Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47941.7. The Enterprise is en route to a briefing on the situation in the Demilitarized Zone along the Cardassian border. Meanwhile, we're celebrating the return of an old friend.
Laforge: Ro!
Crusher: Welcome home.
Ro: Thanks. It's good to be back.
Troi: Congratulations on your promotion, Lieutenant.
Ro: Same to you, Commander.
Troi: Thank you.
Laforge: Say, I understand that Advanced Tactical Training is a real picnic.
Ro: Right.
Crusher: Did you see the buffet?
Troi: This is real Bajoran foraiga.
Laforge: It wasn't easy to find.
Ro: You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble. Really.
Crusher: We wanted you to know how glad we are to have you back.
Troi: So, where are your new quarters?
Ro: Deck four, section eight.
Crusher: What are do you planning to do
Picard: Lieutenant Ro.
Ro: Go ahead, sir.
Picard: Please report to the Bridge.
Ro: Yes, sir. Excuse me.
Ro: Captain.
Picard: You seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention.
Ro: Well, to tell you the truth, I really want to see everyone. I'd just rather do it one at a time.
Picard: You look very fit, Lieutenant. Tactical Training seems to agree with you.
Ro: You know me, I enjoy a challenge.
Picard: That school is more than a challenge. Half the class washes out every year. But somehow I didn't think you'd be one of those.
Ro: Captain, I want you to know that I really appreciate your recommending me. If it weren't for you, my life would be a very different one right now.
Riker: Bridge to Picard.
Picard: Go ahead.
Riker: We're receiving a distress signal from a Cardassian ship near the Demilitarized Zone.
Picard: Change course to intercept. I'm on my way. I'd like you at the conn, Lieutenant.
Picard: Ensign Gates.
Picard: Report.
Riker: The Cardassian ship relayed a distress signal but it was cut off before we could find out what was wrong.
Ro: I have the ship on long range sensors. It appears to be under attack by several small ships.
Picard: Can you identify them?
Ro: No, sir. They're not transmitting identification codes.
Data: I will scan their warp signatures. Sir, sensors indicate the attacking vessels are Federation ships.
Ro: We're coming into visual range.
Picard: On screen.
Riker: Those are Federation ships.
Picard: Isolate one and magnify. The Maquis. Open a channel.
Worf: Open.
Picard: To all Maquis ships. Call off your attack or we will be forced to engage you.
Worf: No response.
Picard: You are Federation citizens. Your actions are in violation of our treaty with the Cardassians. Call off your attack.
Data: They are not responding, sir.
Picard: Mister Worf, are we in firing range?
Worf: Not yet, sir.
Picard: Arm phasers and photon torpedoes and stand by.
Riker: I never thought we'd be firing on our own people to protect a Cardassian ship.
Data: The Maquis ships are regrouping, sir. They are closing in on the Cardassian vessel.
Worf: The Cardassian's shields are down to thirty percent.
Riker: They may not be able to withstand another hit.
Worf: Sir, we are within weapons range.
Picard: Mister Worf, can you detonate a torpedo spread between the Maquis ships and the Cardassians?
Worf: Yes, sir.
Picard: Do it.
Worf: The Maquis are breaking formation. They are withdrawing.
Picard: Signal the Cardassians that we're standing by to assist them if they have any wounded.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Gul Evek: Do you people have experience treating Cardassians?
Crusher: Yes. Do you mind?
Picard: Gul Evek. I'm sorry that we could not come to your aid sooner.
Gul Evek: I suppose we're lucky you came at all. Lately Starfleet seems to look the other way when the Maquis attack.
Picard: I can assure you that is not the case. We're doing everything in our power to control them.
Gul Evek: The fact that my ship was attacked suggests that your efforts have met with limited success. They came at us with photon torpedoes and type eight phasers. Tell me, Captain, how do you suppose that a group of civilians acquired such weaponry?
Picard: I can assure you it was not through official channels.
Gul Evek: So you don't think the fact that some of the Maquis are former Starfleet officers has anything to do with it?
Picard: Starfleet does not condone the Maquis' actions in the Demilitarized Zone any more than your government would condone the paramilitary actions of Cardassian civilians.
Gul Evek: We have taken measures to deal with our colonists who have armed themselves.
Picard: Considering that they destroyed a Juhryan freighter less than a week ago, I would say that your efforts are meeting with limited success.
Gul Evek: Captain, if the Maquis are not stopped, this situation will continue to escalate to the point where the Cardassian military will have no choice but to take matters into their own hands.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. Gul Evek and his crew have left the Enterprise, and we have proceeded to our rendezvous with Admiral Nechayev.
Nechayev: No Bularian canapés this time, Captain?
Picard: I thought twice was pushing it a little.
Nechayev: It's just as well. They're extremely fattening.
Picard: You missed Gul Evek by a matter of hours. I asked him to stay. I thought that an Admiral's assurances might convince him that we are trying to deal with this Maquis situation.
Nechayev: Evek manages to make the Cardassians sound like helpless sheep being preyed on by Federation wolves. The truth is, we caught the Cardassian government supplying its colonies in the Demilitarized Zone with weapons.
Picard: Gul Evek assured me that they had stopped that practice.
Nechayev: Ha. How comforting.
Picard: Admiral, this Maquis situation has you worried.
Nechayev: Believe me, Captain, if I were living that close to the Cardassians, I'd keep a phaser under my pillow too. But in the last weeks we've seen signs that the Maquis are moving beyond self-defense. Their ranks are growing. They're acquiring ships, weapons. They seem to be preparing for a more aggressive military posture. We've got to put a stop to them before the entire Demilitarized Zone ignites. But before we stop them, we have to find them. They seem to be scattered in small cells around the Zone. And we don't have reliable intelligence about any of them.
Picard: Perhaps you need an undercover operative.
Nechayev: Our thinking exactly. We intend to infiltrate their organization, and the person we want to do it is aboard your ship right now.
Ro: Starfleet wants me to infiltrate the Maquis?
Picard: Because of your recent training, because you're Bajoran, and because of your past troubles with Starfleet gives you a certain credibility.
Ro: Well, that's certainly true. And just how soon would this mission begin?
Picard: Immediately.
Ro: I see. I've spent the better part of my life fighting the Cardassians. I never thought I'd be helping them out.
Picard: This is a rare case when our interests and theirs coincide. We both want peace in the Demilitarized Zone.
Ro: I've heard a lot about the Maquis. One of my instructors at Tactical Training, a Lieutenant Commander in Starfleet, a man I admired and respected, he was sympathetic to them. He resigned and left to join them.
Picard: We're all sympathetic, Lieutenant. Our civilian population in the Demilitarized Zone is in a very difficult situation, but even sympathy has to end at some point. The peace treaty isn't just a piece of paper. If the Maquis force us into a war with Cardassia, it could mean hundreds of thousands of lives. Two years ago, Starfleet would never have tapped you for this mission. They must have a lot of confidence in you now.
Ro: The way I see it, there's one good reason to take this mission, and that's to validate your faith in me.
Worf: We are looking for a Bajoran woman, dark hair.
Data: She is responsible for the death of a Cardassian soldier.
Worf: If we learn that she has been here, this establishment will be closed down.
Santos: You say she had dark hair?
Worf: Yes.
Santos: She was here. You just missed her.
Data: Do you know where she went?
Santos: No.
Ro: It was really nice meeting you.
Ro: Thanks.
Santos: So, did you kill that Cardassian?
Ro: Starfleet thinks I did. That's reason enough to hide. Why did you tell them that I'd left?
Santos: There are worse things a person can do than kill a Cardassian soldier.
Ro: You don't often meet someone willing to say that out loud.
Santos: In the Zone, there are a lot of us who feel that way.
Ro: I'd like to meet people like that.
Macias: Don't be afraid. You're not in danger here.
Santos: What is your name?
Kalita: Did you kill that Cardassian soldier?
Ro: Who are you?
Santos: We're the people who saved you from Starfleet.
Ro: Thanks, but I'll be going now.
Santos: Did you kill that Cardassian?
Ro: Yes.
Kalita: That's a risky thing to do in the Demilitarized Zone. You can end up being hunted by Starfleet and the Cardassians.
Ro: Then why did he risk bringing me here?
Kalita: We're asking the questions. Who are you?
Ro: My name is Ro Laren. I grew up in the Bajoran camps.
Macias: That would explain why you have no love for Cardassians.
Ro: I know what they're capable of. They tortured my father to death and I was forced to watch.
Santos: Where are you living now?
Ro: Nowhere. I was a Starfleet officer, but I was court-martialled and sent to the stockade on Jaros Two. I'm not exactly what you'd call Starfleet material.
Santos: When were you on Jaros?
Ro: What difference does it make?
Kalita: We want to check your story. When were you there?
Ro: Starfleet let me out about three years ago because I agreed to do some work for them, mostly having to do with Bajor. But I got tired of watching them placate the Cardassians, and so I left.
Kalita: You resigned?
Ro: Not officially. That's part of the reason why they're looking for me.
Santos: What were you doing on Omara?
Ro: Look, I think I've answered enough of your questions. I would like to know who you people are.
Macias: Let's say that we sympathize with those who oppose Cardassia.
Ro: Are you Maquis?
Macias: What if we were?
Ro: If you were, I would ask if I could join you and help you fight.
Macias: We'll check your story. Go ahead, I'll keep an eye on her.
Macias: Come, let's stretch our legs.
Ro: Aren't you taking a chance by letting me see all of this? What if my story doesn't check out? What if I'm not who I say I am?
Macias: Well, then we'll have a problem, won't we?
Ro: You are Maquis, aren't you?
Macias: Many of the people here are.
Ro: Starfleet considers you outlaws. They're afraid you'll destroy the peace treaty.
Macias: They don't understand the situation here in the Zone. I lived on Juhraya. When the treaty was signed the colony suddenly found itself in Cardassian territory. Some of us chose to stay, take our chances. Then one night I was dragged from my bed and beaten. The authorities clucked their tongues and agreed it was an unfortunate incident, and did nothing.
Ro: I'm not surprised. The Cardassians intend to make life so unpleasant for Federation citizens that they'll leave.
Macias: Exactly. And no one seems to see that, except the Maquis. How old were you when your father was killed?
Ro: I'd rather not talk about it.
Macias: Hungry? Would you like something?
