1 00:00:02,544 --> 00:00:06,002 PICARD: Captain's log, stardate 41463. 9. 2 00:00:06,215 --> 00:00:07,671 While mapping the Pleiades cluster, 3 00:00:07,841 --> 00:00:09,331 we have been asked by the Federation 4 00:00:09,551 --> 00:00:12,293 to visit a group terraforming Velara III. 5 00:00:12,513 --> 00:00:13,969 Communications have been erratic, 6 00:00:14,181 --> 00:00:16,342 and there is some concern about their welfare. 7 00:00:16,558 --> 00:00:19,140 Entering standard orbit now. 8 00:00:19,353 --> 00:00:21,969 It takes very special people to live in such desolation. 9 00:00:22,189 --> 00:00:25,147 Visionaries who don't see the planet as it is, but as it will be. 10 00:00:25,359 --> 00:00:27,725 I've always wanted to see terraforming in operation. 11 00:00:27,945 --> 00:00:31,403 - Lieutenant Yar, hailing frequencies. - Hailing frequencies open, sir. 12 00:00:31,573 --> 00:00:32,733 Velara Ill base, 13 00:00:32,950 --> 00:00:36,238 this is Captain Picard of the starship Enterprise. 14 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:48,745 No malfunctioning equipment on either side, sir. 15 00:00:48,924 --> 00:00:50,084 They are receiving us. 16 00:00:50,259 --> 00:00:53,877 Velara Ill base, this is the Enterprise. Come in, please. Over. 17 00:00:55,764 --> 00:00:58,050 Maybe no one's home. 18 00:01:00,978 --> 00:01:03,640 We are sensing life-forms, sir. 19 00:01:04,940 --> 00:01:07,522 Velara Ill base, do you copy? 20 00:01:07,734 --> 00:01:11,147 MANDL [OVER COM]: Velara base to Enterprise. 21 00:01:11,363 --> 00:01:16,107 Yes, captain, I'm Director Mandl, and I'm sorry about the delay, 22 00:01:16,326 --> 00:01:19,113 but we weren't expecting visitors. 23 00:01:19,329 --> 00:01:23,698 Terraform Command has asked us to see how you were getting along. 24 00:01:24,084 --> 00:01:26,621 We were a little behind, but we're back on schedule. 25 00:01:27,212 --> 00:01:31,251 And I'd like to hope we'd be allowed to maintain that schedule. 26 00:01:31,675 --> 00:01:34,587 We alarm him for some reason. 27 00:01:36,221 --> 00:01:38,963 Your staff are all well, I presume, director? 28 00:01:39,182 --> 00:01:42,970 Understandably tired. We're working very hard, captain. 29 00:01:43,186 --> 00:01:45,768 Well, if there is anything that we can do to help, 30 00:01:45,981 --> 00:01:47,642 you and your staff are very welcome aboard 31 00:01:47,858 --> 00:01:49,644 for a change of scene, rest. 32 00:01:49,818 --> 00:01:51,558 We have some holodecks which you might enjoy. 33 00:01:51,737 --> 00:01:55,605 No disrespect, sir, but we cannot afford the time. 34 00:01:57,576 --> 00:01:59,988 COMPUTER: Channel closed. - His fear is escalating. 35 00:02:00,203 --> 00:02:03,366 MANDL: If you'll excuse me, sir, I really must get back to work. 36 00:02:03,582 --> 00:02:06,369 - I sense deliberate concealment, sir. - Of what? 37 00:02:06,585 --> 00:02:09,452 I don't know, but it's intense. 38 00:02:10,756 --> 00:02:13,088 Director Mandl, we've heard of your remarkable achievements 39 00:02:13,258 --> 00:02:14,714 in terraforming. 40 00:02:14,926 --> 00:02:17,042 My crew would very much appreciate looking around. 41 00:02:17,262 --> 00:02:19,628 This is not really the best time. 42 00:02:19,848 --> 00:02:22,760 We're at a very critical phase just now. 43 00:02:22,976 --> 00:02:24,841 We would require no special attention. 