Riker: Come on in.
Riker: Excellent. Exactly what I need. Ah, Mister Worf. And the good Doctor, bearing gifts.
Pulaski: Ale from Ennan Six. Your omelets deserve no less.
Data: This is not an efficient method for the preparation of sustenance.
Riker: No, you're right, Data. The ship's computer would be more efficient, but it wouldn't allow for the subtlety needed for great cooking. It would give you all of the ingredients in pre-determined measurements, but wouldn't allow for flair or individuality. And Data, as we both know, flair is what marks the difference between artistry and mere competence.
Pulaski: For much of the history of mankind, the breaking of bread was a symbol of friendship and community. Something we have gotten away from in the twenty-fourth century.
Pulaski: Ah, you have a practiced hand, Commander.
Riker: Yes, I have my father to thank.
Pulaski: Your father liked to cook?
Riker: No, he hated it. That's why he left the chore to me.
Worf: It is my understanding that in most human families, the woman shares in the cooking.
Riker: There were only the two of us. I never knew my mother. She died when I was very young.
Laforge: Where did you get these eggs?
Riker: On our last stop.
Laforge: At Starbase Seventy Three?
Riker: Yes.
Laforge: What kind of eggs did you say these were?
Riker: Owon. For you, Data, something special. Don't be afraid. They won't bite you. And for you, Mister Worf.
Riker: A cook's only as good as his ingredients.
Worf: Delicious.
Picard: Number One.
Riker: Go ahead.
Picard: I would appreciate you joining me on the Bridge.
Riker: Right away, sir.
Picard: Number One, we've picked up an automated signal from a Federation shuttlecraft.
Riker: A shuttlecraft? How's that possible? I thought we were the only manned Federation vessel out here.
Picard: Apparently not.
Riker: What's a shuttlecraft doing out this far? Where's its mother ship?
Worf: Sensors indicate there is at least one life form on board the shuttle, sir. Humanoid.
Picard: Perhaps someone to answer your questions, Number One. Open hailing frequencies.
Worf: Communication is not possible, sir. The shuttle is without power.
Riker: Set course to intercept.
Data: Estimate intercept in three minutes.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 42679.2. While en route to the Endicor system, we have encountered a Federation shuttlecraft, which seems to have appeared out of nowhere. There are no indications of where it came from or how it got out here.
Worf: We are closing on shuttlecraft, sir.
Picard: Thank you, Lieutenant. On screen.
Riker: Magnify.
Riker: Prepare to lock on tractor beam.
Data: Target vehicle. We will be within tractor beam range in two seconds.
Riker: Set automatic locking device. Alert Shuttlebay two.
Data: Shuttlebay two, prepare for retrieval procedure.
Data: Locking tractor beam.
Picard: Number One.
Riker: You're with me, Mister Worf.
Picard: Doctor Pulaski, you are needed in Shuttlebay two.
Pulaski: I've been monitoring. I'm on my way.
Data: Engage secondary tractor beam.
Riker: It's a Federation shuttlecraft, all right.
Worf: Yet there are no Federation bases or vessels in this area.
Riker: NCC one seven zero one D USS Enterprise, shuttlecraft five.
Riker: NCC one seven zero one D USS Enterprise shuttlecraft five.
Worf: How is this possible?
Pulaski: Commander, come here!
Riker: Captain?
Picard: Yes, Number One.
Riker: Are you on the Bridge?
Picard: Where else would I be?
Riker: Well. right now I think you should be in Shuttlebay two.
Picard: Why? What is it?
Riker: This I think you should see for yourself. Bring Commander Data.
Picard: Condition?
Pulaski: The life signs are very confusing. His heartbeat is strong, but the pulse is off.
Picard: Is he injured?
Pulaski: There's no signs of trauma.
Picard: Why is he unconscious? What happened to him?
Pulaski: I can't say. The readings of his brain waves are very strange.
Picard: Strange? In what way? Non-human? Artificial?
Pulaski: No, neither. They're just out of phase.
Picard: Can you revive him?
Pulaski: I wouldn't even attempt it till we get him into Sickbay. Come on, let's get him back.
Picard: Counselor?
Troi: I have never felt anything quite like this before, so it's difficult to put into words. That person is you.
Picard: No.
Troi: He is as much Jean-Luc Picard as the person I am standing next to. Beyond that, there is very little I can be sure of. I will have to wait until he regains consciousness before knowing more.
Picard: Data, I need to know what's on the shuttle's logs.
Data: Yes, sir.
Data: Captain, both primary and reserve power has been drained from the shuttle. I am going to have to connect to the Enterprise in order to activate the shuttle's systems.
Riker: Geordi
Riker: Report to Shuttlebay two immediately.
Laforge: I'm on my way.
Picard: I'll be in Sickbay. Keep me informed.
Riker: Captain, seen this?
Picard: Looks like the damage caused by an antimatter explosion.
Riker: It must have been just out of range of the shuttlecraft.
Picard: Data, I need those logs. Counselor.
Riker: We'll be on the Bridge. Lieutenant.
Riker: Resume course and speed. Scanners at maximum range.
Worf: Maximum range.
Laforge: There you go. You should have power now.
Laforge: What happened?
Data: The polarity is not compatible.
Laforge: That's not possible. The connection's idiot proof.
Data: The power requirements of the shuttle do not match those of the Enterprise. We will need a variable phase inverter, to align the power from the Enterprise to the circuits of the shuttle.
Laforge: Data, what do you think is going on here? I don't mean just with the shuttle, I mean everything.
Data: I do not have enough information.
Pulaski: I'm just starting a complete medical work-up. His vital signs are distorted. Some of the indicators are totally depressed, others are fluctuating wildly. I can't explain any of it. But he is alive. The restraints are for his own protection.
Picard: Have you been able to determine why he's still unconscious?
Pulaski: No. but I have been able to rule out any head injury.
Picard: Wake him.
Picard: What happened?
Pulaski: Apparently, the normal stimulant had the opposite effect. I'll have to try something else.
Laforge: All right, Data. I think I've got it now. That ought to give you something. Making this power adjustment is very tricky. By all rights, this connection should blow all the shuttle's circuits.
Data: Perhaps you had better step out of the way.
Laforge: All right, but remember, you're not indestructible yourself, you know.
Data: Increase the power.
Laforge: Powering up.
Data: Adjust the invert two percent positive.
Laforge: Two percent positive. It's the right decision, but it's having the opposite effect.
Data: Yes.
Laforge: I don't understand. I can't think of anything that would cause the circuit to change so radically.
Data: Adjust the invert two percent negative.
Laforge: Okay. Two percent negative. That's it. It shouldn't work, but it does. Hey, Data. Take a look at the stardate. 42679.5. Captain.
Picard: Go ahead.
Laforge: Captain, we've been able to reactivate the shuttle, and the on-board clock indicates that the shuttle is
Laforge: Six hours in front of us. Captain, do you read me? If the shuttle's from six hours into the future, then so is the other Captain Picard.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. Part of the mystery has been solved. The reason there are two number five shuttlecrafts is because one of them is from the future. Six hours, to be exact. And so, presumably, is the facsimile of me.
Picard: Try to wake him, again.
Picard: No!
Pulaski: It's a only a sedative.
Picard: I know what it is. Don't sedate him. Let him be. Please. Let him to remain conscious.
Pulaski: I have never seen anything like this. Are you all right?
Picard: I'm fine, Doctor. Save your ministrations for your patient. I want a staff meeting in five minutes. Doctor, I assume you will want to remain here.
Pulaski: Yes, I will monitor the conference from here.
Picard: Keep me informed of any changes, no matter how small.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. I've been informed that Mister Data has recovered the logs from the duplicate shuttlecraft. I am more than apprehensive to play back a log which will not be recorded for several hours.
Laforge: Captain, we've retrieved all we are going to get from the shuttle logs, including the last visual records. Everything before that is just a jumble.
Picard: Show me.
Laforge: The distortion is because we had to use a phase inverter to retrieve the logs. The quality will improve slightly.
Data: According to the shuttle log, the Enterprise was destroyed three hours nineteen minutes from now.
Laforge: Captain, we have a portion of the last log entry. It's audio only.
Picard: Captain's personal log, supplemental. I have just witnessed the total destruction of the USS Enterprise with a loss of all hands, save one. Me.
Laforge: All attempts to obtain further information from the shuttle have failed.
Riker: Well, at least now we have something to go on.
Laforge: I just don't understand how you could have ended up in a shuttlecraft while the Enterprise was being destroyed.
Worf: Nor I. The last thing you would do is leave the Bridge of the Enterprise during an emergency.
Picard: Yes. All right, let's proceed on the premise that what we have just seen happened, and that in less than four hours from now, the Enterprise will be destroyed, and somehow, although this is unfathomable, I and I alone escape. Discussion.
