1 00:00:12,360 --> 00:00:16,649 Commander, is it your intention to continue to grow your beard? 2 00:00:18,040 --> 00:00:21,567 Actually, I'm not sure yet. 3 00:00:21,720 --> 00:00:24,451 - Why, Worf? - I was just asking. 4 00:00:26,760 --> 00:00:30,128 Seven-card stud, one-eyed jacks are wild. 5 00:00:31,520 --> 00:00:35,206 - Frankly, Geordi, I like the beard. - Thank you, commander. 6 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:41,368 You know, I have always been a little suspicious of men in beards. 7 00:00:43,000 --> 00:00:44,650 - Why is that? - I don't know. 8 00:00:44,800 --> 00:00:46,529 It's as if they're trying to hide something. 9 00:00:46,720 --> 00:00:48,848 Hide? Don't be ridiculous, doctor. 10 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:51,241 The beard is an ancient and proud tradition. 11 00:00:51,440 --> 00:00:53,044 - Mm. - Some of the most distinguished men 12 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:54,770 in history wore beards, doctor. 13 00:00:54,920 --> 00:00:57,207 I know, but after the razor was invented, 14 00:00:57,360 --> 00:00:59,931 I think beards became mostly a fashion statement. 15 00:01:00,120 --> 00:01:02,327 I'm not concerned with fashion. 16 00:01:02,480 --> 00:01:06,405 To a Klingon, a beard is a symbol of courage. 17 00:01:07,360 --> 00:01:08,964 I think it's a sign of strength. 18 00:01:10,720 --> 00:01:12,882 Sure, and of course, women can't grow beards. 19 00:01:13,040 --> 00:01:16,522 It sounds like you feel that beards are nothing more than an affectation. 20 00:01:16,760 --> 00:01:18,205 I do. 21 00:01:18,920 --> 00:01:20,604 But there's nothing wrong with that. 22 00:01:20,760 --> 00:01:23,331 I mean, women wear makeup and nail polish. 23 00:01:23,520 --> 00:01:26,842 I just think it's time that you men admit it. 24 00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:28,809 My beard is not an affectation. 25 00:01:28,960 --> 00:01:31,531 Oh. Well, then you wouldn't mind shaving it off. 26 00:01:31,680 --> 00:01:34,160 I could lose it in a minute. I've just gotten used to it. 27 00:01:34,960 --> 00:01:37,725 Okay, then why don't we up the stakes a little? 28 00:01:37,880 --> 00:01:42,761 And if I win, all of you shave your beards off. 29 00:01:44,480 --> 00:01:46,005 Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. 30 00:01:46,160 --> 00:01:48,606 What if you lose? What are you gonna give up? 31 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:50,330 I'm open for suggestions. 32 00:01:52,040 --> 00:01:54,008 Well, I've always wanted to see you as a brunette. 33 00:01:54,160 --> 00:01:57,323 Oh, I did that once when I was 13. I couldn't change it back fast enough. 34 00:01:57,480 --> 00:01:59,482 Makes me even more curious. 35 00:02:03,560 --> 00:02:04,686 Fine. 36 00:02:04,840 --> 00:02:07,241 If one of you wins, I'll become a brunette. Are we on? 37 00:02:08,240 --> 00:02:09,480 Yeah. 38 00:02:09,640 --> 00:02:12,484 - Yeah, we'll take that bet. - Hmm. 39 00:02:13,360 --> 00:02:15,362 Looks like you have the hand to beat, commander. 40 00:02:17,680 --> 00:02:19,364 Two hundred. 41 00:02:21,720 --> 00:02:23,324 I'm in 200. 42 00:02:24,880 --> 00:02:27,360 - Geordi... - Ah. 43 00:02:27,520 --> 00:02:29,090 This is the captain. 44 00:02:29,240 --> 00:02:30,605 We have arrived at the Tyran system. 45 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:33,161 All senior staff to the Bridge. 46 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:34,367 Wait. 47 00:02:35,040 --> 00:02:36,530 I'm sorry. You heard the captain. 48 00:02:36,680 --> 00:02:39,251 Duty calls. I guess we'll have to do this some other time. 49 00:02:50,280 --> 00:02:54,444 Captain's log, stardate 46307.2. 50 00:02:54,600 --> 00:02:57,206 We have just come into orbit of Tyrus VIIA 51 00:02:57,400 --> 00:03:00,085 to monitor progress on the Tyran particle fountain, 52 00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:03,011 a radically new mining technology. 53 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:05,965 So far, the project has been fraught with problems 54 00:03:06,160 --> 00:03:07,730 and is well behind schedule. 55 00:03:07,880 --> 00:03:11,930 Mr. La Forge has been assigned to evaluate the situation. 56 00:03:12,440 --> 00:03:15,603 Dr. Farallon, the original plans called for the particle fountain 57 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:18,240 to lift 500 kilograms per minute from the planet's surface. 58 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:20,801 Now, so far, we haven't even come close to that. 59 00:03:20,960 --> 00:03:23,566 Well, that's why I wanna increase the stream density. 60 00:03:23,760 --> 00:03:26,445 That should boost the lift capacity by 72 percent. 61 00:03:26,640 --> 00:03:27,687 But you realize, of course, 62 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:30,081 you're overloading the field generators in the process. 63 00:03:30,240 --> 00:03:33,642 Not if we distribute the overload evenly throughout the system. 64 00:03:33,800 --> 00:03:34,801 Doctor, forgive me. 65 00:03:34,960 --> 00:03:37,406 We should concentrate on completing this phase of the project 66 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:39,449 before we start talking about redesigning it. 67 00:03:39,960 --> 00:03:43,487 Commander, I know you're here to evaluate this project. 68 00:03:43,640 --> 00:03:47,850 Starfleet is considering using a particle fountain on Carema Ill. 69 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:50,048 They wanna know how feasible it is. 70 00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:52,328 And will your opinion be the deciding factor? 71 00:03:52,480 --> 00:03:54,209 No, not really. 72 00:03:54,360 --> 00:03:55,964 I'll make my report to Captain Picard. 73 00:03:56,120 --> 00:03:58,122 He'll make the official recommendation to Starfleet. 74 00:03:58,280 --> 00:04:00,931 - They'll decide. - Well, what's your feeling so far? 75 00:04:01,080 --> 00:04:03,845 Well, it seems to me the question we need to be asking is, 76 00:04:04,000 --> 00:04:07,482 is this technology more efficient than conventional mining techniques? 77 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:10,126 Commander, I know we've had problems here. 78 00:04:10,280 --> 00:04:12,601 It seems like nothing's gone right. 79 00:04:12,760 --> 00:04:14,330 It's taking a lot longer than I thought 80 00:04:14,520 --> 00:04:17,091 to get the particle stream to full strength. 81 00:04:17,240 --> 00:04:19,004 But I know it can work. 82 00:04:19,160 --> 00:04:21,970 This is the direction that mining is going to take in the future. 83 00:04:22,120 --> 00:04:24,726 And it should be implemented on Carema Ill. 84 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:29,124 I know this can be potentially very exciting-- 85 00:04:29,280 --> 00:04:32,727 All right, I wanna show you something I've been working on. 86 00:04:32,880 --> 00:04:35,690 Something that might help us complete this project more quickly. 87 00:04:35,920 --> 00:04:39,163 I've used these on a limited basis, but I-- 88 00:04:43,720 --> 00:04:45,688 Enterprise to Commander La Forge. 89 00:04:45,840 --> 00:04:49,242 I am reading significant power fluctuations from the station core. 90 00:04:49,400 --> 00:04:51,641 - Please report. - La Forge here. 91 00:04:51,800 --> 00:04:53,723 We have a malfunction in one of the power grids. 92 00:04:53,880 --> 00:04:55,723 We're losing particle stream confinement. 