44 00:02:25,062 --> 00:02:31,274 I'm trying not to be rude, sir, but this is really very inconvenient. 45 00:02:31,485 --> 00:02:32,520 [MONITOR BEEPS] 46 00:02:32,694 --> 00:02:34,150 He is concealing something. 47 00:02:34,363 --> 00:02:36,820 It's more than just being too busy. 48 00:02:37,032 --> 00:02:38,693 Your announcement about coming down 49 00:02:38,909 --> 00:02:41,491 has sent him almost to a point of panic. 50 00:02:42,412 --> 00:02:44,903 Well, whether he wants us or not. 51 00:02:45,123 --> 00:02:47,364 Director Mandl, unless you're absolutely 52 00:02:47,542 --> 00:02:50,284 refusing us permission to land at your station, 53 00:02:50,462 --> 00:02:53,044 prepare to receive our away team. 54 00:02:53,757 --> 00:02:55,338 As you wish. 55 00:02:59,054 --> 00:03:00,885 Counselor, perhaps you better go along as well. 56 00:03:01,056 --> 00:03:02,091 TROI: Aye, sir. 57 00:03:02,265 --> 00:03:04,221 Someone that tense can be very unpredictable. 58 00:03:04,434 --> 00:03:06,550 Stay on your toes, Number One. 59 00:03:32,671 --> 00:03:36,710 PICARD: Space, the final frontier. 60 00:03:37,467 --> 00:03:41,380 These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. 61 00:03:41,596 --> 00:03:46,716 Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds, 62 00:03:47,394 --> 00:03:51,478 to seek out new life and new civilizations, 63 00:03:51,982 --> 00:03:56,316 to boldly go where no one has gone before. 64 00:05:14,648 --> 00:05:17,435 Welcome to Velara III. Please. 65 00:05:19,945 --> 00:05:21,936 I want you to remember it as it is now 66 00:05:22,155 --> 00:05:25,898 because in a couple of decades, you won't recognize it. 67 00:05:27,077 --> 00:05:29,784 Louisa Kim, Gardener of Edens. 68 00:05:29,996 --> 00:05:32,487 Commander William Riker, USS Enterprise. 69 00:05:32,707 --> 00:05:35,540 This is Counselor Troi, Lieutenant Yar, Lieutenant La Forge, 70 00:05:35,752 --> 00:05:37,037 Lieutenant Commander Data. 71 00:05:38,088 --> 00:05:43,003 Arthur Malencon, hydraulics specialist, and Bjorn Bensen, chief engineer. 72 00:05:45,303 --> 00:05:49,137 - An android? - Third in command of the Enterprise. 73 00:05:49,891 --> 00:05:51,301 Where were you manufactured? 74 00:05:51,518 --> 00:05:53,179 Are there others like you? 75 00:05:53,353 --> 00:05:56,470 Both matters are subjects of protracted discussion. 76 00:05:57,774 --> 00:05:59,685 Remarkable. 77 00:06:00,193 --> 00:06:01,854 Excuse me. 78 00:06:05,365 --> 00:06:09,028 We don't get many visitors. It's exciting to have you here. 79 00:06:09,244 --> 00:06:11,906 We weren't sure how we would be received. 80 00:06:12,122 --> 00:06:16,035 Director Mandl was less than enthusiastic about our interests. 81 00:06:16,251 --> 00:06:18,082 I should apologize for him. 82 00:06:18,295 --> 00:06:20,206 We are at a critical phase. 83 00:06:20,422 --> 00:06:23,255 - Usually he's quite charming. - We'll try to stay out of the way. 84 00:06:23,466 --> 00:06:26,082 We've never seen a terraforming station 85 00:06:26,261 --> 00:06:28,593 and we appreciate the opportunity. 86 00:06:28,805 --> 00:06:30,636 How much do you know about the process? 87 00:06:30,849 --> 00:06:33,886 Theories, reports, but nothing firsthand. 88 00:06:34,102 --> 00:06:36,263 Oh, wonderful. Let me show you what we do. 89 00:06:36,438 --> 00:06:38,099 Newcomers find this imager helpful. 