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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Imaginary Friend"
(f.k.a. "Invisible Friend")
#40275-222
Teleplay by
Brannon Braga
Directed by
Gabrielle Beaumont
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 1992 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 This script is not for publication or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.
FINAL DRAFT
FEBRUARY 24, 1992
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Imaginary Friend"
CAST
PICARD CLARA SUTTER
RIKER DANIEL SUTTER
DATA ISABELLA
BEVERLY
TROI
GEORDI
WORF
GUINAN
ENSIGN FELTON
ALEXANDER
NURSE OGAWA
Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Invisible Friend"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
BRIDGE
OBSERVATION LOUNGE
CORRIDOR
TEN FORWARD
ENGINEERING
TROI'S QUARTERS
CLARA'S QUARTERS
SUTTER'S QUARTERS
ARBORETUM
DAYCARE CENTER
TURBOLIFT
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/26/92 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Imaginary Friend"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
BRENTALIA bren-TAL-ee-uh
CHAMPS ELYSEES shahns-el-ee-ZAY
DAVILA DAH-vih-la
JOKRI JOCK-ree
KEIKO KAY-ko
KRYONIAN kry-OWN-ee-n
NASTURTIUMS nah-STUR-shumz
TELANA tay-LAHN-uh
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"Imaginary Friend"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. CLARA'S QUARTERS
CLARA SUTTER, a seven-year-old girl, and TROI sit at a
table set for tea. The settings include a place for
Clara's imaginary friend, Isabella. Troi is chatting
with Clara...
CLARA
I like to cook all kinds of stuff.
Like yogurt and raisin salad...
chocolate-chip pancakes... and
purple omelettes.
TROI
Purple omelettes?
CLARA
(nods)
You put grape juice in the eggs.
Isabella doesn't like it very much
-- she says it tastes funny.
TROI
I can see her point...
Troi picks up a cup full of sugar cubes.
TROI
Sugar with your tea?
CLARA
Yes, please.
Troi serves a sugar cube into Clara's tea. Then she
turns to address an empty chair where "Isabella" is
sitting. It becomes clear that Isabella is Clara's
invisible friend.
TROI
Isabella... would you like some
too?
Clara leans toward Isabella's seat, and listens
carefully to words only she can hear. After a moment,
she turns to Troi.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
CLARA
Yes. But she takes two cubes.
Troi serves the sugar.
TROI
I'll bet Isabella is very pretty.
Clara is enthusiastic about Isabella.
CLARA
She's very, very pretty. She has
blonde hair and a blue dress with
white buttons. Her ears are
pierced. And she's tall.
TROI
Maybe you could draw me a picture.
I'd love to see what she looks
like.
Clara frowns.
CLARA
You don't think she's real.
TROI
I think she's real for you, Clara.
And that's real enough for me.
Clara seems happy with the response. Troi looks across
the room at Clara's father, DANIEL SUTTER -- who has
been watching the entire time. Her look says that the
session is over.
SUTTER
(to Clara)
Honey, I think it's time for you
to go. You don't want to keep
Keiko waiting.
CLARA
(to Troi)
I have to go plant the nasturtiums
now.
(matter of fact)
I'm Keiko's helper in the
arboretum today.
TROI
Is that so?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
SUTTER
(to Clara)
Go ahead, Sweetie. Be home for
dinner.
TROI
I hope to see you soon, Clara.
Maybe we can be friends.
Clara likes the idea.
CLARA
Okay.
Clara stands, carefully pulls out the chair for
Isabella, and heads for the door. She stops at the
door, "hearing" something that Isabella is saying. She
listens... then turns to Troi.
CLARA
Counselor Troi?
TROI
Yes?
CLARA
Isabella says she likes you.
Troi looks to Isabella.
TROI
Thank you, Isabella.
Clara smiles, then EXITS. Sutter takes a seat next to
Troi. He looks concerned about his daughter. Troi
tries to reassure him.
TROI
I understand why you're
concerned... but you have nothing
to worry about. It's a normal,
healthy activity for children to
engage in imaginary play.
Sutter is relieved.
SUTTER
I'm just afraid she's not making
real friends. She spends all of
her time with "Isabella"...
Troi considers.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - TEASER 4.
1 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI
You've been moving from starship
to starship since Clara was two
years old. Maybe Isabella
provides a constant companion for
Clara. She knows this is one
friend she won't have to leave
behind.
Sutter nods.
SUTTER
You're probably right.
TROI
Give Clara a chance. As she
learns to make friends on the
Enterprise, she'll probably move
away from her imaginary world.
Sutter offers Troi a grateful smile...
2 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
on the outskirts of a large NEBULA -- a glowing expanse
of swirling red clouds, with a bright point of light
deep in its center.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, stardate 45852.1.
The Enterprise has arrived at
FGC-four-seven -- a nebula which
has formed around a neutron star.
We are eager to investigate this
unique formation.
3 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
PICARD, RIKER, DATA, WORF, ENSIGN FELTON and VARIOUS
NDS at stations. GEORDI is at an aft science station.
Everyone watches the main viewscreen, which displays
the nebula -- a rare and special sight.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - TEASER 5.
3 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
(off console)
We've got elevated quantities of
hydrogen... helium... trionium...
but nothing the shields can't
handle.
RIKER
Shields up.
PICARD
Take us in, Ensign. One-quarter
impulse.
ENSIGN FELTON
Aye, sir.
Ensign Felton works the controls...
4 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it enters the nebula. Suddenly, from within a
nearby cloud -- a tiny POINT OF LIGHT appears. The
light FLARES briefly as it passes through the ship's
shield bubble... then it ENTERS through the hull of the
ship...
5 OMITTED
5A INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
As small section of the ceiling GLOWS briefly with
a red color, and a POINT OF LIGHT emerges into the
corridor (as seen in the nebula). The light pauses,
then zips around a corner and out of view. Clearly
a life-form is now on board...
5B ANOTHER CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
The POINT OF LIGHT comes into view -- right behind Data
and Geordi, who are walking briskly down the corridor,
on their way to engineering, talking TECH...
DATA
In order to complete the scheduled
observations, the lateral sensors
will require additional processing
time.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/02/92 - TEASER 5A.
5B CONTINUED:
GEORDI
We could steal a couple of hours
while they're recalibrating the
thermal interferometery scanner.
DATA
Will a couple of hours be enough
time to complete the
high-resolution series on the
neutron star?
GEORDI
No problem. We'll just double
up the main sensor bandwidth.
Data and Geordi continue walking -- the light flies off
down another corridor...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - TEASER 6.
6 INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
BEVERLY and NURSE OGAWA are working at a medical
station, mid-conversation. During this scene, out of
their view, a small section of the wall GLOWS with a
red color, and the point of LIGHT emerges into the
room. The light flits about, as if watching Beverly
and Ogawa from afar...
BEVERLY
After dinner, then what?
OGAWA
We went to the holodeck and took
a walk on the Champs Elysees...
Beverly reacts to the console.
BEVERLY
The neural scanner still seems
a bit off. Let's check the sensor
calibration...
OGAWA
I'll run a diagnostic...
They work for a beat.
BEVERLY
And... ?
OGAWA
And?
BEVERLY
After Paris... ?
OGAWA
He has shore leave next month.
He asked me to go to Risa with
him.
BEVERLY
No problem. Nurse Davila can
cover for you.
OGAWA
I don't know if I'm going, Doctor.
I hear it's a very uninhibited
atmosphere. Personally, I don't
think I'm ready for that kind of
"fun."
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - TEASER 6A.
6A CLOSE ON POINT OF LIGHT (OPTICAL)
as it zips into a nearby hypospray, causing it to GLOW
for an instant. After a beat, the light exits the
hypospray and zips into a nearby tricorder, which
glows... and into another medical tool -- all in quick
succession. The light is exploring its environment.
