Captain's log, stardate 46357.4.
We have rendezvoused with the Starship Cairo,
near the Cardassian border
for an urgent meeting with Vice Admiral Necheyev.
Come!
- Capt Jean-Luc Picard. - Admiral, welcome aboard.
Thank you. That'll be all, Commander.
- Coffee? Tea? - Thank you, no.
I'm afraid there's no time for pleasantries.
I'm here to relieve you of command of the Enterprise.
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.
The Cardassian forces recently withdrawn from the Bajoran Sector
have been redeployed along the Federation border.
They have mobilized three divisions
and increased subspace communications by 50 percent.
They may be preparing for an incursion into Federation space.
Are the Cardassians ready for a war?
I didn't say war. I said incursion.
Intelligence reports suggest
they'll try to seize a disputed system on the border.
They may be gambling that we won't go to war over one system.
Will we?
I hope we won't need to make that decision.
The Enterprise is to meet the Cardassian representative for talks.
We hope the presence of the Federation flagship on the border
will send a message about how seriously we view this.
Where's Capt Picard?
The Captain, Chief Medical Officer and Security Chief
have been reassigned. That's all I can tell you.
- Do you know Edward Jellico? - He's in command of the Cairo.
I've heard of him. I don't know...
I'm giving him command of the Enterprise.
Capt Jellico helped negotiate the original armistice two years ago.
I believe he is the most qualified person to lead this mission.
The change of command will take place at 1300. Thank you.
Admiral, with all due respect,
Capt Jellico needn't be given command just to conduct a negotiation.
I disagree. The Enterprise will be in a dangerous situation.
I want someone who has a lot of experience with the Cardassians.
No offence, Commander, but that's not you.
- Halt! - Computer, freeze program.
You were five seconds slower that time.
You increased the difficulty, sir.
It'll be more difficult where we're going.
- Which is where exactly? - I'm sorry, I can't tell you yet.
It would help to know about our mission.
Mr. Worf, I have my orders. I'm sure you understand.
Doctor, this deflector wasn't set properly.
The emitter ray must block the entire passage, or it's useless.
Sorry, I was busy escaping from that Cardassian,
or maybe it was the falling rocks.
I understand this is difficult. I can only ask you to trust me.
Alright, let's do it again.
Mr. Worf, time the Doctor and me through that first tunnel.
And this time, we're going to pick up those five seconds.
Welcome aboard, sir. I'm...
William T Riker, class of '57. I look forward to serving with you.
And I you.
I'm sure this change has taken everybody by surprise.
Well, yes, sir.
It surprised me, too. I admit I miss the Cairo already.
But a Galaxy-class ship, that's something special.
I see why you turned down a command to stay aboard.
Yes, sir.
- How many duty watches do we stand? - A standard three shifts.
I'd like to change to four, starting tonight.
I also want to examine duty rosters and crew evaluations right away.
I want readiness reports from department heads by 1400
and a meeting of the senior staff at 1500.
- Do you prefer Will or William? - Will, sir.
- Where are my quarters, Will? - Cabin 735, deck...
Deck seven. I'll see you at 1300 hours.
Yeah, I know.
Wearing these uniforms reminds me of my first days at the Academy.
Attention to orders!
"To Capt Jean-Luc Picard,
Commanding Officer USS Enterprise, stardate 46358.1 ."
"You are requested and required to relinquish command
to Capt Edward Jellico, Commanding Officer, USS Cairo,
as of this date. Signed, Vice Admiral Alynna Necheyev. Starfleet Command."
Computer, transfer all command codes to Capt Jellico.
Voice authorization, Picard, Delta five.
Transfer complete.
USS Enterprise now under command of Capt Edward Jellico.
- I relieve you, sir. - I stand relieved.
Dismissed.
I wonder how permanent this is gonna be.
I don't know.
They don't usually go through the ceremony if it's just temporary.
