Worf: As time passes, a boy inevitably becomes a man. What is not inevitable, is that a man become a warrior. A warrior must be forged like a sword, tempered by, by, tempered by experience. The path of the warrior begins
Worf: Alexander.
Alexander: No! Wait!
Eric: Sorry. I didn't mean to hit you.
Worf: What is the meaning of this?
Alexander: I'm sorry. We made fullerenes in chemistry class today and filled them with water.
Worf: I asked you to meet me here after school. I have been waiting for you.
Alexander: I forgot.
Worf: You forgot because you allowed yourself to be distracted by foolishness.
Alexander: I'm sorry.
Worf: There is something very important I want to discuss with you. It concerns your future. Sit. As time passes, a boy inevitably becomes a man, but what is not inevitable is that a man become a sword
Alexander: What?
Worf: No. I meant warrior. The path of A warrior begins with the First Rite of Ascension.
Alexander: Is that when they hit you with pain sticks?
Worf: No. No, that is the Second Rite.
Alexander: Oh.
Worf: You are approaching the Age of Ascension. It is time for you to prepare for the ceremony.
Alexander: What do I have to do?
Worf: Well, your fighting skills will be tested and your knowledge of the teachings of Kahless. It will be challenging, but I will help you prepare. These are the kor'tova candles. They represent the fire that burns within the heart of a warrior. When you light yours, you will be declaring your intention to become a warrior. Go ahead.
Alexander: What if I don't want to?
Worf: If you do not participate in the rite before the age of thirteen years, you will never be able to become a true Klingon warrior.
Alexander: Well I don't care about that.
Worf: You may not care about it now, but someday you might.
Alexander: Mother always said that I didn't have to do any of this Klingon stuff if I didn't want.
Worf: It is your decision but
Alexander: Okay then. I'm not going to do it.
Worf: Alexander.
Alexander: You just said it was up to me. I don't want to be a warrior.
Picard: As a result, we won't be able to rendezvous with the Kearsarge for another four days.
Riker: Will we be holding position here until it arrives?
Picard: Yes. And, as it would seem we're in for a relatively quiet time, I shall use this opportunity to visit the Hatarian System. There are some ancient ruins that are just being excavated.
Data: The delay will also make it possible for Stellar Dynamics to complete their study of the Vodrey Nebula.
Riker: I'll let them know they can have more access to the lateral sensor grid.
Picard: We could use this time to recalibrate the weapon targeting array. Mister Worf?
Worf: Yes, sir. I will begin the procedure immediately.
Picard: Very good. Dismissed. Lieutenant, could I have a word with you for a moment?
Picard: I noticed several times during the briefing that you appeared to be a bit distracted.
Worf: I apologize. In the future, I will make sure my personal affairs do not interfere with my duties.
Picard: Is everything all right?
Worf: I am having problems with Alexander. He has made it clear he does not wish to participate in the First Rite of Ascension.
Picard: Oh, I see.
Worf: I have tried to tell him that it is an important part of a young Klingon's life, but he does not understand.
Picard: But he's had so little opportunity to spend time with Klingons. You know, the festival of Kot'baval is tomorrow. If he could take part in that, I'm sure he would more fully appreciate what a rich cultural heritage he comes from. There is the Klingon outpost on Maranga Four. I'm sure they'll be celebrating the festival.
Worf: Yes. But the outpost is on the other side of the Vodrey Nebula. It would take three days by shuttle to get there.
Picard: The Enterprise could be there in a fraction of the time, and still be back in time for the rendezvous.
Worf: Captain, I cannot ask you
Picard: Mister Worf, Stellar Dynamics would like nothing better than a trip around the nebula.
Worf: Thank you, sir.
Laforge: Who's that?
Worf: It is the tyrant Molor. He was so strong no one could stand against him.
Singer: Nok'tar be'got, hosh'ar te'not?
Crusher: What's he saying?
Worf: He is asking if anyone else will have the courage to stand up to Molor.
Singer: Nok'tar be'got, hosh'ar te'not?
Worf: Ki'rok, Molor, ki'rok!
Molor: Ni'tokor bak'to! Ba'jak tu'mo!
Worf: O'tak tu'ro!
Worf: Nok'tar be'got? Hosh'ar te'not?
Alexander: Ki'rok Molor, ki'rok!
Molor: What is this?
Molor: Jik'ta. You have wounded me.
Worf: You fought well.
Alexander: What happens now?
Worf: There is only one man can stand against Molor.
Singer: Nok'tar Kahless.
Alexander: It's Kahless!
Worf: Kahless would rather die than live under Molor's tyranny.
Alexander: Ni'lot Kahless!
Alexander: Father.
Worf: Where have you been?
Alexander: We were watching the fire dancers.
Worf: We?
Alexander: K'Nor and Bar'el. They live here on the outpost. I need some money.
Worf: What for?
Alexander: The man over there says he's got Molor's head in a box. The real Molor.
Worf: That is impossible. The real Molor died centuries ago.
Alexander: I know. It's mummified. He offered to show us for fifty darseks.
Worf: He is trying to take your money.
Alexander: Please, Father. He's waiting.
Worf: No. It is late. We should go home.
Alexander: But
Worf: Alexander, that is enough. Come, it is time to go.
Alexander: I have to say goodbye to my friends.
Worf: You can see your friends again tomorrow.
Alexander: We're coming back?
Worf: If you want to.
Robber: Hi'jak beh.
Worf: Run, Alexander.
K'Mtar: Ni'tokor bak'to!
K'Mtar: Q'apla, Worf. You are too much for them.
Worf: I have seen you before. Who are you?
K'Mtar: A friend.
Worf: Are you K'mtar.
K'Mtar: Your brother sent me here to protect you.
Worf: He is gin'tak to the house of Mogh.
Riker: Gin'tak?
Worf: An advisor so trusted that he is become part of a family.
Riker: Do you have any idea who was behind the attack?
K'Mtar: It is a Klingon matter. It is not your concern.
Riker: One of my officers was almost killed. That makes it my concern.
K'Mtar: Recently, rumors began to circulate on the homeworld that an assassination attempt was going to be made on the family of Mogh. Kurn sent me here to make sure nothing happened to Worf.
Riker: Why didn't you warn him before the attack was made?
K'Mtar: I tried to contact him over subspace. I was told he was not aboard. I decided to beam directly to the surface.
Riker: Why didn't you let us know about it?
K'Mtar: Forgive me for being blunt, Commander, but when it comes to protecting the house to which I have pledged my life, I trust no one.
Worf: I have full confidence in the officers with whom I serve. One of the attackers dropped this dagger. The design represents the house of Duras.
K'Mtar: We have other evidence that indicates the Duras sisters, Lursa and B'Etor, were behind the attack.
Riker: What do you think they were after?
K'Mtar: Kurn's seat on the Council, of course.
Worf: We can not allow their attack on our house to go unanswered.
K'Mtar: First, we must to find them.
Riker: At one point they were at Deep Space Nine, trying to sell bilitrium explosives.
K'Mtar: That was months ago. No one knows where they went from there.
Riker: Maybe we can find them. We've arranged for quarters on the ship, if you'd like to stay.
K'Mtar: I would. Worf and I have much to discuss.
K'Mtar: I will send Kurn a message telling him what happened, but he will not receive it for days. He's gone to the Hitora colony
Worf: Why did you treat Commander Riker so disrespectfully? You were rude.
K'Mtar: I may have been rude by human standards. I meant no disrespect. What is the matter, Worf? Have you been living so long among humans that you have forgotten how Klingons behave?
Worf: I have not forgotten. I am merely stating that their ways our different than ours.
K'Mtar: I trust you have made your son aware of that fact as well.
Worf: Yes, of course I have.
K'Mtar: Good. Because someday Alexander may be called upon to lead the house of Mogh. Kurn has no male heir. He wants to make sure that Alexander is preparing himself.
Worf: Does my brother doubt my ability to raise my son as a Klingon?
K'Mtar: No. But you are alone among humans. It cannot be easy to keep our ways.
Worf: No. It has not been easy.
K'Mtar: How are his fighting skills? Can he handle a bat'leth?
Worf: He is learning. He could be better.
K'Mtar: He must. He's nearing the age of ascension.
Worf: Actually, Alexander has not yet committed himself to undergoing the Rite.
K'Mtar: What?
Worf: I have tried to explain to him how important it is, but he will not listen to me.
K'Mtar: Perhaps together, you and I can find a way to spark the boy's interest in his heritage.
Worf: I would be grateful for any help you could offer.
K'Mtar: Tomorrow, then.
Worf: Tomorrow.
K'Mtar: May I say goodnight to the boy?
Worf: Yes, of course.
K'Mtar: Is this your mother?
Alexander: Yes. She died when I was little.
K'Mtar: You miss her a great deal, don't you? It must be hard for you, being the only Klingon your age aboard this ship.
Alexander: Sometimes.
K'Mtar: Have you ever been to the Homeworld?
Alexander: No.
K'Mtar: I think you would like it there. At your uncle's house there is a lake you can swim in that is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom.
Alexander: Really?
K'Mtar: You have cousins there. They want to meet you.
Alexander: I don't know.
K'Mtar: I understand. You're afraid. You don't whether the Homeworld is safe.
Alexander: Yes.
K'Mtar: What happened today on the planet is frightening. You're still troubled.
