Original subtitles

Hot chocolate, please.

We, uh, we don't ordinarily say "please"

to food dispensers around here.

Well, since it's listed as intelligent circuitry, why not?

After all, working with so much artificial intelligence

can be dehumanizing, right?

So, why not combat that tendency with a little, simple courtesy?

Ah, thank you.

For someone who just arrived

you certainly aren't shy with your opinions.

Have I been talking too much?

No.

Oh, I do tend to have a bit of a motor mouth

especially when I'm excited

and you don't know how exciting it is...

Excuse me, Lieutenant.

...to have gotten this assignment.

Everyone in class--

I mean everyone wants the Enterprise.

I mean, it would have been all right

to spend some time on Ranous Vl.

Do phase work with antimatter.

That's my specialty.

I know.

That's why you got this assignment.

I did it again.

It's just that...

I know, you're excited.

Look, Sonya...

Yes?

I don't think you want to be around these control stations

with that hot chocolate, do you?

Oh, I'm sorry.

I shouldn't even have this in engineering.

It's just we were talking.

I forgot I had it in my hand.

Um... I'm going to go finish it over here.

Lieutenant La Forge

this is not going to happen again.

Oh, no! Oh, I'm sorry.

Oh, Captain.

Actually, it's my fault, sir.

Indeed.

Oh, I wasn't looking.

It's all over you.

Yes, Ensign, it's all over me.

At least let me, sir.

Ensign, uh, Ensign...?

Oh, Ensign Sonya Gomez.

Ensign Gomez is a recent Academy graduate, Captain.

She just transferred over at Starbase 173.

Is that so?

Well, Ensign Sonya Gomez

I think it will be simpler if I simply change my uniform.

Captain, I must accept full responsibility for this.

Yes, Chief Engineer.

I think I understand.

I just want to say, sir

that I'm very excited about this assignment

and I promise to serve you and my ship...

your ship, this ship

to the best of my ability.

Yes, Ensign, I'm sure that you will.

Carry on.

Oh, my.

First impressions, right?

Isn't that what they say?

First impressions are the most important?

I'll give you this

it's a meeting the Captain won't soon forget.

Oh.

Deck 9, officers' quarters.

Crewman, what is going on?

Welcome, Picard, to Shuttlecraft 6.

Q.

There, there, haven't we been careless?

A little cleaning service I'm only too happy to provide.

We agreed you would never trouble my ship again.

I always keep my arrangements, sir.

Look...

we're nowhere near your vessel.

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.

I read your graduating thesis.

Now, I wouldn't have requested you if you weren't the best.

Where are we going?

Ten-Forward.

We're going to forget about work.

We are going to sit, talk, relax, look at the stars.

You need to learn how to slow down.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

I can't do that.

You know, you're awfully young

to be so driven.

Yes, I am.

I had to be.

I had to be the best

because only the best get to be here.

Geordi...

Lieutenant...

It's okay.

Go on.

Whatever is out here

we're going to be the first humans to see it.

And I want to be a part of that.

I want to understand it.

Sonya, relax.

You're here.

You've made it.

But you won't last long banging into walls.

It'll be there for you, believe me.

Okay.

Look, I promise I won't let anything exciting slip past

without letting you know, okay?

Okay.

Okay.

So was I on my first tour...

Bridge, this is Ten-Forward.

Guinan, I don't remember you ever calling the Bridge before.

Is everything all right?

How do you mean?

Is there anything unusual happening?

No, Guinan, nothing out of the ordinary.

Why do you ask?

I'm not sure.

It's just a feeling.

I've had it a couple of times before.

It's probably nothing.

Forget that I called.

Ten-Forward out.

The locator beam won't help.

They'll never think to look for you this far away.

Enterprise, this is Picard.

Stop this foolishness, Q.

Return me to the Enterprise.

I suggest you change your attitude.

Petulance does not become you.

We have business, Picard.

Keeping me a prisoner here

will not compel me to discuss anything with you.

It will in time.

I appreciate your advice, Lieutenant

and I'll take it to heart...

Guinan.

Can I get you something?

We're fine.

Is everything all right?

I don't know.

I, uh, think I'll go check out Engineering.

