1
00:00:07,399 --> 00:00:10,334
You don't believe in me.
2
00:00:10,369 --> 00:00:12,166
I don't.
3
00:00:12,237 --> 00:00:14,034
What evidence would you have
4
00:00:14,072 --> 00:00:18,065
of my reality
beyond that of your senses?
5
00:00:18,110 --> 00:00:20,044
I don't know.
6
00:00:20,078 --> 00:00:22,706
Why do you doubt your senses?
7
00:00:22,748 --> 00:00:24,375
Because...
8
00:00:24,416 --> 00:00:26,714
a little thing affects them.
9
00:00:26,752 --> 00:00:31,314
A slight disorder of the stomach
makes them cheats.
10
00:00:31,356 --> 00:00:34,382
You may be a bit
of undigested beef
11
00:00:34,426 --> 00:00:37,554
a blot of mustard,
a crumb of cheese
12
00:00:37,596 --> 00:00:40,565
a fragment
of an underdone potato.
13
00:00:40,599 --> 00:00:44,660
Why, there's more of gravy
than of grave about you
14
00:00:44,703 --> 00:00:46,330
whatever you are.
15
00:00:46,371 --> 00:00:47,998
Humbug, I tell you.
16
00:00:48,040 --> 00:00:49,667
Humbug.
17
00:00:53,312 --> 00:00:55,041
Freeze program.
18
00:00:56,581 --> 00:00:58,776
Very well done, Data.
19
00:00:58,817 --> 00:01:02,150
Your performance skills
really are improving.
20
00:01:02,254 --> 00:01:04,119
Your courtesy
is appreciated, sir
21
00:01:04,156 --> 00:01:07,023
but I am aware that I do not
effectively convey the fear
22
00:01:07,059 --> 00:01:09,550
called for in the story.
23
00:01:09,594 --> 00:01:12,688
Well, you've never
known fear, Data
24
00:01:12,731 --> 00:01:14,790
but as an acute
observer of behavior
25
00:01:14,833 --> 00:01:16,960
you should be able
to approximate it.
26
00:01:17,002 --> 00:01:19,095
Sir, that is not
an appropriate basis
27
00:01:19,137 --> 00:01:21,367
for an effective performance.
28
00:01:21,406 --> 00:01:24,170
Not by the standards
set by my mentors.
29
00:01:24,242 --> 00:01:25,539
Your mentors?
30
00:01:25,577 --> 00:01:26,874
Yes, sir.
31
00:01:26,912 --> 00:01:28,470
I have studied the philosophies
32
00:01:28,513 --> 00:01:30,572
of virtually
every known acting master.
33
00:01:30,615 --> 00:01:36,178
I find myself attracted
to Stanislavsky, Adler, Garnav...
34
00:01:36,221 --> 00:01:38,712
proponents
of an acting technique
35
00:01:38,757 --> 00:01:41,191
known as "The Method."
36
00:01:41,259 --> 00:01:42,886
Method acting, huh?
37
00:01:42,928 --> 00:01:45,192
I'm vaguely familiar with it
38
00:01:45,263 --> 00:01:48,198
but why would you choose
such an old-fashioned approach?
39
00:01:48,266 --> 00:01:50,063
Perhaps because the technique
40
00:01:50,102 --> 00:01:53,071
requires an actor to seek
his own emotional awareness
41
00:01:53,105 --> 00:01:55,573
to understand
the character he plays.
42
00:01:55,607 --> 00:01:59,202
But, surely, that's an
impossible task for you, Data.
43
00:01:59,277 --> 00:02:02,144
Sir, I have modified the method
for my own uses.
44
00:02:02,247 --> 00:02:04,374
Since I have
no emotional awareness
45
00:02:04,416 --> 00:02:05,849
to create a performance
46
00:02:05,884 --> 00:02:07,909
I am attempting
to use performance
47
00:02:07,953 --> 00:02:09,853
to create emotional awareness.
48
00:02:09,888 --> 00:02:11,685
I believe if I can learn
49
00:02:11,723 --> 00:02:14,692
to duplicate the fear
of Ebenezer Scrooge
50
00:02:14,726 --> 00:02:18,685
I will be one step closer
to truly understanding humanity.
51
00:02:18,730 --> 00:02:22,029
Captain Picard,
please report to the Bridge.
52
00:02:22,067 --> 00:02:24,035
On my way, Number One.
53
00:02:24,069 --> 00:02:27,835
Data, the moment
that you decided
54
00:02:27,873 --> 00:02:29,670
to stop imitating other actors
55
00:02:29,708 --> 00:02:31,642
and create
your own interpretation
56
00:02:31,676 --> 00:02:35,874
you were already one step closer
to understanding humanity.
57
00:02:43,221 --> 00:02:45,155
We've received
an emergency transmission
58
00:02:45,190 --> 00:02:47,317
from the science station
on Ventax Il, sir.
59
00:02:47,359 --> 00:02:48,519
What's the nature
of the emergency?
60
00:02:48,560 --> 00:02:49,891
Uncertain.
The signal was interrupted...
61
00:02:49,928 --> 00:02:52,192
Contact reestablished
with Ventax Il, sir.
62
00:02:52,264 --> 00:02:53,253
On screen.
63
00:02:54,566 --> 00:02:58,058
I am Dr. Howard Clark,
director of the science station
64
00:02:58,103 --> 00:02:59,695
here on Ventax II.
65
00:02:59,738 --> 00:03:00,932
Thank you for responding.
66
00:03:00,972 --> 00:03:02,872
Mr. Worf,
can you improve our reception?
67
00:03:02,908 --> 00:03:05,741
The trouble is
at the transmission source, sir.
68
00:03:05,777 --> 00:03:10,476
Dr. Clark, we're barely able to
maintain communication with you.
69
00:03:10,515 --> 00:03:13,143
Can you boost the level
of your power source?
70
00:03:13,218 --> 00:03:15,778
I'm afraid not, Captain.
It's under attack.
71
00:03:15,821 --> 00:03:16,788
Under attack?
72
00:03:16,822 --> 00:03:18,312
There's a mob outside the door
73
00:03:18,356 --> 00:03:20,256
trying to break
into the station.
74
00:03:20,292 --> 00:03:23,489
The planet is in chaos...
lootings, fires
75
00:03:23,528 --> 00:03:24,517
mass hysteria.
76
00:03:24,563 --> 00:03:26,326
These people are all convinced
77
00:03:26,364 --> 00:03:30,164
that their world is coming
to an end tomorrow.
78
00:03:30,202 --> 00:03:32,432
Please, we must have
your immediate...
79
00:04:06,756 --> 00:04:11,090
Space, the final frontier.
80
00:04:11,194 --> 00:04:15,028
These are the voyages
of the Starship Enterprise.
81
00:04:15,065 --> 00:04:17,033
Its continuing mission...
82
00:04:17,067 --> 00:04:21,003
to explore strange new worlds
83
00:04:21,037 --> 00:04:25,474
to seek out new life
and new civilizations
84
00:04:25,508 --> 00:04:29,968
to boldly go
where no one has gone before.
85
00:05:28,399 --> 00:05:31,800
Captain's Log, Stardate 44474.5.
86
00:05:31,836 --> 00:05:33,303
We have reached Ventax II
87
00:05:33,337 --> 00:05:37,273
and are attempting to contact
the Federation science station
88
00:05:37,308 --> 00:05:40,539
which at last report was
under siege by an angry mob.
89
00:05:40,578 --> 00:05:42,876
They are transmitting again.
90
00:05:42,913 --> 00:05:45,473
On screen,
before we lose contact.
91
00:05:45,516 --> 00:05:47,507
Enterprise.
92
00:05:47,551 --> 00:05:48,575
Enterprise, do you read me?!
93
00:05:48,619 --> 00:05:49,586
Emergency! We need help.
94
00:05:49,620 --> 00:05:51,053
Dr. Clark,
this is Captain Picard.
95
00:05:51,088 --> 00:05:52,715
We are ready to beam you
and your team
96
00:05:52,757 --> 00:05:53,746
on board...
97
00:05:54,759 --> 00:05:56,090
They're in! They're in!
98
00:05:56,193 --> 00:05:57,182
Transporter Room Three
99
00:05:57,228 --> 00:05:59,321
Iock onto the science team,
beam them aboard.
100
00:05:59,363 --> 00:06:01,126
I've locked onto Dr. Clark.
101
00:06:01,165 --> 00:06:02,996
I can't pick out the others.
102
00:06:03,034 --> 00:06:04,797
It's a mess down there.
103
00:06:04,835 --> 00:06:06,325
Then beam Dr. Clark aboard
by himself.
104
00:06:06,370 --> 00:06:07,394
Yes, Captain.
105
00:06:07,438 --> 00:06:09,998
Mr. Worf, will you escort him
to my ready room.
106
00:06:10,041 --> 00:06:11,372
Aye, sir.
107
00:06:11,409 --> 00:06:16,369
Number One, try and make
some sense out of this mess.
108
00:06:23,220 --> 00:06:27,782
The people in Ventax II
live in an agrarian society.
109
00:06:27,825 --> 00:06:30,055
At least, they do now.
110
00:06:30,161 --> 00:06:31,560
What do you mean "now"?
