Picard: Captain's log, Stardate 43872.2. In order to neutralize a sudden contamination of the water supply at the Federation colony on Beta Agni Two, we are procuring one hundred and eight kilos of hytritium from the Zibalian trader, Kivas Fajo. Because pure hytritium is too unstable for our transporters, Lieutenant Commander Data has been shuttling the material to the Enterprise.
Data: Data to Enterprise.
Picard: Go ahead, Mister Data.
Data: This will be the last trip, sir.
Data: The remaining cases of hytritium are now being loaded.
Picard: Acknowledged. Mister Worf, advise Beta Agni Two that our departure is imminent.
Worf: Aye, Captain.
Riker: At warp six, we should be there in just over sixteen hours.
Data: Loading is complete. I am proceeding with departure. Enterprise shuttlebay two, prepare for docking, level one precautions for incoming material remain in effect.
Varria: If you'll just acknowledge this last load, Commander>
Varria: Twenty six point eight kilos of tripolymer composites. Eleven point eight kilos of molybdenum-cobalt alloy. One point three kilos Bioplast sheeting.
Laforge: Shuttle twelve containment field reads nominal. Now leaving the Jovis.
Picard: On viewer.
Laforge: Containment field stable. Gravitational fluctuations within acceptable parameters. Flight pattern
Worf: Data.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. As the result of a yet unexplained shuttle explosion, Lieutenant Commander Data has been lost.
Riker: Why didn't the containment field hold?
Laforge: Unknown, Commander.
Picard: Hail the Jovis. I want to speak with Kivas Fajo.
Worf: Sir, Mister Fajo is hailing us.
Picard: On viewer.
Fajo: Captain Picard, what happened?
Picard: It's unclear. We're running a full analysis.
Fajo: We detected no malfunctions before the explosion. Everything seemed to be running as smoothly as the other flights. Were you able to save the pilot?
Picard: No.
Fajo: I'm sorry.
Picard: Mister Fajo, I would like to analyze your sensor readings of the explosion.
Fajo: Compared to the Enterprise's, our sensors are rather primitive. I doubt they contain any information that your sensors overlooked.
Picard: Perhaps, but I don't want to leave any avenue unexplored.
Fajo: I understand. We'll transmit the information.
Worf: Link established. Receiving.
Fajo: Can we be of any further assistance?
Picard: How much hytritium did we manage to bring on board?
Riker: Eighty one kilos.
Laforge: That will barely allow us to complete our mission, Captain, but it leaves us no margin for error.
Picard: Mister Fajo, I realize we have acquired your complete supply of hytritium. Do you know where we could obtain some more?
Fajo: That may be difficult. The only source I know is in the Sigma Erani system.
Riker: Three weeks away, sir.
Fajo: And I can't guarantee they'll have any. For obvious reasons, no one wants to keep it around. In fact, even I may stop selling it. It's just too dangerous.
Riker: I guess we're fortunate you had any at all, sir.
Worf: Captain, transfer of information complete.
Picard: Mister Fajo, thank you for your help.
Picard: Mister Crusher, set a course for the Beta Agni Two system, warp six.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Riker: The Grissom is near the Sigma Erani system. I'll alert them to stand by in case we need more hytritium.
Picard: Thank you, Number One.
Wesley: Course laid in, sir.
Picard: Engage.
Data: What am I doing here?
Fajo: Wondrous. The detail. The balance. Was I not right, Varria? What a remarkable piece of work.
Data: Why have I been brought here?
Fajo: The voice simulation. it's perfection. The inflections, the timing.
Fajo: It took great effort. Effort. to bring you here. I was sure he'd be worth it. I was right.
Data: I've been delivered here against my wishes. I would like to know the reason.
Fajo: Certainly. You have been brought here for my enjoyment and my appreciation.
Data: Am I to infer that you intend to keep me captive?
Fajo: Captive? Captive? That's such an inappropriate description. My dear android. May I call you Data?
Data: It is my name.
Fajo: Data. You will be catered to, fawned over, cared for as you never have been before. Your every wish will be fulfillled
Data: I wish to leave.
Fajo: Almost every wish.
Data: This is unacceptable, sir. I have no desire to remain here and even if I did, my Starfleet duties would not allow it.
Fajo: It's so single minded, isn't it?
Varria: Very persistent.
Fajo: But it's very polite, which is a very nice touch. I decline to allow you to go.
Data: Then I am forced to attempt escape.
Fajo: Ten androids just like you might be able to force that thing open. But then again, there aren't any more just like you, are there? It's keyed to galvanic skin responses and DNA patterns. Sorry.
Data: Then you will have to open it for me.
Fajo: Oh. Really, I wouldn't do that again if I were you. This is a proximity-actuated field. It impedes positron flow. It's very bad for the brainpaths in the long term.
Data: I fail to understand the value you place on my presence.
Fajo: Well, just look around the room. There are items her gathered from half the galaxy. Right here. This is the very first Basotile ever created. Sorry. It's very, very ancient. Hundreds of years old. It's priceless.
Fajo: Come. This vase is made by Mark, the late Mark Off-Zel from Sirrie Four. Dali. This is the only known Roger Maris trading card from Earth circa 1962. The smell? Bubblegum. I've preserved the scent. What? A Lapling.
Data: I thought they were extinct.
Fajo: Extinct? Good. That is what is generally believed. She is the last surviving member of her species. They're very defenseless creatures, really. Everything that you see in the room here, everything. One of its kind. Unique. All original. Just as you are. There. That is your place of honor. Sit, sit. Sit! You think perhaps it might be uncomfortable? But then again, you don't give a thought to comfort, do you. When Palor Toff learns of that, he'll swallow his tongue with envy. I can't wait to see his face. You are the crown jewel of my collection. You're a treasure beyond comparison.
Varria: Yes, go ahead.
Fajo: I think you should be flattered.
Data: I am not, sir. Most intelligent lifeforms find involuntary confinement offensive and inequitable. Moreover, you have violated Federation law
Fajo: I know, I know. What I've done is evil, selfish, immoral, unprincipled, illegal. Well, I've learned to live with it.
Varria: The Andorians wish to make a bid on the shipment of Tellurian spices you offered.
Fajo: They've had four days to decide! Why do they have to decide right! Sorry.
Data: I must emphasize, Mister Fajo, that I consider this captivity a hostile act on your part.
Fajo: You'll get used to it.
Wesley: I can't believe he's gone.
Laforge: I always thought he'd outlive us, by centuries.
Wesley: He'd been working on this for months. He never felt it was quite finished.
Laforge: You know what a critic Data was, especially about his own work.
Wesley: That was a gift from the Captain.
Laforge: And he should have it back.
Wesley: Those should go to Commander Riker.
Laforge: Data always fell for Riker's bluffs.
Wesley: These are some of Starfleet's highest honors.
Laforge: Not bad for a walking pile of circuitry and memory cells.
Laforge: You know, I keep going over and over the accident in my mind, trying to figure out what went wrong. I can see Data in the shuttle, almost like I'm sitting there next to him going through the departure sequence. What the hell happened? Why didn't I see it coming? What am I missing?
Varria: Kivas wishes you to wear this set of clothes, and to sit in your chair.
Data: I have no reason to accede to Mister Fajo's wishes.
Varria: He will give you reasons if you force him to.
Data: Mister Fajo is deluding himself if he believes he can keep me here. The Enterprise is certain to find me.
Varria: They're not even looking for you. They think you're destroyed. Your shuttle blew up. A hytritium explosion.
Data: They will scan the debris and discover I was not aboard.
Varria: They'll find exactly what they thought they'd find. Traces of your component elements. We put them aboard the shuttle in just the right proportions.
Data: Clearly, Mister Fajo has no moral difficulty with my imprisonment here.
Varria: Mister Fajo has no moral difficulties at all.
Data: Do you?
Varria: Clever, android. Is it part of your program to seek out vulnerabilities in your enemies?
Data: Yes. Are you my enemy?
Varria: I obey Fajo. And so does everyone on this ship.
Data: Why?
Varria: You are a curious thing, aren't you?
Data: Do you object to the question?
Varria: Kivas finds a way to get what he wants from his people. His rewards for loyalty are lavish. His punishments for disloyalty are equally lavish. You won't find anyone here on this ship to help you escape. Face it, android. He has you.
Data: It appears he has us both.
Laforge: The reason I can't find anything is that there's nothing there to find. I've run this analysis dozens of times over and there's just no indication of any malfunction.
Riker: No possible explanation at all?
Laforge: Yeah, there's one, but I don't believe it. Pilot error.
Picard: I know it's hard to accept, but even the best
Laforge: Captain, it's not only hard to accept, with Data it's impossible. I mean, I can't even begin to calculate the odds. If Data were here, we could ask him.
Picard: What are you suggesting, Lieutenant?
Laforge: I don't know, sir. It just doesn't make sense, and I like things to make sense, that's all.
Riker: Geordi, maybe if you get a little rest and came at this thing fresh.
Laforge: A little rest isn't going to change the computer analysis, Commander.
Picard: I'm sure you have done a complete investigation, and if you wish to continue it, of course you have my support. But we shall be reaching the Beta Agni system shortly, and I expect you to be rested.
Laforge: I understand, sir.
Picard: Dismissed. Geordi, I understand how much we want, even need, to explain an accident like this. Sometimes there just aren't any explanations.
