Riker: Fletcher has more experience with propulsion systems.
Troi: But Carstairs is better with people. Considering this is a supervisory position, I'd go with her.
Riker: I guess you're right. Didn't we just do crew evaluation reports?
Troi: Three months ago.
Riker: It seems like three weeks. Why don't we just give everybody a promotion and call it a night, Commander?
Troi: Fine with me, Captain.
Riker: Could we have two coffees, please.
Lavelle: What could be so funny? What's so funny about crew evaluations?
Ogawa: Don't worry about it, Sam.
Sito: Can't we just try and have a good time here?
Lavelle: How can I have a good time when my career's being decided across the room? Come on. Think promotion. Promotion. Promotion.
Taurik: You can't really believe that what you are doing will influence the outcome of your evaluation.
Lavelle: Promotion. Promotion. Promotion.
Ogawa: It's a time-honored strategy, Taurik.
Sito: The Vedeks of the Janalan order maintain a round the clock chant for the benefit of the Bajoran people.
Taurik: Considering the history of your planet, that doesn't exactly validate what he's doing.
Lavelle: Promote me, please, so I can make Lieutenant and have my own room.
Taurik: If you're unhappy sharing quarters with me, then you should put in for a new room assignment. Just in case you're not promoted.
Riker: I've been thinking about who to promote to Ops.
Troi: The new night duty officer?
Riker: Lavelle is an obvious candidate, but I'm also considering Ensign Sito.
Troi: Thank you.
Ben: You're welcome. Are you sure about dessert?
Troi: Yes. Don't tempt me.
Lavelle: So, are they working on crew evaluations?
Ben: Yep.
Sito: Who are they talking about?
Ben: It's not my place to say.
Sito: Come on, Ben.
Lavelle: Please.
Ben: All right, but I'm not sure you two are going to like it. Apparently, you two are up for the same job.
Riker: Lock phasers on target.
Sito: Phasers locked.
Data: The enemy is firing.
Riker: Helm, hard to starboard.
Lavelle: Hard to starboard.
Riker: Fire phasers.
Sito: Firing.
Data: Target is destroyed.
Riker: End simulation sequence. Secure from drill. Alpha shift, your response time was seven percent slower than the gamma shift. All departments, submit drill evaluation reports
Riker: By oh nine hundred hours.
Laforge: Ensign, you'll write that report.
Taurik: Yes, sir.
Riker: What happened back there, Ensign?
Sito: I'm sorry, sir. When we changed course I had to re-lock phasers before I could fire.
Riker: Next time, try letting the locking relay float until the actual order to fire is given. They may not teach that trick at the Academy, but it works.
Sito: Thank you, sir.
Riker: Lavelle.
Lavelle: Sir?
Riker: Resume previous course and speed.
Lavelle: Aye, aye, sir.
Riker: One aye is sufficient acknowledgment, Ensign.
Picard: Helm, change course for the Argaya system, maximum warp.
Lavelle: Aye, sir.
Riker: What happened to the rendezvous with the Clement?
Picard: I've just received new orders from Starfleet. We'll discuss it in the Observation lounge. Mister Data, Mister Worf.
Riker: Ensign Sito, take over at Ops.
Sito: Yes, sir.
Sito: The Argaya system's close to the Cardassian border. I wonder why we're going there. How'd you like to be a spider under that table?
Lavelle: What?
Sito: A spider under the table.
Lavelle: Is that like a fly on the wall?
Sito: I guess so. You did really well during the drill.
Lavelle: Well apparently Commander Riker didn't think so. I swear he's got it in for me.
Sito: You're imagining things.
Lavelle: Yeah? Then how come you're sitting in that chair instead of me?
Sito: I guess he figured I need more practice than you do.
Taurik: Excuse me, sir. Do you have a minute?
Laforge: Sure, Taurik. What is it?
Taurik: I'd like you to take a look at something.
Laforge: Have you been improvising again, Ensign?
Taurik: In a manner of speaking. I'm running a computer simulation to test a new warp field configuration.
Laforge: You've got a problem here. Your plasma flow to the nacelles is out of sync.
Taurik: Actually, sir, that was done deliberately. As you can see, this configuration has increased overall warp field integrity by seven percent.
Laforge: You're right.
Taurik: Doctor Nils Diaz has been experimenting with this technique at the Tanaline Propulsion Laboratory.
Laforge: Yeah, I'm familiar with his work, but I never heard anything about this.
Taurik: His findings have not been released yet. I was able to review a preliminary report when I was at the Academy.
Laforge: I look forward to reading about it
Taurik: I predict that when these findings are made public, they will become a new model for warp field operation.
Laforge: Sounds interesting.
Taurik: With your permission, sir, I'd like to begin tests to see if the technique can be adapted to our warp drive.
Laforge: There might be variables that you didn't account for.
Taurik: I was quite thorough.
Laforge: I'm sure you were, but I'd still need to see your simulation before I authorize any tests.
Taurik: As you wish.
Laforge: If you have any other ideas for increasing efficiency, don't hesitate to run them by me.
Taurik: As a matter of fact, sir, I do. When would be a good time to discuss them?
Laforge: I'll get back to you on that.
Ogawa: Excuse me, Doctor.
Crusher: If you're wondering about the evaluations, things couldn't be better.
Ogawa: Actually, I just wanted to tell you that Ensign Reilly's condition is showing improvement. But thank you.
Crusher: In fact, I'm recommending you for a promotion. How does Lieutenant Alyssa Ogawa sound?
Ogawa: It sounds wonderful.
Crusher: I'll talk to Commander Riker and I'm sure it'll be official as soon as the current crew evaluations are over. Oh, Alyssa, how are things going between you and Lieutenant Powell?
Ogawa: Fine. I think.
Crusher: You think?
Ogawa: I'm sure it's nothing, but he seems preoccupied lately. Last night he had to cancel our date.
Crusher: I see.
Ogawa: He's been putting together a research proposal. He's been really busy with it.
Crusher: I know what that's like. Sometimes I get so busy with research I forget to eat.
Ogawa: I just wonder.
Crusher: What? Sit down.
Ogawa: I've never met anyone like Andrew. It's as though we've known each other forever.
Crusher: You do seem very well suited.
Ogawa: But I know that in the beginning of a romance it's possible to be a little blind.
Crusher: I'm not sure I know what you mean.
Ogawa: Well, canceling a date like that, the way he's been so distant lately. Doctor, do you think those could be warning signs that he's losing interest?
Crusher: Alyssa, I think you're overreacting.
Ogawa: Maybe so.
Crusher: If I cared as much about someone as much as you care about Andrew, he'd have to do a lot more than cancel a date before I'd get suspicious.
Ogawa: You're right.
Crusher: I'm sure that when this research is over, things will be back just the way they were.
Ogawa: Except, of course, that he'll have to deal with Lieutenant Ogawa.
Sito: I only filled in at Ops for a half hour, but I had to degauss the main deflector dish, recalibrate the navigation grid, and use internal sensors to find a lost puppy.
Worf: Ops is a very different challenge from Tactical.
Sito: I can't figure out why I'm even being considered for this assignment. I'm a security officer.
Worf: I recommended you.
Sito: I'll try not to let you down, sir.
Lavelle: What could they be talking about?
Taurik: Have you ever considered learning to lip read?
Lavelle: You think Worf's chewing her out?
Ben: No, he always looks like that.
Lavelle: Maybe he's giving her pointers on how to land the Ops position.
Ben: Hi, Will.
Riker: Ben. How you doing?
Lavelle: You call him Will?
Ben: Why not?
Lavelle: He's second in command of this ship, that's why not.
Ben: I'm not Starfleet, I'm a civilian. When he's in here, he wants to be treated like a civilian.
Lavelle: Riker? I bet he sleeps in his uniform.
Ben: You only think that because he's your CO. If you got to know him.
Lavelle: Right.
Taurik: He's convinced Commander Riker doesn't like him.
Ben: Why? Did you crash the ship into something?
Lavelle: No. He just doesn't like me.
Taurik: He doesn't even know you.
Ben: That's right. You should go talk to him.
Lavelle: About what?
Taurik: Perhaps something you have in common.
Ben: He likes Jazz, poker. He's Canadian.
Lavelle: Yeah? My grandfather was from Canada.
Ben: There you go.
Sito: Hi.
Lavelle: Excuse me, I've got to go talk to somebody.
Lavelle: Good evening, sir.
Riker: Lavelle. Something I can do for you?
Lavelle: No, sir. I just came to get another drink.
Riker: Is there something wrong with that one?
Lavelle: No, actually, I, er. What are you having?
Riker: Trakian Ale.
Lavelle: Good choice. I'll have one, too. My grandfather was Canadian, you know.
Riker: Really?
Lavelle: Aren't you one, too?
Riker: A grandfather?
Lavelle: No, Canadian, sir. Canadian.
Riker: No, I grew up in Alaska.
Lavelle: Oh. Well, they both get a lot of snow.
Riker: Yeah.
Lavelle: It was good talking to you, sir.
Bartender: Your ale, Ensign.
Riker: We're holding position in the Argaya System.
Picard: Anything?
Worf: No, sir. I detect no vessels in the vicinity.
Picard: How close to the Cardassian border are we?
Data: Less than five thousand kilometers, sir.