- Sore? - Sore doesn't begin to describe it!
I know. I wish I could talk about it.
Most systems were changed at the last overhaul.
They won't be a problem. But you might check the port...
I'll take care of the Enterprise, Jean-Luc.
You don't have to mother me.
How's your team shaping up?
Very well. But I would prefer more recent intelligence
on the exact layout of the installation.
Our most current information is two years old.
Two years? I don't know how Necheyev talked you into this.
She gave me no choice.
Well, maybe there's something we can do to help.
We'll launch a class-five probe just before we reach the border.
You could pick up the telemetry aboard the shuttle.
Now that would be extremely helpful.
Will.
Captain. Captain.
We're scheduled to arrive at the Cardassian border during Delta shift.
Inform the Tactical Officer I want to launch a class-five probe
- just before we drop out of warp. - I wanted to talk about Delta shift.
Right now, Gamma shift will be on duty on arrival. I'll inform them.
Is there a problem with Delta shift, Will?
There is no Delta shift yet, sir.
I've spoken to department heads about changing to four shifts
and they assure me it'll cause major personnel problems.
So you have not changed the watch rotation?
I was going to explain after the ceremony, sir.
Tell the department heads that, as of now,
the Enterprise is on a four-shift rotation.
I don't want to talk about it. Get it done.
Now, that means Delta shift will be due to come on duty in two hours.
I expect you to have it fully manned and ready when it does.
Is that clear?
Yes, sir. If you'll excuse me, sir.
Captain.
He was your first officer for five years.
One of the finest officers that I have ever served with.
Of course he is, Jean-Luc. I'm sure it'll all work out.
Captain's log, stardate 46358.2.
We are on course for a rendezvous with the Cardassian ship, Reklar.
Fortunately, I still have time to prepare the crew for the task ahead.
We need a bypass between the phaser array and the secondary generators.
Run the main deflector path through the warp-power grid
and the conduits through the lateral relays.
You may have to reconfigure the interface.
Sir, the interface was not designed for that. It will take seven hours.
Sir, our interface already routes auxiliary power through three relays.
I'm aware of your current design. It's not good enough.
If the talks fail, we'll be at war. I want to be loaded for bear!
- I'll get on it. - Good.
These stations should be devoted to damage control and weapons status.
- See they are manned at all times. - Aye, sir.
Mr. Data, how long before we reach the rendezvous?
We will arrive in 5 1 hours, 32 minutes, sir.
Schedule four battle drills, one for each shift.
Run a series of simulated attacks from a Cardassian squadron.
I want you to conduct the exercises personally, Will. Get it done.
Get that fish out of the ready room. Data, you're with me.
Power transfer must be upgraded by 20 percent.
Warp-coil efficiency is also poor.
It's well within specifications.
I'm not interested in the specs. The efficiency must rise by 15 percent.
15 percent!
That is an attainable goal.
We will have to realign the warp coil and take the secondary grid off line.
Very good. That's exactly what I want you to do.
To take this grid off line,
we'll have to shut down the labs and geological research.
We're not on a research mission. Get it done in two days.
I believe that is also attainable.
If we utilize the entire department,
there should be sufficient manpower to do it.
Sure, if nobody sleeps for two days!
Then you'd better get to it, Geordi. You have some work to do. Data.
Yes?
- May I speak with you, Captain? - Deanna. Come in.
The latest masterpieces from my son.
It's an elephant.
I think.
Definitely an elephant.
I'm glad you're here. I'd like to go over the duty roster with you.
I'd be happy to.
But first, I'd like to talk about how the change in Command
is affecting the crew.
I've noticed some resistance.
I wouldn't call it resistance. More like uncertainty.
Most of them had served under Capt Picard for several years.
They knew him and they knew what he expected.
Now they're being asked to adjust to a new captain
and a new way of doing things.
And they're uncertain how to react.
I see your point.
This can be very unsettling to them.
And to you.
