1 00:00:04,337 --> 00:00:07,919 Captain's log, stardate 43779.3. 2 00:00:08,049 --> 00:00:12,509 We are preparing exospheric charts of the Hayashi system, 3 00:00:12,637 --> 00:00:18,093 a tedious but essential step toward planet colonization. 4 00:00:18,226 --> 00:00:23,979 Captain, USS Hood is closing on an intercept course at high warp. 5 00:00:25,441 --> 00:00:27,849 Odd. We weren't notified of a rendezvous. 6 00:00:27,985 --> 00:00:33,656 - They seem to be in an awful hurry. - We are being hailed by Capt DeSoto. 7 00:00:35,576 --> 00:00:37,368 On screen. 8 00:00:38,412 --> 00:00:42,659 - Sorry to sneak up on you, Jean-Luc. - Robert! Why didn't you inform us? 9 00:00:42,792 --> 00:00:47,003 Out here, you never know who's listening. Keeps you on your toes. 10 00:00:47,129 --> 00:00:48,624 Hey, Will. 11 00:00:48,756 --> 00:00:51,710 Getting soft on board that luxury liner? 12 00:00:52,843 --> 00:00:56,047 So, old friend, how are you? 13 00:00:56,389 --> 00:01:00,600 Well, you know. They send you Galaxy-class boys to the far reaches. 14 00:01:00,726 --> 00:01:05,222 Me, I just haul my butt between starbases. 15 00:01:05,356 --> 00:01:09,104 - But not today. - No. Not today. 16 00:01:09,235 --> 00:01:12,070 Starfleet's got new orders for you. Top priority. 17 00:01:12,196 --> 00:01:16,194 They need the fastest ship and the best people. That is you. 18 00:01:16,325 --> 00:01:20,026 Why didn't they transmit the orders by subspace? 19 00:01:20,788 --> 00:01:23,824 They're worried about Romulan eavesdropping. 20 00:01:23,958 --> 00:01:28,536 And we have a passenger for you. Hard to send by subspace! 21 00:01:28,671 --> 00:01:31,541 - What passenger? - Mission specialist. 22 00:01:31,674 --> 00:01:36,300 He'll bring your orders with him. His name is Tam Elbrun. 23 00:01:37,638 --> 00:01:40,639 As in Tam Elbrun of the Ghorusda disaster? 24 00:01:41,642 --> 00:01:46,849 The same. What can I say? Your orders are to co-operate fully with him. 25 00:01:46,981 --> 00:01:50,231 Best of luck, folks. Hood out. 26 00:01:51,861 --> 00:01:55,443 - The Hood is slowing to impulse. - Mr. Data, come with me. 27 00:01:55,573 --> 00:02:00,116 - May I come with you to greet Tam? - You know him? 28 00:02:00,578 --> 00:02:05,156 He was at the university on Betazed when I was studying psychology there. 29 00:02:05,833 --> 00:02:08,502 I see. He was a colleague of yours. 30 00:02:08,627 --> 00:02:11,961 No. He was a patient. 31 00:04:13,561 --> 00:04:17,854 Tam is a telepath of extraordinary talent, even for a Betazoid. 32 00:04:17,982 --> 00:04:21,896 He's a specialist in first contact with new life forms. 33 00:04:22,027 --> 00:04:28,279 He's very unique, but he's not what you might expect, Captain. 34 00:04:37,835 --> 00:04:42,793 - Welcome aboard. I'm... - Capt Picard, right? 35 00:04:43,882 --> 00:04:45,460 Here. 36 00:04:47,261 --> 00:04:50,297 You want to know about your mission. It's all on there. 37 00:04:50,431 --> 00:04:54,215 Orders and briefings, destination and heading, all that. 38 00:04:55,644 --> 00:05:00,852 Dee. I sensed you were out here. How have you been? 39 00:05:00,983 --> 00:05:04,981 - Fine, but I thought... - ..you were on Chandra V! 40 00:05:05,112 --> 00:05:05,859 Sir... 41 00:05:07,948 --> 00:05:11,697 Who...? What are you? 42 00:05:12,369 --> 00:05:14,576 I am Data. An android. 43 00:05:18,417 --> 00:05:22,664 Incredible. An android. I can't read you at all. 44 00:05:22,796 --> 00:05:25,501 - It's like you're not there! - Data? 45 00:05:26,467 --> 00:05:31,342 Hurry up to the bridge with that. The Captain wants you to scan the orders 46 00:05:31,472 --> 00:05:34,805 and be ready to brief him in ten minutes. Right? 47 00:05:35,476 --> 00:05:37,718 - Number One. - Riker here. 48 00:05:37,853 --> 00:05:41,139 Meet Cmdr Data on the bridge. He has our new orders. 49 00:05:41,273 --> 00:05:43,349 Aye, sir. 50 00:05:43,484 --> 00:05:48,609 And assemble the bridge staff for a briefing in 1 5 minutes. Picard out. 51 00:05:48,781 --> 00:05:52,909 - Mr. Elbrun, would you... - ..care to see my quarters? No. 52 00:05:53,661 --> 00:05:58,868 I'd rather do this briefing, then be left alone until I'm needed. 53 00:06:05,923 --> 00:06:09,339 I've heard about Ghorusda. Weren't 40 people killed? 54 00:06:09,468 --> 00:06:10,381 47. 55 00:06:10,511 --> 00:06:15,552 Including the Captain of the Adelphi and two of my Academy friends. 56 00:06:15,683 --> 00:06:17,509 Sorry. 57 00:06:19,061 --> 00:06:22,394 - Main bridge. - So, what happened? 58 00:06:22,523 --> 00:06:28,442 It was a first-contact situation. Ghorusdan culture is so complex, 59 00:06:28,570 --> 00:06:31,571 they sent a specialist to prevent misunderstanding. 60 00:06:31,699 --> 00:06:36,740 - Tam Elbrun. Was it his fault? - Not directly. 61 00:06:36,870 --> 00:06:38,828 The board of inquiry blamed Darson 62 00:06:38,956 --> 00:06:43,250 for "carelessness about Ghorusdan cultural taboos". 63 00:06:43,377 --> 00:06:46,294 But if Elbrun was so good, why didn't he warn Darson? 