Original subtitles

Captain's Log, Stardate 46357.4.

We have rendezvoused with the Starship Cairo

near the Cardassian border

for an urgent meeting with Vice-Admiral Nechayev.

Come.

May I present Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Admiral, welcome on board.

Thank you.

That'll be all, Commander.

Can I get you some coffee, tea...?

Thank you, no, Captain.

I'm afraid there's no time for the usual pleasantries.

I'm here to relieve you of command of the Enterprise.

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.

The Cardassian forces

which were recently withdrawn from the Bajoran sector

have been redeployed along the Federation border.

They have mobilized three divisions of ground troops

and their subspace communications

have been increased by 50%.

We believe that they're preparing

for an incursion into Federation space.

Are the Cardassians ready for a war?

I didn't say "war," Commander.

I said "incursion."

Our intelligence reports suggest

that they'll try to seize one of the disputed systems

along the border.

We think they're gambling

that the Federation won't actually go to war

over one system.

Will we?

I hope we won't need to make that decision.

We have decided to send the Enterprise

to meet with a Cardassian representative

and open talks.

We're hoping that the presence of the Federation flagship

on the border will send a message to their leadership

about just how seriously we view this situation.

Where is Captain Picard?

The Captain, your Chief Medical Officer

and Security Chief have been reassigned.

That's all I can tell you for now.

Do any of you know Edward Jellico?

He is the commanding officer

of the Cairo.

I've heard of him.

I don't know that any of us have ever...

I'm giving him command

of the Enterprise this afternoon.

Captain Jellico helped to negotiate

the original armistice two years ago

and I believe he's the most qualified person

to lead this mission.

The change of command will take place at 1300 hours.

Thank you.

Admiral, with all due respect...

it's not necessary

to give Captain Jellico command of the Enterprise

just to conduct a negotiation.

I disagree.

The Enterprise will be

in a dangerous situation

and I want someone on the Bridge

who has a great deal of experience

with the Cardassians.

No offense, Commander, but that's not you.

Halt!

Computer, freeze program.

You were five seconds slower that time.

You increased the difficulty level, sir.

Mr. Worf, It's going to be far more difficult

where we're going.

Which is where, exactly?

I'm sorry, I can't tell you that yet.

It would be helpful

to know something about our mission.

Mr. Worf, I have my orders. I'm sure you understand that.

Now, Doctor, this deflector wasn't set properly.

It must be positioned so that the emitter array

blocks the entire passageway or it's useless.

Sorry. I was concentrating on getting away

from the last Cardassian.

Or maybe it was the falling rocks?

I understand this is difficult.

All I can do is ask you to trust me.

All right, let's do it again.

All right, Mr. Worf

I want you to time the Doctor and me

through that first tunnel, and this time

we're going to pick up those five seconds.

Welcome aboard, sir.

I'm Commander...

William T. Riker, class of '57.

Graduated eighth in his class.

I'm looking forward to serving with you, Commander.

Thank you, and I, you.

I'm sure this change in command

has taken everyone a little by surprise.

Well... yes, sir.

It caught me by surprise, too.

I must admit, I miss the Cairo already

but a Galaxy-class ship, that's something special.

I can understand why you turned down

a ship of your own to remain aboard.

Yes, sir.

How many duty watches does the crew stand?

We have a standard three-shift rotation.

I'd like to change that to four starting tonight.

I'd also like to examine the duty roster

and the crew evaluations as soon as possible.

I want readiness reports

from each department head by 1400 hours

and a meeting of the senior staff at 1500.

Do you prefer Will or William?

Um, Will sir.

Where are my quarters, Will?

We have you assigned to cabin 735...

- deck seven... - Deck seven.

I'll see you at 1300 hours.

Attention to orders.

"To Captain Jean-Luc Picard

"Commanding Officer, USS Enterprise.

"Stardate 46358.1.

"You are hereby requested and required

"to relinquish command of your vessel

"to Captain Edward Jellico

"Commanding Officer, USS Cairo

"as of this date.

"Signed, Vice-Admiral Alynna Nechayev

Starfleet Command."

Computer, transfer all command codes

to Captain Edward Jellico.

Voice authorization: Picard-delta-five.

Transfer complete.

USS Enterprise now under command of Captain Edward Jellico.

I relieve you, sir.

I stand relieved.

Dismissed.

I wonder how permanent this is going to be.

I don't know.