90 00:06:38,273 --> 00:06:41,481 The other two are secretive, but she is as open as she appears. 91 00:06:41,693 --> 00:06:44,730 What we're doing is so exciting, so inspiring. 92 00:06:44,946 --> 00:06:49,360 We take a lifeless planet and little by little, transform it 93 00:06:49,534 --> 00:06:53,777 to an M-Class environment capable of supporting life. 94 00:06:53,997 --> 00:06:58,115 Terraforming makes you feel a little godlike. 95 00:06:59,002 --> 00:07:01,618 The first phase involves selecting the planet. 96 00:07:01,838 --> 00:07:03,294 That's very important. 97 00:07:03,506 --> 00:07:06,213 It must have the right mass and gravity, 98 00:07:06,426 --> 00:07:10,135 a correct rate of rotation, and a balanced day and night. 99 00:07:10,347 --> 00:07:12,713 The planet must also be without life 100 00:07:12,933 --> 00:07:15,345 or the prospect of life developing naturally. 101 00:07:15,560 --> 00:07:17,767 The Federation determines if that's so. 102 00:07:17,979 --> 00:07:21,688 Then we take over. 103 00:07:22,734 --> 00:07:25,066 This station is phase two. 104 00:07:25,278 --> 00:07:27,189 Phase three involves water. 105 00:07:27,405 --> 00:07:30,488 Usually we create basins using hydraulic landscaping, 106 00:07:30,700 --> 00:07:33,316 but the water on this planet is subsurface 107 00:07:33,536 --> 00:07:35,868 and extremely high in salt content. 108 00:07:36,414 --> 00:07:39,998 We're just about to begin pumping and filtering the water, 109 00:07:40,210 --> 00:07:43,953 removing the salt, oxygenating, and replacing. 110 00:07:44,172 --> 00:07:48,882 Next, we introduce microorganisms. 111 00:07:49,803 --> 00:07:55,548 And when the process is complete, we'll have a lush, arable biosphere. 112 00:07:55,767 --> 00:07:57,473 You make it sound poetic. 113 00:07:57,644 --> 00:08:00,977 I think it's the best job in the universe. 114 00:08:05,276 --> 00:08:09,064 The efficiency of your hydraulic landscaping is quite elegant. 115 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:12,022 It isn't yet, but it will be. 116 00:08:12,283 --> 00:08:15,446 Right now I'm disturbed by the erratic power surges 117 00:08:15,662 --> 00:08:19,450 in several of the servomechanisms that control the hydraulic probes. 118 00:08:19,666 --> 00:08:22,908 Could the increased conductivity be caused by the high saline content? 119 00:08:23,128 --> 00:08:25,870 - That was my first thought, but I— BENSEN: Arthur. 120 00:08:26,548 --> 00:08:29,836 The factors do not support that conclusion. 121 00:08:30,593 --> 00:08:32,834 I'm Director Mandl, and I'm sorry 122 00:08:33,054 --> 00:08:35,841 about having been so abrupt during our initial contact. 123 00:08:36,057 --> 00:08:39,845 But being isolated, one tends to forget the social graces. 124 00:08:40,061 --> 00:08:42,097 Are you seeing everything that you want? 125 00:08:42,313 --> 00:08:44,304 What you're doing here is miraculous. 126 00:08:44,524 --> 00:08:48,062 What we are doing here is working a difficult and demanding timetable. 127 00:08:48,278 --> 00:08:51,736 And there will be no miracle unless Malencon here 128 00:08:51,948 --> 00:08:56,032 gets the hydraulic probes back on line. 129 00:08:56,453 --> 00:09:02,494 We are set to step up to full conversion immediately. 130 00:09:03,293 --> 00:09:06,785 Shouldn't you be in the hydraulic chamber, Arthur? 