Original subtitles

Captain's Log, Stardate 42923.4.

Despite misgivings

I have agreed to Starfleet's request

that the Enterprise divert to the Braslota system

to take part in a war game exercise.

Joining us as observer and mediator

is the Zakdorn master strategist, Sirna Kolrami.

Mr. Kolrami.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Welcome aboard.

Captain, I bring you greetings from those at Starfleet Command.

Would you care to be shown to your quarters?

I require little rest, Captain.

I prefer that we commence with our mission.

Despite their reputations, this Zakdorn

does not appear to be a very formidable warrior.

In the game of military brinksmanship

individual physical prowess is less important

than the perception of a species as a whole.

For over nine millennia

potential foes have regarded the Zakdorns

as having the greatest innately strategic minds in the galaxy.

So no one is willing to test that perception in combat.

Exactly.

Then the reputation means nothing.

The Braslota system.

In orbit around the second planet

is the 80-year-old Starcruiser Hathaway.

He is still your first choice?

Commander Riker will captain the Hathaway.

You will have 48 hours to ready your vessel

before the Enterprise attacks.

And we'll experience actual battle conditions?

Correct.

Engineering will disconnect the Enterprise's weapons

and link the system with a modified laser pulse beam.

All hits will be recorded electronically.

If the computer registers damage, it will act accordingly

shutting down the affected areas

for the appropriate repair time.

Additional questions?

Captain Picard, it is my understanding

that you initially resisted

Starfleet's request for this simulation.

Yes.

May I know why?

Starfleet is not a military organization.

Its purpose is exploration.

Then why am I here?

With the Borg threat

I decided that my officers and l needed...

to hone our tactical skills.

In a crisis situation

it is prudent to have several options.

Ah.

I prefer brains over brawn, as well.

I think it's a waste of effort to test our combat skills.

It's a minor province in the makeup of a starship captain.

Your objection is noted.

Let us hope that your distaste for the exercise

will not affect your strategic abilities.

Mr. Kolrami, when I agree to do something, I do it.

Would you care to surrender now, Captain?

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.

Well, Number One, you are allowed a complement of 40

so select whom you will.

Save, of course, Mr. Data

who will serve as my First Officer

during your absence.

I had envisioned you defining the crew.

On my ship, the leader of an away team

has total control of the mission.

If you want to judge leadership, why not start at the beginning?

Very well

Captain.

Hmm.

Oh, my.

What a charmer.

Doctor.

Captain, he needs an attitude adjustment.

The Zakdornian culture is replete

with self-assuredness and confidence.

Seldom is it undeserved.

For example, Kolrami is a third-level grand master

at the game of strategema.

Another millimeter.

That's it.

A little more.

There.

That's excellent.

Lieutenant.

Yes, Commander.

You've heard about the simulation aboard the Hathaway?

Oh, yes, sir, and the best of luck to you.

I've researched those old Avidyne engines.

They're archaic by our standards, very touchy.

Anticipating the worst

do you think they can be whipped into shape in 48 hours?

I've already taken the liberty

of putting together a few necessities.

Enter!

Am I disturbing you?

Just finished.

You know of the simulation, what do you think?

Waste of time.

It's just designed to be an exercise.

Useless.

If there is nothing to lose, no sacrifice

then there is nothing to gain.

You mean besides pride.

Well, in this case, it doesn't matter.

I probably haven't got a chance.

There is always a chance.

Slim.

The Hathaway's most sophisticated weapons system--

even in a computer mock-up--

can't hope to defeat the Enterprise.

Well, still...

You're outmanned, you're outgunned, you're outequipped.

What else have you got?

Guile.

Join me.

The honor is to serve.

Begin long-range scanning of all sectors

within three light-years of Braslota.

How's your crew shaping up?

It's complete, but I would like to request an addition.

Anyone in particular?

With your permission

I would like acting Ensign Crusher on board

for educational observation.

Thank you, Captain.

It appears we'll have some time before reaching Braslota.

I was wondering if you'd agree

to play me in a game of strategema.

Although I'm intrigued by the audacity of your request

I can't fathom why you would wish the encounter.

I enjoy a challenge.

Very well.

