Brackett: Three weeks ago, one of our most celebrated Ambassadors, an advisor to Federation leaders for generations, disappeared.
Sarek: I gave Spock the benefit of experience, of logic. He never listened.
Picard: It's been suggested that Spock might have defected.
Riker: Why would anyone want a Vulcan shield array?
Laforge: Beats me, Commander. Every question we answer here seems to bring up two more.
K'Vada: Be careful, android. Some Romulan beauty might take a liking to you. Lick that paint right off your ears. You. Do you know what the Romulans will do to you if they discover who you are?
Picard: I have a good idea.
Worf: Sir, the ship is locking phasers.
Riker: Shields up. Red alert.
Neral: What do you know of this human? Jean-Luc Picard, a Starfleet Captain.
Picard: You've made a mistake.
Romulan 1: Quiet. Come with us.
Picard: I have come on an urgent mission from the Federation. I'm looking for Ambassador Spock.
Spock: You have found him, Captain Picard. And now, the conclusion.
Spock: What are you doing on Romulus?
Picard: That was to have been my question of you, sir.
Spock: It is no concern of Starfleet.
Picard: On the contrary, it is very much Starfleet's concern. You're in a position to compromise the security of the Federation.
Spock: You may assure your superiors, Captain, that I am here on a personal mission of peace, and I will advise Starfleet when it is appropriate.
Picard: That is not satisfactory.
Spock: You cannot remain here, Captain Picard.
Picard: And I will not return without a full explanation. Ambassador, with great respect for all that you've achieved on behalf of the Federation, this sort of cowboy diplomacy will not easily be tolerated any more.
Spock: Cowboy diplomacy?
Picard: If you wish to undertake a mission with obvious repercussions to the Federation, then you should discuss it with the Federation. I'm here as their representative. You'll have to discuss it with me.
Spock: That is precisely what I had hoped to avoid.
Picard: I also have the responsibility of being the bearer of unhappy news.
Spock: Sarek? Sarek is dead? Walk with me, Picard.
Spock: I know of your mind-meld with my father which enabled him to complete his last mission.
Picard: It was an honor. He is a great man.
Spock: He was a great representative of the Vulcan people and of the Federation.
Picard: I was with him before coming here. He expressed his pride in you. His love.
Spock: Emotional disarray was a symptom of the illness from which he suffered.
Picard: No, those feelings came from his heart, Spock. He shared them with me. I know.
Spock: Sarek would no more approve my coming here than you do, Picard. For some time now, I've been aware of a growing movement here of people who seek to learn the ideals of the Vulcan philosophy. They've been declared enemies of the state. But there are a few in the Romulan hierarchy like Pardek, who are sympathetic. He asked me to come now, because he believes it may be time to take the first step toward reunification.
Picard: Reunification? After so many centuries? After so many fundamental differences have evolved between your peoples?
Spock: It would seem unlikely to succeed, but I cannot ignore the potential rewards that a union between our two worlds would bring.
Picard: What is this first step that Pardek suggests?
Spock: There is a new Proconsul in the Romulan Senate. He is young and idealistic. He has promised many reforms. Pardek believes that he may be receptive to discussing reunification.
Picard: Why would you not bring something so important to the attention of your own people or the Federation?
Spock: A personal decision, Captain. Perhaps you are aware of the small role I played in the overture to peace with the Klingons.
Picard: History is aware of the role you played, Ambassador.
Spock: Not entirely. It was I who committed Captain Kirk to that peace mission, and I who had to bear the responsibility for the consequences to him and his crew. Quite simply, I am unwilling to risk anyone's life but my own on this occasion. So I ask you respect my wishes and leave.
Picard: Ambassador, your logic escapes me. If I didn't know better, I would say that your judgment is influenced by your emotions.
Spock: You speak as my father would if he were here, Picard.
Picard: I speak as a Starfleet officer, and I cannot ignore the risks to you.
Spock: I was involved with cowboy diplomacy, as you describe it, long before you were born.
Picard: Nevertheless, sir, I'm not prepared to leave until your affairs are completed.
Spock: In your own way, you are as stubborn as another Captain of the Enterprise I once knew.
Picard: Then I'm in good company, sir.
K'Vada: We have more important things to attend to than acting as your nursemaids.
Data: Captain Picard regrets detaining you, but it will be necessary for a while longer. In addition, I require access to your ship's computer.
K'Vada: Access to our computer? For what purpose?
Data: I am going to attempt to penetrate the Romulan Central Information net.
K'Vada: Don't bother. We've been trying for years.
Data: I have unique skills that may allow me to succeed.
K'Vada: I cannot reveal classified Klingon entry codes to Starfleet.
Data: Your entry codes can be easily reconfigured after we depart. And Captain Picard has authorized me to share with you any information we obtain from the Romulan databanks.
K'Vada: Anything else?
Data: We will also need to communicate with the Enterprise in sector two thirteen.
K'Vada: You do and the Romulans will instantly know our co-ordinates.
Data: Using conventional means, that would be true. However, I suggest we piggy-back our signal on Romulan subspace transmissions.
K'Vada: Piggy-back?
Data: A human metaphor, pardon me. We would use a Romulan signal as a carrier for own one, thus disguising its origin.
K'Vada: It won't work.
Data: I believe it would. During the last hour, I have conducted a systematic review of the entire Romulan subspace grid. I have compared my findings with the specifications of your own transmission array. They appear to be compatible.
Data: Thank you for your co-operation.
Romulan 1: Allow me to brighten your table. Jolan tru.
Spock: The Senate has adjourned. Pardek will be here shortly.
Picard: How widespread is this movement?
Spock: There are groups in every populated area. I've personally spoken with members from four provinces. It has become a serious concern for the Romulan leadership.
Picard: Serious enough for the leaders to suddenly embrace a Vulcan peace initiative? I have some difficulty in accepting that.
Spock: I sense you have a closed mind, Captain. Closed minds have kept these two worlds apart for centuries. In the Federation, we have learned from experience to view the Romulans with distrust. We can either choose to live with that enmity or seek an opportunity to change it. I choose the latter.
Picard: I will be the first to cheer when the Neutral Zone is abolished. But I wonder if this movement is strong enough to reshape the entire Romulan political landscape.
Spock: One can begin to reshape the landscape with a single flower, Captain.
D'Tan: Jolan Tru, Mister Spock. Here, look what I've brought you.
Spock: This is my friend, D'Tan. He's very curious about Vulcan.
Picard: Hello, D'Tan.
Spock: Where did you get this? This is very old.
D'Tan: They read to us from it at the meetings. It tells the story of the Vulcan separation.
Pardek: D'Tan, you should not bring that out here. You've been told many times.
D'Tan: I just wanted to show it to Mister Spock.
Pardek: Off with you. We'll see you later tonight.
D'Tan: Will you tell us more stories about Vulcan?
Spock: Yes, I will.
D'Tan: Jolan Tru.
Pardek: Perhaps this is not such a good place to talk.
Pardek: So, what do you think of your enemy, Captain Picard?
Picard: These people are no one's enemy, Senator.
Pardek: Many of my colleagues fear what they have to say. But I have learned to listen carefully. Children like D'Tan are our future. Old men like me will not be able to hold on to ancient prejudice and hostility. Young people won't allow it. But now, now that they've met their first real Vulcan, it has only inspired them more. I am sure that is evident to you, Spock.
Spock: I did not anticipate such a passionate response to my arrival.
Pardek: Romulans are passionate people. The Vulcans will learn to appreciate that quality in us.
Spock: If we are successful.
Pardek: We will know soon. The Proconsul has agreed to meet with you. First Officer's log, stardate 45245.8. The Enterprise remains at Qualor Two as we continue to investigate the theft of a surplus Vulcan ship. The trail has led us to the former wife of a deceased smuggler.
Amarie: A new face.
Riker: Same one I've always had.
Amarie: And what would you like to hear?
Riker: Know some blues?
Amarie: Look at me, Mister. What do you think? Seven different shades of them. How about some Andorian blues? Suck salt?
Riker: Never cared for it.
Amarie: Good for you. Nasty habit. So who are you looking for?
Riker: Who says I'm looking for anybody?
Amarie: Your face. Your uniform. In a place like this.
Riker: Okay. I'm looking for you.
Amarie: Oh, you just made my day.
Riker: I have to ask you about your husband.
Amarie: Well, it was nice while it lasted. Which husband?
Riker: The dead one, I'm afraid.
Amarie: Oh, you must be from the Enterprise. You destroyed his ship.
Riker: He was into some bad business. He took the evidence with him.
Amarie: His one endearing quality, he always cleaned up after himself. And what do you want from me?
Riker: I was hoping you might know his business partners.
Amarie: And why should I help you?
Riker: To be honest, I can't think of a good reason.
Amarie: Well, you did kill my ex-husband, and that's not a bad start. So why don't you drop a few coins in the jar and I'll see what I remember.
Riker: I don't carry money.
Amarie: Well, you don't offer much, do you?
Riker: Move over.
Amarie: Oh, just what I need. Another set of hands.
Riker: You know this one? Twentieth century, Earth. Maybe I can teach you a lick or two.
Amarie: You already have.
Riker: So, what do you say?
Amarie: You going to be around for a couple of days?
Riker: I can be.
Amarie: Sooner or later, a man named Omag will come by for a song. Always wants to hear the same thing, Melor Famagal. He's an arms trader. A fat Ferengi.
Neral: Enter.
Pardek: Proconsul?
Neral: Yes. Pardek, come in.
Pardek: Ambassador Spock of Vulcan.
Spock: Proconsul.
Neral: Please. I've never liked titles since I was a lowly Uhlan in the Romulan guard. I am Neral. How is it again, Pardek's tried to show me.
Spock: I am honored.
Neral: Good.
Pardek: Permit me to withdraw.
Neral: Will we see you and your wife tomorrow at the state dinner?
Pardek: We're looking forward to it.
Neral: It's been years since old Pardek's been invited to an official function. He's far too attached to the common man for most peoples' comfort.
Spock: That is their loss. I have found Pardek to have a unique insight into many issues.
Neral: Let me tell you something, Spock. We're going to start something here, you and I, that will redraw the face of the quadrant.
Spock: Are you prepared to support reunification?
Neral: I believe it must eventually come. Our two worlds need each other.
Spock: Forgive me, I did not expect to hear a Romulan Proconsul speak like a member of your underground.
Neral: I want you to know exactly where I stand.
Spock: And do you believe that you can gain the support of your full Senate?