Over which we HEAR --
BEVERLY (o.s.)
Try to talk him into Telana Minor
instead -- they've got a cruise
down the Jokri River... the
iridescent currents are beautiful.
The light flies away and EXITS through the nearest
wall...
7 OMITTED
8 INT. ARBORETUM (OPTICAL)
Lush and beautiful (as seen in "Data's Day".) A
section of the wall GLOWS red -- the POINT OF LIGHT
zips into a nearby gardening tool... then EXITS...
9 OMITTED
10 ON A FLOWER (OPTICAL)
The light enters an exotic-looking flower, causing the
flower to GLOW -- but this glow is different, longer
and more intense. The glow vanishes and a duplicate
flower appears next to the original. Just as quickly,
the duplicate flower disappears into a tiny red dot,
which instantly DEMATERIALIZES...
11 ANGLE - CLARA (OPTICAL)
The glowing pinpoint of light MATERIALIZES again and
stops, as if spotting Clara. It hovers, as if watching
her from afar...
11A CLOSE ON CLARA (OPTICAL)
She is by herself, kneeling on a patch of dirt among
the trees and bushes. As she plants seeds into the
soil, she talks to her imaginary friend Isabella...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - TEASER 6B.
11A CONTINUED:
CLARA
See, Isabella... you have to push
your finger into the soil as deep
as you can.
Clara picks up a watering container, and waters the
seeds.
CLARA
The baby seeds are very small...
so we mustn't give them too much
to drink.
Clara sets down the water, and begins to pat down the
soil with her hands. She hums a nursery rhyme as she
works, obviously enjoying her day at the arboretum...
Then, with out warning, the point of light flies
directly into Clara's head -- Clara's head GLOWS, as if
the light is scanning her mind (same glow effect as
the flower). The red light PULSES like it did in the
flower -- then vanishes. Clara doesn't notice a thing.
She keeps humming her song...
Slowly, another girl's VOICE starts to hum along with
Clara. Clara stops, looks around.
CLARA
Hello? Is somebody there?
Suddenly, behind Clara, a figure steps into view. It's
a young girl, slightly taller than Clara, and a few
years older (she should appear to be around twelve).
This is ISABELLA. She has blonde hair and wears a blue
dress with white buttons. She looks exactly as Clara
described her -- and yet, there is something alien and
spooky about the girl. She doesn't smile... and her
face is expressionless, cold...
ISABELLA
(to Clara)
Hello.
Clara whips around and sees Isabella -- she reacts,
wide-eyed with astonishment.
CLARA
Isabella?
The other girl, Isabella, studies Clara.
ISABELLA
Hello, Clara.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - TEASER 6C.
11A CONTINUED: (2)
OFF Clara's utter surprise...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT ONE 7-9.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
12 INT. ARBORETUM
As before. Clara facing Isabella, confused by the
sight -- after all, she's never actually seen her
imaginary friend.
CLARA
Isabella... How come I can see
you?
Isabella is expressionless.
ISABELLA
Is something wrong with the way
I look?
CLARA
No. I've just never seen you
before. Not for real.
ISABELLA
Well... now you can see me for
real. Doesn't that make you
happy?
CLARA
Yes... it's wonderful!
Isabella glances where Clara was planting seeds.
ISABELLA
Can we go now?
CLARA
We should finish planting the
seeds.
ISABELLA
I'm tired of planting. Let's do
something else.
CLARA
Like what?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT ONE 10.
12 CONTINUED:
ISABELLA
Like...
(pointedly)
I would really like to explore
the ship.
CLARA
We should finish planting first.
I promised Keiko.
ISABELLA
We can finish later. Let's go
look around.
Isabella moves to Clara and takes her by the hand.
Clara stands up, hesitant.
CLARA
I'd better ask my daddy.
ISABELLA
Your daddy won't mind. We can
tell him later. Come on...
Isabella tugs Clara along -- big sister leading younger
sister. She's persuasive, more sophisticated than
Clara. There is an intelligence at work here. This is
no ordinary "imaginary friend." Isabella is hard to
deny -- Clara smiles and goes along. As they EXIT hand
in hand...
13 INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi, Data and Sutter working at various consoles,
collecting data from the nebula. N.D.s as needed.
Geordi's console displays a GRAPHIC of the nebula.
GEORDI
So what are we going to name this
nebula? "FGC-four-seven" just
doesn't have a nice ring to it.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT ONE 11.
13 CONTINUED:
SUTTER
(with humor)
Why don't we call it... "Sutter's
Cloud?"
Data works his console.
DATA
The rotational period of the
neutron star is one point three
five seconds.
GEORDI
That's a bit on the long side.
Sutter -- let's see if we can get
a reading on the particle flux.
SUTTER
Aye, sir.
Sutter works his console.
GEORDI
I was thinking more along the
lines of "The La Forge Nebula."
Sounds sort of majestic, don't
you think?
DATA
Based on those selections, I would
prefer FGC-four-seven.
Geordi and Sutter laugh. Data misses the joke.
Suddenly, the ship TREMBLES slightly, and the lights
FLICKER. Reactions.
SUTTER
What was that?
GEORDI
It felt like we hit something.
Data checks a console.
DATA
Shields have registered an impact.
But the sensors show nothing in
the vicinity.
14 INT. BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Worf, Ensign Felton at stations.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - ACT ONE 12.
14 CONTINUED:
WORF
(off console)
Forward velocity is down by point
two percent. And dropping...
PICARD
Engineering. Report.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Could be a problem with the
shields, Captain. We're checking
it out now.
15 INT. ENGINEERING
As before. Sutter works for a beat.
SUTTER
(to Geordi)
Systems are normal, sir.
GEORDI
So -- did we hit something or not?
Geordi works a beat.
GEORDI
Shields say yes, sensors say no...
this is very strange...
16 ON DOOR
as Clara ENTERS. She walks straight into the room and
starts looking around, oblivious to the seriousness
of the situation.
GEORDI
(to Sutter, on the move)
Ensign, give me a breakdown
on shield energy conversion.
Run a spectral --
Geordi almost collides with Clara. He stops,
surprised.
GEORDI
(to Clara)
Whoa. Where did you come from?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT ONE 13.
16 CONTINUED:
CLARA
I'm Clara Sutter.
(points to Sutter)
That's my daddy.
Sutter looks up and sees Clara -- his face drops. What
is she doing here? He gives Geordi an apologetic look
as he moves to Clara. He speaks to her in a hushed,
terse tone of voice.
SUTTER
Clara, you can't be here right
now.
CLARA
But Isabella wanted to see
engineering.
This is the last thing Sutter wants to hear.
SUTTER
I don't care what Isabella wanted
to see. Go back to our quarters
right now.
CLARA
But Daddy...
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Bridge to La Forge. Our speed
is still dropping.
Geordi works at his console.
GEORDI
I'm increasing power to the
impulse engines... but forward
velocity isn't consistent with
engine output.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Explanation.
GEORDI
It looks like something is
increasing the drag coefficient
on the ship. But we can't find
the cause...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT ONE 13A.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD'S COM VOICE
If you can't correct it... we're
going to have to reverse course
and leave the nebula.
GEORDI
Give me a couple of minutes,
sir...
SUTTER
(stern)
Clara -- now.
Clara frowns, and heads for the door. Sutter exchanges
an awkward glance with Geordi, who looks annoyed by
the situation.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT ONE 14.
16 CONTINUED: (3)
SUTTER
(to Geordi)
Sorry, Commander.
They continue working...
17 INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
Clara exits engineering. A beat, then Isabella
MATERIALIZES behind her. Clara reacts to the sudden
appearance.
CLARA
Why do you keep disappearing like
that?
ISABELLA
The grown-ups don't think I'm
real. When they're around, I have
to be invisible.