An opponent of limited dimensions

can often be quite diverting.

Thank you.

So you're going to beat him, huh?

No.

Well, then it's going to be a close one?

Nope.

But you have got a chance?

Nah.

Are you even going to bother to show up?

Sure, Kolrami is the best ever at strategema.

Just to get to play him is a privilege.

So, aside from your being privileged

is there anything else I can look forward to?

Nope.

This is going to be exciting.

Against an opponent of approximate skill

strategema can last well over 1,000 moves.

I wouldn't bet

on us being here that long.

I have wagered heavily in the ship's pool

that you will take him past the sixth plateau.

And if I don't?

I will be... irritated.

Forever curious, this urge to compete.

It's a human response.

That inborn craving

to gauge your capabilities through conflict.

Doctor, there are other ways

to challenge oneself.

Perhaps, but they all lack a certain thrill.

Data, humans sometimes find it helpful

to have an outsider set the standard

by which they're judged.

To avoid deceiving oneself.

Maybe you should challenge Kolrami to strategema.

Why, Doctor?

Because, when someone is that smug

you occasionally have to deflate them, just a little.

Yeah, Data.

I'd like to see your neural flecks

tear him down a peg.

To what end?

Computer

actuation positions for strategema.

Ready?

Begin.

Come on, Commander.

Come on now.

You can do it.

You can get him.

Come on, Commander, come on.

You got him, you got him.

Watch him now.

Hmm.

That's it?

I'm afraid so.

But you only made 23 moves.

Yes.

Congratulations.

Hmm, hmm-hmm.

Commander Riker, there's your next challenge.

Away team assembled and ready to transport, Commander.

I may get over there and want to come right home.

Good luck, Number One...

Captain.

The simulation will commence in 48 hours.

There should be some emergency bridge lighting here.

Not good.

Ah, you're wrong, Mr. Worf.

It's fantastic.

And it's ours.

Mr. Worf.

Sir, Lieutenant La Forge is a superior officer.

The honor should be his.

Worf, this is a battle simulation.

You're my tactical officer.

Discussed this with Geordi, and we agreed.

I need you by my side.

Besides, Worf, if Engineering

is anything like the Bridge

I'm going to have my hands full.

Attention crew of the USS Hathaway.

This is your Captain.

Over the next two days, you might lose a lot of sleep

but with your skill and your stamina

we'll have this old lady ready to fly.

I want hourly progress reports from all stations.

Riker out.

Nice job, Geordi.

Now what are the possibilities of warp drive?

Hmm... not good.

There are only a few dilithium fragments left

in the holding clamps.

Even if we had crystals that were intact

there's no antimatter to fuel the drive.

Any recommendations?

No, sir.

We haven't got a prayer.

Would you like to transfer

back to the Enterprise, Mr. Crusher?

No, sir.

Wes, remember our purpose is to improvise.

It's the effort that counts.

Open.

I believe the rules are understood by all.

Weapons conversion, Lieutenant Burke?

Complete, Captain.

Signal received.

Locked on.

She's really been stripped down, Captain.

The only offensive systems you'll need

will be simulated by computer.

What's the Zakdornian word for mismatch?

Challenge.

We do not whine about the inequities of life.

And how you perform in a mismatch

is precisely what is of interest to Starfleet.

After all, when one is in the superior position

one is expected to win.

Screen off.

You have the Bridge, Mr. Data.

Aye, sir.

Lieutenant Commander Data, I'm intrigued by your challenge.

Dr. Pulaski informed me of your desire

to play a game of strategema.

But I expressed no such interest.

What Commander Data means

is that he would never have asked you himself.

But I know that he's very interested

in pitting his skill against yours.

Play against a machine. Hmm.

Why should I wish to?

I don't blame you.

It's no fun going into a game

when you know you're going to lose.

But I wouldn't lose.

Now you're no doubt going to tell me

that I have to prove it to you.

Come on, Data, you can't let that pass.

Indeed, l...

Cannot.

Then you will play for the honor of your ship.

Hmm, hmm-hmm.

The honor of the ship?

It's your reputation that's on the line.

With my knowledge

of the Enterprise's security override

we may be able to convince the sensors

that an enemy ship is approaching.

