STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                         "The Bonding" 
                          #40273-153 
                              
                          Written by 
                        Ronald D. Moore 
                              
                          Directed by 
                         Winrich Kolbe 


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 This script is not for publication or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.

                    3RD REVISED FINAL DRAFT

                        AUGUST 23, 1989


        STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "The Bonding" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             
                RIKER              MARLA ASTER
                DATA               
                BEVERLY            
                TROI               
                GEORDI             
                WORF               
                WESLEY             

                O'BRIEN            

                JEREMY ASTER (age 10)
                TEACHER            

                Non-Speaking       
                  SECOND TEACHER     
                  SIX N.D. CREWMEMBERS
                  TWO SECURITY GUARDS
                  TWO ARCHEOLOGICAL OFFICERS
                  TWO TECHNICIANS    
                  SEVERAL STUDENTS (ages 8 to 13)
                  MEDICAL ENSIGN     
                  BARTENDER          

        STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "The Bonding"
                             
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              MAIN BRIDGE
              TRANSPORTER ROOM         PLANET
              CORRIDOR
              SICKBAY
              CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
              ENGINEERING
              TEN FORWARD
              WORF'S QUARTERS
              ASTER QUARTERS
              CLASSROOM
              TEACHER'S OFFIC
          
              COMPUTER ROOM
              TURBOLIFT
          
            ASTER HOME
              LIVING/DINING ROOM

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - PRONUNCIATION 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                         "The Bonding" 
                   
                      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE 

                   R'uustai        ROOSE-tie

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - TEASER      1.

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                         "The Bonding"                              
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The ship is in standard orbit over an old and scarred
	planet. The world is predominantly gray with overtones
	of flecked green and brown and conveys an impression of
	an old battlefield coming back to life.

									CUT TO:

2    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	PICARD and RIKER are standing near an access station
	observing the play of information across one of the
	monitors. WESLEY is at the Conn, DATA is at Ops and
	TROI is in the command area, while SEVERAL N.D.
	CREWMEMBERS are at duty stations or passing through the
	Bridge.

					DATA
			Away Team reporting in, Commander.
			Lieutenant Worf standing by.

					RIKER
			This is Riker, report Lieutenant.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			The archeologists have identified
			the markings in these caverns.
			This planet was apparently once
			home to a race known as the
			Koinonians.

					PICARD
			What do we know about them, Data?

					DATA
			The Koinonians were an intelligent
			culture which became embroiled
			in a war that lasted several
			generations. Our best evidence
			indicates they destroyed
			themselves.

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - TEASER      2.

2    CONTINUED:

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			We have completed our survey of
			the third tunnel and will proceed
			into the ceremonial chamber.

					RIKER
			Affirmative. Enterprise out.

					PICARD
			Destroyed themselves, Data?

					DATA
			According to historical records.
			This will be the first
			opportunity for a Federation
			team...

	At this point, Troi's eyes suddenly go wide.

					TROI
			Captain! Beam them up quickly!
			They---

	Before she can complete her warning, the voice of Worf
	breaks in over the COM channel.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Emergency beam-up! Enterprise,
			emergency! Injuries. Away---

					PICARD
			Transporter Room!

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			I've got them, Captain.

					PICARD
			Beam them straight to Sickbay.
			Doctor Crusher, incoming wounded.

	There is a tense pause while they wait for word. Troi
	senses what has happened and shakes her head sadly when
	Riker looks at her.

									CUT TO:

2A   INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)

	DOCTOR CRUSHER and a MEDICAL ENSIGN move to the Away
	Team as four people MATERIALIZE.

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - TEASER      3.

2A   CONTINUED:

	WORF is crouched in a defensive position over the prone
	and motionless form of LIEUTENANT MARLA ASTER, a woman
	in her early thirties. Worf's phaser is out and at
	the ready while his uniform is singed and slightly
	torn, blood flows from a small wound in his shoulder.
	Behind him are TWO N.D. CREWMEMBERS, who are
	archeological officers. Beverly and Medical
	Supernumeraries move into action...

									CUT TO:

3    OMITTED

4    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	While Troi is already sure of the result, the rest of
	the Bridge crew waits for word from Sickbay.

					BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
			Away Team is aboard, Captain.
				(beat)
			One dead on arrival.

	Picard and the Bridge crew react.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT ONE      4.

					ACT ONE

	FADE IN:

5    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	in orbit.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's Log: Stardate 43506.5
			The Enterprise remains in standard
			orbit while we investigate the
			tragedy which has struck the Away
			Team.

									CUT TO:

6    INT. SICKBAY

	Picard is standing in the doorway. Beverly stands over
	the bed holding Marla Aster's body. Worf stands
	nearby. His uniform bears the evidence of the recent
	violent encounter, blood still seeps from his wound.

					PICARD (V.O)
				(continuing)
			Lieutenant Marla Aster, ship's
			archaeologist has been killed in
			what should have been a routine
			mission. Whatever the
			explanation, it will not bring
			back a valued and trusted officer.

	A MEDICAL SUPERNUMERARY moves the bed Aster's body is
	resting on into an isolated area of Sickbay. Another
	member of the Away Team is being examined by Beverly
	in the background, as Worf makes his report to Picard.

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT ONE      5.

6    CONTINUED:

					WORF
			We had completed our investigation
			of the third tunnel. Our scans
			had indicated no weapons or traps
			of any kind. Lieutenant Aster
			was three meters behind me. An
			explosive device went off. There
			was no warning. Lieutenant Aster
			bore the full brunt of the
			detonation.
				(pause)
			I was in command. I bear full
			responsibility.

					PICARD
			Lieutenant. I have the utmost
			faith that you acted properly and
			in the best traditions of
			Starfleet.

	Beverly moves over to Worf.

					BEVERLY
			Let's take a look at that
			shoulder...

	Troi ENTERS the Sickbay.

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT ONE      6.

6    CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Lieutenant Aster is survived by
			a son, Jeremy. Twelve years old.

					PICARD
			What about his father?

					TROI
			He is also deceased, Captain.

	Picard and Beverly exchange a glance.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			His only living relatives are an
			aunt and uncle residing on Earth.

					PICARD
			Where is the boy now?

					TROI
			In class. I've alerted the
			teacher to expect us.

	Picard acknowledges. He glances at Beverly, who is
	still troubled by the loss of a patient, but can
	identify with the Captain's unpleasant task. Picard
	and Troi then turn and prepare to leave the Sickbay.

					WORF
			Captain.

	Worf swings off the biobed.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			I must accompany you. I commanded
			the Away Team.

					PICARD
			I appreciate the offer but this
			is my responsibility.

	Worf acknowledges, unhappily...

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE      7.

6    CONTINUED: (3)

					BEVERLY
			Go to your quarters. Rest.
			You're relieved of duty for
			twenty-four hours.

	Worf opens his mouth.

					BEVERLY
				(continuing)
			That's an order.

	Worf EXITS. Picard keys his insignia on their way out.

6A   INT. CORRIDOR

					PICARD
			Picard to Bridge.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Yes, Captain.

					PICARD
			Assign Commander La Forge to lead
			another Away Team to the digsite.
			I want to know why this
			happened...

