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STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"True Q"
#40276-232
Written by
Rene Echevarria
Directed by
Robert Scheerer
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 This script is not for publication or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
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - "True Q"- 09/04/92 - CAST
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"True Q"
CAST
PICARD Q
RIKER AMANDA ROGERS
DATA ORN LOTE
BEVERLY
TROI
WORF
GEORDI
NURSE'S COM VOICE
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
SUPERNUMERARIES AMANDA'S PARENTS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION - "True Q" - 09/04/92 - SETS
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"True Q"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
USS ENTERPRISE USS ENTERPRISE
MAIN BRIDGE
ENGINEERING TAGRA
TEN FORWARD
READY ROOM
SHUTTLEBAY TWO
OBS. LOUNGE
MEDICAL LAB
CORRIDOR
GAZEBO
AMANDA'S QUARTERS
TAGRAN CONTROL ROOM
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
"True Q"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
holding position near a starbase.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's Log, Stardate 46192.3.
We have arrived at Starbase
one-one-two and are loading relief
supplies destined for Tagra Four,
an ecologically devastated planet
in the Argolis Cluster. We have
also taken on a rather unusual
passenger.
2 INT. READY ROOM - CLOSE - PICARD
PICARD
Welcome to the Enterprise. We're
delighted to have you aboard.
3 WIDEN
to include BEVERLY and eighteen-year-old AMANDA
ROGERS.
AMANDA
Thank you, Sir.
Amanda is excited and a bit nervous; she can hardly
believe she's being welcomed to the Enterprise by its
Captain.
PICARD
Congratulations. I understand
you were selected from among
hundreds of applicants for this
internship.
AMANDA
Yes, sir. I still can't believe
they chose me... there were lots
of people with better records...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - TEASER 2.
3 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
Your transcript is very
impressive...
(to Picard)
She's done honors work in
neurobiology, plasma dynamics,
and eco-regeneration. I'd call
that pretty well-rounded.
AMANDA
That's a nice way of saying I
haven't made up my mind about
what I want to do with my life.
BEVERLY
I've arranged to have you work
in all the major departments while
you're here. I'm willing to bet
that by the time it's over you'll
have a pretty good idea what field
you're interested in.
PICARD
(smiles)
Or at least what fields you're not
interested in.
Amanda smiles; they're making her feel welcome aboard
this strange new ship. The door chime SOUNDS.
PICARD
Come.
RIKER ENTERS.
RIKER
We're bringing up the last of the
cargo, sir. We should be ready
to leave within the hour.
Picard nods his acknowledgement.
PICARD
Commander, would you escort Ms.
Rogers to her quarters? I have
to discuss the Tagran's medical
needs with Doctor Crusher.
Riker nods; Amanda stands.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - TEASER 3.
3 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
You've won yourself a rare
opportunity. Avail yourself of
it.
AMANDA
I will, sir.
Picard smiles; she crosses toward the door.
4 INT. CORRIDOR
as Riker and Amanda make their way down it. She walks
with downcast eyes, stricken with shyness in front of
the dashing First Officer. Riker smiles to himself,
decides to try and put her at ease.
RIKER
It'll take a few days before you
know your way around. If you
ever need help just use one of
the companels...
He gestures to a companel as they pass it.
AMANDA
We're on deck seven, section...
(unsure)
Four?
RIKER
(surprised)
That's right.
AMANDA
(smiles)
I practically memorized the specs
on the way here.
RIKER
You're a quick study.
They've arrived at the door to her quarters.
RIKER
This is it.
INT. AMANDA'S QUARTERS
as she and Riker ENTER. Her bags are already there,
having been brought directly from the Transporter Room.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - TEASER 4.
5 CONTINUED:
Amanda looks around, seems a little surprised.
AMANDA
Is this for me?
RIKER
All yours.
AMANDA
It's so... big.
RIKER
(smiles)
For honor students, only the best.
She looks around.
AMANDA
I could've brought The Zoo.
RIKER
The zoo?
AMANDA
That's what my parents call it.
Three dogs isn't so many, is it?
RIKER
(smiles)
Depends how they get along.
AMANDA
I'd have a dozen, but my mother
said enough is enough.
They share a smile.
AMANDA
I'm sure going to miss them.
RIKER
We'll try and keep you so busy
you won't have time to.
(he smiles)
I'd better be going; I have to get
back to the Cargo Bay.
AMANDA
Thanks for walking me down.
Amanda watches Riker EXIT, her eyes linger on the door
as it shuts behind him. She turns and suddenly her
eyes widen in shock.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - TEASER 5.
6 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
Amanda's room is suddenly full of PUPPIES... a dozen
of them, yapping and wagging their tails. Amanda's
hand flies to cover her mouth in dismay.
AMANDA
Oh, no... I didn't mean it...
She kneels as the puppies rush to her feet.
AMANDA
You can't be here... Go away.
A handful of the puppies DISAPPEAR.
AMANDA
All of you.
The rest of the puppies in front of her DISAPPEAR as
well, leaving two behind her. She can't help but pet
them for a moment before saying:
AMANDA
You too.
They VANISH also. Amanda flops herself down so she's
sitting on the floor. She looks scared... like someone
keeping a terrible secret... Off her reaction we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 6.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes.)
7 INT. MEDICAL LAB (OR STORAGE AREA)
Beverly is showing Amanda the readout dials on a
medical TRICORDER.
BEVERLY
See these readouts? This is your
heart rate, your blood pressure...
all your vital signs.
Amanda looks at the dials with interest.
BEVERLY
You're in good shape.
(wry)
You might just live to be my age.
Amanda smiles. Beverly indicates the storage shelf
from which she took the device.
BEVERLY
All these tricorders have to be
tested before they get put in the
supply containers we're taking
to Tagra.
She indicates the small carrying cases stacked on a
nearby table.
AMANDA
So I scan myself with each one
to make sure all the readouts are
working?
BEVERLY
(nods)
If they're not, put that unit
aside and we'll run a diagnostic
on it.
Beverly puts the tricorder she's been holding in a
container.
Amanda takes another tricorder off the shelf and starts
scanning herself.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 7.
7 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
So I understand you were accepted
to the Academy... I have a son
there.
AMANDA
Being posted on the Enterprise,
I guess you don't get to see him
very often... ?
BEVERLY
(smiles)
Not as often as I'd like.
AMANDA
Do you have any other children?
BEVERLY
My husband died a number of years
ago. Wes was our only child.
Amanda is quiet for a moment.
AMANDA
Was he old enough to know his
father?
BEVERLY
Jack died when he was five.
AMANDA
My parents died when I was a baby.
I don't remember anything about
them... Sometimes I wonder what
they were like.
Beverly can appreciate how she might want to know about
them.
BEVERLY
I understand your adopted parents
are in Starfleet.
AMANDA
(nods)
They're marine biologists... They
were just posted to the Bilaren
system.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
Beverly is called on the com.
NURSE'S COM VOICE
Sickbay to Doctor Crusher... you
wanted to be told when the
cultures were ready.
BEVERLY
On my way.
(to Amanda)
I have to go. When you've
finished with the tricorders,
Nurse Ogawa can help you take them
down to the Shuttlebay for
loading.
AMANDA
Okay.
They share a warm smile and Beverly leaves her to her
task.
