Picard: Captain's log, stardate 46071.6. We have been called to the aid of a transport ship, which has been attacked near Rekag-Seronia. Hostilities between the two factions on that planet have intensified recently, threatening an important Federation shipping route.
Data: Captain, sensors have located the transport ship. Two Rekag battle cruisers are flanking it.
Riker: Red alert. Shields up.
Worf: Phasers online. Photon torpedoes armed and ready.
Picard: Is the transport still under attack?
Data: The cruisers' weapons are powered up but sir, the Rekag ships are turning and heading out of sensor range.
Riker: They don't want to take on the Enterprise.
Data: We are within visual range of the transport, sir.
Picard: On screen.
Data: Sensors indicate damage to the Dorian's subspace emitter. Audio communication only.
Picard: Open a channel, Mister Worf.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Picard: This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation starship Enterprise.
Talmadge: Captain Talmadge of the Dorian. Glad you're here we took some shield damage from the Rekag ships but we're still intact.
Picard: Do you have injuries? Can we assist you in any way?
Talmadge: No injuries, but I'd like permission to transport a couple of our passengers to your ship.
Picard: Of course.
Talmadge: We're conveying a mediator to Seronia. I think he's the reason the Rekags fired on us. He's
Picard: Captain, I'm losing you. Go ahead and beam your passengers on board. Counselor, after you've seen to their needs will you escort them to my Ready room.
Troi: Yes, Captain.
Riker: Cancel Red alert. Mister Worf, take the weapons offline.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Troi: I'm Counselor Deanna Troi.
Alkar: Ambassador Ves Alkar, and my mother, Sev Maylor. Counselor, it's imperative that I speak to the Captain.
Maylor: You think he's attracted to you, but he isn't. You offer him nothing.
Alkar: She hasn't been feeling well. Could she be taken to quarters?
Troi: Of course. Chief. I'll take you to Captain Picard.
Alkar: Mother, go with her.
Maylor: Don't pursue him. I won't have it. I'll stop you.
Alkar: I am grateful for the Federation's offer to escort me, but if I arrive at Rekag-Seronia on board the Enterprise, the armed flagship of Starfleet, my mission as negotiator of peace will be compromised. There must be a Federation transport ship somewhere in the area that could take me there.
Picard: With all due respect. Admiral, to put the Ambassador on board another unarmed transport would be to invite a second assault.
Alkar: I believe the attack on us was an isolated incident, nothing more.
Simons: Ambassador Alkar, the Rekag-Seronia dispute has threatened Federation ships for many months. We are grateful that you are willing to undertake this mission and you have our full support.
Alkar: Thank you, sir.
Simons: However, we also recognize that safety is an issue. Not just yours, but the crew that escorts you. To send you on an unarmed transport puts everyone at risk. I think it best if you proceed to Rekag-Seronia aboard the Enterprise.
Alkar: Then I have no choice.
Simons: Once you get to Rekag-Seronia, you can conduct your negotiations as you see fit. Until then, you'll be in good hands with Captain Picard.
Alkar: I understand, sir.
Simons: Good luck, and a successful journey.
Picard: Picard to Commander Riker.
Riker: Yes, sir?
Picard: Set a course for Seronia.
Riker: Aye, sir.
Worf: That will be all for today. There will be another class tomorrow at oh seven hundred hours.
Troi: The skills are demanding. You're very diskiplined.
Alkar: I believe in a strong connection between body and mind. You obviously share the same convictions.
Troi: Yes, I do. Only sometimes my body has a problem conforming to my mind's wishes.
Troi: I would imagine that your self-diskipline helps you in your work.
Alkar: I don't know about that. I think maybe my biggest asset is patience. I let everybody else talk until they're exhausted, and when I start, they're too tired to argue.
Troi: You're going to need all your patience at Seronia. I can't imagine how you'll get the two sides talking to each other.
Alkar: Neither can I. I won't know that until I get there. I tend to feel my way through a situation.
Alkar: Deck nine. If I were empathic like you, I'd have a real advantage.
Troi: I thought Lumerians were empathic.
Alkar: Only with each other, not other species. So, I don't have any idea what you might be feeling just now.
Troi: Curiosity. What I sense from you is very unusual. Calmness, serenity, tranquility. You seem to embody the very qualities that you hope to draw out in others.
Alkar: Tell me, Counselor, have you ever been involved in diplomatic negotiations?
Troi: Several times with Captain Picard. There have been instances when having an empath along has been helpful.
Alkar: I'm sure. I could use some of that help. Would you come with me when we reach Seronia?
Troi: If the Captain authorizes it, of course I will.
Alkar: Good. I hope to see you again.
Maylor: You're late.
Alkar: Mother, I told you that I'd be gone for over an hour.
Maylor: You're late because of her. Have you mated with him yet?
Troi: What?
Maylor: That's what you want, isn't it?
Alkar: Mother, please, come in.
Maylor: I can always tell. The ones with a certain look in their eye.
Troi: I'd better go.
Maylor: And I'll tell you this. If you do, you'll regret it the rest of your life.
Alkar: Mother. come in please. You should lie down.
Troi: Come in.
Riker: Hi. It's that time again. The dreaded crew evaluation reports.
Troi: Does it have to be today?
Riker: It's not going to be any easier tomorrow.
Troi: It might.
Riker: What's wrong?
Troi: I've just had a disturbing encounter with Alkar's mother. She frightens me, Will. The feelings I sense from her are malevolent. They're out of proportion. They're evil.
Riker: I know she's been sick. She's very old. She's probably senile. Who knows, we could all end up that way some day.
Troi: You're right. Okay, let's get through these evaluations, and when they're done I'm going to reward myself with two ice cream sundaes.
Riker: First, molecular biology. Lieutenant Jeffrey Fratis.
Worf: Worf to Commander Riker.
Riker: Go ahead.
Worf: Can you report to Ambassador Alkar's quarters? There is an emergency.
Riker: We're on our way.
Crusher: Forty cc's inaprovaline.
Riker: I'm sorry, Ambassador.
Alkar: She was ill. I should never have brought her along. She was ninety three. She'd lived a long life. I should be grateful for that.
Troi: Alkar, is there anything I can do?
Alkar: Counselor, there's a funeral meditation. Part of our rituals. As an empath, you're the only person on board who could perform it with me.
Troi: I'll be glad to help.
Alkar: This meditation is one of our most sacred ceremonies. Hold the stone like this. Rohm gah sevi rohm. Say after me. An end to grief.
Troi: An end to grief.
Alkar: An end to pain.
Troi: An end to pain.
Alkar: Strength comes from love.
Troi: Strength comes from love.
Alkar: And courage from wisdom.
Troi: And courage from wisdom.
Alkar: Thank you.
Troi: Computer today's appointment calendar.
Computer: Oh nine hundred hours, counseling session with Ensign Janeway. Ten hundred hours, counseling session with
Troi: Cancel them. Cancel everything till after lunch.
Computer: Acknowledged.
Picard: You wanted to see me, Doctor?
Crusher: Yes, Captain. I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm a little concerned. I haven't been able to determine the cause of death. She was elderly. and Alkar said she had been ill, but I found no evidence of any disease. I did find abnormally high levels of neurotransmitter residue in her cerebral cortex.
Picard: What are you suggesting?
Crusher: I'd like to do an autopsy. I've already spoken to Alkar, and he informs me that Lumerian custom forbids it. Could you speak with him?
Picard: Do you suspect that her death poses some kind of threat to the Enterprise?
Crusher: Well, no.
Picard: Then we have no alternative but to concur with his wishes.
Alkar: Deanna.
Troi: Hello.
Alkar: Come in, please.
Troi: I thought you might like some company, if you're not too busy.
Alkar: Nothing that can't wait. Would you like something to drink?
Troi: No. I'd like you to talk to me.
Alkar: About?
Troi: About you. I don't know anything about you. And I'd like to.
Alkar: There's not much to know. I lead a very simple life.
Troi: What kind of woman do you find attractive? Do you find me attractive?
Alkar: Extremely.
Troi: And when you find someone attractive, what do you usually do?
Alkar: That depends on a lot of things.
Troi: Is it really so complicated?
Alkar: It can be.
Troi: Well, perhaps you over think things.
Alkar: Deanna.
Troi: Yes?
Alkar: I'm sorry. If I led you to believe? You are very beautiful, but our relationship can't be like that.
Ensign: Deck four.
Crewman: Sir.
Troi: Will.
Riker: We were supposed to finish the crew evaluation reports.
Troi: Of course. Come in.
Ensign: Sir!
Riker: As you were.
Ensign: Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. I was just leaving.
Troi: If there's anything else I need, I know where to find you.
Ensign: Yes, ma'am.
Troi: Are you bothered by his being here?
Riker: Of course not.
Troi: Good. Because it's really none of your business.
Riker: I know that. I believe we were with Lieutenant Fratis i n molecular biology.
Troi: Why do I think you're upset?
Riker: I don't know. Could we just continue with the evaluation?
Troi: Will, remember who you're talking to. You are bothered, I can tell.
Riker: Deanna, I'm sorry I intruded. When you're ready to work, why don't you give me a call.
Troi: I will.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 46073.6. We have arrived without incident at Rekag-Seronia, where two members of Ambassador Alkar's delegation have been waiting. They have joined us to report on the situation in the capital city.
Jarth: Things have deteriorated steadily. Rekag sympathizers in outlying districts have attacked several towns.
