The first episode of the new season of Star Trek: The Next Generation has just dropped. Captain Picard seems not to have aged a single day.
Opening scene:
(We see the bridge of the Enterprise. Captain Jean-Luc Picard is sitting in his captain’s chair, with Commander Riker, Data and Worf standing around him. They are all looking at the main viewscreen, which shows a beautiful planet.)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the viewscreen) This is a beautiful planet, Number One. What can you tell me about it?
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) Captain, I am detecting a distress signal coming from the planet’s surface. It appears to be coming from an unknown alien ship.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at Data) Can you trace the signal?
COMMANDER DATA: (nodding) Yes, Captain. It is coming from a location on the planet’s surface.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (to Riker) Number One, set a course for the planet’s surface. Let’s investigate this distress signal.
COMMANDER RIKER: (nodding) Aye, Captain.
(The bridge crew busies themselves with their tasks as the Enterprise moves towards the planet’s surface. We hear the familiar sound of the ship entering orbit.)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the viewscreen) All hands, we are entering orbit of the planet. Let’s be prepared for anything.
(The screen fades to black)
Act 1:
(We see the exterior of the Enterprise as it lands on the planet’s surface. We then cut to the interior of the ship as a landing party, led by Captain Picard, disembarks. They are wearing environmental suits as they exit the ship)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking around) Be on guard, everyone. We don’t know what we’re facing here.
(The landing party makes its way through the planet’s terrain, which is rugged and rocky. They come across the alien ship, which is in a state of disrepair. It’s clear that it has been attacked.)
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at the ship) It looks like this ship has been through a battle.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Agreed. Let’s see if we can find any survivors.
(The landing party enters the ship and begins to search for survivors. They find a few injured aliens, who are clearly frightened and in shock. They also find the ship’s cargo, which is a collection of advanced technology.)
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at the cargo) Captain, this technology is highly advanced. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Agreed. We need to take this technology back to the Enterprise for analysis.
COMMANDER WORF: (looking around) Captain, I detect no sign of the attackers. They may still be on the planet.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Agreed. We need to be cautious. We’ll take the survivors and the cargo back to the Enterprise, and then we’ll investigate further.
(The landing party returns to the Enterprise with the survivors and the cargo. The ship takes off and the screen fades to black)
Act 2:
(We see the bridge of the Enterprise. Captain Picard, Commander Riker and Data, and Lieutenant Commander Crusher and La Forge are examining the advanced technology they brought back from the alien ship)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the technology) This is truly incredible. It could change the course of history.
COMMANDER RIKER: (nodding) It’s clear that this technology was on its way to somewhere important.
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) Captain, I have traced the alien ship’s flight path. It was on its way to a planet in a nearby system.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at Data) What can you tell me about that planet?
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) The planet is inhabited by a highly advanced civilization. They have made significant progress in faster-than-light travel.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER CRUSHER: (looking at the technology) It’s possible that the alien ship was on its way to deliver this technology to the civilization on that planet.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Agreed. We need to investigate this planet. Number One, set a course for that planet.
COMMANDER RIKER: (nodding) Aye, Captain.
(The Enterprise sets course for the planet. As they approach, they encounter obstacles such as asteroid fields and ion storms that they must navigate through. Along the way, they receive a transmission from the planet, warning them not to approach as their planet is under attack by an unknown enemy.)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the viewscreen) This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise. We have received your distress signal. We are coming to help.
(The Enterprise finally reaches the planet and enters orbit. They see the enemy ships attacking the planet from the viewscreen)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the viewscreen) All hands, brace for impact. We’re going in.
(The Enterprise enters into a battle with the enemy ships, and successfully fend off the attack)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the viewscreen) All hands, the enemy ships have been defeated. We have successfully defended the planet.
(The Enterprise landed on the planet and the landing party disembarked)
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking around) There’s still signs of the battle here.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Agreed. We need to investigate this planet and find out what’s going on.
(The landing party begins to investigate the planet and they meet with the leaders of the civilization. They learn that they are on the brink of war with a neighboring planet and that the advanced technology from the alien ship is a weapon that could turn the tide of the war)
END OF SCENE
Act 3:
(The landing party is meeting with the leaders of the civilization on the planet. They are discussing the advanced technology and the weapon)
LEADER 1: (looking at the technology) This technology is crucial to our survival. We are on the brink of war with a neighboring planet, and this weapon could turn the tide in our favor.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) I understand your position, but we must consider the consequences of using such a weapon. It could have devastating effects on entire planets.
LEADER 2: (looking at Picard) Captain, you don’t understand the gravity of our situation. We are facing extinction. We have no other choice.
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at the leaders) We understand your situation, but we cannot condone the use of such a weapon. We must find a peaceful solution.
LEADER 1: (looking at Riker) We have tried that. We have exhausted all diplomatic options.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the leaders) We understand your position, but we must consider the bigger picture. The use of this weapon would set a dangerous precedent for the entire galaxy.
LEADER 2: (looking at Picard) We understand your concerns, Captain. But we must do everything in our power to survive.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) I understand. We will take this matter under consideration.