Ro: No, thank you.
Macias: Hasperat.
Ro: You like hasperat?
Macias: An old Bajoran friend of mine used to make it. His was stronger. He was killed many years ago fighting the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. I miss his company, and his hasperat.
Ro: My father used to make the strongest hasperat you've ever tasted. Everything else seems mild by comparison.
Macias: Did he teach you how to make it?
Ro: Yes. But I haven't tried it in years.
Macias: If you would make the brine for a really strong hasperat. I mean eye watering, tongue searing strong, you'd make an old man very happy.
Ro: I would enjoy making it again.
Santos: Macias. I've checked with my sources at Starfleet. Her story's true.
Macias: I was sure it was. Kalita, she'll stay with you until we can find her a room.
Macias: Ah there you are.
Kalita: We've just heard a disturbing rumor.
Ro: Another rumor?
Kalita: One that I think we should take seriously. A trader coming from Pendi Two said he could verify that the Cardassians are going to start supplying their colonists with biogenic weapons.
Ro: I thought every shipment coming into the Zone was searched.
Kalita: The Cardassians always seem to find a way around problems like that.
Santos: Then we have to make a preemptive strike. Send a message to the Cardassians that we won't sit still while they kill us with toxins.
Macias: Agreed. But we can't mount a strike without medical supplies and our stockpile is dangerously low.
Kalita: If we put in a request for more, it'll draw suspicion.
Ro: I can get medical supplies. I served on the Enterprise. They always have extra medkits on hand for relief missions.
Santos: You're wanted by Starfleet. They're not going to give you medkits just because you ask for them.
Ro: I have no intention of asking for them. I intend to take them.
Kalita: How? The Enterprise is a fortress.
Ro: I know its security systems work. Give me a ship. I can do it.
Santos: It's madness.
Kalita: We can't let her do something like this. We don't know anything about her.
Macias: I know that she can make very strong hasperat.
Kalita: What?
Macias: We need medical supplies. I think we should let her try.
Kalita: All right. But I'm going with her.
Ro: I could use an extra hand at the controls. And a witness.
Ro: I set the transporter confinement parameters to maximum. We should be able to fill our hold with medical supplies with just one single beam out.
Kalita: I had no idea it was going to be so easy.
Ro: We're approaching the Federation border.
Kalita: How do you plan to get out of the Demilitarized Zone without being searched at one of the checkpoints?
Ro: We're going to cross the border here.
Kalita: There are sensor buoys all along the border. If we cross anywhere other than a checkpoint, Starfleet will send a ship to investigate.
Ro: With the right security codes, we can disable the proximity detectors on the buoys.
Kalita: Starfleet changes those codes all the time.
Ro: I know the encryption algorithms. If I can access the buoy's protocol subsystem I should be able to figure out the codes.
Kalita: Should be able to?
Ro: Do you want this mission to succeed?
Kalita: Of course I do. We need those medical supplies.
Ro: In that case, let me do my job. I'm in.
Kalita: What's wrong?
Ro: If I don't input the right code in the next twenty seconds, we'll trigger the proximity alarm.
Kalita: I'm getting us out of sensor range.
Ro: Don't. If we break the comm. link, we won't be able to try again.
Ro: It worked. Until they change the access codes again, we can cross the border here.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47943.2. It has been over a week since Lieutenant Ro left the Enterprise. We have yet to receive any communication from her.
Riker: We picked up a request for emergency assistance from a Federation science ship in the Topin system.
Picard: Are there any other ships in the vicinity?
Riker: We're the closest.
Picard: Helm, set course for the Topin system. Mister Data, will you signal the science ship that we're on our way.
Data: It is unlikely that they would receive our communication, sir. The Topin system contains an unstable protostar. It generates significant magnetoscopic interference.
Picard: Can we use our sensors to find them?
Data: Most of our sensors would be ineffective, although our directional array should cut through the interference.
Riker: That array has such a narrow scan field. We might as well break out the palm beacons and try to find them that way.
Kalita: This is insane. We're sitting here, no sensors, blind to the outside, waiting for a galaxy class Starship to come swooping down on us.
Ro: Don't worry. It'll be hard for them to locate us with just the directional sensors. Besides, they're looking for a damaged science ship that wants to be found. They're here. Standby to engage thrusters.
Riker: Anything?
Data: No, sir. It will take approximately six hours to scan this system.
Worf: Captain, the distress call is being repeated.
Picard: Data, can you locate the signal?
Data: I am attempting to do so.
Kalita: They're scanning our last position.
Ro: All right, I've locked onto their sensor beam. I'm going to use it to maneuver into transporter range.
Kalita: How are we going to beam through their shields?
Ro: We can't. If we're going to get those medical supplies, we're going to have to take this ship through their shields.
Data: Sir, I am scanning the area from which the distress signal was sent, but I am unable to detect a vessel.
Worf: Captain, the computer has detected a piggyback communication on the last distress signal.
Picard: Can you decode it?
Worf: It will take a few moments.
Picard: Do it.
Ro: The Enterprise shields have a weak point. When the ship is at impulse, the thrust destabilizes the shield configuration right at this point. I'm going to try to punch through there.
Kalita: Won't they detect us?
Ro: They'll know something's penetrated the shields. With all the interference it'll take them a few seconds to find us. We'll have to beam the medical supplies aboard and get out fast.
Worf: The message is difficult to decode. Interference has garbled much of the transmission, but it seems to be from Lieutenant Ro.
Picard: Ro is on that ship?
Data: Sir, a vessel of some kind is attempting to penetrate our aft shields.
Picard: Let it through.
Ro: We're going to make it. All right, we're in.
Kalita: Energizing.
Ro: Let's get out of here.
Worf: Captain, a quantity of medical supplies was beamed from cargo bay seven.
Data: The vessel that penetrated our shields is of the same design as the ships used by the Maquis. It is moving off.
Picard: Let it go. There must be someone with her. We should make it look as though we're trying to stop them. Mister Worf, lock phasers on their previous position and fire.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Riker: Now we know what they mean by Advanced Tactical Training.
Santos: You took your ship through their shields?
Kalita: Ro parked us between their warp nacelles. I thought she was crazy, but it worked. She knew exactly what she was doing.
Macias: Well done.
Santos: I have to inventory supplies and find out what we have.
Kalita: See you later.
Macias: Well, it seems that Kalita has decided you're not a Federation spy after all. She's suspicious of everyone at first. And rightly so. We've learned to be cautious with strangers.
Ro: I understand.
Macias: But I've known since I first met you that in your heart, you're one of us.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. Having earned the Maquis' trust with her raid on the Enterprise, Lieutenant Ro has been given access to a ship and allowed to leave the settlement by herself.
Ro: There are rumors that the Cardassians are supplying their colonists with biogenic weapons.
Picard: Frankly, I find it hard to believe. Every ship that enters the Demilitarized Zone is being searched.
Ro: The Maquis are convinced that the Cardassians are finding a way around these searches.
Picard: You know, we could make use of that.
Ro: Sir?
Picard: We have come up with a plan that has the potential to seriously curtail the Maquis. We want to give them a target so threatening to them that they'll be willing to commit as many ships and people as possible in order to destroy it.
Ro: What do you mean, give them a target?
Picard: Biogenic weapons, for example. You could provide them with intelligence that would show that the Cardassians are, in fact, supplying their colonists with them.
Ro: That would get their attention, all right.
Picard: You could tell them that in order to get past the check points, they're shipping the components for these weapons through third parties, and then we could put together a convoy and send it toward the Demilitarized Zone.
Ro: And when the Maquis attack it, Starfleet will be waiting for them.
Picard: We could station our ships in the Hugora Nebula to avoid detection.
Ro: Basically, I would be leading them into a trap.
Picard: That's right. If you have a problem with any of this, I need to know it now.
Ro: Well, if I do, sir, it will not stop me from carrying out my duty.
Picard: I knew that I could count on you.
Ro: It took me a while, but I managed to patch through into Starfleet's comm. system. I intercepted a communication from one of the checkpoints on the border. They're concerned because a Pakled transport came through carrying retro-viral vaccines.
Santos: Why is that a concern?
Ro: Well, last week a Ferengi transport came through carrying biomimetic gels. By themselves, neither of these is dangerous, but Starfleet is concerned because with along with other components the Cardassians could put together a biogenic device.
Kalita: What is Starfleet going to do about it?
Ro: They can't do anything about it. These items are all perfectly legal.
Macias: How close are the Cardassians to having the components they need?
Ro: Very close. Two days ago, a Yridian convoy left Deep Space Nine for the Demilitarized Zone. It's carrying isomiotic hypos, plasma flares and quarantine pods.
Kalita: We can't let that convoy reach its destination.
Santos: But it's too big for us to go after alone.
Macias: I'll discuss the situation with the other cell leaders. Considering what's at stake, they'll want to help.
Macias: I've sent a communication to the others. When this is over, we'll celebrate.
Ro: When it's over?
Macias: When Cardassia realizes they can't intimidate us into leaving our colonies.
Ro: Something tells me it'll be a long time before we'll be celebrating.
Macias: Don't be discouraged, Ro. It'll take time, but the important thing is that we not give up.
Ro: I spent ten years in the camps. I don't give up.
Macias: I've been thinking a long time about what our celebration will be like. We'll have a huge dinner. You'll make hasperat and I'll make blueberry pie. We'll drink wine and we'll dance. I'll even play the belaklavion. That'll give everyone a laugh.
Ro: You play the klavion?
Macias: Yes, badly. It's a difficult instrument, but I enjoy the challenge.
Ro: My father played the klavion. When I was very young and afraid of monsters under my bed, he'd play for me. He said that the klavion had special powers. Monsters were afraid of it and when they heard it they would disappear. When I listened to that music he played for me I was never afraid to go to sleep. When he died I realized even he couldn't make all the monsters go away.
Macias: Why wait? Let's go to the market. Let's get food for a feast, for a celebration.
Ro: A celebration of what?
Macias: Of absolutely nothing. Just to celebrate.
Ro: I'd like that.
Macias: Come, let's go to the market. If I'm going to make a pie, we'll have to find a substitute for blueberries. Haven't seen real ones in years.
Ro: On Bajor, there's a berry
Macias: Yes, I know it, very sweet.
Santos: Ro!
Ro: Macias?
Macias: They must have found out that there was a Maquis cell here.
