Second Officer's personal log, star date 44390. 1.
Record entry for transmission to Cmdr Bruce Maddox,
Cybernetics Division, Daystrom Institute.
Dear Cmdr Maddox, in reference to your most recent letter,
I agree that your study lacks information
on my programming and operation.
In response to your request,
this message will include a record of my activities
during a normal day, with emphasis on my perceptions of friendship.
Cmdr Riker, you are 15 minutes early.
The father of the bride should be relieved early on the wedding day.
Thank you, sir.
- Nervous? - I cannot become nervous.
However, I sense some anticipation regarding my role in the wedding.
- Anything to report? - All systems are normal.
Sickbay reports that Lt Juarez went into labour at 0400 hours.
We await the Starship Zhukov.
Guest quarters are ready for Ambassador T'Pel.
- Thank you. I have the bridge? - Aye, sir.
Begin day watch.
Initially, Cmdr Maddox,
I found it hard to maintain friendships.
Human emotions often puzzle me.
I developed a program enabling me
to predict human emotional responses to specific actions.
Come in.
It is time for the wedding rehearsal.
I know. I've decided not to go through with it.
- You do not wish to rehearse? - No, I'm calling off the wedding.
- May I ask why? - It's just the right thing to do.
Have your feelings for Chief O'Brien changed?
I'm getting married. I should be happy, but I'm not.
I just feel this weight pressing down on me.
Will cancelling the wedding make you happy?
Yes. He'll probably be just as relieved as I am.
Data?
You introduced us to each other. You mean a lot to both of us.
I would really appreciate it if you would talk to Miles for me.
If you wish.
Chief O'Brien often says he wants to make Keiko happy.
Since cancelling the wedding will make her happy,
I must conclude that he'll be pleased.
I have good news.
Keiko has made a decision to increase her happiness.
- She has cancelled the wedding. - She what?
Cancelled the wedding? Today? Without even a word?
Of all the childish, selfish, irresponsible things to do!
Next time, maybe I should deliver the good news.
It seems that my program designed to predict emotional responses
needs... adjustment.
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.
Second Officer's personal log.
This is the 1,550th day
since the Enterprise was commissioned.
Besides the arrival of T'Pel,
events today include four birthdays, two personal transfers,
the Hindu Festival of Lights, two chess tournaments, a school play
and four promotions. An ordinary day.
- The Zhukov is ready for transport. - Energize.
Welcome aboard, Ambassador.
I would meet with your Captain.
Since I am not affected by emotions,
I am closer to being Vulcan than human.
However, while their devotion to logic has a certain appeal,
I find their stark philosophy to be somewhat limited.
Come.
- Ambassador T'Pel. - I come to serve.
Your service honours us. This is Cmdr William Riker.
Leave us, please.
Charming woman!
The tone of Cmdr Riker's voice makes me suspect
that he is not serious about finding T'Pel charming.
My experience suggests that he may mean the exact opposite.
Irony is a form of expression I have not yet mastered.
You don't need a haircut. You were here last week.
If you'd done it right first time, I wouldn't be back.
You want to look beautiful,
but I'm a barber, not a miracle worker.
Just try to keep my ears on straight today, OK?
Friendly insults and jibes,
another form of human speech I am attempting to master,
in this case, with the help of Geordi.
Hi, Data.
I consider Geordi to be my best friend.
Here for a trim?
My hair does not need trimming, you lunkhead.
- What? - My hair does not...
Lunkhead?
I am experimenting with friendly insults. It was not serious.
Well, just don't try it on the Captain.
No.
Geordi, I am still confused
by Chief O'Brien's reaction this morning.
Yeah. He was just surprised. He didn't mean to blow up.
He knows Keiko probably doesn't want to call off the marriage.
- She's just getting cold feet. - Cold feet?
Jitters. A nervous reaction to an impending event of importance.
Right. Don't worry. Everything's gonna be fine.
She'll change her mind again.
- She will? - Absolutely.
You believe the marriage will proceed?
Trust me. They're gonna get married. So you'd better find a gift.
I find Lt Worf to be what is called a kindred spirit.
We were both orphans rescued by Starfleet.
In many ways we are both outsiders in human society.
- Are you here for a wedding gift? - Yes.
I would appreciate help in selecting an appropriate item.
Of course. I have attended human weddings before.