Worf: Sir, I am detecting an object five meters in length. It appears to be an escape pod.
Riker: They must have been forced to abandon the ship.
Picard: How far inside Cardassian space is it?
Worf: Fifty thousand kilometers.
Picard: How the hell are we going to get it out of there?
Data: Sir, the pod's life support system is failing.
Riker: Notify Doctor Crusher.
Picard: Can we get within transporter range without crossing into Cardassian territory?
Data: We would need to boost the gain on the confinement beam by at least seven percent.
Picard: Mister La Forge?
Laforge: I'm on it, Captain. There, try that.
Taurik: The pod is still too far away.
Laforge: I'm going to try augmenting the frequency spread.
Taurik: Bio readings indicate that passenger's humanoid. Attempting life form identification.
Laforge: No one told you to do that, Ensign. Let's just get him aboard safely. There, that should do it.
Taurik: Confinement beam's at one hundred nine percent of normal.
Laforge: Transporter room, you should be able to get a lock now.
Crewman: Aye, sir.
Picard: Doctor Crusher, are you ready?
Crusher: Stand by. Alyssa, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave now.
Ogawa: All right, Doctor.
Crusher: Transporter room. go ahead.
Crewman: Aye, sir.
Ogawa: What are you doing here?
Sito: I'm not supposed to let anyone but the senior officers inside Sickbay.
Ogawa: Do you have any idea what's going on?
Sito: No, do you?
Ogawa: I'd better go.
Picard: Ensign.
Sito: Sir.
Riker: Twelve hundred hours. Alpha shift is relieved.
Lavelle: Excuse me, sir. If you don't mind, I'd like to stay on for another shift. I could use the training.
Riker: Now's not the best time.
Lavelle: Yes, sir.
Picard: Ensign, you're with me.
Picard: Bridge. You are a certified pilot, Ensign?
Sito: Yes, sir.
Picard: How long have you served on board the Enterprise, Ensign?
Sito: Seven months, sir.
Picard: I see I understand that you've been recommended for the Ops position. Do you think you're up to it?
Sito: I do, sir.
Picard: I'm not so sure. I'm concerned about your record.
Sito: Sir?
Picard: The incident that you were involved in at the Academy.
Sito: With all due respect that was three years ago. My record since then
Picard: It doesn't matter how long ago it was, Ensign. Would you do something like that again?
Sito: I can assure you, sir, that I would never, never jeopardize lives by participating in
Picard: A dare devil stunt? I would certainly hope not. What concerns me is that you participated in a cover-up that impeded an official investigation into the death of a cadet.
Sito: Sir, I know I should have told the truth right from the start
Picard: Yes you should, but you didn't. Instead you joined with the others to pretended that was simply an accident. Now, what do you think that tells me about your character?
Sito: Sir, if you had any idea what it was like after that incident. I didn't have any friends. I didn't have anyone to talk to. I had to take my flight test with the instructor because no one else would be my partner. In a lot of ways it would have been easier to just walk away, but I didn't. I stuck with it. Doesn't that say something about my character, too?
Picard: Well I'm really very sorry you didn't enjoy your time at the Academy, Ensign. As far as I'm concerned, you should have been expelled for what you did. Quite frankly, I don't know how you made it on board this ship. You're dismissed.
Laforge: Another two seconds. Okay, that's enough.
Taurik: Sir, I'm a little puzzled. Why are we intentionally damaging the shuttlecraft?
Laforge: We're evaluating hull resiliency. Starfleet requires periodic testing.
Taurik: I see. I don't believe I'm familiar with that requirement.
Laforge: Probably because you're not a senior officer.
Taurik: If you wish, I could reconfigure the phaser to fire a low intensity burst that would not harm the shuttle's hull. The test procedure would not be affected.
Laforge: It's fine the way it is. Now, give me another burst, about four seconds, right here.
Taurik: Do you want me to fire from this position?
Laforge: Actually, why don't you do it from over here.
Taurik: That would be consistent.
Laforge: Consistent with what?
Taurik: With making it appear that this shuttle had fled an attack.
Laforge: What makes you think that's what we're doing?
Taurik: The pattern of fire you have asked for is similar to what might result if the shuttle had fled an attacker while engaging in evasive maneuvers.
Laforge: It's an amazing coincidence.
Taurik: Yes, sir. It is indeed. Shall we proceed with the testing?
Laforge: Yes, Ensign. Thank you.
Crusher: Alyssa, thank you for coming so quickly. We have to prepare for surgery. We have a comatose patient with a subdural hematoma.
Ogawa: Yes, sir.
Crusher: I want to make it clear that you are not to discuss what you see here with anyone.
Ogawa: I understand.
Crusher: We'll need to synthesize at least a liter of Cardassian blood.
Ben: It's your bet, Taurik. What I can't understand is why we're just sitting here so close to the Cardassian border.
Lavelle: It must have something to do with that escape pod we picked up. Don't you think, Sito?
Sito: Maybe.
Lavelle: I wonder who was in it?
Ben: You know what I heard? It was Ambassador Spock.
Taurik: That is most unlikely.
Ben: That's what I was told.
Taurik: By whom?
Ben: I can't say.
Lavelle: They beamed whoever was in it right to Sickbay. Did you see anything when you went down there?
Ogawa: No. Doctor Crusher just asked me to help her with the laboratory schedule.
Taurik: I thought Lieutenant Powell was going to join us tonight?
Ogawa: He had to do a double shift.
Lavelle: That's too bad. He must be the worst poker player I've ever met.
Ben: It's your bet, Sam.
Worf: Twenty.
Crusher: The thing is, I saw Powell in Ten Forward with another woman, and the way they were talking it made me wonder.
Troi: Well, if he's seeing someone else he should tell Alyssa. I mean, it might hurt her now, but it would be better in the long run.
Riker: I've been meaning to talk to you about something, Mister Worf. I don't think Ensign Sito's prepared for the Ops position.
Worf: Well, I must say I disagree, sir.
Laforge: Counselor. Pair of fours bets.
Riker: I'm listening.
Ben: The bet is fifty.
Taurik: It would be illogical for the Captain to deny you a promotion for something you did as a cadet.
Sito: He said it shows I don't have character.
Ogawa: What did you say?
Sito: What could I say? Maybe he's right.
Lavelle: Hey, you're a damn fine officer and you deserve that post as much as anyone. One thing's for sure, I won't be getting it. Not if it's up to Riker.
Worf: It is your decision, sir, but I am certain if you give Ensign Sito a chance to prove herself, she will not disappoint you.
Riker: Very well, I'll take her under consideration. Besides, I'm not convinced about Lavelle.
Troi: Really? Why?
Riker: He's too eager to please. He's always trying to ingratiate himself to me.
Troi: Why assume he's doing it that to get the job?
Laforge: Fifty.
Riker: There's your fifty, and one hundred more.
Troi: I don't know. It seems to me that you and Lavelle are a lot alike.
Riker: What? We're not at all alike.
Laforge: You're bluffing.
Lavelle: You think so?
Ben: Yes, and I'm not going to let you get away with it.
Ogawa: You know, Sam, maybe you shouldn't try so hard with Riker. It doesn't matter whether he likes you as long as he respects you.
Sito: He must, otherwise he would not be considering you for the Ops position.
Lavelle: You're probably right. Maybe I'm just telling myself he hates me so that if I don't get promoted, I'll have an excuse.
Ben: You in or not?
Taurik: At this juncture, the odds of my winning this hand are less than thirty nine to one. I fold.
Laforge: The Commander's flush is still working. No help, Worf. Tens and deuces for the Doctor. And Jacks and fours for the Counselor. Ah, three sixes.
Worf: Fold.
Riker: Looks like it's just you and me. You going to go another fifty?
Laforge: I'm thinking. Give me a second, here.
Troi: Didn't you tell me that you took up poker so you could be the officer's game at the Potemkin?
Riker: I happen to like poker.
Troi: But your senior officers might have thought you were trying to ingratiate yourself. I guess it's lucky that they realized you were young and inexperienced, and decided not to hold it against you.
Riker: Maybe I have been a little hard on Lavelle.
Worf: I do not believe he is bluffing.
Laforge: I do. There you go. What've you got?
Worf: Flush.
Laforge: I can't believe this.
Riker: I am your worst nightmare.
Ben: I knew it.
Lavelle: How could you tell I was bluffing?
Ben: You don't really expect me to answer that, do you?
Sito: Look, it's getting late. Maybe we should all get some sleep.
Ben: One more hand.
Riker: Come on, Geordi. You don't have to quit just because I'm unbeatable?
Laforge: Nah, there's something I need to do down in Engineering. I'll get you next time.
Riker: I'll be there.
Laforge: Goodnight, everybody.
Crusher: Goodnight.
Troi: Goodnight.
Sito: Bye.
Lavelle: Goodnight.
Ogawa: See you later.
Taurik: What I find curious is that when Commander La Forge saw that the technique I was using was actually more efficient, he seemed annoyed.
Ben: Of course he was.
Lavelle: He didn't like the fact that you knew something he didn't.
Taurik: Do you think I have irreparably damaged my relationship with him?
Lavelle: It depends on what kind of a guy he is.
Ben: Ante up, gentlemen.
Lavelle: Come in.
Lavelle: Commander.