Neral: Things are not what they once were in the Senate. The old leaders have lost the respect of the people. Involvement in the Klingon War, endless confrontations with the Federation, they're tired of it. Times are changing, and leaders who refuse to change with them will no longer be leaders. Spock, I am prepared to publicly endorse the opening of talks between our peoples. What do you think the Vulcan people think of that?
Spock: They will be cautious. There are generations of distrust to overcome.
Neral: But surely with a man of your influence leading the way?
Woman: Proconsul, the Senate has been recalled into session.
Neral: Very well. Can we meet again tomorrow?
Spock: As you wish.
Neral: Good. Jolan tru, Spock. Oh. Live long and prosper.
Romulan 1: It's everything we could have hoped for.
Spock: It is more than we could have hoped for.
Pardek: But if Neral is ready to publicly endorse reunification.
Picard: It's hard to believe that he could rise to the rank of Senate Proconsul without the support of the Romulan traditionalists.
Pardek: That may be true.
Picard: Then how can he turn his back on them so easily? How can he endorse reunification when it's considered subversive?
Romulan 1: Because he's not afraid of them. He knows that we'll support him.
Spock: Captain Picard is correct. It is not logical for the Proconsul to support reunification at this time.
Woman 2: Why would Neral lie?
Picard: Perhaps because he's hoping to expose members of your movement.
Woman 2: No, this is our chance for acceptance. Finally to be heard.
Romulan 1: I believe it's the Federation that fears an alliance between Romulus and Vulcan.
Picard: That is not true.
Spock: I came here to determine the potential for reunification. In spite of what has occurred, I intend to continue with my efforts. I intend to meet with the Proconsul as planned.
Picard: You let their emotion sway you.
Spock: On the contrary, I am pursuing the most logical course.
Picard: You are as skeptical as I am. Is it logical to ignore your own good sense?
Spock: I fear the influence of Sarek has colored your attitudes, Captain, toward reunification and perhaps toward me.
Picard: That is the second time you have accused me of speaking with another man's voice. It's true he will always be a part of me. His experiences, his spirit. But I speak with my own voice, not his.
Spock: Curious that I should hear him so clearly now that he is dead. It is possible that I have brought my argument with Sarek to you, Captain. If so, I apologize.
Picard: Is it so important that you to win one last argument?
Spock: No, it is not. But it is true that I will miss the arguments. They were, finally, all that we had.
Picard: But your fight with Sarek is over, Spock, and you have none with me.
Spock: I always had a different vision than my father. The ability to see beyond pure logic. He considered it weak, but I have discovered it to be a source of extraordinary strength. Sarek would have seen this mission of reunification as a fool's errand, but somehow I think it is not. Logic cannot explain why, I know that I must pursue this.
Picard: Even if it leads you into a Romulan trap.
Spock: If the Romulans do have an ulterior motive, it is in the interests of all concerned that we determine what it is. So, I will play the role that they would have me play.
Picard: Have you had any success, Mister Data?
Data: Negative, Captain. The Romulan Information net employs a progressive encryption lock. I have been unable to penetrate their security measures.
Spock: May I assist you, Commander? I have had some experience in these matters.
Data: By all means, Ambassador.
Spock: The Romulans have incorporated a forty three part cipher key into their entry sequence.
Data: Yes, sir, the twenty ninth is the only one I cannot bypass.
Picard: I think I'll take this opportunity to remove my ears.
Spock: He intrigues me, this Picard.
Data: In what manner, sir?
Spock: Remarkably analytical and dispassionate, for a human. I understand why my father chose to mind-meld with him. There's almost a Vulcan quality to the man.
Data: Interesting. I have not considered that. And Captain Picard has been a role model in my quest to be more human.
Spock: More human?
Data: Yes, Ambassador.
Spock: Fascinating. You have an efficient intellect, superior physical skills and no emotional impediments. There are Vulcans who aspire all their lives to achieve what you've been given by design.
Data: You are half human.
Spock: Yes.
Data: Yet you have chosen a Vulcan way of life.
Spock: I have.
Data: In effect, you have abandoned what I have sought all my life.
Spock: I believe I have isolated the twenty ninth cipher access code. I shall attempt to access the Proconsul's files.
Data: Ambassador Spock, may I ask a personal question?
Spock: Please.
Data: As you examine your life, do you find you have missed your humanity?
Spock: I have no regrets.
Data: No regrets. That is a human expression.
Spock: Yes. Fascinating.
Worf: Do you know any Klingon opera?
Amarie: I don't get a lot of requests for it.
Worf: Surely, you must know at least one theme from Aktuh and Maylota.
Amarie: I may be a little rusty.
Omag: What is that dreadful noise? It sounds like a Bardakian pronghorn moose. You know what I want to hear.
Amarie: Yes, yes, I know.
Worf: Worf to Enterprise.
Riker: Go ahead.
Worf: A fat Ferengi
Worf: Has just entered the establishment.
Riker: Is that Melor Famagal I hear?
Worf: It is.
Riker: I'm on my way.
Omag: Where's the waiter? Is there a waiter in this sorry place?
Riker: Is there a problem?
Omag: Yes. I need more napkins.
Riker: Use your sleeve.
Omag: What did you say?
Riker: Or use one of their sleeves, I don't care.
Omag: Who are you?
Riker: Commander William Riker, USS Enterprise.
Omag: Am I supposed to stand up and salute?
Riker: We're investigating the disappearance of a Vulcan ship.
Omag: Well you've got the wrong Ferengi. I never trade in Vulcan ships.
Riker: We know that you're involved.
Omag: Who would want a Vulcan ship? Vulcans are pacifists. I deal in warships. Can somebody get me a napkin?
Riker: Who would want a Vulcan ship?
Omag: Hypothetically speaking?
Riker: Hypothetically speaking.
Omag: I never learned to speak hypothetical.
Omag: Are you crazy?
Riker: Let me explain what'll happen to you if you don't tell me about the Vulcan ship. Your right of passage through this sector will be revoked and more than that, I will be very unhappy.
Omag: I delivered it to a Barolian freighter.
Riker: At what coordinates?
Omag: I don't remember. Ow! Watch it! You're stretching my neck.
Riker: Co-ordinates?
Omag: At Galorndon Core. Near the Neutral Zone. That's all I know. I swear it.
Riker: Enjoy your dinner.
Riker: As soon as I heard this Barolian ship was at the Galorndon Core, I started to think Romulans.
Picard: And the Romulans are suddenly very interested in bonding with the Vulcans. Spock has been meeting with the new Senate Proconsul about reunification.
Riker: Reunification?
Picard: The Proconsul says that he is prepared to endorse peace talks.
Riker: And Spock?
Picard: The Ambassador is skeptical, but he cares a great deal about reunification. As long as there's a chance of success, he's prepared to pursue it.
Troi: I'm afraid I don't see how a stolen Vulcan ship fits into all this.
Picard: Neither do I, Counselor. How soon can you be at Galorndon Core, Number One?
Riker: A little over eight hours.
Picard: Well, this may prove to be a wild goose chase, but I don't see that we have any other choice, do you?
Riker: Agreed.
Data: We are losing our Romulan carrier wave, sir.
Picard: We'll advise you further as soon as you reach your destination, Number One. Picard out.
Riker: Ensign, set a course to Galorndon Core. Take us to warp eight.
Ensign: Aye, sir.
Data: Captain, the Romulan subspace logs identify a transmission from the Romulan surface to a Barolian ship near Galorndon Core twelve hours ago.
K'Vada: Galorndon Core is along the Barolian trade route. They trade a great deal with the Romulans. It's probably just routine.
Data: This would not appear to be routine. I was able to trace the source of the transmission. It incorporates the code prefix of Romulan intelligence.
Picard: Can you access it?
Data: It is a short sequence of numbers. One four zero zero.
Picard: Nothing more?
Data: No, sir.
D'Tan: Spock! I've been looking for you.
Spock: I have been meeting with the Proconsul.
D'Tan: Does he still speak of reunification?
Spock: He speaks of nothing else.
D'Tan: Have you ever seen these?
Spock: The syllabic nucleus of the Vulcan language.
D'Tan: They were my toys when I was small.
Spock: Your parents wanted you to learn to understand Vulcan?
D'Tan: Yes, as did their parents before them, to prepare us for the day when we would live again with our Vulcan cousins.
Romulan 1: Your friends from the Federation have returned. They need to see you immediately. I've told Pardek. He'll meet you at the cave.
Picard: The only communication that was sent were the numbers one four zero zero.
Pardek: What does it mean?
Spock: It means that the Proconsul has apparently been attempting to deceive me. For what purpose I cannot say yet. But his conversations with me have obviously been part of a greater plan which involves the stolen Vulcan ship.
Data: How do you know that, Ambassador?
Spock: The time the Proconsul set for the subspace announcement of our peace initiative is fourteen hundred hours tomorrow. One four zero zero.
Pardek: Why would they need a Vulcan ship?
Sela: That will become clear very shortly. Captain Picard, welcome to Romulus. I trust you've enjoyed your visit. And this is the android I have come to respect in battle.
Data: Lieutenant Commander Data.
Pardek: How could they know of this location? Someone has betrayed us.
Spock: Yes. You did.
Pardek: Spock, we've been friends for eighty years.
Spock: It is the only logical conclusion. You asked me to Romulus, you arranged the meetings with the Proconsul, and you knew that Picard and Data had returned to the surface with new information.
Sela: The great Spock. Very well. Senator Pardek, your service to the Romulan people is noted and appreciated.
Pardek: Jolan tru, Spock.
Sela: Do not be distressed. Your dream of reunification is not dead. It will simply take a different form. The Romulan conquest of Vulcan. Bring them. First Officer's log, supplemental. The Enterprise has reached Galorndon Core, near the border of the Neutral Zone.
Riker: Any signs of life, Mister La Forge?
Laforge: Negative, Commander.
Troi: The Romulans could have a cloaked base on the surface.
Riker: Or anywhere else along the Neutral Zone.
Worf: Sir, a coded subspace signal from Romulus. It's the Captain.
Troi: What?
Riker: Maintain position at Galorndon Core. Diplomatic initiative appears to be succeeding. Will advise.
Worf: The message did employ the proper coded sequence.
Riker: Yeah. I'm sure it did.
Sela: Come in, gentlemen. Take a seat, please. Excuse me, I'm just finishing up a speech. For you, Mister Spock. I rather enjoy writing. I don't get to do it often in this job.
Data: Perhaps you would be happier in another job.
