All language subtitles for Star Trek The Next Generation S01E17

Picard: Commander
riker, report to the bridge.

On the way.

Bernard:
Harry. Harry, come back here.

- What's your hurry, Harry?
- I'm sorry, commander.

I was just...

Bernard: Harry.

I'm sorry if he bothered you.

No bother, Dr. Bernard.

I'm not going back.

I hate that teacher and I hate calculus.

Everyone needs an understanding
of basic calculus,

whether they like it or not.

Why?

Crusher: You're limping.

I had a small run-in
with an aspiring sprinter.

- Number one.
- Problem, captain?

More a curiosity.
For the past few hours,

we've been tracking
faint energy readings

in an attempt to locate its source.

It's like following a trail
of breadcrumbs.

The pathfinder led us here
and then stopped.

Which is what I knew
would interest you.

What's our position, geordi?

The epsilon mynos system, sir.

Thank you, captain, you're right.
I wouldn't miss this for anything.

What's so interesting
about this system?

Tasha, I'm surprised you haven't heard
the stories of aldea,

the wondrous, mythical world.

Like Atlantis of ancient earth,
or neinman of xerxes 7.

Advanced culture, centuries old.

Self-contained, peaceful,
incredible technical sophistication,

providing the daily needs
of all the citizens

so that they can turn themselves over
to art and culture.

Where is it supposed to be?

That's the myth.
Somehow, as legend goes,

the aldeans were able
to cloak their planet in darkness

and go unseen by marauders

and other hostile passersby
who might Rob and plunder.

Tasha:
What a wonderful fairy tale.

Scanners still show nothing, sir.

Scanners may show nothing, sir,
but I'm sensing something very strong.

- Thousands of minds.
- From where?

Very close.

All stop.

And hold this position.

Aye, sir.

All stop. And hold.

Anything?

Captain, I'm recording a distortion
in quadrant one, Mark nine-zero.

On screen.

- Shields and deflectors up.
- Aye, sir.

It's aldea, captain.

It has to be.

Picard:
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.

Picard:
Captain's log, stardate 41509.1.

Either by chance or intent,

we've been led to the planet aldea,
which appeared out of nowhere,

hidden behind
a sophisticated shielding device.

Sensors indicate
that the shield is electromagnetic,

a complicated
light-refracting mechanism.

- A cloaking device.
- Aye, sir.

It's gotta be pretty sophisticated
to hide an entire planet.

We're being scanned, sir.

Hmm. We'll let them know
our peaceful intention.

Open hailing frequencies,
lieutenant yar.

Frequencies open, sir.

I am rashella.

Welcome to aldea.

I, uh...

I am Jean-Luc picard,
captain of the USS enterprise.

We come in peace.

We know.

We've heard stories about aldea,

but frankly,
I never believed they could be true.

Our shield has confused outsiders
for millennia, captain.

That's a very long time
to have such technology.

Why do you reveal yourselves
to us now?

We are eager to meet in person
to discuss that

and other subjects of mutual interest.

Picard: We're ready anytime.

Excellent.

We mean no harm.

Our arrival seems to have startled you.

It was a little sudden.

I'm radue, first appointee to aldea.

- Welcome aboard.
- Crusher: Captain,

they haven't been
through decontamination.

Picard:
Our medical doctor is concerned

that you didn't go through
the regular transporting procedure.

You couldn't transport us.

The only way through our shield
is our way, captain.

Our cloaking device may be off,
but our shield is operating.

We've brought you small tokens
of welcome.

And a personal invitation
to a celebration on aldea.

That would be delightful.

Number one,
assemble the away team.

We will prepare for your arrival,
commander riker.

- How do you know...?
- Your name?

Well, we've been monitoring
your ship's communications.

We must now return to aldea.

Our eyes are very sensitive
to bright light.

Rashella.

Amazing.

To exist only in that dream world
of mythology,

and then suddenly to be here
right in front of us?

Now we know
who placed the breadcrumbs.

We're not here by accident.

