Star Trek: The Next Generation s02e08 Episode Script
A Matter of Honor
We are approaching|Star base 179, sir.
- Half impulse, Mr Crusher.
|- Going to half impulse.
Captain, this is the bridge.
|We have arrived at Star base 179.
Acknowledged, Number One.
Establish position 090,|mark 345 at 27,000 kilometers.
Hailing frequencies.
Open.
Star base 179,|this is the Enterprise.
Enterprise, this is Star base 179.
|Ready for transfer on your mark.
Cmdr Data, you have the bridge.
|Ensign Crusher, you're with me.
Star base 179, we are ready|to commence transfer.
Acknowledged, Enterprise.
|Begin transfer.
Welcome aboard the Enterprise.
|I'm Cmdr Riker, your First Officer.
Those here as replacements,|step outside and follow Lt Lewis.
He will assign you|to your crew quarters.
Ensign, you're on the exchange|programme.
Follow Mr Crusher.
Mordoc, how are you here?|You can't have graduated already.
I am not Mordoc.
I am Mendon.
Ensign Mendon,|from the planet Benzar.
Sorry.
It's a friend of mine.
|You look just like him.
We are from the same geostructure.
|Naturally, we look alike.
How do you tell each other apart? We just do.
It's nice to have you here, Ensign.
Briefing and indoctrination|begin in 15 minutes.
I want to say how happy I am|to be assigned to the Enterprise.
It wasn't just luck.
|I requested it.
I know I can be of great help|to the ship.
Yes.
Of course.
|Just follow Mr Crusher.
Yes, sir.
Cmdr Riker,|report to the phaser range, please.
On my way.
I wondered|if you had any feelings about the officer exchange programme|initiated by Starfleet.
Just positive ones, sir.
Actually, I just welcomed|Ensign Mendon on board.
He seems eager to please.
Well, that's a Benzite trait.
It's been suggested an officer from|the Enterprise might participate.
That's probably a good idea.
Well, there is a Klingon vessel|in the area.
I don't recall a Federation officer|ever serving on a Klingon vessel.
No.
Neither do I.
It might prove beneficial.
Having Worf on board|certainly has been.
Yes, sir.
Who did you intend to send, sir? I thought of asking for a volunteer.
- I might be interested, sir.
|- Damn! Sorry, what was that? I wouldn't mind the assignment, sir.
Any particular reason? Because nobody's|ever done it before.
I'll inform Star base|of your acceptance.
They'll contact the Klingons,|make the arrangements.
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.
Captain's log, stardate 42506.
5.
We have departed from Star base 179 and are headed for a rendezvous|with the Klingon vessel, Pagh.
I have informed the staff of|Cmdr Riker's temporary assignment.
I have studied everything|about my heritage.
Just the man I need to talk to.
Is it true that a Klingon First|Officer must assassinate his Captain? Yes, sir.
- Wouldn't that bring about chaos?|- Of course not.
When or if the Captain becomes|weak or unable to perform, it is expected that his honourable|retirement be assisted by his First.
Your Second Officer will assassinate|you for the same reasons.
Must take a little getting used to.
The Klingon system has operated|successfully for centuries.
It is different.
Many things will be different.
Can I help you, sir? A wonderful way to maintain constant|control over defensive shields.
But I'm sure there's a way|to improve response time.
Sorry.
|Didn't mean to interrupt you.
Just thought|I could be of some help.
However,|I am correct in what I said.
That is superb designing.
|Absolutely first-rate.
Yes, it is.
|Would you care to be more specific? The input sampling.
|It's simple, yet efficient enough.
A minor change of the helm read-out would be more helpful|in emergency situations.
We've never had problems with it.
|Have you seen it work? Not in a practical exercise.
But in theory - my theory - it would|be more than a marginal improvement.
I'll mention it to the Captain.
He is open to astute observations,|isn't he? I've never known the Captain|not to listen to his officers.
Outstanding.
Soon we'll get things|running perfectly.
What is that? A Klingon delicacy.
Pipius claw.
This is heart of targ.
This, of course, is gagh.
- Yes, serpent worms.
Like some?|- No.
Thanks.
I never heard of a Klingon starving|on his own vessel, but you might.
- Not if I weaken first.
|- Their beliefs are rather brutal, but usually what kills us kills them.
That's good to know.
|Like something to drink? I'll abstain in honour|of your last hour on board.
Your sacrifice|will not go unnoticed.
I'm aware of the feast|before the transfer.
I've done it dozens of times.
However, I usually made|more palatable choices.
Well, these are|the more palatable choices.
Thank you.
We know so little about them.
|There really is so much to learn.
This is a great opportunity.
I envy you, Mr Riker.
Thank you.
Commander.
An emergency transponder? Altered to give an omni directional|signal and an emergency call.
- You suspect trouble?|- A security precaution.
I want to ensure|your return to this ship.
Sentiment, Lt Worf? Efficiency, Commander.
I understand.
Thank you.
We have a Klingon vessel approaching.
- Hailing frequencies.
|- Open.
They are returning our hail|in proper language.
It is the Pagh.
On view screen.
I'm Capt Picard|of the USS Enterprise.
This is Capt Kargan|of the Klingon vessel, the Pagh.
Beam your First Officer|on board immediately.
