




                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                              
                           "Q Who?" 
                          #40272-142 
                              
                          Written by 
                        Maurice Hurley 
                              
                          Directed by 
                          Rob Bowman 


THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

Copyright 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.

                     REVISED FINAL DRAFT

                      FEBRUARY 24, 1989

             STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - CAST 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Q Who?" 

                             CAST                               
                              
                PICARD             Q
                RIKER              
                DATA               Non-Speaking
                TROI                 BORG ONE
                GEORDI               BORG TWO
                WORF                 BORG THREE
                WESLEY             
                GUINAN              
                O'BRIEN            
                SONYA              

                Non-Speaking       
                  CREWMEMBERS        
                  SECURITY MAN       

             STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - SETS 

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION 
                           "Q Who?" 
                              
                             SETS 

            INTERIORS                  EXTERIORS
          
            USS ENTERPRISE             USS ENTERPRISE
              CORRIDOR
              MAIN BRIDGE              BORG SHIP
              OBSERVATION LOUNGE
              TURBOLIFT
              MAIN ENGINEERING
              TRANSPORTER ROOM
              TEN-FORWARD
              GUINAN'S OFFICE
          
            SHUTTLECRAFT
          
            BORG SHIP

                STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION                  
                           "Q Who?"                                
                            TEASER                              

	FADE IN:

1    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise as it is traveling at impulse speed.

2    INT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	GEORDI is coming down the corridor, he sees a young twenty
	five to twenty eight year old ensign -- who has
	newly arrived on the Enterprise. She is very
	energetic, and enthusiastic in an open and ingenuous
	way, which is both appealing and refreshing. Her name
	is SONYA. She is standing in front of a food dispenser
	panel.

					SONYA
			Hot chocolate, please.

	The hot chocolate appears.

					GEORDI
			We don't ordinarily say "please"
			to food dispensers.

					SONYA
				(amused)
			Since it's listed as "intelligent
			Circuitry", why not? After all,
			working as much with artificial
			intelligence as we do, can be
			dehumanizing -- right? So, maybe
			we can combat that tendency with
			a little simple courtesy.

	She removes the cup of hot chocolate.

					SONYA
				(continuing)
			Thank you.

	They walk toward Main Engineering.

            STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - TEASER            1A.

2    CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			For someone who has just arrived,
			you certainly aren't shy with your
			opinions.

					SONYA
			Ooops -- have I been talking too
			much?

					GEORDI
			No.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - TEASER           2.

2    CONTINUED: (2)

					SONYA
				(the words come out in
				 a rush)
			I do tend to be a motor mouth,
			especially when I get excited...
			and you don't know how exciting
			it is to get this assignment.
			Everyone in class -- and I mean
			everyone -- wants the Enterprise.
			I mean, it would have been all
			right to spend some time on Ranuos
			Six to do phase work with
			anti-matter... that's my
			speciality.

					GEORDI
			I know -- that's why you got this
			assignment.

					SONYA
				(off Geordi's smile)
			Did it again. It's just that...

					GEORDI
			I know, you're excited. Sonya.

					SONYA
			Yes.

					GEORDI
			I don't think you want to bring
			that hot chocolate around these
			control stations.

					SONYA
			Sorry. I shouldn't even have this
			in engineering. We were talking
			and I just forgot I had it in my
			hand...

	And as she turns to take it out of the room.

					SONYA
				(continuing)
			I'll finish it over here.
				(looks back, and
				 seriously)
			Lieutenant La Forge, it won't
			happen again.

	Then as she turns around she crashes right into CAPTAIN
	PICARD.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - TEASER           3.

2A   PICARD

	The cup full of chocolate hits him right in the chest.

2B   SCENE

	For a moment everyone freezes. Geordi starts forward.

					GEORDI
			Actually it's my fault, sir...

	He looks down at his soiled uniform.

					PICARD
			Yes, I'm aware of how often you
			order picnics to be held in here.

	Sonya is about to die from embarassment.

					SONYA
			Oh no. Oh, Captain... I'm
			sorry... oh..
				(she tries to brush it
				 off)
			... I wasn't looking and...
				(she pulls her hand
				 away)
			Oh.. It's all over you.

					PICARD
			Yes, Ensign. It's all over me.

					SONYA
			At least let me...

	In trying to brush it off, she just makes it worse.
	She looks up at Picard, who through it all is
	maintaining as much of his dignity as possible.

					PICARD
			Ensign... ah...

					SONYA
				(she straightens up to
				 her best military
				 posture)
			Ensign Sonya Gomez.

             STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - TEASER             4.

2B   CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			Ensign Gomez is a recent Academy
			graduate. She transferred on at
			Starbase one seventy three.

	Picard's attention is on the widening chocolate stain
	that Sonya is creating.

					PICARD
			Ensign...
				(restraining her)
			I think it would be simpler if
			you let me change my uniform?

					GEORDI
			Captain, I really have to accept
			responsibility for this.

	Picard has been looking from one to the other,
	beginning to understand what is happening between
	Geordi and Sonya.

					PICARD
			Yes, Chief Engineer. I believe
			I do understand now.

					SONYA
			I'm very excited about this
			assignment Captain, and I promise
			I'll...
				(she looks at the
				 chocolate stain on
				 Picard's uniform)
			... try very hard to serve you and
			this ship to the best of my
			ability.

					PICARD
			I'm sure you will. Carry on.

            STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - TEASER            5.

2B   CONTINUED: (2)

	Picard then turns and strides off.

2C   SONYA AND GEORDI

					SONYA
			First impressions right. Isn't
			that what they say -- first
			impressions are the most
			important.

					GEORDI
			I'll give you this... it's a
			meeting the captain won't soon
			forget.

					SONYA
			What a way to start my first
			assignment.

	Off Geordi's reaction:

3    OMMITTED (3)

4    INT. CORRIDOR

	Picard walks past a crewman -- who notices the stain on
	his uniform, but quickly averts his eyes so as not to
	embarrass the captain. Picard turns and enters the
	turbolift.

4A   INT. TURBOLIFT

	The doors close.

					PICARD
			Deck nine. Officers' quarters.

	The turbolift moves off. Then stops. The doors open,
	and while still looking down at the stain on his
	uniform, Picard steps off.

4B   INT. SHUTTLE

	Picard is not in a corridor of the Enterprise -- he's on
	a shuttle! He turns around and the turbolift doors are
	gone.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - TEASER           5A.

4C   SCENE

	He looks up. There is a crewman at the controls.

					PICARD
			Crewman? What's going on?

	The crewman turns.

            STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - TEASER            6.

4D   CREWMAN

	It's Q.

					Q
			There, there, my dear captain.

4E   PICARD

	Reacts.

					PICARD
			Q.

4F   SCENE (OPTICAL)

	Picard moves closer to Q.