111
00:06:31,595 --> 00:06:33,586
It's an interesting
anthropological question
112
00:06:33,631 --> 00:06:39,866
one we were studying
before the... trouble began.
113
00:06:39,904 --> 00:06:41,701
In the distant past
114
00:06:41,739 --> 00:06:44,367
the Ventaxian culture
had achieved
115
00:06:44,408 --> 00:06:49,368
an extremely, um,
advanced scientific level
116
00:06:49,413 --> 00:06:50,778
but a millennium ago
117
00:06:50,815 --> 00:06:53,409
they turned their backs
on technology.
118
00:06:53,451 --> 00:06:56,011
They reverted
to a simpler existence.
119
00:06:56,053 --> 00:06:58,783
And remained that way
for centuries.
120
00:06:58,823 --> 00:07:02,315
First contact was made
by a Klingon expedition
121
00:07:02,359 --> 00:07:03,986
70 years ago.
122
00:07:04,028 --> 00:07:05,620
Since then, the new technology's
123
00:07:05,663 --> 00:07:07,358
been available
to the Ventaxians.
124
00:07:07,398 --> 00:07:09,298
They simply are not
interested in it.
125
00:07:09,333 --> 00:07:12,496
Virtually no social problems
can be found on this planet.
126
00:07:12,536 --> 00:07:16,028
In fact, I would have
described their society
127
00:07:16,073 --> 00:07:17,665
as idyllic, until...
128
00:07:17,708 --> 00:07:19,539
Until what, Doctor?
129
00:07:19,577 --> 00:07:23,240
It's hard to believe.
130
00:07:23,280 --> 00:07:29,219
Several years ago, Acost Jared,
the Ventaxian head of state
131
00:07:29,253 --> 00:07:31,346
began to grow
increasingly obsessed
132
00:07:31,388 --> 00:07:32,946
with the legend of Ardra.
133
00:07:32,990 --> 00:07:35,481
With each passing day,
he grew more anxious
134
00:07:35,526 --> 00:07:37,391
and he'd talk about little else.
135
00:07:37,428 --> 00:07:39,487
"Ardra is coming back.
136
00:07:39,530 --> 00:07:41,896
"Ardra will be here soon.
137
00:07:41,932 --> 00:07:45,868
"We must all leave
before Ardra returns."
138
00:07:45,903 --> 00:07:48,167
And who is this Ardra?
139
00:07:50,574 --> 00:07:53,873
For all intents and purposes...
140
00:07:53,911 --> 00:07:55,845
the devil.
141
00:07:55,880 --> 00:07:58,940
Captain, these people
actually believe
142
00:07:58,983 --> 00:08:02,111
they've sold their souls
to the devil.
143
00:08:02,153 --> 00:08:03,984
Riker to Captain Picard.
144
00:08:04,021 --> 00:08:06,649
Have you located the
science team, Number One?
145
00:08:06,690 --> 00:08:08,783
Evidently, they're
being held hostage.
146
00:08:08,826 --> 00:08:09,815
Hostage?
147
00:08:09,860 --> 00:08:11,555
There's a Ventaxian leader
148
00:08:11,595 --> 00:08:14,689
on the viewscreen,
name of Acost Jared.
149
00:08:14,732 --> 00:08:15,721
Doctor.
150
00:08:23,874 --> 00:08:27,776
Jared, you must secure
the release of my people.
151
00:08:27,811 --> 00:08:29,711
I can't believe
you would allow this.
152
00:08:29,747 --> 00:08:32,875
Howard, my friend, you know
how I abhor all acts of violence
153
00:08:32,917 --> 00:08:34,612
but events
are out of my control.
154
00:08:34,652 --> 00:08:36,677
I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
155
00:08:36,720 --> 00:08:38,745
Is there nothing you can do?
156
00:08:38,789 --> 00:08:42,281
As the hour of Ardra's return
approaches, fear has overwhelmed
157
00:08:42,326 --> 00:08:43,293
my people.
158
00:08:43,327 --> 00:08:44,885
It has been a thousand years!
159
00:08:44,929 --> 00:08:47,397
The prophecies have come true.
160
00:08:47,431 --> 00:08:49,194
Prophecies?
161
00:08:49,233 --> 00:08:51,724
Ardra's arrival was
supposed to be heralded
162
00:08:51,769 --> 00:08:53,566
with the shaking of the cities.
163
00:08:53,604 --> 00:08:56,539
Now, there has been a series
of geological tremors
164
00:08:56,574 --> 00:08:58,235
on the planet... minor quakes.
165
00:08:58,275 --> 00:08:59,606
Nothing extraordinary.
166
00:08:59,643 --> 00:09:00,632
But poorly timed.
167
00:09:00,678 --> 00:09:01,906
There is more.
168
00:09:01,946 --> 00:09:04,312
For several nights, there have
been visions of Ardra.
169
00:09:04,348 --> 00:09:08,478
Again, just as the contract said
would occur before her return.
170
00:09:08,519 --> 00:09:11,283
Visions? You mean dreams.
171
00:09:11,322 --> 00:09:12,448
No. She has appeared.
172
00:09:12,489 --> 00:09:13,854
l, myself, have seen her.
173
00:09:13,891 --> 00:09:17,793
Jared, tell your people,
if the hostages are released
174
00:09:17,828 --> 00:09:21,161
I am prepared
to offer Federation assistance
175
00:09:21,198 --> 00:09:23,996
should this...
this Ardra return.
176
00:09:24,034 --> 00:09:25,661
I'm afraid it will not matter.
177
00:09:25,703 --> 00:09:29,036
They know your weapons are
useless against her, Captain.
178
00:09:29,106 --> 00:09:32,439
I will make inquiries
concerning the hostages.
179
00:09:32,476 --> 00:09:35,570
The innocent should not suffer
for our sins
180
00:09:35,613 --> 00:09:38,946
but I can make no promises.
181
00:09:40,451 --> 00:09:43,682
This situation is
deteriorating, Captain.
182
00:09:43,721 --> 00:09:45,951
The people are reaching
levels of anxiety
183
00:09:45,990 --> 00:09:47,457
that could lead to suicide.
184
00:09:47,491 --> 00:09:50,392
Mr. Data, what do we
know about this Ardra?
185
00:09:50,427 --> 00:09:53,362
She is a cornerstone
of Ventaxian theology.
186
00:09:53,397 --> 00:09:55,627
It seems Ardra came to Ventax II
187
00:09:55,666 --> 00:09:58,999
and promised 1,000 years
of peace and prosperity
188
00:09:59,036 --> 00:10:01,004
for a price... upon her return
189
00:10:01,038 --> 00:10:03,768
she would enslave
the entire population.
190
00:10:03,807 --> 00:10:07,072
In Ventaxian culture,
it is considered bad luck
191
00:10:07,111 --> 00:10:08,874
to speak her name out loud.
192
00:10:08,912 --> 00:10:11,881
There are ancient scrolls
concerning Ardra
193
00:10:11,915 --> 00:10:13,507
that are stored
in the Atheneum Vaults.
194
00:10:13,550 --> 00:10:14,812
Scholars study them.
195
00:10:14,852 --> 00:10:17,821
They've been of little
public interest until recently.
196
00:10:17,855 --> 00:10:20,551
I think I should meet
with this Acost Jared.
197
00:10:20,591 --> 00:10:23,458
He's still our best hope
for a release of the hostages.
198
00:10:23,494 --> 00:10:26,224
I'll arrange to have him
transported on board.
199
00:10:26,263 --> 00:10:28,731
No, I'm going
down to the planet myself.
200
00:10:28,766 --> 00:10:29,790
Sir, you'd run the risk
201
00:10:29,833 --> 00:10:31,630
of being taken
as an additional hostage.
202
00:10:31,669 --> 00:10:34,467
Mr. Worf, you and Mr. Data
will accompany me.
203
00:10:34,505 --> 00:10:37,565
Mr. O'Brien can keep a lock
on our communicators.
204
00:10:37,608 --> 00:10:40,099
He can pull us out if necessary.
205
00:10:40,144 --> 00:10:41,270
Yes, sir.
206
00:10:41,312 --> 00:10:42,973
Counselor, I want you to come,
too.
207
00:10:59,128 --> 00:11:01,790
Captain Picard, you
shouldn't have come.
208
00:11:01,831 --> 00:11:03,696
Your life is in danger here.
209
00:11:03,733 --> 00:11:04,859
You must calm your people.
210
00:11:04,900 --> 00:11:06,162
There is no reason for panic.
211
00:11:06,202 --> 00:11:07,169
No reason?
212
00:11:07,203 --> 00:11:09,034
If these tremors
have frightened them
213
00:11:09,105 --> 00:11:10,868
leading to this hysteria
over Ardra
214
00:11:10,906 --> 00:11:12,498
let us reassure them.
215
00:11:12,541 --> 00:11:14,941
We have scanned the
tectonic stress patterns
216
00:11:14,977 --> 00:11:16,239
of your planet's crust.
217
00:11:16,278 --> 00:11:18,246
There is no evidence
that the quakes
218
00:11:18,280 --> 00:11:19,406
pose any kind of threat.
219
00:11:19,448 --> 00:11:22,906
No, no, no.
The threat is from Ardra.
220
00:11:22,952 --> 00:11:24,044
You cannot understand.