Ro: Kalita, get one of the medkits. Hurry. You have to hang on.
Macias: When an old fighter like me dies someone always steps forward to take his place.
Ro: Not tonight. Hello. Are you alone?
Picard: I hope not.
Ro: Why don't we get acquainted? There's a table in the back that's more private.
Picard: I'd like that.
Ro: We have to cancel the mission.
Picard: Why?
Ro: The Maquis didn't go for the bait. They think the convoy is too big a target.
Picard: But there are only six ships. We could even cut back that number.
Ro: It's the commitment of resources, of grouping so many of the Maquis together at once. They feel that it makes them too vulnerable.
Picard: Every intelligence report that I get from Starfleet suggests that the Maquis are eager to expand their strikes, they want to escalate their activities. Now you're telling me this isn't true?
Ro: It's probably different in every cell. The people I've met tend to be more conservative. I'm sure others have a more militant attitude.
Picard: Laren, what's going on?
Ro: Do you have the money I asked you to bring?
Picard: Yes.
Ro: Put some on the table.
Picard: What?
Ro: By this time, you should be negotiating my price. When you sent me on this mission, I thought that I could do it. Even though it meant helping Cardassians, even though it meant betraying people who are fighting against them. Now I'm not sure where I stand.
Picard: Are you saying you want to back out of this mission?
Ro: Sir, I don't want to let you down, I swear that I don't.
Picard: This has nothing to do with me. This is about you. If you back out now, you'll throw away everything you've worked for. We're committed to this mission. My only question for you is, can you carry out your orders? I could put you before a board of inquiry for having lied to me about this operation. I would certainly have you court-martialled if you sabotage it. Now, it's your decision.
Ro: I'll carry out my orders, sir.
Picard: I feel it necessary to have Commander Riker go back with you. He can pose as a relative. I just want to make sure that nothing happens to obstruct this mission.
Picard: I'm sorry. I don't have that kind of money.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. We have received word from Commander Riker and Lieutenant Ro that the Maquis will be attacking the convoy as planned. Our ships have taken up position in the Hugora Nebula to wait for them.
Data: I have established a relay link with the sensor probe we left on the perimeter of the Nebula. This is the convoy. We are expecting the Maquis attack force to cross the border from the Demilitarized Zone.
Picard: As soon as they cross the border, we'll intercept them.
Worf: Captain, in order to ensure that the ship Commander Riker and Lieutenant Ro are piloting does not come under fire, I have relayed their warp signature to the rest of the attack force.
Data: Sir, the Maquis squadron is coming into sensor range.
Picard: Go to Red alert.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Santos: Squad leader to all ships.
Ro: Go ahead, squad leader.
Santos: We'll be crossing the border in less than one minute. Arm your weapons.
Ro: Acknowledged.
Riker: Starfleet can't make its move until we're out of the Demilitarized Zone. We're to break formation and take cover in the Nebula as soon as they appear.
Ro: The ships in the convoy are raising their shields. They've spotted us.
Riker: We cross the border in thirty seconds.
Riker: What the?
Ro: I'm sorry. I can't let this happen.
Data: Sir, the vessel being piloted by Lieutenant Ro is firing a low intensity particle beam into the nebula.
Picard: What the hell is she doing?
Data: The polarizing effect being created by the beam may make it possible for us to be detected.
Picard: Can you counter the effect?
Data: I will attempt to do so.
Santos: Ro, why are you firing?
Ro: Scan the nebula.
Ro: There's a Starfleet attack force hiding inside it.
Santos: I see it! Squad leader to all ships. Abort the mission. Repeat, abort the mission.
Data: Sir, the Maquis ships are breaking formation.
Picard: Have they crossed the border?
Data: No, sir. They are withdrawing.
Worf: Captain, Lieutenant Ro's ship is not retreating with the others. It is heading toward us.
Picard: When she comes aboard take her into custody.
Ro: Alpha Seven to Alpha Nine.
Kalita: Go ahead.
Ro: Stand by to beam me aboard.
Kalita: Standing by.
Ro: You can take this ship back to the Enterprise.
Riker: You're going with them?
Ro: It's been a long time since I really felt like I really belonged somewhere. Could you tell Captain Picard something for me?
Riker: Of course. What is it?
Ro: Tell him I'm sorry.
Riker: So long, Ro. Take care of yourself.
Ro: Goodbye, Will. Energize.
Riker: She seemed very sure that she was making the right choice. I think her only real regret was that she let you down. Here's my report.


Troi: That was an incredible program.
Worf: I am glad you approve. I have always found the Black Sea at night to be a most stimulating experience.
Troi: Worf, we were walking barefoot on the beach with balalaika music in the air, ocean breeze washing over us, stars in the sky, a full moon rising, and the most you can say is stimulating?
Worf: It was very stimulating.
Worf: What?
Troi: You know, I don't spend nearly enough time on the holodeck. I should take my own advice and go there to relax. Next time I'll choose the program. If you like the Black Sea, you're going to love Lake Cataria on Betazed.
Worf: Deanna, perhaps before there is a next time, we should discuss Commander Riker.
Troi: Why, is he coming along?
Worf: No, but I do not wish. I mean, it would be unfortunate if he. If you and I are going to continue, I do not wish to hurt his feelings.
Troi: Worf, I think it's all right to concentrate on our feelings, yours and mine.
Picard: Counselor! What's today's date? The date!
Worf: Stardate 47988.
Picard: 47988.
Troi: Captain, what's wrong?
Picard: 47988. I'm not sure. I don't know how or why, but I'm moving back and forth through time.
Picard: I had this feeling I had physically left the Enterprise. I was in another time, another place. I was somewhere in the past.
Troi: Can you describe where you were, what it looked like?
Picard: You see, it's all slipping away so fast. It's like waking up from a nightmare. It was years ago. It was before I took command of the Enterprise. I was talking to someone, I can't remember who. And then it all changed. I was no longer in the past. I was now an old man in the future, and I was outside and I was doing something. I can't remember what it was. I'm sorry, it's all gone. I just can't remember.
Troi: It's all right. Have you considered the possibility that this was just a dream?
Picard: No, no, it was much more than a dream. The smells, the sounds, the very touch of things, much more real than a dream.
Troi: How long did you spend in each time period? Did it seem like minutes, hours?
Picard: You see, I can't say. At first I had a sense of confusion, disorientation. I wasn't sure where I was. And then all that passed and it all seemed perfectly natural, as though I belonged in that time. But I can't
Laforge: Captain Picard to the Bridge! Captain, we've got a problem with the warp core, or the phase inducers, or some other damn thing.
Picard: Geordi.
Laforge: Hello, Captain or should I call you Ambassador?
Picard: Oh, I haven't been called that for some time either.
Laforge: How about Mister Picard?
Picard: How about Jean-Luc?
Laforge: I don't think I could get used to that.
Picard: Good Lord, Geordi. Well, how long has it been?
Laforge: Nine years.
Picard: No, no, no. Since you last called me Captain, since we were all together on the Enterprise?
Laforge: Close to twenty five years.
Picard: Twenty five years. Well, time has been good to you.
Laforge: IA little too good to me in some places. Can I give you a hand here?
Picard: Oh, well, I'm just tying up some vines.
Laforge: You've got leaf miners. You might want to use a bacillus spray. My wife is quite a gardener. I've picked up a little bit of it.
Picard: How is Leah?
Laforge: Just wonderful. Busy as ever. She's just been made director of the Daystrom Institute.
Picard: What about the little ones, Brett, Alandra and er?
Laforge: Sidney.
Picard: Sidney.
Laforge: Well, they're not so little any more. Brett is applying to Starfleet Academy next year.
Picard: So what brings you here?
Laforge: Oh I just thought I'd stop by. Been thinking about the old days on the Enterprise. I was in the neighborhood.
Picard: Geordi, you don't make the trip from Rigel Three to Earth just to drop by.
Laforge: No.
Picard: So, you've heard?
Laforge: Leah's got a few friends at Starfleet Medical. Word gets around.
Picard: I'm not an invalid. Irumodic Syndrome can take years to run its course.
Laforge: I know. Once I heard, well, I just wanted to stop by just the same.
Picard: Well now that you're here, you can help me carry those tools. Well, my cooking may not be up to Leah's standards, but I can still make a decent cup of tea. Oh, I read your last novel. I thought that the protagonist a little too flamboyant, but for the rest I
Laforge: Captain, are you all right? Captain!
Tasha: Captain?
Tasha: Will this be your first time on a Galaxy class starship? Are you all right, sir? Sir?
Picard: I'm sorry, Lieutenant. My mind must have wandered. What were you saying?
Tasha: I was asking if you'd ever been aboard a Galaxy class starship before.
Picard: No. Of course, I'm familiar with the blueprints and specifications, but this will be my first time aboard.
Tasha: Well then, if I may be so bold, sir, you're in for a treat. The Enterprise is quite a ship.
Picard: I'm sure she is.
Tasha: Have I done something wrong, sir?
Picard: No. It's just that you look very familiar.
Crewman: Enterprise to shuttlecraft Galileo. You are cleared for arrival in shuttlebay two.
Tasha: Acknowledged, Enterprise. And there she is.
Troi: Captain? Captain?
Picard: Tasha. I was just with Tasha in the shuttle.
Crusher: I've finished the neurographic scan. I don't see anything that might cause hallucinations or a psychogenic reaction.
Troi: Is there any indication of temporal displacement?
Crusher: No. Usually a temporal shift would leave some kind of triptamine residue in the cerebral cortex, but the scan didn't show any. Personally, I think you just enjoy waking everybody up in the middle of the night.
Picard: Actually, I really like running around the ship in my bare feet.
Ogawa: The biospectral test results, Doctor.
Crusher: Your blood gas analysis is consistent with someone who's been breathing the ship's air for weeks. If you'd been somewhere else, there would be an indication of change in the oxygen isotope ratios. Thanks. Deanna, would you excuse us please?
Troi: Of course.
Crusher: Jean-Luc, I scanned for evidence of Irumodic Syndrome, as you suggested. There wasn't any. But I did find a small structural defect in the parietal lobe.
Picard: A defect that you hadn't noticed before?