8 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
at impulse.
9 INT. SHUTTLEBAY TWO
The place is buzzing with activity. NDs bustle around
packing crates and loading them into the SHUTTLECRAFT.
Amanda has just delivered the tricorders she's been
checking to GEORDI; he holds a PADD and has his hands
full coordinating everything.
GEORDI
Thanks for your help. We need
every spare hand we can get; this
is one of the biggest relief
efforts we've ever mounted.
AMANDA
Why are you taking everything down
in shuttlecraft?
GEORDI
We can't use the transporters
because of all the ionization in
the Tagran atmosphere.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 9.
9 CONTINUED:
AMANDA
From the barystatic filters?
GEORDI
(a little surprised)
How'd you know that?
AMANDA
I did a paper on eco-regeneration.
Geordi smiles and motions for Amanda to follow him over
to a shuttlecraft.
GEORDI
Then you know that a thousand
barystatic filters put out a lot
of ionization...
AMANDA
(that many?)
A thousand... ?
GEORDI
They've managed to pollute their
atmosphere pretty badly.
AMANDA
It's amazing... that they go to
such lengths to clean the air...
instead of regulating the
emissions that cause the problem.
GEORDI
(simply)
You're right.
Geordi and Amanda share a rueful look; it all seems
so shortsighted to them.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 10.
9 CONTINUED: (2)
Riker ENTERS and we see him in the background talking
to an ND. Amanda's attention is diverted.
Geordi is half way inside a console by now so he
doesn't notice.
GEORDI'S VOICE
All the filters can do is keep
things from getting worse. They
shoot negative ions into the
planet's stratosphere --
Amanda watches Riker as he takes a PADD from an ND and
begins checking it over. The ND moves away, leaving
Riker standing alone near the overhang which contains
the control booth.
GEORDI'S VOICE
(continuing)
-- where they come into contact
with airborne pollutants and
transfer their charge. The
filters have positively charged
intake vents that the pollutants
become attracted to; that sets
up a kind of ionic current in the
atmosphere.
Amanda isn't even hearing his techno-ramble, her
attention is now completely on the handsome figure cut
by the First Officer.
9A CLOSE ON A TOOL CASE
on the railing of the overhang. It suddenly moves
forward, as though of its own volition, and teeters
on the edge of the stack.
9B ANGLE ON AMANDA
as her eye is caught by the movement. Then, the
case shifts forward again and begins FALLING right
toward Riker. There isn't even time to shout a
warning...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 10A.
9B CONTINUED:
Amanda reaches out instinctively and suddenly the
case's fall is diverted -- as if some unseen force
lanced out from her outstretched arm -- and it crashes
to the ground just a few feet away from him.
Everyone in the room reacts with a start. It looks
for all the world to have been a near miss.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 11.
9B CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
(calling from across
the room)
Commander, are you all right?
Riker's a little shaken. Geordi crosses toward him.
RIKER
Yeah... I didn't even see it
coming...
No one except Amanda knows what really happened. And
from the look on her face, we can see that she is
disturbed and frightened by the strange event.
10 INT. AMANDA'S QUARTERS
Amanda is alone in her quarters, mulling over the
strange events of the past few days. If only there
was someone she could talk to about it all. But what
if they thought she was a freak? They used to burn
witches!
A SOUND at the door. Amanda leaps off the bed and
stares at it. Maybe they've found her out?
AMANDA
(hesitantly)
Come in.
The door opens to reveal TROI standing there holding
a puppy.
TROI
Commander Riker told me you liked
dogs...
Amanda is delighted. She moves forward to take
the puppy.
AMANDA
(to puppy)
What's your name?
TROI
This is Henry.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 12.
10 CONTINUED:
AMANDA
(smiles)
Henry?
TROI
(shrugging)
Don't ask me.
AMANDA
Where'd he come from?
TROI
Ensign Janklow is going to the
Gantol excavations for three
weeks. He's been trying to find
someone to take care of Henry.
AMANDA
(instantly)
I'll do it.
TROI
(smiles)
Okay. But be warned -- he has
an appetite for boots.
Amanda laughs and puts Henry down to explore the room.
AMANDA
By the time Ensign Janklow gets
back I'll have Henry shaking
hands.
She and Troi move to chairs and sit.
TROI
Doctor Crusher tells me you're
considering a career in zoology.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 13.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
AMANDA
I was... but this morning I
decided to become a Starfleet
doctor... then by this afternoon
I realized I was really meant to
be a Chief Engineer.
They share a smile.
AMANDA
What does a ship's counselor do?
Maybe that's what I'll want to
be by tomorrow.
Troi smiles at the young woman's enthusiasm.
AMANDA
There are just so many things I'm
interested in... sometimes I worry
that I'll never focus on just
one thing...
TROI
There's nothing wrong with keeping
your options open.
AMANDA
I'm just afraid I won't have
enough time for everything I want
to do. I mean --
(ticking them off)
-- there's school, and then
graduate study, and a career...
and of course I want to get
married and have children -- lots
of children -- and more animals...
(beat, reflecting)
Maybe I should study
agriculture... have a big farm
somewhere...
Troi laughs at her boundless eagerness and energy.
TROI
Amanda... whatever you choose,
I'm sure you'll be good at it.
AMANDA
I know one thing... I wouldn't
mind coming back to the Enterprise
when I graduate.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 13A.
10 CONTINUED: (3)
TROI
Who knows? Maybe you will.
Off Amanda's reaction...
11 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it cruises at impulse.
12 INT. ENGINEERING
as Geordi and Amanda cross away from the warp core
toward the pool table, where DATA is working.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 14.
12 CONTINUED:
GEORDI
-- this is the main control area.
We can access just about any
primary circuit from these panels.
(indicating)
That's a Jeffries tube over there
--
AMANDA
Where most of the major systems
conduits are routed.
GEORDI
(smiles)
You've done your homework.
She looks back toward the warp core... humming
strongly, blue lights rippling.
AMANDA
It's hard to imagine how much
energy is being harnessed in
there...
Data overhears this.
DATA
Imagination is not necessary; the
scale is readily quantifiable.
(glancing at console)
We are presently generating twelve
point seven-five billion gigawatts
per second.
Amanda smiles at him -- then, suddenly an ALARM sounds.
Geordi hurries to a console near Data.
DATA
The temperature in the reaction
chamber has increased by
forty-seven percent.
GEORDI
(working)
The injector couplings are frozen
-- I can't slow the reaction...
DATA
Temperature increase is at one
hundred six percent... and rising.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 15.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
GEORDI
(to com)
La Forge To Bridge!
PICARD'S COM VOICE
Picard, here.
GEORDI
We're heading for a core breach!
We're going to have to try and
vent the plasma!
DATA
(working)
Plasma inductors are not
responding.
GEORDI
We're going to lose containment...
13 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
favoring Amanda, with the pulsing reactor behind her.
GEORDI
(to Data)
Bring down the isolation door -
we have to eject the warp core.
Data works the control.
GEORDI
(to others)
Everybody out! Move it!
Suddenly a blinding white FLASH obscures the warp core
(the explosion is so powerful that we don't see pieces
of metal flying toward us, just the OPTICAL EFFECT).
Amanda's hands fly up in an instinctive gesture... the
roiling EFFECT surges toward her -- and stops expanding
just before it touches her hands.