Laforge: As you were. I just dropped by to see Taurik.
Taurik: What can I do for you, sir?
Laforge: Well, I'm headed for Engineering to run those tests on the nacelles. Since you've already put in some work on the technique, I thought you might like to give me a hand.
Taurik: I'd be pleased to, sir.
Laforge: Great. Let's go.
Ben: How about some blackjack?
Lavelle: I've got to get some sleep so I can be sharp tomorrow.
Ben: Why? So you can get promoted, have more responsibility, and have to get to sleep even earlier?
Lavelle: Goodnight.
Riker: Come in.
Crusher: Ben. What are you doing here?
Ben: I just cleaned out some junior officers and I thought I'd do the same here.
Riker: You're welcome to give it a try.
Troi: Pull up a chair.
Ben: Thanks.
Worf: Dismissed. Ensign Sito.
Sito: Yes, sir.
Worf: I also teach an advanced class. I believe you may be ready to participate. However, before you can join the group, you must pass the gik'tal.
Sito: Gik'tal?
Worf: Yes. It is a very ancient Klingon ritual. It tests your knowledge of the forms of the mok'bara.
Sito: I should practice first.
Worf: No. No practice. That is part of the ritual. The test must be unannounced.
Worf: Can you see?
Sito: No.
Worf: Good. The gik'tal has begun. Defend yourself.
Worf: You must anticipate my attack.
Sito: Yes, sir.
Worf: Defend yourself.
Worf: Are you listening, Ensign?
Sito: Yes, but
Worf: Defend yourself.
Worf: You did not anticipate.
Sito: How am I supposed to defend myself when I can't see a thing?
Worf: Stop making excuses. Replace the blindfold.
Sito: No. It's not a fair test.
Worf: Very good, Ensign. You have passed the challenge.
Sito: What? By taking off the blindfold?
Worf: It takes courage to say the test is unfair.
Sito: One thing I don't understand. Doesn't gik'tal mean to the death?
Worf: You speak Klingon.
Sito: Sir, is there really such a thing as a gik'tal challenge?
Worf: No, there is not. But perhaps next time you are judged unfairly, it will not take so many bruises for you protest.
Sito: All I've ever wanted is to make a career for myself in Starfleet. I can't change what happened at the Academy. No one can. All I can do is work hard and try to earn the respect of the people I serve with. If you're not going to give me that chance, then I respectfully request that you transfer me to another ship.
Picard: If you're looking for a more lenient commander, I don't think you'll find one.
Sito: Permission to speak freely, sir?
Picard: Please do.
Sito: If you didn't want me on your ship you should have said so when I was assigned to it. It's not your place to punish me for what I did at the Academy. I've worked hard here. My record is exemplary. If you're going to judge me, judge me for what I am now.
Picard: Very well, Ensign. I will. It took courage to come here and face me after what I said to you the other day. I didn't ask you here because I was assessing your qualifications for the Ops position.
Sito: I don't understand, sir.
Picard: I was harsh with you because I wanted to assess you for a very important mission. A mission that could put you in a situation that would be far more unnerving than a dressing-down by your commanding officer.
Sito: Can I ask what that mission is, sir?
Picard: Join the senior officers in the Observation lounge at oh nine hundred hours. We'll discuss it then.
Sito: Yes, sir.
Picard: And, Ensign. I do know why you ended up on the Enterprise. I asked for you. I wanted to make sure that you got a fair chance to redeem yourself.
Sito: Thank you, sir.
Ogawa: You wanted to see me, Doctor?
Crusher: Yes. Alyssa, I think you know how much I've come to depend upon you here. I've recommended your promotion because your performance here has been exemplary.
Ogawa: Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate that.
Crusher: But more than that, I've come to think of you as a friend. Someone I really care about.
Ogawa: That's nice of you to say. I feel the same way.
Crusher: So, you and Andrew Powell?
Ogawa: Someone told you.
Crusher: Told me what?
Ogawa: We were going to keep it a secret until the promotions are announced.
Crusher: Secret?
Ogawa: He asked me to marry him.
Crusher: Alyssa, that's wonderful! I'm so relieved. I mean happy.
Picard: Please, take a seat, Ensign.
Picard: This is Joret Dal. He was in the escape pod that we retrieved. He is a member of the Cardassian military, and a Federation operative. He has risked his life to bring us invaluable information about Cardassian strategic intentions. Information that could very well enhance the security of Bajor, as well as other planets in this sector. Now, it is absolutely imperative that we return him safely back to Cardassian space.
Joret: It will not be easy. The border is heavily guarded.
Riker: As his ship was destroyed, he'll be using one of our shuttles.
Joret: If a patrol stops me, I will claim to have stolen it.
Worf: We have distressed the shuttle so that it appears to have been fired upon.
Riker: Joret will attempt to talk his way past the patrol.
Joret: If I were alone, the chances of my succeeding would be slim. But if I had a prisoner with me, a Bajoran terrorist, I would appear to be a bounty hunter. Border crossings of that nature are not uncommon, and for a price the patrol can be convinced to look the other way.
Picard: Once the shuttle is safely past the patrol, Joret will put you into an escape pod and return you back across the border.
Riker: Since the pod is so small, it will be difficult to detect.
Picard: We'll be waiting here to pick you up.
Sito: I understand, sir.
Picard: Ensign, this is obviously a very dangerous mission. I'm not ordering you to take part in it.
Sito: Then I volunteer, sir.
Worf: Be certain you understand the risk you are taking. If you are captured
Sito: I'm Bajoran. No one knows better than I do what Cardassians do to their prisoners. I've made my decision.
Picard: Very well, Ensign. Will you report to Sickbay. Doctor Crusher will explain. And Ensign Sito, I must ask you not to discuss this mission with anyone.
Sito: Yes, sir.
Joret: I didn't realize she would be so young.
Sito: The Captain asked Doctor Crusher to make it look like Joret had mistreated me.
Laforge: We're all set here.
Sito: Sir. I want you to know that I really appreciate the fact that you've always had confidence in me.
Worf: Good luck.
Sito: I'll see you soon.
Joret: We are approaching the border. It won't be long before we're detected by the patrol ships.
Sito: When they stop us, do you want me to say anything?
Joret: No. It should seem that I've broken your will. If you're asked any questions, look at me as though you're afraid to answer.
Sito: Can I ask you something? Why are you doing this, risking your life to help Starfleet?
Joret: I don't consider myself a traitor, if that's what you're asking. All my life I've served in the military. Once it was an institution dedicated to the security of Cardassia, now it's little more than a platform for ambitious Guls hoping to make their reputations in battle. If the information I provided helps Starfleet deter even one pointless skirmish, I've served my purpose. I'm sick of war. My people need peace.
Sito: I never thought I'd hear a Cardassian say something like that.
Joret: And I never thought a Bajoran would risk her life to help a Cardassian get home.
Sito: Patrol ships moving in on our position.
Joret: We don't have much time.
Lavelle: She must have left on that shuttle. There's no other explanation.
Ben: Do you have any idea where it went?
Lavelle: Toward Cardassian space. That's what I'm worried about. Oh, there's one other thing, I noticed the shuttle was damaged.
Ogawa: Sam, can we talk about something else?
Lavelle: Well don't you care what's happened to her?
Ogawa: Of course.
Taurik: But we have to accept the fact that we're not always told about everything that happens aboard ship.
Lavelle: Well, we can at least tell each other what we know. Do you two know something?
Ogawa: Sam, please.
Lavelle: I can't believe this. We're friends.
Taurik: We're also Starfleet Officers.
Ogawa: I'm not allowed to talk about it.
Lavelle: Okay. I understand. I'd better get going. I've got duty in half an hour.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47566.7. We have reached the coordinates in Federation space where Ensign Sito's escape pod was to have rendezvoused with us. However, we have been waiting for over thirty hours and as yet there is no sign of her.
Riker: Report.
Lavelle: We completed a long range scan of the area, sir. The escape pod doesn't seem to be out there.
Data: It is possible that at this distance we are unable to distinguish the pod from the inorganic matter normally present in space.
Riker: Try narrowing the scan field. See if you can pick up any biosigns.
Lavelle: Sir, it would help if I knew what kind of life signs to look for.
Riker: You're scanning for Bajoran lifesigns.
Lavelle: Yes, sir.
Riker: Nothing yet. The pod is thirty two hours overdue.
Worf: Sir, I recommend we launch a probe to increase the range of our sensor sweeps.
Riker: Launching a probe into Cardassian space would be a treaty violation.
Picard: Mister Worf, prepare a probe and launch when ready.
Worf: Aye, sir. Probe launched, sir.
Data: Sir, I am detecting signs of debris two hundred thousand kilometers inside Cardassian space. Its mass and composition indicate it could be the remains of a Federation escape pod.
Picard: Captain's log, supplemental. We have intercepted a Cardassian report stating that a Bajoran prisoner escaped her captor and was killed in an evacuation pod as she tried to leave Cardassian space.
Picard: To all Starfleet personnel, this is the Captain. It is my sad duty to inform you that a member of the crew, Ensign Sito Jaxa
Picard: Has been lost
Picard: In the line of duty. She was the finest example of a Starfleet
Picard: Officer, and a young woman of remarkable courage
Picard: And strength of character. Her loss will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Picard out.