Riker: For an android with no feelings, he sure managed to evoke them in others.
Picard: We must select an officer to replace Data at Ops. Recommendations?
Riker: Worf would be my first choice, sir.
Picard: Mine as well. Make it so.
Picard: He was a man, taken for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again.
Fajo: You are still wearing that uniform. Why?
Data: I am a Starfleet officer.
Fajo: You are not in Starfleet any longer. It's time you adjusted your program to accept reality.
Data: Even if I chose to do so, it is doubtful that my programming could be sufficiently altered to accede to your wishes.
Fajo: Oh?
Data: I have been designed with a fundamental respect for life in all its forms and a strong inhibition against causing harm to living beings.
Fajo: What a marvelous contradiction. A military pacifist. Tell me, whose dreadful decision was it to enlist you in Starfleet to begin with?
Data: My skills seemed appropriate
Fajo: Data, Data, Data. Big mistake. A grievous error. You belong in Starfleet about as much as I belong in a verbal contract. Tell me, have you killed yet?
Data: No, but I am programmed with the ability to use deadly force in the cause of defense.
Fajo: Shame on you. Shame on you. How neatly you rationalize your capabilities. How can you just casually accept your role in murder?
Data: I would not participate in murder. Perhaps you misunderstand.
Fajo: Can't you see how much better it will be for you right here? The intellectual rewards alone. Our personal exploration of the galaxy. I am at war with no one. I am your liberator.
Data: You are a fine debater, sir. It is a pity you have used your verbal gifts for mere hucksterism and the advancement of your own greed.
Fajo: Perhaps. Perhaps you would not judge me so harshly if you knew of my desperate youth, wasted, wasted on the streets of Zimballia.
Data: Your past does not excuse unethical or immoral behavior, sir.
Fajo: Well, it doesn't matter. It isn't true anyway. My father was quite wealthy, actually. He was a thief. Data, why don't you put on these lovely new clothes and sit on the chair.
Data: I must decline.
Fajo: You are going to be much more of a challenge than I had first thought. Finoplak, one hundred denkirs. Now, Data, in the meantime, here is something for your logic circuits to analyze.
Fajo: Oh, don't worry. The solvent won't harm your, your skin. But in seconds it will completely dissolve that uniform. Personally, I'd be delighted to see you go around naked. I assume you have no modesty. But, then, I guess that decency is the rule of your Starfleet training. In any case, Data, why don't you make a decision about which alternative you dislike the least. Make a decision by dinnertime tonight. I have invited a guest to meet you, and I expect you to be as entertaining with him as you have been with me.
Data: Proceeding with departure. Enterprise shuttlebay two, prepare for docking. Level one precautions remain in effect.
Laforge: I did miss something.
Troi: See you later. Your first watch at Ops?
Worf: I have served at the position before.
Troi: I've been concerned about you.
Worf: About me? Why?
Troi: Because I know how I'd feel if I was asked to replace Data at his station.
Worf: Bridge. Promotion due to the death of a crewmate is commonplace on Klingon ships.
Troi: I know, but this isn't a Klingon ship and Data was your friend. And it's the second time you've replaced a crewmate who's died.
Worf: I honor Data's memory, as I did Lieutenant Yar's, by attempting to perform their duties as well as they did.
Troi: In true Klingon fashion.
Worf: I appreciate your concern.
Laforge: Computer, now replay shuttle audio transmission time index zero four two three. This is Data's second trip.
Data: Proceeding with departure. Enterprise shuttlebay two, prepare for docking. Level one precautions remain in effect. Shuttle has cleared the Jovis cargo bay.
Wesley: Sounds just like the first trip.
Laforge: Exactly the same. That's protocol. And that's Data. Following protocol to the letter. Okay, computer, now replay shuttle audio transmission, time index zero four three nine. Third and final trip.
Data: Loading is complete. I am proceeding with departure. Enterprise shuttlebay two, prepare for docking. Level one precautions remain in effect.
Laforge: That's it. That's the last communication.
Wesley: He didn't report the shuttle clearing the cargo bay of the Jovis.
Laforge: Of course, there really wasn't any reason for him to make voice contact. He knew we'd be monitoring his position. Any other pilot might not bother, but Data? not following standard procedures?
Wesley: What do you think it means?
Laforge: I'm not sure, Wes. I suppose he could've been too busy. Maybe he saw something was wrong.
Wesley: Without communicating it? That doesn't sound like Data either.
Laforge: Which means maybe something was wrong with him. But there's no other indication of that. Nothing he said or did during the entire mission. None. I sure wish I could talk to the last people who saw him alive.
Toff: I've added a Veltan sex idol to my collection.
Fajo: I've got four of them.
Toff: What? With the pearls intact?
Fajo: Please. Pearls were added by the Ferengi agents to increase the value.
Toff: What is that? Something new? And you didn't tell me.
Fajo: Mister Data, I'm delighted to see that you dressed for the occasion. Say hello to my very good friend, Palor Toff.
Fajo: Data, say hello. No need to be shy.
Toff: It's a mannequin of some sort.
Fajo: This is not a mannequin. This is Data. This is formerly Lieutenant Commander Data of the Federation Starfleet. The only sentient android in existence.
Toff: It doesn't seem particularly sentient right now.
Fajo: That's because it's playing a stupid little game with us.
Toff: Well, someone has certainly played a game on you, Fajo.
Fajo: I don't find this amusing. I demand that you behave normally. Behave normally! I know you can hear me!
Toff: He falls well.
Fajo: I apologize for this.
Toff: Do not be upset, my friend. I'm having a delightful visit. Come along, Varria. You're much more fun to play with than Fajo's new toy.
Fajo: You'll regret this.
Wesley: Now entering the Beta Agni system, sir.
Riker: Take us to half impulse, Mister Crusher.
Laforge: La Forge to bridge.
Picard: Go ahead, Commander.
Laforge: Captain.
Laforge: A class two probe has been loaded with the hytritium compound and is ready to launch.
Wesley: Now approaching Beta Agni Two, sir.
Picard: Mister Crusher, put us into close orbit. Mister Data, scan. My apologies, Mister Worf. Scan the colony's subsurface water.
Worf: Scanning. Tricyanate contamination confirmed. Levels approaching forty two parts per million.
Riker: Area affected?
Worf: Thirty square kilometers.
Picard: Any indication of the source?
Worf: Highest concentration eight kilometers west of the colony.
Riker: Adjust target coordinates.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Laforge: La Forge to bridge.
Laforge: According to these figures, the eighty one kilos
Laforge: Of hytritium should be enough to neutralize the contamination.
Wesley: Now approaching target coordinates.
Picard: Launch probe.
Worf: Probe on target. Hytritium entering water table. Disbursement slightly faster than expected. Sir, something unusual.
Picard: Specify.
Worf: I'm getting concentrated tricyanate readings of seventy grams per cubic centimeter at the source coordinates. Much higher than would normally occur.
Picard: Computer, report on geologic instability on Beta Agni Two.
Computer: No significant geological activity has been recorded on Beta Agni Two since the settlement of the Federation colony.
Picard: Number One, perhaps you'd better take an away team down and have a closer look.
Riker: Yes, sir. Doctor Crusher, join me in Transporter room three.
Crusher: On my way.
Riker: Mister Worf?
Fajo: I would very much like our relationship to change.
Data: You may expect me to use every means at my disposal to resist your wishes.
Fajo: Why can't you just comply? Why do you argue all the time? Couldn't you just go sit on the chair? Come on. Go on, sit on the chair.
Data: I do not intend to sit in the chair.
Fajo: You will. You may believe it right now, but you will.
Fajo: Have you ever seen one of these, Data?
Data: It is a disruptor.
Fajo: Well, no. It's a prototype for a Varon-T disruptor.
Data: The Varon-T disruptor is banned in the Federation.
Fajo: Oh, yes. They only manufactured five of them. I own four. I sleep with one under my pillow at night, and I sleep very well knowing it's there too. Do you know why?
Data: It is a most lethal weapon.
Fajo: It's not just lethal. It's vicious. It tears a body apart, inside out, and very slowly too by your phaser standards. It's tortuous. A very, very painful death. I've always wanted to try this.
Data: It is doubtful you will destroy me since you assign so much value to possessing me.
Fajo: That goes without saying. Please come in.
Fajo: Varria, how long have we been together, my dear?
Varria: Fourteen years.
Fajo: Fourteen wonderful years they were too. She was barely an adult when I found her. She was idealistic, naive, full of dreams. And I made those dreams come true, too, didn't I? I'm going to miss you.
Data: Fajo.
Crusher: The contamination's been neutralized. The water's clean.
Worf: Curious. The process of neutralization should have taken several hours. Naturally occurring tricyanate does not respond this quickly.
Riker: Are you saying it's not naturally occurring?
Worf: There are no natural trace elements present in these tricyanate crystals.
Riker: If it's artificial, then we're talking about sabotage.
Crusher: With tricyanate? That's hard to believe. It's slow to assimilate, difficult to replicate, and hard to transport. There are a lot easier ways to poison a water supply. More effective ways too.
Riker: Can you think of any reason a saboteur would choose tricyanate?
Crusher: It might pass for a natural disaster. And since there's only one way to treat it, with hytritium, maybe somebody figured we couldn't locate it. It is hard to find.