					Q
				(re: the stain)
			My, my -- haven't we been careless.

	Q passes his hand over the stain on Picard's uniform
	and the stain disappears.

					Q
			There -- a little cleaning service.
			I am more than happy to provide.

					PICARD
			We agreed you would never trouble
			my ship again!

					Q
			I always keep my arrangements,
			sir. We are nowhere near your
			vessel.

	Picard looks out and sees a field of stars. Then back
	to Q.

									FADE OUT.

                         END OF TEASER                          

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE           7.

                            ACT ONE                             

	FADE IN:

5    EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise moving along at impulse speed.

5A   INT. CORRIDOR

	Geordi and Sonya are walking to Ten-Forward. She is
	in a clean uniform.

					GEORDI
			I read your graduating thesis.
			I wouldn't have requested you if
			you weren't the best.

	She's uncomfortable with the compliment and shrugs it
	off, changes the subject.

					SONYA
			Where are we going?

					GEORDI
			To Ten-Forward. We're going to
			forget about work. We are going
			to sit, talk, relax, look at the
			stars. You're going to learn to
			slow down.

					SONYA
				(very intense)
			No, that's the one thing I can't
			do.

					GEORDI
				(gently)
			You're awfully young to be so
			driven.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE           7A.

5A   CONTINUED:

					SONYA
			Yes, I am. I had to be. I had
			to be the best because only the
			best get to be here. Out here
			on the edge.
				(gripping his arm and
				 giving it a shake)
			Geordi, Geordi . . .uh . .
				(dropping the arm
				 abruptly)
			Lieutenant --

					GEORDI
				(grinning)
			Geordi

					SONYA
			Geordi. Whatever is out here
			we're going to be the first
			humans ever to see it. And is
			it here because we believe in
			it and have therefore created
			it, or has it created us?

					GEORDI
			The Grand Unified Theory and
			Supersymmetry hasn't been
			seriously discussed for years.

					SONYA
			They also haven't been disproved.
			I don't know if it's true or
			not, but I've got to try and find
			out.

					GEORDI
			You're more than a scientist
			you're a philospher.

					SONYA
			No, no, I'm not. Oh, God, don't
			make me sound profound. There's
			just so much out there ... here.

	She is gesturing broadly as if somehow she can pull
	in and embrace the whole universe.

					SONYA
				(continuing)
			I have to see it all. To
			understand it all, and we haven't
			got much time.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE           7B.

5A   CONTINUED: (2)

					GEORDI
			Sonya, it's going to be there for
			you. Believe me.
				(a beat)
			I promise, I won't let anything
			exciting slip past without letting
			you know.

6    INT. TEN-FORWARD

	GUINAN is behind the bar. There are a few n.d. crewmembers
	scattered around the room. The only one of our
	regulars in Ten-Forward is Geordi, who is sitting at
	a table by the window with Sonya they are engaged
	in a very animated conversation.

6A   GUINAN

	Something gives her pause -- like a whisper only she
	can hear. She is thoughtful for a beat...

6B   SCENE

	Guinan steps out from behind the bar and crosses to
	the center of the room.

6C   ANOTHER ANGLE

	She stands near Geordi's table for a beat and gazing
	out at space. In the background Geordi continues his
	conversation with Sonya.

					GEORDI (O.S.)
			I understand that you're excited
			-- so was I. This is your first
			assignment, everything is new,
			you are eager and that's great,
			but...

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT ONE           7C.

6C   CONTINUED:

					SONYA (O.S.)
			I've always been an enthusiastic
			person, but...

	He holds up his hand.

					GEORDI (O.S).
			Do me a favor... for a minute,
			just listen.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE           8.

6C   CONTINUED:

					SONYA (O.S.)
			I always do that. Someone nice
			-- and you are nice I can tell,
			goes out of their way to give me
			some helpful advice... and I'm
			so busy talking...

	In the b.g. we see Geordi quiet her with a gesture.

					SONYA (O.S.)
			Not another word. Go ahead...
			talk.

6D   GUINAN

	Her brow knits -- like she has just seen the first
	indications of a coming storm. She steps to a
	communications panel.

					GUINAN
			Bridge, this is Ten-Forward.

7    INT. BRIDGE - EMPHASIZING RIKER

	Who reacts to the unusual call.

					RIKER
			Guinan?! I don't believe you've
			ever called the bridge before.

					GUINAN
			I've never felt the need. Is
			everything alright?

					RIKER
			How do you mean?

					GUINAN
			Is there... anything... unusual
			happening?

					RIKER
				(looks around)
			Anyone notice anything unusual?
				(waits, then)
			No Guinan, nothing out of the
			ordinary. Why do you ask?

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE          8A.

7A   ANGLE IN TEN-FORWARD

	A thoughtful Guinan responding.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT ONE           9.

7A   CONTINUED:

					GUINAN
			I'm... I'm not certain. Just a
			feeling -- something that happened
			once before. Probably nothing.
				(beat)
			Please forget I called. Ten-
			Forward out.

	She turns and stares out into space.

8    OMITTED

9    INT. SHUTTLECRAFT

	Picard is in the shuttlecraft -- with Q. Picard
	adjusts a control; Q smiles.

					Q
			The locator beacon won't help.
			They'll never look for you this
			far away.

	Picard turns to the com controls.

					PICARD
			Enterprise -- this is Picard.

	There's no response.

					PICARD
			Stop this foolishness, Q. Return
			me to the Enterprise.

					Q
			I'd suggest you change your
			attitude. Petulance does not
			become you. We have business.

					PICARD
			Keeping me a prisoner out here
			will not force me to discuss
			anything with you.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE          9A.

9    CONTINUED:

					Q
			It will in time, my dear Captain.

            STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT ONE            10.

10   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Guinan steps up to near the table occupied by Geordi
	and Sonya and looks out at the stars.

					SONYA
			I appreciate your advice,
			Lieutenant. And, I'll take it
			to heart.

	Geordi notices Guinan's distraction.

					GEORDI
			Guinan?

	She turns.

					GUINAN
			Can I get you something?

					GEORDI
			No -- we're fine. Is everything
			all right?

	She looks over at Geordi for a beat then.

					GUINAN
			I don't know.

	But her expression belies the answer. Geordi nods,
	but something about her reaction causes him to:

					GEORDI
				(gets up)
			I think I'll go check out
			Engineering.

					SONYA
			I'll go with you.

	Guinan watches them leave then turns and once again
	looks out at the stars.

10A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The turbolift doors open and TROI enters. There is
	a sense of foreboding in the timing of her arrival.
	Reaction from Riker. Troi crosses to her position.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE          11.

10A  CONTINUED:

					TROI
			Where's the captain?

					RIKER
			In his Ready Room.

	Troi touches a com control.