Sela: Please feel free to change any words that you wish. I've tried to make it sound Vulcan. A lot of unnecessarily long words. In a few hours, you will deliver this statement alongside our Senate Proconsul. It will announce to the Vulcan people that a peace envoy is on its way from Romulus. We will transmit it on all Federation subspace frequencies.
Picard: Peace envoy, in a stolen Vulcan ship.
Sela: Actually, three Vulcan ships, Captain. The Enterprise is only aware of the one we stole from Qualor Two. We have been following your investigation. It has forced us to make some minor changes. One of them, a message sent in your name, ordering them to stay where they are.
Picard: The moment those Vulcan ships appear in the Neutral Zone, the Enterprise will move to intercept.
Sela: In that event, the Enterprise will be given more important matters to attend to. In the meantime, Ambassador Spock will be telling his people to welcome the peace envoy. And when they do, our forces will seize control before anyone realizes what has happened.
Picard: Do you seriously believe that the Federation will not immediately intervene?
Sela: Of course it will, and we're fully prepared for it. But we will be there, entrenched, and it will be very difficult to get us out once we are. Reunification will become a fact of life.
Spock: I will not read this or any other statement.
Sela: If you do not, you will die. All of you will die.
Spock: Since it is logical to conclude that you will kill us in any event, I choose not to cooperate.
Sela: I hate Vulcans. I hate the logic. I hate the arrogance. Very well. Computer, holographic program Spock One. By taking advantage of holographic sampling during the last several days, we have created a programmable Spock. Run program! HOLO-
Spock: This is Ambassador Spock of Vulcan. By now, Federation sensors are tracking three Vulcan ships crossing the Neutral Zone. These ships carry the future of the Romulan and Vulcan people. Our long conflict is finally over.
Sela: Freeze. We would have preferred an interactive Spock who could have responded to questions, but this will have to suffice.
Picard: You can hardly believe this will convince anyone.
Sela: I don't need to convince them. Just confuse them long enough to reach Vulcan. End program. If you'll excuse me, it's time to send our ships on their journey.
Picard: Suggestions?
Spock: Commander Data, are they still unaware that we have access to their computers?
Data: I believe so, Ambassador.
Spock: Then perhaps you and I can find a way to create a diversion.
Worf: Sir, sensors are picking up three vessels crossing the Neutral Zone. Vulcan ships.
Troi: Vulcan?
Riker: What's their heading, Mister Worf?
Worf: One four three mark zero one two.
Laforge: That would put them on a course to Vulcan. They don't seem to be in any hurry. They're only moving at warp one, Commander.
Riker: Worf, signal them on subspace. Request their status. Geordi, see if you can tell if it's one of ships we've been looking for.
Worf: They say they are escorting a peace envoy from Romulus to Vulcan. They request that we monitor Federation subspace channels. Ambassador Spock will be making an announcement shortly.
Troi: Perhaps his reunification talks were successful.
Riker: Geordi?
Laforge: None of the transponder signatures matches that of the missing ship. They could have been altered. I'll keep checking.
Riker: Set a course to intercept.
Worf: Sir, the Captain's orders were to maintain
Riker: I know the Captain's orders, Lieutenant. Engage.
Sela: Impossible! There's no way they could have gotten out of this room.
Riker: That's far enough.
Riker: Stay right where you are. Drop your weapons.
Sela: How did you get in here?
Riker: Drop your weapons.
Riker: Drop your weapons.
Sela: Cease fire. Holograms.
Spock: I'm afraid I don't know too much about Romulan disruptor settings.
Spock: Cowboy diplomacy?
Picard: Well done, Mister Data. Though I don't think you got Commander Riker's hair quite right.
Data: I will be more observant in the future, sir.
Sela: It doesn't matter what you do now. Spock's announcement will be made in minutes. Our forces will be on Vulcan before you can alert anyone.
Crusher: We've just received a priority one distress call from the colony on Dulisian Four. A massive failure of the environmental support systems. They're going to require evacuation.
Riker: Mister Worf, any other ships in the vicinity of Dulisian Four?
Worf: One, sir. A Rutian archeological vessel.
Crusher: I'm sure it's not equipped to handle something of this scale, Will.
Riker: Geordi, any update on the Vulcan ships?
Laforge: I've checked every sensor display backwards and forwards. If the Romulans altered them, they didn't leave any fingerprints. I can't tie any of them to the surplus yard.
Worf: The Vulcan ships have entered Federation space. Maintaining low warp.
Riker: Lay in a new course to Dulisian Four.
Worf: Incoming message from Romulus on all subspace channels.
Riker: On screen.
Spock: This is Ambassador Spock of Vulcan. By now, Federation sensors are tracking three Vulcan ships crossing the Neutral Zone. These ships carry a Romulan invasion force and must be stopped. I repeat, these ships carry a Romulan
Riker: Doctor, contact Dulisian Four and confirm this distress call. I have a feeling it may prove to be a false alarm. Mister Worf, how long before we intercept the Vulcan ships?
Worf: Fourteen minutes, sir.
Data: Communication lines have been terminated at the transmitter, but I am quite certain the message was sent prior to the interruption.
Picard: Well done, Mister Data.
Sela: You'll never get out of this building.
Data: I disagree, Commander. After studying the design of this structure, I have determined that our best route of escape would be the underground exit to the east of this wing. I have disconnected certain security scanners to assist us. I am afraid we cannot permit you to warn your guards.
Spock: Not bad.
Worf: The Vulcan defense vessels are also responding. The Romulan force is retreating toward the Neutral Zone.
Riker: They're not taking those Vulcan ships home with them.
Worf: Visual range, Commander.
Riker: On screen.
Laforge: Romulan warbird decloaking alongside the Vulcan ships.
Riker: Red alert.
Riker: Advise the warbird to withdraw from Federation space, and tell them to leave the Vulcan ships where they are.
Worf: The warbird is powering up its forward disruptor array.
Riker: Ready phasers.
Laforge: There were over two thousand Romulan troops on board those ships.
Troi: They destroyed their own invasion force.
Riker: Rather than let them be taken prisoner. Stand down Red alert. Mister Worf, advise the Klingon ship to signal us as soon as Captain Picard and Data are safely aboard.
Worf: Aye, sir.
D'Tan: This way. Pardek never saw these caves. It's safe. They won't find us here.
Picard: What will you do now ?
Woman 2: What we have always done. Continue to teach. Pass on the ideals to a new generation. Work for the day when new thoughts may be spoken aloud.
Picard: The Federation will welcome that day.
Data: Captain, we will need to reach our transport site in fourteen minutes.
Picard: I wish you well.
Various: Thank you. Thank you Captain.
Spock: Captain, I will not be coming with you.
Picard: Ambassador
Spock: The reason for my coming here has never been more clear. The union of Vulcan and the Romulan people will not be achieved by politics or by diplomacy, but it will be achieved. The answer has been here before us all along. An inexorable evolution toward a Vulcan philosophy has already begun. Like the first Vulcans, these people are struggling to a new enlightenment. It may take decades, even centuries for them to reach it, but they will reach it. And I must help.
Picard: I have learned it is useless to argue with you once your mind is set.
Spock: Not at all, Captain. I have found our arguments quite useful. Almost as useful as those I had with my father.
Picard: Would it surprise you to learn that he found them equally valuable?
Spock: Ironically, you may know Sarek better than his own son does. My father and I never chose to meld.
Picard: I offer you the chance to touch what he shared with me.


Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45233.1. Our terraforming mission to Doraf One has been canceled and the Enterprise recalled to Starbase two thirty four. Fleet Admiral Brackett would not discuss the matter on subspace for reasons she said would soon be clear.
Brackett: I apologize, Captain, for the mystery, but we must attempt to contain the information I'm about to reveal to you at least as long as possible.
Picard: I must admit you've piqued my curiosity, Admiral.
Brackett: Three weeks ago, one of our most celebrated Ambassadors, an advisor to Federation leaders for generations, disappeared. He left no word of his destination. Two days ago, intelligence reports placed him on Romulus and I assure you it was an unauthorized visit. Computer, initiate linkage between this terminal and starbase computer system alpha two nine.
Computer: Linkage complete.
Picard: A defection?
Brackett: If it is, the damage to Federation security would be immeasurable. Taken on Romulus, by long range scanner. Computer, enhance image in section four delta.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45236.4. As I study the intelligence reports on Ambassador Spock's disappearance, I cannot help but feel a deeper, more personal concern about this mission, for I know this man through his father. It was barely a year ago that I shared a mind meld with the Vulcan, Sarek. Now we must meet again as I attempt to find an explanation for his son's actions.
Riker: We'll be coming into orbit of Vulcan in less than an hour, Captain.
Picard: We should tell Sarek's wife of our plans.
Riker: Already been taken care of. She's transporting over at oh seven hundred.
Picard: And Sarek?
Riker: She says he's too ill to make the trip.
Picard: The man is dying. And it's my honor to tell him that his son may have betrayed the Federation.
Riker: How well do you know Spock?
Picard: I met him once. What I know of him comes from history books, and of course my mind meld with his father.
Riker: That must cover a lot of ground.
Picard: Not as much as you'd imagine. Sarek and Spock. Well, sometimes, fathers and sons.
Riker: Understood.
Picard: Oh, one other thing. Take a look at this. Turned up during an intelligence sweep.
Riker: Metal fragments.
Picard: What do you make of it?
Riker: Possibly disassembled components, identified as Vulcan, recovered from a downed Ferengi vessel?
Picard: They were found in crates marked Medical Supplies.
Riker: Contraband.
Picard: It's been sent to Vulcan for identification. Starfleet have requested that we lend a hand.
Perrin: Mint tea. It's been years since I've had it. Vulcans have some kind of strange concoction they call mint. You'd never recognize it.
Picard: Perrin, do you know why I've come to Vulcan? I must talk to you about Spock.
Perrin: He didn't even say goodbye to his father before he left.
Picard: Is it possible he could have been abducted?
Perrin: No. He wrapped up all of his affairs carefully. He knew he was going.
Picard: Do you have any idea why he might have disappeared like this?
Perrin: Captain, as far as I'm concerned, he disappeared a long time ago.
Picard: Would it be inappropriate to ask what happened between you and Spock?
Perrin: Not between us. Between Spock and his father. They had argued for years. That was family. But when the debates over the Cardassian war began, he attacked Sarek's position publicly. He showed no loyalty to his father.
Picard: I was not aware that Sarek was offended by Spock's opposition.
Perrin: I was offended. I made sure Spock knew it. I'm very protective of my husband. I do not apologize for it.
Picard: Does Sarek have any idea why Spock might have left?
