Original subtitles

Etana?

I know you're back there.

Don't make me come after you.

Oh!

Give me that.

You don't need that.

Yes, I do.

I need that communicator.

Ha-ha-ha.

Oh! Oh!

Commander Riker to Enterprise.

I have a terrible problem

down here on Risa.

Give me that.

Go get it.

I don't believe you did that.

Believe it.

Mmm.

What is this?

It's a game.

Everyone here's playing it.

It's fun.

Do I keep my eyes open or closed?

Open.

What am I seeing?

The playing field.

Now what?

You see the disk and the cone?

Yeah.

Concentrate.

Make the disk go into the cone.

How do I do that?

Just let go.

Relax. You'll do it.

Oh...

What was that?

Your reward

for clearing the first level.

How far does this game go?

As far as you can take it.

Would you like to go for level two?

Hmm?

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 45208.2.

Commander Riker has rejoined the Enterprise from Risa

and we're on our way to an uncharted area

called the Phoenix Cluster.

We're all anticipating

this historic first look at the region.

It's starting to get busy around here.

Five new science teams just beamed in from the Zhukov.

The quarters are filling up fast.

On top of everything, there's been a change.

We've been given only two weeks to complete the exploration.

Two weeks?

That's not enough time to explore a region that size.

I thought we had five weeks.

Commander, Starfleet has added

a diplomatic mission to Oceanus IV.

Will, I'm leaving it up to you

to make sure that all the science departments

have an equal chance of completing their research.

It'll be quite a juggling act.

Oh, and one piece of good news...

we're to rendezvous with a shuttle

carrying Wesley Crusher.

He's on vacation from the Academy.

Wesley, good.

We'll need an extra hand around here.

Geordi, how you coming with the survey preparations?

I'm up to my neck

in observation schedules right now.

Our biggest hurdle is sensor availability.

Yeah. Especially since two new exobiologists

and three stellar cartographers

have joined us from the Zhukov.

15 science teams, only two weeks

and one long-range array

doesn't make for a great combination.

What about the lateral sensors?

They're booked solid for planetary observation.

And the gamma ray scanner?

We're reprogramming them now.

Lefler, a moment of your time, please.

You know Robin Lefler.

Of course.

Well, her work around here has been so sensational

I've decided to make her a mission specialist.

Congratulations.

Thank you, sir.

All right, specialist...

what is our sensor status?

We're increasing the available bandwidth

so more science teams can use the sensors at once.

We figured out a way to do it by multiplexing the array.

Can we have that done before we arrive?

Yes, sir, you can count on it.

Keep it up, Lefler.

Geordi, I brought something back from Risa

that you have got to try.

I'd love to, but I'm running

a full sensor recalibration in about ten minutes.

Can it wait?

Of course. I'll catch up with you later.

Mm-hmm.

Chocolate ice cream

chocolate fudge and chocolate chips.

You're not depressed, are you?

I'm fine, Commander.

Would you like me to leave you two alone?

No. You can join us.

No, thanks.

I don't like fudge.

Really? I never met a chocolate I didn't like.

Doesn't it taste good?

Of course it does

but... it's not just a matter of taste.

It's the whole experience.

First of all, you have to spoon the fudge

around the rim

leaving only the ice cream in the middle.

Then you gently spoon the ice cream around the sides

like you're sculpting it.

Relish every bite.

Make every one an event

and then, with the last spoonful

close your eyes...

I had no idea it was such a ritual.

Chocolate is a serious thing.

I brought something back from Risa.

Better than chocolate.

Oh?

What is it?

Just a game.

Chief O'Brien.

Welcome back, Wesley.

Congratulations on little Molly.

Thank you.

Wait till you see her.

She's the spitting image of her dad.

So, where is everybody?

Is my mom around?

The senior staff is in a meeting.

You're supposed to go to your mother's quarters.

Oh.

Do you think it would be all right

if I dropped in just to say hi?

I'll check.

Chief O'Brien to Bridge.

Bridge here.

Wesley Crusher has arrived and wants to know

if he can stop by the observation lounge

to say... hi.

I suppose that is acceptable.

Thanks.

- Surprise! - Surprise!

Mom!

Oh, welcome home.

Hi, Mom.

- Wesley! - Captain!

Quomodo tua Latinitas est?

Praestat quam prius.

Ooh!

Oppido bonum.

Your Latin has improved.

You're looking very handsome.

You really do that cadet uniform justice, Wesley.

