Original subtitles

Captain's Log, Stardate 46071.6.

We have been called to the aid of a transport ship

which has been attacked near Rekag-Seronia.

Hostilities between the two factions on that planet

have intensified recently

threatening an important Federation shipping route.

Captain, sensors have located the transport ship.

Two Rekag battle cruisers are flanking it.

Red Alert!

Shields up.

Phasers on line.

Photon torpedoes armed and ready.

Is the transport still under attack?

The cruisers' weapons are powered up...

Sir, the Rekag ships are turning and heading out of sensor range.

They don't want to take on the Enterprise.

We are now within visual range of the transport, sir.

On screen.

Sensors indicate damage

to the Dorian's subspace emitter.

Audio communication only, sir.

Open a channel, Mr. Worf.

Aye, sir.

This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard

of the Federation Starship Enterprise.

Captain Talmadge of the Dorian.

Glad you're here.

We took some shield damage

from the Rekag ships, but we're still intact.

Do you have any injuries?

Can we assist you in any way?

No injuries, but I'd like permission

to transport two of our passengers

to your ship.

Of course.

We're conveying a mediator to Seronia.

I think he's the reason the Rekags fired on us.

...traveled... negotiations...

Captain, I'm losing you.

Go ahead and beam your passengers on board.

Counselor, after you've seen to their needs

will you escort them to my ready room.

Yes, Captain.

Cancel Red Alert.

Mr. Worf, take the weapons off-line.

Aye, sir.

I'm Counselor Deanna Troi.

Ambassador Ves Alkar...

and my mother, Sev Maylor.

Counselor, it's imperative that I speak to the Captain.

You think he's attracted to you, but he isn't.

You offer him nothing.

She's hasn't been feeling well.

Could she be taken to quarters?

Of course.

Chief.

I'll take you to Captain Picard.

Mother, go with her.

Don't pursue him.

I won't have it.

I'll stop you.

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'm grateful for the Federation's offer to escort me

but if I arrive on Rekag-Seronia on board the Enterprise...

the armed flagship of Starfleet...

my mission as negotiator of peace will be compromised.

There must be a Federation transport ship

somewhere in the area that could take me there.

With all due respect...

Admiral, to put the Ambassador

on board another unarmed transport

would be to invite a second assault.

I believe the attack on us was an isolated incident

nothing more.

Ambassador Alkar, the Rekag-Seronia dispute

has threatened Federation ships for many months.

We are grateful that you are willing

to undertake this mission and you have our full support.

Thank you, sir.

However, we also recognize that safety is an issue...

not just yours, but the crew that escorts you.

To send you on an unarmed transport

puts everyone at risk.

I think it best if you proceed to Rekag-Seronia

aboard the Enterprise.

Then I have no choice.

Once you get to Rekag-Seronia

you can conduct your negotiations as you see fit.

Until then, you'll be in good hands with Captain Picard.

I understand, sir.

Good luck, and a successful journey.

Picard to Commander Riker.

Yes, sir?

Set a course for Seronia.

Aye, sir.

That will be all for today.

There will be another class tomorrow at 0700 hours.

The skills are demanding.

You're very disciplined.

I believe in a strong connection between body and mind.

You obviously share the same convictions.

Yes, I do.

Only sometimes, my body

has a problem conforming to my mind's wishes.

I would imagine that your self-discipline

helps you in your work.

I don't know about that.

I think maybe my biggest asset is patience.

I'll let everyone talk until they're exhausted

and, when I start, they're too tired to argue.

You're going to need all your patience in Seronia.

I can't imagine how you're going

to get those two sides talking to each other.

Neither can I.

I won't know that until we get there.

I tend to feel my way through a situation.

Deck nine.

If I were empathic, like you

I'd have a real advantage.

I thought Lumerians were empathic.

Only with each other, not other species

so I don't have any idea

what you might be feeling just now.

Curiosity.

What I sense from you is very unusual...

calmness, serenity, tranquillity.

You seem to embody the very qualities

that you hope to draw out in others.

Tell me, Counselor

have you ever been involved in diplomatic negotiations?

Several times, with Captain Picard.

There have been instances when having an empath along

has been helpful.

I'm sure.

I could use some of that help.

Would you come with me when we reach Seronia?

If the Captain authorizes it, of course I will.

Good.

I hope to see you again.

You're late!

Mother, I told you

that I'd be gone for over an hour.

You're late because of her.

