1 00:00:04,230 --> 00:00:07,940 Captain's log, stardate 43173.5. 2 00:00:08,100 --> 00:00:09,770 We are en route to Mintaka III, 3 00:00:09,940 --> 00:00:12,610 where a Federation anthropological team 4 00:00:12,770 --> 00:00:15,080 has been studying the inhabitants. 5 00:00:15,240 --> 00:00:17,510 Our mission is to resupply the outpost 6 00:00:17,680 --> 00:00:20,220 and repair their malfunctioning reactor. 7 00:00:20,350 --> 00:00:24,050 - Mr La Forge, report. - We replicated the parts. 8 00:00:24,220 --> 00:00:30,190 But why does a three-man station need a 4.2 gigawatt reactor? 9 00:00:30,360 --> 00:00:34,260 Enough to power a small phaser bank, a relay station, or...? 10 00:00:34,430 --> 00:00:36,770 Or a hologram generator. 11 00:00:36,930 --> 00:00:40,540 A duck blind! Right, they're anthropologists. 12 00:00:40,700 --> 00:00:45,040 Who are studying an extended family of Mintakans at close range, 13 00:00:45,210 --> 00:00:47,740 from a camouflaged observation post. 14 00:00:47,910 --> 00:00:51,410 Dr Barron's preliminary reports say the Mintakans 15 00:00:51,580 --> 00:00:55,150 are proto-Vulcan humanoids at the Bronze-Age level. 16 00:00:55,320 --> 00:00:58,690 - Peaceful and highly rational. - Not surprising. 17 00:00:58,850 --> 00:01:00,920 Their evolution parallels Vulcan. 18 00:01:01,090 --> 00:01:04,090 Captain, transmission from Mintaka III. 19 00:01:04,260 --> 00:01:06,590 Thank you, Lieutenant. On screen. 20 00:01:07,760 --> 00:01:11,100 Barron to Enterprise. Our repairs have failed. 21 00:01:11,270 --> 00:01:13,130 The reactor is inoperative. 22 00:01:13,300 --> 00:01:16,540 - Do you have battery back-up? - Three hours at best. 23 00:01:16,710 --> 00:01:21,140 If we increase to warp seven, we can be there in 23 minutes. 24 00:01:21,310 --> 00:01:24,680 Make it so. We're on our way... 25 00:01:54,110 --> 00:01:55,880 We've lost contact, sir. 26 00:01:56,780 --> 00:01:58,910 Increase to warp nine. 27 00:02:28,080 --> 00:02:31,080 Space, the final frontier. 28 00:02:32,910 --> 00:02:36,820 These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. 29 00:02:36,990 --> 00:02:41,090 Its continuing mission, to explore strange new worlds... 30 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:45,760 ...to seek out new life and new civilisations... 31 00:02:47,000 --> 00:02:50,370 ...to boldly go where no one has gone before. 32 00:04:03,410 --> 00:04:06,910 The framework's still charged, so watch it. 33 00:04:15,420 --> 00:04:18,590 Why did we have to come so early? 34 00:04:18,750 --> 00:04:22,820 When the sun reaches its zenith, I must take the measurements. 35 00:04:22,990 --> 00:04:25,860 You've read the sundial hundreds of times. 36 00:04:26,030 --> 00:04:29,930 Yes, Father, but never as the appointed record keeper. 37 00:04:38,610 --> 00:04:41,740 You're taking your duties quite seriously. 38 00:04:41,910 --> 00:04:44,310 Your mother would have been very proud. 39 00:04:48,080 --> 00:04:49,380 What is that? 40 00:04:50,550 --> 00:04:52,850 Up there, Father! What is it? 41 00:04:53,020 --> 00:04:54,890 I don't know. 42 00:05:07,840 --> 00:05:09,870 Keep work... Palmer...? 43 00:05:10,040 --> 00:05:12,740 It's alright. 44 00:05:20,120 --> 00:05:22,880 The holographic generator is functioning. 45 00:05:23,050 --> 00:05:26,420 - All we need now is power. - Almost there. 46 00:05:48,240 --> 00:05:50,410 You wait here, Oji. 47 00:06:33,020 --> 00:06:37,230 Enterprise, beam Martinez and his patient directly to sickbay. 48 00:06:49,840 --> 00:06:51,910 Commander? 49 00:07:05,620 --> 00:07:09,460 - Doctor, be careful. - I've got to get down there. 50 00:07:34,650 --> 00:07:36,280 Crusher to Enterprise. 51 00:07:36,450 --> 00:07:40,290 Medical emergency. Two to beam directly to sickbay. 52 00:07:40,460 --> 00:07:42,190 Aye, Doctor. 53 00:07:53,300 --> 00:07:55,300 That should do it. 54 00:08:43,650 --> 00:08:46,790 You increased the levels of tricordrazine? 55 00:09:06,270 --> 00:09:08,240 Dr Crusher? 56 00:09:14,780 --> 00:09:19,620 Before you quote the Prime Directive, he'd already seen us. 57 00:09:19,790 --> 00:09:22,160 It was either bring him aboard or let him die. 58 00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:24,790 Then why didn't you let him die? 59 00:09:24,960 --> 00:09:28,030 Because we were responsible for his injuries! 