolgran is thrown to the floor fromQuinlan's momentum, as various other customers in the barreact.

CUSTOMERS (O.S.)Fight! Fight! Fight!

With surprising eagerness, a half-dozen patrons dive intothe scuffle, and within seconds it becomes a full-fledgedBAR BRAWL.

Our focus momentarily distracted by the crowd's reaction, weturn back on Quinlan to see that she's already taken care ofher Nausicaan opponent, who is out cold on the floor. Shemutters to herself, and can barely be heard over the growingroar:

QUINLANDefinitely not business, I'd guess.

(beat, sudden)Woah, hey!

She is suddenly beset by two other patrons in the brawl, whocome at her from behind. Before she can react further, sheis clubbed on the back of the head and slumps to the floor,knocked out.

As the brawl rages on, the two attackers begin picking herup...

FADE OUT.

END OF TEASER

RENAISSANCE: "Outstanding Questions" - ACT ONE 7.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise cruises past in orbit, as before.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIDGE

The camera pans across the Bridge. We see Talora in herchair, Dojar at Tactical, CALE at Ops, and various N.D.crewmembers. The whooshing of the doors is heard as Crosswalks out of his ready room and onto the bridge.

CROSSReport.

TALORAThe other away teams have returnedfrom the surface, Captain, but thereis still no word from LieutenantQuinlan.

Cross looks to Dojar.

CROSSCan you get a sensor reading on her,Dojar?

DOJARThere are a lot of Humans down there,Captain.

TALORAPerhaps we could contact Y'lan andsee whether he could find her.

Cross mulls over that option.

CROSSNo, I think that's a slightlyexcessive course of action. KnowingQuinlan, she has probably buriedherself deep into her investigationof the pir--

DOJAR(interrupting, urgent)

Captain...

CROSSWhat is it, Lieutenant?


DOJARWe're receiving a distress signalfrom a civilian transport in theMuhesma System.

TALORAHave they identified their attackers?

DOJARNegative.

CROSSIt's bound to be the pirates. Helm,plot an intercept course and prepareto leave orbit. Instruct Engineeringto prepare for slipstream.

HELM OFFICERAye, sir.

TALORAWhat about Quinlan?

Cross looks at his first officer for a moment.

CROSSDojar, prepare a minimal securityteam to take position on the planet.

Dojar spins around in his seat.

DOJARCaptain, request permission topersonally join the team.

CROSSDenied. I need my tactical officerhere.

DOJARSir, with all due respect, I knowthis neighborhood better than others. I've passed through here before and,with such a delicate operation, I amcertain that I'm the best man forthe job.

Cross mulls over the decision.

CROSSAll right, permission granted. Iwant you to provide undercoverassistance for Quinlan. All youneed to do is find her, don't confronther and risk jeopardizing the entiremission.

(MORE)


CROSS (CONT'D)Just take stock of the situation andact accordingly. Understood?

DOJARClearly, Captain.

CROSSGood. We'll leave orbit as soon asyou're ready.

Dojar nods in acknowledgment, he gets up and hurries towardsthe turbolift.

Cross turns around and walks towards his chair as Talora andDojar exchange a slight glance.

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise leaves orbit and flashes into slipstream.

CUT TO:

INT. ROOM

We open on a dim, spartan room, only a single small windowfor light and a single door. In the center, Quinlan is tiedto a chair with a hood over her head. She is slumped forwardagainst her bonds, apparently just waking up. No one elseis in the room.

QUINLANOhh, god... what the hell was thatfor?

She seems to grow more alert, suddenly realizing herpredicament.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)(shouting)

Uh, hello? Whoever's there had betterhave a damn good reason for doingthis!

As if on cue, the door opens and a single man enters. Inthe relative darkness, we can't identify him yet. Quinlanimmediately straightens to alertness, though we can't seeher expression because of the hood.

MANGood day, Miss Quinlan. I trustyou're not too badly hurt?

QUINLANWho the hell are you? How do youknow who I am?


MANI'm afraid I can't tell you who I amjust yet. But I did happen to noticeyou snooping around in Repow Samwaearlier today. Your reputationprecedes you, Miss Quinlan. I'd beinterested in knowing just what you'redoing here.

QUINLAN(flatly)

Oh really... Well you can just gokiss my...

MAN(interrupting, amused)

I'd be careful what you say, Twister. I just might do it.

Beneath her hood, Quinlan does a sudden double-take.

QUINLANOh no...

The man quickly moves in and removes Quinlan's hood. In thelimited light from the window, we get our first good glimpseof the man at the same time Quinlan does -- the grinningface of DEVON KALHOUN, last seen in "Chasing the Dragon."

DEVONSurprise!

QUINLAN(furious)

Devon Kalhoun, you dirty son of abitch!

Devon seems taken aback by this outburst, and seems genuinelyhurt at her reaction.

DEVONNo no, Jen, you don't understand...

As he speaks, he moves around behind her and starts untyingher from the chair.

DEVON (CONT'D)You're not in danger here, I nabbedthose two guys who attacked you inthe bar, and brought you here myself.

He finishes untying the ropes, and Quinlan slowly and warilystands up, flexing her joints uncomfortably.


QUINLAN(sarcastic)

And I'm just supposed to believethat you're my hero, gallantlyrescuing me and then tying me upagain?

DEVON(pointedly)

Here's your phaser.

Sure enough, he holds out a small, Starfleet-issue hand phaserin his palm. Suspiciously, Quinlan picks it up.

QUINLANAnd what if I decided to shoot you?

DEVON(grins)

I'd probably deserve it for the prankI just pulled.

QUINLANIt's not funny, Devon.

DEVONYou always said my sense of humorneeded work.

Quinlan glares for a moment, before putting away the phaserin her hip pocket.

QUINLANYou have some explaining to do. Would you mind leading me out ofthis personal little hellhole ofyours?

She starts to head for the door. Devon immediately followsher.

DEVON(protesting)

Oh, come on! I can't believe thatyou wouldn't --

The rest of the conversation is cut off as they both EXIT,closing the door behind them.

CUT TO:

EXT. REPOW SAMWA -- DAY

Same as before.


INT. BAR

Dojar, out of uniform, enters and slowly walks around thearea attempting to scope it out. He walks to the bar andtakes a seat. The bartender, a Yridian, walks over.

BARTENDERWhat'll it be?

DOJARKanar.

The bartender chuckles, much to Dojar's confused look.

DOJAR (CONT'D)What?

BARTENDERWe don't have any Kanar here.

DOJARWhy not?

BARTENDERBecause you Cardassians aren'tstrolling around the quadrant likeyou used to. Now, you rarely leaveyour home system so there's verylittle demand for it.

DOJARSurely there are still Cardassiantraders who come here.

BARTENDERThe odd one here and there -- butnot enough to warrant me stocking itagain. Times have changed.

Dojar sighs.

DOJARThen get me something else.

BARTENDERLike what?

DOJAR(dry)

I don't care.

The bartender nods slowly in acknowledgment, reaches for abottle and starts to pour it into a cup.

BARTENDERSome Klingon bloodwine then.

(MORE)


BARTENDER (CONT'D)I've got enough of this to last alifetime and, what with recent events,I doubt there'll be many around askingfor it.

The bartender hands over the cup. Dojar takes a look at it,not sure whether to drink it or not, and then downs it onego. He slams the cup back onto the bar, in typical Klingonfashion, much to the amusement of the Bartender.

BARTENDER (CONT'D)Impressive. I've seen Nausicaans inhere before who couldn't even stomachKlingon bloodwine.

DOJARYou develop a taste for it.

BARTENDERYou've drunk it before?

DOJARNow and then. I've done a lot ofbusiness in the Klingon Empire.

BARTENDER(intrigued)

Oh? I wouldn't have thought theKlingons would be too receptive todealing with a Cardassian.