Have you mated with him yet?

What?

That's what you want, isn't it?

Mother... please, come in.

I can always tell...

the ones with a certain look in their eye.

I'd better go.

Mother, please...

And I'll tell you this.

If you do, you'll regret it the rest of your life.

Mother, come in, please.

You should lie down.

Come in.

Hi.

It's that time again.

The dreaded crew evaluation reports.

Oh, does it have to be today?

It's not going to be any easier tomorrow.

It might.

What's wrong?

I've just had a disturbing encounter

with Alkar's mother.

She frightens me, Will.

The feelings I sense from her are malevolent.

They're out of proportion.

They're evil.

Well, I know she's been sick, and she's very old.

She's probably senile.

Who knows, we could all end up that way someday.

You're right.

Okay, let's get through these evaluations

and when we're done

I'm going to reward myself with two ice cream sundaes.

First, molecular biology.

Lieutenant Jeffrey Fratis.

Worf to Commander Riker.

Go ahead.

Can you report to Ambassador Alkar's quarters?

There is an emergency.

We're on our way.

40 cc's inaprovaline.

I'm sorry, Ambassador.

She was ill.

I never should have brought her along.

She was 93.

She'd lived a long life.

I should be grateful for that.

Alkar, is there anything I can do?

Counselor, there's a funeral meditation...

part of our rituals.

As an empath

you're the only person on board who could perform it with me.

I'll be glad to help.

This meditation is one of our most sacred ceremonies.

Hold the stone like this.

Rohm gah, sevi rohm.

Say after me.

An end to grief...

An end to grief...

an end to pain...

an end to pain...

strength comes from love...

strength comes from love...

...and courage from wisdom.

...and courage from wisdom.

Thank you.

Computer, today's appointment calendar.

0900 hours, counseling session with Ensign Janeway.

1000 hours, counseling session...

Cancel them.

Cancel everything till after lunch.

Acknowledged.

You wanted to see me, Doctor?

Yes, Captain.

I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm a little concerned.

I haven't been able to determine the cause of death.

She was elderly, and Alkar said she had been ill

but I found no evidence of any disease.

I did find abnormally high levels

of neurotransmitter residue in her cerebral cortex.

What are you suggesting?

I'd like to do an autopsy.

I've already spoken to Alkar

and he informs me Lumerian custom forbids it.

Could you speak with him?

You suspect that her death

poses some kind of threat to the Enterprise?

Well...

No.

Then we have no alternative but to concur with his wishes.

Deanna.

Hello.

Come in, please.

I thought you might like some company

if you're not too busy.

Nothing that can't wait.

Would you like something to drink?

No.

I'd like you to talk to me.

About?

About you.

I don't know anything about you

and I'd like to.

There's very little to know.

I lead a very simple life.

What kind of woman do you find attractive?

Do you find me attractive?

Extremely.

And when you find someone attractive

what do you usually do?

That depends on a lot of things.

Is it really so complicated?

It can be.

Well, perhaps you overthink things.

Deanna...

Yes?

I'm sorry

if I led you to believe...

You are very beautiful...

but our relationship can't be like that.

Deck four.

Sir.

Will.

We were supposed to finish the crew evaluation reports.

Of course. Come in.

Sir!

As you were.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

I was just leaving.

If there's anything else I need

I know where to find you.

Yes, ma'am.

Are you bothered by his being here?

Of course not.

Good, because it's really none of your business.

I know that.

I believe we were with Lieutenant Fratis

in molecular biology.

Why do I think you're upset?

I don't know.

Could we just continue with the evaluation?

Will, remember who you're talking to.

You are bothered, I can tell.

Deanna, I'm sorry I intruded.

When you're ready to work, why don't you give me a call?

I will.

Captain's Log, Stardate 46073.6.

We have arrived without incident

at Rekag-Seronia where two members

of Ambassador Alkar's delegation have been waiting.

They have joined us to report on the situation

in the capital city.

Things have deteriorated steadily.

Rekag sympathizers in outlying districts

have attacked several towns.

But I was under the impression

that there was a cease-fire agreement.

Oh, it was broken before it went into effect.

A Rekag shuttle strayed into Seronian space

and was destroyed by fighter craft.

Naturally, the Rekags retaliated.

There's been fighting ever since.

If they would just sit down with me...

The Rekags won't go into Seronian territory for talks

and the Seronians won't go to Rekag.

In the meantime, they fight.