Picard: But I was under the impression there was a cease fire agreement.
Jarth: It was broken before it went into effect. A Rekag shuttle strayed into Seronian space and was destroyed by fighter craft.
Liva: Naturally, the Rekags retaliated. There's been fighting ever since.
Alkar: If they would just sit down with me.
Jarth: The Rekags won't go into Seronian territory for talks. And the Seronians won't go to Rekag. In the meantime, they fight.
Picard: Ambassador, the situation sounds so volatile. Perhaps a cooling off period?
Alkar: These people need an end to the fighting now. To delay a week, even a few days, could cost thousands of lives.
Picard: Then I would recommend that we ask both sides if they would agree to meet in the city of Darthen.
Liva: Why Darthen?
Picard: It's a coastal city that has been neutral throughout the conflict. Both Seronians and Rekag loyalists live there. It might be acceptable as a compromise.
Alkar: Contact the leaders. If they'll meet me in Darthen, I will join them there tomorrow.
Janeway: I know it must be my imagination, but it seems as though Lieutenant Pinder just doesn't want me in his section.
Troi: What makes you think that?
Janeway: He's so critical. I can't ever do anything to please him and I try, Counselor, I try to make sure there's nothing he could find fault with.
Troi: Give me an example of what you mean.
Janeway: Well, yesterday I was running routine diagnostics on the sensor pallets. They checked out, but Lieutenant Pinder questioned me because I'd allowed a point oh two three variance. That's well within specifications. He goes out of his way to criticize me.
Troi: Do you know of any reason why he might do that?
Janeway: No, that's why I'm here.
Troi: Well, maybe he's just tired of hearing you complain.
Janeway: Pardon me?
Troi: I know I'm certainly tired of it. How do you think it feels to sit and listen to someone whine about themselves all the time?
Janeway: I didn't realize I was
Troi: This isn't Starfleet Academy. You're not going to be coddled. If you can't take it here, then you might think about a transport ship. There's a lot less pressure there.
Janeway: But I love being on the Enterprise I don't want to be anywhere else.
Troi: If you aren't up to it then you don't deserve to be here. Isn't that right?
Janeway: I guess so.
Troi: So you'd better take a hold of yourself, or be prepared for a transfer.
Janeway: I will, Counselor. Thank you.
Troi: Glad I could help.
Laforge: Yeah, here we go. Biofilter log on Sev Maylor.
Crusher: Geordi, could this log have been damaged in any way?
Laforge: I don't think so. Why do you ask?
Crusher: There's a diskrepancy between the log and the tricorder readings I took just three days later. The tricorder shows massive physiological deterioration compared with her condition when she beamed aboard. I find it hard to believe that so much damage could have occurred in such a short period of time.
Laforge: Well I can run a diagnostic of the biofilter system and your tricorder.
Crusher: Thanks. Of course, the best way to get the information I need would be to do an autopsy.
Riker: Ambassador? We've received word from the Seronian and the Rekag delegates. They've agreed to meet with you in Darthen tomorrow.
Alkar: Thank you, Commander.
Data: Counselor Troi has altered her appearance.
Troi: Am I interrupting?
Liva: Hello, Counselor.
Troi: You want him. I can tell. But you have nothing to give him.
Alkar: Deanna, could I talk to you in private.
Troi: And you. You're envious of him. You pretend to support him, but secretly you want him to fail.
Jarth: That's not so.
Alkar: Please, you must return to your quarters.
Troi: I won't. I want to be here, with you.
Riker: Ambassador, the Counselor and I are needed on the Bridge.
Alkar: Of course, Commander.
Riker: I don't know what you thought you were doing in there, but you were way out of line.
Riker: Deck nine.
Riker: All right, Deanna, just what the hell is all this?
Troi: Imzadi, do you still care about me?
Riker: Of course I care about you. I'm worried about you. What's all this?
Troi: Don't you think I'm attractive?
Riker: This just isn't you.
Troi: Oh, it is. You want me, don't you?
Riker: Deanna.
Troi: I need you.
Riker: What is this?
Troi: Please!
Troi: Come in.
Alkar: Deanna, I'm leaving for the surface.
Troi: You said you'd take me with you.
Alkar: I know, but that's not possible now.
Troi: You told me I'd be helpful. You needed me.
Alkar: And I still do. You've done so much for me.
Troi: Then take me. Don't leave me here. Is Liva going with you?
Alkar: She's been on Seronia for weeks. She knows the people, the situation.
Troi: She wants to take you away from me.
Alkar: Deanna, you are my anchor. I need you more than you can possibly realize. Do you understand that? I need you here, making it possible for me to do my work.
Troi: I won't let her have you! I'll stop her! I will go with you. Take me with you. Please, Alkar. Don't leave me. Don't do this! No!
Riker: You wouldn't have recognized her. Her dress, her hair, everything about her. I'm closer to Deanna than I've ever been to anyone, but last night she was someone that I had never seen before.
Crusher: And you don't know of anything that might have caused her to behave like that?
Riker: No. I've thought and thought about it. I don't have an answer.
Crusher: Computer, location of Counselor Troi.
Computer: Deck six, corridor B.
Crusher: Let's go.
Picard: Ambassador, I came to alert you that the Rekags and the Seronians are in disagreement about the seating arrangements at the conference table.
Alkar: I'm not surprised.
Picard: The good news, however, is that the cease fire seems to be holding.
Alkar: And that is by far the best news. Thank you, Captain.
Picard: Chief.
Troi: Will you take me with you?
Picard: Deanna?
Alkar: Deanna, I've already told you I can't
Troi: I won't let her have you
Picard: Security to Transporter room two.
Troi: Don't try and stop me! No, no, let go!
Picard: It's nothing, it's superficial. What happened to Deanna?
Crusher: All of the systems in her body have elevated readings. Take her to Sickbay. I want to see you in Sickbay too.
Alkar: Captain, perhaps we should delay transporting to the surface.
Picard: No. You should proceed with your mission.
Alkar: Very well.
Picard: Chief, transport them to the planet surface.
Chief: Aye, sir.
Crusher: We'll have to sedate her. Twenty cc's of melorazine.
Ogawa: Yes, Doctor.
Crusher: How's it feeling?
Picard: It's a little stiff, but it'll be fine.
Crusher: It'll disappear in a day or two.
Ogawa: Doctor Crusher? I think you should see these readings, Doctor. Her neurotransmitter levels are three hundred percent above normal.
Crusher: If you remember, I found extremely high levels of neurotransmitter residue in Alkar's mother.
Picard: Could Deanna have picked up some kind of disease from her?
Crusher: I don't know. I need to do that autopsy. I don't care about the customs of Alkar's people. I need to find out if there's a connection between what killed Maylor and what's happening to Troi.
Picard: Picard to Lieutenant Worf.
Worf: Worf here, Captain.
Picard: Mister Worf, contact Ambassador Alkar. I need to speak with him.
Ogawa: Doctor, neural energy is now three hundred forty percent above normal.
Worf: Captain, Ambassador Alkar is at the negotiation table and cannot be disturbed.
Picard: Proceed with the autopsy. Medical log, stardate 46075.1. I have performed an autopsy on Alkar's mother, but instead of answering our questions, the results have created an even deeper mystery.
Crusher: I don't have any explanation for this. When I examined Maylor's body, I found her heart, her lungs, her skeletal structure, most of the systems in her body were those of a thirty year old.
Picard: But how could that be? We both saw the woman.
Crusher: That's not all. I compared Maylor and Alkar's DNA. I don't know who that woman was, but she was definitely not his mother. Deanna's condition is deteriorating rapidly. She could die. There are questions that only Alkar can answer.
Picard: Picard to Lieutenant Worf.
Worf: Worf here, Captain.
Picard: Meet me in Transporter room two. We're going down to the surface.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Alkar: No, she wasn't my mother.
Picard: And she wasn't ninety three years old.
Alkar: Captain, did you perform an autopsy against my wishes?
Picard: Yes, for a very good reason. Counselor Deanna Troi is in Sickbay, dying. Doctor Crusher doesn't know the cause of her condition, but I believe you do.
Liva: Alkar, we need you. The Rekags have withdrawn some of their concessions and the Seronians are threatening to break off the talks.
Alkar: I'll be right there.
Liva: But
Alkar: They've been arguing for hours in there. It seems hopeless. But now, when expectations are lowest, now is the moment I can be most effective. If I'm focused, centerd, free of disquieting thoughts, I can turn these factions toward peace.
Picard: Alkar
Alkar: Hear me out, Captain. It's important you understand. You see, I discovered long ago I had the ability to channel my darker thoughts, my unwanted emotions, to others, leaving me unencumbered.
Picard: Is this what you've done to Counselor Troi?
Alkar: I hadn't planned it. I'd expected Maylor to live through the negotiation. Her death could not have been more untimely.
Picard: So then you deliberately used Deanna.
Alkar: She's an empath. I was reasonably certain I could establish a link with her. Frankly, I was amazed when I saw how quickly she'd aged. Usually my receptacles survive for years.
Picard: Receptacles?
Alkar: Come now, Captain. Surely you can see there's a broader canvas here. If I came to these peace talks hindered by unwanted emotions, the Rekags and Seronians would be condemned to go on fighting
Picard: You cannot explain away a wantonly immoral act because you think it is connected to some higher purpose.
Alkar: Captain. do you know how many people have died on this planet in the last forty eight hours? Thousands. Deanna Troi is just one individual.