93 00:04:55,880 --> 00:04:59,202 - Do you require assistance? - Stand by. 94 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:01,402 I'm sorry, I think we're gonna have to shut it down. 95 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:04,040 It took four months to get the particle flux up to this level. 96 00:05:04,280 --> 00:05:07,045 If we shut it down, it'll take another four months just to get it back. 97 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:09,811 Look, we've got less than five minutes before we lose containment. 98 00:05:09,960 --> 00:05:12,167 The particle stream is gonna flood this entire station. 99 00:05:12,320 --> 00:05:13,685 We have to shut it down then anyway. 100 00:05:13,840 --> 00:05:15,524 Then we'll just have to fix the power grid. 101 00:05:15,680 --> 00:05:17,250 Yeah, but how do we do that? 102 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:20,404 The defective grid is 200 meters down conduit A-2. 103 00:05:20,560 --> 00:05:22,801 We have to disassemble four bulkheads just to get to it. 104 00:05:22,960 --> 00:05:26,567 Well, here's the perfect opportunity to show you what I had in mind. 105 00:05:26,760 --> 00:05:29,650 - What is this? - This is an exocomp. 106 00:05:29,800 --> 00:05:32,690 The experiment I was telling you about. 107 00:05:45,160 --> 00:05:48,084 If it doesn't work, we'll still have time to shut down the fountain. 108 00:05:48,280 --> 00:05:51,329 Enterprise to La Forge. What is your situation? 109 00:05:51,480 --> 00:05:53,448 Unchanged for the moment, but we're working on it. 110 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:55,170 Listen, if this thing doesn't work soon, 111 00:05:55,320 --> 00:05:57,561 we're gonna have to shut this thing down, all right? 112 00:06:07,080 --> 00:06:09,686 The confinement field is at full strength. 113 00:06:09,840 --> 00:06:14,687 Particle flux steady. All power levels are back to normal. 114 00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:16,450 Commander La Forge, please report. 115 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:22,044 We're fine, Data. The power grid is fully restored. 116 00:06:22,200 --> 00:06:24,248 Malfunction seems to have been repaired, 117 00:06:24,440 --> 00:06:28,161 and operations over here at the station are all back to normal. 118 00:06:28,360 --> 00:06:30,806 How were you able to accomplish the repair so quickly? 119 00:06:33,640 --> 00:06:38,328 You know, I'm not exactly sure. 120 00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:10,644 Space, the final frontier. 121 00:07:11,280 --> 00:07:15,205 These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. 122 00:07:15,360 --> 00:07:20,571 to explore strange new worlds, 123 00:07:20,960 --> 00:07:25,090 to seek out new life and new civilizations, 124 00:07:25,440 --> 00:07:29,764 to boldly go where no one has gone before. 125 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:32,365 Captain's log, stardate 46315.2. 126 00:08:32,520 --> 00:08:35,603 Repairs to the particle fountain seem to have succeeded, 127 00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:38,001 and it is now functioning smoothly. 128 00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:40,168 Dr. Farallon is coming aboard 129 00:08:40,320 --> 00:08:43,244 to demonstrate the device that carried out the repairs. 130 00:08:46,960 --> 00:08:49,440 - Energize. - Aye, sir. 131 00:08:54,280 --> 00:08:57,682 Welcome to the Enterprise, doctor. I am Lieutenant Commander Data. 132 00:08:57,880 --> 00:09:01,123 Mr. Data, I was hoping I'd have a chance to meet you. 133 00:09:01,280 --> 00:09:04,090 I've done extensive studies of your positronic network. 134 00:09:04,240 --> 00:09:06,481 And I have studied your design for the particle fountain. 135 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:08,927 I find the concept to be highly innovative. 136 00:09:09,080 --> 00:09:10,127 Thank you. 137 00:09:10,280 --> 00:09:13,682 I am curious how you were able to repair the power grid so quickly. 138 00:09:13,840 --> 00:09:15,490 This should make it clear, commander. 139 00:09:15,640 --> 00:09:17,802 Why don't we set it up in Engineering? 140 00:09:17,960 --> 00:09:20,566 Is it true that your computational speed 141 00:09:20,720 --> 00:09:24,167 is limited only by the physical separation of your positronic links? 142 00:09:24,320 --> 00:09:26,004 Actually, that is no longer the case. 143 00:09:26,160 --> 00:09:30,290 I have recently converted my interlink sequencer to asynchronous operation, 144 00:09:30,440 --> 00:09:32,044 which removed the performance constraint. 145 00:09:34,000 --> 00:09:37,686 I see, but how did you resolve the signal fragmentation? 146 00:09:37,840 --> 00:09:40,161 The interlink sequencer is now bi-directional. 147 00:09:40,320 --> 00:09:42,800 It compensates for the asynchronous mode distortion 148 00:09:42,960 --> 00:09:44,405 arising from the resonant field. 149 00:09:44,600 --> 00:09:46,728 Yes, that's fascinating. 150 00:09:46,880 --> 00:09:49,042 Does the sequencer require any buffering system 151 00:09:49,200 --> 00:09:52,010 to eliminate interference from the positronic matrix? 152 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:56,403 We've been using devices like this on Tyrus VII for years. 153 00:09:56,560 --> 00:10:00,360 The basic unit is a common industrial servo-mechanism. 154 00:10:00,520 --> 00:10:03,205 A few years ago, I started tinkering with one. 155 00:10:03,360 --> 00:10:05,169 This is the result. 156 00:10:05,320 --> 00:10:07,800 Boridium power converter. 157 00:10:08,200 --> 00:10:11,443 Axionic chip network. That's very impressive. 158 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:13,090 In terms of sheer computational speed, 159 00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:15,402 this little guy might be able to compete with you, Data. 160 00:10:15,560 --> 00:10:16,561 Oh. Heh. 161 00:10:16,760 --> 00:10:19,684 The exocomps don't come close to Data's sophistication. 162 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:22,844 - Exocomps? - That's what I call them. 163 00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:29,849 Let's say you had an antimatter flow converter that was fluctuating. 164 00:10:30,840 --> 00:10:32,444 How would you repair it? 165 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:34,807 The correct procedure would be to adjust the converter. 166 00:10:34,960 --> 00:10:37,167 - With what? - A mode stabilizer. 167 00:10:37,720 --> 00:10:41,964 Okay. Let me input the problem into the exocomp. 168 00:10:42,160 --> 00:10:45,209 A fluctuating antimatter flow converter. 169 00:10:45,360 --> 00:10:48,250 Now, let's see what happens. 170 00:10:53,920 --> 00:10:58,130 Mode stabilizer, very nice. 171 00:10:58,280 --> 00:11:00,487 You have incorporated a microreplication system 172 00:11:00,680 --> 00:11:03,729 into the device, in order to fashion tools. 173 00:11:03,880 --> 00:11:05,405 It's more than that. 174 00:11:05,600 --> 00:11:08,570 I designed the exocomps to be problem solvers. 175 00:11:08,720 --> 00:11:11,326 Whenever they perform a task they've never done before, 176 00:11:11,520 --> 00:11:14,842 the microreplicator creates new circuit pathways 177 00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:16,445 within the unit's memory. 178 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:19,331 - So in a sense, they are learning. - Exactly. 179 00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:23,923 The more situations they encounter, the more circuit pathways they build. 