Isabella glances back at engineering.
ISABELLA
Wait here.
Isabella DEMATERIALIZES.
18 INT. ENGINEERING - CONTINUOUS (OPTICAL)
As before -- everyone hard at work.
DATA
The drag coefficient continues
to increase. Forward velocity has
fallen by twelve percent.
Behind Data, a nearby console GLOWS the red color.
Data continues to study his control panel, confused.
DATA
Our speed is increasing...
He studies his console in some puzzlement, then turns
to Geordi.
DATA
The ship's speed has stabilized
at one-quarter impulse.
Geordi is pleased.
GEORDI
Great, Data. What'd you do?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT ONE 15.
18 CONTINUED:
DATA
I did nothing, Commander.
(checks console)
The problem seems to have
corrected itself.
They exchange a mystified look...
19 INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
Clara waiting. Isabella APPEARS.
CLARA
Where did you go?
ISABELLA
(casually)
There was something I had to do.
Isabella takes Clara by the hand. As they turn and
walk away together...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
20 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi discussing their situation.
GEORDI
I don't have an explanation, sir.
We seemed to hit something... and
then we started losing speed.
But so far as we can tell, there's
nothing out there to hit.
RIKER
Could some kind of damping field
cause us to lose velocity?
DATA
We simulated several such fields,
but were unable to reproduce the
same drag coefficient.
GEORDI
We also don't know why the problem
suddenly corrected itself.
They are all intrigued by the mystery... none more than
Picard, whose scientific curiosity has been whetted.
PICARD
It seems we're observing a unique
phenomenon... one that hasn't
been recorded before.
GEORDI
The question is, do we stay here
and check it out?
RIKER
That may be dangerous.
DATA
Since we have experienced the
phenomenon only once, it is
impossible to estimate the risks.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT TWO 17.
20 CONTINUED:
Geordi responds to the challenge... if something
mysterious has happened to his ship, he wants to find
out what it was.
GEORDI
I'd like to stick around a little
longer, sir... collect a sample
of the gaseous matter, see what
it tells us...
Picard considers. Like Geordi, he's propelled by the
mystery.
PICARD
Agreed. Collect your sample,
Mister La Forge. We'll proceed
-- with caution.
(beat)
Dismissed.
As they rise to go...
21 INT. CORRIDOR
Clara and Isabella are walking along. They pass a
large door, which Isabella eyes with curiosity.
ISABELLA
(re: door)
What's in here?
CLARA
That's the door to the cargo bay.
We can't go in there.
They continue along...
ISABELLA
Let's go someplace with lots of
people.
CLARA
Okay.
(beat)
Isabella, why are you so serious
lately?
Isabella looks at her.
ISABELLA
What do you mean?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/24/92 - ACT TWO 17A.
21 CONTINUED:
CLARA
You haven't even smiled once
today.
Isabella considers the remark in her unemotional way.
Suddenly, Clara stops, turns to Isabella and makes a
funny face. Isabella reacts, taken aback by the
display -- then, gradually, she breaks out in the
beginnings of a smile. She touches her mouth and face,
as if she doesn't quite know what a smile is...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT TWO 18.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
They continue walking. Clara watches Isabella
happily...
CLARA
You're my best friend, Isabella.
ISABELLA
Why?
Clara thinks.
CLARA
I don't know. Because we do
things together... and we trade
secrets.
Isabella considers this. It is a difficult concept for
her alien mind to grasp.
ISABELLA
Does everybody have a best friend?
CLARA
If they're lucky. Before I had
you, I didn't have one...
ISABELLA
Why not?
CLARA
Every time I made friends with
someone... my daddy's job would
change and we'd move to a new ship.
And it takes time to make best
friends...
ISABELLA
How long?
CLARA
It depends. With you... not very
long. You always listened to me,
even when I was sad...
Isabella turns this over in her mind.
ISABELLA
Clara... I'm glad we're best
friends.
Clara smiles at her, good feelings abounding, youthful
ebullience overflowing.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT TWO 18A.
21 CONTINUED: (3)
CLARA
(a challenge)
Race you.
ISABELLA
Okay.
CLARA
Ready... set ... go!
Clara takes off running down the corridor. Isabella
hesitates, unsure what to do -- then she starts
running, too. Clara has the lead but Isabella is
quickly catching up...
22 INCLUDE WORF
rounding a corner at a good clip. Both girls nearly
collide with him. They stop, breathless and startled
by the towering Klingon. Worf gives the girls a stern
look.
WORF
This area is not designated for
children.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 19.
22 CONTINUED:
Isabella, staring at him with eyes as big as saucers,
takes a step back. Worf realizes he's scared her, and
despite his hurry, softens his tone.
WORF
Are you lost?
Both girls are speechless.
WORF
Where are you supposed to be?
Clara bravely steps forward.
CLARA
(small voice)
We were only playing. We're
sorry.
Worf is affected by Clara's tiny charm. He gives the
girls a faint smile.
WORF
Return to your quarters. And we
will forget this incident.
CLARA
Thank you!
The girls turn back the way they came, and disappear
around a corner. Satisfied, Worf continues on his
way...
After a moment, Isabella peers around the corner to
make sure the coast is clear. It is. She hurries back
out into the corridor, yanking a resistant Clara along
by the arm...
22A INT. ENGINEERING
Sutter is working at a console in Geordi's office as
Geordi ENTERS.
GEORDI
Okay... I've configured the
magnetic coils to collect gaseous
matter from the nebula. Go ahead
and activate the beam emitter.
SUTTER
I'm setting the fractionater to
a continuous cycle...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 19A.
22A CONTINUED:
GEORDI
We'll take samples from eight
random sections. That should give
us a reliable measure.
The two men work a beat in silence. Then, somewhat
tentatively...
SUTTER
Commander...
Geordi hears something in his voice, glances at him.
SUTTER
I understand... that you had a
parent in Starfleet.
GEORDI
Two of them, as a matter of fact.
My father was an exozoologist...
my mother a command officer.
SUTTER
They must have been posted to a
lot of different assignments...
GEORDI
That's putting it mildly. They
were always on the move... some
of the time together, some times
separately... I never knew if
I was going to be stationed with
my dad while he studied
invertebrates in the Modean
system... or with my mom on some
outpost near the Neutral Zone.
SUTTER
Was that hard on you?
GEORDI
I don't remember it that way...
Sutter gives him an uncertain look.
SUTTER
But... it must have been
disruptive if you didn't stay
in one place long enough to make
friends...
Geordi, on the other hand, knows what Sutter is worried
about, and taps into his concerns.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 19B.
22A CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
I guess there were things about
my childhood that weren't ideal...
but to me, it was like one long
adventure.
(beat)
Kids are tougher than you think.
As long as they know you love
them... they can handle just
about anything life throws at
them.
Sutter realizes Geordi knows what he's been asking
about. He turns to his work with a small smile.
SUTTER
Thanks, Commander.
23 INT. TEN FORWARD (OPTICAL)
Data and Guinan are sitting at the row of windows,
observing the spectacular VIEW of the NEBULA.
GUINAN
(re: nebula)
I see... a Samarian coral fish...
with its fins unfolded...
Data studies the clouds, puzzled by Guinan's
observation.
DATA
I believe what you are seeing is
the effect of the fluid dynamic
processes inherent to large scale
motion of highly rarified gas.
GUINAN
No... first it was a fish... now
I see a Mintonian sailing ship...
DATA
Where?
GUINAN
(points)
Right there -- see how the two
swirls come up to form a mast...
Data studies the nebula -- he doesn't see it.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT TWO 19C.
23 CONTINUED:
DATA
I do not see it.
(analytical)
It is interesting that people try
to find meaningful patterns in
things that are essentially
random. I have noticed that the
images they perceive can sometimes
suggest what they are thinking
about at that particular moment.
