Picard: Captain's log, stardate 41242.4. Our last assignment has taken us into the remote Omicron Theta star system, home of our android crewmember Lieutenant Commander Data. Although we are due at our next assignment, I have decided to visit Data's home planet for a few hours in the hopes of unraveling some of the mystery of his beginnings.
Laforge: Sir, we are now twenty minutes from Omicron Theta, mark!
Riker: Stand by for subwarp. Head for standard orbit of Data's planet. I wonder why Data hasn't come up here.
Picard: He said he wanted to be alone. Perhaps it's a bigger moment for him than we thought.
Data: Aah, ahh, ahh
Wesley: Data!
Data: Choo!
Wesley: What are you doing?
Data: Sneezing.
Wesley: Have you got a cold?
Data: A cold what?
Wesley: It's a disease my mom says people used to get.
Data: Ah. But humans still sneeze for other reasons and I cannot seem to do it right.
Wesley: How can you be practicing something like sneezing when we're arriving at your home planet for the first time? Aren't you interested in that?
Data: More than interested. Fascinated. One might say agog. But I also find sneezing interesting.
Wesley: Captain Picard wishes to see you on the Bridge.
Tasha: Captain, confirming class M reading there. But the sensors aren't showing any life readings. Not even vegetation.
Picard: Strange. The cruiser that found Data reported farmlands here.
Riker: Do you want to take her into orbit, Data?
Data: No, thank you, sir.
Picard: Continue on into close parking orbit.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Data: I could say home sweet home, sir, if I understood how the word sweet applies.
Picard: It usually refers to the memories.
Riker: It usually refers to one's own memories, Captain. Do the memories you were given include farms, Data?
Data: Affirmative, sir. But the colony's principal interest was science.
Tasha: Data, I can't understand how you can hold the memories of four hundred and eleven people. If that means every experience, every day of their life?
Data: It does not, unfortunately. It means only the knowledge they had accumulated. Actually, I am quite deficient in some basic human information. Sneezing, for example.
Picard: Sneezing?
Laforge: Approaching close parking orbit, sir.
Picard: Assemble your away party, Commander. This must be an exciting moment for you, Mister Data. I'm tempted to lead the away team myself, except that my First Officer would object.
Riker: How would Starfleet judge me if I didn't? An entire Earth colony did disappear down there.
Picard: You see?
Laforge: Now in close parking orbit, sir.
Picard: Mister Data, welcome home. First Officer's log, stardate 4124.5. We have found Data's home to be a completely dead world made out of lifeless vegetation. No insects, not even soil bacteria. What is it that could kill everything on an entire planet?
Tasha: Recording signal locked onto the Enterprise, sir.
Riker: This looks like anything but farmland.
Laforge: Agreed, sir. The soil appears almost completely lifeless.
Riker: This is the exact position listed in the Tripoli log. Do you recognize anything, Data?
Data: The land contours are familiar, sir. Topographically, this is the correct area.
Laforge: This once was rich farmland. I'd say something like twenty to thirty years ago.
Data: I was discovered twenty six years ago.
Laforge: Commander, I'd say that everything on this planet was either dead or dying at the time Data was found.
Data: I was found twenty meters in that direction, sir.
Tasha: Data, any idea at all why you were given the colonists' memories?
Data: I have always felt that it was done hurriedly, but I know little more. Here, sir. This is where the cruiser's landing party found the signal device that had led them here. And they found me lying there, sir.
Tasha: You were just lying out there in the open? No identity record, no instructions?
Data: Only a layer of dust.
Riker: What's the first thing you remember, Data?
Data: Opening my eyes. Looking into the eyes of the Tripoli landing party. They believed that the signal device sensed their presence and activated me.
Tasha: Then this very spot was your birthplace.
Laforge: Commander, I think I've got this place figured out here. This was really very cleverly done to make this look like a natural hollow in the terrain here. There are signs of it being constructed in a hurry as if to hide something here.
Data: Yes, that was it, Geordi. This wakens a memory remnant of how the colonists hoped to remain hidden, but their fear of being discovered led to their storing information in me.
Laforge: Yeah, thought so.
Tasha: No life readings in here either, sir.
Riker: The colony laboratory. Extremely well equipped. Does this stir any memories, Data?
Data: Only a vague impression of some of my functions being tested here.
Riker: Posted by proud parents?
Data: It depicts something that feels familiar, sir. And dangerous. But I have no idea what it represents. And that is all. Except for an impression of this being a Doctor Soong's work area.
Riker: Who? You don't mean Doctor Noonien Soong?
Data: He was called that here, but his memories indicate he traveled here under a different name.
Laforge: Doctor Noonien Soong, my friend, happens to have been Earth's foremost robotics scientist.
Tasha: Until he tried to make Asimov's dream of a positronic brain come true.
Riker: A positronic brain. He promised so much. And then when he failed completely, Doctor Soong disappeared. Now we know he went somewhere else to try a second time. Data, Geordi, we'll get a close look at this lab. You and Lieutenant Worf reconnoiter where these corridors lead.
Tasha: Aye, sir.
Laforge: Data, it's you.
Riker: An epidermal mold. Made to give your exterior the desired finish.
Tasha: Lieutenant Yar to Commander Riker.
Riker: Come in, Lieutenant.
Tasha: Sir, this installlation is big enough to hold hundreds of people. But all that's here now is empty beds.
Riker: Thank you, Lieutenant. Complete your record scans and report back here.
Laforge: Commander Riker, looks like some sort of storage area.
Riker: How many more Datas are there?
Laforge: Looks like just these two. I mean, that and the real Data.
Data: Commander, can this be another me? Or possibly my brother?
Riker: I honestly don't know, Data.
Data: He needs assembling.
Riker: He? Data, we don't know that this can become alive.
Data: It is very important for me to know that, sir. I never dreamed it was possible I might find some link with some form like my own.
Riker: Understood. We'll take it back to the ship with us.
Picard: Captain's log, Stardate 41242.45. Despite having only a few hours in which to explore Data's home planet we've discovered something which may explain Data's beginnings, if we can properly assemble and communicate with what we've found.
Crusher: Signal from the Captain. They need you at the debriefing.
Data: I've been most anxious to hear the Chief Engineer's opinion, Mister Argyle. Do you believe he can be made to function?
Argyle: It appears to include all the components in your body. Not that we fully understand your construction either.
Crusher: We have our top specialists working on its construction, Mister Data.
Argyle: Just one thing. Without disassembling you, of course, if we should need more
Crusher: If we should need to compare this with the way you're put together?
Picard: Bringing it up here was the right thing to do, Number One. We were just saying, Data, that if your duplicate functions, it might answer a lot of questions.
Riker: Does it appear to have all your parts?
Data: Completely, sir.
Laforge: Will we know how to turn it on?
Picard: All right, all right. Legitimate questions about any of this need not be asked apologetically. You feel uncomfortable about aspects of your duplicate, Data. We feel uncomfortable too, and for no logical reason. If it feels awkward to be reminded that Data is a machine, just remember that we are merely a different variety of machine. In our case, electrochemical in nature. Let's begin to handle this as we would do anything else.
Laforge: Agreed, Captain.
Picard: Let's begin with you, Data.
Data: Well, sir, a good starting point may be, why was I given human form?
Laforge: Well, to make it easier for humans to relate to you. Had to be. But your designer may have had something else to prove as well.
Picard: That human-shaped robots need not be clumsy or limited. You certainly operate as well as we do, Data
Data: Better in some ways, sir.
Riker: You might want to have a look at this, Captain. Could be a link to the disappearance of the colonists. It was displayed in the lab, no doubt by proud parents. It could be just a child's imagination, but several children did similar drawings.
Crusher: Doctor Crusher to Captain. At this point, sir, we very much need Mister Data's help.
Picard: He's on his way, Doctor.
Data: Press your fingers there, Doctor. There. It operates almost as a switch.
Crusher: And these small projections?
Data: An android alarm clock. Is that amusing? They time how long I remain unconscious.
Argyle: Are you certain about us using these heating devices, Data?
Data: I will feel nothing at all.
Argyle: Marvelous. It should all be a lot simpler once we can see how your circuitry's connected.
Crusher: I won't mention it to anyone. You have my word.
Data: If you had an off switch Doctor, would you not keep it secret?
Crusher: I guess I would.
Argyle: Notice the micro-circuitry here and here. And another fibroid-like connection here.
Crusher: Let's close up.
Argyle: It seemed to go well, thanks to a look inside Mister Data. But there have been no signs of consciousness, yet
Riker: It certainly is a good match for Data, sir.
Picard: Do you think so, really? I wonder which of them was made first?
Lore: He was. But they found him imperfect and I was made to replace him. You may call me Lore.
Picard: I'm also a bit troubled by it describing you as imperfect.
Data: Human language gives me difficulty too, sir. Imperfect could mean I lack certain abilities he possesses.
Picard: I wonder. But the point of this is, whether you and it have approximately the same capabilities.
Data: We do, sir, and your referring to him as an it suggests that I, too, fit into the category of a thing.
Picard: I see your point. My apologies.
Data: Gladly accepted, sir. As for Lore's abilities, his use of syntax and grammar suggests he was given human memories similar to my own.