60 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:33,840 I'm not sure that I concur with that reasoning, Doctor. 61 00:09:34,000 --> 00:09:37,370 But now that he's here, you must remove all memory 62 00:09:37,540 --> 00:09:39,810 of his encounter with the away team. 63 00:09:39,970 --> 00:09:41,810 By erasing short-term recall? 64 00:09:41,980 --> 00:09:44,210 It has been accomplished before. 65 00:09:44,380 --> 00:09:47,880 I am familiar with Dr Pulaski's technique. 66 00:09:48,050 --> 00:09:50,250 But will it be effective on Mintakans? 67 00:09:50,420 --> 00:09:52,350 Their lie-zone levels are lower. 68 00:09:52,520 --> 00:09:55,260 Wait! No, no! We must evacuate! 69 00:09:55,420 --> 00:10:00,530 Dr Barron, you're on the Enterprise. You're safe. 70 00:10:00,700 --> 00:10:02,260 And the others? 71 00:10:02,400 --> 00:10:05,570 Dr Warren is here. We're doing all we can. 72 00:10:05,730 --> 00:10:08,870 - And where is Palmer? - Still on Mintaka. 73 00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:11,240 - You have to find him! - We will. 74 00:10:11,410 --> 00:10:12,870 He may be hurt. 75 00:10:13,040 --> 00:10:17,110 Rest assured, we shall not leave until he is located. 76 00:10:17,280 --> 00:10:19,150 Thank you, Picard. 77 00:10:24,750 --> 00:10:26,960 Picard to bridge. Report. 78 00:10:27,090 --> 00:10:31,090 Scans on the planet detect no humans, Captain. 79 00:10:31,260 --> 00:10:33,430 Very well. Put us in a close orbit. 80 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:38,300 A close orbit will increase sensor efficiency by only four percent. 81 00:10:38,470 --> 00:10:41,570 - I want that four percent. - Aye, sir. 82 00:10:41,670 --> 00:10:43,300 Picard out. 83 00:10:44,470 --> 00:10:47,240 - Picard...? - Damn! 84 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:58,690 Well, Doctor, your next task is clear. 85 00:11:27,650 --> 00:11:29,220 Oji? 86 00:11:40,360 --> 00:11:41,930 Father? 87 00:11:43,870 --> 00:11:44,900 Here! 88 00:11:53,810 --> 00:11:56,480 I thought I'd never see you again. 89 00:11:56,610 --> 00:12:00,980 When you and the woman vanished, I was sure you were dead. 90 00:12:01,450 --> 00:12:06,250 I think I was. But I was brought back to life. 91 00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:10,760 I awoke in an incredible place, 92 00:12:10,930 --> 00:12:13,290 and my wounds were gone. 93 00:12:14,230 --> 00:12:15,630 I had been healed. 94 00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:18,930 How is that possible? 95 00:12:23,640 --> 00:12:28,380 Long ago, our people believed in beings with great powers. 96 00:12:28,540 --> 00:12:32,510 Those beings made the rains come, they told the sun when to rise, 97 00:12:32,680 --> 00:12:36,120 they caused all life to be born, to grow, to die. 98 00:12:36,280 --> 00:12:39,690 But those are just tales. Old superstitions. 99 00:12:39,850 --> 00:12:43,560 But perhaps the beliefs of our ancestors are true. 100 00:12:44,560 --> 00:12:48,130 Nothing else can explain what's happened. 101 00:12:49,530 --> 00:12:54,570 Everything is changed now, Oji. We must tell the others. 102 00:12:58,810 --> 00:13:01,480 Barron is stable, but Warren is critical. 103 00:13:01,580 --> 00:13:06,010 Palmer is missing. A scan shows no human life forms. However... 104 00:13:06,180 --> 00:13:09,680 The area around the duck blind has karst topography. 105 00:13:09,850 --> 00:13:12,950 Sinkholes, underground rivers and caverns. 106 00:13:13,120 --> 00:13:18,290 The rock strata has thallium compound that may obstruct our sensor beams. 107 00:13:18,460 --> 00:13:23,630 If Palmer, delirious, is in a cave, we wouldn't detect his life signs? 108 00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:25,270 Correct, sir. 109 00:13:25,430 --> 00:13:31,070 If he is still alive, we must send an away team to locate him. 110 00:13:31,240 --> 00:13:35,940 But we must not interfere with the development of the Mintakans. 111 00:13:36,110 --> 00:13:39,650 Agreed. Further contamination must be prevented. 112 00:13:41,880 --> 00:13:43,720 I have a suggestion. 113 00:13:46,290 --> 00:13:50,390 First Officer's log, stardate 43174.2. 114 00:13:50,560 --> 00:13:53,900 Troi and I are beaming down to locate Dr Palmer, 115 00:13:54,060 --> 00:13:58,100 and to determine the extent of the cultural contamination. 