Riker: Our destination is the Endicor system. We're due to arrive in three days. The charts show nothing of consequence, certainly nothing to threaten the Enterprise, between here and there.
Worf: Sensors indicated no other vessels, Federation or otherwise, in this area.
Picard: Data?
Data: I have nothing to offer. There is not enough information upon which to base a hypothesis.
Laforge: Well, the shuttle apparently came from somewhere up ahead, so Rather than continuing on this course, maybe we should stop here and let whatever is out there come to us.
Riker: We may already be too late.
Laforge: What are you saying? That stopping, turning right or left, or even reversing our course, would be pointless?
Riker: When we brought the shuttle and the other Picard on board, we committed to a sequence of events which may be unalterable.
Picard: Yes, this is not a rock on the trail which once seen can easily be avoided. This is much more complex.
Worf: There is the theory of the moebius. A twist in the fabric of space where time becomes a loop from which there is no escape.
Laforge: So, when we reach that point, whatever happened will happen again. The Enterprise will be destroyed, the other Picard will be sent back to meet with us and we do it all over again. Sounds like someone's idea of hell to me.
Riker: Well, I know this much. We can't avoid the future.
Picard: Agreed. So let's continue on course. Somewhere out there something will happen. A decision will be made during the course of which, I will be separated from the Enterprise. At the time, the decision will seem to be correct, but it won't be. We have to anticipate and not make, not make the same mistake once. Something is waiting for us out there. Let's try and determine what it is, as quickly as possible.
Picard: Doctor?
Pulaski: I'm just beginning to realize just how much of the body is held together by its own internal clock. He was thrown out of time, which caused his body systems to change their rhythm. Now, slowly, as we get closer to the time he left, his internal body clock is realigning.
Picard: You're saying that when our time intersects with the time he left, in that instant he will function normally and, and there will be two of us.
Pulaski: Right now, that is my guess.
Picard: Doctor, I don't think that's possible.
Troi: I'm able to feel much more from him now, Captain. His emotions are still a jumble, but
Picard: Counselor?
Troi: He desperately wants to leave this ship.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. We continue on course to Endicor. We are now less than two hours away from our rendezvous with ourselves.
Riker: Worf.
Worf: Maximum scan. Nothing unusual to report.
Riker: If this timetable is correct, we could get an indication of something very soon.
Pulaski: Bridge, this is Sickbay.
Picard: Yes, Doctor.
Pulaski: Captain, my patient is more coherent.
Picard: I'm on my way. You have the Bridge, Number One.
Picard: How is he?
Pulaski: His vital signs are more normal. Which is to say, more like ours. He is calmer.
Picard: He's aware of me.
Pulaski: Perhaps, in some fashion.
Picard: But he knows where he is, who's here with him.
Pulaski: I doubt it.
Picard: What went wrong? You know, don't you? What did you do? What happened? Why did you leave the ship? Don't turn away. Look at me. Picard! Look at me!
Troi: Captain, he doesn't understand you.
Picard: He knows I'm here.
Troi: Yes, but in a nightmare of disjointed images and half-heard voices. He's in another dimension, looking at us across a great chasm. And he's feeling remorse at what he has witnessed. He's afraid.
Picard: What is he afraid of? Damn you. Help me! Why did you leave the ship?
Troi: It's no use, Captain. He can't answer you.
Pulaski: When we get closer to his time, he may be able to.
Picard: Are you still convinced he's me?
Troi: Yes, but you're not convinced.
Picard: Not in the slightest. Except for his features, there is nothing about him that I find familiar. Counselor, I want you to stay with him. He will be able to communicate with you before any on else.
Pulaski: I don't know how long anyone could take this kind of anxiety state. There has to be a breaking point.
Troi: I think he's handling it very well.
Pulaski: He has a lot of anger.
Troi: Yes, because of what he represents.
Pulaski: And what is that?
Troi: Doubt. He's afraid that seeing him here and knowing what happened to the Enterprise will make him timid, or worse, make him to hesitate.
Pulaski: Part of my job is to anticipate problems. My duty is to the Captain, but first to the ship and its crew.
Troi: Doctor, the Captain is quite capable of command decisions.
Pulaski: Yes, for now. But this situation has put him under extreme pressure of a unique and very personal kind. We both know that pressure will only increase. You said yourself that he already has doubt.
Troi: Which is understandable, and healthy.
Pulaski: And could be potentially paralyzing. If we begin to see signs that he's acting in an irrational manner, I have the authority and the duty to relieve him.
Troi: I don't think that will be necessary.
Pulaski: I hope you're right.
Picard: What force or phenomenon could cause the shuttle to be thrown back in time?
Riker: None that we've encountered. In theory, accelerating beyond warp ten.
Picard: Using the gravitational pull of a star to slingshot back in time. Is that what happened here?
Riker: The shuttle doesn't have warp capability.
Picard: No. So some external force was needed.
Riker: We've never encountered a natural force that powerful. Why only six hours? Why not a day? Or a year?
Picard: Are you saying there was some conscious mind at work here?
Riker: There's no evidence either way.
Picard: The Traveler moved through time using the power of his mind.
Riker: I don't think that's the case here.
Picard: No. And Manheim's experiments with gravity and time were rudimentary, and uncontrollable.
Riker: Captain, I think this is one instance where you should suppress your natural tendencies.
Picard: Oh, really?
Riker: One of your strengths is your ability to evaluate the dynamics of a situation, and then take a definitive pre-emptive step, take charge. Now, you're frustrated because you not only can't see the solution, you can't even define the problem.
Picard: Go on.
Riker: What we're facing is neither a person nor a place. At least not yet. It's time.
Picard: You're saying I should just sit down, shut up and wait.
Riker: I wouldn't have put it exactly like that.
Picard: Not something I do easily.
Riker: Your Persian flaw.
Picard: Yes, perhaps it is.
Worf: Captain to the Bridge.
Picard: Report.
Worf: This energy vortex has just appeared beneath us. There was no warning.
Riker: Well, at least the waiting's over.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. We have apparently intersected with something.
Data: It is similar to our tractor beam, sir, only much more powerful.
Laforge: Bridge, this is Lieutenant La Forge.
Riker: Bridge.
Laforge: The pull on the Enterprise is steady. I'm having to hold the warp engines at thirty percent in order to maintain our present position.
Picard: Transfer Engine control to the Bridge.
Laforge: On my way, Captain.
Troi: Captain, there is a consciousness here. Not thought, more like instinct.
Picard: What do you think, Number One?
Riker: I think we're being probed.
Data: The beam is coming from the center of the vortex. Sensors show it to be only a mass of energy.
Picard: What is it trying to learn?
Troi: I think it's trying to determine if we are a life force.
Picard: We'll stay and investigate.
Riker: Agreed.
Picard: Unless that was the mistake. Staying too long.
Riker: Possibly.
Picard: We should go now.
Riker: Well
Picard: That would be the prudent move. I never thought I'd hear myself saying something like that.
Riker: Under the circumstances, sir, I think you're right.
Picard: But you would rather stay and find out what it is? What is its intent?
Laforge: Engineering, transfer to Bridge.
Picard: Mister La Forge.
Laforge: Sir.
Picard: Try and take us out of here. Maximum warp.
Laforge: Aye, sir. I've set the velocity at warp nine.
Picard: Engage.
Laforge: Warp engines are at ninety one percent.
Picard: Put it to the wall, Mister La Forge.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Laforge: I can't hold it.
Riker: Captain, the engines can't handle the strain.
Picard: All stop.
Picard: Mister La Forge.
Laforge: I'm re-engaging warp engines, Captain.
Picard: Status?
Worf: All decks have reported. No damage. No injuries.
Laforge: Captain, the hold on the Enterprise is still very strong. I'm having to hold at warp seven just to maintain our position.
Picard: Everything we do tightens its grip. Let's see what we can learn. Launch a Class one probe.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Picard: Mister Worf
Picard: That was personal.
Laforge: Captain, the power drain needed to hold this position is enormous.
Picard: How long can you maintain it?
Laforge: Just a few minutes and then we're going to have to shut down again.
Pulaski: Captain some kind of energy
Pulaski: Just surrounded my patient.
Picard: Is he still alive?
Pulaski: Yes
Riker: Arm the photons, Mister Worf. Lock on the center of the vortex.
Worf: Photon torpedoes locked on target.
Picard: Hold for my order.
Riker: Like a rag in a dog's mouth.
Laforge: I am now at maximum warp.
Troi: It's you, Captain. It was the entire ship, but now it has focused its attention entirely on you.
Laforge: Captain, I can't hold it any longer. If we don't shut down right now, we are going
Picard: Hold this position. Counselor, if I were to leave the Enterprise, would its attention still be focused on me?
