Star Trek:The Next Generation Episode Guide
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Gowron's forces are successful in destroying the Duras supply bases in the Mempa sector. About three weeks prior to 'Redemption, Part II' (TNG). Three major engagements between forces loyal to Gowron and those of the Duras family result in significant losses to Gowron. Starfleet continues to resist involvement in what is principally an internal Klingon matter. Within two weeks of 'Redemption, Part II' (TNG).

Episode 101 : Redemption Part II

Stardate 45020.4. U.S.S. Enterprise -D at Starbase 234, where Fleet Admiral Shanthi authorizes Captain Jean-Luc Picard to lead an armada of 23 starships in an attempt to blockade a Romulan convoy suspected of being the source of supplies to forces loyal to the Duras family. Such Romulan interference is believed to threaten the stability of the Gowron regime. Among the vessels assigned to the blockade are the Enterprise -D, Excalibur, and the Sutherland. Due to limited available personnel, Enterprise -D executive officer William Riker is assigned to temporary command of the Excalibur, and Enterprise -D operations manager Data is placed in charge of the Sutherland. Gowron's forces are reported in full retreat from the Mempa sector, this despite the fact that the Duras supply bases in that sector had been destroyed three weeks before. Utilizing a tachyon network technique developed by Geordi La Forge, Picard's armada is successful in detecting a cloaked Romulan warbird, whose commander requests a meeting with Captain Picard. The commander identifies herself as Sela, the daughter of former Enterprise -D security officer Tasha Yar, claiming that Yar had been sent into the past and had been captured after the destruction of the Enterprise -C some 24 years ago. Sela further claims that she is the product of a union between Yar and a Romulan general, who spared the lives of the surviving Enterprise -C personnel when Yar agreed to become his consort. Later, La Forge's tachyon network is further successful in detecting additional Romulan spacecraft attempting to run the blockade line. The ships turn back after being located, and the Federation vessels also return to their home territory. In the absence of Romulan support, the Duras family challenge to leadership of the High Council fails, marking the end of the Klingon civil war. Although Toral, son of Duras, is convicted of treason, Worf, eldest son of Mogh, declines to exercise his right to take Toral's life for wrongfully having brought disgrace to Worf's family. Captain Jean-Luc Picard accepts Worf's request for reinstatement as a Starfleet officer. Editors' Note: Other ships in Picard's armada included the U.S.S. Tian An Men (a remembrance of those who died for Chinese freedom, much as the U.S. Navy's Lexington commemorated the first battle of the American Revolution), the Endeavour (named for James Cook's flagship, also for NASA's new space shuttle orbiter), the Akagi and the Hornet (two ships that fought against each other in the Battle of Midway, now serving side by side), and the Sutherland (named for the ship commanded by C. S. Forester's fictional Horatio Hornblower, one of Gene Roddenberry's inspirations for the character of Captain Kirk). These names were all selected by writer-producer Ron Moore. A Tamarian spacecraft arrives at planet El-Adrel IV. The vessel transmits a subspace signal toward Federation space. The signal is determined to contain a standard mathematical progression, which Starfleet interprets as an attempt to start a dialog with the Federation. 'Darmok' (TNG). Picard noted the ship apparently arrived nearly three weeks prior to the episode.

Episode 102 : Darmok

Stardate 45047.2. U.S.S. Enterprise -D en route to the uninhabited El-Adrel star system, near the territory of the enigmatic race known as the Children of Tama. Previous attempts at establishing communication with these people had been unsuccessful, and attempts by Enterprise -D personnel to communicate with the Tamarians are similarly unsuccessful, even with use of the universal translator. Enterprise -D captain Picard is abducted by the Tamarians, and transported to the surface of planet El-Adrel IV, along with Tamarian captain Dathon. The abduction, initially believed to be a hostile act, is later learned to be an attempt at communication by Captain Dathon. The Tamarian gives his life in this attempt to bridge the communication gap between the Tamarians and the alien captain of the Enterprise -D. Because of Dathon's actions, it is learned that the Tamarian language is based on metaphors derived from Tamarian mythology, marking the first successful attempt at communication between the two dissimilar cultures. A terrorist attack destroys the Federation settlement on planet Solarion IV. The attack is blamed on Bajoran terrorists seeking to involve the Federation in the Bajoran dispute with the Cardassian Empire. Prior to 'Ensign Ro' (TNG). A Cardassian liaison meets with Starfleet Admiral Kennelly, requesting assistance in tracking down Bajoran terrorists, which the Cardassian describes as their 'mutual enemy'. About a week prior to 'Ensign Ro' (TNG), but after the Solarion IV attack. Kennelly said he'd met with the Cardassian liaison 'last weekend'. Admiral Kennelly visits Ensign Ro Laren, in prison on Jaros II for the Wellington disaster at Garon II. He offers an administrative pardon in exchange for her agreement to undertake a special mission aboard the Enterprise -D to help resolve the Bajoran terrorist issue. It is later learned that Ro's orders from Kennelly included the offering of illegal weapons to the Bajoran terrorists for use against the Cardassians. Prior to 'Ensign Ro' (TNG), after Kennelly's meeting with the Cardassian liaison.

