STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Galaxy's Child" #40274-190 Written by Maurice Hurley Directed by Rick 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 1990 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 This script is not for publication or reproduction.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 DECEMBER 10, 1990 STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - 12/10/90 - CAST STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Galaxy's Child" CAST PICARD DOCTOR LEAH BRAHMS RIKER DATA BEVERLY TROI GEORDI WORF GUINAN ENSIGN RAGER TRANSPORTER TECHNICIAN ENSIGN PAVLIK COM VOICE COMPUTER VOICE Non-Speaking SUPERNUMERARIES STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - 12/10/90 - SETS STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Galaxy's Child" SETS INTERIORS EXTERIORS USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE MAIN BRIDGE CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM OBSERVATION LOUNGE MAIN ENGINEERING TRANSPORTER ROOM TEN FORWARD CORRIDOR HOLODECK (SET FROM: "Booby Trap") GEORDI'S QUARTERS SHUTTLEBAY SHUTTLEBAY CONTROL BOOTH CRAWLSPACE STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - TEASER 1. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION "Galaxy's Child" TEASER FADE IN: 1 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) At impulse power. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's Log, Stardate 44614.6: We are approaching Starbase Three-One-Three, where we will pick up a shipment of scientific equipment for a Federation outpost in the Guernica System. At the same time -- 2 INT. ENTERPRISE - READY ROOM as the door opens and GEORDI ENTERS; PICARD is at his desk. PICARD (V.O.) -- we will be hosting a special guest. GEORDI You wanted to see me, Captain? PICARD Yes, Mister La Forge. It seems that the exemplary nature of your work has caught the attention of Starfleet Command. Geordi isn't quite sure what this means, but it sounds good. GEORDI Well... that's very flattering. Thank you, sir. PICARD In fact, someone is coming on board just to see some of the engine modifications you have made. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - TEASER 2. 2 CONTINUED: Better yet... Geordi's feeling very pleased. GEORDI Who's that, Captain? PICARD The Senior Design Engineer of the Theoretical Propulsion Group -- Doctor Leah Brahms. Leah Brahms... Geordi can't believe it. His smile grows even wider. GEORDI Leah's coming here? That's terrific! Picard is a little surprised at the familiarity. PICARD You know Doctor Brahms? GEORDI Well, of course I do! I -- Suddenly he stops, realizes what he's about to say, swiftly regroups. GEORDI I mean, I've studied her -- her schematics for years. She was responsible for a lot of the engine design on the Enterprise. PICARD Well, it should be an enjoyable visit, then. She'll be transporting on board as soon as we arrive at the Starbase. Would you like to greet her on our behalf? Would he... ! GEORDI (restrained) Why... yes, Captain. I'd be happy to serve that function. Then, smiling like a kid anticipating Christmas, he EXITS. Picard is mildly amused by his exuberance, but attributes it to scholarly enthusiasm. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - TEASER 3. 3 INT. ENTERPRISE - TEN-FORWARD Geordi sits at the bar, drinking juice and trying to stay calm. But he's clearly a little hyper... keeps brushing invisible lint from his uniform. GUINAN is behind the bar, eyeing all this. GUINAN You're gonna wear that uniform out if you keep swatting at it... GEORDI I guess I'm a little nervous... it's not every day a man comes face to face with a dream... She looks at him quizzically. GEORDI Remember... about a year ago... when we were caught in that booby-trap the Menthars set? GUINAN Yes... GEORDI While we were trying to get out of it, I went to the holodeck to study an engine prototype that was built when the Enterprise was first designed... GUINAN Uh-huh... GEORDI And the computer... well, it gave me an image of the engine... but it also created a hologram of the designer. Doctor Leah Brahms. GUINAN So... you met a computer-simulated female... GEORDI But what a computer-simulated female... She was brilliant, of course... but warm, friendly... (MORE) STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - TEASER 4. 3 CONTINUED: GEORDI (Cont'd) We worked like one person... what I didn't think of, she did... I'd start sentences, she'd finish them. It was just so -- comfortable... He looks up at her in the midst of the paean and sees her skeptical look. GEORDI Okay, I know it was just a holographic image... but the computer was able to incorporate personality traits from her Starfleet record. GUINAN We all fall in love with our fantasies, from time to time, La Forge... But Geordi's in no mood for cold water. He smiles, slips off the bar stool. GEORDI You've got it wrong, Guinan. I'm not necessarily expecting anything romantic. I just know that, whatever else, Leah Brahms and I will be good friends. And he saunters out, leaving Guinan gazing after him. 4 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - LATER Geordi waits with TRANSPORTER TECHNICIAN. TRANSPORTER TECHNICIAN Doctor Brahms is ready to transport, sir. Geordi can't wait. GEORDI Okay. Bring her over. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - TEASER 5. 4A ANGLE - TRANSPORTER PAD (OPTICAL) as the shimmering effect occurs and LEAH BRAHMS MATERIALIZES. She looks a little different than she did in "Booby Trap"... her hair is styled differently, fuller... she's a few years older but the maturity looks good on her. She has the same kind face and intelligent eyes... but there's something off about her... a set to the mouth, a sharpness. The softness and vulnerability aren't as evident. She gazes around the room, getting her bearings. Geordi approaches her, smiling broadly. GEORDI Hi! She looks at him, puzzled by the familiarity. Geordi catches himself, starts over. GEORDI I mean... welcome aboard, Doctor Brahms. I'm Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge. Chief Engineer. Her eyes narrow... her gaze burrows into him like a laser. LEAH La Forge. So you're the one who's fouled up my engine design. And with that, she strides off the pad and past Geordi, who stares after her in astonishment. FADE OUT. END OF TEASER STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 6. ACT ONE FADE IN: 5 EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) at warp speed. 6 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING - LATER Leah is stalking the engine room like a panther, checking everything, registering her finds on a Padd. Geordi follows her, well able to stay up with her barrage of questions, but feeling inescapably on the defensive. ENSIGN PAVLIK can be seen working in the b.g. LEAH ... the matter/anti-matter ratio has been changed... the mixture isn't as rich as regulations dictate. GEORDI Experience has shown me that too high a ratio diminishes efficiency. I worked with the mixture until I got the right balance. She makes no response, continues. If she were the old hologram, you might guess her personality wasn't installed yet. LEAH The magnetic plasma transfer to the warp field generators doesn't correspond to the recommended specs. GEORDI Right. Again, I adjusted the flow... sometimes in space things work a little differently than they do on the drawing board. She shoots him a glance at this, registering a dig. LEAH Is that a criticism, Commander? STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 7. 