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startrek-ml/Data/StarTrekTheNextGeneration/153.txt
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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Bonding"
#40273-153
Written by
Ronald D. Moore
Directed by
Winrich Kolbe
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1989 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
3RD REVISED FINAL DRAFT
AUGUST 23, 1989
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Bonding"
CAST
PICARD
RIKER MARLA ASTER
DATA
BEVERLY
TROI
GEORDI
WORF
WESLEY
O'BRIEN
JEREMY ASTER (age 10)
TEACHER
Non-Speaking
SECOND TEACHER
SIX N.D. CREWMEMBERS
TWO SECURITY GUARDS
TWO ARCHEOLOGICAL OFFICERS
TWO TECHNICIANS
SEVERAL STUDENTS (ages 8 to 13)
MEDICAL ENSIGN
BARTENDER
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Bonding"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
TRANSPORTER ROOM PLANET
CORRIDOR
SICKBAY
CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
ENGINEERING
TEN FORWARD
WORF'S QUARTERS
ASTER QUARTERS
CLASSROOM
TEACHER'S OFFIC
COMPUTER ROOM
TURBOLIFT
ASTER HOME
LIVING/DINING ROOM
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Bonding"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
R'uustai ROOSE-tie
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"The Bonding"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The ship is in standard orbit over an old and scarred
planet. The world is predominantly gray with overtones
of flecked green and brown and conveys an impression of
an old battlefield coming back to life.
CUT TO:
2 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD and RIKER are standing near an access station
observing the play of information across one of the
monitors. WESLEY is at the Conn, DATA is at Ops and
TROI is in the command area, while SEVERAL N.D.
CREWMEMBERS are at duty stations or passing through the
Bridge.
DATA
Away Team reporting in, Commander.
Lieutenant Worf standing by.
RIKER
This is Riker, report Lieutenant.
WORF'S COM VOICE
The archeologists have identified
the markings in these caverns.
This planet was apparently once
home to a race known as the
Koinonians.
PICARD
What do we know about them, Data?
DATA
The Koinonians were an intelligent
culture which became embroiled
in a war that lasted several
generations. Our best evidence
indicates they destroyed
themselves.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - TEASER 2.
2 CONTINUED:
WORF'S COM VOICE
We have completed our survey of
the third tunnel and will proceed
into the ceremonial chamber.
RIKER
Affirmative. Enterprise out.
PICARD
Destroyed themselves, Data?
DATA
According to historical records.
This will be the first
opportunity for a Federation
team...
At this point, Troi's eyes suddenly go wide.
TROI
Captain! Beam them up quickly!
They---
Before she can complete her warning, the voice of Worf
breaks in over the COM channel.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Emergency beam-up! Enterprise,
emergency! Injuries. Away---
PICARD
Transporter Room!
O'BRIEN'S COM VOICE
I've got them, Captain.
PICARD
Beam them straight to Sickbay.
Doctor Crusher, incoming wounded.
There is a tense pause while they wait for word. Troi
senses what has happened and shakes her head sadly when
Riker looks at her.
CUT TO:
2A INT. SICKBAY (OPTICAL)
DOCTOR CRUSHER and a MEDICAL ENSIGN move to the Away
Team as four people MATERIALIZE.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - TEASER 3.
2A CONTINUED:
WORF is crouched in a defensive position over the prone
and motionless form of LIEUTENANT MARLA ASTER, a woman
in her early thirties. Worf's phaser is out and at
the ready while his uniform is singed and slightly
torn, blood flows from a small wound in his shoulder.
Behind him are TWO N.D. CREWMEMBERS, who are
archeological officers. Beverly and Medical
Supernumeraries move into action...
CUT TO:
3 OMITTED
4 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
While Troi is already sure of the result, the rest of
the Bridge crew waits for word from Sickbay.
BEVERLY'S COM VOICE
Away Team is aboard, Captain.
(beat)
One dead on arrival.
Picard and the Bridge crew react.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT ONE 4.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
5 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log: Stardate 43506.5
The Enterprise remains in standard
orbit while we investigate the
tragedy which has struck the Away
Team.
CUT TO:
6 INT. SICKBAY
Picard is standing in the doorway. Beverly stands over
the bed holding Marla Aster's body. Worf stands
nearby. His uniform bears the evidence of the recent
violent encounter, blood still seeps from his wound.
PICARD (V.O)
(continuing)
Lieutenant Marla Aster, ship's
archaeologist has been killed in
what should have been a routine
mission. Whatever the
explanation, it will not bring
back a valued and trusted officer.
A MEDICAL SUPERNUMERARY moves the bed Aster's body is
resting on into an isolated area of Sickbay. Another
member of the Away Team is being examined by Beverly
in the background, as Worf makes his report to Picard.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT ONE 5.
6 CONTINUED:
WORF
We had completed our investigation
of the third tunnel. Our scans
had indicated no weapons or traps
of any kind. Lieutenant Aster
was three meters behind me. An
explosive device went off. There
was no warning. Lieutenant Aster
bore the full brunt of the
detonation.
(pause)
I was in command. I bear full
responsibility.
PICARD
Lieutenant. I have the utmost
faith that you acted properly and
in the best traditions of
Starfleet.
Beverly moves over to Worf.
BEVERLY
Let's take a look at that
shoulder...
Troi ENTERS the Sickbay.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT ONE 6.
6 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
Lieutenant Aster is survived by
a son, Jeremy. Twelve years old.
PICARD
What about his father?
TROI
He is also deceased, Captain.
Picard and Beverly exchange a glance.
TROI
(continuing)
His only living relatives are an
aunt and uncle residing on Earth.
PICARD
Where is the boy now?
TROI
In class. I've alerted the
teacher to expect us.
Picard acknowledges. He glances at Beverly, who is
still troubled by the loss of a patient, but can
identify with the Captain's unpleasant task. Picard
and Troi then turn and prepare to leave the Sickbay.
WORF
Captain.
Worf swings off the biobed.
WORF
(continuing)
I must accompany you. I commanded
the Away Team.
PICARD
I appreciate the offer but this
is my responsibility.
Worf acknowledges, unhappily...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 7.
6 CONTINUED: (3)
BEVERLY
Go to your quarters. Rest.
You're relieved of duty for
twenty-four hours.
Worf opens his mouth.
BEVERLY
(continuing)
That's an order.
Worf EXITS. Picard keys his insignia on their way out.
6A INT. CORRIDOR
PICARD
Picard to Bridge.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Yes, Captain.
PICARD
Assign Commander La Forge to lead
another Away Team to the digsite.
I want to know why this
happened...
7 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Riker at Command. Wesley at Conn, Data at Ops,
Supernumerary at tactical.