7    INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Riker at Command. Wesley at Conn, Data at Ops,
	Supernumerary at tactical.

					RIKER
			Yes, Captain.

	And pull back to include Wes in the foreground.

					PICARD'S COM VOICE
			I will be with Counselor Troi and
			young Jeremy Aster.

					RIKER
				(with sympathy)
			I understand. Riker out.

	Wes exchanges a glance with Riker. A sad memory --

					WESLEY
			He had to do the same thing for
			me.

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE      8.

7    CONTINUED:

	Riker nods, he knows.

					RIKER
			Do you know Jeremy well?

					WESLEY
				(shakes his head)
			But I know what it'll be like for
			him.

					RIKER
			It's part of life in Starfleet,
			Wesley.

					WESLEY
				(acknowledges)
			They're very careful to prepare
			us for... anything. Still...

					RIKER
			I know.

					WESLEY
			How can you ever get used to
			it... to telling them... ?

					RIKER
				(softly)
			You hope you never do.

	Data has been listening with interest to this exchange.

									CUT TO:

8
thru	OMITTED
9

10   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	The room is very dark. Worf is dressed in an elaborate
	Klingon robe and sash. A strange, twisted, massive
	candle burns on the desk before him.

	He studies the candle with painful eyes for several
	beats and then hangs his head with shame. He reaches
	out very deliberately, and snuffs the candle with the
	flat side of a knife blade. Darkness.

									CUT TO:

      STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE      9.

10A  INT. TURBOLIFT

	Troi and Picard. She senses his frustration.

					TROI
			I sense the weight of this duty
			on you, Captain...

	Picard begins to deny it, but then, frustrated --

					PICARD
			I really wonder...

	He's almost letting his feelings show, which is not
	at all comfortable for him. He stops the Turbolift
	in mid-trip...

					PICARD
				(to computer)
			Halt.

	The Turbolift stops...

					PICARD
			I've always believed that carrying
			children on a starship... it's a
			questionable policy.

	She listens, gives him room...

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Serving on a starship means
			accepting certain risks and
			dangers. But did Jeremy Aster
			make that choice?

					TROI
			Death and loss are an integral
			part of life everywhere. Leaving
			the boy on Earth would not have
			protected him from that.

					PICARD
			No, but Earth is not likely to
			be ordered to the Neutral Zone
			to repel a Romulan attack...
				(beat, softer)
			It was my command which sent his
			mother to her death. She
			understood her mission and my
			duty. Will he?

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE     10.

10A  CONTINUED:

					TROI
			In time. With help.
				(beat)
			Ensign Crusher does.

	A beat. He glances at her and perhaps we sense that
	Picard wonders if Wesley really ever has come to an
	understanding since they have both avoided the subject.
	In response to that feeling, re-emphasizing --

					TROI
				(continuing)
			Yes, he does. And so will Jeremy.

	And she is doing her job for the Captain now...
	easing, but not closing, a lingering issue for him.

					PICARD
				(to computer)
			Resume.

11   OMITTED

12   INT. CLASSROOM

	Picard and Troi ENTER. The classroom is warm, inviting
	and is crammed with plants, computers, antique books,
	and myriad games from across the Federation. TWO
	TEACHERS are working with SEVERAL STUDENTS in two study
	groups.

	In one group, the age of the students run from roughly
	8 to 13, and they are discussing a particular problem
	on a computer display screen around which they are all
	clustered. In the B.G., is the other study group
	studying other instruction devices. As Picard and Troi
	enter, the students look up in surprise and several
	point at the seldom-seen Captain of their ship.
	Conversation dies to a whisper. The nearest teacher
	hates like hell what his student is about to endure,
	but he stands and crosses to JEREMY ASTER.

					TEACHER
			Jeremy, the Captain needs to talk
			with you.

	The boy's eyes go wide at this summons from the
	Captain. He is about twelve years old and has a quiet,
	sensitive look about him, with tousled black hair and
	deep-set eyes.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE     10A.

12   CONTINUED:

	The other children look at him with reactions ranging
	from jealousy to fear. He walks forward with his
	teacher's arm around his shoulders.

					JEREMY
			I'm Jeremy, sir.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE     11.

12   CONTINUED: (3)

	Picard looks down at this innocent young face... the
	eyes of a twelve year old.

					TEACHER
				(indicates)
			My office is over there,
			Captain...

	Picard acknowledges. The teacher indicates the way.
	Troi puts her arm around the boy and the trio walks
	out of the room.

13   OMITTED

13A  INT. TEACHER'S OFFICE (FROM SCENE 13)

	Troi has her hands on Jeremy's shoulders to offer the
	support of physical contact.

					PICARD
			Jeremy, it is my sad duty to tell
			you that your mother has died.

	And whatever our expectations might have been, we can
	throw them away. This is a 24th century child. He is
	a good soldier, uniquely mature. Prepared by experts
	to cope with the worst circumstances. There is no tear
	shed.

					JEREMY
			How, sir?

					PICARD
			An explosive device at the mission
			site. She died instantly.

					JEREMY
			I understand.

	Troi drops to one knee to be at his level...

					TROI
			I know your mother loved you very
			much, Jeremy.

	He nods. A silence.

       STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE     12        

13A  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			I've been told... you've also lost
			your father.

					JEREMY
			Yessir. Five years ago. From
			a Rushton Infection. I'm alone
			now, sir.

	And Picard may wonder just how 'mature' any of us could
	be in this circumstance. But whatever is going on
	inside, the boy does not reveal it.

					PICARD
				(softly)
			No one is alone on the starship
			Enterprise, Jeremy. No one.

	As the boy and Picard look in each other's eyes...

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     13.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

14   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise in orbit around the planet.

15   OMITTED

16   INT. ASTER QUARTERS

	Troi and Jeremy. Troi is seated, watching Jeremy with
	that cool serenity which is so much a part of her
	nature. He doesn't quite know what to do with himself.
	But throughout the scene there is a repressed anger
	in the boy. (NOTE: This is a significant change...
	Even though the dialogue may be similar, the attitude
	behind must reflect unfocused anger that he is
	unwilling to touch.)

					JEREMY
			I really ought to get back to
			class... if I get behind...

	Bringing the focus back --

					TROI
			I'm sure your mom wanted you to
			do well in school. Wasn't she
			a teacher on Earth?

					JEREMY
				(acknowledges)
			She taught exo-archeology.

					TROI
			Why did she sign on the
			Enterprise?

					JEREMY
			She said she wanted to see the
			galaxy with her own eyes.

					TROI
			Was she happy doing that?

					JEREMY
				(trace of bitterness.)
			Yeah. Real happy.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     14.

16   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Did she ever tell you there was
			a chance this might happen
			someday?

					JEREMY
			Yes.

	He moves away from her, seems drawn to the computer
	terminal on his desk. He is completely unaware he is
	doing this, but Troi has spotted the motion.

					TROI
			It might help if we talked about
			how you're feeling.

	Curt --

					JEREMY
			You're a Betazoid. You know how
			I feel.

					TROI
				(conversationally)
			When my father died we were living
			on Betazed. My mother and all
			her people are telepathic. I kept
			wanting to talk about my father,
			and they kept pulling my thoughts
			out of my head before I could say
			the words. It made me very angry.