6 CONTINUED: GEORDI No, of course not. It's just... a well-known fact. There's theory... and there's application. They don't always jibe. Her cool gaze assesses him. It feels like being probed by an ice cube. LEAH You've charted a completely new swap-out schedule for main component replacement... GEORDI You bet. I found the Starfleet estimates of MTBF units were unrealistic. I determined my own schedule based on observation and experience. Geordi faces her squarely. He doesn't like the feeling of being called on the carpet... he's a professional and a good one; he shouldn't have to make excuses to anyone. A faint smile -- sardonic, not warm -- plays on Leah's lips. LEAH Is that going to be your only defense, Commander? That same tired rhetoric... (mimicking) "Out here in the field we learn things you designers couldn't possibly understand... " GEORDI In the first place, Doctor, I'm not aware of needing any defense... in the second place -- COM VOICE Doctor Brahms... you have an incoming message on subspace... She turns to him. LEAH I'd like to hear this message privately. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 8. 6 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI (gesturing) In my office. Be my guest. She hurries off camera, leaving Geordi alone. Mystified. He turns glumly to the engine room... his pride and joy... that he'd hoped to share with its creator. CUT TO: 7 INT. MAIN BRIDGE RIKER, DATA, and WORF at their stations. ENSIGN RAGER at Con. DATA Commander, I am picking up some unusual readings from the Alpha Omicron system. Riker moves over to Ops. DATA (continuing) At this range, all I can discern is that it is an asymmetrical field of intense energy. RIKER What type of radiation signature? DATA Unknown, sir. (beat) Commander, the Alpha Omicron system has not yet been charted. I recommend that we take this opportunity for further research. Riker thinks for a beat. RIKER We're way ahead of schedule... (to Rager) Alter course for Alpha Omicron. 8 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship drops out of warp in a star system. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 9. 9 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard is now standing near Ops with Riker. DATA The anomaly is orbiting the seventh planet. It is a mass of plasma energy contained within discrete boundaries by an outer covering of silicates, actinides, and carbonaceaous chondrites. PICARD On screen. 10 VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) - INTERCUT AS NEEDED The viewer shows a large gas giant planet with a barely perceptible smudge of energy near the horizon. PICARD Magnify. Data works his console and the object on the viewer gets bigger. We can now see the object is pulsing and moving fluidly... it looks like a water balloon filled with glowing liquid that changes color frequently. PICARD Is it a ship? WORF (reading console) It does not conform to any known design. RIKER Any records of similar phenomena in Starfleet listings? DATA (processes for a moment) None, sir. This has never been seen before. Picard smiles... he and Riker exchange a look of pleasure. This is why they're on the Enterprise. Picard goes to his station, and there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation in his attitude toward this discovery. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 10. 10 CONTINUED: PICARD Ensign Rager, ahead one quarter impulse. Bring us into orbit around the seventh planet. Maintain a relative distance of ten kilometers from the object. RIKER (to Worf) Alert all science labs to standby. They should be coordinating their efforts with Commander Data. WORF Aye, sir. CUT TO: 11 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS Leah returns, icy as ever. But Geordi has had a few minutes to assess the situation, and has decided to take another tack. He smiles at her... warm... poised... confident. GEORDI Doctor Brahms... there's no reason for us to argue... we're both on the same side, here... LEAH I'm aware of that... GEORDI So, why don't I take you on a little tour... show you the adjustments I've made... why I think they work... and... we can start pulling together on this. She inclines her head, makes a little gesture for him to proceed. Geordi's feeling much better... now they're off on the right foot. GEORDI Okay... for instance, here in the dilithium chamber... She peers in, reacts sharply, accusing. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT ONE 11. 11 CONTINUED: LEAH What happened here? Who did this? GEORDI You remember, the crystal's been reoriented to adjust the direction of the lattice structure. She turns, looks at him. LEAH Remember? Why would I remember? Oops. GEORDI Right, why would you? The ship was having some difficulties, so we made the modification. Hoping it would work. And... it did. LEAH So it was your idea? GEORDI Well, not exclusively... LEAH It's curious... this modification was actually due to be introduced... GEORDI (nodding, finishing her sentence) ... in the next class starship. LEAH (surprised) Yes... how did you know? GEORDI (faltering) I didn't... It was the next logical step. (off her look) Doctor, sometimes we have to fly by the seat of our pants out here... and it stands to reason that now and then we're gonna come up with the same solutions you do... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 12. 11 CONTINUED: (2) She's dubious, but it makes sense... He draws a breath, tries to keep it warm and light. GEORDI Listen. I've got a personnel review scheduled to start in about five minutes, and it's been a long day for you. How about we... we get together later. Sort of... plan our agenda for the next day or two. LEAH Agenda? GEORDI What it is we want to accomplish... the best way to go about it... and -- get to know each other. It might make things easier. She gives him a searching look, and for a moment she loosens a little, as though realizing she's been pretty testy. LEAH Maybe you're right... GEORDI Okay -- nineteen hundred hours... my quarters. Maybe we'll even have a bite to eat... I make great fungilli. She smiles in surprise. LEAH I love fungilli. GEORDI Is that right... ? Geordi smiles at her as Leah EXITS, a look of mild puzzlement and curiousity on her face. 12 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE & ENERGY BEING (OPTICAL)) The ship and energy being are in orbit around the planet. The energy being is almost the size of the saucer section of the Enterprise. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 13. 