Crusher: It's the kind of defect that would only show up on a level four neurographic scan. It could cause you to be susceptible to several kinds of neurological disorders including Irumodic Syndrome. Now, it's possible for you to live with this defect for the rest of your life without developing a problem. Or even if you do, many people continue to live normal lives for a long time after the onset of Irumodic Syndrome.
Picard: If that's so, why do you look like you've just signed my death sentence?
Crusher: I'm sorry. I guess it caught me off guard.
Picard: I wouldn't worry about it. Something tells me that you're going to have to put up with me for a long time to come.
Crusher: Well, it won't be easy, but I'll manage.
Riker: Captain.
Picard: Has Worf found anything?
Riker: No, sir. His security scans came up negative. They're still checking the sensor logs but there is no indication that you ever left the ship.
Picard: I wasn't dreaming. Something happened.
Worf: Worf to Captain.
Picard: Go ahead, Mister Worf.
Worf: Sir, there is an incoming transmission from Admiral Nakamura. It is a priority one message.
Picard: Beverly? Mister Worf, will you route the call through to Doctor Crusher's office.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Nakamura: Captain.
Picard: Admiral.
Nakamura: I am initiating a fleet-wide Yellow Alert. Starfleet intelligence has picked up some alarming reports from the Romulan Empire. It appears that at least thirty Warbirds have been pulled from other assignments and are headed for the Neutral Zone.
Picard: Is there any explanation why they would make such a blatantly aggressive move?
Nakamura: Our operatives on Romulus have indicated that there appears to be something happening in the Neutral Zone, specifically in the Devron System. Our own long range scans have picked up some kind of spatial anomaly in the area. We can't tell what it is.
Picard: What are our orders?
Nakamura: This is a very delicate situation. I am deploying fifteen starships along our side of the Neutral Zone. I want you to go there as well. See if you can find out what is going on in the Devron System.
Picard: Am I authorized to enter the Neutral Zone?
Nakamura: Not yet. Wait and see what the Romulans do. You can conduct long range scans, send probes if necessary, but do not cross the border unless they do.
Picard: Understood.
Nakamura: Starfleet out.
Laforge: Captain. What's wrong?
Picard: This is not my time. I don't belong here.
Laforge: What?
Picard: I was somewhere else a few moments ago.
Laforge: What do you mean? You've been right here with me.
Picard: No, no, no! I was somewhere else. I was, it was a long time ago. There was someone talking. I was talking to someone. Beverly. I was talking to Beverly.
Laforge: It's okay, Captain. Everything's going to be all right.
Picard: I'm not senile, you know. This did happen. I was here, I was talking to you, and then I was somewhere else. I was on the Enterprise. I was back on the Enterprise. At least, I think that's where it was. I was in Sickbay. Well, it might have been a hospital.
Laforge: Captain, I think we should go back to the house and call your doctor
Picard: Yes, yes, I know what you're thinking. It's the Irumodic Syndrome. He's beginning to lose his mind, the old man. Well, it's not that. And I'm not daydreaming either.
Laforge: Well, all right. All right. So, what do you want do about it?
Picard: Data. I want to see Data.
Laforge: Data? Why?
Picard: Because I think he can help.
Laforge: Help how?
Picard: I don't know! I don't know! I want to see Data!
Laforge: Okay, then, all right, let's go see Data. He's still at Cambridge, isn't he?
Picard: Yes, I think he is.
Picard: You see them, don't you?
Laforge: See who?
Picard: They're everywhere. They're laughing at me. Why are they laughing?
Laforge: Come on, Captain. Let's go see Data.
Picard: Yes, Data. We'll go see Data.
Picard: I know how it sounds but it happened. It was real. I was there, back on board the Enterprise.
Jessel: How do you like your tea?
Picard: Tea? Earl Gray. Hot.
Jessel: Course it's hot. What do you want in it?
Picard: Nothing. Well, Data, I must say, this is a fine place you have here. They certainly treat professors pretty well at Cambridge
Data: Holding the Lucasian Chair does have its perquisites. This house originally belonged to Sir Isaac Newton when he held the position. It's become the traditional residence.
Jessel: Here you go.
Laforge: Thank you.
Jessel: If you're really his friend, you'll get him to take that gray out of his hair. Looks like a bloody skunk.
Data: Jessel. She can be frightfully trying at times, but she does make me laugh.
Laforge: Data, what is it with the hair anyway?
Data: I found that a touch of gray adds an air of distinction.
Picard: You say this is Earl Gray? I'd swear that it was Darjeeling.
Data: Captain, how long has it been since you've seen a physician about your Irumodic Syndrome?
Picard: A week. They've prescribed peridaxon.
Data: But sir, peridaxon
Picard: Yes, I know, it's not a cure, There's nothing that can prevent the deterioration of the synaptic pathways. You think that I'm senile, that all this is just a delusion.
Laforge: Now come on, Captain, no one said anything of the kind.
Data: In all honesty, Captain, the thought has occurred to me. However, there's nothing to disprove what you're saying. So it's possible something is happening to you. The first thing we should do is run a complete series of neurographic scans. We can use the equipment at the biometrics lab here on the campus. Jessel, ask Professor Ripper to take over my lecture for tomorrow. Possibly for the rest of the week. Captain, we'll get to the bottom of this.
Picard: That's the Data that I remember. I knew I could count on you.
Tasha: Commanding officer Enterprise arriving.
Picard: To Captain Jean-Luc Picard, stardate 41148
Picard: You are hereby requested and required to take command
Picard: to take command of the USS Enterprise as of this date. Signed Rear Admiral Norah Satie, Starfleet Command.
Picard: Red Alert! All crew to battle stations.
Tasha: You heard him. Move! Personal log, stardate 41153.7. Recorded under security lockout Omega three two seven. I have decided not to inform this crew of my experiences. If it's true that I've traveled to the past, I cannot risk giving them foreknowledge of what's to come.
Picard: Report.
Tasha: We've completed a full subspace scan of the ship and surrounding space. We've detected no unusual readings or anomalies.
Worf: With all due respect, sir, it would be helpful if we knew exactly what we were looking for.
Picard: Noted. Counselor, do you sense anything unusual on board the Enterprise? Perhaps an alien presence that doesn't belong here, maybe one operating on a level of intelligence far superior to our own?
Troi: No, sir. I'm only aware of the crew and the families on board the ship.
Picard: Mister Worf, initiate a level two security alert on all decks until further notice.
Tasha: With all due respect, sir, I'm the Security Chief on this ship. Unless you're planning to make a change.
Picard: No, of course not. Lieutenant, security alert two.
Tasha: Aye, sir.
O'Brien: Captain Picard to the Bridge, please.
Picard: We're on our way, Chief.
O'Brien: Sir, Starfleet has just issued an alert. It appears a number of vessels are moving toward the Neutral Zone between Romulan and Federation space.
Tasha: What kind of vessels?
O'Brien: Freighters, transports, all civilians. None of them Starfleet ships.
Picard: This tells me that a large spatial anomaly has appeared in the Neutral Zone, in the Devron System.
Worf: Captain, it could be a Romulan trick to lure our ships into the Neutral Zone as an excuse for a military strike.
O'Brien: Starfleet's canceling our mission to Farpoint Station and ordering us to the Neutral Zone as soon as we leave the Spacedock.
Picard: No, we'll proceed to Farpoint.
Tasha: Sir?
Picard: You heard me.
Worf: Captain, the security of the Federation could be at stake.
Picard: Mister Worf, will you man your station.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Troi: Captain, perhaps if we understood your thinking, if you could explain
Picard: I've no intention of explaining to anyone. We will proceed with our mission to Farpoint as planned. Chief O'Brien, am I right in thinking that you're having a problem with the warp plasma inducers.
O'Brien: That's right, sir.
Picard: Well I know how to get them back online. You're with me. We'll be in main Engineering.
Picard: Mister O'Brien, will you use these specifications to bypass the secondary plasma inducer.
O'Brien: You have to realize sir, this isn't exactly my area of expertise. The Chief Engineer should be making these modifications.
Picard: But the Chief Engineer isn't on board. Mister O'Brien, trust me. I know you can do it. All those years you spent as a child building those model starship engines. They were well worth it.
O'Brien: How did you know that, sir?
Picard: From your Starfleet records.
O'Brien: Yes, sir. I'll get right to these modifications. Fletcher, tell Munoz and Lee to get up here right away.
Fletcher: Aye, sir.
O'Brien: We have to realign the entire power grid. We'll all be burning the midnight oil on this one.
Data: That would be inadvisable.
O'Brien: Excuse me?
Data: If you attempt to ignite a petroleum product on this ship at zero hundred hours, it will activate the fire suppression system, which would seal off this entire compartment.
O'Brien: That was just an expression.
Data: Expression of what?
O'Brien: A figure of speech. I was trying to tell him that we'd be working late.
Data: Ah. Then to burn the midnight oil implies late work?
O'Brien: That's right.
Data: I am curious. What is the etymology of that idiom? How did it come to be used in contemporary language?
O'Brien: I don't know, sir.
Picard: Commander Data, welcome on board. It's so very good to see you.
Data: It is good to see you, too, sir.
Picard: I could use your help with the infuser array.
Data: Certainly.
Picard: As you can see, we're having difficulty with the plasma conduits.
Data: This will need a completely new field induction subprocessor. It appears that we will be required to ignite the midnight petroleum, sir.
Crusher: Jean-Luc, what's going on?
Picard: It happened again.
Crusher: A time shift?
Picard: Yes.
Riker: What happened?
Picard: It's still a little vague, but I can remember more this time. It seems that every time I shift periods, I can retain more memory. At first, it appeared that I was in the future, years from now, and then I was in the past just before our first mission.
Riker: What is it?
Crusher: I just scanned his temporal lobe and compared it to the scan I performed just a few minutes before. There's a thirteen percent increase in the acetylcholine of the hippocampus. Within a matter of minutes, you have accumulated over two days worth of memories.
Picard: Counselor, do you remember when I first came on board the Enterprise?
Troi: Yes.
Picard: What happened after the welcoming ceremony?
Troi: There was a reception in Ten Forward. I introduced you to Worf and the other senior officers.
Picard: Do you have any memory of my calling Red Alert in Spacedock? Do you remember Starfleet diverting us from Farpoint to the Neutral Zone to investigate a spatial anomaly?
Troi: No.
Data: It would appear there is a discontinuity between the time periods you described. Events in one time period would seem to have no effect on the other two.