We are preparing to do so.
And, Captain, you are getting|a fine officer.
Thank you for your opinion,|but I will judge that for myself.
Screen off.
Not very hospitable, are they? That is not your concern.
|Observe your station, Ensign Mendon.
Didn't mean to offend you.
You didn't.
Yet.
Transporter, prepare to beam|Cmdr Riker to the Pagh.
Acknowledged, Captain.
- Mr Data, you have the bridge.
|- Aye, sir.
- Good luck, Commander.
|- Thanks, O'Brien.
- I wouldn't wanna go.
|- Why? - You're not afraid, are you?|- No, I'm not.
I would be Ready, sir.
Thanks.
Energize.
- Resume course, Mr Crusher.
|- Aye, sir.
Take over, Cmdr Data.
|I'll be in observation.
Sir.
I am Ensign Mendon.
I just wanted to tell you|how pleased I am to be aboard.
Yes, of course.
|Good to have you aboard.
If you have a few minutes,|I've noted a few procedural changes which might speed up|bridge operations.
I pick things up very fast.
Of course you do.
|You have an excellent record.
However, on the Enterprise|we use the chain of command.
You will report|your observations to Lt Worf.
I beg your pardon.
|I just wanted to impress upon No need to apologize.
We should have|explained at your indoctrination.
Ensign Mendon.
You may impress me.
- Is something wrong?|- No.
It's just .
.
Ive never seen anyone|of your species before.
I'm just an average, everyday human|who happens to be a Commander.
- Now, what were your orders?|- To escort you to the Captain.
- Proceed.
|- Yes, Commander.
Cmdr William Riker|of the Starship Enterprise.
That is incorrect.
I don't understand.
You are Cmdr William Riker, First Officer|of the Klingon cruiser, the Pagh.
Or do you intend|to disobey Federation orders? I have no such intention, sir.
Exactly where are your loyalties,|Commander? I'm afraid|I still don't understand, sir.
This ship is equipped with our best|weapons and our finest warriors.
We are on a peaceful mission, but|can be ready for battle, instantly.
I know I can count on|every Klingon warrior in this crew to serve and die in that battle.
So I ask you again, Cmdr Riker.
|Where are your loyalties? I have been assigned to serve|this ship and to obey your orders.
I will do exactly that.
Will you take an oath|to that effect? I just did.
This is your Second Officer,|Lt Klag.
Something you wanted|to say to me, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
I do not believe you.
Then you challenge|my authority over you? Correct.
And your position on this, Captain? I would say|it is your first command decision.
My oath is between|Capt Kargan and myself.
Your only concern|is with how you obey my orders.
Or do you prefer the rank|of prisoner to lieutenant? I will take your orders.
And you,|Cmdr Riker, will obey my orders.
Of course, Capt Kargan.
Sir, automatic scan has registered|an unknown substance on the aft quarter of|the exterior skin, dorsal section.
- Target it and define.
|- Aye, sir.
I've located it, sir.
|Dorsal of the Engineering section.
View screen on.
Focus on area.
Magnification factor ten.
Increase magnification to 50.
Analyze.
It appears to be a rare form|of subatomic bacteria, capable of doubling itself|in size every 15 minutes.
It's reacting with two compounds|present in the ship's structure.
- Origin?|- Captain.
I noticed it when I did|an intensive scan of the Pagh.
The Klingon ship.
And whom did you inform? No one.
I have not yet|completed my full analysis.
You should report|whatever is out of the ordinary.
And I think that falls|into this category.
But, sir, I have not|completed my full analysis.
It would be improper|to report it until then.
How did you come to that decision? It is a Benzite regulation.
No officer on our ships would|report an occurrence like this without a full analysis|and a resolution.
I have simply followed|proper procedures.
It is our procedure, Ensign, to notify command|of any possible danger to the ship.
The decision is not yours.
|Do you understand? Yes, sir.
Now, continue your analysis|and determine the danger, not only to our ship,|but to the Klingon vessel, also.
Yes, Captain.
|That will take a couple of hours.
Use whatever resources|are necessary.
We may have encountered|a new life form.
I want to know everything about it,|quickly.
Cmdr Data, supervise.
Aye, sir.
And then I will instruct you|in Enterprise etiquette.
First Officer's personal log.
I have been aboard the Pagh|a short time, but am impressed with the Klingons'|abilities and single-mindedness.
Commander,|you're not eating very much.
I'm not that hungry.
- Is the food alright, Commander?|- Delicious.
The pipius claw was excellent.
|And the bregit lung.
And the rokeg blood pie? Delicious.
Good.
|Then you'll also enjoy this.
Isn't that gagh? Very good.
You did some research|on our nutritional choices.
Yes, but, .
.
it's still moving.
Gagh is always best served live.
Would you like something easier? Easier? Yes.
If Klingon food|is too strong for you, perhaps we could get one of|the females to breast-feed you.
You're not worried|about my weakening, are you? Look around you.
|There are no old warriors.
No, sir.
|I'm sure they all died with honour.
Exactly.
You may live long enough|to learn about us.
He is not very attractive .
.
but I will have him.
They are inquisitive.
They want to know|how you would endure.
Endure what? Them.
One or both? I may be back for you.
- Is she serious?|- Yes.
