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First Officer's log,
stardate 41775.
5.
We are en route
to the ocean world of Pacifica.
While our mission is scientific,
we look forward to the blue waters
and fine beaches
that make Pacifica
a jewel of the galaxy.
So the guy staggers to his feet
and goes back to the girl.
She smiles, looks him straight
in the eye and says,
"Just try that in hyperspace!"
I see.
So the difficulty
in attaining such complex positioning
in zero gravity
and the effect it would have on a
human male's psychological wellbeing,
is what makes
this anecdote so amusing.
Yes, very humorous indeed.
Hysterical, in fact.
What is our ETA at Pacifica,
Mr.
La Forge?
- Increase to warp six.
- Aye, sir.
Full impulse.
Would anyone object
to our arriving ahead of schedule?
I know I won't.
I've been really
looking forward to a nice swim.
The holodeck can be programmed
to recreate an oceanic environment.
Data, it's just not the same.
Have you ever been
for a real moonlight swim?
One can swim in moonlight?
How about you, Mr.
Worf?
Swimming is too much like bathing.
Cmdr Riker.
- I'm receiving a Code 47.
- Verify.
It is Code 47, sir.
Starfleet emergency frequency.
Code 47.
Captain's eyes only.
Captain, I'm sorry to disturb you.
Yes, what is it?
An incoming message.
Code 47, sir.
Pipe it through.
This is an emergency communiqu�.
It is not to be discussed
with fellow officers
unless deemed absolutely necessary.
There will be no computer record
of said transmission.
Understood.
Proceed
with voiceprint identification.
Picard, Jean-Luc.
Captain, USS Enterprise.
Voiceprint verified.
Walker!
Hello.
It's been a long time.
Too long, old friend.
Why are you
contacting me on this frequency?
It was a difficult decision.
I felt it was worth the risk.
- Risk?
- It's about Starfleet.
About something
we've always considered impossible.
I don't understand.
I can't explain it now.
We need to talk face to face.
You're using a Code 47.
I have
to know what all this is about.
Not over subspace, no.
For God's sake,
this is a secured channel.
No!
I want you to meet me
on Dytallix B.
- When?
- Immediately.
- We're expected at Pacifica.
- That can wait.
You owe me.
And you owe it to
yourself to hear what I have to say.
Something is beginning.
Don't trust anyone.
Remember that, Jean-Luc.
Don't take anything for granted.
- Walker.
- Dytallix B.
We'll be waiting.
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.
Data, are you
familiar with Dytallix B?
It is an uninhabited planet,
mined for the Federation
by the Dytallix Mining Company.
It is in the nearby Mira system.
Mr.
La Forge, chart a course for it.
Warp seven.
There will be no records or logs
mentioning this diversion.
Captain, they're expecting us
at Pacifica.
- Shouldn't we let them know?
- Negative.
Nothing goes out
without specific orders from me.
Hopefully, the delay
will be minimal.
I have the read-out on Dytallix B.
What have you got?
Dytallix B is the fifth of six
planets circling the red giant, Mira.
One side always faces the sun.
Temperatures reach 180 degrees.
The mines line the temperate zone
between the day and night sides,
but they are deserted.
Why the devil
are we going to this planet?
Are there any miners
or indigenous life forms there?
The answer to both questions is no,
sir.
It is nothing
but a lifeless hunk of rock,
a useless ball of mud,
a worthless chunk
Thank you, Data, I get the idea.
Captain, we are approaching
Dytallix B.
Very good, Number One.
I'm on my way.
Captain, sensors are detecting
three Federation starships
- already in orbit around the planet.
- Identify.
Two are frigates.
The Renegade,
commanded by Tryla Scott,
and the Thomas Paine,
Capt Rixx commanding.
The third
is coming into range now, sir.
It is Ambassador-class
heavy cruiser USS Horatio.
Horatio?
Isn't that Walker Keel's ship?
Attempts at communication
have been ignored by all three.
Make no further attempts, Mr.
Worf.
Any life-form readings
on the surface?
Three, sir.
All gathered
inside what appears to be
the entrance to a mining tunnel.
Very well.
Relay those coordinates to the
transporter room.