					TROI
			Captain -- this is Counselor Troi.

	There is no response.

11   INT. ANOTHER ANGLE

					RIKER
			Computer -- locate Captain Picard.

					COMPUTER
			The captain is not on the ship.

	Before they can react.

11A  WORF

	Runs a check on his security panel.

					WORF
			Commander, there is a shuttle
			missing from Shuttle Bay Two.

					RIKER
			All stop.

					WESLEY
			Answering all stop.

12   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise comes to a complete stop.

13   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	For a beat everyone is silent... waiting.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE          11A.

13   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			I have hailed the shuttle on all
			frequencies -- no response.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE          12.

13   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Sensors indicate no shuttle or
			other ships in this sector.

					RIKER
			We must assume the captain is
			onboard the shuttle.

					WESLEY
			But, how could he get to the
			shuttle bay, how could he leave
			the Enterprise without us knowing?
			It's not possible.

					RIKER
			Take it easy, Wes. We'll find
			him. I want to begin a methodical
			search. Sensors on maximum scan
			We'll use our present location
			as the center. Data plot a search
			pattern from our present
			coordinates which will cover the
			most area in the shortest time.

	Riker slowly moves back to his chair.

13A  DATA

	He makes some rapid calculations.

					DATA
			The search pattern has been input.

					RIKER
			Engage, Mister Crusher.

14   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise pulls out of frame.

15   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	Another angle as the Enterprise approaches from a long
	distance.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT ONE           13.

15   CONTINUED:

					RIKER (V.O.)
			First officer's log. Stardate
			(xx). We have not been able to
			determine why, or how, Captain
			Picard left the Enterprise. We
			can't even be certain he is in
			the missing shuttle, although that
			is the assumption on which we are
			proceeding. For the last six
			hours we have been searching
			without success.

16   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	The situation has gone from tense to desperate.

					DATA
			We have covered the area in a
			spherical pattern which a vessel
			without warp drive could traverse
			in the time allotted.

					RIKER
			Widen the area...

16A  DATA

	He inputs the necessary information.

17   INT. SHUTTLE

	As before with Picard and Q. Picard attempts to power
	up the shuttle. All systems are inoperative.

					Q
			Do we stay out here years?
			Decades? Picard, I am ageless
			-- you are not.

					PICARD
			Then the Enterprise will continue
			on with Riker as captain. Return
			me to my ship.

					Q
			You are an impossibly stubborn
			human.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT ONE          13A.

17   CONTINUED:

					Q
				(continuing)
			If I return you to your ship, you
			will agree to give my request a
			full hearing?

	Picard studies Q for a beat, then nods.

17A  INT. TEN-FORWARD

	We pull back to reveal Picard and Q, now sitting in Ten-
	Forward.

					Q
			You're right Picard. This is the
			proper venue for our discussion.

17B  GUINAN

	She reacts to the sudden appearance of Q and the
	captain.

18   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - EMPHASIZING WORF

	Who is studying his board.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT ONE          14.

18   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Commander. My status board
			indicates that the shuttle is back
			in Shuttle Bay Two.

	Riker reacts.

					RIKER
			Computer -- locate Captain Picard.

					COMPUTER
			Captain Picard is in Ten-Forward.

	Off Riker's reactions we:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT ONE                          

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO          15.

                            ACT TWO                             

	FADE IN:

19   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise is at a dead stop.

20   OMMITTED

21   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Picard and Q are seated by one of the front windows.
	Guinan comes over. Q immediately stands and backs off
	like a man about to be physically attacked.

					Q
			You!

					GUINAN
			None other.

					Q
			Picard, if you had half the sense
			you pretend to have, you would
			get her off your ship immediately
			-- and if you like I will be more
			than pleased to expedite her
			departure.

	Picard looks to Guinan.

					PICARD
			You know him.

					GUINAN
			We had some dealings.

					Q
			Those dealings were two centuries
			ago. This creature is not what
			she appears to be. She's an imp
			-- where she goes trouble always
			follows.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO          16.

21   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			You're speaking of yourself, Q
			-- not Guinan.

					Q
			Guinan? Is that your name now?

					PICARD
			Guinan's not the issue here -- you
			are... We had an agreement that
			you would stop meddling with us.

					Q
			And so I have.

					PICARD
			What do you want, Q? State your
			business and let's get on with
			it.

					Q
			I agree Captain, enough about this
			creature -- she's diverting us from
			the purpose of my being here.

					RIKER (O.S.)
			Which is?

	Q looks up.

21A  SCENE

	Riker and Worf stride across Ten-Forward, to join them.

					Q
			Ahh, the redoubtable Commander
			Riker. And micro-brain.
				(to Worf)
			Growl for me -- let me know you
			still care.

	Worf reacts.

					Q
				(returning to the point)
			My purpose? Why to join you.

					RIKER
			To join us as what?

        STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/7/89 - ACT TWO        17.

21A  CONTINUED:

					Q
			A member of the crew. Willing
			and able -- ready to serve.

	Before Riker can react.

					Q
				(to Picard)
			This ship is already home for the
			indigent, the unwanted and the
			unworthy -- so why not a homeless
			entity.

					RIKER
			Homeless?

					Q
			Yes.

					RIKER
			So, the other members of the Q
			continuum kicked you out.

					GUINAN
			Not all of the Q are like this
			one. Some are almost respectable.

					PICARD
			Join us as what? To do what?
			Would you start as an ordinary
			crewman -- what task is too menial
			for an entity?

					Q
			Do you mock me?

					PICARD
			Not at all. That is the last
			thing I would do. You, by
			definition are part of our
			charter. Our mission is to go
			forth -- to seek out new and
			different life forms, and you
			certainly qualify as one of the
			most unique life forms I have
			ever encountered. To learn more
			about you is frankly quite
			provocative, but you are next
			of kin to chaos.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT TWO          17A.

21A  CONTINUED: (2)

					Q
			Captain, at least allow me to
			present my argument.

	Q takes Picard's silence as permission to continue.

					Q
				(continuing)
			After our last encounter,
				(a look to Riker)
			I was asked to leave the Q
			continuum. Since then, I have been
			wandering vaguely -- bored really
			-- my existence without purpose.
			Then, I remembered the good times
			I had with you...

					RIKER
			The good times!? The first time
			we met you put us on trial for
			the "crimes of humanity"...

					Q
			Of which you were exonerated.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT TWO           18.

21A  CONTINUED: (3)

					RIKER
			The next time we saw you, you
			asked me to join the Q continuum.

					Q
			You made a large mistake in not
			accepting my offer.

					PICARD
			... and now you say you want to
			join us.

					Q
			Yes, more and more I realize that
			here -- here is where I want to
			be. Think of the advantages.
			Now, I neither expect nor require
			any special treatment. If
			necessary, although I can't
			imagine why, I will renounce my
			powers and become as weak and
			incompetent as all of you.