Perrin: I don't know. If you could see Sarek as I do, wasting in bed, whispering to himself. He wants to see his son. He wants to heal any rift that may still remain. Now, it may be too late.
Picard: Perrin, would you allow me to see Sarek?
Perrin: If it were anyone else I would never permit it, but you are a part of him and he of you.
Riker: The Vulcans haven't figure out what these fragments are but they've determined that the metal is a dentarium alloy.
Laforge: That pretty well indicates that they're Vulcan. And dentarium also means that whatever this was, it was originally designed for use in space. From the look of the damage, it must've been a high speed impact.
Riker: Yeah. A Ferengi cargo ship that went down in the Hanolin asteroid belt. The debris was spread over a hundred square kilometers.
Laforge: Could it be a weapons array?
Riker: That was my first thought, but the Vulcans have no record of any stolen weapons or stolen parts, for that matter.
Laforge: This is going to be like putting together a big jigsaw puzzle when you don't know even know what the picture's supposed to be.
Riker: Yep.
Perrin: He is like this most of the time. His emotions have taken over. Sometimes, I can bring him out of it. Sarek! You will listen!
Sarek: Go from me!
Perrin: Picard is here.
Sarek: No more chaos! No more.
Perrin: I will leave you alone with him. He will either acknowledge you or he won't.
Picard: Sarek! I've come a long way to see you.
Sarek: I will not answer!
Picard: I must speak to you about your son.
Sarek: I wish no one with me.
Picard: About Spock.
Sarek: Spock?
Picard: Yes. He's missing.
Sarek: Is that you, Picard?
Picard: Hello, old friend.
Sarek: You're here, on Vulcan.
Picard: I need your help. I must find Spock.
Sarek: He's not here.
Picard: I know. He's been reported on Romulus.
Sarek: On Romulus?
Picard: Yes.
Sarek: why?
Picard: I had hoped to find that out from you.
Sarek: On Romulus? You're going there, aren't you? To find him.
Picard: Yes. Do you have any idea what might have taken him to Romulus?
Sarek: No.
Picard: Is there anyone on Romulus he might know, or choose to contact?
Sarek: Pardek?
Picard: Who is Pardek?
Sarek: It could be Pardek.
Picard: Who is Pardek?
Sarek: He is a Romulan Senator. Spock has maintained a relationship with him over the years. I don't know how they met. At the Khitomer Conference, I'd imagine.
Picard: Pardek represented Romulus?
Sarek: Yes, I'm sure he did. In fact, I recall Spock coming to me with optimism about a continuing dialogue with the Romulans. I told him it was illogical to maintain such an expectation. Spock was always so impressionable. This Romulan, Pardek, had no support at home. Of course, in the end I was proven correct. I gave Spock the benefit of experience, of logic. He never listened. Never listened.
Picard: It's been suggested that Spock might have defected.
Sarek: Never! I will accept many things, but never that.
Picard: But you believe he might have gone there to see Pardek?
Sarek: The Romulan Senator? How do you know Pardek?
Picard: I've heard of him.
Sarek: That's what he's done. He's gone to see Pardek.
Picard: Do you know what business they might have together?
Sarek: No. I never knew what Spock was doing. When he was a boy, he would disappear for days into the mountains. I asked him where he had gone, what he had done, he refused to tell me. I insisted that he tell me. He would not. I forbade him to go. He ignored me. I punished him. He endured it, silently. But always he returned to the mountains. One might as well ask the river not to run. But secretly I admired him, the proud core of him that would not yield.
Picard: Sarek, we're a part of each other. I know that he has caused you pain but I also know that you love him.
Sarek: Tell him, Picard.
Picard: Peace and long life.
Sarek: Live long and and. Live long and. Spock. My son.
Picard: And prosper.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45240.1. To cross the Neutral Zone, I will require a cloaked ship. To that end, I have set a course for the Klingon home world. After all we did for Gowron during the recent war, I am certain he will be happy to return a favor.
Picard: Still no response from the Klingons, Mister Worf?
Worf: No, sir.
Picard: He's ignoring me. What other explanation is there?
Riker: Seems after hailing him for three days, he could've found a minute to talk to you.
Worf: Sir.
Picard: Yes, Lieutenant?
Worf: I believe I know why our messages are not being answered. Gowron has been rewriting Klingon history.
Riker: Rewriting history?
Worf: Yes. He is claiming it was his courage, his genius, which brought an end to the civil war.
Picard: I see.
Worf: In the new version there is no mention made of the Federation's help in his rise to power.
Riker: If Worf's right, then our arrival would be an uncomfortable reminder of the facts.
Picard: He can take all the credit he wants, I don't caret. But I do need a ship. Well if Gowron won't talk to me, get someone who will. Somebody on the High Council. K'Tal, perhaps.
Worf: Yes, sir.
Data: Captain, I have a visual identification of Senator Pardek of Romulus. This is a Barolian record of a trade negotiation in which Pardek participated four years ago.
Picard: That's all?
Data: Yes, sir.
Picard: Run it again. Computer, freeze. Call up the intelligence scan of Spock on Romulus. Computer, enhance far left figure and compare. Same man. Pardek. One question answered. What do we know of him?
Data: He has been in public service since he was a young man, a senator for nine decades. He is considered a man of the people. He has sponsored many reforms. Reportedly, Romulan leadership considers him to be somewhat of a radical because he has been an advocate of peace throughout his career.
Picard: I can see why Spock would cultivate a relationship with him. Where would we find him other than on the floor of the Romulan Senate?
Data: The district he represents is called the Krocton segment. He maintains a dwelling there.
Picard: Thank you, Mister Data.
Data: There is more, sir. I have taken the liberty of expanding the parameters of my search, and have discovered that Pardek has several relatives in the Krocton segment. I believe you will be able to locate him there on the third day of the Romulan week when the Senate is not in session.
Picard: Mister Data, your resourcefulness never ceases to amaze me.
Data: Thank you, sir.
Worf: Captain, we are being hailed by the Klingon home world.
Picard: Gowron or K'Tal?
Worf: Neither, sir. It is the junior adjutant to the diplomatic delegation.
Riker: Junior adjutant.
Picard: Name.
Worf: B'iJik, sir.
Picard: On screen.
B'Ijik: Greetings, Captain. I regret to inform you that Gowron and the High Council are quite busy and won't be able to speak with you today.
Picard: Is Gowron aware that we have been transmitting messages for the past three days?
B'Ijik: Captain, Gowron wishes it were possible to talk with everyone who wants an audience. But he is one man. The demands on his time are formidable. If you would like me to take him a message.
Picard: A message? Very well. Tell Gowron, leader of the High Council of the Klingon Empire, that his Arbiter of Succession, Jean-Luc Picard, needs a favor.
B'Ijik: A favor?
Picard: I require a cloaked vessel.
B'Ijik: A cloaked vessel. This is no small favor, Captain.
Picard: It is for a mission that could have repercussions throughout the quadrant.
B'Ijik: How would it benefit the Klingon Empire? I'm sure Gowron will ask.
Picard: The only benefit to the Klingon Empire would be our gratitude.
B'Ijik: That is what you want me to tell him?
Picard: Yes. And please add that if he is unable to provide a ship, then I am sure there are others in the Klingon Empire who would be willing to help me. And then, they would have our gratitude.
B'Ijik: I see.
Picard: Also, please tell him that I am immensely gratified that he is prospering so well. A tribute to his skilled leadership.
Crusher: They're not removable, are they, Data?
Data: Removable?
Crusher: Your ears.
Data: No, Doctor. They are fully integrated components.
Crusher: We'll have to do some molds of his ears as well.
Picard: What about his skin color?
Crusher: We'll have to do some tests on his skin pigmentation. Changing it to appear Romulan shouldn't be too difficult. We just have to make sure we can change it back again afterwards. Your right eye is point zero zero four higher than your left.
Picard: Nobody's perfect, Doctor, but
Crusher: If you want a proper fit to your prosthetic, trust your tailor.
Picard: Anything from Gowron?
Riker: No, sir. But after your tailor is done, would you join me in the cargo bay? Mister La Forge has made some progress with the metal fragments.
Crusher: These two still have an appointment with Mister Mott to have their hairpieces designed.
Picard: Thirty minutes, Number One.
Laforge: What we seem to have here is a navigational deflector array. Or at least what's left of one.
Riker: Why would anyone want a Vulcan shield array?
Laforge: Beats me, Commander. Every question we answer here seems to bring up two more.
Picard: You're certain this is Vulcan?
Laforge: Yes, sir. Metallurgical analysis confirmed that and by running a molecular pattern trace, we were actually able to identify the ship as T'Pau. It was decommissioned years ago and sent to the surplus depot at Qualor Two. As far as anybody knows it's still there.
Worf: Worf to Captain Picard.
Picard: Yes, Lieutenant?
Worf: A Klingon vessel is decloaking off our port bow. Compliments of Gowron.
Picard: Mister Worf, will you convey my gratitude to the Captain and advise him that Mister Data and I will be transporting over shortly.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Riker: I'd like to take the Enterprise to Qualor Two, sir. See what's out there.
Picard: Agreed. Thank you, Mister La Forge.
K'Vada: I know my duty, Captain. When I am given orders, I follow them, but I do not like secrets. I want to know why we are going on this mission.
Picard: I'm sorry. It's a classified matter.
K'Vada: You're going after the defector, aren't you?
Picard: Defector?
K'Vada: Do you think information like that stays a secret? Ambassador Spock has gone to Romulus and you are going after him.
Picard: Captain, your orders are to take us to a set of co-ordinates near Romulus and to bring us back, and that is all I am prepared to discuss.
K'Vada: If we are discovered by the Romulans it means death for us all.
Picard: I realize that.
K'Vada: Hechu' ghoS. Very well, Captain. We have set a course for Romulus.
K'Vada: It may not be what you're used to on a Starfleet ship.
Picard: Quite nice. Thank you.
Data: Captain K'Vada, is this the Captain's quarters, or my own?
K'Vada: Both. We have limited space. We are a military ship, not a pleasure craft.
Picard: Of course. This will be fine.
K'Vada: You'll sleep Klingon style. We do not soften our bodies by putting down a pad.
Picard: Good. I prefer it that way.
K'Vada: You'll take your meals with us but we do not serve Federation food.
Picard: I've been looking forward gagh. Haven't had it for quite a while. Very fresh.
Klingon: MeH HoD.
K'Vada: Jatlh!
Klingon: MeHmaH ghoS.
K'Vada: So'wl'chu'. Well, Captain, we're at the border of the Neutral Zone. You mean to do this, do you?