DOJARI provide services that not manyothers can. If they want somethingdone, they have to use me. Somethings go beyond racism.

BARTENDERSpoken like a true businessman.

(beat)So, tell me, what sort of businessare you doing here?

DOJARI'm looking for some people.

BARTENDERWhat kind of people?

Dojar takes a quick look around his area and moves in closerto speak to the bartender more discreetly.

DOJARPeople who are causing trouble forsome of my clients.

(MORE)


DOJAR (CONT'D)These people are attacking civiliantransport ships in the area. Transports which are secretlysmuggling weapons and other variousitems.

BARTENDERI hadn't heard that. I knew therewere attacks and raids, but I didn'tknow why.

DOJARI'm here to protect the interests ofmy clients. These attacks are makingthem very angry... and that'ssomething I personally wouldn't liketo see.

BARTENDERAnd who are your clients?

Dojar takes another quick look around.

DOJAR(discreet)

Several high-ranking members of theTholian Assembly.

BARTENDERThe Tholians? Why would they besmuggling out here?

DOJARLet's just say that, because of recentpolitical events, the Tholians aretrying to consolidate their positionin a few sectors.

BARTENDER(fascinated)

Incredible.

DOJARAnd that's not all of it. You wannahear something else?

BARTENDER(enthusiastic)

Definitely.

Dojar pushes his cup forward, gesturing for the bartender topour him another drink. The bartender does this and Dojardowns it in one go again.


BARTENDER (CONT'D)(impatient)

Well?

DOJARThe Tzenkethi have managed to learnwhat the Tholians are up to and havesent an agent to protect theirinterests.

BARTENDERWhy would the Tzenkethi get involved?

DOJARThey're paranoid and worried. They'reafraid that the Tholians might bemaking a move against them. Severalships have been sighted smugglingweapons to a system near their border.

BARTENDERDo you know who this agent is?

DOJARAll I know is that she is a Bajoran,altered to look Human. That's whythey sent me, they knew I'd getdelight from torturing a Bajoran.

BARTENDERYou know, there was a Human woman inhere earlier that you might beinterested in.

DOJARAnd who would that be?

BARTENDERShe was kidnapped by a certainfaction. A faction that I believemight be interested in what you'vegot to say.

DOJARReally? Do you know where they tookher?

BARTENDERI do, but....

DOJARBut what?

BARTENDERI'm sure you can understand that I'malso a businessman. I can't giveaway all information for free.


Dojar reaches into his pocket and takes out a non-StarfleetPADD.

DOJARPut in a reasonable amount and it'syours.

The bartender smiles and goes to input a number.

DOJAR (CONT'D)Put in an unreasonable amount andyou'll get something else.

The bartender stops in his tracks and looks slightly worried. Clearly, by the expression on his face, he puts in a newnumber. He hands the PADD back to Dojar.

BARTENDERThe address is on there.

Dojar looks at the PADD and then puts it into his pocket.

DOJARThank you.

Dojar gets up, walks away and EXITS the bar.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET -- DAY

The camera focuses in on Dojar, now outside of the bar, ashe takes a moment to compose himself.

He starts to head off, but something out of the corner ofhis eye -- and we pan across to see Quinlan and Devon walkingin the opposite direction, already past, not having seenhim.

First noticing Quinlan, Dojar then looks at Devon, immediatelyrecognizing him

In a WHITE FLASH, we quickly...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIMIN'S HOME -- CELL (FLASHBACK: "ENCOUNTERS OF CHANCE")

The first thing we are aware of is Dojar hitting the floorwith a THUMP. There is a long trickle of blood running downhis nose, and one eye is blackened.

Another white flash, and just as quickly we...


DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. STREET -- DAY

As before. Dojar squeezes his eyes shut for a moment,remembering the pain. Recovering after a moment with ashuddering breath, Dojar looks up again, with a grim look onhis face.

DOJAR(to himself)

Kidnapped, hmm?

As he starts off to follow them, we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT ONE

RENAISSANCE: "Outstanding Questions" - ACT TWO 18.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. CAFE -- DAY

A slightly less dusty street than we saw previously. Quinlanand Devon are seated at a table at a sidewalk cafe -- asetting that on any more-developed world would look quiterelaxing and comfortable. Here, it only seems gritty anddirty.

Quinlan has loosened up noticeably since the last act. Thereis nothing in front of them at the moment, but we get theimpression that they only recently sat down.

DEVONI still can't believe you actuallytried to take on that Nausicaan...

QUINLANWell, you know how those thug typesthink -- the moment he walked up tothe table there was going to be afight anyway.

DEVONYou didn't have to grab Grishna likethat in the first place.

QUINLANHey, you didn't hear his comments. I don't take that from his type.

DEVON(grins)

I can guess what he said -- and youdo take it from some people.

Quinlan sighs in partly good-natured annoyance.

QUINLANSo then, what's your excuse thistime, Devon? First you randomlyshow up on Ionis, then you annoy mewith rude letters on Deneva, and nowyou're tying me up in dark rooms onCambrada. I'm starting to get thefeeling you're stalking me...

Devon grins, but snorts derisively.

DEVONOh, come on, Twister. You know mebetter than that...


QUINLANYeah, well I also know you tied meup in a dark room.

DEVON(winces)

You're not going to let that go, areyou? I already apologized!

QUINLANI know. But I still wasn't amused. And you still haven't told me whatyou're doing here, just coincidentallypositioned to meet up with me again.

Devon sobers somewhat.

DEVONAfter our meeting on Verruca, I'vebeen feeling... well, guilty. Iknow you don't really blame me forwhat happened, but I could probablystill have done something.

QUINLAN(teasing)

So you stalk me, then?

DEVONI'm serious, Jen.

(beat)After I was released from thehospital, I went back to work --legit work, believe it or not. Iended up working out here when Iheard the Enterprise was being sentin to deal with Rosh'ala and hisgang.

QUINLANRosh'ala?

Devon looks disappointed.

DEVONDon't tell me you haven't even ID'edyour target yet...

QUINLAN(defensive)

Well, that's what I was trying to dowhen that Ferengi toad asked me on adate...

(beat)So, Rosh'ala... the Yridian gangsterfrom Edemos II?


DEVONThe one and only. He's brought abunch of surplussed Cardassianinterceptors he bought off the blackmarket a few years ago, and now he'shaving fun collecting "duties" fromthe local population.

QUINLANCharming.

DEVONRight. Anyway, I just knew thatyou'd sail up at the biggest colonyin the sector and start asking aroundfor clues, just as subtle as asupernova.

(beat, grins)So I planted myself in the corner ofthe seediest bar I could find, andsure enough, you waltzed in a fewhours later.

QUINLAN(protesting)

Oh, come on! I'm not that obvious...

DEVONSure you are. Everyone with earsknew that the Enterprise was in orbit. Even if no one else recognized youpersonally, they were bound to knowwhen some Starfleeter showed up todig up their dirty secrets. I'msure just about everyone in that barknew where you came from.

Devon takes a brief look around, as if looking for someone.

QUINLANYou're so helpful...

DEVONJust like old times, then?

QUINLAN(sniffs)

Hardly.

DEVON(mockingly)

I'm devastated.

QUINLANYeah, yeah.

(MORE)


QUINLAN (CONT'D)(beat)

So, are you going to try to glossover the question, or tell me moreabout Rosh'ala?

DEVONWhat, you're not even going to lamentwith me about old times?

QUINLANI'm not here on a vacation, Devon. Believe it or not, I'm just here toget information.

DEVON(mockingly)

Poor Twister. Reduced to scoutingaround the dregs of the galaxy forinformation to pass on to Starfleet...

He pulls out a PADD.

DEVON (CONT'D)Fortunately for you, I've alreadygot all that ready. Sensor recordsfrom my ship, and a few other bitsand pieces I've pulled together sinceI knew you were coming. They shouldhelp you get a bead on these guys.