221
00:11:24,153 --> 00:11:28,522
If you can at least help us
to locate our people.
222
00:11:33,229 --> 00:11:35,561
She is here.
223
00:11:35,598 --> 00:11:37,566
Nonsense. It is only...
224
00:11:45,574 --> 00:11:47,565
Time's up.
225
00:11:56,952 --> 00:11:58,579
I'm disappointed.
226
00:11:58,621 --> 00:12:00,555
I expected my tenants
227
00:12:00,589 --> 00:12:03,149
to take better care
of my property.
228
00:12:03,192 --> 00:12:05,160
Ardra, most powerful one
229
00:12:05,194 --> 00:12:07,822
I am Jared,
leader of Ventax II.
230
00:12:07,863 --> 00:12:11,458
I take responsibility
for all that displeases you.
231
00:12:11,500 --> 00:12:13,764
Please, do not punish my people.
232
00:12:13,803 --> 00:12:16,135
Punish? Who said anything
about punishing?
233
00:12:16,172 --> 00:12:20,006
I merely expect your end
of our contract to be upheld.
234
00:12:20,042 --> 00:12:21,942
Thank you, Ardra.
235
00:12:21,977 --> 00:12:24,377
And don't talk like some
ancient prophet around me
236
00:12:24,413 --> 00:12:26,813
with "thees" and "thous"
and "most powerful ones."
237
00:12:26,849 --> 00:12:28,578
It was appealing
for a few centuries
238
00:12:28,617 --> 00:12:30,278
but I bore easily.
239
00:12:30,319 --> 00:12:31,718
And stop cowering.
240
00:12:31,754 --> 00:12:35,588
When I want you on your knees,
I'll let you know.
241
00:12:35,624 --> 00:12:36,886
Much better.
242
00:12:36,926 --> 00:12:40,157
A fine example for the others.
243
00:12:40,196 --> 00:12:42,027
Who would you be?
244
00:12:42,064 --> 00:12:44,191
I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard
245
00:12:44,233 --> 00:12:47,225
of the Federation Starship
Enterprise.
246
00:12:47,269 --> 00:12:49,032
Keep up the good work.
247
00:12:49,071 --> 00:12:52,199
Now, the first thing we'll need
is an accounting
248
00:12:52,241 --> 00:12:54,801
of all you've been
accumulating for me.
249
00:12:54,844 --> 00:12:57,244
This form will provide
guidelines
250
00:12:57,279 --> 00:12:59,839
for a full census
of the population
251
00:12:59,882 --> 00:13:03,841
with emphasis on productivity
and economic forecasts.
252
00:13:03,886 --> 00:13:05,148
Who are you?
253
00:13:05,187 --> 00:13:07,519
My, you are forceful,
aren't you?
254
00:13:07,556 --> 00:13:09,820
Good. I like my men
to be forceful
255
00:13:09,859 --> 00:13:11,850
at least, at the start.
256
00:13:11,894 --> 00:13:13,259
If your intention
is to intimidate
257
00:13:13,295 --> 00:13:14,262
you're not succeeding.
258
00:13:14,296 --> 00:13:15,263
That's all right.
259
00:13:15,297 --> 00:13:16,730
I like a challenge.
260
00:13:16,766 --> 00:13:17,994
An entire planet
261
00:13:18,033 --> 00:13:20,661
has been terrorized
because of the suggestion
262
00:13:20,703 --> 00:13:23,331
that you're going
to enslave the population.
263
00:13:23,372 --> 00:13:24,669
Well, it's true.
264
00:13:24,707 --> 00:13:28,143
Of course, I wouldn't put
it so melodramatically.
265
00:13:28,177 --> 00:13:32,204
It's just a standard contract
with an unusually long term.
266
00:13:32,248 --> 00:13:35,012
So you do purport to be
the mythic figure Ardra?
267
00:13:35,050 --> 00:13:38,178
I have many names,
my pale friend.
268
00:13:38,220 --> 00:13:41,781
I am Mendora
in the Berussian Cluster.
269
00:13:41,824 --> 00:13:43,985
Torak to the Drellians.
270
00:13:44,026 --> 00:13:46,824
The Klingons call me Fek'lhr.
271
00:13:46,862 --> 00:13:49,831
You are not Fek'lhr.
272
00:13:51,100 --> 00:13:53,261
Ah, but I am.
273
00:13:53,302 --> 00:13:55,167
I am the Guardian
274
00:13:55,204 --> 00:13:58,002
of Gre'thor
where the dishonored go
275
00:13:58,040 --> 00:14:00,634
when they die.
276
00:14:01,844 --> 00:14:05,678
But here on Ventax Il,
I am called Ardra.
277
00:14:05,714 --> 00:14:09,013
The same Ardra
who negotiated a contract
278
00:14:09,051 --> 00:14:12,782
with these people
ten centuries ago today.
279
00:14:12,822 --> 00:14:14,813
Oh, you doubt me.
280
00:14:14,857 --> 00:14:16,620
A non-believer.
281
00:14:16,659 --> 00:14:18,024
Really, Jean-Luc Picard
282
00:14:18,127 --> 00:14:20,425
of the Federation
Starship Enterprise
283
00:14:20,462 --> 00:14:22,896
no doubt you have
traveled the galaxy
284
00:14:22,932 --> 00:14:25,901
encountered a diverse
universe of creatures.
285
00:14:25,935 --> 00:14:28,403
Is there no room
for the likes of me?
286
00:14:28,437 --> 00:14:29,563
I've encountered many
287
00:14:29,605 --> 00:14:32,506
who are more credibly to be
called the devil than you.
288
00:14:32,541 --> 00:14:34,008
The devil.
289
00:14:34,043 --> 00:14:37,911
Now there's one I haven't
heard in a long time.
290
00:14:37,947 --> 00:14:41,348
You claim you visited
this planet 1,000 years ago
291
00:14:41,383 --> 00:14:43,248
and negotiated a contract?
292
00:14:43,285 --> 00:14:45,515
That's correct.
293
00:14:45,554 --> 00:14:47,886
I would like to see
that contract.
294
00:14:56,832 --> 00:14:59,062
The scrolls of Ardra, Captain.
295
00:14:59,168 --> 00:15:00,726
A long-winded description
296
00:15:00,769 --> 00:15:03,260
of a very simple
business arrangement.
297
00:15:03,305 --> 00:15:06,570
I did away with their wars,
famine and economic ruin
298
00:15:06,609 --> 00:15:09,669
and provided them
1,000 years of paradise.
299
00:15:09,712 --> 00:15:11,839
My terms were clearly stated.
300
00:15:11,881 --> 00:15:14,850
They went into this
with their eyes open.
301
00:15:14,884 --> 00:15:18,012
I'm sure you'll find
everything is in order.
302
00:15:18,120 --> 00:15:21,647
You won't mind if I don't
take your word for it.
303
00:15:21,690 --> 00:15:23,487
Jared, with your permission
304
00:15:23,525 --> 00:15:26,153
I'd like Mr. Data to review
these scrolls thoroughly.
305
00:15:26,195 --> 00:15:29,289
It is no longer
my decision, Captain.
306
00:15:31,834 --> 00:15:36,897
I have intrigued you,
haven't l, Picard?
307
00:15:36,939 --> 00:15:39,237
I am only here
to secure the release
308
00:15:39,275 --> 00:15:41,038
of the Federation hostages.
309
00:15:41,076 --> 00:15:42,168
Hostages?
310
00:15:42,211 --> 00:15:43,872
Is this true?
311
00:15:43,913 --> 00:15:45,210
Uh... yes, Ardra.
312
00:15:45,247 --> 00:15:48,683
Panic gripped the people
as the time of your return
313
00:15:48,717 --> 00:15:49,843
grew closer.
314
00:15:49,885 --> 00:15:52,615
Yes, I do have
that effect on people.
315
00:15:52,655 --> 00:15:55,647
See that the hostages
are released... now!
316
00:15:55,691 --> 00:15:57,215
Immediately.
317
00:15:59,261 --> 00:16:02,788
Let us not cloud this
with bit players, Picard.
318
00:16:02,831 --> 00:16:06,767
You will not leave because
you find me irresistible.
319
00:16:10,039 --> 00:16:11,802
Enterprise, advise Dr. Clark
320
00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:14,001
that the hostages
are being released.
321
00:16:14,109 --> 00:16:15,007
This is Clark.
322
00:16:15,110 --> 00:16:16,304
You did it, Captain.
323
00:16:16,345 --> 00:16:17,369
Thank goodness.
324
00:16:17,413 --> 00:16:19,574
Goodness had nothing
to do with it.
325
00:16:19,615 --> 00:16:20,673
Three to beam up.
326
00:16:20,716 --> 00:16:23,617
Mr. Data will remain
on the planet's surface.
327
00:16:23,652 --> 00:16:25,643
Data, I want a complete report
328
00:16:25,688 --> 00:16:28,020
on the contents
of these documents.
329
00:16:28,057 --> 00:16:33,017
I refuse to abandon
this planet to that woman.
330
00:16:33,095 --> 00:16:34,687
Energize.
331
00:16:43,179 --> 00:16:46,478
Could she be another refugee
from the Q Continuum?
332
00:16:46,515 --> 00:16:48,540
For that matter, could she be Q?