180 00:11:24,120 --> 00:11:26,930 They become better tools as they work. 181 00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:29,851 That's very impressive technology, that's for sure. 182 00:11:30,040 --> 00:11:32,850 Once it's out of the experimental stage, there'll be plenty of applications. 183 00:11:33,040 --> 00:11:36,726 Commander, I'm hoping the experimental stage is over. 184 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:38,604 When are we supposed to brief Captain Picard 185 00:11:38,800 --> 00:11:40,290 on the status of the particle fountain? 186 00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:45,281 - Sixteen hundred hours. - Good. I'll have a proposal to make. 187 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:51,562 Captain, I know you're supposed to give your evaluation to Starfleet today. 188 00:11:51,720 --> 00:11:54,530 I'd like you to postpone that report another 48 hours. 189 00:11:54,680 --> 00:11:57,445 The Enterprise is scheduled to leave the Tyran System tomorrow. 190 00:11:57,600 --> 00:11:59,967 If I'm to change that plan, I'll need a very good reason. 191 00:12:00,120 --> 00:12:02,122 I realize that, sir. 192 00:12:02,320 --> 00:12:04,527 If you're going to make a recommendation to Starfleet 193 00:12:04,720 --> 00:12:06,722 about using the particle fountain on Carema, 194 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:09,242 it seems only fair that you should see it operating 195 00:12:09,400 --> 00:12:11,243 - at full strength. - Agreed. 196 00:12:11,400 --> 00:12:13,129 I think I can complete the project 197 00:12:13,280 --> 00:12:15,806 and boost the efficiency of the particle stream 198 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:19,402 if I use exocomps, the new devices I've constructed. 199 00:12:19,560 --> 00:12:21,528 I understand one of these devices 200 00:12:21,680 --> 00:12:23,921 successfully repaired a faulty power grid. 201 00:12:24,080 --> 00:12:25,127 Yes, sir. 202 00:12:25,280 --> 00:12:27,169 I've been testing them on a limited basis, 203 00:12:27,320 --> 00:12:30,881 but I think they're ready to be used on a larger scale. 204 00:12:31,160 --> 00:12:32,685 Mr. La Forge, what are your thoughts? 205 00:12:32,880 --> 00:12:36,168 Well, I guess the only risk is in falling even further behind. 206 00:12:36,320 --> 00:12:39,881 - I'm willing to take that risk. - Mr. Data? 207 00:12:40,640 --> 00:12:43,371 Exocomps are highly sophisticated devices, sir. 208 00:12:43,520 --> 00:12:45,204 If they perform up to expectation, 209 00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:47,886 their potential to advance this project is considerable. 210 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:49,761 I'm inclined to agree. 211 00:12:49,920 --> 00:12:53,208 I don't think that 48 hours is too much time to risk, 212 00:12:53,360 --> 00:12:55,840 particularly when the gains are so substantial. 213 00:12:56,040 --> 00:12:58,247 - You may proceed, doctor. - Thank you, sir. 214 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:03,008 If possible, I'd like Commander Data to work with me. 215 00:13:03,640 --> 00:13:07,087 Thank you, doctor. I welcome the opportunity. 216 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:21,567 Commander, there's a plasma conduit 217 00:13:21,720 --> 00:13:23,961 in one of the access tunnels that's ready to be sealed. 218 00:13:24,120 --> 00:13:25,963 It's the perfect job for an exocomp. 219 00:13:26,120 --> 00:13:28,043 I agree, doctor. 220 00:13:29,880 --> 00:13:33,248 Well, Mr. Data, what is your analysis so far? 221 00:13:33,400 --> 00:13:35,846 I have successfully completed 14 separate tasks 222 00:13:36,040 --> 00:13:38,088 with this exocomp in the past hour. 223 00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:40,447 I estimate it would take two people nine hours 224 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:42,648 to complete the same tasks. 225 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:46,401 I would characterize the unit's performance as excellent. 226 00:13:46,560 --> 00:13:49,370 I hope Commander La Forge and Captain Picard agree with you. 227 00:13:49,520 --> 00:13:53,605 I am confident they will. Commander La Forge is especially... 228 00:13:58,800 --> 00:14:02,282 Hmm. It didn't finish sealing the plasma conduit. 229 00:14:02,480 --> 00:14:04,130 Let me send it back in. 230 00:14:05,320 --> 00:14:07,129 It is not accepting your commands. 231 00:14:07,320 --> 00:14:10,290 Maybe there's a malfunction in the control processor. 232 00:14:10,440 --> 00:14:12,761 Let me see if I can override it. 233 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:15,724 - Doctor? - I'm all right. 234 00:14:15,880 --> 00:14:18,201 The control pad just overloaded. 235 00:14:20,280 --> 00:14:21,770 What's the matter with this thing? 236 00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:41,642 Second Officer's log, stardate 46315.5. 237 00:14:41,800 --> 00:14:43,689 The unexplained behavior of the exocomp 238 00:14:43,840 --> 00:14:47,322 has greatly puzzled both Dr. Farallon and myself. 239 00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:51,644 We've brought the defective unit to the Enterprise for investigation. 240 00:14:52,280 --> 00:14:54,487 The exocomp came out of the plasma conduit. 241 00:14:54,640 --> 00:14:55,971 We tried to override the commands 242 00:14:56,160 --> 00:14:57,889 and send it back in, but it just shut down. 243 00:14:58,080 --> 00:15:00,321 It's been completely unresponsive ever since. 244 00:15:00,480 --> 00:15:03,165 Well, let's see what our computer has to say. 245 00:15:03,320 --> 00:15:07,245 Geordi, the interface circuitry which links the exocomp to the control pad 246 00:15:07,400 --> 00:15:08,845 is completely burned out. 247 00:15:09,000 --> 00:15:10,331 That's strange. 248 00:15:10,480 --> 00:15:12,847 Is there any indication of secondary power surges? 249 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:16,925 No. 250 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:19,844 What's going on there? 251 00:15:20,320 --> 00:15:24,769 Data, increase the magnification of section Gamma-4. 252 00:15:28,280 --> 00:15:30,169 Interesting. 253 00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:34,206 The number of new circuit pathways has increased by 632 percent. 254 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:36,607 - Oh, no. - What is it? 255 00:15:36,760 --> 00:15:40,207 Sometimes an exocomp starts forming large numbers of new pathways 256 00:15:40,360 --> 00:15:41,407 totally at random. 257 00:15:41,560 --> 00:15:44,245 Eventually it reaches a point where it shuts down. 258 00:15:44,440 --> 00:15:46,124 Just like this one. 259 00:15:46,280 --> 00:15:50,080 Doctor, the new pathways do not appear to be interfering 260 00:15:50,240 --> 00:15:51,571 with the original circuitry. 261 00:15:53,000 --> 00:15:56,129 Once the exocomp is this badly corrupted, it's useless. 262 00:15:56,280 --> 00:15:58,442 You have to erase the unit and start all over again. 263 00:15:58,640 --> 00:16:01,041 And there's no time for that now. 264 00:16:01,240 --> 00:16:04,403 That leaves you with only two. It's gonna slow you down. 265 00:16:04,560 --> 00:16:07,530 Yes, commander. You have the right to point out that you told me so. 266 00:16:07,680 --> 00:16:09,170 I only wanted to say that we'd be happy 267 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:11,727 to add on an extra shift to pick up the slack. 268 00:16:13,240 --> 00:16:17,450 I'm sorry. I guess I'm touchy these days. 269 00:16:17,640 --> 00:16:20,371 It's okay. Got a lot on your shoulders. 