I'll go with you.

Where's the Captain?

In his quarters.

Captain, this is Counselor Troi.

Computer, locate Captain Picard.

The Captain is not on the ship.

Commander

there's a shuttle missing from Bay 2.

All stop.

Answering all stop, sir.

I've hailed the shuttle on all frequencies.

No response.

Sensors indicate no shuttle

or other ships in this sector.

I think we can assume

the Captain's aboard that shuttle.

How could he get to the shuttlebay

and leave the Enterprise without us knowing?

That's not possible.

Take it easy, Wes.

We're going to find him.

I want to begin a methodical search.

Worf

set sensors on maximum scan.

Data, use our present location as the center.

Plot a search pattern from these coordinates

to cover the most area in the least time.

Search pattern has been input, sir.

Engage, Mr. Crusher.

First Officer's Log, Stardate 42761.3.

We have not been able to determine why or how

Captain Picard left the Enterprise.

We can't even be certain he is in the missing shuttle

although that is the assumption

on which we are proceeding.

For the last six hours

we've been searching without success.

We have covered the area in a spherical pattern

which a vessel without warp drive

could traverse in the time allotted.

Widen the area.

Do we stay out here years, decades?

I'm ageless, Picard.

You are not.

The Enterprise will continue with Riker as Captain.

You are an impossibly stubborn human.

Return me to my ship!

If I return you to your ship

will you agree to give my request a full hearing?

You're right, Picard.

This is the proper venue for our discussion.

Commander, my status board indicates the shuttle

is back in Bay 2.

Computer, locate Captain Picard.

Captain Picard is in Ten-Forward.

I knew it was you.

You!

Picard, if you had half the sense you pretend to have

you'd get her off your ship immediately.

And if you'd like, l'd be more than pleased

to expedite her departure.

You know him?

We have had some dealings.

Those dealings were two centuries ago.

This creature is not what she appears to be.

She's an imp

and where she goes, trouble always follows.

You're speaking of yourself, Q, not Guinan.

Guinan?

Is that your name now?

Guinan is not the issue here-- you are.

We had an agreement that you would stop meddling with us.

And so I have.

What do you want, Q?

You state your business. Get on with it.

I agree, Captain.

Enough about this creature.

She's diverting us

from the purpose of my being here.

Which is?

Ah, the redoubtable Commander Riker

and micro-brain.

Growl for me.

Let me know you still care.

Worf.

My purpose is to join you.

To join us as what?

As a member of the crew.

Willing and able, ready to serve.

This ship is already home

for the indigent, the unwanted, the unworthy.

Why not for a homeless entity?

Homeless?

Yes.

The other members of the Q Continuum kicked you out?

Not all the Q are alike.

Some are almost respectable.

Ready and willing, able to serve.

What would you do?

Would you start as an ordinary crewman?

Hmm?

What task is too menial for an entity?

Sir, do you mock me?

Not at all, that's the last thing I would do.

You, by definition, are part of our charter.

Our mission is to seek out new and different life-forms

and you certainly qualify

as one of the most unique I've ever encountered.

To learn about you is frankly provocative

but you're next of kin to chaos.

Captain, at least allow me to present my argument.

Worf.

After our last encounter

I was asked to leave the Q Continuum.

Since then, I've been wandering vaguely.

Bored, really.

My existence without purpose.

Then I remembered all the good times I had with you.

The good times?

The first time we met you

you put us on trial for the crimes of humanity.

Of which you were exonerated.

The next time we saw you

you asked me to join the Q Continuum.

A big mistake that you didn't accept my offer.

More and more, I realize that here

here is where I want to be.

Think of the advantages.

Now, I neither expect nor require any special treatment.

And if necessary, although I can't imagine why

I will renounce my powers

and become as weak and as incompetent as all of you.

No.

No?

Oh, Captain, in fairness, let me try.

I deserve at least that much.

In fairness?

You disrupt this ship, you kidnap the Captain.

I add a little excitement, a little spice to your lives

and all you do is complain.

Where's your adventurous spirit, your imagination?

Think, Picard.

Think.

Think of the possibilities.

Simply speaking, we don't trust you.

Oh.