Picard: Yes. I do. First Officer's log, stardate 45240.6. The Enterprise is nearing Qualor Two, home of a Federation surplus depot operated by the Zakdorn. We hope to find out how the salvaged deflector array ended up in the hands of the Ferengi.
Worf: I have made contact, Commander.
Riker: On screen. I'm Commander William Riker from the Federation Starship Enterprise.
Dokachin: Klim Dokachin, Quartermaster, Surplus Depot Zed One Five.
Riker: I need some information about a Vulcan ship, the T'Pau. It was sent to you a few years ago.
Dokachin: Did you arrange an appointment?
Riker: An appointment? No.
Dokachin: Then I will be unable to help you. You may communicate with scheduling.
Riker: Who does he think he is?
Troi: The Quartermaster of the supply yard, with information you need.
Riker: Right. Mister Worf re-establish communication.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Riker: Mister Dokaychin?
Dokachin: Dokachin. Klim Dokachin.
Riker: Mister Dokachin, the information I need involves a matter of major importance to the Federation. I'll need access to your logs, your files. My people can do the work.
Dokachin: I don't allow outsiders into my computer system..
Riker: All right, one of your people can do the work.
Dokachin: I wish I had the people to spare. but I don't.
Riker: Well, sir what would you suggest?
Dokachin: I don't know. Contact me when you reach orbit.
Riker: I don't believe this.
Troi: He's king of his particular hill, Commander. You'll have to treat him that way.
Riker: Counselor, this feels like a perfect job for you.
Riker: Thank you for coming on board, Mister Dokachin.
Dokachin: Quite a ship you have.
Riker: We've tied into your computers, if you'd like to access the files.
Dokachin: I don't usually see them in such good condition. By the time they get to me, they're always falling apart.
Troi: Mister Dokachin, we must find this ship and you're the only one who can help us.
Dokachin: Who are you?
Troi: Deanna Troi, Ship's Counselor.
Dokachin: He probably figures that we don't get to see a lot of handsome women out this way and someone like you might get a little more cooperation from me. He's probably right. What was the name of that ship? The T'Pau? The T'Pau. Vulcan registry. There. Logged in stardate 41334.
Laforge: Where's the ship now?
Dokachin: Docked. Section eighteen gamma twelve. Do you want me to take you there?
Riker: I'd appreciate it.
Dokachin: Helmsman, lay in a heading one four one by two zero eight. Ahead slow, two hundred kph. I suppose this is your first visit to a junkyard, isn't it? You'd be surprised at some of the things I find on board these ships. I once found a fourteen foot Caldorian eel on board a freighter, in someone's locker.
Troi: Are you serious?
Dokachin: If you have time, I'll show it to you. I still have it. Nursed her back to health.
Worf: We are approaching the designated coordinates, Commander.
Riker: On screen.
Dokachin: What? Where is it? What happened to it? These are the correct coordinates.
Riker: The T'Pau is missing?
Dokachin: The T'Pau is missing.
Riker: How could a ship disappear from your depot?
Dokachin: I'm not accustomed to losing things, Commander. I will find your ship for you. I have the T'Pau cross-referenced in four different directories.
Laforge: When it was brought here was it stripped of material, armament, sensors?
Dokachin: Of course.
Laforge: Can you tell us what happened to its navigational deflector?
Dokachin: It was routed to the Tripoli, a holding vessel on the outer rim of the shipyard.
Riker: It's not there any more. What's left of that deflector is laid out on the floor of our cargo bay.
Dokachin: How can that be?
Riker: Perhaps we should to pay a visit to the Tripoli.
Dokachin: In all the time that the Zakdorn have operated this depot, nothing has ever been lost. Never.
Worf: Approaching the coordinates of the Tripoli, sir.
Riker: On screen.
Dokachin: I do not understand this. This is not possible. We beam goods to the Tripoli on a regular schedule. There was a shipment yesterday. Another is set for today. It must be there.
Riker: When is today's transport?
Dokachin: Just over two hours from now. A shipment of deuterium storage tanks.
Riker: Ensign, align the Enterprise so we appear to be one of the abandoned ships. Mister La Forge, when we're in position, shut down the engines and all systems except sensors and life support.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Riker: I've a feeling somebody's going to be here to receive those storage tanks. I'd be very interested to know who that is.
Data: These quarters were obviously intended for one crewmember, sir. There is but a single sleeping space.
Picard: I'm sure the Klingons found it amusing to put us in here together.
Data: Since I do not require sleep, I propose you take the shelf, sir. I am content to stand.
Picard: Very well, Mister Data. Thank you.
Data: Are you comfortable, sir?
Picard: I suppose so.
Data: Good night, Captain. Sleep well, sir.
Picard: Thank you.
Picard: What are you doing?
Data: Sir? Was I making noise, sir?
Picard: No, not exactly
Data: I was processing all of the information we have accumulated on Romulan society. I am preparing for the task of impersonating a Romulan.
Picard: I see.
Data: Would you like me to discontinue, sir?
Picard: No. Please go on.
Picard: What are you looking at?
Data: I am not looking at anything, sir. I am continuing to organize my files.
Picard: But you're looking at me.
Data: I am sorry if I was disturbing you, sir. I will not look in your direction.
Data: Do you not wish to sleep, sir?
Picard: I don't think so, Mister Data. Let's go on with the files.
Data: I would be happy to. I have been studying the Krocton segment, as you asked, and have selected an appropriate site for our transport.
K'Vada: Captain K'Vada to Picard. Please come to the bridge.
K'Vada: Captain. We've monitored a subspace message that might interest you.
Picard: Sarek is dead.
Worf: Commander, sensors detect a ship approaching at warp speed.
Riker: Identification?
Worf: Negative. No transponder signal, no subspace marker.
Laforge: Sounds like they don't want to be identified.
Worf: The ship is coming out of warp, sir.
Riker: On screen.
Laforge: Sensors indicate a combat vessel, origin undetermined, heavily armed. Mass and density suggest that it's fully loaded with cargo. I'd say from these internal scans, a good deal of that cargo is weaponry.
Worf: The ship is entering sector twelve delta four
Dokachin: He's taking the position assigned to the Tripoli. The coordinates are identical.
Laforge: Commander, readings indicate surface to ship transport has begun.
Riker: Mister La Forge, bring the engines back online and restore all systems to normal.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Worf: He's powering up engines, turning to starboard.
Riker: Open a channel.
Worf: Open.
Riker: This is Commander William Riker of the USS Enterprise. Identify yourself. I repeat, you have entered a Federation depot. Identify yourself.
Worf: Sir, the ship is locking phasers.
Riker: Shields up. Red alert.
Laforge: That ship easily matches our armament, Commander.
Worf: It's coming about.
Riker: If you do not respond to our hails, we will take that as evidence of hostile action.
Worf: There is an energy build up in their phaser banks. Sir, they're activating weapons.
Worf: Forward shields down to seventy two percent.
Riker: Boost power to the shields.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Riker: Mister Worf, lock onto their weapon systems only and prepare to fire.
Worf: Forward shields down to sixty eight percent, aft shields forty percent.
Riker: On my mark, point seven five burst. We just want to get their attention.
Worf: Ready, sir.
Riker: Fire.
Worf: Their forward shields are damaged, sir.
Laforge: We destroyed one of their phaser arrays. Looks like collateral damage in the cargo area. Commander, I'm picking up massive power fluctuations, internal explosions. With all the armament that ship is carrying, it's going to blow.
Picard: Well, Mister Data? What do you think?
Data: I would not have thought it possible, sir. I am eager to test the success of our efforts. It does remain to be seen if the Romulans will accept us. Captain, you have seemed unusually pensive since we received the news of Ambassador Sarek's death.
Picard: Sarek and I share a particular bond. Our lives touched in an unusual way. I admit I feel the effects of his death. The tenor of this mission has changed, Mister Data, at least it has for me. We were sent to confront Spock about his disappearance. Now, I also have to tell him that his father is dead.
Data: I do not entirely understand, sir. As a Vulcan, Ambassador Spock would simply see death as the logical result of his father's illness.
Picard: It's never quite that simple, not even for a Vulcan. Certainly not for Spock who is half-human. Years spent in conflict. And now the chance to resolve all of those differences is gone.
Data: Considering the exceptionally long lifespan of Vulcans, it does seem odd that Sarek and Spock did not choose to resolve those differences in the time allowed.
Picard: Father and son. Both proud, both stubborn, more alike than either of them were prepared to admit. A lifetime spent building emotional barriers. They're very difficult to break down. And now the time has come, it's too late. It's a difficult moment. It's a lonely one. It's a moment Spock is about to face.
K'Vada: Don't you two look sweet. Be careful, android. Some Romulan beauty might take a liking to you. Lick that paint right off your ears. You. Do you know what the Romulans will do to you if they discover who you are?
Picard: I have a good idea. We're ready to transport down to the surface.
K'Vada: Just so we understand each other, my orders don't include rescue missions.
Neral: Ah, Senator Pardek. You received my message.
Pardek: I got here as quickly as I could, Proconsul.
Neral: What do you know of this human? Jean-Luc Picard, a Starfleet Captain.
Pardek: I know nothing of him.
Neral: You haven't seen him recently?
Pardek: To my knowledge, I have never seen him.
Neral: I have received intelligence indicating he's on his way here. Perhaps here already.
Pardek: Here on Romulus?
Neral: Yes. Curious, isn't it. I suppose we'd better find out if the report is accurate or merely rumor. Circulate his likeness among the security forces. Remind them that if he is here, he's probably disguised as one of us.
Pardek: I'll see to it.
Data: This is definitely the street on which the intelligence scan of Spock and Pardek was taken, sir. Adjusting for the optical distortions, I am able to verify the architectural features.
Picard: Where were they standing? Data, you're moving about in a very, well, android way.
Data: I am sorry, Captain. I will be more careful.
Picard: Don't call me Captain.
Data: I understand, sir. I have found the place where they were standing.
Picard: Where?
Data: It is here, at this doorway. A legal intercessor's office. The name is similar to Pardek's. It would appear to be one of his relatives.
Picard: He's not open for business yet.
Data: Nonetheless, I recommend we keep this location under observation. I have clearly determined Pardek's routine. On days when the Senate is not in session, he invariably comes to this section after the median hour.
Picard: Very well. Let's sample the local cuisine, shall we?
Picard: Do you happen to know what time the intercessor's office across the way opens?
Woman: Why do you want to know?
Picard: I need his services. He was recommended.
Woman: I haven't seen you here before.
Data: We are here for the day, from the city of Rateg.