131 00:09:07,005 --> 00:09:08,211 N Ow? 132 00:09:08,423 --> 00:09:09,879 Yes. 133 00:09:12,719 --> 00:09:14,380 All right, Kurt. 134 00:09:14,596 --> 00:09:15,676 - Geordi? LA FORGE: Hmm? 135 00:09:15,889 --> 00:09:18,221 This appears to be the master subsurface pump. 136 00:09:18,433 --> 00:09:20,139 You're right. Very impressive. 137 00:09:20,351 --> 00:09:21,431 This is interesting. 138 00:09:21,644 --> 00:09:24,727 The water table is a thin ribbon between the sandy surface layer 139 00:09:24,939 --> 00:09:25,974 and the rocks below. 140 00:09:26,149 --> 00:09:27,559 LA FORGE: Hmm, and those two surfaces 141 00:09:27,734 --> 00:09:29,065 follow that contour so precisely 142 00:09:29,235 --> 00:09:31,442 that the water maintains a consistent depth between them. 143 00:09:31,613 --> 00:09:34,821 Which would require extreme precision from the probe controls. 144 00:09:35,033 --> 00:09:38,366 Here we have something that may be of interest to you. 145 00:09:38,578 --> 00:09:41,069 A vegetation graph. 146 00:09:41,414 --> 00:09:46,625 It is really the key center for successful terraforming. 147 00:09:47,378 --> 00:09:48,458 RIKER: Incredible. 148 00:09:48,671 --> 00:09:51,083 It's planned month-by-month, decade-by-decade? 149 00:09:51,299 --> 00:09:56,089 Every single thing is specific and exact. 150 00:09:56,304 --> 00:10:00,263 You see grand romantic concepts. 151 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:04,718 I see unyielding rock under an ocean of sand. 152 00:10:06,189 --> 00:10:08,054 — Commander. RIKER: What is it, Deanna? 153 00:10:08,274 --> 00:10:10,265 Malencon. He's in trouble. 154 00:10:10,819 --> 00:10:11,934 MALENCON: Help! 155 00:10:12,112 --> 00:10:13,227 [LASER BLASTS AND EXPLOSIONS] 156 00:10:13,404 --> 00:10:15,269 Help! Help! 157 00:10:15,782 --> 00:10:17,113 [MALENCON SCREAMING] 158 00:10:17,283 --> 00:10:18,443 Can you open it? 159 00:10:19,244 --> 00:10:20,575 MANDL: It's jammed. 160 00:10:21,788 --> 00:10:24,325 [LASER BLAST] [SCREAMING STOPS] 161 00:10:48,314 --> 00:10:52,182 R I KER: First officer's log, stardate 41464. 3. 162 00:10:52,402 --> 00:10:54,859 What began as a routine visit to a terraforming site 163 00:10:55,071 --> 00:10:56,982 has turned into something far more serious. 164 00:10:57,198 --> 00:10:59,314 Arthur Malencon, the hydraulics engineer, 165 00:10:59,534 --> 00:11:01,240 has been critically injured by a laser drill 166 00:11:01,411 --> 00:11:03,072 which appears to have malfunctioned. 167 00:11:06,791 --> 00:11:09,203 PICARD [OVER COM]: Situation report, Number One. 168 00:11:10,378 --> 00:11:12,209 For safety reasons, we're shutting off all power 169 00:11:12,422 --> 00:11:15,038 to the hydraulics room before entering to recover the body. 170 00:11:15,258 --> 00:11:17,089 Then we'll beam him up to Sickbay. 171 00:11:17,302 --> 00:11:19,759 But from the look of his wounds, it's probably hopeless. 172 00:11:19,971 --> 00:11:21,507 PICARD: Keep me informed. 173 00:11:21,723 --> 00:11:22,883 LA FORGE [OVER COM]: Data? 174 00:11:23,099 --> 00:11:24,464 Go ahead, Geordi. 175 00:11:25,018 --> 00:11:26,133 All set. 176 00:11:26,352 --> 00:11:28,468 Data, we have your section completely powered down. 177 00:11:28,688 --> 00:11:31,350 Bensen has just locked the master servomotor drive system, 178 00:11:31,566 --> 00:11:33,557 so it should be safe in there now. 179 00:11:33,776 --> 00:11:36,392 - I'm going in. DATA: I will go with you. 180 00:11:40,867 --> 00:11:42,607 Transporter Room, this is Lieutenant Yar. 181 00:11:42,827 --> 00:11:45,068 Two to beam up to Sickbay. 