Picard: And you have about equal physical strength and mental abilities?
Data: I believe so, sir.
Picard: Which requires I now ask you a very serious question. Since the two of you are closely related to each other.
Data: The answer, sir, is that my loyalty is to you and Starfleet. Completely.
Picard: Thank you, Commander. I was certain of that.
Laforge: And helm control is here, with the ship's heading given in measurements we call degrees. Three hundred and sixty of them in a full circle this way.
Lore: Then you say mark.
Laforge: On the nose.
Wesley: Which separates it from another full three hundred and sixty degree circle this way on a right angle to this one.
Lore: So by ordering a heading so many degrees this way and so many this way, the ship can travel in any direction. All three dimensions.
Riker: And the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle
Lore: Is equal to the sum of the square of the other two. Two something. Which I once heard, but never understood.
Data: All of which you will learn more about when the Captain has approved your being on the Bridge.
Lore: Have I committed an offense?
Wesley: You will find that there are many rules on starships that must be learnt.
Lore: You're very clever, Wesley. I now have duties to perform. Correct?
Worf: Were you ever this anxious to please, Data?
Data: Never. I judge Lore to be superior in that desire.
Lore: Because I was designed to be so human, my brother, I enjoy pleasing humans.
Laforge: My brother. That has a nice sound to it, Data.
Data: You consider it important to please humans?
Lore: It's not important?
Data: There are many things of importance. Some more than others.
Data: Do you realize that Commander Riker's hypotenuse question tricked you into showing your knowledge was greater than you were indicating?
Lore: He didn't seem that clever. I'll be more careful.
Data: You tend to underestimate humans, my brother. Praising young Wesley on the helm, for example
Lore: A child!
Data: He has a child's body, but we have found him to be much more.
Lore: Thank you for that information, too. You do care about how I perform. I pledge to be worthy of your teaching, my brother. Try not to be jealous of my abilities.
Lore: What information are you requesting?
Data: Everything available on a Doctor Noonien Soong.
Lore: Good old Often Wrong Soong. A joke, brother. Actually, he was a genius by human standards.
Data: But he had destroyed his own reputation by making what seemed wild promises about his positronic brain design, almost all of which failed.
Lore: Promises he later proved to be true. Which made you and me possible, brother. Our beloved father. Will I soon have a uniform like that, brother?
Data: If you get one the way I did, Lore, it will mean four years at the Academy, another three as ensign, ten or twelve on varied space duty in the lieutenant grades.
Lore: A system designed to compensate for limited human ability. And you, brother, are beginning to think as a human. You and I are completely different from them. Are you truly satisfied with the knowledge and memory of a few hundred human colonists? Suppose it could reflect thousands? Or millions? Or the knowledge of hundreds of millions of life forms of every kind?
Data: How?
Lore: We will discuss that in time.
Data: And will we also discuss, Lore, which of us was constructed first?
Lore: It would be foolish to underestimate you, brother. Yes, I lied when I said you were made first, but with good reason. Doctor Soong made me perfect in his first attempt. But he made me so completely human the colonists became envious of me.
Data: You lived with the colonists?
Lore: Until they petitioned Soong to make a more comfortable, less perfect android. In other words, you, brother. Haven't you noticed how easily I handle human speech? I use their contractions. For example, I say can't or isn't, and you say cannot or is not. I say tomato, you say tomahto. I say potato, you say potahto. A very old joke. But then you also have trouble with their humor. Am I right?
Data: Quite true. I keep trying to be more human, and keep failing.
Lore: Do you realize, brother, I can help you become more human?
Data: And do you realize, Lore, that I am obligated to report all of this to our ship's Captain?
Lore: I assumed as much when I began studying you. May I use this to learn more of this vessel and its customs?
Data: Use it also to describe for the Captain the time you spent among the colonists. Including everything you know about what happened to them.
Lore: I promise a report of great detail and accuracy.
Data: Thank you, Lore. I now have duties to perform. Unless of course, you need something more.
Lore: I have more than I dreamed possible, brother.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 41242.5. Thanks to Lore's report, we now know what happened to the colonists. Beginning with a child's drawing, enhanced by Lore's description, our computer has constructed the image of a great crystalline entity which feeds on life, insatiably ravenous for the life force found in living forms, capable of stripping all life from an entire world.
Tasha: But how did Data escape that thing? Or Lore?
Riker: Lore had been disassembled. He explained it as jealousy from the colonists. And Data wasn't yet alive at that time.
Picard: Which explains why Data could be left outside in no danger from that creature. Whatever happened to the colonists, he would be found by the first Starfleet crew that responded to the signal he transmitted.
Tasha: By which Doctor Soong left proof behind that his experiment did work.
Riker: Captain, how believable do you find that crystal thing?
Picard: With so little of even our galaxy explored, I find it at least possible.
Tasha: Data, are you expecting Lore to come up here? He left your quarters some time ago.
Data: To go?
Tasha: My turbo-sensors say he went to deck four. Worf?
Worf: Where he examined some micro-miniature work tools, and some fine grind quadratanium ?
Data: Which is used in our construction. That particular compound is no more suspicious, sir, than a human looking for an antiseptic or an ointment. Nevertheless, I should check it out.
Crusher: You're watching everything he does, Data? Is that the act of a brother?
Picard: It's the act of a Starfleet officer obeying his Captain, Doctor.
Tasha: Captain? Speaking strictly as Security Chief, how much can you trust Data now?
Picard: I trust him completely. But everyone should also realize that that was a necessary and legitimate security question.
Tasha: Thank you, sir.
Lore: Lesson number one in becoming more human. You must observe all human customs.
Data: Champagne?
Lore: An ancient ritual still practiced when they celebrate events of importance. My brother, I toast our discovery of each other. May it fill our lives with new meaning.
Data: I have some doubts about the value of human customs in this. My brother!
Lore: And let us toast also Doctor Soong, who gave me the full richness of human needs and ambitions. A perfect match for my mind, my body.
Lore: And let us toast also the great Crystal Entity with whom I learned to communicate. Before Doctor Soong disassembled me, I earned its gratitude by revealing the way to the colonists. Can you image its gratitude when I give it the life on this vessel?
Worf: This is strange, sir. I show Commander Data transmitting on a subspace channel.
Riker: I know Data's been doing considerable research on Doctor Soong's background. Let's be sure. Wesley, would you look in on Commander Data? Diskreetly?
Wesley: Yes sir!
Lore: Crystal Entity. Upon arriving here you can identify me as the machine named Data. End of message. Come in, please.
Lore: Glad you are here, Wesley. Lore suddenly attacked me and I had to turn him off.
Wesley: Why did he do that, Data?
Lore: He discovered we have been using sensors to follow what he does. I practiced his facial tic. Do I have it right?
Wesley: I'd suggest you forget imitating him. If you'd said we've been using the sensors, instead of we have, I might have suspected you were Lore.
Lore: Yes. I do use language more formally than Lore. Please inform the Captain I will come up to the Bridge and report on this.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Crusher: Wes, tell me again how Data said he immobilized Lore.
Wesley: He told me he just turned him off, Mom, er, Doctor.
Crusher: Question, Mister Data. Did you or did you not swear me to secrecy about your off switch?
Lore: A change of mind, Doctor. If I cannot trust the bridge crew, whom can I?
Laforge: Captain, I'm picking up a bogey coming in on a five o'clock tangent.
Tasha: It's transmitting no ID signal, Captain.
Riker: Set main viewer on that tangent.
Picard: Shields up. Go to Yellow Alert. Transmit friendly greetings, all languages, all frequencies.
Riker: I can't believe anything's overtaking us this fast.
Lore: Beautiful, isn't it?
Riker: I recognize it, sir. It's the crystal image Lore described.
Crusher: My God.
Tasha: Still no ID being transmitted, sir. Also no answer to our inquiries.
Picard: Did you get a direct look at it?
Laforge: It's like a giant snow flake crystal, but much more complex. The entire electromagnetic spectrum seems to play about inside it, but I haven't the slightest idea what it is, sir.
Picard: Thank you, Lieutenant. Data, is there anything else that Lore can tell us about it, it may be important. Can you control him enough to question him?
Lore: I will have to examine him to know, sir.
Wesley: Captain, recommend that you do not let him roam the ship freely.
Picard: Ensign.
Lore: Wesley is only showing himself to be alert and responsible. Something to encourage. Come, you can watch everything I do.
Wesley: Not if I have a choice.
Picard: That is enough, Ensign. When addressing a senior officer.
Riker: I've guided his training, sir, I'm the one at fault. You will show the proper respect. I will accompany you down there to make certain of it. With your approval, of course, sir.
Lore: Be careful of Lore. Good. He is still unconscious. Notice the same twitch, even though he is unconscious? Stay back. We may have problems if he senses someone else is near. Lore, I have a few questions to ask you.
Lore: Lore, it is Data. He senses you. I cannot control him if you stay. Please! I will record everything he says.
Riker: You will bring it to the Bridge, immediately.
Lore: And you want to be as stupid as them, dear brother?
Picard: Well, Number One?
Riker: It was Lore, sir. Same facial twitches that we've seen all along. Lying unconscious on the floor exactly as Data had described. But then it suddenly became violent, apparently sensing that Wesley and I were present.