A beat as they stare outside, pondering the clouds.
DATA
(re: nebula)
Besides, it is clear that this
cloud formation most closely
resembles a "bunny rabbit."
Guinan laughs at Data's remark. Data looks innocently
at her, puzzled by her response...
23A ANGLE ON DOOR
as Clara ENTERS and proceeds into the room. She looks
around, bravely venturing into the room full of
grown-ups...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT TWO 20.
24 OMITTED
25 ON DATA AND GUINAN
as they notice Clara across the room.
GUINAN
I think someone's lost her way...
Guinan rises and approaches Clara...
GUINAN
(to Clara)
Hello there. Are you looking for
someone?
CLARA
No... I brought Isabella to see
Ten Forward.
Guinan looks around, sees no one, but is cool.
GUINAN
Well, ordinarily you're supposed
to be here with a grown-up... but
since you've brought Isabella,
you can be my guest.
Clara looks up at her. This is the only adult she's
encountered who seems to accept Isabella right off the
bat.
CLARA
Thank you.
Guinan moves behind the bar. Clara climbs onto a
stool.
GUINAN
How about two glasses of Papalla
juice... with extra bubbles.
CLARA
Yes, thank you --
Clara stops in mid-sentence, as if hearing something
next to her. She leans over, as though listening.
Then she turns to Guinan.
CLARA
Just one, please. Isabella isn't
thirsty.
GUINAN
One juice...
She reaches under the bar to the replicator, offscreen,
we HEAR it working as --
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT TWO 21.
25 CONTINUED:
CLARA
You're not like the other
grown-ups.
GUINAN
Oh, no?
CLARA
They don't think Isabella's real.
Guinan turns back with the drink and sets it in front
of Clara.
GUINAN
Sometimes grown-ups have a tough
time believing in things they
can't see.
CLARA
Why?
GUINAN
Well... they tend to get very
preoccupied with grown-up things.
CLARA
Like what?
GUINAN
Oh... like figuring out how much
fuel it takes to power this
ship... or deciding whether to
explore one star system or
another... arranging schedules,
making lists, counting inventory,
or... wondering if little girls
should go to bed at seven... or be
allowed to stay up till eight.
Clara grins again... this woman is funny.
GUINAN
Their heads can get so full...
that there's no room left for the
things you and I know are important.
Like invisible friends.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT TWO 21A.
25 CONTINUED: (2)
CLARA
(after a moment's
reflection)
If nobody else understands... how
come you do?
GUINAN
Maybe because when I was your age,
I had an invisible friend, too.
CLARA
You did? What was she like?
GUINAN
It wasn't a she.
CLARA
What was he like?
GUINAN
It wasn't a he.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT TWO 22.
25 CONTINUED: (3)
CLARA
It?
GUINAN
It was a Tarcassian razor beast.
It had dark brown fur, gold
eyes... huge spiny wings... It
could fly so fast that no one
could see it... except me.
Clara's eyes go wide -- she's enchanted by the
description...
CLARA
Sounds scary.
GUINAN
It was... especially when it
smiled.
Clara smiles at this.
GUINAN
But the best thing about it was
that I could curl up and lie on
its furry stomach. It had the
deepest, softest purr you've ever
heard... it put me to sleep
every night...
(beat)
That razor beast was a good
friend.
Clara thinks about this.
CLARA
So is Isabella.
They share a smile.
25A INCLUDE TROI (OPTICAL)
as she ENTERS Ten Forward. She spots Clara and crosses
to her. She's gentle, but concerned...
TROI
Hello, Clara.
CLARA
Hello...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - ACT TWO 22A.
25A CONTINUED:
GUINAN
(to Troi)
I was just talking with Clara and
Isabella.
Troi smiles at Guinan, then turns to Clara.
TROI
Clara... would you and Isabella
like to take a walk with me?
CLARA
I guess so.
(to Guinan)
'Bye.
GUINAN
See you later, Clara...
Isabella.
Clara walks out with Troi after looking back at Guinan
with a smile.
26 OMITTED
26A INT. CORRIDOR
Troi and Clara walking up to a turbolift. Troi hits
the button by the door and they wait...
TROI
Clara, you haven't been on this
ship very long, so maybe you don't
know that Ten Forward is usually
for grown-ups.
Clara frowns -- after all, this isn't really her fault.
CLARA
I know that. I didn't want to
go. But Isabella wanted to see
it.
TROI
If Isabella is telling you to do
things you know are wrong... then
you must tell her it's not
acceptable.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - ACT TWO 22B.
26A CONTINUED:
CLARA
I tried to. But she wouldn't
listen.
They walk up to a turbolift. The doors slide open.
They enter...
26B INT. TURBOLIFT - CONTINUOUS
Troi and Clara ENTER.
TROI
(to lift)
Deck thirty-two.
The lift starts moving.
TROI
(to Clara)
Would you like me to talk to
Isabella for you?
Clara shrugs. Troi looks next to Clara.
TROI
Isabella... it's not very nice
to tell Clara to do things she
isn't supposed to.
Clara reacts, as though hearing a voice next to her.
CLARA
She's over here.
Troi speaks to the other side of Clara.
TROI
From now on... I want you to ask
a grown-up before you go places
that are off-limits.
Clara leans over, as if listening to something Isabella
is whispering to her. She frowns, then glances at
Troi.
TROI
What did she say?
CLARA
She said...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - ACT TWO 23.
26B CONTINUED:
Clara trails off, uncomfortable, not wanting to repeat
what she heard.
TROI
Clara. Please tell me what
Isabella said.
Clara looks uncomfortable -- she moves in close to
Troi, so Isabella can't hear what she's saying.
CLARA
(whispers)
She said... you better leave us
alone.
Clara looks at the floor, feeling awful. OFF Troi's
concern...
27 INT. SUTTER'S QUARTERS
Troi and Sutter together in Sutter's side of the room
(Clara's room is adjacent, separated by a door).
TROI
I'm a little concerned about the
turn this is taking. It seems
Clara is starting to do
inappropriate things... and she's
blaming them on Isabella.
Sutter reacts.
SUTTER
She came into engineering today...
and said it was Isabella's idea.
Sutter looks concerned. Troi tries to ease his mind.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/24/92 - ACT TWO 24.
27 CONTINUED:
TROI
I don't think it's too serious
yet. But we should make more of
an effort to get her involved with
real friends her own age.
(beat)
The Children's Center is having
a ceramics class this afternoon.
Why don't I take Clara?
Sutter cheers up a little.
SUTTER
I think she'd like that.
TROI
I'll see if there's room left in
the class. In the meantime, make
yourself available to Clara. Let
her know she doesn't have to rely
on Isabella when she needs someone
to talk to.
Sutter nods, hopeful.
SUTTER
Thank you, Counselor.
28 INT. CLARA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Clara is putting together a futuristic jigsaw puzzle.
She is solemn, after all that's happened today.
Isabella watches from across the room... then finally
approaches her...
ISABELLA
Are you mad at me?
Clara shrugs, keeps working on the puzzle.
ISABELLA
(sweetly)
I'm sorry I got you in trouble.
Clara looks up at her, brightened by the apology.
CLARA
That's okay.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT TWO 25.
28 CONTINUED:
ISABELLA
Are we still... best friends?
Clara smiles, nods emphatically. She holds out a
puzzle piece.
CLARA
Here -- you can help me put this
together, if you want.
Isabella takes the piece. They start to put the puzzle
together...
ISABELLA
Clara... Why are grown-ups so
mean?
CLARA
They're not mean -- they're just
more serious than we are.
ISABELLA
Sometimes I wish they'd just go
away.
CLARA
You do?
ISABELLA
Yes... I don't like them.
A beat. Then Isabella focuses on Clara -- she is
testing Clara's loyalties...