Counselor, do you sense anything?

They want something from us,
something we value greatly.

So much that they're afraid
we won't part with it.

Radue: We're ready
to receive you, commander riker.

And two of your colleagues.

Interesting choices.

I hope that duana and I know how
to greet you properly, commander.

How do they cloak the planet?

The theory is simple.

The shield bends light rays
around the planet's contour,

similar to the romulan
cloaking device.

But the implementation
is quite difficult.

- Worf: Captain?
- Data, what do you read?

Some sort of scanning device, sir.

- Picard: Don't touch him.
- This beam is emanating from aldea.

Shields up. Contact commander
riker. Worf, check all decks.

Shields inoperable, sir.

All decks being probed
in a methodical pattern, sir.

- All decks, everywhere? Entire ship?
- Data: Aye, sir.

La forge: Can't read the
commander. We're being blocked.

Wesley?

You all right?

It was scary at first

but I didn't really feel anything.

Worf:
Sir, similar incidents, all decks.

But only with the children.

Yes, we are an ancient power,
commander.

But we've suffered for it.

Our history is littered
with the deaths of those aldeans

who wanted more and more things.
Nothing was ever enough.

So we've evolved
a very simple way of living.

For whatever is taken,
something is given in return.

It seems an equitable code.

It's brought us peace.

Unfortunately, there are very few of us
left to enjoy it.

Why?

That is part of what
we wish to discuss.

We need help from the federation
to rebuild our heritage.

We need a younger generation,
strong and healthy,

following in the aldean traditions.

I don't understand. How can the
federation help influence your children

in your traditions?

Because we have no children,
commander.

Rashella was the last child born
on this planet.

And your medical community
can do nothing?

They've tried, Dr. Crusher, and failed.

Perhaps we can help.

Radue, exactly why
were we invited here?

We propose a trade.

One which would solve our problem

and give something back
to the federation.

And the nature of this trade?

We need some of your children.

In payment,
we will give you information

that would take you centuries
to acquire.

That might be acceptable
to some other races,

but, uh, humans are unusually
attached to their offspring.

Our children are not for sale
at any price.

We sympathize with your situation,
but what you ask is not possible.

And that's your final answer?

It's my only answer.

Riker: If there's some other way
that we could help...

I am sorry you are so intransigent.

Still no response, sir.

Wesley.

They've taken my son.

Alexandra?

Alexandra?

Captain, saucer section reports
six more children are gone.

It's the children.
That's why we've been brought here.

- That's what they wanted.
- And that's what they have.

- Status?
- Aldean shields still up.

Hailing frequencies open.
No response.

Keep trying. Counselor,
you'll have to gather the parents.

They'll need to speak to you
as well, captain.

Radue:
Captain, your children are with us.

My word of honor,
no harm will ever come to them.

Harm has already come to them.

Captain, let us begin discussions
regarding appropriate compensation.

Compensation?

You have stolen our children
away from...

Away from their classrooms,

away from their bedrooms,
and you talk about compensation?

You claim to be a civilized world

and yet you've just committed
an act of utter barbarity.

Captain, we will continue
the discussions

when you've calmed down.

Wesley,

I'm frightened.

I know you are, Katie. We all are.

But we're gonna be all right.

Everyone knows where we are
and no one is going to hurt you.

I promise.

Greetings, Wesley crusher.

The custodian indicated
that you would be the leader.

The custodian?

Who is the custodian?

The custodian is not a person.

You have been brought to aldea
as our guests.

We'll provide anything you need
or want.

We wanna go home.

Wesley, all of you have been chosen
because you are special.

Just ask for anything you want
and you shall have it.

What's happened to Alexandra
and the other children, captain?

How are you getting them back?

Toya, sit down.

Don't give in to fear.

Now, we all knew what the risks were
when we signed on.

And that's the choice we made.

Now, captain picard
will do everything possible

to bring our children back.

The aldeans are anxious
to discuss compensation.

- Compensation?
- That will buy us time.

I've asked Dr. Crusher to be involved
in these negotiations

as your representative.