Commander, would you say you're|a typical Federation officer? I suppose so.
Why? - Well, you're not what I expected.
|- In what way? You have a sense of humour.
I was thinking the same about you.
In all my dealings with Klingons,|including our Lt Worf, the thought never occurred to me|of Klingons laughing.
There is much about us|you do not know.
- That's why I'm here.
|- You should ask.
I may.
After this tour,|I may have some worthy questions.
Questions about what? About our future?|Our future is honour.
Our present is serving this ship.
Like you,|I have a mother and a father.
They look like me.
I look like them.
Are they still alive? My mother lives.
My father was|killed in battle at Tranome Sar.
And your father? My father? My father was captured in battle|by Romulans and not allowed to die.
He eventually escaped.
Where is he now? He is on our planet.
He waits.
He waits for his death.
He will fade of a natural illness|and die, weakened and useless.
Honourless.
I will not see him.
He's your father.
A Klingon is his work,|not his family.
That is the way of things.
He's your father.
Klingons do not express feeling|the way you do.
Perhaps you should.
We would not know how.
Yesterday, I did not know how|to eat gagh.
I can confirm the organisms feed on|compounds in the Enterprise's hull.
- And the Klingon ship, the Pagh?|- They are more susceptible.
Their hull contains|more of the compounds.
Projection.
At this rate of reproduction,|there should be a 12-centimeter opening|in the Klingon hull.
Signal them at once.
They may be|unaware of it and need help.
Aye, sir.
- Change course to intercept.
|- Aye, sir.
It will take time to locate them.
They are on manoeuvres|in the Pheben system.
Find them.
Tell me, Cmdr Riker,|what do you make of this? I felt no collision.
|Were we hit by a meteor? No collision.
- Corrosion, then?|- No, not corrosion.
- Science Station, analyse.
|- We have.
Fortunately, that section could|with stand the change in pressure.
Then what is it? A space organism,|eating away at our hull.
What are you talking about?|Surely you can repair it? I'm afraid not.
We estimate that in|less than eight hours, we will have lost too much shell|to remain intact.
Our only contact recently|was with the Enterprise.
There was no direct contact|with the Enterprise.
Tactics Officer,|report to Cmdr Riker.
The Enterprise did conduct|an extensive scan of this vessel.
Normal procedure.
What type of beam did the Enterprise|use to cause this damage to us? None.
Why would they? We're allies.
My logs show that the Enterprise|directed an intense scanning beam at this specific area,|for a duration of two minutes.
Explain that.
I can't.
It could be a weapon.
It's no weapon.
The Enterprise has no reason|to do that.
It makes no sense.
Why? Why is no longer important.
What is important|is our response to this attack.
Engage cloaking device.
Set course|to intercept the Enterprise.
What do you intend to do, Captain? Intend?|There is only one response.
I intend to attack the Enterprise|and destroy it.
You're making progress.
You've eliminated|half the possibilities already.
Thank you.
But I seem to have|become efficient after it was needed.
It was my responsibility|to learn and adapt to the Enterprise's regulations.
|And I didn't do that.
Not really.
|You just made an error.
Capt Picard may not like them,|but he knows they turn up sometimes.
I've failed.
I had an opportunity|to show the Captain my superior capabilities|and I failed.
I can never recover from that.
Mendon, it was a mistake.
You didn't put the organism|on the hull, you discovered it.
You were trying to analyse it|and messed up on protocol a little.
I realise you are being nice to me,|and I appreciate it.
What I don't understand is why.
Why not?|I thought you could use a friend.
Thank you.
I hope I can learn your ways|before I mess up again.
I imagine my methods|must seem foolish to you.
They're different.
But that's what this exchange|is all about.
You learn how we do things|and take that back to your command.
It's up to them to decide|which is better.
You're right.
I'll do it your way.
I'll work even harder than before|and I'll succeed brilliantly.
What is the status? Unchanged.
|The rate of increase continues.
Cmdr Riker, check the organism|growth with Engineering.
Keep him under scrutiny.
Captain, I'm not convinced Riker|knew of any plot against us.
If he did, why would he|have come on board? - Because he was ordered to.
|- To die? It's the expectation of any officer|to be ordered to die at any time.
For a Klingon, perhaps.
But Riker's people do not volunteer|for death so easily.
He may be a spy, .
.
but he's no coward.
That only proves|that he's intelligent.
And you might not be|as strong as you used to be.
I've picked up the Enterprise.
So soon? The Enterprise|is on an intercept course with us.
You almost had me believing|this was a misunderstanding.
But? The Enterprise has changed course|and is following us.
Why? - Ask them.
|- The reason is obvious.
Their intent is clear.
- How long before we make contact?|- Less than 15 minutes.
Put the ship on full battle alert.
|Arm all photon torpedoes.
Let them charge|into their destruction.
Captain, bearings show we should be|in contact with the Pagh now.
- Slow to impulse.
|- Aye, sir.
Impulse speed.
Hailing frequencies are open.
|There is no response.
Continue transmission.
The Pagh is either cloaked|or destroyed, sir.
Conduct an intensive scan|of the area.
Enterprise has slowed to impulse.
|It is making an intensive sweep.
Hold your position.
|Let them come to us.
They may be here to help you.
|Don't be a fool.