64 00:06:46,422 --> 00:06:50,715 What was he doing there if he couldn't sense that much hostility? 65 00:07:03,939 --> 00:07:06,691 Our destination is the Beta Stromgren system, 66 00:07:06,817 --> 00:07:09,438 following the path of the Vega IX probe. 67 00:07:09,570 --> 00:07:12,487 23 parsecs beyond our furthest manned exploration. 68 00:07:12,614 --> 00:07:16,695 That is correct. Apparently the probe has discovered... 69 00:07:19,329 --> 00:07:20,989 Astonishing. 70 00:07:21,915 --> 00:07:24,952 We are to proceed to this star, Beta Stromgren. 71 00:07:25,085 --> 00:07:30,874 Scientists have discovered it is in the final stages of collapse, 72 00:07:31,008 --> 00:07:33,333 and will soon result in a supernova. 73 00:07:33,469 --> 00:07:36,505 However, the unmanned space probe 74 00:07:36,638 --> 00:07:40,422 sent by Starfleet to observe the process has discovered much more. 75 00:07:40,559 --> 00:07:43,311 Data, don't waste time! 76 00:07:45,981 --> 00:07:50,228 They call it Tin Man. The Vega probe found it orbiting Stromgren. 77 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:54,026 - Looks like some kind of ship. - Its energy source is unknown. 78 00:07:54,156 --> 00:07:57,157 Transmissions analysts think it's a starship. 79 00:07:57,284 --> 00:07:59,989 And they're sure... it's alive. 80 00:08:01,538 --> 00:08:03,578 Alive? How? 81 00:08:05,709 --> 00:08:11,083 - Cybernetic organism like the Borg? - No, no! Here. 82 00:08:12,216 --> 00:08:14,967 Starfleet believes it's an organic creature, 83 00:08:15,093 --> 00:08:19,340 born in space, living its life in the wastes between the stars. 84 00:08:19,473 --> 00:08:24,099 No one knows where it came from or why it's here. 85 00:08:24,228 --> 00:08:28,391 But we're going to meet it. We're going to talk to it. 86 00:08:29,274 --> 00:08:32,478 - I'm going to talk to it. - Have attempts been made... 87 00:08:32,611 --> 00:08:37,606 To communicate by subspace? Yes. Universal translation won't work. 88 00:08:37,741 --> 00:08:42,154 Tin Man is too different. Mind-to-mind is our only hope. 89 00:08:43,372 --> 00:08:48,912 The opportunity for discovery is extraordinary, but why the urgency? 90 00:08:49,044 --> 00:08:52,911 - Romulans. - Hell, I forgot. The Romulans. 91 00:08:53,382 --> 00:08:57,426 They claim that sector of space where Beta Stromgren is. 92 00:08:57,553 --> 00:09:01,052 They claim all that is in their field of vision. 93 00:09:01,348 --> 00:09:04,598 They routinely monitor the telemetry of our space probes. 94 00:09:04,726 --> 00:09:08,676 Then they will be sending a ship to investigate this Tin Man. 95 00:09:08,814 --> 00:09:13,227 No. Actually, they're sending two. Data? 96 00:09:13,944 --> 00:09:17,313 That is correct. Starbase 1 23 has detected 97 00:09:17,447 --> 00:09:21,148 two D'daridex-class cruisers on an intercept course. 98 00:09:21,285 --> 00:09:26,871 Their top speed is less than ours. Therefore we do have some advantage. 99 00:09:28,709 --> 00:09:36,206 Then... it's a race? An alien intelligence, a new life form, 100 00:09:36,341 --> 00:09:41,087 representing a technology beyond either the Romulans or ourselves. 101 00:09:43,390 --> 00:09:47,719 The Romulans will certainly take whatever measures are required 102 00:09:47,853 --> 00:09:50,474 to secure this creature for study. 103 00:09:50,856 --> 00:09:53,181 Study as in dissecting, I'd bet. 104 00:09:54,318 --> 00:09:58,066 Mr. Data, you are our resident honour student in exobiology. 105 00:09:58,196 --> 00:10:01,565 You will head up the Life Sciences on this mission. 106 00:10:01,700 --> 00:10:04,273 - Aye, sir. - Excellent. 107 00:10:05,078 --> 00:10:06,703 Meeting adjourned, then. 108 00:10:10,876 --> 00:10:14,327 So, Data, I guess you're the brains of this outfit, huh? 109 00:10:14,463 --> 00:10:19,457 Mr. Elbrun, one reason I'm asking that you work with a crew member 110 00:10:19,593 --> 00:10:23,887 is to avoid... further omissions. 111 00:10:24,014 --> 00:10:28,261 The possibility of an encounter with Romulans is hardly trivial. Yet... 112 00:10:28,393 --> 00:10:30,433 Alright, alright! 113 00:10:31,271 --> 00:10:33,809 I should have brought up the Romulans earlier, 114 00:10:33,941 --> 00:10:36,514 but I was... distracted. 115 00:10:38,028 --> 00:10:41,479 And no, Billy Boy, I wasn't distracted on Ghorusda. 116 00:10:41,615 --> 00:10:44,699 If Darson had listened to me, no one would have died! 117 00:10:47,955 --> 00:10:52,700 No? Well, I don't care whether you believe that or not! 118 00:11:01,843 --> 00:11:04,132 Captain's log, supplemental. 119 00:11:04,262 --> 00:11:10,431 We are still days from rendezvous with the mysterious entity Tin Man. 120 00:11:10,560 --> 00:11:13,134 My immediate concern is with Tam Elbrun. 121 00:11:13,271 --> 00:11:16,189 Starfleet considers him crucial to our mission, 122 00:11:16,316 --> 00:11:20,100 yet he seems to me... unstable. 123 00:11:20,862 --> 00:11:25,738 According to his medical records he's very high on the ESP scale. 124 00:11:25,867 --> 00:11:28,441 A sort of... prodigy. 