Crusher: Bring the stasis units in here, and have them online.
Medic: Yes, Doctor.
Crusher: Tell Doctor Selar she can use ward three for the ambulatory cases, and I'll stay here.
Crewman: Transporter room four to Sickbay. They're coming in now.
Crusher: Acknowledged. Stand clear and be ready.
Medic: Let's go, let's go. Get him on here.
Crusher: What happened?
Riker: The Lenarians attacked us outside of the conference room.
Crusher: He's in cardiac arrest. Connect the pulmonary support units. He's got internal hemorrhaging. The bioregulator of his artificial heart's been fused. He's got liver and spleen damage. What kind of weapon caused this?
Worf: A compressed teryon beam.
Crusher: Forty cc's inaprovaline. The activity in the isocortex is falling. Cortical stimulators. Now. Again. His respiratory system is shutting down. The levels in the isocortex are still falling. Damn. Prepare a four percent series
Q: Welcome to the afterlife, Jean-Luc. You're dead.
Picard: Q, what is going on?
Q: I told you. You're dead. This is the afterlife, and I'm God.
Picard: You are not God.
Q: Blasphemy! You're lucky I don't cast you out, or smite you or something. The bottom line is, your life ended about five minutes ago, under the inept ministrations of Doctor Beverly Crusher.
Picard: No. I am not dead. Because I refuse to believe that the afterlife is run by you. The universe is not so badly designed.
Q: Very well. If you really require more evidence of your post-mortem status, I guess I'll just have to provide you some.
Maurice: Jean-Luc, I told you not to go running off to that Academy.
Picard: Father.
Maurice: I told you that Starfleet would bring you to a bad end, but you wouldn't listen. Now look at you. Dead before your time.
Picard: Q, enough of this.
Q: Enough what?
Maurice: Why couldn't you have listened? Didn't you know that I was working for your best interests?
Picard: Q, stop this.
Maurice: After all these years, even now, you manage to disappoint me, Jean-Luc.
Q: He's not the only one who'd like to have a word with you.
Woman: Why, Jean-Luc? Why did you do it?
Crewwoman: Captain, there are still people down there. You can't abandon them.
Crewman: There must be some other way, Captain. Some other choice than firing on them.
Man: If you continue on this course.
Crewman: A direct hit, sir. The ship is destroyed.
Q: These are the voices of all the people you've killed throughout the years.
Picard: Whom I've killed? What do you mean?
Q: Death has made you a little dim, Jean-Luc. These are the voices of all the people who have died through your actions or your inactions. Now, if you have any words of apology or regret, I believe they're all listening. They're a surly bunch, actually, so don't drag this out too long.
Picard: I've no intention of performing for your amusement.
Q: This is not for me. This is for you, Jean-Luc. This is your opportunity to make peace with your sordid past.
Picard: I find it hard to believe that you are doing this for the benefit of my soul.
Q: Well, now that you've shuffled off the mortal coil, we're free to spend a little time together.
Picard: A little time together? How much?
Q: Eternity. Now, you're sure you have no regrets or feelings of guilt about your former life? I can't have you whining and complaining through time.
Picard: If I'm really dead, then my only regret is dying and finding you here.
Q: You wound me, Jean-Luc. After all, I was not the cause of your death. This was.
Picard: Is that?
Q: Your artificial heart. You might have lived if you had a real one instead of this unreliable piece of technology. By the way, how did you lose yours anyway?
Picard: A mistake.
Q: Is that a regret I hear?
Picard: I regret a great many things from those days.
Q: Really?
Q: It wasn't very smart of you to take on three Nausicaans, was it?
Picard: No, it wasn't.
Q: And did I hear a laugh? It's so unlike you, Jean-Luc, to have a sense of humor, especially about getting stabbed through the back.
Picard: I was a different person in those days. Arrogant, undiskiplined, with far too much ego and too little wisdom. I was more like you.
Q: Then you must have been far more interesting. Pity you had to change.
Picard: The pity is that I had to be impaled through the back before I learned that lesson. I started that fight with those Nausicaans. I started it because, because I was young and cocky. If I'd been more responsible in those days, I wouldn't have needed this heart, and I wouldn't have died from a random energy surge thirty years later.
Q: So, if you had it to do all over again?
Picard: Things would be different.
Marta: Bravo! Bravo!
Corey: Nicely done.
Picard: Cortan? Cortan Zweller?
Corey: Yes. Boy, she must've hit you pretty hard. Of course, you deserved it.
Marta: You're slowing down there, Johnny. You should've seen that one coming.
Picard: Marta Batanides.
Marta: Are you okay?
Picard: Yes, I'm fine. I'm just a little disoriented, that's all.
Corey: Come on, he's just playing for sympathy now. Look, I'm going to get something to eat and head over to the casino at Bonestell. You coming?
Picard: I'll catch up with you there.
Marta: You sure you're okay?
Picard: Yes, I'm fine. Really, Marta, I'm fine.
Corey: Come on, Marty. I bet he's got another date.
Marta: That's it, isn't it? You are incorrigible.
Corey: Try not to end up in the hospital.
Q: Attention on deck, Ensign Picard.
Picard: Q.
Q: That's Captain Q to you, young man.
Picard: What's the point of creating this fantasy?
Q: This is no fantasy, I assure you. It's all very real. You're twenty one years old again. A brash young man, fresh out of the Academy.
Picard: I certainly don't look it.
Q: Well, to everyone else you do.
Picard: So, Q, I thought you told me that I was dead. Now it seems that I'm alive.
Q: Oh, you mortals are so obtuse. Why do you persist in believing that life and death are such static and rigid concepts. Why, I can take your life and give it back to you again with the snap of a finger.
Picard: Let's say for the moment that may be true. What is the purpose of bringing me here?
Q: You said you regretted a great many things in your life. Well, here's a chance to change some of them.
Picard: Change them? You mean change the past? Q, even if you have been able to bring me back in time somehow, surely you must realize that any alteration in this timeline will have a profound impact on the future.
Q: Please. Spare me your egotistical musings on your pivotal role in history. Nothing you do here will cause the Federation to collapse or galaxies to explode. To be blunt, you're not that important.
Picard: I won't do it. I won't alter history.
Q: Oh, very well. Since you attach so much importance to the continuity of time, I will give you my personal guarantee that nothing you do here will end up hurting anyone, or have an adverse affect on what you know of as history. The only thing at stake here is your life and your peace of mind. Now, whether you believe me or not, you are here, and you have a second chance. What you choose to do with it is entirely up to you. Do you know where you are?
Picard: Starbase Earhart. We came here right after graduation to await our first deep space assignments.
Q: That's right. It's two days before your unfortunate encounter with a Nausicaan sword. You have that long to make whatever changes you wish. If you can avoid getting stabbed through the heart this time, which I doubt, I will take you back to what you think of as the present. And you can go on with your life with a real heart.
Picard: Then I won't die?
Q: Of course you'll die. It'll just be at a later time.
Picard: What if I don't avoid the fight? What if I won't make the changes?
Q: Then you die on the table, and we spend eternity together.
Picard: Wonderful.
Q: I'm glad you think so. I am curious about one thing, Johnny. Why did that rather attractive woman strike you just now? Something you said?
Picard: Her name was Corlina. I'd arranged to take her out today, and then she discovered that I had already made a second date with another woman called, er, Penny, and Corlina was naturally upset.
Q: I'd no idea you were such a cad. I'm impressed.
Picard: Computer, what is the time right now?
Computer: Sixteen eleven hours.
Picard: In fact, Penny is waiting for me right now.
Q: Well, carry on.
Penny: You're awfully quiet today. What happened to the dashing young Ensign from last night? The one with the winning smile and the smooth talk about my eyes?
Picard: I'm just a little more contemplative.
Penny: And what are you contemplating?
Picard: Penny, er, do you think we could just talk for a while. I don't know anything about you. Where you're from, what your interests are, your last name.
Penny: I come from Rigel, my last name is Muroc and I like men in uniform. I think that's enough talking.
Penny: What's wrong? I don't look as attractive to you as I did last night?
Picard: No, no, not at all. I think you're a very handsome woman.
Penny: Handsome. That's something you say to old ladies.
Picard: You're certainly not an old lady.
Penny: I didn't want your pity.
Q: Penny for your thoughts? You never told me you were such a lady's man.
Picard: I wasn't. I was a puerile adolescent who allowed himself to be led by his hormones instead of his head.
Q: Looks like your friends know how to have fun. You ought to take lessons.
Q: Excuse me.
Marta: He's winning.
Picard: Of course.
Marta: I thought you had a date.
Picard: She decided to leave.
Marta: You're getting old, Johnny.
Corey: Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you.
Marta: Very, very nice. I think you should forget about Starfleet and play dom-jot for a living.
Corey: Nah, this is nothing. A little trigonometry, some minor wrist action. Now barokie, there's a game.
Nausicaan 1: Human! Play dom-jot, human.
Corey: I think I could be persuaded to play one more game.
Picard: Corey, don't play him.
Corey: Why?
