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Number One,
join me in the ready room.
Yes, sir.
I've come from a meeting
with Admiral Moore.
He wanted to discuss this.
Recognize it?
Sounds like an SOS.
Good guess.
You're quicker
than Starbase research.
They took hours to realize
it was a distress beacon.
- When was it detected?
- Last month.
Just kicked in without any warning.
- Who used the beacon?
- It's Terran.
I'm familiar with
most Earth codes and
Interesting.
Yes.
That code hasn't been used
in centuries.
- What was its origin point?
- Ficus Sector.
There's no record
of an Earth colony there.
Now we know someone's out there
and they're asking for help.
- But who?
- Let's try and find out.
Computer,
download all information regarding
signal beacon
from Starbase mainframe.
Distress beacon
used by the European Hegemony.
The European Hegemony?
A loose alliance formed
in the early 22nd century.
The first stirrings of a world
government.
Read more history.
Computer, locate the exact dates
in which this signal beacon
was in general use.
Old Earth calendar, 2123 until 2190.
No extraterrestrial source
ever used this code?
Negative.
Computer, locate all Earth deep-space
launches from 2123 to 2190,
.
.
with the destination
in or near the Ficus Sector.
Working.
Nothing for Ficus.
Damn it, who's out there?
Lost sheep.
Let's see if we can find them.
Medical emergency.
Dr Pulaski to the bridge.
What happened?
He just collapsed, sir.
Space, the final frontier.
These are the voyages
of the Starship Enterprise.
Its continuing mission,
to explore strange new worlds,
.
.
to seek out new life
and new civilizations,
.
.
to boldly go
where no one has gone before.
Captain's log, stardate 42823.
2.
We're departing from Starbase 73
to investigate the source
of the mysterious distress signal.
Meanwhile, my Security Officer
remains in sickbay,
where Dr Pulaski is searching
for the cause of his collapse.
- I'm fine.
- You're not.
You fainted.
I did not faint.
Klingons do not faint.
Excuse me.
I'll rephrase.
This Klingon suffered
a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
His blood glucose level dropped.
There was deficient blood flow
resulting from circulatory failure.
In other words,
he curled up his toes,
and lay unconscious on the floor.
Doctor, there is no need
to insult me.
Worf, I am worried.
Now, something is wrong.
Klingons don't faint.
Forgive me.
I can't think of another word.
You're sick.
- Klingons do not yield to illness.
- Stay still.
I have to check something
with the computer.
Lieutenant, you have rop'ngor.
- But that is a childhood ailment.
- Yes.
How shall I live down
the humiliation?
- Worf, you can't help
- Still,
for a warrior to find himself
in such a situation.
So you've got the Klingon version
of the measles.
How would Cmdr Riker feel
if he had the measles?
- Pretty silly.
- Doctor, how is Lt Worf?
He's in no danger.
Worf was just observing
a Klingon ritual involving fasting.
He didn't take into account that
you must decrease physical activity
as you decrease caloric intake.
Pulaski out.
Thank you.
I am in your debt.
Come.
Captain, I've been considering
the problem of the missing ship.
The lack of any record
of a launch to Ficus
would not be unusual in the chaos
of the early 22nd century,
but someone loaded that ship.
- The manifest.
- Yes, sir.
There it is.
SS Mariposa.
Loaded 27th November, 2123.
Destination, Ficus Sector.
Capt Walter Granger commanding.
Mariposa.
The Spanish word for butterfly.
- Thank you, Data.
- I thought it might be significant.
- It doesn't appear to be, Data.
- No, sir.
You learn a lot from luggage.
five monitor-beacon satellites,
- Spinning wheels? Access.
- Cattle, chickens, pigs
A device used for spinning yarn
which consists of a large wheel
Why would anyone carry
such an insane mix of cargo?
They were planning for the worst?
Theorize, Data.
Give me some background.
In the early 22nd century, Earth
was recovering from World War III.
A major philosopher then
was Liam Dieghan.
He began the Neo-Transcendentalists,
advocating return to a simpler life.
One lived in harmony with nature
and learned under her tutelage.