Do not forget my rank.
I haven't.
I am simply trying|to help you understand.
I understand fully.
Now, you understand.
|I am still Captain of this vessel.
You are still crew and sworn|to obey me.
You gave me your oath.
Yes, sir, I did.
Then fulfil that oath|and serve this ship as you swore to.
Tell me of the surest method|of attack against the Enterprise.
I won't.
You must.
It is a matter of honour|and loyalty to your oath.
I will not surrender the secrets|of the Enterprise to you.
If your word is no good, then|how can we ever trust Starfleet? I will not break a vow|I made in the past.
I also made an oath to your ship.
|I will not break that.
- They are in conflict.
|- No, sir, they are not.
I will obey your orders.
|I will serve as First Officer.
In an attack against the Enterprise,|I will die with this crew.
But I will not break my oath|of loyalty to Starfleet.
If you had told those secrets|about the Enterprise, I would have labelled you a traitor|and killed you where you stood.
But instead you will die with us.
You'll die like a Klingon.
Sir, I have something|to report immediately.
- Go ahead, Ensign.
|- I have isolated the organisms.
They are a submicron form, capable of breaking|nuclear bonds in the tritanium.
Can they be removed from the hull? Yes.
They are controllable|and can be removed from both ships by using a tunnelling neutrino beam.
Thank you, Ensign.
Well done.
|Initiate that procedure.
Lieutenant, add that information|to the hailing messages.
Aye, sir.
Lieutenant.
The Enterprise has changed|hailing message.
It promises help in cleaning|the organisms and in repairs.
I told you, they're here to help.
I do not believe them.
Arm all weapons.
Prepare to attack.
Captain's log, stardate 42507.
8.
Although our search|has been extensive we are still unable|to locate the Klingon ship, or any evidence of its destruction.
Considering the absence of debris, one must assume the Klingon vessel|is in the area and cloaked.
Agreed.
Since we do not know its intent,|I recommend we go to red alert.
- Make it so, Lieutenant.
|- Aye, sir.
The Enterprise|has raised its shields.
A normal procedure|in a suspicious situation.
It's not an act of aggression.
|They will not fire first.
Then they are fools.
For we will.
- You'll get only one shot.
|- We'll only need one.
Stand by on phasers and torpedoes.
|Prepare to fire them simultaneously.
I recommend you don't fire|until you're within 40,000 km.
Why? To cut down their response time.
You are honouring|your promise to serve us? Would you do less? You will give the order to fire,|Cmdr Riker.
Call out distances.
Any questions, Mr Riker? I'd like to say|I question your judgement.
In my opinion, your reason for|this confrontation is not valid.
Are you finished? Yes, sir.
Commence with attack, as ordered.
Is that a weapon, Commander? No, sir.
Give it to me.
We are receiving an emergency|signal from a command transponder.
Location 035, mark 313.
Frequency and code|designate Cmdr Riker.
Chief O'Brien,|lock on to that signal.
Yes, Captain.
We're not yet|in safe range for a transfer.
- Defensive shields remain in place.
|- We may have to stretch it.
We must know what's going on,|and only Cmdr Riker can tell us.
Beam him directly onto the bridge|on my command.
Yes, sir.
I'll wait till 40,000.
Transporter room, stand by.
- You control the shields.
|- Ready, sir.
Prepare to drop cloaking shields|and fire when ready.
Steady Transporter room, energize.
Hold where you are, Klag.
|I've relieved Capt Kargan.
He was acting|in an irrational manner.
I'm your Captain now.
Where am I? Aboard the Starship Enterprise.
Riker has no honour.
He tricked me.
- He is only dazed, sir.
|- Well, that's fine, .
.
but where's Cmdr Riker? Cloaking shields off.
- Obey my orders.
|- We will be destroyed.
If we are, it will be in battle,|and I will die with you.
So I repeat, cloaking shields off.
It is the Pagh, sir.
It has all armament locked on us|and ready to fire.
Hold position.
Hailing frequencies.
Enterprise to Pagh.
|We are here to assist.
Do not fire.
They will not believe you.
Pagh, we're here to assist.
|Do you read me? Enterprise, this is Capt William|Riker of the Klingon vessel, Pagh.
I order you to lower|your shields and surrender.
Lower shields.
Surrender, as ordered.
I demand to be beamed back|aboard my vessel.
Transporter Chief, prepare to|beam Capt Kargan aboard the Pagh.
Aye, sir.
Capt Riker, we can carry out|your repairs immediately.
Thank you, Capt Picard.
- You should have killed me.
|- I don't want your command.
- But you tricked me to get it.
|- Either way, you can have it back.
Then return to your station.
Get him off my ship.
Yes, Captain.
You understand the Klingons|better than I thought, Commander.
Thank you, my friend.
Almost the shortest assignment|in the history of Starfleet.
Wrong, Number One.
It was almost|the longest.
Well done.
Thank you.
I learned quite a bit.
Apparently, not when to duck.
When not to duck|would be more accurate.
Welcome aboard, Number One.
Lieutenant,|conduct the Commander to sickbay.
Aye, sir.
Commander? Your little toy worked.
Thanks.
I'm glad it did.
You come from a very brave|and unique people.
I'm glad you're with us|on the Enterprise.