Why were these
specific children taken?

We can't be sure.

We do know the aldeans
can't have children of their own.

Then they won't let them go easily.

I won't insult you by pretending
that any of this will be easy.

But I can tell you that the enterprise
will not leave them behind.

You can be assured of that.

Can we talk with our children?

Give them some reassurance.

Let them know that we are here
and that they will be safe.

I'll do my best to arrange that.

The last time I saw him,
I yelled at him.

There you are. I have you now.

Radue:
Come in. Don't be alarmed.

The other children have been assigned
to their units.

- Wesley: Units?
- A unit is a group

where those of similar talents
and interests live together.

Do you mean like a family?

Radue:
Yes, uh, you could call it that.

We already have families.

Does captain picard know
you're doing this?

We keep nothing from him.

We have been waiting for you
so long, Harry.

We are artists, just like you.

We see within you
the potential of what you can be.

I'm not an artist.

You will be.

And a great one.

This way, Harry.

Unit b, 375.

I am honored.

Thank you.

Melian is the foremost musician
on aldea.

Music speaks its own language.

I know we'll have much to learn
from each other.

Don't worry, Katie.

You'll be seeing Wesley soon.

Wesley: What about me?

Don't I get a say in this?

Wesley, sometimes something
happens which you just

must accept.

You and the other children
are now members of this society.

That will not change.

It is up to you to make the transition
as easy as possible for the others.

It's your duty
because you are their leader.

Help them to accept it

because nothing you or those
on the starship can do can change it.

Because like you,

we also have no choice.

Where have you been, rashella?

Zena and aran are waiting
to take Alexandra.

- I told you that she...
- No, radue.

They can't have her.

I will never let her go.

- Any response from aldea, lieutenant?
- Not yet, sir.

Riker: Captain.

Data has found something interesting.

The aldean shield gives evidence
of random fluctuations,

weakening its structure
in isolated sections.

You're saying there are holes
in their defense system?

In essence, yes.

I find it surprising that,
after all these eons,

the aldeans have not perfected
their technology.

One would assume they'd be aware
of the weakness and repair it.

Could we beam an away team
through one of those holes?

It's a possibility. It would have to be
perfectly timed, there's no guarantee.

We may be more successful
in deciphering the code they use

to transport through
the magnetic shield.

- Can you do that?
- Data: Eventually, sir.

I am working on it now.

But the number of permutations
is almost endless.

Keep trying. While he's doing that,
number one, I want you and la forge

to try and find some way
of getting through one of those holes.

Because one way or another,

we have got to get an away team down
on the planet

to locate the power source
for the shield and neutralize it.

You're certain they'll negotiate?

Oh, they'll negotiate.
Or they'll call it that.

They've taken what they want.

Now, they'll rationalize it
by throwing us some sort of a bone.

And when we don't accept their offer?

The minute they believe
we won't accept their compensation

for the children,
they'll break off the discussion,

they'll disappear behind their shield,

locking us out
and the children in forever.

That's why I've gotta
keep them talking.

Custodian, Wesley crusher's voice
will be entered

into the authorized file
for third-level clearance.

Custodian: Proceed, duana.

Announce yourself to the custodian.

Hello, custodian.

I am Wesley crusher.

Custodian: Hello, Wesley.

Your voice will now activate
third-level clearance.

What does that mean?

Custodian:
You may ask any questions you wish.

Thank you.

Duana, what does the custodian do?

It frees us from all burden.

It takes care of all our needs.

It regulates our lives.

- Who built it?
- The progenitors.

- When?
- Oh, hundreds of centuries ago.

What is its power source?

Wesley, why is that important?

It does what we ask it to.
It always has.

What difference does it make
how it works?

If you don't know how it works,
then how can you repair it?

Why would we want to repair it?

From time to time, every computer...

I mean, custodian,
requires maintenance.

Wesley, radue is right.

You ask questions I can't answer.

Ask the custodian instead.

Custodian,

can you show me where Harry is?