Picard: That does not justify brutalizing her, nor any of the others you have used.
Alkar: Ask the Seronian and Rekag children who go to bed each night in fear of their lives. Captain, I get no payment, I have no power base, no agenda. I am willing to risk my life simply to help others.
Picard: Do you think that makes you appear courageous? Because you're mistaken. You're a coward, Alkar. You exploit the innocent because you're unwilling to shoulder the burdens of unpleasant emotions. Well, this time you will be held accountable. I'm taking you back to the Enterprise to release Counselor Troi.
Alkar: I have no intention of releasing her now or ever.
Liva: Alkar, everything is falling apart. You have to come now.
Alkar: If you'll excuse me, Captain.
Picard: Mister Worf.
Alkar: I'm needed.
Liva: You and your Security Chief will leave.
Picard: Lock on to Alkar's signal. Bring him on board.
Worf: Captain, I am sure the Seronians have re-activated their security field.
Picard: Then work with Mister La Forge to find a way to break through it. I want that man on this ship.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Picard: I'll be in Sickbay.
Crusher: If Alkar is flooding her with this psychic waste, that would explain the high level of neurotransmitters. All these negative emotions pouring into her have caused an abnormal chemical response in her brain.
Riker: Isn't there something you can do to counteract it?
Crusher: Enzymic decontaminants will be able to reduce the level of the neurotransmitters, but I can't make any headway unless Alkar stops what he's doing.
Picard: He has no intention of stopping. He feels perfectly justified in using her until she dies.
Crusher: Then Deanna has to die. In order to save Deanna, Alkar has to break his link with her. And the only he'll do that is if she's no longer an adequate receptacle. When Maylor died, Alkar turned immediately to Deanna.
Picard: If Deanna dies, and he breaks the link with her, then he will choose someone else, possibly someone from his own delegation.
Riker: Wait a minute. You're talking about killing Deanna!
Crusher: I'll be able to resuscitate her, Will, as long as it's not more than thirty minutes. The big question is, will that be enough time? Alkar has to establish a link with someone else before we revive Deanna, or else he might turn back to her.
Picard: We must bear in mind that we'll be putting his next victim at risk. I want every possible security measure taken to protect that person.
Riker: How will you?
Crusher: I'll give her a hypospray of dylamadon. It's the gentlest way.
Picard: Proceed, Doctor.
Alkar: Well, my friend, an era of conflict and bloodshed appears to be over.
Liva: Alkar.
Jarth: What is it?
Alkar: I'm fine. Just a little light-headed.
Liva: You're exhausted.
Jarth: Do you want a doctor?
Alkar: No of course not.
Picard: Enterprise to Ambassador Alkar. Respond, sir.
Alkar: I'm here, Captain.
Picard: Ambassador, You must return to the Enterprise immediately. Counselor Troi is dying.
Picard: We are prepared to transport you from the surface whether you come willingly or not.
Jarth: There are security force fields protecting us, Captain.
Picard: They won't protect you any longer.
Picard: Transporter room two, prepare to energize.
Alkar: We're ready, Captain.
Crusher: Computer, make a note. Death occurred at fourteen thirty hours from respiratory and renal failure.
Alkar: Will you wait for me in my quarters?
Liva: Of course.
Alkar: It's a tragic loss, but her death had a purpose.
Picard: I intend to make certain that you answer for what you have done.
Alkar: Your own Federation Council has granted me safe and timely passage back to my planet. I expect you to honor that, Captain.
Riker: How much longer do we have?
Crusher: Three minutes and forty seconds.
Picard: Picard to Transporter Room Two lock on to the young woman in Ambassador Alkar's quarters. We may have to transport her out of there.
Chief: Yes, Captain.
Picard: Mister Worf, I want you to station yourself outside her quarters.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Alkar: She helped me so much. Without her, I couldn't have accomplished what I did.
Liva: I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?
Alkar: Yes, there is something. If we could share the funeral meditation.
Crusher: We have a minute and a half left. Prepare a hypospray of cordrazine. We'll use that in conjunction with the cortical stimulator.
Ogawa: Yes, Doctor.
Alkar: Rohm gah sevi rohm. Rohm gah.
Liva: Rohm gah sevi rohm. Rohm gah.
Crusher: We can't wait any longer. Release the stasis field. Ten cc's of cordrazine.
Ogawa: Yes, doctor.
Crusher: Ten cc's cordrazine. Cortical stimulators. Now.
Alkar: An end An end to pain.
Liva: An end to pain.
Crusher: Again.
Ogawa: She has a pulse. Blood pressure climbing. Ninety over forty. Cortical activity approaching normal levels.
Crusher: Let's neutralize the neurotransmitters. Initiate decontamination sequence.
Ogawa: Levels are dropping, Doctor. Down to four hundred and twenty percent above normal. Three hundred and ninety percent.
Picard: Picard to Transporter room three
Crusher: Not yet. We won't know if it's working till the levels are below three hundred percent.
Liva: Alkar! Alkar, what's wrong?
Ogawa: Neurotransmitter levels are down to three hundred and ten percent. Two hundred and ninety percent.
Crusher: Now.
Picard: Picard to Transporter room three, energize.
Liva: Let me go!
Ogawa: Neurotransmitter levels are down to two hundred and thirty percent.
Worf: Worf to Captain Picard. Ambassador Alkar is dead.
Troi: Will.
Riker: Beverly thinks Alkar must have been at a susceptible point in the meditation ceremony. He was vulnerable.
Troi: Then the flow of negative emotions and feelings were reversed back to him somehow.
Riker: That's our guess. Like a man with no immune system, he wasn't able to handle the overload.
Troi: And Liva?
Riker: She seems to be fine. He wasn't able to establish a link on her.
Troi: Looking back on the past few days, it's as though I'm looking at a holodeck projection of someone else.
Riker: That's how it seemed to all of us.
Troi: Thanks for sticking by me.
Riker: I always will. Even when you're old and gray.


Data: Captain, I have identified the signal. It is from the USS Jenolen, a Federation transport ship reported missing in this sector seventy five years ago.
Riker: Code one alpha zero. Ship in distress.
Picard: Take us out of warp, Ensign. All stop.
Rager: Aye, sir.
Picard: Report.
Worf: We have entered a massive gravitational field, Captain.
Data: There are no stars or other stellar bodies listed on our navigational charts. However, sensors indicate the presence of an extremely strong gravitational source in this vicinity.
Picard: Can you localize the source of the gravitational field?
Riker: Sensors?
Data: I am having difficulty scanning the object. It appears to be approximately two hundred million kilometers in diameter.
Riker: That's nearly as large as the Earth's orbit around the sun.
Picard: Why didn't we detect this before now?
Data: The object's enormous mass is causing a great deal of gravimetric interference. That might have prevented our sensors from detecting it before we dropped out of warp.
Picard: Mister Data, could this be a Dyson Sphere?
Data: The object does fit the general parameters of Dyson's theory.
Riker: A Dyson Sphere?
Picard: It's a very old theory, Number One. I'm not surprised that you haven't heard of it. In the twentieth century, a physicist called Freeman Dyson, postulated the theory that an enormous hollow sphere could be constructed around a star. This would have the advantage of harnessing all the radiant energy of that star. A population living on the interior surface would have virtually inexhaustible sources of power.
Riker: Are you saying you think there are people living in there?
Data: Possibly a great number of people, Commander. The interior surface area of a sphere this size is the equivalent of more than two hundred and fifty million class M planets.
Worf: Sir, I have located the distress signal. It is coming from a point in the northern hemisphere.
Picard: Ensign Rager, put us into synchronous orbit above that position.
Rager: Aye, sir.
Data: I have located the Jenolen, sir. It is impacted on the surface of the sphere.
Picard: Magnify.
Data: There are no life signs. However, there are several small power emanations, and life support is still functioning on minimal levels.
Riker: Riker to Engineering. Geordi, join us in Transporter room three. Mister Worf.
Riker: This air's pretty stale.
Laforge: Life support is barely operating.
Riker: See if you can increase the oxygen level.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Laforge: Commander. The transporter is still online. It's being fed power from the auxiliary systems.
Riker: The rematerialization subroutine has been disabled.
Laforge: That's not all. The phase inducers are connected to the emitter array. The override is completely gone and the pattern buffer's been locked into a continuous diagnostic cycle.
Riker: This doesn't make any sense. Locking the unit in a diagnostic mode just sends the matter array through the pattern buffer. Why would anyone want to
Laforge: There's a pattern in the buffer still.
Riker: It's completely intact. There's less than point zero zero three percent signal degradation. How is that possible?
Laforge: I don't know. I've never seen a transporter jury-rigged like this.
Riker: Could someone survive inside a transporter buffer for seventy five years?
Laforge: I know a way to find out.
Scott: Thank you, lad. We've got to get Franklin out of there.
Laforge: Someone else's pattern is still in the buffer?
Scott: Aye, lad. Franklin. We went in together. Something's wrong. One of the inducers has failed. Boost the gain on the matter stream. Come on, Franklin. I know you're still in there. It's no use. His pattern's degraded fifty three percent. He's gone.
Riker: I'm sorry.
Scott: So am I. He was a good lad.
Riker: I'm Commander William Riker, starship Enterprise. Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge.
Scott: The Enterprise? I should have known. I bet Jim Kirk himself hauled the old girl out of mothballs to come looking for me. Captain Montgomery Scott. Tell me, how long have I been missing?