They don't usually go through the ceremony

if it's just a temporary assignment.

Sore?

Oh... sore doesn't begin to describe it.

I know.

I wish I could talk about it.

Most of the secondary systems

were changed at the last overhaul.

I don't think they'll give you any problem

but you might want to check out the port lateral...

I'll take care of the Enterprise, Jean-Luc.

You don't have to mother me.

Uh...

how's your team shaping up?

Very well...

but I would prefer more recent intelligence

on the exact layout of the installation.

The most current information that we have is two years old.

Two years?

I don't know how Nechayev ever talked you into this.

She gave me no choice.

Well, maybe there's something we can do to help.

We'll launch a class-5 probe just before we reach the border.

You could pick up the telemetry aboard the shuttle.

Now that would be extremely helpful.

Will?

Captain.

Captain.

I believe we're scheduled to arrive

at the Cardassian border during delta shift.

Please inform the delta tactical officer

that I want to launch a class-5 probe

just before we drop out of warp.

I was actually going to talk to you about delta shift

a little later, sir.

Right now, gamma shift will be on duty when we arrive

and I will tell Lieutenant McDowell about the probe.

Is there a problem with delta shift, Will?

There is no delta shift yet, sir.

I have spoken to the department heads

about changing from three shifts to four

and they assure me it's going to cause us

significant personnel problems.

So you have not changed the watch rotation?

I was going to explain this to you

after the ceremony, sir.

You will tell the department heads that as of now

the Enterprise is on a four-shift rotation.

I don't want to talk about it.

Get it done.

Now that means that delta shift

will be due to come on duty in two hours.

I expect you to have it fully manned

and ready when it does.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

If you'll excuse me, sir.

Captain.

He was your first officer for five years...

One of the finest officers that I have ever served with.

Of course he is, Jean-Luc.

I'm sure it'll all work out.

Captain's Log, Stardate 46358.2.

The Enterprise is on course for a rendezvous

with the Cardassian ship Reklar.

Fortunately, I still have time

to prepare the ship and crew for the task ahead.

I want you to install a bypass between the main phaser array

and the secondary generators.

I also want to run the main deflector pathway

through the warp power grid

and the auxiliary conduits through the lateral relays.

Now, you may have to reconfigure the transfer interface.

Sir, the transfer interface

was not designed for that configuration.

It will take seven hours to make those changes.

Sir, you may not be aware that our normal interface

already routes auxiliary power through three separate relays.

I'm aware of your current design system.

It's not good enough.

If these negotiations fail

we could find ourselves in a war zone

and if that happens I want to be loaded for bear.

I'll get right on it.

Good.

Now, these stations should be devoted

to damage-control and weapons status from now on.

See that they're manned at all times.

Aye, sir.

Mr. Data, how long before we reach

the rendezvous point?

We will arrive in 51 hours, 32 minutes, sir.

Schedule four battle drills one for each shift.

Run a series of simulated attacks

from a Cardassian squadron.

I want you to conduct the exercises personally, Will.

Get it done.

Oh...

And get that fish out of the ready room.

Data, you're with me.

The power transfer levels need to be upgraded by 20%.

The efficiency of your warp coils

is also unsatisfactory.

Coil efficiency is well within specifications, Captain.

I'm not interested in the specs, Geordi.

The efficiency needs to be raised by at least 15%.

15 percent?

That is an attainable goal

but it will require realigning the warp coil

and taking the secondary distribution grid off-line.

Very good, Data.

That's exactly what I want you to do.

If we take this grid off-line

we're going to have to shut down exobiology, the astrophysics lab

and geological research.

We're not on a research mission.

Get it done...

in two days.

I believe that is also an attainable goal.

If we utilize the entire engineering department

there should be

sufficient manpower available to complete the task.

Sure, if everybody works around the clock for the next two days.

Then you'd better get to it, Geordi.

Looks like you have some work to do.

Data.

Yes?

May I speak with you, Captain?

Deanna, come in, come in.

The latest masterpieces from my son.

It's an elephant...

I think.

Definitely an elephant.

I'm glad you're here.

I'd like to go over the duty roster with you.

I'd be happy to, but, first

I'd like to talk about how the change in command

is affecting the crew.

I've noticed some resistance.

I wouldn't call it resistance.

More like... uncertainty.

Most of them had served under Captain Picard

for several years.

They knew him and they knew what he expected.

