Star Trek: The Next Generation s02e14 Episode Script
The Icarus Factor
Captain's log, stardate 42686.
4.
We are going to Starbase Montgomery|for Engineering consultations prompted by|minor read-out anomalies.
- I consider them insignificant.
|- What if you're wrong? Sorry.
But what if it is more|than a mere discrepancy? Then we have a problem.
Agreed.
Montgomery can give us|an independent reading.
Even if controls have failed, we can re-crystallize|dilithium without outside help.
Don't worry.
|My ego isn't at stake here.
We could reprogram the system|to correct the variables.
That's an option, but as|we're stopping at Montgomery anyway, they can do the analysis.
I don't recall Montgomery|being on the itinerary.
We could all use a 12-hour layover.
I've received some personnel|transfer directives, priority matter.
Boarding or disembarking? We're approaching|Starbase Montgomery.
Go to half-impulse power.
Will you come to the|observation lounge when you're done? Captain? I've been recollecting the arrival of a new First Officer|on board the Enterprise, and a manual docking|confidently achieved.
Well, I may have been miserly|in my congratulations then, so let me make up for it now.
The Captain|of Starship Aries is retiring.
Congratulations.
You've|been selected as his replacement.
She's in the Vega-Omicron Sector.
They have picked up|indications of intelligent life, though nothing confirmed.
Starfleet wants to know more.
That's why they want you,|not for your military proficiency, but for your skill as an explorer,|and as a diplomat.
It'll take months just to get there.
With no guarantee of|finding anything when you arrive.
You have 12 hours to consider it.
And if it's not too premature,|congratulations, Captain.
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.
- Establish synchronous orbit.
|- Aye, sir.
Montgomery is sending a civilian|adviser to brief you on the mission.
A personal briefing? An attaché with knowledge|in the frontier regions.
You'll find the briefing interesting.
I hope it's complete.
|My decision will be based on it.
Cmdr Riker|to transporter room three.
Enjoy.
Ensign.
You're right on time, Commander.
|He's on his way now.
Dad.
You're the civilian adviser|and attaché? I wanted it kept quiet.
|I didn't want to get you excited.
It's been 15 years.
|Excitement is hardly appropriate.
You've done well.
|First Officer on the Enterprise.
- Quite a feather in your cap.
|- I've worked hard.
Of course.
I'm proud of you, son.
Excuse me.
I have my duties.
When you've settled in,|we can complete our briefing.
Have Security arrange an escort.
Aye, sir.
Worf, did you hear about|Cmdr Riker's promotion? He didn't know it was his father.
|Imagine if it was your father.
- I never knew mine.
|- Nor me.
It is a waste of time|to think of such things.
I wasn't,|but everybody needs somebody.
Enough! Montgomery didn't have to send|all this help.
I've checked|for anomalous frequencies, so don't waste your time on that.
Wes.
Are you OK? I was just talking to Worf.
|He's really eccentric at times.
That's one word for it.
He was really upset.
|I must've said something wrong.
Maybe he's just not thrilled|at the prospect of losing Cmdr Riker.
I'm not.
Neither am l,|but with Worf it was something else.
- Something's really bothering him.
|- Think so? - Female?|- No.
Career? - Family.
|- That is trouble.
You choose your enemies and friends,|but family, that's in the stars.
So I've heard.
Kyle Riker! Excuse me, ladies.
Great to see you.
Kyle.
Been a long time.
This is more than a surprise,|it's a total shock.
- You didn't bake me a cake?|- You're actually here.
That makes two of us.
|How about a drink? How about a kiss? - They know each other.
|- No kidding? I know her, too,|but we don't do that.
You look wonderful.
It has nothing to do with|Cmdr Riker's assignment? No.
His reaction was the opposite|of mine.
Completely unaffected.
With all that's going on,|maybe you're overreacting.
Really?|You try talking to Worf, Geordi.
He is not normal for Worf.
There is a predisposition|toward hostility in Klingons, but Worf has been|unusually out of sorts.
He's never been much on charm.
I think we should try to help.
|He is our friend.
l, for one,|want to keep him friendly.
Suggestions? Empirical study.
|Monitor the subject.
Right.
Watch the subject|for unusual behaviour.
Won't be difficult.
Within the norm of Klingon patterns.
|Discretion will be required.
Agreed.
When do we start? We will assist you as needed.
|You found the problem.
And you must solve it.
Thank you.
After working out the Fuurinkazan|battle strategies at the Tokyo Base, I was asked to come here|as an adviser.
I'm surprised how long|you stayed out of action.
Will, your father and I|were just catching up.
- You never said you knew him.
|- Well, it wasn't exactly a secret.
- It just never came up.
|- Sit down, son.
I'm ready for that briefing|if you are.
- It was a pleasure.
|- Good to see you too, Graham.
Are you running for Mayor? Do pick-up work long enough,|and it'll happen to you, too.
- I thought about you a lot.
|- You don't need to say anything.