Riker: And yet in both the past and the present there's a report of the same anomaly in the Devron System. I find it hard to believe that that's a coincidence.
Picard: For all I know, I may find the same thing in the future.
Laforge: Perhaps the anomaly is a temporal disturbance of some kind.
Crusher: How is all this related to your time shifting?
Picard: These are all very important questions, and perhaps I will find answers to them in the past, but now we have a potentially dangerous threat from the Romulans. I want all departments to present a battle readiness report to me at oh eight hundred hours tomorrow morning. Dismissed.
Riker: Deanna, it's going to be a late night. Would you like to have some dinner first?
Troi: Actually I, we have plans.
Riker: Oh. I see. I'm sorry. I'll see you in the morning.
Worf: Goodnight, sir.
Riker: Worf.
Picard: I want continuous subspace sweeps. We may be able to detect a temporal disturbance.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: Will, this time shifting. When it happens I experience a momentary disorientation. If that should happen during a crisis, I want you to take command immediately. Number One?
Riker: I'm sorry. Be prepared to take command. Aye, sir.
Picard: Speaking of disorientation, are you all right?
Riker: I'm just a little distracted. I'm fine.
Picard: You have the Bridge, Number One. I'll be in my Ready room.
Picard: Come.
Crusher: Milk, warm, a dash of nutmeg.
Picard: What's this?
Crusher: A prescription. A glass of warm milk and eight hours uninterrupted sleep.
Picard: Beverly.
Crusher: Doctor's orders. You're exhausted. Look, I don't know whether you've slept in the past or in the future, but I'm sure you haven't slept in the present. Now get some rest, or I'll have you relieved and sedated.
Picard: Yes, sir. What? Hey, Beverly?
Crusher: As a physician, it's often my job to give people unpleasant news. To tell them that they need surgery or that they can't have children or that they might be facing a difficult illness.
Picard: But you said yourself that this is only a possibility.
Crusher: But you've been to the future. You know it's going to happen.
Picard: I prefer to look on the future as something which is not written in stone. A lot of things can happen in twenty five years.
Crusher: A lot of things can happen.
Laforge: Captain?
Laforge: Captain, wake up.
Picard: Yes. What is it? Have we reached the Neutral Zone?
Laforge: The Neutral Zone?
Picard: Sorry. I was in the past again. What's going on?
Laforge: Data's arranged for us to run those tests on you in the biometrics lab. We're ready to go if you are.
Picard: No, no, no. No, we have to get to the Neutral Zone.
Laforge: The Neutral Zone? Why?
Picard: In the other two time periods, Starfleet reported a sort of a spatial anomaly in, in, in the Devron system. In Devron system in the Neutral Zone.
Laforge: Captain.
Picard: If the anomaly appeared there in the past, then it might be here too and we have to find out.
Laforge: Just because you've seen it in two other time frames, doesn't mean that it's going to be here.
Picard: But if it is here, then it means something. Damn it, Geordi, I know what we have to do!
Laforge: All right. Okay. But first, there is no Neutral Zone, remember?
Picard: Right. Right. Klingons. In this time period, the Klingons have taken over the Romulan Empire.
Laforge: Right now relations between us and the Klingons aren't too cozy.
Picard: I know that. I haven't completely lost my mind, you know.
Laforge: Well, if we're going to the Devron system, we're going to need a ship.
Picard: Right. Now, I think it's time to call in some old favors. Contact Admiral Riker, Starbase two four seven.
Riker: Jean-Luc, you know I'd like to help, but frankly, what you're asking for is impossible. The Klingons have closed their borders to all Federation starships.
Picard: Will, if this spatial anomaly really is in the Devron System.
Riker: I saw a report from Starfleet Intelligence this morning on that sector. There is no activity. There is nothing unusual going on in the Devron system.
Picard: Well I don't believe it! What if their long range scanners are faulty? We have to go there and see for ourselves.
Riker: Look, I've got the Yorktown out near the border. I'll have her run some long range scans in the Devron System. If she finds out anything, I'll let you know.
Picard: Will, that is just not good enough.
Riker: It's going to have to be. I'm sorry. It's all I can do. Riker out.
Data: Computer, restore holographic image.
Picard: Damn him, anyway. After all we've been through together. He's been sitting behind that desk too long.
Laforge: Captain, I'm sorry. I guess all we can do now is wait and see if the Yorktown finds anything.
Data: There is another option. We could arrange passage aboard a medical ship.
Picard: Medical ship?
Data: Yes, sir. There was an outbreak of Terrellian plague on Romulus. The Klingons have been allowing Federation medical ships to cross the border.
Picard: Yes. Yes!
Laforge: So, What we need is a medical ship.
Picard: I think I can arrange that. Data, find the USS Pasteur. I have some pull with the Captain. At least, I used to have.
Crusher: Well, this is a page from the past. I never thought I'd see either of you on a starship again.
Laforge: Hello, Doctor.
Crusher: Geordi.
Data: Doctor.
Crusher: Data.
Picard: Let's just choose one.
Crusher: All right.
Picard: So, did you get my message?
Crusher: Yes. Jean-Luc, crossing into Klingon territory. It's absurd. But then I never could say no to you.
Picard: Oh. So that's why you married me.
Crusher: Well now, the first order of business is to get clearance to cross the Klingon border.
Laforge: Agreed. What about Worf?
Picard: Yes, that's it. Worf. Yes, that's the answer. Worf will help us.
Laforge: Data, isn't Worf still a member of the Klingon High Council?
Data: I'm not sure. Information on the Klingon political structure is hard to come by these days. However, at last report Worf was governor of H'atoria, a small Klingon colony near the border.
Chilton: Captain Picard? PICARD +
Crusher: Yes?
Chilton: Captain, McKinley Station is signaling. They want to know when we'll be docking.
Crusher: Tell McKinley we've been called away on a priority mission.
Chilton: Aye, sir.
Picard: So, you kept the name.
Crusher: I've prepared quarters for you on deck five. You might want to get some rest.
Picard: No, I'm fine. I don't need rest.
Crusher: Nell, please escort the Ambassador to his quarters.
Picard: Look, you are treating me as if I am an invalid. I do have a few years left in me yet. I do not want to be led around, and I do not want to be patronized.
Crusher: You're right. I'm sorry.
Picard: Now, I'll go and get some rest.
Crusher: How long since his last neurological scan?
Laforge: I'm not sure, but I wouldn't try suggesting it. He says he's not taking any more damn tests.
Crusher: Do you really think he's moving through time? I'm not sure I do either. But he's Jean-Luc Picard and if he wants to go on one more mission, that's what we're going to do.
Picard: We'll find the anomaly. I know we will.
Picard: Report.
O'Brien: We're nearing the coordinates you gave me, sir.
Picard: Is there anything unusual in the vicinity, Mister Data?
Data: How would you define unusual, sir? Every region of space has its own unique properties that cannot be found anywhere else.
Picard: There should be a barrier of some sort nearby. A large plasma field, highly disruptive.
Data: Nothing, sir.
Picard: This is the right time, the right place. He should be here now.
O'Brien: Who, sir?
Picard: Q! We're here! This has gone on long enough! Counselor, do you sense an alien presence?
Troi: No, sir.
Worf: What is a Q?
Tasha: It's a letter of the alphabet, as far as I know.
Picard: I don't understand. This is not the way it's supposed to happen. Maintain this position. I'll be in my Ready room.
Q: Mon capitane. I thought you'd never get here.
Picard: Q. I knew it. What's going on?
Q: It's Judge Q to you. And isn't it obvious what's going on?
Picard: The last time that I stood here was seven years ago.
Q: Seven years ago. How little do you mortals understand time. Must you be so linear, Jean-Luc?
Picard: You accused me of being the representative of a barbarous species.
Q: I believe my exact words were a dangerous, savage, child race.
Picard: We demonstrated to you that mankind had become peaceful and benevolent. You agreed and you let us go on our way. Now why am I standing here again?
Q: Oh, you'd like me to connect the dots for you, lead you from A to B to C so your puny mind can comprehend. How boring. They'd be so much more entertained if you tried to figure it out. I'll answer any ten questions that call for a yes or a no. Well?
Picard: Are you putting mankind on trial again?
Q: No.
Picard: Is there any connection between the trial seven years ago and whatever's going on now?
Q: I'd have to say yes.
Picard: The spatial anomaly in the Neutral Zone, is it related to what's happening?
Q: Most definitely yes.
Picard: Is it part of a Romulan plot, a ploy to start a war?
Q: No and no. Five down.
Picard: That's only four.
Q: Is it a Romulan plot? Is it a ploy to start a war? Those are separate questions.
Picard: Did you create the anomaly?
Q: No, no, no. You're going to be so surprised when you realize where it came from, if you ever figure it out.
Picard: Are you responsible for my shifting through time?
Q: I'll answer that question if you promise you won't tell anyone. Yes.
Picard: Why?
Q: Sorry. That's not a yes or no question. You forfeit the rest of your questions. I expected as much. You're such a limited creature. A perfect example of why we made our decision. The trial never ended, Captain. We never reached a verdict. But now we have. You're guilty.
Picard: Guilty of what?
Q: Of being inferior. Seven years ago I said we'd be watching you, and we have been, hoping that your ape-like race would demonstrate some growth, give some indication that your minds have room for expansion. But what have we seen instead? You worrying about Commander Riker's career, listening to Counselor Troi's pedantic psychobabble, indulging Data in his witless exploration of humanity.
Picard: We've journeyed to countless new worlds, we've contacted new species, we have expanded our understanding of the universe.
Q: In your own paltry, limited way. You have no idea how far you still have to go. But instead of using the last seven years to change and to grow, you have squandered them.
Picard: We are what we are, and we're doing the best we can. It is not for you to set the standards by which we should be judged.
Q: Oh, but it is, and we have. Time may be eternal, Captain, but our patience is not. It's time to put an end to your trek through the stars, make room for other more worthy species.
Picard: You're going to deny us travel through space?
Q: You obtuse piece of flotsam. You are to be denied existence. Humanity's fate has been sealed. You will be destroyed.
Picard: Q, I do not believe that even you are capable of such an act.
Q: I? There you go again, always blaming me for everything. Well this time I'm not your enemy. I'm not the one that causes the annihilation of mankind. You are.
Picard: Me?
Q: That's right. You're doing it right now. You did it before and you'll do it again.