Thank you, Data.
But if this was a ship
full of utopians,
why carry all
this technological baggage?
I have insufficient information
upon which to form a theory, sir.
Doctor.
I wished to thank you
for protecting my
Your secret is safe with me.
Worf, I am honoured.
No one has ever performed
the Klingon tea ceremony for me.
- There.
That should do it.
- You know the ceremony?
I understand the externals, not
the mysteries.
I'm not a Klingon.
Do not drink the tea.
It is deadly to humans.
And none too good for Klingons.
It is a test of bravery, of one's
ability to look at mortality.
It is also a reminder that death
is an experience best shared.
- Like the tea.
- Worf, you're a romantic.
It is among the Klingons that love
poetry achieves its fullest flower.
Hold that thought.
Antidote.
If we're going to share, let's share.
Now,
quote me a little of that poetry.
- Initiate sensor sweeps.
- Aye, sir.
The system's sun has entered
a period of severe flare activity.
That explains the SOS.
Class-M readings from
the fifth planet in the system.
- Take us in.
- Shields at maximum.
Sensors indicate human life forms
Hailing on all frequencies.
No response, but the flares
may interfere with communications.
There's no evidence of
an advanced communication network.
Where's that technology they brought?
There is no artificial power source
on the planet.
Stellar flares are increasing
in magnitude and frequency.
Computer projections indicate they
will brush the planet in 3.
6 hours.
Evacuation will be difficult.
We can lower shields
for transport only between flares.
Captain, these people
have been isolated for 300 years.
They could be very unsophisticated.
The shock of being transported onto
a spaceship could frighten them.
Your point is well taken, Counsellor.
Number One, you're going
to have to go down there.
On my way.
Captain's log, stardate 42827.
3.
Cmdr Riker has reached the caverns,
where he's making preparations
for the evacuation.
- What's the situation, Number One?
- There are 200 people here.
- Their condition?
- Surprisingly good.
- Will they leave?
- Yes, but
- Get them up here.
- I'm debating with their leader
No time, Number One.
Initiate transport.
- But, sir
- Any problems we'll address up here.
Aye aye, sir, we're on our way.
All of us.
Riker out.
First load ready, Mr O'Brien.
Energizing.
Captain, you'd better
get somebody down here.
Right away.
Take the pig out now,
will ya? Very good.
O'Brien, that third wave
should be ready.
Aye, sir.
O'Brien, is it?
I should've known t'would be
an Irishman running the ship.
- What the devil is going on here?
- Capt Picard, is it?
The man who makes decisions for us
without so much as a by-your-leave.
This is my Security Chief, Lt Worf.
I don't suppose security
is a problem for you.
Danilo Odell, sir, at your service.
- Why are these animals here?
- Sorry, sir.
It was this
or arguing till hell froze over.
Capt Picard, sir, we can't leave
our animals here to die.
Besides, how could we build
our future without our animals?
Alright.
Chief O'Brien, transport this group
directly to cargo hold seven.
And beam the remaining refugees from
the planet directly to that hold.
Right, lads.
Everybody back onto
the infernal machine.
Alright, everybody up.
Captain, t'was very good of you,
sir, to rescue us from our troubles.
My pleasure.
You must be worth quite a bit
to own a fine ship like this.
I don't own the Enterprise.
I command her.
Whatever.
Sir,
would you happen to be married?
- No.
Why?
- No.
Well, you see, sir,
I have a daughter.
Felicitations.
- Would you be interested, sir?
- No.
- You're quite sure?
- Quite sure.
He's quite sure.
- What's the total?
- 223.
Count on two more
in the next few days.
Head for the nearest starbase.
They were anachronistic in 2123.
I wonder how they'll cope.
They'll learn and adapt.
Odell will be running this place
within a week.
- Lt Worf here.
Report.
- Fire in cargo hold seven.
- The Bringloidi.
- What have they done now?
Keep the area clear.
- Report.
- Fire has been contained.
No damage.
Unseal the doors.
My God, Picard,
the place is a bloody deathtrap!
Lightning bolts
falling from the ceiling.
What the hell was that thing?