We could've been great together.
Possibly.
- Is it true you got married?|- Again.
- And again.
|- That makes you three for three? I'm not complaining.
They're|good men and we're all friends.
Like us? Close, but different.
They were all|a bit more in touch with themselves.
Face facts.
You're crusty.
You have a reputation|for being hard as nails, but underneath, you're not so bad.
Some of us even love you.
And then there's Will.
Then there's Will.
Wesley should be doing this|on his own.
- But he needs his study time.
|- I can't believe you fell for that.
He looks perfectly normal to me.
In solitude, there is nothing|to trigger unusual behaviour.
Good point.
|Let's not tamper with the status quo.
But that would defeat|our opportunity for research.
In all probability,|he is simply lonely.
We can relieve his anxiety|through socialization.
Be my guest.
Excuse me, Lieutenant.
You seem to have lost the will|to communicate with others.
You have friends here.
We We care about you.
Geordi, Wesley and I were saying With all due respect, be gone! Sir.
He seems quite sincere|in his desire for solitude.
Seeing is believing? Come in.
- Worf?|- May I have a moment, sir? - Of course.
What is it?|- It is very difficult to say.
Words are not always easy for me.
Is that Earth? Yes, Alaska.
I was nine years old.
- That is a fish you're holding.
|- And I didn't even catch it.
- But it looks like you|- Hooked it.
My father took the rod away.
|He was afraid I'd lose it.
You do not have|good feelings for him? No, I Well, I'm not sure what I'm feeling.
|What's on your mind? - You are leaving the Enterprise?|- I've been offered a command.
I would like to join you.
I haven't accepted the assignment.
But it could be dangerous.
|There may be combat.
- That is not the purpose.
|- Still, to die a true hero Worf, you've made your point.
I know you will do the right thing.
Finally, we're alone.
|Maybe now we can talk.
I'm here for the briefing.
All you need to know is here.
This could have been transmitted.
- I've heard good things about you.
|- Then why haven't I heard from you? I know.
Keeping in touch|is not my strong suit.
It's a funny thing about being a|parent.
There are no tech manuals.
No read-outs to get you through.
|You just wing it from day to day.
Will, when your mother died Excuse me.
|I've got to study this briefing.
Will,|I came to the Enterprise because Considering where you might be|going, I wanted to I'm here with my hand out, son.
Poor guy.
Picked up a flu virus|at Nasreldine.
Nasty.
What's the therapy? Tryptophan-lysine distillate,|with a generous dose of PCS.
- PCS?|- Pulaski's chicken soup.
- You haven't lost your touch.
|- When they hurt, I hurt.
Dr Pulaski's greatest medical skill|is her empathy.
- You must be Cmdr Riker's father.
|- Yes.
How? We've all heard about you,|and I felt certain things.
Deanna Troi, ship's Counsellor.
- Kyle Riker.
|- I thought you should meet.
Deanna keeps us|from deluding ourselves.
Let me guess, Betazoid? At your service.
I have work to do.
Please excuse me.
Why do I get the feeling|that this is a setup? Because you're intelligent,|wise and quite correct.
Well, I've never been set up better,|that's for sure.
You're also|very anxious about something.
It's Will, isn't it? You're not as close as you'd like.
I don't know.
We both have good|taste in women, wouldn't you say? I'd like to help you if I can, |if you'll let me.
Fine.
What do you want from me? I came here|to bury the hatchet with my son, only to find out|that the ground was frozen solid.
You don't seem the kind|to give up so easily.
I didn't say I was giving up.
It would just be nice|to get something from him.
What do you want? I don't know.
Acknowledgement or Respect is earned, not bestowed.
Respect? I don't need that from him.
You want him to be proud of you.
You take pride|in his accomplishments.
Absolutely.
First Officer of the Enterprise,|just been offered his first command.
Yet you covet his success.
Please.
He'd be lucky|to have the career I've had.
True.
|You're well respected in your field.
I have a reputation for excellence.
And false humility.
My guess is that Will finds you|pretty fascinating.
Candour seems to be|a trait he admires.
Honesty is the trait|he admires most.
You should honestly consider why you're so competitive|with your own son.
Competitive? Maybe in the past.
But I'm here to help Will prepare|for his first task as Captain.
Will he accept|such a dangerous assignment? He'll accept it|because it is dangerous.
- How can you be so sure?|- Because I would.
And we aren't so different,|Will and I.
Come in.
You've seen your mission briefing?|Any questions? No, other than one|about the Aries's First Officer.
Yes.
Flaherty.
Yes.
It mentions something about|"an uncanny linguistic skill".
An understatement.
The last time I saw Cmdr Flaherty,|he spoke 40 languages.
As I recall, among the more exotic|were Romulan, Klingon, Giamon, Stroyerian.
He speaks 40 languages? He has this ability of instantly|interpreting and extrapolating any verbal communication he hears.
You will find him very useful|in Vega-Omicron.
I'm sure I will.
Come in.