Everyone turns and looks at her in amazement. Slowly,
as if she's exerting some great effort, she forces the
explosion back... back... until it is once again
contained in the reaction chamber.
Only when she's finished and everyone is safe does she
allow herself to react to the enormity of what she's
done...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT ONE 15A.
13 CONTINUED:
Suddenly she's a scared young girl again...
DATA
Temperature in the reaction
chamber is back to normal.
Data, of course, is unflappable. But the impossibility
of what they've just witnessed has left everyone else
in the room stunned silent.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 16.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
14 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE (OPTICAL)
Picard, Riker, Geordi, and Troi look up as Beverly
ENTERS.
BEVERLY
She's a little shaken up, but
she'll be all right.
Everyone's relieved to hear this -- despite the mystery
posed by the incident in Engineering, they've all grown
quite fond of Amanda.
RIKER
You said she was adopted... could
she be an alien?
BEVERLY
She's human... and there's nothing
unusual about her, not that my
instruments can detect.
PICARD
(to Geordi)
Commander, have you been able to
determine the cause of the warp
breach?
GEORDI
No, sir. Everything was normal
and then... it's like the laws
of physics suddenly went out the
window.
Suddenly Q APPEARS in one of the seats. He's wearing
a Starfleet uniform.
Q
And why not? They're terribly
inconvenient.
PICARD
(dismayed)
Q...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 17.
14 CONTINUED:
Q
Mon Capitan.
PICARD
Are you responsible for the
incident in Engineering?
Q
Of course. I needed to find out
if what I suspected about the girl
was true.
PICARD
That being?
Q
That she's Q.
This notion, dropped lightly by Q, falls like a
bombshell on the others.
TROI
Amanda... is a Q... ?
BEVERLY
How is that possible? Her
parents... her biological
parents... were human.
Q
Not exactly.
They regard him curiously.
Q
They had assumed human form...
in order to visit Earth. For an
amusement, I suppose... but in
vulgar human fashion they
proceeded to conceive a child.
He shrugs, not comprehending this strange behavior.
Q
Then, like mawkish humans, they
became attached to it. What is
it about those squirming little
infants that you find so
appealing?
BEVERLY
I'm sure that's beyond your
comprehension, Q.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 18.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
Q
I desperately hope so.
TROI
What happened to Amanda's parents?
Q
They died in an accident. None
of us knew whether the child would
inherit the capacities of a Q...
but recently, they began to
emerge. As an expert on humanity
-- I was sent to investigate.
RIKER
(sarcastic)
You, an expert on humanity... ?
Q
(likewise)
Not a very challenging field of
study, I'll grant you...
GEORDI
Are you saying you caused the core
breach -- just to test her?
TROI
What if she hadn't been able to
stop it?
Q
(it's obvious)
Then I would've known she wasn't
Q.
There are reactions to this cavalier attitude.
BEVERLY
Now that you know, what do you
intend to do?
Q
Instruct her, of course. If that
child doesn't learn how to control
her power... she could accidently
destroy herself. Or all of you.
Perhaps your entire galaxy.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 19.
14 CONTINUED: (3)
PICARD
Somehow I find it hard to believe
that you'd come here to do us a
favor...
Q
You're quite right -- I wouldn't.
But there are those in the
Continuum who have an exaggerated
sense of responsibility... and
think we should take precautions
to keep the little dear from
running amuck.
BEVERLY
And once you've taught her...
you'll go away?
Q
And leave her here... when she's
Q? Of course not... she'll come
to the Continuum, where she
belongs.
BEVERLY
(irate)
Wait a minute... you can't just
come in here and take her away
from everything she's known...
Q
I assure you, I can --
BEVERLY
She has plans for herself... she
wants a career, a family --
Q
I can rescue her from that
miserable existence.
BEVERLY
That "miserable existence" is all
she's known for eighteen years.
You have no right to take it away
from her.
Q
Mon Capitan... I really think we
need to speak privately.
He lifts his hand -- there's a FLASH... and the two
of them are suddenly in --
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 20.
14A OMITTED
15 INT. READY ROOM
Q
There. Isn't that better? Doctor
Crusher gets more shrill with each
passing year...
PICARD
What is it you really want, Q?
Why bring Amanda here... to the
Enterprise?
Q
(expansively)
Where better than here, among my
dear friends? After all... you
know so much about the Q...
you're the perfect people to
introduce me to the child. Let
her know she can trust me.
This brings an outright laugh from Picard.
PICARD
Trust you -- !
Q
Jean-Luc... you wound me...
PICARD
I don't trust you and I certainly
wouldn't expect Amanda to.
Q
She'd better -- because I'm all
she's got. She needs me to
prepare her... for her future with
the Q.
PICARD
She may not want that future.
The decision is hers.
Q
Yes, yes -- fine.
(amused by the thought)
But do you really think she'll
want to remain a feeble mortal?
Picard ignores his mocking tone, thinks for a moment...
not liking what he comes up with.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 21.
15 CONTINUED:
PICARD
If Amanda is a Q... she'll need
to understand what that means.
(firm)
I'll introduce you, but we cannot
continue to fight like this in
front of Amanda. For her sake,
we'll have to appear to be...
Q
Pals?
PICARD
Civil.
Q shrugs his assent.
PICARD
We need time to explain this
to her.
Q
I knew I could count on you,
Jean-Luc.
Q DISAPPEARS. Picard EXITS the Ready Room.
15A INT. BRIDGE
as Picard crosses to Data.
PICARD
Mister Data... I want you to
access any available records on
Amanda Rogers.
DATA
Yes, Captain.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 22.
15A CONTINUED:
PICARD
I want to know more about her
biological parents... about their
death. I find it odd that any
Q could die in an accident.
DATA
It does not seem consistent with
what we know of them.
PICARD
I'm convinced Q isn't telling
us everything. See what you can
find out.
DATA
Aye, sir.
16 INT. AMANDA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Beverly and Amanda are sitting together on the couch.
Though she is still grappling with the enormous
implications of what she's been told, the news does
explain certain things that have been happening.
AMANDA
It started happening about six
months ago... things I wished for
suddenly appearing... objects
moving on their own... I thought
I was going crazy...
(beat)
In a funny way, finding this out
is kind of a relief.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 23.
16 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
I can understand that.
(beat)
The person I mentioned... from
the Q Continuum... would like to
meet you. If you want to...
Amanda takes a breath. Things are moving awfully fast,
but she might as well start facing what's coming.
AMANDA
I'm ready.
Beverly starts toward the door... but before she
reaches it, Q WALKS THROUGH IT, heading right for
Amanda, who looks startled.
Q
There's my girl!
Beverly gives him a look.
The door OPENS, revealing Picard, who ENTERS, and moves
toward Amanda, trying to make this a comfortable
introduction. He finds himself in the odd position of
having to put Q in the best possible light.
PICARD
Amanda, this is Q.
(beat)
He is...
(searching)
... an acquaintance of ours. We've
known him for years.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 24.
16 CONTINUED: (2)
Q is circling Amanda, sizing her up as though she's
a race horse. It makes her quite uncomfortable.
Q
Very impressive the way you
contained that explosion. What
else have you done?
His brusque tone isn't helping to put Amanda at ease.
AMANDA
I... don't understand.