Alexander: I thought they were going to kill my father.
K'Mtar: You must have wanted to help us fight them off.
Alexander: I didn't know what to do.
K'Mtar: Someday, if you work hard, you will become a warrior. A Klingon warrior. And you will always feel safe because you will know how to defend yourself. And I'll tell you something else. If anyone ever tries to hurt your father again, you will be able to fight at his side and make sure nothing happens to him. What do you think of that? Goodnight, Alexander. Dream well.
Alexander: Good night, K'mtar.
Riker: Any luck?
Data: Starfleet records contain no mention of the Duras sisters after their departure from Deep Space Nine.
K'Mtar: Did I not tell you as much?
Riker: Have you been able to contact Deep Space Nine?
Worf: I am being patched through right now, sir.
Riker: On screen. Quark. I see you remember me.
Quark: How could I forget the only man ever to win triple down dabo at one of my tables?
Riker: And how could I forget that you didn't have enough latinum to cover my winnings?
Quark: I thought I explained that my brother had misplaced the key to the safe. Besides, those vouchers I gave you are every bit as good as latinum.
Riker: Not exactly. You can spend latinum just about anywhere. Those vouchers are only good at your bar.
Quark: Is that what this is about? You're on your way and you're calling to reserve a holosuite program?
Riker: Actually, I was hoping you could help me with something else.
Quark: What would that be?
Riker: I'm looking for some Klingon friends of mine. The Duras sisters, Lursa and B'Etor?
Quark: Yes, Lursa and B'Etor. Big talk, small tips.
Riker: Do you know where I can find them?
Quark: Well, I did hear a rumor, actually.
Riker: What kind of rumor?
Quark: Oh, I don't know. I'm sure it was told to me in confidence.
Riker: And how much would your confidence cost?
Quark: How many vouchers do you have, again?
Riker: I have enough for twelve bars of latinum. I'd be glad to return them.
Quark: I believe the rumor was that the sisters were trying to buy some second hand mining equipment.
Riker: What for?
Quark: They learned of a magnesite deposit on the Kalla system. It belongs to the Pakleds, but those fools don't even know it's there. Your, er, friends tried to get at it.
Riker: All right. I'll send those vouchers to you.
Quark: Don't bother. I voided them while we've been talking.
Riker: So long, Quark.
Riker: How long would it take us to get to the Kalla system?
Worf: Approximately sixteen hours, sir.
K'Mtar: Could not he have been lying?
Riker: Why would he? I'd just be knocking on his door again in a few days, and I wouldn't be in as good a mood.
K'Mtar: Congratulations, Commander. I did not think it would be possible to find the sisters.
Riker: Take us out of orbit.
Helm: Aye, sir.
K'Mtar: I took the liberty of creating a holodeck program.
Worf: What kind of program?
K'Mtar: I'll show you. Computer, run program K'mtar alpha one.
Computer: Program initiated. Enter when ready.
Alexander: Why did you want to recreate this?
K'Mtar: You said you wished you had been able to help your father fight, but you did not know how. You have probably fought that battle over and over again in your mind.
Alexander: Yes.
K'Mtar: Let's see what happens now.
K'Mtar: Computer, give me two Klingon warriors.
Alexander: How can I fight someone that big?
K'Mtar: Size is not the most important thing. Skill, cunning, powers of observation are the most important weapons. Ni'tokor bak'to!
K'Mtar: Freeze program. Look what this ko'tal is doing. You see his leg? That will give a clue as to what his next move will be.
Alexander: All his weight is on his right foot.
Worf: Yes, he is going to have to shift it to regain his balance.
K'Mtar: Stand ready. Computer, resume program.
K'Mtar: Po'tajg! Po'tajg! Finish him.
K'Mtar: Freeze program. You should have killed him when you had the chance.
Worf: Why did you not?
Alexander: I don't know.
K'Mtar: Look at him! He did not care that you showed him mercy. He was going to kill you.
Worf: K'mtar, that is enough.
K'Mtar: If this was real, he'd be dead by now.
Worf: Alexander.
Data: We are approaching Kalla Three.
Riker: Set a standard orbit. Any evidence of a mining expedition?
Worf: A shaft has been cut through the outer crust. There is evidence of machinery, but it does not appear to be in use.
Riker: Life signs?
Data: It is difficult to say. The magnesite is interfering with bioreadings.
Riker: Assemble an away team.
Laforge: Who are you?
Gorta: Gorta. I am Gorta.
Worf: What are you doing on this planet?
Gorta: I crashed here.
Data: Then you are denying involvement in illegal mining activities?
Gorta: Mining? So that's what all this equipment is here for.
Worf: We are looking for two Klingon women. Sisters.
Gorta: Lursa? B'Etor? Do you know where they are?
Laforge: Actually we were hoping that you did.
Gorta: Maybe I do.
Data: Would you be willing to share your information with us?
Gorta: My personal code of conduct prohibits sharing. But I'd consider a trade.
Laforge: Does your personal code of conduct tell you that when you're stranded on a planet with no way off, you shouldn't try to cut deals?
Gorta: You have a point.
Data: We could certainly provide passage off this planet in exchange for information.
Gorta: Could you perhaps fail to tell the Pakleds that we were mining their ore?
Laforge: Don't push your luck. But if you get us to the Duras sisters, I'll see what I can do.
Gorta: The Duras sisters. They are magnificent, aren't they?
Worf: Where are they now?
Gorta: Selling the ore, I imagine. They took everything. The ore, the ship.
Worf: And where have they gone?
Gorta: We were going to sell the ore to a Yridian trader. We were supposed to meet him in the Ufandi system.
Data: Gather your belongings. It is time to leave.
Gorta: Like I said, they took everything.
K'Mtar: Worf. I am sorry about what happened. I should not have gotten so angry. It's just that I am worried about Alexander.
Worf: As am I.
K'Mtar: Kurn told me that his mother actively discouraged him exploring his Klingon heritage.
Worf: When he first came to live with me, he knew nothing of our ways. He often reminds me of things his mother said to him. I try not to disregard her wishes, I want the boy to honor his mother.
K'Mtar: Someday I'm sure he will appreciate you and be grateful for all that you have given him. But still, compared to other boys his age, his fighting skills are years behind.
Worf: Yes, I know. He does not put in the time it takes to learn the skills.
K'Mtar: I thought that you might consider sending him to the training Academy on Ogat. Your brother is an influential man. I'm sure he could see to it that Alexander was admitted.
Worf: Ogat?
K'Mtar: I am only thinking of what is best for the boy. There, he would learn our ways. He would live like a Klingon.
Worf: I would like him to learn our ways. No. This is his home.
K'Mtar: How can you expect him to lead our family when all he knows is life aboard a Federation starship?
Worf: He is my son. He belongs with me.
K'Mtar: The boy is more human than Klingon. If he stays here, he will never be a warrior. He will never be able to defend our family against its enemies.
Worf: Enough! Enough! Enough! The decision is mine.
K'Mtar: Not necessarily. I would be well within my rights to invoke ya'nora kor.
Worf: You would question my fitness to raise my own son?
K'Mtar: For the good of our house, yes. Worf, I beg of you. Please stop thinking of yourself. It is Alexander we should be considering. Look into your heart and do what is best for him.
K'Mtar: Kahless was determined to teach his brother a lesson because he had told a lie. But Morath refused to fight him and instead ran away. Kahless pursued him across the valleys, over the mountains, and down to the edge of the sea. And there on the shore, they fought for
Alexander: Twelve days, twelve nights. I know, I've heard this story before.
K'Mtar: Alexander, it is important to tell these stories, even if we already know them.
Alexander: Why was Kahless so mad about the lie his brother told?
K'Mtar: It made him look like a coward.
Alexander: If Kahless would have just explained what happened, maybe they wouldn't have had to fight about it.
K'Mtar: You're missing the point.
Alexander: Why was it so wrong for Morath to run away? Maybe he didn't want to fight his brother because he didn't want to have to kill him.
K'Mtar: He ran because he was a coward.
Alexander: But how do you know that's why?
K'Mtar: No more questions! These are our stories. It is important for a warrior to learn how to interpret them properly.
Alexander: I'm trying to
K'Mtar: No, your head is filled with foolish human notions about the way things are. You are Klingon. It is time you began to act like one.
Alexander: I am part human, too.
K'Mtar: Listen to me, Alexander. When a human looks at you, he does not see himself. He sees a Klingon.
Alexander: It doesn't matter what I look like.
K'Mtar: It does. You are different than everyone else aboard this ship.
Alexander: That's not true.
K'Mtar: It is. The only way that you will ever feel as if you truly belong, is to leave here and go live with your own kind. I know a Klingon school you could go to. You would be welcome there. They would teach you how to be a warrior, prepare you for the Rite of Ascension.
Alexander: I don't know if I want to do that.
K'Mtar: After you were there a while you would find that you wouldn't want to do anything else.
Alexander: I don't want to leave the Enterprise.
K'Mtar: Alexander, you must. Everything depends on it.
Alexander: I thought you were different. I thought you understood me. But you don't. You're just like my Father. All you care about is me becoming a warrior. Just leave me alone! First Officer's log, stardate 47779.4. We've entered the Ufandi system, where we believe the Duras sisters might have come to sell the ore they mined on Kalla Three.