					JEREMY
				(curious despite
				 himself)
			Why?

					TROI
			I needed to say them out loud.
			I was confused about why he went
			away. Was it me -- something I
			had done. I felt that if I could
			just say the words he would
			somehow know how much I loved him
			and missed him.

	She looks at him.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     15.

16   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
				(continuing)
			I thought you might feel the same
			way.

					JEREMY
				(avoiding his
				 feelings)
			She just had to do her job. I
			understand that.

					TROI
			Did she talk to you about her
			mission before she left?

					JEREMY
			She told me about the ruins.
				(a beat, softer)
			She always made it like a story
			book.

	He's back at the computer.

					TROI
			Why do you keep going over to the
			terminal?

					JEREMY
				(beat)
			No reason.

	A long beat.

					JEREMY
				(continuing)
			It's nothing. I broke it
			yesterday.

					TROI
				(studies him a beat)
			Was your mother angry when you
			broke it?

	He nods.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			Was she still angry when she left?

	He doesn't acknowledge, but obviously she was.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     16.

16   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
				(continuing)
			Jeremy, did that broken terminal
			cause the accident?

					JEREMY
			No.

					TROI
			Did you cause the accident?

					JEREMY
			No. I just never had a chance
			to tell her I fixed it.

					TROI
			Jeremy, if your mother were here
			right now, would she forgive you?

	Jeremy swallows hard. Still no tears. He nods his
	head, yes, sighs a deep breath. Troi knows that's a
	big step for now.

					TROI
				(standing; continuing)
			I want you to have some time
			alone for a little while. I'll
			come back when you're ready to
			talk again.

					JEREMY
			How will you know?

	Troi crosses to the boy, hugs him lightly, then still
	holding him in the circle of her arms she smiles down
	at him and says,

					TROI
			This time I will use my Betazoid
			sense, and I'll know.

	His eyes say he's beginning to appreciate her. Troi
	EXITS.

17
thru	OMITTED
17B

17C  INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Riker is seated at a table. He stares out at the
	stars. There is a drink in front of him.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO     17.

17C  CONTINUED:

	SIX OTHER PEOPLE and a BARTENDER are also present.
	Data crosses to Riker. The Commander looks up.

					DATA
			Excuse me. Am I intruding?

					RIKER
			No, sit down.

	There is a curious subtext to his question --

					DATA
			How well did you know Lieutenant
			Aster?

					RIKER
			We spent some time together. Not
			very well.

	A beat, Data waits for more... his face is very
	inquisitive. Off his look --

					RIKER
			How well did you know her?

					DATA
			Why do you ask?

					RIKER
				(reacts)
			Well... I mean you just asked me...

					DATA
			But why do you ask the question?
			I have been asked several times
			to define 'how well I knew
			Lieutenant Aster' since her death.
			And I heard you ask Wesley on the
			Bridge if he knew Jeremy well.
				(beat)
			Does the question of familiarity
			have some bearing on death?

					RIKER
				(a beat)
			Do you remember how we all felt
			when Tasha died?

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO     18.

17C  CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			I do not sense the same feelings
			of... absence... that I associate
			with Lieutenant Yar... although
			I cannot say precisely why...

					RIKER
			That's just human nature, Data.

					DATA
			Human nature, sir?

					RIKER
			We feel a loss more intensely
			when it's a friend.

					DATA
			But should not the feelings be
			just as deep regardless of who
			has died?

	Riker thinks this over before answering.

					RIKER
			Maybe they should, Data. Maybe
			if we felt the loss of any life
			as keenly as we felt the death
			of those close to us, our history
			would've been a lot less bloody.

	Data considers this as...

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			La Forge to Riker...

					RIKER
			You're back, Geordi...

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Yessir, and we've brought back
			a souvenier...

17D  INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	Geordi giving his report to Picard and Riker. He has
	brought back another explosive device... Data studies
	it.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO     18A.

17D  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Five more just like it... all
			identical to the one that killed
			Lieutenant Aster...

					DATA
			They employ a subspace proximity
			detonator. A normal tricorder
			would never detect it.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO     19.

17D  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			How long would you say they've
			been there, Data?

					DATA
			It comes from the time of the
			Koinonian Wars, Captain...

					RIKER
			Did you find them all, Geordi?

					GEORDI
			Yeah. But...
				(off their looks)
			Well, they were all sort of...
			left there to be found.

					PICARD
			Left by whom? There are no
			indications of life on this
			planet.

					GEORDI
			I don't know, Captain... but it
			was pretty obvious that they'd
			been recently pulled out of the
			ground and defused.

	Off their reactions...

									CUT TO:

18   INT. CORRIDOR

	Troi is walking, head down, very thoughtful. Worf is
	coming from the other direction. He sees her, checks,
	and almost heads down another branching corridor. But
	Troi senses him and looks up.

					TROI
			Worf!

	The Klingon stops, but he's clearly uncomfortable.

					WORF
				(formally)
			Counselor.

	There is an uneasy silence.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO     20.

18   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			I can understand that you don't
			want to talk about what happened.

	Worf glances around the corridor, and Troi understands
	his reticence in such a public place. She looks around
	and motions to a small room. Worf, with great dignity,
	follows her inside.

19   INT. COMPUTER ROOM

	The room is dimly lit and only Worf and Troi are here
	at present.

					WORF
			I have made my report to the
			Captain.

					TROI
			I'm more interested in how you
			feel about what happened.
				(a beat)
			And right now I sense great anger.

	Worf stiffens and only confirms Troi's perception.

					WORF
			I cannot seek revenge against
			an enemy who turned to dust
			centuries ago.

	Troi merely waits. Her attitude is clam and quiet.
	She is making no judgments.

					WORF
				(continuing)
			Her death was senseless. The last
			victim of a forgotten war.

					TROI
			Go on.

	Her eyes are locked with Worf's, she is very still,
	helping him to speak, but applying no pressure.

					WORF
			There is no more to be said.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO     21.

19   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			A person has died while under your
			command. It may happen again.
			If you cannot learn to release
			the anger and the guilt, to talk
			about it...

					WORF
			A leader must stand alone. As
			Captain Picard does.

					TROI
				(a little sharply)
			Captain Picard talks to me.

	A beat. Worf realizes he cannot get off the hook here.
	But this "sharing feelings" is as alien a concept as he
	will ever encounter. Reluctantly --

					WORF
			Then may I seek your counsel about
			my plan to make the R'uustai with
			the boy...

	And she's caught off guard by something so... well,
	Klingon-intense...

					TROI
			The Bonding.

	And her reaction is exactly what he feared. Already he
	hates this --

					WORF
			It is my right.

					TROI
			It's a very generous offer, but
			he's not a Klingon child. He has
			different sensibilities.

					WORF
			He is an orphan. I am an orphan.
			He will understand.

	A long beat. And that is as close as Worf gets to
	exposing his feelings. And she appreciates that.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     21A.

19   CONTINUED: (2)

					TROI
			Right now, there isn't much he
			can understand, Worf. He's
			holding all his feelings inside...
				(beat)
			Children often feel they must be
			true to the memory of a lost
			parent.
					(MORE)

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO     22.