13 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Everyone still at their stations. There are a few more SCIENCE SUPERNUMERARIES at the aft stations. DATA Sensors are having difficulty penetrating the interior. However, the pattern of radiated output suggests a coherent system of energy storage and utilization. RIKER Then it was constructed by someone? DATA It is a possibility, sir. However, sensor data gathered thus far suggests this is a naturally occurring phenomenon with biological properties. PICARD A lifeform? DATA Yes, Captain. Picard stands and moves closer to the viewscreen. There is a sense of awe in his attitude. PICARD (almost to himself) "Asked the child of the stranger without any name... whither you go... and whence you came?" Worf picks up the next verse almost without even thinking about it. WORF "To the child's delight the answer came clear... To the end I go for it all starts here." Surprised looks from everyone. Worf is a little embarrassed. PICARD It seems we were bread and buttered on the same nursery rhymes, Mister Worf. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 14. 13 CONTINUED: Worf acknowledges. RIKER Mister Data, prepare three class five probes for launch. Mister Worf, begin compiling readings for transmission to Starfleet Headquarters. (beat) Ensign... aft thrusters. Standard observation posture. 14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship and the energy being. 15 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard watching the energy being on the screen as it gets bigger. Troi has come to the Bridge... joins Picard to watch with him. PICARD (to Troi) What would it be like, Counselor... no ship, no bulky spacesuit... just to live between the stars... and know that the entire galaxy was your home... ? A very thin, wavy line is emitted from the entity toward the ship. WORF We are being probed. Recommend we raise shields, sir... PICARD Negative. If we're curious about it, it has a right to be curious about us... (to Troi) Counselor, is this "curiosity" motivated by instinct or intelligence? TROI It's impossible to tell, Captain. Suddenly, the color of the being turns bright GREEN. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 15. 15 CONTINUED: DATA Change in readings, Captain. The lifeform has increased its energy output by fifty percent. WORF It is moving toward us, sir! PICARD (to Rager) Reverse course, Ensign, easily... three hundred k.p.h. Nothing to alarm or provoke it... RAGER Aye, sir... 16 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The creature suddenly sends out large energy tendrils which fasten onto the Enterprise and hold it. 17 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. The ship ROCKS as the being latches on. 17A INT. MAIN ENGINEERING Geordi and a couple of ENGINEERS are shaken up as the ship ROCKS. They react and move quickly to their stations. 17B INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. DATA We are being held, in an energy damping field, sir. PICARD (to Worf) Raise shields. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 15A. 17B CONTINUED: Worf works his console. WORF No effect, Captain. PICARD Reverse power, full impulse. RAGER Impulse engines at full power. DATA No change in our position. RIKER Red Alert! The lights come on. PICARD (to com) Commander La Forge, prepare to initiate the warp drive. 17C INT. MAIN ENGINEERING Geordi at one of the monitors. GEORDI (to com) Sorry, Captain... there's too much inteference to form a warp field. 17D INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. COMPUTER VOICE Warning. Radiation levels at sixty-five millirads per minute and rising. RIKER (to com) Riker to Doctor Crusher. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Go ahead, Commander. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT ONE 16. 17D CONTINUED: RIKER All decks are to begin radiation protocol. BEVERLY'S COM VOICE Acknowledged. Crusher out. COMPUTER VOICE Warning. Radiation levels at three hundred millirads per minute and rising. Lethal exposure in one minute. Beat. PICARD Mister Worf... ready main phasers... minimum power. WORF Ready. Beat. PICARD Fire. 18 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) There is a sudden burst of color from within the creature as the phasers rip into it. The effect is crushing. The colors within the creature begin to mute. 19 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) There is no joy of victory on this Bridge. Nothing's been won. DATA Radiation levels dropping back to normal, Captain. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/17/90 - ACT ONE 17. 19 CONTINUED: Picard watches the screen silently. The creature is fading fast... the colors dissipate. DATA The energy patterns are breaking down... the lifeform's radiation signature is no longer stable. A silent beat as the creature's color finally winks out, leaving only a gray/black hulk floating in space. DATA Energy output is negligible... radiation patterns are no longer coherent. (beat) I believe it is dead, sir. Everyone is stunned. Picard is devastated. Off his reaction. 20 thru OMITTED 21 FADE OUT. END OF ACT ONE STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/17/90 - ACT TWO 18. ACT TWO FADE IN: 22 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise near the now lifeless form of the creature. 23 OMITTED INT. MAIN BRIDGE as before. Picard sits quietly watching the screen... and then drops his eyes... almost to himself... PICARD We are out here to explore, to make contact with other lifeforms, to establish peaceful relations, but not to interfere and absolutely not to destroy. And yet look what we have just done -- what I have just done. TROI Captain, everything you did was consistent with established Starfleet procedures... what happened was an accident... unavoidable... Picard glances at her... barely acknowledges... rises to go to his Ready Room... PICARD The Bridge is yours, Number One. But as he starts to exit... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/17/90 - ACT TWO 19. 24 CONTINUED: DATA Captain, sensors are picking up a new energy reading from the lifeform. Picard reacts, stops... PICARD Elaborate, Mister Data... DATA There is a new concentration of ionizing radiation growing in the center of its body. PICARD (hoping) Then -- perhaps it's still alive... As they study this new development... CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT TWO 20. 25 INT. ENTERPRISE - GEORDI'S QUARTERS - LATER Geordi is putting the finishing touches on a table setting... flowers, all the spiffy stuff. He inspects it, then glances around the room. Geordi is wearing a very casual outfit. GEORDI Computer... subdued lighting. The room plunges into murky darkness. GEORDI No, no, too much. I just want it -- nice. You know. Cozy. COMPUTER VOICE Please state your request in precise candlepower. GEORDI It's not a matter of precision, it's a matter of... mood. (beat) Brighter than this. The lights sneak up slightly. GEORDI More... more... a little more -- there! That's perfect. Now, music... maybe a little soft jazz... A jazz combo drifts in... Geordi frowns. GEORDI No... not right... maybe -- oh, I got it! Of course -- Brahms! A piano etude... Brahms piano wafts in... he frowns again. GEORDI No, that's corny. Probably everybody tries that... computer... how about... guitar. Classical guitar. Anybody. Soft, melodious guitar music... Geordi smiles. It's just right... the door CHIMES. GEORDI Come on in! STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT TWO 21. 