ISABELLA
I'm bored. Let's go back to
engineering.
Clara reacts -- not again. She holds firm.
CLARA
We're not allowed to go there.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT TWO 26.
28 CONTINUED: (2)
Isabella's expression hardens -- she tosses down a
puzzle piece, unhappy with the response. Isabella is
manipulating Clara, working on the young girl's
affections. It's an eerie sight -- Isabella has a
hidden agenda and she's using Clara to get it...
ISABELLA
I thought we were best friends.
CLARA
We are.
ISABELLA
Then why won't you play with me?
CLARA
I told you...
ISABELLA
You always listen to the
grown-ups. You don't care about
me.
Clara looks hurt.
CLARA
That's not true.
ISABELLA
I thought we'd have fun
together, once you could really
see me. I thought you'd like
me...
Clara is speechless. Isabella moves close to her,
putting on the pressure, trying to persuade Clara...
ISABELLA
Let's go to engineering, Clara.
Just for a little while. No one
will know -- it'll be our secret.
And if they find us, we'll tell
them we got lost...
Before Clara can respond, the door CHIMES.
CLARA
Who is it?
TROI (o.s.)
Counselor Troi.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT TWO 27.
28 CONTINUED: (3)
Isabella DEMATERIALIZES. Clara moves to the doors and
touches a button. The doors slide open, and Troi
ENTERS.
TROI
Hello, Clara.
CLARA
Hi.
TROI
I came to ask if you'd like to
come to a ceramics class.
Clara likes the idea.
CLARA
Can Isabella come, too?
TROI
No, Clara. We'll do something
with Isabella another day.
Clara glances around the room, uneasy about leaving
Isabella behind.
CLARA
Well...
(makes the decision)
Okay.
Troi smiles, and takes Clara by the hand. They EXIT.
After a beat, Isabella APPEARS. Her face is a mixture
of jealousy and anger -- Clara has left her and she
hates it. Her eyes start to GLOW a deep red color,
as if with alien rage...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT THREE 28.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
29 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
moving through the nebula.
29A INT. BRIDGE
Picard, Data, and Worf; Felton at the conn.
DATA
Sir, as we move deeper into the
nebula, sensors indicate that
levels of helium and trionium have
continued to rise steadily
PICARD
Is it anything the shields can't
handle?
DATA
No, sir, we are well within
tolerance levels --
Suddenly there is another TREMBLE to the ship, and the
lights FLICKER. Picard is on his feet.
PICARD
Mister Data -- ?
DATA
Shields have registered an impact,
sir...
PICARD
But sensors don't show anything
out there, right?
DATA
No, sir. There is no indication
of anything near the ship.
WORF
Forward velocity is dropping,
Captain. Down by point-four
percent.
PICARD
Can we go to warp speed?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/5/93 - ACT THREE 28A.
29A CONTINUED:
DATA
Until we determine the cause of
the drag coefficient, I would not
recommend it, sir.
WORF
Forward velocity is down by one
point one percent.
PICARD
Ensign, increase power to the
impulse engines.
FELTON
Aye, sir.
Felton inputs the command; Data studies his console.
DATA
Impulse engines are now at full
power.
WORF
We are no longer losing speed.
DATA
Forward velocity is holding
steady. The drag coefficient is
still present, but it has
stabilized.
Picard takes a beat, assessing these strange events.
PICARD
(to Com)
Bridge to Commander Riker... check
with Mister La Forge... see if
he's found anything in that matter
sample from the nebula.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
On my way, sir.
Picard settles into his chair, concerned.
30 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Geordi and Sutter are studying a clear TUBE, which
contains a sampling of red gas from the nebula. Sutter
scans the tube with a TECH device, while Geordi works
a console.
Riker ENTERS and approaches the team.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/04/92 - ACT THREE 28B.
30 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Any luck?
GEORDI
Yeah -- take a look at this...
Geordi is excited -- their work is going well. He
indicates the tube.
GEORDI
We tried radiating the matter
sample with just about everything
we could think of. We didn't find
anything... until we subjected
it to a high frequency warp
field...
Geordi looks to Sutter, who activates the TECH device.
It casts a GLOW onto the matter, causing a single
thread-like STRAND to appear. Geordi points to the
strand.
GEORDI
(re: strand)
This may be what we've been
running into...
RIKER
Do you know what it is?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT THREE 29.
30 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
We think so. Now that the sensors
can read it, it seems to be a
highly cohesive form of plasma
-- like a strand of energy.
SUTTER
We figure this segment is just
part of a network of much larger
strands.
GEORDI
When these things come in contact
with our shields, it produces a
resonant effect -- and creates the
drag coefficient we've been
experiencing.
Riker eyes the strand with curiosity.
RIKER
Anything like this on record?
GEORDI
No.
Riker is intrigued, but concerned.
RIKER
Any idea how many more of these
there might be?
GEORDI
No. But if we run the warp field
generators through the deflector
grid, we could radiate a field
outside the ship.
RIKER
... and we'd see for ourselves.
Let's do it.
GEORDI
Aye.
Riker turns to go, as the others resume their work...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/24/92 - ACT THREE 29A.
31 INT. DAYCARE CENTER
Troi and Clara ENTER and take in the scene. A handful
of CHILDREN are at various tables, working on their
ceramic projects. Worf's son, ALEXANDER, is sitting
alone at a table. Clara, extremely shy, clings to Troi
as they cross to Alexander's table...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT THREE 30.
31 CONTINUED:
TROI
Alexander, I thought you might
like a partner.
Alexander looks up.
TROI
This is Clara Sutter. She's new
on board. Clara, meet Alexander
Rozhenko.
Clara's eyes drop to the floor. Alexander is more
forward.
ALEXANDER
(to Clara)
I'm making a cup for my father.
Wanna help?
Clara looks at the CUP -- it's a huge and lopsided
goblet covered with spikes. A Klingon child's version
of a cup. Clara looks at Troi, as if for permission.
TROI
It's alright...
Clara sits down at the table and eagerly begins to
stick clay spikes onto the cup. Alexander stops her,
and politely shows her the right way to do it.
ALEXANDER
You gotta put them all in a row...
like this...
Clara quickly gets the hang of it. She looks at
Alexander and smiles. Clearly, they're hitting it off.
TROI
Clara, would you like some clay
of your own?
But Clara is already absorbed in the activity, talking
quietly with Alexander.
CLARA
I've never made a cup before.
How do you do the round part?
ALEXANDER
It's easy. Just take a big piece
of clay, and push your hand into
it...
Troi is pleased. Over their dialogue, she walks
away...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT THREE 31.
32 INT. BRIDGE
Picard, Riker, Data, Worf and Ensign Felton. Geordi at
the aft science station. N.D.s as needed.
WORF
Warp field generators are standing
by.
GEORDI
Captain -- we should be able to
illuminate any strands within two
thousand kilometers of the ship.
PICARD
Proceed.
Geordi works the console.
GEORDI
Initiating field generation...
Geordi hits a command...
33 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The red clouds of the nebula illuminate with a GLOW --
revealing an incredible sight: There are ENERGY STRANDS
all over the place. They surround the ship on all
sides -- an impossibly complex latticework of energy,
like a spider's web. (NOTE: None of the strands is
touching the ship.)
34 INT. BRIDGE
Reactions to the beautiful and alarming sight.
PICARD
Remarkable...
DATA
(works console)
It is an irregular lattice
composed of approximately
forty-seven million strands of
energy.
Picard and Riker exchange a look -- both are uneasy
with the situation.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT THREE 32.
34 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Captain -- with this many out
there, the resonant effect on
our shields could cause a
problem...
Picard nods.
PICARD
Agreed. Ensign -- bring us about
and take us out of the nebula.
DATA
That may be difficult, sir.