Q
Telekinesis, teleportation,
spontaneous combustion of someone
you didn't like -- that sort of
thing.
Amanda looks baffled and Picard steps in to help.
PICARD
I think what Q means to ask is...
have you deliberately used your
abilities... ?
AMANDA
Not until I came here. The first
time was when the container almost
fell on Commander Riker.
Q
You did so well with that I
decided to give you a real
challenge... the warp core
breach.
He takes her face in his hands, turning it this way and
that.
Q
She clearly has potential. I see
no reason why she can't come back
to the Continuum right now.
AMANDA
What?
PICARD
(warning)
Q --
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 25.
16 CONTINUED: (3)
AMANDA
I don't want to go anywhere...
Q
Don't worry. With time you'll
be able to overcome the
disadvantages you suffered as a
child. No one will hold it
against you that you were human.
Amanda turns to Picard in distress.
AMANDA
Captain Picard -- ?
Q advances on Amanda.
Q
Let's go, Amanda.
PICARD
(stepping forward)
She doesn't want to --
But as Q reaches Amanda she reacts, lifting her arm...
and suddenly Q goes flying across the room, crashing
into a wall.
AMANDA
Leave me alone! I'm not going
anywhere with you!
A shaken Q looks at her with new respect... and the
awareness that this isn't going to be as easy as he
thought.
17 INT. READY ROOM
Picard is with Q; he's irate at Q's behavior. Q is
vaguely listening; he fussily brushes and tugs at his
uniform, as if it had been mussed in his fall.
PICARD
You agreed she has the right to
decide her own future... yet the
first chance you get you try to
abduct her.
Q
You overreact as usual, Jean-Luc.
I assure you -- I was merely
testing her power. She's quite
a little spitfire, isn't she?
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 26.
17 CONTINUED:
PICARD
What's going on, Q? What's your
real purpose in being here?
Q
I've made that quite clear. The
Continuum has a vested interest
in this young woman...
PICARD
If you intend to protect that
investment, I suggest you approach
her differently.
Q
She's just a little skittish.
She'll have to start behaving like
a Q.
PICARD
If I'm not mistaken, she just did.
Q flashes him an irritated look, not appreciating the
reminder.
17A INT. AMANDA'S QUARTERS
Beverly is with Amanda, still upset after the incident
with Q.
AMANDA
I don't want anything to do with
that Q person. I don't care about
having powers...
She looks at Beverly, pleading her case for denial.
AMANDA
You understand, don't you? I have
things I want to do... I'm going
to the Academy... I want a career,
I want to join Starfleet...
BEVERLY
You can still do those things...
AMANDA
But now it's so -- complicated.
This power I have... it's just
going to get in the way. I don't
want to have to deal with it...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 26A.
17A CONTINUED:
Beverly regards her sympathetically... understanding
the feelings, but knowing the truth.
BEVERLY
But you have to.
Amanda looks at her.
BEVERLY
I know how you feel. It would
be so much easier if none of this
had happened... if it would just
go away.
(beat)
But it's not going to go away.
Amanda is silent, hearing the cold wash of reality.
BEVERLY
You need someone to help you.
And the person who can help you
-- is Q.
AMANDA
But he's horrible.
BEVERLY
But he's the only one who can help
you understand who you are. There
are hard choices you're going to
have to make about your future...
and you can't make them by
ignoring the truth.
Amanda stares at her... and accepts, for now, her
plight.
AMANDA
You're right.
(beat)
But I don't want any of this to
disrupt my time here. I want to
do everything I'm expected to
do... and I don't want you to
treat me any differently.
(beat)
Please?
Beverly smiles, recognizing the young woman's need for
normality.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT TWO 26B.
17A CONTINUED: (2)
BEVERLY
You've got a deal. The first free
hour you have, report to me in
the medical lab. I have an
experiment I need help with.
Amanda grins; the familiarity of the routine is
comforting to her.
AMANDA
Yes, ma'am.
Beverly EXITS.
17B INT. CORRIDOR
Q walks along the corridor on his way to Amanda's
quarters. No one is around. Suddenly a DARK SHADOW
appears on the wall ahead of him. Q stops, annoyed.
We HEAR the voice of the shadow... it is futzed and
sepulchral.
Q SHADOW
Your progress, Q?
Q
As anticipated there have been
some problems... but the humans
are cooperating. I need more
time.
(matter-of-fact)
There is a possibility we won't
have to terminate her.
The businesslike tone of Q's report makes it that much
more chilling...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 27.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
0A INT. CORRIDOR
as Q walks toward Amanda's quarters. He stops outside
the door, takes a breath, and starts to walk through
the door. Then he checks himself and, with a grimace,
makes himself push the control.
18 INT. AMANDA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
as she hears the chime.
AMANDA
Come in.
The door opens and Q ENTERS. Amanda stays seated and
composed.
Q
(ingratiating)
Hello, my dear...
But Amanda stares stonily at him, not responding at
all. Q takes a breath... realizes he's going to have
to eat some crow. It doesn't come easily.
Q
I've been told that I behaved
badly. I...
(almost choking)
... a-pol-ogize...
Amanda nods a cool acknowledgement.
Q
Apparently you had every right
to chastise me...
(he's had enough of
groveling)
... but what's done is done.
Right?
Amanda eyes him, steely.
AMANDA
I'd like to ask you some
questions.
He recognizes the edge in her voice, which is
challenging and not to be intimidated.
Q
Anything...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 28.
18 CONTINUED:
AMANDA
What, exactly, are the Q?
Q
It would be so much easier to show
you than to tell you. If you'd
just agree to take a short visit
to the Continuum --
But Amanda's having none of that.
AMANDA
No. Just tell me.
Q
To put it simply... we are
omnipotent. There is nothing --
nothing -- we can't do.
AMANDA
And what do you do with this
power?
Q
Whatever we want.
AMANDA
Do you use it to help others?
Q
I think you've missed the point.
You've obviously spent far too
much time among humans.
He moves closer to her, trying to spin a web of
enticement.
Q
As a Q, you can have your heart's
desire instantly... whatever it
might be. Would you like precious
jewels? Works of art? Would you
like to visit the rings of
Tautine?
AMANDA
I don't care about any of those
things.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 28A.
18 CONTINUED: (2)
Q
Of course not. You're a Q. But
surely there is something you
want... something you never
dreamed would be possible...
Amanda is silent... Q senses that there is something
she longs for. There is a long beat.
Q
What is it, Amanda? Just tell
me...
She looks up at him, wrestling with this... she doesn't
exactly trust him, but if she's going to find out about
these strange new abilities of hers...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 29.
18 CONTINUED: (3)
AMANDA
I've always wanted to see what
my parents looked like... my real
parents.
Q
How quaint.
(beat)
So do it.
AMANDA
What do you mean?
Q
Summon the image.
AMANDA
But... I don't know how.
Q reacts with a little exasperation.
Q
Think about them... evoke the
memory...
AMANDA
But --
Q
Amanda. You can do this. Trust
me.
He kneels near where she's seated.
Q
Close your eyes... concentrate...
Amanda wants this so badly she puts aside her
skepticism and does as he asks.
Q
In your mind, return to the time
when you were an infant... think
about your parents... try and
remember them... now, open your
eyes.