Picard: It'll cause trouble. He's a Nausicaan. They can get very ill-tempered if they lose.
Corey: So can I.
Picard: No, Corey, listen to me. This is a big mistake. Don't play him.
Corey: What's gotten into you? Let's go.
Q: I see you've found your Nausicaan friend. You seem unimpaled so far.
Picard: I'm sorry to disappoint you.
Q: Ensign Zweller seems to be doing well.
Picard: He's going to lose. The Nausicaan is cheating.
Q: Really? I'm beginning to like these Nausicaans.
Picard: If history repeats itself, Corey will figure it out later tonight, and then he'll want revenge.
Q: And will you help your best friend avenge this injustice?
Picard: I did last time. I rigged the table so that he would win in a rematch.
Q: Picard, you cheated? Picard, I'm impressed.
Picard: It was a stupid mistake. The Nausicaan didn't take kindly to losing. Nor his friends. They were outraged. They wanted a fight. I gave them one.
Q: That's a beautiful story. It gets you right here, doesn't it?
Nausicaan 1: Ten. Dom-jot. Human play dom-jot.
Corey: I've played a lot of dom-jot in a lot of places. I've never seen the balls roll that well for anyone.
Marta: So he was cheating?
Corey: I'll bet you that he had some sort of magnetic device in his belt. It was controlling the balls.
Marta: That's terrible.
Corey: We've got to get even.
Marta: What did you have in mind?
Corey: Well, we could do to him what he did to us. Cheat. Only this time we'll rig the table so his device'll backfire on him.
Picard: Corey, that won't solve anything.
Corey: It'll teach him that he can't go round cheating Starfleet officers.
Picard: All it'll do is provoke him. And provoking a Nausicaan is not a good idea.
Corey: I can handle him.
Picard: What if he's not alone? What if he brings some of his Nausicaan friends with him?
Corey: Well then I guess that when I'll have to depend on my friends to help me out.
Picard: Corey, there's got to be a better way to handle this.
Corey: When did you start backing away from a good fight?
Picard: Look Corey, we're not cadets anymore. We're officers. We should start to set a higher standard for ourselves.
Marta: It was a good idea,, but let's just forget it, okay?
Marta: He'll get over it.
Picard: I hope so. What?
Marta: Nothing. It's just you'd usually be the one plotting revenge.
Picard: Yes, that would be more in character, wouldn't it?
Marta: Much. But I always suspected you had a hidden streak of responsibility somewhere.
Picard: Perhaps it's just that I'm getting older.
Marta: Maybe these bars are just starting to feel a little heavy, Ensign. Ensign Picard and Ensign Batanides. It sounds weird, doesn't it?
Picard: It's going to take some getting used to.
Marta: It's too bad we can't get used to it together. The three of us, I mean.
Picard: Oh, of course.
Picard: Come.
Q: Flowers! Is there a John Luck Pickard here?
Marta: From one of your conquests, no doubt. I guess some things aren't going to change.
Q: Did I interrupt anything sordid, I hope?
Picard: No, Q, you did not.
Q: Pity. She's quite attractive.
Picard: We were friends, nothing more.
Q: Is that another regret I hear? My, my. We're simply riddled with regrets about our youth, now aren't we?
Picard: My friendship with Marta is not something I regret.
Q: But you wish it had been more than just friendship, don't you? Well, maybe you can change all that.
Picard: Q, what is it you want?
Q: I thought you'd like to know that Mister Zweller has decided not to take your advice. He's in the Bonestell Facility right now, rigging the table to beat the Nausicaan. I guess you weren't that persuasive.
Picard: Corey.
Corey: Ow! Johnny, don't sneak up on me like that. I thought you were the gambling foreman.
Picard: Sorry.
Corey: I'm glad you're here. Hand me that magnaspanner.
Picard: Corey, I'm not here to help you. I'm here to stop you from making a serious mistake.
Corey: You sound like my mother.
Picard: Cheating the Nausicaans could have serious consequences for all of us. It's a risk we can't afford to take.
Corey: You are my mother. Well gee, Mom, I guess I'll have to go tell those Nausicaans I don't mind if they cheat me.
Picard: This is not a joke, Corey.
Corey: It better be. Now, I'm going to finish my work here. If you want to help me, fine. If not, I'll see you back at the Starbase.
Picard: I said you're not doing this.
Corey: Are you going to hit me, Johnny?
Picard: No. But I'll tell the gambling foreman someone's been tampering with his dom-jot table.
Corey: All right. Have it your way, Ensign Picard.
Picard: I just couldn't make him understand.
Marta: At least he did finally give it up.
Picard: Yes, but he didn't take it very well.
Marta: Oh, you know Corey. He'll forget all about it by tomorrow.
Picard: I hope you're right, because he and I were friends for years after this. I mean, I hope we will be. You know, you keep smiling at me.
Marta: Well, I've just never seen you like this before. You're so serious.
Picard: Do I really seem that different?
Marta: Maybe I'm just not used to seeing you in your officer's uniform. No, it's more than that. You do seem different. Well, I'm not complaining or anything. I think it suits you.
Picard: Really?
Marta: Yes. It's very attractive. Johnny. Haven't you ever thought about us getting together?
Picard: Yes, I have, actually. I've thought about it for a long time.
Marta: Why didn't you ever say so?
Picard: I don't know. And at this moment, I really have no idea why not.
Marta: You've said so now.
Q: Morning, darling. Feeling a little jumpy this morning? Are we guilty, perhaps?
Picard: I don't feel guilty about anything, Q.
Q: No? We're just friends, Q, nothing more.
Picard: And we're still friends.
Q: So what's next?
Picard: I don't know. What I do know is, things will be different.
Q: I'm sure.
Picard: Good morning.
Marta: Johnny.
Picard: What's wrong?
Marta: Well, this is the morning after, huh?
Picard: Look, I don't regret anything that happened last night. I hope you don't either.
Marta: I don't know. We've been friends for a long time and, and now I'm afraid we've ruined that friendship.
Picard: Then perhaps we should forget about what happened and try to
Marta: I wish I could. It would make it much easier to say goodbye tomorrow. We're all supposed to get together later for our last big night before we ship out.
Picard: I don't want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.
Marta: We've planned it. I'll be there.
Q: Well, let's see. You've managed to get slapped by one woman, a drink thrown in your face by another, and alienate your two best friends. Doing very well so far. The only thing left to avoid is getting stabbed through the heart.
Picard: I think you'll like serving on board the Ajax. I hear that Captain Narth is an excellent officer.
Corey: So I hear.
Picard: Well, here's to the class of 'twenty seven.
Nausicaan: Play dom-jot, human. Give you a better chance. Give you a bigger stick maybe.
Picard: I don't think we're interested.
Nausicaan 1: They are undari. Cowards.
Corey: What did you say?
Nausicaan: Coward. Like all Starfleet you talk and you talk, but you have no guramba.
Corey: Why don't we find out.
Picard: Don't be a fool, Corey. Look, there are plenty of other people to play dom-jot with. Now just go about your business.
Nausicaan: Maybe I play with her. Give her good time.
Nausicaan: Orcho lok resnik. Starfleet.
Picard: I'm sorry, Corey. He was reaching for a weapon.
Corey: I don't know who you are any more, but you're not my friend.
Marta: Goodbye, Johnny.
Q: Congratulations, mon capitaine. You did it.
Worf: Can I help you?
Worf: Can I help you, Mister Picard?
Picard: Mister Worf.
Worf: This is not for me. You should take it to Commander La Forge in Engineering.
Picard: What's happened?
Worf: Is something wrong?
Picard: I'm not sure. Mister Worf, what is my rank and position?
Worf: You are a Lieutenant junior grade, Assistant Astrophysics officer.
Data: Are you feeling all right?
Picard: Who's the captain of this ship?
Data: Captain Thomas Halloway. Perhaps I should escort you to Sickbay.
Picard: No. I can find my own way there. Thank you, Commander.
Picard: Beverly, something's happened to me. I'm not sure
Q: Vell, vell, vell. Vhat seems to be de trouble, Lieutenant Picard?
Picard: Q, what have you done?
Q: I've done exactly as I promised. I've returned you to the present.
Picard: But this is not the present I remember. You said nothing would change.
Q: Nothing has changed, Jean-Luc, except for you. But then again, that's what you wanted, wasn't it? To change the man you were in your youth? Well, you did it. This is the man you are today. And You should be happy. You have a real heart beating in your chest, and you get to live out the rest of your life in safety, running tests, making analyzes, and carrying reports to your superiors.
Picard: Excuse me, am I interrupting?
Riker: No, not at all. Have a seat.
Picard: Thank you. I'd like to talk to you for a moment about my future on the Enterprise.
Riker: Of course, Lieutenant. Jean-Luc, isn't it?
Troi: Maybe I should go.
Picard: No, please, Counselor, I would very much like to hear your thoughts. First of all, and I would like you to be absolutely straightforward with me. How would you evaluate me as an officer?
Troi: Well, er, your performance records have always been good. You're thorough, dedicated.
Riker: Reliable, steady, punctual.