					PICARD
			No.

					Q
			Oh, come on, Captain, in
			fairness... let me try, I deserve
			at least that much.

					RIKER
			Fairness?! You disrupt this ship
			-- kidnap the captain!

					Q
			I add a little excitement, a
			little spice to your lives and
			all you do is complain. Where's
			your adventurous spirit -- your
			imagination. Think, Picard, of
			the possibilities.

            STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO            19.

21A  CONTINUED: (3)

					PICARD
			Simply stated -- we don't trust
			you.

					Q
			Oh, you may not trust me, but you
			do need me. You're not prepared
			for what awaits you.

					PICARD
			I don't know that we are prepared,
			but I do know that we are ready
			to confront it.

					Q
			Really?

					PICARD
			Absolutely. That's why we are
			out here.

					Q
			Oh, the arrogance.
				(to Guinan)
			They don't have a clue about
			what's "out here".

					GUINAN
			They will learn -- adapt. That's
			their great advantage.

					Q
			They are moving faster than
			expected -- farther than they
			should.

					PICARD
			By whose calculation?

					Q
			You judge yourselves against the
			pitiful adversaries you have so
			far encountered -- the Klingons,
			the Romulans, are nothing compared
			to what's waiting.
					(MORE)

            STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO            20.

21A  CONTINUED: (4)

					Q
				(continuing)
			Picard, you are about to move into
			areas of the galaxy containing
			wonders more incredible than you
			can possibly imagine... and
			terrors to freeze your soul. I
			offer myself as guide -- only to
			be rejected out-of-hand.

					RIKER
			I guess we'll just have to get
			along the best we can without you.

					Q
			What justifies this smugness?

					PICARD
			We're not smug -- nor arrogant.
			We are resolute and we are
			willing. But more than that we
			are determined. Your help is not
			required.

					Q
			Well, let's just see how ready
			you are.

					GUINAN
			Q -- don't do this!

	He makes a move of his hand:

22   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise is struck by a great surge of energy
	and streaks off.

23   INT. TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL)

	Picard and the others react to the blur of stars
	streaking past. It's a velocity beyond the
	capabilities of the Enterprise.

24   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Data has command of the bridge. Everyone reacts to
	the sudden burst of speed.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT TWO           21.

25   EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise comes out of the spin and stops.

26   INT. TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL)

	The motion has stopped.

	(INTERCUT MAIN BRIDGE AS NEEDED)

					PICARD
			Bridge this is the captain -- all
			stop.

					WESLEY COM VOICE
			Answering all stop.

					PICARD
			Status.

					DATA COM VOICE
			According to these coordinates
			we have traveled seven thousand light
			years, and are located near system
			J-two-five.

					RIKER
			Estimate travel time to the
			closest starbase.

					DATA COM VOICE
			At maximum warp, in two years,
			seven months, three days, eighteen
			hours we would reach Starbase one
			eight five.

	Guinan looks out the window.

					RIKER
			Why?

           STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO           21A.

26   CONTINUED:

					Q
			Why? Why, to give you a taste
			of your future. This is a
			preview of things to come, because
			if you continue at your present
			rate of exploration -- very soon you
			will reach this part of the
			galaxy.
				(to Picard)
			Con permiso, Capitan. The hall
			has been rented -- the orchestra
			engaged -- it's time to see if you
			can dance.

	With a flash Q disappears.

            STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT TWO            22.

26   CONTINUED: (2)

					PICARD
			Guinan, have your people been in
			this part of the galaxy?

					GUINAN
			Yes.

					RIKER
			What can you tell us?

					GUINAN
			Only that if I were you, I'd start
			back right now.

	Off their look...

27   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise is moving through this new section of
	the galaxy.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental. The
			entity Q has flung the Enterprise
			to a distant part of the galaxy,
			which we are going to take the
			opportunity to explore.

28   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Everyone is in their place.

					WORF
			Captain, the sixth planet in the
			system is Class M.

					DATA
			There is a system of roads on the
			planet which indicate a highly
			industrialized civilization. But
			where there should be cities there
			are only great rips in the
			surface.

					WORF
			It is as though some great force
			just scooped all machine elements
			off the face of the planet.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO          23.

28   CONTINUED:

					DATA
			It is identical to what happened
			to the outposts along the Neutral
			Zone.

					WORF
			We are being probed.

					RIKER
			What's the source of the probe?

	Worf checks his console.

					WORF
			A ship. It is on an intercept
			course.

					PICARD
			On screen.

28A  VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	A strange ship approaches -- it's unlike anything we
	have seen.

					PICARD
			Magnify.

	The image on the screen enlarges. The shape of the
	ship is more apparent. It's box like, with none of
	the aerodynamic qualities associated with most
	spaceships including the Enterprise. This is a case
	of form following function. We are about to have our
	first encounter with the BORG.

					RIKER
			Full scan. Go to Yellow Alert.

					WORF
			Going to Yellow Alert.

					RIKER
			Keep the shields down -- we don't
			want to appear provocative.

	Worf responds with a nod.

29   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As the great Borg ship approaches the Enterprise. Then
	stops.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT TWO          24.

30   INT. TEN-FORWARD (OPTICAL)

	Guinan is looking out at the Borg ship.

31   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	As before -- everyone watching the viewscreen.

					PICARD
			Data, what can you tell us?

					DATA
			The ship is strangely generalized
			in design. There is no specific
			bridge or central control area,
			no specific engineering section
			-- I can identify no living
			quarters.

					RIKER
			Life signs?

					DATA
			There is no indication of specific
			life.

					RIKER
			Lieutenant Worf, what is its alert
			status?

					WORF
			I detect no shields, no weapons
			of any known design.

					PICARD
			Hailing frequencies.

					WORF
			Open.

					PICARD
			This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard
			of the USS Enterprise.

					WORF
			No response.

					PICARD
			Guinan.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT TWO           25.

32   INT. GUINAN OFFICE (OPTICAL)

	Guinan moves into her small office.

					PICARD
			Activate your viewscreen -- I want
			you to monitor what's going on
			up here. I may need your input.

	Guinan reaches out and activates her viewscreen. The
	image is the same as that on the the MAIN VIEWER.

					GUINAN
			I'm here. I can see the other
			ship.

					PICARD
			You are acquainted with this life
			form?

					GUINAN
			Yes. My people encountered them
			a century ago. Our cities were
			destroyed -- our people scattered
			across the galaxy. They are
			called the Borg -- protect yourself
			or they will destroy you.

	Picard looks at Riker.

					RIKER
			Shields up.