182 00:11:51,169 --> 00:11:52,579 LOUISA: I wanna go. 183 00:11:53,796 --> 00:11:55,912 We should be with him. 184 00:11:57,800 --> 00:12:00,132 Kurt, please come too. 185 00:12:08,561 --> 00:12:10,301 Transporter Room, this is Commander Riker. 186 00:12:10,521 --> 00:12:12,978 Beam up four at my coordinates. 187 00:12:17,654 --> 00:12:20,111 DATA [OVER COM]: Geordi, this is intriguing. 188 00:12:20,323 --> 00:12:22,154 I have seen malfunctions, 189 00:12:23,701 --> 00:12:25,612 but this... 190 00:12:25,787 --> 00:12:28,574 It is almost as if the laser drill 191 00:12:28,790 --> 00:12:33,409 seemed to operate with a will 192 00:12:33,628 --> 00:12:36,665 separate from its control console. 193 00:12:37,590 --> 00:12:39,501 I can't explain it. 194 00:12:40,051 --> 00:12:44,420 The laser blasts seemed to end when the yelling stopped. 195 00:12:46,307 --> 00:12:48,889 Well, maybe Arthur stopped it, only not in time. 196 00:12:50,103 --> 00:12:51,263 Not possible. 197 00:12:51,813 --> 00:12:54,600 - Then what are you suggesting? - Uncertain. 198 00:12:54,816 --> 00:12:58,980 Geordi, please return power to the control console in this room. 199 00:12:59,195 --> 00:13:01,026 I wish to reactivate the program. 200 00:13:01,781 --> 00:13:03,442 You got it. 201 00:13:04,367 --> 00:13:05,982 [LASER POWERS UP] 202 00:13:16,004 --> 00:13:19,212 I am now running the base-drilling program. 203 00:13:25,972 --> 00:13:28,805 - Geordi, servos off. - They are off. 204 00:13:29,017 --> 00:13:31,474 - Data, what's happening? DATA: Too much to explain. 205 00:13:32,437 --> 00:13:34,723 [LASER BLASTS AND EXPLOSIONS] 206 00:13:36,858 --> 00:13:39,474 Can you open that? Do it. La Forge to Enterprise. 207 00:13:39,694 --> 00:13:41,980 - We have a problem. - Be specific. 208 00:13:42,196 --> 00:13:45,154 Data's in the hydraulics room alone, and we're hearing laser blasts. 209 00:13:45,366 --> 00:13:47,857 - Get him out of there. - It's not working again. 210 00:13:48,036 --> 00:13:51,699 We gotta get this door open. Data, we can't get in. 211 00:13:52,540 --> 00:13:53,825 Data. 212 00:13:54,042 --> 00:13:55,327 Data! 213 00:13:56,210 --> 00:13:58,075 Data! 214 00:14:03,009 --> 00:14:05,500 Away Team, now, what is happening? 215 00:14:06,137 --> 00:14:08,173 I'm gonna beam him out of there. 216 00:14:08,389 --> 00:14:11,051 Bridge, this is Lieutenant Commander Data. 217 00:14:11,267 --> 00:14:14,680 No need to beam me up, sir. The situation is under control. 218 00:14:20,234 --> 00:14:22,190 - Are you all right? - Yes. 219 00:14:22,403 --> 00:14:25,110 What happened? Did you do anything which might have set it off? 220 00:14:25,323 --> 00:14:28,281 No, but the firing program was dynamic. 221 00:14:28,493 --> 00:14:29,733 The firing pro— 222 00:14:29,952 --> 00:14:31,237 What? In what way? 223 00:14:31,454 --> 00:14:33,069 It adjusted to my tactics. 224 00:14:33,289 --> 00:14:35,154 It tracked with me, anticipating. 225 00:14:35,375 --> 00:14:37,411 A fixed program could not have done that. 226 00:14:37,627 --> 00:14:39,868 Are you suggesting that someone was controlling the aiming 227 00:14:40,046 --> 00:14:41,126 and firing sequence? 