Thank you, Commander.
And .
.
welcome home.
- Half impulse, Mr Crusher.
|- Going to half impulse.
Captain, this is the bridge.
|We have arrived at Star base 179.
Acknowledged, Number One.
Establish position 090,|mark 345 at 27,000 kilometers.
Hailing frequencies.
Open.
Star base 179,|this is the Enterprise.
Enterprise, this is Star base 179.
|Ready for transfer on your mark.
Cmdr Data, you have the bridge.
|Ensign Crusher, you're with me.
Star base 179, we are ready|to commence transfer.
Acknowledged, Enterprise.
|Begin transfer.
Welcome aboard the Enterprise.
|I'm Cmdr Riker, your First Officer.
Those here as replacements,|step outside and follow Lt Lewis.
He will assign you|to your crew quarters.
Ensign, you're on the exchange|programme.
Follow Mr Crusher.
Mordoc, how are you here?|You can't have graduated already.
I am not Mordoc.
I am Mendon.
Ensign Mendon,|from the planet Benzar.
Sorry.
It's a friend of mine.
|You look just like him.
We are from the same geostructure.
|Naturally, we look alike.
How do you tell each other apart? We just do.
It's nice to have you here, Ensign.
Briefing and indoctrination|begin in 15 minutes.
I want to say how happy I am|to be assigned to the Enterprise.
It wasn't just luck.
|I requested it.
I know I can be of great help|to the ship.
Yes.
Of course.
|Just follow Mr Crusher.
Yes, sir.
Cmdr Riker,|report to the phaser range, please.
On my way.
I wondered|if you had any feelings about the officer exchange programme|initiated by Starfleet.
Just positive ones, sir.
Actually, I just welcomed|Ensign Mendon on board.
He seems eager to please.
Well, that's a Benzite trait.
It's been suggested an officer from|the Enterprise might participate.
That's probably a good idea.
Well, there is a Klingon vessel|in the area.
I don't recall a Federation officer|ever serving on a Klingon vessel.
No.
Neither do I.
It might prove beneficial.
Having Worf on board|certainly has been.
Yes, sir.
Who did you intend to send, sir? I thought of asking for a volunteer.
- I might be interested, sir.
|- Damn! Sorry, what was that? I wouldn't mind the assignment, sir.
Any particular reason? Because nobody's|ever done it before.
I'll inform Star base|of your acceptance.
They'll contact the Klingons,|make the arrangements.
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.
Captain's log, stardate 42506.
5.
We have departed from Star base 179 and are headed for a rendezvous|with the Klingon vessel, Pagh.
I have informed the staff of|Cmdr Riker's temporary assignment.
I have studied everything|about my heritage.
Just the man I need to talk to.
Is it true that a Klingon First|Officer must assassinate his Captain? Yes, sir.
- Wouldn't that bring about chaos?|- Of course not.
When or if the Captain becomes|weak or unable to perform, it is expected that his honourable|retirement be assisted by his First.
Your Second Officer will assassinate|you for the same reasons.
Must take a little getting used to.
The Klingon system has operated|successfully for centuries.
It is different.
Many things will be different.
Can I help you, sir? A wonderful way to maintain constant|control over defensive shields.
But I'm sure there's a way|to improve response time.
Sorry.
|Didn't mean to interrupt you.
Just thought|I could be of some help.
However,|I am correct in what I said.
That is superb designing.
|Absolutely first-rate.
Yes, it is.
|Would you care to be more specific? The input sampling.
|It's simple, yet efficient enough.
A minor change of the helm read-out would be more helpful|in emergency situations.
We've never had problems with it.
|Have you seen it work? Not in a practical exercise.
But in theory - my theory - it would|be more than a marginal improvement.
I'll mention it to the Captain.
He is open to astute observations,|isn't he? I've never known the Captain|not to listen to his officers.
Outstanding.
Soon we'll get things|running perfectly.
What is that? A Klingon delicacy.
Pipius claw.
This is heart of targ.
This, of course, is gagh.
- Yes, serpent worms.
Like some?|- No.
Thanks.
I never heard of a Klingon starving|on his own vessel, but you might.
- Not if I weaken first.
|- Their beliefs are rather brutal, but usually what kills us kills them.
That's good to know.
|Like something to drink? I'll abstain in honour|of your last hour on board.
Your sacrifice|will not go unnoticed.
I'm aware of the feast|before the transfer.
I've done it dozens of times.
However, I usually made|more palatable choices.
Well, these are|the more palatable choices.
Thank you.
We know so little about them.
|There really is so much to learn.
This is a great opportunity.
I envy you, Mr Riker.
Thank you.
Commander.
An emergency transponder? Altered to give an omni directional|signal and an emergency call.
- You suspect trouble?|- A security precaution.
I want to ensure|your return to this ship.
Sentiment, Lt Worf? Efficiency, Commander.
I understand.
Thank you.
We have a Klingon vessel approaching.
- Hailing frequencies.
|- Open.
They are returning our hail|in proper language.
It is the Pagh.
On view screen.
I'm Capt Picard|of the USS Enterprise.
This is Capt Kargan|of the Klingon vessel, the Pagh.
Beam your First Officer|on board immediately.
We are preparing to do so.
And, Captain, you are getting|a fine officer.