Ambassador, the situation sounds so volatile.

Perhaps a cooling-off period...

These people need an end to the fighting now.

To delay a week, even a few days could cost thousands of lives.

Then I would recommend

that we ask both sides if they would agree

to meet in the city of Darthen.

Why Darthen?

It's a coastal city.

It has been neutral throughout the conflict.

Both Seronians and Rekag Ioyalists live there.

It might be acceptable as a compromise.

Contact their leaders.

If they will meet me in Darthen, I will join them there tomorrow.

I know it must be my imagination

but it seems as though Lieutenant Pinder

just doesn't want me in his section.

What makes you think that?

He's so critical.

I can't ever do anything to please him

and I try, Counselor.

I try to make sure there's nothing

he could find fault with.

Give me an example of what you mean.

Well, yesterday

I was running routine diagnostics

on the sensor pallets.

They checked out

but Lieutenant Pinder questioned me

because I'd allowed a.023 variance.

That's well within specifications.

He goes out of his way to criticize me.

Do you know of any reason why he might do that?

No. That's why I'm here.

Well, maybe he's just tired of hearing you complain.

Pardon me?

I know I'm certainly tired of it.

How do you think it feels to sit and listen

to someone whine about themselves all the time?

I didn't realize I was...

This isn't Starfleet Academy.

You're not going to be coddled.

If you can't take it here

then you might think about a transport ship.

There's a lot less pressure there.

But I love being on the Enterprise.

I don't want to be anywhere else.

If you aren't up to it, then you don't deserve to be here

isn't that right?

I guess so.

So you'd better take ahold of yourself

or be prepared for transfer.

I will, Counselor.

Thank you.

Glad I could help.

Yeah, here we go.

Biofilter log on Sev Maylor.

Geordi, could this log have been damaged

in any way?

I don't think so. Why do you ask?

There's a discrepancy between the log

and the tricorder readings I took just three days later.

The tricorder shows massive physiological deterioration

compared with her condition when she beamed aboard.

I find it hard to believe

that so much damage could have occurred

in such a short period of time.

Well, I can run a diagnostic on the biofilter system

and your tricorder.

Thanks. Of course, the best way to get the information I need

would be to do an autopsy.

Ambassador, we've received word

from the Seronian and the Rekag delegates.

They've agreed to meet with you in Darthen tomorrow.

Thank you, Commander.

Counselor Troi has altered her appearance.

Am I interrupting?

Hello, Counselor.

You want him

I can tell

but you have nothing to give him.

Deanna, could I talk to you in private...?

And you, you're envious of him.

You pretend to support him

but secretly you want him to fail.

That's not so.

Please...

You must return to your quarters.

I won't. I want to be here with you.

Ambassador!

The Counselor and I are needed on the Bridge.

Of course, Commander.

I don't know what you thought you were doing in there

but you were way out of line.

Deck nine.

All right, Deanna, just what the hell is all this?

Imzadi...

do you still care about me?

Of course I care about you.

I'm worried about you.

What's all this?

Don't you think I'm attractive?

This just isn't you.

Oh... oh, it is.

You want me, don't you?

Deanna...

I need you.

What is this?

Please!

Come in.

Deanna, I'm leaving for the surface.

You said you'd take me with you.

I know, but that's not possible now.

You said I'd be helpful.

You needed me.

And I still do.

You've done so much for me.

Then take me.

Don't leave me here.

Is Liva going with you?

She's been on Seronia for weeks.

She knows the people, the situation.

She wants to take you away from me.

Deanna, you are my anchor.

I need you more than you could possibly realize.

Do you understand?

I need you here

making it possible for me to do my work.

I won't let her have you!

I'll stop her!

I will go with you!

Take me with you!

Please, Alkar!

Don't leave me!

Don't do this!

No!

You wouldn't have recognized her.

Her dress

her hair... everything about her wa...

I'm closer to Deanna than I've ever been to anyone

and last night, she was someone that I had never seen before.

And you don't know of anything

that might have caused her to behave like that?

No. I've thought and thought about it.

I don't have an answer.

Computer, location of Counselor Troi.

Deck six, corridor B.

Let's go.

Ambassador, I came to alert you that the Rekags

and the Seronians are in disagreement

about the seating arrangements at the conference table.

I'm not surprised.

The good news however

is that the cease-fire seems to be holding.

And that is by far the best news.

Thank you, Captain.

Chief.

