Star Trek: The Next Generation s02e01 Episode Script

Repulse shuttle|has cleared docking bay three.
- Open hailing frequencies.
|- Hailing frequencies open.
This is the Enterprise.
|We are getting under way.
Acknowledged.
Transfer complete.
|Good luck on your mission.
And to you.
Give my regards to your Captain.
|Repulse out.
Shuttle bay secure.
Thank you, Mr.
Crusher.
|Make preparations to get under way.
We're constructing the enclosure|on cargo deck five.
Come.
The transfer's complete.
Dr Pulaski|is being shown to her quarters.
Grand.
Look at the containment|module our Chief Engineer designed.
Chief Engineer.
|It still has a nice ring to it.
Each unit has|total environmental control, gravity, temperature, atmosphere,|light, in a protective field.
These go into|the large containment unit? Right.
See, these modules|will keep the specimens alive, but it's the large containment area|that will keep us alive.
I have to replicate this 512 times, which means I have to|divert power from the warp engines.
- So how long on impulse power?|- A couple of hours.
Can't be helped.
When we leave 'audet IX,|I'm going to need that power.
You'll have it.
Number One,|I'll relieve you at 0300.
Take us out of orbit, Mr.
Crusher.
|Set course for 'audet IX.
Aye, sir.
|Course for 'audet IX has been input.
- Maximum impulse velocity.
|- Aye, sir.
Engage.
Engineering, I have|just observed what appeared to be a random energy transference.
- Where?|- Aft.
- Outboard of the port nacelle.
|- Hold on.
I'll check.
No, I show nothing here, Data.
Problem? Possibility, sir.
|An unexplained power fluctuation.
- Let me know if it reoccurs.
|- Aye, sir.
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 civilisations, .
.
to boldly go|where no one has gone before.
Captain's log, stardate 42073.
1.
There is an unclassified|plasma plague outbreak in the Rachelis system.
We need specimens|of the deadly plague to transport them|to Science Station Tango Sierra, where, hopefully,|an antidote can be produced.
- How's it going?|- Ready to insert the modules.
Number One.
Lt La Forge says we can engage|the warp drive within the hour.
Grand.
Mr.
Data, when we have|a list of specimens we will carry, I want you and Dr? - Pulaski, sir.
|- Dr Pulaski.
- Go through them.
|- Aye, sir.
Where is our new Doctor?|Has she reported in? Not yet.
- Sickbay, this is the Captain.
|- Sickbay, aye.
- Is Dr Pulaski there?|- No.
The Doctor is in ten-forward.
- Thank you.
|- Aye, sir.
A few hours on board|and she's found ten-forward.
- I'll go get her.
|- No.
I'll go.
Not the best way|to meet your new Captain.
Deck ten, forward station one.
Hello, Captain.
Ensign.
I'm sorry this mission will delay|your reunion with your mother.
That's alright.
It gives me time|to finish some projects I have to do.
It's going to be hard|leaving the Enterprise.
Mixed feelings for all of us.
It's always hard leaving any ship.
Just as it was for your mother,|leaving to head Starfleet Medical.
But moving from one assignment|to another is part of this life.
I know, but this isn't any ship.
How true.
- Guinan.
|- Captain.
Where is Dr Pulaski? Thank you.
You must be Capt Picard.
Doctor, protocol may have been|lax on your last assignment Sit down, Captain.
|You should hear this.
Lt La Forge, status report.
The last of the modules|are being inserted.
- Warp six as soon as possible.
|- Acknowledged.
This is Dr Pulaski.
We'll handle|the formal introductions later.
Counsellor Deanna Troi is pregnant.
She is going to have a baby.
Baby? This is a surprise.
More so for me.
This pregnancy is unlike|any I have ever encountered.
Since she came to me, I have done two examinations|of Counsellor Troi.
This is the first examination.
This is halfway through the|first trimester.
About six weeks old.
Now, understand we believe|conception took place 11 hours ago.
What? It gets better.
This is|the second exam, one hour later.
It's consistent, except that the|foetus appears several weeks older.
At this rate, Counsellor Troi will|have her baby in about 36 hours.
The normal gestation rate|for a Betazoid is ten months.
I don't mean to be indelicate|but who's the father? Last night, while I slept, something which I can only describe|as a presence entered my body.
A life form of unknown origin|and intent is breeding right now|inside Counsellor Troi.
Our purpose here is to determine|what is to be done.
No, wait.
Let me get this straight.
|Deanna was impregnated by what? Doctor, is it a humanoid?|An alien? It's a male human or, in this case,|half-human, half-Betazoid.
- Exactly the same as Deanna?|- In every way.
In fact, nothing indicates any|genetic patterns other than hers.
I don't think this is random.
|I think there is a reason.
What, I don't know.