An IMAGE begins flickering on the couch... finally
MATERIALIZES completely... a young man and woman, she
holding a swaddled baby. They are playing with the
baby, tickling it under the chin, etc. and smiling
with what could only be described as unadorned love.
Amanda opens her eyes... sees the image... is
transfixed. She rises, walks toward the couple,
staring at them.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 30.
18 CONTINUED: (4)
AMANDA
They look so happy...
(realizing)
They loved me...
Amanda stares at the group on the couch... raw emotion
swelling in her. Q smiles... he knows he's gotten to
her.
Amanda turns around to him... but when she does... he's
gone. She's left with a lot to think about.
19 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it cruises at impulse.
20 INT. MEDICAL LAB (OPTICAL)
Beverly is walking Amanda through the various steps
involved in the neural tissue experiment she's been
working on.
Amanda uses a DROPPER to add a tiny amount of liquid
to a BEAKER of solution.
She then takes a TRICORDER and scans the beaker.
AMANDA
Ten percent benasopil.
Beverly gives her a nod of encouragement. Amanda seems
distracted, unable to concentrate.
AMANDA
So I add thirty milliliters to
each of the cultures...
BEVERLY
Twenty milliliters...
AMANDA
Right, twenty... I wait for it
to be metabolized... add --
another twenty?
(off Beverly's nod)
... wait for it to be
metabolized... over and over until
the bacilli can't absorb any more.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 31.
20 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
That's it.
(hands her a PADD)
Just be sure and record the rate
of mitosis in each dish.
AMANDA
Mitosis... right.
Beverly regards her, aware that her concentration is
fuzzy.
BEVERLY
You seem a little distracted.
AMANDA
Well... I just saw my parents.
My real parents.
Beverly stares at her, amazed.
AMANDA
Q showed me how...
She looks up at Beverly.
AMANDA
Can you imagine how that felt... ?
BEVERLY
No... I don't think I can.
AMANDA
You were right... I can't ignore
what's happened to me...
(a beat as she fights
choking up)
...but... I don't know if I can
cope with it.
Beverly's heart aches for this overburdened child.
BEVERLY
You're stronger than you think,
Amanda...
There is a beat as Amanda struggles with her feelings.
AMANDA
When I looked at my parents...
right there, in front of me...
I realized -- I caused this to
happen.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 31A.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
AMANDA (Cont'd)
I wanted to see them... and I did.
(beat)
If it were you... if suddenly you
could have anything you wanted...
what do you think you'd do?
BEVERLY
(slight laugh)
I have no idea --
AMANDA
No, think about it. Really think.
Suddenly you have the power to
do anything. What would it be?
Forced into looking at it from this perspective,
Beverly is a bit overwhelmed.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 32.
20 CONTINUED: (3)
BEVERLY
I... I'm not sure. I'd probably
want to cure people... people who
were hopelessly ill.
AMANDA
Would you bring your husband back?
Beverly stares at her. She is overwhelmed by the
question...
BEVERLY
Oh, Amanda, I don't know... I
don't think I could decide about
something like that until I was
faced with it...
AMANDA
(simply)
I am faced with it.
Beverly regards her... understanding more than ever the
heavy weight that Amanda bears. She returns to the
commonplace --
BEVERLY
Go on with your work. I'll be
back to check on you later.
Beverly EXITS. Amanda turns and begins working. After
a moment, Q APPEARS.
Q
I thought she'd never leave.
AMANDA
(startled)
I don't think I'll ever get used
to that...
Q
It's time for another lesson.
AMANDA
I have to do this experiment
first.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 32A.
20 CONTINUED: (4)
Q peers at the work, unable to fathom that it could
hold any interest.
Q
What is it you're doing?
AMANDA
We're delivering live vaccine
bacilli to Tagra. I'm supposed
to find the best nutrient solution
for keeping them alive while
they're in stasis.
Q
(sarcastic)
How fascinating...
(suddenly animated)
I have a splendid idea. We'll
combine your work... with our
lesson. I'll show you how to
finish this in no time.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 33.
20 CONTINUED: (5)
AMANDA
(hesitant)
I think I'd better do it the way
Doctor Crusher showed me.
Q
Why? I'm sure the Doctor would
be delighted if you could speed
things along. Think what it would
mean... you could handle double...
triple the work load.
This sounds reasonable.
AMANDA
Well... I guess so.
Q motions that she look at the culture dishes.
Q
All right. As you look at the
tissue samples... form an image
of them in your mind...
Amanda's curiosity is mounting. She stares at the
culture dishes... concentrating on the image...
21 INT. MAIN BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
Data is working at an Aft Science Station. Picard
ENTERS from the Ready Room and approaches Riker, who
is in his chair.
PICARD
Number One... Doctor Crusher has
some live vaccine bacilli for
delivery to Tagra... they'll need
to be shipped in a stasis field.
Will you make the arrangements?
RIKER
I'll get right on it.
He heads up the ramp to the Turbolift.
DATA
Captain, there is a message from
Tagra Four.
PICARD
On screen.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 34.
21 CONTINUED:
An alien humanoid named ORN LOTE appears on the
Viewscreen; he is in a small room which is a control
station for one of the planet's barystatic filters.
ORN LOTE
Enterprise, I am Orn Lote,
Engineer. We are having
difficulties with the reactor that
powers our barystatic filters on
the southern continent. We may
have to shut it down for repairs.
PICARD
Perhaps my Chief Engineer could
assist you... ?
ORN LOTE
I hope so. If we are forced to
disable the reactor, it would take
months to re-establish the ionic
currents the filters have formed
in the atmosphere.
PICARD
Send us your design specifications
-- I'm sure we can do something.
ORN LOTE
Thank you, Captain.
Lote's face disappears and is replaced by a starfield.
DATA
Captain... may I see you for a
moment?
Picard starts up the ramp.
PICARD
What is it, Mister Data?
DATA
I have some information regarding
Amanda Rogers' parents.
Picard reaches the Aft Science Station.
DATA
Records indicate that they died
in Topeka, Kansas.
(MORE)
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 34A.
21 CONTINUED: (2)
DATA (Cont'd)
Their home was destroyed during
a tornado.
PICARD
A tornado? Why wasn't it
dissipated by the Weather
Modification Net?
DATA
Unknown, sir. The bodies were
found in the rubble after the
storm had passed.
PICARD
(a beat as he ponders)
See if you can find out any
details. I'd like to know more
about that storm.
DATA
Yes, Captain.
22 INT. MEDICAL LAB (OPTICAL)
Riker ENTERS and stops when he sees Q and Amanda. Q is
standing in front of her... her eyes are closed, as
though concentrating on something. The minute Q sees
Riker --
Q
If it isn't Number Two...
RIKER
(ignoring him; to
Amanda)
I'm looking for Doctor Crusher.
I don't know what nutrients she
wants to ship with the bacilli.
AMANDA
I'm not sure... I'll tell her to
contact you.
RIKER
Thanks.
He smiles and turns to go. She doesn't want him to
leave and blurts out the first thing that comes to
mind.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 35.
22 CONTINUED:
AMANDA
You could wait for her here... ?
She realizes how this sounds, tries to be more casual.
AMANDA
If you wanted to...
RIKER
(smiles)
Just tell her I'll be in
Shuttlebay Two.
He EXITS, and Q eyes her, recognizing that she has
feelings for Riker.