116 00:13:58,270 --> 00:14:02,140 Dr Crusher has temporarily altered our features and color. 117 00:14:02,300 --> 00:14:05,440 She has implanted subcutaneous communicators 118 00:14:05,610 --> 00:14:09,710 so that any transmissions will be inaudible to the Mintakans. 119 00:14:09,880 --> 00:14:11,850 Enterprise, do you hear me? 120 00:14:12,010 --> 00:14:15,720 Perfectly, Commander. I will monitor you continuously. 121 00:14:15,880 --> 00:14:18,290 Mintakan emotions are interesting. 122 00:14:18,450 --> 00:14:21,390 Like Vulcans, they have highly-ordered minds. 123 00:14:21,560 --> 00:14:23,390 A very sensible people. 124 00:14:23,560 --> 00:14:27,630 For example, Mintakan women precede their mates. 125 00:14:27,800 --> 00:14:31,870 - It's a signal to other women. - He's taken, get your own? 126 00:14:32,030 --> 00:14:35,570 Not precisely. More like, "If you want his services, 127 00:14:35,740 --> 00:14:37,870 I'm the one you negotiate with." 128 00:14:38,040 --> 00:14:41,180 - What kind of services? - All kinds. 129 00:14:41,340 --> 00:14:43,310 They are a sensible race. 130 00:15:11,810 --> 00:15:13,810 I understand your scepticism. 131 00:15:13,980 --> 00:15:18,050 If it hadn't happened to me, I would find it hard to accept. 132 00:15:18,210 --> 00:15:20,220 But it did happen. 133 00:15:20,380 --> 00:15:26,090 Fento, do the legends not speak of beings like the kind I've seen? 134 00:15:26,250 --> 00:15:28,160 Who could vanish like smoke? 135 00:15:28,320 --> 00:15:30,660 There are stories of the Overseer, 136 00:15:30,830 --> 00:15:33,500 who could appear and disappear at will. 137 00:15:33,630 --> 00:15:37,000 And couldn't this Overseer heal the dead? 138 00:15:37,170 --> 00:15:42,170 He had supreme power, or so our ancestors believed. 139 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:45,540 I believe I have seen the Overseer. 140 00:15:46,640 --> 00:15:49,680 - He is called the Picard. - Oh-oh! 141 00:15:49,840 --> 00:15:53,150 - His memory's intact. - The procedure didn't work. 142 00:15:53,310 --> 00:15:56,620 Liko, all this talk of supernatural beings. 143 00:15:56,790 --> 00:15:59,790 No one has believed that for generations. 144 00:15:59,950 --> 00:16:03,890 Just as we no longer believe that the stars control our fates 145 00:16:04,060 --> 00:16:07,230 or the spirits of the dead haunt the living. 146 00:16:09,130 --> 00:16:13,300 Nuria, I'm not saying that all the old beliefs are true. 147 00:16:13,470 --> 00:16:18,940 But I did see the Picard. And I was restored back to life. 148 00:16:19,940 --> 00:16:24,410 We are visitors. We've come to trade our cloth. 149 00:16:24,580 --> 00:16:26,450 - May we speak? - Please do. 150 00:16:26,610 --> 00:16:29,780 We welcome outsiders. I am Nuria. 151 00:16:29,950 --> 00:16:36,020 I am Troi, this is Riker. You had a very interesting dream. 152 00:16:36,390 --> 00:16:39,590 Dream? It was real! 153 00:16:40,460 --> 00:16:43,260 My father and I both witnessed these beings. 154 00:16:43,430 --> 00:16:45,600 If you are father and daughter, 155 00:16:45,770 --> 00:16:48,600 you may well have shared the same dream. 156 00:16:49,770 --> 00:16:51,740 That is not reasonable. 157 00:16:51,910 --> 00:16:57,080 Any less reasonable than being magically transformed by the Picard? 158 00:16:57,250 --> 00:17:01,780 - Nuria! - It has to be Palmer! 159 00:17:01,950 --> 00:17:06,860 - The one the Picard wished to find. - You were speaking the truth! 160 00:17:07,020 --> 00:17:09,160 The Picard will be pleased. 161 00:17:14,630 --> 00:17:17,300 - Riker to Picard. - Go ahead. 162 00:17:17,430 --> 00:17:18,700 We have a problem. 163 00:17:18,870 --> 00:17:22,300 - With the contamination? - It's worse than we thought. 164 00:17:22,470 --> 00:17:25,610 The Mintakans are beginning to believe in a god. 165 00:17:25,770 --> 00:17:29,280 And the one they've chosen is you. 166 00:17:36,180 --> 00:17:39,650 Beam Palmer aboard. Without medical attention... 167 00:17:39,820 --> 00:17:43,890 He is surrounded by Mintakans. If he should dematerialize... 168 00:17:44,060 --> 00:17:48,460 It will slightly increase the contamination which already exists. 169 00:17:48,630 --> 00:17:51,500 A small price for saving Palmer's life. 170 00:17:52,930 --> 00:17:54,000 Number One? 171 00:17:54,170 --> 00:17:58,240 Is there any chance of transporting Palmer unseen? 