STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Q Who?" #40272-142 Written by Maurice Hurley Directed by Rob Bowman THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Copyright 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. This script is not for publication or reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department. REVISED FINAL DRAFT FEBRUARY 24, 1989 STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Q Who?" CAST PICARD Q RIKER DATA Non-Speaking TROI BORG ONE GEORDI BORG TWO WORF BORG THREE WESLEY GUINAN O'BRIEN SONYA Non-Speaking CREWMEMBERS SECURITY MAN STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Q Who?" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE CORRIDOR MAIN BRIDGE BORG SHIP OBSERVATION LOUNGE TURBOLIFT MAIN ENGINEERING TRANSPORTER ROOM TEN-FORWARD GUINAN'S OFFICE SHUTTLECRAFT BORG SHIP STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Q Who?" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise as it is traveling at impulse speed. 2 INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - TEASER 1A. 2 CONTINUED: 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: (2) 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 Six to do phase work with anti-matter... 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - TEASER 3. 2A PICARD The cup full of chocolate hits him right in the chest. 2B SCENE For a moment everyone freezes. Geordi starts forward. GEORDI Actually it's my fault, sir... He looks down at his soiled uniform. PICARD Yes, I'm aware of how often you order picnics to be held in here. Sonya is about to die from embarassment. 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. STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - TEASER 4. 2B CONTINUED: 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - TEASER 5. 2B CONTINUED: (2) Picard then turns and strides off. 2C 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: 3 OMMITTED (3) 4 INT. CORRIDOR Picard walks past a crewman -- who notices the stain on his uniform, but quickly averts his eyes so as not to embarrass the captain. Picard turns and enters the turbolift. 4A INT. 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. 4B INT. SHUTTLE Picard is not in a corridor of the Enterprise -- he's on a shuttle! He turns around and the turbolift doors are gone. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - TEASER 5A. 4C SCENE He looks up. There is a crewman at the controls. PICARD Crewman? What's going on? The crewman turns. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - TEASER 6. 4D CREWMAN It's Q. Q There, there, my dear captain. 4E PICARD Reacts. PICARD Q. 4F 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 Q. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE 7. ACT ONE FADE IN: 5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise moving along at impulse speed. 5A INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE 7A. 5A CONTINUED: 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 first 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 hasn'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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE 7B. 5A CONTINUED: (2) 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. 6 INT. TEN-FORWARD GUINAN is behind the bar. There are a few n.d. crewmembers scattered around the room. The only one of our regulars in Ten-Forward is Geordi, who is sitting at a table by the window with Sonya they are engaged in a very animated conversation. 6A GUINAN Something gives her pause -- like a whisper only she can hear. She is thoughtful for a beat... 6B SCENE Guinan steps out from behind the bar and crosses to the center of the room. 6C ANOTHER ANGLE She stands near Geordi's table for a beat and gazing out at space. In the background Geordi continues his conversation with Sonya. GEORDI (O.S.) I understand that you're excited -- so was I. This is your first assignment, everything is new, you are eager and that's great, but... STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE 7C. 6C CONTINUED: SONYA (O.S.) I've always been an enthusiastic person, but... He holds up his hand. GEORDI (O.S). Do me a favor... for a minute, just listen. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE 8. 6C CONTINUED: SONYA (O.S.) 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 b.g. we see Geordi quiet her with a gesture. SONYA (O.S.) Not another word. Go ahead... talk. 6D 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. 7 INT. 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 alright? 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? STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE 8A. 7A ANGLE IN TEN-FORWARD A thoughtful Guinan responding. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT ONE 9. 7A CONTINUED: 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. 8 OMITTED 9 INT. SHUTTLECRAFT Picard is in the shuttlecraft -- with Q. Picard adjusts a control; Q 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE 9A. 9 CONTINUED: Q It will in time, my dear Captain. STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT ONE 10. 10 INT. 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. 10A INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE 11. 10A CONTINUED: 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. 11 INT. ANOTHER ANGLE RIKER Computer -- locate Captain Picard. COMPUTER The captain is not on the ship. Before they can react. 11A 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. 12 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise comes to a complete stop. 13 INT. MAIN BRIDGE For a beat everyone is silent... waiting. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE 11A. 13 CONTINUED: WORF I have hailed the shuttle on all frequencies -- no response. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE 12. 13 CONTINUED: (2) DATA Sensors indicate no shuttle or other ships in this sector. RIKER We must assume the captain is onboard 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. 13A DATA He makes some rapid calculations. DATA The search pattern has been input. RIKER Engage, Mister Crusher. 14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise pulls out of frame. 15 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Another angle as the Enterprise approaches from a long distance. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT ONE 13. 