Troi: Yes. I think it would.
Riker: You'd never survive.
Picard: But in those few seconds, the Enterprise might break free. That's what he, that's what the other Picard must have thought.
Riker: Captain, where are you going?
Picard: You have the Bridge, Number One.
Riker: You're leaving the ship?
Picard: We may be on a road that has no turns.
Pulaski: He's very agitated.
P2: I must get to the shuttle.
Picard: I know. Do you know where you are?
P2: The Enterprise.
Picard: Yes, but you're only vaguely aware of it. And me? Do you know who I am? No, you don't, do you.
P2: I must go.
Picard: Release him.
Pulaski: Do you know what you are doing?
Picard: No. Release him.
Pulaski: Security to Sickbay.
Picard: No. Security, disregard that order, and clear all personnel, repeat, all personnel, from Shuttlebay two.
Picard: I don't want any distractions. You, stay here.
Picard: You made a decision to leave the ship?
P2: I must.
Picard: Why?
P2: The energy in the vortex wants me.
Picard: You're certain.
P2: Yes. It's an entity, a life form, which recognizes the Enterprise as an entity with me as its brain. And it wants me.
P2: Shuttlebay two.
Picard: What's your other option?
P2: This is our only chance. If I leave, it may be distracted long enough for the Enterprise to escape.
Picard: You're wrong. If you leave, the Enterprise will be destroyed. Don't you remember? You saw it happen.
P2: If I don't leave the ship, then the Enterprise will be destroyed.
Picard: If that's true, then help me. We want the same thing. We both want the Enterprise to be safe. But there is a piece of information I don't have. What is it?
P2: It's me.
Picard: You?
Riker: Captain.
Picard: Yes.
Riker: We are about to lose warp drive.
Picard: Understood.
P2: Understood.
Picard: When you say it wants you, do you mean it's still you, only you, and not me.
P2: You're confusing me. We're almost out of time. I must get to the shuttle.
Picard: Wait. You can. I'll let you. But first, tell me. What is, what was your other choice?
P2: Stand aside.
Picard: You must tell me. What was it? You don't know what I'm talking about. You're locked into a single intent unable to change. Unable to alter any part of your previous actions.
P2: I have to leave. There's no other way.
Picard: There must be.
P2: One. But it would never work.
Picard: What is it? What would never work?
P2: I have to leave.
Picard: What was the other choice? We can't fight, we can't escape, we can't go forward.
P2: No. No, we can't go forward. That would destroy the Enterprise.
Picard: Was that it? Is that the other choice?
P2: I must leave.
Picard: No. Captain Picard. I can not allow you to leave. Before we can go forward, the cycle must end.
Picard: Doctor Pulaski, report to Shuttlebay two.
Picard: Bridge.
Picard: Number One, we're wasting our energy trying to escape. It only weakens us. Helm, set a course for the center of the vortex. Mister La Forge, on my command, I want all the power you can muster.
Laforge: Yes, sir.
Riker: We're going in?
Picard: Yes.
Data: Course set, sir.
Picard: Now everyone hold their position. No matter what. Engage. ibi
O'Brien: Captain Picard.
O'Brien: This is Shuttlebay two. The other Picard and the shuttle are gone.
Picard: Explain.
O'Brien: They just vanished.
Picard: What's our position?
Data: We are back on course to Endicor.
Riker: Stand down from Red Alert.
Worf: All decks have reported in. No damage, no casualties.
Picard: You have the Bridge, Number One.
Picard: A lot of questions, Number One. Damn few answers.
Riker: Maybe none of it was real. Perhaps we were all part of a shared illusion.
Picard: Or maybe he was thrown back in time, so that we would be able to take another road. Make a different choice. Well, they say if you travel far enough you will eventually meet yourself. Having experienced that, Number One, it's not something I would care to repeat.
Riker: I'll be on the Bridge, sir.


Picard: Captain's log, Stardate 42686.4. We are en route to Starbase Montgomery for engineering consultations prompted by minor readout anomalies.
Data: I would consider them insignificant.
Riker: What if you're wrong? Sorry. But what if it is more than a mere diskrepancy?
Laforge: Then I'd say we have a problem.
Picard: Agreed. We'll have Starbase Montgomery give us an independent reading.
Data: Even if the molecular level controls have failed, we can still recrystallize the dilithium without outside help.
Laforge: Don't worry, Data. My ego isn't at stake here.
Data: Perhaps we can reprogram the system to correct the readout variables
Picard: Well, that's certainly another option, but as we're stopping at Starbase Montgomery anyway, we'll let them do the analysis.
Riker: I don't recall Starbase Montgomery on the mission itinerary
Picard: I think we could all use a twelve hour layover. Besides, I've just received some personnel transfer directives. Priority matter,
Riker: Boarding or disembarking?
Wesley: Captain Picard. We're within hailing range of Starbase Montgomery
Picard: Go to half impulse power. Will you join me in the Observation lounge when you're done?
Riker: Captain?
Picard: Number One, I've just been recollecting the arrival of a new First Officer on board the Enterprise, and a manual docking confidently achieved. I may have been somewhat miserly in my congratulations then, so let me make up for it now. The Captain of the Starship Ares is retiring. Congratulations. You've been selected as his replacement.
Riker: The Ares. She's in Vega-Omicron sector.
Picard: And they have picked up indications of an intelligent life form, though nothing confirmed.
Riker: Obviously, Starfleet will want to know more.
Picard: That's why they're asking for you. Not for your military proficiency, but for your skill as an explorer and as a diplomat.
Riker: Vega-Omicron. It'll take months at high warp just to get there.
Picard: With no guarantee of finding anything when you arrive. Well, you have twelve hours to think it over. And if it's not too premature, congratulations, Captain.
Picard: Establish synchronous orbit.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Picard: Starbase Montgomery is sending a civilian advisor on board to brief you on the Ares's mission.
Riker: A personal briefing?
Picard: A strategic attaché with specialized knowledge in the frontier regions. I think you'll find the briefing interesting.
Riker: I hope it's complete. Much of my decision will be based on it.
Herbert: Commander Riker to Transporter room three.
Picard: Enjoy.
Riker: Ensign.
Herbert: Ah, you're right on time, Commander. He's on his way now.
Riker: Dad. You're the civilian advisor? The strategic attaché?
Kyle: I asked Captain Picard to keep it quiet. I didn't want you to make you nervous or excited.
Riker: It's been fifteen years. Excitement is hardly the appropriate emotion.
Kyle: You've done well. First Officer on the Enterprise. Quite a feather in your cap.
Riker: I've worked hard.
Kyle: Of course. I'm proud of you, son.
Riker: If you'll excuse me, I've got my duties to attend to. When you've settled in, we can complete our briefing. Have Security arrange an escort for this gentleman.
Herbert: Aye, sir.
Wesley: Worf, did you hear about Commander Riker's promotion?
Worf: Yes.
Wesley: He didn't know his father was coming. He was completely surprised.
Worf: So?
Wesley: Can you imagine if it was your father?
Worf: I never knew my father.
Wesley: And I didn't have a father long enough to know him.
Worf: It is a waste of time to think of such things.
Wesley: I wasn't thinking about it, but everybody needs somebody.
Worf: Enough!
Laforge: You know, Starbase Montgomery really didn't have to send me all this help, because we've already checked the entire dilithium spectrum for anomalous frequencies, so you don't have to waste your time on that.
Laforge: Wes. Are you okay?
Wesley: I was just talking to Worf. He's really eccentric at times.
Laforge: That's one word for it.
Wesley: He was really upset. I must've said something wrong.
Laforge: Maybe Worf's not too thrilled with the idea of losing Commander Riker to a new assignment. I know I'm not.
Wesley: Neither am I. But with Worf it was something else. Something's really bothering him.
Laforge: Think so?
O'Brien: Female?
Riker: No.
O'Brien: Career? Career?
Riker: Family.
O'Brien: That is trouble. You choose your enemies, you choose your friends, but family? That's in the stars.
Riker: So I've heard.
Man: Kyle Riker! Excuse me, ladies. Great to see you.
Man 2: Kyle. Been a long time.
Pulaski: This is more than a surprise. It's total shock.
Kyle: You mean you didn't bake me a cake?
Pulaski: You're actually here.
Kyle: That makes two of us. How about a drink?
Pulaski: How about a kiss?
Riker: They know each other.
O'Brien: No kidding. I know her too, but we don't do that.
Kyle: You look wonderful.
Data: And it has nothing to do with Commander Riker's new assignment?
Wesley: No. His reaction was just the opposite of mine. Completely unaffected.
Laforge: You see? With all that's going on, maybe you're overreacting.
Wesley: Really? You try talking to Worf, Geordi. I'm telling you, he is not normal for Worf.