Picard: I see. What would you say if I told you that I believed that I was capable of being very much more.
Riker: Perhaps we should discuss this at your next evaluation.
Picard: I would appreciate it if we could discuss it now. You see, I feel that I would like to move beyond astrophysics to Engineering or Security, something that might even lead to Command.
Riker: Frankly, Lieutenant, I don't think that's realistic.
Picard: Why?
Troi: I really don't think this is the place to be discussing this.
Picard: Please. This is important to me. I believe that I can do more.
Troi: Hasn't that been the problem all along? Throughout your career you've had lofty goals, but you've never been willing to do what's necessary to attain them.
Picard: Would that be your evaluation as well, Commander?
Riker: I think I have to agree with the Counselor. If you want to get ahead, you have to take chances, stand out in a crowd, get noticed.
Picard: I see.
Riker: Now, we don't want to lose you. You're a very good officer.
Picard: Just not one who stands out.
Riker: Why don't I talk to Commander La Forge in Engineering and we'll see what we can do.
Picard: But, Command?
Riker: Well, we'll see.
Data: Senior officers, please report to the Captain's Ready room.
Riker: Acknowledged.
Troi: We should talk about this later.
Picard: All right, Q, that's enough. You've made your point. Q?
Laforge: La Forge to Lieutenant Picard. I'm still waiting for that statistical analysis.
Picard: I'm on my way, sir.
Picard: Main Engineering. Are you having a good laugh now, Q? Does it amuse you to think of me living out the rest of my life as a dreary man in a tedious job?
Q: I gave you something most mortals never experience. A second chance at life. And now all you can do is complain?
Picard: I can't live out my days as that person. That man is bereft of passion and imagination. That is not who I am.
Q: Au contraire, he's the person you wanted to be. One who was less arrogant, and undiskiplined as a youth. One who was less like me. The Jean-Luc Picard you wanted to be, the one who did not fight the Nausicaan, had quite a different career from the one you remember. That Picard never had a brush with death, never came face to face with his own mortality, never realized how fragile life is or how important each moment must be. So his life never came into focus. He drifted for much of his career, with no plan or agenda, going from one assignment to the next, never seizing the opportunities that presented themselves. He never lead the away team on Milika Three to save the ambassador, or take charge of the Stargazer's Bridge when its Captain was killed. And no one ever offered him a command. He learned to play it safe. And he never, ever got noticed by anyone.
Picard: You're right, Q. You gave me the chance to change and I took the opportunity. But I admit now, it was a mistake.
Q: Are you asking me for something, Jean-Luc?
Picard: Give me a chance to put things back the way they were before.
Q: Before you died in Sickbay. Is that what you want?
Picard: I would rather die as the man I was than live the life I just saw.
Nausicaan: Coward. Like all Starfleet. You talk and you talk but you have no guramba.
Picard: What did you say?
Nausicaan: I said, you are a coward.
Picard: That's what I thought you said.
Crusher: His vital signs are stable. Captain. Jean-Luc. You've been injured, but I think you're going to be all right.
Picard: I still don't know what to make of it. Was it a dream? Was it one of Q's elaborate tricks?
Riker: A lot of people near death have talked about strange experiences, but I've never heard one so detailed.
Picard: And, you know, there's still a part of me that cannot accept that Q would give me a second chance, or that he would demonstrate so much compassion. And if it was Q, I owe him a debt of gratitude.
Riker: In what sense? It sounds like he put you through hell.
Picard: There are many parts of my youth that I'm not proud of. There were loose threads, untidy parts of me that I would like to remove. But when I pulled on one of those threads it unraveled the tapestry of my life.
Riker: I was just trying to imagine a hell-bent for leather young officer insulting a Nausicaan twice his size. I wish I'd had a chance to know that Jean-Luc Picard.
Picard: Oh, well, to tell the truth, that wasn't the first run-in I'd had with a couple of surly Nausicaans.
Riker: Really?
Picard: Oh, yes. During my sophomore year, I was assigned to training on Morikin Seven. Well, there was a Nausicaan outpost on one of the outlying asteroids, and one day


Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45047.2. The Enterprise is en route to the uninhabited El-Adrel system, its location is near the territory occupied by an enigmatic race known as The Children of Tama.
Picard: Apparently the Tamarians arrived at El-Adrel Four nearly three weeks ago. They have been transmitting a subspace signal towards Federation space ever since.
Data: The signal is a standard mathematical progression. It does not carry a specific message.
Riker: But they wanted us to know they were there.
Picard: Apparently so, Number One. Starfleet believes that their presence is an attempt at communication. Commander.
Data: Federation vessels have encountered Tamarian ships seven times over the past one hundred years. Each meeting went without incident, however formal relations were not established because communication was not possible.
Riker: Why?
Data: The Children of Tama were called incomprehensible by Captain Silvestri of the Shiku Maru. Other accounts were comparable.
Worf: A cause for concern. For all we know, they could be threatening our border.
Troi: Everything in the previous encounters suggests a peaceable race. We have to start from there.
Picard: Agreed. I appreciate your prudence, Mister Worf, but Starfleet believes that the Tamarians have extended a hand. We must do the same.
Riker: The Children of Tama. I've heard rumors about them for years.
Picard: Indeed. Are they truly incomprehensible? In my experience, communication is a matter of patience, imagination. I would like to believe these are qualities we have in sufficient measure.
Dathon: Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Rai of Lowani. Lowani under two moons. Jiri of Ubaya. Ubaya of crossed roads at Lungha. Lungha, her sky gray. Rai and Jiri at Lungha.
Picard: Counselor?
Troi: I'm sense nothing but good intentions from them, Captain.
Picard: Mister Data?
Data: The Tamarian seems to be stating the proper names of individuals and locations.
Picard: Yes, but what does it all mean?
Data: I am at a loss, sir.
Picard: Captain, would you be prepared to consider the creation of a mutual non-aggression pact between our two peoples, possibly leading to a trade agreement and cultural interchange. Does this sound like a reasonable course of action to you?
Tamarian: Kadir beneath Mo Moteh.
Dathon: The river Temarc! In winter.
Picard: Impressions, Number One?
Riker: It appears they're trying their best.
Picard: As are we. For what it's worth.
Dathon: Shaka, when the walls fell. Darmok.
Tamarian: Darmok? Rai and Jiri at Lungha!
Dathon: Shaka. When the walls fell.
Tamarian: Zima at Anzo. Zima and Bakor.
Dathon: Darmok at Tanagra.
Tamarian: Shaka! Mirab, his sails unfurled.
Dathon: Darmok.
Tamarian: Mirab.
Dathon: Temarc! The river Temarc.
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
Riker: Block their transporter with the shields! Extend to maximum range!
Worf: Not enough time.
Riker: Where is he?
Data: The Tamarians have transported Captain Picard to the planet surface along with their own captain.
Riker: Riker to O'Brien.
Data: It will not be possible to transport, sir. The Tamarian ship has created a particle scattering field on the planet's ionosphere.
Riker: Riker to Captain Picard. Captain, do you read me? Can we compensate?
Data: No, sir. The Tamarians are projecting a particle sustaining beam into the upper atmosphere. The result is a hyperionization that virtually disrupts all EM and subspace carriers.
Riker: Then they can't communicate with their man either. They won't be able to beam anyone through the field.
Data: That is correct. However, they have left sensor frequencies clear.
Riker: Then they'll be able to tell what's going on. Analysis, Mister Worf. What the hell is going on?
Worf: A contest, perhaps. Between champions. Our captain against theirs.
Riker: Theirs was armed.
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad.
Picard: You want to fight with me? Is that it? A challenge?
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad.
Picard: I don't know who or what Darmok and Jalad are, but I certainly didn't come here to start a war.
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
Picard: Sorry, Captain.
Dathon: Shaka. When the walls fell.
Data: Sensors show Captain Picard and the Tamarian in apparent good health, approximately twenty meters from each other.
Riker: Hail the Tamarian ship.
Worf: On screen.
Riker: You are holding our captain. I want him released.
Tamarian: Darmok at Tanagra.
Riker: Your action could be interpreted as an act of war.
Tamarian: Kiteo. His eyes closed. Chenza at court. The court of silence. Chenza!
Riker: Is there any way to get through to them?
Data: Not without further study.
Riker: Close the channel, Mister Worf.
Worf: Gladly, sir.
Riker: Worf, I want you to assemble a security team, take a shuttle down to the planet, bring back the captain.
Worf: Aye, Commander.
Data: Sir, the Tamarians are fully capable of stopping a shuttle.
Riker: I'm aware of that. But disrupting our transporter beam and firing on a shuttle are two entirely different things. I'm betting they're not going to push it that far.
Dathon: Shaka. When the walls fell.
Picard: Shaka indeed. What now, Captain? Will you attack me in my sleep? If I don't freeze to death first.
Dathon: Darmok of Kanza. Jalad of the Kituay.
Picard: Picard of the Federation. Of the starship Enterprise. Of the planet Earth.
Dathon: Kadir beneath Mo Moteh.