- Hold. - This is a traditional gift?
Yes. My adoptive parents often give these... things
at family weddings. A human custom.
Hold.
It is my understanding that the gift
should reflect the personality of whoever is giving it.
This does not remind me of you.
Have you ever been an actual participant in a human wedding?
No!
You would not consider it to be an honour?
An honour? Perhaps.
But human bonding rituals often involve a great deal of talking
and dancing and crying.
Dancing!
I am rarely in need of Dr Crusher's professional services,
as my maintenance program is self-sufficient.
But I often observe as she practises medicine
and have learned much about human interaction from her.
- May I ask a favour of you? - Of course.
Would you teach me to dance?
- What?! - I would like to learn to dance.
- Why me? - It was in your service record.
First prize, tap and jazz competition...
OK. OK.
Have I said something to upset you?
It's just that that was a long time ago.
I don't want to be known as "The Dancing Doctor" again.
Then your answer is no.
Alright. But let's keep this between you and me.
Of course, Doctor.
Cmdr Data, report to the bridge.
Acknowledged.
I want a projection of possible Romulan deployments
along the Neutral Zone. Access Federation records and report to me.
Is there a specific area you wish me to study?
No. Ambassador?
Number One, set a course 130, mark 246, warp seven.
That's close to the Neutral Zone.
I'm aware of that, Number One. Proceed.
Lay in the course.
It is fortunate that I can perform my duties
without emotional distractions.
If that were not the case, a sudden course correction
toward the Neutral Zone would make me very... nervous.
Mr. Data, based on your analysis, what is the Romulan strategy
behind the deployment of their ships?
Their ships are deployed to support a policy of confrontation
to test our defences along the Neutral Zone.
Do you predict any change?
There is a 90 percent probability they will continue that policy.
Is there any indication of a more conciliatory attitude on their part?
- No, sir. - Caution is clearly called for.
But the mission must proceed as planned.
Starfleet Command agrees with you.
But I would feel better if you would consent to an escort or...
Thank you, Mr. Data.
Feline supplement...
..74.
Computer, run fluidic-sensor diagnostic.
Diagnostic complete. All systems functioning within normal parameters.
Come in.
Am I intruding?
No. Would you care to sit down?
When one of my friends is distraught,
the thoughtful thing to do is to try to make him feel more comfortable.
- May I offer you some refreshment? - No, thank you, sir.
I'd like to apologize for this morning in ten-forward.
There is no need to apologize. I was not offended.
Would you like a pillow or a more comfortable chair?
No, sir. Thank you, sir.
Perhaps you would like some music? Brahms?
No, really, sir, I'm fine.
I came to ask for your help. It's about Keiko.
I'd like you to convince her to go through with the wedding.
Would Troi not be a more appropriate choice to speak to Keiko?
She already has. Didn't help. You've known her longer than I have,
I thought she might listen to you. She won't even talk to me.
I do not know what to say to her.
Just talk with her. Make her see reason.
She's not thinking this through.
You've worked with her for a long time. She respects your opinion.
Perhaps...
Perhaps she has not fully analyzed her decision. I will try.
Thank you, sir. I won't forget this.
Cmdr Maddox, Keiko was calm and rational
when she informed me of her decision.
Therefore I predict that she will respond
to an objective analysis of the situation.
She has not let emotional considerations cloud her judgement,
which should make my task simpler.
What?!
You made an incorrect analysis of the facts.
- What do you mean? - You do not seem happy.
Well...
You made the assumption
that cancelling the wedding would make you happy.
- This has proven to be incorrect. - It's not that simple.
Since your action did not produce the desired result,
you should re-examine your decision-making process,
- and look for errors. - It's my decision!
That fact is not in dispute.
But you may have acted with haste and hurt Chief O'Brien's feelings.
I did what I had to! Why are you doing this?
- I thought you were my friend. - I am.
Then leave me alone.
- If I have offended... - Just leave me alone!
It is clear I need guidance to resolve this situation.
Counsellor Troi's advice should be useful.
In many ways, she is the friend I understand least.
Her life and duties are predicated on her understanding of emotions.
Since I have none,
no doubt she finds me as much a mystery as I find her.
Chief O'Brien talks to me. Keiko talks to you.
Why do they not talk to each other?
That's a good question. I wish I had a good answer.
Perhaps when they're ready, they will.
