Star Trek: The Next Generation s02e05 Episode Script

Captain's log, stardate 42477.
2.
The Enterprise has been diverted|to the Ramatis star system.
Both sides of a bitter planetary|conflict have petitioned Starfleet to transport to their world a|mediator they have mutually selected.
Our orders are transportation only.
|No interference.
Reduce to half impulse.
Reducing velocity|to one half impulse.
Come.
Number One.
Look at this.
Since we left Lima Sierra,|I've wondered how the third planet could maintain an orbit|that is theoretically impossible.
But consider this - No degeneration.
|- Exactly.
- Why?|- Why? I haven't a clue.
Perhaps this facsimile|lacks the proper mass.
Perhaps, but if this is|an accurate representation, it could explain|what happened there.
Perhaps.
Well, it's not a matter of any great|moment, just a knot I had to untie.
- What do you want?|- We've arrived at Ramatis III.
Oh, well.
Time to leave.
Standard orbit, Mr Crusher.
Mr Data, you have the bridge.
Transporter room five.
I'm still uncomfortable|with you leading this away team.
This is not an away team, Commander.
|I consider it a ceremonial function.
For me not to go could be construed|as lack of interest.
- You will be careful, sir?|- Cluck, cluck, Number One.
- Sir?|- You're being a mother hen.
I appreciate your concern.
Actually, I look forward|to meeting this mediator.
- We came a long way.
|- They wanted the best.
That, according to all reports,|is Riva.
If he can put an end|to all the years of blood-letting, - we must do everything to help him.
|- Our job isn't to police the galaxy.
Isn't that my speech? But you're|right.
We must not get involved.
Coordinates input, sir.
Have your sensors indicated|any problem down there? None.
But you're feeling a certain|confusion about this mission.
No.
Yes.
I've never known you|to have such strong emotions, except when you expect battle.
- I am not expecting battle.
|- Then what is bothering you? Riva negotiated many treaties between|the Klingons and the Federation.
Before him, there was|no Klingon word for "peacemaker".
I see why you feel uneasy.
Now, look, this is a simple|ceremonial greeting, nothing more.
Alright? Aye, sir.
Energize.
Space, the final frontier.
These are the voyages|of the Starship Enterprise.
Its continuing mission,|to explore strange new worlds, .
.
to seek out new life|and new civilizations, .
.
to boldly go|where no one has gone before.
Captain, this is the Enterprise.
We've arrived safely, Number One,|but so far we've been ignored.
- I'll keep you informed.
|- I would appreciate it.
Please, come closer.
Before I start, is there anything|you need? Food, refreshments? Thank you, no.
Then, proceed.
Greetings from|the United Federation of Planets.
I am Capt Jean-Luc Picard|of the USS Enterprise.
This is Counsellor Troi.
Lt Worf.
Greetings.
Welcome to Ramatis.
I have been expecting you.
- You are empathic?|- Yes.
Then you know my feelings towards|you.
Let me put them into words.
I am looking forward|to this journey now more than ever because it gives me a chance|to be in your company.
I am flattered.
I too am looking|forward to learning more about you.
There are aspects to Riva|we are ignorant of.
Precisely.
Our way of communicating|has developed over the centuries, and it's one that I find|quite harmonious.
Then, Riva the mediator Is deaf.
Deaf? Born and hope to die.
- And you three speak for him?|- Yes.
We serve as translators.
We convey|his thoughts and emotional intent.
I am the scholar.
I represent the intellect,|and speak in matters of judgement, philosophy, logic.
Also, I am the dreamer, the part that|longs to see beauty beyond the truth, which is the first duty of art.
|I am the poet who Artists, they tend to ramble,|neglect the moment.
I am passion, the libido, I am the anarchy of lust,|the romantic, and the lover.
I am also the warrior,|the perfect line which never wavers.
I am that which binds|all the others together.
I am harmony, wisdom, balance.
Remarkable.
And so these - Speak to me!|- What? Speak directly to me.
Your unique presentation provoked|this inadvertent breach in protocol.
- No insult was intended.
|- Then none is perceived.
I'm curious how this rare form|of communication came about.
The hearing gene is not present|in my planet's ruling line.
Not that unusual.
It is similar to|the house of Hanover on your Earth, who all had haemophilia.
Or to the leaders of Fendaus V,|who had no limbs.
Many of our galaxy's greatest|contributors have been special.
My chorus is so attuned, they hear|my thoughts and translate to you.
It is a relationship|that goes back centuries.
Their ancestors provided|the same service to my ancestors.
Your method of communication|is elegant and quite beautiful.