Data: There is, of course, a genetic predisposition toward hostility among all Klingons, but Worf has been unusually out of sorts.
Laforge: Come on, he's never been much on charm.
Wesley: Well, whatever is troubling him, I think we should try to help. He is our friend.
Laforge: I for one want to keep him friendly.
Wesley: Suggestions?
Data: Empirical study. Monitor the subject.
Wesley: Right. Watch the subject for any signs of unusual behavior.
Laforge: That won't be difficult.
Data: Within the norm of Klingon patterns, of course. Diskretion will be required.
Wesley: Agreed. When do we start?
Laforge: We will assist you as needed. You found the problem.
Data: And you must solve it.
Kyle: Thank you. And after working out the Fuurinkazan battle strategies at the Tokyo Base, I was asked to come here to work for Starfleet as a tactical advisor.
Pulaski: I'm surprised you stayed our of the action as long as you did. Will, please join us. Your father and I are just catching up.
Riker: You never told me you knew him.
Pulaski: Well, it wasn't exactly a secret. It just never really came up.
Kyle: Sit down, son.
Riker: I'm ready for that briefing whenever you are.
Kyle: Good to see you too, Graham.
Pulaski: You wouldn't be running for mayor, would you?
Kyle: Do pick up work for the Federation long enough and it'll happen to you, too. I thought about you a lot.
Pulaski: Kyle, I don't need to hear what you don't need to say.
Kyle: We could've been great together.
Pulaski: Possibly.
Kyle: Is it true you got married?
Pulaski: Again and again.
Kyle: That make you three for three, doesn't it?
Pulaski: I'm not complaining. Each was good a man and we're all still good friends.
Kyle: Like us?
Pulaski: Close, but different. They were all a little more in touch with themselves.
Kyle: Ouch.
Pulaski: Face facts, Kyle. You're crusty. You have a reputation for being hard as nails and getting the job done. Underneath it all, you're not so bad. Some of us even love you. And then there's Will.
Kyle: Then there's Will.
Laforge: Wesley should really be doing this on his own.
Data: But he needs his study time.
Laforge: I can't believe you fell for that. I don't know, Data. He looks perfectly normal to me.
Data: In solitude, there is nothing to trigger unusual behavior.
Laforge: Good point. Let's not tamper with the status quo.
Data: But that would defeat the opportunity for our behavioral research. In all probability, he is simply lonely. We can relieve his anxiety through socialization.
Laforge: Be my guest.
Data: Excuse me, Lieutenant. You seem to have lost the will to communicate with others. You have friends here. We, we care about you. Why, just recently, Geordi, Wesley and I were saying
Worf: With all due respect, be gone! Sir.
Data: He seems quite sincere in his desire for solitude.
Laforge: Seeing is believing, huh?
Riker: Come in. Worf?
Worf: May I have a moment, sir?
Riker: Of course. What is it?
Worf: It is very difficult to say. Words are not always easy for me. Is that Earth?
Riker: Yes. Alaska. I was nine years old.
Worf: That is a fish you are holding.
Riker: And I didn't even catch it.
Worf: But it looks like you were
Riker: I hooked it. My father took the rod away. He wouldn't let me reel it in. He was afraid that I might lose it.
Worf: You do not have good feelings for your father?
Riker: No, I. I'm not sure what I'm feeling. What's on your mind?
Worf: You plan to leave the Enterprise.
Riker: I've been offered my own command.
Worf: I would like to join you.
Riker: I haven't accepted the assignment yet
Worf: But sir, it could be a dangerous mission. There may be the potential for combat.
Riker: That is not the purpose of the mission.
Worf: Still, to die a true hero
Riker: Worf, you've made your point.
Worf: Then I know you will do the right thing.
Kyle: Finally. We're alone. Maybe now we can talk.
Riker: I'm here for the briefing, sir.
Kyle: All you need to know is here.
Riker: These mission details could have been transmitted.
Kyle: I've been hearing some good things about you.
Riker: Then why haven't I heard from you?
Kyle: I know. Keeping in touch is not my strong suit. It's a funny thing about being a parent. There aren't any tech manuals. No quick readouts to get you to the next set of variables. You just got to wing it from day to day. Will, when your mother died
Riker: Excuse me. I've got to study this mission briefing.
Kyle: Will. I came to the Enterprise because. Look, considering where you might be going, I wanted to. I'm here with my hand out, son.
Pulaski: Poor guy. Picked up a flu virus on our last stop at Nasreldine.
Kyle: Sounds nasty. What's the therapy?
Pulaski: Tryptophan-lysine distilllates with generous doses of PCS.
Kyle: PCS?
Pulaski: Pulaski's chicken soup.
Kyle: You haven't lost your touch, haven't you?
Pulaski: I like to help. When they hurt, I hurt.
Troi: Commander Pulaski's greatest medical skill is her empathy. You must be Commander Riker's father.
Kyle: Yes, but how?
Troi: We've all heard about you, and I felt certain things.
Pulaski: This is Deanna Troi, ship's Counselor.
Kyle: Kyle Riker.
Pulaski: I thought you two should meet. Deanna's job is to keep us from deluding ourselves.
Kyle: Let me guess. Betazoid?
Troi: At your service.
Pulaski: I have some lab work to do. If you'll excuse me.
Kyle: Why do I get the feeling that this is a set-up?
Troi: Because you are intelligent, wise and quite correct.
Kyle: Well, I've never been set up better, that's for sure
Troi: You're also very anxious about something. It's Will, isn't it? You're not as close to him as you'd like to be.
Kyle: Oh, I don't know. We both have pretty good taste in women, wouldn't you say?
Troi: I'd like to help you if I can. If you'll let me.
Kyle: Fine. What is it you want from me? I came here to bury the hatchet with my son only to find out the ground was frozen solid.
Troi: You don't seem to be the kind of man to give up so easily.
Kyle: I didn't say I was giving up. It would just be nice to get a little something from him.
Troi: What is it you want from him?
Kyle: I don't know. Acknowledgement, maybe or
Troi: Respect is earned, not bestowed.
Kyle: Respect? I don't need that from him.
Troi: Perhaps you want him to be proud of you. You carry great pride in his accomplishments.
Kyle: Absolutely. Look at him. First Officer of the Enterprise, just been offered his first command.
Troi: Yet you covet his success.
Kyle: Please. He'd be lucky to have the career I've had.
Troi: True, you're well respected in your field.
Kyle: I may have something of a reputation for excellence
Troi: And false humility.
Kyle: My guess is that Will finds you pretty fascinating. Candor seems to be a trait he admires.
Troi: Honesty is the trait he admires most. And you should honestly consider why you're so competitive with your own son.
Kyle: Competitive? Maybe in the past. But I've come here to help Will prepare for his first task as captain.
Troi: Are you sure he'll accept such a dangerous assignment?
Kyle: He'll accept it just because it is dangerous.
Troi: How can you be so sure?
Kyle: Because I would. And we aren't so different, Will and I.
Picard: You've seen your mission briefing?
Riker: Yes, I have.
Picard: Any questions?
Riker: No, other than a question about the Ares's First Officer.
Picard: Oh, yes. His name is Flaherty.
Riker: Yes. The briefing mentions something about an uncanny linguistic skill.
Picard: That is an understatement, Number One. The last time I saw Commander Flaherty, he spoke forty languages. As I recall, among the more exotic were Romulan, Klingon, Giamon, Stroyerian.
Riker: He speaks forty languages?
Picard: He has this unique ability of instantaneously interpreting and extrapolating any verbal communication that he hears. You will find him very useful in Sector Vega-Omicron.
Riker: Yes, I'm sure I will.
Riker: Come in.
Kyle: Oh, Captain Picard, at last. I'd like to thank you for all the help you've been to my son.
Picard: My only regret is that your reunion marks Will's farewell.
Kyle: But he's ready for this command.
Picard: Oh, yes, I have no doubt.
Kyle: Captain, may I have a word with my son?
Picard: Yes, of course. Excuse me, gentlemen.
Riker: I won't be pushed into this decision.
Kyle: Oh, come on, Will. Don't you think you're ready for the Ares?
Riker: Starfleet does.
Kyle: Of course. Because you're the best candidate for the job. I only want you to know I'm here if you need me.
Riker: I've been on my own since I was fifteen. I can take care of myself.
Kyle: Please, spare me the pain of your childhood. I hung in for thirteen years. If that wasn't enough, it's just too bad.
Laforge: Data, what if I missed something?
Data: The ship's computer would have corrected immediately.
Laforge: Maybe my inputs were incorrect.
Wesley: Data! Geordi! I figured out Worf's problem.
Laforge: You spoke to him?
Wesley: No, no. I accessed the complete Klingon cultural database. It took me some time
Laforge: Okay, Wesley, slow down. What is the problem?