Custodian: Yes.

Custodian, show me Harry.

- I never did this before.
- Leda: Ah.

It's fun. Leda: Ha, ha.

You were going to make him
into a sculptor?

He already is.

He was just never
encouraged properly.

The tool leda is giving him will
allow him to bring out his visions.

It will take him years
to learn how to do that.

Oh, no.

It will happen quite quickly.

Custodian, show me Alexandra.

Custodian, show me Mason.

Stop, custodian.

We must work now.

There's much to learn.

What's in there?

The power source?

I don't know.

Picard:
Captain's log, supplemental.

We remain in orbit around aldea.

It's becoming all too evident

that talk will not effect the return
of our children.

We must neutralize
the aldean shield.

Until then, we are helpless.

Sir, radue is hailing us.

Radue: Captain picard.

Dr. Crusher and I are ready, radue.

Are you ill, captain?

No, Dr. Crusher is a staff officer.

Starfleet regulation 6.57 requires that
at least two staff officers are present

during any treaty
or contract negotiations.

Very well.

Not much on pleasantries, is he?

Captain, I am not aware
of regulation 6.57.

No, data, neither am I.

I see, sir. Oh.

I see, sir.

Dr. Crusher,
please report to the bridge.

Now, let's see
what they have in mind.

Before we begin,
we want to see the children.

We're here to negotiate
appropriate compensation,

not to pander to emotions.

Please sit.

We do not condone your actions.

You're attempting
to salve your conscience

by offering us goods
in exchange for our children.

Why do you want them back
so badly?

You can always have more.

You are trifling with the primal instincts
of our species.

I must warn you that human parents

are quite willing to die
for their children.

Returning the children
is non-negotiable.

I promise you,
they will have a beautiful life with us.

And they'll be father and mother to a
new breed born of an ancient culture.

But how can you be so sure
that they can have children?

- You can't. — but they will.

Our inability to bear children
is a genetic dysfunction.

It's not contagious.

We sympathize with your situation.

Surely there is a solution
that can be mutually satisfactory.

For us, the problem is solved.

And we're offering you information

on areas of the galaxy
you do not even know exist.

What more can we offer?

What more would you like?

A significant beginning.

But first, I must ask that
Dr. Crusher be allowed to see her son

before we continue.

Oh, you are a stubborn people.

Oh, well.

That too can be a positive trait.

You may see him.

- Wesley: Mom.
- Wes.

I knew captain picard
would get us home.

Not yet, Wes.

Wesley: Oh.

Are you okay?

And the others?

Okay. Really okay.

We've been assigned to our units.

Like families.

They're treating us like gods.

Well, don't let it go to your head.

Wesley: I won't.

Wes seems fine.

He says the other children are too.

Of course they're well.

Captain picard, you have our offer.

It is final.

Rashella.

Captain, we want you to understand
the nature of your choice.

A small demonstration
of our power...

- Picard: What was that?
- I believe it was a repulsor beam.

- Position report.
- This is unbelievable, sir.

According to my calculations,
we're three days from aldea.

- At warp 9.
- They call that a small demonstration.

- Geordi, get us back to aldea. Warp 9.
- Aye, sir.

Radue:
Captain, if you don't accept our terms,

the enterprise will be pushed
so far away

that by the time you return,
your children will be grandparents.

Picard:
Captain's log, stardate 41512.4.

We are 20 hours away from aldea
and no closer to a solution.

Their deliberate show of force
pushed us out of orbit

and could have easily disintegrated
the ship.

Now, hold it a little bit more firmly.

That's it, perfect.

Now, think.

No, think's not right.

Feel the notes inside your head.

I'm sorry. Did I break it?

No, it's all right.

You can't break this.

It did exactly what I thought.

I mean, felt.

Yes, it's a direct reflection
of the music within.

Now, we just have to teach you
to structure that feeling.

Try it again.

That was beautiful.

Now,

play something happier.

It's not the way I feel.

I don't wanna do this anymore.

You see, Harry?