Capt Picard, at last.
Thank you for the help|you've given my son.
My only regret is that your reunion|marks Will's farewell.
- But he's ready for this command.
|- Yes, I have no doubt.
- May I have a word with my son?|- Of course.
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I won't be pushed|into this decision.
Come on.
Don't you think|you're ready for the Aries? - Starfleet does.
|- You're the best candidate.
But I'm here if you need me.
I've been alone since I was 15.
|I can take care of myself.
Please, spare me the pain|of your childhood.
I hung in for 13 years.
|If that wasn't enough, too bad.
Data, what if I missed something? The computer would have corrected it.
- Maybe my inputs were incorrect.
|- Data, Geordi.
- I figured out Worf's problem.
|- You spoke to him? No.
I accessed the Klingon|cultural database.
It took time.
OK, Wesley, slow down.
|What is the problem? It's the tenth anniversary|of Worf's Age of Ascension.
His what? The Age of Ascension.
|A ritual of great significance.
A rite of initiation marking|a new level of spiritual attainment.
What is the significance|of the anniversary? It's a day of celebration|spent with fellow Klingons.
Worf doesn't have|any Klingon friends.
- We're his friends.
|- We don't practise his tradition.
And we're not Klingons.
Worf is culturally|and socially isolated.
What do you suggest? We can't invite|a bunch of Klingons on board.
The computer could supply|simulations on the holodeck.
Holographic Klingons.
Sure.
Why not? We need only to program in|specific details of the ceremony.
The cultural database said|the Klingon's family must attend.
So? We're his family.
We'll go.
I just wonder what kind of party|the Klingons have.
- Have you got a minute?|- Sure.
I wanted to apologize.
Your personal|life is none of my business.
- Even if it involves your father?|- Even if it involves my father.
Did he ever tell you|why he never remarried? What woman would have him|with an ego like that? I would have, in a cold minute.
advising Starfleet|in its conflict with the Tholians.
The starbase he was operating from|was attacked.
None of the base crew was|expected to live, and they all died, all except your father.
Your father alone had the will to|endure, to face the pain, to live.
I never knew that about him.
I've never seen a man|fight so hard in all my life.
- And you fell in love?|- Yes.
And so did he.
But marriage was out of the|question.
He had other priorities.
His career.
If I were you,|going out on the Aries, I'd jettison the emotional baggage|you carry around.
The cultural database|was specific on the setting.
Let me guess.
20-piece orchestra,|magnificent ballroom, formal wear No, there's some unusual test|of inner strength.
That would entail Klingon painstiks.
Painstiks? Sounds lovely.
Enduring physical suffering|is a Klingon spiritual test.
So for Worf to celebrate his|anniversary, he has to be hurt? - And we have to witness this?|- We are his family.
Come.
Number One? I'd be a fool to turn promotion down,|wouldn't I? I don't know.
And if you're asking what to do,|I don't know that either.
I can spell out, albeit crudely,|what you're choosing between.
As First Officer of the Enterprise,|you have a position of distinction, prestige, even glamour of a sort.
You are the second-in-command|of Starfleet's flagship, but still second-in-command.
Your promotion will transfer you|to a relatively insignificant ship in an obscure corner of the galaxy.
But it will be your ship,|and being who you are, it will soon be vibrant with your|authority, your style, your vision.
You know, .
.
there is no substitute|for holding the reins.
I'll need a little more time|to make this decision.
- Find anything yet?|- Not yet.
- There is nothing to find.
|- No harm in checking, I guess.
Really? How would you like them to|give the transporter a once-over? No problem.
|We're totally shipshape.
The point is that|they even suspect a malfunction.
If I were not a consummate|professional, and an android, I would find this entire procedure|insulting.
Thanks, Data.
Chief, could you attend a little|party for Lt Worf at 1700 hours? A party for Worf?|Sounds intriguing.
I'd be delighted.
- It's a surprise.
|- My lips are sealed.
I couldn't leave|without saying goodbye.
I don't like goodbyes.
|How about "until next time"? How about "until next time"? It's been a pleasure working|with you, Commander.
The feeling is mutual, Counsellor.
I'm meant to know|how everyone feels, but I can't read you right now.
Perhaps your own feelings|are getting in the way.
I'm here to help others|sort out their emotions.
My feelings are beside the point.
Not to me.
Our feelings|are what make us all human.
Are you feeling sad? Yes, I am.
So am I.
I leave at 2100 hours.
|Can I have a minute? I've practised my best Academy|courtesy, now you should go.
We need to talk,|so lower your shields.
- I'm asking you to leave or I'll|- You'll what? It's a shame|there's no anbo-jytsu ring nearby.
Really? There is.
|Deck 12.
The gymnasium.
We can clear the air|once and for all.
You're on.
Scuttlebutt says|you wanted to see me.
That's right.
- I thought I knew you.
|- You do, as well as anyone.
Then what is this anbo-jytsu match|with Will? You've heard.