I am now detecting a significant
number of strands behind us.
PICARD
Do your best, Ensign.
ENSIGN FELTON
Aye, sir.
As Felton works the controls...
35 INT. TROI'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Troi ENTERS, crosses to a replicator food slot.
TROI
(to replicator)
Hot chocolate.
A cup of hot chocolate MATERIALIZES. Troi takes the
cup and sets it on her desk. She sits down and starts
to work on a desktop viewer.
TROI
(to computer)
Computer -- list my appointment
schedule for next week.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT THREE 33.
35 CONTINUED:
The viewer displays a listing of information. As Troi
studies the screen, she reaches for the cup of hot
chocolate and takes a sip, relishing the taste. She
sets down the cup, and goes to work on the viewer...
Unseen by Troi, the cup spills onto the desk as if
pushed by an invisible hand. Troi reacts, surprised --
did she knock it over? Hot chocolate is pouring
everywhere, all over her work. OFF Troi's mystified
expression...
36 INT. DAYCARE CENTER (OPTICAL)
Alexander and Clara have finished the cup, and are now
having snacks with the other children -- juice and
crackers. They're getting along well... Alexander
trying to show off a little, and Clara suitably
impressed.
ALEXANDER
Kryonian Tigers aren't so scary.
I saw one once.
CLARA
You did?
ALEXANDER
(nods)
My father took me to the zoo on
Brentalia. All the tiger did
was lick my hand. And he smelled
funny.
Clara giggles. She tries to place another spike on
the cup, but it won't stick.
CLARA
I think we need more water.
ALEXANDER
I'll get some.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT THREE 34.
36 CONTINUED:
Alexander turns to pick up a bowl of water. Just then,
a block of clay on the table tips over, as if pushed
by an invisible hand. It drops straight into the cup,
demolishing it. Clara reacts -- realizing what has
happened...
CLARA
(whispers)
Isabella?
Alexander turns and sees the ruined cup. He looks at
Clara, shocked -- he thinks she did it.
ALEXANDER
Clara!
CLARA
I didn't do it.
ALEXANDER
Then who did?
CLARA
It was Isabella.
Alexander glances around.
ALEXANDER
I don't see anybody.
CLARA
She's invisible.
Alexander doesn't believe it.
ALEXANDER
I worked two weeks on this. That
was really mean.
CLARA
I didn't do it! I didn't!
ALEXANDER
There's no such thing as invisible
people. You're lying!
Alexander turns to walk away. Suddenly, a sloppy lump
of clay FLIES off the table and splats Alexander right
in the back of the head.
ALEXANDER
Hey!
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/25/92 - ACT THREE 35.
36 CONTINUED: (2)
CLARA
Isabella, STOP!
Frustrated and frightened, Clara leaps from the table
and runs out of the room...
37 INT. ARBORETUM (OPTICAL)
Clara ENTERS, and runs to the clearing in the soil
where she was planting seeds. She sits on the ground
and grabs her knees, crying softly to herself...
Isabella steps into view a few feet away. She
watches Clara for a moment, then approaches her.
ISABELLA
Clara...
Clara looks up, tear-streaked. She's confused, angry.
CLARA
Why are you being so mean to me?
Why'd you do that to my friend?
Isabella is cold, impersonal -- creepy.
ISABELLA
Because you ran away from me.
You left me alone. I had to do
everything by myself...
Isabella moves closer to Clara, who grows fearful.
CLARA
You're scaring me.
Isabella's face is menacing -- her eyes take on the
sinister red GLOW. Her true alien persona is rising to
the surface, and it's a terrifying sight...
ISABELLA
I was going to protect you, Clara.
I liked you...
Clara recoils as Isabella moves right up to her face.
ISABELLA
But now I don't care. Now... when
the others come... you can die
along with everyone else.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT THREE 36.
37 CONTINUED:
Clara's eyes widen with shock and fear -- she can
hardly believe these words are coming from Isabella.
OFF her terrified face...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FOUR 37.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
38 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi, Worf, Ensign Felton.
N.D.s as needed. The VIEWSCREEN shows the complex
latticework of energy strands.
PICARD
Status, Mister Data?
DATA
At our current speed, we will
clear the nebula in twelve
minutes, four seconds.
PICARD
Continue full sensor sweeps. I
want all the information we can
gather.
Suddenly, the ship TREMBLES slightly.
WORF
(off console)
Captain -- forward velocity down
point six percent.
Another TREMBLE, this time more intense.
WORF
Velocity down two point four
percent.
The ship TREMBLES again. And another TREMBLE.
PICARD
Mister Data?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FOUR 38.
38 CONTINUED:
DATA
We are moving through a dense
concentration of energy strands.
38A OMITTED
38B INTERCUT: VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
There are even more ENERGY STRANDS than seen in Act
Two. We see the ship's "POV" as it pushes through the
dense strands, as if moving through seaweed...
RIKER
Can we go to warp?
GEORDI
The stress on the hull would be
too great...
Another TREMBLE.
DATA
(off console)
Captain -- density appears to be
lower off the starboard bow.
PICARD
Ensign, bring us to bearing
oh-three-oh mark five.
ENSIGN FELTON
Aye, sir...
Felton works the controls. A moment goes by without
incident.
WORF
Forward velocity holding...
A small moment of relief.
PICARD
Steady as she goes...
OFF their tension...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FOUR 39.
38C INT. TEN FORWARD
Troi is sitting alone at a table, an untouched slice of
chocolate cake at her side. She is idly drawing little
circles on the table with a finger... lost in thought,
doodling aimlessly. Guinan passes by, notices Troi
in her absorption, and stops. Troi is oblivious...
keeps tracing designs with her finger.
GUINAN
Something wrong with the cake?
Troi looks up, as though suddenly brought back to
reality, not sure where she is.
TROI
Pardon me?
Guinan sits down.
GUINAN
When I see you with a piece of
chocolate cake... that hasn't been
touched... either the cake's no
good -- or something's bothering
you.
Troi gives a wan smile.
TROI
I'm sure the cake is fine. I've
just been thinking...
GUINAN
Let me guess... about a little
girl and her imaginary friend.
TROI
I'm just... wondering... if I'm
doing the right thing.
GUINAN
How so?
TROI
I know the best thing to do is
to gradually wean her away from
her fantasy... And today she did
meet some new friends, and had
a good time with them.
She takes a breath... almost a sigh.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/02/92 - ACT FOUR 40.
38C CONTINUED:
GUINAN
But?
TROI
But... at the same time, I can't
help wondering if I'm stealing
something from her... something
precious...
She looks at Guinan, a little wistful and uncertain.
TROI
... a part of her childhood that
she'll never have again.
Guinan smiles at her, leans forward.
GUINAN
I don't know about that. I was
just telling Clara about my
imaginary friend.
TROI
Your imaginary friend?
GUINAN
Yeah -- a Tarcassian razor beast.
It protected me. I knew nothing
could ever hurt me as long as I
had that razor beast around.
Troi smiles, understanding.
GUINAN
Over the years, its body kind of
faded away. What was left was
more of an idea than a thing.
(beat)
I don't talk to it nearly as much
as I used to.
TROI
(surprised)
You still talk to it?
GUINAN
All the time. When I get
scared... or confused... or I
need help. The way I see it, you
don't ever have to lose your
imaginary friend.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT FOUR 40A.
38C CONTINUED: (2)
GUINAN (cont'd)
If it's something you need in your
life -- it'll be there.
(beat)
It just might not be called an
imaginary friend anymore.
Troi smiles, affected by Guinan's words.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT FOUR 41.
38C CONTINUED: (3)
SUTTER'S COM VOICE
Ensign Sutter to Counselor Troi.
TROI
Go ahead, Ensign.
SUTTER'S COM VOICE
Would you come to my quarters?