Quinlan takes the PADD, suspicious again.

QUINLANAwfully generous.

DEVONHey, I don't want to see Rosh'alaleft running loose in this sectorany more than Starfleet. And I thinkthat most of the other traders wouldsay the same -- legit or not, Rosh'alais a slime ball that none of us wantto have anywhere nearby.

QUINLAN(ironic)

Nice to know you've got a few gooddeeds left in you. I'd better getthis back to the --

(stops, abruptlyrealizing)

Oh, hell! What time is it?

DEVON(puzzled)

It's about two o'clock, local time.


QUINLANDamn, I didn't check in!

She quickly pulls out her commbadge and presses it.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)(to commbadge)

Quinlan to Enterprise.

DEVONDon't bother. They broke orbit onlya couple of minutes after you werecarried out of the bar, before Imanaged to get you away from thosethugs.

QUINLANThen get me a decent comm unit! Iassume you've got a ship on thisdust ball?

DEVON(annoyed)

Come on, Twister, just stop and thinkfor a minute! Your ship's taken offanswering some distress call, butthey're bound to come back soonenough. Considering your growingreputation around here, laying lowwould probably be a good idea, right?

Quinlan sighs.

QUINLANFine, fine.

DEVON(standing up)

We'll take cover in my ship. Thatway I can give you decent limousineservice once the Enterprise comesback.

QUINLAN(also stands)

Yeah, sure. Knowing you, it'sprobably a fifty-year-old Antares-class rustbucket. I'll bet you don'teven know what its real hull issupposed to look like...

As they head off down the street, we...


CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

In a bright flash, the Enterprise appears out of slipstream.


The crew in their places as before -- Cross, Talora, Cale,and various supernumeraries towards the rear. Ensign LESMIstands at Tactical, filling in for Dojar, and Ensign WHEDONmans the Helm.

CALE(reading console)

Captain, we're approaching the sourceof the distress call now.

CROSSFull sensor sweep, Ensign.

(beat)Helm, what's our ETA?

WHEDONThirty seconds, Captain.

CROSSTactical analysis?

For a moment, there's no response as Lesmi works her console. Cross starts to open his mouth to repeat the order, but then:

LESMIThe attackers seem to have brokenoff -- I'm not getting any readingof them now. The freighter thatsent the distress call is directlyahead.

CROSS(standing)

On screen.

On the main viewscreen, we can see the battered bulk of aFederation-style (civilian) freighter. Its hull is pockmarkedwith a few weapons impacts.

CALEThe freighter seems structurallyintact -- their life support isworking, engines inoperative butstill in one piece.

TALORAThat's unusual... they had plenty oftime to finish their job before wegot here.


LESMIMaybe they decided to get a biggerhead start. Would you want to tanglewith us in any little dinghy they'relikely to have?

CROSSLet's not speculate just yet. Hailthem.

(beat, to comm)Freighter Kaldra's Pride, this isthe Starship Enterprise. How can weassist you?

LESMIThey're responding -- audio only,Captain.

CAPTAIN'S COMM VOICEEnterprise, we appreciate your timelyarrival. Those attackers decided toturn tail once they saw a Starfleetheavy cruiser coming in.

CROSS(to comm)

Acknowledged, Kaldra's Pride. Canyou give us their last known vector?

CAPTAIN'S COMM VOICEUh... hold on while we dig that up.

Cross glances briefly at Talora, amused.

CAPTAIN'S COMM VOICE (CONT'D)It should be coming through now.

Lesmi reacts as her console beeps.

LESMIReceived, Captain. I'm checkingsensors now.

CROSSData received, Kaldra's Pride. Canwe send you any assistance for yourrepairs?

CAPTAIN'S COMM VOICEThank you, Enterprise, but that'snot necessary. My engineer shouldhave everything up and running withinan hour or so -- enough to make itto Cambrada.


LESMISir, I've got the raiders on sensors --two of them, about two thirds of alight year away. They're runningfor it at Warp 8.

CROSS(to Lesmi)

Acknowledged, Ensign. Helm, plot acourse, maximum warp.

(to comm)Kaldra's Pride, if you have everythingunder control, then we have a pairof raiders to chase down. We'llkeep you on our sensors as long aspossible.

CAPTAIN'S COMM VOICEUnderstood, Enterprise. Many thanks. Kaldra's Pride out.

The comm channel closes, and Cross returns to his seat.

WHEDONHelm ready, Captain.

CROSS(nods)

Engage.

EXT. SPACE

With the Kaldra's Pride hanging in the background, theEnterprise turns and jumps to warp.

CUT TO:

EXT. REPOW SAMWA -- AFTERNOON

An external shot of the city, as before. Our view zooms into focus on the central spaceport section.

EXT. SPACEPORT

A large, open facility for the maintenance of ships of allsizes and types. Off to the side, we see a small, dilapidatedold transport sporting the name "Burning Envy."

INT. BURNING ENVY -- CENTRAL COMPARTMENT

The main living chamber of Devon's ship appears reasonablyorganized, but by no means clean. At a table, Quinlan sitslooking around in distaste. We can hear Devon bustling aroundoff-screen in another room.

DEVON (O.S.)So, what do you think of her?


QUINLAN(sarcastic)

I think it's a lot like you -- beatenup, run down, and butt-ugly.

Devon pokes his head out from a side door to look at Quinlan.

DEVONTranslation: she's in peak condition,full of energy, and amazinglyattractive?

QUINLANYeah. Right.

DEVON(mock-chivalrously)

You wound me, madam.

He disappears back into the room.

QUINLAN(curious)

Just what are you doing in there,anyway.

DEVON (O.S.)It's a surprise. You'll see.

QUINLANI've had enough surprises for oneday, Devon. And I'd have thoughtyou'd learned after your last one.

DEVON (O.S.)(mischievous)

Don't worry, you'll like this one...

Quinlan gets fed up, heads to the door.

QUINLANBull. All right, out with it...

She heads in to see...

INT. BURNING ENVY -- COMPUTER CORE -- CONTINUOUS

Devon is standing at an older-looking computer console,working away at something. He looks up, a little guilty.

QUINLAN(ironic)

Somehow, I wouldn't have expected itto be a computer program.

She steps closer, and Devon approaches her to block her view.


DEVONIt'd be more interesting if youwaited.

Quinlan tries to twist around him to get a look at theconsole. Devon tugs at her arm.

DEVON (CONT'D)Come on, I'll get you something toeat...

Quinlan won't be denied. She tries to look closer...

QUINLANHey, is that a decryption program?

Devon continues to push her away, and speaks in a pleadingyet almost mocking tone:

DEVONHow'd you like some hot Janusianstew?

Quinlan FREEZES in shocking realization... and reaches forher pockets, pulling out one item -- an isolinear data chip.

QUINLANMy data chip...

(turns on Devon)You copied my data chip, didn't you?! You shouldn't have done that, youdirty--!

Without saying a word, Devon simply gives a simple shrug,and raises his eyebrows. Quinlan turns away in frustrationand disgust.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)(muttering, to herself)

Talora's going to have my head forthis one...

On Quinlan's nonplused expression, we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

RENAISSANCE: "Outstanding Questions" - ACT THREE 28.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. BURNING ENVY -- COMPUTER CORE

Moments after the end of Act Two.

DEVONWell, now I know why you were askingaround for Delhia Nahamas back inthe bar. And here I was, thinkingit was just to catch up with an oldfriend.

Her initial anger starting to fade, Quinlan looks more upsetand worried than furious now.

QUINLANDevon, you shouldn't have done that.

DEVON(grins)

Why not? You know me, I'm not worriedabout "top secret" labels. Besides,anything Starfleet might let youknow about and carry around in somedusty colonial town can't be toosensitive, can it?