172 00:17:58,410 --> 00:18:00,440 - We can try. - Try hard. 173 00:18:00,610 --> 00:18:02,540 - Picard out. - I must protest. 174 00:18:02,710 --> 00:18:05,380 You endanger Palmer with this delay. 175 00:18:05,450 --> 00:18:09,850 I am aware of that. But each of us, including Dr Palmer, 176 00:18:10,020 --> 00:18:14,090 took an oath that we would uphold the Prime Directive, 177 00:18:14,260 --> 00:18:16,620 if necessary, with our lives. 178 00:18:17,730 --> 00:18:21,960 We were hunting. We followed a hornbuck into a cave. 179 00:18:22,130 --> 00:18:24,230 The stranger was there, asleep. 180 00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:26,740 Is he one of the Overseer's servants? 181 00:18:26,870 --> 00:18:30,370 Yes. The Picard has many servants. 182 00:18:30,470 --> 00:18:33,640 - Isn't that true, Fento? - According to legend. 183 00:18:33,810 --> 00:18:39,350 But if he is the servant of the Overseer, why was he in a cave? 184 00:18:39,510 --> 00:18:41,120 Perhaps he ran away. 185 00:18:41,250 --> 00:18:43,990 Or he failed the Picard and was hiding. 186 00:18:44,150 --> 00:18:48,290 Bind him in case he wakes and tries to escape. 187 00:18:48,460 --> 00:18:51,490 It's senseless to hold this stranger captive. 188 00:18:51,660 --> 00:18:55,000 This talk of the Overseer, it's old superstitions. 189 00:18:55,160 --> 00:18:56,500 I disagree. 190 00:18:56,670 --> 00:18:59,830 All the evidence indicates he exists. 191 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:04,210 And I heard the Picard say he wanted to find Palmer. 192 00:19:05,210 --> 00:19:09,280 By keeping Palmer safe, we will please the Picard. 193 00:19:09,380 --> 00:19:12,150 He will grant us favors in return. 194 00:19:12,310 --> 00:19:13,450 Favors? 195 00:19:13,550 --> 00:19:16,620 It is said that the Overseer is all-powerful. 196 00:19:16,790 --> 00:19:21,390 He can provide gentle winters, plentiful hunting, 197 00:19:21,560 --> 00:19:23,660 fertile crops, anything. 198 00:19:23,830 --> 00:19:28,730 He can even... bring back those who have died. 199 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:34,570 It's agreed. We will save Palmer for the Picard. 200 00:19:34,700 --> 00:19:35,700 Yes, yes. 201 00:19:35,870 --> 00:19:38,210 I've seen another one, like Palmer. 202 00:19:38,340 --> 00:19:42,780 - Another servant of the Picard? - He's headed toward the caves. 203 00:19:42,940 --> 00:19:45,610 Fento, stay and bind Palmer. 204 00:20:00,430 --> 00:20:03,100 - Where? - Over there. 205 00:20:04,770 --> 00:20:08,700 - That knot won't hold. If I may? - Please do. 206 00:20:08,870 --> 00:20:13,310 You need a knot that will tighten under pressure. Let me show you. 207 00:20:25,250 --> 00:20:28,790 The sun's reaching its zenith. If I don't measure it... 208 00:20:28,960 --> 00:20:30,330 Go. 209 00:20:34,160 --> 00:20:38,630 Forgive me, friend, but the stranger must be set free. 210 00:21:07,700 --> 00:21:11,700 Prepare to beam us to sickbay, but hang on for my signal. 211 00:21:11,870 --> 00:21:13,600 Acknowledged, Commander. 212 00:21:13,770 --> 00:21:15,070 Riker, stop! 213 00:21:18,710 --> 00:21:21,510 It's Riker! He's taking Palmer! 214 00:21:21,610 --> 00:21:24,350 Hali! Yuri, don't let her escape! 215 00:22:30,650 --> 00:22:32,910 I'm clear. Energize. 216 00:22:46,700 --> 00:22:49,260 Data, has Counselor Troi beamed up? 217 00:22:49,430 --> 00:22:54,770 Negative. Sensors show she is in the midst of a group of Mintakans. 218 00:22:54,940 --> 00:22:55,840 Damn! 219 00:23:03,080 --> 00:23:04,780 He is alright. 220 00:23:06,250 --> 00:23:09,620 Hali, find Riker and Palmer. 221 00:23:11,620 --> 00:23:13,920 Why did you and Riker take Palmer? 222 00:23:14,090 --> 00:23:15,760 We did not take Palmer. 223 00:23:15,920 --> 00:23:17,430 We set him free. 224 00:23:17,590 --> 00:23:21,600 Riker and I do not believe in these fables about an Overseer. 225 00:23:21,760 --> 00:23:27,600 You've angered the Picard and we may all suffer for it! 226 00:23:27,770 --> 00:23:31,810 I know. I've seen him. He is all-powerful. 227 00:23:31,970 --> 00:23:34,940 Weren't there stories about the Overseer 228 00:23:35,110 --> 00:23:37,580 destroying those who offended him? 229 00:23:37,750 --> 00:23:41,820 - Stories, nothing more. - Liko, we'll get Palmer back. 230 00:23:41,980 --> 00:23:45,190 Riker was carrying him. They can't have gone far. 231 00:23:45,350 --> 00:23:50,360 Still, the Picard may blame us for letting Palmer escape. 