333
00:16:48,584 --> 00:16:50,643
Q would never bother
with contracts.
334
00:16:50,686 --> 00:16:51,914
Or economic forecasts.
335
00:16:51,954 --> 00:16:53,785
I noticed that, too, Counselor.
336
00:16:53,823 --> 00:16:55,950
I had the distinct impression
337
00:16:55,991 --> 00:16:57,390
of being in the presence of a...
338
00:16:57,426 --> 00:16:59,553
a flimflam artist.
339
00:16:59,595 --> 00:17:01,859
But her powers?
340
00:17:01,897 --> 00:17:04,923
Her powers are,
at the best, unclear.
341
00:17:05,000 --> 00:17:06,490
Think about it, Mr. Worf.
342
00:17:06,535 --> 00:17:07,934
Transporter technology
343
00:17:07,970 --> 00:17:10,461
can make things
appear and disappear.
344
00:17:10,506 --> 00:17:12,940
The illusion that she
can transform herself
345
00:17:12,975 --> 00:17:14,340
into a Klingon creature
346
00:17:14,376 --> 00:17:17,174
could be created
by holographic projection.
347
00:17:17,213 --> 00:17:18,942
And creating a minor tremor
348
00:17:19,014 --> 00:17:22,177
could be the result
of a low-frequency tractor beam
349
00:17:22,218 --> 00:17:24,550
projected against
the tectonic plates.
350
00:17:24,587 --> 00:17:27,522
We are capable of recreating
all of these events.
351
00:17:27,556 --> 00:17:29,581
It's just that she
dresses them up
352
00:17:29,625 --> 00:17:32,458
and she delivers them
with more dramatic flair.
353
00:17:32,495 --> 00:17:34,087
Like a magician.
354
00:17:35,598 --> 00:17:36,656
Exactly.
355
00:17:36,699 --> 00:17:38,963
She has an incredibly
focused mind.
356
00:17:39,034 --> 00:17:42,094
It was virtually impossible
to sense any deception.
357
00:17:42,138 --> 00:17:44,197
Or anything else,
for that matter.
358
00:17:44,240 --> 00:17:46,265
The best magicians
will never let you see
359
00:17:46,308 --> 00:17:47,969
what's up their sleeve,
Counselor.
360
00:17:48,043 --> 00:17:49,738
She must be tapping into
some sort of power source
361
00:17:49,778 --> 00:17:50,745
to produce those effects.
362
00:17:50,779 --> 00:17:52,303
She's not hiding
that up her sleeve.
363
00:17:52,348 --> 00:17:54,179
Number One, I want
you and Mr. Worf
364
00:17:54,216 --> 00:17:56,912
to run high-resolution scans
of this star system.
365
00:17:56,952 --> 00:17:58,977
Look for a ship,
a base of operations
366
00:17:59,021 --> 00:18:02,252
anything large enough
to generate that power.
367
00:18:02,291 --> 00:18:03,918
Mr. La Forge,
accompany Dr. Clark
368
00:18:03,959 --> 00:18:05,392
back to the science station.
369
00:18:05,427 --> 00:18:08,362
See if you can trace
the origin of these tremors.
370
00:18:16,438 --> 00:18:20,169
Your chair offers a lovely view
of my planet, Picard.
371
00:18:20,209 --> 00:18:21,938
Come, sit with me.
372
00:18:21,977 --> 00:18:24,241
Either leave my Bridge
373
00:18:24,280 --> 00:18:27,272
or I will remove you by force.
374
00:18:27,316 --> 00:18:28,613
By force?
375
00:18:30,352 --> 00:18:32,912
You disappoint me.
376
00:18:32,955 --> 00:18:35,515
You didn't strike me
as that sort, Picard.
377
00:18:35,558 --> 00:18:38,823
But, by all means, try.
378
00:18:38,861 --> 00:18:40,920
Mr. Worf?
379
00:18:58,747 --> 00:19:03,707
I was really hoping
you'd try it yourself.
380
00:19:03,752 --> 00:19:06,721
Transporter Room Three,
lock onto the intruder
381
00:19:06,755 --> 00:19:09,451
and transport her
to the planet's surface.
382
00:19:09,491 --> 00:19:10,753
Aye, sir.
383
00:19:15,431 --> 00:19:16,455
Ensign, put up
384
00:19:16,498 --> 00:19:18,159
the shields
until further notice.
385
00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:20,896
Yes, sir, Captain,
whatever you say.
386
00:19:20,936 --> 00:19:23,404
We are not impressed
with your magic tricks.
387
00:19:23,439 --> 00:19:24,565
I pity you.
388
00:19:24,607 --> 00:19:26,939
We live in a universe of magic
389
00:19:26,976 --> 00:19:29,501
which, evidently,
you cannot see.
390
00:19:32,815 --> 00:19:34,646
Ah, my pale friend
has returned.
391
00:19:34,683 --> 00:19:36,674
Have you finished
examining the contract?
392
00:19:36,719 --> 00:19:37,686
I have, sir.
393
00:19:37,720 --> 00:19:39,153
Report, Mr. Data.
394
00:19:39,188 --> 00:19:43,249
The contract agrees to deliver
the people of Ventax II
395
00:19:43,292 --> 00:19:45,522
into the personal
servitude of Ardra
396
00:19:45,561 --> 00:19:47,222
after 1,000 years of peace.
397
00:19:47,263 --> 00:19:48,491
I have compared the terms
398
00:19:48,530 --> 00:19:50,623
to the body of laws
which govern the planet.
399
00:19:50,666 --> 00:19:53,328
The language of the agreement
is correct in every detail, sir.
400
00:19:53,369 --> 00:19:55,462
Such speed and accuracy.
401
00:19:55,504 --> 00:19:58,701
You're much too talented
to be human.
402
00:19:58,741 --> 00:20:00,299
I am an android.
403
00:20:00,342 --> 00:20:02,242
Android? Of course.
404
00:20:02,278 --> 00:20:05,736
How wonderful...
an unexpected bonus.
405
00:20:05,781 --> 00:20:07,271
Bonus?
406
00:20:07,316 --> 00:20:08,340
Yes.
407
00:20:08,384 --> 00:20:10,750
When the contract came to term
408
00:20:10,786 --> 00:20:13,380
I gained clear title
to the planet...
409
00:20:13,422 --> 00:20:16,289
anything on the surface,
in the air, or...
410
00:20:16,325 --> 00:20:17,758
in orbit.
411
00:20:17,793 --> 00:20:22,423
So, you see,
the Enterprise belongs
412
00:20:22,464 --> 00:20:24,091
to me now as well.
413
00:20:26,702 --> 00:20:27,896
I am afraid the contract
414
00:20:27,936 --> 00:20:29,995
could be interpreted
in that way, sir.
415
00:20:42,718 --> 00:20:44,379
Captain's Log, supplemental.
416
00:20:44,420 --> 00:20:47,480
Although I consider
this woman's claim upon my ship
417
00:20:47,523 --> 00:20:50,287
to be an empty threat,
it has further inspired
418
00:20:50,326 --> 00:20:53,693
my determination to expose her
for the fraud she is.
419
00:20:56,598 --> 00:20:58,691
Come.
420
00:20:58,734 --> 00:21:01,703
You wish to see me, sir?
421
00:21:01,737 --> 00:21:04,729
Yes, Mr. Data.
422
00:21:07,409 --> 00:21:10,378
A wise man once said
423
00:21:10,412 --> 00:21:13,973
"There is a sucker
born every minute."
424
00:21:14,083 --> 00:21:16,415
Barnum, sir. P.T.
425
00:21:17,786 --> 00:21:19,845
I've been examining the dynamics
426
00:21:19,888 --> 00:21:24,188
of what used to be called
"the con game."
427
00:21:24,226 --> 00:21:27,684
Quite fascinating...
worthy of your study, Data.
428
00:21:27,730 --> 00:21:29,857
Sir, do you believe Ardra is...
429
00:21:29,898 --> 00:21:32,867
to use the vernacular...
a con artist?
430
00:21:32,901 --> 00:21:35,870
Yes, I do, Data.
431
00:21:35,904 --> 00:21:42,002
And I believe it is our job
to out-con the con artist.
432
00:21:42,044 --> 00:21:45,639
Sir, I must point out
that the Ventaxians
433
00:21:45,681 --> 00:21:49,777
did have 1,000 years
of peace and tranquillity
434
00:21:49,818 --> 00:21:51,012
as promised by Ardra.
435
00:21:51,053 --> 00:21:52,281
We can only speculate
436
00:21:52,321 --> 00:21:54,915
what happened on that planet
1,000 years ago.
437
00:21:54,957 --> 00:21:56,652
Maybe a Ventaxian leader
438
00:21:56,692 --> 00:21:59,661
saw the destruction
of his society at hand
439
00:21:59,695 --> 00:22:02,562
and he conceived
this "contract of Ardra"
440
00:22:02,598 --> 00:22:03,963
to motivate change.
441
00:22:03,999 --> 00:22:06,490
Or maybe there was
an Ardra of some sort
442
00:22:06,535 --> 00:22:08,298
who was the basis
for this mythology.
443
00:22:08,337 --> 00:22:09,304
Who knows?