Many aspects of this situation puzzle me.
I have studied texts on marriage,
but I have not found a suitable guide.
A suitable guide for what?
To be helpful, I am attempting to calculate
the variables involved in a successful marriage.
- Good luck. - There are many opinions.
On Galvin V, a marriage is seen as successful
only if children are produced within a year of the marriage.
Andorian marriages require groups of four...
Would you like my advice on how to help them?
Don't. This is something they must work out for themselves.
But I am their friend.
Should I not stand with them in a time of difficulty?
There are many ways to help a friend.
Sometimes, the best way is to leave them alone.
Do you believe it is the correct decision for them to marry?
I don't know. They're in love, but sometimes that isn't enough.
Marriage is an agreement to share who you are with someone else.
To live together. To grow old together.
To grow old together? That is a component of marriage?
Usually. Why do you ask?
Although I am an android,
I have not excluded the possibility that l, too, may someday marry.
I had no idea you'd thought about getting married.
I believe I have much to offer a potential mate.
But we cannot grow old together because I will not grow old.
Data?
You do have a lot to offer.
Cmdr Data, this is Ambassador T'Pel. Report to my quarters.
Acknowledged.
Enter.
You have priority-three clearance on the Enterprise?
That is correct.
I require information on this ship's defence and navigational systems,
access code Kappa Alpha 4601704.
The code is valid.
What is the strength of the ship's deflector shields at maximum output?
May I ask the purpose of your request?
I require this information.
I have the same safeguards as the ship's computer.
I report any inquiry about restricted information to the Captain.
Your reaction suggests you do not wish him to know of your inquiry.
I was not interested in the information.
I was curious as to your security safeguards. They seem adequate.
Cancel the request. You may leave.
Cmdr Maddox, I have often wished
for the sense humans call intuition or instinct.
Since Vulcans are incapable of lying,
I must accept her explanation as truth.
But I would prefer a... gut feeling to back up this conclusion.
Program Crusher four in progress.
Hi, Data. Well, what do you think?
It is a recreation of a studio I had my first dance lesson in.
It appears to be quite suitable.
Let's start with something simple. Stomp. Hop. Try it.
Again. Good!
Good!
- Am I dancing, Doctor? - Not quite. Stop, Data.
Now try this...
Perhaps it would be beneficial to teach me the final lesson.
OK.
That's great!
Watch.
Good.
Triples.
Watch.
Stop, Data. And you say you've never done this before?
Try this.
Stop, Data!
Not bad.
Yeah, not bad.
I have learned to dance?
I'd say you've picked up the basics.
Thank you. I am now prepared to dance at the wedding.
- Wedding? - Keiko's wedding.
You never said this was for the wedding.
Is that important?
Yes! They don't do much tap-dancing at weddings.
- Why? - Well, Data, because...
I don't really know why. Why don't I teach you
a style of dancing that they will do at the wedding?
Computer, run... Isn't it Romantic?
Compared to what we've done, this will be simple.
Just look up and follow me. One, two, ready and...
No, Data, wait.
No. Move slowly.
Stop music.
- Sorry, Doctor. - I don't understand.
You picked up tap-dancing so quickly.
I cannot copy you if I cannot see your feet.
Alright. Let's try it again.
And this time, watch my feet. Computer? Start music.
And...
Now, don't just imitate me. You've got to lead.
Lead where?
Indicate where you want your partner to step.
How is that accomplished?
I'll show you. I'll lead.
You'll notice that I don't just repeat the same pattern.
I improvise.
Now you lead.
That's good! Now look up, Data. Look into my eyes.
You're holding me too tight.
These are complex variables to coordinate.
You are doing fine. Now, smile. Act like you're enjoying yourself.
- Dr Crusher? Report to sickbay. - Is it Lt Juarez?
Yes. Her contractions are one minute apart.
I'm on my way.
Why don't you program up an artificial dance partner?
Don't be afraid to experiment!
I will. Thank you, Doctor.
Computer? Create dance partner. Female.
Begin music.
And just as he swings the axe...
Cmdr Riker's easy-going manner and humour is fascinating to me.
It may be one reason he is so popular with the crew.
It may be responsible for his success in matters of love.
There may be a correlation between humour and sex.
The need for more research is clearly indicated.
Commander.
- Picard to the bridge. All stop. - Aye, sir.
Sir, we have reached the designated coordinates.