19   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI (Cont'd)
			If you offer affection to them
			too soon they can feel guilty
			returning that affection. As
			if they're betraying the love they
			feel for the parent.

					WORF
			I only wish to honor his mother.

					TROI
			I know. And I understand this
			means a great deal to you. But
			you must be prepared, Worf... he
			is very angry too, but his anger
			is deep inside him... When he
			finally touches it, it will strike
			out in many directions...
			including yours.
				(a beat)
			Talk with him. Be with him. But
			do not rush this. When he is
			ready, we will know.

	Worf acknowleges and proceeds on his way, and Troi
	watches him.

									CUT TO:

20
thru	OMITTED
22

22A  INT. ASTER QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Jeremy is curled up on the sofa looking at a hand held
	screen with a home video of him and his mother together
	at home on Earth... his face is thoughtful, reflective,
	not in pain. There is a CHIME. He goes to the door,
	touches the panel and it opens to reveal Worf.

					WORF
			Jeremy Aster, I am Lieutenant
			Worf. May I enter?

	Worf ENTERS... he wants desperately to do the right
	thing... but is now aware of Troi's concerns. The boy
	stares coldly at him... But the anger is all
	repressed, not overt.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     22A.

22A  CONTINUED:

					JEREMY
			You were in command of the Away
			Team.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     23.

22A  CONTINUED: (2)

					WORF
			Yes. I was with Lieutenant Aster,
			your mother, when she died.
				(guilty)
			Her death lies between us. It
			is my hope...that...someday...
			it can also bind us.

	Jeremy doesn't know what that means, it's just another
	nice sounding 'I'm sorry.'

					JEREMY
				(with an attitude)
			You're a Klingon, aren't you?

	Worf doesn't know how to take that exactly...

					WORF
			Yes.

					JEREMY
			We studied Klingons in school.

					WORF
			What do they teach you about us?

					JEREMY
			You used to be our enemies.

	Worf acknowledges, tries to say something meaningful
	to the boy...

					WORF
			Do they teach you that every
			Klingon hopes to die in the line
			of duty as your mother did?

	Jeremy just looks at him, refusing to connect.

					WORF
			In my tradition, we do not grieve
			the loss of the body... we
			celebrate the releasing of the
			spirit.

	Jeremy looks at the imposing figure... confident, you
	can't tell me anything I don't already know --

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     23A.

22A  CONTINUED: (3)

					JEREMY
			I understand death. They teach
			us all about it.

	Worf studies the twelve-year-old for a long beat.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO     24.

22A  CONTINUED: (4)

					WORF
			Jeremy Aster, we may both
			understand it, but we must bring
			meaning to your mother's death.
				(beat)
			Perhaps we can do it together.

	Jeremy's reaction suggests he doesn't see how...

22B
thru	OMITTED
22C

22D  INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

	The Captain is going over status reports on the
	computer screen as the DOORBELL RINGS.

					PICARD
			Come.

	The door slides open and Troi stands there...

					PICARD
			Counselor. How is the boy?

					TROI
			He is being very brave.

					PICARD
			Good.

					TROI
			No. He'll have to get past brave.
			He is a very angry boy... He
			must learn to express that anger
			before he can really say good-bye
			to his mother.

	She sits.

					PICARD
			How can we help?

					TROI
			I've asked Beverly if we might
			get Wesley to talk to Jeremy about
			his father's death...

	Picard acknowledges.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO     24A.

22D  CONTINUED:

					TROI
			The one unusual element is Worf.

					PICARD
			Oh?

					TROI
			In many ways he is suffering as
			badly as the boy. He wishes to
			involve Jeremy in a Klingon
			ceremony called the R'uustai...
			the bonding...

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO     25.

22D  CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			I know it.
				(thoughtful)
			Perhaps it would be a comfort to
			both your patients, Counselor.

					TROI
			I don't think the boy would accept
			Worf right now. Later, perhaps.
			But it will have to be handled
			most delicately.

					PICARD
			As you always do.

	Picard pauses, and looks at Troi with appreciation.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			I break the unpleasant news and
			my responsibility ends. You have
			to stay with them through the
			entire grieving process.

					TROI
			We find many different ways to
			deal with our pain, but over the
			years, I've discovered it is in
			our joy that the uniqueness of
			each individual is revealed. If
			I can help a person back to a
			state of joy... well, my role has
			its rewards.

					RIKER'S COM VOICE
			Captain, we're picking up an
			energy field on the planet's
			surface...

22E  INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS

	As Picard and Troi ENTER...

					PICARD
			Location?

					RIKER
			Two kilometers north of the Away
			Team's beamdown point.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO     26.

22E  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Indeed.
				(to Data)
			Full scan.

	Data works his console.

					DATA
			Inconclusive, Captain.

					TROI
			Sir, I sense a... presence on the
			planet. Very vague.

					PICARD
			A life form?

					TROI
			I can't be sure... the emotions
			of the crew are particularly
			strong right now and it's
			difficult to filter them out.

					PICARD
			Data, scan analysis on Main
			Viewer...

	As Data works...

22F  INT. DOCTOR CRUSHER'S OFFICE

	Wesley ENTERS. Beverly is at her desk, working.

					BEVERLY
			Hi.

					WESLEY
				(a litle glum)
			Hi.

	He sort of plops down... something on his mind, not
	necessarily about to talk about it. She continues her
	work, talks without making eye contact...

					BEVERLY
			Troi stopped by a little while
			ago. She was wondering if you
			might be willing to talk to Jeremy
			Aster at some point.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO     27.

2F   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
				(uncomfortable)
			Me? What for?

	She looks up.

					BEVERLY
			Because of your Dad.

	Wesley frowns... he's already been revisiting those
	memories today.

					WESLEY
			What would I tell him?

					BEVERLY
			It would help him to talk with
			someone who's gone through this.

	Wesley sighs, would rather not... how do I get out of
	this?

					BEVERLY
			We had each other, Wes... he
			doesn't have anyone to lean on
			now... and he might be more
			comfortable talking about it with
			someone who's not much older...

					WESLEY
				(interrupting, don't
				 bug me)
			Okay. Let me think about it.

					BEVERLY
				(beat)
			Okay.

	A long beat.

					WESLEY
			You ever think about him, Mom?

					BEVERLY
			Your father?
				(she nods)
			Sure, I do.

	A long beat. And this is hard on Wesley...

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO     28.

22F  CONTINUED: (2)

					WESLEY
			Sometimes I can't quite remember
			his face... it scares me.

	Beverly studies him...

					BEVERLY
			That happens to all of us, Wes...
				(beat; honest)
			Sometimes I can't get his face out
			of my mind.

					WESLEY
				(nods)
			Today... it's like I can see it
			all as clearly as if it were
			yesterday... the way he looked
			when he hugged me good-bye...
			Captain Picard's eyes when he
			came to tell us...

	Their eyes meet. A tear slides down his cheek. She
	comes over and they hold each other.

									CUT TO:

22G  INT. MAIN BRIDGE - (OPTICAL) (PREVIOUSLY 22A)

	As before. On the viewscreen is a graphic analysis
	of the energy form they're tracking on the planet...