Dathon: Temba.
Picard: Temba? What does that mean? Fire? Does Temba mean fire?
Dathon: Temba. His arms wide.
Picard: Temba is a person? His arms wide. Because he's holding them apart in, in generosity. In giving. In taking.
Dathon: Temba. His arms wide.
Picard: Thank you. Thank you. First Officer's log, supplemental. I am sending a shuttlecraft to find Captain Picard, gambling that the Tamarians will sit tight rather than risk an exchange of phaser fire.
Worf: The positron density is point zero one three.
Worf: Electron concentration seven point nine five. Particle gradient, four over seven. We are two hundred and fifty kilometers from the planet's surface.
Data: Commander, the shuttle has reached the E region of the planet's ionosphere.
Riker: How long can we maintain communication?
Data: The scattering layer induced by the Tamarians is concentrated in the upper D region. The shuttle will reach that area in approximately two minutes.
Riker: The Tamarian ship?
Data: Unchanged, sir. They appear to be making no attempt to stop us.
Riker: Maybe we called their bluff. Status, Mister Worf.
Worf: Navigational, life-support, propulsion normal.
Worf: Onboard systems do not appear to be disrupted by the field, but I can barely read you, Commander.
Riker: Acknowledged. Maintain
Riker: Communications as long as conditions permit.
Data: Commander. I am reading a power surge in the Tamarian plasma reactor.
Riker: Lieutenant Worf! Evasive maneuver sequence delta!
Riker: Maneuver sequence delta.
Data: Commander, the shuttle has been hit.
Riker: Damage?
Data: The starboard nacelle has been rendered inoperable.
Riker: That's all? Riker to Worf.
Riker: Report.
Worf: Starboard thrusters destroyed. I may be able to land but I will not be able to take off.
Riker: Understood. Return to the Enterprise, Mister Worf.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Riker: Enough to turn them back, but not enough to hurt them.
Data: Yes, sir. The phaser pulse appears to have been carefully attenuated for just that effect.
Riker: Nice shooting.
Laforge: I'm pretty sure I can punch up the annular confinement beam enough to transport the captain through the field, but it's going to take me at least a full day to do it.
Troi: Captain Picard could be dead by then.
Worf: I do not believe so. I have confidence in his ability as a warrior. He will be victorious.
Troi: You're still assuming this is some sort of a challenge ritual. We can't be certain of that.
Riker: Agreed. We're only making educated guesses about their motivations, no more than that.
Worf: Then why do we wait? If we attack the ship now, they will not be able to maintain their scattering field.
Riker: Which might start a shooting match, and for all we know, a war, and we still might not be able to save the captain.
Worf: It would end this stalemate.
Riker: It's too much of a risk. I'll take that course when it's the last one left. Who the hell are these people? There's got to be some way to get through to them.
Data: As I have said, with further study it may be possible
Riker: Then do it. Deanna, help him. I want something by oh nine hundred hours.
Picard: Now, where have you gone to, my friend?
Picard: Forgive the intrusion, Captain, but I need some answers.
Dathon: Darmok at Tanagra.
Tamarian: Shaka! Mirab, his sails unfurled.
Dathon: Darmok.
Tamarian: Mirab.
Data: Freeze. Darmok.
Troi: Darmok. Well, it seems to be a point of contention between them. Perhaps something the Tamarian captain proposed that the First Officer didn't like.
Data: The apparent emotional dynamic does seem to support that assumption. As with the other terms used by the Tamarian, this appears to be a proper noun. The name clearly carries a meaning for them.
Troi: Computer, search for the term Darmok in all linguistic databases for this sector.
Computer: Searching. Darmok is the name of a seventh dynasty emperor on Kanda Four. A mytho-historical hunter on Shantil Three. A colony on Malindi Seven. A frozen dessert on Tazna Five. A
Troi: Stop search. Computer, how many entries are there for Darmok?
Computer: Forty seven.
Troi: All our technology and experience, our universal translator, our years in space, contacts with more alien cultures than I can even remember.
Data: I have encountered one thousand, seven hundred fifty four non-human races during my tenure with Starfleet.
Troi: And we still can't even say hello to these people.
Data: Correct.
Troi: A single word can lead to tragedy. One word misspoken or misunderstood. And that could happen here, Data, if we fail.
Data: Replay at time index one four four.
Dathon: Darmok at Tanagra.
Data: Freeze. Computer, search for the term Tanagra. All databases.
Computer: Searching. Tanagra. The ruling family on Gallos Two. A ceremonial drink on Lerishi Four. An island-continent on Shantil Three
Troi: Stop. Shantil Three. Computer, cross-reference the last entry with the previous search index.
Computer: Darmok is the name of a mytho-historical hunter on Shantil Three.
Troi: I think we've got something.
Picard: A captain's log?
Dathon: Darmok!
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra!
Picard: I was curious. I meant no harm.
Dathon: Shaka! Temba! His arms wide. Temba.
Picard: Enough! I'm not going to fight you. You'll just have to
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
Dathon: Temba. His arms wide.
Picard: I'll go along with that.
Worf: Commander, sensors are picking up an electromagnetic disturbance approaching the Captain's position.
Riker: Analysis?
Worf: A variable induction field. Possibly a life form.
Riker: How close is it to the Captain?
Worf: The field is erratic, appearing and disappearing, but it appears to be moving toward him.
Riker: Attacking?
Riker: Riker to La Forge.
Laforge: La Forge here.
Riker: How close are we on that transporter?
Laforge: Two hours, maybe three.
Riker: I want the Captain out of there now.
Laforge: That's not very likely, sir.
Riker: I don't want to hear that, Commander.
Laforge: Lefler, what's the resonance frequency?
Lefler: Point three four over standard.
Laforge: I want a resolution of point five three at the very least. Commander, I'll need about two more minutes.
Laforge: But there's a good chance this isn't going to work.
Worf: If it fails
Riker: I know. We will have tipped our hand to the Tamarians. But it's a chance we have to take.
Worf: Agreed.
Riker: La Forge. Proceed.
Laforge: We're on it. La Forge out.
Riker: Riker to transporter room one.
O'Brien: O'Brien here, Commander.
Riker: Stand by, Mister O'Brien.
Dathon: Mirab, his sails unfurled?
Picard: Come on.
Dathon: Shaka. When the walls fell.
Dathon: Shaka, when the walls fell.
Picard: Shaka. You said that before. When I couldn't build a fire. Is that a failure? An inability to do something?
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad
Picard: At Tanagra. I remember the words but I don't understand.
Laforge: Matrix levels?
Lefler: Annular convergence four three nine point two oh five. Confinement resolution point five two seven.
Laforge: That isn't going do it. Increase thermal input coefficient to one hundred fifty percent.
Lefler: Increasing now.
Riker: Status, La Forge.
Laforge: We're almost there, Commander. Lefler, shunt the overload to the phase transition sequencers in transporter one.
Lefler: Yes, sir.
Laforge: La Forge to O'Brien.
O'Brien: Go ahead, Commander.
Laforge: Confirm phase sequencer linkage.
O'Brien: Link confirmed. Ready whenever you are, sir.
Dathon: Uzani, his army at Lashmir.
Picard: At Lashmir? Was it like this at Lashmir? A similar situation to the one we're facing here?
Dathon: Uzani. His army with fist open.
Picard: A strategy, with fist open. With fist open.
Dathon: His army, with fist closed.
Picard: With fist closed. An army with fist open to lure the enemy. With fist closed to attack? That's how you communicate, isn't it? By citing example. By metaphor. Uzani's army with fist open.
Dathon: Sokath. His eyes uncovered!
Picard: No!
O'Brien: I've got a piece of him, Commander, but that's all.
Riker: Boost the confinement beam.
Lefler: One fifty seven over standard.
Laforge: It's as solid as it'll go, Commander.
Worf: The Tamarian and the entity are in close proximity. The Tamarian's lifesigns are fluctuating.
Riker: The scattering field is still in full force. What the hell is wrong with them? Their sensors can read what's going on as well as ours can. Riker to O'Brien. Report.
O'Brien: The field's still deflecting the signal. There just isn't enough of him, sir.
Riker: Open a channel to the Tamarian ship.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Riker: Your captain is under attack. Drop your particle field.
Tamarian: Kailash. When it rises.
Worf: They have closed the channel.
O'Brien: O'Brien to Bridge.
O'Brien: I can't hold him, Commander.
Dathon: Shaka.
Picard: when the walls fell. First Officer's log, stardate 45048.8. Our attempt to transport Captain Picard back to the ship has failed. My options are narrowing and my patience is all but gone.
Riker: Here's the situation on El-Adrel. The entity has moved off several hundred meters.
Crusher: Captain Picard's bioscan readings are stable. The Tamarian's are not.
Troi: He may be injured.
Riker: If the entity decides to attack again, the Captain may be facing it alone.
Laforge: The transporter's out of the question. The Tamarian ship has deepened the scattering field to the D region of the ionosphere. There's no getting through.
Worf: Unless we attack the ship itself.