Data: I am detecting a vessel holding position near the third planet. It is a Yridian freighter.
Riker: Put it on screen. Scan for magnesite in its hold.
Data: The resonance signature indicates that there is magnesite ore present.
Riker: Then we're too late. The sisters have already been here.
Troi: Somehow I doubt the Yridians are going to be forthcoming about where they might have gone.
Data: Sir, readings indicate that there are only five hundred kilograms of ore in the Yridian hold.
Worf: There should be over ten thousand kilograms.
Riker: That's odd. Hail them. I'm Commander William Riker from the Federation Starship Enterprise.
Yog: I am Yog. Why are we speaking?
Riker: Our sensors indicate that you're carrying magnesite ore.
Yog: Magnesite, yes.
Riker: Where did you get it?
Yog: From a Corvallen. For a good price.
Riker: Where is this Corvallen now? I'm under orders to acquire some magnesite.
Yog: He is gone. Where? Who is to know?
Riker: Would you be interested in selling me the ore you're carrying?
Yog: No, I have a buyer.
Riker: You haven't heard my offer. Half a gram of Anjoran biomimetic gel.
Yog: Done.
Riker: Once we verify the purity of your ore, we'll beam over the gel.
Troi: You're up to something.
Riker: Have the transporter room beam the ore to these coordinates.
Data: Sir, that would place the ore directly off the ship's starboard bow.
Riker: I know.
Worf: Transport complete.
Riker: Lock phasers on the ore and fire.
Worf: Firing.
Worf: A Klingon bird of prey.
Riker: Put a tractor beam on it.
Troi: How did you know?
Riker: The Yridians had only part of the shipment in their hold. I realized we had arrived before they had completed the transfer.
Worf: The Klingon ship is hailing us.
Riker: On screen.
Lursa: Release our vessel at once!
Riker: I don't think so.
B'Etor: We've done nothing wrong. We were engaging in a simple business transaction.
Riker: We know you're dealing in stolen ore. But I want to talk about the assassination attempt on Lieutenant Worf.
B'Etor: What assassination attempt? This is the first I've heard of it.
Lursa: Too bad it didn't succeed.
Riker: We have evidence that you're behind it.
Lursa: That is outrageous.
B'Etor: What is this evidence?
Riker: Beam over. We'll show you.
B'Etor: We'll be there. Shortly.
Worf: This was dropped by one of the assassins. It bears the crest of your house.
B'Etor: Ge'ko kaf'la.
Lursa: Someone must have given it to the assassins to implicate us.
Troi: Why would someone do that?
B'Etor: In order to tarnish our good name.
Worf: You cannot tarnish a rusted blade.
Lursa: Ji'ko to'val!
Worf: Gir'nak tovo'sor!
Riker: Mister Worf. You said there was other evidence they were involved.
K'Mtar: Yes. On the Homeworld.
Riker: We'll set a course. I want this thing cleared up.
K'Mtar: I will send a message to Kurn. He may wish to return to the Homeworld as well.
B'Etor: Bet'ala nog'tor.
Lursa: Impossible.
Troi: What is it?
B'Etor: These markings represent the members of our house. This symbol represents our father, myself, my sister. And this represents her son.
Worf: I was not aware you had a son.
Lursa: I do not. But I am with child.
B'Etor: She found out only a few days ago and told no one but me. How can this marking be here? Where did this come from?
Worf: I will speak with K'mtar.
K'Mtar: Father. Stop, I am your son. I am Alexander.
Worf: What are you saying?
K'Mtar: I am your son Alexander. I have come to this time from forty years in the future.
Worf: P'tak! Tell me the truth or I will kill you.
K'Mtar: Look at me. When we first met you said I looked familiar.
Worf: I could have seen you on the Homeworld.
K'Mtar: No. Look closely. I am your son.
Worf: If you are Alexander, you will remember your mother's last words before she died.
K'Mtar: I was three years old. She was dying when we found her. She barely managed to whisper my name and then she took my hand and placed it in yours. Then she died. And then you howled in rage and said, look upon her. Look upon death and always to remember. And I always have.
Worf: How have you done this, come to this time?
K'Mtar: I met a man in the Cambra system. He gave me a chance to change the past. He had the ability to send me here, to this time.
Worf: And you came here in order to end your own life?
K'Mtar: I was hoping that I would not have to, that I could change things, that I could change myself. But I could not. And now everything is going to turn out like it did before. I cannot let that happen.
Worf: But why? What is going to happen that is so terrible?
K'Mtar: You will be killed because I was naive, too weak to be able to protect you.
Worf: I do not believe that.
K'Mtar: I was there! I saw you murdered. I was to blame.
Worf: You must not blame yourself.
K'Mtar: You don't understand. I did not become a warrior. I was a diplomat, a peacemaker. When it came my time to lead our family, I thought that I could single handedly end the fighting between the great houses. I publicly announced that the house of Mogh would be the first to end the feuding. That there would be no more retribution, no more revenge. You tried to warn me. You tried to tell me that I should not show weakness, but I thought you were a foolish old man. I told you that you were a relic from an earlier time and that a new era of peace was at hand. But you were right. My enemies saw my weakness and moved against me. And unless I stop it right now, that boy will see his father killed on the floor of the Council Chamber.
Worf: That is why you wanted to take Alexander away. To turn him into a warrior.
K'Mtar: I staged the assassination attempt to try and frighten him, to make him realize that he must follow the ways of the warrior. If I had listened to you, if I had become the warrior that you had wanted me to be, you would not have died in my arms.
Worf: No. Who knows what the future will be now that you have disrupted time? I may die tomorrow or I may outlive you. But when I die, I would like an honorable death. And the only way that is possible is for you accept yourself as you are, and stay true to what you believe. The cause of peace is a just cause. The struggle must continue.
K'Mtar: It is a futile struggle. I cannot change things.
Worf: You have already changed things more than you realize.
K'Mtar: The boy I was has not changed.
Worf: But I have. You have given me a glimpse into my son's future and I know now that he has his own destiny. And I believe it will be a great one.
K'Mtar: I love you, Father.
Worf: And I you, Alexander.
Alexander: I've been waiting. Where's K'mtar?
Worf: He had to leave. He was called away.
Alexander: He never said goodbye.
Worf: He asked me to say goodbye for him. He also wanted me to tell you, no matter what happens, no matter what you decide to do with your life, he will always care for you a great deal.
Alexander: When will I see him again?
Worf: It may be a long time.
Alexander: Well, we should start practice.
Worf: Alexander. There will be plenty of time for training.


Picard: Report.
Riker: There's an object of some kind closing in on our position.
Picard: On screen.
Data: It appears to be an unmanned probe approximately one half meter in diameter. There are no identifiable armaments.
Worf: Captain, we are being, You are being hailed, by name.
Picard: Open a channel. This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Worf: Captain, I am reading a power surge.
Riker: Shields up.
Data: The beam appears to contain holographic imaging information.
Riker: It's trying to project something.
Picard: Isolate the bandwidth. Let the signal through the shields.
Picard: Bok!
Bok: I trust you remember me, Picard, because I haven't forgotten you or how you murdered my son. For fifteen years now I've thought about how to avenge his death but nothing I could do to you could equal what you did to me, until now. You thought you could hide him from me, didn't you? But I found out about him. Jason Vigo is as good as dead. I'm going to kill your son, Picard, just like you killed mine.
Picard: Mister Worf, put a tractor beam on that probe. Determine if it's safe to beam it aboard. I want to know where it came from. Mister Data, see if there is any mention of a Jason Vigo in Federation records. You might start with Miranda Vigo. She was born on New Gaul about fifty years ago.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: Number One, contact the Ferengi Government. Find out all you can about Bok. He was wearing a DaiMon's uniform. If he's regained his rank, I want to know why.
Picard: Come.
Riker: The Ferengi Government is debating an amendment to the Rules of Acquisition. It could be a while before we hear from them. Data found out that the woman you mentioned has a son named Jason. This is the most recent picture we could find.
Picard: How old is the boy now?
Riker: Twenty three. He and his mother left Earth twelve years ago. They settled on Camor Five. That's all we know. The planet's records are virtually non-existent.
Picard: Picard to Bridge. Set a course for the Camor system, warp five.
Helm: Aye, sir.
Picard: Will, I do appreciate your not asking, but I do think that you have a right to know. There is a possibility that the boy is my son. I was involved with his mother for a short time about twenty four years ago. We met through a friend when I was on shore leave on Earth. It was all very romantic, very intense, probably because we both knew I would be leaving in two weeks. And we kept in touch for a while, but we never managed to get together again.
Riker: She never said anything to you about being pregnant?
Picard: No, so either Bok is wrong and I'm not the father, or Miranda decided to raise the child alone, which quite frankly wouldn't surprise me. She was very independent, very strong willed.
Riker: She would have to be to get by on Camor Five.
Picard: But whether he's my son or not, he's in danger. Bok tried to kill me six years ago, and I don't doubt he will try to make good his threat against the boy.
Riker: Anything?
Worf: There are no Ferengi vessels within range of our scanners.
Data: Captain, I am unable to find any information on Jason Vigo's current whereabouts.
Picard: What about his mother?
Data: No, sir.
Picard: Miranda was trained as a botanist. She always used to talk about running a farm one day. Maybe we should concentrate on the agricultural areas.