Captain, obviously, the pregnancy|must be terminated, for the safety of the ship and crew.
You can't assume|the intent was belligerent.
That is the safest assumption.
Captain, this is a life form.
Not to allow it to develop naturally|will deny us a study opportunity.
If the foetus is aborted, laboratory|analysis is still possible.
Doctor, is there any health risk|to Troi if the foetus is aborted? Do whatever is necessary|to protect the ship and crew, but know this.
I'm going to have this baby! Then it seems|that the discussion is over.
Captain's log, supplemental.
|We have arrived at 'audet IX, where we will pick up|the specimens of plasma plague.
Because so many lives are at stake, I am willing to put|this ship and crew at great risk.
Meanwhile, Counsellor Troi's|pregnancy continues to progress at an astonishing rate.
How are you feeling? I should feel uncomfortable|with the changes in my body, but I feel fine.
Better than fine.
Wonderful.
Standard orbit.
- Open hailing frequencies.
|- Hailing frequencies open.
This is Capt Jean-Luc Picard|of the USS Enterprise.
The Enterprise.
Here at last.
|Good.
Let's get going.
To whom am I speaking? To whom are you speaking? Lt Cmdr|Hester Dealt, Medical Trustee, Federation Medical|Collection Station.
Are the specimens ready? Yes, but I would like to inspect the|containment area before we proceed.
It's not that I doubt the ability|of your crew, but we cannot afford a mistake.
I appreciate your caution.
|In the like vein, I want a complete detailed manifest of what you plan to bring on board.
Very good.
I will allow you access|to my computer banks, OK? Data, cross-reference their inventory|to the medical computer.
Number One, arrange|the transportation.
Captain's log, supplemental.
It's been nearly 14 hours|since we arrived at 'audet IX, but Hester Dealt has not completed|inspection of the containment unit.
A transfer will not be permitted|until he's assured of zero growth.
Meanwhile, the desperate pleas|from the Rachelis system continue.
Captain, the final manifest|has been received.
At last.
Review it with Dr Pulaski.
|I want you both familiar with it.
Data,|will you help me get to sickbay? It's time.
You bet it is!|Let's get you to maternity.
Worf, assemble a security team|in sickbay.
- Is that necessary?|- Yes, Doctor.
Captain's orders.
Well, it's strange to need|armed guards in a delivery room.
This way.
- How frequent are your contractions?|- Very close.
In other deliveries,|the father is often present.
- Difficult in the circumstances.
|- I could serve in that capacity.
Counsellor Troi needs a human touch,|not the cold hand of technology.
Doctor, I think Cmdr Data|will do very nicely.
Your choice.
You don't have to do anything, Data.
|Just be with me.
There's nothing|to be nervous about.
Nervous?|I find this very interesting.
I understand, in technical terms,|how life is formed, but part of the process eludes me.
The child inside you, are you able|to access his thought process? Does he have thoughts? Is he aware|of you? When does awareness begin? - It's happening!|- How does it feel? - Now!|- Now? Now! Doctor! This is an impatient baby.
|He's eager to make his appearance.
Do you want something for the pain?|It won't diminish the experience.
I have felt no pain.
- None?|- No.
None at all.
Have your Security men stand back.
I understand you have to be here,|but keep out from underfoot.
- Foetal position?|- Normal.
Foetal pulse? The baby shows|healthy respiratory movements.
The action of the heart rate|is good.
The baby's doing wonderfully, Troi.
Breathe slowly.
You're doing great.
Stay calm.
That's it.
There it is.
I've got him.
You can relax.
There, there.
That's a good boy.
He's beautiful! Are easy births the norm|for Betazoids? Not according to my mother.
You can come in now.
There's no threat, Lieutenant.
|You can relax.
It's just a baby.
Thank you for letting me participate.
It was remarkable.
- Do you have a name?|- Ian Andrew, after my father.
- Were you here all along?|- Yes.
He's beautiful, Deanna.
|Just like his mother.
How do you feel? Fine.
Wonderful.
Thank you, Doctor, for everything.
Amazing.
Doctor! Welcome to the bridge.
|Please sit down.
How is Counsellor Troi?|Did she have a good night? I've delivered dozens of babies,|but none with no pain or trauma.
- It's true.
|- It was effortless for both.
I'm not sure of your point.
She had her baby yesterday.
If I examined her now, I couldn't|tell if she'd ever had a baby! It was as if|the incident never happened.
Data, how long before the transfer? Two hours, 19 minutes, sir.
- Number One, take the bridge.
|- Aye, sir.
You will accompany me, Doctor?|Please? I think it's time|I paid my respects.
Come in.
I wanted to see how you were|and have a look at your .
.
baby! My goodness! - How old is he?|- In actuality, a day.