Well, you may not trust me, but you do need me.

You're not prepared for what awaits you.

How can we be prepared for that which we do not know?

But I do know that we are ready to encounter it.

Really?

Yes, absolutely.

That's why we're out here.

Oh, the arrogance.

They don't have a clue as to what's out here.

But they will learn, adapt.

That is their greatest advantage.

They're moving faster than expected

further than they should.

By whose calculations?

You judge yourselves

against the pitiful adversaries you've encountered so far.

The Romulans, the Klingons--

they're nothing compared to what's waiting.

Picard

you are about to move into areas of the galaxy

containing wonders more incredible

than you can possibly imagine

and terrors to freeze your soul.

I offer myself as guide

only to be rejected out of hand.

We'll just have to do the best we can without you.

What justifies that smugness?

Not smugness, not arrogance.

We are resolute, we are determined

and your help is not required.

We'll just have to see how ready you are.

Q!

Bridge, this is the Captain.

All stop.

Answering all stop, sir.

Status?

According to these coordinates

we have traveled 7,000 light-years

and are located near the system J-25.

Travel time to the nearest Starbase?

At maximum warp, in two years

7 months, 3 days, 18 hours

we would reach Starbase 185.

Why?

Why?

Why, to give you a taste of your future

a preview of things to come.

Con permiso, Capitan.

The hall is rented, the orchestra engaged.

It's now time to see if you can dance.

Guinan, your people have been in this part of the galaxy.

Yes.

What can you tell us?

Only that if I were you, I'd start back now.

Captain's Log, Stardate 42761.9.

Despite Guinan's warning, I feel compelled to investigate

this unexplored sector of the galaxy

before heading back.

Captain, the sixth planet in the system is Class-M.

There is a series of roads on this planet

which indicates a highly industrialized civilization

but where there should be cities

there are only great rips in the surface.

It is as though some great force

just scooped all the machine elements

off the face of the planet.

It is identical to what happened to the outposts

along the neutral zone.

Captain.

We are being probed.

What is the source of the probe?

A ship.

It is on an intercept course.

On screen.

Magnify.

Full scan.

Go to yellow alert.

Going to yellow alert.

Keep the shields down.

We don't want to appear provocative.

Aye, sir.

Mr. Data, what can you tell us?

The ship is strangely generalized in design.

There is no specific bridge

no command center.

There is no engineering section.

I can identify no living quarters.

Life signs?

There is no indication of life.

Lieutenant Worf

what is its alert status?

I detect no shields, no weapons of any known design.

Hailing frequencies.

Open.

This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise.

No response.

This is Captain Picard

representing the United Federation of Planets.

Guinan.

Activate your viewscreen.

I would like you to monitor what's going on up here.

We may need your input.

I'm here, Captain.

Viewscreen's activated.

I have the other ship.

You're familiar with this life-form?

Yes.

My people encountered them a century ago.

They destroyed our cities

scattered my people throughout the galaxy.

They're called the Borg.

Protect yourself, Captain, or they'll destroy you.

Shields up.

Aye, sir.

All decks stand by.

Security, report to Main Engineering.

We have an intruder.

Lieutenant?

Status?

It seemed to make a visual survey of the engine core, sir

then it moved in here.

Interesting, isn't it?

Not a he, not a she.

Not like anything you've ever seen.

An enhanced humanoid.

What is it you want?

We mean you no harm.

Do you understand me?

Understand you?

You're nothing to him.

He's not interested in your life-form.

He's just a scout, the first of many.

He's here to analyze your technology.

He may attempt to gain control of the ship.

I wouldn't let him.

Stop.

I cannot allow you to interfere with the operation of this ship.

Mr. Worf.

Ensign.

Mr. Worf

use whatever means

to neutralize the invader.

Because her people had contact with the Borg

I've requested Guinan to participate in this conference.

You are aware of what occurred just now in Main Engineering?

Yes.

What happened between your people and the Borg?

I wasn't there personally

but, from what I'm told, they swarmed through our system

and when they left

there was little or nothing left of my people.

Guinan, if they were that aggressive

why didn't the Borg attack?

They could have, but they didn't.

They don't do that individually.

That's not their way.