Haven't we grown beyond the point|of resolving our problems with physical conflict? I think you're overreacting.
Me? You're the one|who's fighting his own son.
It's not a fight|so much as a contest.
- And if one of you is injured?|- I know a good doctor.
- Kate|- Kyle We've played anbo-jytsu|since Will was eight.
He knows how to take care of himself.
|So do I.
Don't take this personally,|but Will is in his prime.
And I'm no spring chicken.
I know.
Don't worry.
|He's never been able to beat me.
Computer, is this it? Correct.
|Klingon rite-of-Ascension chamber.
Is this really necessary? If we want to help Worf, it is.
Computer, give us Klingon personnel|appropriate to this event.
These images have been specifically|programmed for Ascension rites.
Cute bunch.
And they use those? Those are Klingon painstiks.
I once saw one of them used|against a two-ton Rectyne monopod.
Poor creature jumped five meters|at the slightest touch.
It finally died|from excessive cephalic pressures.
You mean? Right.
The animal's head|exploded like I think that's enough,|Chief O'Brien.
- I do not enjoy riddles.
|- You will enjoy this one.
I'm in no mood for trifling|or games, not today.
I know how important|today is for you, the anniversary|of your rite of Ascension.
- You know about that?|- All your friends on board do.
That is impossible.
It is a secret|known only to Klingons.
And certain|resourceful young ensigns.
Wesley Crusher.
|What does he know about it? Just bear with me.
- Where are we going?|- The holodeck.
- This is truly trying my patience.
|- I think you will approve.
- You're not coming in?|- No.
Open.
- An Ascension ceremony.
|- Happy anniversary.
Shall we begin? I am ready.
Today, I am a warrior.
I must show you my heart.
I travel the river of blood! The true test of Klingon strength is to admit one's most profound|feelings while under extreme duress.
The battle is mine! I crave|only the blood of the enemy.
The bile of the vanquished|flows over my hands.
Thank you.
- Is Lt Worf alright?|- He's never been happier.
- So it was a good ceremony?|- I didn't stay for refreshments.
You don't enjoy Klingon culture? I'm glad that humans have progressed beyond the need for barbaric display.
Have they? Cmdr Riker and his father|are in the gymnasium, about to engage in barbarism.
Don't remind me.
I do not approve.
In spite of human evolution, there are still some traits|endemic to gender.
They'll knock each other's|brains out because they're men? Human males are unique.
Fathers regard their sons|as children, even into adulthood.
Sons chafe against their|fathers' perceived expectations.
It's as if they never grow up at all.
Perhaps that's part of their charm,|and why we find them so attractive.
Particularly men like Cmdr Riker.
And his father.
I hope they don't injure each other.
Anbo-jytsu, the ultimate|evolution in the martial arts.
I remember my early lessons.
You could never get used to|the sightless factor, or to losing.
True,|but I've had 15 years to practise.
Well, let's see|if you've learned anything.
Well! - You've been practising.
|- And remembering.
You should have been|the one to die, not her.
Good.
Get it all out.
I had you.
Listen, Will.
You were too young to understand|and I was too hurt to explain.
You were never too hurt|for anything.
She was your mother,|but she was my wife.
When she died,|all that kept me going was you.
You had a strange way of showing it.
I thought we could talk this out,|but maybe you're right.
Maybe I am no father,|and you're no son.
And this fight is all we have left.
Wait! What now? - You can't do that.
|- What? Hachidan kiritsu.
It's illegal.
You're kidding? All these years That's why|I never won.
You were cheating.
It worked, didn't it?|Kept you coming back for more.
Incredible.
You cheated me.
|How'd you get away with it? You were a kid.
I knew I couldn't take you,|but I had to keep you interested.
- I always hated you for that.
|- Damn it.
You were barely out of diapers|when she died! You hardly knew her.
I'd loved her.
You carried pain.
So did I.
I should have explained this|long ago, but it hurt too much.
Then the wall grew up between us.
|And, living together, it got bigger.
You know, it's funny.
I can talk to a roomful of admirals|about anything in the galaxy, .
.
but I can't talk to you|about how I feel.
How do you feel? How do you think? I love you, son.
- I'd better go back to the starbase.
|- I know.
I'm glad you came.
Be careful now, OK? Montgomery's specialist and|analytical team have beamed down.
What were|the analytical team's findings? They suggested reprogramming the|system to correct read-out variables.
Precisely what Cmdr Data|recommended, as I recall.
At least it gave Cmdr Riker the|chance to consider his promotion.
Now that he's accepted, we can|leave him at Starbase Montgomery.
- Number One.
|- Captain.
With your permission, I've decided|to stay on the Enterprise.
- Granted.
|- Thank you, sir.
- Take us out of orbit, Ensign.
|- Breaking synchronous orbit, sir.
Set course for Beta Kupsic.
|That is still our destination? Velocity, warp factor five.
Course and speed set, sir.
Any particular reason|for this change of heart? Self-interest.