Riker: Then it really was lucky, wasn't it, that we were able to find hytritium when we did. And just enough hytritium for this crisis?
Riker: Fajo was in the right place at the right time just when we needed him most.
Picard: You're suggesting he created the problem just to solve it?
Riker: Possibly.
Laforge: What, to make a profit from his sale of hytritium?
Crusher: It doesn't add up. The cost of producing tricyanate is very expensive. He wouldn't make a profit on it. Quite the contrary.
Worf: Then, why would he do it?
Riker: What could he want?
Picard: Computer, biographical file on trader Kivas Fajo.
Computer: Accessing file Kivas Fajo. A Zibalian trader of the Stacius trade guild, educated on Iraaten Five. A noted collector of rare and valuable objects including the Rejac Crystal, the Starry Night by Van Gogh, the Lawmim Galactopedia, the Moliam Andi tapestries
Picard: Computer, that is sufficient.
Riker: A rare and valuable object?
Laforge: What if Data wasn't on that shuttle?
Picard: Mister Crusher.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Picard: Set course for the site of the shuttlepod explosion. Warp eight.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Wesley: The Jovis has a maximum speed of warp three. He's had twenty three hours so we can define a perimeter of point one oh two light years as his possible distance.
Riker: Fajo doesn't know that we're onto him, so he probably isn't taxing his engines at top speed.
Wesley: He could have made it to the Nel Bato system, or maybe even the Giles Belt.
Picard: He's a trader. He doesn't attract customers by being hard to find.
Riker: We could put out a coded level two query to all Federation outposts within the perimeter.
Picard: Make it so.
Varria: If I help you escape, will you take me with you? He's sleeping, and there isn't much time.
Data: The consequences if we are caught
Varria: I know the consequences. Fourteen years. You learn a few things. There's an escape pod in the aft cargo bay.
Worf: Captain, affirmative response from station Lya Four.
Riker: Fajo spent more than half a day in orbit. Departed just over seven hours ago.
Picard: Mister Crusher, new coordinates. Lay in a course for Lya Four.
Wesley: Coordinates already laid in, sir.
Data: Perhaps I should attempt to communicate with the Enterprise.
Varria: You can't. Fajo has communications access restricted to the bridge. Once we're out, the shuttlepod will emit an emergency beacon. We'll just have to hope somebody responds before Fajo is able to destroy us.
Data: I am trained in evasive maneuvers.
Varria: We'll need a few. Let's get going. As soon as I start the escape sequence, an alarm will sound. We won't have much time.
Fajo: It's your fault. You knew the price for disobedience. And so did she. Well, there's always another Varria.
Fajo: You won't hurt me. Fundamental respect for all living beings. That is what you said. I'm a living being, therefore you can't harm me.
Data: You will surrender yourself to the authorities.
Fajo: Or what? You'll fire? Empty threat and we both know it. Why don't you accept your fate? You will return to your chair and you will sit there. You will entertain me and you will entertain my guests. And if you do not, I will simply kill somebody else. Him, perhaps. It doesn't matter. Their blood will be on your hands too, just like poor Varria's. Your only alternative, Data, is to fire. Murder me. That's all you have to do. Go ahead. Fire. If only you could feel rage over Varria's death. If only you could feel the need for revenge, then maybe you could fire. But you're just an android. You can't feel anything, can you? It's just another interesting intellectual puzzle for you. Another of life's curiosities.
Data: I cannot permit this to continue.
Fajo: Wait. Your program won't allow you to fire. You cannot fire. No.
O'Brien: I'm reading a weapon in transit with Commander Data. It seems to have discharged, sir.
Riker: Discharged?
O'Brien: I'm deactivating it.
Riker: Welcome back, Mister Data. Are you all right?
Data: Yes, Commander. Please arrange to take Kivas Fajo into custody on charges of murder, kidnapping, theft.
Riker: The arrangements have already been made.
Data: A Varon-T disruptor. It belongs to Fajo.
Riker: Mister O'Brien says the weapon was in a state of discharge.
Data: Perhaps something occurred during transport, Commander.
Fajo: Oh, have you come to see me to repent? Is this your final satisfaction? Want to see me beg for mercy? You're not going to get any of that from me.
Data: I expected nothing.
Fajo: Our roles are reversed, aren't they, Data? You're the collector now. Me, I'm in a cage.
Data: So it seems.
Fajo: Just don't count me out too quickly. I had you in my collection once. I can have you there again.
Data: Unlikely, sir. Your collection has been confiscated. All of your stolen possessions are being returned to their rightful owners. You have lost everything you value.
Fajo: It must give you great pleasure.
Data: No, sir, it does not. I do not feel pleasure. I am only an android.


Picard: Captain's log, Stardate 43917.4 The Enterprise has been given the singular honor of hosting the first meeting between the Federation and a mysterious race known as the Legarans. We are in orbit around Vulcan, preparing to welcome aboard Federation Ambassador Sarek and his wife Perrin, who like his first wife, is from Earth.
Riker: I remember studying his career in school. The treaty of Alpha Cygnus Nine, the Coridan admission to the Federation, the Klingon Alliance.
Picard: I met him once, many years ago, very briefly at his son's wedding. I can tell you that was quite a moment for a young lieutenant, standing in the presence of such history. I remember he spoke to me and I just stood there grinning like an idiot.
Riker: You? Tongue-tied?
Picard: Indeed. How do you make small talk with someone who shaped the Federation?
Riker: Is it true that he'll be retiring after this mission?
Picard: Unofficially, that's what I hear. What a crowning achievement for his career. The benefits of relations with the Legarans are incalculable.
Mendrossen: Ah Captain Picard. I am Ki Mendrossen, the ambassador's chief of staff. This is Sakkath, his personal assistant.
Picard: Has the ambassador been delayed?
Mendrossen: He will be joining us momentarily. But first we must discuss some matters of the utmost delicacy.
Picard: Please go ahead.
Mendrossen: To be frank, Captain, the ambassador is not a young man. He tires easily.
Sakkath: He's going to need a lot of rest to prepare himself for the difficult job that awaits him.
Mendrossen: Which is why it is imperative that he be allowed to conserve his strength. I must request that you dispense with any formal activities normally associated with a visitor of his rank.
Riker: We had planned a ship's concert this evening.
Picard: I believe the Ambassador is extremely fond of Mozart.
Mendrossen: I'm afraid it would be impossible for him to attend. Upon his arrival he will be taken directly to his quarters where he will remain in seclusion until we reach Legara Four.
Picard: You have my assurance that the Ambassador will not be disturbed during the voyage.
Mendrossen: That's all we ask. Well, now that's settled, the Ambassador is waiting.
Picard: Welcome aboard the Enterprise, Ambassador Sarek.
Sarek: We come to serve.
Picard: Your service honors us.
Sarek: Allow me to present she who is my wife.
Picard: Mrs. Sarek.
Perrin: Please call me Perrin, Captain.
Picard: This is my first officer, Commander William Riker.
Perrin: Captain, would you be so kind as to show us to our quarters?
Sarek: I prefer to view the conference room first.
Mendrossen: Ambassador, I'm sure Sakkath and I can handle all the necessary details.
Sarek: I will examine it for myself.
Perrin: Perhaps it would be best if we settled in first.
Sarek: They worry about my health, Captain. Too much. You will take me to the conference room, please.
Riker: If you'll follow me, sir.
Wesley: Are the Legarans really going to sit in this stuff?
Laforge: Well, I'm sure not.
Wesley: Can you believe this smell?
Laforge: What smell? What can I say? To us it's a slime pit, but to them it's home.
Wesley: Okay, the environmental controls are ready. What's next?
Laforge: What, are you in some kind of hurry or something?
Wesley: Yeah, I have a date.
Laforge: A date? With who?
Wesley: Ensign Dumont.
Laforge: Really? She's very attractive. I've got to admit, Wes, I'm a bit surprised.
Wesley: What, that she'd go out with me?
Laforge: No, that you'd actually have the nerve to ask her. Way to go.
Sarek: The room is not ready.
Picard: No Ambassador. Commander La Forge and Ensign Crusher are
Sarek: The Legarans are very sensitive in matters of protocol. You will remove all the furniture from the room. The walls must be bare.
Mendrossen: I'm sure everything will be set up according to our specifications before the Legarans arrive. Isn't that right, Captain?
Picard: I assure you, Ambassador, everything will be ready before the conference begins.
Perrin: My husband and I have every confidence in you, Captain.
Sarek: I have worked for ninety three years in preparation for this meeting. It is vital that no detail be overlooked.
Sakkath: Perhaps we should allow these gentlemen to return to their work, Ambassador.
Sarek: That will be acceptable. These walls are too bright.
Riker: The way Mendrossen described him, I expected to see a frail old man.
Picard: I hope I'm that frail when I'm two hundred and two years old. But his aides did seem to be a little overprotective, didn't they?
Riker: From what I could see, the Ambassador doesn't need to be protected from anything.
Picard: Well, we'll respect Mister Mendrossen's request and allow Ambassador Sarek his privacy. I suppose they were foolish and vain, my expectations of this voyage. Sharing his thoughts, memories, his unique understanding of the history he's made.
Troi: Does this mean you're going to cancel the concert this evening?