I'm having a problem with Clara.
TROI
On my way.
As Troi rises to go...
39
thru OMITTED
43
44 INT. SUTTER'S QUARTERS
Later. Clara is sitting across the room, in her
nightclothes, ready for bed. She looks pale and quiet.
Troi and Sutter are talking quietly by the door...
SUTTER
(re: Clara)
She won't even go into her room.
She's terrified "Isabella" is
going to hurt her.
Troi reacts, disturbed by the news. She looks at
Clara, then crosses to her and kneels down...
TROI
Clara... your father tells me
Isabella has been saying some very
bad things to you.
Clara frowns and nods.
TROI
What did she say?
Clara shivers at the memory.
CLARA
She said they were going to come
and kill everyone.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FOUR 42.
44 CONTINUED:
TROI
Who's going to come and kill
everyone?
CLARA
The others... like her.
TROI
Did she say why?
Clara shakes her head, no. Troi is gentle but firm.
She hates to see Clara so frightened, but she doesn't
want to encourage these kind of fantasies.
TROI
I know you must be very
frightened. Sometimes what we
imagine can be just as scary as
something real.
(beat)
But I promise you -- there's no
way Isabella can harm you or
anyone on this ship.
CLARA
But she's not imaginary anymore.
She's real now. I can see
her...
TROI
You can see her... ?
CLARA
Yes.
Troi is troubled by Clara's conviction. She carefully
plays along...
TROI
If I go with you and hold your
hand, will you go into your room?
CLARA
I think so...
TROI
We'll make sure Isabella isn't
anywhere around. Alright?
Clara nods, apprehensive.
TROI
Come on.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FOUR 42A.
44 CONTINUED: (2)
Clara stands and takes Troi's hand. Troi throws a look
to Sutter, giving him the signal to "wait here." Sutter
hangs back as Troi and Clara enter Clara's room
together...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FOUR 43.
45 INT. CLARA'S QUARTERS - CONTINUOUS
Troi and Clara ENTER: They take a preliminary glance
around the room -- it's empty.
TROI
Do you see anybody?
Clara shakes her head, no.
TROI
Let's look under the bed...
They cross to Clara's bed. Clara clings to Troi,
nervous. Troi kneels down and lifts the bedcover.
She looks, then turns to Clara.
TROI
Is she there?
With great hesitation, Clara looks under the bed --
it's empty. She relaxes a little. They stand.
TROI
Now... where else?
Clara points to a nearby chair. They move to it, and
Troi looks behind it.
TROI
Is she behind here?
Clara shakes her head, no.
TROI
Maybe Isabella's gone home...
Troi looks around, then leads the way to the sink area
and takes a look around.
TROI
Anything there?
Clara tentatively peers into the bathroom area. She
looks mollified. As they cross toward Clara's bed,
Troi tries to reassure Clara...
TROI
Maybe Isabella knows you're making
new friends now.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT FOUR 44.
45 CONTINUED:
TROI (cont'd)
In fact, I'll bet she won't be
coming around as much anymore...
Clara considers the remark, then glances at a nearby
closet. She points to it.
CLARA
What about the closet?
TROI
Oh. Okay...
They cross to the closet...
45A ON CLOSET
As Troi slides open the door... The closet is empty.
TROI
Anybody in here?
Troi turns to Clara...
46 INCLUDE CLARA (OPTICAL)
Isabella is standing right behind Clara-- she is
staring directly at Troi with a cold expression. Troi
reacts, completely stunned to see the girl. Before
she can utter a word, Isabella raises a hand and throws
out a STRAND OF RED ENERGY -- the strand HITS Troi and
knocks her backward --
Clara screams as Troi falls to the floor,
unconscious...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - ACT FIVE 45.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
47 INT. SICKBAY
Troi is lying on a bed, conscious but extremely weak.
Picard and Sutter stand close by, while Beverly scans
Troi with a medical tricorder. Troi is recounting what
happened in a frail voice...
TROI
She was eleven, maybe twelve...
with blonde hair...
Troi is chilled by the memory. She tries to sit up,
worried.
TROI
Clara...
Beverly comforts Troi.
BEVERLY
Clara's sleeping. She's going
to be fine.
Troi lays back down, too weak to argue. Beverly turns
to Picard, Sutter.
BEVERLY
(re: Troi)
Her bioelectrical processes were
severely disrupted. It's like
the energy was pulled right out
of her body.
Picard and Sutter exchange a concerned look.
SUTTER
Captain... Clara told me her
imaginary friend was making
threats. She claimed that others
were on the way... and that they
were going to kill everyone on
the ship.
Picard considers grimly -- this is a strange and
unsettling situation.
PICARD
(taps communicator)
Picard to Lieutenant Worf.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FIVE 46.
47 CONTINUED:
WORF'S COM VOICE
Worf here.
PICARD
We have established the presence
of what appears to be an alien
entity on board.
(beat)
It seems the entity has manifested
itself in the form of a twelve-
year-old girl who has been seen
with Clara Sutter. She has blonde
hair... blue eyes...
47A INTERCUT: INT. BRIDGE
Worf reacts to the description, realizing...
WORF
(cutting in)
... and a blue dress? Yes sir,
I have seen her.
47B INT. SICKBAY
PICARD
When?
WORF'S COM VOICE
Two days ago, near engineering.
She was with Miss Sutter.
PICARD
(reacts)
Engineering... Security Alert,
Mister Worf. Be on the lookout.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Aye, sir.
Across the room, Nurse Ogawa ENTERS -- she's leading
Clara by the hand. Reactions as they approach. Clara
looks nervous but determined. Ogawa is apologetic.
OGAWA
(to others, re: Clara)
She insisted on talking to you.
Clara looks up at the expectant adults.
CLARA
It's about Isabella...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/26/92 - ACT FIVE 46A.
47B CONTINUED:
SUTTER
What about her, Clara?
Clara musters the courage to say what she has to say.
CLARA
I think her feelings were hurt.
She said she liked me... that she
liked being with me. She was my
friend. She only got mean when
I stopped paying attention to
her...
Reactions to Clara. Sutter kneels down close to Clara.
SUTTER
(softly)
Did she say when the others were
coming?
Clara shakes her head -- she doesn't know.
SUTTER
Thanks, Sweetie. Go back to bed
now... we'll handle this.
CLARA
But Daddy...
Picard speaks gently to Clara, appealing to her desire
to help.
PICARD
Thank you, Clara. If we need
your help again, I hope we can
count on you.
Clara nods bravely.
CLARA
Yes, Captain.
Suddenly, the ship TREMBLES sharply -- it's different
than the previous trembles, more jarring.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain Picard -- report to the
the bridge.
PICARD
On my way.
Picard heads for the door...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FIVE 47.
48 INT. BRIDGE
Picard ENTERS. Riker, Worf, Data, Geordi and Ensign
Felton are working.
PICARD
Report.
RIKER
Our speed is down by twenty-two
percent.
A TREMBLE, like the last one -- intense and jarring.
GEORDI
Strand density is ten times what
it was, Captain. We can't take
many more hits...
PICARD
All stop.
48A EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it comes to a stop. The ship is immersed in an
astounding amount of ENERGY STRANDS -- ten times as
many. They surround the ship like a spider's web --
tendrils draped over the ship, tangling it deeper...
48B INT. BRIDGE
As before. Worf reacts to his console.
WORF
Sir -- something is heading
toward us, bearing one-oh-three
mark oh-two-four.
PICARD
On screen.
49 INTERCUT: VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
Something is visible moving through the strands -- it
looks like a spindly BALL of crackling ENERGY. And
it's heading toward the ship...
RIKER
What is it?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - 2/24/92 - ACT FIVE 48.
49 CONTINUED:
DATA
(off console)
It appears to be an energy
vortex... of highly complex
patterns. Very possibly a life
form.