Wesley: Or is it Lore pretending to be Data and faking it all?
Picard: I asked for Commander Riker's report, Acting Ensign Crusher. And since it now seems clear that you are unable to function within the limits of that appointment
Laforge: Captain!
Tasha: Deflector shields holding, sir.
Picard: Bring photon torpedoes to ready. Main phasers to ready. Go to Red Alert, please.
Worf: Weapons now ready, sir.
Lore: No, Captain, let me talk to it.
Picard: You didn't say you could do that. Affirmative. Talk to it.
Lore: Open hailing frequencies. Crystal form, I identify myself as Data, advising you to stop your attack. The humans here are powerful, capable of injuring or even destroying you.
Laforge: Now I call that communicating.
Lore: Suggest moving fast to confirm what I told it, sir. Permission to use the large transporter in cargo room three. There I can beam up some living pattern, perhaps a large tree.
Riker: Which you'll beam over next to the entity
Lore: That is correct, Riker. Our ship's phasers will then blast and disintegrate it, proving we are dangerous.
Picard: Make it so.
Lore: Sir?
Picard: Do it.
Wesley: Sir, I know this may finish me as an Acting Ensign, but
Picard: Shut up, Wesley! Lieutenant, pick a good security team, let me know what he does.
Tasha: Aye, sir.
Crusher: Shut up, Wesley?
Picard: Doctor.
Wesley: And since I am finished here, sir, may I point out that
Crusher: Shut up, Wesley!
Wesley: That everything that I have said would have been listened to if it came from an adult officer. Request permission to return to my quarters, sir.
Picard: Agreed. Doctor, go with him.
Crusher: You're putting me off the Bridge?
Picard: I'm asking that you keep an eye on your son during all of this, Doctor.
Lore: Emergency close!
Lore: Now, show me your warrior fierceness.
Crusher: I'll look. But I shouldn't have let you talk me into this.
Wesley: Mom, it's Data. He's been hurt. It's Data, Mom. I heard you know how to turn them on.
Crusher: This is very serious.
Wesley: So just tell me to shut up, Wesley, and I will.
Crusher: You're being very unfair, Wes.
Wesley: Data, the Crystal Thing is outside somewhere close to the ship, and Lore is loose on the inside.
Crusher: How badly are you hurt, Data?
Data: I will function sufficiently to stop Lore, Doctor
Lore: Crystal entity form, it's your old friend.
Lore: Very good. You've understand perfectly so far. Next, I'll signal that I'm about to transport something out, at which time the deflector shields will turn off for a moment, and if you move in at that time
Data: How sad, dear brother. You make me wish I were an only child.
Lore: Then why this marvelous gift? The troublesome little man-child. Are you prepared for the kind of death you've earned, little man?
Crusher: If you take one step toward my son
Lore: Ah, motherhood.
Lore: Back off, or I'll turn your little man into a torch. I promise him exquisite pain unless you obey me too, brother.
Crusher: Move away, Data. Please.
Lore: Do you see now the advantages of being completely human? It includes kindness. I give you your life, Doctor. Go home. Quickly. And I may not injure your son at all.
Data: I will stay with Wesley, Doctor.
Lore: Go! Or he'll be shrieking by the count of five. One, two, three, four
Lore: Thank you for my human quality, Doctor Soong. Wait! A small payment for your son's misdeeds.
Data: Wes! The transporter.
Data: Wesley, now!
Wesley: Lore's gone, sir. Permanently.
Picard: Doctor, now that Wesley's safe, go to Sickbay at once.
Riker: Captain, the crystal thing has begun to move away.
Picard: Data, are you all right?
Data: Yes, sir. I'm fine.
Picard: Get rid of that damned twitch and put on the correct uniform.
Data: Yes, Captain.
Picard: Ensign Crusher, are you able to return to duty?
Wesley: Yes, sir.
Picard: Then do so, and let the Bridge know that all is well down here.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Riker: It's gone, sir. Without Lore, it had no way to reach us.
Picard: And we're overdue for our computer refit. Number One, have you ever considered whether Data is more human, or less human than we want?
Riker: I only wish we were all as well balanced, sir.
Picard: Agreed!


Picard: Captain's log, stardate 41636.9. As feared, our examination of the seven year overdue Federation freighter, Odin, disabled by an asteroid collision, revealed no survivors. However, three escape pods were missing, suggesting the possibility of survivors.
Laforge: Ready to begin orbit of Angel One, Captain.
Picard: Make it so, Mister La Forge. What kind of place is this, Data?
Data: Angel One is a class M planet, sir, supporting carbon based flora and fauna, sparsely populated with intelligent life forms. It is similar in technological development to mid-twentieth century Earth.
Laforge: Kind of like being marooned at home.
Riker: Assuming any of the survivors made it this far. Admittedly, it 'is the closest planet to the Odin, but to travel distance we did in two days at warp one would have taken the Odin escape pod five months.
Data: Five months, fourteen days, eleven hours, two minutes
Riker: Thank you, Data.
Data: And fifty seven seconds.
Tasha: Captain, we're receiving an audio signal from Angel One.
Picard: Starfleet are adamant that we maintain excellent diplomatic relations with this planet. Mister Data, is there any other pertinent information before we reply?
Data: Angel One has evolved into a constitutional oligarchy. It is governed by a parliamentary body consisting of six elected Mistresses, and headed by a female they refer to as The Elected One.
Troi: It sounds like my own planet.
Worf: Klingons appreciate strong women.
Picard: How current is this information, Mister Data?
Data: A Federation vessel last visited this planet sixty two years ago, Captain.
Picard: Counselor, as this is a female dominated society, you might wish to make the initial contact.
Troi: Thank you, sir.
Picard: Open hailing frequencies.
Tasha: Hailing frequencies open, sir.
Troi: This is Counselor Deanna Troi from the USS Enterprise.
Beata: I am Beata, The Elected One. How may we assist you, Counselor?
Troi: The Federation has neglected to visit to your planet for far too long. With your permission, we would like to correct that oversight.
Beata: We feel in no way neglected, Counselor. A diplomatic courtesy call is neither expected nor required.
Troi: We also come in search of possible survivors from one of our freighters.
Beata: A brief visit will be tolerated.
Tasha: They've broken off transmission.
Laforge: Ever feel like you're not really wanted?
Riker: Where're you fellows off to?
Wesley: Our ski instructor has us scheduled for the Denubian Alps, sir.
Riker: Save us some deep powder.
Wesley: No problem, sir. The holodecks have all you'll ever need.
Riker: The away team's ready, sir.
Picard: Angel One's strategic importance in this quadrant may become vital. Starfleet's hope is that one day this world may become part of the Federation.
Riker: We'll do our best to make a good impression, sir.
Picard: Energize.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. Our away team has beamed down to an unusual matriarchal society where the female is as aggressively dominant as the male gender was on Earth hundreds of years ago. Here, the female is the hunter, the soldier, larger and stronger than the male. An arrangement considered most sensible and natural.
Beata: I am Beata, The Elected One of Angel One. Representatives of the Starfleet Enterprise, do you wish to petition?
Troi: We do. We have reason to hope that survivors from a damaged Federation freighter may be marooned on your planet. We are seeking to learn if this is so.
Beata: Even a planet as remote as Angel One has heard of Starfleet. Searching the galaxy for survivors seems a petty task for one of their mighty vessels.
Riker: We don't consider even one survivor petty.
Beata: Is this man implying that we put a lesser value on life than you do?
Troi: Not at all. Our discovery of the freighter was unexpected. We have a duty to investigate.
Beata: I see. And if you find any survivors, what then?
Troi: We will take them with us and see that they were reunited with their families.
Ariel: Are we to take these strangers at their word?
Beata: Good question.
Tasha: What reason could we possibly have to deceive you?
Beata: Another good question.
Riker: Are there survivors from the freighter Odin on your planet?
Beata: I'm not prepared to answer, yet. See to their comforts.
Riker: What's going on?
Trent: You will remain here until summoned.
Riker: Is thus area secure? Can we talk?
Tasha: Yes. Tricorder doesn't show any listening devices or anything else of a threatening nature.
Riker: Good. Troi?
Troi: There was much fear in that room.
Riker: Paranoia, I'd say. But of what?
Troi: I cannot say. But their fear was not focused. I sensed that all were not concerned for the same reason. Undoubtedly there are survivors from the Odin on this planet.
Riker: I agree. Otherwise, why would they be so circumspect?
Tasha: As Mistress Beata is so fond of saying, good question.
Data: What do we do if they deny the existence of survivors?
Riker: Let's not look for problems.
Picard: I want all departments prepared for a warp six trip into the Neutral Zone as soon as the away team completes its mission.
Worf: Trouble, Captain?
Picard: Insurance. Romulan battle cruisers have been detected near one of our border posts.
Picard: They've requested assistance as soon as Argh!
Picard: Report, Mister Crusher.
Wesley: We finished our ski lesson, sir, and it kind of just happened.
Picard: On the Enterprise, Mister Crusher, nothing just happens. What is that smell?
Worf: Hmm, yes. Slightly reminiscent of night blooming throgni, Captain. From home. Quite stimulating, wouldn't you say?
Picard: No.