444
00:22:09,338 --> 00:22:10,430
The point is
445
00:22:10,472 --> 00:22:13,964
that somehow a fundamental
theology was created
446
00:22:14,009 --> 00:22:16,204
which transformed this society
447
00:22:16,245 --> 00:22:21,740
but, in the process of change,
created this latent fear
448
00:22:21,784 --> 00:22:24,582
which has been passed down
through generations.
449
00:22:24,620 --> 00:22:29,614
Data, from your own experience
of performing Ebenezer Scrooge
450
00:22:29,658 --> 00:22:33,287
you're aware how fear can be
a very powerful motivator.
451
00:22:33,328 --> 00:22:34,955
Indeed, sir.
452
00:22:34,997 --> 00:22:36,988
In the story,
the spirits used fear
453
00:22:37,099 --> 00:22:39,761
to motivate Scrooge
to reform his character.
454
00:22:39,802 --> 00:22:42,600
And in the hands of a con artist
455
00:22:42,638 --> 00:22:46,938
fear can be used to motivate
obedience, capitulation
456
00:22:46,975 --> 00:22:50,775
the exploitation
of innocent people
457
00:22:50,813 --> 00:22:53,008
and that is what I believe
has happened here
458
00:22:53,048 --> 00:22:55,608
and I intend to prove that.
459
00:22:55,651 --> 00:22:58,950
I need to find a loophole...
some way of challenging
460
00:22:58,987 --> 00:23:00,921
the validity of this contract.
461
00:23:00,956 --> 00:23:02,924
Sir, the language
of the contract
462
00:23:02,958 --> 00:23:05,927
seems carefully chosen
to avoid any loopholes.
463
00:23:05,961 --> 00:23:07,360
Check it again, Mr. Data
464
00:23:07,396 --> 00:23:09,762
and check every Ventaxian
legal precedent
465
00:23:09,798 --> 00:23:11,265
for the last 1,000 years.
466
00:23:11,300 --> 00:23:12,597
We'll talk again in the morning.
467
00:23:12,634 --> 00:23:14,295
Aye, sir.
468
00:23:44,152 --> 00:23:45,619
Picard to Bridge.
469
00:23:45,654 --> 00:23:47,121
Intruder alert.
470
00:23:47,155 --> 00:23:48,645
Picard to Bridge.
471
00:23:48,690 --> 00:23:51,352
Oh, I've arranged
for a bit of privacy.
472
00:24:08,910 --> 00:24:10,810
Just the two of us.
473
00:24:12,948 --> 00:24:15,246
This is becoming very tiresome.
474
00:24:15,283 --> 00:24:17,251
Oh, come now, Picard.
475
00:24:17,285 --> 00:24:20,254
You know you find me
tantalizing.
476
00:24:20,288 --> 00:24:24,190
Give in to your desires.
477
00:24:25,360 --> 00:24:26,657
You know, there's nothing
478
00:24:26,695 --> 00:24:30,324
about you I find tantalizing.
479
00:24:30,365 --> 00:24:34,825
On the contrary,
I find you obvious and vulgar.
480
00:24:34,870 --> 00:24:37,100
Easily fixed.
481
00:24:37,139 --> 00:24:40,597
I can be
your ideal woman, Picard...
482
00:24:40,642 --> 00:24:42,610
prim and proper
483
00:24:42,644 --> 00:24:43,941
and chaste
484
00:24:44,046 --> 00:24:45,946
until I succumb to your charms.
485
00:24:46,048 --> 00:24:47,777
Or would your fantasies
486
00:24:47,816 --> 00:24:50,614
turn more toward
a professional woman?
487
00:24:50,652 --> 00:24:54,110
One, perhaps, who wears
a Starfleet uniform?
488
00:24:54,156 --> 00:24:56,124
Perhaps I could even be...
489
00:24:56,158 --> 00:25:00,652
...someone close at hand,
yet unattainable.
490
00:25:02,664 --> 00:25:05,656
I can do anything
for you, Captain...
491
00:25:07,469 --> 00:25:11,428
anything you could ever imagine.
492
00:25:11,473 --> 00:25:13,532
I could give you a night
493
00:25:13,575 --> 00:25:15,907
that would light fire
in your dreams until you die
494
00:25:15,944 --> 00:25:17,809
and you would reject me?
495
00:25:17,846 --> 00:25:20,576
Oh, yes.
496
00:25:20,615 --> 00:25:22,583
You shall regret that.
497
00:25:22,617 --> 00:25:23,914
I think not.
498
00:25:23,952 --> 00:25:25,613
Oh, but you will.
499
00:25:28,690 --> 00:25:30,783
Captain Picard.
500
00:25:30,826 --> 00:25:33,454
Captain, l-I wasn't
expecting you here.
501
00:25:33,495 --> 00:25:35,122
Neither was I.
502
00:25:35,163 --> 00:25:37,131
La Forge to Enterprise.
503
00:25:37,165 --> 00:25:38,632
Go ahead.
504
00:25:38,667 --> 00:25:40,635
Worf, Captain Picard is here.
505
00:25:40,669 --> 00:25:42,569
You'd better transport him
back on board.
506
00:25:42,604 --> 00:25:44,231
The Captain? But I have no...
507
00:25:44,272 --> 00:25:46,570
It's all right, Mr. Worf.
508
00:25:46,608 --> 00:25:48,735
Ardra somehow
transported me here.
509
00:25:48,777 --> 00:25:51,075
Will you beam me
directly to my quarters?
510
00:25:51,113 --> 00:25:52,410
Aye, sir.
511
00:25:52,447 --> 00:25:54,074
We're locked onto you.
512
00:25:54,116 --> 00:25:58,485
Transporter is malfunctioning,
Captain.
513
00:25:58,520 --> 00:26:00,454
Some sort of interference.
514
00:26:00,489 --> 00:26:01,456
Checking.
515
00:26:01,490 --> 00:26:03,219
Just have Mr. Data
fetch me in a shuttle
516
00:26:03,258 --> 00:26:05,886
and have him bring along
a uniform.
517
00:26:05,927 --> 00:26:07,895
Did you say "uniform"?
518
00:26:07,929 --> 00:26:10,193
Yes, I did.
519
00:26:10,232 --> 00:26:11,563
Aye, sir.
520
00:26:18,271 --> 00:26:21,104
Mr. La Forge and Dr. Clark
have made no headway.
521
00:26:21,140 --> 00:26:23,165
Commander Riker
and Lieutenant Worf
522
00:26:23,209 --> 00:26:25,439
have picked nothing up
on their scans.
523
00:26:25,478 --> 00:26:26,775
Sir, I believe I have found
524
00:26:26,813 --> 00:26:28,644
an obscure precedent
in Ventaxian law
525
00:26:28,681 --> 00:26:29,909
which may be of interest.
526
00:26:30,016 --> 00:26:31,142
Yes?
527
00:26:31,184 --> 00:26:33,516
The case involves
a contract dispute
528
00:26:33,553 --> 00:26:36,522
over services rendered
by a Klingon craftsman
529
00:26:36,556 --> 00:26:38,524
on the construction
of a Ventaxian home.
530
00:26:38,558 --> 00:26:42,324
Because the dispute
involved an alien culture
531
00:26:42,362 --> 00:26:44,262
the parties decided
that arbitration
532
00:26:44,297 --> 00:26:46,925
rather than the courts,
should resolve the issue.
533
00:26:46,999 --> 00:26:49,467
Both parties agreed
to chose an arbitrator.
534
00:26:49,502 --> 00:26:54,667
It is the only known case
involving an alien claimant.
535
00:26:54,707 --> 00:26:55,674
That's exactly what I needed.
536
00:26:55,708 --> 00:26:57,369
Well done, Data.
537
00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:02,978
Shuttlecraft One to Enterprise.
538
00:27:03,015 --> 00:27:04,983
Prepare for docking sequence.
539
00:27:05,017 --> 00:27:07,008
Proceed, Shuttle One.
540
00:27:10,857 --> 00:27:12,484
Enterprise?
541
00:27:12,525 --> 00:27:15,358
Enterprise, do you read me?
542
00:27:16,996 --> 00:27:18,327
Enterprise, come in.
543
00:27:30,610 --> 00:27:33,443
I cannot locate the Enterprise
anywhere within one light-year
544
00:27:33,479 --> 00:27:34,605
of the planet, sir.
545
00:27:34,647 --> 00:27:36,774
I don't believe Ardra
is capable of transporting
546
00:27:36,816 --> 00:27:38,283
the Enterprise
a light-year away.
547
00:27:38,317 --> 00:27:39,716
Keep hailing them, Mr. Data.
548
00:27:39,752 --> 00:27:41,083
Repeat on all frequencies.
549
00:27:41,120 --> 00:27:43,054
Hey, I think
we found something here.
550
00:27:46,959 --> 00:27:48,927
There's a sudden jump
in Z-particle readings
551
00:27:49,028 --> 00:27:51,258
just about the time
the Enterprise disappeared.
552
00:27:51,297 --> 00:27:52,321
Where did it originate?
553
00:27:52,365 --> 00:27:53,662
It was too brief to pinpoint.
554
00:27:53,699 --> 00:27:55,690
But it could suggest
a hidden power source.
555
00:27:55,735 --> 00:27:57,930
Gentlemen, we need
to find that source
556
00:27:58,037 --> 00:27:59,937
if we are to defeat this woman.