232 00:23:53,160 --> 00:23:58,000 Perhaps we should punish her, let the Overseer know 233 00:23:58,170 --> 00:24:00,540 that she and Riker acted alone. 234 00:24:00,700 --> 00:24:04,740 - We will keep Troi captive. - That's not enough. 235 00:24:06,540 --> 00:24:08,310 You would have us harm her? 236 00:24:11,310 --> 00:24:15,720 If it will hold off the Picard's anger, yes. 237 00:24:17,050 --> 00:24:19,150 I've seen how powerful he is. 238 00:24:23,060 --> 00:24:26,390 I am unwilling to hurt her needlessly. 239 00:24:26,560 --> 00:24:29,230 We will wait for Hali to return. 240 00:24:29,360 --> 00:24:32,230 And if they don't find Palmer? 241 00:24:37,340 --> 00:24:40,510 Then we may do as Liko suggests. 242 00:24:47,450 --> 00:24:51,720 Doctor, you believe they are capable of harming Troi? 243 00:24:51,890 --> 00:24:53,890 They are not normally violent, 244 00:24:54,060 --> 00:24:56,960 but these are extraordinary circumstances. 245 00:24:57,130 --> 00:24:59,930 They're trying to comprehend a god. 246 00:25:05,970 --> 00:25:07,400 Recommendations? 247 00:25:07,570 --> 00:25:11,270 The Mintakans can only guess what the Overseer wants. 248 00:25:11,440 --> 00:25:12,840 They need a sign. 249 00:25:13,010 --> 00:25:16,180 - Are you suggesting...? - You must go down there. 250 00:25:16,340 --> 00:25:19,410 - Masquerading as a god? - Out of the question. 251 00:25:19,580 --> 00:25:22,250 - The Prime Directive... - Has been violated. 252 00:25:22,350 --> 00:25:25,590 The damage is done. All we can do now is minimize it. 253 00:25:25,750 --> 00:25:29,260 - Sanction false beliefs? - Give them guidelines. 254 00:25:29,420 --> 00:25:31,860 Let them know what the Overseer expects. 255 00:25:32,030 --> 00:25:36,630 I cannot, I will not, impose a set of commandments on these people. 256 00:25:36,800 --> 00:25:40,140 To do so violates the essence of the Prime Directive! 257 00:25:40,300 --> 00:25:43,710 We have rekindled their belief in the Overseer. 258 00:25:43,870 --> 00:25:47,480 Are you saying that this belief will become a religion? 259 00:25:47,640 --> 00:25:50,710 It's inevitable. And without guidance, 260 00:25:50,880 --> 00:25:56,550 that religion could degenerate into inquisitions, holy wars, chaos. 261 00:25:59,390 --> 00:26:01,060 Horrifying. 262 00:26:02,060 --> 00:26:03,890 Dr Barron. 263 00:26:04,060 --> 00:26:08,000 Your report describes how rational these people are. 264 00:26:08,160 --> 00:26:12,400 Millennia ago, they abandoned their belief in the supernatural. 265 00:26:12,570 --> 00:26:16,000 You are asking me to sabotage that achievement, 266 00:26:16,170 --> 00:26:18,340 to send them back to the Dark Ages 267 00:26:18,510 --> 00:26:22,080 of superstition and ignorance and fear? No! 268 00:26:27,050 --> 00:26:30,950 We will find some way to undo the damage we've caused. 269 00:26:33,560 --> 00:26:37,560 Number One, tell me about this group's leader. 270 00:26:38,160 --> 00:26:43,930 Nuria. Clear-minded, sensible. The Mintakans trust her judgement. 271 00:26:44,100 --> 00:26:46,770 If we can convince her that you are not a god... 272 00:26:46,900 --> 00:26:48,940 She may persuade the others. 273 00:26:49,100 --> 00:26:52,510 And how do you propose to convince her? 274 00:26:52,670 --> 00:26:57,180 She believes the Picard is a magical figure. 275 00:26:59,310 --> 00:27:02,750 I'm going to show her how the magic works. 276 00:27:03,520 --> 00:27:05,490 I'm going to bring her aboard. 277 00:27:09,290 --> 00:27:14,160 Sensors indicate five Mintakans in your immediate vicinity. 278 00:27:14,330 --> 00:27:18,370 Four are motionless, the fifth is proceeding south. 279 00:27:18,530 --> 00:27:22,070 Is Nuria one of these five? 280 00:27:23,840 --> 00:27:27,340 - Was that intended as affirmative? - Yes, Data. 281 00:27:27,510 --> 00:27:30,510 Is Nuria the closest? 282 00:27:30,680 --> 00:27:31,980 Negative. 283 00:27:32,150 --> 00:27:35,850 Is Nuria the one in motion? 284 00:27:36,480 --> 00:27:38,250 Lock sensors on Nuria. 285 00:27:38,420 --> 00:27:41,690 Locked on. We can beam Nuria aboard at will. 286 00:27:41,860 --> 00:27:45,390 When sensors indicate that she's alone, beam her up. 287 00:27:45,560 --> 00:27:46,830 Aye, sir. 288 00:27:58,970 --> 00:28:01,480 - Ensign Hoy? - Nuria is alone. 