Hold this position. Long-range scan.
Captain, I am detecting a ship in the Neutral Zone.
Configuration, Romulan war bird.
Yellow alert.
- Hail the war bird, Mr. Worf. - Aye, sir.
They are responding. Text only.
"We are to proceed to the agreed coordinates."
Set course 037, mark 005, warp four.
Take us into the Neutral Zone.
The war bird is holding position.
In three minutes, we will be in phaser range.
Red alert.
I trust my crew, Ambassador.
They will take no provocative action unless I order them.
Hold position on these coordinates.
Slow to half-impulse.
Open a channel.
Open.
I am Ambassador T'Pel.
I am Admiral Mendak.
There is no established protocol for this meeting.
The logical course is that I transport over for the negotiations.
Yes.
Captain? I note your defensive systems have been activated.
- As have yours. - It was not meant as an accusation.
I salute your show of strength.
Ambassador, we are honoured by your presence.
Transport aboard at your convenience.
The honour is mine.
Have your transporter room stand by. I will beam aboard without delay.
Ambassador, I urge you to once more reconsider.
The Enterprise can accommodate a Romulan delegation...
I find your argument illogical. Please carry out my instructions.
- Picard to Chief O'Brien. - O'Brien here.
Prepare to transport Ambassador T'Pel.
Aye, sir.
Mr. Worf, maintain a lock on her signal.
I want to be able to bring her back.
Understood.
Transporter activated.
Captain!
Transporter emergency! I'm losing her signal.
- Boosting power to sequencers. - Computer override.
What happened?
I'm losing the pattern. Trying to re-establish!
I'm sorry, sir. I couldn't retrieve the signal.
The Ambassador's dead.
Second Officer's personal log, supplemental.
The risks aboard a starship are accepted by all who serve,
but I always observe a deep emotional response to the loss of a comrade.
At times like this, I miss the ability to share human feelings.
The signal lock wasn't broken.
I had entered the sequence when her pattern began to break up.
I tried to switch to manual control,
but the pattern deteriorated too quickly.
There is no record of this type of accident on a starship.
Backups and safeguards are designed to prevent it.
I can't find any system flaws. Engineering reports were normal.
The auto-sequencers were functioning normally.
Any prior malfunctions?
No. We replaced the transition coil last week.
- Was it Romulan interference? - Not that I could see.
The shields were down. There was no subspace bias.
Pull this unit and check the systems.
I want a diagnostic on all transporters.
Yes, sir.
Her molecular structure dissipated once the pattern was lost.
There wasn't enough material to do an autopsy.
To die...
..on a transporter.
Hardly a fitting end for one of the Federation's most honoured diplomats.
Bridge to Capt Picard. Admiral Mendak wishes to speak to you.
We're still waiting. Is there a problem?
There's been an accident.
Ambassador T'Pel was killed in a transporter malfunction.
What kind of malfunction?
We are still investigating that.
I see the Federation isn't serious about this conference.
The Federation places the highest priority
on this mission and its goal.
Well played, Captain. Well played.
Starfleet opposes normalization of relations with the Romulan Empire,
so you are ordered to create an accident.
You are mistaken.
I am ready to discuss the establishment of diplomatic relations
under the same terms as Ambassador T'Pel.
A generous offer,
since you know we were willing to negotiate only with T'Pel.
I salute you again. It was a manoeuvre worthy of a Romulan.
I suggest we both leave the Neutral Zone
before there is another... accident.
Set course for Federation territory. Warp two.
Engage. Mr. Data, take charge of this investigation.
Study computer logs, sensor information, everything.
I refuse to believe this was a malfunction!
Aye, sir.
Capt Picard was the person who interested me
in the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
I have become an admirer of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes
and his ability to solve mysteries by examination of evidence.
I find Holmes' methodology of deductive reasoning to be useful.
One of his adages is once you have eliminated the impossible,
whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
I'm sorry. I don't have time for another lesson.
That is not my purpose.
I wish to examine the remains of Ambassador T'Pel.
I'm working on the report right now.
Have you compared the genetic code
with the Ambassador's last-recorded ID traces?
No. That's not procedure. Why?
I could be chasing an untamed ornithoid without cause.
A wild-goose chase?
Alright.
Computer, access the transporter ID trace for Ambassador T'Pel.