RIKER
Yes, Captain.
And pull back to include Wes in the foreground.
PICARD'S COM VOICE
I will be with Counselor Troi and
young Jeremy Aster.
RIKER
(with sympathy)
I understand. Riker out.
Wes exchanges a glance with Riker. A sad memory --
WESLEY
He had to do the same thing for
me.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED:
Riker nods, he knows.
RIKER
Do you know Jeremy well?
WESLEY
(shakes his head)
But I know what it'll be like for
him.
RIKER
It's part of life in Starfleet,
Wesley.
WESLEY
(acknowledges)
They're very careful to prepare
us for... anything. Still...
RIKER
I know.
WESLEY
How can you ever get used to
it... to telling them... ?
RIKER
(softly)
You hope you never do.
Data has been listening with interest to this exchange.
CUT TO:
8
thru OMITTED
9
10 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
The room is very dark. Worf is dressed in an elaborate
Klingon robe and sash. A strange, twisted, massive
candle burns on the desk before him.
He studies the candle with painful eyes for several
beats and then hangs his head with shame. He reaches
out very deliberately, and snuffs the candle with the
flat side of a knife blade. Darkness.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE 9.
10A INT. TURBOLIFT
Troi and Picard. She senses his frustration.
TROI
I sense the weight of this duty
on you, Captain...
Picard begins to deny it, but then, frustrated --
PICARD
I really wonder...
He's almost letting his feelings show, which is not
at all comfortable for him. He stops the Turbolift
in mid-trip...
PICARD
(to computer)
Halt.
The Turbolift stops...
PICARD
I've always believed that carrying
children on a starship... it's a
questionable policy.
She listens, gives him room...
PICARD
(continuing)
Serving on a starship means
accepting certain risks and
dangers. But did Jeremy Aster
make that choice?
TROI
Death and loss are an integral
part of life everywhere. Leaving
the boy on Earth would not have
protected him from that.
PICARD
No, but Earth is not likely to
be ordered to the Neutral Zone
to repel a Romulan attack...
(beat, softer)
It was my command which sent his
mother to her death. She
understood her mission and my
duty. Will he?
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE 10.
10A CONTINUED:
TROI
In time. With help.
(beat)
Ensign Crusher does.
A beat. He glances at her and perhaps we sense that
Picard wonders if Wesley really ever has come to an
understanding since they have both avoided the subject.
In response to that feeling, re-emphasizing --
TROI
(continuing)
Yes, he does. And so will Jeremy.
And she is doing her job for the Captain now...
easing, but not closing, a lingering issue for him.
PICARD
(to computer)
Resume.
11 OMITTED
12 INT. CLASSROOM
Picard and Troi ENTER. The classroom is warm, inviting
and is crammed with plants, computers, antique books,
and myriad games from across the Federation. TWO
TEACHERS are working with SEVERAL STUDENTS in two study
groups.
In one group, the age of the students run from roughly
8 to 13, and they are discussing a particular problem
on a computer display screen around which they are all
clustered. In the B.G., is the other study group
studying other instruction devices. As Picard and Troi
enter, the students look up in surprise and several
point at the seldom-seen Captain of their ship.
Conversation dies to a whisper. The nearest teacher
hates like hell what his student is about to endure,
but he stands and crosses to JEREMY ASTER.
TEACHER
Jeremy, the Captain needs to talk
with you.
The boy's eyes go wide at this summons from the
Captain. He is about twelve years old and has a quiet,
sensitive look about him, with tousled black hair and
deep-set eyes.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE 10A.
12 CONTINUED:
The other children look at him with reactions ranging
from jealousy to fear. He walks forward with his
teacher's arm around his shoulders.
JEREMY
I'm Jeremy, sir.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT ONE 11.
12 CONTINUED: (3)
Picard looks down at this innocent young face... the
eyes of a twelve year old.
TEACHER
(indicates)
My office is over there,
Captain...
Picard acknowledges. The teacher indicates the way.
Troi puts her arm around the boy and the trio walks
out of the room.
13 OMITTED
13A INT. TEACHER'S OFFICE (FROM SCENE 13)
Troi has her hands on Jeremy's shoulders to offer the
support of physical contact.
PICARD
Jeremy, it is my sad duty to tell
you that your mother has died.
And whatever our expectations might have been, we can
throw them away. This is a 24th century child. He is
a good soldier, uniquely mature. Prepared by experts
to cope with the worst circumstances. There is no tear
shed.
JEREMY
How, sir?
PICARD
An explosive device at the mission
site. She died instantly.
JEREMY
I understand.
Troi drops to one knee to be at his level...
TROI
I know your mother loved you very
much, Jeremy.
He nods. A silence.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT ONE 12
13A CONTINUED:
PICARD
I've been told... you've also lost
your father.
JEREMY
Yessir. Five years ago. From
a Rushton Infection. I'm alone
now, sir.
And Picard may wonder just how 'mature' any of us could
be in this circumstance. But whatever is going on
inside, the boy does not reveal it.
PICARD
(softly)
No one is alone on the starship
Enterprise, Jeremy. No one.
As the boy and Picard look in each other's eyes...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 13.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The Enterprise in orbit around the planet.
15 OMITTED
16 INT. ASTER QUARTERS
Troi and Jeremy. Troi is seated, watching Jeremy with
that cool serenity which is so much a part of her
nature. He doesn't quite know what to do with himself.
But throughout the scene there is a repressed anger
in the boy. (NOTE: This is a significant change...
Even though the dialogue may be similar, the attitude
behind must reflect unfocused anger that he is
unwilling to touch.)
JEREMY
I really ought to get back to
class... if I get behind...
Bringing the focus back --
TROI
I'm sure your mom wanted you to
do well in school. Wasn't she
a teacher on Earth?
JEREMY
(acknowledges)
She taught exo-archeology.
TROI
Why did she sign on the
Enterprise?
JEREMY
She said she wanted to see the
galaxy with her own eyes.
TROI
Was she happy doing that?
JEREMY
(trace of bitterness.)
Yeah. Real happy.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 14.
16 CONTINUED:
TROI
Did she ever tell you there was
a chance this might happen
someday?
JEREMY
Yes.
He moves away from her, seems drawn to the computer
terminal on his desk. He is completely unaware he is
doing this, but Troi has spotted the motion.
TROI
It might help if we talked about
how you're feeling.
Curt --
JEREMY
You're a Betazoid. You know how
I feel.
TROI
(conversationally)
When my father died we were living
on Betazed. My mother and all
her people are telepathic. I kept
wanting to talk about my father,
and they kept pulling my thoughts
out of my head before I could say
the words. It made me very angry.
JEREMY
(curious despite
himself)
Why?