Now they're being asked to adjust to a new captain

and a new way of doing things and they're uncertain

how to react.

I see your point.

This all could be very unsettling to them.

And to you.

Perhaps everyone just needs time.

Time for you to get to know

and trust the crew, and time for them

to understand how you want things done.

I'm glad you brought this to my attention, Deanna.

Unfortunately, I don't have time for a honeymoon with the crew.

You've clearly given this a lot of thought

So I'd like you to take charge of the morale situation.

Please see to it that they make the adjustment

to the new routine quickly and easily.

Oh, I have a meeting with the new security chief

in five minutes

so the duty roster will have to wait.

Thank you, Counselor.

By the way...

I prefer a certain... formality on the Bridge.

I'd appreciate it if you wore a standard uniform

when you're on duty.

Of course, sir.

Commander, he's asked me to completely reroute

half the power systems on this ship

change every duty roster

realign the warp coils in two days

and now he's transferred a third of my crew to security.

If it makes you feel any better, you're not alone.

Captain Jellico has made major changes

in every department on the ship.

Yeah, well, I don't mind making changes

and I don't mind hard work

but the man isn't giving me the time I need to do the work.

Somebody's got to get him to listen to reason.

It's not going to be me.

He's made that abundantly clear.

Well, then can I make a suggestion?

Talk to Captain Picard.

Maybe he can do something.

We just need a little time.

All right.

Come.

You all right, sir?

Yes, I am

but the last time I had to train like this

was for the Academy Marathon

but... I'm managing.

What can I do for you?

It's nothing urgent.

I'm sorry I bothered you.

Good night.

My orders are to maintain radio silence

until we've completed the mission.

Well, the Enterprise will be monitoring your channel

just in case you do need to transmit a signal.

Bridge to Captain Jellico.

We've arrived at the shuttle departure coordinates.

Did you launch the probe I requested?

Yes, sir. I wasn't aware you wanted to be informed.

Thank you. Jellico out.

I can see why he's still only a first officer.

Captain, I would just like you to know that Commander Riker...

I've read your reports, Jean-Luc.

I know you think highly of him.

It's not just my opinion.

He's been decorated by Starfleet Command five times.

He's been offered his own ship more than once.

I think if you just gave him a chance

you would find him an outstanding officer.

Jean-Luc, let's be candid for a moment.

The Cardassians aren't going to listen to reason

and the Federation isn't going to give in to their demands

and the chances are you won't be coming back

from this mission of yours.

I want this ship ready for action

and I don't have time

to give Will Riker or anyone else a "chance."

And forgive me for being blunt, but the Enterprise is mine now.

Well... here's hoping you beat the odds.

Good hunting.

Thank you.

Jean-Luc...

I believe this is yours.

Shuttlecraft Feynman to Enterprise.

We have cleared the shuttle bay.

Acknowledged, Feynman. Good luck.

Thank you, Enterprise.

Well...

now that we're underway

I can tell you about our mission.

Starfleet Intelligence believes that the Cardassians

are developing a metagenic weapon.

Oh, my God.

I am not familiar with metagenics.

They're genetically engineered viruses

that are designed to destroy entire ecosystems.

When metagenic toxins

are released into a planet's atmosphere

they immediately begin to mutate.

They seek out and destroy all forms of DNA they encounter.

In a few days, everything is dead.

In a month, the metagenic agent itself

breaks down and dissipates completely

leaving every city, every road, every piece of equipment

perfectly intact.

Leaving the planet safe to be conquered.

Wouldn't using such a weapon

pose as great a risk to the attacker

as to the target?

That's why metagenics

and other biological weapons were outlawed years ago.

Even the Romulans

have abided with those agreements.

Starfleet Intelligence believes that the Cardassians

are developing a new delivery system

one that would protect them

from accidental exposure to the toxin.

They believe that the Cardassians

are testing a way of launching dormant metagenic material

on a subspace carrier wave.

So they could activate the toxins after the launch

thereby preventing any accidental exposure.

Mm-hmm. And because the subspace wave

would appear simply as background radiation

no one would realize what was happening

until it was too late.

Now, for the past few weeks, theta-band subspace emissions

have been detected coming from Celtris III.

These emissions may indicate

that a metagenic delivery system is in operation.

What do we know about Celtris III?

Very little.

It was thought to be uninhabited

until these emissions were detected.