25 CONTINUED: The door opens and Leah ENTERS. Leah is still wearing her work clothes. Geordi suddenly feels very awkward, but he tries to recover. LEAH (reacts) Oh, you changed... GEORDI Well, you know the uniform is so... formal... LEAH (an observation, not a compliment) You're less formal than any Starfleet officer I've ever met, Lieutenant. GEORDI Am I? I just wanted to make you... feel more comfortable. LEAH I'm fine. Thank you. An awkward silence... Geordi tries to get the conversation going again. GEORDI You know... your hair is different... LEAH Different than a few hours ago? GEORDI No, no... I mean... different than... I expected. From your Starfleet records... LEAH Oh. Yes... I used to wear it up... (beat) Why would you need to see my personnel file... ? GEORDI It's just... standard procedure for guests coming aboard... protocol. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT TWO 21A. 25 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI (Cont'd) Nothing specific... actually. She finds this a little odd, but seems to have something else on her mind. She's not at ease. Geordi gestures to a chair. GEORDI (continuing) Please. Sit down. Would you like anything to drink? LEAH No, thank you. She sits, takes a breath as though about to plunge into an uncomfortable subject. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT TWO 22. 25 CONTINUED: (3) LEAH Commander La Forge... if I seem to you somewhat... unyielding... in my views -- it's because I care so very much about my work. GEORDI I know that. She gives him a puzzled look, but continues. LEAH Well, to be honest, some people find me cold, cerebral, lacking in humor... GEORDI I'm sure they're wrong. Again, a puzzlement... but she's too involved in what she's trying to say to respond to his peculiar statements. LEAH Well, I... try... not to be that way. But when it comes to my designs, to my engines... especially the ones on the Enterprise... GEORDI ... they're like your children. She gives him a look of sheer amazement. How did he know what she was going to say? LEAH Yes... exactly... GEORDI So naturally you're a little possessive about them. LEAH You -- understand that? GEORDI Sure. I feel a little like that myself. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT TWO 23. 25 CONTINUED: (4) He doesn't say, "I'm the father," but that's there. She is utterly taken aback by his understanding. She lets her guard down just a little... LEAH That's amazing. I don't think anyone has ever... She hesitates, not comfortably able to discuss her feelings. LEAH Sometimes I'm more comfortable with engine schematics than with people. GEORDI Maybe you just haven't met the right people. She gives him a quick glance, a half-smile... and it's all Geordi can do to keep from taking her in his arms. But better not move too fast... just build on this beginning... he rises. GEORDI I'm starving... why don't we have some dinner. LEAH Commander -- GEORDI Please. Call me Geordi. LEAH I'm sorry, I hope you didn't go to a lot of trouble, but I can't stay. GEORDI (dashed) You can't --? LEAH (rising) I just don't feel it's appropriate. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT TWO 24. 25 CONTINUED: (5) She holds out her hand to him, brusque, all business again. LEAH I'll meet you at oh-eight-hundred tomorrow. I'm preparing a list of the discrepancies I've identified in your modifications. I hope -- now that we've reached an understanding -- that you'll be prepared to discuss them with me in a more objective fashion. They shake hands, Geordi taken aback by this sudden and unforeseen turn. GEORDI Well, sure... LEAH Thank you. Good night, Commander. And she is gone. Geordi stands alone in his mood-lighted room, wondering if she was even there, or if he dreamed the whole thing. GEORDI Computer -- turn up the damn lights. And get rid of that stupid guitar. CUT TO: 26 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Picard joins Riker and Data at Science Station One. They are studying the remains of the creature, specifically the one little spot of energy within the body of the creature. 27 INSERT (OPTICAL) On the Science station monitor, the glob of new energy pushes itself against the inner wall of the dead being. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT TWO 25. 28 RETURN TO SCENE DATA This new concentration of energy was detected only after the surrounding material became inert. RIKER Could this be some sort of... tissue regeneration? DATA The radiation signature is similar to the original pattern, but there are significant differences. PICARD Some kind of reaction to our phaser fire, perhaps... DATA I believe this is separate and self-contained within the body of the dead lifeform. RIKER Another entity... ? DATA Yessir. It appears to be a smaller, less developed version of the original creature. Picard and Riker are both surprised. Picard leans closer to the terminal screen and peers at the image with hope and wonder. PICARD No wonder it attacked us. It was about to give birth. Off Picard... FADE OUT. END OF ACT TWO STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 26. ACT THREE FADE IN: 29 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) Some twelve hours have passed. The offspring is still unable to push its way out of its parent's body. 30 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE BEVERLY, Picard, Riker, Worf, and Troi. BEVERLY It's dangerous to generalize about new lifeforms... but based on my experience with other beings that bear their young in this manner, I'd say the offspring is still premature. Otherwise, it would be able to break through the outer body shell of the parent. PICARD Will this... child be able to survive on its own without the parent? BEVERLY There's no way to tell. We don't have enough information about the bio-functions of the adult, much less the child. TROI Is there something we can do to help? BEVERLY If we were in Sickbay, I'd try a Cesarean section... the first priority is to free it from the parent's body. RIKER (thinks) We could use our phasers like a scalpel... BEVERLY (nods) Yes... that might work... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 27. 30 CONTINUED: WORF I advise against this, Captain. The parent proved to be a threat to the ship... we do not know how the offspring will react. Picard thinks about this for a moment... exchanges a look with Troi. PICARD Your objection is noted... but we are directly responsible for the death of the parent. We cannot simply walk away now. (to Beverly) We'll proceed at your discretion, Doctor. CUT TO: 31 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Geordi's at a monitor, working. His attitude -- developed after much tossing and turning all night -- is professional and detached. He barely looks up as Leah ENTERS. She, on the other hand, seems friendlier than before. Or maybe just more rested. (NOTE: Neither of them should be in jumpsuits yet.) LEAH Good morning! GEORDI Morning. LEAH The first thing I'd like to do is inspect the power transfer conduits. This catches Geordi off guard. Leah... theoretical physicist, prim and dignified, inching her way through a narrow tube? He can't help a query. GEORDI You realize the only way to inspect them is to crawl inside... Bad reaction. She fixes those sub-zero eyes on him again. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 28. 