Ben: You okay?
Lavelle: I just got promoted.
Ogawa: Congratulations.
Lavelle: Thanks. It just don't feel right. For all I know, she was going to get the promotion instead of me.
Ben: You shouldn't feel that way, Sam.
Ogawa: She would have been happy for you, Sam.
Taurik: The best way to remember her would be to excel in your new position.
Ogawa: We're proud of you, Sam.
Ben: Excuse me, sir, but I need to move this table.
Worf: What?
Ben: There's an empty seat over there.
Worf: I appreciate what you are trying to do, but it is not appropriate. You were her friends. I was only her commanding officer.
Ben: Sir, I happen to know that she considered you a friend.


Scene: Bridge Officer's log, stardate 47611.2. Doctor Beverly Crusher reporting. We have rendezvoused with Counselor Troi's shuttlecraft. She has just returned from a three day class reunion on Starbase two three one.
Crusher: Send a message to Commander Data and inform him of our delay.
Rainer: Aye, sir.
Crusher: Deanna, welcome back.
Troi: Thank you. I was just reporting in. I didn't expect to find anyone up except Data.
Crusher: Data's away on assignment. A Federation deep space probe went off course and crashed on Barkon Four. Some of the material in the casing was radioactive, so Data was sent to recover it before it could contaminate the biosphere.
Troi: Isn't Barkon Four inhabited?
Crusher: Yes, it's a pre-industrial society, but the probe crashed over a hundred kilometers from the nearest settlement so Data shouldn't have any contact with the Barkonians. So, how was the reunion?
Troi: Fine. It was good to see some old friends. I'd lost touch with most of them. It's interesting to see the different paths some of their lives have taken. Beverly, you don't usually stand a watch on the Bridge even when Data's not here.
Crusher: I volunteered tonight. I like to put in a little Bridge time now and then, stay on top of operations, tactical procedures. The truth is, I like it. It's not every doctor who gets to command a starship, even if it is the night shift.
Troi: May I ask you a personal question? Why did you decide to become a Commander? I mean, you didn't need the rank in order to be Chief Medical Officer, so why put yourself through all the extra work?
Crusher: Oh, I don't know. I never even thought about my rank for a long time. It seemed pretty trivial compared to being a doctor. But then, about eight years ago, I started to feel like I wanted to stretch myself a little.
Rainer: Commander, there's no response from Commander Data to our signal.
Crusher: Continue sending him updates on our schedule.
Rainer: Aye, sir.
Troi: Is something wrong?
Crusher: No. I wanted to let Data know there'd be a delay in picking him up for a few of days. We have orders to rendezvous with the Lexington and take some medical supplies to the Taranko Colony.
Troi: But he's not responding.
Crusher: Geordi said that the radiation from the probe might interfere with communications. I just thought I'd try anyway.
Garvin: So when you return from school tonight, I'll be meeting with the village elders.
Gia: Again?
Garvin: Gia.
Gia: I know, I know. You're the town magistrate and you have a lot of work to do, but it always seems like you're always in some meeting or
Garvin: Gia, go home. Now. Who are you? What do you want?
Data: Who are you? What do you want?
Garvin: What's wrong with you?
Data: What's wrong with you?
Garvin: There's nothing wrong with me. Who are you? What is your name? Can you understand me? My name is Garvin.
Data: My name is Garvin?
Garvin: I thought I told you to go home.
Gia: I know.
Data: I do not know my name.
Garvin: What?
Data: You asked if I knew my name. I do not.
Garvin: Well at least you seem to be understanding a little more.
Data: Yes. It is becoming easier.
Gia: Ask him where he's from, father.
Garvin: Gia, go on to school. I'll deal with the stranger.
Gia: Yes, Father. Goodbye.
Data: Goodbye.
Garvin: Your eyes and skin look so strange. Your clothes, you look like you've been in some kind of accident.
Data: I do not remember being in an accident.
Garvin: What do you remember?
Data: I walked here from the mountains.
Garvin: The mountains? The mountains are over two hundred seltons from here.
Data: I have a clear memory of my journey.
Garvin: What do you remember before that?
Data: I have no prior memory.
Garvin: Do you know what that is?
Data: No.
Garvin: May I? May I have it?
Data: Yes.
Garvin: There might be something in here that can tell us who you are.
Garvin: I wonder what these markings mean.
Data: Radioactive.
Garvin: What?
Data: That is what is written on the container.
Garvin: You can read this language?
Data: Evidently.
Garvin: Radioactive. What does that mean?
Data: I do not know. Perhaps it is my name.
Garvin: I've never heard a name like that. You must come from a very distant place.
Troi: Is that supposed to be a question?
Troi: Because if you're asking me if I liked what you were playing, then the answer is yes.
Troi: You know, this is a much better way of communicating for you. It's far less confusing than the way you normally speak.
Riker: I knew I could count on my Imzadi, the ship's Counselor to boost my self-image.
Troi: I'm glad to be of service.
Riker: Did you come here for something in particular, or just general Riker bashing?
Troi: Actually I wanted to ask your opinion about something. I've been thinking about taking the Bridge Officer's test and becoming a full Commander.
Riker: What brought this up?
Troi: A lot of things. Working on the personnel review last month, talking with Beverly about her experiences, going to my class reunion.
Riker: Ah, the class reunion. You saw a few old friends who had already taken the test?
Troi: All right, I admit it was a catalyst. But I can honestly say that I've been thinking about this off and on over the past two years.
Riker: Why the past two years?
Troi: Do you remember when the Enterprise hit that quantum filament and I was in command on the Bridge?
Riker: I do.
Troi: Well, when that happened, I was overwhelmed. But when it was over I realized that a part of me missed it. Not the actual disaster, but the experience of being in command. I felt like I was exploring a whole new side of myself. Not that I want to give up counseling by any means, but I really would like to stretch myself a little.
Riker: Deanna, if you take the Bridge Officer's test, you'll have my complete support. But as First Officer, I'll be the one judging your performance, and you should know I am a pretty tough judge.
Troi: And I'm a pretty good student.
Riker: We'll start tomorrow morning, oh eight hundred hours.
Talur: Remarkable set of teeth. Breath smells like, well, it doesn't have any smell actually. You can close your mouth. Let's see. Heartbeat sounds a little odd, but seems very regular. Skin feels clammy, but you say you feel fine?
Data: That is correct.
Talur: No headaches, palpitations, sluggishness, indigestion?
Data: No. But I cannot have indigestion since I have not eaten.
Talur: Ah. Malnutrition. You should try to eat something that will build strength and return your vitality. Lots of meat, butter, cheese, that should be a start.
Garvin: What about his eyes and his skin? They're so odd.
Talur: Quite so, quite so. I'm sure my grandmother would have called our friend here a demon or spirit or some kind of monster. But current scientific methodology allows us to dismiss such ridiculous superstitions and concentrate on scientific reality.
Data: Then what do you believe I am?
Talur: You are an ice man.
Data: Ice man?
Talur: Yes. You probably come from a race of people who lived in the snow and ice of the Vellorian mountains. Your skin and eye coloration are a result of prolonged exposure to harsh winter conditions.
Data: Then I am not ill?
Talur: Aside from your memory loss, you do not seem to have any symptoms of any illness that I am familiar with. No. You are an ice man. Now, get something to eat and a good night's rest, and I will come back tomorrow to see if your memory has begun to return.
Data: Thank you.
Talur: Hello, Gia.
Gia: Hello.
Gia: What did Talur say about him? Is he sick?
Garvin: Not exactly. She said he's lost his memory, but seems to be fine otherwise. Talur thinks he's from a race that lives in the mountains.
Data: I am an ice man.
Garvin: We'll have to call you something besides Ice man until your memory returns. What was the word on the container?
Data: Radioactive.
Garvin: Mister Radioactive?
Gia: I don't like that name. Let's call him Jayden.
Garvin: What do you think of that?
Data: Jayden. That is acceptable.
Garvin: Right now, we need to clean him up and get him something decent to wear. Run upstairs and get some of my old clothes for him.
Gia: Yes, Father.
Garvin: I wonder if Skoran can tell us something about this metal of yours.
Skoran: You, Ice man, where'd you find this?
Data: I do not know.
Garvin: I told you, he's lost his memory and we're calling him Jayden for now.
Skoran: Jayden, huh? The metal is slightly warm.
Garvin: All the fragments are like that.
Skoran: It's obviously been tempered and milled. The lustrous quality of the metal is so pure. This wasn't made in any forge I've ever seen. Will you sell them?
Garvin: You want them?
Skoran: The metal's malleable enough to make some jewellry.
Garvin: They belong to Jayden. Do you want to sell them? You're going to need money.
Data: You may be right. But I do not wish to sell all the fragments. They may provide a clue to my identity.
Skoran: I'll give you twenty doraks for half the lot.
Garvin: Agreed.
Apprentice: My leg! My leg! Get it off! Get it off!
Skoran: We need a lever.
Garvin: It'll be all right. Don't struggle. It will only
Garvin: Jayden, put it down.
Data: I believe the support structure on the anvil collapsed because some of the wood had rotted. Did I do something wrong, Garvin?
Garvin: No, just unexpected.
Talur: It's perfectly understandable. Your people probably all have great strength. It will allow them to fight off the ferocious creatures that live in the Vellorian Mountains.