TROI
I needed to say them out loud.
I was confused about why he went
away. Was it me -- something I
had done. I felt that if I could
just say the words he would
somehow know how much I loved him
and missed him.
She looks at him.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 15.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
(continuing)
I thought you might feel the same
way.
JEREMY
(avoiding his
feelings)
She just had to do her job. I
understand that.
TROI
Did she talk to you about her
mission before she left?
JEREMY
She told me about the ruins.
(a beat, softer)
She always made it like a story
book.
He's back at the computer.
TROI
Why do you keep going over to the
terminal?
JEREMY
(beat)
No reason.
A long beat.
JEREMY
(continuing)
It's nothing. I broke it
yesterday.
TROI
(studies him a beat)
Was your mother angry when you
broke it?
He nods.
TROI
(continuing)
Was she still angry when she left?
He doesn't acknowledge, but obviously she was.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 16.
16 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI
(continuing)
Jeremy, did that broken terminal
cause the accident?
JEREMY
No.
TROI
Did you cause the accident?
JEREMY
No. I just never had a chance
to tell her I fixed it.
TROI
Jeremy, if your mother were here
right now, would she forgive you?
Jeremy swallows hard. Still no tears. He nods his
head, yes, sighs a deep breath. Troi knows that's a
big step for now.
TROI
(standing; continuing)
I want you to have some time
alone for a little while. I'll
come back when you're ready to
talk again.
JEREMY
How will you know?
Troi crosses to the boy, hugs him lightly, then still
holding him in the circle of her arms she smiles down
at him and says,
TROI
This time I will use my Betazoid
sense, and I'll know.
His eyes say he's beginning to appreciate her. Troi
EXITS.
17
thru OMITTED
17B
17C INT. TEN-FORWARD
Riker is seated at a table. He stares out at the
stars. There is a drink in front of him.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO 17.
17C CONTINUED:
SIX OTHER PEOPLE and a BARTENDER are also present.
Data crosses to Riker. The Commander looks up.
DATA
Excuse me. Am I intruding?
RIKER
No, sit down.
There is a curious subtext to his question --
DATA
How well did you know Lieutenant
Aster?
RIKER
We spent some time together. Not
very well.
A beat, Data waits for more... his face is very
inquisitive. Off his look --
RIKER
How well did you know her?
DATA
Why do you ask?
RIKER
(reacts)
Well... I mean you just asked me...
DATA
But why do you ask the question?
I have been asked several times
to define 'how well I knew
Lieutenant Aster' since her death.
And I heard you ask Wesley on the
Bridge if he knew Jeremy well.
(beat)
Does the question of familiarity
have some bearing on death?
RIKER
(a beat)
Do you remember how we all felt
when Tasha died?
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO 18.
17C CONTINUED: (2)
DATA
I do not sense the same feelings
of... absence... that I associate
with Lieutenant Yar... although
I cannot say precisely why...
RIKER
That's just human nature, Data.
DATA
Human nature, sir?
RIKER
We feel a loss more intensely
when it's a friend.
DATA
But should not the feelings be
just as deep regardless of who
has died?
Riker thinks this over before answering.
RIKER
Maybe they should, Data. Maybe
if we felt the loss of any life
as keenly as we felt the death
of those close to us, our history
would've been a lot less bloody.
Data considers this as...
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
La Forge to Riker...
RIKER
You're back, Geordi...
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Yessir, and we've brought back
a souvenier...
17D INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
Geordi giving his report to Picard and Riker. He has
brought back another explosive device... Data studies
it.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO 18A.
17D CONTINUED:
GEORDI
Five more just like it... all
identical to the one that killed
Lieutenant Aster...
DATA
They employ a subspace proximity
detonator. A normal tricorder
would never detect it.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO 19.
17D CONTINUED:
PICARD
How long would you say they've
been there, Data?
DATA
It comes from the time of the
Koinonian Wars, Captain...
RIKER
Did you find them all, Geordi?
GEORDI
Yeah. But...
(off their looks)
Well, they were all sort of...
left there to be found.
PICARD
Left by whom? There are no
indications of life on this
planet.
GEORDI
I don't know, Captain... but it
was pretty obvious that they'd
been recently pulled out of the
ground and defused.
Off their reactions...
CUT TO:
18 INT. CORRIDOR
Troi is walking, head down, very thoughtful. Worf is
coming from the other direction. He sees her, checks,
and almost heads down another branching corridor. But
Troi senses him and looks up.
TROI
Worf!
The Klingon stops, but he's clearly uncomfortable.
WORF
(formally)
Counselor.
There is an uneasy silence.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO 20.
18 CONTINUED:
TROI
I can understand that you don't
want to talk about what happened.
Worf glances around the corridor, and Troi understands
his reticence in such a public place. She looks around
and motions to a small room. Worf, with great dignity,
follows her inside.
19 INT. COMPUTER ROOM
The room is dimly lit and only Worf and Troi are here
at present.
WORF
I have made my report to the
Captain.
TROI
I'm more interested in how you
feel about what happened.
(a beat)
And right now I sense great anger.
Worf stiffens and only confirms Troi's perception.
WORF
I cannot seek revenge against
an enemy who turned to dust
centuries ago.
Troi merely waits. Her attitude is clam and quiet.
She is making no judgments.
WORF
(continuing)
Her death was senseless. The last
victim of a forgotten war.
TROI
Go on.
Her eyes are locked with Worf's, she is very still,
helping him to speak, but applying no pressure.
WORF
There is no more to be said.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT TWO 21.
19 CONTINUED:
TROI
A person has died while under your
command. It may happen again.
If you cannot learn to release
the anger and the guilt, to talk
about it...
WORF
A leader must stand alone. As
Captain Picard does.
TROI
(a little sharply)
Captain Picard talks to me.
A beat. Worf realizes he cannot get off the hook here.
But this "sharing feelings" is as alien a concept as he
will ever encounter. Reluctantly --
WORF
Then may I seek your counsel about
my plan to make the R'uustai with
the boy...
And she's caught off guard by something so... well,
Klingon-intense...
TROI
The Bonding.
And her reaction is exactly what he feared. Already he
hates this --
WORF
It is my right.
TROI
It's a very generous offer, but
he's not a Klingon child. He has
different sensibilities.
WORF
He is an orphan. I am an orphan.
He will understand.
A long beat. And that is as close as Worf gets to
exposing his feelings. And she appreciates that.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 21A.
19 CONTINUED: (2)
TROI
Right now, there isn't much he
can understand, Worf. He's
holding all his feelings inside...
(beat)
Children often feel they must be
true to the memory of a lost
parent.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO 22.