Data: That would significantly narrow our search. The only cultivated land is on the southern continent, and there are relatively few people engaged in agricultural activities.
Picard: There cannot be many non-Camorites among them. Scan for human life signs.
Data: I am detecting eight humans. Three are female. However, they are all too young to be Miranda Vigo.
Picard: What about males?
Data: One is an infant. Another is elderly. Two are middle aged.
Picard: That's seven. You said there were eight.
Data: I am having difficulty getting a clear reading on the eighth. The individual appears to be approximately two kilometers beneath the planet's surface.
Picard: Male or female?
Data: Male, between twenty and thirty years old.
Riker: No one in their right mind would go that far underground alone.
Picard: Unless he were forced to.
Worf: Captain, I am reading seismic instability in the area. He is in danger.
Picard: Relay his coordinates to the transporter room. Have them beam him aboard.
Data: Aye, sir.
Jason: What the? This is a Federation ship.
Picard: That's right. I'm Captain Picard. Jean-Luc Picard.
Jason: I realize I wasn't supposed to be spelunking that cave, but don't you have something better to do?
Picard: We thought you were at risk.
Jason: Oh. Well, I wasn't, so maybe you should just beam me back where I was?
Picard: Are you Jason Vigo?
Jason: I, er, I know him. Is he in trouble?
Picard: In a manner of speaking. Someone has made a threat against his life. Jason, I'm an old friend of your mother's. I'm here because you're in danger.
Jason: Why would anybody want to kill me?
Picard: The person who has made the threat is under the impression that you are my son.
Jason: Am I?
Picard: I don't know.
Jason: My mother never told me who my father was. Just that he was in Starfleet.
Picard: Maybe we should contact her.
Jason: She died a few years ago.
Picard: Oh, I'm sorry. Jason, I think it's important that we find out one way or another. Would you be willing to permit a genetic test?
Jason: If I'm not your son, is this person still going to want to kill me?
Picard: I doubt it.
Jason: In that case, you won't mind my saying that I hope you're not my father.
Picard: What were you doing in the caves, Jason? Are you a seismologist?
Jason: No, I just enjoy climbing.
Picard: Without an antigrav harness?
Jason: No, they get in the way.
Picard: So, what do you do?
Jason: I'm between jobs right now.
Picard: I see.
Crusher: Excuse me, gentlemen, the test results are ready if you'd like to hear them. Your genetic code is a cross between the DNA of your mother, Miranda Vigo, and your father Jean-Luc Picard.
Jason: What's all this?
Picard: Oh, theses are archeological fragments that I've collected over the years. This is a Silvan glyph stone. And this, this is a Gorlan prayer stick. It's really quite rare.
Jason: Is it valuable?
Picard: Not really. Only to students of archeology such as myself. Though I did have to hand over a bottle of very old Saurian brandy for it.
Jason: I'd say you got taken.
Picard: Perhaps, but it's of value to me nonetheless.
Jason: On Camor, something has value if you can eat it or sell it. Everything else is luxury.
Picard: Would you like some tea?
Jason: No. Thanks.
Picard: Something else?
Jason: No.
Picard: Tea, Earl Gray, hot. I'm sure this whole thing is as much a surprise to you as it is to me. I really want to be honest with you, Jason. I only knew your mother for a very short time. I would have liked to have known her better. It just didn't work out that way. You look a lot like her, you know. It's the eyes, I think. I would like to make one thing clear, Jason. Your mother never told me about you. If she had, I would have been part of your life.
Jason: Maybe that's not what she wanted. I think I'd like to go back to the surface now.
Picard: I think it would be better if you stayed on board the Enterprise until we have resolved this situation with Bok.
Jason: What is the situation with Bok, anyway? Why does he want me dead?
Picard: Years ago, I was forced to destroy a starship commanded by his son. Bok apparently feels that it would be fitting vengeance to kill my son.
Jason: I can't hide forever.
Picard: Of course not. We are trying to locate Bok now. I want to confront him, settle this matter.
Jason: How long is this going to take?
Picard: I assure you there is no one more eager to put this behind us than I am.
Jason: Where do I stay?
Picard: We'll get you some quarters.
Jason: Okay. Let's go.
Picard: Jason. Your being here? I hope it will give us the chance to get to know each other.
Laforge: We managed to shut down the probe's power systems so we could beam it aboard. It's not going to be easy to figure out where this thing came from.
Data: Bok took the precaution of encrypting the probe's navigational systems so that we would be unable to decipher its flight path.
Laforge: We ran an analysis of the probe's hull. From the energy signatures and particle deposits we found, it looks like it traveled through a dichromic nebula, was exposed to an intensive gravimetric distortion, and passed within one light year of a class four pulsar.
Data: Those phenomena are relatively common. We would need to identify at least one of them specifically in order to postulate a flight path.
Picard: Understood.
Data: Captain, incoming message from DaiMon Birta.
Picard: Put it on screen. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, DaiMon.
Birta: I understand you have a problem.
Picard: Yes, it concerns DaiMon Bok.
Birta: Bok is no DaiMon. He was relieved of command six years ago. He was unstable, dangerous. We had to confine him to Rog Prison.
Picard: But he's no longer there?
Birta: He was able to buy himself out about two years ago.
Picard: I see. Do you know his whereabouts now?
Birta: I understand he was seen in the Dorias cluster not too long ago.
Picard: But that cluster consists of more than twenty star systems.
Birta: You don't have to thank me, Captain.
Laforge: Believe it or not, Captain, that might've given us the fix we needed. There's a nebula in the Dorias cluster that matches the same particle signature we found on the probe.
Data: There is a class four pulsar three light years from the nebula. My calculations indicate the probe was launched in the Xendi Kabu system.
Picard: Plot a course. Take us out of orbit.
Crusher: Jean-Luc, come in.
Picard: I think I need to talk to a parent.
Crusher: So, what's he like?
Picard: I'm not sure that I can tell you. He puts up so many barriers I have no idea what's underneath.
Crusher: Keep in mind he's had twenty years to be angry that his father wasn't there. It's going to take some time to get over those feelings. But I do think it's possible.
Picard: Perhaps. But surely it would be wrong to force the issue. My sense is that he's a very independent young man. Perhaps it would be best if I left him alone. Let him come to me if he wants to.
Crusher: Maybe you're right. But I think you should consider this. Are you doing the best thing for Jason or what's easiest for you?
Jason: Yeah?
Troi: Hello, Jason. I'm Deanna Troi, Ship's Counselor.
Jason: Come in. Did Captain Picard ask you to come talk to me?
Troi: No, I just thought I'd come and see how you were doing. A lot's happened in the last few hours. I thought you might like to talk about it.
Jason: I'll be all right. People have wanted to kill me before.
Troi: But you've never met your father before.
Jason: And I have to admit I never thought I would.
Troi: It must be somewhat overwhelming.
Jason: I'm a little shaky.
Troi: Well, that's only natural.
Jason: But you know what? I feel better already just talking to you.
Troi: So, how did you feel about the Captain, about your father?
Jason: He's okay. A little stiff. But where are you from?
Troi: I was born on Betazed.
Jason: Do all the women there have eyes like yours?
Troi: Look Jason, I came here to talk to you because I'm the Ship's Counselor. If you don't want to talk to me in that way, then I think I should go.
Jason: Fine.
Troi: You're welcome to make an appointment to come by my office.
Jason: Maybe I'll do just that.
Bok: Picard, can you hear me?
Bok: I will kill him, Picard. And there's nothing you can do about it.
Picard: Security to Captain's quarters immediately.
Worf: Our shields were up. How could he have beamed through them?
Laforge: I'm not sure he did. Sensors don't show any sign of an intruder.
Picard: Could it have been another hologram?
Laforge: I don't think so, Captain. Something has to generate a hologram. We would have detected it.
Picard: Bok once used a mind control device to make me hallucinate.
Laforge: That device emitted a very specific energy signature. I'm not reading anything like that.
Worf: Could he have modified the device so he could use it without being detected?
Laforge: It's possible. I'll recalibrate the sensors to scan for low intensity transmissions. Just to be sure, I'll sweep your quarters with a resonance scanner.
Picard: Good. Keep me posted.
Picard: Mister Worf, I want you to assign a security detail to Jason.
Worf: And what about yourself?
Picard: I am not the target of Bok's threats. Jason is.
Data: Captain, I have compiled all available records pertaining to Jason Vigo's criminal record, and
Picard: Criminal record?
Data: Yes, sir. He has been charged three times with petty theft, twice for disorderly conduct, and several dozen times for trespassing.
Picard: Trespassing?
Data: I believe the charges relate to his climbing activities in the caves underneath the planet's surface. This is the information you requested, is it not?
Picard: Thank you, Mister Data.
Jason: What was your name again?
Rhodes: Lieutenant Rhodes.
Jason: Actually, I meant your first name.
Rhodes: Sandra.
Jason: Well, Sandra, do you think you could give me some room?
Rhodes: We're supposed to be keeping an eye on you.
Jason: Can't you can keep an eye on me from over there?
Picard: Good morning.
Jason: I thought you said your ship was the safest place I could be. Why the guards?
Picard: Because Bok appeared in my quarters last night. Now, it might not have been him. It may have been an image. We're investigating.