It takes a fine mind|to realise that, Counsellor Troi.
This part of you|doesn't speak very often.
Only when the spirit moves me.
Riva, if you're ready, the situation|on Solais V is critical.
Very well.
- With your permission, Captain.
|- Make it so.
Enterprise, this is the away team.
|Seven to beam up.
- Cmdr Riker, they're on board.
|- Acknowledged.
Ensign,|set your course for Solais V.
- Course is set.
|- Velocity, warp eight.
- Warp eight, aye.
|- Engage, Ensign.
What is this? Riva is deaf.
|These three speak for him.
Treat them as interpreters.
|Address yourselves directly to Riva.
- May I present my First Officer?|- First, Captain, may I say it is an honour to be|on board such a fine vessel.
Now, please,|continue with the introductions.
My First Officer, Cmdr Riker.
It is an honour to meet you.
It is a pleasure to meet such a|unique individual.
Thank you.
It is my pleasure to meet you, sir.
What is that you're wearing? A visor.
It interprets|the electromagnetic spectrum and carries readings to my brain.
Without it, can you see? No, I'm as blind as a stump.
Then your visor serves|the same function as my chorus, which interprets my thoughts|and translates them into sound? - Yes.
|- And you don't resent it? - The visor or being blind?|- Either.
No, they're part of me|and I like who I am, so I have no reason to resent either.
- What is your position on the ship?|- I am the Chief Engineer, sir.
It's a blessing to understand that|we are special, each in his own way.
Yes, that's the way I feel exactly.
I offer|the hospitality of my vessel.
At your convenience, there is|a briefing on the Solari wars.
I'll have you|conducted to your quarters.
Thank you.
Perhaps, if it is not inconvenient,|Counsellor Troi could escort me, with your permission.
This way.
What about you? At times like this,|we become an encumbrance.
So, if you have rooms for us? Lt Worf will escort you.
Riva's not what I expected.
- Much of what we do is similar.
|- Yes, in a way it is.
We have learnt how to allow people|to examine feelings hidden deep within their psyche.
In fact, being with you here now is|provoking an emotional revelation.
You mean some emotion|buried deep within your psyche? Well, not that deep.
Exactly what are you feeling? - Can't you tell?|- Some of it.
Well, I feel that soon, perhaps|after your Captain's briefing, that you will be hungry, and that|perhaps we could dine together, and compare experiences.
- I'd like that.
|- As will I.
Will he be with us? Well, until we find|our own method of communication.
- I look forward to that time.
|- As do I.
I'm sorry, Data.
Begin the briefing.
The factions on Solais V|are historical enemies.
So many have died that both societies|are nearly extinct.
Enough.
Thank you, Captain,|there is no need to continue.
The specific issues of the conflict|have no relevance.
So, none of the background would be helpful in understanding|why they continue to fight? The conflict will be over|some land, or wealth, or some other tangible asset.
But we both know|that is not the case.
They've been at war for so long,|it has become personal.
Exactly.
The basis for peace|must also be personal.
This is an historic confrontation,|correct? The factions have been at war|for 15 centuries.
What's changed? I do not understand.
They have fought for a long time.
|Now they want peace.
So something about the situation|has recently changed.
What's the new piece to the puzzle? Unknown, sir.
Perhaps they've run out|of people to kill.
Whatever the reason,|peace is now preferred, which should make your job easier.
Well, if not easier, at least|possible, for now they are motivated.
It doesn't matter,|I'll find something.
I always have.
Always? To date, I have never failed.
Now,|unless there is something else No.
This is entirely|for your benefit.
Then thank you|for your time and effort.
I have to get ready|for a dinner appointment.
If you will excuse me.
Yes, of course The meeting is adjourned.
Our mediator is very self-assured.
|We'll know soon if he can deliver.
- We're now approaching Solais V.
|- Half impulse.
Slowing to one half impulse.
The sound of this ship|is quite remarkable.
Can't you feel it? It moves through my body|like a great pulse.
- I forget it's there.
|- It's easy to let that happen.
Sometimes we must allow|the surroundings to flow over us, to dwell on each separate part, how|it feels, to allow it to fill you.
How do we communicate? You can|read lips, but I need your words.
Words .
.
are here on top.
What's under them, .
.
their meaning .
.
is what's important.
Yes, that's true.
We both know .
.
how to express .
.
important words, like .
.
dream.
Being here with you Yes.
Being here with you now|is very special to me, too.
Standard orbit.
Captain, I'm reading laser activity|on Solais V.
- How concentrated is the activity?|- It is localized, but very intense.