31 CONTINUED: LEAH I designed them, Commander... I know what's involved. And she brushes past him toward the engine compartments. 32 INT. ENTERPRISE - INSIDE CRAWLSPACE (NOTE: Now their jumpsuits are on.) Some kind of cramped, narrow tube they're crawling through... with almost no room to maneuver... and very, very close. Leah's face is smudged with grease, her hair is messed... and she looks adorable. The characteristic THRUM of the engines can be heard in the b.g. GEORDI Watch out for the power taps. LEAH (listening) The acoustic signature doesn't sound right. GEORDI You're probably the only other person in the galaxy who could pick that up. LEAH What's causing it? GEORDI It's right up here. They stop flat on their sides, facing each other with almost no room to manuever... and very, very close. Geordi points out a small piece of equipment. LEAH I've never seen anything like this... what is it? GEORDI A mid-range phase adjuster... it puts the plasma back into phase after inertial distortion. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 28A. 32 CONTINUED: LEAH This has never been done before. I don't think it's ever been conceived of before. You should write a scientific paper. GEORDI That's not my strong suit, Doctor... LEAH But this kind of refinement should be shared... and you deserve the credit for it... Geordi is buoyed by her praise. GEORDI Maybe we could collaborate. Writing is one of your strong points. She hesitates, looks away... considers bringing this up, and finally gives in to the curiosity. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 29. 32 CONTINUED: (2) LEAH Commander La Forge... ever since I came on board, there's been something a little peculiar in your attitude. You seem to know things about me even though we've never met. The choice is there for Geordi to level with her... but it's too scary and he backs off. GEORDI I... studied you. Your writings, your Starfleet file. I've admired you. Your work. LEAH I'm flattered, but... GEORDI I've looked forward to meeting you for a long time... She's looking right at him with those grave, intelligent eyes... they're awfully close... right on top of each other... Geordi gets a dose of courage... GEORDI (continuing) And I'd like to think -- that we could get to be friends. Good friends. Something gentle happens behind her eyes... a wash of tenderness floods her... She looks at Geordi with sweetness and compassion... seeming for a moment like the Leah of his holodeck experience. LEAH I thought you knew... you seem to know everything else about me... but Commander... if I'm hearing what I think I am, then you should know... I'm married. Geordi stares at her, rocked by the revelation of the one thing that had never occurred to him. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 30. 33 thru OMITTED 34 34A INT. MAIN BRIDGE Beverly is standing at the Tactical station with Worf. Picard, Riker, Troi at Command. Data at an aft station. BEVERLY Set phaser power to three percent, narrow beam. WORF (works console) Three percent. BEVERLY (deep breath) All right... here we go. Beverly steps forward and manipulates the console as Worf looks on. 35 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The Enterprise emits a thin phaser beam, which gently touches the edge of the creature near the offspring and makes an incision. 36 OMITTED 36A INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Beverly and Data study the information on their respective consoles. DATA First incision is complete. BEVERLY Ideally, the offspring should be able to push through the outer shell on its own now. They turn their attention to the main viewer. The offspring efforts against the shell of its parent. It pushes and pushes again. Still it is unable to break through. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 31. 36A CONTINUED: RIKER It needs a little more help. BEVERLY (shakes her head) We've done all we can. I don't want to risk hitting the child by accident. 37 EXT. SPACE - THE CREATURE (OPTICAL) The offspring pushes against the inner edge. A rent appears. The offspring slowly emerges through the incision. 38 thru OMITTED 40 40A INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) As before. Everyone watching the child emerging on the viewer. It is about a tenth of the size of the parent. TROI Come on... you can do it... After a beat, the child finally emerges completely from the parent. Beverly reacts with pleasure. BEVERLY Captain, I'd like to announce the birth of a large baby... something. Picard is very pleased as he looks at this newly born life. PICARD Well done, Doctor. Well done. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/20/90 - ACT THREE 32-32A. 41 INT. ENTERPRISE - TEN FORWARD Close on Geordi, looking dejected, at the bar. Tearing a napkin into little tiny shreds, focusing intently on this process as though it were of life-saving importance. As he continues, pull back to reveal Guinan listening... GEORDI A glitch, a malfunction in the holodeck... it's the only explanation I can think of... it's a miracle we ever got out of that booby-trap alive... how could it have been so far off? It was based on every piece of information on record about Leah Brahms... okay, with an admitted margin for error... but this is an error that's a light year wide... GUINAN Not what you hoped for, huh? GEORDI Hoped for... ? She's about as friendly as a Circassian Plague Cat... all she cares about is her work... she hates what I've done to her engines... and to top it off -- she's married! The computer never even told me she was married... GUINAN Computer problem, huh... GEORDI Must've been... GUINAN Maybe it was your old VISOR... GEORDI What are you talking about? GUINAN The VISOR you wore on the holodeck with her. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/20/90 - ACT THREE 33. 41 CONTINUED: GEORDI This is the same VISOR. GUINAN Really? I figured you were wearing the one that lets you see what you want to see. GEORDI What's that supposed to mean? GUINAN (shrugs) You saw exactly what you wanted to see in the holodeck... Sure, the computer made it look like her, added personality... but when it came to your relationship together, you filled in the blanks... That really hits home and Geordi suddenly starts to rethink things. GUINAN (continuing) Here you had this perfectly wonderful fantasy... and now the real Leah comes along and ruins it. (MORE) STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 33A. 41 CONTINUED: (2) GUINAN (Cont'd) (beat) She's done the most heartless, despicable thing one person can do to another -- she didn't live up to your expectations. Geordi regards her, feeling a little sheepish. GUINAN (points to VISOR) Take a hard look through your VISOR, La Forge... see her for who she really is... not what you want her to be. Off his reaction. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT THREE 34. 42 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) Picard, Riker, Data, Troi, and Worf at their stations. Everyone watching the image of the creature on the viewscreen. DATA The lifeform's patterns are stable, Captain. It seems able to withstand the solar radiation without difficulty. PICARD Good. (to Conn) Ensign Rager, set course for the Guernica system. RAGER Aye, sir... RIKER We're not staying? PICARD No. We've done what we can to help... now it's time to move on. This... child will live the rest of its life without any further interference from us. RIKER It might be wise to put some distance between us before initiating the warp drive. PICARD Very well. (to Rager) Five hundred k.p.h., Ensign. Engage. 