					RIKER
			Data, run comparison with known
			phenomena.

					DATA
				(works his station)
			The pattern has no exact match
			in Federation records.

					PICARD
			Is it alive?

					DATA
			A possibility.

	And Troi just watches it... slow push in on her....

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO     29.

22G  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Captain, I'm getting an unusual
			magnetic flux reading from the
			anti-matter containment pods.

	... to an extreme closeup of Troi ending as she senses
	something new, something extreme as she murmers...

					TROI
			My God.

									CUT TO:

23   INT. ASTER QUARTERS (OPTICAL)

	Jeremy is seated at the desk once again studying the
	moving picture of him and his mother. He senses
	movement from a hallway behind him, turns to see the
	arrival of MARLA ASTER. Jeremy's eyes go wide.

					JEREMY
			Mom!

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT THREE    30.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

24   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The starship is still cruising serenely in orbit.

25
thru	OMITTED
30

31   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	As before. Riker and Picard have moved to join Geordi
	at the Engineering station, studying the odd
	readings...

					GEORDI
			All systems are functioning
			normally -- still, there's a
			fluctuation in the containment
			field. I can't account for it.

					RIKER
			Data, is it related in some way
			to the energy field on the planet?

	And Troi is still getting those radical vibes...

					TROI
				(sotto voce)
			Captain...

					DATA
			There is a beam of highly charged
			particles emanating from the
			planet...

					TROI
			Captain, there is a presence
			aboard the Enterprise.

	Reactions.

					PICARD
			An alien presence... ?

	She doesn't know...

					RIKER
			No intruder noted by the ship's
			sensors, Captain...

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT THREE    31.

31   CONTINUED:

					TROI
			A presence...

	Beginning behind the above --

					RIKER
			Security, all decks... yellow
			alert... possible intruder...

	On Troi trying to come to grips with her senses...

									CUT TO:

31A  INT. ASTER QUARTERS

	Jeremy stares with bewilderment up at his mother.
	Marla Aster reaches out to brush a hand across Jeremy's
	hair. Jeremy reflexively backs away.

					JEREMY
			They said you were dead.

					MARLA
			There was a mistake. It's okay.

	Jeremy is confused. He's yearning to accept this, but
	still he holds back.

					JEREMY
			But there was an explosion... you
			were hurt.

					MARLA
			Jeremy, I'm not hurt. I'm fine.
			You mustn't think any more about
			it.

	She moves to him. He backs away from her.

					MARLA
			The important thing is, I'll never
			leave you again.

	She smiles at him, crosses to the desk.

					MARLA
				(continuing)
			Oh, I see you fixed the terminal.

					JEREMY
			Just after you. you left.

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT THREE    32.

31A  CONTINUED:

					MARLA
			I'm sorry I got so angry about
			that. I'm really proud of you
			-- you fixed it without even
			being asked.

	This woman is damned convincing. But Jeremy is still
	reluctant to accept her. Marla extends her hand.

	Slowly, cautiously, Jeremy reaches out, touches Marla's
	hand. It's warm and real. Jeremy's surprised. He
	gazes at Marla -- he desperately wants this to be his
	mother.

					MARLA
				(warm smile)
			I think somebody needs a hug.

	And that does it. Jeremy gives himself up to the
	fantasy, buries himself in his mother's arms, and for
	the first time since the accident, SOBS softly. Marla
	comforts him, strokes his head. Everything's all right
	now.

	After a long beat, Marla pulls back, takes Jeremy's
	hand.

					MARLA
			We have to go now.

					JEREMY
			Where?

					MARLA
			To the planet. That's where we're
			going to live now.

					JEREMY
				(confused again)
			We're not going to stay on the
			Enterprise any more?

					MARLA
			No.
				(a beat)
			We're going to live in a home just
			like we used to on Earth.

	Jeremy's not sure about this, but Marla's warmth and
	serenity allay his doubts:

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT THREE    33.

31A  CONTINUED: (2)

					MARLA
				(continuing)
			You'll see. I promise.

	There is a CHIME. Jeremy moves to the door, opens it
	to reveal Worf... Jeremy is excited. (There is no
	repressed anger any more.)

					JEREMY
			Lieutenant Worf... did they tell
			you? It was a mistake.

	Worf reacts to the boy's glee, then as he steps in, is
	blown away as ?? sees Marla smiling at him...

					JEREMY
				(continuing)
			She didn't die. She's alive.

	As the boy moves to her...

					WORF
			Jeremy, come here...

					MARLA
			Lieutenant Worf, it's all right.
			I'm here for the boy.

	Worf starts to pull his phaser, and doesn't know what
	the hell to do with it... even he has to wonder a moment
	- is it Marla Aster? He touches his insignia.

					WORF
			Lieutenant Worf to Captain Picard.

									CUT TO:

32   OMITTED

33   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					PICARD
			Go ahead.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Lieutenant Aster is in her
			quarters.

	Exchanged looks.

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT THREE    34.

33   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Repeat, Worf... ?

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Lieutenant Aster. She's here.
			In her quarters. With the boy.

	Reactions. Picard and Troi exchange a look.

					PICARD
			Do not provoke her or interfere
			in any way until I arrive.
			Picard out.
				(to Riker)
			Have security moving that way but
			tell them to keep their distance.
			You have the Bridge. Counselor...

	Troi's already out of her chair. She and Picard EXIT.

									CUT TO:

33A  INT. ASTER QUARTERS

	Marla looks calmly at Worf.

					MARLA
			There's nothing to worry about.
			I'm going to take care of Jeremy
			and make him happy.
				(to Jeremy)
			It's time to go.

					WORF
			Where are you taking the child?

					JEREMY
			To the planet.

	Marla smiles a winning smile at Jeremy:

					MARLA
			Come on, Jeremy.

	Jeremy dutifully leaves Worf, joins Marla, takes her
	hand. Together they EXIT followed by Worf, who keys
	his insignia...

					WORF
			Worf to Picard, they're leaving
			their quarters...

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT THREE    35.

34
thru	OMITTED
35

36   INT. CORRIDOR

	Worf follows Marla and Jeremy down the corridor.
	Security men arriving do not interfere, exchange
	glances with Worf, trail...

					WORF
				(keys insignia)
			Captain, I believe we're headed
			for Transporter Room Three.

36A  INT. TURBOLIFT

	Picard and Troi moving quickly...

					PICARD
			We're on our way.

									CUT TO:

37   OMITTED

38   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	O'Brien is making adjustments to the transporter side
	panels. He is running a monitor over the circuits and
	comparing readings. The DOOR OPENS and Marla, Jeremy,
	and Worf ENTER.

	O'Brien reacts to the presence of a dead woman in his
	transporter room. Looks to Worf. Marla smiles sunnily
	at the Transporter Chief.

					MARLA
			Chief O'Brien, Jeremy and I are
			going down to the surface.

	Marla and Jeremy cross to the platform. Jeremy lets
	go of Marla's hand so they can stand on separate pads.

	The DOORS OPEN. In the corridor are Picard, Troi, and
	two SECURITY PERSONNEL; Picard motions for the Security
	Personnel to remain in the corridor as he and Troi
	ENTER. Picard gives Marla a hard look.

					PICARD
			Who are you?