Wesley: I don't smell anything. I'm a little congested. The snow.
Picard: Don't let this just happen again, Mister Crusher.
Wesley: Yes, sir.
Data: Interesting. An alcohol-based synthetic, artificially reproducing a floral scent.
Troi: It's called perfume, Data.
Data: The purpose of which is?
Tasha: Certain cultures consider perfume an aphrodisiac.
Data: I am unfamiliar with that term.
Riker: An aphrodisiac is something used to stimulate or enhance sexual pleasure.
Data: How does stimulation of the olfactory nerves affect the enjoyment of sex?
Trent: The Elected One will see you now.
Beata: You claim you intend to remove these survivors from our planet. Are you prepared to give us your solemn word on that?
Troi: We are.
Beata: You should know that the vote was not unanimous. Some of those among us are suspicious. Yet the majority feel that we have no choice but to trust you.
Riker: We don't understand the source of your misgivings, Mistress, but we appreciate your faith in us.
Beata: Make certain that faith is not misplaced. There are four survivors from the ship you call Odin. All male. Their leader is a man who calls himself Ramsey.
Troi: If you'll deliver these men to us, we'll have them off your planet immediately.
Beata: If they were mine to deliver, I would do it without hesitation. Unfortunately, their hiding place has long eluded us.
Tasha: Hiding place? Why are they in hiding?
Beata: Because they are fugitives on Angel One, and the quicker we get rid of them, the better. When these men came to us seven years ago, they accepted our hospitality quickly enough. But they gradually became restive, started making unreasonable demands, went against the natural order.
Troi: Using the technology of the Enterprise, we might be able to find these men.
Beata: I assumed as much. But be warned, Counselor, these men are dangerous.
Crusher: Sickbay to Captain Picard.
Picard: Picard here.
Crusher: Wesley and one of his friends have contracted some form of respiratory ailment.
Picard: A respiratory aliment? Is it contained?
Crusher: I hope so. I've isolated the twelve students who were on the Quazulu Eight field trip.
Picard: How contagious is it?
Crusher: Still running tests. The key is to figure out how the virus is transmitted. So far I've been able to rule out
Crusher: Person to person contact.
Picard: Well, keep with it, Doctor. Starfleet has very important business for us as soon as the away team returns. I don't fancy the idea of my crew being infected.
Riker: Data, what's the best way to go about finding Ramsey and the other survivors?
Data: If we can isolate something unique to the Odin survivors, perhaps an element not otherwise found on Angel One, we can utilize the Enterprise scanners.
Riker: Mister Data will need access to your library.
Beata: Our library is far too sophisticated for a man to comprehend.
Data: I am an android, Mistress, although anatomically I am a male.
Beata: An amusing notion. Maybe you could teach our males a thing or two. Trent, see to the android's needs.
Worf: Bridge to Captain Picard.
Picard: Go ahead, Lieutenant.
Worf: The away team requests that we scan the planet surface for traces of platinum.
Picard: Have Mister La Forge break fixed orbit and initiate a search pattern.
Worf: Aye, Captain. Geordi.
Laforge: Search pattern initiated now.
Troi: This was delivered for you.
Riker: Good. It's for my meeting with Beata.
Troi: You're not going to wear that.
Riker: Of course. Part of this mission is diplomatic. I have requested an audience with a head of state, and I will honor her by wearing indigenous apparel.
Tasha: I don't believe this. You're going to put that thing on and parade around like one of them?
Riker: Why, what is this attitude? On Kabatris I had to wear furs to meet the leadership council. And on Armus Nine I wore feathers. This objection doesn't have anything to do with the fact that Beata is a woman, and an attractive one, does it?
Picard: This is quite unnecessary, Doctor. I'm fine.
Crusher: You're infected with the virus. Captain. In my opinion, you are no longer physically able to effectively command this vessel.
Picard: That is ridiculous, Doctor. I have an away team down there, in less than friendly territory, and in addition I have an appointment with several Romulan battlecruisers.
Crusher: You have an appointment in your cabin, Captain. With your bed.
Picard: Is that an order, Doctor?
Crusher: Yes.
Worf: I think I may sneeze.
Laforge: A Klingon sneeze?
Worf: Only kind I know.
Picard: Lieutenant La Forge, you have command until further notice. Please, make the proper ship's log entries.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Worf: Scanners indicate a platinum trace. Should I notify the away team?
Laforge: Make it so.
Troi: Tasha.
Riker: What do you think?
Tasha: Well, I got to say, it's kind of sexy.
Riker: Thank you, Lieutenant. Actually it feels quite comfortable.
Beata: How handsome you look.
Riker: Thank you, The Enterprise reports a possible location for Mister Ramsey and the other survivors.
Beata: So soon? I'm impressed.
Ariel: I suspicious.
Riker: You don't believe me?
Ariel: Not yet. I hear the words, but not the sincerity.
Beata: You had your opportunity to object, Ariel. You were in the minority.
Ariel: After seven years, the great ship Enterprise come to repatriate a small group of insignificant people.
Riker: Mistress Ariel, I hear the words but not the sincerity.
Ariel: You should listen more carefully. Excuse me, Mistress. I have matters to attend to elsewhere.
Riker: With your permission, we'd like to begin our search immediately.
Beata: By all means. But I'm sure that Counselor Troi and the others can do that without you. If I recall, you had a gesture of goodwill you wished to give to me?
Riker: Certainly that can wait until we've recovered the survivors.
Beata: Are you suggesting that the women in your party are incapable of accomplishing their task without the help of a man?
Riker: Not at all. Lieutenant Yar and Counselor Troi are completely qualified.
Beata: You're very generous with your praise. Inform them you will remain here with me.
Riker: Riker to Lieutenant Yar.
Tasha: This is Yar.
Riker: In the interests of diplomatic relations, I'll remain here with Mistress Beata while you conduct our search.
Tasha: Commander?
Riker: You have your instructions.
Beata: Relax. We have much to discuss.
Tasha: Set phasers to stun.
Troi: I wish they weren't necessary.
Data: A justified precaution, Counselor. Mistress Beata observed that Mister Ramsey and his men are dangerous.
Tasha: Lieutenant Yar to Enterprise.
Laforge: Go ahead, Tasha.
Tasha: Three to beam to the location of that platinum trace, Geordi.
Laforge: Coordinates set.
Tasha: Energize.
Troi: Tasha!
Ramsey: Welcome. I've been expecting you.
Picard: Picard to Bridge.
Laforge: La Forge here.
Picard: Status report.
Laforge: Eighty-two more reported cases of the virus, sir. Doctor Crusher's converted the holodeck into an isolation ward.
Picard: And the away team?
Laforge: Well, no recent contact, sir, but I have informed them of the medical situation up here and the growing Romulan threat to our Neutral Zone outpost.
Picard: Keep me advised. You have the Bridge until Commander Riker returns.
Worf: Engineering reports a computer malf I'm sorry, I'm getting sick.
Laforge: I'm sure half the ship knows that by now. Report to Sickbay, Lieutenant.
Crewman: Engineering to bridge.
Laforge: La Forge here.
Crewman: The computer won't accept the variant climate controls.
Laforge: On my way.
Worf: With all respect, Lieutenant, there are people to do that job now.
Laforge: La Forge to Engineering. Lieutenant Wong knows the system. I'm sure she'll be able to resolve all problems. Worf, thanks for the advice.
Ramsey: How did you find me?
Data: Actually, it was quite simple. Angel One has no platinum. Enterprise scanners did the rest.
Ramsey: Platinum, was it? My wings. I kept them for their sentimental value.
Tasha: Where are the other survivors, Mister Ramsey?
Ramsey: Oh, they're nearby. They're packing, as a matter of fact, since we can no longer remain here.
Troi: Seven years on an alien planet, and I sense no anticipation, no excitement at being rescued.
Ramsey: What is it that you think you're rescuing me from? My shipmates and I have all taken wives. A few even have children. You can't rescue a man from a place that he calls his home.
Riker: Why were you so hesitant at first to tell us about the Odin survivors?
Beata: Simply because Ramsey and his men are anarchists. I had to make sure you weren't here to fuel their struggle. I like the way your eyes pick up the color of your tunic.
Riker: It's not our position to interfere in the domestic affairs of other societies.
Beata: But you can interact.
Riker: Of course. Otherwise, how can we learn?
Beata: Is that why you're here with me tonight? To learn?
Riker: Yes.
Beata: About our society.
Riker: Yes.
Beata: Well, in our society, it is the men who are the fortunate ones, enjoying all life has to offer while we women devote ourselves to the obligation of making life work.
Riker: In our society, we share the responsibilities and the pleasures equally. Which is why I am able to be here with you while the women of the away team go to find Ramsey.
Beata: You'll have to remind me to thank them when they come back for giving us this time.
Beata: You resist. Don't you find me attractive?
Riker: Yes, I find you very attractive.
Beata: You attract me like no man ever has.
Riker: It's not my function to seduce or be seduced by the leader of another world.
Beata: It's not the reason.
Riker: No, it's not. But will you still respect me in the morning?
Beata: I hope so.
Riker: Thank you, Trent.
Beata: You may go.
Riker: Compliments of the USS Enterprise. It's called an Albeni meditation crystal.