QUINLAN(subdued)

Starfleet doesn't know I have this.

Devon does a double-take.

DEVONExcuse me?

QUINLAN(bitter)

You really should figure out whatyou're stealing before you take it,Devon.

Without another word, Quinlan stalks out, leaving Devonstanding dumbfounded next to the computer console. After amoment he recovers, chasing after her into...

INT. BURNING ENVY -- CENTRAL COMPARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Quinlan stands near the door, seemingly staring off blankly.

DEVONTwister! What the hell has gotteninto you?


Quinlan doesn't turn around.

QUINLANIt's the data chip, Devon. I knowwhat you were thinking... informationcan be the most valuable commodityof all.

(beat, turns around)But it never occurred to you -- hell,it never occurred to any of us backthen -- that "valuable" can alsomean "dangerous." And the morevaluable it is, the more dangerous.

Quinlan sits down at the table, defiant and building up heranger again.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)You want to know about Janus? I cantell you about Janus. And when I'mdone, you'll be sorry I did...

Hold on Devon's reaction for a moment, before we...

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACEPORT -- AFTERNOON

A medium-close shot of the spaceport complex, focusing on anadministration and control facility at the center.

As we watch, we see Dojar walking up to the main entrance,which he ENTERS.

INT. SPACEPORT CONTROL -- RECEPTION AREA

Dojar strides through the spaceport control and scopes outthe entire area. He looks over and notices an informationarea and decides to walk over. A Human female stands at thedesk, working away at a control panel.

DOJARExcu--

The woman raises a finger and continues to type away at theconsole. Dojar waits there for a moment, patiently.

DOJAR (CONT'D)Excuse me.

RECEPTIONISTCould you wait, please?

Dojar is getting frustrated.


DOJARI didn't think Humans were so rudeanymore.

His comment is ignored as she continues with her work. Dojar,very frustrated, reaches an arm over and stops thereceptionist from typing. She looks up.

RECEPTIONISTPatience is a virtue. Clearly, onethat's lost on the Cardassians.

DOJARNo need to get racist.

RECEPTIONISTI wasn't the one who started it.

Dojar sighs.

DOJARAll I want is some information. This is the information desk, isn'tit?

RECEPTIONISTClearly, but information costs. Especially out here where no onewants to be.

Dojar reaches into his pocket and hands over a small PADD.

She processes the PADD and hands it back, forcing a mockingsmile.

RECEPTIONIST (CONT'D)How can I help you?

DOJARI'd like some information on a shipdocked here. A ship belonging to apilot called Devon Kalhoun.

The receptionist searches the database.

RECEPTIONISTSorry, but that name isn't listed inour database.

DOJARYou sure?

RECEPTIONISTAs sure as it's right in front ofme.

Dojar stands there and thinks to himself.


DOJARDoes that cover passenger lists?

RECEPTIONISTYes. However, we do have a problemwith many unregistered passengersbeing smuggled in.

DOJARDon't you conduct weight checks andstandard searches in an attempt toprevent and deter smuggling?

The receptionist chuckles slightly.

RECEPTIONISTOut here? No. The Federationadministrators always create newregulations to try and prevent it,but they're only there so thatsmugglers can charge more. Officialsthen take a cut to turn a blind eye...and they get more money.

Dojar scoffs.

DOJARIt's a scam.

RECEPTIONISTOf course. What do you expect?

Dojar sighs.

RECEPTIONIST (CONT'D)Maybe you got the identity of theman mistaken.

DOJARI saw him with my own eyes. He walkedinto this spaceport. He must have aship here.

The receptionist shrugs.

RECEPTIONISTSorry, I can't help you.

Dojar doesn't look pleased, as he turns around and walksaway slightly. The camera switches to a side angle as wesee, in the background, someone about to cross his path.

TELLARITEFollow me. Discreetly.


The Tellarite doesn't stop as he mutters those words. Dojarmakes sure not to look at him but walk on and then, asnaturally as possible, turn and walk into the same direction.

CUT TO:

INT. DARK ROOM

The Tellarite, followed a moment later by by Dojar, enter adimly-lit room -- apparently a storage closet of some kind.

DOJAROkay, what have you got?

TELLARITEInformation that you want.

DOJARTell me.

The Tellarite scoffs.

TELLARITENot without payment.

Dojar sighs.

DOJARI'm getting pretty sick of hearingthat.

TELLARITEThat may be so, but since the war,you Cardassians should've learnedonce and for all, that you aren'tthe center of the universe.

(beat)Others pay, you pay.

Dojar smiles, the frustration on his face starting to show.

DOJARReally?

TELLARITEYes.

Dojar starts to ponder that thought, but just for show.

DOJARSee... I'm not quite what you expect. I may be a Cardassian but I'm, by nomeans, a subdued one.

TELLARITEI know who you are.

(MORE)


TELLARITE (CONT'D)You are a Starfleet officer, fromthe Enterprise.

DOJARYour research must be commended.

TELLARITEI know everything that goes on here. It's my job to know and to find thepeople who want to know. That's howI found you. Now... you pay.

DOJARHow about something else?

The Tellarite looks slightly confused.

TELLARITELike what?

DOJARLike this.

With surprising suddenness, Dojar jumps at the squat Tellariteand KNOCKS him to the ground with a sudden blow to the jaw. For a second, Dojar looks as if he's about to attack again,before stopping himself.

Instead, he looms over the fallen Tellarite -- an imposingsight for us, comparing Dojar's bulk with the diminutiveTellarite.

DOJAR (CONT'D)Now, are you going to tell me what Iwant to know, or am I going to haveto hurt you more?

TELLARITEI tell you.

Dojar sighs a breath of relief.

DOJARGood.

The Tellarite quickly gets to his feet.

TELLARITEAfter you pay.

Dojar shakes his head with frustration.

DOJARYou really are stubborn, aren't you?


TELLARITEAnd you are a small, naive Cardassian.

The camera moves back to the face of Dojar, and we see THREETHUGS in the background just entering. Dojar, seeing theTellarite smile, turns around and notices these thugs.

DOJARWhy did you make this harder then ithad to be?

TELLARITE(cavalier)

You brought this upon yourself.

A white FLASH, and we...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. TRAKEN MARKET AREA (FLASHBACK: "ENCOUNTERS OF CHANCE")

The scene is complete carnage. The stalls that haven't beencompletely obliterated are burning fiercely. The buildingssurrounding the area have been hit as though a demolitionball was hitting them, with walls caved in, windows shatteredand debris falling from them. Bodies lie around, while debrisfrom the stalls litters the whole area. There is an eeriecalm surrounding the area, and a wind whips the flames.

A second FLASH, and we...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. ROBERT APRIL -- CORRIDOR (FLASHBACK: "OTHER THINGS EQUAL")

The body of a dead Starfleet officer, one of the April'screw members. Not only is the chest blasted open with someenergy weapon, but the torso practically ripped apart as ifsomething were trying to dig inside.

Behind the body, in the distance, we can see several MOREcorpses, each in similar condition...

A third FLASH, and we...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DARK ROOM

As before. Dojar winces at the memories, but struggles tomaintain composure. He turns around and gives the Tellaritea brutal look.

DOJARNo, you're doing this because youcan. And I refuse to play by yourself-serving rules.

(MORE)


DOJAR (CONT'D)(beat)

All I want is to know where DevonKalhoun is.

The camera moves in on Dojar's determined face. As he braceshimself, we...

CUT TO:

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise cruises past at warp.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- READY ROOM

Cross sits at his desk, tending to some paperwork -- orPADDwork as it were. We hear a CHIME from the door, andCross looks up.

CROSSCome in.

The doors open to reveal Talora, who walks in towards Cross'sdesk.

TALORAI have the daily status report,Captain.