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT THREE     36.

38   CONTINUED:

					MARLA
			I'm Marla Aster...

					JEREMY
				(you know)
			It's my mother, Captain... She's
			alive.

	Picard glances with concern at Jeremy.

					PICARD
				(to Marla)
			What do you want?

					MARLA
			To take my child down to the
			planet.

					PICARD
			I cannot permit that. This child
			is my responsibility.

	Marla truly can't fathom why these people are making
	such a big deal out of nothing. Jeremy is confused and
	not at all clear what is going on...

					MARLA
			I'm here to care for him. He
			needs me. Why do you resist?

					PICARD
			Because I don't know who -- or
			what -- you are.

					JEREMY
			Can't you see who she is?

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT THREE    36A.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Jeremy, she appears to be your
			mother, but she is not.

					JEREMY
			What do you mean?

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT THREE    37.

38   CONTINUED: (2)

	Jeremy looks to his mother...

					MARLA
			You're confusing the boy...

	Picard glances at Worf, who has moved casually towards
	the Transporter pads... He takes the boy and pulls him
	away from his mother...

					JEREMY
			Wait...

	He struggles, behind him, Marla's at a total loss...

					JEREMY
				(continuing)
			No...stop...

	Behind him, she suddenly VANISHES. Jeremy turns and
	she's gone...

					JEREMY
			Mon...Mom...

					TROI
			Jeremy...

					JEREMY
			NO...

	As Troi escorts him out... off Picard and Worf's
	expressions:

39
thru	OMITTED
40
									FADE OUT.

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR     38.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

41   OMITTED

42   INT. CORRIDOR

	Troi and Jeremy walking together. The boy is angry,
	frightened and sad, completely disoriented.

					JEREMY
			What did you do to her?

					TROI
			Jeremy, I don't know what that
			was, but it was not your mother.

					JEREMY
			You saw her... She was here...

					TROI
			Your mother is dead.

					JEREMY
			I touched her. She was real.

					TROI
			Why would your real mother want
			you to go to the planet. There's
			nothing there but rocks and
			dust...

	And Jeremy knows his real mother wouldn't do that...
	but still, it was her... they have reached the Aster
	quarters. Troi keys the door, and they ENTER.

43   INT. EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)

	And Troi takes an involuntary step back for it is no
	longer the Enterprise stateroom. They are standing
	in the front room of the Aster home on Earth... as we
	saw it in the video...

	Outside, through an open window, they HEAR the shouts
	and laughter of children, the barking of a dog. A cat
	sleeps on the sofa. There's a grandfather clock.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR     39.

43   CONTINUED:

					JEREMY
			It's my house. My house on Earth.

	Marla ENTERS from the back of the house.

					MARLA
			Exactly the way it was... remember,
			Jeremy?

					JEREMY
			But how did you do it?

	Marla smiles...

					MARLA
			Does it matter?

					TROI
			Yes. It matters.

	She looks at Troi. Marla is very friendly --

					MARLA
			I am trying to understand your
			resistance. You spoke of rocks
			and dust on the planet? I decided
			to show what awaits us there.

					TROI
			Why would you create this fantasy?

					MARLA
				(can't you understand?)
			It's his home.
				(holding out a hand to
				 Jeremy)
			And it makes you happy, doesn't
			it?

	Jeremy is beyond words. Is she for real or not...
	He knows now, in his heart, she isn't... But it's so
	nice to be "home."

					TROI
			But it's not real.

					MARLA
			Isn't it? Jeremy, isn't that
			really Patches?

	Jeremy moves to the cat who looks up and meows at
	him... climbs into his arms. Jeremy reacts.

     STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FOUR     40.

43   CONTINUED: (2)

					JEREMY
			He knows me. It's him.

	The cat was sleeping on a blanket on the sofa.

					MARLA
			Look -- your blanket...

	Jeremy looks at it, touches it. It is his blanket. He
	reacts as the grandfather clock strikes a chime
	twice... clearly he recognizes the sound of the clock.

					JEREMY
			It's real. It's all real.

					TROI
			Jeremy, it's not. Could your
			real mother make all this appear?

	He knows she could not, but he wants so much to
	believe.

					TROI
				(continuing)
			You must not stay here.

	Troi holds out her hand.

					TROI
			Come with me.

	Jeremy looks at the Betazoid, at Marla, at the room.
	Shakes his head.

					JEREMY
				(very softly)
			I can't.

									TIME CUT TO:

43A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON PICARD

					PICARD
			Is the boy in any danger?

					TROI'S COM VOICE
			I don't think so. She seems to
			want to help Jeremy.

    STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR    40A.

43A  CONTINUED:

	And WIDEN to see Riker, Worf, Data, Beverly, Wesley
	and Geordi at their various stations.

					PICARD
			Help him?

									INTERCUT:

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FOUR         41.

44   OMITTED

44A  INT. EARTH HOME (INTERCUT WITH SCENE 44B)

	Troi off to the side... in the background, the mother
	doll and Jeremy are dangling a piece of string for the
	cat... playing with it...

             TROI                      MARLA
   By easing his pain. She       (background)
   seems very confused by     Look at him. Look how
   our resistance, Captain.   he tries to catch it...

                                      JEREMY
                                 (background)
                              Maybe he thinks it's a
                              mouse's tail.

					PICARD
			Troi, would it be wise to remove
			Jeremy from his quarters?

					TROI
			He does not want to leave. I
			would not recommend taking him
			by force.

					RIKER
			She offers him everything. All
			we offer is the cold reality of
			his mother's death.

					BEVERLY
			What would you choose? If someone
			came along and offered to give
			you back your mother...
				(toware Wesley)
			... your father...
					(MORE)

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR         42.

44A  CONTINUED:

					BEVERLY (Cont'd)
			... your... husband... would any
			of us say no so easily?

	A beat. Picard sighs. To Troi --

					PICARD
			Remain in the cabin with them,
			Counselor. We're going to try
			to put an end to this from here...

					TROI
			Understood.

	He signs off.

44B  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					PICARD
			Mister Data, can we determine for
			certain the energy source from
			the planet is powering this
			creation?

					DATA
			The beam from the planet is
			clearly tapping into the ship's
			anti-matter, Captain...

					GEORDI
			I'd say it's running the
			manifestation off our own energy.

					PICARD
			So there are limits to her
			power...

					RIKER
				(nods)
			That's why she needs the
			Transporter to get the boy off
			the ship.

	Picard pauses and considers.

					PICARD
			So how do we cut the puppet's
			strings?

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR         43.

44B  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			By increasing the shield harmonics
			to match our antimatter
			containment fields, it is almost
			certain that the beam would be
			severed.

					PICARD
			Proceed.

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Troi, stand by...

									CUT TO:

44C
thru	OMITTED
45

46   INT. EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)

	The fantasy is up and running. Marla and Jeremy are
	still seated with the cat... Troi moves to them...

					TROI
			Jeremy, it's time for this to
			end... You know it's not real
			and it is over now...

					MARLA
			I'm not going to leave you,
			Jeremy. Ever again.

	Jeremy looks with hurt and confusion from one woman
	to the other.

					TROI
			Jeremy, I won't lie to you or
			trick you.