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

33   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)

	SUDDENLY a strange creature appears -- it's a BORG.
	It is a biped -- a cyborg. Part organic and part
	artificial. There is a metal like device implanted in
	its head. One arm is artificial with a tool like
	contraption instead of a hand. The other organic
	except for the hand. Its eyes are artificial. Its
	presence triggers RED ALERT.

					GEORDI
			Security to Main Engineering -- we
			have an intruder.

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT TWO           26.

34   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Off Picard's reaction as he and Worf exit.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT TWO                          

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT THREE          27.

                           ACT THREE                            

	FADE IN:

35   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise in this new section of the galaxy -- with
	the Borg ship nearby.

36   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	Picard, Worf, and security team enter. The Borg is
	still making a visual survey of the room. It seems
	to look right through or pass the people as if they
	are of no consequence.

					WORF
			He came right through the shields!

	Picard approaches. Q appears behind Picard -- to offer
	sotto voice observations.

					Q
			Interesting isn't it? Not a he
			-- not a she. Not like anything
			you've ever seen. An enhanced
			humanoid.

					PICARD
			What do you want?

36A  PICARD (OPTICAL)

	He steps closer to the Borg. He holds up his open
	hand.

					PICARD
			We mean you no harm. Do you
			understand me?

	The Borg strides toward one of the com panels.

					Q
			Understand you? You are nothing
			to him. He has no interest in
			your life form. He's just a
			scout -- the first of many. He's
			here to analyze as much about you
			as he can -- that's how they always
			start.
					(MORE)

         STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT THREE         27A.

36A  CONTINUED:

					Q
				(continuing)
			He may attempt to gain control
			of the ship. I wouldn't let him.

         STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT THREE         28.

36A  CONTINUED: (2)

	Q leaves.

36B  SCENE

	Picard tries to defuse this situation.

					PICARD
			Stop -- we cannot allow you to
			interfere with the operation of
			this ship.

	The Borg continues to move toward the com panel.

					PICARD
			Lieutenant Worf.

	Worf motions for one of his security team to intercept
	the Borg. The security man steps in front of the
	Borg. The Borg knocks the security man on his ass.

36C  WORF (OPTICAL)

	Worf pulls out his phaser. Worf fires -- the stun
	setting means nothing.

36D  SCENE (OPTICAL)

	The phaser hit has no affect on the Borg. He, or it,
	steps to the com panel and affixes the apparatus on his
	arm to the computer. SUDDENLY there is a drain on all
	systems. The lights dim.

					PICARD
			Worf -- use whatever means to
			neutralize the intruder.

36E  WORF (OPTICAL)

	Worf adjusts his phaser and fires again.

36F  SCENE (OPTICAL)

	This phaser hit rips into the Borg knocking him away.
	Before anyone can react -- another Borg materializes.
	Worf and the others assume a defensive posture. The
	second Borg picks up where the first one left off.

       STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/7/89 - ACT THREE       29.

36G  WORF (OPTICAL)

	fires his phaser.

36H  SCENE (OPTICAL)

	This Borg responds differently. The hit is absorbed.
	He is apparently surrounded with a force field of some
	kind. This Borg goes to the back panel. He accesses
	the computer -- drains it.

	Then walks over to the first Borg -- removes some parts
	from his body and de-materializes. After a beat the
	dead Borg withers into a line of ash -- which then
	disappears.

	Off Picard reaction.

37   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	An abbreviated staff has been assembled; Riker, Data,
	Picard and Troi.

					PICARD
			Because her people had contact
			with the Borg, I have requested
			that Guinan participate in this
			conference. You are aware of
			what just occurred in Main
			Engineering.

	She nods.

					PICARD
			Tell, us exactly what happened
			between your people and the Borg.

         STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE         29A.

37   CONTINUED:

					GUINAN
			I was not personally invloved,
			but -- from what I have been told
			they came through our system like
			a storm of Jaradan Aser beatles
			-- and by the time they left,
			there wasn't much left of our
			society.

					RIKER
			Guinan, if they are that
			aggressive, then I wonder why
			neither Borg attacked? They could
			have -- but they didn't.

					GUINAN
			They never do that as
			individuals. It's just not
			their way. When they decide to
			come, they will come in force.
			They do nothing piecemeal.

					DATA
			Then the initial encounter was
			solely for the purpose of
			gathering information.

					GUINAN
			Yes.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE          30.

37   CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			How do we reason with them? Let
			them know that we are not a
			threat?

					GUINAN
			You don't, at least to my
			knowledge nobody has so far.

					WORF COM VOICE
			Captain, we are being hailed.

					PICARD
			On screen.

37A  SCENE - TO INCLUDE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	The image on the viewscreen is of the interior of the
	Borg ship. Not the bridge, because they don't have
	one. It is a great chamber with stacks and stacks of
	slots in which are individual Borg. We can see over a
	thousand of them, but the ship probably holds more.
	Some of them are making small controlled movements,
	otherwise they would appear to be at rest.

37B  REACTIONS (OPTICAL)

	Picard steps forward.

					PICARD
			This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard
			of the...

					BORG
				(interrupting)
			We have analyzed your defensive
			capabilities as being unable to
			withstand us. If you defend
			yourselves, you will be punished.

	Viewscreen repaints to exterior Borg ship.

					PICARD
			Counselor.

					TROI
			You are not dealing with an
			individual mind. They do not have
			a single leader. It is the
			collective minds of all of them.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE          31.

37B  CONTINUED:

					PICARD
			That would have some definite
			advantages.

					TROI
			Yes. A single leader can make
			errors. It is less likely for
			the combined whole.

					Q (O.S.)
			Picard.

	Picard turns.

37B-A	VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)

	Q is now on the viewscreen.

					Q
			Are you certain you still don't
			want me as a member of your crew?
			This would be the time to ask,
			before everything goes too far
			beyond your control.

	Before Picard can answer...

					WORF COM VOICE
			Captain -- they have locked onto
			us with some form of tractor beam.

					PICARD
			We're on our way.

	Picard and the others exit.

37C  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	An energy beam from the Borg ship holds the Enterprise.

38   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard and the others take their positions.

					DATA
			Whatever this beam is, Captain,
			it is draining our shields.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT THREE          31A.

38   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			If they pull down our shields
			we're helpless.

					PICARD
			On any heading -- warp eight
			engage.

38A  WESLEY

	As he inputs the information and attempts to take the
	Enterprise out of danger.

					WESLEY
			It's holding us here!

					RIKER
			Increase power!

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/3/89 - ACT THREE          32.

38A  CONTINUED:

					WORF
			The shields are weakening.

					DATA
			In eighteen seconds the shields
			will be down.

					PICARD
			Locate the exact source of the
			tractor beam -- lock on phasers.

					WORF
			Phasers locked on target.

					PICARD
			Fire.

39   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The pin-point phasers from the Enterprise hit into the
	Borg ship. But the force holding the Enterprise does
	not release.