125 00:11:28,578 --> 00:11:31,579 A prodigy? In what sense? 126 00:11:31,707 --> 00:11:36,250 Well, most Betazoids develop telepathic gifts at adolescence. 127 00:11:36,670 --> 00:11:38,627 You're not born reading minds? 128 00:11:38,755 --> 00:11:42,456 No. Except, for some reason that no one understands, 129 00:11:42,592 --> 00:11:45,629 occasionally a Betazoid child is born different. 130 00:11:45,971 --> 00:11:49,340 - How different? - Born with telepathy switched on. 131 00:11:49,474 --> 00:11:53,009 Most Betazoids born like that never lead a normal life. 132 00:11:53,145 --> 00:11:59,812 The noise of other people's thoughts must be overwhelming to a child. 133 00:11:59,943 --> 00:12:02,066 And painful. 134 00:12:02,195 --> 00:12:06,407 Early diagnosis and special training did help Tam adjust, 135 00:12:06,700 --> 00:12:08,739 but he has some problems. 136 00:12:09,786 --> 00:12:13,654 You mentioned a hospitalization. 137 00:12:14,458 --> 00:12:17,624 For stress. Repeatedly, throughout his life. 138 00:12:18,545 --> 00:12:21,914 I always wonder what holds one person together through that 139 00:12:22,049 --> 00:12:23,922 while another goes under. 140 00:12:24,426 --> 00:12:28,969 Yes, well, he's evidently done more than hold together. 141 00:12:29,514 --> 00:12:32,599 He's the indispensable man, 142 00:12:32,726 --> 00:12:37,518 the Federation's finest specialist in communication with new life forms. 143 00:12:37,647 --> 00:12:41,266 The more unusual the life form, the better he likes it. 144 00:12:41,401 --> 00:12:47,107 He's drawn towards assignments that isolate him from other humanoids. 145 00:12:52,329 --> 00:12:56,373 Cmdr Data, I'm picking up an unusual echo on my sensors. 146 00:12:56,500 --> 00:13:01,126 Something is out there, sir, tracking us, matching our speed. 147 00:13:01,755 --> 00:13:05,254 Something which does not fully register on our instruments. 148 00:13:10,597 --> 00:13:15,140 As no known natural phenomenon can travel at warp velocity, 149 00:13:15,268 --> 00:13:17,142 there are but two possibilities. 150 00:13:17,270 --> 00:13:21,813 Either it is a sensor malfunction or another ship is following us. 151 00:13:21,942 --> 00:13:26,271 - It is not a sensor malfunction. - Agreed. 152 00:13:27,906 --> 00:13:32,651 But if it is a Romulan ship, with their cloaking device, 153 00:13:32,786 --> 00:13:34,613 we shouldn't pick them up at all. 154 00:13:34,746 --> 00:13:38,660 Unless they're pulling power for something else and can't fully cloak. 155 00:13:38,792 --> 00:13:42,457 - Like what? - Ask the Romulans. 156 00:13:42,587 --> 00:13:44,959 - If it is the Romulans. - Lieutenant, 157 00:13:45,090 --> 00:13:48,340 continue monitoring the precise position of the echo. 158 00:13:48,468 --> 00:13:52,217 Any sudden change in its behaviour, initiate yellow alert. 159 00:13:52,681 --> 00:13:54,305 Aye, sir. 160 00:14:00,897 --> 00:14:01,762 Come in. 161 00:14:07,695 --> 00:14:10,613 How are things in the land of the living? 162 00:14:11,824 --> 00:14:14,280 I thought you might be lonely. 163 00:14:14,994 --> 00:14:17,699 - No one sees you except Data. - Lonely? 164 00:14:19,582 --> 00:14:22,868 I can hear everything that everyone on this ship thinks. 165 00:14:23,002 --> 00:14:27,249 And no one besides you seems to be missing my charming... 166 00:14:27,382 --> 00:14:29,789 You want them to dislike you. Why? 167 00:14:29,926 --> 00:14:32,417 Because I'm not a nice man. 168 00:14:33,554 --> 00:14:35,594 OK. 169 00:14:37,350 --> 00:14:42,142 Cos they scare me. They're too many minds. 170 00:14:42,605 --> 00:14:44,894 I can't shut them out. Never could. 171 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:51,734 All their loves, their hates, their fears, their needs... 172 00:14:52,323 --> 00:14:56,191 It's like a tide that never ebbs. I could drown! 173 00:15:03,084 --> 00:15:04,911 I remember. 174 00:15:05,545 --> 00:15:11,298 You understood, at least a little, how I felt. 175 00:15:14,971 --> 00:15:17,296 I see you finally found a place to fit in. 176 00:15:18,224 --> 00:15:21,842 - People to care about. - And you're still looking. 177 00:15:26,816 --> 00:15:29,354 And then there's Ghorusda. 178 00:15:30,486 --> 00:15:32,942 I have enough doubt in my reliability 179 00:15:33,072 --> 00:15:36,239 without having to listen to Riker's and Picard's! 180 00:15:36,909 --> 00:15:40,029 - What happened there? - I thought everyone knew. 181 00:15:40,371 --> 00:15:43,574 No. What happened to you? 182 00:15:48,004 --> 00:15:52,831 Maybe I got too involved with the Ghorusdans, with their point of view. 183 00:15:52,967 --> 00:15:57,925 It happens to me. I wanted everyone to get along. 184 00:16:01,851 --> 00:16:05,220 I could have warned Darson more forcefully. 185 00:16:06,731 --> 00:16:09,103 So, after that you ran away. 186 00:16:11,068 --> 00:16:14,319 The last I heard, you were the only Federation delegate 187 00:16:14,447 --> 00:16:17,401 assigned to Chandra V. 188 00:16:17,533 --> 00:16:23,951 Beautiful creatures, the Chandrans! Their minds are glacial. 