Riker: Well
Worf: Sir. I have restored life support. The oxygen levels will return to normal shortly.
Riker: Captain Scott, Lieutenant Worf.
Scott: Lieutenant?
Worf: Yes.
Riker: Captain, perhaps there are a few things we should talk about.
Riker: We should probably get you to Sickbay. Doctor Crusher will want to
Scott: You've changed the resonator array.
Riker: Geordi, I think our guest is going to have a lot of engineering questions.
Laforge: Not to worry, Commander. I'll take care of him, sir.
Scott: What have you done with the duotronic enhancers?
Laforge: Those were replaced with isolinear chips about forty years ago. It's a lot more efficient now. That's an EPS power tap.
Scott: Ah.
Laforge: So, you were saying earlier that you were on your way to the Norpin Colony when you had a warp engine failure?
Scott: Aye, that's right. We had an overload in one of the plasma transfer conduits. The Captain brought us out of warp and we hit some gravimetric interference and then there it was, as big as life. Is that a conduit interface?
Laforge: Yeah, it is. You were saying its big as life. You mean the Dyson Sphere?
Scott: Aye, an actual Dyson Sphere. Can you imagine the engineering skills needed to even design such a structure?
Laforge: Yeah, it's pretty amazing. So, what happened when you first approached it?
Scott: Well, we began a standard survey of the surface, and we were just completing the initial orbital scan when our aft power coils suddenly exploded. The ship got caught in the sphere's gravity well and down we went. Franklin and I were the only ones to survive the crash.
Laforge: Can I ask you a question? What in the world made you think of using the transporter pattern buffer to survive?
Scott: Well, we didn't have enough supplies to wait for a rescue, so we had to think of something.
Laforge: Yeah, but locking it into a diagnostic cycle so that the pattern wouldn't degrade, and then cross-connecting it phase inducers to provide a regenerative power source, that's absolutely brilliant.
Scott: I think it was only fifty percent brilliant. Franklin deserved better.
Laforge: I think you're going to enjoy the twenty fourth century, Mister Scott. We've made some pretty incredible advances these last eighty years.
Scott: From what I've seen, you've got a fine ship, Mister La Forge. A real beauty here. I must admit to being a bit overwhelmed.
Laforge: Wait until you see the holodeck.
Crusher: You have a hairline fracture of the humorous. It will ache for a few days, but it should be fine.
Scott: Thank you. Well, I'll say this about your Enterprise. The doctors are a fair sight prettier.
Picard: I'm Jean-Luc Picard. Welcome aboard the Enterprise, Captain Scott.
Scott: Thank you, sir, and call me Scotty.
Picard: How are you feeling?
Scott: I don't know. How am I feeling?
Crusher: Other than a couple of bumps and bruises, I'd say you feel fine for a man of a hundred and forty seven.
Scott: I don't feel a day over a hundred and twenty.
Picard: I must say, I was little surprised when Commander Riker told me that you were aboard the Jenolen. Our records didn't show you listed as a member of the crew.
Scott: Well, I was never actually a member of the crew. I was just a passenger. I was heading for Norpin Five to settle down and enjoy my retirement.
Picard: I see. Well, I would very much enjoy the opportunity to hear you talk about your career. I'm sure you would have some fascinating insights into the events of your time.
Scott: I'd be happy to.
Picard: Good. Well, I look forward to it. Excuse me. Commander, we need to begin a full spectrographic analysis of the Dyson Sphere.
Laforge: I'll get right on it, sir.
Picard: Good. Once again, welcome on board, Captain.
Scott: Sir.
Laforge: I need to get down to Engineering and begin that analysis.
Scott: Engineering? I thought you'd never ask.
Crusher: Captain, the first thing you need to get is some rest. Now this has been a shock to your system, and I want you to not push yourself.
Laforge: We're pretty busy down there, anyway, Captain Scott. I promise I'd be happy to give you a tour just as soon as the doctor says it's okay.
Crusher: I'll have someone show you your quarters.
Scott: Aye.
Kane: This is the food replicator, and your computer terminal.
Scott: Good Lord, man, where have you put me?
Kane: These are standard guest quarters, sir. I can try and find something bigger if you want.
Scott: Bigger? In my day, even an Admiral wouldn't have had such quarters on a starship. You know, I remember a time we had to transport the Dohlman of Elaas. You never heard anyone whine and complain so much about quarters as she did.
Kane: The holodecks, Ten Forward, and the gymnasium are all at your disposal. The computer can tell you how to find them. Until we issue you a combadge, just use one of these panels if you need anything.
Scott: You know, these quarters remind me of a hotel room on Argelius. Oh, now there is a planet. Everything a man wants right at his fingertips. Of course, on the first visit, I got into a wee bit of trouble.
Kane: Excuse me, sir but I have to return to duty.
Scott: Oh. Well then. Thank you.
Laforge: I want you to shut down the warp engines and recalibrate the aft sensors while I work on the lateral array.
Bartel: Aye, sir.
Bartel: Can I help you, sir?
Scott: Oh, I don't think so, lassie, but I'll let you know if you can.
Bartel: Sir, this area is restricted to authorized personnel
Laforge: Bartel, it's okay. I'll handle it. Captain Scott, this really isn't
Scott: We're in Engineering. Call me Scotty.
Laforge: Scotty, this really isn't a good time for a tour. We're running a phase seven survey of the Dyson Sphere.
Scott: I'm not here for a tour, laddie. I'm here to help.
Laforge: That's very kind, but I'm sure we can handle it.
Scott: I was a Starfleet engineer for fifty two years, Mister La Forge. I think I'm still useful.
Laforge: You're right. We'd be grateful for any help you can give us.
Scott: Good. Let's get to work.
Data: Sensor readings indicate the presence of a G-type star at the center of the sphere. There also appears to be a class-M atmosphere clinging to the interior surface.
Picard: Is there any indication that the sphere is inhabited?
Data: Not as yet, sir. Our preliminary data suggests it is still capable of supporting life. We have been unable to find definite signs of current habitation.
Picard: Mister Data, send out a series of class-four probes to survey the far side of the sphere. Perhaps we'll have more luck with them.
Data: Aye, sir.
Laforge: Adjust the frequency stabilization on the main deflector dish. It's out of synch with the aft sensors.
Scott: Laddie, you need to phase-lock the warp fields within three percent or they'll become unstable.
Laforge: What?
Scott: Well look here. The warp field is
Laforge: We use a multiphase auto-containment field now. It's meant to operate above three percent.
Scott: Oh. Well, that would make the difference.
Bartel: We can re start the engines in ten minutes, Commander.
Laforge: Thank you, Lieutenant.
Scott: I remember a time when the old Enterprise was spiraling in toward Psi two thousand.
Laforge: Thank you.
Scott: The Captain wanted to try a cold start of the warp engines. I told him that without a proper phase lock it would take at least thirty minutes You canna change the laws of physics, I told him, but he wouldn't believe me, so I had to come up with a new engine start-up routine. Do you know that your dilithium crystals are going to fracture?
Laforge: We recomposite the crystals while they're still inside the articulation frame. Look, Mister Scott, I'd love to explain everything to you, but the Captain wants this spectrographic analysis done by thirteen hundred hours.
Scott: Do you mind a little advice? Starfleet captains are like children. They want everything right now and they want it their way, but the secret is to give them only what they need, not what they want.
Laforge: Yeah, well I told the Captain I'd have this analysis done in an hour.
Scott: How long will it really take?
Laforge: An hour.
Scott: You didn't tell him how long it would really take, did you?
Laforge: Of course I did.
Scott: Oh, laddie, you've got a lot to learn if you want people to think of you as a miracle worker. Now listen
Laforge: Captain Scott. I've tried to be patient, I've tried to be polite. But I've got a job to do here, and quite frankly, you're in the way.
Scott: I was driving starships while your great-grandfather was still in diapers. I'd think you'd be a little grateful for a some help. I'll leave ye to work, Mister La Forge.
Waiter: May I help you, sir?
Scott: Aye, lad. Scotch, neat.
Waiter: There you go, sir.
Scott: Thank you.
Scott: What in blazes is this?
Waiter: Didn't you order Scotch?
Scott: Laddie, I was drinking Scotch a hundred years before you were born and I can tell you that whatever this is, it is definitely not Scotch.
Data: I believe I may be of some assistance. Captain Scott is unaware of the existence of synthehol.
Scott: Synthehol?
Data: Yes, sir. It is an alcohol substitute now being served aboard starships. It simulates the appearance, taste and smell of alcohol, but the intoxicating affects can be easily dismissed.
Scott: You're not quite human, are you?
Data: No, sir. I am an android. Lieutenant Commander Data.
Scott: Synthetic Scotch, synthetic commanders.
Data: I believe Guinan does keep a limited supply of non-syntheholic products. Perhaps one of them would be to your liking.
Scott: What is it?
Data: It is It is It is green.
Scott: Ah!
Computer: Please enter program.
Scott: The android at the bar said you could show me my old ship. Let me see it.
Computer: Insufficient data. Please specify parameters.
Scott: The Enterprise. Show me the Bridge of the Enterprise, you chattering piece of
Computer: There have been five Federation ships with that name. Please specify by registry number.
Scott: NCC One Seven Oh One. No bloody A, B, C, or D.
Computer: Program complete. Enter when ready.
Scott: Here's to you, lads.