So much for the ceasefire.
Hailing frequencies.
I'm receiving one side only.
This is Capt Jean-Luc Picard, Commander of the Federation Starship|USS Enterprise.
If you continue to violate the|ceasefire, I will abort this mission.
You have no jurisdiction here,|Picard.
Where is Riva? Riva is in charge of the summit.
|I command the ship that brings him.
I will not endanger this ship|under any circumstances.
The other faction|is breaking through, sir.
Riva gave his word|we would speak to no one else.
Now who breaks the rules?|Where is Riva? I shall summon him.
Get Riva here.
Counsellor Troi,|have Riva report to the bridge.
They need you on the bridge, now.
The ceasefire has been broken.
I'm sure I can resolve that.
|Put them on the view screen.
Viewer on.
The quality of transmission|is very poor.
It is sufficient.
Brothers,|your bravery as fighters is known.
Now you must demonstrate courage|in a new way.
Cease hostilities.
Allow us to meet.
The laser fire has ceased.
For how long? These Solari don't|seem likely candidates for peace.
I need to see a topographical|overlay of the battle area to pick a site for the meetings.
Then I will need your help|in creating the proper setting.
- Worf, prepare your security team.
|- Yes, sir.
- That's not necessary.
|- But it is prudent.
I prefer to arrive with|the smallest possible complement.
We must not add|to an already tense situation.
If that is your judgement, so be it.
|We will provide whatever you require.
Thank you, Captain.
There.
Beam us down to that hilltop|and inform the factions to join us.
The time for killing|has come to an end.
- Phasers on stun.
|- You won't need those.
I'm sure we won't.
Energize.
Yes, this will do.
We must set this up properly.
Commander, if it is possible, I would like torches here, |and here.
Engineering, this is the away team.
- Yes, Commander?|- We need your help.
I thought you might.
We would like two torches.
Head high? - And what else?|- A table, here.
Describe it.
Three-sided and, if possible,|made to resemble indigenous rock.
- Did you read that?|- Yes.
That's no problem.
- When will the emissaries arrive?|- It shouldn't be too long.
- How long will negotiations take?|- They won't go quickly.
They're coming, Commander.
The first few minutes will be tense.
|Stay calm.
Do not respond,|even if you are provoked.
We'll do our best.
Who is Riva? I am Riva.
Be at ease.
I commend you both.
To come here proves not only|your courage, but your wisdom.
Please, give this conference|a chance.
I have no magic.
You have fought all your lives.
|You have known only No! Never! Death first! Don't! Traitor! No, wait.
Away team to Enterprise,|beam us up now! His words are not mine.
Please, Riva We need you.
- How did this happen?|- A surprise.
A member of one faction|didn't like the idea of peace.
I don't understand|what you're saying.
Counsellor? Riva, go slowly.
Can you write it out? I am so sorry|that your friends were killed.
I'm sorry, I don't know|what you are trying to tell me.
We have to find some way|to communicate.
Data, he knows a gestural language.
|Find out which one and learn it.
Counsellor, try sickbay.
|Maybe Pulaski can help.
Listen to me.
You are not alone!|Do you understand? We are all in this together now.
Captain's log, supplemental.
We are monitoring increased|military activity on Solais V.
I fear that without Riva,|we cannot keep the Solari from destroying themselves.
How's it going? I have eliminated all|but five distinct forms of signing.
I will learn them all.
Computer, show me gestural language|designation M-9.
Very interesting.
A technique of communication|that is both silent and covert.
It could be very useful.
Gestures and hand signals predate|the spoken word in most cultures.
Only the Leyrons of Malkus IX|developed a written language first.
Computer, continue presentation.
Increase.
Come.
How's our mediator? The same.
He's withdrawn.
|He's very frightened.
All his life he's been in control,|but now he doesn't have any answers.
The doctor gave him|a complete medical examination.
His condition is hereditary.
His brain can't receive|auditory information.
So all the prosthetics and surgical|techniques I can use wouldn't work.
- I don't know how we can help him.
|- I can't do anything.
It's up to him|and he's stopped cooperating.
Counsellor, couldn't you? Confidence is faith in oneself.
|It can't easily be given by another.
You're right, of course.
Come.
Captain, I have reviewed and stored|five distinct signing languages.
Here is an example.
This is blue.
|This is the blue ocean.
This is the blue ocean at sunset.
This is two people walking on the|beach by the blue ocean at sunset.
This is two people in love on the|beach by the blue ocean at sunset.
- This is|- Enough.
Let's talk to Riva.