189 00:16:25,082 --> 00:16:28,866 They have a lovely three-day ritual for saying hello. 190 00:16:29,462 --> 00:16:35,085 - Peaceful, untroubled people. - Unlike humanoids. 191 00:16:36,969 --> 00:16:40,303 Well, except for your friend Data. 192 00:16:41,766 --> 00:16:44,435 I like him. He's... 193 00:16:45,520 --> 00:16:47,097 ..restful. 194 00:16:49,482 --> 00:16:53,017 I believe your impression of Data is probably unique. 195 00:16:54,737 --> 00:17:00,324 Yeah? Well, having to get to know someone, 196 00:17:00,451 --> 00:17:03,487 just once, has its appeal. 197 00:17:04,080 --> 00:17:05,823 I mean, talking to them, 198 00:17:05,957 --> 00:17:10,583 instead of getting it all at once, up here, whether I want it or not. 199 00:17:12,088 --> 00:17:16,915 But you accepted this mission. You could have stayed on Chandra V. 200 00:17:17,593 --> 00:17:21,093 You willingly came aboard a ship with over 1 ,000 people. 201 00:17:21,222 --> 00:17:23,380 How could I not? Think of it, Dee! 202 00:17:23,516 --> 00:17:29,222 This intelligence, that swims naked through space like a fish in the sea. 203 00:17:29,355 --> 00:17:33,732 Totally alien! Mysterious! 204 00:17:33,859 --> 00:17:37,691 Not like us at all. Ancient. 205 00:17:39,073 --> 00:17:44,031 And alone. So lonely 206 00:17:44,161 --> 00:17:46,237 for so long. 207 00:17:52,878 --> 00:17:55,204 How can you know that? 208 00:18:02,346 --> 00:18:04,588 You're in contact with it! 209 00:18:05,641 --> 00:18:08,559 - With Tin Man. Aren't you? - No. 210 00:18:12,940 --> 00:18:14,351 Well... 211 00:18:14,942 --> 00:18:17,777 Yes. A little. 212 00:18:17,903 --> 00:18:20,359 But not quite on a conscious level. 213 00:18:21,907 --> 00:18:26,819 We're light years away. That's impossible, even for you. 214 00:18:27,830 --> 00:18:29,870 Impossible for me. 215 00:18:30,333 --> 00:18:33,287 Maybe not impossible for Tin Man. 216 00:18:44,347 --> 00:18:45,722 Status? 217 00:18:45,848 --> 00:18:50,012 We're on course for orbital intercept with the Tin Man. 218 00:18:50,144 --> 00:18:52,350 - ETA 1 8 minutes. - Grand. 219 00:18:52,480 --> 00:18:56,691 Not altogether. The rate of the star's collapse has increased. 220 00:18:56,817 --> 00:18:59,024 It could go supernova in a few days. 221 00:18:59,153 --> 00:19:04,064 Captain, we're receiving data from the probe, including visuals. 222 00:19:04,450 --> 00:19:06,277 On screen. 223 00:19:08,454 --> 00:19:10,363 Magnify. 224 00:19:14,251 --> 00:19:16,244 Remarkable. 225 00:19:18,422 --> 00:19:20,830 Computer, locate Tam Elbrun. 226 00:19:20,966 --> 00:19:24,881 Tam Elbrun is in turbo lift one, en route to the main bridge. 227 00:19:25,596 --> 00:19:26,877 Of course. 228 00:19:28,849 --> 00:19:33,558 Our sensors are detecting a wave front of highly ionised particles 229 00:19:33,688 --> 00:19:35,727 preceding the object tracking us! 230 00:19:35,856 --> 00:19:38,430 Yellow alert. On screen. 231 00:19:55,793 --> 00:19:59,079 Romulan war bird closing. They are arming main disruptors. 232 00:19:59,213 --> 00:20:03,258 - Red alert. Shields to maximum. - Arm photon torpedoes and stand by. 233 00:20:03,384 --> 00:20:05,756 I thought you said we were faster than them. 234 00:20:05,886 --> 00:20:09,136 - We are. But... - Evasive. Hailing frequencies. 235 00:20:09,265 --> 00:20:12,598 I guarantee that they don't want to talk to you, Captain. 236 00:20:24,321 --> 00:20:27,488 - The Romulan has passed us. - Damage report. 237 00:20:27,616 --> 00:20:30,736 Casualties reported. 70 percent loss to the shields. 238 00:20:30,870 --> 00:20:33,871 Their attack on us was incidental, Captain. 239 00:20:33,998 --> 00:20:36,156 - Incidental? - To delay us! 240 00:20:36,292 --> 00:20:41,037 It would appear their intent is to contact Tin Man first at any cost. 241 00:20:41,589 --> 00:20:46,298 The war bird has exceeded maximum engine output by 30 percent, 242 00:20:46,427 --> 00:20:49,214 irreparably damaging their warp coils. 243 00:20:49,346 --> 00:20:53,593 They kept up by sacrificing their ability to re-enter Romulan space. 244 00:20:53,726 --> 00:20:56,727 - One-way trip. - There is one more trailing us. 245 00:20:56,854 --> 00:20:58,893 A day or two behind. 246 00:20:59,023 --> 00:21:03,400 Data's right. This one's job is to beat us to Tin Man at any cost! 247 00:21:03,652 --> 00:21:08,065 You read all this telepathically? 248 00:21:08,199 --> 00:21:11,615 In the mind of the Romulan Commander, during the attack. 249 00:21:14,038 --> 00:21:16,707 - Very well. Mr. Crusher, all stop. - Aye, sir. 250 00:21:16,832 --> 00:21:19,121 - Cmdr La Forge. - La Forge here. 251 00:21:19,251 --> 00:21:22,205 Geordi, how long to full shield-restoration? 252 00:21:22,338 --> 00:21:24,330 I'm working on it. Computer, 253 00:21:24,465 --> 00:21:28,130 reconfigure integrity power to feed inner deflector grid. 254 00:21:28,260 --> 00:21:33,800 Unable to comply. Request would compromise operational safety limits. 255 00:21:33,933 --> 00:21:38,393 To hell with the limits! Override. Authorization, La Forge 2997. 