Picard: What sort of meaningless doubletalk is this?
Q: He doesn't understand. I have only myself to blame, I suppose. I believed in you. I thought you had potential. But apparently I was wrong. May whatever god you believe in have mercy on your soul. This court stands adjourned.
Picard: Commander, assemble the senior staff and go to Red alert. We have a bigger problem than I thought.
Riker: Red alert!
Laforge: I don't believe him. This has to be another one of Q's games. He's probably listening to us right now, getting a big laugh out of watching us jump through his hoops.
Picard: Normally I would agree with you, but this time I feel that somehow it is different. There was a deadly earnestness about him. I think he's serious. Which means that in some fashion, I am going to be the cause of the destruction of humanity.
Crusher: But didn't Q say you already had caused it?
Troi: And that you were causing it now?
Data: Given the fact that there is an apparent discontinuity between the three time periods the Captain has visited, Q's statement may be accurate, if confusing.
Picard: So what am I going to do? Lock myself in a room in all three different time periods?
Riker: Captain, maybe not acting is what causes the destruction of mankind. What if you were needed on the Bridge at a key moment, and you weren't there?
Troi: I don't think we can start second guessing ourselves. I think we have to proceed normally and deal with each situation as it occurs.
Picard: Agreed. I've been thinking about my conversation with Q. He admitted that he was responsible for my shifting through time. Now it occurred to me that he might be giving me a chance somehow to save humanity.
Riker: What makes you say that?
Picard: Well, he's always had a certain fascination with humanity, with myself in particular. I think he has more than a passing interest in what happens to me.
Data: That is true. Q's interest in you has always been very similar to that of a master and his beloved pet. That was only an analogy, Captain.
Picard: If I weren't traveling through time I would never have realized that the anomaly in the Neutral Zone appeared there in the past as well. Assuming that's an important piece of a larger puzzle, my ability to shift through time may be the key to understanding what's going on.
Crewman: Captain Picard.
Picard: Go ahead.
Crewman: We're approaching the Neutral Zone, Captain.
Picard: We're on our way.
Picard: All stop. Initiate long range scans.
Data: Captain, there are four warbirds holding position on the Romulan side of the Neutral Zone.
Worf: The Federation Starships Concord and Bozeman are holding position on our side.
Riker: A face off. The question is, who's going to move first?
Picard: We are. Mister Worf, hail the Romulan flagship.
Worf: The warbird Terix is responding.
Picard: On screen.
Worf: Captain Picard.
Crusher: Hello, Worf. It's been a long time.
Worf: It is good to see you again.
Crusher: Have you had a chance to read our request?
Worf: Yes. But you must realize I am no longer a member of the High Council.
Picard: But surely, Worf, you must still have some influence. We have to get into the Neutral Zone. Can't you just get us permission to cross the border?
Worf: I must refuse. It is for your own safety. The Neutral Zone is extremely volatile. If Admiral Riker had given you a starship with a cloak, you would have been safe. It is hard to believe that even he would refuse to help you.
Picard: I don't care what kind of ship we go in. We have to get to the Devron System.
Worf: I am sorry. My first duty is to the Empire. I must adhere to regulations.
Picard: I know that I'm an old man and I'm out of touch, but the Worf that I remember was more concerned with things like honor and loyalty than rules and regulations. But that was a long time ago. Maybe you're not the Worf once I knew.
Worf: Dor sHo GHA! You have always used your knowledge of Klingon honor and tradition to get what you want from me.
Picard: Because it always works, Worf. Your problem is that you really do have a sense of honor and you really do care about trust and loyalty. Don't blame me for knowing you so well.
Worf: Very well. You may cross the border. But only if I come with you. I am familiar with the Neutral Zone.
Picard: Terms accepted.
Crusher: Inform transporter room two to beam the Governor aboard. I must make one thing very clear, Jean-Luc. If we run into any serious opposition, I'm taking us back into Federation territory. We aren't well armed and wouldn't last long in a fight.
Chilton: Governor Worf is aboard, Captain.
Crusher: All right. Set course for the Devron system, warp thirteen. Once more, for old time's sake?
Picard: Engage.
O'Brien: Engage to where, sir?
Picard: Set a course for the Devron system, and engage at warp nine.
Tasha: The Devron System is inside the Neutral Zone, sir.
Picard: I'm aware of that, Lieutenant. Carry out my orders, Chief.
O'Brien: Aye, sir.
Troi: Captain, may I have a word with you in private?
Picard: Yes of course, Counselor. Contact Farpoint Station. I wish to speak with Commander Riker.
Tasha: Aye, sir.
Troi: Captain, I just wanted to voice my concerns about the way the crew is responding to your unexpected orders.
Picard: They don't trust me. They think that I'm behaving erratically.
Troi: Some do. Others are confused. It takes some time for a new crew to get to know their Captain, and for him to know them.
Picard: I understand, but I also know what this crew is capable of, even if they don't.
Troi: It would also help if they knew what was going on.
Picard: I know it's difficult operating in the dark, but right now I don't think I have any other choice.
Tasha: Yar to Captain Picard. I have Commander Riker for you, sir.
Picard: Excuse me. Put him through here. Commander Riker. I wanted to inform you that we'll be delayed in picking you up at Farpoint Station.
Riker: I see. May I ask how long?
Picard: I can't say. I'll keep you updated. Will you inform Doctor Crusher and Lieutenant La Forge of our delay?
Riker: Understood.
Riker: Riker out.
Picard: Is there anything else, Counselor?
Troi: Actually, sir, there is. I was debating whether to mention it, and perhaps. It's about Commander Riker.
Picard: What about him?
Troi: I think you should know he and I have had a prior relationship.
Picard: I see. Do you think this will interfere with your duties?
Troi: Not at all. It happened several years ago and it's well behind both of us now. I just thought you should know.
Picard: I appreciate your telling me, but I'm quite sure that the two of you will find some way to deal with the situation.
Troi: Thank you, sir.
Picard: Tea, Earl Gray, hot.
Computer: That beverage has not been programmed into the replication system.
Tomolak: So, Captain how long shall we stare at each other across the Neutral Zone?
Picard: There is an alternative, Tomolak. We each know why we're here. We could each send one ship into the Neutral Zone to investigate the anomaly in the Devron System.
Tomolak: Has Starfleet Command approved this arrangement?
Picard: No.
Tomolak: I like it already. Agreed. One ship from each side. But I warn you, if another Federation starship tries to enter the Zone.
Picard: There is no need to make threats. We each know the consequences.
Tomolak: Very well. I'll see you in the Devron system.
Picard: Helm, set course for the Devron system, warp five.
Gates: Aye, sir.
Picard: Engage.
Data: Sensors are picking up a large subspace anomaly directly ahead.
Picard: All stop. On screen. Full scan, Mister Data.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: We have to get as much information as possible about that anomaly.
Data: We are approaching the Devron system, Captain. Sensors are picking up a large subspace anomaly directly ahead.
Picard: All stop. On screen. Then it is larger in the past.
Troi: Sir?
Picard: Nothing. Full scan, Mister Data.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: On screen! On screen! Let's see it!
Data: As you can see, sir, there's nothing there.
Data: Still nothing, Captain. I've conducted a full sensor sweep out to one light year from the Pasteur. No temporal anomalies, no particle fluctuations, nothing.
Picard: I don't understand. It was here in the other two time periods. Why isn't it here now?
Worf: Captain. I have been monitoring Klingon communication channels. Several warships have been dispatched to this sector to search for a renegade Federation vessel.
Picard: You're not thinking about leaving?
Crusher: There's nothing here, Jean-Luc.
Picard: There should be! There has to be! Data, is there some other way to scan for a temporal disturbance? Something that isn't covered in a normal sensor sweep.
Data: There are several methods of detecting temporal disturbances, but we're limited by the equipment on the Pasteur.
Crusher: We should head back to Federation territory.
Data: However, it may be possible to modify the main deflector to emit an inverse tachyon pulse, which could scan beyond the subspace barrier.
Picard: That's it. Make it so.
Crusher: Wait a minute. Data, how long would this take?
Data: To make the modifications and search the entire Devron system will take approximately fourteen hours.
Crusher: All right. Data, begin to modify the tachyon pulse. Ensign Chilton, lay in a course back to the Federation. We'll stay here for six more hours, and if we haven't found anything we're heading back, maximum warp.
Chilton: Aye, sir.
Picard: But six more hours may not be enough. We have to stay here until we find it, no matter how long it takes.
Crusher: Carry out my orders. May I see you a moment?
Picard: Beverly, I cannot believe that you are not willing to stay here until we
Crusher: Don't you ever question my orders on the Bridge of my ship again!
Picard: Damn it, I was just trying to. Look, there are larger concerns here. What you don't understand is that
Crusher: I understand that you would never have tolerated that kind of behavior back on the Enterprise and I won't here. I don't care if you're my ex-Captain or my ex-husband.
Picard: You're right. I was out of line. It won't happen again. But what you have to understand is what is at stake here. Q has said that all of humanity will be destroyed.
Crusher: I know. That's why I've allowed us to stay here longer and keep looking. But I also want you to allow for the possibility that none of what you're saying is real.
Picard: What?
Crusher: Jean-Luc, I care for you too much not to tell you the truth. You have advanced Irumodic Syndrome. It's possible that all of this is in your mind. I'll stay here six hours longer and then we're heading home. I want you to remember, if it were anyone but you, we wouldn't even be here.
Q: Eh? What was that she said, sonny? I couldn't quite hear her.
Picard: Q? What is going on here? Where is the anomaly?
Q: Where's your mommy? Well, I don't know.
Picard: Answer me.
Q: There is an answer, Jean-Luc, but I can't hand it to you. Although you do have help.
Picard: What help?
Q: You're not alone, you know. What you were and what you are to become will always with you.
Picard: My time shifting. The answer does lie there, doesn't it. Now, tell me one thing. This anomaly we're looking for, will that destroy humanity?
Q: You're forgetting, Jean-Luc. You destroy humanity.
Picard: By doing what? When? How can
Picard: Report, Mister Data.
Data: The anomaly is two hundred million kilometers in diameter. It is a highly focused temporal energy source which is emitting approximately the same energy output as ten G type stars.
Picard: What is the source of this energy?
Data: I am uncertain, sir. Sensors are unable to penetrate the anomaly.