When they decide to come, they're going to come in force.

They don't do anything piecemeal.

Then the initial encounter was solely

for the purpose of gathering information?

Yes.

How do we reason with them

Iet them know that we're not a threat?

You don't.

At least, I've never known anyone who did.

Captain, we are being hailed.

On screen.

This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the US...

We have analyzed your defensive capabilities

as being unable to withstand us.

If you defend yourselves you will be punished.

Hmm.

Counselor?

We're not dealing with an individual mind.

They don't have a single leader.

It's the collective minds of all of them.

That would have definite advantages.

Yes, a single leader can make mistakes

which is far less likely in the combined whole.

Picard?

Whoof.

Picard, are you sure you don't want me

as a member of your crew?

Captain, the Borg

have locked on to us with some form of tractor beam.

We're on our way.

Report, Lieutenant.

That beam is draining our shields.

If they pull down our shields, we're helpless.

Warp 8, any heading.

Engage.

Captain, the beam is holding us here.

Increase the power.

Shields weakening.

Shields will be down in 18 seconds.

Locate the exact source of that tractor beam.

Lock on phasers.

Phasers locked on target.

Fire.

They still have us.

Shields are down, sir.

A type of laser beam is slicing into the saucer section.

They're carving us up like a roast.

With whatever force necessary, terminate that beam.

Fire when ready.

Again, Mr. Worf.

Tractor beam is released, sir.

Force field is maintaining our hull integrity.

Damage report?

Coming in, sir.

Sections 27, 28, 29 on decks 4, 5 and 6 destroyed.

Casualties?

18 were in that section and are missing.

What is the condition of the alien ship?

They have sustained damage to 20% of their vessel.

Life support's minimal.

Conference.

I can't get the shields up.

Divert power from anywhere you need it.

Anywhere except for life support.

No, no, it wouldn't help.

The circuits that control the shields

they've been fused.

If you can't reprogram, then re-route.

18 people...

dead just like that.

I know.

Just put it out of your head.

No, I can't, I keep seeing them.

Sonya, stop it.

We'll have time to grieve later.

Now right now, let's just get these shields operative.

Hmm?

Right, right.

Of course.

Guinan, how much more can you tell us about these creatures?

Bits and pieces.

Anything would help.

They're made up of organic and artificial life

which has been developing for thousands of centuries.

The Borg is the ultimate user.

They're unlike any threat your Federation has ever faced.

They're not interested in political conquest

wealth, or power as you know it.

They're simply interested in your ship--

its technology.

They've identified it as something they can consume.

You brought us here, you exposed us to it

and you cost us the lives of our shipmates.

Oh, please.

Number One.

18 of our people have died.

Please, tell us this is one of your illusions.

Oh no, this is as real as your so-called life gets.

This is Lieutenant La Forge, Captain.

We've been able to restore power to the shields.

Very good.

Captain, I have the casualty list coming on screen.

Cancel.

We'll deal with that later.

Sir, if we're going to have any further dealings

with the Borg, now or in the future

I think we should find out all we can about them.

Visit the ship?

In my opinion, that's the only choice.

Assemble a minimal away team.

What?!

Mr. Worf, Transporter Room 3.

Data.

I wouldn't go there if I were you.

I don't know, Guinan, they paid us a visit.

It seems only fair that we return the courtesy.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

We have been attacked without provocation

by an alien race which Guinan calls the Borg.

It appears that we have neutralized their vessel.

Commander Riker is leading an away team

in an attempt to learn more about them.

There are no life sign readings.

I've laid in coordinates that should set you down

in the least damaged section of the Borg ship.

Set phasers on stun.

Be ready to increase power in case we need it.

Energize.

I wonder why they don't react to us

or why the Enterprise didn't read any life signs

especially with this many of them.

Perhaps because this ship was being scanned

for individual life signs.

Apparently, when they are in these slots

they become part of the whole

and no longer read as separate life-forms.

Captain.

Go ahead, Number One.

Our readings were incorrect.

The Borg crew survived.

They appear to be in some kind of stasis.

Explain.

There are slots along the wall

kind of like compartments.

There are two Borg in each one.

Captain, I would theorize that the Borg

are somehow interconnected through these slots

and are working collectively.