40   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					WORF
			They still have us.

					DATA
			Shields are down.

41   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise and the Borg ship. Another beam leaves
	the Borg ship and makes contact with the Enterprise.

41A  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	A CLOSER ANGLE as the Borg ship cores out a piece of
	the Enterprise hull.

         STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT THREE         33.

42   OMMITTED

43   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					WORF
			A type of laser beam is slicing
			into the Saucer Section.

					RIKER
			They are carving us up like a
			roast.

					PICARD
			With whatever force you need
			terminate that beam.

44   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The beam has cut away a section of the Enterprise and
	is now taking it back to the Borg ship.

45   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					PICARD
			Fire!

	Worf releases a series of blasts from the phaser bank.

46   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The phaser blasts rip again and again into the Borg
	ship - the beam holding the section of the Enterprise
	disappears into the Borg ship. Another volley from the
	Enterprise pounds the Borg ship.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT THREE          33A.

47   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	On the screen we see the battered image of the Borg
	ship. RED ALERT ends.

					DATA
			The tractor beam has released.

          STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT THREE          34.

47   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Damage report.

					WORF
			Sections twenty-seven, twenty-eight and twenty-
			nine on Decks four, five and six destroyed.

					PICARD
			Casualties?

					WORF
			Eighteen were in those sections
			and are missing.

					RIKER
			They couldn't have survived it.

					DATA
			A force field is maintaining hull
			integrity.

					PICARD
			What is the condition of their
			ship?

					WORF
			They have sustained damage to
			twenty percent of their vessel.
			Life support minimal.

					RIKER
				(angry)
			Why?!

	For a beat everyone is in stunned silence.

					PICARD
			Conference.

					RIKER
			Worf -- you had better remain at
			your station.

	Worf watches them go.

              STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT THREE             34A.

48   INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)

	Guinan is still there as they enter. Riker -- Data - Picard
	-- Troi.

					GUINAN
			I am so sorry, Captain.

	Picard nods.

					PICARD
			Guinan -- what else can you tell
			us about these creatures?

					GUINAN
			I only know bits and pieces.

					PICARD
			Anything would be helpful.

					GUINAN
			They are a mixture of organic and
			artificial life that has been
			developed over a thousand
			centuries.

	Behind them Q is revealed (no Q Flash).

           STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/1/89 - ACT THREE 34AA.              

47A  INT MAIN ENGINEERING

	The tension level is high. Sonya is a little dazed,
	but at her duties like any well trained Academy graduate.
	She and Geordi.

					SONYA
				(urgent)
			I can't get the shields up.

					GEORGI
			Divert power from wherever you
			need it. Anywhere except life
			support.

					SONYA
			It wouldn't help. The circuits
			which control the shields have
			been fused.

					GEORDI
			If you can't reprogram them...
			reroute.

	Her hands fly across the panels. Then stops.

					SONYA
			Eighteen people. Dead -- just like
			that.

					GEORDI
			Push it out of your head.

					SONYA
			I can't. I keep seeing them.

					GEORGI
			Stop it. We'll grieve later.
			Right now... let's get those
			shields operative.

	She shakes it off and they both return to
	reprograming the shield circuits.

              STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE              35.

48   CONTINUED:

					Q
			The Borg is the ultimate user,
			with the result that they are
			unlike any threat your Federation
			has ever faced. They have no
			interest in political conquest
			-- or wealth or power as you know
			it. They simply want your ship
			-- its technology. They have
			identified it as something they
			can consume and use.

					RIKER
			And you brought us here, exposed
			us to it, cost us the lives of
			shipmates...

	Riker's calm breaks -- he physically moves to assault Q.

					Q
			Stop -- or you will surely die.

					PICARD
			Number One.

	Riker stops; Picard turns to Q.

					PICARD
				(continuing)
			Eighteen of our people have died.
			Please tell us that this is one
			of your illusions.

					Q
			Oh, no. This is as real as your
			"so called" life gets.

	A FLASH OF LIGHT and Q is gone.

					GEORDI'S COM VOICE
			This is Lieutenant La Forge, Captain.
			We have been able to restore power
			to the shields.

					PICARD
			Very good.

					WORF'S COM VOICE
			Captain, I have the casuality list
			coming on screen.

					PICARD
			Cancel -- time for that later.

              STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT THREE             35A.

48A  SCENE

	They are quiet for a beat.

					RIKER
			If there's a chance we are going
			to have further dealings with the
			Borg -- now or in the future -- we
			had better find out as much about
			them as we can.

					PICARD
			Visit their ship?

					RIKER
			In my opinion, we have no choice,
			sir.

					PICARD
				(considers it; nods)
			Agreed. Assemble a minimal away
			team and take a look at what's
			over there.

					GUINAN
			What?

					RIKER
				(to com)
			Mister Worf. Report to Transporter
			Room 3.
				(to Data)
			Data.

	Riker and Data stand.

					GUINAN
			It's not my business but I
			wouldn't go over there if I were
			you.

					RIKER
			Oh, I don't know, Guinan. They
			visited us... seems only fair that
			we return the courtesy.

	Off Guinan as she watches them exit.

									FADE OUT

                       END OF ACT THREE                         

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR              36.

                           ACT FOUR                             

	FADE IN:

49   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise, still near the severely damaged Borg
	ship.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log, supplemental.
			We have been attacked without
			provocation by an alien race which
			Guinan calls the Borg. Hopefully,
			we have neutralized their vessel.
			Commander Riker is leading an away
			team in an attempt to learn more
			about them.

50   INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - (OPTICAL)

	Riker, Worf and Data enter. All are wearing phasers.

					WORF
			There are no life sign readings.

					O'BRIEN
			I have laid in coordinates which
			should set you down in the least
			damaged section of the Borg ship.

					RIKER
			Set phasers on stun, but let's
			be ready to increase the power
			if we need it.

	They climb on the transporter pad.

					RIKER
			Energize.

	The away team dematerializes.

51   INT. BORG SHIP - (OPTICAL)

	The away team materializes in the great open center
	of the Borg ship. All around there is some evidence
	of battle damage. The design of the interior is as
	functional as the exterior. There is no attempt at
	eye pleasing colors.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?"- 2/28/89 - ACT FOUR              37.

51   CONTINUED:

	Interspersed with the grey equipment racks are slots,
	which go floor to ceiling and are occupied by
	individual Borg.

51A  ANOTHER ANGLE

	The away team looks around. The Borg closest to them
	are alive. The away team instantly assumes a defensive
	position -- expecting the Borg to repel them. But the
	Borg do not move.

	Data takes a tricorder scan of the area. They step
	closer to one of the Borg.

					RIKER
			I wonder why they don't react to
			us, and why the Enterprise did
			not read any life signs,
			especially when there are this
			many.