I told you you were going to be
an artist.

Are you sure?

Did I really do this?

Oh, yes.

Your talent has always been there.

The sculpting tool
is just helping you to develop it.

It's what you were meant to do.

You mean I don't have to
take calculus anymore?

You don't have to do anything
you don't want to do.

- What's calculus?
- Ha, ha. Nothing important.

Can I do some more?

Picard:
Captain's log, supplemental.

It has been three days
since the aldeans pushed us away.

We have had no contact with radue
since then.

Open hailing frequencies,
lieutenant yar.

Frequencies open, sir.

Radue, this is picard.

Radue: Welcome back, captain.

What have you decided?

That there is room
for discussion, radue.

We will bring you down
when we're ready.

- Data, find a way to defeat that shield.
- That may be impossible, sir.

Things are only impossible
until they're not.

Yes, sir.

Captain.

Here's what I've learned so far.

Duana is dying.

I have no reason to believe
the other aldeans are any healthier.

They're suffering
from a kind of chromosomal damage.

It could be genetic or environmental.

- And is that why they can't conceive?
- Yes.

It also explains their lack of appetite,
extreme pallor and sensitivity to light.

An entire civilization
that's terminally ill. Is it reversible?

I won't know until I find the cause.

And you don't need to tell me
time is running out.

Good work, doctor.

Have the lesions gone?

The medicine worked again.

Come see what Harry's doing.

Beautiful.

Yeah. It really turned out well.

It's so alive and graceful.
What do you call it?

It's a dolphin.

Dolphin?

You know, it swims in the ocean,
like a fish, only it's not a fish.

Ah. A fish.

Oh, we used to have those
in our oceans.

I've never seen one before.

I used to live near the ocean
on zadar iv.

My dad's an oceanographer.

He says that, well...

Never mind.

It doesn't matter.

- I want mommy.
- Shh.

I want mommy.

You haven't eaten.

You didn't eat anything.

We need very little.

We know you miss your family.

But you'll grow accustomed to us.

I promise you'll be happy.

We were happy before we came.

We are offering more,
especially for you.

Duana,

I feel badly for you
that you have no children.

But I have to tell you
that we don't wanna be here.

And we will not cooperate.

Custodian's room.

Custodian, this is Wesley crusher.

- Custodian: Proceed, Wesley.
- Shh.

Wesley: Show me where
the enterprise children are

in relation to this room.

Thank you. Good night.

Custodian: Good night, Wesley.

Shh.

I think I know a way to get us home.

I need your help.

Crusher: Chief medical
officer's log, stardate 41512.9.

I've begun to suspect
that whatever is killing the aldeans

is related to a danger faced by earth
in the 21st century.

Can it be that aldea's ozone layer
has been weakened?

Why will not talking or eating
make them send us home?

It's called passive resistance.

We don't do what they want us to do,
then they won't want us.

Will they get mad at us?

Wesley: They won't hurt us.

But, Wes, I do kind of like them.

So do I.

But I don't wanna stay here forever.

Do you?

But I like working with the wood.

Harry, we all have to be in this together
or it's not gonna work.

Okay.

What are you all
doing here together?

What is going on here?

I've got it, captain.

The aldeans are suffering
from a form of radiation poisoning.

- Is that what made them sterile?
- Yes.

- Is it reversible?
- With the proper treatment, yes.

- Data: Captain.
- Sir.

These permutations
are going to take a very long time.

- How long?
- Weeks.

Riker:
There is the other option.

We were able to further define
the weakness in their shield.

It's not so much a hole
as it is a fluctuation.

If the timing is precise, it is possible
to beam through and onto the planet.

Why don't we beam the children up
through the hole?

The timing would be more difficult
and the risk greater.

All right, you and data, beam down,
locate the power source, knock it out.

I'll, uh, delay the aldeans
until you're ready.

Shh.

Will you at least eat?

No, Alexandra.

Why?

We can't eat.

I know you're hungry. We all are.

But it's our way of telling them
that we wanna go home.

- Understand?
- Yeah.