- Yes, but|- In appearance, four Earth years.
Ian, say hello to Capt Picard.
You mean he can talk? Hello.
Hello, Ian.
Please don't worry.
|Everything is OK.
Captain's log, supplemental.
|We have two major problems.
Troi's child and the deadly cargo|we're about to take on.
In the hours since his birth, Troi's|baby has continued his rapid growth, and appears, physically and|mentally, to be a child of eight.
Still there is no indication|as to who he is or why he is here.
Sickbay,|we are ready to begin loading.
We need a little more time|to categorise these specimens.
Data, look at this.
- Dahta.
|- What? My name.
It is pronounced Data.
You called me Dahta.
What's the difference? One is my name.
The other is not.
Is this possible? With all your neural nets,|algorithms and heuristics? Does some combination make up|a circuit for hurt feelings? Possible? I am unfamiliar with this symbol.
It indicates a genetically|engineered biological life form.
About 20 percent of the specimens|fall into that category.
Some eager beaver at play.
Inquiry.
Eager beaver? In this case, eager beaver refers to|some overachieving genetic engineer, who, probably because|of lack of anything better to do, has forced this strain of virus|to mutate, just so we can see|how bad bad can get.
I want you to know|what risks we're about to take.
Go on.
If any specimen gets loose, it will destroy all life on|the Enterprise in a matter of hours.
I understand, Doctor.
|Do you have a recommendation? Considering how desperately|this is needed, no, I don't.
I wanted you|to know what we were carrying.
Thank you.
Cmdr Data, you are needed|in transporter room three.
Aye, sir.
Excuse me, Doctor.
That's alright, Dahta|Data.
Whatever.
He's very tactile.
|He wants to touch everything.
It's time to go, sweetheart.
Unbelievable! I think he's actually grown|since you dropped him off.
- I like it here.
|- I thought you would.
Thank Miss Gladstone.
|Let's go get something to eat.
Thank you.
Bio-transport authorisation complete.
Cargo deck five, we will commence|transportation on your command.
Transporter three,|we are ready to receive.
The first batch is in place,|and we're ready for the next.
Inform me when the cargo|is loaded and secure.
Aye, sir.
Come in.
I wanted to see how Ian was doing.
We're doing fine.
|I was about to get his supper.
Do you want your supper, too? No, Ian, but thank you|for the invitation.
You're welcome.
- Have you ever played with puppies?|- They had a litter in the nursery.
No, Ian, I don't think I have.
Come to the nursery|while the puppies are there.
Perhaps later.
Mom! Let me see that.
That's not so bad.
My face is wet.
Is that better, sweetheart?|Everything's going to be fine.
He allowed himself to be burned.
- For the experience.
|- Who is he? Why is he here? What does he want? Ian, could you tell us|why you are here? Mommy said it was time to eat.
No, I mean,|why are you here on this ship? I live here.
The Captain wants to know if you're|ready to tell us why you came here.
No, not yet.
The answer is within him.
When his cognitive powers have|developed, he will articulate it.
I hope that's soon.
Cargo has been loaded|and is secure.
Then take us out of orbit.
|Set a course for Rachelis, warp six.
Can I get you something? No, nothing.
|I just like to stand here.
I don't blame you.
It's beautiful.
How about a cup of Mareuvian tea? No, nothing.
Thank you.
You'll be leaving soon.
What do you see|when you look out there? The Lorenze Cluster, and there's Arneb,|and there's Epsilon Indi.
No.
I mean, when you look out there,|don't you see your future? It'll still be there.
What about a cup of nectar|direct from Prometheus? No, nothing.
That's the third time|you've asked me.
It's what I'm expected to do.
|Don't you always do what's expected? I try.
Even if it's not|what you really want? Sometimes.
Sometimes it's more important|to consider others before yourself.
Yes.
But sometimes the game is to know|when to consider yourself first.
Give yourself permission|to be selfish.
Something's wrong! - What is it?|- Growth! - Where?|- L-73.
This is cargo deck five.
Yes, La Forge? Captain, we have a malfunction|in the containment area.
- How serious?|- Very.
Captain's log, supplemental.
|For reasons as yet unknown, one of the deadly specimens|of plasma plague has begun to grow.
Report, Mr.
La Forge.
Captain, there is no reason|for this to be happening.
I can't even isolate the cause.
Data, we better get down there.
- Dr Pulaski.
|- Yes, Captain? A difficulty on cargo deck five.
|Your presence is requested.
I'm on my way.
You never talk about yourself.
Sure I do.
All the time.
People say you're very old.
And that you knew Capt Picard|when he was on the Stargazer.
No, I never knew him|till I came on board.
Everyone's very curious about you.
I bet they are.
Yeah, they wanna know|where you're from.
Where do they say? Well, they say that|you're from Nova Kron and - Mr.