Picard: No, the concert will ahead as scheduled. But it's a pity that the guest of honor will be absent.
Riker: For all we know, the Ambassador might enjoy an evening's entertainment
Troi: Why not ask his wife if she'd like to attend?
Picard: That's an excellent idea, Counselor. You have the Bridge, Number One.
Perrin: Come in.
Picard: I hope I'm not intruding.
Perrin: Not at all, Captain, but Sarek is in meditation at the moment.
Picard: Actually, I came to see you.
Perrin: Well, how nice. I so rarely get visitors of my own. Usually everyone wants to see the Ambassador.
Picard: I find that hard to believe. Thank you.
Perrin: These quarters are quite comfortable. The Ambassador and I were very pleased when we heard that the negotiations were going to take place aboard the flagship of the Federation.
Picard: The honor is ours.
Perrin: My husband has taken an interest in your career. He finds it to be satisfactory.
Picard: My word! High praise from a Vulcan.
Perrin: Some people who expect an emotional response often find Vulcans quite cold when they are merely being
Picard: Logical.
Perrin: Exactly.
Picard: I came to invite you, and your husband if he is available, to a Mozart recital this evening.
Perrin: What a tempting offer. I doubt that the Ambassador will be able to attend, but I will make it a point to ask him.
Picard: Well, then I hope to see you tonight.
Perrin: As do I.
Perrin: You are still unable to meditate?
Sarek: It is of no importance.
Perrin: It has eluded you for many weeks.
Sarek: I said it is of no importance.
Perrin: You know I am right.
Sarek: My wife, you will leave me now. I require solitude.
Wesley: The temperature in the tank is now one hundred fifty degrees Celsius.
Laforge: Okay, lock it off.
Wesley: Is that it? Can I get out of here now?
Laforge: What's your hurry? You don't really think something's going to happen with Suzanne Dumont, do you?
Wesley: At least I'm not spending the night with a good book like some people.
Laforge: What's that supposed to mean?
Wesley: Just what it sounds like.
Laforge: Let me tell you something. You'd get more action out of a good book than you'll ever see on this date, I'll guarantee it. She's not going to waste her time on someone like you.
Wesley: Someone like me?
Laforge: She's way out of your league.
Wesley: Since when did you become an expert on women?
Laforge: Compared to you, every male on this ship is an expert on women.
Wesley: Well at least I don't have to find my women on the holodeck!
Laforge: What did you say?
Wesley: You heard me!
Laforge: Yeah, I heard you. Just what do you think is going to stop
Riker: Something wrong? I asked a question.
Laforge: No, sir. Nothing wrong here.
Wesley: May I be excused, Commander?
Riker: Anything you'd like to talk about, Geordi?
Laforge: No, sir.
Picard: I noticed that Lieutenant Worf put Ensign D'Amato on report for insubordination.
Riker: D'Amato's been an exemplary officer.
Picard: Indeed he has. Would you look into it, Number One.
Riker: Of course.
Picard: Good evening.
Crusher: Good evening.
Picard: I assume the work is progressing on the conference room?
Riker: Yes, I checked in with Wesley and Geordi a few hours ago. There was a moment when I actually thought that the two of them were going to hit one each other.
Picard: Ambassador Sarek, Perrin, on behalf of the entire crew, welcome.
Sarek: It was my wife's suggestion that we attend. It seemed an ideal diversion. Perrin can be quite logical, when she so chooses.
Mendrossen: It seems that the Ambassador had more free time than I anticipated.
Picard: Commander Data will be our featured soloist this evening.
Data: I have been programmed to reproduce the individual musical styles of over three hundred concert violinists, including Heifetz, Menuhin, Grak-tay and Tataglia. Do you have a preference?
Perrin: Tataglia would be lovely.
Data: I hope you find the performance pleasing.
Perrin: I look forward to it.
Picard: At your convenience, Mister Data. Please.
Wesley: Hi Mom. I got a message you wanted to see me?
Crusher: I thought you were going to be at the concert last night.
Wesley: I said I may be going. Suzanne wanted to go to the arboretum.
Crusher: Captain Picard asked me where you were. I don't like making excuses for you.
Wesley: Excuses? Come on, Mom. It wasn't an official function.
Crusher: Listen, young man. You have responsibilities and I want you to live up to them.
Wesley: Don't you think you're overreacting a little?
Crusher: Don't talk back to me!
Wesley: Okay, I won't.
Crusher: Where do you think you're going?
Wesley: Away from you.
Crusher: And then I just slapped him. Really hard. I slapped Wesley.
Troi: Do you know why you did it?
Crusher: I've never hit my son in his life.
Troi: Beverly, this is important. What were you thinking when you hit Wes?
Crusher: I wasn't thinking about anything. I was just angry.
Troi: And Wesley didn't provoke you in any way? It wasn't anything he said, or anything he did?
Crusher: No, that's just it. It was a sudden burst of anger. I still can't believe I did it.
Troi: I don't know why you did it either, but I can tell you that I've heard the same kind of story from ten different people over the last two days.
Sakkath: This is your command center.
Data: Yes. It is normally occupied by Captain Picard, Commander Riker, and Counselor Troi.
Sakkath: Counselor Troi is a Betazoid?
Data: Half-Betazoid. Her father was human.
Sakkath: Then she is not a true telepath?
Data: Her skills are empathic in nature. She is able to sense the emotions of other beings.
Sakkath: What is Captain Picard's background in diplomacy?
Data: Extensive. The Captain's first diplomatic contact dates back to
Sakkath: And what of his knowledge of the Legarans? Would he be able to conduct negotiations with them should the need arise?
Data: Do you foresee such a circumstance occurring? Is Ambassador Sarek unable to
Sakkath: Forgive me. I was merely exploring various possible permutations of our mission. Your tour of the Bridge has been most informative.
O'Brien: Excuse me, we were sitting here.
Crewman: Well we're sitting here now.
O'Brien: Come on, fella. This is our table.
Crewman: Really? Funny, I don't see your name on it.
O'Brien: Didn't your mother teach you manners?
Laforge: Hey, hey guys. Is there some kind of problem here?
O'Brien: There seems to be a question of who's table this is.
Laforge: There are plenty of other tables, right?
O'Brien: I suppose you're right.
Laforge: Why don't I get everyone another round of drinks? All right?
Riker: I don't need to tell you that insubordination is a serious charge to level against any officer.
Worf: I am aware of that, Commander. However, Ensign D'Amato directly challenged my authority.
Riker: Is it my imagination, or have tempers become a little frayed on this ship lately?
Worf: I hadn't noticed.
Worf: I see what you mean.
Worf: Security team to Ten Forward.
Riker: Geordi, what the hell is going on here?
Laforge: I wish I knew.
Riker: All right, that's enough!
Laforge: The next thing I know somebody's left hook is on its way to my chin.
Troi: Captain, this is not an isolated incident. There have been reports of random violence all over the ship.
Picard: Are you suggesting this is somehow contagious?
Crusher: There's no indication of any bacteria or virus. I've run every test I know. I've checked the water, food replicators, airborne samples.
Picard: This is a hell of a time. Whatever it is, I don't want it to affect the Ambassador. I want his quarters isolated from the rest of the crew until we've identified the cause.
Troi: It's not that simple, Captain.
Crusher: We have determined that the outbreak of violence started at virtually the same time Sarek and his party beamed onto the ship.
Crusher: We do have a working theory. We believe that it's possible Ambassador Sarek himself is responsible for these incidents.
Picard: Sarek?
Troi: I felt something during the concert. Vague and undefined, but very disturbing
Picard: He cried. I saw that. I couldn't believe it. A Vulcan moved to tears by music? It's
Troi: Well, Vulcans have the same basic emotions we do. They've just learned to repress them. What I sensed during the concert was that he'd lost control.
Picard: What would cause such a loss of control?
Crusher: There's a very rare condition that sometimes affects Vulcans over the age of two hundred. Bendii Syndrome. Its early symptoms include sudden bursts of emotion, mostly irrational anger. Eventually, all emotional control is lost.
Picard: I can imagine nothing that would be more offensive to a Vulcan. Their emotional detachment is the very core of their being. How would this affect others on board the ship?
Troi: Vulcans possess telepathic ability. Sarek may unintentionally be projecting intense emotions onto other people, at random.
Picard: And when the Legarans beam on board?
Crusher: They could very well be affected too.
Picard: Is there a treatment?
Crusher: Can't someone else take his place?
Picard: Sarek has built a personal relationship with them. They will accept no one else. How can we confirm your diagnosis?
Crusher: We can grow a culture from the tissue of the metathalamus, but the results will take several days.
Picard: I have twelve hours.
Mendrossen: That's impossible, Captain Picard. I cannot delay the conference. Not for a day, not for an hour. The schedule itself required three months of negotiations.
Picard: Nevertheless, we appear to be facing
Mendrossen: I give you my word of honor that the Ambassador is in perfect health. Is that enough?
Picard: Mister Mendrossen
Mendrossen: You are dealing with a theory full of holes, Captain. Why am I not affected by Sarek's supposed condition? And Perrin. How could his wife function normally if this theory of yours is correct?
Picard: I cannot explain that. Hundreds of others on board have not been affected either. I have not. It appears to be random. Proximity, apparently, has no bearing on the phenomenon.