557
00:28:00,006 --> 00:28:01,098
Well, if you can get her
558
00:28:01,140 --> 00:28:03,335
to perform a few more
magic tricks like that one
559
00:28:03,376 --> 00:28:05,207
we just might be able
to track it down.
560
00:28:07,213 --> 00:28:09,875
So, I trust you have
a bit more respect for me now.
561
00:28:09,949 --> 00:28:11,541
What have you done with my ship?
562
00:28:11,584 --> 00:28:13,779
I've done nothing
with your ship.
563
00:28:13,820 --> 00:28:16,050
My ship is safely
in my possession.
564
00:28:16,088 --> 00:28:17,851
I do not recognize
565
00:28:17,890 --> 00:28:19,881
your claim on the Enterprise
566
00:28:19,992 --> 00:28:22,460
nor on this world
for that matter
567
00:28:22,495 --> 00:28:26,158
and in accordance
with Ventaxian legal precedent
568
00:28:26,199 --> 00:28:28,133
I call for an arbitration.
569
00:28:28,167 --> 00:28:29,429
An arbitration?
570
00:28:29,469 --> 00:28:31,266
There's nothing
here to arbitrate.
571
00:28:31,304 --> 00:28:32,532
Oh, but there is.
572
00:28:32,572 --> 00:28:34,733
You're a fraud, madam,
and I intend to prove
573
00:28:34,774 --> 00:28:36,332
that you could not have effected
574
00:28:36,375 --> 00:28:38,502
the changes that took
place on this planet.
575
00:28:38,544 --> 00:28:39,511
Do you not believe
576
00:28:39,545 --> 00:28:41,638
what you see with your own eyes?
577
00:28:41,681 --> 00:28:42,909
Your ship is gone, Captain.
578
00:28:43,015 --> 00:28:44,209
An illusion.
579
00:28:44,250 --> 00:28:46,081
Magicians have been
making things of all sort
580
00:28:46,118 --> 00:28:47,085
disappear for ages.
581
00:28:47,119 --> 00:28:48,916
Oh, you underestimate me
582
00:28:48,955 --> 00:28:52,322
but then, most people do,
until it's too late.
583
00:28:52,358 --> 00:28:54,349
But if you are
who you say you are
584
00:28:54,393 --> 00:28:56,122
then you have nothing to lose.
585
00:28:56,162 --> 00:28:57,823
I also have nothing to gain.
586
00:28:57,864 --> 00:29:00,264
I already have possession
of this planet
587
00:29:00,299 --> 00:29:01,857
and your ship.
588
00:29:01,901 --> 00:29:06,270
I am prepared to offer
an added incentive.
589
00:29:06,305 --> 00:29:07,670
If you win...
590
00:29:07,707 --> 00:29:11,871
I'll take you to the
ruins of Ligillium.
591
00:29:11,944 --> 00:29:13,878
The Zaterl emerald?
592
00:29:13,980 --> 00:29:16,278
You know where it is?
593
00:29:16,315 --> 00:29:18,715
Yes, I do.
594
00:29:20,453 --> 00:29:21,977
Oh...
595
00:29:23,089 --> 00:29:25,887
You are too clever, Captain
596
00:29:25,958 --> 00:29:28,426
but I have enough jewels.
597
00:29:28,461 --> 00:29:32,329
If you wish
this foolish arbitration
598
00:29:32,365 --> 00:29:35,232
I will choose my own prize.
599
00:29:35,268 --> 00:29:37,259
And what would that be?
600
00:29:41,841 --> 00:29:43,638
You.
601
00:29:43,676 --> 00:29:47,476
By all rights,
your body is already mine
602
00:29:47,513 --> 00:29:49,777
but I want more.
603
00:29:49,815 --> 00:29:51,874
I want your heart,
your mind, your soul
604
00:29:51,918 --> 00:29:55,081
and I want you to give them
to me without resistance
605
00:29:55,121 --> 00:29:57,180
of your own free will.
606
00:29:57,223 --> 00:30:03,128
So, do you still wish to pursue
this most dangerous game?
607
00:30:05,798 --> 00:30:08,198
I agree to your terms.
608
00:30:08,234 --> 00:30:12,933
Oh, Picard, I will enjoy you
morning, noon and night.
609
00:30:12,972 --> 00:30:18,171
But... we must agree
to an arbitrator.
610
00:30:18,210 --> 00:30:19,700
Very well.
611
00:30:21,714 --> 00:30:23,944
I choose Mr. Data.
612
00:30:24,050 --> 00:30:25,540
Any objections?
613
00:30:25,585 --> 00:30:28,679
But Mr. Data is a member
of my crew.
614
00:30:28,721 --> 00:30:30,416
Of my crew
615
00:30:30,456 --> 00:30:32,549
and he's an android.
616
00:30:32,592 --> 00:30:35,618
He is incapable
of deceit or bias.
617
00:30:35,661 --> 00:30:39,757
He has no feelings to get
in the way of his judgment.
618
00:30:39,799 --> 00:30:41,494
Ardra, before he responds
619
00:30:41,534 --> 00:30:44,992
may I have a word in private
with Captain Picard?
620
00:30:55,748 --> 00:30:58,148
Sir, I request you reject me
as an arbitrator.
621
00:30:58,184 --> 00:30:59,549
Why?
622
00:30:59,585 --> 00:31:00,984
Ardra is right.
623
00:31:01,020 --> 00:31:03,284
If I am chosen,
I will perform my duties
624
00:31:03,322 --> 00:31:04,846
without bias or sentiment.
625
00:31:04,890 --> 00:31:05,914
I cannot guarantee
626
00:31:05,992 --> 00:31:08,324
I will deliver
a verdict in your favor.
627
00:31:08,361 --> 00:31:11,228
Data, where else on this planet
628
00:31:11,263 --> 00:31:14,926
can I find someone
she cannot intimidate?
629
00:31:15,034 --> 00:31:18,470
Sir, I will have to follow
the rules of conduct
630
00:31:18,504 --> 00:31:20,131
for a Ventaxian jurist.
631
00:31:20,172 --> 00:31:21,662
I understand.
632
00:31:21,707 --> 00:31:23,641
You'll make a fine judge.
633
00:31:27,160 --> 00:31:29,287
1,000 years ago,
our planet was dying.
634
00:31:29,329 --> 00:31:31,559
Overcrowded and dangerous
city-states
635
00:31:31,598 --> 00:31:33,691
warred unceasingly
with each other.
636
00:31:33,733 --> 00:31:36,497
The air and water were polluted
with industrial waste
637
00:31:36,536 --> 00:31:39,630
and there was a constant threat
of starvation and epidemic.
638
00:31:39,673 --> 00:31:41,140
Then what happened?
639
00:31:41,174 --> 00:31:44,337
And then... you came.
640
00:31:44,377 --> 00:31:45,537
Objection.
641
00:31:45,579 --> 00:31:46,910
There is no conclusive evidence
642
00:31:47,013 --> 00:31:49,607
that this woman ever visited
this planet 1,000 years ago.
643
00:31:49,649 --> 00:31:52,618
And I suppose you want
a thousand-year-old witness?
644
00:31:52,652 --> 00:31:55,416
That would be acceptable.
645
00:31:55,455 --> 00:31:58,253
Jared, in the contract
does it specify
646
00:31:58,291 --> 00:32:01,124
how you would know me
when I return?
647
00:32:01,161 --> 00:32:03,959
Yes, by the date.
648
00:32:03,997 --> 00:32:05,487
Anything else?
649
00:32:05,532 --> 00:32:09,696
By the shaking of the cities
and by the visions.
650
00:32:09,736 --> 00:32:11,966
And all of these
occurred on schedule?
651
00:32:12,005 --> 00:32:13,734
Yes.
652
00:32:13,773 --> 00:32:15,764
Thank you.
653
00:32:15,809 --> 00:32:20,212
Your Honor, I submit that I
have established my identity
654
00:32:20,247 --> 00:32:22,875
as stated by the contract.
655
00:32:22,983 --> 00:32:24,541
Captain Picard
656
00:32:24,584 --> 00:32:27,451
my interpretation
of Ventaxian law
657
00:32:27,487 --> 00:32:30,285
suggests that,
under these circumstances
658
00:32:30,323 --> 00:32:31,790
this is acceptable.
659
00:32:31,825 --> 00:32:33,884
Your objection is overruled.
660
00:32:33,994 --> 00:32:35,359
But, Your Honor...
661
00:32:35,395 --> 00:32:36,362
Sir
662
00:32:36,396 --> 00:32:38,296
I have ruled.
663
00:32:38,331 --> 00:32:40,299
Please sit down.
664
00:32:45,438 --> 00:32:47,429
You may proceed.
665
00:32:47,474 --> 00:32:49,635
Thank you, Your Honor.
666
00:32:49,676 --> 00:32:52,406
Now, when I first
set foot on Ventax II
667
00:32:52,445 --> 00:32:54,743
what did I offer your people?
668
00:32:54,781 --> 00:32:56,681
According to the scrolls
669
00:32:56,716 --> 00:32:58,911
you offered us 1,000 years
of peace and prosperity
670
00:32:59,019 --> 00:33:01,283
if we would promise
to surrender ourselves to you
671
00:33:01,321 --> 00:33:02,583
at the end of the term.