Woman: Rateg? I don't think so.
Data: Why do you say that?
Woman: You don't sound like you're from Rateg.
Data: It is a misconception that all Rategs speak with a particular inflection. In fact, there are twelve different
Picard: We come from several kilometers outside the city.
Woman: Or perhaps you come from the security forces to watch the intercessor's office. Is he in trouble?
Picard: You're mistaken, madam.
Woman: Doesn't matter to me. I don't know when he opens. Eat your soup, courtesy of a loyal establishment. Jolan tru.
Picard: I don't think we can stay here too long.
Data: We may not have to. Direct your view to the far corner, sir.
Man: Very good, Senator.
Lady: Senator, we seem to be having some problems
Data: Is that not Pardek?
Picard: I believe it is.
Data: Perhaps you should appear to enjoy your soup, sir.
Pardek: I'll take care of that. Come.
Romulan 1: Do not move.
Picard: What? You've made a mistake.
Romulan 1: Quiet. Come with us.
Romulan 1: Wait here.
Picard: For what? What have you brought us here for?
Pardek: Welcome to Romulus, Captain Picard. Don't let our soldiers frighten you. We had to get you off the street as quickly as we could. Romulan Security knows that you're here. I am Pardek. You are among friends, Captain.
Picard: I have come on an urgent mission from the Federation. I'm looking for Ambassador Spock.
Spock: Indeed. You have found him, Captain Picard. To Be Continued...


Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45349.1. The Enterprise is on its way to Penthara Four, where a type C asteroid has struck an unpopulated continent. The resulting dust cloud could very well create a phenomenon not unlike the nuclear winters of twenty first century Earth. Commander La Forge has begun work on a plan that would counteract the devastation.
Laforge: I'm afraid the numbers coming in are already indicating climatic changes, Commander.
Riker: What kind of drop can we expect?
Data: If the Pentharan spheral forecasts are correct, ten to twelve degrees Celsius within the first ten days.
Laforge: If it continues like that, their entire ecozystem will be shot to hell.
Riker: And I doubt they're prepared to cope with the kind of cold that's coming.
Picard: Commander Riker.
Riker: Yes, sir.
Picard: Would you join me on the bridge, please.
Riker: Right away, sir.
Picard: Are you certain, Mister Worf?
Worf: There was a space-time distortion, sir, and there is something back there. We passed within three hundred kilometers of it.
Picard: It's too close to be a coincidence. Mister La Forge?
Laforge: Yes, Captain?
Picard: Would a delay of one hour affect your plans?
Laforge: Not unless another asteroid decides to pay a call on Penthara, sir.
Data: The odds of that occurring, Captain, are extremely unlikely, given the time frame.
Picard: Thank you, Mister Data.
Picard: Ensign, bring the ship about. Let's take a look at Mister Worf's distortion.
Ensign: Aye, sir.
Riker: Mister Worf's what?
Picard: The Lieutenant's sensors detected a temporal distortion almost in our current course. There's a small object back there that wasn't there a few moments ago.
Worf: The object is fifty kilometers ahead, sir.
Picard: Full stop, Ensign.
Ensign: Aye, sir.
Picard: On screen.
Riker: Dimensions, Worf?
Worf: Approximately five meters in length, sir.
Picard: Lifesigns?
Worf: No signs of any kind. Our sensors do not penetrate the hull.
Picard: Try hailing it.
Worf: That's odd.
Riker: What's odd?
Worf: We've received a response, sir, but
Picard: Yes, Mister Worf?
Worf: They want you to move over, sir.
Picard: Reply that the Enterprise isn't going anywhere, Lieutenant.
Worf: Not the Enterprise, Captain. You.
Picard: What are you trying to tell me?
Rasmussen: Oops. Excuse me, Captain, but you were standing right where I needed to be.
Picard: Who are you?
Rasmussen: Rasmussen's the name, sir. Professor Berlinghoff Rasmussen. Ah, this is wonderful. Actually, quite a bit larger than I thought.
Picard: Really?
Rasmussen: Where I come from, every historian knows the bridge of old 1701D.
Picard: Where exactly do you come from?
Rasmussen: Why, Earth. Late twenty sixth century Earth, to be exact. I've traveled back nearly three hundred years just to find you.
Picard: Exactly what kind of historian are you?
Rasmussen: My focus is on the twenty second through the twenty fourth centuries. Early interstellar history. You know, it was always believed this was on your desk, not here. Fascinating. Don't move it on my account.
Picard: You can't expect me to believe that the layout of my ready room can possibly be of interest to future historians.
Rasmussen: No less so than your legendary modesty, Captain. If I could describe to you what a thrill it is to be here. This is the original.
Picard: You flatter me Professor, but I can't help but wonder what could possibly have caused you to select me as the subject of your study. Even in this decade, there are far wiser and more experienced humans in and out of Starfleet.
Rasmussen: I'd love to tell you, Picard. I really would, but try and imagine what a young Caesar might have done differently had someone had given him a hint of what lay ahead, or if Lincoln had been coerced into changing his theater plans. I truly wish I could be more specific on why you were selected, but I'm afraid the exchange of information will have to flow in one direction only. Five, six, seven meters. Ha! I was right.
Worf: Why now?
Laforge: Right. If you've came back to study us, to study the captain, why would you pick today? Why not a year ago or a year from now?
Rasmussen: Oh, I picked the right day all right. Just wait, you'll see. Do you always sit there, on that side of the table?
Worf: Usually. Why?
Rasmussen: It's not important.
Riker: Professor, at what point does time travel become a tool for historians?
Rasmussen: Now, now, Commander, you know better than that. I've studied a great deal about your century, including the fact that you're all quite aware of the dangers of anyone altering the past, and that's exactly what I'd be doing if I were to divulge information like that.
Crusher: Telurian plague.
Rasmussen: I beg your pardon?
Crusher: The telurian plague. Was it cured? I mean, did they find the cure by your century? Oh, it can't do any harm to ask that.
Picard: I realize that it's difficult, but we must keep to ourselves questions regarding the future. Go on, Professor.
Rasmussen: I'll be preparing questionnaires for each of you. Please complete them at your convenience. If you're concerned about a possible breach of security, I'm sure your Captain can make a determination. And thank you in advance for curbing your curiosity.
Laforge: If I hand my assignment in on time, can I get a glimpse into next week's poker game?
Picard: Mister Data, would you escort the Professor to his quarters.
Data: This way, sir.
Riker: What did he mean, he picked the right day?
Picard: You know everything I do, Will.
Riker: Deanna?
Troi: It's hard to tell, but he is holding something back.
Crusher: Of course he is. All the things he could tell us. All the things he would like to tell us.
Troi: It might be that, I don't know.
Riker: What if he's an imposter? God knows we've seen enough of them.
Picard: He is human. The medical scans have proved that, right, Doctor?
Crusher: He's human, all right.
Picard: And there was a temporal distortion back there, correct Mister Worf?
Worf: Yes, sir.
Picard: And no one can deny that ship of his is unlike anything we've ever seen before.
Laforge: The hull is made of some kind of plasticised tritanium mesh. We've nothing like it on record, at least not till now.
Picard: Mister Worf, I do appreciate your caution. I share it. Bring his vessel into the shuttlebay. Place it under guard.
Worf: Yes, sir.
Picard: I realize that this visit is going to be difficult for some of us, but I've examined his credentials, and everything seems to be in order, so I think we should extend to him every courtesy.
Worf: Including questionnaires?
Picard: Including questionnaires, Mister Worf.
Rasmussen: This is really a thrill, Data, like running across a Redstone missile or a Gutenberg bible. To think, the Model T of androids.
Data: If you're referring to the first production model automobile of the twentieth century, perhaps the subsequent Model A might be a more apt analogy, since I am Doctor Noonian Soong's revised prototype.
Rasmussen: I stand corrected.
Data: Is there a problem, Professor?
Rasmussen: I suppose it will have to do, for now. I'll get you a list of the things I'll be needing, okay?
Data: Would I be correct, Professor, in assuming that you know whether or not I am still alive in the twenty sixth century?
Data: Since you seemed to know so much about Captain Picard and the ship, I assumed that you would.
Rasmussen: It'd be best if you kept your assumptions to yourself, wouldn't it?
Data: Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45350.3. We have arrived at Penthara Four and can see for ourselves the atmospheric devastation caused by the asteroid impact.
Picard: We've located three underground pockets of carbon dioxide, here, here and here. Our drilling phasers can release enough of the gas to form an envelope which would temporarily hold in the heat of the sun.
Moseley: We've spend years, decades, trying to avoid anything that would lead to a greenhouse effect and now here we are about to create one on purpose.
Laforge: Less than twenty percent of your normal sunlight is getting through that dust, Doctor. If we can hold enough heat in with the CO2, that should give the planet time to mend itself.
Woman: Excuse me, Doctor Moseley.
Moseley: What now?
Woman: New Seattle's reporting a cloud depth of twelve kilometers. Two rivers, tropical rivers, are beginning to freeze.
Moseley: We'd better get started before there's nothing left to mend.
Riker: Look who's here.
Worf: I hate questionnaires.
Crusher: Professor, come and join us.
Rasmussen: I hope I'm not intruding.
Crusher: Not at all. I'm sure you're the topic of conversation at every table in this room.
Rasmussen: As I promised, here are your assignments. I'm sure they'll be painless. Please try and complete them by tomorrow.
Worf: Tomorrow?
Riker: No problem, Professor.
Rasmussen: You're all very calm.
Riker: Is there some reason we shouldn't be?
Rasmussen: History always records where people were, what they were doing, when important events took place. But it rarely remembers their activities say, a week before, or a day or even an hour.
Worf: Are you suggesting that an important event is imminent?
Rasmussen: I didn't say that, did I? Please, just go on doing what you were doing and pretend I'm not here.
Riker: Why is there no record of other future historians traveling back to witness important events?
Rasmussen: We're obviously very careful. As a matter of fact, a colleague and I recently paid a call on a twenty second century vessel.
Crusher: They hadn't perfected quarantine fields. You probably saw some surgical masks and gloves.
Rasmussen: Isn't it fascinating how everyone has different interests when it comes to history. Different perspectives on progress.
Riker: Would you mind telling me what that is?
Rasmussen: Just checking the time. No problem.
Riker: Is something important supposed to be happening here?
Rasmussen: No, it's nothing, nothing. What about you, Commander? What do you see as the most important example of progress in the last two hundred years?
Riker: I suppose the warp coil. Before there was warp drive, humans were confined to a single sector of the galaxy.