I bet you're driving all the girls wild.

Wesley... Tarvokian pound cake.

I made it myself.

Thanks, Worf.

Wesley, was our attempt

to make you uncomfortable effective?

You bet it was.

For a second there, I thought I was on the wrong ship.

Did you find our deception pleasing?

Yeah. It's fun to be surprised.

Are you here to work, or to play, Mr. Crusher?

Sir?

I know you're on vacation and would probably like to sleep

and spend some time on the holodeck.

But, if you're so inclined, we could use your help

with the Phoenix Cluster survey.

Sounds great, sir.

Excellent.

Soon as you get settled, come down to Engineering.

We'll get you started, huh?

Okay.

Oh...

So what kind of game is this?

Come by my quarters and I'll show it to you.

Have you found the Academy challenging, Wesley?

Yeah.

I thought after being on the Enterprise

it would be a breeze

but there is a lot more to learn

than just starship operations.

What was your first year like?

Although I did extremely well scholastically

my lack of human understanding often created social obstacles.

Like what?

I particularly remember

the phenomenon of practical jokes

several of which I fell victim to.

Tell me about it.

The first week that I was there

this guy named Adam Martoni

reprogrammed the sonic shower to cover me with mud.

It took me a while, but I got him back really good.

Good for you.

Thanks.

I also found social gatherings difficult.

There was one event, an Academy tradition

the Sadie Hawkins dance?

They still hold it every year.

A notably awkward experience.

I know what you mean.

I can't even dance.

Really?

Your mother is quite an expert.

She recently taught me.

The Dancing Doctor?

Yeah. She tried to teach me, too

but I just don't have the knack.

I would be happy to teach you dancing.

I have programmed a comprehensive, 17-part course

with some interesting holographic partners.

I'll let you know.

Hmm.

I'll modify the planetary scanners.

Just make sure we have enough data lines open

for the stellar physics.

No problem... I'll compress the signal flow.

All right.

Why aren't these registering?

You might try calibrating them manually.

Excuse me?

The detectors... they tend to get temperamental.

You can try calibrating them by hand.

Oh.

Oh, you're kidding.

The computer has to do this.

No. Look... the subroutine lets you do it from the panel.

Law 17..."When all else fails, do it yourself."

It's working.

Thanks.

Sure.

Uh, by the way...

I'm Wesley.

Wesley Crusher.

I know.

Just back from the Academy.

That's right.

Robin Lefler.

Hi.

Hi.

Your neutrinos are drifting.

They're what?

Geordi, a conflict has arisen

between the planetary evolution team

and the stellar physicists.

Each wishes to be the first

to use the thermal imaging array.

Well, tell them to flip a coin.

We've got to work together on this mission

otherwise, we're never going to get it done.

A coin... very good.

I will replicate one immediately.

Dr. Crusher to Data.

Data here.

Do you have a minute to join me in Sick Bay?

I need your help with something.

Yes, Doctor. On my way.

You wanted to see me, Doctor?

Yes, Data, I need to ask you to do something for me.

I'm working on a new experiment with bioactive silicon.

Would you reprogram this tricorder

to these specifications?

Certainly.

I'm sorry to bother you with it

but I need it done quickly.

It does not bother me, Doctor.

In fact, I am happy...

Computer, secure Sick Bay.

All entries to Sick Bay are secured.

Let's see, I have Novakovich for anthropology

and Horne for creative writing.

Walter Horne?

Is he still teaching?

Yeah, he is, and he's good, too.

And you'll be pleased to know I took your advice.

The first week that I was there, I went and met Boothby.

Ohh... How is old Boothby?

I, uh...

I hope he didn't tell you a lot of stories about me.

He didn't remember you, sir.

At first.

I found an old yearbook photo of you

and he remembered you right away.

He said he's very proud of you

that you're Captain of the Enterprise.

Is he still tending grounds

or have the years finally caught up with him?

Not that I can tell.

He took me on a grand tour of the place.

He showed me every single blade of grass, practically.

I had the very same tour.

Sir... what do the initials "A.F." stand for?

A.F.?

Boothby said he caught you

carving those initials into his prized elm tree.

A.F.

Oh... just, uh, an acquaintance of mine.

Wesley, if you meet someone

whose initials you might want to carve into that elm tree

don't let it interfere with your studies.

I failed organic chemistry because of A.F.

Crusher to Captain Picard.

Go ahead, Doctor.