Wesley: It's the tenth anniversary of Worf's Age of Ascension.
Laforge: His what?
Wesley: The Klingon Age of Ascension. It's a ritual of great significance. A rite of initiation marking a new level of Klingon spiritual attainment.
Data: And what is the significance of the anniversary of this event?
Wesley: It's a day of celebration and ritual spent with one's fellow Klingons. Worf doesn't have any Klingon friends.
Laforge: We're his friends.
Wesley: Right, but we don't practice Klingon tradition, And we're not Klingons. Worf is feeling culturally and socially isolated.
Laforge: So, what do you suggest we do? I'm not sure I'd like to invite a bunch of Klingons on board.
Data: We can program the ship's computer to supply simulations on the Holodeck.
Laforge: Holographic Klingons. Sure. Why not?
Data: We need only to program the computer with details of the specific ceremony.
Wesley: The cultural database said the Klingon's family must attend.
Laforge: So? We're his family. We'll go. I just wonder what kind of party the Klingons had in mind.
Riker: Have you got a minute?
Pulaski: Sure.
Riker: I wanted to apologize for my remark in Ten Forward. Your personal is none of my business.
Pulaski: Even if it involves your father?
Riker: Even if it involves my father.
Pulaski: Did he ever tell you why he never remarried?
Riker: What woman would have him with an ego like that?
Pulaski: I would have, in a cold minute. Twelve years ago, Kyle Riker was a civilian strategist advising Starfleet in its conflict with the Tholians. The starbase that he was operating from was attacked. None of the base crew was expected to live, and they all died. All except your father. Your father alone had the will to endure, to face the pain, to live.
Riker: I never knew any of that about him.
Pulaski: I've never saw a man fight so hard in all my life.
Riker: And you fell in love?
Pulaski: Yes. And so did he. But marriage was out of the question. He had other priorities.
Riker: His career.
Pulaski: You know, if I were you, going out on the Ares, I'd jettison the emotional baggage you're still carrying around.
Wesley: Now the Klingon cultural database was very specific on the setting.
Laforge: Now let me guess. Twenty piece orchestra, magnificent ballroom, everybody in formal wear.
Wesley: No, there is some unusual test of inner strength involved
Data: That would entail the use of Klingon painstiks.
Laforge: Painstiks? Sounds lovely.
Data: Enduring physical suffering is considered a Klingon spiritual test.
Laforge: You mean in order for Worf to celebrate the anniversary of his Ascension, he has to be hurt? And we have to witness this?
Data: We are his family.
Picard: Come.
Picard: Number One?
Riker: I'd be a fool to turn that promotion down, wouldn't I?
Picard: I don't know, and if you're asking me what I think you should do, I don't know that either. I can spell out for you, albeit crudely, what you are choosing between. As the First Officer of the Enterprise you have a position of distinction, prestige, even glamor of a sort. You are the second in command of Starfleet's flagship, but still second in command. Your promotion will transfer you to a relatively insignificant ship in an obscure corner of the galaxy> But it will be your ship, and being who you are, it will soon be vibrant with your authority, your style, your vision. You know, there really is no substitute for holding the reins.
Riker: I'll need a little more time to make this decision.
O'Brien: Find anything yet?
Laforge: Not yet.
Data: There is nothing to find.
O'Brien: No harm in checking, I guess.
Laforge: Really? How would you like them to give the transporter operation a little once-over?
O'Brien: No problem. We're totally ship-shape.
Laforge: You're missing the point. It's just the idea that they even suspect a malfunction.
Data: If I were not a consummate professional, and an android, I would find this entire procedure insulting.
Laforge: Thanks, Data.
Wesley: Chief, will you be able to attend a little party for Lieutenant Worf at seventeen hundred hours?
O'Brien: A party for Worf? Sounds intriguing. I'd be delighted.
Wesley: It's a surprise.
O'Brien: My lips are sealed.
Riker: I didn't want to leave without saying good-bye.
Troi: I don't like good-byes. How about, until next time?
Riker: How about until next time.
Troi: It's been a pleasure serving with you, Commander.
Riker: The feeling is mutual, Counselor.
Troi: I'm supposed to know how everyone feels but, I can't read you right now.
Riker: Perhaps your own feelings are getting in the way.
Troi: My job is to help others sort out their emotions. My own feelings are beside the point.
Riker: Not to me. Our feelings are what make us all human.
Troi: Are you feeling sad?
Riker: Yes, I am.
Troi: So am I.
Kyle: I'm leaving at twenty one hundred hours. Can I have a minute?
Riker: I've practiced my best Academy courtesy, now it's time for you to go.
Kyle: It's time for us to have a talk, so lower your shields.
Riker: I'm asking you to leave, or I'll
Kyle: You'll what? You know, it's a shame there's no anbo-jyutsu ring nearby.
Riker: Really? There is. Deck Twelve. The gymnasium.
Kyle: We can clear the air once and for all.
Riker: You're on.
Kyle: Scuttlebutt says you wanted to see me.
Pulaski: That's right. I thought I knew you, Kyle.
Kyle: You do, as well as anyone.
Pulaski: Then what is this I hear about an anbo-jyutsu match with Will?
Kyle: You've heard.
Pulaski: Haven't we grown beyond the point where we resolve our problems with physical conflict?
Kyle: I think you're overreacting.
Pulaski: I'm overreacting? You're the one who's going out to fight with his own son.
Kyle: Don't think of it as a fight, Kate. Think of it as more of a contest.
Pulaski: And suppose one of you is injured?
Kyle: I know where to find a good doctor. Kate
Pulaski: Kyle.
Kyle: Will and I have been playing anbo-jyutsu ever since he was eight old, and he knows how to handle himself. And so do I.
Pulaski: Don't take this personally, but Will is in his prime.
Kyle: And I'm no spring chicken, I know. Don't worry. He's never been able to beat me.
Data: Computer, is this it?
Computer: Correct. Klingon Rite of Ascension Chamber.
Laforge: Is this really necessary?
Wesley: If we want to get Worf through his problem, it is.
Data: Computer, please give us Klingon personnel appropriate to this event.
Data: These images are specifically programmed for Ascension rites.
Laforge: Cute bunch.
Wesley: And they use those?
O'Brien: Those are Klingon painstiks. I once saw one of them used against a two-ton Rectyne Monopod. Poor creature jumped five meters at the slightest touch. It finally died from excessive cephalic pressures.
Wesley: You mean?
O'Brien: That's right. The animal's head exploded like
Pulaski: I think that's enough, Chief O'Brien.
Worf: I do not enjoy riddles, Counselor.
Troi: You will enjoy this one.
Worf: I am in no mood for trifling or games, not today.
Troi: I know what an important day this is for you, the anniversary of your Rite of Ascension.
Worf: You know about that?
Troi: All your friends on board do.
Worf: That is impossible. It is a secret known only to Klingons.
Troi: And certain resourceful young Ensigns.
Worf: Wesley Crusher. What does he know about it?
Troi: Just bear with me.
Worf: Where are we going?
Troi: The holodeck.
Worf: This is truly trying my patience, Counselor.
Troi: I think you will approve.
Worf: You're not coming in?
Troi: No.
Worf: Open.
Worf: An Ascension ceremony.
Laforge: Happy anniversary, Worf.
Data: Shall we begin?
Worf: I am ready.
Worf: DaHjaj SuvwI''e' jIH. tIgwIj Sa'angNIS. 'Iw bIQtIqDaq jIjaH. Today I am a Warrior. I must show you my heart. I travel the river of blood.
Data: The true test of Klingon strength is to admit one's most profound feelings while under extreme duress.
Worf: jIbechrup may' vIlos.
Worf: The battle is mine. I crave only the blood of the enemy. HIHIvqa'.
Worf: The bile of the vanquished flows over my hands. May'pequ' moH.
Worf: Thank you.
Troi: Is Lieutenant Worf all right?
Pulaski: He's never been happier.
Troi: So it was a good ceremony?
Pulaski: Let's just say that I was not about to stay for refreshments.
Troi: Klingon culture is not in your taste?
Pulaski: I'm just glad that humans have progressed beyond the need for barbaric display.
Troi: Have they? Commander Riker and his father are in the gymnasium, about to engage in barbarism of their own.
Pulaski: Don't remind me. It's something of which I do not approve.
Troi: In spite of human evolution, there are still some traits that are endemic to gender.
Pulaski: You think that they're going to knock each other's brains out because they're men?
Troi: Human males are unique. Fathers continue to regard their sons as children, even into adulthood. And sons continue to chafe against what they perceive as their fathers' expectations of them.
Pulaski: It's almost as if they never really grow up at all, isn't it?
Troi: Perhaps that's part of their charm, and why we find them so attractive.
Pulaski: Particularly men like Commander Riker.
Troi: And his father.