Rasmussen: Spoken like the consummate explorer.
Riker: What is going on? Are you expecting someone?
Worf: Phasers.
Rasmussen: I beg your pardon?
Worf: There were no phasers in the 22nd century.
Rasmussen: Ah, you see, Doctor? Our Klingon friend is a perfect example of what I was trying to tell you. He views history through the eyes of a hunter, a warrior. His passion lies in the perfection of the tools of violence. How delightfully primitive.
Laforge: As soon as we input this atmospheric data from Moseley, the computer should tell us how many holes we'll have to punch.
Data: What have you learned about the tectonic stability around the drilling sites?
Laforge: Couldn't be better. Our scans were all clear and Moseley says there hasn't been so much as a quiver down there in well over a century.
Rasmussen: Ah ha, just the two I'm looking for. I've brought you the forms I need you to complete. Shouldn't take any more than a couple of hours.
Laforge: We're kind of busy here, Professor. Tomorrow would probably be better. Data, we've got about twenty three thousand thermal simulations. You think you could check them through for anomalies?
Data: Certainly.
Rasmussen: Is that as fast as he can go?
Laforge: Not fast enough for you, Professor?
Rasmussen: There's little known about Data's efficiency. Almost nothing about his part in this mission. It's a topic of great conjecture.
Data: Two hundred nine anomalies all within acceptable parameters.
Laforge: Thanks, Data. You're here to witness this mission. That's it, isn't it?
Rasmussen: It'd be best if you just thought of me as a fly on the wall, and went about your business.
Data: I will have your answered questions as soon as possible, Professor.
Rasmussen: Data at Penthara Four!
Laforge: If you'll excuse me.
Rasmussen: Your prosthesis. What do you call it again?
Laforge: A visor.
Rasmussen: Visor. Right. A visor. You know, I have a picture of you wearing that in my office. How do you like it?
Laforge: It allows me to see. I like it just fine.
Rasmussen: You know, Homer was blind and Milton. Bach, Monet, Wonder.
Laforge: A fly on the wall, huh?
Rasmussen: A fly on the wall.
Data: The computer has configured the drilling pattern and specified depths.
Laforge: Captain, we've got everything we need. I'm ready to transport down to the surface.
Picard: I'll notify Doctor Moseley. Good luck, Geordi.
Laforge: Gentlemen.
Rasmussen: Who said these moments were any less exciting when you know the outcome?
Data: I know of no one who said that, Professor.
Laforge: The Enterprise will monitor the CO2 concentrations at six different altitudes. If all goes well, it shouldn't take more than twenty bore sites.
Moseley: Let's hope all goes well.
Laforge: La Forge to Commander Riker. How are you doing?
Riker: We've gotten word from the monitoring stations. They're all online. We're ready when you are, Geordi.
Laforge: That's excellent. All we need now is an open channel to Data.
Riker: Open a channel, Mister Worf, and prepare to fire at target one.
Worf: The computer has locked in phaser depth calculations.
Riker: Mister Data?
Data: Ready, sir.
Riker: Fire.
Data: Target one is emitting two thousand cubic meters per second.
Data: Target two, one thousand six hundred.
Moseley: Surface wind patterns over the target are stable.
Laforge: You picking up anything at altitude, Data?
Data: CO2 concentrations remain unchanged at upper elevations.
Rasmussen: Have I missed much?
Worf: Target fourteen complete, sir.
Riker: Data?
Riker: What have you got?
Data: No change, sir.
Riker: How are the surface winds, Geordi?
Laforge: Holding steady, sir.
Worf: The computer has stopped drilling.
Riker: You should be getting something
Riker: Now, Data.
Data: Elevated CO2 levels at twenty kilometers, sir.
Laforge: Now you're
Laforge: Talking. We've got some new temperatures coming in.
Moseley: All thermal monitoring stations are reporting no further temperature drops.
Laforge: Correction, Doctor. Two equatorial stations are showing slight increases.
Moseley: Thank you. Thank you all. You've given us what we need. Time.
Picard: We're glad to be of help, Doctor. The Enterprise will remain in orbit and continue to monitor your progress. Picard out.
Rasmussen: You've given us what we need. Time.
Picard: Ensign, return to synchronous orbit.
Ensign: Aye, sir.
Rasmussen: Very clever, Picard. And well done. We've always known how you did it, but to experience the moment, to witness the nuances, it's indescribable.
Troi: He's after more than a history lesson. I can tell you that.
Crusher: What is it? What are you getting from him?
Troi: I don't know. It's like he's trying to confuse us, misdirect us somehow.
Rasmussen: There you are. Well, that certainly was exciting, wasn't it?
Crusher: Professor, is everything alright? Are you well?
Rasmussen: Yes, couldn't be better, thank you. I just thought we might chat about your questionnaire. Buck up, crewman. You're a credit to that uniform.
Troi: I've got some things to take care of.
Rasmussen: No, please, Counselor. I would very much appreciate your remaining.
Rasmussen: Doctor, in response to my sixth question, you spoke of a neural stimulator. May I see one?
Crusher: I don't see why not. Give me a minute.
Rasmussen: You don't like me very much, do you?
Troi: I don't dislike you, Professor.
Rasmussen: Keep your eyes wide, soldier. You'll be telling your grandchildren how you were there at Penthara Four. But you don't trust me. You should, you know.
Troi: Should I?
Rasmussen: Picard's empath won't trust you. That's what they all said.
Troi: Picard's empath?
Rasmussen: We're not that unalike, you and I. You possess a sense that is foreign to the others. My knowledge of the future is similar. You know, some of my best friends are empaths. They trust me.
Troi: Why should you care whether I trust you or not?
Rasmussen: We're birds of a feather. We're colleagues. We could learn a lot from each other.
Troi: You're right. I don't trust you.
Rasmussen: I knew you'd say that.
Troi: I'm sure you did.
Crusher: Well, it's nice to see you two are finally getting along.
Troi: I really have to be going.
Rasmussen: Thank you.
Crusher: Why don't you try a berylite scan? I'd be interested to see where his micro-levels are.
Crusher: So, what else can I show you?
Rasmussen: You're a very curious woman. No, no, I don't mean curious like that. I mean you're curious about things. About berylite levels, about the future.
Crusher: Well, curiosity is why all of us are out here, isn't it?
Rasmussen: I understand. But you're different, you're more vibrant. More
Crusher: More vibrant. That's nice, I like that.
Rasmussen: You know, whenever I travel back, I meet very interesting people, men and women. But I've never anyone who gave me thoughts about not going home.
Crusher: You're not supposed to be influencing the past, remember? And I am beginning to feel a little influenced. Anyway, I could be your great, great, great, great, grandmother.
Picard: What kind of questions did he have for you, Number One?
Riker: All he wanted to know about was previous starships. What I thought was innovative about the last Enterprise, the one before that. He said he wanted to see if we had a grasp of the fundamentals.
Data: His queries to me primarily focused on Doctor Soong's
Worf: Captain, I am detecting a massive earthquake on the surface. Two earthquakes.
Picard: Location?
Data: Both epicenters are beneath the two southernmost drill sites, Captain.
Picard: Is La Forge still down there?
Worf: Yes, sir.
Picard: Find him.
Riker: We've also got some volcanic activity. Pretty severe.
Picard: Magnify.
Laforge: La Forge here, Captain. Moseley and I are on our way back to his lab.
Picard: Are you all right?
Laforge: We're okay, but those were pretty big, sir. If this was Earth, I'd say around an eight or an eight five on the Richter Scale. We're starting to see some volcanic plumes, Captain.
Worf: Two more eruptions, sir.
Data: It is likely that we overestimated the geologic stability around the CO2 pockets, Captain.
Laforge: We're in the lab, sir.
Picard: On screen.
Moseley: We're fairly well quake-proof down here, Picard. It's the volcanic dust I'm worried about.
Picard: What about the dust?
Laforge: The ash the volcanoes are throwing into the atmosphere is going to compound the existing problem. In a matter of days, there'll be no sunlight getting through those clouds.
Moseley: No amount of CO2 will help us then.
Riker: Captain, take a look at this. These are the coordinates of the eruptions, and these are the coordinates of the phaser drilling sites.
Picard: The mantle is collapsing where the pressure was released.
Laforge: Captain, Doctor Moseley and I have a couple of ideas, but it's going to take some time to sort out.
Picard: Sort them out, Commander.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Riker: We came here to help these people.
Picard: And look what we've done.
Rasmussen: What in God's name is that?
Data: Music, Professor.
Rasmussen: Music?
Data: Yes, sir. Mozart's Jupiter symphony in C major, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto number three, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, second movement, molto vivace and La Donna e Mobile from Verdi's Rigoletto.
Rasmussen: Do you think you could thin it out a bit?
Data: Computer, eliminate program one. Computer, eliminate program two. Computer, eliminate program three. Computer, half volume.
Rasmussen: How the hell can you listen to four pieces of music at the same time?
Data: Actually, I am capable of distinguishing over one hundred and fifty simultaneous compositions, but in order to analyze the esthetics, I try to keep it to ten or less.
Rasmussen: Only four today?
Data: I am assisting Commander La Forge with a very complex calculation. It demands a great deal of my concentration.
Rasmussen: Well, I came to thank you for answering my questions, though I probably should have asked you to limit yourself to fifty thousand words.
Data: You did ask me to be thorough.
Rasmussen: I realize it's hard to believe, Data, but very few records of Doctor Soong's work survived to the twenty sixth century, so it would be invaluable to myself and other historians, if you could provide us with some schematics.
Data: Certainly, as soon as my work here is completed.
Rasmussen: As long as it's before oh nine hundred tomorrow. That's when I'll be heading back.
Worf: Bridge to Commander Data.
Data: Yes, Worf.
Worf: Commander La Forge is hailing you from the surface, sir.
Data: Patch him through, please.
Laforge: Have you rerun the phase reversal figures, Data?
Data: There were no errors, Geordi. The variance must be no more than point zero six terawatts.
Laforge: Well, I don't see any other choice. We'll continue to run the numbers down here but I doubt we'll come up with anything different. You better inform the captain of the good news and the bad news. La Forge out.
Rasmussen: Which do you suppose he's going to want to hear first?
Picard: The good news.
Data: The motion of the dust has created a great deal of electrostatic energy in the upper atmosphere. With a modified phaser blast, we could create a shock front that would encircle the planet and ionize the particles.
Picard: That would be like striking a spark in a gas-filled room.
Data: With one exception, sir. The particles would be converted into a high energy plasma which our shields could absorb and then re-direct harmlessly into space.