Beata: Very impressive. And now I must repay you in kind.
Ramsey: Five months in a rescue pod no bigger than this room is an eternity I hope none of you will ever have to face. When we finally made it here, we thought we'd died and gone to heaven. You've seen the women of the planet. They're tall and strong and lovely. But after the newness wore off, we started to see how the men were treated. There's no votes. There's no opinions. There's no respect.
Tasha: None of which is your concern any longer, Mister Ramsey. Call the others in, please. It's time to leave.
Ramsey: Despite their problems, Lieutenant, we happen to like it here on Angel One. We're not going anywhere.
Troi: But Mistress Beata
Ramsey: Mistress Beata be damned! Her wish is not my command, and neither is yours. You can't force us to go.
Data: Mister Ramsey is correct, Counselor. The Odin was not a starship, which means her crew is not bound by the Prime Directive. If he and the others wish to stay here, there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.
Laforge: Bridge to Sickbay how are you Doing, Doctor?
Crusher: We have more sick than we do beds. So far I've been forced to confine over three hundred to their private quarters.
Laforge: We're going to be seriously undermanned if we're forced to engage the Romulans in battle.
Crusher: The Romulans are your problem, Lieutenant. Trying to find an inoculants is mine. This virus mutates every twenty minutes. But so far we haven't had any fatalities, yet.
Laforge: If this continues, there'll be no one left to run the ship.
Crusher: If this continues, Lieutenant La Forge, no one will be healthy enough to care.
Tasha: Yar to Enterprise.
Laforge: Enterprise here. Go ahead.
Tasha: Prepare to beam three to our previous location, Geordi. After re-grouping with Commander Riker, we'll return to the ship.
Laforge: I suggest you make that on the double, Tasha. We have a real medical emergency brewing up here.
Laforge: One third of the crew is down, and the latest information from the Neutral Zone outpost is that more Romulan vessels are converging on that area.
Tasha: I'll inform the Commander. Yar out. One thing before we go. You said you were expecting us. Why?
Ramsey: I can't answer that.
Troi: We wish you well, Mister Ramsey.
Tasha: Energize.
Ramsey: They're gone.
Beata: What a refreshing change to be with a man who knows what he wants.
Riker: And doesn't have to be told by a woman?
Beata: Exactly. I knew you were bright enough to understand. You see, women, by our very nature, want only what is best for their men.
Riker: Men are not objects to be possessed, Mistress Beata.
Beata: Of course they're not. It was merely a figure of speech.
Beata: Enter.
Beata: What is so important you find it necessary to intrude upon my privacy?
Trent: They have returned, Mistress, but without Ramsey or the others.
Beata: Your advanced technology has proven inadequate?
Riker: What happened, Tasha?
Troi: Mister Ramsey and the other survivors refuse to leave.
Beata: You gave me your solemn word.
Riker: I'm sorry, there's nothing else we can do.
Beata: I'm sorry as well. Since you refuse to take them with you, I am left with no choice but to sentence them all to death.
Picard: Come.
Crusher: It looks horrible, tastes worse, and it's absolutely guaranteed to make you feel better.
Crusher: I knew you'd like it. Are you wearing cologne? Like something I smelled earlier. Something Klingon.
Picard: Lieutenant Worf and I detected the same scent when we bumped into your son at the Holodeck.
Crusher: It's that smell. That's how the virus travels. An airborne particle whose sweet scent inspires deep inhalation. And once inside the body, it becomes that damned virus. I have work to do.
Picard: You are excused, Doctor.
Riker: What's the latest on the Enterprise's medical situation?
Data: Doctor Crusher feels the virus will undoubtedly run unchecked through the entire ship. Attempts to develop an inoculants have so far ended in failure. Lieutenant La Forge still has Bridge command pending your return, sir.
Riker: And what about the Romulans entering the Neutral Zone?
Data: The border outpost reports a contingent of seven Romulan battlecruisers within sensor range. The USS Berlin has answered the distress call. However, should hostilities erupt, both the outpost and the starship will be out-gunned. It is felt that the Enterprise's presence in the area will be a vital show of force.
Tasha: Some show of force. The Enterprise could fly on autopilot, but with that virus knocking down our crew, we're going to be in sorry shape if things turn ugly.
Riker: I think it's time we to leave this place.
Troi: It doesn't feel right to leave while Beata is determined to execute those people.
Riker: She has to find them first. Ramsey and his bunch have been fugitives for years. I suspect he's pretty good at evading capture.
Troi: Something's wrong.
Beata: Before you go back to your ship, there's something I want you to see.
Ramsey: We were no harm to anyone. Why did you tell them where to find us?
Beata: You brought this upon yourself. You and the traitor. One does not need the technology of the Enterprise to follow Mistress Ariel sneaking out to warn her husband. Let her stand with him now. For tomorrow they will die together.
Riker: You claim to be an advanced society, and yet you resort to executions in order to suppress those who don't share your views.
Beata: I don't expect you to understand.
Riker: Why? Because I'm only a man?
Beata: You'll accomplish nothing with that attitude.
Riker: Mistress Beata, if you had an alternative to the execution of Ramsey and his followers, would you take it?
Beata: Is that not the way of an advanced society?
Riker: Then let us meet with the men from Odin one last time. Let me try to convince them to leave with us.
Beata: Will you also include those from this world who unwisely choose to follow Ramsey and his group?
Riker: Yes. All of them.
Troi: Mistress Beata is willing to give you a second chance. We're prepared to take your entire group with us.
Ramsey: That's very kind of you, but we're not going.
Tasha: Haven't you been paying attention, Ramsey? You're scheduled to be executed tomorrow.
Ramsey: We don't want to die. We don't want to leave, either.
Riker: There's no time to debate the issues. You're going with us whether you choose to go or not.
Data: Excuse me, Commander, but removing any of these people against their will would be a violation of several Starfleet regulations, not the least of which would be the Prime Directive.
Riker: I realize that, Mister Data. I'd rather face a court martial than live with the guilt of leaving these people to their deaths. Commander Riker to Enterprise.
Crusher: This is the Enterprise. Crusher here.
Tasha: It must be worse up there than we thought.
Riker: Doctor, where is Lieutenant La Forge?
Crusher: He's right here, but he's in bad shape.
Riker: Notify the transporter room I have fourteen to beam up.
Crusher: I can't allow it.
Crusher: This virus is totally out of control here. Until I know exactly what I'm dealing with, I can't let anyone new be exposed.
Riker: Doctor, these people are facing their deaths down here.
Crusher: They might be facing the same thing up here. Until I have a better idea of what I'm dealing with, no one can beam up. I'm sorry, Will, but you must wait.
Riker: Understood. Doctor, would this virus have any effect on Mister Data?
Crusher: Not likely.
Riker: You're going back there alone. I want you to get the Enterprise into the Neutral Zone before it's too late.
Data: This is Data, standing by to beam up.
Troi: What of them?
Riker: I don't know, Deanna.
Trent: Mistress Beata invites you to witness this morning's reaffirmation of Angel One's moral imperative.
Tasha: Is that the civilized word for murder on this world?
Riker: You send Mistress Beata our regrets.
Trent: The Elected One will not look fondly upon
Data: Enterprise to Commander Riker.
Troi: They're still here!
Riker: Riker here. Data, I gave you direct orders to get to Neutral Zone immediately. Explain the delay.
Data: To be precise, Commander, you ordered me to reach the Neutral Zone before it is too late.
Data: After relieving Lieutenant La Forge, I computed the length of time the border outpost
Data: And the USS Berlin can safely withstand a Romulan attack, and deducted our time to destination at maximum warp speed. That leaves Doctor Crusher forty eight minutes to develop an inoculants to the virus.
Tasha: Which means there's still time for us to do something.
Riker: Forty-eight minutes.
Data: Forty seven, sir.
Riker: Perhaps, Data, perhaps. Thank you
Riker: For following my orders so precisely, Data.
Riker: On second thought, Trent, we would be honored to witness your moral imperative in action.
Beata: We have determined that the heretical teachings of Ramsey and his followers are inconsistent with harmonious life on Angel One. Our patient efforts to silence revolutionary voices have failed. Therefore we are left with none but the most final alternative.
Beata: As you can see, we are not without compassion. Your deaths will be swift and painless.
Riker: Mistress Beata, before we see living examples of your compassion, may I speak?
Beata: Is this a plea for leniency?
Riker: Nothing of the sort. As the governing body of Angel One, you're entitled to execute your laws or your citizens as you see fit.
Beata: Make your point, so we can proceed with this unpleasant business.
Riker: When you spoke of the prisoners, you used the term revolutionary. Indeed, death has been known to stop revolutions. But I suspect it's not a revolution that Angel One is hoping to stop. It's evolution. Mister Ramsey and the Odin survivors did not initiate the waves of dissent that are rippling through your planet. Their presence here merely reinforced the change in attitudes between men and women that was already well under way. They became symbols around whom others who shared their views could gather. You may eliminate the symbols, but that does not mean death to the issues which those symbols represent. No power in the universe can hope to stop the force of evolution. Be warned. The execution of Mister Ramsey and his followers may elevate them to the status of martyrs. Martyrs cannot be silenced.
Ariel: Beata!