Right now,|the best place for me to be is here.
Engage.
4.
We are going to Starbase Montgomery|for Engineering consultations prompted by|minor read-out anomalies.
- I consider them insignificant.
|- What if you're wrong? Sorry.
But what if it is more|than a mere discrepancy? Then we have a problem.
Agreed.
Montgomery can give us|an independent reading.
Even if controls have failed, we can re-crystallize|dilithium without outside help.
Don't worry.
|My ego isn't at stake here.
We could reprogram the system|to correct the variables.
That's an option, but as|we're stopping at Montgomery anyway, they can do the analysis.
I don't recall Montgomery|being on the itinerary.
We could all use a 12-hour layover.
I've received some personnel|transfer directives, priority matter.
Boarding or disembarking? We're approaching|Starbase Montgomery.
Go to half-impulse power.
Will you come to the|observation lounge when you're done? Captain? I've been recollecting the arrival of a new First Officer|on board the Enterprise, and a manual docking|confidently achieved.
Well, I may have been miserly|in my congratulations then, so let me make up for it now.
The Captain|of Starship Aries is retiring.
Congratulations.
You've|been selected as his replacement.
She's in the Vega-Omicron Sector.
They have picked up|indications of intelligent life, though nothing confirmed.
Starfleet wants to know more.
That's why they want you,|not for your military proficiency, but for your skill as an explorer,|and as a diplomat.
It'll take months just to get there.
With no guarantee of|finding anything when you arrive.
You have 12 hours to consider it.
And if it's not too premature,|congratulations, Captain.
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.
- Establish synchronous orbit.
|- Aye, sir.
Montgomery is sending a civilian|adviser to brief you on the mission.
A personal briefing? An attaché with knowledge|in the frontier regions.
You'll find the briefing interesting.
I hope it's complete.
|My decision will be based on it.
Cmdr Riker|to transporter room three.
Enjoy.
Ensign.
You're right on time, Commander.
|He's on his way now.
Dad.
You're the civilian adviser|and attaché? I wanted it kept quiet.
|I didn't want to get you excited.
It's been 15 years.
|Excitement is hardly appropriate.
You've done well.
|First Officer on the Enterprise.
- Quite a feather in your cap.
|- I've worked hard.
Of course.
I'm proud of you, son.
Excuse me.
I have my duties.
When you've settled in,|we can complete our briefing.
Have Security arrange an escort.
Aye, sir.
Worf, did you hear about|Cmdr Riker's promotion? He didn't know it was his father.
|Imagine if it was your father.
- I never knew mine.
|- Nor me.
It is a waste of time|to think of such things.
I wasn't,|but everybody needs somebody.
Enough! Montgomery didn't have to send|all this help.
I've checked|for anomalous frequencies, so don't waste your time on that.
Wes.
Are you OK? I was just talking to Worf.
|He's really eccentric at times.
That's one word for it.
He was really upset.
|I must've said something wrong.
Maybe he's just not thrilled|at the prospect of losing Cmdr Riker.
I'm not.
Neither am l,|but with Worf it was something else.
- Something's really bothering him.
|- Think so? - Female?|- No.
Career? - Family.
|- That is trouble.
You choose your enemies and friends,|but family, that's in the stars.
So I've heard.
Kyle Riker! Excuse me, ladies.
Great to see you.
Kyle.
Been a long time.
This is more than a surprise,|it's a total shock.
- You didn't bake me a cake?|- You're actually here.
That makes two of us.
|How about a drink? How about a kiss? - They know each other.
|- No kidding? I know her, too,|but we don't do that.
You look wonderful.
It has nothing to do with|Cmdr Riker's assignment? No.
His reaction was the opposite|of mine.
Completely unaffected.
With all that's going on,|maybe you're overreacting.
Really?|You try talking to Worf, Geordi.
He is not normal for Worf.
There is a predisposition|toward hostility in Klingons, but Worf has been|unusually out of sorts.
He's never been much on charm.
I think we should try to help.
|He is our friend.
l, for one,|want to keep him friendly.
Suggestions? Empirical study.
|Monitor the subject.
Right.
Watch the subject|for unusual behaviour.
Won't be difficult.
Within the norm of Klingon patterns.
|Discretion will be required.
Agreed.
When do we start? We will assist you as needed.
|You found the problem.
And you must solve it.
Thank you.
After working out the Fuurinkazan|battle strategies at the Tokyo Base, I was asked to come here|as an adviser.
I'm surprised how long|you stayed out of action.
Will, your father and I|were just catching up.
- You never said you knew him.
|- Well, it wasn't exactly a secret.
- It just never came up.
|- Sit down, son.
I'm ready for that briefing|if you are.
- It was a pleasure.
|- Good to see you too, Graham.
Are you running for Mayor? Do pick-up work long enough,|and it'll happen to you, too.
- I thought about you a lot.
|- You don't need to say anything.
We could've been great together.
Possibly.
- Is it true you got married?|- Again.