I need you in Sick Bay immediately.

On my way.

He came in complaining of a servo malfunction

but my scans came out negative.

Then he just collapsed.

What have you found?

His biosystems and positronic functions

seem to check out

and his power cells are active.

From what I can tell, his higher functions are intact

but the signals aren't getting from his brain

to the rest of his body.

It's like he's in a coma.

Data performs self-diagnostic routines on a regular basis.

We should take a look at his logs.

They may reveal something.

I recommend going through his quarters as well.

Never know what we might find.

Agreed.

Continue the analysis.

Keep me informed.

A standard security sweep

shows nothing out of the ordinary.

Personal logs... diagnostics, duty logs...

they all appear normal.

There's no evidence

of anything that could lead to Data's shutdown.

Maybe we should ask his cat.

I guess I'd better get back to Sick Bay

see if there's any change in his condition.

Dr. Crusher's got everything under control, Geordi.

If there's any change you'd be the first to know.

I guess so.

Looks to me like you need a break.

Unwind a little.

Yeah, maybe you're right.

I've got just the thing.

Why don't you join me

in Ten-Forward?

There's something I'd like you to try.

Conduits 12 and 22 are still down for testing.

We can reroute through junction 14-B.

You have a funny way of looking at conduit configuration

but it works.

That's Law 36.

You got to go with what works.

What are all these laws that I keep hearing?

They're my personal laws.

Every time I learn something essential

I make up a law about it, so I never forget.

How many do you have?

102, so far.

Looks like the starboard array

needs another subprocessor.

It'll be on line in a few minutes.

I'm way ahead of you.

They said you were good.

Why do I get the feeling that you already know me?

I have a few friends at the Academy.

Your name's come up a couple of times.

That's really some stunt you pulled on Adam Martoni

in the physics lab.

I just want to know

how you got the antimatter regulator to spray chili sauce?

There is another side to that story.

Is it true what they say about your birthmark?

This isn't fair.

I hardly know anything about you.

Hey...

that's Law 46.

- Life isn't always fair. ...always fair.

Yeah, I know that law.

I still have to work on the sensor relays

but I'd like a chance to even the score.

Ten-Forward, 1900 hours.

Will you join me for coffee?

No.

No, I'll meet you for dinner.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

We have arrived at the Phoenix Cluster

but it will take us several hours

to determine the best possible location

from which to conduct our survey.

Commander Data's condition remains unchanged

with no further indication as to the cause of his collapse.

Mom?

Wesley!

What are you doing?

Oh, I'm, uh, embarrassed to say.

This was meant for you

but it was so much fun I couldn't resist.

What is it?

It's a game.

Riker brought it back from Risa.

Everybody's playing it.

Want to try?

Maybe later.

How's Data?

Geordi's still working on him.

He's going to be fine.

I think I should go give him a hand.

No.

Wesley, you are on vacation.

You have done enough already.

Yeah, maybe you're right.

Computer

increase light level.

Are you in a hurry?

Yeah, I'm late for a dinner date.

Really?

With who?

Robin Lefler, from Engineering.

Why don't you invite her here?

We can all play the game together.

I can replicate a couple more.

Mom.

Sorry.

It's just that I want to spend some time together

while you're here.

We'll have time together. I promise.

Okay.

Okay.

Just one game.

Come on, try it on.

Mom... I really need to get ready.

Have a good time.

Thanks.

I will.

When your parents

are the only plasma specialists in the sector

you do a lot of traveling around.

We went from base to base to base.

I felt like a piece of luggage after a while.

I spent all of my time around technical equipment.

My first friend was a tricorder.

Really?

My very first friend was a warp coil.

My parents' work came first.

They didn't really have time for me.

Even when I needed them.

So, that's how I learned my first law.

Law One... you can only count on yourself.

Sounds kind of Ionely.

Well, now you're here.

Now I'm here.

Well, I'm glad.

So, you wouldn't believe what's going on in Engineering.

Commander La Forge and all the others

they're crazy about some new game.

Yeah. What kind of game is it?

It's some Risian gadget that fits over your ear.

Have you played it?

Hmm-mm. Not yet.

My mom has one.

She keeps trying to get me to play it.

It's everywhere.

See what I mean?

Don't you think that's a little strange...

everybody playing it, all the time?

It's just a fad.

It's here this week.

Next week, we won't even know it existed.

I wonder how it works?

Why don't you try it and find out?

I'd like to know a little bit more about it

before I try it.