(The landing party leaves the meeting and returns to the Enterprise. They discuss the situation in the conference room)
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at the crew) We need to find a way to stop the use of this weapon, but we also need to find a way to help this civilization survive.
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) Captain, I have an idea. I have been analyzing the data on the neighboring planet. They have a similar problem with overpopulation and resource depletion.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at Data) Go on.
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) If we could broker a peace treaty between the two planets, and then help them to develop a sustainable energy source, it could solve their problem without the use of the weapon.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) That could work. Number One, contact the leaders of the neighboring planet and see if they’re willing to negotiate.
COMMANDER RIKER: (nodding) Aye, Captain.
(As the Enterprise crew works to broker a peace treaty and help the two planets develop a sustainable energy source, the enemy that attacked the alien ship returns and launches an attack on the planet. The crew must defend themselves and protect the planet while they work on their mission)
Act 4:
(The Enterprise crew is in the middle of trying to broker a peace treaty and develop a sustainable energy source. Suddenly, they are under attack by the enemy that attacked the alien ship)
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at the viewscreen) Captain, the enemy ships are back and they’re launching an attack on the planet!
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the viewscreen) All hands, brace for impact! Red alert!
(The Enterprise is engaged in battle with the enemy ships)
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) Captain, the enemy ships are heavily armed and we are outnumbered!
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at Data) We need to hold them off long enough to finish the peace treaty and the development of the sustainable energy source!
COMMANDER WORF: (looking at his console) Captain, I have an idea. If we can overload their power grid and disable their weapons, we can defeat them without causing any more destruction.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Make it happen, Mr. Worf!
(The Enterprise crew successfully overloads the enemy ships’ power grid and disables their weapons. The enemy ships retreat)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the viewscreen) All hands, we’ve done it! The enemy ships have retreated!
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at his console) Captain, I have received word from the leaders of the neighboring planet. They are willing to negotiate a peace treaty!
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at Riker) Excellent work, Number One!
(The Enterprise crew successfully brokers a peace treaty and helps the two planets develop a sustainable energy source. They are able to avoid the use of the weapon and save the planet from destruction)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the crew) All hands, we’ve done it. We’ve saved this planet from destruction and helped to bring peace to the galaxy.
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at the crew) It’s been an honor serving with all of you.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the crew) The honor is mine. Let’s return to the Enterprise and head back home.
(The screen fades to black)
Act 5:
(The Enterprise crew has successfully negotiated a peace treaty and helped the two planets develop a sustainable energy source. They are returning to the ship and getting ready to depart the planet)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the crew) All hands, prepare to depart the planet.
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at his console) Captain, I am receiving a transmission from the leaders of the civilization. They are thanking us for our help and asking us to stay for a celebration.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (thinking) It’s a tempting offer, but we have been away from Earth for some time. We should return home.
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) Captain, I am detecting an unusual energy reading coming from the planet’s core.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at Data) What kind of energy?
COMMANDER DATA: (looking at his console) It is a subspace energy, Captain. It could be a potential source of power for the Federation.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (thinking) This could be a valuable discovery for the Federation. We must investigate.
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at Picard) Captain, what should we do?
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the crew) We will stay for the celebration, but then we will investigate this energy source. It could be a game-changer for the Federation.
(The Enterprise crew stays for the celebration and is honored for their contributions to the planet. Afterwards, they investigate the energy source and determine that it could be a valuable resource for the Federation)
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at the energy source) Captain, this could be a major breakthrough for the Federation.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Agreed, Number One. We will report our findings to Starfleet and make sure that this resource is used for the betterment of all.
(The Enterprise takes off from the planet and heads back home, with the crew reflecting on the impact their mission has had on the galaxy)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the crew) All hands, we have accomplished much on this mission. We have saved a planet from destruction, brought peace to the galaxy and made a major discovery that will benefit the entire Federation. I am proud of each and every one of you.
(The screen fades to black)
Act 6:
(The Enterprise has returned to Earth and the crew is debriefing with Starfleet Command)
STARFLEET COMMANDER: (looking at the crew) Captain Picard, your crew has done an outstanding job on this mission. The peace treaty and the discovery of the new energy source will have a major impact on the Federation.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (nodding) Thank you, Commander. We were just doing our duty.
STARFLEET COMMANDER: (looking at the crew) The Federation is grateful for your service. We have decided to establish a research facility on the planet to study the new energy source. We would like you and your crew to lead the research.
CAPTAIN PICARD: (thinking) This is a great honor, Commander. We would be happy to lead the research.
COMMANDER RIKER: (looking at the Starfleet Commanders) Sir, with your permission, I would like to stay behind and lead the research team.
STARFLEET COMMANDER: (nodding) Permission granted, Commander. We have confidence in your abilities.
(The Enterprise crew says their goodbyes as Commander Riker and Data stay behind to lead the research team on the planet)
CAPTAIN PICARD: (looking at the crew) All hands, we have accomplished much on this mission. We have saved a planet, brought peace to the galaxy, and made a major discovery that will benefit the entire Federation. I am proud of each and every one of you.
(The Enterprise sets course for its next mission and the screen fades to black)