Thank you for your opinion,|but I will judge that for myself.
Screen off.
Not very hospitable, are they? That is not your concern.
|Observe your station, Ensign Mendon.
Didn't mean to offend you.
You didn't.
Yet.
Transporter, prepare to beam|Cmdr Riker to the Pagh.
Acknowledged, Captain.
- Mr Data, you have the bridge.
|- Aye, sir.
- Good luck, Commander.
|- Thanks, O'Brien.
- I wouldn't wanna go.
|- Why? - You're not afraid, are you?|- No, I'm not.
I would be Ready, sir.
Thanks.
Energize.
- Resume course, Mr Crusher.
|- Aye, sir.
Take over, Cmdr Data.
|I'll be in observation.
Sir.
I am Ensign Mendon.
I just wanted to tell you|how pleased I am to be aboard.
Yes, of course.
|Good to have you aboard.
If you have a few minutes,|I've noted a few procedural changes which might speed up|bridge operations.
I pick things up very fast.
Of course you do.
|You have an excellent record.
However, on the Enterprise|we use the chain of command.
You will report|your observations to Lt Worf.
I beg your pardon.
|I just wanted to impress upon No need to apologize.
We should have|explained at your indoctrination.
Ensign Mendon.
You may impress me.
- Is something wrong?|- No.
It's just .
.
Ive never seen anyone|of your species before.
I'm just an average, everyday human|who happens to be a Commander.
- Now, what were your orders?|- To escort you to the Captain.
- Proceed.
|- Yes, Commander.
Cmdr William Riker|of the Starship Enterprise.
That is incorrect.
I don't understand.
You are Cmdr William Riker, First Officer|of the Klingon cruiser, the Pagh.
Or do you intend|to disobey Federation orders? I have no such intention, sir.
Exactly where are your loyalties,|Commander? I'm afraid|I still don't understand, sir.
This ship is equipped with our best|weapons and our finest warriors.
We are on a peaceful mission, but|can be ready for battle, instantly.
I know I can count on|every Klingon warrior in this crew to serve and die in that battle.
So I ask you again, Cmdr Riker.
|Where are your loyalties? I have been assigned to serve|this ship and to obey your orders.
I will do exactly that.
Will you take an oath|to that effect? I just did.
This is your Second Officer,|Lt Klag.
Something you wanted|to say to me, Lieutenant? Yes, sir.
I do not believe you.
Then you challenge|my authority over you? Correct.
And your position on this, Captain? I would say|it is your first command decision.
My oath is between|Capt Kargan and myself.
Your only concern|is with how you obey my orders.
Or do you prefer the rank|of prisoner to lieutenant? I will take your orders.
And you,|Cmdr Riker, will obey my orders.
Of course, Capt Kargan.
Sir, automatic scan has registered|an unknown substance on the aft quarter of|the exterior skin, dorsal section.
- Target it and define.
|- Aye, sir.
I've located it, sir.
|Dorsal of the Engineering section.
View screen on.
Focus on area.
Magnification factor ten.
Increase magnification to 50.
Analyze.
It appears to be a rare form|of subatomic bacteria, capable of doubling itself|in size every 15 minutes.
It's reacting with two compounds|present in the ship's structure.
- Origin?|- Captain.
I noticed it when I did|an intensive scan of the Pagh.
The Klingon ship.
And whom did you inform? No one.
I have not yet|completed my full analysis.
You should report|whatever is out of the ordinary.
And I think that falls|into this category.
But, sir, I have not|completed my full analysis.
It would be improper|to report it until then.
How did you come to that decision? It is a Benzite regulation.
No officer on our ships would|report an occurrence like this without a full analysis|and a resolution.
I have simply followed|proper procedures.
It is our procedure, Ensign, to notify command|of any possible danger to the ship.
The decision is not yours.
|Do you understand? Yes, sir.
Now, continue your analysis|and determine the danger, not only to our ship,|but to the Klingon vessel, also.
Yes, Captain.
|That will take a couple of hours.
Use whatever resources|are necessary.
We may have encountered|a new life form.
I want to know everything about it,|quickly.
Cmdr Data, supervise.
Aye, sir.
And then I will instruct you|in Enterprise etiquette.
First Officer's personal log.
I have been aboard the Pagh|a short time, but am impressed with the Klingons'|abilities and single-mindedness.
Commander,|you're not eating very much.
I'm not that hungry.
- Is the food alright, Commander?|- Delicious.
The pipius claw was excellent.
|And the bregit lung.
And the rokeg blood pie? Delicious.
Good.
|Then you'll also enjoy this.
Isn't that gagh? Very good.
You did some research|on our nutritional choices.
Yes, but, .
.
it's still moving.
Gagh is always best served live.
Would you like something easier? Easier? Yes.
If Klingon food|is too strong for you, perhaps we could get one of|the females to breast-feed you.
You're not worried|about my weakening, are you? Look around you.
|There are no old warriors.
No, sir.
|I'm sure they all died with honour.
Exactly.
You may live long enough|to learn about us.
He is not very attractive .
.
but I will have him.
They are inquisitive.
They want to know|how you would endure.
Endure what? Them.
One or both? I may be back for you.
- Is she serious?|- Yes.
Commander, would you say you're|a typical Federation officer? I suppose so.