I bet if we work together, we could figure it out.

Yeah.

We could hook it up to one of the computers.

The medical programs in the lab

can be set up to emulate human responses.

I noticed it uses a visual interface.

We could connect it through an optical sensor.

I've loaded the neurological behavior program.

This sensor pad will allow the computer to process

whatever information the game sends at it.

Let's see what happens.

Okay.

It's activating the reticular formation.

There's heavy synaptic activity all over the place.

I wonder what happens after prolonged exposure.

Speed up the processor and we'll find out.

The effects seem centered around the frontal lobe.

Computer, enhance frontal lobe, full spectrum.

It's stimulating the septal area.

That's the pleasure center of the brain.

Whatever this thing does, it must feel pretty good.

No wonder it's so popular.

Look at this.

Serotonin levels are way off.

Let's run a neurochemical analysis.

I'm seeing widespread bonding

to neuro-receptors.

Correct me if I'm wrong

but this looks like a psychotropic reaction.

Are you saying you think the game's addictive?

What's going on in the prefrontal cortex?

Doesn't that area control higher reasoning?

Yeah, it sure does.

I better go talk to the Captain.

Come.

Sorry to bother you, sir.

It's no bother, Wesley.

Please, sit down.

Thanks.

How are the survey preparations coming along?

They're coming along fine

but that's not what I'm here to talk to you about.

What then?

There's a-a game going around.

It's something that Commander Riker brought back from Risa.

It's a... a device

that hooks around the ears.

Hmm.

Yes, I've seen it.

I did some preliminary tests on the game

and what I found leads me to believe

that it may have some harmful side effects.

Specifically, sir, I think it's psychotropically addictive.

Addictive?

What have you discovered?

The game initiates a serotonin cascade

in the frontal lobe of the brain.

Now, I know that's nothing conclusive

but it could explain why everyone is so attracted to it.

And at the same time

it stimulates the brain's reasoning center.

Now, I don't know what that's all about.

Hmm. I'll start an investigation immediately.

Thank you, Mr. Crusher.

Thank you, sir.

And, Wesley...

it's good to have you back again.

Have you tried this?

I've tried it.

Thanks, it's great.

Uh-huh.

Robin...

Where have you been?

Everybody's after me to try it.

I know.

I got stopped in the corridors twice.

I talked to the Captain.

He's going to look into it.

Well, I hope he makes a shipwide announcement or something

because this thing is really starting to give me the creeps.

Did you forget your games?

We left them in our quarters.

Well, then, you can use mine.

No, thanks.

Try it.

She said, "No, thanks."

You know what else is really weird?

If this game is so addictive

there's only one person on board

we can be sure wouldn't be affected by it.

Data.

Right. And he managed to get injured

right when the game was brought on board.

We better take a look at him.

Maybe you should go check again.

The nurse is still playing the game.

I don't know what to make of this.

There's brain activity.

All his systems seem to be working.

How can that be? He's unconscious.

Maybe there's a signal breach between his brain and his body.

Let's map his neuro-system

and see if we can isolate a weak link.

Patch the neural output through to that station.

Here!

The signal stops just below his cortex processor.

There's some kind of damage.

It's almost unreadable.

Let's look at it on the viewer.

Wesley, look at that.

It looks like some of his positronic links

have been severed.

The cuts are precise.

Look at how clean the edges are.

Computer, increase magnification, factor four.

Only two people on board

know enough about Data to do something like this...

Commander La Forge...

and my mother.

Why would one of them do this to him?

Maybe there's more going on here than we thought.

What if someone's trying to use the game

for some purpose other than pleasure?

Then Data would be a threat to that plan.

And only with Data out of the way

would everyone become addicted.

And everyone has.

Except us.

We have reached the designated coordinates, Captain.

There's a ship bearing 327 mark 152 on an intercept course.

Advise them of our status, Mr. Worf.

Go, replicate what you need

and see that the devices are properly distributed...

not forgetting Mr. Crusher.

Wesley?

Wesley?

In here, Mom.

It worked.

We should keep these mockups with us.

We can't trust anyone anymore

not even the Captain.

I'm supposed to be on duty in Engineering.

I've got to go before Commander La Forge suspects something.

Okay, when you get there, start accessing the codes

to the security tracking system.

There's something I want to try.

Wesley, don't forget Law 91.

Always watch your back.

You, too.

The vessel is approaching, Captain.

Computer, all senior officers report to the Bridge.