Episode 103 : Ensign Ro

Stardate 45076.3. U.S.S. Enterprise -D at Lya Station Alpha with survivors from planet Solarion IV. Admiral Kennelly assigns Enterprise -D to seek out Bajoran terrorist leaders to dissuade them from further violence. Ensign Ro Laren is assigned as mission specialist because of her knowledge of Bajoran culture. At the Valo star system, Ro assists in locating Bajoran leader Orta on the third moon of planet Valo I. Orta meets with Picard, presenting convincing evidence that the attack at Solarion IV was not the work of Bajoran terrorists. It is later learned that the Solarion attack had been staged by the Cardassians in an effort to gain Federation assistance in locating Bajoran leaders. It is further determined that Admiral Kennelly had acted improperly by permitting the Cardassians to destroy a Bajoran Antares -class sublight cruiser in an unsuccessful attempt to eliminate Orta. Ensign Ro elects to remain aboard the Enterprise -D as a crew member at the invitation of Captain Picard. She is assigned to the position of flight controller (conn). Editors' Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Ensign Ro Laren. The class name of the Bajoran cruiser, Antares, was suggested by writer Naren Shankar as an homage to the old freighter by the same name that was destroyed in 'Charlie X' (TOS). U.S.S. Enterprise -D conducts survey assignment in sector 21305. Just after 'Ensign Ro' (TNG). Editors' Note: The end of 'Ensign Ro' suggests the Enterprise -D will be returning to Lya Station Alpha in 'a few weeks' after the survey in sector 21305, but it is not clear if this is before or after the next episode. It is possible that this is where the Enterprise -D went while the away team was assisting at Melona IV during 'Silicon Avatar'. U.S.S. Enterprise -D drops off a contingent of personnel to assist with preparations for a colonization project on planet Melona IV, then departs from the area. About a day before 'Silicon Avatar' (TNG).

Episode 104 : Silicon Avatar

Stardate 45122.3. At planet Melona IV, an Enterprise -D away team headed by Commander William Riker assists with survey preparations for construction of a colony. The planet's surface is devastated by an unprovoked attack by a powerful spaceborne life-form known as the Crystalline Entity. This is believed to be the same entity that destroyed the colony at Omicron Theta in 2336. Two colonists, including Carmen Davila, are killed in the attack before a secure shelter can be found. Upon detecting the presence of the Crystalline Entity, Captain Picard orders the Enterprise -D to return to Melona IV ahead of schedule to rescue the survivors. Starfleet Command, notified of the incident, assigns xenologist Dr. Kila Marr to assist with the study of the entity. The mission is to locate and establish communication with the entity, but Marr, who lost her son in the attack at Omicron Theta, suggests that destruction of the entity would be a preferable course of action. Marr cites records suggesting the entity had been responsible for at least eleven attacks since 2338. During the investigation, it is learned that the transport ship Kallisko had been pursued and later destroyed by the Crystalline Entity, which has since departed Melona IV. Upon intercepting the entity near the Brechtian Cluster, Enterprise -D personnel attempt communication, using a modulated graviton beam. The attempt is interrupted by an unauthorized modification of the beam control program by Dr. Marr. This action, apparently motivated by Marr's desire for revenge for her son's death, creates a continuous graviton beam, resulting in the destruction of the Crystalline Entity. Enterprise -D botanist Keiko O'Brien and her husband, Miles, conceive a child. 'Disaster' (TNG). About eight months prior to the episode, given the suggestion that Molly's delivery was premature. Starship Enterprise -D completes a mission to planet Mudor V several days ahead of schedule, affording the crew a respite before their next assignment. Prior to 'Disaster' (TNG). Three children of Enterprise -D crew personnel, Jay Gordon, Marissa Flores, and Patterson Supra, win the ship's primary school science fair. Their prize is a tour of the ship to be personally conducted by Captain Picard. Just prior to 'Disaster' (TNG).