Q
You're attracted -- to him?
Embarrassed, she turns away from him.
AMANDA
Of course not...
Q
I think you are. How repulsive...
how can you stand that hair all
over his face?
But Amanda is saved from further inquiry by Beverly's
entrance.
AMANDA
Doctor... Commander Riker was
looking for you... he said he'd
be in Shuttlebay Two.
BEVERLY
Thank you.
She notices the apparatus of Amanda's experiment.
BEVERLY
(surprised)
You've finished already?
Amanda smiles; she feels a sense of satisfaction.
BEVERLY
How did you do it so quickly?
Beverly picks up the PADD and looks it over.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 36.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
AMANDA
(proudly)
Q helped me... we did it in less
than half the time it would've
normally taken.
BEVERLY
That explains this data.
(puts the Padd down,
addresses Q)
I needed to know the rates of
mitosis. By artificially
accelerating them you made the
experiment useless. Now I'll have
to do it over again.
AMANDA
(crestfallen)
I'm sorry, Doctor...
Q
Don't be sorry. If she wants to
do things the hard way, that's
her business.
BEVERLY
(firm)
Why did you interfere with what
she was doing?
Q
She's Q... making her plod through
human chores is an insult to her.
BEVERLY
She has asked not to be treated
differently.
Q
That doesn't mean you have to bore
her to death.
BEVERLY
I don't interfere with what you're
trying to teach Amanda --
Q
You wouldn't be capable of
interfering --
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT THREE 37.
22 CONTINUED: (3)
BEVERLY
(right over him)
I don't think it's too much to
ask for you to do the same --
Q waves his hand and suddenly Beverly is TRANSFORMED
into a YAPPING IRISH SETTER for a few beats. Q is
amused by this, but Amanda is horrified. She waves her
hand and TRANSFORMS Beverly back. Beverly continues
with what she was saying, unaware of what happened.
BEVERLY
-- and you stay out of mine.
Q nods in mock seriousness.
Q
Now that you put it like that,
I think you're absolutely right.
He smiles winningly at Beverly. Amanda is aghast, but
mostly relieved that Beverly didn't seem to notice what
happened.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 38.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
23 INT. BRIDGE
Data is once more at the Aft Science Station.
DATA
Captain...
PICARD
Yes, Mister Data?
DATA
I have more information regarding
the tornado that killed Amanda
Rogers' parents.
Picard crosses immediately to him.
PICARD
What is it?
Data indicates the screen of the monitor (which we do
NOT see), and Picard leans in to it.
DATA
It was unusually compact, yet
extremely powerful -- its recorded
wind velocity was characteristic
of a funnel three times its size.
A beat as Picard registers the implications of what
he's just heard.
PICARD
Download the files to my Ready
Room. I'll study them in
there.
DATA
Yes, sir.
He begins working as Picard heads for the Ready Room.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 39.
24 INT. AMANDA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
Amanda with Q.
AMANDA
Doctor Crusher was only trying
to help me... you shouldn't have
turned her into a dog...
Q regards her with a twinkle in his eye. He knows she
is feeling more receptive to him.
Q
Now, be truthful, Amanda. Wasn't
it amusing?
(beat)
Just a little?
AMANDA
(acknowledging, a little
smile)
Well...
Q
There, you see? My dear, what's
the point of having these
abilities if you can't enjoy them?
(briskly)
Now -- have you been practicing
your teleportation?
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 39A.
24 CONTINUED:
AMANDA
Yes. But it's kind of hard. I
keep ending up somewhere I don't
want to be.
Q
You're going to have to start
honing your abilities. It won't
do to be sloppy... let's see...
perhaps a little game?
He smiles warmly at her.
Q
I'm going to hide somewhere on
the ship... you try to find me.
AMANDA
But how do I know --
But he DISAPPEARS before she can finish. Amanda isn't
sure what to do.
Q'S VOICE
(from all around)
Don't worry, Amanda. You can do
it...
She closes her eyes and concentrates, as if she's
trying to sense where he's gone. She seems to make
a decision and DISAPPEARS.
CUT TO:
25 INT. SHUTTLEBAY TWO (OPTICAL)
as Amanda REAPPEARS amidst the bustle of activity in
the room. A few people notice her but she ignores them
as she looks around for Q.
She turns around, perplexed, not seeing him. Then, she
spots a STORAGE CONTAINER in a corner. She
concentrates, and it DISAPPEARS, revealing Q inside.
Q
Not bad. Not bad at all.
He DISAPPEARS again. Amanda once more concentrates to
locate him and then DISAPPEARS herself.
CUT TO:
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 40.
26 INT. ENGINEERING (OPTICAL)
as Amanda APPEARS in the area between the pool table
and the warp core.
Geordi and Data are there but they don't see her
because they're looking at a monitor and talking.
Amanda looks around for Q as they work.
GEORDI
The trick is to come up with a
field modulater that doesn't
require shutting down their
reactor...
DATA
If we use (TECH), we can devise
a mechanism that integrates into
the existing system while it is
in operation.
In the background Amanda has failed to find Q. She is
about to wave her hand and look for him elsewhere when
he sticks his head out of the pulsating chamber that
is the heart of the warp core.
Q
You're still thinking like a
human...
Geordi and Data turn at the sound of his voice in time
to see Q's head DISAPPEAR back into the reaction
chamber and Amanda DISAPPEAR altogether a moment later.
Off their reactions...
CUT TO:
27 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as Amanda APPEARS and is stunned to find herself
standing on the ship's hull -- she has materialized
outside, in space, atop the saucer section.
Q stands nearby, smiling. Behind them we see the rear
of the ship with its warp nacelles. There is no
wind... no sound... a small but dramatic field of
asteroids sweeps by them...
It is a breathtaking moment... and Q lets the impact
sink in.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 41.
27 CONTINUED:
Amanda looks around, awestruck... after a moment she
smiles a smile so bright it almost shames the passing
stars.
Q is pleased. This is exactly the reaction he had
hoped for. He waves a hand and they both DISAPPEAR.
28 OMITTED
29 INT. AMANDA'S QUARTERS (OPTICAL)
as Q and Amanda APPEAR. She is still breathless with
the wonder of what she has experienced. Q gazes at
her, well aware of the impact of his little game.
Q
Now do you understand? What do
humans have to offer that even
begins to compare with that?
She is still reeling...
Q
Your future contains wonders you
can't even imagine... the universe
could be your playground...
The sudden intrusion of door CHIMES invades Q's
rhapsodic vision. He eyes her.
AMANDA
Doctor Crusher and Counselor
Troi... they're taking me to
dinner.
He shakes his head, annoyed.
Q
You don't have to eat, you know.
It's just a nasty human habit you
could easily do without.
He DISAPPEARS. Amanda crosses to the door and opens
it; Beverly and Troi are there.
BEVERLY
Hello, Amanda. Are you ready?
AMANDA
Yes...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 42.
29 CONTINUED:
But Amanda's attitude is one of reluctance, not
anticipation.
30 INT. TEN FORWARD (OPTICAL)
Where Amanda, Beverly, and Troi are having dinner.
Amanda hasn't touched her food.
TROI
Is there something else you'd like
to order, Amanda?
AMANDA
No, thank you. I'm just... not
hungry.