Starfleet believes that the Cardassians

may have a secret research lab

Iocated somewhere below the planet's surface.

Our orders are to penetrate this Celtris III installation

and determine if the Cardassians

are actually building a metagenic weapon.

And if they are?

Destroy it...

at any cost.

When I was on the Stargazer

we conducted extensive tests using theta-band carrier waves.

One of the reasons I was selected for this mission

is my familiarity

with the methods used for generating them.

Mr. Worf, your presence here is obvious.

Doctor, your job will be to locate and to destroy

any biotoxins we may find.

Celtris III is in Cardassian space.

How will we get there undetected?

I... know a way of acquiring some discreet transport.

Mr. Worf, set a course for Torman V.

If he doesn't pay up, I know three large Ferengi

who will not be so forgiving.

I didn't do it.

We're not accusing you of anything.

What do you want then?

We're looking for DaiMon Solok.

Why?

We have a business proposition to discuss.

Solok is a very busy, very important man.

He isn't here.

But I could relay a message.

Good.

Please, will you tell DaiMon Solok

that we're interested in transportation...

to Celtris III?

That's a Cardassian planet.

Uh-huh.

Now, we understand that DaiMon Solok

runs cargo there

from time to time.

Solok is no smuggler.

Yes, but if Solok were to go to Celtris III

for legitimate reasons

we would be interested in quietly booking passage

for the journey.

I don't think he would be interested

in dealing with Federation spies.

You know...

I heard that Solok was quite a man.

Why... yes.

He is a...

extraordinary man.

That's why we came here

because only Solok could help us...

but I guess there are some things

even Solok can't do.

It's too bad.

Because...

if he could, I would be...

very...

very...

Yes?

Grateful.

When do you want to leave?

Beverly, make sure that your tricorder

is keeping a precise map of the route.

It would be very easy to get lost in here.

Right.

I'm picking up some subspace signals

but I can't seem to get a lock on them.

That's typical of theta-band emissions.

You have to compress the detection bandwidth

in order to determine the fix.

The source emission is 500 meters east of here, and...

700 meters below.

It's all right.

They're called lynars.

They're a kind of Celtran bat.

They're harmless.

Bats?

You're not afraid of bats, are you, Worf?

Of course not.

First Officer's Log supplemental.

We have rendezvoused with the Cardassian ship Reklar

to begin diplomatic talks

designed to ease tensions along the border.

Gul Lemec has arrived.

He's waiting for you in the observation lounge.

Very good. I'll be in my ready room.

Yes?

Captain, I think there's been a slight miscommunication.

Did you want to meet with Gul Lemec in here?

No, the observation lounge is appropriate.

I see.

Lemec is a Cardassian

and Cardassians are like timber wolves...

predators...

bold in large numbers, cautious by themselves

and with an instinctive need to establish a dominant position

in any social gathering.

So you're trying to establish a dominant position

by making him wait for you.

The trouble with wolves

is that sometimes in the fight for dominance

one of them ends up dead.

In that case, the trick is

to be the wolf that's still standing at the end.

The floor is over 500 meters down from here.

There doesn't seem to be a way around.

We'll have to rappel from here.

This is sheer granite.

We'll have to use fusing pitons.

We could try to find another way down.

Unfortunately, that would take several hours.

We don't have the time.

You're not afraid of heights, are you, Doctor?

Of course not.

Now, remember to control your descent.

Don't get the lines tangled.

I'll remember.

All right?

What is going on?

I've been waiting here for over an hour...

I'm Captain Jellico.

I believe you know Commander Riker

and this is Lieutenant Commander Troi.

Let's get to it, shall we?

This treatment

is a deliberate insult to the Cardassian Union.

I have been kept waiting here for over an hour.

Then I'm sure you're ready to talk.

I did not agree

to allow others into this meeting.

If it alarms you, I can ask them to leave.

I am not alarmed, but we did not...

A great many people are depending

on our efforts here, Gul Lemec.

We don't need to quibble over minutiae.

I have come to negotiate

a Federation withdrawal from the borders

not to be dictated to by some mere Captain.

I can see you're not serious about these talks.

If the Cardassian Union

truly wishes to discuss peace

they can send someone

who can negotiate in a civilized manner.

Captain on the Bridge.

Let him stew for a few minutes.

Then go in and tell him that you've convinced me

to meet with him one more time.

Tell him I'm a loose cannon

and that he needs to be more reasonable

because I'm such an unreasonable man.