Here's the genetic record of the Ambassador when she beamed aboard.
The organic material found on the transporter pad should be identical.
Mitochondrial structure fits the general parameters.
No change in the nucleotide bases.
There's a slight discrepancy in the base-pair sequence.
Chemically, these are identical.
But the sample from the transporter is showing single-bit errors,
like replicated material.
Can you postulate an explanation for the discrepancy?
The DNA was either mutated during rematerialization...
Not proved by transporter records.
..or these aren't the remains of the Ambassador.
The only abnormality
was a temporary increase in the matter-to-energy signal ratio.
I investigated the possibility
that a second transporter signal caused the fluctuation.
Although unlikely, it was the only remaining theory.
- A second signal? From where? - The Devoras.
Romulan transporters operate on a frequency like ours.
With minor adjustments, they can simulate our carrier wave.
Are you saying they beamed the Ambassador off our own pad?
While simultaneously, an amount of genetically similar material
was left in the Ambassador's place.
To make us believe she died in a malfunction.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Worf, where is the Devoras now?
The ship is still in the Neutral Zone on course 079, mark 125.
Speed, warp two.
Heading for home.
The safest decision is to contact Starfleet and await instructions.
However, based on experience, I project only a 17-percent chance
Capt Picard will choose that alternative.
Red alert. All hands, stand to battle stations.
Lay in an intercept course.
Load torpedoes. Stand by phasers.
Warp factor eight. Engage.
- Open a channel to the Devoras. - Aye, sir.
No response.
The Devoras is dropping out of warp. Weapons powering up.
- Impulse power. - Aye, sir.
Message coming in.
On screen.
Captain, you agreed to leave the Neutral Zone...
Admiral, you have taken our Ambassador captive.
I assure you there is no one being held captive aboard this ship.
We know about the transporter malfunction,
and that you are holding Ambassador T'Pel.
Romulan war bird decloaking to starboard.
I suggest you leave. Now.
It is my responsibility to protect the lives of Federation citizens.
I will not permit this abduction to succeed.
You will not start an incident.
I will take whatever action is necessary
to obtain the return of the Ambassador.
In poker, there is a moment when a player must decide
if an opponent is being deceptive or holds a winning hand.
This decision is based both on the odds and on an appraisal of the man.
Is he bluffing, or does he have the cards?
Fortunately, I am not ready to start a war... today.
T'Pel.
Sub-Cmdr Selok, actually.
A spy.
A patriot, Captain.
She has performed her service to the Empire with distinction.
Thank you for your help, Captain.
You see that we are not holding one of your citizens.
We thank you for returning our sister to us.
But my patience has limits. The game is over.
I expect you to leave peacefully. Now.
Captain. Sensors detect three Romulan war birds entering this sector.
Some days, you get the bear. Some days, the bear gets you.
Reverse course.
Take us back into Federation territory, warp six. Engage.
Keiko, I need your help.
I have offended you and need to rectify my mistake.
- I am not sure what to do. - You haven't offended me.
I interfered. It would be best if I apologized.
It would be best if you got dressed. For the wedding?
But...
Come here!
I have the most beautiful carnation for the father of the bride.
Now, don't be nervous.
I am not nervous. I am confused.
Since the days of the first wooden sailing ships,
all captains have enjoyed the happy privilege
of joining together two people in the bonds of matrimony.
And so it is my honour to unite you, Keiko Ishikawa,
and you, Miles Edward O'Brien, together in matrimony...
There are still many emotions I do not fully comprehend.
Anger, hatred, revenge.
But I am not mystified by the desire to be loved
or the need for friendship.
These things I do understand.
Congratulations.
I was looking for Dr Crusher...
- The Juarez child? - A boy.
At the time that we were facing destruction,
this small miracle was taking place.
Welcome aboard.
All systems normal, sir. We are on course for Adelphous IV.
Engineering is realigning the deflector dish.
Sickbay reports Lt Umbato broke two ribs during a holodeck exercise.
Sensors are gathering information on the Murasaki quasar.
- Very well. I have the bridge. - Aye, sir.
If being human is not simply a matter of being flesh and blood,
if it is instead a way of thinking, acting and feeling,
then I am hopeful that maybe one day, I will discover my own humanity.
Begin night watch.
Until then, Cmdr Maddox,
I will continue learning, changing, growing,
and trying to become more than what I am.