15 CONTINUED: RIKER (V.O.) 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. 16 INT. 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... 16A DATA He inputs the necessary information. 17 INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT ONE 13A. 17 CONTINUED: Q (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. 17A INT. 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. 17B GUINAN She reacts to the sudden appearance of Q and the captain. 18 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - EMPHASIZING WORF Who is studying his board. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE 14. 18 CONTINUED: WORF Commander. My status board indicates that the shuttle is back in Shuttle Bay Two. Riker reacts. RIKER Computer -- locate Captain Picard. COMPUTER Captain Picard is in Ten-Forward. Off Riker's reactions we: FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO 15. ACT TWO FADE IN: 19 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is at a dead stop. 20 OMMITTED 21 INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO 16. 21 CONTINUED: 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 (O.S.) Which is? Q looks up. 21A SCENE Riker and Worf stride across Ten-Forward, to join them. Q Ahh, the redoubtable Commander Riker. And micro-brain. (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? STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/7/89 - ACT TWO 17. 21A CONTINUED: 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 crewman -- 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 unique life forms I have ever encountered. To learn more about you is frankly quite provocative, but you are next of kin to chaos. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT TWO 17A. 21A CONTINUED: (2) 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT TWO 18. 21A CONTINUED: (3) RIKER The next time we saw you, you asked me to join the Q 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. STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO 19. 21A CONTINUED: (3) 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. (MORE) STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO 20. 21A CONTINUED: (4) Q (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: 22 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is struck by a great surge of energy and streaks off. 23 INT. 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. 24 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Data has command of the bridge. Everyone reacts to the sudden burst of speed. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT TWO 21. 25 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise comes out of the spin and stops. 26 INT. 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? STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO 21A. 26 CONTINUED: 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. (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. STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO 22. 26 CONTINUED: (2) 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... 27 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is moving through this new section of the galaxy. PICARD (V.O.) 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. 28 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Everyone is in their place. WORF Captain, the sixth planet in the system is Class M. DATA There is a system of roads on the planet which indicate 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO 23. 28 CONTINUED: 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. 28A 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 box like, 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. 29 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the great Borg ship approaches the Enterprise. Then stops. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO 24. 30 INT. TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL) Guinan is looking out at the Borg ship. 31 INT. 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 Life signs? 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 USS Enterprise. WORF No response. PICARD Guinan. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT TWO 25. 32 INT. 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. 33 INT. 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 metal like device implanted in its head. One arm is artificial with a tool like contraption instead of a hand. The other organic except for the hand. Its eyes are artificial. Its presence triggers RED ALERT. GEORDI Security to Main Engineering -- we have an intruder. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT TWO 26. 34 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Off Picard's reaction as he and Worf exit. FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT THREE 27. ACT THREE FADE IN: 35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise in this new section of the galaxy -- with the Borg ship nearby. 36 INT. 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 voice 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? 36A 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 com panels. 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. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT THREE 27A. 36A CONTINUED: Q (continuing) He may attempt to gain control of the ship. I wouldn't let him. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT THREE 28. 36A CONTINUED: (2) Q leaves. 36B 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 com panel. 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. 36C WORF (OPTICAL) Worf pulls out his phaser. Worf fires -- the stun setting means nothing. 36D SCENE (OPTICAL) The phaser hit has no affect on the Borg. He, or it, steps to the com panel 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. 36E WORF (OPTICAL) Worf adjusts his phaser and fires again. 36F 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/7/89 - ACT THREE 29. 36G WORF (OPTICAL) fires his phaser. 36H 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 walks over to the first Borg -- removes some parts from his body and de-materializes. After a beat the dead Borg withers into a line of ash -- which then disappears. Off Picard reaction. 37 INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE 29A. 37 CONTINUED: GUINAN I was not personally invloved, 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE 30. 