Episode 105 : Disaster

Stardate 45156.1. U.S.S. Enterprise -D suffers major systems damage from collision with a quantum filament. The ship's main computer, warp drive, antimatter containment, and other key systems are affected. Counselor Deanna Troi, temporarily in command of the vessel, orders emergency procedure Alpha 2, bypassing computer control and placing key systems on manual. Indications are detected of a potential breach of the antimatter containment system, but Chief O'Brien and Ensign Ro Laren are successful in assisting engineering personnel in averting an explosion despite a major power failure in the engineering section. Enterprise -D botanist Keiko O'Brien gives birth to a baby girl. Assisting with the delivery is security chief Worf. The child is named Molly. Editors' Note: The name of the O'Brien child is not established until 'The Game' (TNG), when Wesley asks how Molly is doing. Molly was named for Rick Berman's daughter and for former Star Trek staffer Molly Rennie. Molly, seen as a child in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine a year later, must have grown unusually quickly, although in 'The Nagus' (DS9), Sisko said that Molly was three years old, which would put her birth in 2366, instead of 2368 (in which 'Disaster' [TNG] is set). Captain Picard takes the three winners of the Enterprise -D science fair on a tour of the ship that includes visits to the battle bridge and the torpedo bay. U.S.S. Enterprise -D proceeds to Starbase 67 for major systems repair. After 'Disaster' (TNG). After Counselor Troi's brief stint in command of the Enterprise -D, she realizes that she may want to pursue advancement within Starfleet so that she can experience the feeling of being in command, although she does not act on this for another two years. After 'Disaster' (TNG), as Troi mentioned in 'Thine Own Self' (TNG). Starship Enterprise -D on scientific mission to conduct studies at the previously uncharted Phoenix Cluster. Several science teams are transported from the Starship Zhukov to assist in the project. Although the exploration had been scheduled to last five weeks, a diplomatic mission to Oceanus IV has cut the available time to only two weeks. Just prior to 'The Game' (TNG). Editors' Note: Sensor scans of luminescent asteroids within the Phoenix cluster were apparently unsuccessful in locating the whereabouts of Lieutenant Talby.

Episode 106 : The Game

Stardate 45208.2. Commander William Riker takes shore leave on planet Risa. He meets a woman named Etana, who is later learned to be a military operative for the Ktarans. Riker returns to the Enterprise -D with a small recreational device, which he replicates for distribution to his crewmates. It is later learned that these devices employ sophisticated neural-optical conditioning techniques to control the behavior of the Enterprise -D crew, part of a Ktaran attempt to gain control of the Federation Starfleet. Lieutenant Commander Data and Cadet Wesley Crusher, on leave from Starfleet Academy, are successful in developing an optical deprogramming technique to counteract the effects of the Ktaran devices. Mission specialist Robin Lefler is also credited with helping to identify the threat posed by the Ktarans. U.S.S. Enterprise -D rendezvous with U.S.S. Merrimack, transferring Wesley Crusher for transport back to Starfleet Academy. Enterprise -D thereafter proceeds to Oceanus IV for diplomatic mission. After 'The Game' (TNG). Ambassador Spock mysteriously disappears from his home on Vulcan. He has wrapped up his affairs very carefully, but has given little clue as to his plans. 'Unification, Part I' (TNG). Admiral Brackett said Spock had disappeared three weeks prior to the episode. Perrin implied that Spock's residence was on planet Vulcan. A Ferengi cargo shuttle crashes in the Hanolin asteroid belt near Vulcan. Wreckage is recovered from over 100 square kilometers. Parts of a derelict Vulcan spacecraft, concealed in crates labeled as containing medical supplies, are found among the debris. The parts are sent to Vulcan for identification, and U.S.S. Enterprise -D personnel are later asked to assist. Sometime prior to 'Unification, Part I' (TNG). Starfleet Intelligence reports Ambassador Spock, missing for nearly three weeks, has been sighted on Romulus. The unauthorized visit is of great concern to Starfleet Command because of the tremendous potential for damage to Federation security in the event that Spock has defected. Two days prior to 'Unification, Part I' (TNG). Starship Enterprise -D terraforming mission to planet Doraf I is canceled, ship is recalled to Starbase 234 by Fleet Admiral Brackett. Just prior to 'Unification, Part I' (TNG).