Mendrossen: You are accusing the greatest man of his time of losing his mind on the eve of his greatest triumph, and you cannot explain why. I won't report this to the Ambassador, for the moment. I don't want to divert his attention from the mission. But if I were you, in the interests of your career, I'd be very concerned about finding the real cause of these outbursts before the Legarans arrive.
Picard: Mister Data, will you please report to my Ready room.
Data: Aye, sir.
Data: Captain Picard is not satisfied with Ki Mendrossen's assurances that the Ambassador is in good health. Do you consider Sarek capable of carrying out his mission?
Sakkath: Have I given you cause to think otherwise?
Data: You have voiced certain reservations to me about his abilities.
Sakkath: I do not recall making such a statement.
Data: Not directly, no. But you did question me about the diplomatic capabilities of both Captain Picard and Counselor Troi.
Sakkath: I am honor-bound to help Sarek carry out this mission. That is the only answer I can give.
Data: Then you must decide which is your greater obligation. Your loyalty to Sarek or your duty to the Federation. Can you accept the logic of continuing this mission?
Sakkath: Tell your Captain the mission is in jeopardy.
Data: Sakkath has been able, until recently, to use his telepathic skills to reinforce Sarek's emotional control, thus protecting others from the effects of his deterioration.
Riker: He hasn't been doing a very good job.
Data: The strain of this mission on Sarek has made it impossible.
Picard: It's ironic, isn't it? All this magnificent technology and we find ourselves still susceptible to the ravages of old age. The loss of dignity, the slow betrayal of our bodies by forces we cannot master. Do you still want to be one of us, Data?
Data: Sir, it is conceivable, even for me, that time will eventually lead to irreparable circuit failure. But there is one thing I do not understand. Sarek is a logical, intelligent being. The effects of Bendii Syndrome are apparent. Why would such a man choose to ignore them?
Picard: Logic fails us sometimes, Data. I think this is one of those times. I can only guess that he does not see, or he does not wish to see, the truth. And he is being insulated against that truth by those who love him most.
Riker: Someone has to confront him.
Picard: Not a task that I'm looking forward to.
Riker: I don't understand this. Everyone is protecting Sarek. His wife, Mendrossen, even you.
Picard: What would you have me do? March down there and destroy the man?
Riker: The mission with the Legarans cannot be carried out with Sarek in this condition!
Picard: I know that!
Riker: Then tell him that there is no way
Picard: Don't you tell me what to do!
Data: Captain. Commander.
Picard: Of course. You're right, Number One. It's a task that I will attend to.
Perrin: Captain, I don't think I understand what you're telling me. My husband is responsible for your crew assaulting one another?
Picard: He is very ill, Perrin.
Perrin: Bendii Syndrome is more a folk tale than a disease. There hasn't been a true case of it in my husband's lifetime.
Picard: There's one now. Sakkath knows.
Perrin: Sakkath? Sakkath knows nothing my husband didn't teach him.
Picard: He knows. And more than that. On this mission he has been consciously holding Sarek's mind together as well as he could.
Perrin: That is not true!
Picard: I must see Sarek.
Perrin: Captain, I know a good deal about the Vulcan mind and I know a good deal about the heart of one particular Vulcan. I am his wife, and he is fine. He does not have Bendii Syndrome, and that shall be the end of it.
Picard: I'm sorry.
Perrin: Please, you must not do this to him.
Sarek: Must not do what, my wife? If Captain Picard wishes to see me, he may do so. I regret that we have seen so little of each other during this voyage, Captain.
Picard: The loss is mine, Ambassador.
Mendrossen: Captain, may I talk with you in private?
Sarek: You were speaking of your belief that I suffer from Bendii Syndrome. I have been accused of many things in my life, never an excess of emotion.
Perrin: Sarek, I see no reason to continue this discussion.
Sarek: On the contrary, I wish to assuage any fears the Captain may have regarding my capabilities. I believe there is a test for Bendii Syndrome. I will take it immediately.
Picard: Unfortunately the results would not be available for several days, which is why I must ask for a postponement of the conference.
Sarek: That would be a mistake. Captain, I give you my word. I am in perfect health.
Picard: Then why must Sakkath help to contain your emotions?
Sarek: Is what the captain says true?
Mendrossen: No, Ambassador, absolutely not.
Sarek: Perrin, were you aware of this? Sakkath, I await an answer.
Sakkath: I have been using my limited abilities to strengthen your mental diskipline.
Sarek: Your efforts will no longer be required!
Sakkath: That would not be wise.
Sarek: It may not be wise but it is necessary.
Sarek: Leave me. I wish to speak with Captain Picard.
Perrin: Sarek, I ask you to reconsider.
Sarek: Obey my wishes. There is nothing to fear.
Picard: I hope I've not embarrassed you, Ambassador.
Sarek: You seem to forget, Captain, that I am a Vulcan. I am not affected by emotional considerations.
Picard: I think you are affected, sir, far more than you realize.
Sarek: I am a logical being. Present your arguments. I will listen.
Picard: There is an epidemic of violent incidents aboard the Enterprise. As we speak, the situation is worsening.
Sarek: And it is your hypothesis that I am the cause of these incidents?
Picard: Yes. My Chief Medical Officer has explored all other probable causes.
Sarek: I share your concern for your crew. However, you must agree it is not unusual for a starship to encounter unexplained phenomena.
Picard: That is correct.
Sarek: Therefore, since I can assure you that I am not the cause of your difficulties, the logical course would be to have your doctor to continue her search.
Picard: She is. It is also a fact that these incidents began shortly after your arrival.
Sarek: Is your entire argument to be based on mere coincidence?
Picard: Is it also coincidence that your wife and chief of staff are carefully isolating you?
Sarek: Ah. I believe I see the flaw in your logic. You are reacting to their overprotective attitudes towards me. They are both somewhat emotional concerning my age.
Picard: Surely Sakkath cannot be influenced by emotion?
Sarek: Am I to be blamed for the judgment of a child? Sakkath is young and inexperienced. He erred in his assumption that I needed help!
Picard: But you needed his help at the concert. Or is there possibly some other logical explanation for what happened that night?
Sarek: What happened?
Picard: I saw you crying.
Sarek: I do not cry.
Picard: I was there I saw the tears.
Sarek: You exaggerate, Captain. I recall only one tear.
Picard: So you were emotionally affected by the music.
Sarek: That is not possible!
Picard: You still haven't answered my question, Sarek. Is it logical for a Vulcan to cry?
Sarek: It was late. I was fatigued. Nothing more. The Legarans trust only me. They will not meet with any other member of the Federation. I must be allowed to complete my mission! There are no other logical solutions!
Picard: No other logical solutions? But Ambassador, there are always other solutions. You have said so yourself many times.
Sarek: What I meant was that
Picard: Sarek of Vulcan would never be afraid of looking straight at something he did not want to see.
Sarek: I warn you! Your efforts to discredit me will not succeed!
Picard: Sarek of Vulcan never confused what he wanted with the truth.
Sarek: I will not be spoken to in this manner!
Picard: Do I hear anger in your voice?
Sarek: It would be illogical for a Vulcan to show anger! It would be illogical! Illogical! Illogical! Illogical!
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. In three hours time we are scheduled to meet with the Legaran delegation. However, it is now all too evident that Ambassador Sarek is in no condition to proceed with the conference.
Riker: We're entering the Legaran system, sir. Shall I have Mister Worf contact their ambassador?
Picard: No. I will present our regrets to the Legarans personally. It is vital that they understand our reasons for canceling these negotiations.
Riker: Captain, I think you did the right thing.
Picard: But at what cost, Number One?
Picard: Come. Perrin?
Perrin: I must speak with you, Captain.
Riker: I'll be on the Bridge, sir.
Picard: How is the Ambassador?
Perrin: Resting. I've come to ask you to reconsider your position.
Picard: You know that is impossible.
Perrin: Sarek is a good man. He's given the Federation a lifetime of service. I beg you to let him keep the respect he has earned.
Picard: He'll never lose that respect.
Perrin: Mendrossen and I never wanted to deceive you. My husband's condition came on him so gradually it was so easy to delude ourselves and pretend that nothing was wrong. We convinced ourselves that he could complete this one last task and end his career with dignity. Help him, Captain. Help him regain his pride, his honor.
Picard: Believe me, it would give me great pleasure, but there is nothing I can do.
Perrin: The mission can be saved. But he needs your help to do it.
Sarek: A mind-meld? Between the two of us? Do you realize the dangers involved in what you are proposing, Captain?
Picard: Yes, I do, Ambassador. But I also realize the potential benefits.
Sarek: We would be linked telepathically, sharing our thoughts, becoming in essence one mind.
Picard: Which, for a few hours, should provide the emotional control you need. In that time, you can meet with the Legarans and conclude the treaty.
Sarek: It is a generous offer. But I must warn you that while I would gain your stability, you would experience the fierce onslaught of emotions unleashed by my condition. Vulcan emotions are extremely intense. We have learned to suppress them. No human would be able to control them. They would overwhelm you. The mind-meld can be a terrible intimacy. I cannot allow it.
Picard: I'm aware of the risks. But it is the only logical solution.
Sarek: Your courage honors me, Captain.
Crusher: I can't say I approve of this, Jean-Luc.
Picard: I didn't expect that you would, Beverly.
Crusher: I don't suppose I could talk you out of it?