Data: You have told me no one from the village has ever been to the Vellorian Mountains. How can you be certain there are ferocious creatures there?
Talur: It's a well known fact.
Data: But no one has actually seen one?
Talur: Well, not to my knowledge, but
Gia: Father, are you all right?
Garvin: I've been tired since this afternoon. I'm sure it's nothing.
Talur: You feel slightly warm. Some fresh air and a brisk walk will do you good.
Garvin: That sounds like a good idea. I'll be back soon.
Gia: You didn't like it?
Data: I neither liked it nor disliked it. I simply had no appetite.
Gia: Father's cooking isn't as good as mother's. He tries, though.
Data: Where is your mother?
Gia: She died about a year ago. Father says she went to a beautiful place where everything is peaceful and everyone loves each other, and no one ever gets sick. Do you think there's really a place like that?
Data: Yes. I do.
Laforge: We just lost contact with everything above deck twenty one, including the Bridge.
Worf: There is something wrong with one of the antimatter containment units. The magnetic field is starting to fluctuate.
Troi: Switch to auxiliary control.
Worf: Auxiliary control is not online. We are starting to lose containment on antimatter storage unit three.
Troi: All right. Switch the EM power inverter to the lateral. No, wait. Use the neodyne relay.
Laforge: Commander, the neodyne relay isn't holding. Containment failure in ten seconds.
Troi: Computer, emergency procedure. Eject antimatter storage unit three. Authorisation, Troi omega omega three one.
Computer: Unable to comply. All power to ejection systems has been terminated and cannot be restored.
Laforge: Commander, the unit's beginning to o
Riker: Congratulations. You just destroyed the Enterprise.
Troi: Thank you for the encouragement.
Riker: Don't feel bad. You passed everything else. Diplomatic law, first contact procedures, Bridge operations. The Engineering qualification's one of the toughest parts of the test.
Troi: So what did I do wrong?
Riker: I'm afraid I can't tell you that.
Troi: Why not? What kind of a test is this?
Riker: It's the kind of a test that you'll have to take again if you want to be a Bridge Officer. Only next time, the problem won't be so easy, so I suggest you study up on your emergency procedures.
Troi: Well how do I know what to study if you won't tell me what I did wrong?
Riker: I don't know. I'm afraid I can't tell you that either.
Talur: Rock, fire, sky, and water are the basic elements of the universe. They can be found in every object, every person, every animal, everything. The rock in this wood can be felt by its weight and by its hardness. If we expose the wood to flame, we can encourage the fire within the wood to show itself. We can also see smoke, which is a part of the sky. The water in wood is difficult to see. Sometimes the elements are buried deep within the objects, but the four elements are always there. Yes, Jayden?
Data: I do not believe that is correct.
Talur: Oh?
Data: I believe you are reasoning by analogy, classifying objects and phenomena according to superficial observation rather than empirical evidence. Wood, for example, does not contain fire simply because it is combustible, nor does it contain rock simply because it is heavy. Wood, like any complex organic form, is composed of thousands of different chemical compounds, none of which is fire.
Talur: That will be enough for now, Jayden. As I told you earlier, our friend Jayden here has lost much of his memory, so I wouldn't put too much faith in any of his ideas. Now that will be all for today. I will see you tomorrow. Be sure to practice your spelling and arithmetic tonight.
Gia: Are you all right?
Data: Yes. But I do not agree with Talur's assessment. Although I do have gaps in my memory, I know that fire is not an element.
Garvin: That is not what you promised me!
Skoran: You're getting old, Garvin. I offered you fifteen for the metal and I've given it to you. No more.
Garvin: We agreed on twenty.
Data: Garvin is correct. You agreed on twenty.
Skoran: Stay out of this, Ice man. Your memory is not very reliable.
Gia: Father! Father, what's wrong?
Garvin: I don't know I feel very weak suddenly.
Gia: You have got a fever. We should get him home.
Gia: What's wrong with him?
Talur: I suspect he I don't know. I've never encountered anything like this before. These lesions look like burn marks. The fluids of his body have overheated. That would explain the fever and the burning skin. Keep him cool, let plenty of fresh air into the house, and I want you to give him these herbs. That will bring his fluidic temperature down and allow this to pass.
Gia: I understand.
Data: With an increased focal length and an achromatic objective lens, this instrument will have a higher effective magnification.
Talur: I will come back tomorrow and check on you.
Garvin: Thank you.
Data: Garvin, with your permission, I would like to begin my own investigation regarding the cause of your illness.
Garvin: Go ahead.
Data: Gia, I would like you to accompany me to the village. I will need some supplies.
Gia: What are you going to do with all this?
Data: I will use these materials to make the laboratory equipment I need to research your father's illness.
Gia: Do you think you can help him?
Data: I do not know. First I must isolate the cause of the illness.
Skoran: There he is! It's his fault! None of us were sick before he came to the village!
Crowd: True.
Data: Am I to understand that Garvin's illness has spread?
Skoran: That's right. And you're the cause.
Gia: That's not true!
Data: Gia, I think we should leave.
Skoran: That's it. Leave. Get out of here. Go back where you came from!
Talur: Jayden what are you doing?
Data: I am studying skin samples from Gia and Garvin in an attempt to isolate the cause of the illness.
Talur: Gia?
Data: Yes. She is also beginning to show signs of the illness.
Talur: What is that?
Data: It is a magnifying device based on your hand-held instrument. I have refined the design to increase the magnification level.
Talur: May I?
Data: Of course.
Talur: How strong is the magnification?
Data: Objects appear approximately five hundred times their normal size. As you can see, the cellular damage is quite extensive. However, based on interstitial transparency and membrane integrity, I do not believe it is an infection or any other form of communicable disease.
Talur: I see.
Data: At the moment, I am looking for a common event or experience that Gia, Garvin and Skoran might have shared that could have a causal relationship to their illness.
Talur: Well they've all lived here in the village for many years. I'm sure they have many common experiences.
Data: Yes, but since the illness struck all three in a relatively short period of time, it is reasonable to assume the experience is recent and unusual.
Talur: Actually, Jayden, encountering you has been the most unusual experience that they've all shared recently.
Data: I am aware of that. Excuse me. I am also open to the possibility that I may in some way be the causal factor. However, since you have had a great deal of contact with me and you show no signs of the sickness, I tend to discount myself as a likely candidate.
Talur: Still, it has to be more than just a coincidence that shortly after you arrived, people started to become ill.
Data: I agree.
Gia: Jayden I tried to give father his broth, but he won't eat.
Talur: You have a fever. You should be in bed.
Gia: No, I'm all right. Father needs me.
Data: Talur is correct. You should rest. I will attend to your father. Gia, when did you begin wearing that pendant?
Gia: Two days ago. Father bought it from Skoran. Why?
Data: May I see it? This is one of the metal fragments I sold to Skoran.
Troi: The secondary plasma vent has a triple redundant bypass. Which means that the primary access junction is routed through
Troi: Come in. Would be routed through the port transducer matrix. Come to give me more encouragement?
Riker: No. I'm actually here to tell you that I've decided to cancel the rest of your test.
Troi: What?
Riker: I'm canceling the test.
Troi: May I ask why?
Riker: You've taken the Engineering qualification three times. You're no closer to passing.
Troi: Well, then I'll take it four times, or fourteen times, or however many times are necessary for me to get it right.
Riker: Deanna, this is nothing personal. Not everyone is cut out to be a Bridge Officer. I don't think this is for you.
Troi: Why? Because I'm not the most technically-minded person on the ship? I may have trouble telling the difference between a plasma conduit and a phase inducer, but there's more to being a bridge officer than memorizing technical manuals.
Riker: That's right, there is. You could spend the next month memorizing all the technical manuals in the computer, I still don't think you'd pass the test.
Troi: Tell me one thing. Is there a solution? Or is this simply a test of my ability to handle a no-win situation?
Riker: There is a solution.
Troi: Then give me time to find it.
Riker: I can't. As much as I care about you, my first duty is to the ship. I cannot let any Bridge Officer serve who's not qualified. I'm sorry.
Troi: My first duty is to the ship. The ship!
Troi: Computer, load Bridge Officer's test, Engineering qualification section one.
Computer: Computer ready.
Troi: Run program.
Worf: The control system for the primary containment field is not functioning.
Laforge: Something's severed the ODN conduit between here and the antimatter storage deck.
Troi: Geordi, could you repair the ODN conduit if you went into the crawlspace?
Worf: Sir, that crawlway is in a warp-plasma shaft. He would never survive the radiation.
Troi: I know that. Geordi, could you repair the conduit?
Laforge: Yeah, I think I could.
Troi: Then do it. That's an order.
Riker: End simulation. Something told me you wouldn't let this go. Congratulations. You passed.
Troi: That's what this was all about, wasn't it? To see if I'd order someone to their death.
Riker: That's right.
Troi: I knew that was part of being in command and I thought I'd prepared for it, but when the moment came I hesitated. Maybe you were right. Maybe I'm not cut out for this.
Riker: You did exactly what you had to do. You considered all your options, you tried every alternative, and then you made the hard choice. Come on, let's get out of here, Commander.
Data: I have coated this piece of cloth with the liquid which is used in lamps. As you can see, the cloth becomes luminescent when it is exposed to an energy source. This pendant also appears to be an energy source.