Pulaski: I hope they don't hurt each other.
Kyle: Anbo-jyutsu. The ultimate evolution if the martial arts.
Riker: I remember my early lessons.
Kyle: You could never get used to the sightless factor, or to losing.
Riker: True, but I've had fifteen years to practice.
Kyle: Well, let's see if you've learned anything.
Both: Onegaishimasu.
Kyle: Well, you've been practicing.
Riker: And remembering. You should have been the one to die, not her. Yoroshiku-onegaishimasu.
Kyle: Good. Get it all out. Yoroshiku-onegaishimasu.
Riker: Matta! I had you.
Kyle: Listen, Will. You were too young to understand and I was too hurt to explain.
Riker: You were never too hurt for anything.
Kyle: She was your mother, but she was my wife. And when she died all that kept me going was you.
Riker: You had a strange way of showing it.
Kyle: I came here thinking we could talk this out, but maybe you're right. Maybe I am no father, and you're no son. And this this fight is all we have left.
Riker: Wait!
Kyle: What is it now?
Riker: You can't do that.
Kyle: What?
Riker: Hachidan kiritsu! It's illegal.
Kyle: You're kidding?
Riker: All those years. That's why I never won. You were cheating.
Kyle: It worked, didn't it? Kept you coming back for more.
Riker: Incredible. You cheated me. How'd you get away with it?
Kyle: You were just a kid. By the time you were twelve years old, I knew I couldn't take you but I had to keep you interested, I had to keep you challenged, didn't I?
Riker: I always hated you for that.
Kyle: Damn it, Will. You were barely out of diapers when she died. You hardly knew her! I'd loved her. Of course you carried the pain. So did I. I should have explained this to you a long time ago, but it hurt too much. Then the wall grew up between us. And living there, you and me, the wall got bigger. You know, it's funny. I can talk to a whole roomful of admirals about anything in the galaxy, but I can't talk to you about how I feel.
Riker: How do you feel?
Kyle: How do you think? I love you, son. I've got to get back to the Starbase.
Riker: I know. I'm glad you came.
Kyle: Be careful now, okay?
Worf: Starbase Montgomery's briefing specialist and analytical team have beamed down, sir.
Picard: Ah. What were the analytical team's findings?
Laforge: They suggested we reprogram the system to correct the read-out variables.
Picard: Precisely what Data recommended, as I recall. At least it gave Commander Riker the opportunity to consider his promotion. Now that he's accepted, we can leave him at Starbase Montgomery.
Picard: Number One.
Riker: Captain. With your permission, I've decided to stay on board the Enterprise.
Picard: Granted.
Riker: Thank you, sir. Take us out of orbit, Ensign Crusher.
Wesley: Breaking synchronous orbit, sir.
Riker: Set course for Beta Kupsic. That is still our destination? Velocity, warp factor five.
Wesley: Course and speed set, sir.
Picard: Any particular reason for this change of heart?
Riker: Motivated self-interest. Right now, the best place for me to be is here.
Picard: Engage.


Sonya: Hot chocolate, please.
Laforge: We don't ordinarily say please to food dispensers around here.
Sonya: Well, since it's listed as intelligent circuitry, why not? After all, working with so much artificial intelligence can be dehumanizing, right? So why not combat that tendency with a little simple courtesy. Thank you.
Laforge: For someone who just arrived, you certainly aren't shy with your opinions.
Sonya: Have I been talking too much?
Laforge: No.
Sonya: Oh, I do tend to have a bit of a motor mouth, especially when I'm excited. A nd you don't know how exciting it is to get this assignment. Everyone in class, I mean everyone, wants the Enterprise. I mean, it would have been all right to spend some time on Reiner Six doing phase work with anti-matter. That's my specialty.
Laforge: I know. That's why you got this assignment.
Sonya: I did it again. It's just that
Laforge: I know, you're excited. Look, Sonya.
Sonya: Yes.
Laforge: I don't think you want to be around these control stations with that hot chocolate, do you?
Sonya: Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't even have this in Engineering. It's just we were talking and I forgot I had it in my hand. I'm going to go finish it over here. Lieutenant La Forge? This is not going to happen again.
Sonya: Oh, no! Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, Captain.
Laforge: Actually it's my fault, sir.
Picard: Indeed.
Sonya: Oh, I wasn't looking. It's all over you.
Picard: Yes, Ensign. It's all over me.
Sonya: At least let me, sir.
Picard: Ensign er, Ensign?
Sonya: Oh, Ensign Sonya Gomez.
Laforge: Ensign Gomez is a recent Academy graduate. She just transferred over at Starbase One Seventy Three.
Picard: Is that so? Well, Ensign Sonya Gomez, I think it will be simpler if I simply change my uniform.
Laforge: Captain, I must accept responsibility for this.
Picard: Yes, Chief Engineer. I think I understand.
Sonya: I just want to say, sir, that I'm very excited about this assignment and I promise to serve you and my ship, your ship, this ship, to the best of my ability.
Picard: Yes, Ensign, I'm sure that you will. Carry on.
Sonya: Oh, my. First impressions, right? Isn't that what they say? First impressions are the most important.
Laforge: I'll give you this. It's a meeting the Captain won't soon forget.
Picard: Deck nine. Officers' quarters.
Picard: Crewman? What is going on?
Q: Welcome, Picard, to shuttlecraft six.
Picard: Q.
Q: There, there, haven't we been careless. A little cleaning service I'm only too than happy to provide.
Picard: We agreed you would never trouble my ship again!
Q: I always keep my arrangements, sir. Look, we're nowhere near your vessel.
Laforge: I read your graduating thesis. Now, I wouldn't have requested you if you weren't the best.
Sonya: Where are we going?
Laforge: Ten Forward. We're going to forget about work. We are going to sit, talk, relax, look at the stars. You need to learn how to slow down.
Sonya: Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I can't do.
Laforge: You know, you're awfully young to be so driven.
Sonya: Yes, I am. I had to be. I had to be the best because only the best get to be here. Geordi, Lieutenant
Laforge: It's okay. Go on.
Sonya: Whatever is out here, we're going to be the first humans to see it. And I want to be a part of that. I want to understand it.
Laforge: Sonya, relax. You're here. You've made it. But you won't last long banging into walls. It'll be there for you, believe me.
Sonya: Okay.
Laforge: Look, I promise I won't let anything exciting slip past without letting you know, okay?
Sonya: Okay.
Laforge: Okay.
Guinan: Bridge, this is Ten Forward.
Riker: Guinan? I don't remember you ever calling the Bridge before.
Guinan: Is everything alright?
Riker: How do you mean?
Guinan: Is there anything unusual happening?
Riker: No Guinan, nothing out of the ordinary. Why do you ask?
Guinan: I'm not sure. It's just a feeling. I've had it a couple of times before. It's probably nothing. Forget that I called. Ten Forward out.
Q: The locator beacon won't help. They'll never think to look for you this far away.
Picard: Enterprise, this is Picard. Stop this foolishness, Q. Return me to the Enterprise.
Q: I suggest you change your attitude. Petulance does not become you. We have business, Picard.
Picard: Keeping me a prisoner here will not compel me to discuss anything with you.
Q: It will in time.
Sonya: I appreciate your advice, Lieutenant. And, I'll take it to heart.
Laforge: Guinan?
Guinan: Can I get you something?
Laforge: We're fine. Is everything all right?
Guinan: I don't know.
Laforge: I think I'll go check out Engineering.
Sonya: I'll go with you.
Troi: Where's the Captain?
Riker: In his quarters?
Troi: Captain, this is Counselor Troi.
Riker: Computer locate Captain Picard.
Computer: The Captain is not on the ship.
Worf: Commander, there is a shuttle missing from bay two.
Riker: All stop.
Wesley: Answering all stop, sir.
Worf: I have hailed the shuttle on all frequencies. No response.
Data: Sensors indicate no shuttle or other ships in this sector.
Riker: We think we can assume the Captain is aboard that shuttle.
Wesley: How could he get to the shuttlebay and leave the Enterprise without us knowing? That's not possible.
Riker: Take it easy, Wes. We're going to find him. I want to begin a methodical search. Worf, set sensors on maximum scan. Data, use our present location as a center. Plot a search pattern from these coordinates to cover the most area in the least time.
Data: Search pattern has been input, sir.
Riker: Engage, Mister Crusher. First officer's log, stardate 42761.3. We have not been able to determine why, or how, Captain Picard left the Enterprise. We can't even be certain he is in the missing shuttle, although that is the assumption on which we are proceeding. For the last six hours, we have been searching without success.
Data: We have covered the area in a spherical pattern which a vessel without warp drive could traverse in the time allotted.
Riker: Widen the area.
Q: Do we stay out here years? Decades? I am ageless, Picard. You are not.