Picard: I'm afraid not, though I do admit to a certain trepidation. Your company is much appreciated.
Picard: Come.
Sarek: I see that you are ready, Captain.
Picard: Doctor Crusher will monitor our responses.
Sarek: A sensible precaution.
Sarek: My mind to your mind. Your thoughts to my thoughts.
Data: Commander, the Legarans are ready to beam aboard.
Riker: Very well.
Sarek: Number One, please inform the Legaran delegation that Sarek of Vulcan is on his way to welcome them.
Riker: Yes, Ambassador.
Riker: I take it the mind-meld was a success?
Sarek: Yes. All went as planned.
Riker: Is Captain Picard all right?
Sarek: Don't worry, Number One.
Riker: And the Ambassador?
Sarek: I am myself again. It has been a long time.
Picard: No! It is wrong. It is wrong! A lifetime of diskipline washed away, and in its place bedlam. Bedlam! I am so old. There is nothing left but dry bones and dead friends. Tired, oh so tired.
Crusher: It will pass, all of it. Just another hour or so. You're doing fine. Just hold on.
Picard: No! This weakness disgusts me! I hate it! Where is my logic? I am betrayed by desires. I want to feel. I want to feel everything. But I am a Vulcan. I must feel nothing. Give me back my control.
Crusher: Jean-Luc!
Picard: Perrin. Amanda. I wanted to give you so much more. I wanted to show you such tenderness. But that is not our way. Spock, Amanda, did you know? Perrin, can you know how much I love you? I do love you!
Picard: Beverly.
Crusher: I'm here, Jean-Luc. I'm not going anywhere.
Picard: It's quite difficult. The anguish of the man, the despair pouring out of him, all those feelings, the regrets. I can't stop them.
Picard: I can't stop them. I can't. I can't.
Crusher: Don't even try. First Officer's log, Stardate 43920.7. Ambassador Sarek has successfully concluded the negotiations with the Legarans. The USS Merrimac has arrived and will transport the Ambassador and his party back to Vulcan.
Picard: I hope your journey aboard the Merrimac will be uneventful.
Sakkath: With the pressures of the conference behind him, I believe I can help maintain his control until we return to Vulcan.
Riker: What will happen to him then?
Mendrossen: The effects of Bendii Syndrome are irreversible. Medical research is always continuing, of course.
Riker: Mister O'Brien, stand by for transport.
O'Brien: Aye, sir.
Perrin: Thank you, Captain.
Picard: He loves you very much.
Perrin: I know. I have always known.
Sarek: I will take my leave of you now, Captain. I do not think we shall meet again.
Picard: I hope you are wrong, Ambassador.
Sarek: We shall always retain the best part of the other inside us.
Picard: I believe I have the best part of that bargain, Ambassador. Peace and long life.
Sarek: Live long and prosper.


Picard: Captain's log, stardate 43930.7. The Enterprise has been in attendance at the biennial Trade Agreements Conference on Betazed. For the first time, the Ferengi are present, and I have reluctantly consented to their boarding the Enterprise for the closing reception.
Riker: Check and mate.
Wesley: Perfect. The queen's gambit finished off with the Aldabren Exchange.
Nibor: That is unfair. I couldn't concentrate with all that noise.
Wesley: Noise? It's Algolian ceremonial rhythms.
Picard: A toast to the success of the trade conference, Reittan. I must admit, I had some doubts when you invited the Ferengi.
Grax: They made a profit and behaved themselves. What more could one ask? Still, they trouble me. We Betazeds are uncomfortable with species like the Ferengi whose minds we can't read.
Data: Perhaps your telepathic abilities are ineffective owing to the anomalous construction of the Ferengi brain, which is composed of four different
Picard: Thank you, Mister Data. It was thoughtful of you to invite Lwaxana Troi to be part of the Betazed delegation.
Grax: Yes, Lwaxana and I go way back. Her first husband and I were old friends, and I've known Deanna since she was a child.
Picard: I'm sure Counselor Troi appreciates the opportunity to spend time with her mother.
Lwaxana: Little One, you could at least pretend you're happy to see me.
Troi: Mother, we're among non-telepaths. It's impolite not to speak aloud.
Lwaxana: You mean talk with my mouth full? Deanna, please!
Lwaxana: All right, you want me to say something aloud? Have you considered if you had stayed on Betazed, you might have been a happier person.
Troi: Let's not guess what might have been. I love my work aboard the Enterprise.
Lwaxana: Yes, of course you do, but its all business and no play. You've got to enjoy life, relax, like I do. Find yourself the right man, think of your future. Think of my future.
Riker: Lwaxana, Deanna. Anything I can do for you?
Troi: Could I?
Farek: She's as repulsive as the rest of them.
Tog: Repulsive? I find her exotic. And what an advantage her telepathy would be in our negotiations.
Farek: To read our competitors' minds? Yes, that would be valuable. But she'd never agree to use her powers to help us.
Tog: I'm not so sure.
Tog: Lwaxana Troi of Betazed, I believe. I am DaiMon Tog of the Ferengi vessel Krayton. May I join you?
Lwaxana: I was just going to see Captain Picard. Excuse me.
Lwaxana: Oh, Jean-Luc! Jean-Luc! Come have a drink with me. Tell me what you've been up to.
Picard: Perhaps later, Lwaxana. Mister Data and I were just about to show Reittan Grax the er, the er, the new door mechanisms on the aft turbolifts. If you'll excuse us?
Tog: Lwaxana Troi. I desire you.
Lwaxana: What?
Tog: You see, your Betazoid skills would be very useful to me, and I find you very attractive. I am willing to pay handsomely for you.
Lwaxana: I don't believe this.
Tog: You must be aware that every female has her price.
Lwaxana: Let's get one thing straight, little man. I am not for sale. And if, by some chance I were to become available, I would rather eat Orion wing-slugs than deal with a toad-faced troll like you! So go away and find someone else to become your property.
Tog: As you wish.
Farek: Now that you've totally humiliated us, may we return to our vessel?
Tog: She is exhilarating, isn't she? Now I want her more than ever. Lwaxana Troi, you will be mine.
Troi: Are we at war with the Ferengi yet?
Worf: DaiMon Tog has returned to his vessel and the Ferengi have left orbit.
Troi: My mother will be relieved.
Worf: I hear she handled the situation quite skillfully. An admirable woman.
Troi: I'll be sure to tell her you said so.
Lwaxana: Come in, Little One.
Troi: Mother? Mother, please.
Lwaxana: After that awful little Ferengi insulted me, I needed to center myself. Can you imagine that dreadful little creature talking to me like that? Doesn't he realize that I am a daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed. Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx?
Troi: The Sacred Chalice of Rixx is an old clay pot with mold growing inside it.
Lwaxana: Perhaps one day when you're older and wiser, you'll understand. Come on, sit down. Talk to me. We spend so little time together.
Troi: That's true. I'm sorry, and I didn't mean to get so upset with you at the reception.
Lwaxana: Deanna, try to understand. You're all I have. My only concern is for your happiness.
Troi: I am happy. Why can't you believe that?
Lwaxana: I wish I could, but how much happiness is there in always being there for someone else, and never being there for yourself?
Troi: I get a great deal of satisfaction out of my work.
Lwaxana: I'm sure you do. I'm sure it's very rewarding in its way. What about a family?
Troi: This is my family. My friends here on the Enterprise.
Lwaxana: All right. In case I have to spell it out for you, I'm talking about finding a husband, having a child. That's what made me happy. At least until now.
Troi: Mother, look. Perhaps some day I will marry. But you've got to let me make my own choices, live my own life, and not the life you would choose for me.
Lwaxana: You had your chance with Commander Riker. Look how you ruined that.
Troi: I did not ruin anything. We've became very good friends.
Lwaxana: Well, all the better. You certainly wouldn't want to marry an enemy. I see we can't talk about this. Very well, have it your way, Little One.
Troi: Little One? You called me that when I was five. Now stop demeaning me and address me as an adult!
Lwaxana: I'll be home on Betazed if you need me, Little. Deanna.
Wesley: Adding pre-processors to the neutrino counters boosted efficiency by eleven percent. Of course, Commander La Forge and Commander Data did most of the work.
Laforge: Not so fast, Wesley. Pre-processing the data with an optical chip was your idea.
Data: That is correct, sir. Although Commander La Forge and I designed the chip, Mister Crusher derived the equation governing its operation.
Riker: The point is, you've completed the upgrade well ahead of schedule. Very impressive.
Picard: Indeed. Fine work. We shall miss you, Mister Crusher. As you've guessed, final entrance examination scores from Starfleet Academy have arrived. Congratulations. As soon as you have completed the oral exam, you'll be formally admitted.
Riker: We'll have you back at Betazed in plenty of time to meet up with the Academy transport ship.
Wesley: Thank you, sir.
Picard: That'll be all. Number One, a moment.
Riker: Yes, Captain?
Picard: You'll agree that this is a fairly routine mapping mission?
Riker: Yes, sir.
Picard: Counselor Troi had the good sense to ask for shore leave. I can see I'm going to have to suggest it to you. Have a good time, Number One.
Riker: I think it's around here somewhere.
Troi: Maybe it died. It has been a few years.
Riker: Muktok live for hundreds of years. Here it is.
Troi: It's lovely. I remember that sound, and all the good times we had.