Riker: Are you able to pinpoint the source of their particle beam?
Laforge: They're using a polarity coil generator located aft of their warp drive. It's pretty heavily shielded.
Riker: Could we get through with our phasers?
Laforge: Not with the first spread. It'd take a couple of hits.
Riker: That's not good enough. We need to knock out the scattering field in one shot and have the Captain back on the Enterprise before they know what happened.
Laforge: If we selectively target the amplification pathways around the generator, it should be just as effective. And we can do it in one burst.
Riker: How long will it take to set up?
Laforge: Worf and I would have to adjust the pre-fire chamber. That'll give us the focus we need. A few hours?
Riker: Make it so.
Riker: I would prefer to find a peaceful solution. If we could talk our way out of this one, that much the better.
Troi: Unfortunately, it may not be that simple.
Riker: What did you find out?
Data: The Tamarian ego structure does not seem to allow what we normally think of as self-identity. Their ability to abstract is highly unusual. They seem to communicate through narrative imagery by reference to the individuals and places which appear in their mytho-historical accounts.
Troi: It's as if I were to say to you, Juliet on her balcony.
Crusher: An image of romance.
Troi: Exactly. Imagery is everything to the Tamarians. It embodies their emotional states, their very thought processes. It's how they communicate, and it's how they think.
Riker: If we know how they think, shouldn't we be able to get something across to them?
Data: No, sir. The situation is analogous to understanding the grammar of a language but none of the vocabulary.
Crusher: If I didn't know who Juliet was or what she was doing on that balcony, the image alone wouldn't have any meaning.
Troi: That's correct. For instance, we know that Darmok was a great hero, a hunter, and that Tanagra was an island, but that's it. Without the details, there's no understanding.
Data: It is necessary for us to learn the narrative from which the Tamarians drawing their imagery. Given our current relations, that does not appear likely.
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
Picard: Our situation is similar to theirs. I understand that. But I need to know more. You must tell me more about Darmok and Jalad. Tell me. You used the words, 'Temba, his arms wide' when you gave me the knife and the fire. Could that mean give? Temba, his arms wide. Darmok. Give me more about Darmok.
Dathon: Darmok on the ocean.
Picard: Darmok. The ocean. Darmok on the ocean. A metaphor? For being alone? Isolated? Darmok on the ocean.
Picard: Are you all right?
Dathon: Kiazi's children, their faces wet.
Picard: Temba, his arms open. Give me more about Darmok on the ocean.
Dathon: Tanagra on the ocean. Darmok at Tanagra.
Picard: At Tanagra. A country? Tanagra on the ocean. An island. Temba, his arms wide.
Dathon: Jalad on the ocean. Jalad at Tanagra.
Picard: Jalad at Tanagra. He went to the same island as Darmok. Darmok and Jalad Tanagra.
Dathon: The beast at Tanagra.
Picard: The beast? There was a creature at Tanagra? Darmok and Jalad, the beast of Tanagra. They arrived separately. They struggled together against a common foe, the beast at Tanagra. Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
Dathon: Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.
Picard: They left together. Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.
Dathon: The ocean. Zinda! His face black, his eyes red. Callimas at Bahar.
Picard: You hoped this would happen, didn't you? You knew there was a dangerous creature on this planet and you knew from the tale of Darmok that a danger shared might sometimes bring two people together. Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra. You and me, here, at El-Adrel.
Dathon: Kira at Bashi. Temba, his arms wide.
Picard: My turn? No, I'm not much of a story teller. Besides, you wouldn't understand. Shaka. when the walls fell. Perhaps that doesn't matter. You want to hear it anyway. There's a story, a very ancient one, from Earth. I'll try and remember it. Gilgamesh, a king. Gilgamesh, a king, at Uruk. He tormented his subjects. He made them angry. They cried out aloud, send us a companion for our king. Spare us from his madness. Enkidu, a wild man from the forest, entered the city. They fought in the temple. They fought in the street. Gilgamesh defeated Enkidu. They became great friends. Gilgamesh and Enkidu at Uruk.
Dathon: At Uruk.
Picard: The new friends went out into the desert together, where the great bull of heaven was killing men by the hundreds. Enkidu caught the bull by the tail. Gilgamesh struck it with his sword.
Dathon: Gilgamesh.
Picard: They were victorious. But Enkidu fell to the ground, struck down by the gods. And Gilgamesh wept bitter tears, saying, 'he who was my companion through adventure and hardship, is gone forever. First Officer's log, supplemental. Despite the risk of war, I have no choice but to break the stalemate.
Worf: Phasers nearly ready, sir.
Riker: Stand by to fire, Mister Worf.
Data: Commander. The Tamarian's bioscan is becoming unreadable. He may be dead, sir.
Riker: If we know that, so do the Tamarians. Riker to La Forge.
Laforge: La Forge here.
Riker: I need those phasers.
Data: Sir, sensors are tracking the entity. It is approaching Captain Picard's position.
Picard: I understand your sacrifice, Captain. Unfortunately, if our friend out there has its way, no one will ever know what you tried to do.
Data: Nine meters and closing. The energy output of the entity has doubled, Commander. Six meters.
Laforge: La Forge to Bridge. You have phasers.
Riker: Fire!
Worf: Their particle beam emitters are inoperative, sir.
Data: Scattering field is down, sir.
Riker: O'Brien, energize.
O'Brien: We got him, Commander.
Riker: Maximum shields.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Riker: Red alert!
Worf: Starboard shields holding at fifty two percent. Forward shields are gone.
Riker: Let's get out of here.
Data: That may not be possible, sir. The starboard nacelle sustained a direct hit. Warp engines are offline.
Riker: Go to impulse. Back us off.
Worf: They are matching our maneuvers, sir, and firing.
Riker: Return fire, Mister Worf. Full phasers.
Worf: Firing, sir.
Worf: Their shields are holding. They are firing again. Our shields have failed.
Data: Commander, we cannot survive another hit.
Picard: Hail the Tamarian ship.
Worf: Aye, Captain.
Tamarian: Zinda! His face black, his eyes red
Picard: Temarc! The river Temarc in winter.
Tamarian: Darmok?
Picard: And Jalad. At Tanagra. Darmok and Jalad on the ocean.
Tamarian: Sokath, his eyes open!
Picard: The beast at Tanagra. Uzani, his army. Shaka when the walls fell.
Tamarian: Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel. Mirab, with sails unfurled.
Picard: Temba, his arms open.
Tamarian: Temba at rest.
Picard: Thank you.
Data: Power has been restored, sir.
Riker: New friends, Captain?
Picard: I can't say, Number One. But at least they're not new enemies.
Riker: I hope I'm not intruding, Captain.
Picard: No, of course not, Number One. Please.
Riker: Damage reports ready for your review.
Picard: Thank you.
Riker: Greek, sir?
Picard: Oh, the Homeric Hymns. One of the root metaphors of our own culture.
Riker: For the next time we encounter the Tamarians?
Picard: More familiarity with our own mythology might help us to relate to theirs. The Tamarian was willing to risk all of us just for the hope of communication, connection. Now the door is open between our peoples. That commitment meant more to him than his own life. Thank you, Number One.


Mot: there's a time when you want to call a Romulan's bluff and there's a time when you don't. Wouldn't you say?
Picard: Well, one does not always have the luxury
Mot: You've got to choose your time and place with them. True or false?
Picard: Yes, wherever possible.
Mot: So, this time you were lucky. I suppose all's well that ends well but if I'd been in your shoes
Picard: Well, you know, that really does look very nice, Mister Mot. I think that will be sufficient.
Mot: Hold on There. I must tell you, Captain, Will Riker was in for a trim yesterday and he agrees with me a hundred per cent.
Riker: Bridge to Captain Picard.
Picard: Yes?
Riker: Sorry to interrupt.
Riker: We're receiving an emergency distress signal from the Solarion Four colony.
Mot: Uh oh. That's right along the Cardassian border.
Picard: Lay in a new course. I'm on my way.
Mot: I told him we shouldn't colonize so close to the Cardassians.
Picard: Report.
Riker: The signal ended abruptly at oh four five five. Unable to raise them on subspace.
Picard: Hail them on upper and lower band frequencies, Mister Worf.
Worf: I've tried. No response.
Picard: Time to the Solarion system?
Data: Twenty six minutes, Captain.
Picard: I understand you've been discussing alternative adversarial engagement strategy with Mister Mot.
Riker: It would be more accurate to say he was discussing them with me. He's the best barber in Starfleet. What can you do?
Worf: Sir, receiving another signal of a vessel leaving orbit of Solarion Four. New frequency, low band, audio only.
Picard: Open a channel.
Man: This is the Bajora. We claim responsibility for the destruction of the Federation colony on Solarion Four. As long as we are without our homeland, no one will be safe in this sector.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45076.3. We have arrived at Lya Station Alpha with survivors from Solarion Four. Admiral Kennelly has rendezvoused to discuss the Bajoran terrorist attack.
Kennelly: Sorry.
Picard: Ginger tea with honey, eighty degrees Celsius.