Perhaps everyone just needs time.
Time for you to get to know and trust the crew,
and time for them to understand how you want things done.
I'm glad you brought this to my attention, Deanna.
Unfortunately, I don't have time for a honeymoon with the crew.
You've clearly given this a lot of thought.
I'd like you to take charge of the morale situation.
Please see to it that they make the adjustment quickly and easily.
I have a meeting with the new security chief in five minutes.
The duty roster will have to wait. Thank you, Counsellor.
By the way, ...
..I prefer a certain formality on the bridge.
I'd appreciate it if you wore standard uniform while on duty.
Of course, sir.
He's asked me to re-route half the power systems,
change duty rosters, realign the warp coils,
and he's moved a third of my crew to Security.
You're not alone. He's made major changes in every department on board.
I don't mind changes or hard work, but the man isn't giving me time!
Someone must make him see reason.
It won't be me. He's made that clear.
Then can I make a suggestion? Talk to Capt Picard.
Maybe he can do something. We just need time.
Alright.
Come!
- Are you alright, sir? - Yes, I am.
But the last time I had to train like this was for the Academy marathon.
But I'm managing. What can I do for you?
It's nothing urgent. I'm sorry I bothered you.
Goodnight.
I am to maintain radio silence until the mission's complete.
Well, we'll monitor your channel in case you do need to transmit.
Bridge to Captain. We're at the shuttle departure coordinates.
Did you launch the probe?
Yes, sir. I wasn't aware you wanted to be informed.
Thank you. Jellico out.
I can see why he's still only a first officer.
Captain, I would just like you to know that Cmdr Riker...
I've read your reports, Jean-Luc. I know you think highly of him.
Not just me. He's been decorated by Starfleet Command five times.
He's been offered his own ship more than once.
I think if you just gave him a chance, you'd find him outstanding.
Jean-Luc, let's be candid for a moment.
The Cardassians won't listen to reason
and the Federation won't give in to their demands.
And the chances are you won't be coming back from this mission.
I want this ship ready for action
and I don't have time to give Will Riker or anyone else a chance.
And forgive me for being blunt, but the Enterprise is mine now.
Well, here's hoping you beat the odds.
- Good hunting. - Thank you.
Jean-Luc.
I believe this is yours.
Shuttlecraft to Enterprise. We have cleared the shuttle bay.
Acknowledged. Good luck.
Thank you, Enterprise.
Well, now that we're under way, I can tell you about our mission.
Starfleet Intelligence believes that the Cardassians
are developing a metagenic weapon.
Oh, my God!
I am not familiar with metagenics.
Genetically engineered viruses designed to destroy whole ecosystems.
When metagenic toxins enter an atmosphere,
they mutate and seek out and destroy all forms of DNA they encounter.
In a few days, everything is dead.
In a month, the agent breaks down and dissipates completely,
leaving every city, every road,
every piece of equipment perfectly intact.
Leaving the planet safe to be conquered.
Wouldn't using such a weapon pose as great a risk to the attacker?
That's why biological weapons were outlawed years ago.
Even the Romulans abide by the agreements.
Starfleet Intelligence believes the Cardassians
are developing a new delivery system,
one that would protect them from accidental exposure.
They believe the Cardassians
are testing a way of launching dormant metagenic material
on a subspace carrier wave.
So they could activate the toxins after the launch, avoiding exposure.
Because the subspace wave would appear as background radiation,
no one would realize what was happening till it was too late.
Now, for the past few weeks,
theta-band subspace emissions have been detected from Celtris III.
These may indicate that a metagenic delivery system is in operation.
- What do we know about Celtris III? - Very little.
It was thought uninhabited until these emissions began.
Starfleet believes the Cardassians may have a secret research lab
somewhere below the planet's surface.
Our orders are to penetrate this installation
and determine if the Cardassians are building a metagenic weapon.
- And if they are? - Destroy it. At any cost.