Crusher, to the bridge.
|- Aye, sir.
Gotta go.
Thanks.
For a dish of Delovian soufflé? No, not for the soufflé.
I meant for the rest.
That's why I'm here.
Thanks.
Bye.
Why this module and not the others? Computer,|run diagnostic on module L-73.
All circuits functional.
Environment's as programmed,|temperature 97 degrees Kelvin, radiation flux zero,|stasis field nominal, everything as it should be,|right down the line.
Perhaps it is a sensor malfunction.
Computer, inquiry.
Is growth|actually occurring in L-73? Confirmed.
- Doctor, one specimen is growing.
|- Destroy it now.
- I can't.
|- Prepare to jettison the module.
We can't do that.
It will remain|until it comes into contact with a planet or another ship.
The results would be disastrous.
You're saying no matter how bad|I think it is, it's actually worse? - This won't hold it.
|- Go on.
Within 30 minutes, it's going|to push out of its module.
It will break out of|the containment area.
- No.
It can't break through this!|- Yes, it will.
Captain, we may not be able|to get control of this situation.
Recommend transfer of nonessential|personnel to the saucer section.
If we lose containment,|we should prepare to separate.
Make it so.
Why this one specimen|and none of the others? Something is stimulating it.
|Do you know how it was developed? Yes, it's right over here.
It's a mutated strain developed|during an outbreak of plasma plague This particular test was bombarded|by low levels of Eichner radiation.
Could exposure to Eichner radiation|stimulate growth? It could, but l I've got something! Why didn't you detect this before? I don't know.
It wasn't here before.
It is now.
|What emits that type of radiation? - A subspace phase inverter.
|- We don't have one.
Certain cyanoacrylates.
What else? It's here.
|We better find it! I feel that some of the people|are very worried.
I feel it, too, but don't you worry.
It's me, Mommy.
I'm the reason.
- What?|- It's me.
- You?|- Yes.
I have to leave you now,|or it will be bad for everyone.
- What are you saying?|- I have to leave now.
Leave? You're going to die! No, you can't! Sickbay! This is Counsellor Troi.
|I need the Doctor in my quarters! It's Ian! Hurry! What happened?|Did he eat anything? Did he fall? No.
Commander, the child is the source|of the unusual radiation.
He said he's why|the ship is in danger.
That analysis is correct.
I'm losing life signs.
You must save him! I'm sorry.
Cmdr Riker, the containment field|has stabilised! Thank you, Lieutenant.
Then Ian was right.
He was the cause.
Apparently so.
He is a life-force entity.
When we passed each other in space,|he was curious about us.
He decided the best way to learn was to go through the process,|to be born, to live as one of us and,|in that way, to understand us.
He never meant any harm.
There was a moment when you smiled.
He said, "Thank you.
" I told him we will miss him.
And I will.
- Standard orbit, Mr.
Crusher.
|- Aye, sir.
Standard orbit.
Transporter room three,|this is the Captain.
Let's make this transfer|with all deliberate speed.
Aye, sir.
I'll be glad to be relieved|of this cargo.
You have the bridge, Number One.
Could I see you when you're free? - In my ready room.
|- Thank you, sir.
- How long will a vaccine take?|- We may never develop one.
All this was in vain? - Let's hope not.
|- Stand by to energise.
Good luck.
Data, you can lock on to the first|group and begin transporting.
Come.
Capt Picard,|I've thought about this a lot.
I want to remain on the Enterprise.
Have you told your mother? No, sir.
Before I do,|I'd like your permission to stay.
Wesley, it's a little more|complicated than that.
Captain|This is where I want to be.
This is where I feel I belong.
Captain, transfer complete,|we are ready to leave orbit.
Make it so, Number One.
Return to your position.
All systems secure.
Take us out of orbit, Mr.
Crusher.
|Set course for Morgana Quadrant.
Ensign Crusher has requested|to remain on the Enterprise.
I'm not surprised.
|How did you respond? I haven't yet.
I didn't think|it was my responsibility alone.
His remaining will create|difficulties for us all.
Yes, indeed.
|Who will see to his studies? Exactly.
Of course, that duty|will fall to Cmdr Data.
- Who will tuck him in at night?|- Come on, Commander.
I will accept that responsibility.
Well, we know he'll get his sleep.
That's the practical, but there's|more to growing up than that.
Number One, you are best qualified|to supervise that.
Are you willing to serve? Difficult decision.
Yes, I can do that.
Mr.
Crusher,|communicate with your mother.
Tell her you have my permission|to remain on the Enterprise, but I will abide by her wishes.
Yes, sir.
|Thank you, sir.
I know she'll agree.
If you have course|and speed laid in Yes, sir, they are.
Then, Mr.
Crusher, engage.