Automated fire system.
A force field contains the flame
until the remaining oxygen is used.
What if I'd been under that thing?
You would have been in the fire.
Yeah, well, I mean
what would have happened to me?
You would have suffocated and died.
Sweet mercy.
There you are.
Your hospitality
leaves a hell of a lot to be desired.
You don't offer us a bite or sup,
and when we build a fire to cook,
the place goes mad!
I My apologies.
I was unaware
that you had not been instructed
in the use of the food dispensers.
What are you staring at?
Never seen a woman before?
I thought I had.
Commander, may I present
my daughter? Brenna Odell.
Pleased to meet you, ma'am.
You may have
all the time in the world,
but I've got frightened children
and women to care for.
What about the men?
I'm sure they'll find their comfort.
In the bottom of a mug of brew!
Pay no heed, Commander,
she's a fine girl.
She's not usually so sharp-tongued.
Dado!
Sir?
That's the last thing I expected.
Sometimes, Number One,
you just have to
bow to the absurd.
Captain, sir,
how did the ship sense the fire?
- Well, the ship's computer
- Computer?
The ship's computers
sense a localized increase
Men! Always talking
when there's work to be done.
Shouldn't you be flying this ship
or whatever it is you do?
Sir, I think I'll stay and help.
That isn't necessary.
The ship will clean itself.
Well, good for the bloody ship.
Tell me, Cmdr Riker, where does
a girl go to wash her feet here?
As First Officer,
I feel it's my responsibility
to show you all the amenities.
She is much like a Klingon woman.
Captain, there's just one
other thing.
It slipped my mind.
The point, Mr Odell.
Yeah.
Well, in all your travels,
have you heard anything
from the other colony?
The other colony?
Captain's log, supplemental.
Stellar
charts reveal a Class-M planet
only half a light year
from the Bringloid system.
I presume it was
the destination of the colony
which owned
the sophisticated equipment.
William Riker, you're a mess.
- You don't have to do that.
- If I don't, who will?
I can see why your father
wants to marry you off.
And why is that?
So he can have a pipe
and a beer in peace.
You've shown me so many wonders
on your great ship,
but there's one thing left.
What's that?
I'm still waiting to wash my feet.
Right behind that door.
William, is something wrong?
What do you mean?
Do you not like girls?
Of course I do.
Is there a special technique
to this foot washing?
You generally start at the top
and work your way down.
I think I can handle that.
I was hoping you might.
- You sent for me?
- Yes
Now, we're brewing poteen,
but we need to find a way to heat it
without this bloody ship
firing bloody lightning bolts at us.
You can get spirituous liquor
from the food dispensers.
It's not that synthehol bilge
O'Brien offered me, is it?
No.
If you wish,
it can be real alcohol.
- Good.
- With all the deleterious effects.
As it should be.
You see, lad,
every moment of pleasure in life
has to be purchased
by an equal moment of pain.
Whiskey.
Terrible.
It has no bite.
Chech'tluth.
Now that's what I call
a wee drop of the creature.
Father!
Remember what I said about the moment
of pain? 'Tis about to begin.
Hello, my darlin'.
My darlin', is it? I might've known.
Can you still talk to Dr Pulaski
about the children?
What about them?
She wants to send them to school.
- What do you think?
- I think it's a good idea.
So go handle it!
And I'm sure there's something
you can be doing with your time.
- And as for you!
- What?
Why tell them this magic wall
gives more than meat and potatoes?
Now they'll never work.
Madam, have you ever considered
a career in security?
If it's like baby-sitting,
I'm an expert.
Captain's log, supplemental.
We are approaching the Class-M planet
where we hope to find
the other colonists.
Signal from the planet, Captain.
On screen.
This is Capt Jean-Luc Picard
of the USS Enterprise,
from the United Federation
of Planets.
This is wonderful.
Welcome, Captain.
I am Wilson Granger,
Prime Minister of Mariposa.
No doubt a descendant
of Capt Walter Granger.
Not quite a descendant.
We feared Earth had met disaster
when no one came for us.
I'm afraid the truth is
you got lost in the bureaucracy.