Episode 107 & 108 : Unification Part I & II

Unification, Part I: Stardate 45233.1. U.S.S. Enterprise -D is assigned by Fleet Admiral Brackett to investigate Spock's disappearance. At the suggestion of Ambassador Sarek, Captain Picard and Lieutenant Commander Data journey to Romulus to seek out Romulan senator Pardek. Despite initial reluctance by Klingon authorities, Klingon council leader Gowron agrees to the loan of a Bird-of-Prey for the purpose of a covert trip to Romulus. Picard later discovers that the Klingon reluctance to lend assistance was due to selective editing of the historical record by Gowron, intended to downplay the aid of the Federation in the recent Klingon civil war. En route to Romulus, it is learned that Ambassador Sarek has died from Bendii syndrome, a degenerative brain disorder, at his home on Vulcan. He is survived by his wife, Perrin, and his son, Spock. Sarek was 203. Enterprise -D personnel, assisting Vulcan authorities in investigating debris recovered from a recently crashed Ferengi shuttle, uncover evidence that unknown agents, possibly Ferengi, had been attempting to smuggle Vulcan spacecraft components to an unknown destination. The components are traced to a decommissioned Vulcan ship, the T'Pau, sent four years ago to the surplus depot at Qualor II. Investigation at the depot shows the T'Pau was removed under mysterious circumstances, probably by an unidentified spacecraft detected at Qualor II. The vehicle is reported to have self-destructed, apparently to avoid further investigation. Picard and Data, working undercover on Romulus, are successful in making contact with Romulan senator Pardek and Federation ambassador Spock near the Krocton Segment. Editors' Note: The death of Sarek is an important milestone in Star Trek history, marking the first occasion when a major continuing character has died and not been resurrected. (Of course, it is possible that a younger Sarek might yet be seen in a feature film or other project set in Star Trek's earlier era.) The surplus depot at Qualor II used many wrecked ships originally built for the graveyard scene in 'The Best Of Both Worlds, Part II' (TNG). Some additional ships may be seen by those with a discerning eye and a good VCR or a laserdisk: Several study models, originally designed by Nilo Rodis, Bill George, and their colleagues at Industrial Light and Magic as possible designs for the U.S.S. Excelsior in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, are among the ships in the junkyard, as is a replica of the Klingon battle cruiser originally built for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Even more intriguing are two study models for a proposed Enterprise redesign by Ralph McQuarrie. These models were made in the mid '70s for a proposed Star Trek movie project that was never produced. Unification, Part II: Stardate 45245.8. Captain Picard is informed by Spock of his purpose on Romulus: To support the cause of reunification between the Vulcan and the Romulan peoples. Picard informs Spock of Federation objections to his presence on Romulus, but Spock cites the support of Romulan senator Pardek as evidence that such reunification may succeed. U.S.S. Enterprise -D, still at Qualor II, continues to investigate the theft of a Vulcan ship. It is learned by Commander Riker that the T'Pau had been delivered to a Barolian freighter at Galorndon Core, near the Romulan Neutral Zone. Spock, meeting with Romulan proconsul Neral, is given assurances of support for the reunification movement. Later, Spock and Picard learn that this support, along with the support of Senator Pardek, had been part of a Romulan attempt to conquer Vulcan. This plan, under the direction of Romulan operative Sela, is discovered to involve use of the pretext of reunification to cover the movement of a Romulan invasion force to Vulcan. The invasion force is carried in three stolen Vulcan ships, including the T'Pau. Once discovered, the Vulcan ships are destroyed by Romulan forces to avoid their capture. Despite the absence of official support in the Romulan government, Spock elects to remain on Romulus to continue his work for Vulcan/Romulan reunification. A Type-C asteroid impacts on planet Penthara IV. Although the asteroid has hit an unpopulated continent, scientists on the planet predict the resulting dust clouds may result in disastrous global cooling because of increased planetary albedo. Just prior to 'A Matter of Time' (TNG).

Episode 109 : A Matter Of Time

Stardate 45349.1. U.S.S. Enterprise -D, proceeding to planet Penthara IV, encounters a time/space distortion, followed by the appearance of an individual identifying himself as Professor Berlinghoff Rasmussen, a researcher from the late 26th century. Upon arrival at Penthara IV, Enterprise -D personnel attempt to counter global cooling by employing the ship's phasers to release massive underground pockets of volcanic carbon dioxide. It is hoped that the additional CO2 will increase the amount of solar heat retained in the planet's atmosphere. Although initial results of the attempt are encouraging, seismic activity is much greater than anticipated, resulting in a massive release of volcanic dust, exacerbating the original problem. A second attempt successfully employs the Enterprise -D to trigger a massive electrostatic discharge to vaporize the dust particles, then directing the resulting energy surge harmlessly into space. Investigating reports of numerous small items discovered missing by Enterprise -D personnel, Lieutenant Commander Data searches Rasmussen's time-travel pod, and discovers Rasmussen to be the culprit. Upon questioning, Rasmussen confesses to being a time traveler not from the future, as previously claimed, but from the past. Rasmussen, who admits his goal was to return to the 22nd century with articles of 24th-century technology, is placed in custody. U.S.S. Enterprise -D goes to Starbase 214 to turn Rasmussen over to authorities. After 'A Matter of Time' (TNG). Helena Rozhenko, upon hearing that the Enterprise -D is in the sector, secures passage aboard the transport vessel Milan for herself and Worf's son, Alexander. The Milan will intercept the Enterprise -D. Prior to 'New Ground' (TNG).