Jason: Look, why don't you just drop me off somewhere. I can watch out for myself.
Picard: That wouldn't be wise.
Jason: I've been doing it since I was fifteen.
Picard: I'm sure you have, but Bok is a dangerous creature. He has a starship, he has technology.
Jason: All right, all right. I'll stay here.
Picard: You seem to like rock climbing. The holodeck can create some very challenging climbs. We could go down together and I could show you how to use the program.
Jason: Thanks, but I think I can figure it out myself.
Picard: Perhaps we could climb together. I'm probably not as skilled as you, but I'm not inexperienced.
Jason: Look, I'm sorry. I appreciate what you're trying to do. But Captain. Captain, father, Jean-Luc, I don't know what I'm supposed to call you. As soon as this thing with Bok is over, I'm leaving. So don't you see? There really isn't any point in our getting acquainted. Let me know as soon as you catch him, all right?
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47829.1. We've been in the Xendi Kabu system for over three hours, and still no sign of Bok.
Worf: Captain, I am detecting an object five thousand kilometers off our starboard bow. It is another probe.
Picard: Why didn't we detect it before?
Worf: It must have been cloaked, sir. It came out of nowhere.
Picard: On screen. Is it another holographic device?
Data: I do not believe so, sir.
Worf: Captain, the probe's systems are overloading.
Riker: Red alert. Shields up!
Riker: Damage report.
Worf: No damage, sir.
Data: Captain, I do not believe it was meant as an attack, but rather as a message.
Picard: A message?
Data: Yes, sir, in B'zal, a Ferengi code which uses an alternating pattern of light and darkness.
Picard: Can you translate it?
Data: I am attempting to do so. The message reads, my revenge is at hand.
Picard: He's proved that he can get to us whenever he wants. Why doesn't he do something?
Picard: Tea, Earl Gray, hot.
Bok: If you want me to stay and talk, you'd better not call for security this time. How do you like your boy, Captain? Is he everything you'd always hoped for?
Picard: It's a risky game you're playing, coming here. Next time we'll be ready for you. Why don't we settle this now?
Bok: Oh, and how do you propose to do that, Picard? You murdered my son.
Picard: It was self-defense. He fired on my ship.
Bok: You were in Ferengi space!
Picard: I didn't know that. If he'd told me I would have withdrawn. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do to bring him back.
Bok: How touching. Your apology is worthless to me. I demand that you repay me for my loss.
Picard: You cannot put a price on a life.
Bok: Oh, but you can, Picard. You can pay me with your son's life.
Picard: No.
Bok: You don't have any choice. I insist on being paid.
Crusher: That should do it. Let's run a level three bioscan just to be sure.
Rhodes: Rhodes to Sickbay, Medical emergency, deck nine, section four.
Crusher: Let's go.
Crusher: Have you had any other seizures like this before?
Jason: No, not really. Sometimes my hand shakes, but never this bad.
Crusher: When did it first start to happen?
Jason: About few months ago. Do you have any idea what's wrong with me?
Crusher: You have a condition called the Forrester Trent syndrome. It's a degenerative neurological disorder. Very rare.
Picard: What do you mean degenerative?
Crusher: If it goes untreated, it could result in paralysis, even death. I'm going to start you on a neuro-stabilization regimen. If we're lucky, it will halt the degeneration, and maybe reverse its effects. The disease is hereditary. I know your father doesn't have it. Was your mother prone to these seizures?
Jason: Not that I know of.
Crusher: There have been some cases reported where the disease was instigated by a random mutation. I'll run a microcellular scan and see if that's what happened. In the meantime, I want you to try to take it easy and get some rest.
Picard: Is he going to be all right?
Crusher: I wish I could say for certain, but I'm not sure how he'll respond to treatments.
Picard: I've been thinking about what you said the other day, and you know, I think you were right. I had convinced myself that Jason didn't want me to reach out to him.
Crusher: You know, I don't think anyone is born knowing how to be a parent. You just sort of figure it out as you go. But the one quality that tends to be a requirement for parenthood is patience.
Picard: Well, I'm not sure that that is going to be enough. I've found out that Jason has a criminal record. It's nothing very serious, it's only petty theft and so forth, but I can't help feeling that if I had been part of his life then he wouldn't be so troubled now.
Crusher: Maybe, but why waste time blaming yourself for not having been there? Just be here for him now.
Picard: And be patient.
Crusher: And be patient.
Laforge: We think we've found something, Captain.
Data: Bok was in direct contact with this chair for an extended period. It is showing a distinctive subspace signature as a result.
Laforge: We think he's using some sort of subspace transporter to beam aboard the Enterprise.
Picard: My understanding is that such devices were impractical.
Data: The Federation abandoned its research in the field because the technology was found to be unreliable, as well as energy intensive.
Laforge: In order to transport matter through subspace, you have to put it into a state of quantum flux. It's very unstable.
Picard: What range would that kind of transporter have?
Data: In theory it could operate over several light years.
Laforge: That means that the probe that exploded could have been beamed into position from some point outside sensor range.
Data: If Bok uses his transporter again, we might be able to trace the subspace signature and locate his ship.
Picard: Is there any way we can keep Bok from beaming aboard the Enterprise again?
Laforge: I don't think there is.
Picard: If he has the ability to beam aboard, he may be able to beam someone away.
Data: It is a possibility.
Picard: I'm concerned that he may try to take Jason. Is there any way we can protect him?
Laforge: You know, we might be able to keep a signal lock on him at all times. If Bok tries to beam him away, we might be able to hold him here.
Data: In order to do so, we would need to tie the ship's subspace field coils into the transporter system.
Picard: Make it so. Computer, where is Jason Vigo?
Computer: Jason Vigo is in holodeck four.
Picard: Would you wait outside?
Jason: Not bad.
Picard: I like climbing. There's something about actually having your fate in your own hands.
Jason: Yeah, I know.
Picard: It looks as though we may have found out how to locate Bok's ship. This could all soon be over.
Jason: You came all the way up here just to tell me that?
Picard: I thought it would make you feel better.
Jason: Thanks. That was nice of you.
Picard: Jason, when your mother and I parted, I lost track of her completely. But I would like to know more about what happened to her, if you wouldn't mind telling me.
Jason: Like what?
Picard: Well, how did you end up on Camor? It's an unlikely place for a woman and child.
Jason: Well, you know how she was. See a stray cat, take it in. See somebody cold, give them your coat.
Picard: Yes, that was Miranda, all right.
Jason: She heard about the all children on Camor who'd been orphaned from the Cardassian war.
Picard: Oh. I see.
Jason: I was only ten when we went there. I remember her telling me all about the boys and girls who didn't have anybody to take care of them. So she got this big house, practically falling apart, then she started rounding up children. Eventually, there were over forty of us there. She called it a school. You know, she got up before dawn every day and went to bed well after midnight. In between she never stopped working. She taught us all how to read. And she grew vegetables in hardpan to feed us. And she made sure we knew how to sing. It's important in a place like Camor. And then one day she was attacked by two men in the street in broad daylight for the food she was carrying. If she'd just given it to them, they probably wouldn't have hurt her. But she knew how important the food was to us. So they killed her.
Picard: I'm so sorry.
Jason: Don't be sorry for me. My mother made sure that we were all tough enough to make it.
Picard: Jason, isn't there some way that I can be a father to you? My own father and I were estranged. He wanted me to stay home and tend the vineyards and I wanted to join Starfleet. And he died before we could come to terms with that. And I've regretted that all of my life. I don't want the same thing to happen to you and me.
Jason: You don't understand. I'm not anybody you'd want for a son. Trust me, if you knew anything about me, you wouldn't be trying so hard.
Picard: You're so wrong.
Jason: Oh, really? Let me spell it out for you. I've been in trouble since I was a teenager. I lie, I steal, I use people. I'm a criminal. That's what your son is.
Picard: I know.
Jason: You do?
Picard: Oh, yes, I know all about your troubles with the Camor authorities.
Jason: You do.
Picard: It doesn't make any difference, Jason. You're still my son. And, like it or not, I'm your father. I don't know what that means, but it means something. There's some connection.
Jason: Yeah.
Picard: But one thing is clear. You'll never look at your hairline again in the same way.
Picard: You wanted to see me.
Crusher: Yes. It's about Jason. I've finished the microcellular scan I was running. There's something you need to know,
Data: Sir, sensors are detecting a subspace carrier wave headed for the ship. Its signature is consistent with Bok's transporter.
Riker: See if you can trace and locate Bok's ship. Geordi, are you ready down there?
Laforge: I've got a signal lock on Jason.
Riker: Riker to Picard.
Picard: Picard here.
Riker: Bok is trying to use his transporter.
Data: The transporter beam is focusing on deck nine, section four.
Riker: Jason's quarters.
Laforge: I'm on it, Commander.
Rhodes: Security to Bridge. Bok is
Rhodes: Beaming Jason off the ship.
Laforge: Initiating transport now. I'm losing his signal.
Laforge: Bok is re-establishing his lock on him.
Picard: Have you been able to locate Bok's ship?
Data: No, sir. The subspace signature left by his transporter is decaying more rapidly than predicted. It may not be possible to trace it.
Worf: Captain, another probe has materialized five hundred kilometers to starboard. It is sending a transmission.
Picard: Put it on screen.