(beat)
Actually, I don't even have to
eat. It's a human trait.
TROI
I see.
(beat)
How are you feeling about all this
now? It must be overwhelming.
AMANDA
It was at first. But now... I'm
actually enjoying myself.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 43.
30 CONTINUED:
RIKER'S VOICE
Hello, ladies...
They look up to see Riker has approached the table.
TROI
Hello, Wil...
Beverly nods her greeting... and Amanda breaks out in
an eager pleased smile.
AMANDA
Commander Riker... why don't you
join us?
RIKER
Thanks, but I'm meeting someone.
He smiles and moves off; Amanda's face falls and she
gazes after him.
BEVERLY
(to Amanda)
How are the lessons going? Is
Q being patient with you?
But Amanda isn't really listening. She's watching
Riker, who joins an attractive WOMAN at another table.
Troi and Beverly exchange glances.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 44.
30 CONTINUED: (2)
Amanda watches Riker... laughing with the woman at some
shared joke. Amanda's eyes narrow... and suddenly
Amanda waves her hand and both she and Riker DISAPPEAR.
Troi and Beverly are astonished.
31 EXT. A GAZEBO - NIGHT (OPTICAL)
in the woods, as Amanda and Riker APPEAR under its
roof. Amanda wears an elegant evening dress; Riker
is formally attired.
The gazebo's white slatted joints are intertwined with
vines. It is night, and the few leafy branches that
are visible are enough to suggest that the gazebo is
deep in an enchanted forest.
Riker realizes that the very elaborateness of what
she's now doing demonstrates the depth of her
infatuation with him, and he knows he needs to be
careful with her feelings.
RIKER
(evenly)
What's this all about?
AMANDA
I thought it might be nice for
us to spend some time alone
together.
She smiles radiantly at him...
RIKER
I think you should take us back
to Ten Forward.
She moves toward him... wanting to be seductive...
needing to be taken seriously as a woman.
AMANDA
Are you sure? Wouldn't you like
to be here with me for a while?
She gestures.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 45.
31 CONTINUED:
AMANDA
The moonlight is beautiful...
isn't it nicer here than in Ten
Forward?
RIKER
It's very pleasant. But that's
not the point...
AMANDA
Oh... ?
She twines her arms around his neck.
AMANDA
I think it is...
He takes her wrists and pulls them off him.
RIKER
No...
(beat)
You can't just snatch people away
and put them in your fantasies...
and expect them to respond.
AMANDA
Don't you like me... even a
little?
RIKER
I think you're a lovely young
woman. But -- none of this is
real.
Amanda stares at him... she had expected that he would
be swept off his feet by her grand fantasy.
AMANDA
My feelings are real...
RIKER
I know that... but -- you can't
make someone... love you.
Amanda's eyes narrow again.
AMANDA
Can't I?
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 46.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
She concentrates... and Riker's expression suddenly
changes. He looks at her with devotion...
RIKER
Amanda...
He moves toward her, takes her in his arms in a
passionate embrace.
RIKER
You're so beautiful...
He kisses her fully, Amanda enjoying the exquisiteness
of the moment... they break apart and he buries his
head in her neck.
AMANDA
Do you love me?
RIKER
Yes... more than anything...
She stands for a moment as he kisses her neck and
shoulder... a sad expression steals over her. She
steps back from him... and his expression changes back
to normal Riker. He blinks, not sure of what's
happened.
AMANDA
(softly)
You're right... none of this is
real...
She turns her back on him, embarrassed now at the whole
situation.
AMANDA
I thought it would be romantic...
but it's empty...
RIKER
(solicitous)
Amanda...
But she's humiliated, near tears... moves away from
him.
AMANDA
Just go back to Ten Forward...
Riker DISAPPEARS. Then she bursts into tears, a young
woman in a lovely gown... standing in the gazebo deep
within the enchanted forest... alone in her fantasy.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 47.
32 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
as it cruises at impulse.
33 OMITTED
33A INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Q APPEARS before Picard.
Q
Bon jour, mon Capitan. You wanted
to talk to me?
PICARD
Yes. I want to ask you about
Amanda's biological parents. When
they decided to remain on Earth,
what was the reaction in the
Continuum?
Q
We found it incomprehensible.
PICARD
Were they pressured to come back?
Were they threatened with
punishment if they didn't?
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 48A.
33A CONTINUED:
Q
What are you getting at, Picard?
PICARD
The circumstance of their death
was a bit odd... a tornado that
escaped the Weather Modification
Net... and then touched down in
only one spot -- Amanda's home.
Q
(shrugs)
You never can predict the
weather...
PICARD
Tornadoes develop from existing
storm fronts... and there were
no storm fronts in Kansas that
day. Witnesses reported that the
funnel materialized
spontaneously... directly over
Amanda's home... destroyed it...
and then disappeared.
Q
If you say so. I wasn't there.
PICARD
Were Amanda's parents executed...
by the Q Continuum?
Q hesitates before answering.
Q
And what if they were?
PICARD
Then I think Amanda has the right
to know that before she makes a
choice about her future.
Q
Don't be foolish, Picard. She
has no choice. She never did.
Picard starts to retort, but Q rides over him.
Q
If she is truly Q, she must come
where she belongs, to the
Continuum...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FOUR 48B.
33A CONTINUED: (2)
Q pauses, looks levelly at Picard.
Q
But if she is some kind of
hybrid... neither human nor Q...
then I'm afraid she'll have to
be...
Q's gesture is clear; they will kill her.
PICARD
Are you that despicable, Q?
Q
Don't be naive. You have no idea
what it means to be Q. With
unlimited power comes the need
for responsibility. Do you think
we can allow an omnipotent being
to roam free in the universe?
PICARD
And... what have you concluded?
Does she live... or does she die?
Q
I haven't decided yet.
And on that impasse...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 49.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
34 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
now in orbit around Tagra. The planet's atmosphere is
noticeably brownish from heavy smog.
PICARD (V.O.)
Captain's log, Stardate 46193.8.
We have arrived at Tagra Four and
have begun delivering supplies.
In the meantime, I am faced with
a crisis of a different nature.
35 INT. OBSERVATION LOUNGE
Picard with Beverly and Troi.
PICARD
I have no reason to believe Q is
lying. He has orders from the
Continuum... if Amanda doesn't
prove herself to be fully Q...
he must kill her.
TROI
We have to tell her...
BEVERLY
I'm not sure we should... it seems
almost cruel.
TROI
Maybe she can protect herself...
after all, she has a great deal
of power.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 49A-51.
35 CONTINUED:
BEVERLY
So did her parents, and it didn't
save them.
There is a silence as Picard reflects on the arguments.
Then --
PICARD
I'm inclined to agree that Amanda
deserves to know the truth of the
situation. We don't have the
right to withhold such crucial
information.
(beat)
But it won't be easy telling
her...
The others are sympathetic to his plight.
36 INT. SHUTTLEBAY TWO
Riker and Orn Lote in conversation.
RIKER
What's your impression of the
field modulator, Mister Lote?
LOTE
Quite ingenious, quite ingenious,
indeed...
(coughs)
I'm amazed at the way it can be
incorporated into the existing
system.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 52.
36 CONTINUED:
Geordi approaches.
GEORDI
We're all loaded. We can head
for the surface whenever you're
ready.