Episode 110 : New Ground

Stardate 45376.3. U.S.S. Enterprise -D meets with transport ship Milan for transfer of passengers Helena Rozhenko and Alexander Rozhenko. Helena informs her adoptive son, Worf, that his son, Alexander, has been having difficulty adjusting to life on Earth. Worf agrees to take custody of his son aboard the Enterprise -D. U.S.S. Enterprise -D at planet Bilana III to participate in an engineering test of the soliton wave development project. The test is initially successful in accelerating a test payload to warp 2.35, but subspace instabilities result in destruction of the payload. Enterprise -D is successful in overtaking the wavefront, and employs photon torpedoes to disperse the soliton wave. Editors' Note: Solitons are real. They are nondispersing waves used in fiber-optic communications. Episode writer (and physicist) Naren Shanker observed the study of electromagnetic (but not subspace) soliton wave packets by Dr. C. R. Pollock while a graduate student at Cornell University. Starbase 514 loses contact with research vessel S.S. Vico, on a mission to explore the interior of a black cluster. The U.S.S. Enterprise -D is assigned to investigate the disappearance. Two days before 'Hero Worship' (TNG).

Episode 111 : Hero Worship

Stardate 45397.3. U.S.S. Enterprise -D locates the Vico inside the black cluster. The Vico is discovered to have been severely damaged, and an away team is able to rescue only a single survivor. The survivor, a young boy, Timothy, has been severely traumatized by the tragedy, but he is helped by Counselor Troi and Lieutenant Commander Data. Immediately following the rescue mission, the Enterprise -D is buffeted by gravitational distortions within the black cluster. It is determined that a similar phenomenon caused the destruction of the Vico, and Timothy's recollection of the Vico's final moments are instrumental in devising a means to avoid a similar fate for the Enterprise -D. Ullian telepathic researcher Jev, on a research project to two planets in the Nel system, commits two acts of telepathic rape, although the victims are mistakenly diagnosed as suffering from Iresine syndrome. 'Violations' (TNG). Geordi's research indicated Jev was in the Nel system between stardates 45321 and 45323, apparently between 'Unification, Part II' (TNG), and 'A Matter Of Time' (TNG).

Episode 112 : Violations

Stardate 45429.3. While on a mapping survey mission, U.S.S. Enterprise -D is assigned to transport a delegation of Ullians to planet Kaldra IV. The Ullians, conducting a research project to catalog telepathically retrieved memories from individuals on several planets, are linked to a series of unexplained neurological disorders resembling Iresine syndrome reported in several Enterprise -D crew members. Further investigation reveals one Ullian, Jev, to be responsible for the disorders. It is learned that Jev had been committing a form of rape involving memory invasion, and he is returned to Ullian authorities for prosecution and rehabilitation. Enterprise -D stops at Starbase 440, where the Ullian delegation disembarks. After 'Violations' (TNG). A stellar core fragment, believed to be from a disintegrated neutron star, is detected in the Moab sector. U.S.S. Enterprise -D diverted to monitor possible disruption of planetary systems in the sector. Just prior to 'The Masterpiece Society' (TNG).

Episode 113 : The Masterpiece Society

Stardate 45470.1. U.S.S. Enterprise -D, while tracking the stellar core fragment, discovers a previously unknown human colony on planet Moab IV, near the fragment's trajectory. Engineering analysis indicates the colony would be unable to withstand the resulting seismic disruption, although colony authorities decline assistance, citing an aversion to outside cultural influences. An agreement is later negotiated in which a limited number of Enterprise -D personnel are allowed within the colony to assist in structural reinforcement. Simultaneously, the Enterprise -D uses its tractor beam to partially deflect the core fragment, and thus reduce its seismic effect on Moab IV. The effort is largely successful, although colony authorities express disapproval at the decision of 23 colonists, including scientist Hannah Bates, to leave their home and accept passage aboard the Enterprise -D. Colony authorities, explaining that their society had been planned as a sealed, self-contained biosphere, express further concern that Enterprise -D assistance may have thereby caused irreparable damage to the society.