256 00:21:38,521 --> 00:21:41,724 Rerouting structural integrity power supply. 257 00:21:41,857 --> 00:21:44,858 Russell, watch the lateral grid balance. 258 00:21:45,945 --> 00:21:48,946 No, that's too much. We'll have to do it manually. 259 00:21:49,615 --> 00:21:51,655 - La Forge to bridge. - Go ahead. 260 00:21:51,784 --> 00:21:55,367 I'm feeding the grid by stealing power from the integrity field. 261 00:21:55,496 --> 00:21:59,873 - You'll have a shield in 30 minutes. - You have ten. Picard out. 262 00:22:04,505 --> 00:22:08,834 If the Romulans wish the honour of first contact, let them have it. 263 00:22:08,968 --> 00:22:12,835 You're insane! What if the Romulans find a way to persuade Tin Man... 264 00:22:12,972 --> 00:22:14,964 The chance of that is remote. 265 00:22:15,099 --> 00:22:18,135 And if you will be still, Mr. Elbrun, you may learn. 266 00:22:18,269 --> 00:22:19,300 What? 267 00:22:19,436 --> 00:22:22,936 That being first at any cost is not always the point. 268 00:22:24,275 --> 00:22:27,608 Mr. Data, while we wait I want Life Sciences and Engineering 269 00:22:27,736 --> 00:22:30,773 to continue collecting information on the alien. 270 00:22:30,906 --> 00:22:33,693 And query the Vega IX probe, long-range sensors. 271 00:22:33,826 --> 00:22:35,617 Aye, sir. 272 00:22:54,972 --> 00:22:58,056 - You do a lot of your work here? - Yes. 273 00:22:58,183 --> 00:23:02,513 I configured these instruments to display information more efficiently 274 00:23:02,646 --> 00:23:05,517 than stations used by the others. 275 00:23:05,649 --> 00:23:07,309 Nice. 276 00:23:13,699 --> 00:23:17,150 - A little Spartan. - Spartan? 277 00:23:17,953 --> 00:23:21,120 Lots of work space. Not much room to live. 278 00:23:22,207 --> 00:23:25,956 - I don't guess you sleep? - I have tried it from time to time. 279 00:23:26,086 --> 00:23:28,838 But you are correct. I do not require rest. 280 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:32,880 But you paint! 281 00:23:40,683 --> 00:23:43,720 The creature's anatomy appears most peculiar. 282 00:23:47,690 --> 00:23:49,647 In what way? 283 00:23:49,776 --> 00:23:54,272 It is indeed laid out as a vessel with chambers and corridors. 284 00:23:54,405 --> 00:23:59,363 An internal environment suitable for carbon-based life forms, 285 00:23:59,494 --> 00:24:02,364 yet there is no evidence of a crew aboard. 286 00:24:03,665 --> 00:24:06,784 Tin Man is a living being which has been bred, 287 00:24:06,918 --> 00:24:10,536 or has adapted itself, to serve a purpose. 288 00:24:10,672 --> 00:24:12,711 I find that interesting. 289 00:24:13,549 --> 00:24:19,006 Why? Must living beings have a purpose? 290 00:24:19,138 --> 00:24:21,890 Or do we exist for no reason but to exist? 291 00:24:24,227 --> 00:24:26,932 I am not qualified to express an opinion. 292 00:24:27,897 --> 00:24:30,269 Data, you're uniquely qualified. 293 00:24:30,400 --> 00:24:33,354 You think a great deal about humanity. 294 00:24:33,486 --> 00:24:37,650 And you're an honest researcher. You don't treat anything as trivial. 295 00:24:37,782 --> 00:24:39,691 You want to try it all. 296 00:24:39,826 --> 00:24:43,029 You said earlier that you could not read my mind. 297 00:24:43,162 --> 00:24:47,789 True enough. But I think I understand you pretty well. 298 00:24:48,960 --> 00:24:51,629 It worries you that I can't read your mind? 299 00:24:52,755 --> 00:24:54,547 Perhaps there is nothing to read. 300 00:24:54,674 --> 00:24:58,007 Nothing more than mechanisms and algorithmic responses. 301 00:24:59,095 --> 00:25:04,801 Perhaps... you're just different. It's not a sin, you know. 302 00:25:05,768 --> 00:25:08,473 Though you may have heard otherwise. 303 00:25:15,695 --> 00:25:20,606 Captain, the Romulans are hailing the alien using their form of Linguacode. 304 00:25:20,742 --> 00:25:22,781 - Response? - Nothing so far. 305 00:25:22,910 --> 00:25:26,196 Why should it answer? What could it have in common with them? 306 00:25:26,330 --> 00:25:28,406 But you're so sure it'll talk to you! 307 00:25:28,916 --> 00:25:31,454 The Romulans are arming all disruptors. 308 00:25:31,586 --> 00:25:34,871 Take evasive action at the first change of Romulan course. 309 00:25:35,006 --> 00:25:38,754 - In this position, we can't... - No! No! 310 00:25:38,885 --> 00:25:40,676 We're not the target! 311 00:25:40,803 --> 00:25:46,177 - It's Tin Man. - What? Do they intend to destroy it? 312 00:25:46,309 --> 00:25:49,144 Those are their orders if they can't secure it. 313 00:25:49,270 --> 00:25:52,639 Increase speed to intercept the Romulan vessel. 314 00:25:52,774 --> 00:25:55,347 - Their lead is too great, sir. - Hail them! 315 00:25:55,485 --> 00:25:57,524 They won't listen to you! 316 00:26:00,073 --> 00:26:05,862 Danger. Gomtuu, do.. not... allow. 317 00:26:27,016 --> 00:26:29,056 Damage report. 318 00:26:29,852 --> 00:26:34,598 Nothing available yet, sir. We have partial failure of the main computer. 319 00:26:37,151 --> 00:26:41,066 It seems you woke your Tin Man. 320 00:26:51,457 --> 00:26:55,953 We've got power, but the warp engines have to go off line to recalibrate. 