Picard: The Enterprise will continue with Riker as Captain.
Q: You are an impossibly stubborn human.
Picard: Return me to my ship!
Q: If I return you to your ship, will you agree to give my request a full hearing?
Q: You're right Picard. This is the proper venue for our discussion.
Worf: Commander. My status board indicates that the shuttle is back in bay two.
Riker: Computer, locate Captain Picard.
Computer: Captain Picard is in Ten Forward.
Guinan: I knew it was you.
Q: You! Picard, if you had half the sense you pretend to have, you would get her off your ship immediately. And if you like, I'd be more than pleased to expedite her departure.
Picard: You know him?
Guinan: We have had some dealings.
Q: Those dealings were two centuries ago. This creature is not what she appears to be. She's an imp, and where she goes, trouble always follows.
Picard: You're speaking of yourself, Q, not Guinan.
Q: Guinan? Is that your name now?
Picard: Guinan is not the issue here. You are. We had an agreement that you would stop meddling with us.
Q: And so I have.
Picard: What do you want, Q? You state your business. Get on with it.
Q: I agree, Captain. Enough about this creature. She's diverting us from the purpose of my being here.
Riker: Which is?
Q: Ah, the redoubtable Commander Riker. And Micro-brain. Growl for me. Let me know you still care.
Picard: Worf.
Q: My purpose is to join you.
Riker: To join us as what?
Q: As a member of the crew. Willing and able. Ready to serve. This ship is already home for the indigent, the unwanted, the unworthy. Why not for a homeless entity.
Riker: Homeless?
Q: Yes.
Riker: The other members of the Q continuum kicked you out.
Guinan: Not all the Q are alike. Some are almost respectable.
Picard: Ready and willing. Able to serve. What would you do? Would you start as an ordinary crewman? What task is too menial for an entity?
Q: Sir, do you mock me?
Picard: Not at all. That's the last thing I would do. You, by definition, are part of our charter. Our mission is to go forth to seek out new and different life forms, and you certainly qualify as one of the most unique I've ever encountered. To learn about you is, frankly, provocative. But you're next of kin to chaos.
Q: Captain, at least allow me to present my argument.
Picard: Worf.
Q: After our last encounter, I was asked to leave the Q Continuum. Since then, I've been wandering vaguely, bored really, my existence without purpose. Then I remembered all the good times I had with you.
Riker: The good times? The first time we met you, you put us on trial for the crimes of humanity.
Q: Of which you were exonerated.
Riker: The next time we saw you, you asked me to join the Q Continuum.
Q: A big mistake that you did not accept my offer. More and more I realize that here, here is where I want to be. Think of the advantages. Now, I neither expect nor require any special treatment. And if necessary, although I can't imagine why, I will renounce my powers and become as weak and incompetent as all of you.
Picard: No.
Q: No? Oh, Captain, in fairness, let me try, I deserve at least that much.
Riker: In fairness? You disrupt this ship, you kidnap the Captain.
Q: I add a little excitement, a little spice to your lives, and all you do is complain. Where's your adventurous spirit, your imagination. Think, Picard, think. Think of the possibilities.
Picard: Simply speaking, we don't trust you.
Q: Oh. Well, you may not trust me, but you do need me. You're not prepared for what awaits you.
Picard: How can we be prepared for that which we do not know? But I do know that we are ready to encounter it.
Q: Really?
Picard: yes. Absolutely. That's why we're out here.
Q: Oh, the arrogance. They don't have a clue as to what's out here.
Guinan: But they will learn, adapt. That is their greatest advantage.
Q: They're moving faster than expected, further than they should.
Picard: By whose calculations?
Q: You judge yourselves against the pitiful adversaries you have encountered so far. The Romulans, the Klingons. They are nothing compared to what's waiting. Picard, you are about to move into areas of the galaxy containing wonders more incredible than you can possibly imagine, and terrors to freeze your soul. I offer myself as guide only to be rejected out of hand.
Riker: We'll just have to do the best we can without you.
Q: What justifies that smugness?
Picard: Not smugness, not arrogance. But we are resolute, we are determined, and your help is not required.
Q: We'll just have to see how ready you are.
Guinan: Q!
Picard: Bridge, this is the Captain. All stop.
Wesley: Answering all stop, sir.
Picard: Status?
Data: According to these coordinates, we have traveled seven thousand light years
Data: And are located near the system J two five.
Riker: Travel time to the nearest starbase?
Data: At maximum warp, in two years, seven months, three days, eighteen hours we would reach Starbase one eight five.
Riker: Why?
Q: Why? Why, to give you a taste of your future, a preview of things to come. Con permiso, Capitan. The hall is rented, the orchestra engaged. It's now time to see if you can dance.
Picard: Guinan, your people have been in this part of the galaxy.
Guinan: Yes.
Riker: What can you tell us?
Guinan: Only that if I were you, I'd start back now.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 42761.9. Despite Guinan's warning, I feel compelled to investigate this unexplored sector of the galaxy before heading back.
Worf: Captain, the sixth planet in the system is Class M.
Data: There is a system of roads on this planet, which indicates a highly industrialized civilization. But where there should be cities there are only great rips in the surface.
Worf: It is as though some great force just scooped all the machine elements off the face of the planet.
Data: It is identical to what happened to the outposts along the Neutral Zone.
Worf: Captain, we are being probed.
Riker: What is the source of the probe?
Worf: A ship. It is on an intercept course.
Picard: On screen. Magnify.
Riker: Full scan.
Picard: Go to Yellow Alert.
Worf: Going to Yellow Alert.
Riker: Keep the shields down. We don't want to appear provocative.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Picard: Mister Data, what can you tell us?
Data: The ship is strangely generalized in design. There is no specific bridge, no command center. There is no engineering section. I can identify no living quarters.
Riker: Life signs?
Data: There is no indication of life.
Riker: Lieutenant Worf, what is its alert status?
Worf: I detect no shields, no weapons of any known design.
Picard: Hailing frequencies.
Worf: Open.
Picard: This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise.
Worf: No response.
Picard: This is Captain Picard representing the United Federation of Planets. Guinan.
Picard: Activate your viewscreen. I would like you to monitor what's going on up here. I may need your input.
Guinan: I'm here, Captain.
Guinan: Viewscreen's activated. I have the other ship.
Picard: You're familiar with this life form?
Guinan: Yes.
Guinan: My people encountered them a century ago. They destroyed our cities
Guinan: They scattered my people throughout the galaxy.
Guinan: They're called the Borg. Protect yourself, Captain, or they'll destroy you.
Riker: Shields up.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Riker: All decks, stand by.
Laforge: Security, report to main Engineering. We have an intruder.
Picard: Lieutenant? Status.
Laforge: It seemed to make a visual survey of the engine core, sir, then it moved in here.
Q: Interesting, isn't it? Not a he, not a she. Not like anything you've ever seen. An enhanced humanoid.
Picard: What is it you want? We mean you no harm. Do you understand me?
Q: Understand you? You're nothing to him. He's not interested in your life form. He's just a scout, the first of many. He's here to analyze your technology. He may attempt to gain control of the ship. I wouldn't let him.
Picard: Stop! I cannot allow you to interfere with the operation of this ship. Mister Worf.
Worf: Ensign.
Picard: Mister Worf, use whatever means to neutralize the intruder.
Picard: Because her people had contact with the Borg, I have requested Guinan to participate in this conference. You are aware of what occurred just now in main Engineering.
Guinan: Yes.
Picard: What happened between your people and the Borg?
Guinan: I wasn't there personally, but from what I'm told, they swarmed through our system. And when they left, there was little or nothing left of my people.
Riker: Guinan, if they were that aggressive, why didn't the Borg attack? They could have but they didn't.
Guinan: They don't do that individually. It's not their way. When they decide to come, they're going to come in force. They don't do anything piecemeal.
Data: Then the initial encounter was solely for the purpose of gathering information.
Guinan: Yes.
Picard: How do we reason with them? Let them know that we are not a threat?
Guinan: You don't. At least, I've never known anyone who did.
Worf: Captain, we are being hailed.
Picard: On screen.
Picard: This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the
Borg: We have analyzed your defensive capabilities as being unable to withstand us. If you defend yourselves, you will be punished.
Picard: Counselor?
Troi: We're not dealing with an individual mind. They don't have a single leader. It's the collective minds of all of them.
Picard: That would have definite advantages.
Troi: Yes, A single leader can make mistakes. It's far less likely in the combined whole.
Q: Picard. Picard, are you sure you don't want me as a member of your crew?
Worf: Captain, the Borg have locked on to us with some form of tractor beam.
Picard: We're on our way.
Picard: Report, Lieutenant.
Worf: The beam is draining our shields.
Riker: If they pull down our shields, we're helpless.
Picard: Warp eight, any heading. Engage.