Episode 114 : Conundrum

Stardate 45494.2. On a mission to investigate a series of subspace signals indicating possible intelligent life in the Epsilon Silar system, the Starship Enterprise -D is ambushed by what is later identified as a Satarran vessel. The attack employs a sophisticated energy weapon that disrupts Enterprise -D communication systems, selectively damages and alters Enterprise -D computer records, and erases the identities and short-term memories of all Enterprise -D personnel. The Satarran ship is believed to have self-destructed immediately after the attack. Enterprise -D crew members are successful in retrieving information on their identities and their mission from the ship's computer. Unknown to the crew at the time, this information includes deliberate disinformation planted by the Satarrans. The altered computer records falsely identify a Satarran, apparently from the destroyed ship, as Enterprise -D executive officer Keiran MacDuff. They also indicate that the Federation is currently at war with the Lysian Alliance and that the Enterprise -D's mission is to destroy the Lysian military command center. Complying with the fraudulent Starfleet orders, Enterprise -D personnel engage and easily destroy a Lysian spacecraft, resulting in the deaths of approximately 53 Lysians. Tactical analysis of remaining Lysian forces indicates a weapons potential substantially inferior to that of the Enterprise -D. Troubled by the extreme selectiveness of the damage to ship's records and crew memories and by the limited weapons technology of the Lysians, Captain Picard refuses to obey orders to destroy the command center. Enterprise -D personnel subsequently learn that the orders to act against the Lysians had been falsified by the Satarrans in an effort to use Federation weaponry against the Satarrans' enemies. On the Enterprise -D's subsequent course to Starbase 301, crew memories are restored using a medical technique developed by Dr. Beverly Crusher in which the activity of the medial temporal region of the brain is artificially increased. Editors' Note: This episode establishes significant biographical details about many of the ship's senior officers in the form of a computer display of the ship's crew manifest. A careful examination would reveal many personal facts like birth dates and years of graduation. In most cases, we're assuming that the display is accurate, except in cases where later episodes contradicted it, as with Geordi La Forge's mother, who was Alvera K. La Forge in the 'Conundrum' (TNG) manifest, but was established as Silva La Forge in 'Interface' (TNG). This episode is also notable for introducing one of the few romantic liaisons between continuing characters, as Ensign Ro Laren successfully seduces Commander Will Riker.

Episode 115 : Power Play

Stardate 45571.2. U.S.S. Enterprise -D responds to a distress call originating from an unexplored Class-M moon of planet Mab-Bu VI. Due to electromagnetic disturbances in the moon's atmosphere, transporter use is not advised, and a shuttlepod piloted by Commander William Riker, along with Lieutenant Commander Data and Counselor Troi, is sent to investigate. Unexpectedly severe storms force the craft down on the surface, and a rescue mission effected by Chief O'Brien is successful in recovering the shuttle crew. Upon their return to the Enterprise -D, O'Brien, Data, and Troi exhibit severely aberrant behavior, blockading themselves in the Ten-Forward lounge and taking Enterprise -D crew personnel as hostages. The crew determines that this behavior is the result of control by alien life-forms, later learned to be convicted criminals, exiled to Mab-Bu VI some 500 years ago from the Ux-Mal system. Enterprise -D captain Picard is successful in securing an agreement with the Ux-Mal terrorists to release Enterprise -D personnel and return to the Mab-Bu moon's surface.

Episode 116 : Ethics

Stardate 45587.3. U.S.S. Enterprise -D is en route to Sector 37628 for survey mission, but is diverted upon receipt of a distress call from the transport ship Denver. The ship had struck a gravitic mine left over from the Cardassian war, resulting in heavy damage and many injuries. Responding at high warp speed, the Enterprise -D arrives at the accident site in under seven hours. All three Enterprise -D shuttlebays are converted to emergency triage and evac centers, allowing treatment of Denver crew and colonists. Lieutenant Worf is seriously injured by an accident in the cargo bay, resulting in the shattering of seven vertebrae, and the crushing of his spinal cord. Although the prognosis suggests permanent paralysis, Enterprise -D chief medical officer Crusher consults Dr. Toby Russell, a neurogeneticist. Russell proposes an experimental genetronic replication technique that is successful in replacing Worf's spinal column and restoring virtually all of his muscular function. Crusher expresses objections to Russell's use of experimental procedures in a manner that Crusher characterizes as taking unnecessary and unethical risks with patients' lives. Starship Enterprise -D drops off survivors from Denver accident, then proceeds to its survey mission at Sector 37628. After 'Ethics' (TNG).

Episode 117 : The Outcast

Stardate 45614.6. U.S.S. Enterprise -D is at the J'naii planet to help search for a missing J'naii spacecraft. A survey conducted by Enterprise -D commander William Riker and J'naii pilot Soren is able to map the anomalous null space pockets in the J'naii system. Shortly thereafter, a rescue attempt is successful in retrieving the crew of the J'naii shuttle. The J'naii government expresses appreciation of the assistance lent by Enterprise -D personnel, but later accuses Soren of aberrant behavior, alleging a socially unacceptable sexual relationship with Commander Riker. Enterprise -D captain Picard, citing Prime Directive considerations, refuses to intervene with the J'naii judiciary in the Soren matter. Soren is found guilty of forbidden behavior and is rehabilitated, restoring one to social norms in accordance with local laws. U.S.S. Enterprise -D proceeds to Phelen system to negotiate a trade agreement. Just after 'The Outcast' (TNG).