I'm beaming down.
- Alone, Captain?
- Alone, Number One.
Thanks for coming.
This is some greeting, old friend.
Tell me, Jean-Luc
where did we first meet?
Answer the question.
Tau Ceti III.
It was a bar.
Quite an exotic one
as I remember.
What do I win?
Do you recall the night you
introduced Jack Crusher to Beverly?
You know that I hadn't met
Beverly then.
You introduced them.
- My brother introduced them.
- You don't have one.
Two sisters, Ann and Melissa.
What the hell is this about?
Apologies, Captain.
We had to be sure
you were really you.
Walker, what is going on?
Capt Picard, meet Capt Rixx.
I believe we've met.
The Altarian Conference.
And Capt Scott.
Tryla Scott.
You made Captain faster
than anyone in Starfleet history,
present company included.
Are you that good?
Yes, I am.
Starfleet's finest.
Fancy meeting you here.
We all came secretly, Picard,
to discuss the threat.
What threat?
Have you noticed anything unusual
about Starfleet Command lately?
No.
But we've been
on the outer rim for a while.
We haven't had much contact
with them.
Some of us have seen
strange patterns emerging.
Unusual orders, officials
backing irrational proposals.
Starbase 12 was completely evacuated
for two full days.
No explanation given.
And what about the deaths?
McKinney, Ryan Sipe,
Onna Karapleedeez.
- All dead?
- A series of accidents.
Or so they say.
It's hard to be certain of anything.
Interfleet communications
are at a minimum.
But something is happening.
We expect the Enterprise
to be targeted soon.
- Targeted for what? By whom?
- We're not sure yet.
Jean-Luc, some of Starfleet's
top Command people are changing.
This could affect
the core of our organization.
Officers I've known for years bluff
their way through talk of old times.
That's their weakness,
a lack of memory.
He doesn't believe us.
- He thinks we're crazy.
- You give me nothing to believe in.
Just vague talk about strange
patterns, irrational proposals.
Who's behind this,
and to what purpose?
How are people being changed?
I can't say, exactly, but I think
it's spread to my own ship.
My First Officer hasn't been the same
since we stopped off at Earth.
Our Medical Officer says he's normal,
but I don't trust him.
We know
we don't have all the answers.
All we ask
is that you keep your eyes open.
That's sound advice at any time.
Stay in touch with us covertly.
This meeting never took place
as far as Starfleet is concerned.
Please I'm asking this
as a personal favor.
I'm glad, Jean-Luc.
I'm glad you're still one of us.
Tell Beverly I said hello.
And watch your back, Picard.
Close friends
are few and far between.
Two of the oldest and closest
are Jack Crusher, may he rest
in peace, and Walker Keel.
Before various missions split us up,
we were virtually inseparable.
I trust Keel.
If he had to violate regulations,
he must have had a good reason.
But you're putting your career
at risk for him.
Friendship must dare to risk,
Counselor, or it's not friendship.
They illicitly used
the emergency channel.
Then they asked you to keep secrets
from your superiors,
effectively to disobey
Starfleet regulations.
The people involved
are of the highest caliber.
I believe in their loyalty.
Shouldn't you tell the crew?
No.
I don't want to risk
implicating them.
Not until I have solid evidence
that something really is wrong.
- Take us out of orbit, Mr.
La Forge.
- Aye, sir.
Head for Pacifica, warp eight.
Aye, sir.
We should arrive 9.
63 hours
behind the original schedule, sir.
Good.
I have an assignment
specifically suited to your talents.
Computer, this is Lt Cmdr Data.
Please access
all Starfleet Command orders
to starships, starbases
and colonies for the last six months.
Working.
Doctor.
The Horatio was seen in orbit
around Dytallix.
- Did you see Walker?
- No.
I would have loved to have seen him.
- It wasn't possible.
- Captain.
I'm picking up an unusual disturbance
in a nearby quadrant.
Confirmed, sir.
Sector 63.
Specify.
What kind of disturbance?
Hard to say at this distance, sir.
I guess the trip to Pacifica
will have to wait.
Let's investigate.
Maintain speed.
Alter course.
Aye, sir.