We're ready, lieutenant worf.

Captain, you may come down now
to conclude our discussion.

Or your ship may leave.

It's your choice.

Dr. Crusher and I are prepared
to conclude our negotiations.

Transporter room, now.

This is it, commander.

It is programmed to accept
only authorized voice command.

There's no way we can override?

But I can scramble the input
so that nobody else can.

Before we begin, captain,
you must speak with the children.

It seems they are
on some sort of strike.

I don't understand it.

You must deal with this, captain.

I'm, uh,

not very good with children.

A strike?

I'll see what I can do.

I'm sure if we just stick together
in this, guys, we'll all be...

Katie: Hi, captain picard.
Harry: Hi, captain.

Sir, I knew you'd come.

It's not over yet, Wesley.

I think I figured out
their computer controls, sir.

But I'm not sure.

It's a much different system than ours.

Good, Wesley.

- Now...
- Captain?

Yes, Harry.

If something happens
and you have to leave us here,

will you tell my dad
that I'm sorry that I made him angry,

and that I miss him.

You will tell him that, Harry.

And I will tell him
how much I admire his son.

Hello, Alexandra.

What is this?

They want to go home.

No. They're staying.

Number one.

Ri ker: We 're in position.

Hold for orders.

Radiation levels on aldea have been
building up over a long period of time.

It is similar to what was experienced
on earth in the 21st century,

when the ozone layer had deteriorated

and the surface of the planet
was flooded with ultraviolet radiation.

The shield that protected your world
in one way is weakening it in another.

It is the radiation of your own sun
that is destroying you.

You are trying to confuse the issue.

Please, listen.

You are all suffering
from radiation poisoning.

Sterility is only the latest symptom.

If the children remain,
they will be affected as well.

That's impossible.
Our scientists would have known.

How could they? Your scientists
have forgotten how everything works.

No, wait.

Don't send them back yet.

What if they're right?

Instead of the children
being our hope,

what if we're just condemning them
to our fate?

Rashella, they're just protecting
their own interests.

As are we.

But hear them out.

The captain and Dr. Crusher
are saying

that the very thing which
has given us this wonderful world

is what has caused this tragedy.

That's it, exactly.

Your custodian
has controlled you so completely,

you've lost even the desire
to question it.

Lies. And the discussion is over.

- Commander riker?
- Riker: Yes, sir?

I assume you have control
of the computer.

Riker: We've disabled the system
temporarily.

We've found the power source
to the shield and neutralized it.

Good. Enterprise, this is picard.
Beam the children up.

Wait.

Picard: Enterprise, hold.

Thank you.

Let me get the dolphin
for you to take with you.

No, you keep it.

I'll make another one.

- All right, Harry?
- Yes, captain.

Okay, kids. Let's go home.

Picard: Beam them up.

You have destroyed us.

We're not here
to destroy you, radue.

We're gonna help you.

What is it?

Picard:
The legacy of your progenitors, radue.

The source of your power.

And of your problems.

Data: It is reading incredible amounts
of energy, sir.

Even more since we've taken down
the shield.

What are we going to do with it?

Learn all over again.

All this time,
we've been destroying ourselves.

So sure
of our technological invulnerability.

Now we must learn
to use this power safely.

Will you let us help you?

Yes. Please.

Dad, I wanna be an artist.

But I don't wanna
take calculus anymore.

You can be anything you want, Harry.

Anything.

But you still have to take calculus.

Okay. Thanks, dad.

It worked well, sir.

And we have successfully reseeded
the ozone layer.

But for their atmosphere
to maintain its integrity,

they can never use the shield.

Or be cloaked again.

Are you finished?

Yes, captain.

And they're responding very well
to the treatment.

The legend will die,

but the people will live.

And we know
they'll make good parents.

- Wesley.
- Sorry, captain.

She just wanted to thank you
for bringing her home to her mother.

Thank you.

Come on now.

Mr. La forge,

out of orbit, warp 5.

Yes, sir. Certainly, sir.