Will you take me with you?

Deanna.

Deanna, I already told you...

I won't let her have you.

Security to Transporter Room Two.

Don't try and stop me!

No!

Let go!

It's nothing.

It's superficial.

What happened to Deanna?

All of the systems in her body have elevated readings.

Take her to Sick Bay.

I want to see you in Sick Bay, too.

Captain, perhaps we should delay transporting to the surface.

No.

You should proceed with your mission.

Very well.

Chief, transport them to the planet's surface.

Aye, sir.

We'll have to sedate her.

20 cc's melorazine.

Yes, Doctor.

How's it feeling?

It's a little stiff, but it'll be fine.

It'll disappear in a day or two.

Dr. Crusher.

I think you should see these readings, Doctor.

Her neurotransmitter levels are 300% above normal.

If you remember, I found extremely high levels

of neurotransmitter residue in Alkar's mother.

Could Deanna have picked up some disease from her?

I don't know.

I need to do that autopsy.

I don't care about the customs of Alkar's people.

I need to find out if there's a connection

between what killed Maylor and what's happening to Troi.

Picard to Lieutenant Worf.

Worf here, Captain.

Mr. Worf, contact Ambassador Alkar.

I need to speak with him.

Doctor

neural energy is now 340% above normal.

Captain, Ambassador Alkar is at the negotiation table

and cannot be disturbed.

Proceed with the autopsy.

Medical Log, Stardate 46075.1.

I have performed an autopsy on Alkar's mother

but instead of answering our questions

the results have created an even deeper mystery.

I don't have any explanation for this.

When I examined Maylor's body

I found her heart, her lungs, her skeletal structure

most of the systems in her body

were those of a 30 year old.

But how could that be?

We both saw the woman.

That's not all.

I compared Maylor and Alkar's DNA.

I don't know who that woman was

but she was definitely not his mother.

Deanna's condition is deteriorating rapidly.

She could die.

There are questions that only Alkar can answer.

Picard to Lieutenant Worf.

Worf here, Captain.

Meet me in Transporter Room Two.

We're going down to the surface.

Aye, sir.

No, she wasn't my mother.

And she wasn't 93 years old.

Captain, did you perform an autopsy

against my wishes?

Yes, for a very good reason.

Counselor Deanna Troi is in Sick Bay, dying.

Dr. Crusher doesn't know the cause of her condition

but I believe you do.

Alkar, we need you.

The Rekags have withdrawn some of their concessions

and the Seronians are threatening

to break off the talks.

I'll be right there.

But...

They've been arguing for hours in there.

It seems hopeless.

But now, when expectations are lowest

now is the moment I can be most effective.

If I am focused, centered, free of disquieting thoughts

I can turn these factions toward peace.

Alkar...

Hear me out, Captain.

It's important you understand.

You see, I discovered long ago

I had the ability to channel my darker thoughts...

my unwanted emotions...

to others, leaving me unencumbered.

Is this what you've been doing to Counselor Troi?

I hadn't planned it.

I'd expected Maylor to live through the negotiation.

Her death could not have been more untimely.

So then, you deliberately used Deanna.

She's an empath.

I was reasonably certain

I could establish a link with her

and frankly, I was amazed

when I saw how quickly she'd aged.

Usually my receptacles survive for years.

Receptacles?

Oh, come now, Captain.

Surely you can see there's a broader canvas here.

If I came to these peace talks hindered by unwanted emotions

then the Rekags and Seronians

would be condemned to go on fighting.

You cannot explain away a wantonly immoral act

because you think that it is connected

to some higher purpose.

Captain, do you know how many people have died

on this planet in the last 48 hours?

Thousands.

Deanna Troi is just one individual.

That does not justify brutalizing her

nor any of the others you have used.

Ask the Seronian and Rekag children

who go to bed each night in fear of their lives.

Captain, I get no payment.

I have no power base, no agenda.

I am willing to risk my life simply to help others.

Do you think that makes you appear courageous?

Because you're mistaken.

You're a coward, Alkar.

You exploit the innocent

because you're unwilling to shoulder the burdens

of unpleasant emotions.

Well, this time, you will be held accountable.

I'm taking you back to the Enterprise

to release Counselor Troi.

I have no intention of releasing her now, or ever.

Alkar

everything is falling apart.

You have to come now.

If you'll excuse me, Captain.

Mr. Wor...

I'm needed.

You and your security chief will leave.