Picard: I hope I'm not interrupting. I was just coming off duty and I wanted to see how you were doing.
Scott: Not at all, not at all. Have a drink with me, Captain.
Picard: Thank you.
Scott: I don't know what it is, exactly, but I would be real careful. It's real
Picard: Aldebaran whiskey. Who do you think gave it to Guinan?
Scott: Ah.
Picard: Constitution class.
Scott: Aye. You're familiar with them?
Picard: There's one in the Fleet museum, but then of course, this is your Enterprise?
Scott: I actually served on two. This was the first. She was also the first ship I ever served on as Chief Engineer. You know, I served aboard eleven ships. Freighters, cruisers, starships, but this is the only one I think of. The only one I miss.
Picard: The first ship I ever served aboard as Captain was called the Stargazer. It was an overworked, underpowered vessel, always on the verge of flying apart at the seams. In every measurable sense, my Enterprise is far superior. But there are times when I would give almost anything to command the Stargazer again.
Scott: It's like the first time you fall in love. You don't ever love a woman quite like that again. Well, to the Enterprise and the Stargazer. Old girlfriends we'll never meet again.
Picard: What do you think of the Enterprise D?
Scott: She's a beauty, with a good crew.
Picard: But?
Scott: But. When I was here, I could tell you the speed that we were traveling by the feel of the deckplates. But on your ship, I feel like I'm just in the way.
Picard: Seventy five years is a long time. If you would care to study some technical schematics or
Scott: I'm not eighteen. I can't start out like a raw cadet. No, there comes a time when a man finds that he can't fall in love again. He knows that it's time to stop. I don't belong on your ship. I belong on this one. This was my home. This is where I had a purpose. But it's not real. It's just a computer generated fantasy. And I'm just an old man who's trying to hide in it. Computer, shut this bloody thing off. It's time I acted my age.
Picard: Come.
Picard: Mister La Forge, I understand that before the Jenolen crashed, it had conducted an extensive survey of the Dyson sphere. Have we been able to access any of those records?
Laforge: We did try to download their memory core, but it was pretty heavily damaged in the crash. We actually haven't been able to get much out of it.
Picard: Perhaps Captain Scott could be of use in accessing that material.
Laforge: It's possible. He does know those systems better than any of us. I'll have Lieutenant Bartel beam down with him.
Picard: Mister La Forge, I would like you to accompany Captain Scott.
Laforge: Me, sir?
Picard: Yes. Look, this is not an order, it's a request and it's one which you must feel perfectly free to decline. You see, one of the most important things in a person's life is to feel useful. Now, Mister Scott is a Starfleet officer and I would like him to feel useful again.
Laforge: I'll go with him, sir.
Picard: Thank you.
Data: Commander, I believe I have found something on the sphere which could be a communications device. There's an antenna array approximately four hundred thousand kilometers south of our present position. It is emitting low intensity subspace signals.
Riker: Can you open a channel?
Data: No, sir, not from our present orbit. The array is currently directed away from us.
Riker: Ensign, prepare to put us in orbit above those coordinates. Captain Picard to the Bridge, please.
Laforge: Are you feeling all right?
Scott: Never get drunk unless you're willing to pay for it the next day. I'll manage.
Laforge: Okay. Energize.
Data: Sensors indicate that the large circle is a portal or airlock, possibly leading to the interior of the sphere.
Riker: This looks like the front door. Should we ring the bell?
Picard: Mister Worf, open a channel to that communications array.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Data: Some type of tractor beam has locked onto us.
Riker: Helm, get us out of here!
Rager: We've lost main power. Auxiliary power down to twenty percent.
Worf: We're being pulled inside.
Rager: Auxiliary power failing.
Data: The resonance frequency of the tractor beams is incompatible with our power systems. Warp and impulse engine relays have been overloaded. I am attempting to compensate.
Rager: The tractor beams have released us, sir.
Riker: Hold position here until we can get our bearings.
Picard: Full sensor sweep, Mister Data. Where are we?
Data: Approximately ninety million kilometers from the star's photosphere. I am reading a great deal of surface instability. It may be
Rager: Sir! The inertial motion from the tractor beams is still carrying us forward. Impulse engines are offline and I can't stop our momentum. We're falling directly into the star.
Scott: The primary computer database should be online now. Give it a try.
Laforge: Okay. I've got three access lines to the central core. Still nothing.
Scott: Bunch of old, useless, garbage.
Laforge: Huh?
Scott: I say it's old, Mister La Forge. It can't handle the interface of your power converter. This equipment was designed for a different era. Now it's just a piece of junk.
Laforge: I don't know. It seems like some of it's held together pretty well.
Scott: A century out of date. It's just obsolete.
Laforge: Well you know, that's interesting because I was just thinking that a lot of these systems haven't changed much in the last seventy five years. This transporter is basically the same system we use on the Enterprise. Subspace radio and sensors still operate under the same basic principle. Impulse engine design hasn't changed much in the last two hundred years. If it wasn't for all the structural damage, this ship might still be in service today.
Scott: Maybe so, but when they can build ships like your Enterprise, who'd want to pilot an old bucket like this?
Laforge: I don't know. If this ship were operational I bet she'd run circles around the Enterprise at impulse speeds. Just because something's old doesn't mean you throw it away.
Scott: We used to have something called a dynamic mode converter. You wouldn't have something like that on your Enterprise would you?
Laforge: I haven't seen anything like that in a long time, but I bet I might be able to come up with something similar. La Forge to Enterprise. La Forge to Enterprise, come in, please.
Scott: Interference?
Laforge: No, they're gone.
Data: We will enter the sun's photosphere in three minutes.
Picard: Maneuvering thrusters?
Riker: I've got thirty percent power. It won't be enough to stop us.
Picard: No, but it may be enough to turn us into orbit, hold our distance from the photosphere. Ensign, port thrusters ahead full, starboard thrusters back full.
Data: Our flight path is changing. Right ten point seven degrees, sir. Insufficient to clear the photosphere.
Riker: Lieutenant Bartel, divert all power from auxiliary relay systems to the maneuvering thrusters.
Bartel: Aye, sir.
Rager: We're in orbit, Captain. Our altitude is one hundred fifty thousand kilometers.
Riker: I'll see about getting main power back online.
Picard: Very well. Mister Data, begin a scan of the interior surface for life forms. I want to know who brought us in here and why.
Data: Aye, sir.
Laforge: I can't find them anywhere in orbit.
Scott: They could've crashed into the sphere like the Jenolen.
Laforge: No, we'd be picking up background radiation if they'd gone down.
Scott: There's another possibility. They could be inside the sphere.
Laforge: Maybe. Whatever happened, we've got to find them. If we can get these engines back online, we could track them with their impulse ion trail.
Scott: Are ye daft? The main drive assembly's shot, the inducers are melted, and the power couplings are wrecked. We'd need a week just to get started. But we don't have a week, so there's no sense in crying about it. Come on, We'll see what we can do with your power converter.
Data: The sphere appears to be abandoned. Sensors show that the star is extremely unstable. It is experiencing severe bursts of radiation and matter expulsions.
Picard: Then that would explain why they abandoned it. But if there's no one still living there, how were we brought inside?
Data: I believe we triggered a series of automatic piloting beams designed to guide ships into the sphere.
Worf: Sir, Sensors show a large magnetic disturbance on the star's surface.
Data: It is a solar flare, Captain. Magnitude twelve, class B.
Picard: Shields?
Worf: Shields are up, but only at twenty three percent.
Data: The star has entered a period of increased activity. Sensors indicate that the solar flares will continue to grow. In three hours, our shields will no longer be sufficient to protect us, sir.
Scott: Shunt the deuterium from the main cryo-pump to the auxiliary tank.
Laforge: The tank can't withstand that kind of pressure.
Scott: Where'd you get that idea?
Laforge: What do you mean, where did I get that idea? It's in the impulse engine specifications.
Scott: Regulation forty two slash fifteen, pressure variances on IRC tank storage?
Laforge: Yeah.
Scott: Forget it. I wrote it. A good engineer is always a wee bit conservative, at least on paper. Just bypass the secondary cut-off valve and boost the flow. It'll work.
Laforge: Okay.
Scott: If we've done our jobs properly, the engines should be coming back online about now.
Laforge: Hey, you were right. The auxiliary tank is holding.
Scott: Take the Bridge, Commander.
Laforge: Oh, no, you're the senior officer here.
Scott: I may be captain by rank, but I never wanted to be anything else but an engineer.
Laforge: All right.
Worf: Shields still holding, sir, but they are down another fifteen percent.
Picard: Mister Worf, can we use the phasers to open a hole in the sphere?
Worf: No, sir. The exterior shell is composed of carbon neutronium. Our weapons would be ineffective.
Picard: Mister Data, we have to find some way out of here. Begin scanning for another hatch or portal that might still be open.
Data: The interior surface area is over ten to the sixteenth square kilometers. It will take seven hours to completely scan the surface.
Data: I will endeavor to speed up the process, sir.
Scott: The Enterprise ion trail leads right to this point.
Laforge: It looks like some kind of doorway.
Scott: I'll bet you two bottles of Scotch that they're inside the sphere and that they went in right through that hatch.
Laforge: No bet here. The question is how?
Scott: Look at the momentum distribution of the ions. It would take an impulse engine at full reverse to put out a signature like that.
Laforge: So they didn't go in willingly. This looks like some kind of communications array.