19 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI (Cont'd)
If you offer affection to them
too soon they can feel guilty
returning that affection. As
if they're betraying the love they
feel for the parent.
WORF
I only wish to honor his mother.
TROI
I know. And I understand this
means a great deal to you. But
you must be prepared, Worf... he
is very angry too, but his anger
is deep inside him... When he
finally touches it, it will strike
out in many directions...
including yours.
(a beat)
Talk with him. Be with him. But
do not rush this. When he is
ready, we will know.
Worf acknowleges and proceeds on his way, and Troi
watches him.
CUT TO:
20
thru OMITTED
22
22A INT. ASTER QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Jeremy is curled up on the sofa looking at a hand held
screen with a home video of him and his mother together
at home on Earth... his face is thoughtful, reflective,
not in pain. There is a CHIME. He goes to the door,
touches the panel and it opens to reveal Worf.
WORF
Jeremy Aster, I am Lieutenant
Worf. May I enter?
Worf ENTERS... he wants desperately to do the right
thing... but is now aware of Troi's concerns. The boy
stares coldly at him... But the anger is all
repressed, not overt.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 22A.
22A CONTINUED:
JEREMY
You were in command of the Away
Team.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 23.
22A CONTINUED: (2)
WORF
Yes. I was with Lieutenant Aster,
your mother, when she died.
(guilty)
Her death lies between us. It
is my hope...that...someday...
it can also bind us.
Jeremy doesn't know what that means, it's just another
nice sounding 'I'm sorry.'
JEREMY
(with an attitude)
You're a Klingon, aren't you?
Worf doesn't know how to take that exactly...
WORF
Yes.
JEREMY
We studied Klingons in school.
WORF
What do they teach you about us?
JEREMY
You used to be our enemies.
Worf acknowledges, tries to say something meaningful
to the boy...
WORF
Do they teach you that every
Klingon hopes to die in the line
of duty as your mother did?
Jeremy just looks at him, refusing to connect.
WORF
In my tradition, we do not grieve
the loss of the body... we
celebrate the releasing of the
spirit.
Jeremy looks at the imposing figure... confident, you
can't tell me anything I don't already know --
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 23A.
22A CONTINUED: (3)
JEREMY
I understand death. They teach
us all about it.
Worf studies the twelve-year-old for a long beat.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO 24.
22A CONTINUED: (4)
WORF
Jeremy Aster, we may both
understand it, but we must bring
meaning to your mother's death.
(beat)
Perhaps we can do it together.
Jeremy's reaction suggests he doesn't see how...
22B
thru OMITTED
22C
22D INT. CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM
The Captain is going over status reports on the
computer screen as the DOORBELL RINGS.
PICARD
Come.
The door slides open and Troi stands there...
PICARD
Counselor. How is the boy?
TROI
He is being very brave.
PICARD
Good.
TROI
No. He'll have to get past brave.
He is a very angry boy... He
must learn to express that anger
before he can really say good-bye
to his mother.
She sits.
PICARD
How can we help?
TROI
I've asked Beverly if we might
get Wesley to talk to Jeremy about
his father's death...
Picard acknowledges.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO 24A.
22D CONTINUED:
TROI
The one unusual element is Worf.
PICARD
Oh?
TROI
In many ways he is suffering as
badly as the boy. He wishes to
involve Jeremy in a Klingon
ceremony called the R'uustai...
the bonding...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO 25.
22D CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
I know it.
(thoughtful)
Perhaps it would be a comfort to
both your patients, Counselor.
TROI
I don't think the boy would accept
Worf right now. Later, perhaps.
But it will have to be handled
most delicately.
PICARD
As you always do.
Picard pauses, and looks at Troi with appreciation.
PICARD
(continuing)
I break the unpleasant news and
my responsibility ends. You have
to stay with them through the
entire grieving process.
TROI
We find many different ways to
deal with our pain, but over the
years, I've discovered it is in
our joy that the uniqueness of
each individual is revealed. If
I can help a person back to a
state of joy... well, my role has
its rewards.
RIKER'S COM VOICE
Captain, we're picking up an
energy field on the planet's
surface...
22E INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
As Picard and Troi ENTER...
PICARD
Location?
RIKER
Two kilometers north of the Away
Team's beamdown point.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO 26.
22E CONTINUED:
PICARD
Indeed.
(to Data)
Full scan.
Data works his console.
DATA
Inconclusive, Captain.
TROI
Sir, I sense a... presence on the
planet. Very vague.
PICARD
A life form?
TROI
I can't be sure... the emotions
of the crew are particularly
strong right now and it's
difficult to filter them out.
PICARD
Data, scan analysis on Main
Viewer...
As Data works...
22F INT. DOCTOR CRUSHER'S OFFICE
Wesley ENTERS. Beverly is at her desk, working.
BEVERLY
Hi.
WESLEY
(a litle glum)
Hi.
He sort of plops down... something on his mind, not
necessarily about to talk about it. She continues her
work, talks without making eye contact...
BEVERLY
Troi stopped by a little while
ago. She was wondering if you
might be willing to talk to Jeremy
Aster at some point.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT TWO 27.
2F CONTINUED:
WESLEY
(uncomfortable)
Me? What for?
She looks up.
BEVERLY
Because of your Dad.
Wesley frowns... he's already been revisiting those
memories today.
WESLEY
What would I tell him?
BEVERLY
It would help him to talk with
someone who's gone through this.
Wesley sighs, would rather not... how do I get out of
this?
BEVERLY
We had each other, Wes... he
doesn't have anyone to lean on
now... and he might be more
comfortable talking about it with
someone who's not much older...
WESLEY
(interrupting, don't
bug me)
Okay. Let me think about it.
BEVERLY
(beat)
Okay.
A long beat.
WESLEY
You ever think about him, Mom?
BEVERLY
Your father?
(she nods)
Sure, I do.
A long beat. And this is hard on Wesley...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT TWO 28.
22F CONTINUED: (2)
WESLEY
Sometimes I can't quite remember
his face... it scares me.
Beverly studies him...
BEVERLY
That happens to all of us, Wes...
(beat; honest)
Sometimes I can't get his face out
of my mind.
WESLEY
(nods)
Today... it's like I can see it
all as clearly as if it were
yesterday... the way he looked
when he hugged me good-bye...
Captain Picard's eyes when he
came to tell us...
Their eyes meet. A tear slides down his cheek. She
comes over and they hold each other.
CUT TO:
22G INT. MAIN BRIDGE - (OPTICAL) (PREVIOUSLY 22A)
As before. On the viewscreen is a graphic analysis
of the energy form they're tracking on the planet...
RIKER
Data, run comparison with known
phenomena.
DATA
(works his station)
The pattern has no exact match
in Federation records.