Beata: Stop. We will adjourn to consider your words.
Ramsey: Thank you.
Riker: I don't know if it was enough.
Crusher: Sickbay to Bridge.
Data: Go ahead, Doctor.
Crusher: Bingo, Data.
Data: Bingo? I fail to see the relevance, Doctor. Is that not a reference to an ancient Earth game?
Crusher: It's also a reference to success, Data. I've got the inoculants.
Data: Excellent, Doctor. We still have seventeen minutes left. I will inform the away team immediately. Enterprise to Riker.
Data: We are ready to have you beamed up, Commander.
Riker: Data, Ramsey and the prisoners are with us in the Great Hall. I want you to lock the transporter. Prepare to evacuate the entire group.
Riker: But for now, stand by.
Data: Understood, Commander.
Beata: After careful consideration, this legislature has voted to stay the execution of the prisoners. Their children will be returned to them immediately. Do not rejoice prematurely. Ramsey and his followers are to be exiled to a distant and unpopulated region. Life will be difficult there with little time for revolutionary or evolutionary upheaval. As some have observed, we may be able to stop evolution, but perhaps we can reduce it to a slow crawl. For a man, you can be very clever, Commander Riker.
Riker: Riker to Enterprise. Belay my previous order, Mister Data. There will now be only three to beam up. Energize.
Crusher: Welcome home.
Troi: It's good to be back.
Riker: Are they recovering?
Crusher: Slowly, but yes.
Riker: And the Captain?
Picard: The Captain is fine, thank you. Mister Data has been briefing me on the away team's comportment, Number One.
Troi: We improvised, sir.
Picard: I look forward to your reports.
Riker: Don't we have a call to pay on the Romulans, Captain?
Picard: Indeed we do. Mister Data, set course for the Neutral Zone. Warp six.
Data: Co-ordinates set. Warp six on your mark, sir.
Picard: Engage.
Data: Sir?
Riker: Engage.


Picard: Captain's log, stardate 41365.9. The Enterprise has been ordered to Starbase 74, in orbit around Tarsas Three. A routine maintenance check of all systems will be made, and certain upgrades completed, including the holodeck, with which we've had problems. I anticipate a glowing report. The ship has performed magnificently, beyond anyone's expectations.
Laforge: Coming into position.
Riker: Stand by to dock.
Data: Ready to dock, sir.
Riker: Engage mooring beams and lock off.
Laforge: Aye sir. And docking complete.
Picard: Thank you, Number One. Well done. And well done all.
Computer: Starbase maintenance approaching airlock five.
Quinteros: Commander Quinteros. Request permission to come aboard.
Picard: Granted. Welcome.
Quinteros: Captain.
Picard: Commander Riker. (The group head down the corridor, including a pair of 'mirror image' small humanoids)
Quinteros: Commander. You're late. We expected you a week ago.
Riker: We were unexpectedly delayed at Omicron Pascal.
Quinteros: Is there anything specific you wish to report, or that we should be aware of?
Picard: No. We are very pleased with the operation of the Enterprise.
Quinteros: I knew you would be - I was in charge of the team which put her together.
Riker: And are these gentlemen the Bynars?
Quinteros: They're not gentlemen, or ladies, Commander. They are a unified pair. They're always together. This is One Zero. And this is Zero One. They just finished upgrading the computers on the Wellington. Did a great job.
Picard: Your reputation precedes you. I'm very pleased you're going to be improving our system.
One Zero: It is a great pleasure
Zero One: to work on such a large mobile computer.
Picard: You have forty eight hours, because at forty eight plus six we have an appointment at Pelleus Five we must keep.
Zero One: I thought we'd
One Zero: have more time.
Picard: I'm sorry. This mission can't be delayed. If you want to postpone the work?
Zero One: Oh, no. This is
One Zero: the best time
Zero One: to do it.
One Zero: We can complete
Zero One: our work within the
One Zero: time allotted.
Quinteros: They work very quickly, but it'll be very tight.
Picard: Commander Riker and I will stay on board, be available should you need us.
Quinteros: Thank you, Captain. I don't think we'll need you until we're ready for inspection.
Riker: The Bynars seem perfect for this. Even though this is the first time I've ever come in contact with them.
Picard: As I understand it, over time they have become so interconnected with the master computer on their planet that their language, their thought patterns have become as close to binary as it's possible for organic beings.
Riker: It'll be interesting to see how they improve a computer as advanced as ours.
Picard: Bridge. Well, I have a little work to finish up, then I'm going to my cabin. I'm going to put my feet up, I'm going to turn on my personal relaxation light and I'm going to lose myself in the pages of some old novel. What about you, Number One? You've earned a rest.
Riker: I've never been very good at organizing my time off. Something'll turn up. It always does.
Picard: I'll be in my ready room. And Number One, good work.
Riker: I thought there were only going to be two of you.
One Zero: Because of the limited time allotted us
Zero One: We need others
Riker: Is there a problem?
Zero One: No.
One Zero: No. No problem.
Riker: Then why are you acting so excited?
Zero One: Because we have to
One Zero: The stacking
Zero One: To reconfigure the computer
One Zero: To communicate with itself
Zero One: More efficiently
One Zero: And at higher speeds.
Wesley: You act like you don't believe them.
Riker: I'm not sure that I do. Maybe it's probably nothing.
Wesley: Perhaps it's just how another species behaves.
Riker: Maybe. I'm going to stroll the ship. You've got the Bridge. Keep your eye on them.
Wesley: Yes, sir.
Tasha: We've been challenged to a friendly game of Parrises Squares by some of the maintenance personnel. Want to join us on the starbase?
Riker: You've already got all the players you need.
Tasha: We can switch off.
Riker: No, you know if you do that in Parrises Squares you lose the rhythm of the game.
Tasha: I can't talk you into coming with us?
Riker: No. But win, all right? The pride of the Enterprise goes with you.
Worf: Rest assured, Commander, we will be victorious. At whatever the cost.
Riker: Worf, it's just a game. A little friendly competition, You work up a sweat, you have a few laughs, and you make new friends.
Worf: If winning is not important, then, Commander, why keep score?
Tasha: I think he's pulling your leg. Believe it or not, Worf is developing a sense of humor.
Riker: I hope so, for their sake. )
Riker: Computer. There's a power reduction in section L-Ninety Four. Explain.
Computer: Unoccupied sections are being closed down in order to clear space in the main computer banks. It is necessary to facilitate the system upgrade. Full power can be restored if needed.
Laforge: Well, what do you think?
Riker: Tell me what it's supposed to be, then I'll give you my opinion.
Data: It is an attempt at pure creativity.
Laforge: What we're investigating is, can Data be creative?
Data: And this is my attempt, with guidance from Geordi.
Laforge: I suggested the zylo eggs.
Riker: Is that what those are?
Riker: Keep notes. This project might turn out to be of interest to scholars in the future.
Laforge: Really?
Riker: Well of course. Think about it. A blind man teaching an android how to paint? That's got to be worth a couple of pages in somebody's book.
Riker: You look like you're packing to leave forever.
Crusher: Oh, Commander Riker. No, I'm just gathering my notes. Professor Terence Epstein is at this starbase.
Riker: Is that someone I should know of?
Crusher: He's the leading mind in cybernetics. He lectured at my medical school. You know the disaster at Micromius?
Crusher: Well, since then I've been working on an approach that combines cybernetics and regeneration. It sounds impossible, I know, but I have found an approach which will work. I mean, what an opportunity. To have a chance to talk with Doctor Epstein. Sorry, Will, I'd love to chat, but I have to go.
Riker: How's it going?
Zero Zero: We are almost done.
One One: The deviation
Zero Zero: caused by a previous
One One: probe has been corrected
Zero Zero: You may use the equipment
One One: anytime you wish.
Riker: How much has been changed? What exactly did you do?
One One: Enhancement.
Zero Zero: Nothing more.
Zero Zero: Would you like to try
One One: the enhancement?
Riker: All right. What should I choose? Computer, I'd like some place to play some music. A little atmosphere.
Computer: Specify.
Riker: Jazz.
Computer: Era?
Riker: Circa 1958.
Computer: Location.
Riker: Kansas City. No, wait. New Orleans. Bourbon Street Bar, New Orleans. Around two a.m.
Computer: Program complete. Enter when ready.
Riker: Very good. Very good indeed. Now I'll need someone to play with. A trio. Piano, bass and drums, and a 'bone for me.
Riker: Now an audience. Whoa. Too many. I was thinking of something a little more intimate.
Riker: Great job, boys. But, computer, blondes and jazz seldom go together. Now that is truly exceptional. But more sultry.
Riker: Gentlemen, if this is what you call enhancement, you've got a gift for understatement.
Riker: What's your name? Tell me you love jazz.
Minuet: My name is Minuet and I love all jazz except Dixieland.
Riker: Why not Dixieland?
Minuet: You can't dance to it.
Riker: My girl. What's a knockout like you doing in a computer-generated gin joint like this?
Minuet: Waiting for you.
Riker: Waiting for me? You can't be serious.
Minuet: Oh yes, Will. I've never been more serious in my life.
Wesley: Can I ask you a question about the Bynars?
Quinteros: Why not just ask them?