Riva, Cmdr Data has learned|your sign language.
Talk to us.
It was my fault.
|I am responsible for their deaths.
In my arrogance I thought no one|could harm the great Riva.
- I am such a fool.
|- You are not to blame.
What happened appears to be|the work of one desperate man.
It may not reflect|the feelings of others.
They were more than my interpreters.
They were also my friends.
They were a part of me.
I did not realise|how much a part until now.
We have been contacted|by the factions on Solais.
They want to renew negotiations.
I cannot.
I will not.
Don't turn away.
You have a chance|to make some good come out of this.
This could be the catalyst|which binds them together.
Someone else must speak|with them, not me, not after what I allowed to happen.
How could I? But Data understands you.
Use him.
|Let him explain your words.
When Data speaks for me,|can you hear my anguish, my despair? Data is a fine machine,|but he cannot replace my chorus.
It took years|to develop a communication.
That cannot be easily replaced.
The Solari need you.
I cannot help them.
Captain,|please take me back to Ramatis.
That is regrettable.
|A lot more people are going to die.
It's possible to install optical|devices which look like normal eyes.
They'd still give you about the same|visual range as the visor.
Done? You say almost.
- How much reduction?|- 20 percent.
There is another option.
I can attempt|to regenerate your optic nerve and, with the aid of the replicator,|fashion normal eyes.
- You would see.
|- I thought that was impossible.
I've done it twice, in situations|somewhat similar to yours.
Geordi, it would eliminate|the constant pain you are under.
Why are you hesitating? When I came here,|it was to talk about modifying this.
And now you're saying|I could have normal vision? I don't know.
I'd be giving up a lot.
There's something else you must know.
|This is a one-shot.
You can't change your mind,|or go back.
And there are risks.
I can offer choices, not guarantees.
This is a lot to think about.
I'll get back to you, Doctor.
The Captain will take you home.
But first, he's given me permission|to attempt to settle the conflict.
Yes.
We've come so far, and paid|such a terrible price, I must try.
Help me.
You would be better off|without my help.
I have never attempted|anything like this before.
When dealing with two factions|so diametrically opposed, so entrenched in their positions,|where do you start? You want to know|if I had some special technique? I want to know anything|that could help.
There is no trick.
I had no magic.
What about your chorus? Yes, my chorus was special.
They allowed me to combine|different perceptions.
- So there was a trick?|- Not really.
My technique was to look for|something, no matter how small, that was common to both groups, and then to begin a process|where one person or group expresses themselves to each other.
- That's very hard to accomplish.
|- Yes.
But what is even more difficult|is to get each side to listen, really listen, to each other.
And to understand.
This isn't going to be easy for me.
You are very good with people.
But what I do is different.
The real secret is|turning disadvantage into advantage.
Why can't you do that? Why can't you turn your disadvantage|into an advantage? That is interesting.
That would give them|something in common.
I do not understand, Counsellor.
|To what is he referring? Thank you Thank me? Ah.
I will have the Captain|contact them on the planet and tell them to prepare|for your return.
No life signs in the immediate area.
Alright, but stay sharp.
Set phasers on stun.
Energize.
The area is clear, Commander.
Put the table over there.
- Engineering, this is Riker.
|- Sir? You can beam everything down now.
Light the torches,|to let them know that I am back.
It may be a while before they arrive.
They'll be more cautious|after the last incident.
You may leave whenever you choose.
I|will send a message when I am ready.
I don't understand.
How can he|mediate without his interpreters? - He can't even talk to them.
|- He's going to teach them to sign.
Yes.
It is turning|a disadvantage into an advantage.
Learning sign|will be a part of their process of learning how to live in peace.
While they are learning|how to communicate with Riva, they'll learn|to communicate with each other.
And that is the most important aspect|of any relationship.
Counsellor, it took me only moments|to learn sign language.
It will take them months.
Time well spent.
These people have been fighting|all their lives.
They know only hatred,|suspicion and fear.
Even with my chorus, I couldn't have|changed their attitudes in a day.
We have a chance.
They want these talks|to be successful.
I'm still not comfortable|leaving you here alone.
Thank you for your concern.
|I will be fine.
And thank you for everything.
Enterprise, four to beam up.
|Good luck.
First Officer's log, stardate|42479.
3.
We leave the Solais system, confident that Riva will help|the Solari achieve a lasting peace.
- Coordinates set.
|- Take us out of orbit.
Come.
- You wanted to see me?|- Yes.
You read me well enough to sense how I feel about you|and what you do on this ship.
But I wanted to say the words.
Thank you.
Well done.