Changing course
to 351, mark four.
Approaching Sector 63, sir.
Slow to impulse.
Aye, sir.
Going to impulse power now.
Sensors picking up
small objects, sir.
On screen.
It doesn't look natural.
Agreed.
Enlarge and identify.
It looks like debris.
From a space vessel of some kind.
It could be a ship
that was orbiting Dytallix.
We are close to that planet.
Identifying marks, Mr.
Worf?
Nothing so far.
Sensors not
detecting any bodies in the flotsam.
But from the amount of wreckage
I'm sorry, sir.
It can only be the Horatio.
From the looks of it,
she's been totally destroyed.
Captain's personal log,
stardate 41776.
1.
The apparent death of Walker Keel
has had a powerful impact on me.
I now believe there may be a cancer
growing within the Starfleet ranks.
I've alerted my Executive Officer
to the suspicions voiced by Keel.
There's no proof.
Admiral Quinn tried to warn me
about a subversion
within the Federation.
Then Walker tried.
He's dead.
Subversion? Personally, I don't
believe this conspiracy theory.
Startling!
Quite extraordinary, in fact.
Direction unclear.
Please repeat request.
That was not a request.
I was simply
talking to myself.
A human idiosyncrasy,
triggered by a fascination
with a set of facts.
Or sometimes
brought about by senility.
Or used to weigh information
before reaching a conclusion.
Or
Thank you, sir, I comprehend.
Please specify
how you would like to proceed, sir.
Please continue with record scan.
Intriguing.
We have no facts.
We have to assume
that the explosion was an accident.
I believe what happened
on the Horatio was sabotage.
- But we can't be certain.
- Perhaps we can.
I searched for abnormal patterns
in Starfleet's directives.
I believe I have found just that.
These are outposts and starbases
where I've detected
unusual activity for a few months.
What sort of activity?
An uncustomary reshuffling of
personnel, usually in Command areas.
The new officers
have frequent contact
with the highest levels of Starfleet.
Why hasn't anyone
discovered this before?
The orders were given
with great subtlety.
Starfleet's left hand did not know
what its right hand was doing.
Can you speculate as to
the purpose of these reassignments?
I believe it is a clandestine attempt
to control vital sectors
of Federation territory.
This could be a prelude
to an invasion.
But who's behind it?
There's insufficient data
to make an assessment.
Do you suggest we warp over to HQ
and demand to know what's going on?
- Why not?
- Yes, why not?
We're talking about a threat
to the future of the Federation.
I don't think any of us can rest easy
until we've been to the source.
Captain's personal log,
supplemental.
While it is unusual for a starship
to return to Earth,
we seem to have no other choice.
I have apprised the remaining
bridge crew of our situation.
Approaching Earth.
- Standard orbit, Mr.
La Forge.
- Standard orbit, sir.
- Any word from Starfleet Command?
- Nothing so far, sir.
Strange.
Captain, I am now receiving
a message from Starfleet Command.
On screen.
Greetings, Enterprise.
I am
Admiral Savar.
This is Admiral Aaron.
And I believe
you already know Admiral Quinn.
Yes.
Good to see you again, Admiral.
And you, Captain.
We are always delighted when the
Enterprise returns to the nest.
Yet we are puzzled
by the timing of your visit.
Yes, sir,
I can imagine that you would be.
Governor Delaplane of Pacifica
says you cancelled your stop there.
- Is this true?
- Yes, sir, it is.
Explain yourself.
Why have you returned to Earth?
I would rather discuss that
in person.
Excuse us for one moment.
They seem normal enough.
On the surface.
Counselor, any thoughts?
Hard to say.
Someone is hiding something.
But I can't tell who or what.
I'm not overjoyed
to see Remmick again.
Their response
has been pretty temperate.
I don't like it.
You can't trust them.
Forgive the delay, Capt Picard.
We'd be delighted
if you and your First Officer
- would join us for dinner.
- Delighted.
It would give you an opportunity
to expatiate your own viewpoint.
To elaborate upon
what is troubling you.
Thank you.
We accept your gracious offer.
Excellent.
Preparations are already under way.