But despite the lateness
of our arrival,
we're here now
and eager to renew ties.
Splendid.
Please come down
and allow us
to extend our hospitality
to you and your crew.
Thank you.
Form an away team, Number One.
- I would urge caution.
- Caution? What's wrong?
- He's hiding something.
- We'll check it out.
Mr Worf?
Dr Pulaski, come to transporter
room three for an away detail.
Welcome to Mariposa.
I'm
Victor Granger, Minister of Health.
Cmdr William Riker.
Dr Pulaski.
Lt Worf.
A pleasure.
I'll escort you to the
Prime Minister.
This way, please.
Twin brothers?
Your arrival is serendipitous.
How so?
Well, perhaps I'll let
the Prime Minister explain that.
Triplets?
Worf, there is something
damn odd going on here.
Quadruplets.
Doctor, is your title
scientific or medical?
- Medical.
- Excellent.
Is there some medical problem
we should know about?
I think it best if the
Prime Minister explains.
I thought you might.
Yes.
Excuse me.
Gentlemen?
Please, follow me.
This way.
Doctor.
Welcome to Mariposa.
Dr Katherine Pulaski.
My Chief of Staff, Elizabeth Vallis.
Tell me, is your entire population
made up of clones, Prime Minister?
Clones?
Clones?
Clones.
Captain's log, supplemental.
Prime Minister Granger
desires an urgent meeting
to discuss the future
of the Mariposan colony.
I've invited him to the Enterprise.
Captain, we need your help.
during our landing on Mariposa,
the skin of our ship was breached.
Only five of the colonists survived.
The progenitors weren't willing
to just give up and die,
and they were scientists
So, they used that expertise
and turned to cloning.
Yes.
We had no other option.
Two women and three men were
an insufficient gene pool
from which to build a society.
How did you suppress the natural
*** drive? Drugs? Punitive laws?
In the beginning,
a little bit of each.
Now, after 300 years,
the entire concept of ***
reproduction is repugnant to us.
How did you overcome the problem
of replicative fading?
We haven't.
You have got a problem.
I don't understand
replicative fading.
Each time you clone, you make
a copy of a copy.
Errors creep in.
Eventually
you get a nonviable clone.
- How can we help you?
- We need an infusion of fresh DNA.
I was hoping you would be willing
to share some tissue samples.
You want to clone us?
- Yes.
- No way, not me.
- How could you possibly be harmed?
- It's not a question of harm.
One William Riker is unique,
perhaps even special.
But a hundred of him diminishes me
in ways I can't even imagine.
You would be preserving yourself.
Human beings have other ways
of doing that.
We have children.
I think you will find
that attitude prevalent
among all the Enterprise people.
I see.
Well, if you are not willing
to share your DNA,
can your people help repair
our malfunctioning equipment?
Of course.
Number One,
put a team together.
- Let's start.
- Yes, sir.
La Forge, gather a technical support
away team in transporter room three.
Captain, with your permission,
may I return to the planet?
It could be my last chance
to study replicative fading.
With your permission,
Mr Prime Minister.
You are welcome.
Perhaps you will
find a solution we've overlooked.
I appreciate the compliment, but
I don't think that's very likely.
And repairing that equipment will
certainly not solve your problems.
What other solution do we have?
Doctor, remember,
there are only five of us.
Captain's log, supplemental.
Cmdr Riker and Dr Pulaski
have returned to Mariposa
with a team
of Enterprise technicians.
We're almost finished.
I wish there was more we could do.
Are you sure you won't reconsider?
- About the cloning?
- Out of the question.
Excuse me, sir, I was
I was looking for Cmdr Riker.
- I'm afraid I haven't seen him.
- Dr Pulaski?
Sorry, I can't help.
I'll just have to hunt for them.
Sorry to disturb you.
What happened to you two
on Mariposa? Everything alright?
Any reason it shouldn't be?
Whenever I asked
where you were, they lied.
Lied?
With this I can see better
than most people.
If someone lies, there are
physiological manifestations.
Variations in blush response,
pupil dilation, pulse, breath rate.
