Disclaimer: Star Trek: The Next Generation and all its characters and episodes are owned by Paramount Pictures. The following script is made available for your personal enjoyment only. Script courtesy of Astor Dark ----------------------------------------------------------------------- STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Q Who?" #142 Episode 041 Written by Maurice Hurley Directed by Rob Bowman TEASER FADE IN: EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise as it is traveling at impulse speed. INTERIOR CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) GEORDI is coming down the corridor. He sees a young- twenty-five to twenty-eight year old-Ensign who has newly arrived on the Enterprise. She is very energetic, and enthusiastic in an open and ingenuous way, which is both appealing and refreshing. Her name is SONYA. She is standing in front of a food dispenser panel. SONYA: Hot chocolate, please. The hot chocolate appears. GEORDI: We don't ordinarily say "please" to food dispensers. SONYA: (amused) Since it's listed as "intelligent circuitry," why not? After all, working as much with artificial intelligence as we do can be dehumanizing -right? So maybe we can combat that tendency with a little simple courtesy. She removes the cup of hot chocolate. SONYA: (continuing) Thank you. They walk toward main engineering. GEORDI: For someone who has just arrived, you certainly aren't shy with your opinions. SONYA: Ooops- have I been talking too much? GEORDI: No. SONYA: (the words come out in a rush) I do tend to be a motor mouth, especially when I get excited... and you don't know how exciting it is to get this assignment. Everyone in class... and I mean everyone-wants the Enterprise. I mean, it would have been all right to spend some time on Ranuos VI to do phase work with antimatter... that's my speciality. GEORDI: I know-that's why you got this assignment. SONYA: (off Geordi's smile) Did it again. It's just that... GEORDI: I know, you're excited, Sonya. SONYA: Yes. GEORDI: I don't think you want to bring that hot chocolate around these control stations. SONYA: Sorry. I shouldn't even have this in engineering. We were talking and I just forgot I had it in my hand... And as she turns to take it out of the room. SONYA: (continuing) I'll finish it over here. (looks back, and seriously) Lieutenant La Forge, it won't happen again. Then as she turns around she crashes right into CAPTAIN PICARD. PICARD The cup full of chocolate hits him right in the chest. For a moment everyone freezes. Geordi starts forward. GEORDI: Actually it's my fault, sir... He looks down at Picard's soiled uniform. PICARD: Yes, I'm aware of how often you order picnics to be held in here. Sonya is about to die from embarrassment. SONYA: Oh no. Oh, Captain... I'm sorry... oh... (she tries to brush it off) I wasn't looking and... (she pulls her hand away) Oh... it's all over you. PICARD: Yes, Ensign. It's all over me. SONYA: At least let me... In trying to brush it off, she just makes it worse. She looks up at Picard, who through it all is maintaining as much of his dignity as possible. PICARD: Ensign... ah... SONYA: (she straightens up to her best military posture) Ensign Sonya Gomez. GEORDI: Ensign Gomez is a recent academy graduate. She transferred on at Starbase one seventy-three. Picard's attention is on the widening chocolate stain that Sonya is creating. PICARD: Ensign... (restraining her) I think it would be simpler if you let me change my uniform? GEORDI: Captain, I really have to accept responsibility for this. Picard has been looking from one to the other, beginning to understand what is happening between Geordi and Sonya. PICARD: Yes, Chief Engineer. I believe I do understand now. SONYA: I'm very excited about this assignment, Captain, and I promise I'll... (she looks at the chocolate stain on Picard's uniform)... try very hard to serve you and this ship to the best of my ability. PICARD: I'm sure you will. Carry on. Picard then turns and strides off. SONYA AND GEORDI SONYA: First impressions, right! Isn't that what they say-first impressions are the most important? GEORDI: I'll give you this... it's a meeting the captain won't soon forget. SONYA: What a way to start my first assignment. Off Geordi's reaction: OMITTED INTERIOR CORRIDOR Picard walks past a crew member-who notices the stain on Picard's uniform, but quickly averts his eyes so as not to embarrass the captain. Picard turns and enters the turbolift. INTERIOR TURBOLIFT The doors close. PICARD: Deck nine. Officers' quarters. The turbolift moves off. Then stops. The doors open, and while still looking down at the stain on his uniform, Picard steps off. INTERIOR SHUTTLE Picard is not in a corridor of the Enterprise-he's on a shuttle! He turns around and the turbolift doors are gone. SCENE He looks up. There is a crew member at the controls. PICARD: Crewman? What's going on? The crew member turns. CREW MEMBER It's Q. Q: There, there, my dear captain. PICARD Reacts. PICARD: Q. SCENE (OPTICAL) Picard moves closer to Q. Q: (re: the stain) My, my-haven't we been careless? Q passes his hand over the stain on Picard's uniform and the stain disappears. Q: There-a little cleaning service I am more than happy to provide. PICARD: We agreed you would never trouble my ship again! Q: I always keep my arrangements, sir. We are nowhere near your vessel. Picard looks out and sees a field of stars. Then back to FADE OUT. ACT ONE FADE IN: EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise moving along at impulse speed. INTERIOR CORRIDOR Geordi and Sonya are walking to Ten-Forward. She is in a clean uniform, GEORDI: I read your graduating thesis. I wouldn't have requested you if you weren't the best. She's uncomfortable with the compliment and shrugs it off, changes the subject. SONYA: Where are we going? GEORDI: To Ten-Forward. We're going to forget about work. We are going to sit, talk, relax, look at the stars. You're going to learn to slow down. SONYA: (very intense) No, that's the one thing I can't do. GEORDI: (gently) You're awfully young to be so driven. SONYA: Yes, I am. I had to be. I had to be the best because only the best get to be here. Out here on the edge. (gripping his arm and giving it a shake) Geordi, Geordi... uh... (dropping the arm abruptly) Lieutenant GEORDI: (grinning) Geordi. SONYA: Geordi. Whatever is out here we're going to be the flrst humans ever to see it. And is it here because we believe in it and have therefore created it, or has it created us? GEORDI: The Grand Unified Theory and supersymmetry haven't been seriously discussed for years. SONYA: They also haven't been disproved. I don't know if it's true or not, but I've got to try and find out. GEORDI: You're more than a scientist; you're a philospher. SONYA: No, no, I'm not. Oh, God, don't make me sound profound. There's just so much out there... here. She is gesturing broadly as if somehow she can pull in and embrace the whole universe. SONYA: (continuing) I have to see it all. To understand it all. And we haven't got much time. GEORDI: Sonya, it's going to be there for you. Believe me. (a beat) I promise, I won't let anything exciting slip past without letting you know. INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD GUINAN is behind the bar. There are a few N.D. crew members scattered around the room. The only one of our regulars in Ten-Forward is Geordi, who is itting at a table by the window with Sonya-they are engaged in a very animated conversation. GUINAN Something gives her pause-like a whisper only she can hear. She is thoughtful for a beat... SCENE Guinan steps out from behind the bar and crosses to the center of the room. ANOTHER ANGLE She stands near Geordi's table for a beat gazing out at space. In the background Geordi continues his conversation with Sonya. GEORDI (offscreen): I understand that you're excited-so was 1. This is your first assignment, everything is new, you are eager and that's great, but... SONYA (offscreen): I've always been an enthusiastic person, but... He holds up his hand. GEORDI (offscreen): Do me a favor... for a minute, just listen. SONYA (offscreen): I always do that. Someone nice-and you are nice; I can tell-goes out of their way to give me some helpful advice... and I'm so busy talking... In the background we see Geordi quiet her with a gesture. SONYA (offscreen): Not another word. Go ahead... talk. GUINAN Her brow knits-like she has just seen the first indications of a coming storm. She steps to a communications panel. GUINAN: Bridge, this is Ten-Forward. INTERIOR BRIDGE -EMPHASIZING RIKER Who reacts to the unusual call. RIKER: Guinan?! I don't believe you've ever called the bridge before. GUINAN: I've never felt the need. Is everything all right? RIKER: How do you mean? GUINAN: Is there... anything... unusual happening? RIKER: (looks around) Anyone notice anything unusual? (waits, then) No- Guinan- nothing out of the ordinary. Why do you ask? ANGLE IN TEN-FORWARD A thoughtful Guinan responding. GUINAN: I'm... I'm not certain. just a feeling- something that happened once before. Probably nothing. (beat) Please forget I called. Ten-Forward out. She turns and stares out into space. OMITTED INTERIOR SHUTTLECRAFT Picard is in the shuttlecraft -with Q. Picard adjusts a control; smiles. Q: The locator beacon won't help. They'll never look for you this far away. Picard turns to the com controls. PICARD: Enterprise-this is Picard. There's no response. PICARD: Stop this foolishness, Q. Return me to the Enterprise. Q: I'd suggest you change your attitude. Petulance does not become you. We have business. PICARD: Keeping me a prisoner out here will not force me to discuss anything with you. Q: It will in time, my dear Captain. INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD Guinan steps up to near the table occupied by Geordi and Sonya and looks out at the stars. SONYA: I appreciate your advice, Lieutenant. And I'll take it to heart. Geordi notices Guinan's distraction. GEORDI: Guinan? She turns. GUINAN: Can I get you something? GEORDI: No- we're fine. Is everything all right? She looks over at Geordi for a beat then: GUINAN: I don't know. But her expression belies the answer. Geordi nods, but something about her reaction causes him to: GEORDI: (gets up) I think I'll go check out engineering. SONYA: I'll go with you. Guinan watches them leave, then turns and once again looks out at the stars. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE The turbolift doors open, and TROI enters. There is a sense of foreboding in the timing of her arrival. Reaction from Riker. Troi crosses to her position, TROI: Where's the captain? RIKER: In his ready room. Troi touches a com control. TROI: Captain-this is Counselor Troi. There is no response. INTERIOR ANOTHER ANGLE RIKER: Computer-locate Captain Picard. COMPUTER: The captain is not on the ship. Before they can react. WORF Runs a check on his security panel. WORF: Commander, there is a shuttle missing from shuttle bay two. RIKER: All stop. WESLEY: Answering all stop. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise comes to a complete stop. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE For a beat everyone is silent...waiting. WORF: I have hailed the shuttle on all frequencies-no response. DATA: Sensors indicate no shuttle or other ships in this sector. RIKER: We must assume the captain is aboard the shuttle. WESLEY: But how could he get to the shuttle bay? How could he leave the Enterprise without us knowing? It's not possible. RIKER: Take it easy, Wes. We'll find him. I want to begin a methodical search. Sensors on maximum scan. We'll use our present location as the center. Data, plot a search pattern from our present coordinates which will cover the most area in the shortest time. Riker slowly moves back to his chair. DATA He makes some rapid calculations. DATA: The search pattern has been input. RIKER: Engage, Mister Crusher. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise pulls out of frame. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Another angle as the Enterprise approaches from a long distance. RIKER (voice-over): First officer's log. Stardate (xx). We have not been able to determine why, or how, Captain Picard left the Enterprise. We can't even be certain he is in the missing shuttle, although that is the assumption on which we are proceeding. For the last six hours we have been searching without success. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE The situation has gone from tense to desperate. DATA: We have covered the area in a spherical pattern which a vessel without warp drive could traverse in the time allotted. RIKER: Widen the area... DATA He inputs the necessary information. INTERIOR SHUTTLE As before with Picard and Q. Picard attempts to power up the shuttle. All systems are inoperative. Q: Do we stay out here years? Decades? Picard, I am ageless-you are not. PICARD: Then the Enterprise will continue on with Riker as captain. Return me to my ship. Q: You are an impossibly stubborn human. (continuing) If I return you to your ship, you will agree to give my request a full hearing? Picard studies Q for a beat, then nods. INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD We pull back to reveal Picard and Q, now sitting in Ten-Forward. Q: You're right, Picard. This is the proper venue for our discussion. GUINAN She reacts to the sudden appearance of Q and the captain. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE -EMPHASIZING WORF Who is studying his board. WORF: Commander. My status board indicates that the shuttle is back in shuttlebay two. Riker reacts. RIKER: Computer--locate Captain Picard. COMPUTER: Captain Picard is in Ten-Forward. Off Riker's reactions we: FADE OUT. ACT TWO FADE IN: EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is at a dead stop. OMITTED INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD Picard and Q are seated by one of the front windows. Guinan comes over. Q immediately stands and backs off like a man about to be physically attacked. Q: You! GUINAN: None other. Q: Picard, if you had half the sense you pretend to have, you would get her off your ship immediately-and if you like, I will be more than pleased to expedite her departure. Picard looks to Guinan. PICARD: You know him. GUINAN: We had some dealings. Q: Those dealings were two centuries ago. This creature is not what she appears to be. She's an imp-where she goes, trouble always follows. PICARD: You're speaking of yourself, Q-not Guinan. Q: Guinan? Is that your name now? PICARD: Guinan's not the issue here-you are. We had an agreement that you would stop meddling with us. Q: And so I have. PICARD: What do you want, Q? State your business and let's get on with it. Q: I agree, Captain, enough about this creature-she's diverting us from the purpose of my being here. RIKER (offscreen): Which is? Q looks up. SCENE Riker and Worf stride across Ten-Forward, to join them. Q: Ahh, the redoubtable Commander Riker. And microbrain. (to Worf) Growl for me-let me know you still care. Worf reacts. Q: (returning to the point) My purpose? Why, to join you! RIKER: To join us as what? Q: A member of the crew. Willing and able-ready to serve. Before Riker can react. Q: (to Picard) This ship is already home for the indigent, the unwanted, and the unworthy-so why not a homeless entity? RIKER: Homeless? Q: Yes. RIKER: So, the other members of the Q Continuum kicked you out. GUINAN: Not all of the Q are like this one. Some are almost respectable. PICARD: Join us as what? To do what? Would you start as an ordinary crew member? What task is too menial for an entity? Q: Do you mock me? PICARD: Not at all. That is the last thing I would do. You, by definition, are part of our charter. Our mission is to go forth-to seek out new and different life-forms, and you certainly qualify as one of the most unusual life-forms I have ever encountered. To learn more about you is frankly quite provocative, but you are next of kin to Chaos. Q: Captain, at least allow me to present my argument. Q takes Picard's silence as permission to continue. Q: (continuing) After our last encounter, (a look to Riker) I was asked to leave the Q Continuum. Since then, I have been wandering vaguely-bored, really-my existence without purpose. Then, I remembered the good times I had with you... RIKER: The good times!? The first time we met you put us on trial for the "crimes of humanity" Q: Of which you were exonerated. RIKER: The next time we saw you, you asked me to join the Continuum. Q: You made a large mistake in not accepting my offer. PICARD: ...and now you say you want to join us. Q: Yes, more and more I realize that here-here is where I want to be. Think of the advantages. Now, I neither expect nor require any special treatment. If necessary, although I can't imagine why, I will renounce my powers and become as weak and incompetent as all of you. PICARD: No. Q: Oh, come on, Captain, in fairness... let me try. I deserve at least that much. RIKER: Fairness?! You disrupt this ship-kidnap the captain! Q: I add a little excitement, a little spice to your lives, and all you do is complain. Where's your adventurous spirit-your imagination? Think, Picard, of the possibilities. PICARD: Simply stated-we don't trust you. Q: Oh, you may not trust me, but you do need me. You're not prepared for what awaits you. PICARD: I don't know that we are prepared, but I do know that we are ready to confront it. Q: Really? PICARD: Absolutely. That's why we are out here. Q: Oh, the arrogance. (to Guinan) They don't have a clue about what's "out here." GUINAN: They will learn-adapt. That's their great advantage. Q: They are moving faster than expected- farther than they should. PICARD: By whose calculation? Q: You judge yourselves against the pitiful adversaries you have so far encountered-the Klingons, the Romulans, are nothing compared to what's waiting. (continuing) Picard, you are about to move into areas of the galaxy containing wonders more incredible than you can possibly imagine ... and terrors to freeze your soul. I offer myself as guide-only to be rejected out-of-hand. RIKER: I guess we'll just have to get along the best we can without you. Q: What justifies this smugness? PICARD: We're not smug-nor arrogant. We are resolute and we are willing. But more than that, we are determined. Your help is not required. Q: Well, let's just see how ready you are. GUINAN: Q-Don't do this! He makes a move of his hand: EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is struck by a great surge of energy and streaks off. INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL) Picard and the others react to the blur of stars streaking past. It's a velocity beyond the capabilities of the Enterprise. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE Data has command of the bridge. Everyone reacts to the sudden burst of speed. EXTERIOR SPACE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise comes out of the spin and stops. INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL) The motion has stopped. INTERCUT MAIN BRIDGE AS NEEDED PICARD: Bridge, this is the captain-all stop. WESLEY COM VOICE: Answering all stop. PICARD: Status. DATA COM VOICE: According to these coordinates we have traveled seven thousand light-years, and are located near system J-two-five. RIKER: Estimate travel time to the closest starbase. DATA COM VOICE At maximum warp, in two years, seven months, three days, eighteen hours we would reach starbase one eight-five. Guinan looks out the window. RIKER: Why? Q: Why? Why, to give you a taste of your future. This is a preview of things to come, because if you continue at your present rate of exploration-very soon you will reach this part of the galaxy. Q: (to Picard) Con permiso, Capitan. The hall has been rented-the orchestra engaged-it's time to see if you can dance. With a flash, Q disappears. PICARD: Guinan, have your people been in this part of the galaxy? GUINAN: Yes. RIKER: What can you tell us? GUINAN: Only that if I were you, I'd start back right now. Off their look.. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is moving through this new section of the galaxy PICARD (voice-over): Captain's log supplemental. The entity Q has flung the Enterprise to a distant part of the galaxy, which we are going to take the opportunity to explore. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE Everyone is in their places. WORF: Captain, the sixth planet in the system is class-M. DATA: There is a system of roads on the planet, which indicates a highly industrialized civilization. But where there should be cities there are only great rips in the surface. WORF: It is as though some great force just scooped all machine elements off the face of the planet. DATA: It is identical to what happened to the outposts along the Neutral Zone. WORF: We are being probed. RIKER: What's the source of the probe? Worf checks his console. WORF: A ship. It is on an intercept course. PICARD: On screen. VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) A strange ship approaches-it's unlike anything we have seen. PICARD: Magnify. The image on the screen enlarges. The shape of the ship is more apparent. It's boxlike, with none of the aerodynamic qualities associated with most spaceships, including the Enterprise. This is a case of form following function. We are about to have our first encounter with the BORG. RIKER: Full scan. Go to Yellow Alert. WORF: Going to Yellow Alert. RIKER: Keep the shields down-we don't want to appear provocative. Worf responds with a nod. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the great Borg ship approaches the Enterprise. Then stops. INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL) Guinan is looking out at the Borg ship. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) As before-everyone watching the viewscreen. PICARD: Data, what can you tell us? DATA: The ship is strangely generalized in design. There is no specific bridge or central control area, no specific engineering section-I can identify no living quarters. RIKER: Lifesigns? DATA: There is no indication of specific life. RIKER: Lieutenant Worf, what is its alert status? WORF: I detect no shields, no weapons of any known design. PICARD: Hailing frequencies. WORF: Open. PICARD: This is Captain jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise. WORF: No response. PICARD: Guinan. INTERIOR GUINAN OFFICE (OPTICAL) Guinan moves into her small office. PICARD: Activate your viewscreen-I want you to monitor what's going on up here. I may need your input. Guinan reaches out and activates her viewscreen. The image is the same as that on the the MAIN VIEWER. GUINAN: I'm here. I can see the other ship. PICARD: You are acquainted with this life-form? GUINAN: Yes. My people encountered them a century ago. Our cities were destroyed- our people scattered across the galaxy. They are called the Borg-protect yourself or they will destroy you. Picard looks at Riker. RIKER: Shields up. WORF: Yes, Sir. INTERIOR MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) SUDDENLY a strange creature appears-it's a BORG. It is a biped-a cyborg, part organic and part artificial. There is a metallike device implanted in its head. One arm is artificial, with a toollike contraption instead of a hand. The other arm is organic except for the hand. Its eyes are artificial. Its presence triggers RED ALERT. GEORDI: Security to main engineering-we have an intruder. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE Off Picard's reaction as he and Worf exit. FADE OUT. ACT THREE FADE IN: EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise in this new section of the galaxy-with the Borg ship nearby. INTERIOR MAIN ENGINEERING Picard, Worf, and security team enter. The Borg is still making a visual survey of the room. It seems to look right through or pass the people as if they are of no consequence. WORF: He came right through the shields! Picard approaches. Q appears behind Picard-to offer sotto voce observations. Q: Interesting, isn't it? Not a he-not a she. Not like anything you've ever seen. An enhanced humanoid. PICARD: What do you want? PICARD (OPTICAL) He steps closer to the Borg. He holds up his open hand. PICARD: We mean you no harm. Do you understand me? The Borg strides toward one of the companels. Q: Understand you? You are nothing to him. He has no interest in your life-form. He's just a scout-the first of many. He's here to analyze as much about you as he can-that's how they always start. (continuing) He may attempt to gain control of the ship. I wouldn't let him. Q leaves. SCENE Picard tries to defuse this situation. PICARD: Stop-we cannot allow you to interfere with the operation of this ship. The Borg continues to move toward the companel. PICARD: Lieutenant Worf. Worf motions for one of his security team to intercept the Borg. The security man steps in front of the Borg. The Borg knocks the security man on his ass. WORF (OPTICAL) Worf pulls out his phaser. Worf fires-the stun setting means nothing. SCENE (OPTICAL) The phaser hit has no effect on the Borg. He, or it, steps to the companel and affixes the apparatus on his arm to the computer. SUDDENLY there is a drain on all systems. The lights dim. PICARD: Worf-use whatever means to neutralize the intruder. WORF (OPTICAL) Worf adjusts his phaser and fires again. SCENE (OPTICAL) This phaser hit rips into the Borg, knocking him away. Before anyone can react-another Borg materializes. Worf and the others assume a defensive posture. The second Borg picks up where the first one left off. WORF (OPTICAL) fires his phaser. SCENE (OPTICAL) This Borg responds differently. The hit is absorbed. He is apparently surrounded with a force field of some kind. This Borg goes to the back panel. He accesses the computer-drains it. Then he walks over to the first Borg and removes some parts from the first Borg's body and dematerializes. After a beat the dead Borg withers into a line of ash-which then disappears. Off Picard reaction. INTERIOR OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL) An abbreviated staff has been assembled; Riker, Data, Picard, and Troi. PICARD: Because her people had contact with the Borg, I have requested that Guinan participate in this conference. You are aware of what just occurred in main engineering. She nods. PICARD: Tell us exactly what happened between your people and the Borg. GUINAN: I was not personally involved, but-from what I have been told they came through our system like a storm of Jaradan Aser beatles-and by the time they left, there wasn't much left of our society. RIKER: Guinan, if they are that aggressive, then I wonder why neither Borg attacked. They could have-but they didn't. GUINAN: They never do that as individuals. It's just not their way, When they decide to come, they will come in force. They do nothing piecemeal. DATA: Then the initial encounter was solely for the purpose of gathering information. GUINAN: Yes. PICARD: How do we reason with them? Let them know that we are not a threat? GUINAN: You don't. At least, to my knowledge nobody has so far. WORF COM VOICE: Captain, we are being hailed. PICARD: On screen. SCENE-TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) The image on the viewscreen is of the interior of the Borg ship. Not the bridge, because they don't have one. It is a great chamber with stacks and stacks of slots in which are individual Borg. We can see over a thousand of them, but the ship probably holds more. Some of them are making small controlled movements; otherwise they would appear to be at rest. REACTIONS (OPTICAL) Picard steps forward. PICARD: This is Captain jean-Luc Picard of the... BORG: (interrupting) We have analyzed your defensive capabilities as being unable to withstand us. If you defend yourselves, you will be punished. Viewscreen repaints to exterior Borg ship. PICARD: Counselor. TROI: You are not dealing with an individual mind. They do not have a single leader. It is the collective minds of all of them. PICARD: That would have some definite advantages. TROI: Yes. A single leader can make errors. It is less likely for the combined whole. Q (offscreen): Picard. Picard turns. VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) Q is now on the viewscreen. Q: Are you certain you still don't want me as a member of your crew? This would be the time to ask, before everything goes too far beyond your control. Before Picard can answer... WORF (com voice): Captain-They have locked onto us with some form of tractor beam. PICARD: We're on our way. Picard and the others exit. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) An energy beam from the Borg ship holds the Enterprise. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE Picard and the others take their positions. DATA: Whatever this beam is, Captain, it is draining our shields. RIKER: If they pull down our shields, we're helpless. PICARD: On any heading-warp eight, engage. WESLEY As he inputs the information and attempts to take the Enterprise out of danger. WESLEY: It's holding us here! RIKER: Increase power! WORF: The shields are weakening. DATA: In eighteen seconds the shields will be down. PICARD: Locate the exact source of the tractor beam-lock on phasers. WORF: Phasers locked on target. PICARD: Fire. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The pinpoint phasers from the Enterprise hit into the Borg ship. But the force holding the Enterprise does not release. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. WORF: They still have us. DATA: Shields are down. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise and the Borg ship. Another beam leaves the Borg ship and makes contact with the Enterprise. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) A CLOSER ANGLE as the Borg ship cores out a piece of the Enterprise hull. OMITTED INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. WORF: A type of laser beam is slicing into the Saucer Module. RIKER: They are carving us up like a roast. PICARD: With whatever force you need, terminate that beam. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The beam has cut away a section of the Enterprise and is now taking it back to the Borg ship. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. PICARD: Fire! Worf releases a series of blasts from the phaser bank. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The phaser blasts rip again and again into the Borg ship-the beam holding the section of the Enterprise disappears into the Borg ship. Another volley from the Enterprise pounds the Borg ship. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) On the screen we see the battered image of the Borg ship. RED ALERT ends. DATA: The tractor beam has released. RIKER: Damage report. WORF: Sections twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine on decks four, five, and six destroyed. PICARD: Casualties? WORF: Eighteen were in those sections and are missing. RIKER: They couldn't have survived it. DATA: A force field is maintaining hull integrity. PICARD: What is the condition of their ship? WORF: They have sustained damage to twenty percent of their vessel. Life support minimal. RIKER: (angry) Why?! For a beat everyone is in stunned silence. PICARD: Conference. RIKER: Worf-you had better remain at your station. Worf watches them go. INTERIOR OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL) Guinan is still there as they enter. Riker - Data- Picard-Troi. GUINAN: I am so sorry, Captain. Picard nods. PICARD: Guinan-what else can you tell us about these creatures7 GUINAN: I know only bits and pieces. PICARD: Anything would be helpful. GUINAN: They are a mixture of organic and artificial life that has been developed over a thousand centuries. Behind them Q is revealed (no Q flash). INTERIOR MAIN ENGINEERING The tension level is high. Sonya is a little dazed, but at her duties like any well-trained academy graduate. She and Geordi. SONYA: (urgent) I can't get the shields up. GEORGI: Divert power from wherever you need it. Anywhere except life support. SONYA: It wouldn't help. The circuits which control the shields have been fused. GEORGI: If you can't reprogram them... reroute. Her hands fly across the panels. Then stop. SONYA: Eighteen people. Dead-just like that. GEORGI: Push it out of your head. SONYA: I can't. I keep seeing them. GEORGI: Stop it. We'll grieve later. Right now... let's get those shields operative. She shakes it off, and they both return to reprogramming the shield circuits. Q: The Borg is the ultimate user, with the result that they are unlike any threat your Federation has ever faced. They have no interest in political conquest-or wealth or power as you know it. They simply want your ship- its technology. They have identified it as something they can consume and use. RIKER: And you brought us here, exposed us to it, cost us the lives of shipmates... Riker's calm breaks-he physically moves to assault Q: Stop-or you will surely die. PICARD: Number One. Riker stops; Picard turns to Q. PICARD: (continuing) Eighteen of our people have died. Please tell us that this is one of your illusions. Q: Oh, no. This is as real as your so-called life gets. A FLASH OF LIGHT and Q is gone. GEORDI'S COM VOICE: This is Lieutenant La Forge, Captain. We have been able to restore power to the shields. PICARD: Very good. WORF'S COM VOICE: Captain, I have the casualty list coming on screen. PICARD: Cancel-time for that later. SCENE They are quiet for a beat. RIKER: If there's a chance we are going to have further dealings with the Borg-now or in the future-we had better find out as much about them as we can. PICARD: Visit their ship? RIKER: In my opinion, we have no choice, sir. PICARD: (considers it; nods) Agreed. Assemble a minimal away team and take a look at what's over there. GUINAN: What? RIKER: (to com) Mister Worf. Report to transporter room three. (to Data) Data. Riker and Data stand. GUINAN: It's not my business, but I wouldn't go over there if I were you. RIKER: Oh, I don't know, Guinan. They visited us... seems only fair that we return the courtesy. Off Guinan as she watches them exit. FADE OUT. ACT FOUR FADE IN: EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise, still near the severely damaged Borg ship. PICARD (voice-over) Captain's log - supplemental. We have been attacked without provocation by a alien race which Guinan calls the Borg. Hopefully, we have neutralized their vessel. Commander Riker is leading an away team in an attempt to learn more about them. INTERIOR TRANSPORTER ROOM-(OPTICAL) Riker, Worf, and Data enter. All are wearing phasers. WORF: There are no lifesign readings. O'BRIEN: I have laid in coordinates which should set you down in the least damaged section of the Borg ship. RIKER: Set phasers on stun, but let's be ready to increase the power if we need it. They climb on the transporter pad. RIKER: Energize. The away team dematerializes. INTERIOR BORG SHIP-(OPTICAL) The away team materializes in the great open center of the Borg ship. All around there is some evidence of battle damage. The design of the interior is as functional as the exterior. There is no attempt at eye-pleasing colors. Interspersed with the gray equipment racks are slots, which go from the floor to the ceiling and are occupied by individual Borg. ANOTHER ANGLE The away team looks around. The Borg closest to them are alive. The away team instantly assumes a defensive position- expecting the Borg to repel them. But the Borg do not move. Data takes a tricorder scan of the area. They step closer to one of the Borg. RIKER: I wonder why they don't react to us, and why the Enterprise did not read any lifesigns, especially when there are this many. DATA: Perhaps because this ship was scanned for individual lifesigns. Apparently when they are in these slots, they become part of the whole and no longer read as separate life-forms. RIKER: (touches his communicator) Captain. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE (INTERCUT AS NEEDED) PICARD: Go ahead, Number One. RIKER: Our readings were incorrect... the Borg crew survived, but they are in a kind of stasis. PICARD: Explain. RIKER: There are slots along the wall, kind of like compartments. There are two Borg in each. DATA: Captain, I would theorize that the Borg are somehow interconnected through these slots and are working collectively. RIKER: We are going to look for some way to access their main computer. ANOTHER ANGLE As the away team moves down the corridor, they pass strange pieces of equipment, but nothing familiar. DATA Steps over to examine an empty Borg slot. DATA: Each slot is designed for a specific Borg. Here is where the connection is made. (he indicates a type of arm rest) SCENE Riker moves over to join Data-while Worf stands guard. They are very tense-at any moment the Borg could leave the slots. RIKER: Like a juggernaut which could start moving at any moment. DATA: The technology required to achieve this biological and artificial interface is far beyond our capabilities. There are many advantages. RIKER: Speed being the obvious one. This ship literally thinks what it wants to do and it happens. SUDDENLY a nearby Borg leaves its slot. The away team assumes a defensive posture, expecting an attack. Instead the Borg moves to a panel and executes a program, the purpose of which we do not know. Then, as the away team watches, the Borg returns to its slot. DATA: Fascinating. Obviously they also function individually. RIKER: And they either don't see us, or don't see us as a threat. They move off down the corridor. ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL) To show the relationship between the away team and the immense ship. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE- ENTERPRISE Picard is watching the Borg ship on the Main Viewer. PICARD: Transporter room, this is the captain. O'BRIEN: O'Brien here, Captain. PICARD: If your lock on the away team wavers in the slightest-beam them back. O'BRIEN: Count on it, Captain. INTERIOR BORG SHIP As the away team comes into another chamber. There are no walls, or doors as such. This ship lacks the compartmentalization which we are used to. The corridor will simply open onto a wider area. Off to the side, part of the ship has been twisted in the phaser attack. Something about it catches Data's eye. ANOTHER ANGLE Riker moves to the other side of the room. Here are smaller horizontal slots which contain smaller-younger-Borg. The "children" are in various stages of "assembly." RIKER: Captain-this is incredible. I have just entered what appears to be the nursery. PICARD: Describe it. RIKER: From the looks of it, the Borg are born as a biological life-form. Almost immediately after birth they begin getting artificial implants. They have apparently developed the technology to link artificial intelligence directly into a humanoid brain. Pretty astounding. Something else-I haven't seen any females. DATA: Commander. Riker turns from looking at the half-put-together child. RIKER: What is it? DATA: The ship appears to be regenerating. SCENE Riker and Worf quickly cross to Data. They look at a damaged portion of the ship. DATA: Perhaps this explains why they have not taken notice of our presence. Their collective effort is directed at repairing their vessel. RIKER: Captain, the Borg are using their combined power to repair the ship. PICARD COM VOICE: Transporter chief, beam the away team directly to the Bridge. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) As the away team stacks up. PICARD: Now, Mister Crusher-engage. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise streaks away-leaving the visibly battered Borg vessel in its wake. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE There is relief that they are putting some distance between themselves and the Borg. OMITTED INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. DATA: Captain-the Borg ship is in pursuit. PICARD: On screen. SCREEN (OPTICAL) We can see the Borg ship coming toward us. PICARD: Magnify. The screen changes-the Borg ship fills more of the screen. RIKER: Increase by ten to the third. Now the Borg ship fills the screen-we can see the hull of the Borg ship change. RIKER: It's continuing to regenerate itself. PICARD: Let's see if we can outrun it. (to com) Lieutenant La Forge, I want maximum warp for as long as you can hold it. INTERIOR MAIN ENGINEERING Geordi is by the pool table. Sonya is in the background. GEORDI: Yes, sir. He's on the board -increasing the speed. GEORDI: We are passing warp eight point five. SCENE The great engine is moving toward maximum output. GEORDI: Warp nine. He looks over and sees a very intense look on Sonya's face as she stares at the engine. The Borg ship is gaining. RIKER: Arm the photon torpedoes. Recommend we try to slow them down. PICARD: Agreed. WORF: Torpedoes armed. PICARD: Fire. GEORDI: What is it? Is there something the matter? She turns toward him. SONYA No. You can study the theory-read the booksanalyze schematics... but none of it prepares you for this. I have just never see or felt anything so awesome. GEORDI: Well, let's see if we can't raise the level a few more notches. Geordi moves to another position on the pool table. Sonya steps over across from him and watches with admiration as he fine-tunes the warp drive. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE PHOTONS (OPTICAL) As the photon torpedoes leaves the Enterprise. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) All eyes are locked on the main viewer as the photon torpedoes head for the Borg vessel... and explode in a blinding flash of light. WORF: They had no effect. GEORDI (corn voice): Bridge, this is engineering. We are at warp nine point six five. WORF: The Borg ship is still gaining. The crew member at science one turns-it's Q. Q: They will follow this ship until you exhaust your fuel. They will wear down your defenses. Then you will be theirs. Picard looks from to the main viewscreen and the Borg ship continues its relentless pursuit. Q: (continuing) You're out of your league, Picard. You should have stayed where you belonged. Off Picard's reaction. FADE OUT. ACT FIVE FADE IN: EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is moving at maximum warp, followed by the Borg ship. PICARD (voice-over): Captain's log supplemental. We are unable to maintain the gap between the Enterprise and the Borg ship. INTERIOR MAIN ENGINEERING Engine is pounding. Geordi moves from the pool table. Sonya is beside hirn-now under pressure, she is very calm. SONYA: We are at the design limit. GEORDI: Agreed. Bridge, this is engineering. PICARD (com voice): Go ahead. GEORDI: You've got all we can give you. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data, Troi, and off to the side is Q. PICARD: I understand, Lieutenant La Forge. WORF: Captain-the enemy vessel is firing on us. The ship goes to RED ALERT. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise at maximum warp. The missile arrives-but instead of striking the ship, it forms a kind of umbrella which engulfs the Enterprise. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. WORF: There are no reports of any damage to the Enterprise. DATA: The target was not the ship. The weapon was designed to drain the shields. WORF: Shield effectiveness was been reduced twelve percent. WES: The Borg ship is closing. WORF: They are firing again. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) A similar missile leaves the Borg ship and streaks toward the Enterprise. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. WORF: Shields have been reduced by forty-one percent. Another hit and we will be defenseless. Q: They are wearing you down. Soon you will be helpless. RIKER: Arm the photon torpedoes. WORF: Torpedoes armed. PICARD: Fire the photons. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE PHOTONS (OPTICAL) As the photons leave the Enterprise en route to the Borg ship. The torpedoes explode, but the Borg ship is undamaged. INTERIOR BRIDGE As before. WORF: The Borg ship was not damaged. Q: You can't outrun them. You can't destroy them. If you damage them, the essence of what they are remains-they regenerate and keep coming ... eventually you will weaken-your reserves will be gone. They are relentless. WORF: The Borg ship is firing. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the missile from the Borg ship hits the Enterprise. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE This time the ship is rocked. WORF: We have lost the shields again. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Borg ship closes on the Enterprise. It fires a beam at the Enterprise. Which hits in the area of the nacelles. The Enterprise comes out of warp, as does the Borg ship. INTERIOR MAIN ENGINEERING Geordi is at the pool table. GEORDI: Bridge- we have lost the warp engines. OMITTED INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE As before. Q: Now where's your smugness-your arrogance? Do you still profess to be prepared for what awaits you? WORF: The Borg ship is reestablishing its tractor beam. RIKER: Lock on photon torpedoes. WORF: Yes, sir. DATA: Without our shields-at this range there is a high degree of probability that a photon detonation could destroy the Enterprise. Riker and Picard exchange looks. RIKER: Prepare to fire. Q: I'll be leaving now. You thought you could handle it-so handle it. PICARD: Q. End this. Q: What makes you think I am either inclined to terminate or capable of terminating this encounter? PICARD: If we all die, here and now-you will never be able to gloat. You wanted to frighten us- we're frightened. You wanted to show that we are inadequate- for the moment I will grant that. You want me to say that I need you. Right now-I need you. We would expect Q to smirk, but he doesn't. He gives Picard a steady look. And with a little motion. EXTERIOR SPACE THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) With the same explosion of speed which got us here, the Enterprise is flung back to where it started. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard and the others react to the streaking stars on the viewscreen as they spin. EXTERIOR SPACE- THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Comes to a stop. INTERIOR MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) RED ALERT ends. RIKER: Position. WESLEY: Zero-seven. six Mark two-two- -five. Back where we started. Q: That was a difficult admission. Another man would be humiliated to say those words. Another man would die before asking for help. Picard gives a steady look. PICARD: I understand what you have done here, Q, but the lesson could have been learned without the loss of eighteen members of my crew. Q: If you can't take a little bloody nose-maybe you had better go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous-with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross-but it is not for the timid. Q leaves in a Q flash. PICARD: Set a course for the closest Starbase. WESLEY: Course set for Starbase eight three. EXTERIOR SPACE-THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the Enterprise moves off to the Starbase. INTERIOR TEN-FORWARD Picard is there with Guinan. GUINAN: Q has set a series of events in motion. Your contact with the Borg came long before it should. When you're ready, it might be possible to establish a relationship with them, but now-now, you are only raw material to them. And since they are aware of your existence... PICARD: They will be coming. GUINAN: You can depend on it. PICARD: Q might have done the right thing for the wrong reason. GUINAN: Meaning... PICARD: Perhaps we needed a good kick in our complacency to get us ready for what's ahead. Picard leaves Ten-Forward. Off Guinan reaction: FADE OUT.