289 00:28:01,640 --> 00:28:03,380 I'll handle this. 290 00:28:18,430 --> 00:28:19,790 Nuria. 291 00:28:19,960 --> 00:28:23,970 Don't be afraid. No one is going to harm you. 292 00:28:25,100 --> 00:28:26,400 Who...? 293 00:28:29,900 --> 00:28:34,680 I am Jean-Luc... Picard. 294 00:28:43,120 --> 00:28:44,820 Please, get up. 295 00:28:44,990 --> 00:28:47,390 Get up. You must not kneel to me. 296 00:28:48,220 --> 00:28:50,990 - You do not wish it? - I do not deserve it. 297 00:28:57,200 --> 00:28:59,300 Look at me. 298 00:29:06,880 --> 00:29:10,850 Feel... the warmth of my hand. 299 00:29:14,250 --> 00:29:16,380 The rhythm of my pulse. 300 00:29:17,850 --> 00:29:20,190 I'm not a supreme being. 301 00:29:21,220 --> 00:29:23,430 I'm flesh and blood, like you. 302 00:29:24,090 --> 00:29:28,030 - Not like me. - Like you. Different in appearance. 303 00:29:28,200 --> 00:29:33,540 But we are both living beings. We are born, we grow, we live. 304 00:29:33,640 --> 00:29:35,140 And we die. 305 00:29:36,040 --> 00:29:39,740 In all the ways that matter, we are alike. 306 00:29:39,910 --> 00:29:42,440 But you are the Picard! 307 00:29:47,720 --> 00:29:50,720 There's something I want you to see. 308 00:29:54,990 --> 00:29:57,330 What a wondrous place! 309 00:29:57,490 --> 00:30:00,230 Even the walls obey your command. 310 00:30:00,400 --> 00:30:02,960 Wondrous, yes, but not miraculous. 311 00:30:03,130 --> 00:30:08,400 The doors merely work differently from the ones you know. 312 00:30:19,380 --> 00:30:21,780 That is my home? 313 00:30:23,390 --> 00:30:25,950 Seen from far, far above. 314 00:30:28,120 --> 00:30:30,060 Yet we do not fall. 315 00:30:35,860 --> 00:30:40,540 I never imagined I would see the clouds from the other side. 316 00:30:43,000 --> 00:30:45,570 Your powers are truly boundless. 317 00:31:03,960 --> 00:31:07,460 Your people live in huts. Was it always so? 318 00:31:07,630 --> 00:31:09,100 No. 319 00:31:10,370 --> 00:31:13,300 We have found remnants of tools in caves. 320 00:31:13,470 --> 00:31:15,440 Our ancestors lived there. 321 00:31:15,600 --> 00:31:19,270 - Why do you now live in huts? - Huts are better. 322 00:31:19,440 --> 00:31:21,210 Caves are dark and wet. 323 00:31:21,380 --> 00:31:24,380 If huts are better, why did you live in caves? 324 00:31:26,550 --> 00:31:30,920 The most reasonable explanation would be that at one time, 325 00:31:31,090 --> 00:31:33,290 we did not know how to make huts. 326 00:31:33,460 --> 00:31:39,760 Just as at one time, you did not know how to weave cloth, 327 00:31:39,930 --> 00:31:41,760 how to make a bow. 328 00:31:42,800 --> 00:31:44,570 That would be reasonable. 329 00:31:44,730 --> 00:31:46,630 Someone invented a hut. 330 00:31:46,800 --> 00:31:50,770 Someone invented a bow, who taught others, 331 00:31:50,940 --> 00:31:52,940 who taught their children, 332 00:31:53,110 --> 00:31:55,940 who built a stronger hut, built a better bow, 333 00:31:56,110 --> 00:31:58,210 who taught their children. 334 00:32:00,120 --> 00:32:06,320 Now, Nuria, suppose one of your cave-dwelling ancestors 335 00:32:06,490 --> 00:32:09,390 were to see you as you are today. 336 00:32:09,560 --> 00:32:12,130 What would she think? 337 00:32:13,730 --> 00:32:18,200 - I don't know. - Put yourself in her place. 338 00:32:18,370 --> 00:32:22,140 You see, she cannot kill a hornbuck at a great distance. 339 00:32:22,300 --> 00:32:24,640 You can. You have a power she lacks. 340 00:32:24,810 --> 00:32:28,210 - Only because I have a bow. - She has never seen a bow. 341 00:32:28,380 --> 00:32:30,850 It doesn't exist in her world. 342 00:32:32,010 --> 00:32:37,750 To you, it's a simple tool. To her... it's magic. 343 00:32:39,790 --> 00:32:41,920 I suppose she might think so. 344 00:32:42,090 --> 00:32:44,560 Now, how would she react to you? 345 00:32:47,860 --> 00:32:49,800 I think she would fear me. 346 00:32:49,960 --> 00:32:52,230 Just as you fear me. 347 00:32:57,070 --> 00:33:00,280 - I do not fear you any longer. - Good. 348 00:33:00,440 --> 00:33:02,380 That's good. 349 00:33:02,540 --> 00:33:04,450 You see... 350 00:33:06,150 --> 00:33:09,050 ...my people once lived in caves. 351 00:33:09,980 --> 00:33:13,420 And we then learned to build huts and, in time, 352 00:33:13,590 --> 00:33:15,920 to build ships, like this one. 353 00:33:28,840 --> 00:33:33,480 Perhaps one day, my people will travel above the skies. 