Why? - Well, you're not what I expected.
|- In what way? You have a sense of humour.
I was thinking the same about you.
In all my dealings with Klingons,|including our Lt Worf, the thought never occurred to me|of Klingons laughing.
There is much about us|you do not know.
- That's why I'm here.
|- You should ask.
I may.
After this tour,|I may have some worthy questions.
Questions about what? About our future?|Our future is honour.
Our present is serving this ship.
Like you,|I have a mother and a father.
They look like me.
I look like them.
Are they still alive? My mother lives.
My father was|killed in battle at Tranome Sar.
And your father? My father? My father was captured in battle|by Romulans and not allowed to die.
He eventually escaped.
Where is he now? He is on our planet.
He waits.
He waits for his death.
He will fade of a natural illness|and die, weakened and useless.
Honourless.
I will not see him.
He's your father.
A Klingon is his work,|not his family.
That is the way of things.
He's your father.
Klingons do not express feeling|the way you do.
Perhaps you should.
We would not know how.
Yesterday, I did not know how|to eat gagh.
I can confirm the organisms feed on|compounds in the Enterprise's hull.
- And the Klingon ship, the Pagh?|- They are more susceptible.
Their hull contains|more of the compounds.
Projection.
At this rate of reproduction,|there should be a 12-centimeter opening|in the Klingon hull.
Signal them at once.
They may be|unaware of it and need help.
Aye, sir.
- Change course to intercept.
|- Aye, sir.
It will take time to locate them.
They are on manoeuvres|in the Pheben system.
Find them.
Tell me, Cmdr Riker,|what do you make of this? I felt no collision.
|Were we hit by a meteor? No collision.
- Corrosion, then?|- No, not corrosion.
- Science Station, analyse.
|- We have.
Fortunately, that section could|with stand the change in pressure.
Then what is it? A space organism,|eating away at our hull.
What are you talking about?|Surely you can repair it? I'm afraid not.
We estimate that in|less than eight hours, we will have lost too much shell|to remain intact.
Our only contact recently|was with the Enterprise.
There was no direct contact|with the Enterprise.
Tactics Officer,|report to Cmdr Riker.
The Enterprise did conduct|an extensive scan of this vessel.
Normal procedure.
What type of beam did the Enterprise|use to cause this damage to us? None.
Why would they? We're allies.
My logs show that the Enterprise|directed an intense scanning beam at this specific area,|for a duration of two minutes.
Explain that.
I can't.
It could be a weapon.
It's no weapon.
The Enterprise has no reason|to do that.
It makes no sense.
Why? Why is no longer important.
What is important|is our response to this attack.
Engage cloaking device.
Set course|to intercept the Enterprise.
What do you intend to do, Captain? Intend?|There is only one response.
I intend to attack the Enterprise|and destroy it.
You're making progress.
You've eliminated|half the possibilities already.
Thank you.
But I seem to have|become efficient after it was needed.
It was my responsibility|to learn and adapt to the Enterprise's regulations.
|And I didn't do that.
Not really.
|You just made an error.
Capt Picard may not like them,|but he knows they turn up sometimes.
I've failed.
I had an opportunity|to show the Captain my superior capabilities|and I failed.
I can never recover from that.
Mendon, it was a mistake.
You didn't put the organism|on the hull, you discovered it.
You were trying to analyse it|and messed up on protocol a little.
I realise you are being nice to me,|and I appreciate it.
What I don't understand is why.
Why not?|I thought you could use a friend.
Thank you.
I hope I can learn your ways|before I mess up again.
I imagine my methods|must seem foolish to you.
They're different.
But that's what this exchange|is all about.
You learn how we do things|and take that back to your command.
It's up to them to decide|which is better.
You're right.
I'll do it your way.
I'll work even harder than before|and I'll succeed brilliantly.
What is the status? Unchanged.
|The rate of increase continues.
Cmdr Riker, check the organism|growth with Engineering.
Keep him under scrutiny.
Captain, I'm not convinced Riker|knew of any plot against us.
If he did, why would he|have come on board? - Because he was ordered to.
|- To die? It's the expectation of any officer|to be ordered to die at any time.
For a Klingon, perhaps.
But Riker's people do not volunteer|for death so easily.
He may be a spy, .
.
but he's no coward.
That only proves|that he's intelligent.
And you might not be|as strong as you used to be.
I've picked up the Enterprise.
So soon? The Enterprise|is on an intercept course with us.
You almost had me believing|this was a misunderstanding.
But? The Enterprise has changed course|and is following us.
Why? - Ask them.
|- The reason is obvious.
Their intent is clear.
- How long before we make contact?|- Less than 15 minutes.
Put the ship on full battle alert.
|Arm all photon torpedoes.
Let them charge|into their destruction.
Captain, bearings show we should be|in contact with the Pagh now.
- Slow to impulse.
|- Aye, sir.
Impulse speed.
Hailing frequencies are open.
|There is no response.
Continue transmission.
The Pagh is either cloaked|or destroyed, sir.
Conduct an intensive scan|of the area.
Enterprise has slowed to impulse.
|It is making an intensive sweep.
Hold your position.
|Let them come to us.
They may be here to help you.
|Don't be a fool.
Do not forget my rank.
I haven't.