43 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship starts to move away from the creature... but the small being quickly follows the ship. 44 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 35. 44 CONTINUED: WORF Captain, it's following us... maintaining a distance of four kilometers directly astern. Riker and Picard exchange surprised looks. PICARD (to Rager) Seventeen degrees to port, Ensign Rager. RAGER Aye, sir. WORF It's turning with us, sir. RIKER Increase to one half impulse. Beat. WORF It is matching our velocity. TROI (with sudden understanding) It's imprinted on us. (off Picard's look) It thinks the Enterprise is... its mother. Picard and Riker exchange a look... there is a hint of humor in Riker's expression. DATA (reads console) A change in energy readings, sir. I am reading an internal buildup of gamma particles in--- WORF Its velocity is increasing... it's moving directly toward the ship! PICARD Evasive maneuvers, full... The ship is ROCKED and the lighting FLICKERS. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT THREE 36. 44 CONTINUED: (2) RIKER Report... WORF Minor damage... DATA Sir, the creature is now in direct contact with the hull. PICARD On screen. 45 ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) The view changes to a shot of the creature attached to the secondary hull between the warp nacelles. 46 RETURN TO SCENE Suddenly the lights dim, come up and dim again in a rhythmic pulse. PICARD Data? DATA Sir, the lifeform is draining energy directly from the fusion reactors. TROI (realizing) Feeding off the energy of the Enterprise as it would from its mother. WORF What action should we take, Captain? PICARD (a beat) None, Lieutenant. None at all. On Picard's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT THREE STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT FOUR 37. ACT FOUR FADE IN: 47 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship slowly moving on impulse power with the energy being still attached to the hull. PICARD (V.O.) Captain's log, supplemental. Since the newborn has attached itself to the hull, it has been making greater and greater demands on the ship's energy, but we have been able to temporarily stabilize our power systems. 48 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE Picard, Riker, Data, Beverly, Geordi, and Leah. PICARD How long before the power drain becomes critical, Mister La Forge? GEORDI If it continues to increase at the current rate, six, seven hours, maybe... LEAH We may be able to modify the engines to extend that a little longer, Captain. PICARD (to Leah) Your help would be appreciated, Doctor. GEORDI By then, maybe Junior won't need us any more. PICARD (a thoughtful beat) Data, is there any way to determine what the destination of the parent might have been? STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT FOUR 38. 48 CONTINUED: DATA I can attempt to extrapolate from the heading it was on when we encountered it, sir. BEVERLY (understanding what Picard is thinking) Perhaps it was on the way to a safe and supportive environment for its newborn. PICARD (acknowledges) We might be able to deliver it to the same destination. RIKER Which raises the question of how to get Junior off the hull when we get there... LEAH (thinking) It's almost completely covering the door of shuttlebay two. If we open the door and deactivate the atmospheric force field... GEORDI ... the pressure from inside the ship might push it away from the hull. PICARD Make it so. As they rise... DATA (puzzled) Is the appellation "Junior" to be the lifeform's official name from now on? PICARD No. It's not. They all begin moving toward the exits... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FOUR 39. 49 INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR as Geordi and Leah exit the Observation Lounge, both thinking out loud about the problem at hand. There's no strain between them now... they're two professionals working out a problem. LEAH We can save a lot of energy just by improving engine efficiency... GEORDI We've run into similar problems before... that's actually why I reoriented the dilithium crystal... LEAH And why you added that mid-range phase adjuster... GEORDI Right. LEAH Commander... it seems you've made more modifications than I'm aware of. Do you have a file on all the work you've done? GEORDI Sure. It's in the computer -- But they are interrupted by -- PICARD'S COM VOICE Picard to La Forge... GEORDI (keying com) La Forge here... PICARD'S COM VOICE Commander, I need to see you on the Bridge. GEORDI Yes, sir, be right there. (to Leah) You go ahead, Doctor... Ensign Pavlik can show you the file on the engine modifications. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT FOUR 40. 49 CONTINUED: She nods and gets on the turbolift; Geordi hurries off toward the Bridge. 49A INT. ENGINEERING Leah working at a console. Pavlik working at a station nearby. 49B CLOSE ON MONITOR (OPTICAL) The screen shows a display of engine modifications. 49C RETURN TO SCENE Leah still working. LEAH (to herself) Phase coils upgraded to fifty-five field densities... plasma inducers interlinked with generator... (to Pavlik) Ensign, would there be any other files with data on the original engine specifications? PAVLIK I believe so, Doctor... Pavlik keys in and hits some panels... CLOSE ON MONITOR (OPTICAL) A menu of files. Leah's finger winds down the screen as she traces them. Then the finger stops. 50A WIDER ANGLE - LEAH AND PAVLIK LEAH This file utilizes the prototype engine schematic... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT FOUR 40A. 50A CONTINUED: PAVLIK (nods, interpreting the information on the screen for her) It's a holographic program set in the drafting room at Utopia Planitia. LEAH (rising) Perfect. I'll run it on Holodeck Three. She EXITS the room. 51 INT. ENTERPRISE - CORRIDOR OUTSIDE TURBOLIFT as Leah emerges from the turbolift, heads toward the holodeck, punches the console. LEAH Computer... replay program Nine-One-Four-Zero... engine schematic at Utopia Planitia... COMPUTER VOICE Program loaded and ready. Leah enters the holodeck. CUT TO: STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FOUR 41. 51A INT. ENGINEERING - ANGLE ON GEORDI GEORDI She went where? PAVLIK Holodeck Three, sir... I didn't think there was anything wrong with her seeing the file... GEORDI Of course not... nothing at all... Geordi sprints for the door, leaving Pavlik staring after him. 52 INT. ENTERPRISE - HOLODECK/DRAFTING ROOM (OPTICAL) Leah stands, rapt, watching herself in the set of drafting room five, Utopia Planitia. HOLO-LEAH I'm with you every day, Geordi. Every time you look at this engine, you're looking at me. Every time you touch it, it's me. At this point, Geordi hurries in. GEORDI Computer, freeze program. Leah whirls to see him. She is ashen. LEAH Now... I understand... GEORDI No, you don't... it wasn't the way it might look... LEAH (ignoring him) I called up a replay of the program file. I was all ready to compliment you again, Commander... for constructing a program which contained the prototype engine... so you'd always have a base-line reference point for your modifications... She walks toward Holo-Leah, gestures. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FOUR 42. 52 CONTINUED: LEAH And then I find... it's all about a -- fantasy plaything... GEORDI It's not like that, I swear -- LEAH I am outraged by this. I have been -- invaded. Violated. How dare you use me like this? How far did it go, anyway? Was it good for you? She's plenty mad, but Geordi's beginning to get angry, too. She's been on him since she got here, and he's getting fed up. GEORDI Nothing like that happened. It was a professional collaboration. LEAH Oh, I can tell -- "Every time you touch the engine, it's me... " Real professional. GEORDI If you watched the whole program, you saw what it was... we worked together to solve a problem. In a crisis situation -- LEAH How do I know that's all there was? What other programs did you create? You could have dozens of them, one for every day of the week, one for every mood -- That's enough. Geordi's had it. GEORDI Ever since you came on board, you've been badgering me... and I've taken it. I've shown you courtesy, and respect, and a hell of a lot of patience. I've tried to understand you and I've tried to get along with you... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FOUR 43. 52 CONTINUED: (2) The words come pouring out of Geordi... all the pent-up frustration, the buried anger... GEORDI And in return, you've accused me, tried and convicted me without bothering to hear my side of it. So -- I'm guilty, okay? But not of what you think... of something much worse... She stares at him, silenced by this passionate outpouring. GEORDI I'm guilty of reaching out to you... of hoping we could connect... I'm guilty of a terrible crime, Doctor -- I offered you friendship. He heads for the door, EXITS. She stands utterly still, two bright spots flushing the cheeks of an otherwise pale face. 53 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The energy being is still attached to the hull. 54 INT. MAIN BRIDGE Data is at one of the aft science stations. Picard and Riker are nearby, Worf at his station. WORF Its total volume has increased by eight point five percent in the last three hours. I am now reading it as forty-six million cubic meters. (TECH) DATA Captain, I have completed the analysis of the parent's course through this system. Picard and Riker move to the science station and look at the console. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT FOUR 44. 54 CONTINUED: RIKER It was heading for an asteroid belt... PICARD Ensign Rager, set course two five nine mark three one eight, one half impulse. RAGER Aye, sir. Data, Picard, and Riker head for their stations. 55 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) The ship moves on impulse power toward the asteroid belt. 56 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. PICARD Hold position five hundred kilometers from the periphery of the asteroid field... RAGER Aye, sir. WORF (works console) Difficulty getting a clear sensor reading beyond four thousand kilometers. DATA The asteroids contain large quantities of meklinite, which is interferring with our scanners. (beat) I am also detecting traces of Kefnium, a compound which was found in the parent being's outer shell. It is likely that the asteroids provide sustenance for this lifeform. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/12/90 - ACT FOUR 45. 56 CONTINUED: RIKER We could leave the child here. If Data's right, it would have an ample supply of food. PICARD (thinks) Agreed. (to com) Mister La Forge, are you ready to separate our guest from the hull? GEORDI'S COM VOICE Ready, Captain. PICARD Proceed. 56A INT. SHUTTLEBAY CONTROL BOOTH Geordi is at the controls... he works the console. 56B ANGLE ON SHUTTLEBAY DOOR (OPTICAL) The door OPENS, revealing the creature's body covering about 3/4 of the opening. 57 OMITTED 57A ON GEORDI GEORDI (to com) I'm deactivating the atmospheric force field now, Captain. 57B NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL) There is an optical EFFECT at the bay door as the force field is shut down. A WHOOSHING sound can be heard as the air in the bay rushes toward the opening. The creature's body ruffles and shakes violently as it tries to hang on despite the fierce pressure. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/17/90 - ACT FOUR 46. 58 INT. MAIN BRIDGE The ship SHAKES and the lights begin to flicker. PICARD (to com) Engineering, report! PAVLIK'S COM VOICE The power drain just jumped to ninety-three percent, sir. DATA Captain, the offspring is emitting a high frequency radio transmission. RIKER Is it trying to communicate? PAVLIK'S COM VOICE The power drain is increasing... approaching auto-shutdown. RIKER Take the engines off-line. Supplement with auxiliary power. The lights come back up to full. RIKER (continuing; to Worf) All decks go to emergency condition seven. Life support and critical operations only. PICARD (to com) Mister La Forge, what is your status? 58A INT. SHUTTLEBAY CONTROL BOOTH (OPTICAL) Geordi is looking out at the bay. The air has stopped rushing out, but the creature is still attached to the ship. GEORDI I'm sorry, Captain... the bay's been completely depressurized, but... it's still hanging on. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FOUR 47. 59 OMITTED 59A INT. MAIN BRIDGE DATA I am detecting other radio transmissions, Captain. WORF Sensors detecting movement within the asteroid field... distance, two million kilometers, bearing two-five-seven mark one-six-one. PICARD On screen. 60 ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) The screen shows a large field of asteroids. Slowly, several other creatures like the parent can be seen moving toward the ship. 61 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. DATA (to Picard) At their current speed, the entities will intercept us in ten minutes, thirty-one seconds. RIKER (to Worf) Weapons status? WORF (reads console) Auxiliary power only... two seconds phaser fire available. 62 ON VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL) The creatures are getting closer. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FOUR 48. 63 INT. MAIN BRIDGE As before. On Picard's reaction... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FOUR STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FIVE 49. ACT FIVE FADE IN: 64 OMITTED 64A EXT. SPACE - ENTERPRISE AND CREATURES as they advance toward the ship. 65 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Pavlik is there as Geordi comes in. GEORDI Ensign... power readings. PAVLIK We're on auxiliary generators... life support is functioning, that's about all... GEORDI Keep your eye on the generator console. We've got less than six minutes to get that baby off our back before his relatives get here... Pavlik EXITS and Geordi turns to the pool table. GEORDI (to himself) Whatever we try, junior responds by sucking up more energy... LEAH'S VOICE I have a thought, Commander... Geordi turns to see her entering. She is cool, professional... no hint of their earlier conflict. LEAH If you're interested... GEORDI (just as cool) Of course. What is it? STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FIVE 50. 