Their instruments would... Iie to them.

If you can pull that off, Mr. Worf

you might give us the edge we're looking for.

But what about the viewscreen?

If I am successful, the computer will project

a false image of the enemy ship on the main viewscreen.

So unless someone runs to a window and looks out...

They're going to fall for it.

The lining's still smooth.

We should be able to do something

with these dilithium fragments we scavenged.

Sure, the system's functional

but, without antimatter, what difference does it make?

Geordi, I have to return to the Enterprise.

Wes, we've only got 32 hours.

This is important.

And this isn't?

Attempt the routing bypass here.

If it works, they will be surprised.

Where I'm I going to get the opti-cable?

Anywhere.

Captain.

I left an experiment running back on the Enterprise.

May I go back and shut it down?

It's that important?

Well, it has to be monitored.

And it is my final grade in plasma physics.

Message from the Hathaway, sir.

On screen.

Request permission

for Ensign Crusher to reboard the Enterprise.

Why?

Apparently, he was so anxious to join the away team

he left a very critical experiment unattended.

Do you have any objection?

He should be escorted and have no contact

with anything save his research.

Permission granted.

Mr. Burke, will you handle that?

Aye, sir.

I saw no sense in Riker choosing him anyway.

He's just a noncommissioned child.

I can't believe I forgot about this.

It's a good lesson not to let excitement cloud your judgment.

Yeah.

This is very delicate.

I spent six weeks setting this up.

That's a lot of work.

Oh, no. This is ruined.

That's too bad.

Look, uh, is this going to take much longer?

I'm going to have to dispose of this safely.

This is very volatile.

I'll beam it off the Enterprise and leave it particalized.

That's fine. Let's just do it.

All right, I'll transfer the coordinates

to the Transporter Room.

In the present context

what did she mean by "bust him up"?

In her own way

Dr. Pulaski was instructing you to take

the shortest route to victory.

As opposed to what?

Ready?

Begin.

Good, good.

Oh, look at them.

Good, Data.

Oh...

Harder, harder.

Look.

Watch it, watch it.

One more, one more.

There.

Come on.

I can't believe it.

A computer beaten by flesh and blood?

You advanced quite far against such a worthy opponent.

Thoroughly enjoyable, Mr. Data.

I'm at your disposal for a rematch.

Thank you, but what would be the point?

Hmm, hmm-hmm.

How can you lose?

You're supposed to be infallible.

Obviously, I am not.

Ensign, where is Commander Data?

He has temporarily removed himself from Bridge duty, sir.

Your crew is excellently trained, Captain.

A tribute to your leadership.

Although I doubt their extensive preparation

will be needed.

Why is that?

I do not expect "Captain" Riker

will present much of a challenge.

Mr. Kolrami, may I speak with you in private?

I would like to know the root of your prejudice

for my First Officer.

Oh, Captain, I don't...

Mr. Kolrami, you have been nothing

but denigrating and abusive of Commander Riker

since coming aboard this ship.

Now, I would like some explanation.

Having studied William Riker's file

prior to this assignment

I have found him... wanting.

In what regard?

His work record is exemplary.

But, as you know

a Starship Captain is not manufactured.

He or she is born from-from inside

from the character of the individual.

My interviews have revealed a man

who displays circumstantially inappropriate joviality

belying the seriousness of his station.

Don't confuse style with intent.

Only a fool would question

Commander Riker's dedication to Starfleet

and the men and women under his command.

He is simply the finest officer with whom I have ever served.

We shall see if your faith is well-founded.

The test is whether the crew will follow

where Commander Riker leads.

His...

His joviality is the means

by which he creates that loyalty.

And I will match his command style

with your statistics anytime.

Hmm.

Come in, please.

Data.

Counselor

is something the matter?

That was going to be my question.

With my repository of knowledge

I expected to perform better against a humanoid life-form.

You know, some of our greatest advances

have come from analyzing failure.

While it can be ego-bruising...

But, Counselor

I do not have an ego.

Yes.

Well, um... a loss can be disheartening...

But, Counselor, I do not have a...

Data.

You can handle defeat in two ways.

You can lose confidence

or you can learn from your mistakes.

That is what troubles me.