Wesley: What is that high-speed sound you make?
Zero One: That is our
One Zero: primary language.
Wesley: How can you process information at that speed?
Zero One: We store the information
One Zero: with these buffers.
Zero One: We receive information
One Zero: all the time
Zero One: and save it
One Zero: until we need it.
Wesley: How did you happen to develop this ability?
One Zero: It happened over
Zero One: a long period of time.
Wesley: To have a society so intermixed on computers has tremendous advantages.
One Zero: And a few
Zero One: disadvantages.
Picard: Everything under control, Ensign Crusher?
Wesley: Fine, Captain. I was just trying to find something about the Bynars.
Picard: Where's Commander Riker?
Wesley: He's in holodeck four. Shall I call him for you, sir?
Picard: No, I'll go down there myself. Keep me apprised.
Wesley: Yes, sir.
Bass: Hey, man, the chick digs you.
Riker: What makes you say that?
Bass: Hey, look at her.
Riker: Maybe it's my music.
Piano: Yeah, well, about that. Don't give up your day job.
Riker: Too real.
Bass: You got that straight, Slim. Too real is too right.
Riker: Thanks for letting me sit in.
Piano: Ain't nothin' to it.
Riker: I'm going to have to leave for a while to see to my duties.
Minuet: Your work's very important to you.
Riker: It is me. It's what I am.
Minuet: Can we dance once before you leave?
Riker: Sure, why not. How did you learn to dance so well?
Minuet: From following you. I can anticipate your lead. So, tell me about your work. What is it about it that consumes and enthrallls you?
Riker: Interesting choice of words. That's exactly what it does.
Minuet: You're very fortunate.
Riker: I know that.
Minuet: To be exactly where you want to be. And it's great that you realize it.
Riker: I'd be a fool not to realize how lucky I am to be on this ship serving with these people. It's like a dream come true. Just like this.
Minuet: A dream? Is that what this is? Is that what I am?
Riker: I know you are a computer-generated image, but your smell, your touch, the way you feel. Even the things you say and think seem so real.
Minuet: Thank you.
Riker: How far can this relationship go? I mean, how real are you?
Minuet: As real as you need me to be.
Picard: Astounding.
Riker: Captain.
Picard: Oh, I'm sorry, Number One. I didn't mean to interrupt.
Riker: No, it's all right. Come on in.
Picard: You picked a wonderful locale. This is something I might have chosen myself.
Minuet: Aren't you going to introduce me?
Riker: Captain Picard, this is Minuet. Minuet, Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Minuet: Enchantee. Comme c'est merveilleux de vous voir ici.
Picard: Incroyable! Vous etes Parisienne?
Minuet: Au fond, c'est vrai, nous sommes tous Parisiens.
Picard: Oui, au fond, nous sommes tous Parisiens. The spirit of that city can always enchant my soul.
Minuet: I have been hoping to meet you.
Picard: Oh. Have I been the subject of conversation?
Minuet: Indirectly. Come, join us, Jean-Luc. A glass of wine?
Picard: Thank you.
Minuet: Will was saying how much he enjoys this assignment. It's a credit to you. For a ship and crew to function well it always starts with the Captain. You set the tone.
Picard: At the moment, it's you who are setting the tone. The sophistication of this programming is remarkable.
Minuet: In what way?
Picard: The holodeck has been able to give us woodlands and ski slopes, figures that fight and fictional characters with which we can interact, but you, you're very different. You adapt. You spoke to me in French.
Minuet: It was very simple. When I heard your name, I merely accessed the foreign language bank.
Picard: That's very impressive.
Minuet: Oui, mon chou.
Laforge: Now what are you doing?
Data: I am awaiting inspiration.
Wesley: Commander Data?
Data: This is Commander Data. Go ahead, please.
Wesley: I'm getting an indication of possible trouble in main Engineering, sir.
Data: Can you be more specific?
Wesley: I'm afraid not. I'm reading a problem with the magnetic containment field which contains the antimatter. Could you come up here?
Laforge: We'll go to Engineering since that's where the trouble is. Wes, don't disturb the Captain or Commander Riker until we check this out.
Wesley: Aye, sir.
Laforge: Bridge, this is main Engineering.
Wesley: This is the Bridge.
Laforge: Are you running any test programs up there?
Wesley: No.
Laforge: Are the Bynars?
Wesley: Not to my knowledge. Is there a problem?
Laforge: I don't know. There's no one on duty here, and we're getting some very strange readings from the magnetic containment field.
Data: The field is deteriorating. Contact the captain immediately. I am initiating Red Alert.
Laforge: Data, I can't maintain the integrity of the containment field.
Data: Engineering to Captain. If the antimatter is released, the ship will be destroyed.
Laforge: Nothing I do has any effect. I'm losing it. Data, I've rechecked every circuit. This is not a misread by the computer.
Data: Computer, situation analysis.
Computer: Estimate release of antimatter in four minutes eighteen seconds. Seventeen seconds. Sixteen seconds.
Data: Engineering to Bridge.
Wesley: This is the bridge.
Data: Alert starbase. Inform them we are abandoning the ship. Tell them why. Initiate automated sequence for departure. Set course and speed course and speed to put maximum distance between the Enterprise and any inhabited planets.
Wesley: Shouldn't we wait for the Captain's approval?
Data: There is no time.
Data: Based on all information presently available, the decision is correct. This is Lieutenant Commander Data speaking for the Captain. Abandon ship. This is not a drill. All personnel. This is not a drill. I say again, abandon ship. All personnel, this is not a drill.
Data: Abandon ship.
Computer: Decks two through four to cargo transporters. Decks five through ten, proceed to transporters one, two, three and four. Decks six through sixteen, proceed to transporters five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten.
Chief: Hold your positions please. Prepare to energize. And energize.
Computer: Decks seventeen through twenty eight proceed to transporters eleven, twelve, thirteen and fourteen.
Computer: Decks twenty nine through forty two, proceed to transporters fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen and twenty. This is not a drill. This is not a drill.
Worf: What's going on?
Quinteros: Please stand out of the way.
Crusher: The Enterprise is being evacuated.
Worf: Why?
Crusher: Some problem in Engineering.
Tasha: Get a Security team together.
Worf: Aye, Lieutenant. Ship's log, supplemental. This is Lieutenant Commander Data. I have put the ship on automated departure and ordered the complete evacuation of the Enterprise. Everyone remaining is leaving on foot or beaming off.
Data: Computer, where are the Captain and Commander Riker?
Computer: All decks empty.
Data: Curious. The Captain is usually the last to leave.
Laforge: Let's go. We've only got forty one seconds.
Laforge: I think we're the last.
Data: I hope we are.
Worf: Did you see the Captain and Commander Riker?
Data: No. Are they not here on Starbase?
Tasha: No, we thought
Laforge: You mean they're still on the Enterprise?
Worf: Yes. Sir, where is your transporter room?
Data: We have to beam back and get them.
Quinteros: You haven't time.
Starbase: This is Starbase 74. The Enterprise magnetic field is regenerating.
Laforge: Wait a minute. How is that possible?
Starbase: Unknown.
Tasha: That changes nothing. The Captain and Commander Riker must be in trouble, or they'd be here.
Quinteros: Look. Your ship is almost clear.
Minuet: And the boy never found out?
Riker: Oh, yes, but not until later when he came back into the room with his little sister.
Minuet: I'll bet both of them were all smiles.
Riker: Yes, but by that time both of them had been found out.
Minuet: You handled that in a very thoughtful way. You're very good with people. Don't you agree, Jean-Luc?
Picard: She's so very different from the images we've experienced on the holodeck, isn't she? She's more intuitive.
Riker: It's as though she's been plugged into my subconscious. She already knows what I want her to say before I'm aware of it myself.
Picard: I suppose it's an understandable progression. Computers make decisions based on inputs and we humans give off a multitude of subtle signs that communicate our emotions.
Riker: It's uncanny. I could develop feelings for Minuet, exactly as I would for any woman.
Picard: Doesn't love always begin that way? With the illusion being more real than the woman?
Minuet: Oh, Jean-Luc, spoken like a true Frenchman.
Picard: Well, I think I'll be leaving.
Minuet: Oh, don't go.
Picard: Two's company.
Minuet: We have time. There's no rush. I'd really like it if you would stay.
Riker: Yes, Captain, stay.
Picard: This is your diversion, Number One, not mine.
Minuet: Wait! We haven't danced.
Picard: I don't dance.
Minuet: Then some more wine.
Picard: No, thank you.
Minuet: Wait! Please! Please, don't go. You can't. Not yet.
Riker: Why? What's the matter? Why can't he leave?
Picard: Exit!
Picard: Captain to Bridge. Situation report.
Riker: Riker to Bridge.
Picard: Computer, explain Red Alert.
Computer: Initiated as a programmed response. The magnetic field containing the antimatter had weakened. There was no fail-safe available.
Picard: Why wasn't I notified?
Computer: Unknown.
Picard: Present condition?
Computer: The magnetic field is now restored. Containment is restored. Propulsion is at maximum efficiency.
Picard: Locate Lieutenant Commander Data.
Computer: Not on board the Enterprise.
Picard: Explain.
Computer: All Enterprise personnel except the Captain and First Officer have been evacuated.