Wesley: Captain, the beam is holding us here.
Riker: Increase power!
Worf: Shields weakening.
Data: Shields will be down in eighteen seconds.
Picard: Locate the exact source of the tractor beam. Lock on phasers.
Worf: Phasers locked on target.
Picard: Fire.
Worf: They still have us.
Data: Shields are down, sir.
Worf: A type of laser beam is slicing into the saucer section.
Riker: Carving us up like a roast.
Picard: With whatever force necessary, terminate that beam. Fire when ready.
Picard: Again, Mister Worf.
Data: Tractor beam is released, sir. Force field is maintaining our hull integrity.
Riker: Damage report?
Worf: Coming in, sir. Sections twenty seven, twenty eight, twenty nine on decks four, five and six destroyed.
Picard: Casualties?
Worf: Eighteen were in those sections and are missing.
Picard: What is the condition of the alien ship?
Worf: They have sustained damage to twenty percent of their vessel. Life support minimal.
Picard: Conference.
Sonya: I can't get the shields up.
Laforge: Divert power from anywhere you need it. Anywhere except for life support.
Sonya: No, it wouldn't help. The circuits which control the shields, they've been fused.
Laforge: If you can't reprogram, then reroute.
Sonya: Eighteen people. Dead, just like that.
Laforge: I know. Just put it out of your head.
Sonya: No, I can't. I keep seeing them.
Laforge: Sonya, stop it. We'll have time to grieve later. Right now, let's just get those shields operative.
Sonya: Right, right, of course.
Picard: Guinan, how much more can you tell us about these creatures?
Guinan: Bits and pieces.
Picard: Anything would help.
Guinan: They're made up of organic and artificial life which has been developing for thousands of centuries.
Q: The Borg is the ultimate user. They're unlike any threat your Federation has ever faced. They're not interested in political conquest, wealth or power as you know it. They're simply interested in your ship, its technology. They've identified it as something they can consume.
Riker: You brought us here, you exposed us to them, and you cost us the lives of our shipmates
Q: Oh, please.
Picard: Number One. Eighteen of our people have died. Please, tell us this is one of your illusions.
Q: Oh, no. This is as real as your so called life gets.
Laforge: This is Lieutenant La Forge, Captain. We've been able to restore power to the shields.
Picard: Very good.
Worf: Captain, I have the casualty list coming on screen.
Picard: Cancel. We'll deal with that later.
Riker: Sir, if we're going to have further dealings with the Borg now or in the future, I think that we should find out all we can about them.
Picard: Visit their ship?
Riker: In my opinion, that's the only choice.
Picard: Assemble a minimal away team.
Guinan: What?
Riker: Mister Worf, transporter room three. Data.
Guinan: I wouldn't go there if I were you.
Riker: Oh, I don't know, Guinan. They paid us a visit. It seems only fair that we return the courtesy.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. We have been attacked without provocation by an alien race which Guinan calls the Borg. It appears that we have neutralized their vessel. Commander Riker is leading an away team in an attempt to learn more about them.
Worf: There are no life sign readings.
O'Brien: I've laid in coordinates which should set you down in the least damaged section of the Borg ship.
Riker: Set phasers on stun. Be ready to increase power in case we need it. Energize.
Riker: I wonder why they don't react to us, or why the Enterprise didn't read any life signs, especially with this many of them.
Data: Perhaps because this ship was scanned for individual life signs. Apparently when they are in these slots, they become part of the whole and no longer read as separate life forms.
Riker: Captain.
Picard: Go ahead, Number One.
Riker: Our readings were incorrect. The Borg crew survived
Riker: They appear to be in some kind of stasis.
Picard: Explain.
Riker: There are slots along the wall, kind of like compartments. There are two Borg in each.
Data: Captain, I would theorize that the Borg are somehow interconnected through these slots and are working collectively.
Riker: We're going try to access their main computer.
Data: Commander, I believe each slot is designed for a specific Borg. Here is where the connection is made.
Riker: Like a juggernaut, it could begin moving at any moment.
Data: The technology required to achieve this biological and artificial interface is far beyond our capabilities. There are many advantages.
Riker: Speed being the most obvious. This ship literally just thinks what it wants, and then it happens.
Data: Fascinating.
Riker: They either don't see us, or don't see us as a threat.
Picard: Transporter Chief.
O'Brien: O'Brien here, Captain.
Picard: If your lock on the away team wavers in the slightest, beam them back immediately.
O'Brien: Count on it, sir.
Riker: Captain this is incredible. We've entered what appears to be the Borg nursery.
Picard: Describe it.
Riker: From the look of it the Borg are born as biological life form. It seems that almost immediately after birth they begin artificial implants. Apparently the Borg have developed the technology
Riker: To link artificial intelligence directly into the humanoid brain.
Riker: Astounding.
Data: Commander?
Riker: What is it?
Data: The ship appears to be regenerating. Perhaps this explains why they have not taken notice of our presence. Their collective effort is being directed into repairing this vessel.
Riker: Captain,
Riker: The Borg seem to be using their combined power to repair the ship.
Picard: Transporter Chief, beam the away team directly to the Bridge.
Picard: Let's get the hell out of here. Warp eight. Now, Mister Crusher. Engage.
Data: Captain, the Borg are in pursuit.
Picard: On screen. Magnify.
Riker: Increase to ten to the third power.
Riker: It's continuing to regenerate.
Picard: Let's see if we can outrun them. Lieutenant La Forge, I want maximum warp
Picard: For as long as we can hold it.
Laforge: Yes, sir. We are passing warp eight point five.
Laforge: Eight point eight. Warp nine.
Riker: Arm the photon torpedoes. See if we can slow them down.
Worf: Torpedoes armed.
Picard: Fire.
Worf: They had no effect.
Laforge: Bridge, this is Engineering. We are now at warp nine point six five.
Worf: The Borg are still gaining.
Q: They will follow this ship until you exhaust your fuel. They will wear down your defenses. Then you will be theirs. Admit it, Picard. You're out of your league. You should have stayed where you belonged.
Picard: Captain's log supplemental. We are unable to maintain the gap between the Enterprise and the Borg ship.
Laforge: Engineering to Bridge.
Picard: Go ahead.
Laforge: You've got all we can give you.
Picard: I understand, Mister La Forge.
Worf: Captain, the enemy vessel is firing on us. There are no reports of any damage to the Enterprise.
Data: Captain, the target was not the ship. The weapon was designed to drain the shields.
Worf: Confirmed. Shield effectiveness has been reduced twelve percent.
Wesley: Captain, the Borg ship is closing.
Worf: They're firing again. Shields have been reduced forty one percent. Another hit and we will be defenseless.
Riker: Arm the photon torpedoes.
Worf: Torpedoes armed.
Picard: Fire the photons.
Worf: The Borg ship was not damaged.
Q: You can't outrun them. You can't destroy them. If you damage them, the essence of what they are remains. They regenerate and keep coming. Eventually you will weaken, your reserves will be gone. They are relentless.
Worf: The Borg ship is firing. We have lost shields again.
Laforge: Captain, we've just lost the warp engines.
Q: Where's your stubbornness now, Picard, your arrogance? Do you still profess to be prepared for what awaits you?
Worf: The Borg ship is re-establishing its tractor beam.
Riker: Lock on photon torpedoes.
Worf: Yes, sir.
Data: Without our shields, at this range there is a high degree of probability that a photon detonation could destroy the Enterprise.
Riker: Prepare to fire.
Q: I'll be leaving now. You thought you could handle it, so handle it.
Picard: Q. End this.
Q: Moi? What makes you think I am either inclined or capable to terminate this encounter?
Picard: If we all die, here, now, you will not be able to gloat. You wanted to frighten us. We're frightened. You wanted to show us that we were inadequate. For the moment, I grant that. You wanted me to say I need you. I need you!
Riker: Position.
Wesley: Zero seven zero, mark six three, sir. Back where we started.
Q: That was a difficult admission. Another man would have been humiliated to say those words. Another man would have rather died than ask for help.
Picard: I understand what you've done here, Q, but I think the lesson could have been learned without the loss of eighteen members of my crew.
Q: If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross, but it's not for the timid.
Picard: Mister Crusher, set course for the nearest starbase.
Wesley: Course laid in for Starbase Eighty Three, sir.
Picard: Engage.
Guinan: Q set a series of events into motion, bringing contact with the Borg much sooner than it should have come. Now, perhaps when you're ready, it might be possible to establish a relationship with them. But for now, for right now, you're just raw material to them. Since they are aware of your existence
Picard: They will be coming.
Guinan: You can bet on it.
Picard: Maybe Q did the right thing for the wrong reason.
Guinan: How so?
Picard: Well, perhaps what we most needed was a kick in our complacency, to prepare us ready for what lies ahead.