I made no mistakes.

I have conducted a diagnostic check

of all of my programs.

I'm now cross-checking with the ship's computer.

Is that all necessary?

I believe so.

I have proven to be vulnerable.

At the present time, my deductions should be treated

with skepticism.

So, that's why you haven't been on the Bridge.

Yes.

The Captain would be ill-advised to rely upon my judgment.

I think you're overreacting.

I'm sure you're all right.

I, however, am not sure.

Easy now.

Is that it?

Yeah.

Good work.

All right.

Hand me that connector on the kit.

What is that?

My experiment from the Enterprise.

Wes.

It deals with high-energy plasma reactions

with antimatter.

You went back to the Enterprise for that?

Wes, you cheated.

No, sir.

You told me to improvise.

The hard part

is going to be calibrating the thermal curve

necessary to start a controlled reaction.

Assuming you can, can you regulate the reaction?

There's just enough crystal

Ieft to do it.

We plan to channel the reaction through the chips.

Are we good?

You're better than good.

Great, brilliant.

It's going to be fun.

Carry on.

Come in, please.

All right, Data, enough of this.

Doctor?

How long are you going to sit sulking

Iike Achilles in his tent?

I'm conducting diagnostic...

You may be able to sell Troi that story

but not me.

Now, you're smarting because you were beaten.

Well, it happens.

No, Doctor, this is not about ego.

I am concerned about giving the Captain unsound advice.

I wish I had never maneuvered you into playing that game.

I'm sorry.

Why, Doctor?

It is done, and perhaps just as well.

This has indicated that I am damaged in some fashion.

I must find the malfunction.

The simulation begins in one hour.

You'll have warp drive, Captain

though it may not be what you expected.

I think that deserves some kind of explanation.

We'll have warp 1 for about...

Just under two seconds.

That's not long enough or an escape

but, used as a surprise

it may give a strategic advantage.

Sir, all of this is theoretical.

And if your theory fails to pay off?

Have you ever driven a Grenthemen water hopper?

Sure.

Ever popped the clutch?

You're saying we're going to stall the Hathaway?

And the Enterprise will waltz right over

and pulverize us.

Now, let me try to understand.

You're saying that Commander Data

is suffering from a profound loss of confidence

and that you believe

that only I can restore the balance?

Yes, sir.

Both Deanna and I have tried

but we're not getting through to him.

Don't you think you both might be overreacting?

Data is not capable of the emotions

which you're assigning him.

The effects are the same

whether they're caused by human emotions

or android algorithms.

Data's not on the Bridge, and I don't think

Data's going to be on the Bridge

until we find some way to address his problem.

I'm less than one hour away from a battle simulation

and I have to handhold an android.

The burdens of command.

Come in, please.

Commander, I require your presence on the Bridge.

Captain, with all due respect

perhaps it would be better if you choose another

to serve as your First Officer.

Data, you are my First Officer.

I have not been able to isolate the problem, sir.

I might make a mistake.

Yes, you might

but that does not alter your duty to me and to this ship.

Now, do you know how to formulate a premise?

Yes, sir.

Then formulate this one.

How do I deal with Commander Riker and the Hathaway?

I will await your answer on the Bridge.

And, Commander...

it is possible to commit no mistakes

and still lose.

That is not a weakness.

That is life.

I believe I understand, sir.

And, Data, will you leave your hesitation and self-doubt

here in your quarters.

I have several examples

of Commander Riker's battle technique.

At the Academy, he calculated a sensory blind spot

on a Tholian vessel and hid within it

during a battle simulation.

And, as a Lieutenant aboard the Potemkin

his solution to a crisis was to shut down all power

and hang over a planet's magnetic poles

thus confusing his opponent's sensors.

And from these specifics

what general conclusion can you extrapolate?

Only 21% of the time does he rely on traditional tactics

so the Captain must be prepared for unusual cunning.

Counselor, Commander Riker will assume

we have made this analysis

and knowing that we know his methods

he will alter them.

But knowing that he knows that we know that he knows

he might choose to return to his usual pattern.

Wait, wait, you're overanalyzing, Data.

One cannot deny human nature.

What kind of a man is Commander Riker?

A fighter?