Scott: Aye. We found hundreds of them when we did our initial survey seventy five years ago.
Laforge: Did you try hailing them?
Scott: Aye. That was standard procedure at the time. We did it right before we crashed.
Laforge: Hailing is standard procedure today, too. Scotty, what if those aren't communications arrays? What if they're access terminals which are triggered by subspace signals on certain frequencies.
Scott: Frequencies like our standard ship's hail.
Laforge: Exactly. The Enterprise, when they saw that terminal, they probably did the same thing you did seventy five years ago. Opened a channel. Only this time they triggered something that activated that hatch and pulled the ship inside the sphere.
Scott: Very nice piece of reasoning, laddie. Nice indeed.
Laforge: Yeah. We could probably trigger the hatch ourselves, only we'd get pulled in like they were.
Scott: Maybe all we need to do is to get our foot in the door. We might not be pulled inside when the hatch opens if we keep our distance from the sphere. Say, half million kilometers. Then when the hatch starts to close, we move in and we use the Jenolen to jam the hatch open, hoping that the Enterprise will escape.
Laforge: You can't be serious. That hatch is huge. It'll crush this ship like an egg.
Scott: Geordi, the shields will hold. Don't worry about that. I can get a few extra gigawatts out of these babies.
Laforge: Scotty, it's crazy.
Scott: Geordi. I have spent my whole life trying to figure out crazy ways of doing things. I'm telling you, as one engineer to another, I can do this.
Laforge: All right. Let's do it.
Laforge: We're at five hundred thousand kilometers.
Scott: Engines are ready.
Laforge: Okay. Here we go.
Laforge: Come on. There's nothing out here. Give it up.
Laforge: That's it. Let's go! Full impulse.
Worf: Sir, there is an audio message from Commander La Forge.
Laforge: La Forge to Enterprise, do you read me?
Picard: Go ahead, Commander. We read you.
Laforge: We're using the Jenolen to hold open the hatch that you came through, but our shields aren't going to hold out much longer.
Picard: Understood. Ensign, set a course.
Scott: The plasma intercooler's gone. The engines are overheating.
Laforge: I've lost helm control. La Forge to Enterprise. Captain, we're not going to be able to move this ship out of the way when you get here.
Laforge: You're going to have to destroy it in order to escape.
Picard: How much longer before we reach them?
Data: With impulse engines operating at sixty percent power, it will take one minute and forty seconds.
Picard: Bridge to Transporter room three. Prepare to beam two from the Jenolen as soon as we're within range.
Scott: It's coming apart, Lad. I can't do anything else.
Worf: Photon torpedoes armed and ready, sir.
Data: We are within transporter range.
Picard: Bridge to Transporter room. Energize.
Chief: Aye, sir.
Picard: Fire torpedoes.
Scott: There now, that wasn't so bad, was it?
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 46125.3. Starfleet has dispatched two science vessels to study the Dyson Sphere while we proceed to Starbase fifty five.
Laforge: So, this alien space baby, which was about the size of a four story building, really thought the Enterprise was its mother.
Scott: You're pulling an old man's leg.
Laforge: No, really. It was suckling power directly from the ship's fusion reactors, so Doctor Brahms and I changed the power frequency from twenty one centimeters to point oh two centimeters.
Scott: You soured the milk.
Laforge: That's right.
Scott: Enjoy these times, Geordi. You're the chief engineer of a starship, and it's a time of your life that'll never come again. When it's gone, it's gone. Now, lad, I thought you were going to buy me a drink in Ten Forward.
Laforge: Actually, I had a better idea.
Scott: You're giving me one of your shuttles?
Picard: Well, call it an extended loan. Since you lost your ship saving ours, it seemed only fair.
Riker: She's not much to look at.
Scott: Laddie, every woman has her own charm. You just have to know where to look for it.
Laforge: She's a little slow, but she'll certainly get you to the Norpin colony. If that's really where you want to go.
Scott: The Norpin Colony is for old men to retire. Maybe someday I'll end up there, but not yet.
Picard: Well, bon voyage, Mister Scott.
Scott: Thank you, sir, for everything.
Data: Mister Scott.
Troi: Goodbye.
Scott: Bye, bye.
Riker: Scotty.
Scott: Thank you.
Crusher: Bye. Be well.
Scott: A good crew.
Laforge: Yeah, they are.
Scott: A fine ship. A credit to her name. But I've always found that a ship is only as good as the engineer who takes care of her, and from what I can see the Enterprise is in good hands.
Laforge: You take care of yourself out there.
Scott: Aye.


Picard: Captain's log, stardate 46154.2. The Enterprise has entered the Amargosa Diaspora, an unusually dense globular cluster. We are faced with the daunting task of charting this vast region.
Laforge: Lieutenant Shipley, let's get a triangulation on these sector points.
Shipley: Aye, sir.
Riker: Sorry I'm late. I overslept again. What have we got?
Laforge: Well, the cluster's a lot more dense than we thought. It's going to take three days just to map out one tenth of it.
Riker: Three days?
Laforge: I think we've found a way to speed that up a bit. We've been testing a way of channeling warp energy directly to the main deflector grid. It should enhance the long range sensors.
Data: The modification would increase our sensor efficiency and imaging resolution by twenty five percent or more.
Riker: That sounds like that'll use up a lot of warp energy.
Laforge: We'd channel it through the EPS mains on deck four, near Cargo bay four.
Riker: Okay, let's give it a try.
Laforge: Data, let's get those field taps online.
Data: Commander, I would like to remind you about my poetry reading this afternoon.
Riker: I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Laforge: I can't wait to see what he's come up with.
Data: Then we sat on the sand for some time and observed How the oceans that cover the world were perturbed By the tides from the orbiting moon overhead 'How relaxing the sound of the waves is,' you said. I began to expound upon tidal effects When you asked me to stop, looking somewhat perplexed. So I did not explain why the sunset turns red And we watched the occurrence, in silence, instead.
Data: That poem was written in anapaestic tetrameter. For my ninth poem,
Riker: I don't understand. I can barely keep my eyes open.
Data: Throughout the ages, from Keats to Jorkemo, poets have composed odes to individuals who have had a profound effect on their lives. In keeping with that tradition, I have written my next poem in honor of my cat. I call it Ode to Spot. Felis catus is your taxonomic nomenclature. An endothermic quadruped, carnivorous by nature. Your visual, olfactory, and auditory senses Contribute to your hunting skill and natural defenses. I find myself intrigued by your subvocal oscillations. A singular development of cat communications That obviates your basic hedonistic predilection, For a rhythmic stroking of your fur to demonstrate affection. A tail is quite essential for your acrobatic talents. You would not be so agile if you lacked its counterbalance. And when not being utilized to aid in locomotion It often serves to illustrate the state of your emotions.
Data: Commander, you have anticipated my denouement. However, the sentiment is appreciated. I will continue. Oh, Spot, the complex levels of behavior you display Connote a fairly well developed cognitive array. And though you are not sentient, Spot, and do not comprehend I nonetheless consider you a true and valued friend.
Riker: I have no problem getting to sleep. Then I think I'm sleeping all night. When I wake up, I feel exhausted.
Crusher: How long has this been going on?
Riker: Two, three days. Do you have to hold that thing that close? I'm sorry. I've been on edge all day.
Crusher: Well. other than some muscle tension in your neck, I don't see anything physically wrong with you. Have you been having bad dreams?
Riker: Not that I can remember.
Crusher: This could be the result of lack of REM sleep.
Riker: What do you recommend?
Crusher: Drink this before going to bed.
Riker: What is it?
Crusher: A recipe for a warm milk toddy.
Riker: A hot milk toddy? You're kidding.
Crusher: The heat activates amino acids in the lactose, making it a natural sedative. Besides, this is a recipe of the Captain's Aunt Adelle. It's delicious.
Riker: Well. at this point, I'll try anything.
Crusher: And listen, if it still bothers you tomorrow, come and see me and I'll run further tests.
Riker: Thanks.
Laforge: Everything's in place. Warp grid couplers, subspace field taps. All right, let's do it. Lieutenant Shipley, initiate warp power transfer.
Shipley: Aye sir. Verifying sensor calibration. EPS mains holding stable. Sensor array online.
Laforge: Come on, work.
Data: Geordi, active scanner output has increased by twenty six percent.
Laforge: Inform Astrophysics that the new La Forge sensor array is online and awaiting major scientific discoveries.
Shipley: Yes, sir.
Data: Geordi, may I make a personal inquiry? It concerns my poetry reading.
Laforge: Sure, Data. What is it?
Data: I noticed that many spectators seemed distracted during my presentation. Was my poetry uninteresting?
Laforge: Well, it was very well constructed, a virtual tribute to form.
Data: Thank you. And?
Laforge: And what?
Data: Did it evoke an emotional response?
Laforge: Well.
Data: Your hesitation suggests you are trying to protect my feelings. However, since I have none, I would prefer you to be honest. An artist's growth depends upon accurate feedback.
Laforge: Well, your poems were clever, Data, and your Haiku was clever, and your sonnet was clever. But did it evoke an emotional response? To be honest, no, I don't think so.
Data: Then I did not succeed in my efforts.
Laforge: No, it's not that you didn't succeed. You accomplished a lot, but, if you want to touch people, don't concentrate so much on rhyme and meter. Think more about what you want to say instead of how you're saying it.
Laforge: That's the power grid warning.
Data: I am reading a massive EPS explosion.