PICARD
Is it alive?
DATA
A possibility.
And Troi just watches it... slow push in on her....
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT TWO 29.
22G CONTINUED:
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Captain, I'm getting an unusual
magnetic flux reading from the
anti-matter containment pods.
... to an extreme closeup of Troi ending as she senses
something new, something extreme as she murmers...
TROI
My God.
CUT TO:
23 INT. ASTER QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Jeremy is seated at the desk once again studying the
moving picture of him and his mother. He senses
movement from a hallway behind him, turns to see the
arrival of MARLA ASTER. Jeremy's eyes go wide.
JEREMY
Mom!
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT THREE 30.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
24 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The starship is still cruising serenely in orbit.
25
thru OMITTED
30
31 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
As before. Riker and Picard have moved to join Geordi
at the Engineering station, studying the odd
readings...
GEORDI
All systems are functioning
normally -- still, there's a
fluctuation in the containment
field. I can't account for it.
RIKER
Data, is it related in some way
to the energy field on the planet?
And Troi is still getting those radical vibes...
TROI
(sotto voce)
Captain...
DATA
There is a beam of highly charged
particles emanating from the
planet...
TROI
Captain, there is a presence
aboard the Enterprise.
Reactions.
PICARD
An alien presence... ?
She doesn't know...
RIKER
No intruder noted by the ship's
sensors, Captain...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT THREE 31.
31 CONTINUED:
TROI
A presence...
Beginning behind the above --
RIKER
Security, all decks... yellow
alert... possible intruder...
On Troi trying to come to grips with her senses...
CUT TO:
31A INT. ASTER QUARTERS
Jeremy stares with bewilderment up at his mother.
Marla Aster reaches out to brush a hand across Jeremy's
hair. Jeremy reflexively backs away.
JEREMY
They said you were dead.
MARLA
There was a mistake. It's okay.
Jeremy is confused. He's yearning to accept this, but
still he holds back.
JEREMY
But there was an explosion... you
were hurt.
MARLA
Jeremy, I'm not hurt. I'm fine.
You mustn't think any more about
it.
She moves to him. He backs away from her.
MARLA
The important thing is, I'll never
leave you again.
She smiles at him, crosses to the desk.
MARLA
(continuing)
Oh, I see you fixed the terminal.
JEREMY
Just after you. you left.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT THREE 32.
31A CONTINUED:
MARLA
I'm sorry I got so angry about
that. I'm really proud of you
-- you fixed it without even
being asked.
This woman is damned convincing. But Jeremy is still
reluctant to accept her. Marla extends her hand.
Slowly, cautiously, Jeremy reaches out, touches Marla's
hand. It's warm and real. Jeremy's surprised. He
gazes at Marla -- he desperately wants this to be his
mother.
MARLA
(warm smile)
I think somebody needs a hug.
And that does it. Jeremy gives himself up to the
fantasy, buries himself in his mother's arms, and for
the first time since the accident, SOBS softly. Marla
comforts him, strokes his head. Everything's all right
now.
After a long beat, Marla pulls back, takes Jeremy's
hand.
MARLA
We have to go now.
JEREMY
Where?
MARLA
To the planet. That's where we're
going to live now.
JEREMY
(confused again)
We're not going to stay on the
Enterprise any more?
MARLA
No.
(a beat)
We're going to live in a home just
like we used to on Earth.
Jeremy's not sure about this, but Marla's warmth and
serenity allay his doubts:
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT THREE 33.
31A CONTINUED: (2)
MARLA
(continuing)
You'll see. I promise.
There is a CHIME. Jeremy moves to the door, opens it
to reveal Worf... Jeremy is excited. (There is no
repressed anger any more.)
JEREMY
Lieutenant Worf... did they tell
you? It was a mistake.
Worf reacts to the boy's glee, then as he steps in, is
blown away as ?? sees Marla smiling at him...
JEREMY
(continuing)
She didn't die. She's alive.
As the boy moves to her...
WORF
Jeremy, come here...
MARLA
Lieutenant Worf, it's all right.
I'm here for the boy.
Worf starts to pull his phaser, and doesn't know what
the hell to do with it... even he has to wonder a moment
- is it Marla Aster? He touches his insignia.
WORF
Lieutenant Worf to Captain Picard.
CUT TO:
32 OMITTED
33 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
PICARD
Go ahead.
WORF'S COM VOICE
Lieutenant Aster is in her
quarters.
Exchanged looks.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT THREE 34.
33 CONTINUED:
RIKER
Repeat, Worf... ?
WORF'S COM VOICE
Lieutenant Aster. She's here.
In her quarters. With the boy.
Reactions. Picard and Troi exchange a look.
PICARD
Do not provoke her or interfere
in any way until I arrive.
Picard out.
(to Riker)
Have security moving that way but
tell them to keep their distance.
You have the Bridge. Counselor...
Troi's already out of her chair. She and Picard EXIT.
CUT TO:
33A INT. ASTER QUARTERS
Marla looks calmly at Worf.
MARLA
There's nothing to worry about.
I'm going to take care of Jeremy
and make him happy.
(to Jeremy)
It's time to go.
WORF
Where are you taking the child?
JEREMY
To the planet.
Marla smiles a winning smile at Jeremy:
MARLA
Come on, Jeremy.
Jeremy dutifully leaves Worf, joins Marla, takes her
hand. Together they EXIT followed by Worf, who keys
his insignia...
WORF
Worf to Picard, they're leaving
their quarters...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT THREE 35.
34
thru OMITTED
35
36 INT. CORRIDOR
Worf follows Marla and Jeremy down the corridor.
Security men arriving do not interfere, exchange
glances with Worf, trail...
WORF
(keys insignia)
Captain, I believe we're headed
for Transporter Room Three.
36A INT. TURBOLIFT
Picard and Troi moving quickly...
PICARD
We're on our way.
CUT TO:
37 OMITTED
38 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
O'Brien is making adjustments to the transporter side
panels. He is running a monitor over the circuits and
comparing readings. The DOOR OPENS and Marla, Jeremy,
and Worf ENTER.
O'Brien reacts to the presence of a dead woman in his
transporter room. Looks to Worf. Marla smiles sunnily
at the Transporter Chief.
MARLA
Chief O'Brien, Jeremy and I are
going down to the surface.
Marla and Jeremy cross to the platform. Jeremy lets
go of Marla's hand so they can stand on separate pads.
The DOORS OPEN. In the corridor are Picard, Troi, and
two SECURITY PERSONNEL; Picard motions for the Security
Personnel to remain in the corridor as he and Troi
ENTER. Picard gives Marla a hard look.
PICARD
Who are you?
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT THREE 36.
38 CONTINUED:
MARLA
I'm Marla Aster...