37 CONTINUED: 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. 37A 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. 37B 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE 31. 37B CONTINUED: PICARD That would have some definite advantages. TROI Yes. A single leader can make errors. It is less likely for the combined whole. Q (O.S.) Picard. Picard turns. 37B-A 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. 37C EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) An energy beam from the Borg ship holds the Enterprise. 38 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard and the others take their positions. DATA Whatever this beam is, Captain, it is draining our shields. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT THREE 31A. 38 CONTINUED: RIKER If they pull down our shields we're helpless. PICARD On any heading -- warp eight engage. 38A WESLEY As he inputs the information and attempts to take the Enterprise out of danger. WESLEY It's holding us here! RIKER Increase power! STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/3/89 - ACT THREE 32. 38A CONTINUED: 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. 39 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The pin-point phasers from the Enterprise hit into the Borg ship. But the force holding the Enterprise does not release. 40 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. WORF They still have us. DATA Shields are down. 41 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise and the Borg ship. Another beam leaves the Borg ship and makes contact with the Enterprise. 41A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) A CLOSER ANGLE as the Borg ship cores out a piece of the Enterprise hull. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT THREE 33. 42 OMMITTED 43 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. WORF A type of laser beam is slicing into the Saucer Section. RIKER They are carving us up like a roast. PICARD With whatever force you need terminate that beam. 44 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The beam has cut away a section of the Enterprise and is now taking it back to the Borg ship. 45 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. PICARD Fire! Worf releases a series of blasts from the phaser bank. 46 EXT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT THREE 33A. 47 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) On the screen we see the battered image of the Borg ship. RED ALERT ends. DATA The tractor beam has released. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT THREE 34. 47 CONTINUED: RIKER Damage report. WORF Sections twenty-seven, twenty-eight and 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT THREE 34A. 48 INT. 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 creatures? GUINAN I only know 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). STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT THREE 34AA. 47A INT 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. GEORDI If you can't reprogram them... reroute. Her hands fly across the panels. Then stops. SONYA Eighteen people. Dead -- just like that. GEORDI 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 reprograming the shield circuits. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE 35. 48 CONTINUED: 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. 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 casuality list coming on screen. PICARD Cancel -- time for that later. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE 35A. 48A 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 3. (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 END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR 36. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 49 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise, still near the severely damaged Borg ship. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental. We have been attacked without provocation by an 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. 50 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - (OPTICAL) Riker, Worf and Data enter. All are wearing phasers. WORF There are no life sign 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. 51 INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"- 2/28/89 - ACT FOUR 37. 51 CONTINUED: Interspersed with the grey equipment racks are slots, which go floor to ceiling and are occupied by individual Borg. 51A 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 life signs, especially when there are this many. DATA Perhaps because this ship was scanned for individual life signs. 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. 52 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (INTERCUT AS NEEDED) PICARD Go ahead, Number One. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/8/89 - ACT FOUR 38. 52 CONTINUED: 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. 52A ANOTHER ANGLE As the away team moves down the corridor they pass strange pieces of equipment but nothing which is familiar. 52B 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) 52C SCENE Riker moves over to join Data -- while Worf stands guard. They are very tense -- at any moment the Borg could leave the slots. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/8/89 - ACT FOUR 38A. 52C CONTINUED: 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/8/89 - ACT FOUR 39. 52C CONTINUED: (2) 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, 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 either they don't see us, or don't see us as a threat. They move off down the corridor. 52D ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL) To show the relationship between the away team, and the immense ship. 53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ENTERPRISE Picard is watching the Borg ship on the Main Viewer. PICARD Transporter room, this is the Captain. O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE O'Brien here Captain. PICARD If your lock on the away team wavers in the slightest -- beam them back. O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE Count on it, Captain. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT FOUR 39A. 54 INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT FOUR 40. 