270 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:26,891 Well, I'd better get back to it. Thanks, commander, Data. 271 00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:32,890 I feel sorry for her. 272 00:16:33,040 --> 00:16:36,044 This project has had nothing but problems. 273 00:16:36,200 --> 00:16:38,646 Why did that plasma conduit explode? 274 00:16:38,800 --> 00:16:41,804 Apparently there was a microfracture in the conduit wall. 275 00:16:41,960 --> 00:16:43,803 The fault did not register on our instruments. 276 00:16:43,960 --> 00:16:47,601 Hmm. Guess it's a good thing the exocomp malfunctioned. 277 00:16:47,760 --> 00:16:50,923 Almost seems like it knew just when to leave. 278 00:16:51,760 --> 00:16:55,082 Geordi, are you implying the exocomp 279 00:16:55,280 --> 00:16:57,931 exhibited some form of self-preservation? 280 00:16:58,120 --> 00:16:59,121 Of course not. 281 00:16:59,280 --> 00:17:01,647 Lieutenant Pierson to Commander La Forge. 282 00:17:01,800 --> 00:17:03,928 Sir, could you join us in the systems monitor room? 283 00:17:04,120 --> 00:17:05,849 On my WaY- 284 00:17:27,080 --> 00:17:30,243 Computer, perform a level-one diagnostic 285 00:17:30,440 --> 00:17:31,965 of the exocomp's command module. 286 00:17:32,120 --> 00:17:35,602 The command pathways are functioning normally. 287 00:17:35,760 --> 00:17:39,162 How can that be if the interface circuitry is burned out? 288 00:17:39,320 --> 00:17:42,529 The interface circuitry has been repaired. 289 00:17:43,320 --> 00:17:45,322 Curious. 290 00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:49,644 Computer, access the exocomp's sensor logs. 291 00:17:49,800 --> 00:17:52,167 Confirm that there was a failure in the interface circuitry 292 00:17:52,320 --> 00:17:54,004 within the last 12 hours. 293 00:17:54,160 --> 00:17:57,881 Confirmed. Interface failure occurred at 1150 hours today, 294 00:17:58,040 --> 00:18:02,011 when the exocomp produced a power surge which burned out the linkage. 295 00:18:02,160 --> 00:18:04,208 How and when was it repaired? 296 00:18:04,360 --> 00:18:10,208 COMPUTER". The exocomp activated a self-repair program at 1340 hours. 297 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:14,166 Why would the exocomp burn out its own interface circuitry 298 00:18:14,360 --> 00:18:16,362 and repair it two hours later? 299 00:18:16,520 --> 00:18:18,204 Unknown. 300 00:18:31,120 --> 00:18:32,963 Here you are. 301 00:18:33,120 --> 00:18:35,691 I thought you'd be hard at work by now. 302 00:18:35,880 --> 00:18:38,611 I wanted a quiet cup of tea before I went back. 303 00:18:38,800 --> 00:18:40,450 Gathering strength, I guess. 304 00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:43,046 I've come to tell you that I've assigned two engineering teams 305 00:18:43,200 --> 00:18:44,884 to work on the particle fountain. 306 00:18:45,040 --> 00:18:47,441 Thank you, commander. I'm grateful. 307 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:51,006 You know, I really want you to know 308 00:18:51,160 --> 00:18:53,640 that I do admire the work that you've done. 309 00:18:53,800 --> 00:18:56,371 And I'm sorry that the exocomps aren't working out. 310 00:18:56,520 --> 00:19:00,241 You were right. I'm trying to move too fast. 311 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:04,291 I guess I lack that conservative streak most scientists have. 312 00:19:04,440 --> 00:19:07,649 I always seem to be out there on the edge, taking chances. 313 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:09,884 I'll bet you were the kind of little girl 314 00:19:10,080 --> 00:19:13,084 who was always climbing one branch higher than the other kids. 315 00:19:13,240 --> 00:19:15,527 Anything to get to the top of the tree. 316 00:19:15,680 --> 00:19:19,207 - And I bet you never fell. - Oh, no, I fell all the time. 317 00:19:19,360 --> 00:19:22,125 Usually breaking a bone in the process. 318 00:19:22,280 --> 00:19:23,964 I just never let it stop me. 319 00:19:25,240 --> 00:19:27,607 Well, if it comes down to sheer determination, 320 00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:29,922 I know you'll get this particle fountain built. 321 00:19:30,080 --> 00:19:32,367 You're right about that, commander. 322 00:19:32,560 --> 00:19:35,530 I've spent the last six years of my life on this project. 323 00:19:35,680 --> 00:19:38,047 It's the first thought I have when I wake up 324 00:19:38,600 --> 00:19:41,331 and the last before I go to bed. 325 00:19:41,480 --> 00:19:45,963 Whatever it takes to prove this technology, I'll do. 326 00:19:48,760 --> 00:19:52,048 Doctor, if you wish to master the bat'leth sword, 327 00:19:52,200 --> 00:19:55,124 you must learn to strike and avoid in the same motion. 328 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:58,648 I almost got in under your guard, Worf. 329 00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:00,610 Almost. 330 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:03,041 Well, I'll keep that in mind next lesson. 331 00:20:03,200 --> 00:20:04,725 Doctor-- 332 00:20:06,400 --> 00:20:10,121 - Are you injured? - Only my pride, Data. 333 00:20:10,280 --> 00:20:12,123 Thanks. 334 00:20:14,280 --> 00:20:18,126 Doctor, what is the definition of life? 335 00:20:25,720 --> 00:20:29,611 That is a big question. Why do you ask? 336 00:20:29,760 --> 00:20:34,129 I am searching for a definition that will allow me to test an hypothesis. 337 00:20:34,280 --> 00:20:38,080 Well, the broadest scientific definition might be 338 00:20:38,240 --> 00:20:42,689 that life is what enables plants and animals to consume food, 339 00:20:42,920 --> 00:20:46,686 derive energy from it, grow, adapt themselves to their surroundings, 340 00:20:46,840 --> 00:20:48,490 - and reproduce. - Hmm. 341 00:20:48,680 --> 00:20:51,524 And you suggest that anything that exhibits these characteristics 342 00:20:51,680 --> 00:20:52,727 is considered alive. 343 00:20:52,880 --> 00:20:55,167 - In general, yes. - What about fire? 344 00:20:55,320 --> 00:20:57,163 - Fire? - Yes. 345 00:20:57,320 --> 00:20:59,641 It consumes fuel to produce energy. 346 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:02,610 It grows. It creates offspring. 347 00:21:02,760 --> 00:21:04,569 By your definition, is it alive? 348 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:07,367 Fire is a chemical reaction. 349 00:21:07,520 --> 00:21:09,921 You could use the same argument for growing crystals, 350 00:21:10,120 --> 00:21:11,963 but obviously, we don't consider them alive. 351 00:21:12,160 --> 00:21:13,286 And what about me? 352 00:21:13,440 --> 00:21:16,523 I do not grow. I do not reproduce. 353 00:21:16,680 --> 00:21:18,489 Yet I am considered to be alive. 354 00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:21,405 That's true. But you are unique. 355 00:21:21,920 --> 00:21:23,365 Hmm. 356 00:21:23,520 --> 00:21:25,249 I wonder if that is so. 357 00:21:25,440 --> 00:21:29,047 Data, if I may ask-- Have a seat. 358 00:21:30,920 --> 00:21:33,571 --What exactly are you getting at? 359 00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:38,120 I am curious as to what transpired between the moment 360 00:21:38,280 --> 00:21:40,487 when I was nothing more than an assemblage of parts 361 00:21:40,640 --> 00:21:43,769 in Dr. Soong's laboratory, and the next moment, 362 00:21:43,920 --> 00:21:45,843 when I became alive. 363 00:21:46,000 --> 00:21:48,241 What is it that endowed me with life? 364 00:21:48,400 --> 00:21:51,244 I remember Wesley asking me a similar question when he was little, 365 00:21:51,400 --> 00:21:53,562 and I tried desperately to give him an answer. 