CROSSAhh, the joys of bureaucracy. Thankyou, Commander, I'll add it to thepile. I've got a few more interestingtasks at the moment, though.

TALORA"Interesting"?

Cross chuckles.

CROSSYou could say that. I got a requestfrom Y'lan this morning asking forsixty-two deciliters of biomimeticgel.

From Talora's expression, she seems to think it's a joke.

CROSS (CONT'D)Believe it or not...

(beat, chuckles)Elris could barely contain herlaughter while I was forwarding therequest. I'm trying to figure outjust what to tell him.


TALORABiomimetic gel is one of the mostrestricted substances in the entireFederation. Tell him no.

CROSSThat's definitely the most obviouscourse of action. On the other hand,I find it hard to believe thatwhatever he'd use it for would bedangerous to us. It's not as ifhe's a threat -- in fact, I'd saythat he's saved our backsides fromthe frying pan almost single-handedlya number of times.

TALORA(protesting)

Captain, we still don't know much atall about any agenda that Y'lan mighthave. And the fact that he'spractically locked himself in hislab since we returned to duty a fewmonths ago seems like an ill omen tome.

CROSSThat's a good point. When the Q'tamigoes to ground, I'd get worried.

(beat)I suppose it would be best to askhim myself abo--

He is interrupted by a BEEP from the comm.

LESMI'S COMM VOICEBridge to Captain Cross. Sir, we'vegot a confirmed sensor lock on thetarget fighters -- in firing rangein two minutes.

CROSS(to comm)

Acknowledged, Ensign.(to Talora)

I guess we'll finish this later?

Cross and Talora both exit.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- BRIDGE -- CONTINUOUS

Cale, Lesmi, and Whedon man their stations as before, asCross and Talora enter from the Ready Room.


CROSS(all business)

Lieutenant, sound red alert. Armphasers and quantum torpedoes, raiseshields... stand by to target weaponsand propulsion systems only -- Iwant prisoners, not cadavers.

LESMIAye, sir.

In the front, Cale reacts to something on his console.

CALEThat's odd...

TALORA(concerned)

What is it, Lieutenant?

CALEWell, sir, we just got close enoughto run a detailed internal scan ofthe two raiders. I'm not detectingany life-signs aboard.

Cross and Talora share a glance -- chagrin and understanding.

TALORAAutomated systems and computercontrol. A diversion?

CROSSLooks that way.

LESMI(reading console)

Captain, the raiders are doublingback on their course, moving ontoattack vectors.

On the viewscreen, we can see the two Cardassian fighterslooping around to face us.

CROSSLieutenant Cale, confirm that thereare no life signs on those two ships --make sure it's not just sensorjamming.

LESMI(abruptly)

They're firing!

The ship RUMBLES around them, but only minimal shakingcompared to many of the other scrapes the ship has seen.


EXT. SPACE

We get a clear shot of the two old Cardassian Hideki-classfighters swooping around, firing everything they've got --and everything being almost casually absorbed by the massivebulk of the Enterprise.


As before.

LESMIShields holding -- no damage reported.

CALECaptain, the absence of life signsis confirmed. Those ships arecompletely automated.

CROSS(nods)

That's what I wanted to hear.(to Lesmi)

Ensign, target quantum torpedoes,full spread.

LESMI(confident)

Already set, Captain.

CROSSFire.

EXT. SPACE

The looming mass of the Enterprise suddenly spits a barrageof quantum torpedoes which blaze across our point of viewand quickly annihilate both raiders.


As before.

LESMITargets destroyed, sir.

CROSS(to Talora)

Looks like someone didn't want us atCambrada.

(beat, to comm)Bridge to Engineering.

GREY'S COMM VOICEGrey here, Captain.


CROSSActivate the slipstream drive.

A beat, no acknowledgement. Then:

GREY'S COMM VOICEAcknowledged, Bridge. Stand by.

CROSSHelm, plot in a course back toCambrada -- best speed.

As the crew complies, we...

CUT TO:

INT. BURNING ENVY -- COCKPIT

Quinlan sits in the pilot's seat in the cramped cockpit (onlythree stations and barely any maneuvering room), staring outthe forward viewport at the spaceport activity. Devon entersfrom the rear.

DEVONI suppose I owe you another apology.

Quinlan doesn't turn to face Devon.

QUINLANI suppose you do... but I have afeeling this is one mistake we'llboth end up regretting.

DEVONFor once, I can't really disagreewith your pessimistic assessment ofthe situation.

Quinlan turns around in her chair to look directly at Devon.

QUINLAN(defensive)

I'm not pessimistic!

DEVON(snorts)

Sure you are. Come on, what happenedto the optimistic, happy-go-luckyTwister I used to know?

QUINLANI stopped being so happy-go-luckywhen I realized just how unhappy myactions were making everyone else.

(beat, looks up)And you know what, Devon?

(MORE)


QUINLAN (CONT'D)I don't miss those days anymore. But I don't want to get into thatargument right now. Right now, we'regoing to figure out what to do nowthat you've shot my mission to hell.

Devon stares at her for a moment, before deciding to let heraccusation pass.

DEVONOkay... so, what do we do?

QUINLANFirst, tell me whether whoever clubbedme over the head happened to... oh,maybe make any copies of that datachip before you so heroically rescuedme?

DEVON(snorts)

Hardly. Like I said, they were randomthugs. Barely intelligent enough tonab you and take you back to Rosh'ala. They didn't have anything on themthat would have read your chip.

QUINLANSo no one else has this yet.

DEVONNobody.

QUINLAN(warning)

I need the truth here, Devon. Thiscould end up causing more troublethan either of us know how to dealwith.

DEVON(protesting)

I'm telling the truth! After whatyou told me about Brody's littlepart in this whole mess? There's noway I'd want to let that bit of newsget out...

(beat)Most of us in the trade who knew himalways figured he was just on thewrong side of things... but I'd neverimagined that he was actually workingfor the Federation.

Devon sighs, and sits at a console on the side.


DEVON (CONT'D)I managed to get in contact withNahamas. I didn't know she's livingright here in Repow Samwa -- got ahouse up on the north hill.

(wryly)Apparently, you didn't know thateither. You couldn't just do it theeasy way and look her up in the commdirectory, could you?

Quinlan's face reddens.

QUINLANLast I'd heard, she was still runningher own shipping company.

DEVONNahh, she got out of that businessonly a year or so after you left us.

QUINLANI always thought she was pretty sharplike that...

Devon rolls his eyes, but doesn't take the bait.

DEVONAnyway, she agreed to meet us at theTere Techa Cafe in about an hour. Said it didn't look like a tough job --but you know Deliah.

(testy, off Quinlan'slook)

And yes, I did make sure the channelwas secure when I transmitted herthe file.

QUINLAN(curt)

Good. When do we leave?

DEVONHow about right now? Tere Techa'sabout a kilometer away towards theedge of town. Most people -- normalresidents, anyway -- like to walkaround in the evening hours.

(beat, grins)Give us a chance for a nice moonlightstroll, too.

Quinlan sighs, but says nothing as she stands up and huffilywalks out the door.


EXT. SPACEPORT -- EVENING

The outside of Devon's ship. Quinlan and Devon emerge fromthe side airlock, the latter sealing the hatch behind him. Quinlan starts walking off, quite quickly, not waiting forDevon.

Devon turns and hurries to catch up in the evening darkness.

DEVONHey, Twister, why so fast?

QUINLANI just want to get this over withnow that we're close to finallyresolving this entire situation.

DEVONC'mon, Jen, this can't be all thatbad. I'll bet...

We don't hear the rest of their conversation as they headoff into the distance.

Hold on the direction where Quinlan and Devon disappearedfor a moment, before panning over to see DOJAR, showing anumber of bruises and a torn shirt, come out from a hidingplace behind a stack of crates.