Bok: This is a very special day, Picard. Fifteen years ago you took my son away from me. Today, I will take your son away from you. It will be our anniversary. I wanted you to see him one last time.
Data: I am tracing the transporter beam Bok used to send the probe. The ship is holding position approximately three hundred billion kilometers from here.
Picard: Plot a course. Maximum warp.
Riker: Even at warp nine we wouldn't get there for another twenty minutes.
Picard: The modifications you made to the transporter. Is there any way we could use a subspace transport from here to get me onto Bok's ship?
Data: It may be possible, sir, but it would not be advisable.
Picard: I'll take that as a yes. You're with me.
Laforge: There. I've aligned the field coils.
Data: Phase dampers are in synch. Standing by to modulate the transport pattern.
Laforge: Captain, we might be able to get you over there, but I don't see how we're going to get you back.
Picard: We'll deal with that when the time comes.
Laforge: Transport's going to take longer than normal. We have to shunt your pattern through the subspace field coils.
Picard: Understood.
Data: Initiating transport sequence now.
Jason: Maybe we can make a deal.
Bok: What kind of deal?
Jason: Tell my father you killed me. Put a phaser burn on my shirt and send it to him. He'll think I'm dead. That's what this is about, isn't it? I got friends on Camor Five that will make it worth your while.
Bok: I understand your desire to live, but I want Picard to see your body so there will be no doubt.
Picard: Lower your weapons or Bok is dead.
Bok: Lower yours or your son dies.
Picard: You know as well as I do, Bok, he's not my son. I know what you've done. Miranda Vigo is his mother but I am not his father. You made it appear so because you resequenced his DNA. But your technique was flawed. He developed a neurological disorder. When my ship's Doctor investigated it, she discovered what you had done.
Tol: Now he'll never pay the ransom.
Bok: Shut up.
Picard: There never was a ransom. All he was ever interested in was vengeance.
Tol: DaiMon, is this true?
Picard: He's not a DaiMon. He was stripped of command.
Bok: They had no right to do that to me.
Picard: He lied to you so that you would help him in his plan. The Enterprise is closing in on your position. If you let the two of us go, they won't attack you.
Bok: They won't attack us with you on board.
Picard: They will cripple your vessel and keep you here until the Ferengi authorities arrive. You've got a lot deal of explaining to do. Your only hope is to turn Bok over to them and tell them that he deceived you.
Tol: There is no profit in this for us.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47831.8. At Jason's request, the Enterprise has returned to Camor Five.
Jason: Doctor Crusher feels I'm responding well to the treatment. She thinks that the damage may be completely reversed.
Picard: I'm glad to hear it.
Jason: Yeah.
Picard: Are you sure that you wouldn't like to stay on board the Enterprise for a few more days?
Jason: I can't. I have a life back on Camor. It's a mess, but I'd like to go back and straighten things out.
Picard: I understand.
Jason: Well, maybe next time you come back this way, you can look me up.
Picard: I will. I put a little something into your bag while you were packing. I know you'd probably have preferred a bottle of Saurian brandy, but that's all I could come up with.
Jason: I can't accept this.
Picard: I want you to have it.
Picard: Energize.


Data: Graves at my command have wak'd their sleepers, op'd, and let 'em forth by my so potent art. But this rough magic I here abjure, and when I have required some heavenly music, which even now I do, to work mine end upon their senses, that this airy charm is for, I'll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound, I'll Captain? Sir, your attention is wandering.
Picard: Data, I can barely see.
Data: But sir, I am supposed to be attempting a Neo-Platonic magical rite. The darkness is appropriate for such a ritual.
Picard: Yes, but Data, this is a play. The audience has to see you.
Data: Perhaps I have been too literal with respect to my set design. Computer, modify holodeck program Data seven three. Shakespeare's The Tempest, Act Five, scene one. Increase torchlight by twenty percent.
Picard: There, that's much better. Now, do you want to try it again?
Data: Yes, sir. Captain, I am not certain I fully understand this Prospero character. I would appreciate any insight you might have that would improve my performance.
Picard: Well, Data, Shakespeare was witnessing the end of the Renaissance and the birth of the modern era, and Prospero finds himself in a world where his powers are no longer needed. So, we see him here about to perform one final creative act before giving up his art forever.
Data: There is certainly a tragic aspect to the character.
Picard: Yes, but there's a certain expectancy too. A hopefulness about the future. You see, Shakespeare enjoyed mixing opposites. The past and the future. Hope and despair. Data, what is this? Is this part of your program?
Data: No, sir.
Picard: What is going on?
Data: It appears to be a steam locomotive.
Picard: A train?
Data: If I am not mistaken.
Picard: Computer, end program.
Picard: Computer, end program.
Data: Captain, you are injured.
Picard: Oh yes, I know. I'll get it seen to, Data.
Data: The train we encountered was from one of Doctor Crusher's holodeck programs. It was a re-creation of the Orient Express, a train which traveled from Paris to Istanbul from the late nineteenth century until.
Picard: Yes, yes, Data, I know about the Orient Express. But what is it doing on Prospero's Island?
Data: There appears to have been a malfunction in the holodeck's database retrieval program. The two programs somehow temporarily linked together.
Picard: Is it possible that this malfunction will affect the other holodecks as well?
Data: It is a possibility. I will need to run a diagnostic to be certain.
Picard: Very good, Data. But shut down the other holodecks until you're finished, just to be on the safe side.
Data: Aye, sir.
Picard: I never realized that you were interested in trains. Are you aware that at its peak, the Orient Express carried more than ten thousand people a year?
Crusher: It isn't really the train itself that I'm interested in.
Picard: What then?
Crusher: It's the experience. The Orient Express is romantic, mysterious, an elegant way to see exotic places and meet fascinating people. Do you know that one time, on one trip, both Sigmund Freud and Gertrude Stein just happened to be in the same car? They ended up having dinner together every night.
Picard: I wonder what they talked about?
Crusher: Why don't you take a trip yourself and find out?
Riker: Riker to Picard.
Picard: Picard here.
Riker: All sections ready to begin the survey, sir.
Picard: Very good. I'm on my way. Thank you.
Crusher: Don't forget the trip, Jean-Luc. Think about it. You never know who you'll meet on the Orient Express.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47869.2. After weathering an unexpected magnascopic storm in the Mekorda Sector, we are continuing our search for new Federation colony sites.
Riker: I don't think there's any possibility of developing sites in this region. Most of the stars are main sequence binaries. There are no M-class planets.
Picard: Well, let's move on to another survey region. Have stellar cartography begin a
Picard: Mister Data, report.
Data: The ship has moved into warp, sir.
Riker: Who gave that command?
Data: Apparently no one. Helm and navigation controls are not functioning. Our speed is now warp seven point three and holding.
Picard: Picard to Engineering.
Picard: Mister La Forge, what's going on? We've lost primary helm control on the Bridge.
Laforge: I don't understand it. The impulse systems suddenly cut out and the warp drive just kicked in.
Riker: Geordi, can you take the engines offline?
Laforge: I'm working on it.
Picard: Mister Data, what's our heading?
Data: Bearing one eight seven mark four. I am unable to determine our destination, however we are heading away from the Mekorda sector.
Laforge: Captain, the computer's locked out all the propulsion
Laforge: Controls. I can't access any of the overrides.
Laforge: If you want us to stop, I'll have to do an emergency core shutdown.
Riker: That would leave us without warp power for more than a week.
Picard: Begin the procedure, Mister La Forge.
Data: We are no longer at warp, sir. Impulse power has resumed. All systems show normal.
Riker: Where are we?
Data: We are approximately thirty billion kilometers from our original position.
Picard: Well done, Mister La Forge.
Laforge: It wasn't me. I didn't have time to complete the shut-down procedure.
Picard: Well, I want an explanation
Picard: Mister La Forge. Picard out.
Picard: Have you found anything yet?
Laforge: Only that we seem to have more than one mystery here. We still don't know why the ship jumped into warp, but it looks like we're lucky it did. There was a theta flux distortion building up around the ship.
Picard: Why didn't our sensors alert us?
Laforge: Our sensors were never designed to detect theta flux distortions. And yet there is a record of the distortion in the sensor log. That's the other mystery.
Data: One fact is clear, however. The distortion was growing in strength. If we had remained at our original position one point seven seconds longer, the distortion would have ruptured our warp core.
Laforge: If the Enterprise hadn't jumped into warp when it did, we would've been blown to pieces.
Laforge: I just don't get it, Data. What would cause the engines to suddenly jump into warp?
Data: Perhaps the engines were activated by a random power fluctuation.
Laforge: Which occurred just in time to save the ship?
Data: It is improbable, but it is possible.
Laforge: I don't know. I don't think I'm ready to start believing in luck.
Data: There is another possibility.
Laforge: Yeah, what's that.
Data: The sensors apparently detected a dangerous anomaly that threatened the Enterprise. It is possible that they triggered a safety device which caused the ship to avoid destruction.
Laforge: Yeah, but there's no direct link between the warp engines and the sensors.
Laforge: Whoa. What is that? It's some kind of new circuit node and it's connected to at least half a dozen points in the sensor array.
Data: It appears to be connected to several other systems as well, including the warp control circuits.
Laforge: I guess there's a connection between the warp engines and the sensors after all.
Laforge: A force field. Where did that come from?