When I was on the Stargazer, we tested theta-band carrier waves.
I'm here because of my familiarity with methods of generating them.
Mr. Worf, your presence is obvious.
Doctor, your job will be to locate and destroy any biotoxins we find.
Celtris III is in Cardassian space.
How will we get there undetected?
I know a way of acquiring some discreet transport.
Mr. Worf, set a course for Torman V.
If he doesn't pay up,
I know three large Ferengi who will not be so forgiving.
- I didn't do it! - I'm not accusing you of anything.
What do you want, then?
We're looking for DaiMon Solok.
Why?
We have a business proposition to discuss.
Solok is a very busy, very important man. He isn't here.
But I could relay a message.
Good. Please will you tell DaiMon Solok
that we are interested in transportation to Celtris III.
That's a Cardassian planet.
Now, we understand that DaiMon Solok
runs cargo there from time to time.
Solok is no smuggler!
Yes, but if Solok were to go to Celtris III, for legitimate reasons,
we would be interested in quietly booking passage for the journey.
I don't think he would be interested in dealing with Federation spies!
You know, ...
..I heard that Solok was quite a man.
Well, yes!
He is an extraordinary man!
That's why we came here, because only Solok could help us.
I guess there's some things even Solok can't do.
It's too bad.
Because if he could, ...
..I would be very,
- very... - Yes?
..grateful.
When do you want to leave?
Beverly, make sure your tricorder keeps a precise map of the route.
- We could easily get lost in here. - Right.
I'm picking up some subspace signals,
but I can't seem to get a lock on them.
That's typical of theta-band emissions.
We have to compress the detection bandwidth to determine the fix.
The source emission is 500 meters east of here.
And 700 meters below.
It's alright.
They're called lynars, a kind of Celtrine bat. They're harmless.
Bats!
You're not afraid of bats, are you Worf?
Of course not!
First Officer's log, supplemental. We've rendezvoused with the Reklar
to begin diplomatic talks designed to ease tension along the border.
Gul Lemec is in the observation lounge.
Very good. I'll be in my ready room.
Yes?
I think there's been a slight miscommunication.
Did you want to meet with Gul Lemec in here?
No, the observation lounge is appropriate.
I see.
Lemec is a Cardassian, and Cardassians are like timber wolves,
predators, bold in large numbers, cautious by themselves,
and with an instinctive need
to establish a dominant position in any social gathering.
So you're establishing a dominant position by making him wait for you?
The trouble with wolves is that sometimes in the fight for dominance,
one of them ends up dead.
In that case, the trick is...
..to be the wolf that's still standing at the end.
The floor is over 500 meters down.
There doesn't seem to be a way round. We'll have to rappel from here.
This is sheer granite. We'll have to use fusing pitons.
We could try to find another way down.
That would take several hours. We don't have the time.
- Not afraid of heights, are you? - Of course not.
Remember to control your descent. And don't get the lines tangled.
I'll remember!
Alright?
I've been waiting for over an hour...
I'm Capt Jellico. You know Cmdr Riker. This is Lt Cmdr Troi.
Let's get to it.
This is a deliberate insult.
I have been kept waiting for over an hour!
Then I'm sure you're ready to talk.
I did not agree to allow others into this meeting.
If it alarms you, I can ask them to leave.
I am not alarmed, but we did not...
A great many people are depending on our efforts, Gul Lemec.
Let's not quibble over minutiae.
I have come to negotiate a Federation withdrawal,
not to be dictated to by some mere captain.
I can see you're not serious about these talks.
If the Cardassian Union truly wishes to discuss peace,
they can send someone who can negotiate in a civilised manner.
Captain on the bridge.
Let him stew for a minute,
then tell him you've convinced me to meet him once more.
Tell him he needs to be more reasonable,
because I'm so unreasonable.
Lemec will want his own aides on board.
Pretend to worry that I'll object,
then grudgingly agree to two aides. No more.