Kennelly: Ginger tea?
Picard: My Aunt Adele's cure for the common cold.
Kennelly: Common, hell. I picked this up from the Cardassian liaison last weekend. It's some damn virus they've sicked on me.
Picard: Did he have anything to say about this attack?
Kennelly: It's the same old story for the Cardassians. They've had terrorist problems ever since they annexed the Bajoran home world forty years ago.
Picard: But in forty years, they've never attacked a Federation target.
Kennelly: A new militant splinter group has broken away from the Bajoran settlement camps. The leader's name is Orta. Apparently he's willing to do whatever he has to to get attention.
Picard: And our response?
Kennelly: Listen, Jean-Luc, I'm the first to say that the Bajora deserve attention. Chased off their own planet by the Cardassians, forced to wander the galaxy, settling wherever they can find room. It's tragic.
Picard: On many worlds we've been to, they are isolated, treated as pariahs.
Kennelly: The Federation is sympathetic to their cause, but they're not helping themselves with an attack like this. That's what I want you to communicate to them.
Picard: But this could be done through diplomatic channels, Admiral. What do you really want of us?
Kennelly: Find this terrorist leader, Orta, and get him back where he belongs any way you can.
Picard: Any way I can?
Kennelly: The Federation has dozens of settlements in that sector. We can not allow the violence to continue.
Picard: And what do I have to offer Orta that might persuade him to cooperate?
Kennelly: Amnesty.
Picard: Admiral.
Kennelly: And a promise that we will immediately begin to address this issue with the Cardassians. Quietly, behind the scenes, using every legitimate means possible. But the Bajora must be patient.
Picard: Admiral, they've endured generations of sympathy and promises. How can I believe this Orta will be satisfied with more of the same?
Kennelly: It's your job to see to it that he does, Jean-Luc.
Riker: Riker to Captain Picard.
Picard: Go ahead.
Riker: Have you approved
Riker: The transfer of a new officer to the Enterprise?
Picard: Negative
Riker: Well, we've got one, waiting to beam aboard complete with orders.
Riker: Ensign Ro Laren.
Picard: Ro Laren? From the Wellington?
Riker: The same one, sir. Shall I tell her there's been some mistake?
Picard: Stand by, Commander.
Kennelly: I wrote the orders. I thought she might be valuable to you.
Picard: Admiral, respectfully. I would appreciate consulting rights on the assignment of a new officer, especially one with the record of Ro Laren.
Kennelly: She's Bajoran.
Picard: There are other Bajorans in Starfleet. Assign one of them.
Kennelly: I've discussed this situation with her, and I am convinced that she is the right one for this job.
Picard: After what happened on Garon Two, she has no business serving on any starship, let alone the flagship, my ship.
Kennelly: You're taking her, Captain. It's been arranged. I can't tell you how difficult it was to get her out of prison.
Picard: It's that important to you?
Kennelly: It's that important to the mission.
Picard: Picard to Riker.
Riker: Go ahead.
Picard: Proceed with the transport.
Riker: Sir?
Picard: I'll fill you in later.
Riker: Yes, sir.
Picard: I hope you and I don't regret this, Admiral.
Kennelly: You can handle her, Captain, if anyone can.
Ro: Ensign Ro Laren reporting as ordered, Commander.
Riker: You will follow Starfleet uniform code aboard this ship, Ensign.
Riker: There will be members of this crew who will not want to serve with Ensign Laren, sir.
Picard: They'll have to learn to live with it.
Riker: I intend to demand the highest level of performance from her.
Picard: I would expect nothing less. It won't be for long, Will. Come.
Picard: Yes, Ensign Laren, please have a seat.
Ro: Ensign Ro, sir.
Picard: I beg your pardon?
Ro: The Bajoran custom has the family name first, the individual's second. I am properly addressed as Ensign Ro.
Picard: I'm sorry, I didn't know.
Ro: No, there's no reason you should. It's an old custom. Most Bajora these days accept the distortion of their names in order to assimilate. I do not.
Picard: I wish to be candid with you, Ensign.
Ro: Please.
Picard: I'm fully aware of your Starfleet record, your problems on other ships, and the incident on Garon Two that led to your court martial. And I'm concerned about your presence on this delicate mission.
Ro: I don't want to be here any more than you want me to be here, sir.
Riker: Then why did you accept this assignment?
Ro: If I may be equally candid? It's better than prison.
Riker: Better than prison? There are officers who wait years to serve on this ship.
Ro: Being called back into Starfleet was not my idea.
Riker: Nor ours.
Picard: Nevertheless, we will all be serving together. Commander Riker and I have expectations of you.
Ro: Captain, I know the routine. You don't have to worry about me. We're stuck with each other. So let's just get this over with as quickly as possible and we can go our own separate ways, okay?
Picard: Dismissed.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. We are approaching the Valo system on the outskirts of Cardassian territory, where many Bajorans have resettled.
Data: There are dozens of Bajoran camps on the three class-M planets. I suggest we may want to begin on Valo Three, where an adhoc leader named Jas Holza lives. The Federation has had several dealings with him.
Crusher: I met Holza at a symposium a few years ago.
Picard: What can you tell us about him, Doctor?
Crusher: I found him to be a very concerned leader and a good spokesman for his people. And a terrific dancer. No, really, I'm serious. At a reception afterwards.
Troi: At least this man has genuine experience in diplomacy.
Picard: And that's a big advantage on this mission. Very well. Mister Data, will you contact Holza, arrange a meeting?
Data: Sir.
Riker: Ensign Ro, you're familiar with this star system. You'll take the conn. Is there a problem, Ensign?
Ro: You're wasting your time. Holza is nobody. He's the token Bajoran that respectable people invite to symposiums and diplomatic soirees. But he has no real influence among my people.
Data: Ensign, whom do you suggest we speak to?
Ro: Don't you understand? These are desperate people ready to martyr themselves. They don't want to talk.
Worf: This ship is prepared to defend itself if necessary.
Ro: Oh, it will be. Don't fool yourself. This mission will end in bloodshed.
Picard: Well, let's hope that you're mistaken, Ensign. But can you point us at the right individual, as Mister Data suggested?
Ro: I would go to the camp on the southern continent of Valo Two. Find a man named Keeve Falor. He has no diplomatic experience. And he won't ask you to dance.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. I read about the achievements of the ancient Bajoran civilization in my fifth grade reader. They were architects and artists, builders and philosophers when humans were not yet standing erect. Now I see how history has rewarded them.
Ro: This used to be me.
Keeve: Baleekam. Balleek, balleek. Baleekam! Baleek.
Keeve: Ro Laren. It's been a long time.
Ro: Keeve Falor, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Commander Data and Lieutenant Worf.
Picard: I'm pleased you agreed to meet with us, Mister Keeve.
Keeve: You honor me by the proper use of my name, Captain.
Picard: Ensign Ro has educated me.
Keeve: Has she? I'm pleased you still remember. Let me show you our camp. We are not a violent race, Captain. Just passionate about our cause. And that passion has led some to take up arms.
Picard: Do you know where we can find Orta?
Keeve: I'm afraid not.
Picard: Can you help us locate him?
Keeve: I'm sorry, I don't wish to help you. Don't misunderstand. I for one believe the raid on the Federation outpost was poor judgment. You are innocent bystanders, and I cannot condone violence against those who are not our enemies.
Picard: Then I don't understand why you are unwilling?
Keeve: Because you are innocent bystanders. You were innocent bystanders for decades as the Cardassians took our homes, as they violated and tortured our people in the most hideous ways imaginable, as we were forced to flee.
Picard: We were saddened by those events but they occurred within the designated borders of the Cardassian Empire.
Keeve: And the Federation is pledged not to interfere in the internal affairs of others. How convenient that must be for you, to turn a deaf ear to those who suffer behind a line on a map.
Picard: Well, I'm not here to debate Federation policy with you, but I can offer you assistance.
Keeve: Simply because of one terrorist attack? Perhaps I should have known that. We should have attacked the Federation long ago. What do you think of that, Ro?
Ro: I think you're a small man who feels a rush of power in his belly and enjoys it far too much, Keeve. Stop talking and listen.
Picard: We've had our problems with the Cardassians too, but now that we have a treaty, we're in a position to help. Your people have been forced to resettle all over the quadrant. But now we can make a legitimate case with the Cardassians that this is not an isolated problem. We can work diplomatically on your behalf. But first, these terrorist attacks must end.
Keeve: We live in different universes, you and I. Yours is about diplomacy, politics, strategy. Mine is about blankets. If we were to exchange places for one night, you might better understand.
Picard: Mister Data, see to it that the replicators provide a blanket for every man, woman and child before nightfall.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: Mister Worf, determine what these people may have in the way of emergency needs and provide for them.
Worf: Yes, sir.
Keeve: Thank you. Return to your ship. I will contact you when I have any information that might be of assistance to you. Ensign.
Picard: You were helpful.
Ro: The blankets were helpful. Nothing I said mattered.
Picard: In an age when their technology should be able to clothe and feed all of them, that they should have to live like this.