Lemec will want to bring his own aides on board.

Pretend to be worried

that I'll object, and then give grudging permission

for two aides, no more.

Understood?

- Aye, sir. - Aye, sir.

Well, I'll say this for him... he's sure of himself.

No, he's not.

The installation should be about 300 meters... this way.

I don't suppose we'll be able

to find another way to get back up there.

I doubt it.

That's what I thought.

Hmm...

There's a lava tube beyond here that runs for 75 meters.

Then it connects with another chamber.

We need to get through here.

This tube opens up beyond this crack.

If we could widen the opening

then we should be able to crawl through.

Mr. Worf?

A phaser set at level 16 should suffice.

Make it so.

Well done, Mr. Worf.

Gul Lemec. A pleasure.

May I present my aides Glinn Corak and Glinn Tajor.

Welcome aboard.

For the past three weeks

you've been massing troops in staging areas

assembling strike forces

and pulling ships from their normal patrols.

We will not stand for this

clearly provocative behavior.

I see the Federation spy network

has again provided you with faulty information.

We are conducting routine training operations

nothing more.

Then I'm sure you won't mind

if we send a few starships into this sector

for our own... training operations.

Your fleet deployments do not concern us.

However, we are very concerned

with your refusal to vacate those territories

along the border which are clearly Cardassian.

You gave up your claims on those territories

when you signed the armistice.

You couldn't take those worlds by force, so you

want us to give them to you at the bargaining table.

Captain, please.

We should listen to them.

Gul Lemec, as you know

the systems are still under negotiation

by the terms of the treaty.

Negotiations which we have pursued in good faith.

Unfortunately, the Federation has not been as forthcoming.

So, to speed up the process, you are preparing for war.

We are preparing to defend ourselves.

The Federation will not start a war.

That has always been your position.

However, I have heard reports

that a small team from the Federation

has already been sent into our territory.

Of course, I don't believe it.

Such an attempt would almost certainly fail

and even if it succeeded, it would trigger

a very serious response on our part.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Then there's no need for worry.

A brief recess would seem to be in order.

Very well.

Where is Captain Picard?

Reassigned.

Well, I hope his new assignment is not too dangerous.

It would be a shame

if something were to happen to such a, uh...

such a noted officer.

Yes...

it would.

Only a few more meters.

Beverly, get out of there!

Beverly!

I have her.

Are you all right?

I think so.

Next time, you try bringing up the rear.

We're nearly there.

Can you continue?

It looks like a maintenance hatch

to the installation.

I'm picking up three proximity sensors around it.

Sensor echo is established

but the false image will only last a few minutes.

The hatch is magnetically sealed

but I believe I can bypass it.

I can't get a scan from the other side

of the hatch.

It's been shielded.

We have no choice.

Remember, aim low

and fire in short, controlled bursts.

Ready.

Now.

There's no one here.

There's no lab.

It's a trap. Come on!

Captain!

Let's go.

The Captain!

No. There are five more of them

heading this way from another tunnel.

Come on.

Now!

Come on.

Captain on the Bridge.

What have you got, Will?

I'm not sure.

We're picking up a lot of coded messages

from a Cardassian planet near the border.

Which planet?

Celtris III.

Can you detect any theta-band

subspace emissions coming from Celtris?

There are some residual traces.

It seems that there were emissions

up until a few minutes ago.

Open a secure channel to Admiral Nechayev.

Priority two.

Put it through to my ready room.

Aye, sir.

Captain?

Those emissions you were so concerned about

have just stopped.

I'd say one way or another

our friends have finished their task.

Have you heard from our friends?

No.

Let me know if you do.

I would very much like to see them again.

So would I, Admiral.

A challenge.

You should prove an interesting challenge.

Possibly the most interesting to come through that door

in many years.

What do you want?

Why, you, of course.

Picard...

Jean-Luc.

Serial number... SP-937-215.

Son of Maurice and Yvette Picard.

Born in Labarre, France.

Formerly, Captain of the Stargazer

where you conducted extensive studies

on theta-band subspace carrier waves.

Don't look so surprised.

How could we have designed a lure

for the Captain of the Federation flagship

unless we knew something about his background?

So you concocted an elaborate ruse

to bring me here.

Why?

In this room, you do not ask questions.

I ask them.

You answer.

If I am not satisfied with your answers

you will die.