JEREMY
(you know)
It's my mother, Captain... She's
alive.
Picard glances with concern at Jeremy.
PICARD
(to Marla)
What do you want?
MARLA
To take my child down to the
planet.
PICARD
I cannot permit that. This child
is my responsibility.
Marla truly can't fathom why these people are making
such a big deal out of nothing. Jeremy is confused and
not at all clear what is going on...
MARLA
I'm here to care for him. He
needs me. Why do you resist?
PICARD
Because I don't know who -- or
what -- you are.
JEREMY
Can't you see who she is?
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT THREE 36A.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
Jeremy, she appears to be your
mother, but she is not.
JEREMY
What do you mean?
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/23/89 - ACT THREE 37.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
Jeremy looks to his mother...
MARLA
You're confusing the boy...
Picard glances at Worf, who has moved casually towards
the Transporter pads... He takes the boy and pulls him
away from his mother...
JEREMY
Wait...
He struggles, behind him, Marla's at a total loss...
JEREMY
(continuing)
No...stop...
Behind him, she suddenly VANISHES. Jeremy turns and
she's gone...
JEREMY
Mon...Mom...
TROI
Jeremy...
JEREMY
NO...
As Troi escorts him out... off Picard and Worf's
expressions:
39
thru OMITTED
40
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR 38.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
41 OMITTED
42 INT. CORRIDOR
Troi and Jeremy walking together. The boy is angry,
frightened and sad, completely disoriented.
JEREMY
What did you do to her?
TROI
Jeremy, I don't know what that
was, but it was not your mother.
JEREMY
You saw her... She was here...
TROI
Your mother is dead.
JEREMY
I touched her. She was real.
TROI
Why would your real mother want
you to go to the planet. There's
nothing there but rocks and
dust...
And Jeremy knows his real mother wouldn't do that...
but still, it was her... they have reached the Aster
quarters. Troi keys the door, and they ENTER.
43 INT. EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)
And Troi takes an involuntary step back for it is no
longer the Enterprise stateroom. They are standing
in the front room of the Aster home on Earth... as we
saw it in the video...
Outside, through an open window, they HEAR the shouts
and laughter of children, the barking of a dog. A cat
sleeps on the sofa. There's a grandfather clock.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR 39.
43 CONTINUED:
JEREMY
It's my house. My house on Earth.
Marla ENTERS from the back of the house.
MARLA
Exactly the way it was... remember,
Jeremy?
JEREMY
But how did you do it?
Marla smiles...
MARLA
Does it matter?
TROI
Yes. It matters.
She looks at Troi. Marla is very friendly --
MARLA
I am trying to understand your
resistance. You spoke of rocks
and dust on the planet? I decided
to show what awaits us there.
TROI
Why would you create this fantasy?
MARLA
(can't you understand?)
It's his home.
(holding out a hand to
Jeremy)
And it makes you happy, doesn't
it?
Jeremy is beyond words. Is she for real or not...
He knows now, in his heart, she isn't... But it's so
nice to be "home."
TROI
But it's not real.
MARLA
Isn't it? Jeremy, isn't that
really Patches?
Jeremy moves to the cat who looks up and meows at
him... climbs into his arms. Jeremy reacts.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FOUR 40.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
JEREMY
He knows me. It's him.
The cat was sleeping on a blanket on the sofa.
MARLA
Look -- your blanket...
Jeremy looks at it, touches it. It is his blanket. He
reacts as the grandfather clock strikes a chime
twice... clearly he recognizes the sound of the clock.
JEREMY
It's real. It's all real.
TROI
Jeremy, it's not. Could your
real mother make all this appear?
He knows she could not, but he wants so much to
believe.
TROI
(continuing)
You must not stay here.
Troi holds out her hand.
TROI
Come with me.
Jeremy looks at the Betazoid, at Marla, at the room.
Shakes his head.
JEREMY
(very softly)
I can't.
TIME CUT TO:
43A INT. MAIN BRIDGE - CLOSE ON PICARD
PICARD
Is the boy in any danger?
TROI'S COM VOICE
I don't think so. She seems to
want to help Jeremy.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR 40A.
43A CONTINUED:
And WIDEN to see Riker, Worf, Data, Beverly, Wesley
and Geordi at their various stations.
PICARD
Help him?
INTERCUT:
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FOUR 41.
44 OMITTED
44A INT. EARTH HOME (INTERCUT WITH SCENE 44B)
Troi off to the side... in the background, the mother
doll and Jeremy are dangling a piece of string for the
cat... playing with it...
TROI MARLA
By easing his pain. She (background)
seems very confused by Look at him. Look how
our resistance, Captain. he tries to catch it...
JEREMY
(background)
Maybe he thinks it's a
mouse's tail.
PICARD
Troi, would it be wise to remove
Jeremy from his quarters?
TROI
He does not want to leave. I
would not recommend taking him
by force.
RIKER
She offers him everything. All
we offer is the cold reality of
his mother's death.
BEVERLY
What would you choose? If someone
came along and offered to give
you back your mother...
(toware Wesley)
... your father...
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR 42.
44A CONTINUED:
BEVERLY (Cont'd)
... your... husband... would any
of us say no so easily?
A beat. Picard sighs. To Troi --
PICARD
Remain in the cabin with them,
Counselor. We're going to try
to put an end to this from here...
TROI
Understood.
He signs off.
44B INT. MAIN BRIDGE
PICARD
Mister Data, can we determine for
certain the energy source from
the planet is powering this
creation?
DATA
The beam from the planet is
clearly tapping into the ship's
anti-matter, Captain...
GEORDI
I'd say it's running the
manifestation off our own energy.
PICARD
So there are limits to her
power...
RIKER
(nods)
That's why she needs the
Transporter to get the boy off
the ship.
Picard pauses and considers.
PICARD
So how do we cut the puppet's
strings?
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR 43.
44B CONTINUED:
GEORDI
By increasing the shield harmonics
to match our antimatter
containment fields, it is almost
certain that the beam would be
severed.
PICARD
Proceed.
RIKER
(to com)
Troi, stand by...
CUT TO:
44C
thru OMITTED
45
46 INT. EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)
The fantasy is up and running. Marla and Jeremy are
still seated with the cat... Troi moves to them...
TROI
Jeremy, it's time for this to
end... You know it's not real
and it is over now...
MARLA
I'm not going to leave you,
Jeremy. Ever again.
Jeremy looks with hurt and confusion from one woman
to the other.
TROI
Jeremy, I won't lie to you or
trick you.
MARLA
Jeremy we'll be happy together
as soon as...
She and the fantasy VANISH. Jeremy looks at the space
where she was and knows that his mother and the
wonderful dream is really gone. He says very softly,
JEREMY
No...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR 44.