Ro: I couldn't, and I wouldn't. That's one reason I ran away. They're lost, defeated. I will never be.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45077.8. Keeve Falor has kept his promise and directed us toward the third moon of Valo One, where we will meet tomorrow with the terrorist leader, Orta.
Troi: Do you mind if we join you?
Ro: Yes.
Laforge: I'll tell you one thing. If I find myself on an away team with Ensign Ro, I won't turn my back on her.
Guinan: Perhaps the Captain thought she'd be valuable on the mission?
Laforge: That was orders. Had to be. She doesn't belong here. She doesn't even belong in the uniform, as far as I'm concerned.
Guinan: Really?
Laforge: Really.
Guinan: Sounds like someone I'd like to know. Excuse me.
Guinan: Am I disturbing you?
Ro: Yes.
Guinan: Good. You look like someone who wants to be disturbed.
Ro: I'd rather be alone.
Guinan: Oh, no you wouldn't.
Ro: I beg your pardon?
Guinan: If you wanted to be alone, you would've stayed in your quarters. The only reason to come here is to be amongst people.
Ro: Who are you?
Guinan: My name is Guinan. I tend bar, and I listen.
Ro: Heard anything interesting?
Guinan: Everyone's talking about you.
Ro: Heard anything interesting?
Guinan: Mmm hmm.
Ro: Well, it's all true.
Guinan: I believe truth is in the eye of the beholder.
Ro: Isn't that supposed to be beauty?
Guinan: Truth, beauty. It works for a lot of things. They say you never told the true story about Galon Two. They also say you didn't defend yourself at your court martial.
Ro: What was to defend? I didn't follow orders. Eight members of the away team died.
Guinan: Your fault?
Ro: Yeah, my fault.
Guinan: So you sit alone in crowded rooms staring at your drink. I think you enjoy it.
Ro: I enjoy it?
Guinan: You work so hard at torturing yourself, I can only think you must enjoy it.
Ro: Who are you?
Guinan: I told you. I'm Guinan. I tend bar, and I listen.
Ro: You're not like any bartender I ever met before.
Guinan: And you're not like any Starfleet officer I've ever met before, but that sounds like the beginning of a very interesting friendship.
Ro: I don't stay anywhere long enough to make friends.
Guinan: Too late. You just did. Excuse me.
Crewwoman: Bridge to Ensign Ro.
Ro: Go ahead.
Crewwoman: Subspace communication coming in for you, Ensign.
Ro: Thank you.
Ro: Computer, direct subspace transmission to monitor.
Kennelly: Your report, Ensign.
Ro: Everything is going exactly as you predicted, Admiral.
Picard: Any indications of weapons or vessels beneath the surface?
Riker: The composition of the moon's crust is blocking the sensors.
Picard: Which is very likely why they chose this moon for their base of operations.
Riker: We're on a timetable here. Where's Ro?
Picard: Captain Picard to Ensign Ro.
Data: Computer, locate Ensign Ro.
Computer: Ensign Ro is not on board the Enterprise.
Worf: Check the transport log.
Collins: She beamed down almost six hours ago, sir.
Picard: Any activity at the meeting site?
Chief: No, sir. They didn't show up.
Riker: What the hell is going on?
Picard: Prepare to transport us to the same location Ensign Ro beamed to. Mister Worf, phasers.
Data: I am picking up molecular displacement traces. That suggests movement through this area during the last ten hours.
Picard: See if we can determine their direction. Standard search pattern.
Worf: Maintain tricorder security link.
Picard: Mister Worf, you come with me.
Troi: Data, I'm picking up energy fluctuations over here. Troi to Picard. Captain, acknowledge.
Data: Data to Picard. Data to Worf.
Bajoran: Hold it.
Orta: Captain Picard, I am Orta. Please forgive my appearance. Unfortunately, some years ago, as a guest of the Cardassians, my face was mutilated. My vocal cords were cut.
Picard: It was not necessary to abduct us.
Orta: I am sorry, but after speaking with Ro Laren, I decided that it was.
Picard: Then she has done us both a disservice. I am committed to peace.
Orta: I am not at all interested in peace. And I am not convinced you are, either.
Ro: Captain, I did not come here to undermine this mission.
Picard: Whatever your motives, you've already done enough to damage these negotiations.
Ro: I came here to convince these people to listen to you. I didn't want this to end in bloodshed.
Picard: There will be no bloodshed.
Ro: You don't know all the facts, sir.
Picard: Then perhaps you would share them with me, Ensign.
Orta: All is not what it seems to be, Captain. Perhaps someone is using you to get to me. Perhaps you are a victim of this deception as well. I do not know.
Picard: Deception?
Orta: Your mission was to seek out the Bajoran terrorists who destroyed the Federation settlement on Solarion Four.
Picard: Yes.
Orta: As I have informed Ro Laren, it was not the Bajora.
Worf: He admits responsibility for dozens of attacks on Cardassian targets. Why should we believe him about Solarion Four?
Ro: He has no reason to lie.
Worf: He fears our reprisal.
Troi: I perceived no fear or deception from him.
Worf: If they did not attack Solarion Four, then who did? And why would anyone want to falsely implicate the Bajora?
Data: Perhaps someone wanted to draw us into the conflict.
Ro: What would anyone gain by doing that?
Picard: Ensign Ro, may I see you in my Ready room?
Ro: Yes, sir.
Picard: You do not leave this ship without authorisation.
Ro: Captain, I'm sorry, but I
Picard: This is not a discussion. You're restricted to your quarters for the remainder of this mission. Dismissed.
Ro: What?
Guinan: Hello, it's me, Guinan. I heard you got grounded.
Ro: I really don't feel like talking right now.
Guinan: Come on, sure you do.
Ro: Why is it, every time I tell you something, you tell me I mean the exact opposite?
Guinan: Because you're one of those people who's got their poles reversed. Do you want to talk about it?
Ro: It's nothing you can help me with.
Guinan: How do you know until you try?
Ro: Look, I got myself into this. I'm just trying to figure a way out. That's all. Without anyone getting killed this time. Seems like everybody's just pulling my strings, you know? Like I've got no control.
Guinan: For people like you and me, who've lost their homes, sometimes that's the way life feels.
Ro: I'm in trouble. There's more going on here than anybody on this ship realizes. It's more than I know how to deal with. And I really don't know who to trust anymore.
Guinan: Including yourself?
Ro: Especially myself.
Guinan: You know, a very long time ago, I got into some serious trouble too. And I mean serious. And I'd probably still be there if I hadn't trusted one man.
Picard: Come.
Guinan: Ensign Ro has some things she'd like to talk to you about.
Picard: Ensign Ro has been confined to her quarters.
Guinan: Well, she can go back to her quarters when she's done.
Picard: Guinan, I don't know why you are involved in this, but
Guinan: She's my friend.
Picard: Please sit down. Guinan is very selective about whom she calls a friend.
Ro: Sir, when I'm finished telling you what I have to tell you, I'm probably going to end up back in the stockade one way or the other. And if that's how this has to be, then I just can't do this anymore.
Picard: What can you not do anymore, Ensign?
Ro: Admiral Kennelly came to me in prison and told me he'd arrange to get me out if I'd go on a mission.
Picard: I know that part.
Ro: No, sir. Not this mission. One for him and only him. You were being sent to talk, to negotiate. The Admiral knew that was hopeless. My job was to give Orta an incentive.
Picard: What kind of incentive?
Ro: One that you couldn't offer. One that Starfleet couldn't offer. Orta was to end the terrorism against the Federation and return with his people to the camps. In exchange he would get weapons, ships, things that would really make a difference against the Cardassians in the future.
Picard: I find that almost impossible to believe. That Admiral Kennelly would consider supplying weapons to the terrorists?
Ro: If you ask him, he'll deny it. But it's true. I didn't leave the ship without authorisation, Captain. I received it from the Admiral last night.
Picard: You have been in contact with Admiral Kennelly during this mission?
Ro: Yes, sir. The subspace log can confirm that part of it at least.
Picard: Arming these people is a violation of everything that the Federation stands for. Even you cannot be blind to that.
Ro: No, sir, I'm not. But this was something I had to do. You see, Captain, when I was seven years old I was given a piece of sugar candy and I was led by a Cardassian into a room where my father was sitting. And he looked at me with eyes I'd never seen. The Cardassian began to ask him questions, and during the next two hours, as I was forced to watch, my father was tortured until he died. And I remember feeling so ashamed of him as he begged for mercy. I was ashamed of him for being weak. I was ashamed of being Bajoran. Later I began to understand how misguided those feelings were. And yet somehow, they have remained a part of me. I don't want to be ashamed of my heritage any longer, Captain. I serve the Federation. But I am Bajoran. A Starfleet Admiral presented me with an opportunity to help my people in their fight against the Cardassians. I had to accept it.
Picard: Have you made this offer to Orta?
Ro: No. After he told me the Bajora hadn't attacked Solarion Four, nothing made sense anymore. I decided to wait until I could figure out what was going on.