Picard: Turn the Enterprise into a lightning rod?
Data: Precisely, sir.
Picard: And the bad news?
Data: If our phaser discharge is off by as little as point zero six terawatts, it would cause a cascading exothermal inversion.
Picard: Meaning?
Data: We would completely burn off the planet's atmosphere.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. While Doctor Moseley takes La Forge's plan to the leaders of the colony, I find myself weighing the potential consequences of a more philosophical issue.
Picard: Come.
Picard: I imagine you know why I've asked you here.
Rasmussen: Yeah, I have a fairly good idea.
Picard: I'm faced with a dilemma. There is a planet beneath us which is slowly turning to ice, and unless we do something about it, I'm told that in a matter of weeks thousands, maybe tens of thousands, will die.
Rasmussen: That'd be a shame.
Picard: Yes, it would. It would be quite a shame.
Rasmussen: So, what's your dilemma?
Picard: Commander La Forge has a possible solution. The margins of error are extremely critical, but if successful, there'll be no more threat.
Rasmussen: And if it's not successful?
Picard: Every living thing on the planet will perish.
Rasmussen: So do nothing and thousands will die. Do something and millions could die. That's a tough choice.
Picard: Not if you were to help me.
Rasmussen: You're not suggesting I tell you the outcome of your efforts?
Picard: Oh no, I'm not. Everything that Starfleet stands for, everything that I have ever believed in, tells me I cannot ask you that. But at the same time, there are twenty million lives down there, and you know what happened to them. What will happen to them.
Rasmussen: So, it seems you have another dilemma. One that questions your convictions.
Picard: Well, I've never been afraid of reevaluating my convictions, Professor, and now, I have twenty million reasons to do so.
Rasmussen: And why did you ask to see me?
Picard: Because your presence gives me potential access to a kind of information that I've never had available to me before, and if I am to re-examine my beliefs, then I must take advantage of every possible asset. It would be irresponsible of me not to ask you here.
Rasmussen: However you come to terms with your beliefs, Captain, I must tell you that I'm quite comfortable with mine.
Picard: How can you be? How can you be comfortable watching people die?
Rasmussen: Let me put it to you this way. If I were to tell you that none of those people died, you'd easily conclude that you tried your solution and it succeeded. So, you'd confidently try again. No harm in that. But what if I were to tell you they all died? What then? Obviously, you'd decide not to make the same mistake twice. Now, what if one of those people grew up
Picard: Yes, Professor, I know. What if one of those lives I save down there is a child who grows up to be the next Adolf Hitler or Khan Singh? Every first year philosophy student have been asked that question ever since the earliest wormholes were discovered. But this is not a class in temporal logic. It's not theoretical, it's not hypothetical, it's real. Surely you see that?
Rasmussen: I see it all too well. But you must see that if I were to influence you, everything in this sector, in this quadrant of the galaxy could change. History, my history, would unfold in a way other than it already has. Now what possible incentive could anyone offer me to allow that to happen?
Picard: I have two choices. Either way, one version of history or another will wend its way forward. The history you know or another one. Now who is to say which is better? What I do know is here, today, one way, millions of lives could be saved. Now isn't that incentive enough?
Rasmussen: Everyone dies, Captain. It's just a question of when. All of those people down there died years before I was born. All of you up here, as well. So you see, I can't get quite as worked up as you over the fate of some colonists who, for me, have been dead a very, very long time.
Picard: Of course, you know of the Prime Directive, which tells us that we have no right to interfere with the natural evolution of alien worlds. Now I have sworn to uphold it, but nevertheless I have disregarded that directive on more than one occasion because I thought it was the right thing to do. Now, if you are holding on to some temporal equivalent of that directive, then isn't it possible that you have an occasion here to make an exception, to help me to choose, because it's the right thing to do?
Rasmussen: We're not just talking about a choice. It sounds to me like you're trying to manipulate the future.
Picard: Every choice we make allows us to manipulate the future. Do I ask Adrienne or Suzanne to the spring dance? Do I take my holiday on Corsica or on Risa? A person's life, their future, hinges on each of a thousand choices. Living is making choices. Now you ask me to believe that if I make a choice other than the one found in your history books, then your past will be irrevocably altered. Well, you know, Professor, perhaps I don't give a damn about your past, because your past is my future and as far as I'm concerned, it hasn't been written yet.
Riker: Captain, the electrostatic conditions are about as good as they're going to get. If we're going to try this, now's the time.
Rasmussen: Please don't ask me, Captain. I can't help you. I'm sorry.
Picard: How long will it take to program the phasers, Number One?
Riker: We've just got to tie in Geordi's atmospheric sensors.
Rasmussen: So you've made your choice after all, and without my help.
Picard: Oh, on the contrary, Professor, you were quite helpful.
Rasmussen: How's that?
Picard: By refusing to assist me, you left me with the same choice I had to began with. To try or not to try, to take a risk or to play it safe. Your arguments have reminded me how precious the right to choose is. And because I've never been one to play it safe, I choose to try. Mister Data, program the firing sequence.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45351.9. Doctor Moseley has met with the colony leaders, who all agree they are willing to take the risk.
Worf: Warp power has being rerouted to the main deflector dish, Commander.
Laforge: Keep those phasers on active surge control, Worf. We're only going to get one shot at this.
Rasmussen: Well, this is it!
Riker: You have the sequence locked in, Data?
Data: Yes, sir. After an eight point three second burst from the dish, we'll discharge all EPS taps through the phasers.
Picard: It's time for you return to the ship, Mister La Forge. Mister O'Brien, stand by to transport.
Laforge: Excuse me, Captain, but I can be of a lot more help down here. We've going to have to compensate for density variations right up to the last second.
Data: Doctor Moseley's computers can accomplish the same task, sir. but Geordi would be better able to anticipate unexpected variances.
Picard: Mister La Forge, you know better than anyone there's no guarantee this will work. If it fails
Laforge: There's no guarantee it's going to fail, Captain. I'd like your permission to remain here on the surface.
Picard: Permission granted.
Rasmussen: La Forge remained below.
Picard: Good luck, Commander.
Laforge: Thank you, Captain.
Data: The deflector dish has been reconfigured, Captain.
Riker: Proceed, Mister Data.
Data: Stand by for auto-phaser interlock. Activating deflector beam.
Worf: EPS taps online. Phasers firing.
Data: Activating shield invertors, now.
Picard: Mister La Forge?
Laforge: La Forge here. Still breathing, Captain.
Moseley: We've got particulate levels right where they're supposed to be and the sun is shining!
Laforge: You see, Captain, I told you there was nothing to worry about.
Picard: Report back to the ship when you're ready, Commander. Doctor, we'll stay in orbit and analyze the remaining volcanic disturbances, but the best advice would be to let them cool down on their own.
Moseley: I'm getting in the habit of thanking you, Picard.
Rasmussen: Well, I'd love to see more, but it's nearly time for me to go. I am tickled pink to have had the opportunity of witnessing this, Picard. And you did it all without any help. well, must run. Got some packing to do. You know, you're taller in person, Commander.
Rasmussen: Well, would you look at this. Who would have expected a teary farewell?
Picard: I'm afraid we're going to have to take a look in your vessel.
Rasmussen: Curious till the end, eh, Captain? You can't be serious, Picard. We've been through this more than once.
Picard: A number of objects have been discovered missing in the last two days, and if they're in your possession, then we would like them returned.
Rasmussen: I'm not here in search of relics. I'm sure they'll turn up.
Worf: If you will not open the vessel, I will. With explosives, if necessary.
Rasmussen: I doubt you have the means.
Riker: If we don't get in that thing, I guarantee you don't either.
Rasmussen: Considering the sensitive nature of my equipment, I think you'll understand if I request that only Mister Data be allowed to see it.
Riker: Why Data?
Picard: Because if I order Data never to divulge what he sees in there, he won't, with the exception of anything that might belong to us.
Data: Understood, sir.
Rasmussen: Back in a minute.
Data: I do not believe any of these items belong to you, Professor.
Rasmussen: Nor does this. This phaser is set at the highest stun setting. If I'm correct, that is sufficient to immobilize even you.
Data: Why have you stolen these objects? To put in a museum?
Rasmussen: Far too valuable for that. You see, in the century I come from, they haven't even been invented yet.
Data: But this vessel? And the temporal distortion that coincided with your arrival?
Rasmussen: Oh, this is a time pod, and it is from the twenty sixth century. At least that's what the poor fellow said. You see, he decided to travel back to the twenty second century, that's my time, and he had the misfortune of meeting me. His clothes fit quite well, don't you think? Took me weeks to figure out how to work this thing.
Data: Then you are not an historian.
Rasmussen: More of an inventor. Up till a few weeks ago, a dismally unsuccessful one.
Data: What are your intentions, Professor?
Rasmussen: Well, thanks to your captain, it seems my intentions have changed slightly. I was quite content with the notion of returning with those trinkets. I'd invent about one a year. But now, look what fortune has graced me with. You will take a little longer to figure out than a tricorder, but it should be well worth the effort. If the auto timer is programmed the way I think it is, in about two minutes we should be on our way back to a place called New Jersey. I'm afraid you won't be awake for the ride.
Data: I assume your hand print will open the door whether you are conscious or not.
Rasmussen: That weapon was working yesterday.
Data: You were correct to suspect him, sir. But he is not from the future, he is from the past.
Picard: Trying to make my history unfold in a way other than it already has, eh, Professor?
Rasmussen: This was all a misunderstanding, Picard. Just let me back in there and we'll forget the whole thing.
Picard: Now what possible incentive could anyone offer me to allow that?
Data: I believe you will find all of the missing items in the vessel, sir.
Rasmussen: Doctor.
Crusher: A very nice performance.
Rasmussen: Not all of it. Some of it was real. Captain.
Data: He claims to be a twenty second century inventor, Captain.
Picard: A pity you weren't a bit more inventive. If fewer things had disappeared, we might never have suspected you. As it was, the only stumbling block was your ship. Our sensors couldn't penetrate it. But once the door was opened, the computer was able to detect and deactivate everything you'd stolen, including this.
Rasmussen: I'd love to hear more, Picard, but I really must get back in that pod.
Riker: Take him to a detention cell, Mister Worf, and notify Starfleet that we'll be dropping him off at Starbase two one four.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Rasmussen: You can't do this. I've got to get back. I don't belong here.
Rasmussen: No!
Picard: I'm sure there are more than a few legitimate historians at Starfleet who will be quite eager to meet a human from your era. Oh, Professor. Welcome to the twenty fourth century.