Data: I am not certain. Perhaps it came from the node itself.
Laforge: Well, wherever it came from, it sure doesn't want us messing with this node.
Data: It appears to be protecting itself.
Laforge: We found these nodes in several systems around the ship. At some level or another, they're all connected.
Data: These nodes were linking the sensors to our warp control and defensive systems. We believe this is why the ship jumped to warp.
Laforge: When the sensors detected danger, the defensive systems reacted to the threat and activated the warp engines to protect us.
Riker: Where did these nodes come from?
Data: It is possible that the magnascopic storm we recently experienced had an unexpected effect on the ship's systems.
Laforge: Wherever they come from, they seem to be multiplying.
Data: As they increase, it will become progressively more difficult to control the ship.
Riker: What do you propose we do?
Laforge: Well, getting rid of them isn't going to be so easy. When we attempted to examine the circuitry of one of the nodes, it generated a force field to keep us out.
Riker: Whatever's going on. our first priority is getting back control of the ship.
Data: Agreed. All of the nodal connections intersect in holodeck three. It appears to be a focal point of some kind.
Laforge: We might be able to find a way to use the holodeck circuitry to disable the nodes permanently.
Riker: All right. Let's do it.
Data: Commander, the holodeck appears to be in operation.
Riker: I thought you shut down the entire system.
Data: I did, but it has reactivated itself and it will not disengage.
Worf: Which program is running?
Data: Several different programs are running simultaneously.
Riker: This should be interesting.
Riker: You weren't kidding, Mister Data.
Data: No, sir. I estimate that this scene consists of portions of seven distinct holodeck programs.
Riker: See if you can access the circuits that have been affected by the nodes.
Conductor: Tickets! Tickets please. Please have your tickets ready. Thank you, sir. Thank you, madam. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Tickets please.
Rustic: You know, I've never even been away from home. Now I'm going all the way to Vertiform City!
Conductor: Very nice, sir. Enjoy your trip. Tickets please. Tickets. Thank you sir.
Conductor: Tickets please. Tickets please.
Data: Commander. I have located a large concentration of nodes behind this wall. They appear to be connected directly to the holodeck's main power coupling.
Riker: All right, go ahead and depolarize the entire power grid.
Data: The power grid is located beneath this deck, sir.
Conductor: Get away from there. Would you gentlemen care to show me your tickets?
Riker: I believe we left our tickets in our compartments. Mister Worf, I told you to bring the tickets.
Worf: I forgot.
Conductor: I don't think you folks belong on this train.
Engineer: Hold it! You leave these people alone. They're only trying to help.
Conductor: You go back to the engine. This doesn't concern you.
Engineer: They're all trying to hijack the train.
Rustic: Hey, if you're the Engineer, who's doing the drivin'?
Gangster: I am.
Crewman: Easy, sir, easy. I've got you.
Laforge: I'm all right, thanks. It looks like the navigational relay's overloaded.
Picard: Geordi, what's going on? We just went into warp.
Laforge: We've lost engine and helm control again, Captain, but this time, they're completely burned out. I don't know if we can stop the ship.
Data: I believe we have changed direction.
Conductor: Now we're on the right track. Ladies and gentlemen, we are on our way!
Gangster: I was right. He was trying to make off with my brick.
Conductor: You take good care of that. We can't afford to lose it. Now, are you people going to leave or are we going to have to throw you off the train?
Data: Commander. According to my tricorder, the holodeck safeties have been disengaged. His weapon could be lethal.
Riker: All right, let's get out of here.
Data: The number of systems now being affected by the nodes has increased considerably. Sensors, engines, replicators, propulsion, they are all working together now, almost independently of the main computer. And the nodes link them all through the holodeck.
Riker: But why the holodeck? It doesn't make any sense.
Data: Commander, I believe what happens on the holodeck has a direct effect on the ship. When we attempted to destroy the nodes, the characters on the train responded almost immediately to stop us.
Riker: And when the engineer tried to protect us, one of the characters shot him.
Data: Then the conductor then signaled for the train to change directions, and at approximately the same time
Laforge: The Enterprise also took off in a new direction.
Riker: Are you saying the ship is under the control of the holodeck?
Data: Not precisely. Geordi, does the configuration of connection nodes look familiar to you?
Laforge: Yeah. Yeah, it looks a little like the structure of your positronic brain.
Data: That is correct. It would appear that the nodes are in the process of creating a rudimentary neural net.
Riker: Data, what are you suggesting?
Data: Unlikely as it may sound, I believe that the Enterprise may be forming an intelligence.
Data: This is a synaptic map of the human neo-cortex. This is a cross section of my positronic net. And this is a schematic of the connection nodes linking the ship's systems. I believe some sort of neural matrix is forming on the ship. It is still relatively primitive, but it is an intelligence nonetheless.
Troi: How could that happen?
Data: I believe it is an emergent property.
Picard: Explain.
Data: Complex systems can sometimes behave in ways that are entirely unpredictable. The human brain, for example, might be described in terms of cellular functions and neurochemical interactions. But that description does not explain human consciousness, a capacity that far exceeds simple neural functions. Consciousness is an emergent property.
Laforge: In other words, something that's more than just the sum of its parts.
Data: Exactly.
Crusher: How does that explain what's happening to the Enterprise?
Data: The Enterprise contains a vast database of information which is managed by a sophisticated computer. This complex system gives the ship many of the characteristics of a biological organism.
Riker: That's true. It sees with its sensors, it talks with its communications systems.
Crusher: In a sense, it almost reproduces with the replicators.
Picard: And you think that the ship has somehow gone beyond those functions and is developing a new capacity?
Data: Yes, sir. I believe a self-determining intelligence is emerging.
Worf: If that is so, what does the ship want? Where is it taking us?
Data: I believe the key to understanding the ship's behavior lies in the holodeck. All of the connection nodes intersect at that location. It is clearly some kind of processing center.
Picard: Processing center?
Data: Yes, sir. A focal point where all the ideas and instincts of this emerging intelligence are first expressed in some form.
Troi: Almost like an imagination. Captain, I'd like to go to the holodeck. I could interact with the characters and maybe find some clues to help us understand what's happening.
Picard: Very well. Mister Data, Mister Worf, I want you to go along. See if you can to re-establish control of the ship without damaging the nodes. If the ship is truly an emerging intelligence, then we have a responsibility to treat it with the same respect as any other being.
Worf: Welcome aboard, Counselor.
Data: If you will distract these people, I will attempt to depolarize the power grid.
Worf: Excuse me. Have you finished the puzzle yet?
Rustic: Not yet, but we're gettin' close.
Worf: Do you recognize it?
Troi: No.
Worf: I would like to help. Tell me. What exactly are you making?
Rustic: What do you think we're making? A puzzle!
Worf: No, I meant the picture. What is it?
Rustic: Well, I don't know.
Troi: Can you deal me in?
Gangster: Sorry. It's a two man game.
Gangster: Hey! Get your hand off of that.
Troi: Is that why you killed the Engineer? To get this brick?
Gangster: I had to get it back. You know how much it's worth, lady? Plenty. And I got to get it to Keystone City.
Troi: Why? What's at Keystone City?
Gangster: That's where everything begins. Gin.
Worf: Are you succeeding, Commander?
Data: I am ready to access the main power grid.
Conductor: Keystone City, next stop. Keystone City. Well, look who's back.
Worf: We do not want any trouble. We are simply passengers.
Conductor: Well then I'm sure you wouldn't mind showing me your tickets? Right. Sorry, boys. You're getting off right here.
Gangster: This is my stop.
Troi: Wait. What happens at Keystone City? Why are you taking the brick there?
Gangster: Excuse me.
Troi: I think we should follow that man. That brick may be an important clue.
Troi: Where did he go?
Data: I can access the power grid here. I will attempt to depolarize the grid by using a low frequency inversion field. It may disengage the nodes without destroying them.
Troi: There he is. I'm going after him.
Troi: What are you doing here?
Gangster: Laying the foundation.
Gangster: Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a train to catch.
Laforge: I don't understand it, Captain. All of a sudden, cargo bay five started to depressurize.
Picard: Did everyone get out in time?
Laforge: Yes, sir, and I've re-established the containment field, but I'm reading massive power surges in the cargo bay and all sorts of transporter activity. Something weird is happening there, Captain.
Picard: I want you to send a team down there immediately. Find out what's going on.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Laforge: La Forge to Bridge.
Picard: Picard here. What's going on?
Laforge: I wish I could tell you.
Troi: That man said he was laying a foundation.
Worf: Foundation for what?
Troi: Troi to Data
Data: Data here.
Troi: How are you doing?
Data: I encountered a minor difficulty, Counselor, but it has been dealt with.
Data: I am ready to depolarize the power grid.
Laforge: It looks like the ship's replicator and transporter systems have been merged somehow. to create this. The question is, what is it? Ensign, I want to run a full spectral analysis on this.
Laforge: I'm picking up a massive power fluctuations. The ship is losing its structural integrity.
Troi: What's happening?
Worf: It's an earthquake. (the wall collapses on top of Deanna, revealing a door with number 1156 etched in the glass.)
Laforge: La Forge to Data
Laforge: Stop what you're doing.
Data: Acknowledged.
Worf: Are you all right?
Troi: I'm fine.