Yes.

The weaker his position

the more aggressive will be his posture.

And he won't give up.

Then, despite whatever options he is given

he must be...

The man that he is. Exactly.

Is that a failing in humans?

You'll have to decide that for yourself.

On screen.

The hunt begins, Number One.

We're ready.

Just remember, Enterprise

Captain Riker's never lost.

Begin now.

Screen off.

Set course 2-2-3 mark 3-5-7, full impulse power.

Initiate Kumeh maneuver.

Kumeh maneuver?

Why would they start out with such a recognizable ploy?

He's teasing.

He wants us to reveal our tactics on his terms.

Mr. Worf?

Counter with the Talupian maneuver

on instrument sighting.

Agreed.

Three-quarter impulse, full on my command.

Ensign Nagel, maximum shields.

Mr. Worf, prepare your little surprise.

Aye, sir.

Set course 3-1 -7 mark 7-3.

Present minimal aspect.

Ready warp one.

Optimal spread on simulated torpedoes.

Captain

Romulan warship approaching fast from astern.

What the...

He came out of nowhere, sir.

Bring us about, Ensign. Maximum shields.

Full weapon systems.

Disengage...

Lock on, open a hailing frequency.

I can't, sir. There's nothing there.

Warp 3, evasive.

Stand by.

Disengage weapons and shields.

Reengage modified beam.

He's quite good.

He's the best.

Computer reports simulated damage

to several aft decks, sir.

Repair time 3.6 Days.

How did he do that?

Mr. Worf must have overridden the sensor codes

played some holographic games.

Mr. Data, input a new code.

Attack posture, circumvental attitude.

Prepare beams for photon mode.

Bye-bye, Hathaway.

Computers report heavy damage to the Enterprise.

They're moving off, sir.

Why not go after them?

Because they're not through coming after us.

Wesley, Geordi, prepare to warp jump.

There are no guarantees here, sir.

There never are, Lieutenant.

I'm going to trust your expertise.

Secure your stations.

Stand by for my signal.

Ready the photon torpedoes.

Captain, sensors picking up a Ferengi warship

closing at warp 5.

Did you input that new code?

Aye, sir.

Mr. Worf, I didn't give you enough credit.

Continue the simulation.

Divert all power to shields.

Sever modified beams.

Stay between the Ferengi and the Hathaway.

Engage phasers and target.

Fire when ready.

That's no ghost attacking the Enterprise.

That's real.

We must assist, sir.

With what?

We have no offensive weapons.

Where are my weapons?

Unavailable, sir.

We cannot disengage the modified beams.

The connections have been fused.

We must retreat.

Unacceptable.

The Ferengi have broken off their attack.

Drop shields, transport the away team aboard.

Transporter functions gone, sir.

Shields reduced to 1/5 intensity.

Use their moment of indecision to escape.

I have 40 crew members onboard the Hathaway...

Who should be sacrificed to save a thousand.

Acceptable tactical losses, considering the circumstances.

Not to me.

Notify Starfleet, priority.

Hail the Ferengi on my command.

Formulate alternatives.

As the Starfleet observer, I am ordering you to withdraw.

I am the Captain of this vessel.

Your order is nullified.

Ferengi on main viewscreen.

I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard

of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise.

Why have you attacked my vessel?

Why was your ship combative

with another Federation vessel of lesser design?

Why do you now protect your former target?

What is its value to you?

Our probes indicate you were aware

of our approach, yet took no action.

Your answers will dictate our response.

We have refrained from launching a counterattack

in the hope that this can be resolved peacefully.

Our probes indicate that you are crippled

and the ship you protect has no weaponry

no light-speed drive and only a scarce crew.

This makes no sense to us.

Unless it contains something very valuable.

I am Bractor

Leader of the Ferengi attack vessel Kreechta.

I will have the secret of the other Federation ship.

Surrender it to me

and I will allow your Enterprise to leave unharmed.

You have ten of your minutes.

Sir, they're massing a surge of power.

We're being scanned.

They've locked on.

Data?

Our shields will not withstand another assault, sir.

Then there are no options.

Retreat...

or die.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

Due to a miscalculation on my part

the Enterprise has been subjected

to a surprise attack by the Ferengi.