On screen.

Report.

Welcome, Etana.

The Enterprise has been secured.

We await your further instructions.

The expansion will proceed as follows:

Commander Riker

you will pilot a shuttlecraft to the Cleon system

where you will rendezvous with the Starship Endeavor.

Proceed with distributing the device to that vessel.

Commander La Forge, Counselor Troi

take a shuttle to Starbase 67.

Distribute the device

to all starships currently docked there.

We also have an opportunity

to introduce the game to Starfleet Academy.

Excellent. See to it.

The Ktarians commend your efforts, Picard.

Once the expansion is complete

you and your crew will be rewarded.

Deck 36.

Wesley, at what level are you?

I'm only level 10.

I'm at level 47.

That's great.

You know what the secret is, don't you?

Don't force it.

If you just let the game happen

it almost plays itself.

I'll try that.

I think we're going to be okay.

I've just got one more thing to do.

Help me compile the force field overrides.

What are you doing?

I created a site-to-site transporter program.

If things get difficult

this will keep us one step ahead of them.

Were you able to access the security tracking codes?

Robin?

It's your turn.

Play the game, Wesley.

Get back here!

Computer, activate security containment field

deck 36, section 52!

Computer, transport program Crusher one.

Riker to Bridge, we lost Crusher.

It appears he rigged a site-to-site transport.

Security alert, condition three.

Computer, shut down

all transporter systems and shuttle bays.

Mr. La Forge?

I can't track him, sir.

He's done something to the internal security sensors.

I'll try bypassing his subcommands.

Hold on.

I'm picking up a piece of his trail, sir.

Sensors show power activation in Transporter Room Three.

That would put him somewhere on deck six.

Seal off deck six.

Activate security fields sections 23 through 29.

Aye, sir.

We've got him, Captain... section 25.

Looks like he's trying

to cut through the force field with a phaser.

Security to deck six, section 25.

On our way.

You check left.

Where the hell is he?

I am attempting

to isolate him with thermal sensors.

Narrow the scan field.

Go deck by deck if you have to.

Unfortunately, he knows our procedures.

He will avoid all corridors and public areas.

Commander, an unidentified heat source.

Deck seven, section 23. There!

No!

Let go of me!

It's okay, Wesley.

You led us quite a chase, Mr. Crusher.

Dr. Crusher.

No!

Hold him steady.

It's okay, Wesley. It won't hurt.

No!

You'll like it.

His eyes.

That's right, Wesley.

Just let it go.

Yes.

Just let yourself go.

Relax.

Computer, resume normal illumination.

Mr. Worf, you will find a small alien ship

off the starboard bow.

Please secure it with a tractor beam and raise our shields.

Engaging tractor beam.

Are you all right, Captain?

I think so, Mr. Data.

Captain, we are being hailed by the alien vessel.

On screen.

Explain yourself, Picard.

The explanation is simple.

Your attempt to capture our ship has failed.

Release us immediately, or we will open fire.

Tactical analysis, Mr. Worf.

Their weapons systems

are substantially inferior to ours.

They are not a threat.

Get her off the screen.

I can't believe what we were about to do.

Data, we deactivated you.

I managed to reconnect his positronic matrix.

Wesley's subsequent diversions

gave me adequate time to modify the palm beacon.

The optical burst patterns we programmed were successful

in counteracting the addictive effects

of the game.

And the rest of the crew?

We programmed the main computer to transmit

the same optical burst to all display screens, stations

and terminals throughout the ship.

That should reach almost everyone.

Take a medical team to treat the rest.

Aye, sir.

We'll take the alien ship

to the nearest Federation Starbase.

Ensign, lay in a course.

Captain's Log, Stardate 45212.1.

We have delivered the Ktarian vessel to Starbase 82

and are now on a course

to rendezvous with the Starship Merrimack

which will transport Wesley Crusher

back to Starfleet Academy.

I never saw you wear these.

Afraid someone might see your birthmark?

Now I wonder who started that birthmark rumor.

I wish you didn't have to go.

Me, too.

You'll write, won't you?

Somebody has to kill all those rumors

you keep hearing about me.

Mr. Crusher, we've rendezvoused with the Merrimack.

Please report to Transporter Room Two.

On my way, sir.

I got to go.

Here.

A gift.

So you'll remember.

Robin's Laws... all 102 of them.

Thanks.

Law 103?

Yes?

A couple of light-years can't keep good friends apart.

Bye.