366 00:21:53,720 --> 00:21:55,688 But everything I said sounded inadequate. 367 00:21:55,840 --> 00:21:58,207 Then I realized that scientists and philosophers 368 00:21:58,360 --> 00:22:01,011 have been grappling with that question for centuries, 369 00:22:01,160 --> 00:22:03,003 without coming to any conclusion. 370 00:22:03,160 --> 00:22:05,288 Are you saying the question cannot be answered? 371 00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:07,769 No. 372 00:22:07,920 --> 00:22:12,050 I think I'm saying that we struggle all our lives to answer it. 373 00:22:12,200 --> 00:22:14,601 But it's the struggle that is important. 374 00:22:15,120 --> 00:22:18,203 That's what helps us to define our place in the universe. 375 00:22:19,800 --> 00:22:21,086 Hmm. 376 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:23,729 I believe I understand, doctor. 377 00:22:23,880 --> 00:22:25,769 I don't think I've been very much help to you. 378 00:22:25,960 --> 00:22:27,928 On the contrary. 379 00:22:28,080 --> 00:22:31,243 You have been a great deal of help. Thank you. 380 00:22:41,520 --> 00:22:45,206 Murphy's team will cover Gamma shift from 2300 to 0700 hours. 381 00:22:45,360 --> 00:22:46,407 Yes, commander. 382 00:22:46,560 --> 00:22:47,561 Okay, doctor. 383 00:22:47,760 --> 00:22:49,888 I've split the engineering teams among all the shifts, 384 00:22:50,040 --> 00:22:52,168 and if nothing else goes wrong, that should be enough 385 00:22:52,320 --> 00:22:53,401 to help you finish on time. 386 00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:55,648 With the help of the exocomps, I think we will. 387 00:22:55,800 --> 00:22:57,609 Yeah. Do you think they'll toe the line? 388 00:22:57,760 --> 00:23:00,730 Don't worry. They know who's in charge. 389 00:23:01,920 --> 00:23:05,811 Doctor, I must ask you to stop using the exocomps. 390 00:23:06,440 --> 00:23:08,124 Why, is there something wrong with them? 391 00:23:08,320 --> 00:23:09,685 No, it is not that. 392 00:23:09,840 --> 00:23:14,289 I have reason to believe the exocomps are alive. 393 00:23:21,920 --> 00:23:25,527 Captain's log, stardate 46316.6. 394 00:23:25,680 --> 00:23:28,331 I have summoned the senior staff in order to discuss 395 00:23:28,480 --> 00:23:32,451 Commander Data's theory that the exocomps are a life-form. 396 00:23:32,600 --> 00:23:36,161 Dr. Farallon has attended only reluctantly. 397 00:23:37,400 --> 00:23:39,084 Captain, I object to being called here. 398 00:23:39,240 --> 00:23:41,481 I'm wasting time that could be better spent elsewhere. 399 00:23:41,640 --> 00:23:44,211 Doctor, I appreciate your time constraints, 400 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:48,325 but recognizing new life, whatever its form, 401 00:23:48,480 --> 00:23:50,721 is the principal mission of this vessel. 402 00:23:50,880 --> 00:23:52,484 Please. 403 00:23:55,520 --> 00:23:57,329 Now, Mr. Data, 404 00:23:57,480 --> 00:24:01,371 will you tell us what makes you think that the exocomps are alive? 405 00:24:01,520 --> 00:24:05,206 Sir, when the exocomp left the access tunnel prior to the explosion, 406 00:24:05,360 --> 00:24:07,727 it may have been attempting to save itself from destruction. 407 00:24:07,920 --> 00:24:10,048 Do you have any basis for that conclusion? 408 00:24:10,200 --> 00:24:12,806 Yes, when you attempted to override the exocomp 409 00:24:12,960 --> 00:24:14,405 and send it back into the tunnel, 410 00:24:14,560 --> 00:24:18,121 it responded by deliberately burning out its control interface. 411 00:24:18,280 --> 00:24:19,327 Deliberately? 412 00:24:19,480 --> 00:24:21,767 The computer diagnostic showed that the exocomp 413 00:24:21,920 --> 00:24:23,331 disabled its own interface. 414 00:24:23,520 --> 00:24:25,727 That could have been nothing more than a malfunction. 415 00:24:25,920 --> 00:24:28,526 However, two hours later when it was back aboard the Enterprise 416 00:24:28,680 --> 00:24:31,206 and no longer in danger, it repaired itself. 417 00:24:33,960 --> 00:24:36,566 I believe the exocomp was protecting itself. 418 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:40,406 And if that is true, it has demonstrated an awareness of its environment 419 00:24:40,600 --> 00:24:42,887 and an ability to adapt to that environment. 420 00:24:43,600 --> 00:24:46,126 You're anthropomorphizing these units. 421 00:24:46,280 --> 00:24:49,727 Like any mechanical devices, they occasionally malfunction. 422 00:24:50,240 --> 00:24:52,766 One time I saw an exocomp enter a reaction chamber 423 00:24:52,960 --> 00:24:55,531 for no apparent reason and vaporize itself. 424 00:24:55,720 --> 00:24:58,405 Is that supposed to make me think it was depressed and suicidal? 425 00:24:58,600 --> 00:25:01,251 Doctor, why is it so difficult for you to accept the fact 426 00:25:01,400 --> 00:25:03,323 that the exocomp could be alive? 427 00:25:03,520 --> 00:25:06,330 After all, you're talking to a living machine right now. 428 00:25:06,520 --> 00:25:09,046 And I have nothing but the utmost respect 429 00:25:09,200 --> 00:25:11,680 and admiration for Dr. Soong's accomplishment. 430 00:25:11,840 --> 00:25:15,083 But his intention was to create an artificial life-form. 431 00:25:15,280 --> 00:25:17,647 I created the exocomps to be tools. 432 00:25:17,800 --> 00:25:21,282 And there is a big difference between Data and a tool. 433 00:25:21,440 --> 00:25:25,126 Doctor, there is a big difference between you and a virus. 434 00:25:25,280 --> 00:25:26,964 But both are alive. 435 00:25:28,120 --> 00:25:31,283 If the possibility exists, no matter how slight, 436 00:25:31,440 --> 00:25:35,889 that these exocomps are life-forms, then we must examine that possibility. 437 00:25:36,040 --> 00:25:37,246 Thank you, sir. 438 00:25:37,400 --> 00:25:39,129 And until we have a definitive answer, 439 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:42,841 I believe it would be inappropriate to exploit the exocomps as laborers. 440 00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:44,240 Captain, that's absurd. 441 00:25:44,400 --> 00:25:46,402 If they are intelligent life-forms, 442 00:25:46,600 --> 00:25:49,126 we have no right to force them to work for us. 443 00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:51,965 That's like me telling you not to use your tricorder. 444 00:25:52,160 --> 00:25:56,131 - Tricorders aren't alive. - Neither are exocomps. 445 00:25:56,320 --> 00:25:59,164 Uh, clearly, these are difficult issues to resolve. 446 00:25:59,800 --> 00:26:02,565 We have to proceed very carefully. 447 00:26:02,720 --> 00:26:06,725 So the first task is to test Mr. Data's hypothesis. 448 00:26:06,880 --> 00:26:09,929 Data, you're claiming that this exocomp may be alive 449 00:26:10,080 --> 00:26:11,730 because it demonstrated survival instincts. 450 00:26:11,920 --> 00:26:13,160 - Right? - Yes. 451 00:26:13,360 --> 00:26:17,570 Then why don't we just threaten its survival again and see what happens? 452 00:26:22,760 --> 00:26:24,489 Make it so. 453 00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:33,170 Doctor, we're pretty much ready here. 454 00:26:33,360 --> 00:26:35,169 You can begin programming it. 455 00:26:35,360 --> 00:26:37,567 What we've done, captain, is to re-create a situation 456 00:26:37,720 --> 00:26:40,849 similar to the one the exocomp encountered in the plasma conduit. 