Talur: But where is this pattern of light coming from?
Data: I believe a stream of particles is emanating from the metallic pendant and hitting the cloth.
Talur: I don't see any particles coming from the pendant.
Data: You will see there are. I can even block them.
Data: It would appear that this container was constructed of a material which absorbs or blocks the particles coming from the metal.
Talur: It's a trick.
Data: No. It is empirical data. I believe the fragments were originally placed in this container to protect people from accidental exposure. The word radioactive may be a warning about the dangerous nature of the metal.
Talur: All right. Let's say for the moment that you're right, that there are invisible particles coming from the metal. What should we do?
Data: I will continue my experiment. I would like you to gather all the pieces of metal in the village and place them in this container.
Talur: All right. But when I return, I want a more thorough explanation of all this. And I want to examine your data, in detail.
Data: Of course.
Skoran: There you are. You're the cause of this, Ice man.
Data: If you are referring to the illness, you are partially correct. However, it is more complex than that. The metal fragment which
Skoran: What, what are you?
Data: I do not know.
Skoran: I saw it with my own eyes. He's not a person. He's some kind of creature.
Gia: It's not true, Father.
Skoran: We must find him and stop him before he kills us all.
Garvin: I don't. Not Jayden. He wouldn't try to hurt us.
Skoran: Come on.
Talur: Let him rest for now. You should rest as well. Exerting yourself will only make you sicker. I'll be back.
Data: Gia.
Gia: Jayden? Everyone's looking for you. Skoran said you're some kind of creature.
Data: I do not know what I am. But I am not like you.
Gia: I know. You're an Ice man. We talked about that.
Data: No. I am not.
Gia: Jayden, why are you wearing that hood?
Data: I do not wish to frighten you.
Gia: I won't be afraid. Take it off. Please, I have to see.
Data: I understand your reaction. But I do not wish to harm you. You or Garvin or anyone else. I only wish to help, to find a cure for the illness. I was very close. I must to continue my work, but it will take time. How long until Skoran and the others return?
Gia: I don't know. They're looking for you now.
Data: Then I must hurry.
Data: Gia, I believe I have found the answer.
Gia: You think you found a cure?
Data: I believe so. I tested this medicine on skin samples from your father. They showed improvement, so I administered this to him. He is now recovering.
Gia: What kind of medicine is it?
Data: A compound I made which will neutralize the particles that are making you ill. Swallow this. I must administer this to everyone in the village, but I do not think they will trust me after what happened to Skoran.
Gia: I could tell them.
Data: I am afraid they will not believe you either. Gia, is the well in the town square the only source of water for this village?
Gia: Well?
Data: This is very important. Are there any other sources of fresh water near the village?
Gia: No. The nearest river is two days away.
Data: Then I will put this compound into the well water. It may be diluted, but it should still have enough potency to work.
Gia: Compound
Skoran: There he is! You see? It's just as I said.
Data: I only wish to help.
Skoran: This is how you've helped us, by bringing this plague? Tried to kill us all? Well, you won't succeed. I won't let you!
Crusher: Excuse me. We're looking for a friend of ours. He might have wandered into your village a few days ago.
Riker: You'd remember him. He would have appeared very strange. Pale skin, gold eyes.
Gia: He was your friend?
Crusher: Yes. Do you know him?
Riker: Where is he?
Crusher: I don't understand.
Gia: We didn't know his real name, so we called him Jayden.
Riker: You're saying he's dead?
Gia: They killed him because they were afraid of him, but he saved all of us from the sickness.
Crusher: The sickness?
Gia: There were these pieces of metal. They made everyone sick. But Jayden put something in the water and now everyone's better.
Riker: What happened to these pieces of metal?
Gia: We buried them in the forest. What was his real name?
Riker: Data.
Gia: Data. He was my friend, too.
Crusher: It's Data all right. He's buried about two meters down. He's been deactivated so I can't tell how bad the damage is.
Riker: We could beam him and the probe fragments right onto the ship. No one would know.
Crusher: Positronic net online. Subprocessor relays in place and neuroelectrical systems enabled.
Crusher: Data, are you all right?
Data: I do not know. I am surprised to find myself here. I thought I was on Barkon Four.
Picard: What's the last thing you remember?
Data: I had located the crashed Federation probe and collected the radioactive fragments. I was attempting to download the sensor logs from the probe's onboard computer. There was a power surge. I believe the surge overloaded my positronic matrix. After that, I have no memory until this moment. It appears I had an interesting time.
Riker: We don't know much about what happened either. Apparently you saved an entire village from radiation poisoning.
Crusher: And you were a very special friend to a little girl.
Troi: Well, if you'll excuse me, I have the Bridge this watch.
Data: Counselor, have you been promoted in my absence?
Troi: That's right. Which means from now on you can call me sir.
Data: Yes, sir.


Troi: That's very good. Well, that's very nice.
Eric: No, it isn't. I just can't get it right. Do you think the wings are too big?
Troi: Not at all. Birds have wings of all sizes, Eric. And you shouldn't worry about making it look perfect.
Eric: But Mrs Narsu said we should try to make our sculptures as realistic as possible.
Troi: She's right. It is important that you be able to make the clay take the shape you want it to have, but you're not supposed to be concentrating on technique today. I'm here to help you focus on the feelings you want to convey with your sculpture. For instance, what do you think about when you see a bird?
Eric: Flying?
Troi: Fine. So, make your sculpture make me think of flying, too.
Troi: How's it going, Data?
Data: I have finished.
Data: The dimensions are accurate to within one point three percent.
Troi: I'm sure they are. Data, you obviously don't have a trouble with realism, but you're here to work on your imagination. Maybe you should try something a little more abstract. Here. I want you to start a new piece. I'd like you to sculpt music.
Data: Counselor, music is a collection of acoustic vibrations. How can I reproduce a sound with clay?
Troi: Well, think of the effects that sounds have on people, the images that music brings to your mind, and then give it a form.
Troi: It's a start.
Riker: Riker to Data. Please report to the Bridge.
Data: Acknowledged, sir. On my way.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47615.2. We have encountered a rogue comet in sector one one five six. It is not native to this region of space, and there is no previous record of this object on any Federation charts.
Data: Based on its present trajectory, the comet appears to have originated in the D'Arsay system.
Riker: That's over two sectors away.
Data: That is correct, sir. This object has been en route for eighty seven million years.
Riker: That's a long time alone in the dark.
Picard: Begin a full sensor analysis, Mister Data, and log the findings with the Federation Astrophysical Survey.
Data: Aye, sir. The comet's outer shell is composed primarily of gaseous hydrogen and helium surrounding an icy mantle. The inner core consists of heavier elements
Picard: What was that?
Data: There is distortion within the comet's inner core. I believed we experienced an intense sensor echo.
Riker: Can you correct for it?
Data: I am attempting to do so now, sir. I have compensated for the effect. Sensors are reconfigured for a low intensity sweep. We are still picking up some interference, but the distortion is manageable. At these settings, the scan will be complete in thirty nine hours.
Crusher: Worf says he's going to teach us some mok'bara throwing techniques today.
Troi: More like falling techniques. Last time we did that I was sore for a week.
Crusher: What's this?
Troi: I have no idea. I've never seen it before.
Crusher: Maybe Will left it for you. A little present?
Troi: It's not quite his style.
Crusher: Then maybe it's a secret admirer.
Troi: That's an interesting thought
Crusher: Well, you'll figure it out later. Come on, we're going to be late.
Troi: That's nice. Data, this is amazing. How did you come up with this?
Data: I followed your advice, Counselor. I used my imagination.
Troi: That's an understatement.
Data: For some reason, as I was shaping the clay, the image of the mask was exceptionally clear in my mind. The design seemed to flow quite naturally.
Troi: Data, have you been in my quarters?
Data: No, Counselor.
Troi: Somebody left an object in my room. Some kind of artifact, and it has something very similar to this. And you don't know anything about it?
Data: I do not.
Eric: Excuse me, Counselor. Can you help me with my terminal? It's not working right.
Data: Perhaps we should investigate this matter further.
Riker: These symbols don't match anything in the Federation linguistic banks.
Laforge: Some kind of alien information has been downloaded into our computer core. I don't know how it's working, but it's reconfiguring our systems.
Riker: How did it get in?
Laforge: I was able to trace its path from the replicators to the sensor array.
Riker: The sensors? They've been scanning that comet for the past eighteen hours.
Laforge: Those energy readings from the comet's core, that sensor echo. We still don't know what's inside that thing.
Riker: Maybe it's about time we found out. Could we use the phasers to melt down the shell of the comet?
Laforge: Yeah, a dispersed wide-field beam might do the trick. It wouldn't take long to come up with the firing parameters. What do you think, Data?
Laforge: Data? What's wrong?
Data: I believe I recognize these symbols.
Riker: How?
Data: I do not know.
Laforge: Do you think maybe your systems have been affected?
Data: It is a possibility. I do not believe my systems are currently impaired, but I will run a full diagnostic to make certain.
Riker: What do you think they mean?
Data: Boundary. Border. Road. Companion. Message. Messenger.
Laforge: What's that one?
Data: Death.