					MARLA
			Jeremy we'll be happy together
			as soon as...

	She and the fantasy VANISH. Jeremy looks at the space
	where she was and knows that his mother and the
	wonderful dream is really gone. He says very softly,

					JEREMY
			No...

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR         44.

46   CONTINUED:

	As Troi moves to comfort him...

									CUT TO:

47   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					GEORDI
			Anti-matter containment pods
			reading nominal...

					DATA
			The shields have severed the beam.

	Data studies something on his console.

					DATA
			Captain, the energy field...

48   ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN - (OPTICAL)

	The ghost-like blanket has gathered into a glowing
	circular mass.

					PICARD
			Mister Crusher, take us out of...

	Before he can finish...

49   OMITTED

50   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The energy form flashes across space and instantly
	penetrates the ship.

									CUT TO:

51
thru	OMITTED
52

53   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The ship is rocked by the explosive arrival of the
	energy. Red alert begins to sound.

									CUT TO:

          STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/5/89 - ACT FOUR         45.

53AA	INT. CORRIDOR - NEAR TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	The energy mass move down the hallway and into

53A  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - (OPTICAL)

	O'Brien goggles at the glowing energy form which has
	appeared in the room. After a beat...

					O'BRIEN
			Alien intruder. Transporter Room
			Three. Security alert. Alien...

	The form zaps at him, forcing him away from the
	console.

									INTERCUT:

53B  OMITTED

53C  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					WORF
				(to com)
			Security to Transporter Room
			Three...

	Picard on the move...

					PICARD
			Lieutenant Worf, Commander La
			Forge with me... Number One you
			have the Bridge.

53D  INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM/CORRIDOR - (OPTICAL)

	O'Brien is being driven out of the room by the force.
	Two security guards arrive. They are flung back. One
	of them fires his phaser, but it has no effect. The
	energy force zips back into the Transporter Room.

									CUT TO:

53E  INT. ASTER QUARTERS/EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)

	Troi is comforting Jeremy when Marla and the Earth
	Home MATERIALIZE, and judging from ??e expression with
	which she favors Troi she is not happy.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR         46.

53E  CONTINUED:

	She brushes past the Betazoid, moves to Jeremy and
	takes his hand. He's scared, confused...

					MARLA
			Come, Jeremy, we will not let them
			separate us again. We are going
			home.

	Off Troi's reaction as we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FIVE         47.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:
54
thru	OMITTED
66

67   INT. TURBOLIFT

	with Picard, Geordi and Worf... red alert sounding.

					TROI'S COM VOICE
				(urgently)
			Captain, the image is back --
			she's trying to take Jeremy off
			the ship again.

					PICARD
				(keys insignia)
			Acknowledged.

					GEORDI
				(keys insignia)
			Engineering, this is La Forge.
			Shut down power to all
			Transporters. I'm on my way...

					PICARD
			Lieutenant Worf, to Transporter
			Room Three.

	They split up as they EXIT the Turbolift.

					PICARD
				(keys insignia)
			Bridge, seal off deck eight,
			corridors A and B.

68   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Data working the console...

					DATA
			Engaging force fields, Captain.
			Transporters are down.

69   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)

	The energy force is still there reacting as the power
	goes off, -- darting from component to component --
	as Worf arrives, it bolts past him...

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FIVE         48.

69   CONTINUED:

	Worf checks on O'Brien and the security men who are
	okay.

					WORF
			Energy force has left Transporter
			Room Three... security alert, all
			decks...

69A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					RIKER
			La Forge, the intruder may try
			to reinstate Transporter power.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			Understood, Commander...

70   INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)

	Just outside Aster's quarters, Marla leads Jeremy out
	as Troi watches by the door. A force field is blocking
	the corridor. She turns to look in the another
	direction. Another force field at the other end of
	the hall is up and has them trapped.

71   ANGLE - PICARD (OPTICAL)

	arrives at the forcefield... touches his insignia.

					PICARD
			Bridge, release security
			forcefield eight - B.

	The forcefield in front of him disappears. For a
	moment, he and the alien Marla study each other.

					PICARD
			How are you, Jeremy? Are you
			frightened?

					JEREMY
			-- no.
				(off his look)
			A little, sir.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE         49.

71   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			Of course. These are frightening
			things that are happening. We
			won't let anyone harm you.
				(off-handedly)
			Counselor, why don't you take the
			child to my quarters.

	Troi takes a step toward Jeremy. Marla puts her arm
	around Jeremy's shoulder. Tightly. Possessively.

					MARLA
			No.

	Troi backs off. Ma leads him back into their
	quarters. Picard a?? Troi follow.

72   INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	Geordi follows the energy form as it moves from console
	to console...

					GEORDI
				(keys insignia)
			It's looking over everything,
			Commander... going to school...
			Let's hope it doesn't blow us
			to Kingdom Come while it's
			figuring out how to blow us to
			Kingdom Come.

	The energy zips into a console...

									INTERCUT:

73   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	The power returns...

					WORF
			Power's back in Transporter Room
			Three...

73A  INT. ENGINEERING

	Geordi moves quickly to the controls...

					GEORDI
			By-passing to manual override...
			shutting it down...

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE         50.

73AB	INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM

	The Transporter goes down again.

					WORF
			Transporter is down again.

73A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

					RIKER
			Keep it down, Geordi... for as
			long as you can...

74   INT. EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)

	Picard, Troi, Jeremy and Marla.

					MARLA
			It is only a matter of time,
			Captain, before we can power the
			Transporters ourselves...

					PICARD
			We? For whom else do you speak?

	Marla takes a beat to determine how much must be
	explained to these people... finally --

					MARLA
			The accident on the surface was
			caused by a remnant of an old and
			tragic era. Two species once
			shared this world... one of
			energy... and one of matter. The
			physical beings you call the
			Koinonians destroyed themselves
			in unending, bitter wars. The
			surviving lifeforms on this world
			will not tolerate any further
			suffering from that dishonorable
			past. So they have made this
			possible... they have made me
			possible.

					PICARD
			I appreciate your motives. But
			his mother is dead. He must learn
			to live with that.

					MARLA
			I will be every bit his mother.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE        50A.

74   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			But not his mother.

	Jeremy watches them both... confused, trying to choose
	between what he wants and what is real. Picard's mind
	works... he keys his insignia...

					PICARD
			Picard to Lieutenant Worf.

					WORF
			Go ahead, Captain.

					PICARD
			Please escort Ensign Crusher to
			the Aster quarters. Picard out.

	He exchanges a glance with Troi.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE         51.

74   CONTINUED: (2)

					MARLA
			Your philosophy is curious,
			Captain. What is so noble about
			sorrow? I can provide him an
			existance where he will feel no
			pain, no anguish...

					PICARD
			It is at the heart of our very
			nature... to feel pain... and
			joy... that is what makes us what
			we are.

					MARLA
			He is alone now in your world.
			A child alone. How can you know
			he won't be happier with me?

	Picard glances at Jeremy with compassion.

					PICARD
			For a brief moment in time... he
			surely would be. Any of us in
			his place would be.

					TROI
			What would Jeremy do for friends
			in your world?

	Marla glances at Jeremy, considering this...