Picard: That was a wise choice, Ensign. It probably saved you from another court martial. Have you briefed Admiral Kennelly since we returned from the surface?
Ro: No, sir. Captain, I don't know who to trust anymore. But that strange bartender of yours has a way of getting to you, and she said that you were her friend.
Picard: Then we have one thing in common. Do you think that Orta would cooperate with us to determine the truth here?
Ro: I think I could persuade him to.
Picard: Good. Our orders were to find him, to bring him back to the camps any way we could. Perhaps that is exactly what we should do.
Ro: And then what?
Picard: And then watch what happens.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. I have become convinced that we are somehow involved in a conspiracy. I am hopeful the purpose behind it will be revealed in the next few hours.
Kennelly: Well done, Captain.
Picard: It was a team effort, Admiral. Ensign Ro was invaluable.
Kennelly: Good. What's the next step?
Picard: The Enterprise will escort a Bajoran Antares class carrier to the Valo Three camp at oh five hundred hours. Orta and his people will be aboard.
Kennelly: Good. Keep us advised of your progress.
Picard: Acknowledged. How's that Cardassian virus, Admiral?
Kennelly: A lot better, thank you.
Picard: I'm pleased. We will report as soon as our mission is accomplished. Picard out.
Riker: Ensign Ro, take us to the designated coordinates.
Ro: Aye, sir.
Picard: Mister Data, keep an eye on the Cardassian border.
Data: Aye, sir.
Worf: The Bajoran vessel is moving up from the surface, Captain.
Picard: On screen. Hail them, Mister Worf.
Worf: Audio channel open. The ship does not have visual capabilities.
Picard: This is Captain Picard. We're prepared to escort you to Valo Three.
Woman: Acknowledged, Captain. Be advised that our ship is limited to half impulse.
Picard: Ensign Ro, set a course for Valo Three, half impulse.
Ro: Aye, sir.
Data: I am monitoring increased activity inside Cardassian space. Two ships are moving along the border heading one four two mark zero five one.
Picard: Can you identify the class of these ships, Mister Worf?
Worf: Cardassian warships, Galor class, type three.
Riker: Top of the line.
Data: They are moving into a course parallel to our own, Captain.
Picard: Yellow alert. Continue to monitor them.
Riker: Ensign Ro, what's the closest we come to the Cardassian border on our current heading to Valo Three?
Ro: Thirteen thousand, four hundred kilometers, sir.
Riker: ETA?
Ro: Eight minutes.
Picard: That's where it will be.
Data: The Cardassian ships are changing course, sir. They are crossing the border.
Worf: They're increasing power to their forward weapon grid.
Riker: Red alert.
Picard: Ensign Ro, set a course to intercept the Cardassians. Mister Worf, open a channel to the Bajoran vessel.
Worf: Open.
Picard: This is the Enterprise. We are moving to intercept two Cardassian warships. Maintain your present course and speed.
Woman: Acknowledged, Enterprise.
Worf: The Cardassians are within visual range.
Picard: On screen.
Worf: They are hailing us, sir.
Picard: Open a channel, Mister Worf. This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise. How can we help you?
Dolak: Gul Dolak, Cardassian Militia Four One. We have no argument with you, Captain.
Picard: I'm pleased to hear that, Gul Dolak, for all of us in the Federation value the peaceful relations with our Cardassian neighbors.
Dolak: No more than we value the relations with our Federation neighbors.
Picard: Well, now that we've established our mutual good will, what's on your mind?
Dolak: We have identified the Bajoran ship you are escorting as a terrorist carrier.
Picard: Terrorist carrier? Are you certain?
Dolak: Most certain, Captain. It has committed many crimes against us. We know its markings well.
Picard: Rest assured, Gul Dolak, there will be no terrorist attacks today. We are escorting the Bajoran settlers to their camp on Valo Three. You can monitor their course if you wish.
Dolak: We would request that you withdraw and leave the matter to us.
Picard: This is neutral space, Gul Dolak. You have no jurisdiction here.
Dolak: Nor do you.
Picard: If we withdraw, what do you intend to do with the Bajoran vessel?
Dolak: We intend to destroy it.
Picard: I see. That puts me in a difficult position. I promised to escort these people to their camps.
Dolak: You are protecting the enemies of the Cardassian people. If you do not withdraw, we will take great offense.
Picard: I'm sorry to offend you, Gul Dolak, but we cannot withdraw.
Dolak: We are prepared to take any steps necessary.
Picard: Is that intended as a threat?
Dolak: It is a complaint from your Cardassian neighbors. You have one hour to withdraw.
Picard: Advise Starfleet of our status, Mister Data. When Admiral Kennelly calls, I'll speak to him in my Ready room.
Picard: It seemed, Admiral, that they knew our course, our destination, our plan.
Kennelly: I'm sure they monitor the border at all times for terrorist activity. Their sensors must picked up Orta's ship, that's all.
Picard: I'm not convinced of that.
Kennelly: The important thing is, what do we do now?
Picard: Do you have any suggestions, Admiral?
Kennelly: Your top priority is to protect the Cardassian treaty.
Picard: Sir, I see no way to protect the Cardassian peace without sacrificing the Bajorans.
Kennelly: If that's your call, I'll support it.
Picard: No. I'm not willing to give them up.
Kennelly: I don't think you're looking at the big picture, Jean-Luc. We can't afford to lose the Cardassian treaty.
Picard: Well, I just see a different big picture, Admiral. It looks something like this. I see the Cardassian liaison, with his Cardassian virus, coming to meet with you after the attack on Solarion Four. Now we have a common enemy, he says. The Bajoran terrorists. The Cardassians can't find them, but maybe the Federation can. I'm beginning to see that our mission has, in fact, been to expose Orta so that the Cardassians can move in and destroy him.
Kennelly: I think you've lost your perspective, Captain. We'll discuss this further when you return. For now, I'm giving you a direct order to withdraw. Kennelly out.
Picard: Ensign Ro, set a course, bearing one eight seven mark one zero two, one quarter impulse.
Ro: Aye, sir.
Riker: He's ordered us to withdraw?
Worf: The Cardassians are moving toward the Bajoran vessel, Captain.
Picard: Hold present course.
Worf: The Bajoran ship has been destroyed.
Data: Subspace signal coming from Starfleet, Captain. Admiral Kennelly.
Picard: On screen.
Data: It is on a secure channel, sir. In your ready room?
Picard: No. Here. On screen.
Kennelly: Report.
Picard: The Cardassians have destroyed the Bajoran ship, Admiral.
Kennelly: All hands lost?
Picard: No, sir.
Kennelly: Survivors?
Picard: No, sir. No one was on board.
Kennelly: What are you talking about?
Picard: The ship was controlled from the ground. Communication was handled through a subspace relay on board the vessel.
Kennelly: This was your idea, Picard?
Picard: Actually, no. It was Ensign Ro's idea but I fully endorsed it. I suspected that something like this might occur.
Kennelly: They're terrorists, damn it. Why in the hell would you want to protect them?
Picard: Admiral, I am more concerned with protecting the honor and integrity of Starfleet.
Kennelly: Do you know how many of our people they killed on Solarion Four?
Picard: The Bajorans did not attack Solarion Four.
Kennelly: Who told you that? Orta?
Picard: Yes.
Kennelly: And you believed him?
Picard: Admiral, Orta's ships are old and obsolete. They don't even have warp capabilities. They couldn't have reached another star system, let alone attacked one.
Kennelly: But then who's responsible?
Picard: I would suggest you ask your friend the Cardassian liaison, Admiral. The only explanation I can think of is that the Cardassians staged it.
Kennelly: The Cardassians? Why?
Picard: Perhaps they were hoping to find someone in Starfleet like you, Admiral, naive enough to solve their Bajoran problem for them.
Ro: What will happen to him?
Picard: I'm not sure. A hearing, certainly. Probably a court martial.
Ro: Well, if he's sent to the stockade on Jaros Two, tell him to request a room in the east wing. The west wing gets awfully hot in the afternoons. How soon do you intend to return to Lya Station Alpha, sir?
Picard: In a few weeks. We have some surveying to do in sector two one three oh five.
Ro: Perhaps I should arrange for some other transportation back.
Picard: Ensign, you were recruited for one mission and if you wish to be relieved of further duty, I can certainly arrange it. But I'd like you to consider remaining in Starfleet.
Ro: You're not serious.
Picard: I think it would be a shame for Starfleet to lose someone of your potential.
Ro: Well, thank you, Captain, but this uniform just doesn't fit, and you know it.
Picard: That can change.
Ro: I don't think so.
Picard: I've noticed qualities in you that could be harnessed, molded.
Ro: Don't count on it.
Picard: I think you've got a great deal to learn from Starfleet.
Ro: I always thought Starfleet had a lot to learn from me, Captain.
Picard: That is an attitude I've found common among the best officers I've ever served with. You're not one of them yet, but you could be, if you work at it.
Ro: That's an interesting challenge. And I rarely refuse an interesting challenge. There would have to be one condition.
Picard: Condition?
Picard: Picard to Enterprise. Two to beam up.