I am simply trying|to help you understand.
I understand fully.
Now, you understand.
|I am still Captain of this vessel.
You are still crew and sworn|to obey me.
You gave me your oath.
Yes, sir, I did.
Then fulfil that oath|and serve this ship as you swore to.
Tell me of the surest method|of attack against the Enterprise.
I won't.
You must.
It is a matter of honour|and loyalty to your oath.
I will not surrender the secrets|of the Enterprise to you.
If your word is no good, then|how can we ever trust Starfleet? I will not break a vow|I made in the past.
I also made an oath to your ship.
|I will not break that.
- They are in conflict.
|- No, sir, they are not.
I will obey your orders.
|I will serve as First Officer.
In an attack against the Enterprise,|I will die with this crew.
But I will not break my oath|of loyalty to Starfleet.
If you had told those secrets|about the Enterprise, I would have labelled you a traitor|and killed you where you stood.
But instead you will die with us.
You'll die like a Klingon.
Sir, I have something|to report immediately.
- Go ahead, Ensign.
|- I have isolated the organisms.
They are a submicron form, capable of breaking|nuclear bonds in the tritanium.
Can they be removed from the hull? Yes.
They are controllable|and can be removed from both ships by using a tunnelling neutrino beam.
Thank you, Ensign.
Well done.
|Initiate that procedure.
Lieutenant, add that information|to the hailing messages.
Aye, sir.
Lieutenant.
The Enterprise has changed|hailing message.
It promises help in cleaning|the organisms and in repairs.
I told you, they're here to help.
I do not believe them.
Arm all weapons.
Prepare to attack.
Captain's log, stardate 42507.
8.
Although our search|has been extensive we are still unable|to locate the Klingon ship, or any evidence of its destruction.
Considering the absence of debris, one must assume the Klingon vessel|is in the area and cloaked.
Agreed.
Since we do not know its intent,|I recommend we go to red alert.
- Make it so, Lieutenant.
|- Aye, sir.
The Enterprise|has raised its shields.
A normal procedure|in a suspicious situation.
It's not an act of aggression.
|They will not fire first.
Then they are fools.
For we will.
- You'll get only one shot.
|- We'll only need one.
Stand by on phasers and torpedoes.
|Prepare to fire them simultaneously.
I recommend you don't fire|until you're within 40,000 km.
Why? To cut down their response time.
You are honouring|your promise to serve us? Would you do less? You will give the order to fire,|Cmdr Riker.
Call out distances.
Any questions, Mr Riker? I'd like to say|I question your judgement.
In my opinion, your reason for|this confrontation is not valid.
Are you finished? Yes, sir.
Commence with attack, as ordered.
Is that a weapon, Commander? No, sir.
Give it to me.
We are receiving an emergency|signal from a command transponder.
Location 035, mark 313.
Frequency and code|designate Cmdr Riker.
Chief O'Brien,|lock on to that signal.
Yes, Captain.
We're not yet|in safe range for a transfer.
- Defensive shields remain in place.
|- We may have to stretch it.
We must know what's going on,|and only Cmdr Riker can tell us.
Beam him directly onto the bridge|on my command.
Yes, sir.
I'll wait till 40,000.
Transporter room, stand by.
- You control the shields.
|- Ready, sir.
Prepare to drop cloaking shields|and fire when ready.
Steady Transporter room, energize.
Hold where you are, Klag.
|I've relieved Capt Kargan.
He was acting|in an irrational manner.
I'm your Captain now.
Where am I? Aboard the Starship Enterprise.
Riker has no honour.
He tricked me.
- He is only dazed, sir.
|- Well, that's fine, .
.
but where's Cmdr Riker? Cloaking shields off.
- Obey my orders.
|- We will be destroyed.
If we are, it will be in battle,|and I will die with you.
So I repeat, cloaking shields off.
It is the Pagh, sir.
It has all armament locked on us|and ready to fire.
Hold position.
Hailing frequencies.
Enterprise to Pagh.
|We are here to assist.
Do not fire.
They will not believe you.
Pagh, we're here to assist.
|Do you read me? Enterprise, this is Capt William|Riker of the Klingon vessel, Pagh.
I order you to lower|your shields and surrender.
Lower shields.
Surrender, as ordered.
I demand to be beamed back|aboard my vessel.
Transporter Chief, prepare to|beam Capt Kargan aboard the Pagh.
Aye, sir.
Capt Riker, we can carry out|your repairs immediately.
Thank you, Capt Picard.
- You should have killed me.
|- I don't want your command.
- But you tricked me to get it.
|- Either way, you can have it back.
Then return to your station.
Get him off my ship.
Yes, Captain.
You understand the Klingons|better than I thought, Commander.
Thank you, my friend.
Almost the shortest assignment|in the history of Starfleet.
Wrong, Number One.
It was almost|the longest.
Well done.
Thank you.
I learned quite a bit.
Apparently, not when to duck.
When not to duck|would be more accurate.
Welcome aboard, Number One.
Lieutenant,|conduct the Commander to sickbay.
Aye, sir.
Commander? Your little toy worked.
Thanks.
I'm glad it did.
You come from a very brave|and unique people.
I'm glad you're with us|on the Enterprise.
Thank you, Commander.
And .
.
welcome home.