Picard: Evacuated? Was the condition that critical?
Computer: Yes.
Riker: Are we still docked at the starbase?
Computer: No.
Picard: Position report.
Computer: Co-ordinates four one five nine point two six by eight one nine two one by three one two. Heading two three three mark four five.
Picard: Destination?
Computer: Planet Bynaus in the Beta Magellan system.
Riker: The Bynars.
Picard: Am I to understand the Bynars have stolen the Enterprise?
Computer: That information is not available.
Picard: It's the Bynars, and you're part of this.
Minuet: Yes.
Riker: They made you the lure to keep me here. They programmed you while I was relaxing.
Minuet: Yes. When they saw your interest in me, they thought I could distract you and keep you here.
Picard: That explains, Riker. What about me?
Minuet: Your being here was just a fortunate happenstance.
Riker: Why do they want with me?
Picard: What do they want with the Enterprise? What's their purpose?
Minuet: I'm not programmed to give you that information.
Picard: Come on, Number One. We've got to regain control of our ship.
Laforge: Okay, so what do we do?
Data: Which is the nearest Starfleet vessel?
Quinteros: The Trieste.
Data: I know the Trieste. Too small, too slow.
Quinteros: Plus it's sixty six hours away.
Data: Where are the Bynars?
Quinteros: I haven't seen them.
Data: They are obviously still aboard. Another Starfleet vessel must be sent to intercept the Enterprise at Bynaus. They might be taking the ship to their home planet.
Quinteros: What makes you think so?
Data: It is the best place for us to start.
Picard: Picard. Access.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. We now know who has commandeered the Enterprise. The Bynars. We can't communicate with the Bridge. Commander Riker and I will now try to regain control of our ship.
Picard: This way.
Riker: That's toward Engineering.
Picard: That's our first stop. Verify containment and initiate auto-destruct.
Riker: Initiate auto-destruct?
Picard: Our ship has been commandeered by a force of unknown size and intent. We're here alone. We must assume the worst.
Picard: If we don't regain control, then no one else must have it either. Now, this is the one decision involving the operation of this vessel which requires you and I to be in total agreement.
Riker: It's the time allotted that concerns me.
Picard: As to that, there's no option.
Riker: I know. It's a five minute countdown.
Picard: That's sufficient to get to the Bridge. Once there, either we'll get control of the ship and shut off the auto-destruct, or we won't. This vessel must not fall into hostile hands.
Riker: Then let's set it and get going.
Computer: Recognize Picard, Jean-Luc, Captain. Recognize Riker, William T, Commander.
Picard: Set auto-destruct sequence.
Computer: Does the First Officer concur?
Riker: Yes. Set auto-destruct sequence. Now.
Computer: Auto-destruct will detonate in four minutes and fifty-nine seconds.
Picard: The only place we can stop this is on the Bridge. Let's go.
Riker: What do you make of this, sir?
Picard: An enormous amount of data is being received and stored in the main computer.
Riker: Just stored. Why?
Picard: It's another piece to of puzzle.
Computer: Bridge access denied.
Picard: They've locked it off. We must find another way to get in.
Riker: One of us could beam into the Bridge.
Picard: No, it takes several seconds to materialize. You wouldn't stand a chance.
Riker: I could beam into the turbolift, force the doors, take them by surprise.
Picard: No, we'll both beam in simultaneously in two different areas of the Bridge. With luck one of us will be a distraction.
Riker: There must be only four minutes left.
Laforge: Still no response from the Enterprise.
Worf: They would answer if they could. Someone else has control of the ship.
Data: Do you think I am responsible?
Laforge: Responsible? How could you possibly have known?
Data: My station is on the Bridge.
Laforge: You can't be on the Bridge every second, Data.
Data: You are wrong, Geordi. I can. I do not need rest or diversion. I should not have been painting. I was negligent.
Tasha: It's a pointless discussion, Data. You could have been on the Bridge and it still might have happened. Commander Quinteros, you have three ships in here. We need one of them now.
Quinteros: We're rushing repairs on the USS Melbourne, but it's still eighteen hours until she'll be ready. There's nothing else you can do.
Picard: Set coordinates for main Bridge. Port forward for me and aft for you.
Riker: You're on pad two. I've set a ten second delay.
Picard: Set phasers on stun. Number One, good luck.
Riker: Over here, Captain.
Picard: Why did you steal my ship?
One Zero: Please try to
Zero One: help us.
Picard: Cancel auto-destruct.
Computer: Does the First Officer agree?
Riker: Affirmative.
Computer: Auto-destruct canceled.
Riker: We're in orbit around Bynaus. How are they?
Picard: They appear dead. Let's see if we can get some answers from Bynaus.
Riker: Their main computer is off. All sensors reveal that all of the equipment on the planet is inert. They can neither receive nor send any messages.
Picard: What about all the people in that world who are totally dependant on their computer? Are they still functioning?
Riker: They're probably like these Bynars here. Dying. What is this all about? Why did they steal the ship and bring it here? What is their purpose?
Picard: They went to an awful lot of trouble to clear computer space. Let's see what they've stored.
Riker: Captain, it's enormous. Every byte of free space in the computer has been filled. They must have made a core-dump from their world to our computer. I can't get in. I wish they'd left a note.
Picard: Maybe they did.
Riker: Minuet.
Picard: Maybe.
Riker: Tell me what this is all about.
Minuet: A star in the Bynar system went supernova and they miscalculated. The electromagnetic pulse from the explosion was going to knock out their main computer.
Picard: So their only choice was to transfer all the stored information and shut down until after it passed. And then reactivate their system and transfer the information back to this main computer.
Riker: The Enterprise has the only mobile computer large enough to handle all that information.
Picard: So what went wrong? Why are they dying?
Minuet: The star went supernova before it was expected, and you were late arriving at Starbase 74.
Picard: Why didn't they say something? Why didn't they just ask for help?
Minuet: I don't know. I don't have those answers.
Picard: Is there anything we can do?
Minuet: Yes. Return the data stored on the Enterprise's computer back to the one on Bynaus.
Riker: How can we do that?
Minuet: You don't know?
Riker: Yes. If we had the file name. But we don't. Do you?
Minuet: I don't know what you're talking about.
Picard: They wouldn't intentionally hide it or make it difficult for us to find. It must be right in front of our faces.
Riker: We should call Starbase 74, and see if anyone can decipher this.
Minuet: They're dying. They meant you no harm. It was their world they were trying to save. Help them, Will. Hurry. Please.
Picard: Starbase 74, this is the Enterprise. Do you read me?
Quinteros: This is Starbase 74. Captain Picard, what is your situation?
Picard: We'll go into that later. Right now I must speak to Lieutenant Commander Data.
Data: I am here, sir.
Picard: Data, the Bynars have stored an enormous amount of material in our computer. We need to access it. We can't.
Data: The access would be available by code or password.
Picard: Yes, I know that, Data, but what could it be?
Data: File names can be anything, sir.
Picard: They want us to find it. They would have kept it simple.
Data: Then a name, or a place. It could be something personal. In this case, in binary language, which is ones and zeros in groups of eight or sixteen characters.
Picard: Would they have kept it that simple? Try it. Picard out.
Riker: That's the file. It'll work now.
Picard: Now access the file. Start the transfer.
Riker: So much for that idea.
Picard: Let me get on the other position. The Bynars always work in pairs. Maybe that is also required. It appears to be successful. Their system's started up. A resident diagnostic program is running. Their system is absolutely incredible.
Zero One: Our world
One Zero: is reactivated.
Zero One: Our people
One Zero: express their gratitude.
Zero Zero: We will return to
One One: your starbase for whatever
Zero Zero: punishment your system
One One: requires of us.
Picard: Why didn't you just ask for our help?
Zero One: You might have
One Zero: said no.
Riker: But there was a very good chance we would have said yes.
Zero Zero: Our need was too great
One One: to risk rejection.
Picard: So you stole it.
Riker: Their reason is part of their binary thinking. For them there are only two choices. One or zero. Yes or no. Why did you lure me to the holodeck and hold me there.
One Zero: Because we knew we might die.
Zero One: And we needed someone
One Zero: to restore our computer.
Zero One: And you did.
Picard: No one has been hurt. You have achieved your objective. You have your planet back in order. We have our ship. Well, it's been some time since I had the conn. But not to worry, Number One, you're in good hands. Starbase 74, warp two. Engage. Everything's under control.
Computer: USS Enterprise has cleared the starbase perimeter.
Crusher: Is everything all right?
Picard: We're fine. Everything is in order. But now, I want a complete check, all systems, all divisions.
Tasha: What about the Bynars?
Picard: Turn them over to Quinteros. There will be a hearing.
Zero One: We understood that
One Zero: would happen.
Tasha: Follow me, please.
Riker: While these things are being checked, permission to leave the Bridge, sir.
Picard: Permission granted.
Riker: What is a knockout like you doing in a computer generated gin joint like this?
Riker: You're not Minuet.
Riker: She's gone. I tried variations of the program, others appeared, but not Minuet.
Picard: Maybe it was all part of the Bynar's programming. But you know, Number One, some relationships just can't work.
Riker: Yes, probably true. She'll be difficult to forget.