457 00:26:41,000 --> 00:26:44,004 We've created a small conduit breach in this tube. 458 00:26:44,200 --> 00:26:46,168 The exocomp would normally take several minutes 459 00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:48,607 to complete a repair of this type. 460 00:26:48,760 --> 00:26:50,046 Once it enters the tube, 461 00:26:50,200 --> 00:26:53,329 it will find that a plasma cascade failure is in progress. 462 00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:55,881 - I assume this is a simulation. - Oh, yes, sir. 463 00:26:56,040 --> 00:26:57,769 We're running a transient overload signal 464 00:26:57,920 --> 00:27:00,685 that will simulate a failure in exactly one minute. 465 00:27:00,840 --> 00:27:04,401 If it does possess a survival instinct, as Mr. Data claims, 466 00:27:04,640 --> 00:27:08,008 it will exit the tube before the minute is up in order to save itself. 467 00:27:09,040 --> 00:27:10,849 Very well. Proceed. 468 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:15,528 Okay. Beginning test program now. 469 00:27:15,880 --> 00:27:17,325 One minute. 470 00:27:28,160 --> 00:27:29,491 Fifty seconds. 471 00:27:44,920 --> 00:27:46,251 Thirty seconds. 472 00:28:10,520 --> 00:28:12,409 Ten seconds. 473 00:28:17,480 --> 00:28:20,962 Five, four, three, 474 00:28:21,760 --> 00:28:24,525 two, one. 475 00:28:25,640 --> 00:28:26,687 That's it. 476 00:28:28,200 --> 00:28:31,443 That conduit would have exploded with the exocomp inside. 477 00:28:31,640 --> 00:28:34,371 Go ahead, doctor, bring it back in. 478 00:28:34,560 --> 00:28:35,607 Well, captain, 479 00:28:35,760 --> 00:28:38,491 I think we've spent more than enough time answering this question. 480 00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:41,769 I hope the outcome wasn't too much of a disappointment for you, Mr. Data. 481 00:28:41,920 --> 00:28:43,968 It certainly came as no surprise to me. 482 00:28:44,120 --> 00:28:46,646 - Thank you for your help, doctor. - You're welcome. 483 00:28:46,800 --> 00:28:49,121 Well, I consider this time well spent. 484 00:28:49,280 --> 00:28:51,487 As do I, sir. Thank you. 485 00:28:57,720 --> 00:28:59,848 Thirty seconds. 486 00:29:10,160 --> 00:29:12,208 Twenty seconds. 487 00:29:12,800 --> 00:29:15,883 Commander Riker said you'd still be down here. 488 00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:19,010 He also said the exocomp failed the test. 489 00:29:19,160 --> 00:29:20,730 That is true. 490 00:29:20,880 --> 00:29:23,565 Time expired. Test complete. 491 00:29:23,720 --> 00:29:25,961 I have completed 34 additional tests, 492 00:29:26,120 --> 00:29:28,441 and the results have been the same in each of them. 493 00:29:28,600 --> 00:29:31,763 Perhaps I was wrong in suspecting the exocomp was alive. 494 00:29:31,920 --> 00:29:34,491 This was really important to you, wasn't it? 495 00:29:36,240 --> 00:29:39,210 You said earlier that I am unique. 496 00:29:39,360 --> 00:29:41,362 If so, then I am alone in the universe. 497 00:29:41,520 --> 00:29:44,046 When I began investigating the exocomps, 498 00:29:44,200 --> 00:29:48,250 I realized I might be encountering a progenitor of myself. 499 00:29:48,400 --> 00:29:52,291 Suddenly the possibility exists that I am no longer alone. 500 00:29:52,440 --> 00:29:53,441 For that reason, I... 501 00:30:00,920 --> 00:30:03,241 The exocomp has returned. 502 00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:10,523 Wasn't it supposed to do that? 503 00:30:10,680 --> 00:30:12,728 In the previous 34 trials, 504 00:30:12,880 --> 00:30:15,724 I brought it back once the simulated failure occurred. 505 00:30:15,880 --> 00:30:18,451 This time, we were talking, and I neglected to do that. 506 00:30:18,600 --> 00:30:21,729 - I distracted you. I'm sorry. - Do not apologize, doctor. 507 00:30:21,920 --> 00:30:24,082 I believe we have made a significant discovery. 508 00:30:24,280 --> 00:30:25,281 What? 509 00:30:25,440 --> 00:30:27,647 The exocomp has replicated a different tool. 510 00:30:27,840 --> 00:30:31,242 That is not the molecular fuser it had when it entered the Jefferies tube. 511 00:30:35,920 --> 00:30:40,403 Doctor, the exocomp not only completed the repairs, 512 00:30:40,560 --> 00:30:43,245 it also deactivated the overload signal. 513 00:30:43,480 --> 00:30:45,448 I thought this was just a simulation. 514 00:30:45,600 --> 00:30:49,127 It was. And the exocomp must have realized that. 515 00:30:49,320 --> 00:30:53,405 It saw that there was no real danger and completed the repairs. 516 00:30:53,560 --> 00:30:58,248 And replicated the correct tool to eliminate the false overload signal. 517 00:30:59,000 --> 00:31:01,606 I see no other possible explanation. 518 00:31:02,360 --> 00:31:07,082 The exocomp didn't fail the test. It saw right through it. 519 00:31:17,800 --> 00:31:21,521 Captain's log, stardate 46317.8. 520 00:31:21,680 --> 00:31:23,444 At Dr. Farallon's request, 521 00:31:23,600 --> 00:31:27,889 I have agreed to tour the station and assess the situation personally. 522 00:31:28,040 --> 00:31:31,442 I must decide soon whether it is in Starfleefs best interest 523 00:31:31,600 --> 00:31:35,446 to recommend the particle fountain as a reliable technology. 524 00:31:35,600 --> 00:31:37,762 We're definitely making progress, captain. 525 00:31:37,920 --> 00:31:41,288 I'm not sure we'll be at full capacity within the 48-hour deadline, 526 00:31:41,440 --> 00:31:42,487 but we'll be close. 527 00:31:42,640 --> 00:31:45,371 It looks like there's still some difficulty with the phase selectors. 528 00:31:45,520 --> 00:31:48,330 That's true, but I'm sure it's the last real problem. 529 00:31:48,480 --> 00:31:51,006 I hope, for the sake of the project, that you're right, doctor. 530 00:31:51,160 --> 00:31:54,801 I understand, sir. We're going to do our best. 531 00:31:59,680 --> 00:32:02,604 This is strange. Primary power is still online. 532 00:32:02,760 --> 00:32:04,410 Maybe it's another power-grid malfunction. 533 00:32:04,600 --> 00:32:05,840 No, I don't think so. 534 00:32:06,000 --> 00:32:09,368 Something seems to be drawing power into the main particle impeller. 535 00:32:09,520 --> 00:32:12,000 That's not a good sign. It could mean... 536 00:32:13,840 --> 00:32:15,330 We've lost internal confinement. 537 00:32:15,480 --> 00:32:17,130 The particle stream is beginning to surge. 538 00:32:17,280 --> 00:32:19,442 A radiation field is gonna flood this entire chamber. 539 00:32:19,600 --> 00:32:21,125 We've gotta get everybody out of here. 540 00:32:21,280 --> 00:32:23,362 Understood. Doctor, the station must be evacuated. 541 00:32:23,520 --> 00:32:25,249 - I might still be able-- - That's an order. 542 00:32:25,400 --> 00:32:28,085 Now, assemble all your personnel on the Transporter pad now! 543 00:32:28,840 --> 00:32:30,001 Pica rd to Enterprise. 544 00:32:30,160 --> 00:32:32,288 Do you read me? 545 00:32:32,440 --> 00:32:34,363 Riker here, sir. 546 00:32:35,240 --> 00:32:38,005 Radiation field is increasing. We're losing communications. 547 00:32:38,160 --> 00:32:40,208 Prepare for emergency transport. 548 00:32:40,360 --> 00:32:41,885 Red alert. 549 00:32:42,040 --> 00:32:45,726 Riker to Transporter Room Two. Prepare for emergency transport. 550 00:32:45,880 --> 00:32:48,690 Radiation is setting up a field ionization effect, captain. 551 00:32:48,840 --> 00:32:50,444 We've got less than a minute to beam out. 552 00:32:50,600 --> 00:32:53,251 - Is that everybody? - Where's Takenta? 553 00:32:53,400 --> 00:32:55,971 He was over there, near the impeller control. 554 00:32:56,160 --> 00:32:57,685 I'll get him. 555 00:32:59,400 --> 00:33:01,164 Takenta! 556 00:33:02,680 --> 00:33:03,761 Mr. La Forge! 557 00:33:06,800 --> 00:33:08,928 Stand by to transport. 