321 00:26:56,087 --> 00:26:58,126 - How long? - For everything? 322 00:26:58,256 --> 00:27:02,384 - All of it. - 20 hours, double shifts. 323 00:27:02,510 --> 00:27:05,179 We don't know that we have 20 hours. 324 00:27:05,304 --> 00:27:07,427 That star could explode at any moment. 325 00:27:07,557 --> 00:27:12,681 I know. OK, first thing we do is get the main computer working. 326 00:27:12,812 --> 00:27:14,472 Fix the shields first. 327 00:27:14,605 --> 00:27:17,642 Tin Man fried circuits I thought were unfriable. 328 00:27:17,775 --> 00:27:21,310 I'm not worried about Tin Man. It's more Romulans showing up. 329 00:27:21,445 --> 00:27:24,565 Right. First priority, get the shields up. 330 00:27:24,699 --> 00:27:27,320 Only no more surprises until I'm done, OK? 331 00:27:27,451 --> 00:27:30,737 Don't ask me about surprises. Ask Tam Elbrun. 332 00:27:34,416 --> 00:27:39,458 Your brain activity suggests you're coming out of some sort of seizure. 333 00:27:40,339 --> 00:27:45,380 Your blood pressure and glucose indicate general systemic stress. 334 00:27:45,511 --> 00:27:48,677 - But I'm going to live? - No doubt about it. 335 00:27:48,806 --> 00:27:53,099 Good. Because I want to know exactly what you did. 336 00:27:53,227 --> 00:27:56,809 I want to know how closely you're in communication with this alien 337 00:27:56,939 --> 00:28:00,105 - and I want to know now! - I... I... 338 00:28:00,234 --> 00:28:02,476 I just warned it, that's all. 339 00:28:03,779 --> 00:28:09,568 I've been in contact with it, sensing impressions. It calls itself Gomtuu. 340 00:28:10,744 --> 00:28:16,368 It's old, Captain. It's roamed the universe for many thousands of years. 341 00:28:16,959 --> 00:28:23,246 - Where did it come from? - Far away. Maybe beyond the galaxy. 342 00:28:24,383 --> 00:28:27,752 - Once there were millions of them! - Once? 343 00:28:29,221 --> 00:28:33,682 It hasn't seen another of its kind for millennia. 344 00:28:34,643 --> 00:28:40,064 It's alone. It may be the last of its species. 345 00:28:42,818 --> 00:28:47,231 Perhaps... we can help it in some way. 346 00:28:48,574 --> 00:28:54,244 Can you... ask it to return with us to Federation space? 347 00:28:55,289 --> 00:29:01,042 At least persuade it to leave the vicinity of Beta Stromgren 348 00:29:01,170 --> 00:29:03,162 before the star explodes? 349 00:29:03,297 --> 00:29:07,923 Captain, Gomtuu knows the star will go nova soon. That's why it's here. 350 00:29:08,051 --> 00:29:10,340 It wants to die. 351 00:29:12,222 --> 00:29:13,420 There was... 352 00:29:14,600 --> 00:29:17,969 ..an explosion. In space. 353 00:29:19,480 --> 00:29:22,765 Radiation penetrating the outer layers. 354 00:29:22,900 --> 00:29:24,691 The crew... 355 00:29:28,113 --> 00:29:30,651 The crew died. 356 00:29:33,160 --> 00:29:35,366 Such loss! 357 00:29:36,788 --> 00:29:40,572 Empty pain! Hollowness! 358 00:29:41,335 --> 00:29:47,207 Tam! Stop this! You're losing yourself in this merging! 359 00:29:47,341 --> 00:29:49,464 I know. 360 00:29:52,346 --> 00:29:58,265 Tin Man hurts and wants to die. I can't do any more from out here. 361 00:29:58,393 --> 00:30:02,890 If you want me to really reach Tin Man, I must be in physical contact. 362 00:30:03,023 --> 00:30:06,143 - I have got to go aboard. - No. 363 00:30:06,276 --> 00:30:09,977 - That is out of the question. - You don't trust me. 364 00:30:11,615 --> 00:30:13,738 No, Tam, I don't believe that I do. 365 00:30:14,785 --> 00:30:21,322 Tam, when you reached out to the alien, to warn it, 366 00:30:21,458 --> 00:30:24,412 did you give any thought to this vessel? 367 00:30:24,545 --> 00:30:29,752 To the danger, however inadvertent, that creature might pose to our crew? 368 00:30:29,883 --> 00:30:32,457 Or did you simply react out of instinct? 369 00:30:32,594 --> 00:30:36,509 - Captain... - Deanna. He's right. 370 00:30:38,559 --> 00:30:42,473 I don't know. I don't know what might happen. But if you don't let me go, 371 00:30:42,604 --> 00:30:44,478 we fail our mission. 372 00:30:45,899 --> 00:30:49,814 Besides, at this point, you need all the help you can get. 373 00:30:49,945 --> 00:30:52,021 Even Tin Man's. 374 00:30:58,412 --> 00:31:01,116 Russell, reactivate the sensor assemblies. 375 00:31:02,749 --> 00:31:07,079 OK, let's do a program reload, port array only. 376 00:31:08,880 --> 00:31:13,210 Good. That's good. Computer, run a level-two diagnostic. 377 00:31:13,343 --> 00:31:15,715 Port sensor array remains offline. 378 00:31:15,846 --> 00:31:19,511 - Damn! - Riker here. How's it coming? 379 00:31:19,641 --> 00:31:22,808 Not good. I think all the control processors are shot. 380 00:31:22,936 --> 00:31:27,266 But maybe if I swap the chips I can give you a minimum EM scan. 381 00:31:27,399 --> 00:31:28,893 Do it. 382 00:31:31,153 --> 00:31:37,072 OK, we're going to try starting retro sensor element 32 only. 383 00:31:39,995 --> 00:31:42,533 Are you in? Go. 384 00:31:48,587 --> 00:31:51,541 The good news is we have partial sensors. 