Picard: What if we modified the main deflector to emit an inverse tachyon pulse. That might be able to scan beyond the subspace barrier. That might give us some idea of what the interior of this thing looks like.
Data: That is a most intriguing idea, sir. I do not believe a tachyon beam was ever used in such a way. I had no idea you were so versed in the intricacies of temporal theory, sir.
Picard: I have some friends who are quite well versed in it. Make it so.
Data: I believe we can make the necessary modifications in main Engineering, sir.
Laforge: We can get more power if we reroute the primary EPS taps to the deflector array.
Data: Agreed. Initiating tachyon pulse.
Laforge: Okay. the pulse is holding steady. We're starting to receive data from the scan.
Data: It will take the computer some time to give us a complete picture of the anomaly's interior. I suggest we
Data: Geordi? What is wrong?
Laforge: I don't know. It's like somebody's sticking an ice pick in my temples. My visor's picking up all kinds of electromagnetic fluctuations.
Data: Data to Sickbay. Medical emergency in main Engineering.
Crusher: This is amazing. The DNA in his optic nerves is regenerating. Geordi, it's as if you're growing new eyes.
Picard: How is this possible?
Crusher: It shouldn't be possible at all. There's no medical explanation for spontaneous regeneration of an organ.
Ogawa: Doctor we've just gotten reports from two crewmembers who say they have old scars which are healing themselves.
Data: Captain, I believe I have a partial explanation. I have completed my analysis of the anomaly. It appears to be a multi-phasic temporal convergence in the space-time continuum.
Crusher: In English, Data.
Data: It is, in essence, an eruption of anti-time.
Picard: Anti-time?
Data: A relatively new concept in temporal mechanics. The relationship between anti-time and normal time is analogous to the relationship between antimatter and normal matter.
Picard: So if time and anti-time were to collide
Data: They would annihilate one other, causing a rupture in space. I believe this is what happened in the Devron system. The rupture may be sending out waves of temporal energy which are disrupting the normal flow of time.
Picard: Data, what could have caused this collision of time and anti-time?
Data: Anti-time, sir?
Picard: I believe that if you modify the deflectors to send out an inverse tachyon pulse, then you'll find that the anomaly is a rupture between time and anti-time.
Data: That is a fascinating hypothesis. How did you formulate
Picard: I don't have time to discuss it now, Mister Data. Do the modifications and send out the pulse. Then try working on a theory as to what caused this rupture. Mister O'Brien, how large is this anomaly?
O'Brien: Approximately four hundred million kilometers in diameter, sir.
Picard: I don't understand why it's bigger in the past.
Picard: Lieutenant, you have the Bridge. I'll be in my Ready room.
Tasha: Aye, sir.
Picard: What's going on?
Crusher: We're under attack.
Chilton: Shield strength down to fifty two percent. Minor damage to the port nacelle.
Worf: Two Klingon attack cruisers decloaking to port and starboard.
Crusher: Warp speed. Get us out of here.
Chilton: Warp power's offline, sir.
Crusher: Heading one four eight, mark two one five. Full impulse.
Chilton: Impulse power's fluctuating. Shields down to thirty percent.
Picard: Weapons status?
Worf: These weapons are no match for their shields.
Crusher: Geordi, we need more warp power, now.
Laforge: I'm trying, Captain. They're too much for us. I can't keep the phase inducers online.
Chilton: Shields down to nine percent. One more hit and they'll collapse.
Crusher: Open a channel.
Chilton: Open.
Crusher: This is Captain Beverly Picard. We are a medical ship on a mission of mercy. Please break off all Worf, signal our surrender.
Worf: Tos Vah'cha Worf, do'lo jegh!
Worf: Our shields have collapsed. We are defenseless.
Data: Captain, another ship decloaking bearing two one five mark three one oh. It's the Enterprise.
Data: They're hailing us.
Crusher: On screen.
Riker: I had a feeling you weren't going to listen to me. Stand by. I'll see if I can get the Klingons' attention.
Worf: The Enterprise is drawing their fire.
Crusher: Damage report.
Laforge: The warp core has been badly damaged. There's a breach in progress.
Picard: We have to stop it!
Data: The Klingon ship is disengaging. Admiral Riker is hailing us.
Riker: Our sensors indicate your ship has a warp core breach in progress. Prepare for emergency beam out.
Gaines: All the Pasteur's crew are safely on board, Admiral.
Riker: Raise the shields. Where are the Klingons?
Gaines: They're still moving off, sir. Half a light year away.
Riker: They'll be back. As I said, I figured you wouldn't take no for answer. But I thought you had more sense than to send a defenseless ship across the border into hostile territory with no escort.
Worf: If you had not turned down the Captain when he came to you for help, none of this would have happened. Unlike you, I still have a sense of honor and loyalty.
Picard: We don't have time for this. The Pasteur's core is going to breach.
Riker: Take us out of here. Full impulse.
Riker: All right, let's get out of here.
Picard: No, Will, we can't! We have to save humanity.
Riker: Engage cloak.
Gaines: Admiral, we took a direct hit to the starboard plasma coil. Our cloak isn't functioning. Engineering reports it'll be seven hours before we can cloak again.
Riker: All right, we'll do it the old-fashioned way. Set a course for the Federation, warp thirteen.
Picard: Will, don't leave! We have to stay here and find what is causing the temporal anomaly.
Riker: We can't stay, Captain.
Picard: We have to! Everything depends on it! We can't leave now! Please, listen to me!
Crusher: Your visual acuity's improving by the hour, Geordi.
Crusher: I'm sorry, Alyssa. May I take another look? You'll have a little tenderness for a few days. That's to be expected.
Crusher: Jean-Luc. I'll be right back, Alyssa.
Crusher: Alyssa lost the baby. I think it's the same phenomenon that affected Geordi. Somehow, the temporal energy from the anomaly caused the fetal tissue to revert to an earlier stage of development. It's as if the unborn child began to grow younger, until finally the DNA itself began to break down.
Picard: How is she?
Crusher: Physically, she's fine for now. But if this temporal reversion continues, I don't think any of us are going to be fine for much longer.
Picard: So this is affecting the entire crew.
Crusher: Our cellular structures appear to be coalescing, reverting to earlier forms. In some cases, this has caused old injuries to be healed, but the effect is only temporary. Eventually, may kill all of us.
Picard: We have to find out how widespread this effect is. Contact Starbase Twenty three, that's the nearest outpost. Have them check their personnel to see if there are any signs of temporal reversion.
Troi: Aye, sir.
Picard: Mister Data, how close are you to completing the tachyon scan?
Data: Approximately one hour forty five minutes, sir.
Picard: Good. When it's done I want you to find some way of collapsing this anomaly without making things worse. Give me a risk analysis of whatever solution you come up with.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: Dismissed.
Q: It's a pretty big decision, Jean-Luc. Tinkering with an anomaly you know nothing about, trying to collapse it. Isn't that risky?
Picard: Why? Will that cause the destruction of mankind?
Q: Maybe. On the other hand, maybe leaving it alone would be the wrong thing to do. It's a pretty big decision, all right. Would it help to have a different perspective?
Q: Welcome home.
Picard: Home?
Q: Don't you recognize your old stomping grounds? This is Earth, France, about, oh, three and a half billion years ago, give or take an eon or two. Smells awful, doesn't it? All that sulfur and volcanic ash. I really must speak to the maid.
Picard: Q, is there any point to all this?
Q: Look.
Picard: So the anomaly is here too, at Earth.
Q: At this point in history the anomaly fills your entire quadrant of the galaxy.
Picard: The further back in time, the larger the anomaly.
Q: Come here. There's something I want to show you. You see this?
Q: This is you. I'm serious. Right here, life is about to form on this planet for the very first time. A group of amino acids are about to combine and form the first protein, the building blocks of what you call life. Strange, isn't it? Everything you know, your entire civilization, it all begins right here in this little pond of goo. Appropriate, somehow, isn't it? Too bad you didn't bring your microscope. It's really quite fascinating. Oh, look, there they go. The amino acids are moving closer and closer, and closer. Oh! Nothing happened. See what you've done?
Picard: Are you saying that I caused the anomaly, and that the anomaly somehow disrupted the beginnings of life on Earth?
Q: Congratulations.
Picard: Let's concentrate on how this anomaly was initially formed. Speculation?
Data: Our tachyon pulse has been unable to completely penetrate the anomaly. If we had information on the center of the phenomenon, we might have a basis for speculation.
Picard: Is there any way that we can scan the interior?
O'Brien: I've tried everything I know. There's just too much interference. There's nothing on board that'll do the job.
Picard: Do you know what could?
Data: In theory, a tomographic imaging scanner capable of multiphasic resolution would be able to penetrate this much interference. The Daystrom Institute has been working on such a device, but it is still only theoretical.
Picard: Data do we have a tomographic imaging scanner on board?
Data: Yes, sir.
Picard: Can you use it to scan the interior of the anomaly?
Data: Possibly. There is a great deal of interference, but I am getting some readings. This is very unusual.
Picard: What is it?
Data: It appears that our tachyon pulse is converging with two other tachyon pulses at the center of the anomaly. The other two pulses have the exact same amplitude modulation as our own pulse. It is as if all three originated from the Enterprise.
Picard: Three pulses, from three time periods, converging at one point in space.
Data: Captain, what are you suggesting?
Picard: Computer, where is Admiral Riker?
Computer: Admiral Riker is in Ten Forward.
Laforge: The ship has held up pretty well over the years.
Riker: They tried to decommission her about five years ago. One of the advantages of being an Admiral is you get to choose your own ship.
Crusher: Will, how long is this thing between you and Worf going to go on?
Riker: It's been going on for over twenty years. Doesn't look like it's going to end any time soon.
Data: I suspect the last thing Counselor Troi would have wanted is for the two of you to be alienated.
Crusher: I agree. I think it's time to put it behind you.
Riker: I tried at Deanna's funeral. He wouldn't even talk to me.
Laforge: Might have been tough for him then. He took her death pretty hard.
Riker: Oh, yeah? Well he wasn't the only one.
Crusher: I know, but I think in his mind you were the reason that he and Deanna never got together.
Riker: I never did anything to stand in his way.
Crusher: Didn't you, Will?
Riker: Did I? I didn't want to admit that it was over. I always thought that we'd get together again. And then she was gone. You think you have all the time in the world, until. Yeah.