Episode 118 : Cause And Effect

Stardate 45652.1. The U.S.S. Bozeman, a Soyuz -class Federation starship under the command of Captain Morgan Bateson, reported lost in 2278 near the Typhon Expanse, unexpectedly emerges from a rift in the space-time continuum, nearly colliding with the U.S.S. Enterprise -D. Compelling evidence suggests a collision between the two ships did in fact occur, in which the Bozeman impacted the Enterprise -D's starboard warp nacelle, resulting in the destruction of the Enterprise -D, with loss of all hands. The magnitude of the explosion, however, appears to have thrown the Enterprise -D into a recursive causality loop in which the events leading up to the collision were repeatedly experienced by those aboard the ship. Verification with Federation Timebase Beacons indicate the outside universe had experienced the passage of 17.4 days while the Enterprise -D was trapped in several iterations of the causality loop. The Bozeman had apparently been caught in a similar causality loop for approximately 80 years. The hypothesized disaster was apparently averted on the final cycle as the result of a message transmitted via dekyon field to Lieutenant Commander Data by the Enterprise -D crew on its penultimate cycle. During that final cycle, numerous crew members reported phenomena that appear to have been 'echoes' of previous passes through the time loop. Cadet Wesley Crusher and Cadet Joshua Albert participate in a ski trip to Calgary. Joshua forgets his sweater, so Wesley loans him one of his. 'The First Duty' (TNG). Wesley remembered that he and Josh had gone on the ski trip two months prior to the episode. Ensign Wesley Crusher and four fellow cadets at Starfleet Academy are involved in a serious flight accident involving a collision of trainer spacecraft at the Academy range near Saturn. Cadet Joshua Albert is reported killed in the collision, and all five spacecraft are reported destroyed. The remaining cadets, all members of Nova Squadron, are able to transport safely to the emergency evac station on Mimas. No cause for the accident is immediately revealed. Just prior to 'The First Duty' (TNG).

Episode 119 : The First Duty

Stardate 45703.9. U.S.S. Enterprise -D en route to Earth, where Captain Jean-Luc Picard is scheduled to deliver the commencement address at Starfleet Academy. Just prior to arrival, Picard is notified of the accident involving Wesley Crusher. At the Academy, an investigation is convened by Superintendent Brand in an effort to determine the cause of the accident that claimed the life of Cadet Joshua Albert. Initial testimony by members of Nova Squadron suggests the collision was due to pilot error, but this is found to be inconsistent with telemetric data. A statement by Cadet Wesley Crusher reveals the cause of the crash to be an unauthorized attempt to perform a Kolvoord Starburst, a maneuver prohibited because of its extreme risk. The board of review expels Nova Squadron leader Nick Locarno for his role in the accident and for attempting to conceal information from the board. All three remaining Nova Squadron members are reprimanded, and their academic credits for the year are voided.

Episode 120 : Cost Of Living

Stardate 45733.6. U.S.S. Enterprise -D destroys an asteroid to avoid a disastrous impact on planet Tessen III. Unknown to the crew, the asteroid had been rich in metallic nitrium, and that the nitrium had been a food source to parasitic nonsentient life-forms that had lived in the asteroid. The crew later discovers that these life-forms had settled on the Enterprise -D hull in the aftermath of the asteroid's destruction, resulting in significant damage to the ship's structure and systems. U.S.S. Enterprise -D serves as the site for a wedding between Minister Campio of planet Kostolain and Ambassador Lwaxana Troi of planet Betazed. Just prior to the ceremony, Campio's protocol adviser, Erko, recommends cancellation of the wedding due to what he regards as irreconcilable differences between Kostolain and Betazed customs. U.S.S. Enterprise -D picks up a group of miners stranded at planet Harod IV, resulting in a slight delay in the ship's arrival at planet Krios. Prior to 'The Perfect Mate' (TNG).

Episode 121 : The Perfect Mate

Stardate 45761.3. U.S.S. Enterprise -D arrives at planet Krios to pick up a Kriosian delegation for a critical Ceremony of Reconciliation between planets Krios and Valt Minor, in an effort to bring an end to a centuries-old war. En route to the ceremony site, U.S.S. Enterprise -D responds to a distress call from a Ferengi shuttle vehicle, successfully rescuing a crew of two before the shuttle explodes. Preparations for the reconciliation ceremony are disrupted when a Kriosian gift to Chancellor Alrik of Valt is accidentally released from stasis. The 'gift' is learned to be a humanoid female named Kamala, a Kriosian sexual 'metamorph' intended as the mate of Alrick. Preparations for the ceremony are further complicated when Kriosian ambassador Briam is injured in an altercation with Ferengi personnel. Enterprise -D captain Picard is successful in finalizing preparations for the ceremony during Briam's convalescence. The Ceremony of Reconciliation is performed without incident, although Ambassador Briam would later express astonishment at Picard's ability to work so closely with Kamala without succumbing to her sexual attraction.