It's hard with aliens,
but humans? Got 'em nailed.
They lied about our whereabouts?
I don't remember anything happening.
I was working and got a call
to report to Granger's office.
- I ran into Will
- Wait a minute.
Granger said
he hadn't seen either of you.
- Did you make it to his office?
- I think
I don't remember.
What's the prognosis?
Geordi, you're not missing
any epithelial cells.
- Great.
- Will and l, however, are.
- Meaning?
- While you can clone from any cell,
those lining the stomach are best
as they are undifferentiated.
- Where're you going?
- The cloning lab.
Stop!
- Murderers.
- Like hell.
Damn thief!
- Gentlemen, please.
- What else could we do?
We asked for your help and
you refused us.
We're desperate.
- That gave you the right to rob us?
- We have the right to survive.
Doctor, how desperate
is the colony's situation?
In two or three generations
the fading will be terminal.
They're among the walking dead now.
They're just unburied.
I want their equipment inspected.
Who knows what else they stole.
We have a right to exercise control
over our own bodies.
You'll get no argument from me.
I know the Mariposan culture
seems alien, even frightening,
but really, we have much in common.
They're humans fighting
for survival.
Would we do less?
Are you saying
we should give them the DNA?
That's just postponing
the inevitable.
If they get an infusion of fresh DNA,
in 15 generations they'll go back
to the same problems.
Cloning isn't the answer.
What they need is breeding stock.
- The Bringloidi.
- Yes.
They have energy and drive,
the clones have the emotional
maturity and technical knowledge.
They started out together.
It seems
only fitting they end up together.
It's a match made in heaven.
It will have to be
a shotgun wedding.
Captain, it's out of the question.
You're trying to dump
your problems on us.
Don't you understand?
The Bringloidi can help you.
Look at him.
How could we ever
integrate that into our society?
You're no prize yourself.
Primitive, hostile, disruptive.
It would require enormous efforts
to even educate them.
Forget it, Capt Picard.
I'm not coming, hat in hand, begging
charity from this blatherskite.
Stop! I will not allow posturing
and bigotry to destroy this meeting.
Now, please, sit down.
Now, Cmdr Riker has asked
that your laboratories be inspected
for stolen tissue samples.
I understand his concern.
We may have to transport all
your equipment to the Enterprise.
I see.
When reason fails,
you'll resort to blackmail.
Fine.
Destroy yourselves.
It's not so bad.
In 50 years, we'll have a Class-M
planet, ready for colonisation.
You see, the end is closer
than you like to think.
I don't know.
There are so many difficulties.
Look, man,
we are decent, hard-working people.
We're willing to learn.
They're so different.
It is the differences
that have made us strong.
For 300 years, we have denied
the carnal side of our nature.
How can we learn to put that aside?
Well, you put
a young couple together
.
.
and you let nature take its course.
For this to work, you'll
have to alter your society, too.
Monogamous marriage will not
be possible for several generations.
I don't quite understand.
a viable genetic base.
But the broader the base,
the healthier the society.
So it will be best if each woman,
Bringloidi and Mariposan,
had at least three children
by three different men.
I think I could handle that, yes.
God, it's so
- Frightening?
- Repugnant.
So, it's a done deal.
And here's my hand on it.
Now, let's go
and stake out my three women.
Send in the clones.
I must be out of my mind.
Starfleet will probably
agree with you.
Excuse me, sir.
Captain.
Thank you, sir.
Brenna
Brenna.
A word.
Isn't that just like a man?
Make grandiose decisions
and never consider the poor women.
Miss Odell, I
You men draw a mug and solve
your problems as the beer goes down,
but when it comes
to the practical matters,
it always falls to women
to make your dreams come true.
- Miss Odell, you wanted a new home.
- I don't know if I want to be Eve.
It's your choice.
If you wish,
we will drop you off at a starbase,
and you can go where you wish.
Leave my da?
If this is going to work,
these people will need
your strength, your guidance.
Damn.
What does he do again?
- Prime Minister.
- Sounds important.
It is.
So he might have
more than two coins to rub together.
Three husbands?