Worf: Captain, phasers are set for wide dispersal, ten percent maximum power. The beam will automatically terminate once the comet's core is reached.
Picard: Very well, Mister Worf. Fire.
Worf: Phasers have terminated.
Picard: Mister Data, what are we looking at? Is it a ship?
Data: I do not know, sir. The object is nearly solid. It is composed primarily of fortanium and several unknown materials. It is over eighty seven million years old.
Riker: That's older than the comet itself. Could someone from the D'Arsay system have built it?
Picard: There are no technologically advanced cultures in that system now. But perhaps eighty seven million years ago, there were.
Riker: Why would they want to hide something like that inside a comet?
Picard: Possibly it accumulated those frozen gasses over time as it traveled through space.
Laforge: In any case, it's definitely responsible for the system anomalies we've been experiencing. They're using our sensor beam as a carrier wave to transmit information into our computers and replicators.
Picard: But the question remains, why? What is its purpose?
Data: Captain, I believe this object is an informational archive.
Picard: Why do you say that, Mister Data?
Data: I do not know. However, I seem to have an intuitive understanding of its function.
Laforge: Data, the internal structure of that thing is pretty complex, and it's got a repetitive node configuration which might suggest a database of some kind, but it could be practically anything. I don't see how you could know for sure what it is.
Picard: Data, do you believe that you're in communication with that object?
Data: It is a possibility, sir. I recommend we run a level one diagnostic of my positronic net immediately to determine if that is the case.
Picard: Very well. Mister LaForge, give him a hand.
Laforge: Aye, sir.
Riker: Do you think it's just trying to make contact with us?
Picard: Yes, it's possible. But if that is an archive from some ancient civilization, we should allow it to do so. But we must be careful. Mister Worf, will you keep an eye on the sensors. If the ship is in any danger, I want you to sever the connection immediately.
Worf: Aye, sir.
Picard: Come.
Riker: Captain?
Picard: Yes, come in, Number One.
Riker: We've confined the system corruption. It won't be spreading any further. But we still have alien symbols floating around on our computer. This is quite a collection you've assembled. I've seen these things all over the ship. They all look the same. Primitive and non-functional.
Picard: Ceremonial, and deceptively primitive. Only an advanced technological society could have built that object out there. These artifacts played a ritualistic role in that society, I think.
Riker: Do you think Data could be right? Could we have stumbled across some sort of alien library?
Picard: Oh, yes, it's possible. And if so, this is a find of most enormous significance. That library seems designed to do so much more than simply store information. Who knows what we might learn from this?
Riker: I keep seeing this design.
Picard: Yes, this symbol seems to be of particular significance.
Riker: What do you think it means?
Picard: The concept of the four cardinal compass directions is quite common in many different cultures.
Riker: The words that Data recognized in the computer, boundary, border, road, they were all arranged in this design.
Picard: Well, perhaps the artifacts that all have this compass symbol belong to the same theme, movement. Finding a direction, traveling a path, crossing a boundary.
Riker: And death? One of the symbols was death.
Picard: The ultimate boundary.
Picard: I've seen this symbol everywhere too, but much less prominently displayed. It's always in the background, smaller than the others.
Riker: What do you think it represents?
Picard: I have no idea.
Laforge: Lower synaptic functions are completely normal. Autonomous systems all check out.
Data: I suggest we examine the memory subsystem next.
Laforge: All right. Data, what's wrong?
Data: I am not certain. I am experiencing a curious sensation.
Laforge: Well, what is it?
Data: An impulse.
Laforge: Impulse? What kind of impulse?
Data: I do not know.
Laforge: I'm going to check out your higher functions.
Data: Geordi, what does it feel like when a person is losing his mind?
Laforge: Data, come on, you're scaring me now. What's going on?
Data: I do not know. I am different.
Laforge: Well, you're going to be all right. You're with me, okay?
Data: Okay.
Laforge: Listen, I'm going to disconnect you. What's going on?
Laforge: Data.
Ihat: Masaka is waking.
Laforge: Captain
Ihat: Captain. I've been waiting for you. You should feel honored. I don't usually wait for anyone.
Picard: What is it you want?
Ihat: Masaka is waking.
Picard: Are you Masaka?
Ihat: I am not Masaka. I am Ihat.
Picard: What have you done to Commander Data?
Ihat: Commander Data? You mean the one who was here?
Picard: Yes.
Ihat: He's gone. Who can say where?
Picard: Picard to Counselor Troi. Report to main Engineering immediately.
Ihat: Picard to Counselor Troi. Report to main Engineering immediately.
Picard: Ihat, this place you come from, is it a cultural archive of your species?
Ihat: I come from Masaka's city.
Picard: Are there others like you there?
Ihat: There are no others like me.
Picard: Who is Masaka?
Ihat: You will find out.
Picard: I would like to know Masaka, speak with her.
Ihat: Do you understand pain? Death? That is all you need to know of Masaka. It is what she is. Go. Leave this place before she finds you. It can be done. I did it.
Ihat: Masaka.
Victim: I am yours. Every part of me is yours.
Picard: We should confine him to quarters.
Laforge: This is a micrograph of what's happened to Data's positronic net. Now, as near as I can tell, these are behavioral nodes. I've counted fourteen so far. I think the archive is using Data to create different people within its culture much in the same way it used our replicators to create artifacts.
Troi: As a result, Data's real personality has been completely buried. In a sense, Data has the android equivalent of multiple personalities.
Laforge: The archive hasn't stopped yet. Data's positronic net is still being transformed. There's no telling how many more personalities might emerge.
Picard: Geordi, I want you to continue to scan the archive. See if you can find some way to access it. And in the meantime, I'll see what I can learn from these people inside Data.
Picard: I'm not going to hurt you.
Victim: Only Masaka can hurt me. I am for her alone.
Picard: I need to speak with Ihat. Do you understand? Ihat.
Ihat: Captain. That was a cruel joke you played on me. For a moment, a brief moment, I actually thought that woman was Masaka.
Picard: Whoever took your place wasn't afraid of Masaka. He seemed eager for his fate.
Ihat: Pitiful, isn't it. You won't catch me humiliating myself for a woman even if she were a queen.
Picard: Then Masaka is your queen?
Ihat: She's a lazy creature. She spends most of her time sleeping. The problem is, what she does when she's awake.
Picard: Then should we try to keep her asleep?
Ihat: Try to stop the sun from climbing the sky? Only Korgano can do that, and he's not here.
Picard: Where is he?
Boy: Help me. Please.
Picard: What's wrong?
Boy: I'm afraid.
Picard: Of what?
Boy: Of her.
Picard: Masaka?
Boy: Her!
Picard: Picard to Bridge.
Picard: Report.
Riker: The archive just activated some kind of tractor beam, sir. We're not able to disengage it.
Picard: Has there been any damage to the ship?
Riker: There was an emergency reported in Ten Forward. Mister Worf's on his way.
Laforge: Captain, there's some kind of energy pulse coming through the tractor beam.
Laforge: It's overriding our control systems.
Picard: I'll be right there.
Boy: Don't leave me.
Picard: I won't leave you. Please, let go of me.
Boy: Does it hurt?
Picard: Yes.
Boy: She's going to hurt us all.
Ihat: Now you've done it, Captain. Masaka is awake.
Troi: Who's this?
Picard: I'd say that that is Masaka. Ihat referred to her as a queen, and it's not unusual in ceremonial cultures to find royalty symbolized by a sun.
Troi: You said the personalities inside Data were in awe of her, even terrified.
Picard: According to Data, the sun image is also a symbol for death.
Picard: There it is again. The same U-shaped symbol, small and insignificant. Almost as if it's an afterthought.
Laforge: Captain, this is incredible. These artifacts weren't beamed over here from the archive. The matter here in Ten Forward has been transformed.
Picard: Into living plants? How is that possible?
Laforge: I'm not sure. But bit by bit, this ship is being transformed.
Worf: We have been receiving reports from the rest of the ship. Part of deck twelve is now an aqueduct.
Troi: What are we being transformed into?
Laforge: I'm not sure I want to find out.
Picard: I don't think we have a choice. We must destroy that archive. Mister Worf?
Worf: Sir, our weapon control systems are inoperative. However, we could reconfigure a photon torpedo for manual launch.
Picard: Make it so.
Picard: There's so much here we could have learned. I really regret losing that opportunity.
Laforge: Okay, I've locked in the targeting parameters. What's the phase alignment now?
Worf: Less than point seven percent.
Laforge: Good, that'll do it. I'm setting the yield at maximum.
Worf: Sir, the onboard power systems are not functioning.
Laforge: Let's see what's going on here?
Laforge: Something tells me we'd better get out of here.
Worf: Engineering to Bridge. Emergency transport. Two to beam out.
Riker: Maybe we'd better talk in here. The Observation Lounge has turned into a swamp.
Picard: So, what's our status?
Laforge: Well, so far the archive has transformed about twenty percent of the ship. We've lost main propulsion and weapons systems in the process.
Riker: What about communications, sensors, life support?
Laforge: We have communications, and limited sensor control. Life support seems to be unaffected.
Crusher: I've analyzed the alien plant forms. They've developed from biological matter we have on the ship.
Laforge: The stone, the artifacts, are made in much the same way, extrapolating from the ship's own alloys.