Riker: I remember a certain junior officer meeting a very serious psychologist. The best part about being assigned to Betazed.
Lwaxana: Oh, this is the perfect spot. Put the food down over there, Mister Homn. Isn't it a beautiful day for a picnic? They'll join us in a minute. No, no, no, no. Here, put the food over there. No, you can go back
Troi: Mother, how did you know about this place?
Lwaxana: Your father used to bring me here. Sit down.
Riker: And you even brought provisions. Very thoughtful.
Lwaxana: Here, Will, Deanna. Try an oskoid. They're delicious. That sap running through the veins helps keep it warm.
Riker: Very tasty. So tell us, Lwaxana. The last time we met, you were looking for a husband. Did you have any luck?
Lwaxana: Alas, no, but what happens to me isn't important. I'm much more concerned about other people getting on with their lives.
Troi: Mother.
Lwaxana: Mister Homn, I noticed some uttaberries back along the path. Pick some.
Lwaxana: Well, Mister Homn and I could go back home if you two would like to be alone. It's such a romantic setting.
Troi: Mother, stop it.
Lwaxana: Darling, you have been so excitable lately. Have you ever thought of a leave of absence? I could talk to Jean-Luc.
Riker: Try the oskoid. Very different.
Riker: What the?
Tog: For one whose beauty surpasses even these pericules.
Riker: DaiMon Tog, I thought the Krayton left orbit hours ago.
Tog: It did. But when I tried to get the image of Lwaxana Troi out of my mind, I could not succeed.
Lwaxana: This is ludicrous. You mean you came all the way back to Betazed for me?
Tog: Why continue to search for perfection once you have found it?
Troi: I don't believe this.
Lwaxana: Look, Demon Tog, or whatever you call yourself, I am the Daughter of the Fifth House, Holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed. And unless you want to create an interstellar incident, you had better beam back to your ship.
Tog: Returning to my ship is exactly what I had in mind. Krayton, transport four immediately.
Riker: No, Tog!
Riker: Lwaxana? Deanna?
Lwaxana: Where are we?
Riker: From the smell of things, I'd say we're aboard a Ferengi vessel.
Lwaxana: The Ferengi can't do that. You're Starfleet officers.
Riker: Tog must have missed that chapter in the Ferengi book of Etiquette. Enterprise? Must be too far out of range.
Nibor: DaiMon, they have regained consciousness.
Tog: Very good.
Lwaxana: I should have known. Even their transporters can't be trusted.
Troi: Why have you removed our clothing?
Farek: Females do not deserve the honor of clothing.
Lwaxana: They're as bad as humans. Look at the leer on his face.
Tog: No. His is an expression of revulsion. But it is a feeling that I do not share, Lwaxana.
Lwaxana: Well, it's cold in here. Do you want me to become ill?
Tog: You must forgive the doctor. He is not accustomed to dealing with Betazoid females. Now, Lwaxana, I have a business proposition for you.
Lwaxana: Thanks, but I'm not interested in any of your propositions.
Tog: Hear me out. Your telepathic powers could bring us both great profit.
Lwaxana: Huh. Why would I want to bring you profit?
Farek: In order to keep your daughter alive and healthy, for one.
Tog: There's no need for threats. Lwaxana is a sensible female
Troi: I don't like the sound of this, mother.
Lwaxana: I believe I can control him, Little One.
Lwaxana: I'm sure we can talk about this. Just the two of us.
Tog: A wise choice. Farek, leave us. And you may rejoin your friend.
Troi: Mother, are you sure?
Lwaxana: I'll be fine.
Tog: And now, Lwaxana Troi, let us talk.
Laforge: Fifteen hours from Gamma Erandi, and already the subspace static is playing hell with communications.
Wesley: Just what you'd expect from a stellar nursery.
Data: Wesley, congratulations on passing your Starfleet written examination. An excellent achievement.
Wesley: Thanks, Data. Now if I can just do well on the oral exams.
Laforge: Not to worry, you will. And when you return, we'll be gaining the best ensign in the fleet.
Data: There is no guarantee that Wesley will be reassigned to the Enterprise. Ninety one per cent of Starfleet graduates are not posted to Galaxy class starships on their first assignment.
Wesley: I never thought of that. I always assumed I'd be coming back to the Enterprise.
Laforge: I'm sure Captain Picard will request you. That is, if he's still commanding the Enterprise when you graduate.
Wesley: I never thought of that, either. I never thought I'd feel this way about leaving you guys and the Enterprise.
Data: Is that not a part of the human experience? Growth and change?
Wesley: I suppose so, but.
Laforge: Listen, Wesley. I felt the same way when I left my family to go to the Academy. But it was one of the best times of my life. You're going to meet new friends and have adventures that you can't even imagine yet.
Wesley: I hope you're right, Geordi.
Lwaxana: Little One, Tog's given me something perfectly hideous to wear. He says it flatters my beauty.
Troi: So far, Mother's in no danger. I hope she knows what she's doing.
Riker: Well, she's bought us some time. Let's make the most of it. I wouldn't do that.
Nibor: I don't need your help.
Riker: The hell you don't. You're two moves away from being mated. See, you should have listened to me. Now you've only got one possible escape. That wasn't it.
Riker: You should've moved the bishop.
Nibor: Ridiculous! The bishop was pinned.
Riker: Don't listen to me. Forget the fact that I beat you in thirty moves.
Nibor: Pure luck.
Riker: I was being polite. I could've won in twenty moves.
Nibor: Then prove it. Pawn to queen four, King's level.
Riker: Pawn to king's bishop three, Queen's level.
Lwaxana: I must admit, when you first approached me aboard the Enterprise, I was intrigued.
Tog: You mean revolted.
Lwaxana: Perhaps a little. Do you forgive me?
Tog: Yes. With your powers we could be a formidable team.
Lwaxana: My, you have great strength in your hands.
Tog: And you like that?
Lwaxana: I have always admired strong males.
Tog: You are beautiful. It is impossible for me to resist you.
Lwaxana: Then don't.
Data: Initial scans of ionization patterns complete, sir. Now correlating sensor readings.
Picard: It's almost incomprehensible, the amount of energy being expended.
Data: Actually, it is five point three four times ten to the forty first watts, sir. Well within the norm for this type of phenomena.
Picard: Yes, yes, yes. Perhaps, Data, but that takes away none of the wonder.
Nibor: Check.
Riker: I'm sick of this game.
Nibor: Of course, now that you're losing.
Riker: Who's losing? I'm just tired of standing up.
Nibor: You can't resign now.
Riker: It's hard to play from in here. I can't even see the whole board.
Nibor: Ah, then you'll finish the game if I let you out of the cell?
Riker: I might.
Nibor: Clever, human, but I'm not that foolish.
Riker: What, do you think I'm going to try to escape? What would that get me? You've already got her. Besides, where would I go?
Nibor: I do not trust you.
Riker: Fine. Thanks for the game.
Nibor: Come out here. Now save your rook, if you can.
Lwaxana: And that was my first husband. Not much of a conversationalist, but what a lover. Well, then I met Zarn
Tog: I do not want to hear about your other romances. It makes me jealous.
Lwaxana: My, my. What big ears you have. Has anyone ever told you how attractive they are?
Tog: Some females think they are my best feature. No one has ever given me oo-mox like this before.
Lwaxana: Oo-mox?
Tog: There is no translation. But the ear is one of our most erogenous zones.
Riker: Those Ferengi have iron jaws.
Lwaxana: Little One, if Tog were a kitten, he'd be purring.
Troi: Good work, Mother. According to Mother, DaiMon Tog is extremely relaxd at the moment.
Riker: Tell Lwaxana to keep him relaxd while we call the cavalry.
Computer: Access to communications denied. All transmissions to be authorized by DaiMon Tog.
Troi: Let's see just how relaxd DaiMon Tog is.
Troi: Mother, we're out of the cell and we're trying to contact the Enterprise, but we can't do it without Tog's access code. Do you think you could manage to
Lwaxana: Say no more, Little One.
Tog: Lwaxana, you and I are going to make such a wonderful team. With your telepathy and my cunning, I foresee
Lwaxana: A very profitable future.
Worf: Subspace interference is subsiding, sir. Communications have been restored.
Picard: Good. Contact Commander Riker on Betazed.
Worf: Message coming in from Betazed, sir. Priority One.
Picard: On screen.
Grax: Captain Picard, at last. We have been trying to reach you for two days.
Picard: Our communications have been blocked by the nebula, Reittan. Is there a problem?
Grax: I'm afraid so, Captain. Lwaxana, Deanna and Commander Riker have disappeared.
Tog: I knew I wanted you the moment I saw you. You have fulfillled all my expectations.
Lwaxana: How sweet.
Tog: Farek thought it was a bad idea, but I knew better.
Lwaxana: How clever.
Tog: I knew best. I always know best.
Lwaxana: How repugnant.
Tog: What?
Lwaxana: I said, how romantic. I can't resist a man who knows what he wants and goes after it.
Tog: That's me. That's why I'm DaiMon of this ship. I take charge of every situation. More to the left, woman.
Lwaxana: Whatever you say. My darling, would you care for something to drink?
Tog: You're so attentive.
Lwaxana: Does your food synthesizer know how to make an Arcturian Fizz?