					DATA
			Perhaps because this ship was
			scanned for individual life signs.
			Apparently when they are in these
			slots, they become part of the
			whole and no longer read as
			separate life forms.

					RIKER
				(touches his
				 communicator)
			Captain.

52   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (INTERCUT AS NEEDED)

					PICARD
			Go ahead, Number One.

            STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/8/89 - ACT FOUR            38.

52   CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Our readings were incorrect... the
			Borg crew survived, but they are
			in a kind of stasis.

					PICARD
			Explain.

					RIKER
			There are slots along the wall,
			kind of like compartments. There
			are two Borg in each.

					DATA
			Captain, I would theorize that
			the Borg are somehow
			interconnected through these slots
			and are working collectively.

					RIKER
			We are going to look for some
			way to access their main
			computer.

52A  ANOTHER ANGLE

	As the away team moves down the corridor they pass
	strange pieces of equipment but nothing which is
	familiar.

52B  DATA

	Steps over to examine an empty Borg slot.

					DATA
			Each slot is designed for a
			specific Borg. Here is where the
			connection is made.
				(he indicates a type
				 of arm rest)

52C  SCENE

	Riker moves over to join Data -- while Worf stands
	guard. They are very tense -- at any moment the Borg
	could leave the slots.

            STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/8/89 - ACT FOUR           38A.

52C  CONTINUED:

					RIKER
			Like a juggernaut which could
			start moving at any moment.

					DATA
			The technology required to achieve
			this biological and artificial
			interface is far beyond our
			capabilities. There are many
			advantages.

            STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - REV. 3/8/89 - ACT FOUR            39.

52C  CONTINUED: (2)

					RIKER
			Speed being the obvious one. This
			ship literally thinks what it
			wants to do and it happens.

	SUDDENLY a nearby Borg leaves its slot. The away team
	assumes a defensive posture expecting an attack.
	Instead the Borg moves to a panel, executes a
	program, the purpose of which we do not know. Then, as
	the away team watches, the Borg returns to its slot.

					DATA
			Fascinating. Obviously they also
			function individually.

					RIKER
			And either they don't see us,
			or don't see us as a threat.

	They move off down the corridor.

52D  ANOTHER ANGLE (OPTICAL)

	To show the relationship between the away team, and the
	immense ship.

53   INT. MAIN BRIDGE - ENTERPRISE

	Picard is watching the Borg ship on the Main Viewer.

					PICARD
			Transporter room, this is the
			Captain.

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			O'Brien here Captain.

					PICARD
			If your lock on the away team
			wavers in the slightest -- beam
			them back.

					O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
			Count on it, Captain.

              STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT FOUR             39A.

54   INT. BORG SHIP

	As the away team comes into another chamber. There
	are no walls, or doors as such. This ship lacks the
	compartmentalization which we are used to. The
	corridor will simply open onto a wider area.

              STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/24/89 - ACT FOUR              40.

54   CONTINUED:

	Off to the side, part of the ship has been twisted in
	the phaser attack. Something about it catches Data's
	eye.

54A  ANOTHER ANGLE

	Riker moves to the other side of the room. Here are
	smaller horizontal slots which contain smaller --
	younger -- Borg. The "children" are in various stages
	of "assembly".

					RIKER
			Captain -- this is incredible.
			I have just entered what appears
			to be the nursery.

					PICARD
			Describe it.

					RIKER
			From the looks of it the Borg are
			born as biological life form.
			Almost immediately after birth
			they begin getting artificial
			implants. They have apparently
			developed the technology to link
			artificial intelligence directly
			into a humanoid brain. Pretty
			astounding. Something else -- I
			haven't seen any females.

					DATA
			Commander.

	Riker turns from looking at the half put together
	child.

					RIKER
			What is it?

					DATA
			The ship appears to be
			regenerating.

54B  SCENE

	Riker and Worf quickly cross to Data. They look at
	a damaged portion of the ship.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR              41.

54B  CONTINUED:

					DATA
			Perhaps this explains why they
			have not taken notice of our
			presence. Their collective effort
			is directed at repairing their
			vessel.

					RIKER
			Captain, the Borg are using their
			combined power to repair the ship.

					PICARD COM VOICE
			Transporter Chief, beam the away
			team directly to the bridge.

55   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	As the away team stacks up.

					PICARD
			Now, Mister Crusher -- engage.

56   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise streaks away -- leaving the visibly
	battered Borg vessel in its wake.

56A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	There is relief that they are putting some distance
	between themselves and the Borg.

              STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 2/28/89 - ACT FOUR             41A.

56B  OMITTED

57   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					DATA
			Captain -- the Borg ship is in
			pursuit.

					PICARD
			On screen.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR              42.

57A  SCREEN (OPTICAL)

	We can see the Borg ship coming toward us.

					PICARD
			Magnify.

	The screen changes -- the Borg ship fills more of the
	screen.

					RIKER
			Increase by ten to the third.

	Now the Borg ship fills the screen -- we can see the
	hull of the Borg ship change.

					RIKER
			It's continuing to regenerate
			itself.

					PICARD
			Let's see if we can outrun it.
				(to com)
			Lietenant La Forge, I want maximum
			warp for as long as you can hold
			it.

58   INT MAIN ENGINEERING

	Geordi is by the pool table. Sonya is in the b.g.

					GEORDI
			Yes, sir.

	He's on the board -- increasing the speed.

					GEORDI
			We are passing warp eight point
			five.

58A  SCENE

	The great engine is moving toward maximum output.

					GEORDI
			... warp nine.

	He looks over and sees a very intense look on Sonya's
	face as she stares at the engine.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR             42A.

59   CONTINUED:

	The Borg ship is gaining.

					RIKER
			Arm the photon torpedoes.
			Recommend we try to slow them
			down.

					PICARD
			Agreed.

					WORF
			Torpedoes armed.

					PICARD
			Fire.

            STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FOUR 42AA.              

58A  CONTINUED:

					GEORDI
			What is it? Is there something
			the matter?

	She turns toward him.

					SONYA
			No. You can study the theory -- read
			the books -- analyze
			schematics... but nothing of it
			prepares you for this. I have
			just never see or felt anything
			so awesome.

					GEORDI
			Well let's see if we can't raise
			the level a few more knotches.

	Geordi moves to another position on the pool table.
	Sonya steps over across from him and watches with
	admiration as he fine tunes the warp drive.

59   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

                STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FOUR               43.

60   EXT. SPACE - THE PHOTONS (OPTICAL)

	As the photon leaves the Enterprise.

61   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	All eyes are locked on the main viewer as the photon
	torpedoes head for the Borg vessel... and explodes in
	a blinding flash of light.

					WORF
			They had no effect.