A quick FLASH, and we...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. TIMIN'S HOME -- CELL

Dojar hits the floor with a THUMP. There is a long trickleof blood running down his nose, and one eye is blackened.

We see this for only a quick second, before we FLASH again...

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. SPACEPORT -- EVENING

As before.

DOJAR(to himself)

I know his kind... You're not goingto get away with this, Quinlan.

As he starts off in the same direction, we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

RENAISSANCE: "Outstanding Questions" - ACT FOUR 43.

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE -- QUANTUM SLIPSTREAM

The Enterprise streaks past in the slipstream.


As before: Cross, Talora, Cale, Lesmi, and Whedon at theirstations.

WHEDONApproximately two minutes to Cambrada,sir.

TALORAAcknowledged, Ensign.

Lesmi's console BEEPS.

LESMI(urgent)

Captain, we're receiving anotherdistress call from an Andorianfreighter, about two light-yearsaway. Audio only.

Cross looks at Talora significantly.

CROSSOn speakers.

CAPTAIN'S COMM VOICE(static-filled)

This is ... Andorian transport vesselWeytahn, ... --tra System. ... underattack by un-- ... raiders. We ... --o hundred passengers on board...we can't hold out for long!

LESMIThe rest of the message is automated,Captain.

A beat.

CROSSUnderstood, Ensign.

Another beat.

WHEDONShall I alter course, sir?


CROSS(confident)

No need, Mister Whedon. I'm surethat freighter will be fine.

CALE(shocked, confused)

But sir...!

TALORALieutenant, did you study the historyof this ships' predecessors? I madeit a point to know something aboutthe namesake of the starship I wasassigned to.

(beat)There's an appropriate saying fromone of the original Enterprise'sencounters: "Fool me once, shame onyou. Fool me twice, shame on me."

Cale, suitably chastened, turns back to his console.

CROSSThat was Pavel Chekov, who --

TALORA(interrupting)

Actually, it was Commander Scott.

Cross looks at her curiously.

CROSSYou sure?

Talora raises her eyebrows.

TALORAOf course.

CROSS(shrugs)

Okay.

A beat of silence. Amused, Talora turns to look at herconsole.

WHEDONApproaching Cambrada now, sir.

CROSSSlow to impulse.

EXT. SPACE

In a blazing blue streak, the Enterprise emerges fromslipstream.


Pan around as it passes us and continues towards Cambrada,in the background.


As before.

LESMISir, I'm detecting a large number offreighters in orbit over the southerncontinent, accompanied by a handfulof Cardassian fighters. The latterare breaking to intercept us.

CROSS(concerned)

Another raid?

A beat as Lesmi works her console.

LESMIDoesn't look like it. My guess isthey're in the process of loading --and a lot of stuff too, judging bythe ships they've got. I'm alsodetecting a lot of surface activitybelow the orbiting ships.

Cross looks stunned.

CROSSWe were sitting right on top of theirbase and didn't even realize it...

LESMI(urgent)

Sir, the raiders are approaching. Looks like at least eighteen of them --Hidekis or some equivalent.

CROSSWell then -- call battle stations,Commander. It seems we've been had.

As the Bridge crew gets to work...

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise soars off to meet the incoming swarm ofraiders.


CUT TO:

EXT. REPOW SAMWA -- NIGHT

With the sunlight no longer revealing every speck of dust,the settlement looks quite different under the gentler eveningillumination.

EXT. SPACEPORT -- NIGHT

On the outskirts of the landing area, Quinlan and Devon arewalking back towards the center, where the Burning Envy sits. The two are apparently enjoying themselves, as we hear aburst of laughter from their direction as they approach ourperspective.

QUINLANI still can't believe you

As they near the ship, Quinlan walks up to the hatch, whileDevon veers off towards the central admin building in thedistance.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)Hey, where're you going?

DEVONI've gotta renew my landing deposit --I hadn't planned on staying hereovernight, and the controllers chargelike a bandit for late departures.

QUINLAN(sarcastic)

I'll bet. You mind letting me in,though?

DEVON(smirks)

Why not wait out here and enjoy thenight air? I'll be back in ten orfifteen...

As he walks off, Quinlan rolls his eyes.

QUINLANGee, thanks.

She turns to the panel, examining the key pad next to thehatch. After thinking for a moment, she punches in acombination. The hatch immediately opens.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)(to herself)

Your sense of humor definitely needswork, Devon.

(MORE)


QUINLAN (CONT'D)You used that same code for yourluggage five years ago...

She enters the ship, closing the hatch behind her.

CUT TO:

INT. BURNING ENVY -- CENTRAL COMPARTMENT

The room is is we saw it previously. Quinlan enters fromthe forward section where the airlock is.

QUINLANComputer, lights -- low.

As the lights come up, we can see Dojar, still looking inbad shape, standing in the corner shadows. Quinlan is facingthe other direction, and didn't see him.

DOJAR(low, menacing)

Hello there, Quinlan.

Understandably startled, Quinlan JUMPS, then looks at Dojar. Though it's not obvious in the dim light, Dojar is pointinghis phaser at Quinlan.

QUINLANWoah! Computer, full lights!

(beat, looks)Dojar? How the hell did you get inhere?

Dojar smiles slightly.

DOJARGood question, Quinlan. I might askyou the same thing.

Quinlan frowns.

QUINLANYou know what I'm doing here, tryingto get information on these pirateattacks.

DOJARIs that all?

Beat.

QUINLANYeah, what else would it be?


DOJARAnd what means, what sources haveyou used to try and find thisinformation?

Quinlan looks suspicious.

QUINLANWhy are you here, Dojar?

DOJAR(insistent)

I asked you a question, Lieutenant!

QUINLANAnd I asked one straight back.

Quinlan shrugs.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)Sue me.

DOJARThat's not the way to speak to asuperior officer.

Quinlan sighs.

QUINLANWhat is going on here, Dojar?

Dojar scoffs.

DOJARI saw you. I know what you've beenup to.

QUINLANYou saw me? Have you been spying onme?

DOJARThe Enterprise needed to leave thesystem and couldn't get in contactwith you, I came down here to tryand find you -- but guess what Ifound instead?

QUINLAN(hurt)

You were spying on me?

DOJARIt's a good thing that I was,otherwise who knows what kind ofpredicament I would find myself in!


QUINLANI was down here, by orders and on aStarfleet mission and you were spyingon me?

(beat)Why?

DOJARI wasn't ordered to spy on you, nordid I have any intention of doingso. At least, not until I saw you...

Quinlan frowns.

QUINLANSaw me?

DOJARYes. With him.

QUINLANWith who?

DOJARWith the man who took part in anattempt to kill me last year! Apast lover of yours or whatever thehell he is!

Beat.

QUINLANDevon? You saw me with Devon?

Dojar nods in response.

DOJARThat's right. However, I did morethen just see you, I heard you talkabout "finally resolving this entiresituation." That was all I neededto hear.

Dojar gets out his phaser and points it at Quinlan.

QUINLAN(worried)

Dojar, what the hell are you doing?

DOJARI'm placing you under arrest.

QUINLANFor what?

Beat.


DOJARTreason. Again.

QUINLANDojar, this isn't what you think itis. Yes, it's true that Devon and Igo years back but there's more tothis situation than you know.

DOJARLike cracking the Janus files? Yes,I know about that.

Quinlan looks surprised.

QUINLANYou know about that?

DOJARYes, you've made some good progress. However, involving outside parties,especially people like Devon, wasn'ta good idea.

QUINLANHe knew some people. People Icouldn't get to and they were theonly ones who could have a chance ofcracking the information.

DOJARAnd what would they get in response? A piece of the action?

(beat)That is Starfleet information andshould not be shared with people whomight use it for their own personalbenefit.

QUINLANWhy? After all, we're no betterthan them. We stole that information,we obtained it by what the Federationconsiders to be "illegal" means. We're no different to the rest ofthem.

