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 This script is not for publication or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