Picard: Ensign. How do I get to Ten Forward?
Ensign: It's four decks down, sir. Section zero zero five.
Picard: Thank you.
Crusher: Oh, my god.
Picard: Will! Will, I know why it's happening. I know what's causing the anomaly. We have to go back.
Riker: The only place we're going back to, sir, is bed.
Picard: Damn it Will, I know why it's happening. We caused the anomaly with the tachyon pulse. It happened three times, Will. We did it in three different time periods!
Crusher: I think you'd better come with me.
Picard: Will you leave me alone? Damn it, I'm not stupid. Will, the tachyon pulses, they were used in the same spot in three different time periods. Don't you see? When the tachyon pulse used. I mean, I mean when the Pasteur used the tachyon pulse, then, then, we I mean everything started, Will. We set everything in motion. It's like the chicken and the egg, Will, the chicken and the egg! We think it started in the past but it didn't. It started right here, in the future. That's why it's getting larger in the past.
Data: I think I know what the Captain's talking about. If I'm not mistaken, he's describing a paradox.
Picard: Yes! Right. That's it.
Data: Intriguing. It is possible we could've caused the very anomaly we've been looking for. Let us assume for a moment that the Captain has been traveling through time. Let us also assume he has initiated an tachyon pulse at the same coordinates in space in all three time periods. In that case, it is possible that the convergence of three tachyon pulses could've ruptured the subspace barrier and created an anti-time reaction.
Laforge: I see where you're going, Data. And because anti-time operates opposite the way normal time does, the effects would travel backwards through the space-time continuum.
Picard: Yes. That's why it gets larger in the past. It grows as it travels backwards in time.
Riker: All right. Just for the moment lets say that you're right. What do we do?
Picard: Go back, Will. We go back to the Devron System.
Crusher: He may be right.
Data: If we go back to the Devron system now, we might be able to see the initial formation of the anomaly.
Riker: Riker to Bridge. Set course for the Devron system, maximum warp.
Gaines: Aye, sir.
Riker: Worf, we could use a hand.
Gaines: Entering the Devron system, sir.
Riker: Full stop.
Data: Sensors are picking up a small temporal anomaly off the port bow.
Riker: On screen.
Picard: I was right.
Laforge: It's an anti-time eruption. It seems to have been formed within the last six hours.
Picard: We must stop it here so it can't travel back through time.
Riker: Mister Data, we need a solution and we need it now.
Data: The anomaly is being sustained by the continuing tachyon pulses in the other two time periods. I suggest shutting them down.
Picard: The next time I'm there, it's the first thing I'll do.
Riker: Isn't there something more we can do here to seal the rupture somehow?
Data: I will investigate the options.
Picard: Data, disengage the tachyon pulse.
Data: Sir?
Picard: Do it. The convergence of the tachyon pulses from the three time periods is what is causing the anomaly.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: Is there any change in the anomaly?
Data: No, sir.
Picard: Disengage the tachyon pulse.
O'Brien: but e haven't finished the scan, sir.
Picard: I know that. But it is imperative that you disengage the tachyon pulse immediately.
Data: Aye, sir. Disengaging.
Picard: Why isn't the anomaly being affected?
O'Brien: Why would it be, sir?
Picard: I've shut off the tachyon pulses in the other time periods but it hasn't changed the anomaly.
Data: It remains unaffected here as well, sir.
Crusher: What do we do?
Laforge: The only way to stop this thing's to repair the rupture at the focal point where time and anti-time are converging.
Riker: How do we do that?
Data: It would require taking the ship into the anomaly itself. Once inside, we may be able to use the engines to create a static warp shell.
Laforge: Yeah, Data, that's right. And the shell would act as an artificial subspace barrier separating time and anti-time.
Data: Collapsing the anomaly and restoring the normal flow of time. But this would have to be done in the other two time periods as well.
Picard: That could be a problem. The anomaly's so much larger in the other two time periods
Picard: It may be dangerous to take the ship in.
O'Brien: Take the ship in where, sir?
Picard: Into the anomaly, Chief. Lay in a course for the exact center and transfer all available power to the shields.
Tasha: Sir? Can you give us some explanation?
Picard: No, Lieutenant, I cannot.
Tasha: Captain, so far we've obeyed every order, no matter how far fetched it might have seemed. But if we're to risk the safety of the ship and crew I think we have to ask you for an explanation.
Picard: I understand your concerns, Lieutenant, and I know if I were in your position I would be doing the same thing. Looking for answers. But you're not going to find any because I don't have any to give you. I know it is difficult for you to understand, but we have to take the ship into the very center of the phenomenon and create a static warp shell. Now, this will put the ship at risk. Quite frankly, we may not survive. But I want you to believe that I am doing this for a greater purpose, and that what is at stake here is more than any of you can possibly imagine. I know you have your doubts about me, about each other, about the ship. All I can say is that although we have only been together for a short time, I know that you are the finest crew in the fleet and I would trust each of you with my life. So, I am asking you for a leap of faith, and to trust me.
Tasha: Shields up, maximum strength.
Worf: Boosting field integrity to the warp nacelles. We may encounter shearing forces once we enter the anomaly.
Data: I am preparing to initiate a static warp shell.
O'Brien: Course laid in, sir.
Troi: All decks report ready, sir.
Picard: Take us in, Chief.
Data: Captain, I have an idea. If we take the ship to the center of the anomaly and create a static warp shell
Picard: A static warp shell. It could repair the barrier and collapse the anomaly.
Data: Yes, sir.
Picard: Mister Data, you're a clever man in any time period. Helm, lay in a course for the center of the anomaly and prepare to initiate a static warp shell.
Helm: Aye, sir.
Picard: The other two Enterprises, they're on their way.
Riker: Very well. Ensign, take us in.
O'Brien: We're entering the anomaly, sir.
Picard: All hands, brace for impact!
Tasha: The temporal energy's interfering with main power. Switching to
Laforge: Auxiliary power. I'm having trouble keeping the impulse engines online. I've got power fluctuations all across the board.
Picard: Maintain course and speed. Mister Data, how long until we reach the center?
Data: At least thirty seconds, sir.
Gaines: We've entered the anomaly.
Data: We have reached the center, sir.
Picard: Initiate warp shell!
Data: Initiating static warp shell now.
Riker: Is it having any effect?
Data: Something is happening. A new subspace barrier appears to be forming,
Tasha: Captain, the sensors are picking up two other ships.
Data: Captain, it appears to be working. The anomaly is beginning to collapse. I think that
Tasha: Temporal energy is rupturing our warp containment system!
Worf: We must eject the core!
Picard: No, we have to maintain the static warp shell as long as possible!
Tasha: We're losing containment, Captain! I can't stop it, it's going to
Picard: Transfer emergency power to the antimatter containment system!
Laforge: I'm trying, but there's a lot of interference.
Data: The warp shell is definitely having an effect, sir. The anomaly is collapsing.
Laforge: I can't hold it. The containment system is going.
Picard: Maintain position! Mister La
Data: Both of the other ships have been destroyed.
Q: Two down, one to go.
Picard: Data, report!
Data: The anomaly is nearly collapsed.
Laforge: We're losing containment.
Q: Goodbye, Jean-Luc. I'm going to miss you. You had such potential. But then again, all good things must come to an end.
Laforge: Containment field is at critical. I'm losing it!
Q: The Continuum didn't think you had it in you, Jean-Luc, but I knew you did.
Picard: Are you saying that it worked? We collapsed the anomaly?
Q: Is that all this meant to you? Just another spatial anomaly? Just another day at the office?
Picard: Did it work?
Q: Well, you're here, aren't you? You're talking to me, aren't you?
Picard: What about my crew?
Q: The anomaly. My crew. My ship. I suppose you're worried about your fish, too. Well, if it puts your mind at ease, you've saved humanity once again.
Picard: Thank you.
Q: For what?
Picard: You had a hand in helping me get out of this.
Q: I was the one that got you into it. A directive from the Continuum. The part about the helping hand, thought, was my idea.
Picard: I sincerely hope that this is the last time that I find myself here.
Q: You just don't get it, do you, Jean-Luc? The trial never ends. We wanted to see if you had the ability to expand your mind and your horizons. And for one brief moment, you did.
Picard: When I realized the paradox.
Q: Exactly. For that one fraction of a second, you were open to options you had never considered. That is the exploration that awaits you. Not mapping stars and studying nebulae, but charting the unknowable possibilities of existence.
Picard: Q, what is it that you're trying to tell me?
Q: You'll find out. In any case, I'll be watching. And if you're very lucky, I'll drop by to say hello from time to time. See you out there.
Troi: Captain, are you all right?
Picard: Mister Worf, what's the date?
Worf: Stardate 47988.
Troi: Is something wrong, sir?
Picard: No. No. No. I think I'll get back to bed. I could use some sleep.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. Starfleet Command reports no unusual activity along the Neutral Zone, and there is no sign of a temporal anomaly. It would appear that I am the only member of the crew to retain any knowledge of the events I experienced.
Crusher: Take it.
Riker: Any time, Doctor.
Laforge: Four hands in a row. How does he do it?
Riker: I cheat. I'm kidding.
Crusher: You know, I was thinking about what the Captain told us about the future. About how we all changed and drifted apart. Why would he want to tell us what's to come?
Laforge: Sure goes against everything we've heard about not polluting the time line, doesn't it.
Data: I believe, however, this situation is unique. Since the anomaly did not occur, there have already been changes in the way this time line is unfolding. The future we experience will undoubtedly be different from the one the Captain encountered.
Riker: Maybe that's why he told us. Knowing what happens in that future allows us to change things now, so that some things never happen.
Worf: Agreed.
Riker: Come in.
Troi: Am I too late?
Riker: Of course not. Pull up a chair.
Troi: What's the game?
Data: Five card draw, deuces wild.
Riker: Come.
Riker: Is there a problem, sir?
Picard: No. I, er, I just thought that I might, erm, I might join you this evening. If there's room.
Riker: Of course. Have a seat.
Data: Would you care to deal, sir?
Picard: Oh, er, thank you, Mister Data. Actually, I used to be quite a card player in my youth, you know. I should have done this a long time ago.
Troi: You were always welcome.
Picard: So. Five card stud, nothing wild, and the sky's the limit.