We'll greet you in the reception
area in, say, 20 minutes?
Splendid.
I won't be able to attend dinner,
I'm afraid.
But I'd like to see the ship
and say hello again.
Of course.
We look forward
to seeing you.
Enterprise out.
Quinn wants to see us alone.
At least we know
he's still on our side.
- Mr.
Data, you have the bridge.
- Aye, sir.
Are you ready to beam up
to the Enterprise, sir?
Yes, Commander, quite ready.
Energize, Mr.
Remmick.
- Welcome aboard, Greg.
- Good to see you.
- You remember Cmdr Riker.
- Hello again.
- You're looking remarkably well.
- Never felt better in my life.
When you were here last,
you were saying you felt tired.
Tired of life I was,
but not any more.
I'm ready for new challenges now.
What about another look at this ship?
Remember what you told me
at Relva VII,
about the threat
that you perceived to the Federation?
- Is that why you're here?
- One of the reasons, yes.
But, Jean-Luc,
you took me far too literally.
I was only referring to the problems
in assimilating new races
into the Federation.
It's an ongoing, tumultuous process,
which can cause stress and strain
on every aspect of our alliance.
I'm sorry, I must have misunderstood.
Don't apologize.
If I misled you,
I humbly ask your forgiveness.
- Of course.
- Now, you have a dinner to attend.
I would like to freshen up
before I look around.
- We've arranged your usual rooms.
- That's outstanding.
I should be getting down
to the planet.
Riker will be available here
to show you anything you want to see.
- It's really not necessary.
- I insist.
When you've finished
showing the Admiral around,
- you can join me down on Earth.
- I may want to stay awhile.
Of course.
Stay as long as you wish.
No.
It's not Gregory Quinn.
It may look
like him, but it isn't him.
- Are you absolutely certain?
- I'm certain.
I want you to stay close.
Keep your eye on his every move.
Have Beverly concoct some reason
for giving him a full medical exam.
- How?
- I don't know, just do it.
- He's a senior admiral.
- It's not him.
I know that now.
I have to find out how this happened,
and who or what is behind it.
- If you're right
- I'm right.
Should you be beaming down alone,
unarmed?
I'll take care.
Find out what you can,
then join me, in force if necessary.
Energize.
Good luck, sir.
Welcome home, Capt Picard.
Thank you.
My First Officer
will join us shortly.
Yes, I'm sure he will.
You've met Cmdr Remmick.
Under less-than-ideal circumstances.
It's nice to see you again.
We have prepared a special meal
in your honor.
Delightful.
Why is the corridor so quiet?
The last time I was here,
it was bustling.
It usually is.
Tonight's a quiet night.
Yes a quiet night.
Ready for your tour, Admiral?
- Quite ready, Commander.
- What's in the case?
Actually,
I brought it for Dr Crusher.
Perhaps you would like
to see it first?
- What is it?
- A form of life.
It was discovered accidentally
by surveyors on an uncharted planet.
We haven't heard about that.
You will, but there is
much scientific study to be done.
After all,
it is a superior form of life.
- Superior?
- Totally.
- Come, have a look.
- I'll summon my Science Officer.
It won't like your Science Officer.
It does like you!
Vitamins.
They do wonders for the body.
Riker to Security,
guest quarters 17.
Emergency!
Let's have some Andonian tea
while we wait for Riker.
Then you can tell us
what's brought you here.
I see you keep up
with our duty roster.
Yes, of course.
The Enterprise
is very important to us.
Excuse me, gentlemen.
To the Horatio, gentlemen.
What an awful tragedy.
Such a terrible loss of life.
Interestingly, the Horatio is one
of the subjects I wanted to discuss.
Really?
Has the cause of her destruction
been ascertained?
Absolutely.
Implosion.
Due to the extreme negligence
of her Captain.
Enjoy, Picard.
I believe
you'll find it an excellent aperitif.
It's good you're here.
He slipped and hit his head.
Lt La Forge in guest quarters 17.
We have a medical emergency.
Dr Crusher is most capable.
He'll be alright.
If you'll excuse me,
my time here is most limited.
Admiral.
Wait till the Doctor gets here.
Now, Klingon,
it's between you and me.