DOJARYou, maybe not. However, I am verydifferent. That information isimportant to the survival of Starfleetand the Federation. For it to fallinto the hands of people who woulduse it for exploitation is reckless.


QUINLANDo you see Devon now? Do you seeany of them now?

DOJARNo, because you got lucky.

Quinlan sighs and reaches into her pocket very quickly, makingDojar a bit nervous and trigger-happy, but he doesn't fire. Quinlan, after taking this risk, pulls out a data chip/crystalor whatever.

QUINLANThis is it, Dojar. This could finallytell us what Janus is. It's been,what? Five, six months now? We'veall wondered what the hell is goingon. Talora, yourself and I have allstayed awake at night wondering whatJanus is.

(beat)Do you want to find out?

DOJARI will find out because you're goingto give me the chip.

Quinlan scoffs.

QUINLANAnd what if I don't? Are you goingto shoot me?

Beat.

DOJAR(resolute)

Yes.

Beat.

QUINLANAnd what will you tell the Captain? He sent me down here to find outabout the pirates and I'm sure hewould be a bit confused why histactical officer shot his helmofficer.

DOJAR(adamant)

Give me the chip!

QUINLANDojar, this has got completely outof hand. I have not betrayed you!


Beat.

DOJARGive me the chip!

QUINLANI know that Devon's part in the Ionisincident hasn't exactly endearedhimself to you but, may I remindyou, that he did also save your life.

DOJARYes, for his own personal benefit. Hardly a noble cause, is it? Tosave someone to save yourself?

Dojar slowly paces forward.

DOJAR (CONT'D)Now, give... me... the chip.

Dojar and Quinlan just stare at each other. Quinlan,reluctantly, hands it over.

QUINLANThere we go. Are you happy now?

Dojar places the chip into his pocket and backs off slightly.

DOJARWe'll see.

Beat.

QUINLANI can't believe it has all come tothis. I've worked my ass off forStarfleet in these last two years! I've pushed myself to be acceptedand respected by my fellowcrewmembers. I've demanded the verybest that I can give and what has itcome down to?

DOJARYou've made another mistake, Quinlan. One too many this time.

QUINLAN(passionate, adamant)

I have not betrayed anyone!(beat)

Not this time.

Beat.


DOJARWe'll wait here for the Enterpriseto return and then it's up to theCaptain to deal with you.

Quinlan scoffs.

QUINLANYou know what, out of all of this, Ifind funniest of all?

(beat)That you are the one person who Ithought would understand what it'sbeen like for me. We're from thesame world, you and I. We both strivefor acceptance and acknowledgment. Others aren't as willing to trust usas they are each other but we stillfight on.

(beat)If you and I can't be on the sameside then what hope is there foreither of us?

DOJARTrust takes a long time to earn, butit only takes a few seconds to loseit all.

Quinlan shakes her head in response.

QUINLANNo, I don't accept that. Trust isall about having faith in someone,knowing that who they are and whatthey represent is important.

DOJARAnd, clearly, who I thought you werewas wrong.

QUINLANNo, it wasn't. All you needed wasan excuse not to trust me. In thisday and age paranoia is getting thebetter of everyone. It's turning uson each other. If we hope to survive,and win, then we have to defy it.

(beat)You need to keep the faith.

DOJAREven after what I've seen?


QUINLANAnd what if you had seen me withsomeone else, huh? What would youhave done? Would you have spied onme or confronted me?

DOJARI don't know.

QUINLANThe fact that it was Devon hascompletely altered your perceptionof this situation.

(beat)Think about it... if I really wasagainst you do you think I would bestood here talking about it? Iwould've been out of here ages ago.

DOJARDon't be so sure.

QUINLANMaybe not, but I still would've madethe attempt.

Quinlan starts slowly walking towards Dojar.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)There is no need for this anymore. We have the information on Janus, solet's take it back to the Enterpriseand forget about all of this.

Dojar ponders that suggestion.

DOJAR(struggling)

I don't know.

QUINLANDojar...

(beat)If there's one thing you can becertain of with me, it's that we'reon the same side. Can you truly saythe same for many other people onthe Enterprise?

Beat.

DOJARNot too many.

Dojar sighs and lowers his weapon.


DOJAR (CONT'D)No, I can't.

Quinlan smiles and places her hand on his right shoulder.

QUINLANI'm so glad to hear you say that.

Dojar lets out a sigh of relief.

DOJARSo am I.

QUINLANFor a minute there, I thought youwere going to shoot me.

DOJARI was.

Quinlan smiles.

QUINLANClose call, huh?

CROSS'S COMM VOICECross to Dojar.

Dojar taps his commbadge.

DOJARDojar here, Captain.

CROSS'S COMM VOICEWe'll be returning to orbit in a fewminutes. Have you located LieutenantQuinlan?

DOJARYes, sir. Mission accomplished.

CROSS'S COMM VOICEUnderstood. Stand by to beam up.

Quinlan and Dojar just look at each other as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FOUR

RENAISSANCE: "Outstanding Questions" - ACT FIVE 56.

ACT FIVE

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise cruises past in orbit of Cambrada.

INT. ENTERPRISE -- SICKBAY

Open close on Dojar's bruised face, illuminated by a flashinglight. Zoom out to see ELRIS holding a dermal regeneratorand tricorder.

ELRISFortunately, there's nothing seriousat all. Mostly surface bruising anda few superficial cuts.

She snaps the tricorder shut.

DOJARNo concussion? Nothing like that?

Elris starts putting some equipment away.

ELRIS(frowns)

You've got a few bruises there, too...but I didn't detect any neuralswelling.

A beat, and then Dojar nods reluctantly.

DOJAROkay.

ELRIS(concerned)

Are you sure you're all right, Dojar?

DOJARYeah. Just... a few memories isall.

Dojar gets up, starts to walk out.

DOJAR (CONT'D)I guess I just need some rest. Thanks, Doctor.

Hold on Elris's concerned face as we hear the doors open andDojar exit...


CUT TO:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- TALORA'S QUARTERS

Dojar and Quinlan sit on couches near the windows, under thestars. Talora is pacing back and forth, clearly agitated. Quinlan appears relaxed but defiant, and Dojar sits quietly,subdued.

TALORABoth of you know how dangerous thatdata is. I explicitly told both ofyou that we needed to keep ourinvestigation of Janus as unobtrusiveas possible.

Quinlan is quiet, but insistent.

QUINLANTalora, we're playing a very dangerousgame here. We can't afford to playit safe.

TALORA(furious)

That doesn't mean we broadcast ouronly clue to Janus out on someforsaken colony. And it certainlydoesn't mean that you should sharesaid clue with any old friend youhappen to run across.

QUINLANTalora, Dojar wasn't getting anywherewith his own hacking. Like you said,that information is our only clue --but it's of no use to us or anyoneelse if we can't read it.

TALORA(icy)

It's also of no use if Janus getswind of it before we can do anything.

QUINLANAre you really upset about mydecision, Talora? Or are you justmad because I did it without checkingwith you first?

TALORAI am "upset" because of your choiceof contacts. From past experience,Devon Kalhoun is hardly the mosttrustworthy man in the galaxy.


QUINLANSo he was a smuggler, or pirate, orwhatever you want to call him. Thatdoesn't mean I can't choose to trusthim.

Quinlan gets up, passionate.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)You may not like some of my choices,Talora, but I think I've proven myselfhere on the Enterprise. Do you trustme?

Talora stares for a moment before responding, grudgingly.

TALORAYes.

Quinlan looks significantly at Dojar, silently recallingtheir confrontation.

QUINLANAnd I trust Devon in this. I knowwhat's at stake here, and I wouldn'thave done it if I didn't think itwas worth it.

Dojar interrupts, quietly.

DOJARShouldn't we just read the files andsee what we've got?