Laforge: Data, I think we ought to get together and compare notes.
Data: Agreed.
Troi: The ship was protecting itself again. Stopping us from interfering. Whatever it's doing it intends to continue.
Laforge: I'm betting it all has something to do with that object that's forming in the cargo bay.
Troi: I think he's right, Captain. Look at the common themes playing out on the holodeck. A puzzle being put together, a foundation being laid, a paper doll being fashioned. They're all images of something being constructed.
Laforge: And some kind of object in the cargo bay that's being constructed atom by atom.
Picard: What is that object?
Laforge: I have no idea. It's composed of silica polymers, duranium, and a couple of other compounds we haven't been able to identify yet. But creating it has had quite an effect on our systems. Warp power has dropped forty seven percent.
Picard: Counselor, did you draw any other conclusions from your experiences on the holodeck? Anything that would help us to understand this situation?
Troi: The holodeck was full of metaphoric imagery like it was having some kind of daydream. It may not make literal sense, but symbolically it probably does have some kind of logic to it.
Crusher: The characters you spoke to, do they have any significance?
Troi: I think they represent different aspects of the ship. The Engineer, for instance, may represent the navigational system, the gunslinger could be the weapon system.
Picard: Is there any way that we can persuade them to give back control of the ship?
Troi: I don't think it's possible to reason with them. Many of them are genuinely unaware of what's going on. It's as though this emergent intelligence is like an infant acting on impulse, trying to figure itself out as it goes. The only source of experience it can draw on is ours through our holodeck programs.
Picard: Is there a way that we can relate to them on their own level, find some way to influence their behavior?
Troi: Maybe there is. I'd like to go back and try.
Laforge: Counselor, we haven't been able to re-establish the safeties.
Crusher: The injuries you suffered on the holodeck weren't severe, but next time they might kill you.
Troi: I'm aware of that.
Picard: Very well, Counselor, go ahead. But bear in mind that whenever we have tried to hinder their efforts, we've failed. Perhaps it's time to cooperate with them.
Conductor: You don't belong on this train.
Worf: Three tickets for Vertiform City.
Conductor: Guess I was wrong about you folks. Welcome aboard.
Worf: What was that?
Conductor: We've been having some problems. The engine is running out of steam. I hope we make it to Vertiform City on time.
Troi: Is there anything we can do to help?
Conductor: Well, I could use a pair of strong arms in the engine room. Might help us get back on schedule.
Troi: Why don't you go with him, Worf? We'll see what we can do here.
Rustic: Excuse me. Are we going to get there okay?
Troi: Of course. You needn't worry about a thing. So, tell me everything you know about Vertiform City.
Rustic: Well, they got this restaurant there where you can eat all you want, any time. It's the best food around.
Conductor: There's the coal and there's the boiler. I'm much obliged for your help.
Conductor: Well done, sir. I think this'll make a difference, all right.
Riker: I don't know how or why, sir, but warp power appears to be back to normal levels.
Picard: What's our heading?
Riker: We appear to be on a course for Tambor Beta six. It's a white dwarf star.
Conductor: Keep it steady. Put your back into it. That's the ticket.
Riker: The ship is using a modified tractor beam to collect vertion particles from the star.
Picard: Vertion particles. Vertiform City. That's what the ship was looking for.
Riker: The particles are being routed through the transporter system into cargo bay five.
Picard: Geordi, what's going on?
Laforge: The object is absorbing
Laforge: Vertion particles. It's growing even faster than before. Commander, I'm picking up internal energy this thing.
Riker: What do you mean?
Laforge: I mean it's generating its own energy. I'm picking up coherent emissions
Laforge: Matter conversion. It's incredible. Wait a minute. Wait a minute, something's wrong. We've got power fluctuations. Vertion absorption rate is dropping. What's happening to the particle beam?
Riker: The beam's exhausted the supply of particles in the star. There's nothing left to take out.
Laforge: Captain
Laforge: The energy output of the object is decreasing.
Conductor: Something's wrong.
Worf: What is it?
Conductor: This was supposed to be Vertiform City.
Conductor: We've been on the wrong track all along.
Worf: Are you all right?
Troi: Yes. What happened?
Worf: The Conductor accidently derailed the train.
Data: Data to Captain Picard.
Picard: Picard here.
Data: There has been an accident on the holodeck, sir. Has anything happened to the Enterprise?
Picard: Yes, we've had a ship-wide shutdown. We've lost attitude control and most systems are offline.
Laforge: Captain, you'd better take a look at this. When the particle beam cut off, the object was beginning to form a coherent energy matrix. Now, if these readings are accurate, I'd say that the emission patterns were almost organic.
Picard: Are you suggesting that the Enterprise is trying to create a lifeform?
Laforge: I think so.
Picard: Will it survive?
Laforge: Well, its energy levels are dropping rapidly. Unless it gets an infusion of vertion particles, and I mean soon, I don't think so.
Laforge: Captain, all of our systems are back online and we're moving again, at warp nine.
Picard: Let's get back to the Bridge.
Rustic: Whoo wee, that was a close one, wasn't it?
Troi: Where are we going now?
Rustic: Well, New Vertiform City, of course.
Data: Data to Captain.
Picard: Picard here.
Data: The train has returned to normal, sir. Our destination is New Vertiform City.
Picard: What's our course?
Riker: We're heading for the Cordannas system.
Picard: Another white dwarf star.
Riker: It's the nearest one to our last position.
Laforge: Captain, we have a problem. Even at warp nine, the Cordannas system is over twelve hours from here.
Picard: Will the object in the cargo bay survive that long?
Laforge: Yes, sir, but that's not the problem. The ship has diverted all of our systems to maximum propulsion, including life support. We have less than two hours of reserve oxygen.
Picard: Mister Data, we have to stop the Enterprise. That means you have to get control of the train.
Data: Understood, sir.
Picard: The ship is looking for vertion particles and it believes that the Cordannas system is the closest source. Is there any possibility of anything closer?
Laforge: White dwarf stars are the only natural sources of vertions, sir.
Picard: Then what about artificial ones? Can you create the particles?
Data: How did the Conductor stop the train?
Worf: There is a braking lever in the engine room.
Troi: Let's go.
Rustic: Sorry, folks, but you ain't going nowhere.
Laforge: I've narrowed the search to the MacPherson Nebula, which is a supernova remnant, and Dikon Alpha, which is a class nine pulsar. They're both fairly close to our current flight path and either one could produce vertion particles if we detonated a modified photon torpedo inside it.
Riker: Vertions usually occur in miniscule amounts. Do you think either of these phenomena could produce enough of them?
Laforge: It's really hard to say. I can't even guarantee that we can create them at all.
Picard: Well, we've got to give it a try. The nebula or the pulsar? It's your choice, Mister La Forge.
Laforge: I say go with the nebula.
Picard: Very well. Begin the torpedo modifications.
Riker: Now let's see if we can get this ship to go where we want.
Troi: Please listen to me. We understand what's happening. We know you have get to New Vertiform City, and we want to help you get there.
Rustic: Well, I don't know.
Troi: Please, we're your friends.
Rustic: You're really going to help get us to New Vertiform City?
Troi: I promise.
Rustic: Okay. But just one of you. The rest stay here.
Conductor: That's far enough.
Gangster: Sorry to spoil your party, pal. It's nothing personal.
Data: I can get us there more quickly. I know a shorter route.
Gangster: Don't listen to him. He's up to somethin'.
Conductor: A shorter route?
Data: Yes, if you will let me handle the controls.
Gangster: Don't do it.
Conductor: Well we're already behind schedule. If you can get us there on time. All right, go on, but no funny stuff.
Data: Data to Captain Picard. I have taken control of the engine room.
Picard: Stand by. Are we within sensor range of the nebula?
Laforge: Yes, Captain, we are.
Picard: Mister Data, I need you to slow us to impulse speed.
Data: I will attempt to do so.
Conductor: I hope you know what you're doing.
Picard: Are the modifications to the torpedoes complete?
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Picard: Launch torpedo.
Laforge: It's working, Captain. The reaction is producing vertion particles.
Conductor: Well, what do you know? We're here.
Gangster: New Vertiform City.
Riker: The nodes are deactivating all over the ship. Our systems are beginning to function normally again.
Picard: Then the purpose of the ship's intelligence was simply to bring this life form into being.
Crusher: There are some species whose sole purpose is to reproduce. Once they finally procreate, they die.
Laforge: Captain.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. The Enterprise is back under our control. All traces of the emergent intelligence are gone and the object it created has disappeared into space.
Picard: Come.
Data: Captain, I am staging a scene from The Tempest this evening for a small audience. I would like for you to attend.
Picard: I would be honored. What scene?
Data: Miranda's first encounter with other human beings.
Picard: O brave new world, that has such people in it.
Data: It seemed appropriate. Captain, you took a substantial risk in allowing the Enterprise to complete its task.
Picard: Why do you say that?
Data: Because the end result was unknown. The object could have been dangerous. It may in fact, be dangerous.
Picard: And I have allowed it to go off on its merry way.
Data: Yes, sir.
Picard: The intelligence that was formed on the Enterprise didn't just come out of the ship's systems. It came from us. From our mission records, personal logs, holodeck programs, our fantasies. Now, if our experiences with the Enterprise have been honorable, can't we trust that the sum of those experiences will be the same?