46 CONTINUED:
As Troi moves to comfort him...
CUT TO:
47 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
As before.
GEORDI
Anti-matter containment pods
reading nominal...
DATA
The shields have severed the beam.
Data studies something on his console.
DATA
Captain, the energy field...
48 ANGLE ON VIEWSCREEN - (OPTICAL)
The ghost-like blanket has gathered into a glowing
circular mass.
PICARD
Mister Crusher, take us out of...
Before he can finish...
49 OMITTED
50 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
The energy form flashes across space and instantly
penetrates the ship.
CUT TO:
51
thru OMITTED
52
53 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
The ship is rocked by the explosive arrival of the
energy. Red alert begins to sound.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/5/89 - ACT FOUR 45.
53AA INT. CORRIDOR - NEAR TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
The energy mass move down the hallway and into
53A INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM - (OPTICAL)
O'Brien goggles at the glowing energy form which has
appeared in the room. After a beat...
O'BRIEN
Alien intruder. Transporter Room
Three. Security alert. Alien...
The form zaps at him, forcing him away from the
console.
INTERCUT:
53B OMITTED
53C INT. MAIN BRIDGE
WORF
(to com)
Security to Transporter Room
Three...
Picard on the move...
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, Commander La
Forge with me... Number One you
have the Bridge.
53D INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM/CORRIDOR - (OPTICAL)
O'Brien is being driven out of the room by the force.
Two security guards arrive. They are flung back. One
of them fires his phaser, but it has no effect. The
energy force zips back into the Transporter Room.
CUT TO:
53E INT. ASTER QUARTERS/EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)
Troi is comforting Jeremy when Marla and the Earth
Home MATERIALIZE, and judging from ??e expression with
which she favors Troi she is not happy.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FOUR 46.
53E CONTINUED:
She brushes past the Betazoid, moves to Jeremy and
takes his hand. He's scared, confused...
MARLA
Come, Jeremy, we will not let them
separate us again. We are going
home.
Off Troi's reaction as we:
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/24/89 - ACT FIVE 47.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
54
thru OMITTED
66
67 INT. TURBOLIFT
with Picard, Geordi and Worf... red alert sounding.
TROI'S COM VOICE
(urgently)
Captain, the image is back --
she's trying to take Jeremy off
the ship again.
PICARD
(keys insignia)
Acknowledged.
GEORDI
(keys insignia)
Engineering, this is La Forge.
Shut down power to all
Transporters. I'm on my way...
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf, to Transporter
Room Three.
They split up as they EXIT the Turbolift.
PICARD
(keys insignia)
Bridge, seal off deck eight,
corridors A and B.
68 INT. MAIN BRIDGE
Data working the console...
DATA
Engaging force fields, Captain.
Transporters are down.
69 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM (OPTICAL)
The energy force is still there reacting as the power
goes off, -- darting from component to component --
as Worf arrives, it bolts past him...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FIVE 48.
69 CONTINUED:
Worf checks on O'Brien and the security men who are
okay.
WORF
Energy force has left Transporter
Room Three... security alert, all
decks...
69A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER
La Forge, the intruder may try
to reinstate Transporter power.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
Understood, Commander...
70 INT. CORRIDOR (OPTICAL)
Just outside Aster's quarters, Marla leads Jeremy out
as Troi watches by the door. A force field is blocking
the corridor. She turns to look in the another
direction. Another force field at the other end of
the hall is up and has them trapped.
71 ANGLE - PICARD (OPTICAL)
arrives at the forcefield... touches his insignia.
PICARD
Bridge, release security
forcefield eight - B.
The forcefield in front of him disappears. For a
moment, he and the alien Marla study each other.
PICARD
How are you, Jeremy? Are you
frightened?
JEREMY
-- no.
(off his look)
A little, sir.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 49.
71 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Of course. These are frightening
things that are happening. We
won't let anyone harm you.
(off-handedly)
Counselor, why don't you take the
child to my quarters.
Troi takes a step toward Jeremy. Marla puts her arm
around Jeremy's shoulder. Tightly. Possessively.
MARLA
No.
Troi backs off. Ma leads him back into their
quarters. Picard a?? Troi follow.
72 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
Geordi follows the energy form as it moves from console
to console...
GEORDI
(keys insignia)
It's looking over everything,
Commander... going to school...
Let's hope it doesn't blow us
to Kingdom Come while it's
figuring out how to blow us to
Kingdom Come.
The energy zips into a console...
INTERCUT:
73 INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
The power returns...
WORF
Power's back in Transporter Room
Three...
73A INT. ENGINEERING
Geordi moves quickly to the controls...
GEORDI
By-passing to manual override...
shutting it down...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 50.
73AB INT. TRANSPORTER ROOM
The Transporter goes down again.
WORF
Transporter is down again.
73A INT. MAIN BRIDGE
RIKER
Keep it down, Geordi... for as
long as you can...
74 INT. EARTH HOME (OPTICAL)
Picard, Troi, Jeremy and Marla.
MARLA
It is only a matter of time,
Captain, before we can power the
Transporters ourselves...
PICARD
We? For whom else do you speak?
Marla takes a beat to determine how much must be
explained to these people... finally --
MARLA
The accident on the surface was
caused by a remnant of an old and
tragic era. Two species once
shared this world... one of
energy... and one of matter. The
physical beings you call the
Koinonians destroyed themselves
in unending, bitter wars. The
surviving lifeforms on this world
will not tolerate any further
suffering from that dishonorable
past. So they have made this
possible... they have made me
possible.
PICARD
I appreciate your motives. But
his mother is dead. He must learn
to live with that.
MARLA
I will be every bit his mother.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 50A.
74 CONTINUED:
PICARD
But not his mother.
Jeremy watches them both... confused, trying to choose
between what he wants and what is real. Picard's mind
works... he keys his insignia...
PICARD
Picard to Lieutenant Worf.
WORF
Go ahead, Captain.
PICARD
Please escort Ensign Crusher to
the Aster quarters. Picard out.
He exchanges a glance with Troi.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 51.
74 CONTINUED: (2)
MARLA
Your philosophy is curious,
Captain. What is so noble about
sorrow? I can provide him an
existance where he will feel no
pain, no anguish...
PICARD
It is at the heart of our very
nature... to feel pain... and
joy... that is what makes us what
we are.
MARLA
He is alone now in your world.
A child alone. How can you know
he won't be happier with me?
Picard glances at Jeremy with compassion.
PICARD
For a brief moment in time... he
surely would be. Any of us in
his place would be.
TROI
What would Jeremy do for friends
in your world?
Marla glances at Jeremy, considering this...