- And again.
|- That makes you three for three? I'm not complaining.
They're|good men and we're all friends.
Like us? Close, but different.
They were all|a bit more in touch with themselves.
Face facts.
You're crusty.
You have a reputation|for being hard as nails, but underneath, you're not so bad.
Some of us even love you.
And then there's Will.
Then there's Will.
Wesley should be doing this|on his own.
- But he needs his study time.
|- I can't believe you fell for that.
He looks perfectly normal to me.
In solitude, there is nothing|to trigger unusual behaviour.
Good point.
|Let's not tamper with the status quo.
But that would defeat|our opportunity for research.
In all probability,|he is simply lonely.
We can relieve his anxiety|through socialization.
Be my guest.
Excuse me, Lieutenant.
You seem to have lost the will|to communicate with others.
You have friends here.
We We care about you.
Geordi, Wesley and I were saying With all due respect, be gone! Sir.
He seems quite sincere|in his desire for solitude.
Seeing is believing? Come in.
- Worf?|- May I have a moment, sir? - Of course.
What is it?|- It is very difficult to say.
Words are not always easy for me.
Is that Earth? Yes, Alaska.
I was nine years old.
- That is a fish you're holding.
|- And I didn't even catch it.
- But it looks like you|- Hooked it.
My father took the rod away.
|He was afraid I'd lose it.
You do not have|good feelings for him? No, I Well, I'm not sure what I'm feeling.
|What's on your mind? - You are leaving the Enterprise?|- I've been offered a command.
I would like to join you.
I haven't accepted the assignment.
But it could be dangerous.
|There may be combat.
- That is not the purpose.
|- Still, to die a true hero Worf, you've made your point.
I know you will do the right thing.
Finally, we're alone.
|Maybe now we can talk.
I'm here for the briefing.
All you need to know is here.
This could have been transmitted.
- I've heard good things about you.
|- Then why haven't I heard from you? I know.
Keeping in touch|is not my strong suit.
It's a funny thing about being a|parent.
There are no tech manuals.
No read-outs to get you through.
|You just wing it from day to day.
Will, when your mother died Excuse me.
|I've got to study this briefing.
Will,|I came to the Enterprise because Considering where you might be|going, I wanted to I'm here with my hand out, son.
Poor guy.
Picked up a flu virus|at Nasreldine.
Nasty.
What's the therapy? Tryptophan-lysine distillate,|with a generous dose of PCS.
- PCS?|- Pulaski's chicken soup.
- You haven't lost your touch.
|- When they hurt, I hurt.
Dr Pulaski's greatest medical skill|is her empathy.
- You must be Cmdr Riker's father.
|- Yes.
How? We've all heard about you,|and I felt certain things.
Deanna Troi, ship's Counsellor.
- Kyle Riker.
|- I thought you should meet.
Deanna keeps us|from deluding ourselves.
Let me guess, Betazoid? At your service.
I have work to do.
Please excuse me.
Why do I get the feeling|that this is a setup? Because you're intelligent,|wise and quite correct.
Well, I've never been set up better,|that's for sure.
You're also|very anxious about something.
It's Will, isn't it? You're not as close as you'd like.
I don't know.
We both have good|taste in women, wouldn't you say? I'd like to help you if I can, |if you'll let me.
Fine.
What do you want from me? I came here|to bury the hatchet with my son, only to find out|that the ground was frozen solid.
You don't seem the kind|to give up so easily.
I didn't say I was giving up.
It would just be nice|to get something from him.
What do you want? I don't know.
Acknowledgement or Respect is earned, not bestowed.
Respect? I don't need that from him.
You want him to be proud of you.
You take pride|in his accomplishments.
Absolutely.
First Officer of the Enterprise,|just been offered his first command.
Yet you covet his success.
Please.
He'd be lucky|to have the career I've had.
True.
|You're well respected in your field.
I have a reputation for excellence.
And false humility.
My guess is that Will finds you|pretty fascinating.
Candour seems to be|a trait he admires.
Honesty is the trait|he admires most.
You should honestly consider why you're so competitive|with your own son.
Competitive? Maybe in the past.
But I'm here to help Will prepare|for his first task as Captain.
Will he accept|such a dangerous assignment? He'll accept it|because it is dangerous.
- How can you be so sure?|- Because I would.
And we aren't so different,|Will and I.
Come in.
You've seen your mission briefing?|Any questions? No, other than one|about the Aries's First Officer.
Yes.
Flaherty.
Yes.
It mentions something about|"an uncanny linguistic skill".
An understatement.
The last time I saw Cmdr Flaherty,|he spoke 40 languages.
As I recall, among the more exotic|were Romulan, Klingon, Giamon, Stroyerian.
He speaks 40 languages? He has this ability of instantly|interpreting and extrapolating any verbal communication he hears.
You will find him very useful|in Vega-Omicron.
I'm sure I will.
Come in.
Capt Picard, at last.
Thank you for the help|you've given my son.