385 00:31:51,673 --> 00:31:54,247 - La Forge to bridge. - Riker here. 386 00:31:54,384 --> 00:31:58,797 I'm picking up another echo on the sensor display. Are you reading that? 387 00:31:58,930 --> 00:32:00,757 Worf? 388 00:32:01,475 --> 00:32:03,514 One moment, Commander. 389 00:32:05,687 --> 00:32:10,515 Confirmed. Sir, the other Romulan ship on an intercept course. 390 00:32:10,651 --> 00:32:14,102 - Geordi, how about those shields? - I'm doing the best I can! 391 00:32:14,237 --> 00:32:17,441 But shields won't help if that star explodes. 392 00:32:18,533 --> 00:32:21,867 Data, you've developed an affinity with Elbrun. 393 00:32:21,995 --> 00:32:24,700 Troi, you've known him for years. 394 00:32:24,831 --> 00:32:26,871 How far can he be trusted? 395 00:32:27,084 --> 00:32:30,500 The issue isn't one of trust in Tam's intentions 396 00:32:30,629 --> 00:32:31,708 but in his judgement. 397 00:32:31,838 --> 00:32:36,880 - He'll do what he believes is right. - Of course. But his judgement... 398 00:32:37,010 --> 00:32:43,594 Is precarious. The stress of exposure to so many minds here is bad enough. 399 00:32:43,725 --> 00:32:47,011 Now he's strongly drawn to this creature. 400 00:32:47,145 --> 00:32:50,645 - I'm afraid for him. - Afraid of what? 401 00:32:50,774 --> 00:32:55,519 I sense that the alien is somehow calling him. 402 00:32:55,654 --> 00:33:02,403 If we allow him to beam over, I believe we will lose him to it, 403 00:33:02,786 --> 00:33:05,028 that he will lose himself. 404 00:33:05,163 --> 00:33:08,995 I agree that Tam's motives are trustworthy. 405 00:33:09,126 --> 00:33:12,329 I do not believe it is possible he will act against us 406 00:33:12,462 --> 00:33:15,962 or will cause Tin Man to act against us out of malice. 407 00:33:16,091 --> 00:33:21,595 If he breaks down over there we'll be no closer to accomplishing our goal. 408 00:33:21,805 --> 00:33:25,755 - It would be a grave mistake. - Thank you both. 409 00:33:33,400 --> 00:33:36,317 - Data? - I am puzzled, sir. 410 00:33:36,862 --> 00:33:41,571 We have come this far. Will you not allow Tam to fulfil his mission? 411 00:33:41,700 --> 00:33:44,570 Tam Elbrun warned Tin Man. 412 00:33:44,703 --> 00:33:48,321 The first thing it did was to destroy a space vessel. 413 00:33:50,041 --> 00:33:56,162 I understand. If you feel the risk is too great to send Tam Elbrun alone, 414 00:33:56,298 --> 00:33:58,421 then send me with him. 415 00:33:58,967 --> 00:34:01,540 Counsellor Troi understands him better. 416 00:34:02,262 --> 00:34:07,257 But he is more comfortable with me. It is humanity he is fleeing. 417 00:34:07,851 --> 00:34:11,599 I could serve as an intermediary, a bridge back. 418 00:34:11,730 --> 00:34:16,724 A reminder of his obligation, both to us and to Tin Man. 419 00:34:27,412 --> 00:34:29,986 Captain, the Romulan has uncloaked. 420 00:34:31,166 --> 00:34:33,205 - Status? - Shields are at 40 percent. 421 00:34:33,335 --> 00:34:36,751 - We can manoeuvre on impulse. - Phasers available on manual. 422 00:34:36,880 --> 00:34:40,130 Computer target-lock not functioning. 423 00:34:40,258 --> 00:34:44,719 Well, let's hope they're in a mood to talk. Hailing frequency. 424 00:34:45,555 --> 00:34:46,800 Open. 425 00:34:46,932 --> 00:34:52,436 Romulan vessel, this is Capt Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise. 426 00:34:53,563 --> 00:34:57,857 Enterprise, your presence here is a violation of Romulan space. 427 00:34:57,984 --> 00:34:59,894 You will leave immediately. 428 00:35:01,238 --> 00:35:06,824 We are not familiar with the terms of your claim on this sector. 429 00:35:06,952 --> 00:35:10,617 We are here for scientific research. Do you wish to participate? 430 00:35:10,747 --> 00:35:15,326 We have monitored the destruction of our sister ship by the star creature. 431 00:35:15,460 --> 00:35:19,789 We claim right of vengeance. We will destroy the alien. 432 00:35:19,923 --> 00:35:23,837 If you interfere, we will destroy you as well. 433 00:35:36,982 --> 00:35:38,440 Captain's log. 434 00:35:38,567 --> 00:35:42,860 A confrontation between the Romulan war bird and Tin Man is imminent. 435 00:35:42,988 --> 00:35:48,230 I have no alternative but to rely on the telepathic abilities of Elbrun. 436 00:35:48,910 --> 00:35:50,903 - Picard to Tam Elbrun. - Captain? 437 00:35:51,037 --> 00:35:53,445 - Report to transporter room six. - I don't... 438 00:35:53,582 --> 00:35:56,618 - Cmdr Data will meet you there. - Yes, Captain. 439 00:35:57,460 --> 00:35:59,536 We no longer have a choice. 440 00:36:26,531 --> 00:36:30,280 No. No! Too much. Too much! 441 00:36:30,410 --> 00:36:32,367 - Tam? - I can't! 442 00:36:32,495 --> 00:36:35,864 - Data to Enterprise. Come in. - No! Don't! 443 00:36:35,999 --> 00:36:39,534 If it is harming you, we must return. Enterprise, respond! 444 00:36:39,669 --> 00:36:42,160 No, it's alright now. 445 00:36:42,964 --> 00:36:48,469 Gomtuu was trying to communicate a lifetime to me in a few seconds, 446 00:36:48,595 --> 00:36:50,634 but I'm alright now. 447 00:36:54,059 --> 00:36:56,466 - O'Brien to bridge. - Go ahead, Chief. 