Crusher: Apparently the archive can reorder and transform molecular structure including DNA into anything it wants.
Picard: So it's using our ship, our alloys, our DNA, to create elements of its own culture.
Troi: But why is this happening? What does the archive hope to accomplish?
Picard: Well, whatever the intent that lies behind its process, I'm not going to permit this ship to be turned into an alien city. Mister La Forge, do you have any ideas?
Laforge: We still haven't been able to cut off that beam, but I have managed to access the archive by sending an energy pulse back along their signal path. If I can locate the transformation program, I might be able to control it.
Picard: That's a good idea, but I feel that the answer lies there, with Masaka. We must find her, access her. Talk to her.
Picard: Hello.
Elder: Difficult to stay warm. It's not warm enough, not for an old man.
Picard: Tell me about Masaka.
Elder: My daughter.
Picard: Tell me, how can I talk to her?
Elder: Children grow, forget their parents. Only Korgano can talk to Masaka.
Picard: Korgano? Who is that?
Ihat: Well, aren't we the persistent one.
Picard: Ihat.
Ihat: Is anyone else so charming?
Picard: Masaka is taking over my ship.
Ihat: I told you she would.
Picard: I want to talk with her but I understand that Korgano is the only one who can do that.
Ihat: Who told you that?
Picard: An old man. Masaka's father.
Ihat: Oh, yes, yes. Legend has it she chopped him up and used his bones to make the world. Any wonder he doesn't like to talk about her?
Picard: How can I find Korgano?
Ihat: I don't know. He's not chasing her anymore.
Picard: Where has he gone?
Ihat: Stop asking me these questions. I was fast enough to get away from her once. I don't want her to find me again. I'll wind up on her sacrificial slab.
Picard: Ihat, if she's looking for a sacrifice, she can take me. Perhaps then she'll stop looking for you.
Ihat: Well, there's an idea. Better you than me.
Picard: Very well. What do we do.
Ihat: You must build Masaka's temple. The Queen's temple. That will get her attention.
Picard: Very well. How do I do that?
Ihat: You need the sign. I could give it to you. So could the old man. But just try getting it out of him.
Picard: Give me the sign.
Ihat: If she finds out, you can't imagine her rage. She lets people die of thirst. A terrible death. Sometimes she burns them alive. She is glorious.
Picard: Ihat, the sign, give it to me.
Ihat: If she comes, you will take my place?
Picard: Yes.
Ihat: All right. Quickly, give me your hand. A line, as the unending horizon. A curve as. She has found me.
Picard: Masaka, show yourself. I will go with you.
Ihat: It seems I was not fast enough.
Elder: So hard to stay warm. Are you one of my children? I can't remember anymore.
Picard: I need your help. I need the sign for the temple. For Masaka's temple.
Elder: It won't help you. Korgano no longer pursues her. Only he can stop her.
Picard: A line as the unending horizon. A curve as? A line as the unending horizon. A curve
Elder: As the rolling hillside. A point as a distant bird. A ray as the rising sun.
Picard: Thank you.
Elder: Now, come sit with me. Tend the fire.
Boy: I'm alone. No one left to help me. She's coming.
Picard: Are all the others dead? Did Masaka kill them?
Boy: No. She sent them away. It will take them days to die.
Picard: Any progress, Mister La Forge?
Laforge: I think I've found the archive's transformation program.
Picard: Will it accept the symbol for Masaka's temple?
Laforge: I think so. I've isolated the program's input pathways. They're keyed to accept symbols. If I input this one, it should initiate the transformation process.
Riker: And create the temple?
Laforge: I hope so. If this is the wrong symbol, it might turn the Enterprise into a big chunk of rock. No way to know for sure.
Troi: The question is, can we trust a personality from an alien archive that seems bent on taking us over?
Picard: Ihat risked his life to show me that symbol, and Masaka killed him for doing it. I think we have to risk it.
Worf: Captain. The entire deck has been cleared of personnel. We may proceed.
Picard: Commander Riker, we're ready.
Riker: Understood.
Riker: Initiate transformation.
Laforge: Inputting the symbol now.
Picard: This would seem that this is Masaka's temple.
Worf: There is no one else here.
Picard: Ihat said that if we created the temple, then it would get her attention. It may be some time before she shows herself.
Worf: How will she do that?
Picard: I don't know.
Troi: Captain, take a look at this.
Picard: This is the first time I've seen these two symbols paired. That could be significant. Look, there it is again, and again. And there again. This is obviously an important pairing. He isn't chasing her anymore.
Troi: Sir?
Picard: Ihat said that someone named Korgano isn't chasing Masaka anymore. And the old man said, he pursues her no longer. In a sense, this small symbol might be seen to be chasing Masaka.
Worf: The symbol suggests antlers of some kind. Horns. Maybe it is meant to represent an animal.
Troi: Animals are worshiped in many cultures.
Picard: That smaller symbol could represent Korgano. Both Ihat and the old man said that Korgano was the only one who could control Masaka. Many ritualistic cultures incorporate the idea of balance into their belief systems. Now, Masaka is a queen. A powerful, god-like figure. It's not unrealistic to believe that she might have a counterpart, a consort. Look around. See if you can find that horn-like symbol anywhere else.
Troi: This is the most prominent instance of the horn symbol we've seen yet.
Worf: But now it appears as though Masaka's sun is chasing it.
Troi: The sun chasing an animal?
Picard: Maybe it's simpler than that. Maybe their relationship is more like the sun and the moon.
Worf: I see. Masaka and Korgano switching positions. The sun setting and the moon rising.
Picard: Exactly. Like two powerful rulers changing places in a continuous cycle.
Troi: And like the sun and the moon, only one of them can be in ascendance at any given time.
Picard: If we can find Korgano in the archive and bring him out, then perhaps he could force Masaka to leave.
Worf: But would we be any better off with him?
Picard: Ihat and the others didn't seem to be frightened of Korgano.
Troi: Sir.
Picard: Masaka.
Picard: Masaka, I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship
Masaka: Go away.
Picard: Please, hear us. Your archive is destroying
Masaka: I do not hear you.
Worf: She will not even listen to us.
Picard: Then we will have to find someone too whom she will listen.
Laforge: I've found it, Captain. This is the only place in the archive where Korgano's moon symbol appears by itself, not linked with Masaka's.
Picard: All right, Mister La Forge, I want you to access the transformation program. And when you're ready, input the symbol.
Riker: Isn't that a little risky?
Troi: We have no way idea what the result would be. The symbol might generate anything from Korgano's temple to Korgano himself.
Picard: In one sense, Korgano is Masaka's nemesis. Whatever this symbol represents, it could be for us a means to control her. Now, if anyone has a better idea, I'd be happy to entertain it.
Laforge: I've accessed the program, Captain.
Picard: Initiate the transformation.
Riker: Another mask.
Picard: You know, we could be going about this all the wrong way. This is a very ritualistic culture based on symbol and myth. Perhaps we should try to confront them on those terms. If I could somehow incorporate myself in their ritual, then perhaps Masaka would listen to me.
Riker: You're going to try to pose as Korgano?
Troi: Captain, we know so little about this culture and even less about Korgano. How would you convince Masaka that you're him?
Picard: I'm really not certain, but there are similarities between this culture and others that I've studied. I would imagine I'm just going to improvise. Mister Worf, what's our status?
Worf: I estimate we have less than two hours before there is nothing left of the ship. At least, nothing we can recognize.
Picard: Masaka.
Masaka: Korgano.
Picard: Are you surprised to see me?
Masaka: I thought I had escaped you.
Picard: You should know that is impossible.
Masaka: You are a fine hunter but I am a powerful prey. You will never catch me.
Picard: Do you want to be the prey forever?
Masaka: I thought I was alone. I thought I would not have to share the sky with you.
Picard: But without me you are not complete. I know you so well. You live for the chase, as do I. Will you not miss being the hunter, pursuing me, forcing me from the sky so that you can rise again?
Masaka: You know me well, Korgano.
Picard: I think that you are beginning to tire. It is difficult, brightening the sky forever.
Masaka: I am getting sleepy. You always do that to me.
Picard: So that you can wake with the dawn and begin the hunt again.
Masaka: Let the hunt begin again. I am eager for that.
Picard: As am I.
Riker: Riker to Picard. I don't know what you did, sir, but it looks like everything's back to normal.
Picard: Acknowledged, Number One. Mister Data, are you all right?
Data: I believe so, sir. I am not entirely certain what has happened. Have I been dreaming again?
Picard: I'm afraid that will take some time to explain.
Picard: Captain's log, stardate 47618.4. Commander La Forge has managed to disable the alien transformation program. Starfleet has dispatched an archeological team to study the archive further.
Picard: But I don't understand. I thought all the alien artifacts had disappeared from the Enterprise.
Data: That one was not created by the archive, sir. That is the clay mask I originally made. I have since painted it.
Picard: A memento.
Data: Yes, sir. Although I am relieved to be rid of those alien personalities, in a sense, I am now empty.
Picard: I can imagine. Doctor Crusher told me that there were possibly dozens of personalities inside you.
Data: I suspect the number was much greater. My impression is that there were thousands, of all ages and walks of life. It was a remarkable experience.
Picard: Well, Data, you never may become fully human, but you've had an experience that transcends the human condition. You have been an entire civilization.