Lock onto Alkar's signal and bring him on board.

Captain, I am sure the Seronians

have reactivated their security field.

Then work with Mr. La Forge to find a way to break through.

I want that man on this ship.

Aye, sir.

I'll be in Sick Bay.

If Alkar is flooding her with this psychic waste

that would explain the high level of neurotransmitters.

All these negative emotions pouring into her

have caused a chemical response in her brain.

Isn't there something you can do to counteract it?

Enzymic decontaminants

would be able to reduce the level of neurotransmitters

but I can't make any headway

unless Alkar stops what he's doing.

He has no intention of stopping.

He feels perfectly justified in using her until she dies.

Then Deanna has to die.

In order to save Deanna

Alkar has to break his link with her

and the only way he can only do that

is if she's no longer an adequate receptacle.

When Maylor died, Alkar turned immediately to Deanna.

If Deanna dies and he breaks the link with her

then he will choose someone else

possibly someone from his own delegation.

Wait a minute... you're talking about killing Deanna.

I'll be able to resuscitate her, Will

as long as it's not more than 30 minutes

but the big question is will that be enough time?

Alkar has to establish a link with someone else

before we revive Deanna

or else he might turn back to her.

We must bear in mind

that we'll be putting his next victim at risk.

I want every possible security measure taken

to protect that person.

How will you...?

I'll give her a hypospray of dylamadon.

It's the gentlest way.

Proceed, Doctor.

Well, my friend

an era of bloodshed and conflict appears to be over.

Alkar...!

What is it?

I'm fine...

just a little light-headed.

You're exhausted.

Do you want a doctor?

No, no, of course not.

Enterprise to Ambassador Alkar.

Respond, sir.

I'm here, Captain.

Ambassador, you must return to the Enterprise immediately.

Counselor Troi is dying.

We are prepared to transport you from the surface

whether you come willingly or not.

There are security force fields protecting us, Captain.

They won't protect you any longer.

Transporter Room Two, prepare to energize.

We're ready, Captain.

Computer, make a note.

Death occurred at 1430 hours

from respiratory and renal failure.

Will you wait for me in my quarters?

Of course.

It's a tragic loss

but her death had a purpose.

I intend to make certain

that you answer for what you have done.

Your own Federation Council has promised me

a safe and timely passage back to my planet.

I expect you to honor that, Captain.

How much longer do we have?

Three minutes and 40 seconds.

Transporter Room Two, I want you to lock

onto the young woman in Ambassador Alkar's quarters.

We may have to transport her out of there.

Yes, Captain.

Mr. Worf, I want you

to station yourself outside her quarters.

Aye, sir.

She helped me so much.

Without her, I couldn't have accomplished what I did.

I'm so sorry.

Is there anything I can do?

Yes.

There is something.

If we could share the funeral meditation...

We have a minute and a half left.

Prepare a hypospray of cordrazine.

We'll use that in conjunction with the cortical stimulators.

Yes, Doctor.

Rohm gah...

sevi rohm...

rohm gah.

Rohm gah...

sevi rohm...

rohm gah.

We can't wait any longer.

Release the stasis field.

Yes, Doctor.

10 cc's cordrazine.

Cortical stimulators.

Now.

An end...

an end to pain...

An end to pain...

Again.

She has a pulse.

Blood pressure climbing.

90 over 40.

Cortical activity approaching normal levels.

Let's neutralize the neurotransmitters.

Initiate decontamination sequence.

Levels are dropping, Doctor.

Down to 420% above normal.

390%...

Picard to Transporter Room Three.

Not yet.

We won't know if it's working till the levels are below 300%.

Alkar!

Alkar, what's wrong?

Neurotransmitter levels are down to 310%...

290%.

Now.

Picard to Transporter Room Three, energize.

Let me go!

Neurotransmitter levels are down to 230%.

Worf to Captain Picard.

Ambassador Alkar is dead.

Will...

Beverly thinks Alkar must have been

at a susceptible point in the meditation ceremony

when he was vulnerable.

Then the flow of negative emotions

and feelings were reversed back to him somehow.

That's our guess.

Like a man with no immune system

he wasn't able to handle the overload.

And Liva?

She seems to be fine.

He wasn't able to establish a link on her.

Looking back on the past few days

it's as though I'm looking at a holodeck projection

of someone else.

That's how it seemed to all of us.

Thanks for sticking by me.

I always will...

even when you're old and gray.