448 00:36:56,603 --> 00:37:00,897 I have no transporter lock on them. Some kind of force-field went up. 449 00:37:01,024 --> 00:37:06,231 Confirmed. The alien has thrown up a shield, blocking all our sensors. 450 00:37:08,281 --> 00:37:13,109 Captain, the Romulans' weapons systems are now at full power! 451 00:37:16,414 --> 00:37:20,246 Follow them in. Red alert. Mr. Worf, arm photon torpedoes. 452 00:37:20,377 --> 00:37:21,835 Aye, sir. 453 00:37:46,403 --> 00:37:47,813 Yes. 454 00:38:00,917 --> 00:38:03,953 There is a large chamber 20 metres ahead. 455 00:38:05,171 --> 00:38:06,998 I know. 456 00:38:08,341 --> 00:38:11,259 I know everything now. Come on. 457 00:38:52,802 --> 00:38:54,842 Intriguing. 458 00:38:59,684 --> 00:39:04,726 This is the control centre where Gomtuu's crew guided their journeys. 459 00:39:04,856 --> 00:39:08,521 The ship and the crew existed symbiotically. 460 00:39:09,360 --> 00:39:11,519 They needed one another. 461 00:39:11,821 --> 00:39:16,530 When Gomtuu had no one left to care for, it had no more reason to exist. 462 00:39:19,037 --> 00:39:22,904 Is that the purpose of existence? To care for someone? 463 00:39:23,458 --> 00:39:25,497 It is for me. 464 00:39:27,003 --> 00:39:32,080 Deanna was right. I'll lose myself here. 465 00:39:50,527 --> 00:39:54,524 I must remind you that our objective is to bring Tin Man out of danger 466 00:39:54,656 --> 00:39:58,321 and report our findings to Starfleet. 467 00:39:58,451 --> 00:40:01,785 I'm not going back, Data. I'm staying here. 468 00:40:06,167 --> 00:40:09,121 Sir, the Romulans are hailing us. 469 00:40:09,254 --> 00:40:13,501 Capt Picard, if you interfere, we will fire upon you as well. 470 00:40:13,842 --> 00:40:19,263 We are prepared to defend the life of the alien. Shields up! 471 00:40:19,389 --> 00:40:21,595 Alien power levels increasing. 472 00:40:21,724 --> 00:40:26,018 The diameter of the star has decreased by 1 00,000 kilometres. 473 00:40:27,647 --> 00:40:29,687 It's beginning. 474 00:40:43,621 --> 00:40:46,788 Explain to them. Make them understand. 475 00:40:46,916 --> 00:40:49,787 - But our mission... - Is to save Tin Man. And I will. 476 00:40:49,919 --> 00:40:52,837 But he's going to save me as well. 477 00:40:52,964 --> 00:40:59,002 All my life I have waited for this. A chance to find peace. 478 00:40:59,137 --> 00:41:03,181 Finally, all the voices are silent. 479 00:41:04,392 --> 00:41:07,476 Only Tin Man speaks to me now. 480 00:41:08,897 --> 00:41:10,854 Don't you see, Data? 481 00:41:10,982 --> 00:41:14,066 This... is where I belong. 482 00:41:28,124 --> 00:41:29,915 That star will go any minute. 483 00:41:30,043 --> 00:41:32,082 The Romulans must know that, too. 484 00:41:32,211 --> 00:41:35,497 Power levels on Tin Man increasing beyond our sensor range. 485 00:41:57,236 --> 00:42:00,024 - Conn, report. - Dead stop, Captain. 486 00:42:02,408 --> 00:42:04,982 We've been thrown clear of Beta Stromgren, 487 00:42:05,119 --> 00:42:09,164 a distance of 3.8 billion kilometres! 488 00:42:09,290 --> 00:42:13,122 There is no sign of Tin Man or the Romulans, sir. 489 00:42:18,466 --> 00:42:20,922 Captain, on screen. 490 00:42:33,648 --> 00:42:35,308 Data! 491 00:42:36,401 --> 00:42:38,061 Sir? 492 00:42:40,363 --> 00:42:43,198 Data, what happened over there? 493 00:42:45,034 --> 00:42:48,652 - Difficult to explain, sir. - Tam? 494 00:42:49,288 --> 00:42:51,993 I believe he found what he was looking for. 495 00:42:56,462 --> 00:42:58,004 Supplemental log. 496 00:42:58,131 --> 00:43:00,704 With all main systems temporarily restored, 497 00:43:00,842 --> 00:43:05,005 we are proceeding to Starbase 152 for inspection and repairs. 498 00:43:05,138 --> 00:43:07,889 We have had no further encounter with the Romulans. 499 00:43:08,016 --> 00:43:13,935 As for the whereabouts of Tin Man and Tam Elbrun, we can only speculate. 500 00:43:14,063 --> 00:43:16,222 You sent for me? 501 00:43:16,357 --> 00:43:18,314 Yes, Counsellor. 502 00:43:18,443 --> 00:43:22,690 It was Tam's final request that I explain his decision to the crew. 503 00:43:23,156 --> 00:43:26,607 But I believe it was his hope that you would understand. 504 00:43:29,954 --> 00:43:32,196 What did happen? 505 00:43:33,875 --> 00:43:35,914 I witnessed something... 506 00:43:37,003 --> 00:43:38,877 ..remarkable. 507 00:43:39,005 --> 00:43:45,257 - Individually, they were both so... - Wounded? Isolated? 508 00:43:45,386 --> 00:43:48,553 Yes. But no longer. 509 00:43:50,183 --> 00:43:52,508 Through joining, 510 00:43:52,643 --> 00:43:54,683 they have been healed. 511 00:43:55,271 --> 00:43:59,020 Grief has been transmuted to joy. 512 00:43:59,150 --> 00:44:02,234 Loneliness to... belonging. 513 00:44:07,658 --> 00:44:09,532 You do understand! 514 00:44:10,787 --> 00:44:12,826 Yes, Counsellor. 515 00:44:13,498 --> 00:44:18,124 When Tin Man returned me to the Enterprise, I realized 516 00:44:18,252 --> 00:44:20,375 this is where I belong.