Episode 122 : Imaginary Friend

Stardate 45852.1. While on a scientific survey mission of nebula FGC-47, U.S.S. Enterprise -D accidentally encounters a previously undiscovered life-form. The entity materializes aboard the Enterprise -D in the form of a human child. The appearance of this entity on the ship is later found to correlate with an unexpectedly high drag coefficient encountered when passing through the nebula. It is eventually discovered that the entity is indigenous to the nebula, and is attempting to evaluate the potential of the Enterprise -D as an energy source. The spaceborne entity, which has befriended young Clara Sutter, departs the ship when made aware of its negative impact on the child. A Borg scout craft crash-lands on a small moon in the Argolis cluster. Four of the five crew members on board the ship are killed in the impact. Shortly prior to 'I, Borg' (TNG).

Episode 123 : I, Borg

Stardate 45854.2. U.S.S. Enterprise -D charts six star systems in the Argolis cluster as a possible prelude to colonization. A distress signal is detected from what investigation determines to be a Borg scout craft that had crashed on a small moon in the region. A single survivor, an adolescent Borg, is recovered from the wreckage. Under the instructions of Enterprise -D captain Picard, analysis of the Borg survivor's biochip implants yields information on the Borg collective intelligence's command structure and interface protocols. This information is used to develop an invasive programming sequence believed capable of destroying the entire Borg race if introduced into the Borg system. During the development of the invasive programming software, Enterprise -D personnel observe that the Borg, now cut off from access to the collective intelligence, exhibits behavioral characteristics of an individual. Deeming it unethical to use a sentient individual as a weapon of mass destruction, Picard orders the Borg, now known as Hugh, to be returned to the crash site for rescue by a second Borg scout craft. Engineer Geordi La Forge, observing Hugh's rescue at the crash site, later reports his belief that Hugh has retained his individuality despite reassimilation into the Borg collective. A Romulan scout ship experiences a serious malfunction of its propulsion system and issues a distress call. U.S.S. Enterprise -D responds to the signal. Just prior to 'The Next Phase' (TNG).

Episode 124 : The Next Phase

Stardate 45892.4 U.S.S. Enterprise -D, on rescue mission to crippled Romulan ship, assists in safe ejection of malfunctioning engine core and provides temporary replacement components, permitting maintenance of life support and propulsion. During the rescue operation, an apparent transporter malfunction results in the apparent loss of Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge and Ensign Ro Laren. Both La Forge and Ro are later found not to be dead, but rather suspended in an area of interspace rendering them effectively invisible. This interphase phenomenon is found to have been caused by an experimental Romulan cloaking device, and exposure to an anionic beam is successful in restoring both La Forge and Ro back to normal space. U.S.S. Enterprise -D heads for planet Garadius IV for an urgent diplomatic mission. Just after 'The Next Phase' (TNG). Starship Enterprise -D conducts a magnetic wave survey of the Parvenium sector, then proceeds to Starbase 218 for a scheduled meeting with Fleet Admiral Gustafson. Prior to 'The Inner Light' (TNG).

Episode 125 : The Inner Light

Stardate 45944.1. En route to Starbase 218, U.S.S. Enterprise -D encounters a space probe of unknown origin. A low-level nucleonic particle beam from the probe is successful in penetrating the Enterprise -D's shields, interacts with Captain Picard, rendering him comatose. Upon regaining consciousness, Picard reports having experienced a lifetime of memories from a native of planet Kataan. The crew determines that the purpose of the probe was to transmit these memories from that long-dead civilization in hope of perpetuating a portion of the Kataan culture. Work crews excavating beneath the city of San Francisco on Earth discover artifacts suggesting an extraterrestrial presence in that city during the late 19th century. Among the artifacts discovered is an object identified as the head of Lieutenant Commander Data, decayed from having been buried for some 500 years. Just prior to 'Time's Arrow, Part I' (TNG).

Episode 126 : Time's Arrow Part I

Stardate 45959.1 U.S.S. Enterprise -D is recalled to Earth on a priority mission to investigate discovery of Data's severed head, found buried at the Presidio in San Francisco. Analysis of artifacts found at the dig site suggest origination from planet Devidia II in the Marrab Sector. Proceeding to Devidia II, Enterprise -D personnel discover humanoid life-forms existing on an asynchronous temporal plane, rendering the humanoids nearly undetectable. Evidence is uncovered that suggests these life-forms may have threatened 19th-century Earth. While investigating this possibility, Lieutenant Commander Data is accidentally entrapped in a temporal vortex, which transports him back to Earth in the 19th century. Recreating the vortex, an away team consisting of Picard, Riker, Data, Troi, Crusher, and La Forge follow Data into the past in an effort to prevent the Devidia II life-forms from threatening Earth, and in the hope of preventing Data's death.

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Facts and background come from 'Startrek Omnipedia' from Paramount Pictures, All right reserved. Star Trek is a registered trademark of Paramount Pictures registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Star Trek , Star Trek: The Next Generation , Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , and Star Trek: Voyager are Trademarks of PARAMOUNT PICTURES.

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