65 CONTINUED: LEAH If the baby is nursing, perhaps what we need -- is to find a way to sour the milk. Geordi eyes her with grudging interest. GEORDI I'm listening. LEAH If we could contaminate the energy he's feeding on... GEORDI ... make it unpalatable somehow... Geordi takes this idea, works it over in his mind. He's pacing the room now, absorbed in trying to solve the problem. GEORDI (continuing) ... but the emergency generators are all we've got... LEAH (nods) ... and how do we modify them without losing life support? GEORDI Exactly... unless... He comes to a halt. Leah takes a step toward him. LEAH What? He gives a little laugh. She's drawn in, curious... she's lost her icy demeanor. GEORDI This is a space baby, right? I mean, these creatures are born, live, and die in interstellar space? LEAH Apparently... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/11/90 - ACT FIVE 51. 65 CONTINUED: (2) GEORDI Okay. All matter in space vibrates in a specific radiation band... LEAH Twenty-one centimeters... Suddenly she gasps involuntarily, lifts her hands to her cheeks, breaks into a big smile. LEAH That's good, Commander, that's very good. We could alter the power frequency so it's completely foreign to the lifeform's natural vibrations... GEORDI And that might be just enough to pour a little vinegar in baby's milk. LEAH We'll have to be careful... if we upset it this time, we might lose auxiliary power too. GEORDI If we're gradual enough, it won't be a shock. Hopefully it'll just lose interest. Geordi regards her for a moment, smiling fondly. At this moment she seems almost like her old "holodeck" self. GEORDI (keys com) La Forge to Bridge... PICARD'S COM VOICE Go ahead. GEORDI Doctor Brahms and I have a plan, Captain. 65A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) as the creatures continue to approach. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FIVE 52. 66 thru OMITTED 67 68 INT. ENTERPRISE - INTERCUTTING Picard, Riker, Data, Worf. WORF Two minutes until the creatures intercept, sir. GEORDI'S COM VOICE Captain, we're ready down here. PICARD Proceed. 69 OMITTED 70 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL) Geordi and Leah entering commands at the pool table. GEORDI Lowering wavelength in the energy system, now... LEAH Reading eighteen... fifteen... thirteen... eleven... eight... five... three... now at the two centimeter level... GEORDI Any reaction, Bridge? 70A INT. MAIN BRIDGE DATA Negative. I detect no reduction in the lifeform's rate of energy consumption. WORF One minute thirty seconds to intercept. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/11/90 - ACT FIVE 53. 70B INT. MAIN ENGINEERING GEORDI Okay... not sour enough. Leah, take it down further. LEAH Reading one... point eight... point four... point two... Suddenly the ship begins SHAKING, as though rocked by a giant hand. The shaking continues as... GEORDI I guess it noticed what we're doing. 71 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) DATA The lifeform is emitting its high frequency transmission... energy consumption is rising... WORF Captain -- the creatures are accelerating their approach... they're changing color! And indeed, as they approach, they are becoming green -- just as the mother did before she attacked. 7171A INT. MAIN ENGINEERING PICARD'S COM VOICE Mister La Forge -- GEORDI Just a little more time, Captain--! (to Leah) Nudge it down... toward point-oh-two... Leah looks pale, but she is cool and composed under fire. She manipulates her controls. 71B INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL) WORF Intercept in thirty seconds. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/11/90 - ACT FIVE 53A. 71B CONTINUED: The creatures look now as though they're almost on top of the ship. They are a brilliant green. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/11/90 - ACT FIVE 54. 71C INT. MAIN ENGINEERING LEAH Point oh-eight... oh-five... oh-three... now at point oh-two centimeters... 71D INT. MAIN BRIDGE The ship continues to ROCK and lights flicker wildly. DATA Auxiliary generators are losing power, Captain... But suddenly -- the rocking stops and the lights grab hold. 72 OMITTED 73 INT. ENTERPRISE - BRIDGE (OPTICAL) DATA The entity has disengaged, sir. They watch on the viewscreen as the small being drifts toward its larger relatives. They return to their normal colors... envelop the small being as though in greeting, and they all float off together. There is a collective release of tension on the Bridge. DATA Power returning to normal levels, Captain. RIKER Bring the engines on line. And take us out of here. PICARD Mister La Forge... Doctor Brahms... congratulations. You have weaned the baby. 74 INT. ENTERPRISE - ENGINEERING Geordi and Leah react to this good news... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/10/90 - ACT FIVE 54A. 74 CONTINUED: GEORDI (to Leah) Good work. LEAH You, too. It's all very proper... but there was a lot of communication in those four words. 74A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL) warps away. STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/11/90 - ACT FIVE 55. 75 INT. ENTERPRISE - TEN-FORWARD - LATER Leah and Geordi at a table. They're laughing about the holodeck business now. GEORDI Yeah... yeah, I'll admit... I did get a little... attached to that lady in the holodeck... LEAH The computer never told you that I was married... GEORDI I never asked... and the computer is notorious for not volunteering information... tell me about him... LEAH My husband? His name is Michael... he's an engineer on Garran-four... (beat) ... you'd like him. GEORDI I'm sure... LEAH You remind me of him actually. GEORDI I do? LEAH (beat) I really owe you an apology, Geordi. GEORDI No you don't. I should have told you straight out... LEAH (disagreeing) But if you had, I never would've seen the look on your face when you walked in on me... and me... in the holodeck... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/20/90 - ACT FIVE 56. 75 CONTINUED: GEORDI The look on my face... ? The look on your face, I'll remember that a long time. LEAH I wouldn't change a thing... (beat) Except the way I behaved... I guess I came here with my own set of preconceptions about you... GEORDI I'm just glad I finally got the chance to know you... the real you. LEAH Me too. (long beat) Tell me... am I... really that different than my image in the holodeck? GEORDI (warm smile) Not so different... not so different at all. And here in space, far away from everything and everyone, it isn't hard for intimacies to grow quickly... and as they look at each other in a new way, who knows what might happen... and then they're interrupted by -- WORF'S COM VOICE Worf to La Forge... there's an incoming message on subspace for Doctor Brahms... And that breaks the mood real quick... as she rises... LEAH My husband... STAR TREK: "Galaxy's Child" - REV. 12/20/90 - ACT FIVE 57. 75 CONTINUED: (2) She nods to Geordi and EXITS... GEORDI Acknowledged, Worf. La Forge out. Geordi looks out into space and drinks from his glass... and that's life as we... FADE OUT. END OF ACT FIVE THE END