					MARLA
			He will have any friends he needs.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE         52.

74   CONTINUED: (3)

					TROI
			And then will you provide for his
			education, his health, his growth?
			A career? A wife?

	Marla considers all this... obviously for the first
	time.

					PICARD
			Yes, it is quite an undertaking
			you're proposing, isn't it?

					MARLA
			It is our duty to make him happy
			again.

					PICARD
			Do you honestly believe he will
			be happy in this total fiction
			you wish to create?

	Off her look which is beginning to show doubt...

					PICARD
			What will be his reason to live?

	And she cannot answer that.

					PICARD
			What you offer is a memory... to
			cherish... but not to live in.
				(beat)
			It is part of our life cycle to
			accept the death of those we love.
			He must deal with grief, not cover
			it or hide from it. We are
			mortal. Our time in this universe
			is finite. It is the lesson every
			human must learn.

	The door opens to reveal Worf and Wesley. Wesley is
	nervous, concerned.

					WESLEY
			Ensign Crusher reporting as
			ordered, sir.

					PICARD
			Come in, Wesley.

	Worf begins to leave... casually --

          STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT FIVE         53.

74   CONTINUED: (4)

					PICARD
			... No, stay, Lieutenant.

	Worf comes in and stands at attention in the
	background.

					PICARD
			Wesley lost his father on a
			Starfleet mission when he was
			even younger than you are.

	Jeremy reacts. Marla looks at him with compassion.

					TROI
			Your mother told me you were
			finding it difficult to talk to
			Jeremy. Why?

					WESLEY
			I don't know. I guess... I just
			didn't want to think about it any
			more, you know... all this has
			reminded me so much of that day...

	He shrugs, very uncomfortable. Troi glances at
	Picard... he moves toward Wesley. Playing a role --

					PICARD
			The day I told you your father
			had been killed.

	Wesley acknowledges...

					PICARD
			As I recall, you handled the news
			very well.

					WESLEY
			My parents taught me about the
			dangers of starfleet missions.
			I knew it could happen.

					PICARD
				(probing)
			So you were prepared.

					WESLEY
				(a beat, introspective)
			No, I don't think I was. Not
			really. How could anyone be...
			prepared to hear that his dad
			is... never coming home again.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE         54.

74   CONTINUED: (5)

	Picard acknowledges, of course. To Jeremy --

					WESLEY
			I just tried to be what everybody
			expected me to be. Brave.
			Mature.

					PICARD
			Are you saying you didn't want
			anybody to see how you really
			felt, Wesley?

	And Wesley looks down as the memories sweep across
	him... he looks down, nods. Softly --

					PICARD
			So how did you really feel?

					WESLEY
				(whispers)
			Like somebody kicked me right in
			the brain.

					PICARD
				(gently)
			Somebody?

	Wesley shrugs. Doesn't look at Picard.

					TROI
			Go ahead, Wesley. You've wanted
			to tell him for a long time...

	He looks up at Picard with a tear in his eye.

					WESLEY
			I was angry.
				(long beat)
			At you.

	Of course, Picard knows this... but it's important for
	them as well as Jeremy to get it all out now...

					PICARD
			Why, Wesley? Why were you angry
			with me?

	Wesley backs away from the feelings... he's gone as far
	as he's comfortable... he shrugs... but that's not
	enough...

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE         55.

74   CONTINUED: (6)

					PICARD
			Were you angry because I was the
			one who told you he was dead?

					WESLEY
				(pause)
			No.

					PICARD
			Then why?

	Softly, painfully, outloud for the first time...

					WESLEY
			Because you led the mission. You
			came back. My father didn't.

	Picard acknowledges... moves away as Troi moves in with
	great compassion...

					TROI
			How long were you angry with
			Captain Picard, Wesley?

					WESLEY
			A long time.
				(turns to Picard)
			But not any more. Not even a
			little, sir.

	Picard's eyes close for a moment. He bows his head,
	almost imperceptively. That wound is forever closed.
	To Jeremy --

					TROI
			And you Jeremy... must be very
			angry with Lieutenant Worf.

	And Worf is caught off guard as the attention turns to
	him. Jeremy looks at him.

					TROI
			He was in charge of your mother's
			mission. Just as Captain Picard
			was in command when Wesley's father
			was killed. Isn't that right,
			Jeremy

	Jeremy looks at Worf.

					WORF
			She was my responsibility.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE        55A.

74   CONTINUED: (7)

					TROI
			Worf came back. Your mother
			didn't.

	And a long beat... as Jeremy is about to face the
	reality. His eyes are angry, a tear rolls down his
	cheek as he accuses Worf --

					JEREMY
			Why? Why weren't you the one who
			died? Why did it have to be her?

	A long beat as they look at each other... Jeremy's
	tears come more easily now...

					TROI
			He can't answer that, Jeremy.
				(to Marla)
			None of us can.

					PICARD
			Lieutenant Worf also lost his
			parents, Jeremy.

	Jeremy reacts.

					WORF
				(to Jeremy)
			They were killed in battle when
			I was six.

	He and Worf look at each other. The bonding has begun.
	Worf glances at Picard and Troi. Troi nods... Worf
	moves toward the boy.

					WORF
			When I was alone, humans helped
			me. Let me help you.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FIVE        55B.

74   CONTINUED: (8)

	Jeremy looks back at Marla for one last hold on the
	fantasy... off that moment --

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE         56.

74   CONTINUED: (8)

					WORF
			The Marla Aster I knew and honored
			is not in this room. Nor does
			she await you on the planet. Now
			she lives only here...
				(touches his chest)
			And here.

	Jeremy looks up to him through his tears. He cannot
	speak.

					WORF
				(to Jeremy)
			Join with me in the R'uustai, the
			Bonding. You will become part
			of my family now and for all time.
			We will be brothers.

	Worf offers his hand. Jeremy never looks back again
	at Marla... he stretches out a hand ??ndly to grasp
	for Worf's hand. The Klingon is the ?? From a simple
	handclasp he pulls the boy to him. Marla and Picard
	regard each other for a long moment. She understands
	she is no longer needed. She nods to Picard. She
	lowers her head. She disappears. The room goes back
	to normal -- the Aster quarters.

75
thru	OMITTED
80

81   INT. WORF'S QUARTERS

	Worf in full Klingon regalia. Jeremy is dressed in
	a child's version of the Klingon robe. Jeremy and Worf
	are framed by the window of the stateroom. The room is
	dark. Five of the intricate candles are on various
	tables in the B.G. One is lit.

	Worf removes his sash, and places it across Jeremy's
	shoulders. He and Jeremy take a candle, and walk to
	the lit candle. They light theirs. They go through
	the room lighting the other candles.

	Worf finishes. Watches Jeremy. He stands looking out
	at the stars.

					WORF
			SoS jIH batlh SoH.

	Jeremy has come up behind the Klingon.

         STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FIVE         57.

81   CONTINUED:

					JEREMY
			What does that mean?

					WORF
			It honors the memory of our
			mothers. We have bonded and our
			families are stronger.

	Jeremy looks where Worf is looking.

					JEREMY
				(softly)
			SoS jIH balth SoH.

82   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Moving at warp speed as we

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END