Do Klingons fear death
as much as humans?
I could snap your neck in a second,
but it wouldn't be as much fun.
- Are you alright?
- If I could see, I'd see stars.
What is he?
Let's find out.
Retinal scans are an exact match.
It really is Quinn.
How can that be?
He picked me up like a rag doll.
I'll have to do
a complete internal scan.
Keep me posted.
I'll be on the bridge.
What is that?!
What do you know of conspiracies?
- Not nearly enough.
- That's their charm.
When a machination is real,
no one knows about it.
And when it's suspected,
it's almost never real.
Except in paranoid delusions
for those who believe.
Sorry to interrupt.
Dinner is served.
Wonderful.
This banter
has given me an appetite.
I need to contact my ship to let
Riker know we're about to sit down.
Of course.
We'll wait for you at the table.
- Picard to Riker.
- Dr Crusher here.
May I speak freely?
I have little choice.
Where's Riker?
He was attacked by Quinn,
or what we thought was Quinn.
Specify, Doctor.
A parasitic being
has invaded Quinn's body.
It has complete control
over all brain functions.
It seems to breathe
through a small gill
protruding from Quinn's neck.
Look for this, Captain.
I believe it will be visible
on anyone who has been compromised.
Any idea what it is
or where it came from?
Negative.
I've never seen
anything like it.
Lt Worf,
if the situation is under control,
- please report to the bridge.
- Doctor?
It's OK.
He won't be waking up
for a long time.
- Continue, Doctor.
- By the placement of the tendrils,
the parasite appears to stimulate
the victim's adrenal glands,
generating great strength
and resistance
Ignore the details.
Can you remove it?
I don't think so.
Not without killing the patient.
You must set your phaser on kill.
Stun has little effect.
Doctor, one does not beam down
to Starfleet Headquarters armed.
Your food is getting cold.
I'm going in to dinner now, Doctor.
Tell Cmdr Riker to join me
as soon as he's ready.
Picard out.
Please, sit down.
We've been waiting.
Go ahead and start.
We don't stand on ceremony here.
Do eat up, Picard!
Raise your hand if you want seconds.
Riker! Thank God!
We're leaving.
You're not going anywhere.
You'll be one of us soon.
You were meant for the Doctor.
It couldn't be helped.
Riker walked in on us unexpectedly.
No matter.
The Doctor will be joining us soon.
All in good time.
Well Capt Scott, good.
Now, the setting is complete.
You don't think we were in the dark
about your intentions?
Patience is one
of our virtues, Captain.
We didn't go after you,
we allowed you to come after us.
More dramatic that way,
don't you think?
Yes, the one thing both races share
is a love of theatre.
And you've put on a fine show.
What race are you?
Where are you from?
It's not important.
Let us just say
we've come a long way to join you.
It's a perfect match.
We're the brains, you're the brawn.
You'll understand soon.
Indeed.
We've been moving
cautiously for many months now,
careful to cover our tracks,
careful not to arouse suspicion,
until it's too late.
Now, it's too late.
For you, that is.
Well said, brother.
Picard and Riker
control the Enterprise,
which means
we control the Enterprise.
Eat hearty, brother.
Relish your new body.
Aaron!
Can I help you, gentlemen?
Is there any trouble here?
Perhaps if you tell me what it is.
Remmick.
No, Will.
You don't understand.
We mean you no harm.
We seek peaceful coexistence!
Captain's log, stardate 41780.
2.
How difficult after years
of learning to respect life
to be forced to destroy it.
But there seems
to be no alternative.
Quinn is expected to recover fully.
There is no trace of the parasite
which took control of him.
We'll never know how many of these
life forms infiltrated Starfleet,
but it seems they could not survive
without the mother creature
which had taken over Cmdr Remmick.
It was Dr Crusher's idea
to simulate the gill.
It had to fool everyone,
including you.
That it did, rest assured.
Captain, I have attempted to trace
the message Remmick was sending.
I believe it was aimed at
an unexplored sector of our galaxy.
Any idea what the message was?
- I believe it was a beacon.
- A beacon?
Yes, sir.
A homing beacon sent from Earth.