All three look at the center table, where the data chip sits.

TALORAAll right, then.

Talora picks up the chip and takes it over to her desk. Theothers follow her, peering over her shoulder at the display.

TALORA (CONT'D)Computer, enable secure data mode. Authorization Talora alpha three,beta nine.

She inserts the chip into a slot reader on the console.

TALORA (CONT'D)Display summary listing of records.

Everyone leans closer. We see a listing of records withKlingon text and accompanying English translations.


DOJARI recognize some of those charactersfrom the original records on thatKlingon ship. Looks like... a bunchof log files.

QUINLANI never knew Klingons to be the sortto keep such meticulous records...

TALORAThey're not -- usually.

DOJARWho, hold on -- Computer, scrollback ten records.

(off the display)That looks like a ship's battlerecording. With the complete fileattached.

TALORAComputer, display the contents ofrecord 15672.

Over the trio's shoulders, we see the computer play a videoclip: swarms of Klingon warships surrounding a Federationspace station.

It's the attack on Starbase 23, from "Shadows of a New Dawn."

QUINLANOh my god...

The three watch in visceral fascination as the attack isreplayed before their eyes.

DOJAR(abruptly, pained)

Computer, end playback!

The others turn to look at him.

DOJAR (CONT'D)I'm sorry... I just couldn't watchthat.

QUINLANI know what you mean.

Talora stoically continues reading.

TALORAThere's not just battle records inhere, but comm logs of their contactswith Janus, dating back over --


She stops, surprised.

TALORA (CONT'D)--five years?

QUINLANFive years? That's got to be agarbled file.

Talora rapidly scrolls through the list.

TALORAIf that's a garbled file, then awhole set of similar files have beengarbled in exactly the same way.

DOJAR(stunned)

I knew that Janus had to run deep...but five whole years of manipulatingKlingon affairs? That's almostunbelievable.

QUINLANIt's unreal.

TALORA(grim)

It's real enough.

Abruptly, Talora shuts down the display.

TALORA (CONT'D)Computer, create a secure archive ofthe contents on this data chip inthe Enterprise primary directory. Encode for access only with concurrentauthorization from myself andLieutenants Dojar and Quinlan.

The computer BEEPS in response.

COMPUTER VOICEProcessing.

QUINLAN(demanding)

What are you doing?

Talora turns around in her chair to look at Quinlan.

TALORAYou just saw for yourself -- thosefiles are the key to unraveling Janus. But we absolutely can not make morespontaneous decisions about this.

(MORE)


TALORA (CONT'D)Janus has been at work for at leastfive years -- do you really thinkthat we'll be able to dig them outovernight?

QUINLANWell, no, but...

DOJAR(interrupting)

She's right, Jen. I don't like it,but she's right. We've got to worktogether on this -- slowly.

Quinlan looks at both of the others, and says nothing.

TALORAOne thing's for certain -- theFederation has been far more involvedin the Klingon conflict than anyone'sthought...

Off their looks, we...

CUT TO:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- READY ROOM

Cross sits on the couch near the forward window, reading anold-looking hardcover book, with a steaming drink at hiselbow.

The comm BEEPS.

ENSIGN'S COMM VOICEBridge to Captain Cross. Sorry forbothering you so late, sir, but you'vegot a secure message coming in fromthe starship Katana.

Cross gets up, heading for his desk with a slightly perplexedexpression.

CROSSI'll take it in here.

He reaches his desk, and activates the desktop display. Hesees the Federation seal for a moment as the computerprocesses the message. Then, we see the face of CaptainOLIN SURRHA (from "Other Things Equal").

CROSS (CONT'D)Olin! What's up?


SURRHAI didn't have your night watch officerwake you up, did I Neil?

CROSS(smiles)

No, I was actually getting in somelight reading for a change -- if youconsider Tolstoy light reading,anyway. So, to what do I owe thisspecial call?

Surrha takes a breath before responding.

SURRHAI don't know if you've been keepingtrack of deployments, but after thatlittle runaround with the April afew months ago, we were sent off topatrol the Klingon border, helpenforce the new treaty over there.

(beat)A few hours ago a squadron of Klingonships attacked the Imperialist colonyon Donatu V.

Cross winces at the news.

CROSS(hollow)

How many were killed?

SURRHAI haven't seen any reports on thatyet. The Imperialists are callingit a Reformist sneak attack, but theReformist leaders on the High Councilare ardently denying any knowledgeof it, and say it was launched by arogue group. No one's claimedresponsibility yet, though.

(beat)News of the attack hasn't hit thevarious Federation networks yet, butknowing how the Enterprise wasinvolved in the conflict before, Ithought it would be best if I gaveyou a heads-up on the situation.

CROSSNo idea what Starfleet's planning,then?

SURRHANot really. But it looks like itcould get ugly again.


Cross nods distantly.

CROSSThanks for passing this along.

SURRHAI wish I had more time to chat, butwe're due to arrive in the HornanSystem in a few minutes.

CROSS(smiles)

Thank you -- again. Watch yourselfout there, Olin.

SURRHAYou too, Neil.

(beat)Katana out.

The display reverts to the Federation seal as the channelcloses, and then blanks as Cross shuts the panel down.

Hold for a moment on Cross's troubled expression, as he staresoff into the distance...

CUT TO:

INT. ENTERPRISE -- REC LOUNGE

The camera is fixed on Quinlan, slouching in a chair, lookingdown at a glass of liquid as she casually rotates it aroundand around. A quick camera angle shows Dojar walk into thearea and glance around the populated area. He spots Quinlan,takes a deep breath and walks over.

DOJARMind if I sit down?

Quinlan looks up, sees Dojar and sits herself up properly.

QUINLANSure, go ahead.

DOJARThank you.

Dojar sits. A beat of awkward silence enters the scene. Dojar wants to say something but keeps stopping himself. Quinlan just sits there and watches him, willing him to saysomething.

DOJAR (CONT'D)I think I owe you an apology. Idon't know just what I was thinking...all I see was what happened back onIonis.

(MORE)


DOJAR (CONT'D)You were right -- I should've trustedyou more. It's as simple as that.

(beat)I hope it hasn't affected ourfriendship.

QUINLANDojar, you don't have to explain. Yeah, I was upset about how you did...but we got it all sorted out.

(beat, smiles)I'm willing to forget about it.

DOJAR(relieved)

I'm glad.

Dojar nods in acknowledgment as another beat of awkwardsilence enters the scene.

QUINLANAt least we DID get it all sortedout. The pirates, the files...

DOJARYes... we did.

Quinlan grins, trying to make conversation, to move on.

QUINLANOf course, answering the questionswe had just raised five more, butyou can't have everything, can you?

Dojar nods in acknowledgment, with the awkward silence stillthere.

DOJARIt's been some year, hasn't it?

Quinlan chuckles.

QUINLANOh yeah. And what's even worse isthat it's not over yet. Not by far.

DOJARThink we're still in store for somemore action-packed, life-and-deathadventures?

QUINLANOn this ship? Are you kidding? Theship Enterprise and action-packedlife-and-death adventures go togetherlike peanut butter and jelly.


Dojar frowns.

DOJARWhat's peanut butter and jelly?

Quinlan looks shocked.

QUINLANYou've never had peanut butter andjelly?

Dojar shakes his head in response.

DOJARNo, is it good?

QUINLANIs it good?

Quinlan reacts, amazed. She gets up, dragging Dojar alongby the arm.

QUINLAN (CONT'D)Come on, I'm getting you one rightnow.

Dojar, surprised by her reaction, follows. As they headtowards the lounge's counter, we switch to:

EXT. SPACE

The Enterprise moves through space, before shooting off intowarp as we...

FADE OUT.

END OF ACT FIVE

THE END

star trek: renaissance dan carlson & shaun …...quinlan don't even think about it, buster....

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