My only regret is that your reunion|marks Will's farewell.
- But he's ready for this command.
|- Yes, I have no doubt.
- May I have a word with my son?|- Of course.
Excuse me, gentlemen.
I won't be pushed|into this decision.
Come on.
Don't you think|you're ready for the Aries? - Starfleet does.
|- You're the best candidate.
But I'm here if you need me.
I've been alone since I was 15.
|I can take care of myself.
Please, spare me the pain|of your childhood.
I hung in for 13 years.
|If that wasn't enough, too bad.
Data, what if I missed something? The computer would have corrected it.
- Maybe my inputs were incorrect.
|- Data, Geordi.
- I figured out Worf's problem.
|- You spoke to him? No.
I accessed the Klingon|cultural database.
It took time.
OK, Wesley, slow down.
|What is the problem? It's the tenth anniversary|of Worf's Age of Ascension.
His what? The Age of Ascension.
|A ritual of great significance.
A rite of initiation marking|a new level of spiritual attainment.
What is the significance|of the anniversary? It's a day of celebration|spent with fellow Klingons.
Worf doesn't have|any Klingon friends.
- We're his friends.
|- We don't practise his tradition.
And we're not Klingons.
Worf is culturally|and socially isolated.
What do you suggest? We can't invite|a bunch of Klingons on board.
The computer could supply|simulations on the holodeck.
Holographic Klingons.
Sure.
Why not? We need only to program in|specific details of the ceremony.
The cultural database said|the Klingon's family must attend.
So? We're his family.
We'll go.
I just wonder what kind of party|the Klingons have.
- Have you got a minute?|- Sure.
I wanted to apologize.
Your personal|life is none of my business.
- Even if it involves your father?|- Even if it involves my father.
Did he ever tell you|why he never remarried? What woman would have him|with an ego like that? I would have, in a cold minute.
advising Starfleet|in its conflict with the Tholians.
The starbase he was operating from|was attacked.
None of the base crew was|expected to live, and they all died, all except your father.
Your father alone had the will to|endure, to face the pain, to live.
I never knew that about him.
I've never seen a man|fight so hard in all my life.
- And you fell in love?|- Yes.
And so did he.
But marriage was out of the|question.
He had other priorities.
His career.
If I were you,|going out on the Aries, I'd jettison the emotional baggage|you carry around.
The cultural database|was specific on the setting.
Let me guess.
20-piece orchestra,|magnificent ballroom, formal wear No, there's some unusual test|of inner strength.
That would entail Klingon painstiks.
Painstiks? Sounds lovely.
Enduring physical suffering|is a Klingon spiritual test.
So for Worf to celebrate his|anniversary, he has to be hurt? - And we have to witness this?|- We are his family.
Come.
Number One? I'd be a fool to turn promotion down,|wouldn't I? I don't know.
And if you're asking what to do,|I don't know that either.
I can spell out, albeit crudely,|what you're choosing between.
As First Officer of the Enterprise,|you have a position of distinction, prestige, even glamour of a sort.
You are the second-in-command|of Starfleet's flagship, but still second-in-command.
Your promotion will transfer you|to a relatively insignificant ship in an obscure corner of the galaxy.
But it will be your ship,|and being who you are, it will soon be vibrant with your|authority, your style, your vision.
You know, .
.
there is no substitute|for holding the reins.
I'll need a little more time|to make this decision.
- Find anything yet?|- Not yet.
- There is nothing to find.
|- No harm in checking, I guess.
Really? How would you like them to|give the transporter a once-over? No problem.
|We're totally shipshape.
The point is that|they even suspect a malfunction.
If I were not a consummate|professional, and an android, I would find this entire procedure|insulting.
Thanks, Data.
Chief, could you attend a little|party for Lt Worf at 1700 hours? A party for Worf?|Sounds intriguing.
I'd be delighted.
- It's a surprise.
|- My lips are sealed.
I couldn't leave|without saying goodbye.
I don't like goodbyes.
|How about "until next time"? How about "until next time"? It's been a pleasure working|with you, Commander.
The feeling is mutual, Counsellor.
I'm meant to know|how everyone feels, but I can't read you right now.
Perhaps your own feelings|are getting in the way.
I'm here to help others|sort out their emotions.
My feelings are beside the point.
Not to me.
Our feelings|are what make us all human.
Are you feeling sad? Yes, I am.
So am I.
I leave at 2100 hours.
|Can I have a minute? I've practised my best Academy|courtesy, now you should go.
We need to talk,|so lower your shields.
- I'm asking you to leave or I'll|- You'll what? It's a shame|there's no anbo-jytsu ring nearby.
Really? There is.
|Deck 12.
The gymnasium.
We can clear the air|once and for all.
You're on.
Scuttlebutt says|you wanted to see me.
That's right.
- I thought I knew you.
|- You do, as well as anyone.
Then what is this anbo-jytsu match|with Will? You've heard.
Haven't we grown beyond the point|of resolving our problems with physical conflict? I think you're overreacting.