LOTE
I'm eager to see the field
modulator in place, Commander.
He suddenly degenerates into a cough... he fumbles for
a small oxygen-type mask that hangs from his belt, puts
it over his nose and mouth, and draws few quick breaths
to calm his inflamed bronchi.
RIKER
Why don't we get going... ?
36A
thru OMITTED
36E
37 EXT. SPACE - THE ENTERPRISE (OPTICAL)
in orbit of Tagra.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 53.
38
thru OMITTED
38A
39 INT. READY ROOM (OPTICAL)
Amanda is with Picard, who has told her of Q's true
purpose. She is pale but composed.
AMANDA
Kill me? Why?
PICARD
They're not convinced you're fully
Q.
She stares at him, incredulous.
PICARD
They were responsible for the
death of your parents...
AMANDA
(stunned)
My parents -- ?
There is a beat as she absorbs this dreadful
information... and then begins to get angry.
AMANDA
What right do they have?
She looks around the room, challenging Q to come
forward.
AMANDA
Answer that, Q. Or are you afraid
to face me?
Q APPEARS.
Q
You're such a plucky little thing.
I do enjoy you, you know.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 54.
39 CONTINUED:
PICARD
Amanda's question deserves an
answer, Q. You've made yourself
judge, jury, and -- if necessary
-- executioner. By what right
do you appoint yourself to this
position?
Q
Superior morality...
PICARD
I recall how you used your
superior morality when we first
encountered you. You put us
on trial for the crimes of
humanity.
Q
The jury is still out, Picard.
Make no mistake.
PICARD
Your arrogant pretense to being
the moral guardians of the
universe strikes me as a bit pale
today. You have shown no evidence
that you are guided by a superior
moral code -- by any code
whatsoever. You may be nearly
omnipotent -- I won't deny your
parlor tricks are impressive --
but morality? No, I don't see
it. I don't acknowledge it. I
would put human morality against
the Q's any day.
Q looks at him sharply.
PICARD
Perhaps that's the fascination
we humans hold for you... ? That
by our puny example we give you
a glimmer of the one thing that
eludes your omnipotence -- a moral
center.
Q refuses to react in any way.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 54A.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
PICARD
If so, I can think of no crueler
irony than for you to destroy
a young woman whose only crime...
is being too human.
Q has perhaps been struck by the truth of Picard's words...
but of course can't acknowledge that. He applauds.
Q
Jean-Luc, Jean-Luc... sometimes
I think the only reason I come
here is to listen to these
wonderful speeches of yours. But
in this case your concerns are
unwarranted. We've decided not
to harm her. We're prepared to
offer her a choice.
AMANDA
(wary)
What kind of choice?
Q
You can come with me to the
Continuum --
AMANDA
Or... ?
Q eyes her.
Q
The other choice is more
difficult.
(beat)
You have within yourself the
ability to refrain from using the
power of Q. If you can do that
-- you can stay here.
AMANDA
Then I'm staying here.
Q
Think carefully... it won't be
easy. Your parents were offered
the same choice... and they were
unable to resist using their
power.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 55.
39 CONTINUED: (3)
AMANDA
All I've wanted... since this
whole thing began... was to be
a normal human being again. I
know I can resist.
Before Q can respond --
WORF'S COM VOICE
Worf to Picard -- there is an
emergency message from Commander
Riker.
PICARD
On my way.
He goes immediately for the Bridge, followed by Amanda
and Q.
40 INT. BRIDGE (OPTICAL)
as they emerge from the Ready Room. Riker is on the
viewscreen from the reactor control room. Geordi and
Lote are in bg.
RIKER
Captain, the damage to the reactor
was greater than the Tagrans led
us to believe. The field
modulator is installed and
operational, but it's not going
to be enough... the reactor's gone
into overload...
PICARD
Can you correct the problem?
RIKER
La Forge is trying to stabilize
the unit now. We'll stay as long
as possible... there are thousands
of people in the area, and if that
reactor goes...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 56.
40 CONTINUED:
LOTE
(on viewscreen, to
Riker)
Commander -- over here, quickly!
Riker moves off toward Lote and Geordi in the
background. Picard turns stonily to Q.
PICARD
Is this your doing, Q -- ?
Q spreads his hands in genuine innocence.
Q
Not this time, Picard.
And he DISAPPEARS.
PICARD
Mister Worf, see if there's
anything we can do to cut through
the interference and beam them
out of there.
WORF
Aye, sir.
Riker moves back toward the front of the Viewscreen.
RIKER
Captain, La Forge is trying a
neutrino infusion. There's a
chance it'll smother the
reaction...
WORF
Sir, there is too much ionization
in the atmosphere, transporters
are useless.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 57.
41 ANGLE ON AMANDA
Through all this, she has been staring at the
Viewscreen, stricken with the possibility of what might
happen.
GEORDI'S COM VOICE
It didn't work, sir. Meltdown
is imminent.
Amanda narrows her eyes...
42 ANGLE FAVORING VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
as Riker and Geordi stand there, helpless... then, from
the back of the control room...
LOTE
Commander... look at this...
They turn and inspect a console.
GEORDI
This is impossible...
He turns back to the Viewscreen.
GEORDI
I don't know what's happening,
sir -- but the reaction is
stabilizing on its own.
Picard turns... looks at Amanda... but she's
concentrating on the Viewscreen.
DATA
Sir... I am reading a massive
energy fluctuation in the planet's
atmosphere.
PICARD
On screen.
The control room disappears from the Viewscreen and
is replaced by a view of the planet itself,
smog-shrouded.
43 AMANDA
stares at it... concentrating...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 57A.
44 ON THE VIEWSCREEN (OPTICAL)
The brown veil over the planet is dissipating... and
Tagra is transformed into a lush, blue-green world...
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 57A.
45 THE CREW
stares at the phenomenal transformation.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 58.
45 CONTINUED:
DATA
Atmospheric contaminants have
dropped to less than one part
per trillion.
(glancing at Picard)
The ecosystem has been restored
to its natural state.
PICARD
Amanda... ?
She turns and looks at him... and then Q APPEARS.
Q
You see? It's harder to resist
than you thought...
AMANDA
I couldn't let all those people
die...
She looks around the Bridge... at Picard... at Q...
AMANDA
Ever since I got here, I've been
fighting this. Denying the truth.
Denying what I am.
She regards them all, a little sad, but knowing she's
right.
AMANDA
I am Q.
A look of concentration crosses her features and --
Beverly APPEARS... looking a bit startled. Q is
tapping his foot impatiently.
AMANDA
Doctor Crusher... I've decided...
I can't stay...
(beat)
I can't stay here.
Q
Now that you've come to your
senses, can we be off?
AMANDA
No. First I'm going to visit my
parents. And it might take a
while to explain all this, so
you'll have to be patient.
STAR TREK: "True Q" - REV. 9/04/92 - ACT FIVE 59.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
Amanda turns to Beverly... Beverly opens her arms and
hugs her.
AMANDA
I hope I can come visit you
sometime...
BEVERLY
(smiling)
You're a Q... you can do anything
you want.
Amanda smiles, pulls away. She regards them...
bittersweet tears in her eyes... she and Q DISAPPEAR.
Our people are left alone, with their memories of a
very special young woman...
46
thru OMITTED
48
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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