354 00:33:38,180 --> 00:33:41,520 Of that, I have absolutely no doubt. 355 00:33:44,620 --> 00:33:49,290 It's not the season for lightning. It must be a warning. 356 00:33:49,860 --> 00:33:52,860 We've had storms like this before. 357 00:33:54,900 --> 00:33:58,170 - Not like this one. - It must mean something. 358 00:33:58,330 --> 00:34:02,900 The Picard is angry. He blames us for letting Palmer escape. 359 00:34:03,070 --> 00:34:08,380 We don't know that the Overseer is responsible for this storm. 360 00:34:08,540 --> 00:34:10,410 Will he send floods? 361 00:34:10,580 --> 00:34:15,380 My wife died in last year's floods. Will we all die now? 362 00:34:17,290 --> 00:34:19,220 We must find Nuria. 363 00:34:31,630 --> 00:34:37,210 Picard, you have shown me wonders I could never have imagined. 364 00:34:37,370 --> 00:34:40,040 I am grateful to you beyond words. 365 00:34:43,610 --> 00:34:47,080 Might I request something for my people? 366 00:34:47,950 --> 00:34:50,050 You are indeed a leader. 367 00:34:52,320 --> 00:34:55,490 You've shown me such generosity. 368 00:34:55,660 --> 00:34:58,260 I wish my people could share in it. 369 00:35:00,860 --> 00:35:04,170 Six Mintakans died in a flood last winter, 370 00:35:04,330 --> 00:35:06,470 four of them children. 371 00:35:06,630 --> 00:35:09,040 Would you bring them back to life? 372 00:35:10,310 --> 00:35:12,010 That is not in my power. 373 00:35:12,170 --> 00:35:16,380 Why? You restored Liko's life. 374 00:35:17,380 --> 00:35:20,950 Did the six who were killed offend you in some way? 375 00:35:21,120 --> 00:35:23,020 Did I offend you? 376 00:35:23,180 --> 00:35:26,390 Should I have ordered the death of Troi? 377 00:35:27,490 --> 00:35:29,220 Please! 378 00:35:29,390 --> 00:35:34,230 You must tell me if there's anything I can do to change your mind. 379 00:35:34,400 --> 00:35:39,200 I've failed to get through to you, despite all my efforts. 380 00:35:51,850 --> 00:35:54,950 Nuria can't be found. No one knows where she is. 381 00:35:55,120 --> 00:35:58,220 Hali, any sign of Palmer or Riker? 382 00:35:58,390 --> 00:36:01,760 They have escaped us. We searched everywhere. 383 00:36:02,920 --> 00:36:05,390 What do we do now, Father? 384 00:36:07,260 --> 00:36:10,370 We must do as the Picard wishes. 385 00:36:13,100 --> 00:36:15,240 Punish those responsible. 386 00:36:15,700 --> 00:36:18,640 - Nuria would not allow us. - Nuria isn't here! 387 00:36:22,110 --> 00:36:23,610 We can't wait. 388 00:37:03,890 --> 00:37:07,960 Crusher to Picard. I think we're going to lose Warren. 389 00:37:08,120 --> 00:37:10,030 On my way. 390 00:37:17,770 --> 00:37:19,270 I'm here, Mary. 391 00:37:25,870 --> 00:37:28,340 Prepare 2cc of norep. 392 00:37:43,930 --> 00:37:45,130 I'm sorry. 393 00:38:08,950 --> 00:38:11,820 Picard, you could not save her? 394 00:38:12,820 --> 00:38:14,460 No. 395 00:38:15,190 --> 00:38:17,290 You do have limits. 396 00:38:17,460 --> 00:38:20,760 You are not masters of life and death. 397 00:38:20,930 --> 00:38:22,930 No, we're not. 398 00:38:24,630 --> 00:38:26,940 We can cure many diseases, 399 00:38:27,100 --> 00:38:31,310 we can repair injuries, we can even extend life. 400 00:38:32,310 --> 00:38:36,380 But for all our knowledge, all our advances... 401 00:38:37,610 --> 00:38:41,120 ...we're just as mortal as you are. 402 00:38:41,280 --> 00:38:46,220 We're just as powerless to prevent the inevitable. 403 00:38:49,060 --> 00:38:52,430 You are a remarkable people. 404 00:38:52,590 --> 00:38:55,430 But you are not superior beings. 405 00:38:55,600 --> 00:38:59,230 My people must be made to understand that. 406 00:39:02,440 --> 00:39:05,370 Liko, you don't want to kill me. 407 00:39:05,540 --> 00:39:08,540 I have no choice. I must do as the Picard wishes. 408 00:39:08,710 --> 00:39:11,510 Are you sure you know what he wants? 409 00:39:12,610 --> 00:39:17,120 That's the problem with believing in a supernatural being. 410 00:39:17,250 --> 00:39:20,220 Trying to determine what he wants. 411 00:39:24,890 --> 00:39:26,800 We must do something. 412 00:39:26,960 --> 00:39:30,030 But what if it's the wrong thing, Father? 413 00:39:35,670 --> 00:39:38,740 Picard, we need your guidance. 414 00:39:39,840 --> 00:39:43,810 Is it your wish that this woman should die? 415 00:39:43,950 --> 00:39:47,580 Answer us. Speak. 