672
00:33:02,622 --> 00:33:05,614
And why do you think they
would strike such a bargain?
673
00:33:05,659 --> 00:33:07,286
We had nothing to lose.
674
00:33:07,327 --> 00:33:09,318
There was no hope in sight.
675
00:33:09,362 --> 00:33:10,761
Until I came along.
676
00:33:10,797 --> 00:33:11,764
Objection!
677
00:33:11,798 --> 00:33:13,663
I withdraw the observation.
678
00:33:15,302 --> 00:33:17,463
No further questions.
679
00:33:19,239 --> 00:33:22,868
Your Honor, nothing in this
testament proves that Ardra
680
00:33:22,943 --> 00:33:26,435
had the power to affect
the lives of the Ventaxians.
681
00:33:26,479 --> 00:33:28,879
My opponent has failed
to prove her case
682
00:33:28,949 --> 00:33:31,975
and I move that her claim
be summarily dismissed.
683
00:33:32,018 --> 00:33:35,476
I find no cause to invalidate
the contract at this time.
684
00:33:35,522 --> 00:33:37,786
The arbitration will continue.
685
00:33:37,824 --> 00:33:42,591
Your Honor, Captain Picard,
as a new visitor to my planet
686
00:33:42,629 --> 00:33:46,497
has been a consistent doubter
of my abilities.
687
00:33:46,533 --> 00:33:49,195
I would like to ask him
a few questions, if I may.
688
00:33:49,236 --> 00:33:50,533
It is highly irregular
689
00:33:50,570 --> 00:33:52,561
to question
the opposing advocate
690
00:33:52,606 --> 00:33:54,574
but I see no reason to deny it.
691
00:33:54,608 --> 00:33:56,235
Proceed.
692
00:33:56,276 --> 00:33:59,712
Please do not take any offense
to these questions, Captain.
693
00:33:59,746 --> 00:34:01,543
You know how fond I am of you.
694
00:34:01,581 --> 00:34:02,741
Objection.
695
00:34:02,782 --> 00:34:04,010
Sustained.
696
00:34:04,050 --> 00:34:06,450
The advocate will refrain
from expressing
697
00:34:06,486 --> 00:34:08,716
personal affections
for her opponent.
698
00:34:11,057 --> 00:34:13,457
You do not believe
my powers are real, do you?
699
00:34:13,493 --> 00:34:15,461
No, I don't.
700
00:34:15,495 --> 00:34:18,931
Then, sir, may I ask you
to explain this?
701
00:34:25,739 --> 00:34:27,468
You are out of order.
702
00:34:27,507 --> 00:34:29,270
Or this?
703
00:34:33,280 --> 00:34:37,649
The advocate will refrain from
making her opponent disappear.
704
00:34:39,519 --> 00:34:41,510
Or this?
705
00:34:44,491 --> 00:34:47,517
Can you explain it, Picard?
706
00:34:47,560 --> 00:34:49,050
Any more disruptions
707
00:34:49,095 --> 00:34:51,689
and I will rule you
in contempt of court.
708
00:34:51,731 --> 00:34:53,528
Is that understood?
709
00:34:55,268 --> 00:34:57,099
I am sorry, Your Honor
710
00:34:57,137 --> 00:35:01,096
but can you explain it, Picard?
711
00:35:01,141 --> 00:35:03,268
Yes or no?
712
00:35:04,744 --> 00:35:06,405
No.
713
00:35:08,181 --> 00:35:10,945
I rest my case, Your Honor.
714
00:35:24,047 --> 00:35:26,140
The decay rate
of these Z-particles
715
00:35:26,182 --> 00:35:29,049
make it almost impossible
to trace the source.
716
00:35:29,085 --> 00:35:31,849
I'm correlating
the particle trajectories.
717
00:35:31,955 --> 00:35:33,820
They're beginning to align.
718
00:35:33,857 --> 00:35:34,846
Wait a minute.
719
00:35:37,594 --> 00:35:40,529
I have coordinates.
720
00:35:40,563 --> 00:35:44,693
34 degrees north, 62 degrees
east, at an altitude
721
00:35:44,734 --> 00:35:46,531
of 210 kilometers.
722
00:35:46,569 --> 00:35:47,968
That would
723
00:35:48,004 --> 00:35:51,701
put it in orbit, uh,
above the Western magnetic pole.
724
00:35:51,741 --> 00:35:53,208
Running visual scan.
725
00:35:56,346 --> 00:35:57,643
Nothing.
726
00:35:57,681 --> 00:36:01,378
Uh-uh. This time,
I don't buy the magic.
727
00:36:01,418 --> 00:36:03,283
Something's got to be there.
728
00:36:05,689 --> 00:36:08,419
Jared, you've described
quite thoroughly
729
00:36:08,458 --> 00:36:10,255
the history of your people
730
00:36:10,293 --> 00:36:12,761
before and after
Ardra's first visit
731
00:36:12,796 --> 00:36:16,926
but I am a little unclear
about the change itself.
732
00:36:16,966 --> 00:36:20,424
Did Ardra simply...
snap her fingers
733
00:36:20,470 --> 00:36:24,600
and transform the planet
into this paradise?
734
00:36:24,641 --> 00:36:26,939
No. The changes
occurred gradually
735
00:36:26,976 --> 00:36:28,739
over a long period of time.
736
00:36:28,778 --> 00:36:30,541
Did she personally
form the government
737
00:36:30,580 --> 00:36:33,105
that so peacefully ruled
this planet for a millennium?
738
00:36:33,149 --> 00:36:35,014
No.
739
00:36:35,051 --> 00:36:38,282
Historical records indicate
a council was convened
740
00:36:38,321 --> 00:36:39,948
to assess our options.
741
00:36:39,989 --> 00:36:42,253
They drew up a new constitution
742
00:36:42,292 --> 00:36:44,385
which the population
later ratified.
743
00:36:44,427 --> 00:36:47,555
I see.
So she advised this council?
744
00:36:47,597 --> 00:36:49,792
No.
745
00:36:49,833 --> 00:36:51,391
No?
746
00:36:51,434 --> 00:36:55,234
Then she must have destroyed
all the weapons on the planet.
747
00:36:55,271 --> 00:36:57,569
No, our leaders did that
748
00:36:57,607 --> 00:37:01,873
and they signed a treaty
of non-aggression.
749
00:37:03,947 --> 00:37:05,574
Well, then, let's move on
750
00:37:05,615 --> 00:37:08,914
to the environmental gains
on Ventax II.
751
00:37:08,952 --> 00:37:10,920
How were they accomplished?
752
00:37:10,954 --> 00:37:13,047
We shifted our economy
753
00:37:13,089 --> 00:37:15,751
from an industrial
to an agrarian base.
754
00:37:15,792 --> 00:37:18,124
It was more ecologically sound.
755
00:37:18,161 --> 00:37:22,723
But Ardra must have purified
the polluted water and air.
756
00:37:22,766 --> 00:37:26,133
No, the record shows
757
00:37:26,169 --> 00:37:29,730
there were a series of
initiatives covering everything
758
00:37:29,773 --> 00:37:33,140
from atmospheric contaminants
to... waste disposal.
759
00:37:33,176 --> 00:37:37,340
Did she not even pick up
one piece of trash?
760
00:37:37,380 --> 00:37:39,109
Ardra had left Ventax II
761
00:37:39,149 --> 00:37:41,947
before the environmental reforms
began.
762
00:37:41,985 --> 00:37:45,944
Forgive me,
but it sounds as if...
763
00:37:45,989 --> 00:37:50,085
with a lot of courage
and hard work
764
00:37:50,126 --> 00:37:55,826
your ancestors changed
this world all by themselves.
765
00:37:55,865 --> 00:38:00,495
Objection. The advocate
is drawing conclusions.
766
00:38:00,537 --> 00:38:04,405
Sustained. I will
draw my own conclusions
767
00:38:04,441 --> 00:38:06,932
if you do not mind... sir.
768
00:38:06,976 --> 00:38:09,103
No further questions.
769
00:38:12,449 --> 00:38:14,576
Rebuttal?
770
00:38:14,617 --> 00:38:17,108
Just two questions.
771
00:38:18,121 --> 00:38:20,248
Is there any doubt in your mind
772
00:38:20,290 --> 00:38:23,487
any doubt at all... that if I
had not intervened
773
00:38:23,526 --> 00:38:27,462
the terrible conditions here
would have continued?
774
00:38:28,565 --> 00:38:30,692
I remind you
that you're under oath.
775
00:38:32,635 --> 00:38:35,729
No doubt at all.
776
00:38:35,772 --> 00:38:38,741
Then, as former head of state
for the Ventaxian people
777
00:38:38,775 --> 00:38:40,606
you are satisfied
that I fulfilled
778
00:38:40,643 --> 00:38:41,974
my part of the bargain?
779
00:38:44,414 --> 00:38:46,279
Yes, Ardra.
780
00:38:46,316 --> 00:38:47,374
Thank you.
781
00:38:47,417 --> 00:38:49,851
Your Honor,
what more can be said?
782
00:38:49,886 --> 00:38:50,853
Both sides agree
783
00:38:50,920 --> 00:38:53,218
the terms of the contract
have been fulfilled.