MARLA
He will have any friends he needs.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 52.
74 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI
And then will you provide for his
education, his health, his growth?
A career? A wife?
Marla considers all this... obviously for the first
time.
PICARD
Yes, it is quite an undertaking
you're proposing, isn't it?
MARLA
It is our duty to make him happy
again.
PICARD
Do you honestly believe he will
be happy in this total fiction
you wish to create?
Off her look which is beginning to show doubt...
PICARD
What will be his reason to live?
And she cannot answer that.
PICARD
What you offer is a memory... to
cherish... but not to live in.
(beat)
It is part of our life cycle to
accept the death of those we love.
He must deal with grief, not cover
it or hide from it. We are
mortal. Our time in this universe
is finite. It is the lesson every
human must learn.
The door opens to reveal Worf and Wesley. Wesley is
nervous, concerned.
WESLEY
Ensign Crusher reporting as
ordered, sir.
PICARD
Come in, Wesley.
Worf begins to leave... casually --
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 9/1/89 - ACT FIVE 53.
74 CONTINUED: (4)
PICARD
... No, stay, Lieutenant.
Worf comes in and stands at attention in the
background.
PICARD
Wesley lost his father on a
Starfleet mission when he was
even younger than you are.
Jeremy reacts. Marla looks at him with compassion.
TROI
Your mother told me you were
finding it difficult to talk to
Jeremy. Why?
WESLEY
I don't know. I guess... I just
didn't want to think about it any
more, you know... all this has
reminded me so much of that day...
He shrugs, very uncomfortable. Troi glances at
Picard... he moves toward Wesley. Playing a role --
PICARD
The day I told you your father
had been killed.
Wesley acknowledges...
PICARD
As I recall, you handled the news
very well.
WESLEY
My parents taught me about the
dangers of starfleet missions.
I knew it could happen.
PICARD
(probing)
So you were prepared.
WESLEY
(a beat, introspective)
No, I don't think I was. Not
really. How could anyone be...
prepared to hear that his dad
is... never coming home again.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 54.
74 CONTINUED: (5)
Picard acknowledges, of course. To Jeremy --
WESLEY
I just tried to be what everybody
expected me to be. Brave.
Mature.
PICARD
Are you saying you didn't want
anybody to see how you really
felt, Wesley?
And Wesley looks down as the memories sweep across
him... he looks down, nods. Softly --
PICARD
So how did you really feel?
WESLEY
(whispers)
Like somebody kicked me right in
the brain.
PICARD
(gently)
Somebody?
Wesley shrugs. Doesn't look at Picard.
TROI
Go ahead, Wesley. You've wanted
to tell him for a long time...
He looks up at Picard with a tear in his eye.
WESLEY
I was angry.
(long beat)
At you.
Of course, Picard knows this... but it's important for
them as well as Jeremy to get it all out now...
PICARD
Why, Wesley? Why were you angry
with me?
Wesley backs away from the feelings... he's gone as far
as he's comfortable... he shrugs... but that's not
enough...
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 55.
74 CONTINUED: (6)
PICARD
Were you angry because I was the
one who told you he was dead?
WESLEY
(pause)
No.
PICARD
Then why?
Softly, painfully, outloud for the first time...
WESLEY
Because you led the mission. You
came back. My father didn't.
Picard acknowledges... moves away as Troi moves in with
great compassion...
TROI
How long were you angry with
Captain Picard, Wesley?
WESLEY
A long time.
(turns to Picard)
But not any more. Not even a
little, sir.
Picard's eyes close for a moment. He bows his head,
almost imperceptively. That wound is forever closed.
To Jeremy --
TROI
And you Jeremy... must be very
angry with Lieutenant Worf.
And Worf is caught off guard as the attention turns to
him. Jeremy looks at him.
TROI
He was in charge of your mother's
mission. Just as Captain Picard
was in command when Wesley's father
was killed. Isn't that right,
Jeremy
Jeremy looks at Worf.
WORF
She was my responsibility.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 55A.
74 CONTINUED: (7)
TROI
Worf came back. Your mother
didn't.
And a long beat... as Jeremy is about to face the
reality. His eyes are angry, a tear rolls down his
cheek as he accuses Worf --
JEREMY
Why? Why weren't you the one who
died? Why did it have to be her?
A long beat as they look at each other... Jeremy's
tears come more easily now...
TROI
He can't answer that, Jeremy.
(to Marla)
None of us can.
PICARD
Lieutenant Worf also lost his
parents, Jeremy.
Jeremy reacts.
WORF
(to Jeremy)
They were killed in battle when
I was six.
He and Worf look at each other. The bonding has begun.
Worf glances at Picard and Troi. Troi nods... Worf
moves toward the boy.
WORF
When I was alone, humans helped
me. Let me help you.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FIVE 55B.
74 CONTINUED: (8)
Jeremy looks back at Marla for one last hold on the
fantasy... off that moment --
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/28/89 - ACT FIVE 56.
74 CONTINUED: (8)
WORF
The Marla Aster I knew and honored
is not in this room. Nor does
she await you on the planet. Now
she lives only here...
(touches his chest)
And here.
Jeremy looks up to him through his tears. He cannot
speak.
WORF
(to Jeremy)
Join with me in the R'uustai, the
Bonding. You will become part
of my family now and for all time.
We will be brothers.
Worf offers his hand. Jeremy never looks back again
at Marla... he stretches out a hand ??ndly to grasp
for Worf's hand. The Klingon is the ?? From a simple
handclasp he pulls the boy to him. Marla and Picard
regard each other for a long moment. She understands
she is no longer needed. She nods to Picard. She
lowers her head. She disappears. The room goes back
to normal -- the Aster quarters.
75
thru OMITTED
80
81 INT. WORF'S QUARTERS
Worf in full Klingon regalia. Jeremy is dressed in
a child's version of the Klingon robe. Jeremy and Worf
are framed by the window of the stateroom. The room is
dark. Five of the intricate candles are on various
tables in the B.G. One is lit.
Worf removes his sash, and places it across Jeremy's
shoulders. He and Jeremy take a candle, and walk to
the lit candle. They light theirs. They go through
the room lighting the other candles.
Worf finishes. Watches Jeremy. He stands looking out
at the stars.
WORF
SoS jIH batlh SoH.
Jeremy has come up behind the Klingon.
STAR TREK: "The Bonding" - REV. 8/25/89 - ACT FIVE 57.
81 CONTINUED:
JEREMY
What does that mean?
WORF
It honors the memory of our
mothers. We have bonded and our
families are stronger.
Jeremy looks where Worf is looking.
JEREMY
(softly)
SoS jIH balth SoH.
82 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
Moving at warp speed as we
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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