558 00:33:10,680 --> 00:33:12,125 Captain, you'll be trapped here. 559 00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:16,571 Mr. La Forge! 560 00:33:19,760 --> 00:33:20,886 La Forge, are you all right? 561 00:33:21,040 --> 00:33:23,247 Yeah, I'm fine, captain. I only caught the edge of it. 562 00:33:23,400 --> 00:33:24,925 He's dead. 563 00:33:25,320 --> 00:33:26,970 Chief, do you have them? 564 00:33:27,120 --> 00:33:28,121 They're here, sir. 565 00:33:28,280 --> 00:33:30,123 - Is everyone all right? - We're fine, sir. 566 00:33:30,280 --> 00:33:32,442 But Captain Picard, Commander La Forge, 567 00:33:32,600 --> 00:33:35,444 and one of my men are still on the station. 568 00:33:36,240 --> 00:33:37,810 Kelso, can you get them off? 569 00:33:37,960 --> 00:33:41,089 I'm trying, sir. I can't establish a pattern lock. 570 00:33:41,240 --> 00:33:43,607 Commander, we barely managed to transport off ourselves. 571 00:33:43,760 --> 00:33:45,808 The field ionization is too intense. 572 00:33:46,040 --> 00:33:49,010 Commander, the particle fountain is continuing to surge. 573 00:33:49,160 --> 00:33:51,766 At the present rate, the radiation in the station core 574 00:33:51,960 --> 00:33:54,531 will reach fatal levels in 23 minutes. 575 00:34:02,240 --> 00:34:04,004 Captain, if I can access the field emitters, 576 00:34:04,160 --> 00:34:06,003 we should be able to establish a force field. 577 00:34:06,160 --> 00:34:08,811 See if you can link your console to my command system subroutine. 578 00:34:08,960 --> 00:34:10,689 All right. 579 00:34:12,880 --> 00:34:15,770 - Link established. - Okay, here we go. 580 00:34:20,720 --> 00:34:23,530 I'm reading power fluctuations. Force field is not stable. 581 00:34:25,800 --> 00:34:27,450 The emitters are beginning to deteriorate. 582 00:34:27,600 --> 00:34:29,921 - How long can we expect it to last? - Not very long. 583 00:34:30,080 --> 00:34:32,686 We have to keep it up long enough for Commander Riker to get to us. 584 00:34:32,880 --> 00:34:34,166 Well, maybe we can help him out. 585 00:34:34,320 --> 00:34:36,766 See if you can access the emergency shutdown routine. 586 00:34:36,920 --> 00:34:39,685 I'll try to activate the ionic dampers. 587 00:34:41,760 --> 00:34:44,730 A force field was activated on the station a few moments ago. 588 00:34:44,880 --> 00:34:46,530 It is possible that Commander La Forge 589 00:34:46,680 --> 00:34:48,842 has established a low-intensity deflector field. 590 00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:51,970 - It won't last long in that radiation. - No, sir. 591 00:34:52,120 --> 00:34:55,886 My readings indicate that it will fail in approximately 22 minutes. 592 00:34:57,800 --> 00:35:00,644 Okay, we've got 22 minutes. I want some options. 593 00:35:00,800 --> 00:35:02,848 Can we send a shuttlecraft to evacuate them? 594 00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:04,809 We'd never get there in time. 595 00:35:04,960 --> 00:35:06,883 Then we need to shut down the particle fountain. 596 00:35:07,120 --> 00:35:09,202 What if we detonate a low-yield photon torpedo 597 00:35:09,360 --> 00:35:10,521 within the particle stream? 598 00:35:10,680 --> 00:35:12,170 - Wouldn't that shut it down? - Mm-hm. 599 00:35:12,320 --> 00:35:14,402 We'd have to configure the torpedo very carefully. 600 00:35:14,560 --> 00:35:17,530 The shape of the shock wave would be critical, but it could work. 601 00:35:18,320 --> 00:35:19,845 How long would it take to set that up? 602 00:35:20,000 --> 00:35:22,321 I estimate that it would take a minimum of 65 minutes 603 00:35:22,480 --> 00:35:24,050 to properly configure the torpedo. 604 00:35:26,080 --> 00:35:27,969 We don't have that kind of time. 605 00:35:28,120 --> 00:35:31,124 Commander, maybe the exocomps can help us. 606 00:35:31,280 --> 00:35:34,568 I can program their boridium power cells to explode on command. 607 00:35:34,720 --> 00:35:37,610 They can be configured just like a photon torpedo, 608 00:35:37,760 --> 00:35:39,444 but it would only take a couple of minutes. 609 00:35:39,600 --> 00:35:42,410 Commander, I must object to that plan. 610 00:35:42,560 --> 00:35:45,689 Data, we've been through this. We tested the exocomp, and it failed. 611 00:35:45,840 --> 00:35:49,242 Dr. Crusher and I discovered that the exocomp did not fail the test. 612 00:35:49,400 --> 00:35:52,006 It is still my belief we are dealing with a new life-form. 613 00:35:52,160 --> 00:35:55,289 Mr. Data, you know how much I respect yourjudgment. 614 00:35:55,440 --> 00:35:59,650 But I can't risk the captain and Geordi on the basis of your belief. 615 00:36:00,080 --> 00:36:01,411 Prepare the exocomp, doctor. 616 00:36:01,560 --> 00:36:03,085 Commander, if I am correct, 617 00:36:03,240 --> 00:36:05,766 the exocomps will not allow themselves to be destroyed. 618 00:36:05,960 --> 00:36:07,371 They have a sense of survival, 619 00:36:07,560 --> 00:36:10,291 and they will shut down before they will comply with the order. 620 00:36:10,520 --> 00:36:13,126 I could disconnect their command pathways 621 00:36:13,280 --> 00:36:14,645 before I program them. 622 00:36:19,600 --> 00:36:21,045 Do it. 623 00:36:32,760 --> 00:36:34,330 Commander Riker, we're ready. 624 00:36:34,520 --> 00:36:37,683 Mr. Worf, target 200 meters below the apex of the particle stream 625 00:36:37,880 --> 00:36:40,247 and feed the coordinates to Transporter Room Two. 626 00:36:40,400 --> 00:36:41,925 Aye, sir. 627 00:36:43,360 --> 00:36:44,885 Coordinates received. 628 00:36:45,040 --> 00:36:48,010 Mr. Kelso, energize. 629 00:36:51,760 --> 00:36:52,807 Mr. Kelso? 630 00:36:53,960 --> 00:36:55,485 I'm sorry, sir. 631 00:36:55,640 --> 00:36:57,130 The Transporter system just went dead. 632 00:36:57,280 --> 00:36:58,930 There's some kind of malfunction. 633 00:36:59,080 --> 00:37:00,969 Run a diagnostic immediately. 634 00:37:01,120 --> 00:37:03,407 - Try bypassing the-- - Commander. 635 00:37:03,560 --> 00:37:05,369 That will not be necessary. 636 00:37:05,520 --> 00:37:08,251 The Transporter is not malfunctioning. 637 00:37:08,400 --> 00:37:10,880 I have locked out the controls. 638 00:37:21,480 --> 00:37:23,323 I gave you a direct order, Mr. Data. 639 00:37:23,480 --> 00:37:25,847 You release that Transporter lockout now! 640 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:27,331 I cannot do that, sir. 641 00:37:27,480 --> 00:37:30,051 If you don't do it, I will relieve you of duty. 642 00:37:30,240 --> 00:37:31,969 That is your prerogative, sir. 643 00:37:32,120 --> 00:37:33,451 Under Starfleet regulations, 644 00:37:33,640 --> 00:37:36,371 direct insubordination is a court-martial offense. 645 00:37:36,560 --> 00:37:39,291 But I will not release the Transporter. 646 00:37:40,360 --> 00:37:43,204 Data, those are two of your friends out there. 647 00:37:43,400 --> 00:37:45,721 They have saved your life more times than I can remember. 648 00:37:45,880 --> 00:37:48,326 I can't believe you'd be willing to sacrifice them like this. 649 00:37:48,480 --> 00:37:51,723 Commander, please do not think this is an arbitrary decision. 650 00:37:52,400 --> 00:37:55,210 I have considered the ramifications of my actions carefully. 651 00:37:55,360 --> 00:37:59,524 And I do not believe it is justified to sacrifice one life-form for another. 652 00:38:00,280 --> 00:38:03,011 You don't know that the exocomps are life-forms. 653 00:38:03,160 --> 00:38:05,447 It is true I am acting on my personal beliefs. 654 00:38:05,600 --> 00:38:07,807 But I do not see how I can do otherwise. 655 00:38:07,960 --> 00:38:11,043 You're risking a lot on the basis of a belief. 