					GEORDI COM VOICE
			Bridge, this is Engineering. We
			are at warp nine point six five.

					WORF
			The Borg ship is still gaining.

	The crewman at Science One turns -- it's Q.

					Q
			They will follow this ship until
			you exhaust your fuel. They will
			wear down your defenses. Then
			you will be theirs.

	Picard looks from Q to the main viewscreen and the
	Borg ship which continues its relentless pursuit.

					Q
				(continuing)
			You're out of your league, Picard.
			You should have stayed where you
			belonged.

	Off Picard's reaction.

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FOUR                         

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT FIVE               44.

                           ACT FIVE                             

	FADE IN:

62   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise is moving at maximum warp followed by
	the Borg ship.

					PICARD (V.O.)
			Captain's log supplemental. We
			are unable to maintain the gap
			between the Enterprise and the
			Borg ship.

63   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	Engine is pounding. Geordi moves from the pool table.
	Sonya is beside him -- now under pressure she is very
	calm.

					SONYA
			We are at the design limit.

					GEORDI
			Agreed. Bridge this is
			Engineering.

					PICARD COM VOICE
			Go ahead.

					GEORDI
			You've got all we can give you.

64   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	Picard, Riker, Data, Troi, and off to the side is Q.

					PICARD
			I understand, Lieutenant La Forge.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/27/89 - ACT FIVE               45.

64   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Captain -- the enemy vessel is
			firing on us.

	The ship goes to RED ALERT.

65   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Enterprise at maximum warp. As the missile arrives
	-- but instead of striking the ship, it forms a kind of
	umbrella which engulfs the Enterprise.

66   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					WORF
			There are no reports of any damage
			to the Enterprise.

					DATA
			The target was not the ship. The
			weapon was designed to drain the
			shields.

					WORF
			Shield effectiveness has been
			reduced twelve percent.

					WESLEY
			The Borg ship is closing.

					WORF
			They are firing again.

67   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	A similiar missle leaves the Borg ship and streaks
	toward the Enterprise.

68   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

                STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE               46.

68   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Shields have been reduced by forty
			one percent. Another hit and we
			will be defenseless.

					Q
			They are wearing you down. Soon
			you will be helpless.

					RIKER
			Arm the photon torpedoes.

					WORF
			Torpedoes armed.

					PICARD
			Fire the photons.

69   EXT. SPACE - THE PHOTONS (OPTICAL)

	As the photons leave the Enterprise en route to the
	Borg ship. The tordedoes explode, but the Borg ship
	is undamaged.

70   INT. BRIDGE

	As before.

					WORF
			The Borg ship was not damaged.

					Q
			You can't outrun them. You can't
			destroy them. If you damage them,
			the essence of what they are
			remains -- they regenerate and
			keep coming... eventually you
			will weaken -- your reserves will
			be gone... they are relentless.

					WORF
			The Borg ship is firing.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE               47.

71   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As the missile from the Borg ship hits the Enterprise.

72   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	This time the ship is rocked.

					WORF
			We have again lost the shields.

73   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	The Borg ship closes on the Enterprise. It fires a
	beam at the Enterprise. Which hits in the area of the
	nacelles. The Enterprise comes out of warp.

74   INT. MAIN ENGINEERING

	Geordi is at the pool table.

					GEORDI
			Bridge -- we have lost the warp
			engines.

74A  OMITTED

75   INT. MAIN BRIDGE

	As before.

					Q
			Now where's your smugness -- your
			arrogance? Do you still believe
			you are prepared for what awaits
			you? I tried to tell you but
			listening has never been one of
			your laudable attributes. It
			makes me quite happy to now say
			-- I told you so.

					WORF
			The Borg ship is re-establishing
			its tractor beam.

					RIKER
			Lock on photon torpedoes.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE              47A.

75   CONTINUED:

					WORF
			Yes, sir.

               STAR TREK: "Q WHO?" -3/2/89 - ACT FIVE               48.

75   CONTINUED: (2)

					DATA
			Without our shields -- at this
			range there is a high degree of
			probability that a photon
			detonation could destroy the
			Enterprise.

	Riker and Picard exchange looks.

					RIKER
			Prepare to fire.

					Q
			I'll be leaving now. You
			thought you could handle it -- so
			handle it.

					PICARD
			Q. End this.

					Q
			What makes you think I am either
			inclined or capable to terminate
			this encounter?

					PICARD
			If we all die, here and now -- you
			will never be able to gloat. You
			wanted to frighten us -- we're
			frightened. You wanted to show
			that we are inadequate -- for the
			moment I will grant that. You
			want me to say that I need you.
			Right now -- I need you.

	We would expect Q to smirk, but he doesn't. He gives
	Picard a steady look.

	And with a little motion.

76   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	With the same explosion of speed which got us here -- the
	Enterprise is flung back to where it started.

76A  INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	Picard and the others react to the streaking stars on
	the viewscreen as they spin.

               STAR TREK: "Q WHO?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FIVE             48A.

76B  EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	comes to a stop.

77   INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)

	RED ALERT ends.

					RIKER
			Position.

               STAR TREK: "Q Who?" - 3/2/89 - ACT FIVE              49.

77   CONTINUED:

					WESLEY
			Zero-seven-six mark two-
			two-five -- back where we
			started.

					Q
			That was a difficult admission.
			Another man would be humiliated
			to say those words. Another man
			would die before asking for help.

	Picard gives Q a steady look.

					PICARD
			I understand what you have done
			here Q, but the lesson could
			have been learned without the
			loss of eighteen members of my
			crew.

					Q
			If you can't take a little bloody
			nose -- maybe you had better go
			back home and crawl under your
			bed. It's not safe out here.
			It's wondrous -- with treasures
			to satiate desires both subtle
			and gross -- but it is not for the
			timid.

	Q leaves in a Q Flash.

					PICARD
			Set a course for the closest starbase.

					WESLEY
			Course set for Starbase eight
			three.

78   EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)

	As the Enterprise moves off to the starbase.

79   INT. TEN-FORWARD

	Picard is there with Guinan.

                STAR TREK "Q Who?"-2/28/89 - ACT FIVE               50.

79   CONTINUED:

					GUINAN
			Q has set a series of events in
			motion. Your contact with the
			Borg came long before it should.
			When you're ready, it might be
			possible to establish a
			relationship with them, but now
			-- now, you are only raw material
			to them. And since they are aware
			of your existence...

					PICARD
			They will be coming.

					GUINAN
			You can depend on it.

					PICARD
			Q might have done the right thing
			for the wrong reason.

					GUINAN
			Meaning?

					PICARD
			Perhaps we needed a good kick in
			our complacency to get us ready
			for what's ahead.

	Picard leaves Ten-Forward.

	Off Guinan reaction:

									FADE OUT.

                        END OF ACT FIVE                         

                            THE END                             