Laforge: Where?
Data: I am attempting to localize it. It is Cargo bay four.
Laforge: I've got three people in there. Damage control, medical team to Cargo bay four. Let's go.
Data: The field imbalance has subsided.
Worf: There may still be a residual discharge. Stand clear.
Engineer: Is there something wrong, sir?
Laforge: And there's no evidence of an EPS explosion.
Riker: Sensors seemed to think there was.
Laforge: I think my modification to the sensor array may have caused a pattern recognition failure.
Riker: Just a sensor glitch?
Laforge: That's my guess.
Riker: Let's perform a level three diagnostic on the internal sensor network and make sure that we haven't overlooked anything.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Riker: Could we pick this up in the morning, Geordi? Get a fresh start? Would you do me a favor? Stop by my quarters, oh seven hundred hours. I'm having trouble waking up.
Laforge: Sure, Commander. Goodnight.
Riker: Goodnight.
Crewman: Commander.
Laforge: Gordon.
Riker: Who is it?
Laforge: It's La Forge.
Riker: Come in.
Laforge: Good morning.
Riker: Morning? I just went to bed.
Laforge: Commander, it's oh seven hundred hours.
Mot: She said, if they're not squirming, we won't eat 'em!
Mot: Ah, Mister Worf, my good Klingon. Sir, welcome. What a pleasure it is to have you with us again so soon. So, Lieutenant, haircut today? Trim your beard?
Worf: I would like my hair trimmed.
Mot: Ah. A trim, of course.
Worf: Not like last time.
Mot: Oh no, just a little off the top. I took way too much off last time. I was just telling my colleague, Mister Setti, how thick and luxuriant Klingon hair is. It's such a pleasure to cut. Sometimes I get carried away. All those away missions, the wind and dry air, the elements really are harsh on the hair. I'd like to suggest that you start using a conditioning agent.
Mot: I promise, not too much off the top.
Laforge: Just before the grid alarm sounded, we were running warp power through this junction. Somehow, it must've tripped the internal scanners.
Riker: And it showed up as an EPS explosion?
Laforge: Yes, but the question is, why? I've made modifications to the sensors before but nothing like this has ever happened.
Riker: We can't waste time chasing down sensor ghosts. We should probably keep the whole array offline until we can get take a closer look.
Laforge: Excuse me.
Riker: I know the feeling. The past few nights, it seems like as soon as my head hits the pillow, it's time to get up in the morning.
Laforge: I'm sure we could all use a little shore leave after this survey's completed.
Riker: Definitely. Keep me posted?
Laforge: Yeah. Data, I'm wondering if you could give me a hand. I need to run a structural integrity scan. I want to make sure that none of the conduit was
Data: What is it?
Laforge: This is the second time today that my visor's just cut out like that.
Data: Are you all right, Geordi?
Laforge: I don't know. I just had a very weird feeling. Maybe I should go to Sickbay.
Data: I will run the integrity scan.
Laforge: Thanks, Data.
Crusher: This is curious. There's a slight bacterial infection around your neural inputs. It was probably interrupting the data stream.
Laforge: An infection? From what?
Crusher: It doesn't match any bacterial strains on record. I'm going to have to sterilize the area. But I need to run a resonance tissue scan to search for any signs of additional infection. Come over here. Sit down. Now, come forward. Now, you're going to need to hold very still.
Laforge: How's the scan going, Data?
Data: I have just started the scan. Did you not go to Sickbay?
Laforge: Data, I've been there for over an hour and a half.
Data: That is not possible. My internal chronometer indicates you have been gone for exactly one minute, fifteen seconds.
Laforge: I'm telling you, Data, I've been gone for over an hour.
Data: Computer, what is the time, please?
Computer: The time is fourteen twenty seven hours.
Data: You are correct. Ninety two minutes, seventeen seconds have passed since you left the room.
Laforge: What have you been doing all this time?
Data: I have no memory of events during that period. When we are finished here, I will perform a self-diagnostic.
Laforge: You know, first we picked up a false EPS explosion, then my visor cuts out twice, and now you lose an hour, all in the Cargo Bay. La Forge to Engineering I want a diagnostic team to Cargo bay four immediately.
Shipley: On our way, sir.
Riker: Ensign Rager, cartography needs a better position to study cluster FGC thirteen. Bring us about, heading one twenty three mark four.
Rager: Aye sir. Helm won't lock to those coordinates, sir.
Riker: First time navigating through a globular cluster, Ensign? You have got to compensate for gravimetric interference before
Rager: Is there something wrong, sir?
Riker: No. I don't know. Put us back on our original heading, Ensign.
Laforge: Don't tell me. This can't be right. Data, come here and take a look at this, would you? I think we have another sensor glitch.
Data: Sensors are functioning normally. They are detecting a subspace particle emission originating from within this room.
Laforge: From within this room? That's impossible.
Data: The emission is emanating from this direction. Geordi.
Data: The structure of the bulkhead has been altered on a subatomic level. The metal itself is in a state of quasi-molecular flux.
Picard: What's causing it?
Laforge: This is where it gets a little wild, Captain. Behind that panel is a junction we were using to transfer warp power to the sensor array. We're reading a subspace particle stream emanating from that junction.
Data: It appears to be composed of spatially inverted tetryon particles. We believe they are emanating from a tertiary subspace manifold.
Picard: But I thought that tetryons were unstable in normal space.
Laforge: We don't understand it either, sir. Something from that deep in subspace shouldn't be able to exist in our universe. But there it is.
Picard: Does it pose a danger to the ship?
Laforge: Not unless it spreads. If it does, we can beam the bulkhead into space and erect a forcefield in its place.
Picard: Well, keep that option ready. In the meantime, proceed with the analysis.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Riker: When I sat down at the console, it triggered a response like I had been trapped. I had to get out of there.
Troi: Was it something about the console itself?
Riker: No. I felt like I was disconnected. Like it was something I had dreamed.
Troi: You're the third person today who's come to me with something like this. An intense emotional response provoked by an object.
Riker: Did any of them know why they'd the response?
Troi: No, they couldn't explain it any more than you could. You know, at this point I'm not willing to say it's coincidence.
Riker: Maybe we should all get together.
Troi: Talking about it would help you understand your response. I'm going to find out if anyone else on the ship has had these kind of experiences.
Troi: Will, you told me you had an unusual experience when you sat down at the console. Why don't you describe it?
Riker: It was vague, the way you recall a dream. I remember the sensation of feeling trapped and something about a smooth surface.
Worf: I had a similar response, but to a pair of scissors.
Troi: Have you dreamt about scissors recently?
Worf: I may have. I do not have a distinct memory of it.
Laforge: When my visor cut out in the cargo bay, I had a weird feeling too. It was something about a smooth surface. It was smooth and cold, Yeah, it was cold.
Kaminer: Yes, cold.
Worf: It was elevated? A platform.
Laforge: Right. Like a bench, or a table
Troi: It seems you've all had a similar experience. Is there anything else you remember besides a table?
Riker: Maybe there's a way we can all help ourselves to remember more.
Troi: Well, you all remember a table, so let's start with that. Computer show me a table.
Computer: There are five thousand forty seven classifications of tables on file. Specify design parameters.
Troi: Can you be more specific about the table? You mentioned it was smooth and cold. Can you remember what shape it was?
Kaminer: Long. It was long.
Laforge: Yeah, and it had a rectangular shape.
Troi: Computer, show me a rectangular conference table.
Laforge: It's too high. Computer, reduce the height of the table by twenty five percent.
Worf: No, the table was smaller. And it was inclined. Computer, decrease the table's surface area by twenty percent and incline the top fifteen degrees.
Riker: No, it wasn't made of wood. It was smoother, more metallic.
Troi: Computer, make this a metal table.
Laforge: Yeah, that's starting to look right.
Troi: Was there anything else in the room? Furniture? Chairs? A door? Other people?
Kaminer: No, it was dark.
Riker: Yes, it was dark. I couldn't see beyond the table.
Troi: Computer, lower the surrounding light level.
Laforge: There was a light right in my face. A bright light. Computer, give me a bright light right above the table.
Computer: Specify light source.
Laforge: I couldn't tell. It was above me. An overhead lamp.
Computer: Estimated distance of light source.
Laforge: I don't know. It was at least two or three meters above. Brighter. Brighter.
Troi: You said you were uneasy when you sat down at the conn. position.
Riker: Yes. I felt trapped by the console. But it wasn't like this. There was something else here.
Troi: A restraint of some kind?
Riker: Yes, there was a restraint. It was flat and metal. It was made of metal. it came down over my legs. No, no, it was across my chest, right here.
Troi: It was holding you down?
Riker: Yes, it was part of the table. It was here. It was right here.
Troi: Computer, create a restraining arm attached to the right side of the table, at the mid-point.
Troi: Was it like that?
Riker: Computer, put controls on the restraining arm. A control panel. Lights.
Kaminer: There was something else there. Over the head of the table. A metal swing arm. Computer, create a metal swing arm, double jointed, total length one meter. Connect it to the head of the table.
Worf: There was something attached to it. A tool of some sort. Scissor-like. Computer, produce a pair of scissors attached to the armature. The handle is wrong. It was not scissors. Computer, make the handle a single grip ten centimeters long, solid metal. Now make one blade longer, curved inward. And give the other blade a jagged edge.
Troi: All right, you were lying on the table. You had a bright light shining in your eyes. Were there any smells in the room? Were there any sounds?