Reactions. On the viewscreen, several more ENERGY
BALLS come into view one after another...
RIKER
Red Alert!
The ship goes to RED ALERT. On the screen, one of the
energy creatures FLIES quickly toward us and WHAM!
The ship SHAKES.
DATA
It is in direct physical contact
with the shields.
WORF
Shields dropping to seventy-five
percent... seventy-two percent...
RIKER
(realizing)
The damn thing's feeding off
our shields. Data -- remodulate
the shield frequencies!
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT FIVE 49.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
Aye, sir.
(beat)
No effect.
On the viewscreen, a few more energy creatures FLY
toward us. A SHAKE -- then another SHAKE.
WORF
Shields to sixty-four percent.
GEORDI
(off console)
We have about eight minutes before
those things drain our shields.
A tense beat.
RIKER
(to Picard)
Any ideas?
Picard considers their next move. OFF his grim face...
50 INT. ARBORETUM
Picard, Worf, Sutter and Clara ENTER. Clara breaks
free from the adults and starts to search for Isabella.
She calls out softly...
CLARA
Isabella... Isabella...
No response. The adults follow as Clara ventures
deeper through the trees and flowers...
CLARA
Isabella... Don't you want to talk
to me? I'm not mad at you...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FIVE 50.
50 CONTINUED:
Picard steps forward, makes an appeal to the invisible
Isabella. He knows he's dealing with an alien, and
takes the appropriate tack -- he's reasonable but
commanding, trying to draw her out...
PICARD
We know you've been on the ship
for some time now. We know you've
been posing as Clara's friend --
and that you've been threatening
her...
(beat)
We can only assume there's a
connection between you and the
life-forms attacking our ship...
Picard waits for a response. Nothing. He
continues...
PICARD
You are obviously an intelligent
being. There's no reason for
you to hide...
The ship SHAKES. Picard is growing frustrated. He
challenges the alien to appear...
PICARD
Talk to us. Or can you only
communicate by frightening a small
child?
Silence. Clara calls out...
CLARA
I'm scared, Isabella...
A beat. Then Picard and Clara see something...
51 INCLUDE ISABELLA (OPTICAL)
As she MATERIALIZES in the clearing where Clara was
planting seeds. Her face is neutral. Picard, Worf
and Sutter react to the sight. Isabella sees them and
tenses. Picard proceeds with caution...
PICARD
(to Isabella)
Who are you?
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/28/92 - ACT FIVE 51.
51 CONTINUED:
Isabella speaks in a neutral voice. Although she looks
like a Human girl, her alien persona is more obvious
than ever -- she's sophisticated, intelligent, guarded.
It's a strange and unnerving sight...
ISABELLA
I came here to determine whether
you were a threat to us. And to
examine the purity of your energy
sources.
PICARD
Energy... is that why they're
draining our shields?
ISABELLA
Yes. The emissions from your
graviton field generators are
far richer than our normal
sources of energy.
The ship SHUDDERS -- the LIGHTS FLICKER and GO OUT,
and the EMERGENCY LIGHTS come on.
PICARD
(taps communicator)
Picard to bridge. Report.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Shields are down to three percent.
We're diverting all available
power.
PICARD
Acknowledged.
Picard turns to Isabella, makes an urgent appeal.
PICARD
If it's energy you want, we can
provide it in other ways. You
needn't destroy us.
Isabella is cold, emotionless.
ISABELLA
You should be destroyed. You are
cruel, uncaring creatures.
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/03/92 - ACT FIVE 52.
51 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
(reacts)
What makes you say that?
ISABELLA
The way you treat Clara.
PICARD
(surprised)
In what way did we mistreat her?
ISABELLA
You wouldn't let her do what she
wanted to... or go where she
wanted to...
PICARD
(interrupting)
You mean where you wanted her to.
ISABELLA
Why does that make a difference?
PICARD
You were taking her to places that
were inappropriate -- even
dangerous.
ISABELLA
I wouldn't have let anything
happen to her...
PICARD
We had no way of knowing that.
We had no way of knowing you were
real. All we knew was that a
little girl's imaginary friend
was scaring her... threatening
her...
ISABELLA
That was only after you tried to
keep her from being my friend.
A dawning realization...
PICARD
I'm beginning to understand.
You've seen this ship... all of
us... from a unique perspective
-- a child's point of view. It
must have seemed terribly unfair
and restrictive...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/03/92 - ACT FIVE 52A.
51 CONTINUED: (3)
A beat... he nods thoughtfully to himself, glancing
at the other adults... with almost a smile...
PICARD
As adults, we don't always stop
to realize how everything we say
and do shapes the impressions of
young people.
(beat)
But if you are to judge us as a
people by the way we treat our
children... and I cannot think
of a better criterion... you must
understand how deeply we care for
them. When our children are
young, they cannot always
understand what might be
dangerous. Our rules are a way
to keep them from harm. Either
real or imagined.
Picard puts his hand on Clara's shoulder...
PICARD
This is part of the continuity
of the Human species. You see...
when Clara grows up, she will make
rules for her children... to
protect them... just as we
protect her.
Isabella contemplates the words. She glances at Clara,
uncertain. Clara moves close to Isabella, makes a tiny
appeal to the alien...
CLARA
Please don't hurt us.
The simplicity of her remark is touching. Isabella
looks at her, softening a bit.
CLARA
If you still want to be my best
friend, I'd like it very much.
Isabella wavers. Clearly, she has developed an
unexpected and genuine affection for Clara. The ship
SHAKES. And SHAKES again. It prompts Isabella to make
the decision...
Isabella DEMATERIALIZES. A red point of LIGHT is all
that's left -- it flits about, then flies upward and
vanishes through the ceiling...
51A
thru OMITTED
52
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 3/02/92 - ACT FIVE 53.
53 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The spindly balls of energy, the creatures, move away
from their positions on the ship... and head back into
the nebula. A moment later, the energy strands
attached to the Enterprise begin to fall away, freeing
the ship...
54 OMITTED
54A INT. BRIDGE
Riker, Data, Geordi, Felton. Picard and Worf ENTER and
take their stations.
PICARD
Status, Number One?
RIKER
We're free of the strands. We'll
have full warp capability in
twenty minutes.
PICARD
Notify all sections we'll be
leaving the area in one hour.
RIKER
Sir?
PICARD
Mister La Forge, I want you to
drive the warp engines to full
power, and direct a flow of energy
out into the nebula.
GEORDI
Aye, sir...
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FIVE 54.
54A CONTINUED:
Geordi works the controls. As Picard and Riker
exchange a relieved glance...
54B INT. CLARA'S QUARTERS
Clara ENTERS from Sutter's room and sits down on her
bed. She yawns, tired after all that's happened. A
quiet moment passes by as she pulls back her covers and
fluffs her pillow...
Isabella MATERIALIZES next to the bed. Clara reacts,
surprised. A tense beat as they stare at one
another... then Isabella's cold demeanor softens
slightly...
ISABELLA
I came to say... I'm sorry I
frightened you.
CLARA
It's okay.
ISABELLA
And I misled you. I wasn't really
your Isabella.
Clara smiles at her, with the expansive forgiveness
of children.
CLARA
For a while you were.
Isabella looks at Clara, touched by the child's
innocence and friendliness.
ISABELLA
I never had a friend before.
CLARA
I'm sorry I have to go away.
ISABELLA
Do you think you'll ever come
back?
CLARA
I hope so.
ISABELLA
So do I.
There is a beat as the two girls look at each other.
Isabella DEMATERIALIZES. Off Clara's face --
STAR TREK: "Imaginary Friend" - REV. 2/27/92 - ACT FIVE 55.
55 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTEPRISE (OPTICAL)
coming out of the nebula.
56
thru OMITTED
58
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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