54 CONTINUED: Off to the side, part of the ship has been twisted in the phaser attack. Something about it catches Data's eye. 54A 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 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. 54B SCENE Riker and Worf quickly cross to Data. They look at a damaged portion of the ship. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR 41. 54B CONTINUED: 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. 55 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) As the away team stacks up. PICARD Now, Mister Crusher -- engage. 56 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise streaks away -- leaving the visibly battered Borg vessel in its wake. 56A INT. MAIN BRIDGE There is relief that they are putting some distance between themselves and the Borg. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/28/89 - ACT FOUR 41A. 56B OMITTED 57 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. DATA Captain -- the Borg ship is in pursuit. PICARD On screen. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR 42. 57A 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) Lietenant La Forge, I want maximum warp for as long as you can hold it. 58 INT MAIN ENGINEERING Geordi is by the pool table. Sonya is in the b.g. GEORDI Yes, sir. He's on the board -- increasing the speed. GEORDI We are passing warp eight point five. 58A 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR 42A. 59 CONTINUED: The Borg ship is gaining. RIKER Arm the photon torpedoes. Recommend we try to slow them down. PICARD Agreed. WORF Torpedoes armed. PICARD Fire. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR 42AA. 58A CONTINUED: GEORDI What is it? Is there something the matter? She turns toward him. SONYA No. You can study the theory -- read the books -- analyze schematics... but nothing 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 knotches. 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. 59 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FOUR 43. 60 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOTONS (OPTICAL) As the photon leaves the Enterprise. 61 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) All eyes are locked on the main viewer as the photon torpedoes head for the Borg vessel... and explodes in a blinding flash of light. WORF They had no effect. GEORDI COM VOICE Bridge, this is Engineering. We are at warp nine point six five. WORF The Borg ship is still gaining. The crewman 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 Q to the main viewscreen and the Borg ship which 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. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT FIVE 44. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 62 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise is moving at maximum warp followed by the Borg ship. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log supplemental. We are unable to maintain the gap between the Enterprise and the Borg ship. 63 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING Engine is pounding. Geordi moves from the pool table. Sonya is beside him -- 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. 64 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard, Riker, Data, Troi, and off to the side is Q. PICARD I understand, Lieutenant La Forge. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT FIVE 45. 64 CONTINUED: WORF Captain -- the enemy vessel is firing on us. The ship goes to RED ALERT. 65 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise at maximum warp. As the missile arrives -- but instead of striking the ship, it forms a kind of umbrella which engulfs the Enterprise. 66 INT. 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 has been reduced twelve percent. WESLEY The Borg ship is closing. WORF They are firing again. 67 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) A similiar missle leaves the Borg ship and streaks toward the Enterprise. 68 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE 46. 68 CONTINUED: 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. 69 EXT. SPACE - THE PHOTONS (OPTICAL) As the photons leave the Enterprise en route to the Borg ship. The tordedoes explode, but the Borg ship is undamaged. 70 INT. 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. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE 47. 71 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the missile from the Borg ship hits the Enterprise. 72 INT. MAIN BRIDGE This time the ship is rocked. WORF We have again lost the shields. 73 EXT. 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. 74 INT. MAIN ENGINEERING Geordi is at the pool table. GEORDI Bridge -- we have lost the warp engines. 74A OMITTED 75 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. Q Now where's your smugness -- your arrogance? Do you still believe you are prepared for what awaits you? I tried to tell you but listening has never been one of your laudable attributes. It makes me quite happy to now say -- I told you so. WORF The Borg ship is re-establishing its tractor beam. RIKER Lock on photon torpedoes. STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE 47A. 75 CONTINUED: WORF Yes, sir. STAR TREK: "Q WHO?" -3/2/89 - ACT FIVE 48. 75 CONTINUED: (2) 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 or capable to terminate 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. 76 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) With the same explosion of speed which got us here -- the Enterprise is flung back to where it started. 76A INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard and the others react to the streaking stars on the viewscreen as they spin. STAR TREK: "Q WHO?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FIVE 48A. 76B EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) comes to a stop. 77 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) RED ALERT ends. RIKER Position. STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FIVE 49. 77 CONTINUED: 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 Q 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. 78 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) As the Enterprise moves off to the starbase. 79 INT. TEN-FORWARD Picard is there with Guinan. STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE 50. 79 CONTINUED: 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. END OF ACT FIVE THE END