I find myself with little time to decide the fate

of 40 of my crew stranded aboard the derelict Hathaway.

I am open to suggestions.

Captain, we are now capable of launching

a limited number of photon torpedoes.

I've already given you my advice, Captain.

The Hathaway is expendable.

Commander Riker is hailing, sir.

On screen.

Number One, have you been monitoring communications?

Yes, sir. Kolrami's right.

You've got to save the Enterprise.

That would leave you defenseless.

When Bractor closes in, we'll hit our warp drive.

Take our chances.

Your what?

We have a limited two-second warp capability.

Impossible.

That ship was rendered warp inactive.

I told you he was the best.

I'd like to hear more about this, Number One, later.

Right now, I have to work something out with Mr. Data.

Premise-- the Ferengi wish to capture the Hathaway

believing it to be of value.

Therefore, we must remove the ship

from their field of interest.

And they will soon relocate it after a two second warp...

There is a way.

Number One, can you hear this?

Yes, sir, we're all here.

Waiting for you to pull another rabbit out of your hat.

Mr. Data?

On the Captain's command

we will fire four photon torpedoes

directly at the Hathaway.

One millisecond after its detonation

the computer will trigger your warp jump.

I think I hate this plan.

Data, we're not even sure our warp jump will work.

If the warp engines fail to function

the result could be... unfortunate.

Very unfortunate.

We will be dead.

Captain Riker

I cannot order you to do this.

What the hell, nobody said life was safe.

The advantage is that it will appear

from the Kreechta's perspective as though...

as though you were destroyed in the explosion.

That will deceive them only for a few minutes.

Their sensors will soon locate us.

We'll only need a few minutes, Mr. Worf

because you're going to prepare another surprise for them.

Then we're agreed.

On my mark, four minutes.

Remember, Geordi...

if the implementation is off by one millisecond

the Hathawaywill not survive.

Data, that's the one part of this plan

that we're all absolutely sure about.

Are we ready, Number One?

-Ready, Captain. -Ready, Captain.

Good luck to both of you.

Bractor.

I will wait no longer, Picard.

You needn't.

The answer is no.

Your actions have been wholly criminal.

You will not profit by them.

You are a fool.

How can you stop us?

You believe the Hathaway has value?

We deny you your prize.

Fire.

Destroy your own rather than suffer

the ignominy of defeat and capture?

I did not think the Federation had such iron.

You had no claim on that vessel.

It was ours to destroy.

As you are ours to destroy.

You can try.

Enterprise targeted, Leader.

Leader, there is another Federation ship closing.

A starship.

Maximum shields.

We have been outmaneuvered.

Retreat.

Captain, our sensors show no Federation starship nearby.

Of course not, Mr. Burke.

That was Klingon guile.

You made it, Number One.

Smooth ride?

Well, it certainly was different.

We'll lock on and pick you up.

With pleasure, Captain.

Uh... I must admit, your Commander Riker

acquitted himself quite admirably.

And so, Captain

have you.

My report to Starfleet will be most favorable.

Thank you.

Hmm, hmm-hmm.

Initiate recovery procedures.

Continue repairs.

Plot a course for the nearest Starbase.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

With the transporter repaired and my crew safely back aboard

we have officially ended

our first Starfleet battle simulation.

Come on, come on.

Don't lose it. Don't lose it.

Come on. You've got him.

Come on, Data. Come on, Data.

Come on, Data. Come on.

Why have you suspended the game?

Because this

is not a rematch.

You have made a mockery of me.

Data, you beat him.

No, sir, it is a stalemate.

No game of strategema has ever gone this high.

What did you do?

I simply altered my premise for playing the game.

Explain.

Working under the assumption

that Kolrami was attempting to win

it is reasonable to assume

that he expected me to play for the same goal.

You didn't.

No, I was playing for a standoff.

A draw.

While Kolrami was dedicated to winning

I was able to pass up obvious avenues of advancement

and settle for a balance.

Theoretically, I should be able to challenge him indefinitely.

Then you have beaten him.

It is a matter of perspective, Doctor.

In the strictest sense, I did not win.

-Data. -Data.

I busted him up.