- Understood? - Aye, sir.
Well, I'll say this for him. He's sure of himself.
No, he's not.
The installation should be about 300 meters this way.
I don't suppose we'll find another way back up there.
- I doubt it. - That's what I thought.
There's a lava tube beyond here that runs for 75 meters.
Then it connects with another chamber. We need to get through here.
This tube opens up beyond this crack.
We could widen the opening,
then we should be able to crawl through. Mr. Worf.
A phaser at level 16 should suffice.
Make it so.
Well done, Mr. Worf.
Gul Lemec, a pleasure.
May I present my aides, Glinn Corak and Glinn Tajor?
Welcome aboard.
For three weeks, you've been massing troops,
assembling strike forces and pulling ships from their patrols.
We will not stand for this clearly provocative behaviour.
I see the Federation spy network
has again provided faulty information.
We are conducting routine training operations, nothing more.
Then I'm sure you won't mind
if we send a few starships in for our own training operations.
Your fleet deployments do not concern us.
However, we are very concerned
by your refusal to vacate territories which are clearly Cardassian.
You gave up your claims when you signed the armistice!
You couldn't take those worlds by force.
Now you want us to give you them.
Captain, please, we should listen to them.
Gul Lemec, the systems are still under negotiation under the treaty.
Negotiations which we have pursued in good faith.
Unfortunately, the Federation has not been as forthcoming.
So, to speed things up, you prepare for war!
We are preparing to defend ourselves.
- The Federation won't start a war. - That has always been your position.
However, I have heard reports that a small Federation team
has already been sent into our territory.
Of course, I don't believe it.
Such an attempt would almost certainly fail.
And, even if it succeeded,
it would trigger a very serious response on our part.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Then there's no need for worry.
A brief recess would seem to be in order.
Very well.
Where is Capt Picard?
Reassigned.
Well, I hope his new assignment is not too dangerous.
It would be a shame if something were to happen to such a...
Such a noted officer.
Yes, ...
..it would.
Only a few more meters.
Beverly! Get out of there!
Beverly!
I have her!
- Are you alright? - I think so.
Next time, you try bringing up the rear.
We're nearly there. Can you continue?
Looks like a maintenance hatch to the installation.
I'm picking up three proximity sensors around it.
Sensor echoes established,
but the false image will only last a few minutes.
The hatch is magnetically sealed, but I believe I can bypass it.
I can't get a scan through the hatch. It's been shielded.
We have no choice. Remember, aim low. Short controlled bursts.
Ready.
Now!
There's no one here. There's no lab.
It's a trap! Come on!
Captain!
Let's go!
- The Captain! - No!
There are five more of them heading this way.
Come on!
Now!
Come on!
Captain on the bridge.
What have you got, Will?
We're getting coded messages from a Cardassian planet on the border.
- Which planet? - Celtris III.
Can you detect any theta-band emissions?
There are residual traces. It seems there were emissions until just now.
Open a secure channel to Admiral Necheyev.
- Priority two. In my ready room. - Aye, sir.
- Captain? - Those emissions have just stopped.
I'd say, one way or another, our friends have finished.
Have you heard from our friends?
No.
Let me know if you do.
I would very much like to see them again.
So would l, Admiral.
A challenge!
You should prove an interesting challenge.
Possibly the most interesting to come through that door in years.
- What do you want? - Why, you, of course.
Picard!
Jean-Luc.
Serial number,
SP-937-215.
Son of Maurice and Yvette Picard.
Born in Labarre, France.
Formerly Captain of the Stargazer,
where you conducted studies on theta-band subspace carrier waves.
Don't look so surprised.
How could we lure the Captain of the Federation flagship
unless we knew something of his background?
So, you concocted an elaborate ruse to bring me here. Why?
In this room, you do not ask questions.
I ask them, you answer.
If I am not satisfied with your answers, you will die.