We're going to try to access their main computer.

Commander.

I believe each slot is designed

for a specific Borg.

Here is where the connection is made.

Like a juggernaut, it could begin moving at any moment.

The technology required to achieve

this biological and artificial interface

is far beyond our capabilities.

There are many advantages.

Speed being the most obvious.

This ship literally just thinks what it wants

and then it happens.

Fascinating.

They either don't see us

or don't see us as a threat.

Transporter Chief.

O'Brien here, Captain.

If your fix on the away team wavers in the slightest

beam them back immediately.

Count on it, sir.

Captain, this is incredible.

We've entered what appears to be the Borg nursery.

Describe it.

From the look of it, the Borg are born

as a biological life-form.

It seems that almost immediately after birth

they begin artificial implants.

Apparently the Borg have developed the technology

to link artificial intelligence

directly into the humanoid brain.

Astounding.

Commander.

What is it?

The ship appears to be regenerating.

Perhaps this explains

why they have not taken notice of our presence.

Their collective effort is being directed

into repairing this vessel.

Captain.

The Borg seem to be using their combined power

to repair the ship.

Transporter Chief, beam the away team

directly to the Bridge.

Let's get the hell out of here, warp 8.

Now, Mr. Crusher, engage.

Captain, the Borg are in pursuit.

On screen.

Magnify.

Increase to ten to the third power.

It's continuing to regenerate.

Let's see if we can outrun them.

Mr. La Forge, I want maximum warp

for as long as we can hold it.

Yes, sir.

We are now passing warp 8.5.

Eight point eight.

Warp 9.

Arm the photon torpedoes.

Let's see if we can slow them down.

Torpedoes armed.

Fire.

They had no effect.

Bridge, this is Engineering.

We are now at warp 9.65.

The Borg are still gaining.

They will follow this ship until you exhaust your fuel.

They will wear down your defenses.

Then you will be theirs.

Admit it, Picard.

You're out of your league.

You should have stayed where you belonged.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

We are unable to maintain the gap

between the Enterprise and the Borg ship.

Engineering to Bridge.

Go ahead

You've got all we can give you.

I understand, Mr. La Forge.

Captain, the enemy vessel is firing on us.

There are no reports of any damage to the Enterprise.

Captain, the target was not the ship.

The weapon was designed to drain the shields.

Confirmed. Shield effectiveness

has been reduced 12%.

Captain, the Borg ship is closing.

They're firing again.

Shields have been reduced 41%.

Another hit and we will

be defenseless.

Arm the photon torpedoes.

Torpedoes armed.

Fire the photons.

The Borg ship was not damaged.

You can't outrun them. You can't destroy them.

If you damage them

the essence of what they are remains.

They regenerate and keep coming.

Eventually you will weaken.

Your reserves will be gone.

They are relentless.

The Borg ship is firing.

We have lost shields again.

Captain, we've just lost the warp engines.

Where's your stubbornness now, Picard, your arrogance?

Do you still profess to be prepared

for what awaits you?

The Borg ship re-establishing it's tractor beam.

Lock on photon torpedoes.

Yes, sir.

Without our shields, at this range

there is a high degree of probability

that a photon detonation

could destroy the Enterprise.

Prepare to fire.

I'll be leaving now.

You thought you could handle it, so handle it.

Q.

End this.

Moi?

What makes you think

I'm either inclined or capable to terminate this encounter?

If we all die here, now, you will not be able to gloat.

You wanted to frighten us.

We're frightened.

You wanted to show us that we were inadequate.

For the moment, I grant that.

You wanted me to say I need you.

I need you.

Position?

Zero seven zero mark six three, sir.

Back where we started.

That was a difficult admission.

Another man would have been humiliated to say those words.

Another man would have rather died than ask for help.

I understand what you've done here, Q.

But I think the lesson could have been learned

without the loss of 18 members of my crew.

If you can't take a little bloody nose

maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed.

It's not safe out here.

It's wondrous with treasures

to satiate desires both subtle and gross.

But it's not for the timid.

Mr. Crusher

set course for the nearest Starbase.

Course laid in for Starbase 83, sir.

Engage.