416 00:39:47,750 --> 00:39:49,320 Liko! 417 00:39:50,950 --> 00:39:52,250 The Picard. 418 00:39:52,990 --> 00:39:55,420 The Overseer has come. 419 00:39:55,590 --> 00:39:57,130 No. Liko. 420 00:39:58,290 --> 00:40:01,860 Liko, I am a man. I am not the Overseer. 421 00:40:02,030 --> 00:40:05,800 I am a traveler from a faraway land. 422 00:40:05,970 --> 00:40:08,970 - Nothing more. - But you restored my life. 423 00:40:09,140 --> 00:40:11,970 I am your servant. 424 00:40:12,110 --> 00:40:14,180 You are nobody's servant. 425 00:40:14,340 --> 00:40:17,650 I neither desire your obedience nor your worship. 426 00:40:17,810 --> 00:40:19,650 Picard speaks the truth. 427 00:40:19,810 --> 00:40:25,490 I have visited his people. I have seen how they live and die. 428 00:40:25,650 --> 00:40:30,030 When death takes their loved ones, they are as helpless as we are. 429 00:40:30,190 --> 00:40:34,430 Then how was I brought back to life? 430 00:40:34,600 --> 00:40:36,500 Liko, you were not dead. 431 00:40:36,600 --> 00:40:39,830 Picard's people have a knowledge that we lack. 432 00:40:40,000 --> 00:40:42,340 They can heal wounds that we cannot. 433 00:40:42,500 --> 00:40:47,840 No! He can bring back the dead. Show them, Picard. 434 00:40:48,010 --> 00:40:50,880 You can bring back my wife to me. 435 00:40:51,610 --> 00:40:54,720 - I cannot. - Why? 436 00:40:54,850 --> 00:40:58,850 Why won't you do this for me? Have I failed you in some way? 437 00:40:59,020 --> 00:41:01,290 - Are you angry with me? - No, I'm not. 438 00:41:01,460 --> 00:41:04,160 Then I beg you, bring her back to me! 439 00:41:04,290 --> 00:41:08,230 I will give you my life in exchange. Please! 440 00:41:08,400 --> 00:41:10,430 Take back what you gave me. 441 00:41:10,570 --> 00:41:14,170 - Give it to her. Let her live. - It is beyond my power. 442 00:41:14,340 --> 00:41:16,140 Nothing is beyond your power! 443 00:41:16,270 --> 00:41:19,310 You are the Overseer. I will prove it! 444 00:41:23,450 --> 00:41:24,780 Liko! 445 00:41:24,950 --> 00:41:28,980 If you believe I am all-powerful, then you cannot hurt me. 446 00:41:31,090 --> 00:41:34,160 lf, however, I am telling the truth... 447 00:41:36,020 --> 00:41:41,360 ...and I am mortal, you will kill me. 448 00:41:42,600 --> 00:41:47,200 But if the only proof you will believe is my death... 449 00:41:48,340 --> 00:41:49,700 ...then shoot. 450 00:41:49,870 --> 00:41:52,410 - Liko, don't do it! - Father, no! 451 00:42:14,530 --> 00:42:16,530 Captain's log, supplemental. 452 00:42:16,700 --> 00:42:20,440 Dr Crusher has repaired my injury with her usual skill. 453 00:42:20,600 --> 00:42:24,610 Mr La Forge will supervise the dismantling of the observation post, 454 00:42:24,770 --> 00:42:27,580 after I make one last visit to Mintaka III. 455 00:42:29,710 --> 00:42:31,680 - Now, Mr La Forge. - Aye, sir. 456 00:42:37,790 --> 00:42:39,420 What is that? 457 00:42:39,590 --> 00:42:43,790 It is a place where we can watch your people. 458 00:42:43,930 --> 00:42:45,390 But why? 459 00:42:45,490 --> 00:42:48,560 To study you. To understand your ways. 460 00:42:48,730 --> 00:42:50,830 Continue, Mr La Forge. 461 00:42:55,900 --> 00:43:00,340 Why would a people so advanced want to learn about us? 462 00:43:00,510 --> 00:43:02,810 We were once as you are now. 463 00:43:02,980 --> 00:43:06,480 To study you is to understand ourselves. 464 00:43:06,650 --> 00:43:09,420 But why did you have to hide from us? 465 00:43:09,580 --> 00:43:12,690 Because their presence would affect us, 466 00:43:12,850 --> 00:43:15,290 just as it affected me. 467 00:43:15,460 --> 00:43:19,530 It is our highest law not to interfere with other cultures. 468 00:43:19,690 --> 00:43:22,130 Revealing yourself was an accident? 469 00:43:22,300 --> 00:43:26,400 Yes. And now we must leave you. 470 00:43:26,570 --> 00:43:29,140 Why? There's so much you can teach us. 471 00:43:29,300 --> 00:43:32,210 That, too, would be interference. 472 00:43:33,480 --> 00:43:37,010 You must progress in your own way. 473 00:43:38,650 --> 00:43:43,220 So we will. You have taught us there is nothing beyond our reach. 474 00:43:43,350 --> 00:43:45,650 Not even the stars. 475 00:43:46,250 --> 00:43:47,690 Pahkee? 476 00:44:05,570 --> 00:44:08,710 I wish you good journeys, Picard. 477 00:44:09,440 --> 00:44:11,380 Remember my people. 478 00:44:13,550 --> 00:44:14,980 Always.