784
00:38:53,256 --> 00:38:57,420
Captain Picard, do you have
any further evidence to present
785
00:38:57,460 --> 00:38:59,223
before I render judgment?
786
00:39:01,297 --> 00:39:02,992
I believe my associate,
Mr. La Forge
787
00:39:03,032 --> 00:39:05,159
may be bringing the answer
to that question.
788
00:39:05,201 --> 00:39:06,896
I request a recess.
789
00:39:06,936 --> 00:39:08,062
Hi, Data.
790
00:39:08,104 --> 00:39:09,901
Geordi.
791
00:39:09,939 --> 00:39:11,998
One hour recess is granted.
792
00:39:21,417 --> 00:39:24,580
Mr. La Forge, my reputation
as a litigator...
793
00:39:24,621 --> 00:39:26,919
not to mention
my immortal soul...
794
00:39:26,956 --> 00:39:28,548
is in serious jeopardy.
795
00:39:28,591 --> 00:39:30,149
Well, whatever's been
going on over here
796
00:39:30,193 --> 00:39:31,421
gave us exactly what we needed.
797
00:39:31,461 --> 00:39:33,793
Have you identified
the source of her power?
798
00:39:33,830 --> 00:39:35,798
A cloaked ship.
799
00:39:35,832 --> 00:39:38,096
She has a Romulan
cloaking device?
800
00:39:38,134 --> 00:39:40,364
More likely a bad copy of one.
801
00:39:40,403 --> 00:39:42,371
We picked it up on
a wavelength stretchout.
802
00:39:42,405 --> 00:39:43,497
And the Enterprise?
803
00:39:43,540 --> 00:39:45,508
Exactly where it's
supposed to be.
804
00:39:45,542 --> 00:39:47,635
Ardra extended
her cloaking shields around it...
805
00:39:47,677 --> 00:39:49,042
set up a subspace damping field
806
00:39:49,078 --> 00:39:50,705
to interfere
with normal operations.
807
00:39:50,747 --> 00:39:52,305
I've isolated
the frequency spread
808
00:39:52,348 --> 00:39:54,111
and penetrated the field.
809
00:39:54,150 --> 00:39:55,617
Can you make contact?
810
00:39:55,652 --> 00:39:57,017
Already have.
811
00:39:57,053 --> 00:39:58,953
This is what I want to do
812
00:39:58,988 --> 00:40:01,218
but we have less than an hour...
813
00:40:07,376 --> 00:40:10,277
Jared, you are a wise
and experienced leader
814
00:40:10,313 --> 00:40:12,440
and I assume that you
trust your senses.
815
00:40:12,481 --> 00:40:13,778
Yes, I would say so.
816
00:40:13,816 --> 00:40:16,614
And all your senses tell you
that this woman here
817
00:40:16,652 --> 00:40:19,746
is the most powerful force
on this planet, don't they?
818
00:40:19,789 --> 00:40:21,450
Yes.
819
00:40:21,490 --> 00:40:24,857
And what would you say
if I were to tell you
820
00:40:24,894 --> 00:40:27,488
that she has no powers
whatsoever?
821
00:40:27,530 --> 00:40:30,226
But we have seen her powers
here.
822
00:40:30,266 --> 00:40:31,790
That's right
823
00:40:31,834 --> 00:40:33,825
and you will again.
824
00:40:33,869 --> 00:40:36,463
Oh, yes... Ardra's magic.
825
00:40:36,505 --> 00:40:38,837
Jared, would you believe me
826
00:40:38,874 --> 00:40:42,537
if I told you
that I could steal her powers
827
00:40:42,578 --> 00:40:46,070
and perform the same magic acts
as she does?
828
00:40:46,115 --> 00:40:49,881
I'm sorry, Captain Picard,
but you are not Ardra.
829
00:40:49,985 --> 00:40:52,749
No, that's true.
830
00:40:52,788 --> 00:40:54,585
I'm not Ardra
831
00:40:54,623 --> 00:40:58,787
but I can create tremors
just as she did.
832
00:41:01,731 --> 00:41:03,528
Objection, Your Honor.
833
00:41:05,201 --> 00:41:06,998
I think he deserves
some leeway.
834
00:41:07,036 --> 00:41:08,060
Overruled.
835
00:41:08,104 --> 00:41:10,163
But that will be
quite enough, Captain.
836
00:41:10,206 --> 00:41:11,434
Of course.
837
00:41:11,474 --> 00:41:14,705
Ardra, will you do the honors
and stop the tremors?
838
00:41:14,744 --> 00:41:17,144
Uh... of course.
839
00:41:19,315 --> 00:41:21,249
Is something the matter?
840
00:41:21,283 --> 00:41:23,683
I like the tremors.
841
00:41:23,719 --> 00:41:26,187
Well, I don't.
842
00:41:26,222 --> 00:41:30,352
Do you recognize
the same old bag of tricks?
843
00:41:30,393 --> 00:41:32,258
What about this one?
844
00:41:33,796 --> 00:41:36,526
Come back, Ardra, if you can.
845
00:41:36,565 --> 00:41:37,623
No?
846
00:41:37,666 --> 00:41:39,998
Fine. Allow me.
847
00:41:43,072 --> 00:41:45,040
Of all the impudence.
848
00:41:45,074 --> 00:41:46,598
Impudence?
849
00:41:46,642 --> 00:41:50,100
Impudence is pretending
850
00:41:50,146 --> 00:41:52,740
to be Fek'lhr of Klingon.
851
00:41:52,782 --> 00:41:55,114
Your leeway has run out,
Captain.
852
00:41:56,485 --> 00:41:58,646
Your Honor
853
00:41:58,687 --> 00:42:01,087
I appreciate your indulgence.
854
00:42:01,123 --> 00:42:02,750
Allow me to explain.
855
00:42:02,792 --> 00:42:04,919
A team from the Enterprise
856
00:42:04,960 --> 00:42:08,020
has taken control of...
this woman's ship
857
00:42:08,063 --> 00:42:11,191
now in orbit around Ventax II.
858
00:42:11,233 --> 00:42:13,428
Thank you for your help,
Number One.
859
00:42:13,469 --> 00:42:15,437
Glad to be of service, sir.
860
00:42:15,471 --> 00:42:17,598
They have been monitoring me
on my communicator.
861
00:42:17,640 --> 00:42:21,770
Executing a prearranged program
on her ship's computer...
862
00:42:21,811 --> 00:42:25,269
a fairly ingenious combination
of force field projection
863
00:42:25,314 --> 00:42:27,976
holography
and transporter effects.
864
00:42:28,017 --> 00:42:30,281
Ardra controls her "magic"
865
00:42:30,319 --> 00:42:34,153
literally by the blink
of an eye...
866
00:42:34,190 --> 00:42:35,953
centuries-old technology.
867
00:42:35,991 --> 00:42:39,620
An implant which permits
the movements of her eye
868
00:42:39,662 --> 00:42:43,063
to choose and activate
each illusion.
869
00:42:43,098 --> 00:42:46,226
Ardra once told us that she
is known by many names.
870
00:42:46,268 --> 00:42:48,395
Well, at least in that,
she was being honest.
871
00:42:48,437 --> 00:42:52,430
Her crew have admitted
that she is known by 23 aliases
872
00:42:52,475 --> 00:42:54,568
in this sector alone.
873
00:42:54,610 --> 00:42:56,601
You had no right.
874
00:42:56,645 --> 00:43:00,581
Deceiving innocent people with
her petty schemes for years.
875
00:43:00,616 --> 00:43:02,243
Ventax II must have offered her
876
00:43:02,284 --> 00:43:05,253
the greatest opportunity
of her nefarious career.
877
00:43:05,287 --> 00:43:08,518
She learned of the myth
of Ardra, studied it
878
00:43:08,557 --> 00:43:11,583
and so expertly played
on your fears
879
00:43:11,627 --> 00:43:16,121
that your people were ready
to virtually surrender to her.
880
00:43:17,900 --> 00:43:22,166
Your Honor,
under the circumstances
881
00:43:22,204 --> 00:43:24,502
I believe it is only fair
882
00:43:24,540 --> 00:43:27,839
that I release the Ventaxians
from their obligation
883
00:43:27,943 --> 00:43:32,937
and I will let them
keep the peace they have
884
00:43:32,982 --> 00:43:36,145
and I will just be on my way.
885
00:43:41,924 --> 00:43:43,721
With the advocate's withdrawal
886
00:43:43,759 --> 00:43:45,852
the contract
is hereby dissolved.
887
00:43:45,928 --> 00:43:49,091
This arbitration is adjourned.
888
00:43:50,099 --> 00:43:52,226
Thank you, Captain Picard.
889
00:43:52,268 --> 00:43:53,792
You saved our lives.
890
00:43:53,836 --> 00:43:56,066
No, Jared,
as I've tried to tell you
891
00:43:56,105 --> 00:43:58,733
you saved your own lives
a long time ago.
892
00:44:03,112 --> 00:44:05,239
Congratulations, sir.
893
00:44:05,281 --> 00:44:07,442
Your Honor.
894
00:44:09,652 --> 00:44:13,088
You would have had
a lot more fun if you'd lost.
895
00:44:13,122 --> 00:44:15,716
Till we meet again,
Jean-Luc Picard
896
00:44:15,758 --> 00:44:18,784
of the Starship Enterprise.