Tog: I don't think so.
Lwaxana: They have certain pleasure-enhancing qualities.
Tog: Mmm
Lwaxana: Let me teach your computer how to make one. I'll need your access code.
Tog: Yes, my beloved. Computer, access code kayee yooree dahtayee
Farek: Tog! Be silent! I knew you were not to be trusted.
Lwaxana: Doctor Farek! I was going to make DaiMon Tog a drink.
Farek: Save your lies for this fool.
Lwaxana: Oh please, don't listen to him. Don't. No, he's misunderstood me.
Farek: No, Tog. You have misunderstood. You have been tricked by a sly female who finds you repulsive.
Tog: She was only trying to serve me a drink.
Farek: You almost gave her complete access to the ship's computer. A security breach severe enough to cost you your command.! It's time you took my advice. Let me study her.
Tog: Study her? Your mind probes could kill her.
Farek: You brought her aboard for her telepathic powers. If I can determine what neural configuration gives her those powers, I may be able to duplicate them. We could still profit from this.
Tog: I don't know.
Farek: A true DaiMon would not be blinded by lust. Give her to me, or I may be forced to report your transgressions.
Tog: Very well. Take her.
Worf: When you have finished here, survey in that direction.
Crewwoman: Aye, sir.
Grax: I wish I had some answers for you, Lieutenant Worf.
Worf: Mister Homn was no help?
Grax: None. He last saw them as he was leaving this clearing. When he returned, all three of them were gone.
Data: Lieutenant Foley discovered this in the pond. The species is Zan Periculi. It is not indigenous to Betazed, but to Lappa Four. A Ferengi world.
Picard: Now we now have a reasonable hypothesis as to whom.
Worf: The difficult question is where.
Laforge: The Ferengi ship is almost as fast as the Enterprise. She could be anywhere by now.
Picard: Commander Riker will assume that we'll be searching for them. He'll find some way to send us a message. Mister Worf, I want continual monitoring of Ferengi subspace frequencies. Mister La Forge, can you extend our sensor range?
Laforge: If I narrow the band and tie in long range sensors to the subspace scanners, I can boost the gain.
Picard: Make it so.
Data: Do you wish to leave orbit, sir?
Picard: Not until we have someplace to go.
Riker: I've done everything I know how. It's no use. Without Tog's security code, I can't get near their communication system.
Troi: We're running out of time. Farek's about to begin the neural scan on Mother.
Riker: Maybe I'm going about this in the wrong way. If I pick a minor subsystem, something non-essential. Like this. Warp field phase adjustment. All this does is suppress the subspace interference generated by the warp engines.
Troi: Meaning what?
Riker: Meaning if I set up a simple oscillation, I can send out a signal. The trick is to create a message that the Enterprise will understand but that the Ferengi will think is just normal subspace static. What's wrong?
Troi: Mother. Will, we have to help her.
Laforge: Thanks for your help, Wes, but you'd better get aboard the Bradbury. They were ready to break orbit an hour ago.
Wesley: Soon as I'm sure this works.
Laforge: Initiating scans now, Captain.
Picard: Can you locate the Krayton?
Data: Ferengi transmissions are routinely scrambled and encoded, sir. Without breaking the code, we will be unable to identify any specific Ferengi vessel.
Laforge: Ferengi codes are damn near impossible to break.
Picard: Gentlemen, I have the utmost confidence in your ability to perform the impossible.
Worf: Captain, the Bradbury is hailing us. They can no longer delay their departure.
Picard: Mister Crusher. Now. No lengthy farewells. Good luck.
Wesley: Thank you, sir.
Data: The repetitive nature of the subcarrier pattern would imply a modified
Wesley: Deck six.
Crusher: Wesley?
Crusher: Take care.
Wesley: You too, Mom.
Crusher: Something the matter?
Wesley: We've been scanning Ferengi transmissions, trying to find the Krayton. One of the signals was, I don't know, familiar somehow.
Crusher: Something in the message?
Wesley: No, the message was scrambled. It was the static!
Crusher: Where are you going?
Worf: Captain. The Bradbury has informed us they can wait no longer for Mister Crusher to come aboard.
Picard: Wesley.
Wesley: Captain, I think there's a pattern to the subspace interference I heard on one of the Ferengi messages.
Picard: Wesley, unless you leave immediately, you're going to miss the Bradbury.
Wesley: The interference itself could be a message. If I could just hear a replay of the subspace scans.
Picard: Signal the Bradbury they may leave. Play back the Ferengi transmissions.
Wesley: Wait. Repeat that one. Put it on a continuous replay. Hear that popping noise? Data, can you filter out everything but that sound?
Laforge: That's Cochrane distortion. A fluctuation in the phase of the subspace field. All warp engines generate that kind of interference.
Wesley: But listen to the pattern. It's the Algolian ceremonial rhythm that the musician played at the reception.
Data: Mister Crusher is correct, sir. There is a temporal correlation.
Picard: Then it is a signal from Commander Riker. Ingenious. He selected a signal we'd recognize but one the Ferengi would dismiss as static.
Worf: Signal source located, Captain.
Picard: Plot an intercept course.
Wesley: Course plotted and laid in, sir.
Picard: Well done, Mister Crusher. Warp eight.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Picard: Engage.
Riker: Get away from her.
Farek: What are you doing? br>
Tog: Stand off, Commander.
Lwaxana: DaiMon Tog, can't we strike a bargain? All I'm concerned about is my daughter's safety. What happens to me isn't important.
Tog: What are you suggesting?
Lwaxana: Let me be candid, DaiMon Tog. Deanna's of no use to you. She's only half Betazoid. And if you keep Riker, Starfleet will never stop chasing for you. Release them. Release them and I will stay with you willingly. I'll even use my telepathy to aid you in your negotiations.
Tog: A tempting offer. I would like to believe you.
Lwaxana: The offer is genuine. I give you my word as a Daughter of the Fifth House of Betazed.
Riker: Lwaxana, don't.
Lwaxana: I've made up my mind.
Riker: I can't let you do this.
Lwaxana: William, I am a grown woman. I can make my own decisions.
Troi: Mother, we can't just leave you here.
Lwaxana: Yes, you can, and before he changes his mind.
Lwaxana: Please, Little One, do this for me. Just this once. Do we have an agreement?
Tog: I give you my word. I will release your daughter and the Commander.
Ferengi: DaiMon. A Federation ship approaching at high warp.
Farek: The Enterprise has found us
Tog: Slow to impulse. Raise shields. Inform the Enterprise that two of our guests are ready to return. The other will be staying with us, at her own request.
Farek: I must protest, DaiMon.
Tog: Lwaxana has given her word.
Lwaxana: Oo-mox is only the beginning.
Picard: Are you both all right?
Riker: None the worse for wear.
Troi: My mother bought our freedom, Captain. She doesn't want to stay with Tog.
Picard: Hail the Krayton.
Worf: Frequencies open. DaiMon Tog responding.
Picard: On screen.
Tog: Captain Picard, so good of you to meet us. We were on our way to Betazed to return our guests.
Picard: Of course you were, DaiMon. But you're still holding Lwaxana Troi.
Lwaxana: When will you get it through your thick head that it's over between us, Jean-Luc?
Troi: I think I know what she's doing. You have to fight to get her back, Captain.
Worf: Open.
Picard: Er, er. It's not over between us, Lwaxana. You're mine and I will not let you go. I insist you return to my side immediately.
Lwaxana: You mean, you still care?
Picard: My love is a fever, longing still for that which longer nurseth the disease.
Lwaxana: Tell me more.
Picard: In faith, I do not love thee with mine eyes, for they in thee a thousand errors see. But 'tis my heart that loves what they despise, who in despite of view are please'd to dote. Shall I compare the to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Tog: You didn't tell me that you and Captain Picard were
Lwaxana: You said you didn't want to hear about my other romances. I have a new love, Jean-Luc.
Tog: Killing?
Lwaxana: Oh, he's insanely jealous.
Picard: Listen, Tog, I must possesses Lwaxana. And if that means destroying your ship in the process, so be it.
Tog: Captain, I had no idea Lwaxana was
Lwaxana: Don't let him threaten you. You can defeat him. The only way you'll ever get me back is over Tog's dead body!
Picard: That can be arranged. Mister Worf, arm phaser banks and photon torpedoes. If Lwaxana Troi is not in my arms in ten seconds, throw everything you've got at the Krayton.
Tog: But you will destroy Lwaxana!
Picard: When I have plucked the rose, I cannot give it vital growth again. It needs must wither. Nine, eight. 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Seven, six
Tog: No, wait.
Picard: Five, four
Tog: Beam her to their Bridge, now!
Picard: Two, one
Lwaxana: You wonderfully jealous fool, you.
Tog: Captain, I trust there will be no further action taken against us?
Picard: Such as my reporting this incident to your superiors who may question your competency as DaiMon? I will think about it. Screen off.
Lwaxana: Thank you, Jean-Luc. You were most convincing. You certainly convinced me.
Picard: I am truly grateful, Mrs. Troi, that you risked your life to save my people. I'll have you home within a few hours.
Lwaxana: Oh, no, no, no, no, that won't be necessary. I'd just love to hear more of your poetry.
Picard: Perhaps another time. (finally manages to stand up. Please. Mister Crusher, set course for Betazed. Warp nine.