Riker: Yes. Yes, there was a sound. Computer, there were noises coming from the darkness. Strange, like whispering.
Kaminer: More like clicks. Clicking sounds.
Riker: Louder. Faster. More of them.
Laforge: I've been in this room before.
Riker: We've all been here before.
Crusher: Here it is again. Something has caused high levels of serotonin to be produced in Geordi's visual cortex. When I examined him earlier today, I thought it was the result of a bacterial infection, but now I'm finding the same thing in all three. They all have elevated levels of serotonin. It's concentrated in the hippocampus, which suggests that they've been exposed to a neuro-sedative. And that's not all. I have detected minute tetryon particle traces in their subdermal tissues.
Picard: Tetryons? Like the emissions in the cargo bay.
Data: I have completed my self diagnostic, and have confirmed that I was not aboard the Enterprise for ninety minutes seventeen seconds yesterday afternoon.
Laforge: Are you sure?
Data: Whenever I am on the ship, the warp field leaves an electromagnetic signal on my internal servo-fluid system. Between the period of twelve fifty four and fourteen twenty six hours that signature is missing.
Picard: Computer, are there any members of the crew of the Enterprise missing?
Computer: There are two crewmembers unaccounted for.
Picard: Identify them.
Computer: Lieutenant Edward Hagler and Ensign Sariel Rager.
Picard: When did they leave?
Computer: They have not been present since twenty three thirty two hours.
Picard: How did they leave?
Computer: Method of departure unknown.
Picard: Picard to Bridge.
Crewman: Bridge here, Captain.
Picard: Raise shields. And I want a level four security alert. I need to know if anyone comes on or off this ship.
Crewman: Aye, sir.
Picard: Mister La Forge, Mister Data. I believe that if we find the source of those tetryon emissions, we'll find the missing crewmembers.
Laforge: We're on it, sir.
Medic: Doctor Crusher? You'd better take a look at this.
Crusher: My God.
Riker: What is it?
Crusher: It looks as though your arm has been severed and then reattached.
Riker: What?
Crusher: The skeletal structure in your radius and ulna is offset by point zero two microns. Your arm has been amputated then surgically reattached.
Laforge: Any progress with the analysis, Lieutenant?
Shipley: Take a look at this.
Laforge: Data, the tetryon emissions have intensified. They seem to be focusing in this direction, coalescing here. They're reading as a point of subspace energy.
Data: It appears to be the beginnings of a spatial rupture.
Laforge: The tetryon emissions are modulating in a way that looks like somebody's controlling the energy. You know, the signals from the modifications I made to the sensor array, some of them dig pretty deep into subspace. Maybe they caught somebody's attention.
Data: At the rate the rupture is expanding, we will soon be in danger of hull breach.
Laforge: Maybe we should try surrounding it with a subspace containment field.
Riker: Other than the tetryon emissions in cargo bay four, our internal sensors haven't recorded anything unusual in the past three days.
Picard: Initiate a metallurgical analysis of the ship's hull. Subspace field incursions may have left a trace.
Worf: Captain, sensors indicate that Lieutenant Hagler has returned to the Enterprise. He is in his quarters, deck seven, section nineteen.
Crusher: Computer, emergency entry, Chief Medical Officer Beverly Crusher.
Crusher: Crusher to Sickbay. Get a plasma infusion unit to deck seven, section nineteen.
Crusher: His blood is turning into a liquid polymer.
Laforge: We've set up a containment field in cargo bay four, but the rupture just keeps expanding. I'd say we've got another five or six hours before it breaches the hull.
Picard: Can we still beam the affected sections out into space?
Data: No, sir. The spatial rupture is creating severe nucleonic interference. It is impossible to obtain a positive lock on the bulkheads.
Picard: Has your analysis suggested any way in which we might seal this rupture?
Laforge: We think we can close the rupture by neutralizing the tetryon emissions with a coherent graviton pulse. But we'd have to do that at the source.
Riker: How do we find the source?
Laforge: Good question. The emissions are coming from a tertiary subspace domain, but subspace has an infinite number of domains. It's like a huge honeycomb with an endless number of cells. We need to isolate the exact cell that these emissions are coming from.
Picard: If someone homed onto the subspace signals created by our modified signal array, could we do the same to them? Track the tetryon emissions to their universe?
Data: Tetryon particles have a random momentum. Our sensors cannot track them, sir.
Worf: Perhaps we could construct a homing device. Something that our sensors could track.
Laforge: That's a good idea, but there's no way to get that device to the source.
Riker: Yes, there is. Give it to me. They've taken me for the last few nights. If I'm right, the same thing'll happen tonight.
Laforge: If you had a homing device, we could track it to your location in subspace. And as soon as they send you back to the ship, we could transmit the graviton pulse and neutralize the tetryon emissions.
Troi: If they send him back. Ensign Rager still hasn't been returned.
Riker: They're going to take me whether I want to go or not.
Picard: Well, we could wait as long as possible for you to be returned, Number One, but when the spatial ruptures begin to threaten the ship, then we would have to transmit that graviton pulse.
Riker: Understood.
Picard: Perhaps there's a way that we could give you an advantage. A way of keeping you conscious after they have taken you. Doctor, can you develop some counter-agent to the neuro-sedative that they have been giving the crew?
Crusher: I could give you a neuro-stimulant, but the dosage would have to be rather high to counteract the effects. It could be risky.
Riker: I'm willing to take that risk.
Picard: Make it so. Mister La Forge, begin work on that homing device.
Crusher: This should be enough to ward off their neuro-sedative for about twelve hours.
Riker: I hope it's enough.
Crusher: It's going to have to be. I can't risk giving you a higher dosage.
Laforge: I've locked this tricorder into a continuous cycle. That way, it'll keep recording whether you open it or not. Hopefully you can bring back some information about their domain. We've modified a sensor relay emitter to transmit a subspace beacon. When this indicator lights up, it means that we've locked onto your location.
Riker: Understood.
Worf: Captain. Commander Riker has been taken from the Enterprise.
Picard: Mister La Forge, report.
Laforge: I still can't locate the homing signal. We've covered the entire upper subspace energy band. We're extending the scan to adjacent levels.
Picard: Mister Data, your status?
Data: The rupture has expanded another four point two percent.
Data: Without further reinforcement, containment field integrity will fail in approximately fourteen minutes.
Picard: Can you divert more power to the containment field?
Laforge: I can try to augment the field with auxiliary power, but it won't be much.
Picard: Make it so.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Laforge: Captain, I've located the homing signal. Locking onto it now. It's coming from a subspace energy level of sixteen point two keV.
Picard: Stand by to initiate the graviton pulse.
Shipley: Graviton emitters at full power, sir. Standing by.
Picard: Mister Data, how much time?
Data: At the present rate, containment failure will occur in approximately nine minutes.
Data: Captain, the containment field is beginning to fluctuate. Failure anticipated in
Data: Three minutes, eleven seconds.
Picard: We can't afford to wait any longer. Begin the graviton pulse.
Laforge: Initiating pulse now.
Data: Data to Engineering. The graviton pulse is having an effect. Tetryon emissions have decreased by nineteen percent.
Data: Captain, additional subharmonics have appeared. They are reinforcing the tetryon emissions. They appear to be counter-acting the graviton pulse.
Data: The rupture is beginning to expand again, sir.
Laforge: Looks like somebody is fighting back.
Picard: Can you strengthen the graviton pulse?
Laforge: I can try to set up a random frequency shift. If we can keep them from guessing our pulse modulation, they might not be able to compensate.
Data: Tetryon emissions continue to increase. The rupture is still expanding.
Data: Hull breach is imminent.
Laforge: They're reacting faster than we can shift frequencies. Shipley, program the emitters for full spectrum pulse compression. I want to channel all of the graviton energy into a single burst. Let's see if they can handle that.
Shipley: Ready, Commander.
Data: The rupture is beginning to close, sir.
Laforge: Recharge the emitters. Let's hit them again. Come on.
Shipley: Ready.
Data: The rupture is eighty six percent closed.
Laforge: We're almost there. One more burst should do it.
Shipley: Emitters recharging.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 46191.2. The tetryon emissions in cargo bay four have ceased, and there have been no further indications of alien intrusions. All Enterprise crewmembers are safe and accounted for. But we are still left with some unanswered questions.
Data: Based on the information gathered by Commander Riker's tricorder, we have determined that the molecular structure of the alien life forms is solanogen-based.
Laforge: We think that's why they couldn't come through into our space, as easily as they could take us into theirs. They needed to learn how to remodulate their cellular energy states in order to survive in our universe.
Data: The tricorder readings indicate they created a small pocket of our universe in their laboratory to keep those they abducted alive.
Riker: Like putting a fish in a bucket of water.
Laforge: That's probably what they were trying to do in cargo bay four. Create a pocket of their universe in ours.
Picard: What can we do to prevent this from happening again?
Laforge: It looks like they found us initially by discovering my modified sensor signal. We should warn all Starfleet ships not to make that same mistake.
Picard: Have we any idea what came through the rupture before we were able to shut it down?
Data: No sir. We were unable to track it once it left the cargo bay.
Laforge: Maybe it was a probe of some kind.
Data: Possibly they were simply curious. Explorers like ourselves.
Riker: Ensign Rager and I were lucky to have escaped. Lieutenant Hagler's dead. Whoever it was sent that thing was more than simply curious.