Me? You're the one|who's fighting his own son.
It's not a fight|so much as a contest.
- And if one of you is injured?|- I know a good doctor.
- Kate|- Kyle We've played anbo-jytsu|since Will was eight.
He knows how to take care of himself.
|So do I.
Don't take this personally,|but Will is in his prime.
And I'm no spring chicken.
I know.
Don't worry.
|He's never been able to beat me.
Computer, is this it? Correct.
|Klingon rite-of-Ascension chamber.
Is this really necessary? If we want to help Worf, it is.
Computer, give us Klingon personnel|appropriate to this event.
These images have been specifically|programmed for Ascension rites.
Cute bunch.
And they use those? Those are Klingon painstiks.
I once saw one of them used|against a two-ton Rectyne monopod.
Poor creature jumped five meters|at the slightest touch.
It finally died|from excessive cephalic pressures.
You mean? Right.
The animal's head|exploded like I think that's enough,|Chief O'Brien.
- I do not enjoy riddles.
|- You will enjoy this one.
I'm in no mood for trifling|or games, not today.
I know how important|today is for you, the anniversary|of your rite of Ascension.
- You know about that?|- All your friends on board do.
That is impossible.
It is a secret|known only to Klingons.
And certain|resourceful young ensigns.
Wesley Crusher.
|What does he know about it? Just bear with me.
- Where are we going?|- The holodeck.
- This is truly trying my patience.
|- I think you will approve.
- You're not coming in?|- No.
Open.
- An Ascension ceremony.
|- Happy anniversary.
Shall we begin? I am ready.
Today, I am a warrior.
I must show you my heart.
I travel the river of blood! The true test of Klingon strength is to admit one's most profound|feelings while under extreme duress.
The battle is mine! I crave|only the blood of the enemy.
The bile of the vanquished|flows over my hands.
Thank you.
- Is Lt Worf alright?|- He's never been happier.
- So it was a good ceremony?|- I didn't stay for refreshments.
You don't enjoy Klingon culture? I'm glad that humans have progressed beyond the need for barbaric display.
Have they? Cmdr Riker and his father|are in the gymnasium, about to engage in barbarism.
Don't remind me.
I do not approve.
In spite of human evolution, there are still some traits|endemic to gender.
They'll knock each other's|brains out because they're men? Human males are unique.
Fathers regard their sons|as children, even into adulthood.
Sons chafe against their|fathers' perceived expectations.
It's as if they never grow up at all.
Perhaps that's part of their charm,|and why we find them so attractive.
Particularly men like Cmdr Riker.
And his father.
I hope they don't injure each other.
Anbo-jytsu, the ultimate|evolution in the martial arts.
I remember my early lessons.
You could never get used to|the sightless factor, or to losing.
True,|but I've had 15 years to practise.
Well, let's see|if you've learned anything.
Well! - You've been practising.
|- And remembering.
You should have been|the one to die, not her.
Good.
Get it all out.
I had you.
Listen, Will.
You were too young to understand|and I was too hurt to explain.
You were never too hurt|for anything.
She was your mother,|but she was my wife.
When she died,|all that kept me going was you.
You had a strange way of showing it.
I thought we could talk this out,|but maybe you're right.
Maybe I am no father,|and you're no son.
And this fight is all we have left.
Wait! What now? - You can't do that.
|- What? Hachidan kiritsu.
It's illegal.
You're kidding? All these years That's why|I never won.
You were cheating.
It worked, didn't it?|Kept you coming back for more.
Incredible.
You cheated me.
|How'd you get away with it? You were a kid.
I knew I couldn't take you,|but I had to keep you interested.
- I always hated you for that.
|- Damn it.
You were barely out of diapers|when she died! You hardly knew her.
I'd loved her.
You carried pain.
So did I.
I should have explained this|long ago, but it hurt too much.
Then the wall grew up between us.
|And, living together, it got bigger.
You know, it's funny.
I can talk to a roomful of admirals|about anything in the galaxy, .
.
but I can't talk to you|about how I feel.
How do you feel? How do you think? I love you, son.
- I'd better go back to the starbase.
|- I know.
I'm glad you came.
Be careful now, OK? Montgomery's specialist and|analytical team have beamed down.
What were|the analytical team's findings? They suggested reprogramming the|system to correct read-out variables.
Precisely what Cmdr Data|recommended, as I recall.
At least it gave Cmdr Riker the|chance to consider his promotion.
Now that he's accepted, we can|leave him at Starbase Montgomery.
- Number One.
|- Captain.
With your permission, I've decided|to stay on the Enterprise.
- Granted.
|- Thank you, sir.
- Take us out of orbit, Ensign.
|- Breaking synchronous orbit, sir.
Set course for Beta Kupsic.
|That is still our destination? Velocity, warp factor five.
Course and speed set, sir.
Any particular reason|for this change of heart? Self-interest.
Right now,|the best place for me to be is here.
Engage.