656 00:38:11,200 --> 00:38:13,646 I have observed that humans often base theirjudgments 657 00:38:13,800 --> 00:38:16,565 on what is referred to as instinct or intuition. 658 00:38:17,200 --> 00:38:20,488 Because I am a machine, I lack that particular ability. 659 00:38:20,640 --> 00:38:22,165 However, it may be possible 660 00:38:22,360 --> 00:38:25,045 that I have insight into other machines that humans lack. 661 00:38:25,200 --> 00:38:27,282 If there were a way to save the captain and Geordi 662 00:38:27,440 --> 00:38:29,602 without destroying the exocomps, I would jump on it, 663 00:38:29,760 --> 00:38:32,684 but we have run out of time, and this is the only solution I've got. 664 00:38:32,840 --> 00:38:37,084 Then let me offer an alternative. Transport me to the station. 665 00:38:37,240 --> 00:38:40,403 I will attempt to complete manual shutdown of the particle stream. 666 00:38:40,560 --> 00:38:43,006 The radiation levels are too high, even for you. 667 00:38:43,160 --> 00:38:46,562 Your positronic net would ionize in no time. 668 00:38:46,760 --> 00:38:49,570 I can't let you sacrifice yourself. 669 00:38:49,760 --> 00:38:53,401 Commander, if I give my life for my fellow officers, 670 00:38:53,600 --> 00:38:55,045 that is my choice. 671 00:38:55,200 --> 00:38:57,806 The exocomps no longer have a choice. 672 00:39:02,480 --> 00:39:05,165 Then what if we reconnect their command pathways 673 00:39:05,360 --> 00:39:06,725 and we give them a choice? 674 00:39:06,880 --> 00:39:09,326 You've assumed the exocomps would shut down 675 00:39:09,480 --> 00:39:11,164 before accepting this mission. 676 00:39:11,320 --> 00:39:13,926 What if we ask them if they are willing to proceed? 677 00:39:21,240 --> 00:39:23,208 That sounds reasonable, sir. 678 00:39:23,360 --> 00:39:24,930 If they choose to go, 679 00:39:25,080 --> 00:39:27,560 I would be willing to release the Transporter lockout. 680 00:39:28,600 --> 00:39:30,329 Fair enough. 681 00:39:39,640 --> 00:39:43,326 All right, I've enabled their command pathways. 682 00:39:43,520 --> 00:39:46,330 If the exocomps do not shut down after I have programmed them, 683 00:39:46,480 --> 00:39:49,086 we may assume they're willing to go. 684 00:39:59,640 --> 00:40:01,290 What does that mean? Are they willing to go or not? 685 00:40:01,440 --> 00:40:03,090 Well, they haven't shut down. 686 00:40:03,240 --> 00:40:06,130 They seem to be reprogramming the commands I have entered. 687 00:40:06,280 --> 00:40:07,520 Reprogramming? 688 00:40:07,720 --> 00:40:09,006 Clearly, they are unwilling 689 00:40:09,160 --> 00:40:11,527 to be transported into the stream for detonation. 690 00:40:11,720 --> 00:40:13,848 Although they may have an alternative solution. 691 00:40:14,000 --> 00:40:15,764 Something we haven't considered? 692 00:40:15,920 --> 00:40:18,207 Are you suggesting they have superior intelligence? 693 00:40:18,360 --> 00:40:21,807 No, doctor. But they do have superior experience. 694 00:40:21,960 --> 00:40:23,564 During their service, 695 00:40:23,720 --> 00:40:26,724 the exocomps have interfaced with every part of the station core. 696 00:40:26,920 --> 00:40:29,651 Something none of us has done, including yourself. 697 00:40:29,800 --> 00:40:33,282 They may have another way to control the particle surge. 698 00:40:34,680 --> 00:40:36,523 Those appear to be power taps. 699 00:40:36,680 --> 00:40:38,842 Sir, new coordinates are being fed 700 00:40:39,000 --> 00:40:42,004 to the Transporter by the exocomps. 701 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:44,606 The coordinates are inside the station core. 702 00:40:46,360 --> 00:40:49,204 - Kelso, energize. - Aye, sir. 703 00:40:58,280 --> 00:41:00,009 Mr. La Forge. 704 00:41:04,280 --> 00:41:06,521 What are they up to? 705 00:41:09,880 --> 00:41:12,724 The exocomps are siphoning power from the core. 706 00:41:12,880 --> 00:41:15,247 They're trying to distort the particle stream frequency. 707 00:41:15,400 --> 00:41:16,526 That might open up a window 708 00:41:16,680 --> 00:41:18,682 that the Enterprise can use to beam us out. 709 00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:21,320 If they can modulate the radiation field, it'll work. 710 00:41:21,480 --> 00:41:24,723 They'll have to get the subharmonic frequencies to resonance. 711 00:41:27,720 --> 00:41:31,122 Particle stream frequency is beginning to fluctuate. 712 00:41:32,240 --> 00:41:34,242 They're having difficulty controlling the feedback. 713 00:41:34,400 --> 00:41:37,006 - More power than they can handle. - Can we help them? 714 00:41:37,160 --> 00:41:39,401 Is there any way that we can modulate the power transfer? 715 00:41:39,600 --> 00:41:41,090 No, sir, we've done all that we can do. 716 00:41:41,240 --> 00:41:43,083 It's up to them now. 717 00:41:45,200 --> 00:41:48,602 It's beginning to balance the power absorption rates. 718 00:41:49,280 --> 00:41:53,569 It's working. The particle stream is beginning to distort. 719 00:41:54,600 --> 00:41:56,489 Almost at resonance. 720 00:41:59,800 --> 00:42:01,450 - They've got it. - Drop the force field. 721 00:42:05,200 --> 00:42:08,488 - Commander, I've got a pattern lock. - Energize. 722 00:42:17,280 --> 00:42:20,409 - Can you lock on to the exocomps? - I'm trying, sir. 723 00:42:33,400 --> 00:42:35,971 I'm sorry, sir, I was only able to lock on to two of them. 724 00:42:36,560 --> 00:42:38,927 For some reason, I couldn't fix a signal on the other one. 725 00:42:39,080 --> 00:42:42,163 One of them had to continue disrupting the particle stream. 726 00:42:42,320 --> 00:42:44,846 Absorbing that much power could prevent a signal lock. 727 00:42:45,680 --> 00:42:47,967 It was the only way to save the other two. 728 00:42:57,400 --> 00:43:01,041 I must admit, you've given me a lot to think about, Commander Data. 729 00:43:01,200 --> 00:43:03,806 I don't exactly know what the exocomps are, 730 00:43:03,960 --> 00:43:05,883 but you can be assured that until I do, 731 00:43:06,080 --> 00:43:08,162 I won't be treating them as simple tools. 732 00:43:08,800 --> 00:43:09,881 Thank you, doctor. 733 00:43:10,040 --> 00:43:13,522 I wish your work on the particle fountain had been more successful. 734 00:43:13,680 --> 00:43:16,206 Perhaps the exocomps will help you to reconstruct it. 735 00:43:16,440 --> 00:43:17,771 I hope they will. 736 00:43:17,920 --> 00:43:20,127 And I predict that in a year or two, 737 00:43:20,320 --> 00:43:24,245 you will be able to recommend the technology to Starfleet. 738 00:43:24,600 --> 00:43:26,841 I look forward to it. 739 00:43:28,360 --> 00:43:29,850 Doctor. 740 00:43:34,160 --> 00:43:37,528 - Something more, Mr. Data? - Yes, sir. 741 00:43:37,680 --> 00:43:39,205 I thought you might want to know 742 00:43:39,360 --> 00:43:43,365 why I was willing to risk your life for several small machines. 743 00:43:43,520 --> 00:43:45,887 I think I understand the predicament you were in. 744 00:43:46,040 --> 00:43:47,565 It could not have been an easy choice. 745 00:43:47,760 --> 00:43:49,489 No, sir, it was not. 746 00:43:49,640 --> 00:43:52,291 When my own status as a living being was in question, 747 00:43:52,480 --> 00:43:56,405 you fought to protect my rights, and for that, I will always be grateful. 748 00:43:56,560 --> 00:43:58,847 The exocomps had no such advocate. 749 00:43:59,000 --> 00:44:03,244 If I had not acted on their behalf, they would have been destroyed. 750 00:44:03,400 --> 00:44:05,880 I could not allow that to happen, sir. 751 00:44:06,520 --> 00:44:08,363 Of course you couldn't. 752 00:44:09,240 --> 00:44:12,847 It was the most human decision you've ever made.