228 00:14:41,297 --> 00:14:45,757 That is exactly how it appeared. There was a mind working against me. 229 00:14:45,927 --> 00:14:47,963 BENSEN: What did you do to this laser drill? 230 00:14:49,847 --> 00:14:52,429 A year's work. 231 00:14:52,642 --> 00:14:54,598 Destroyed. 232 00:14:54,769 --> 00:14:56,760 I had no choice. 233 00:15:03,194 --> 00:15:05,526 We were attempting to trace the source of the malfunction 234 00:15:05,696 --> 00:15:06,902 when it attacked me. 235 00:15:07,115 --> 00:15:10,824 How much more of this useless fantasy do I have to listen to? 236 00:15:10,993 --> 00:15:12,824 None at all, Mr. Mandl. Until this is resolved, 237 00:15:12,995 --> 00:15:15,202 I've provided temporary quarters for you and your staff. 238 00:15:15,373 --> 00:15:17,204 Perhaps you'd like to make use of them. 239 00:15:17,375 --> 00:15:19,616 You're overstepping your authority, Picard. 240 00:15:19,836 --> 00:15:21,918 You have no right to interfere. 241 00:15:22,130 --> 00:15:25,042 Mr. Mandl, an attack on one of my crew gives me the right. 242 00:15:25,258 --> 00:15:28,045 - I have a schedule to meet. - Your schedule is on hold 243 00:15:28,219 --> 00:15:30,631 until I have a satisfactory explanation of this. 244 00:15:32,723 --> 00:15:34,554 Director Mandl. 245 00:15:35,643 --> 00:15:38,385 Lieutenant Yar, would you escort the director to his quarters? 246 00:15:38,604 --> 00:15:40,185 Aye, sir. 247 00:15:42,775 --> 00:15:44,311 Go on with your report. 248 00:15:44,527 --> 00:15:47,860 It would appear the laser's drilling system was reprogrammed, sir. 249 00:15:48,072 --> 00:15:49,937 As soon as its memory bank received power, 250 00:15:50,158 --> 00:15:52,274 it turned itself on and went after me. 251 00:15:52,493 --> 00:15:54,154 Fortunately, I was able to cope with it. 252 00:15:54,370 --> 00:15:56,861 And not by much, from what I saw. 253 00:15:57,081 --> 00:16:00,790 I believe it was programmed to destroy any person moving in that room, sir. 254 00:16:01,377 --> 00:16:04,289 - Certainty or speculation? - Certainty. 255 00:16:04,505 --> 00:16:07,212 That would have required the talents of a master programmer. 256 00:16:07,425 --> 00:16:08,631 But it was done. 257 00:16:08,843 --> 00:16:11,334 And so the question becomes not who, 258 00:16:11,554 --> 00:16:14,296 since it clearly was one of the three remaining terraformers. 259 00:16:14,515 --> 00:16:16,255 The question becomes why. 260 00:16:16,476 --> 00:16:18,012 What are they hiding? 261 00:16:18,227 --> 00:16:20,639 What could be so important that one or all of them 262 00:16:20,855 --> 00:16:24,518 could be desperate enough to kill? 263 00:16:25,193 --> 00:16:27,149 Shall I have them brought in, sir? 264 00:16:29,530 --> 00:16:31,111 Not yet. 265 00:16:32,658 --> 00:16:34,865 - Malencon? - I couldn't save him. 266 00:16:35,077 --> 00:16:37,284 The injuries were too severe, the damage too extensive. 267 00:16:37,497 --> 00:16:40,079 The entire Velara III facility has been powered down, captain. 268 00:16:40,291 --> 00:16:43,249 We've just completed a remote power feed to the life support systems. 269 00:16:43,461 --> 00:16:47,545 Good. Data, I want you and Geordi to return for a more careful inspection. 270 00:16:47,757 --> 00:16:48,997 What are we to look for, sir? 271 00:16:49,175 --> 00:16:52,167 Evidence of tampering, negligence, sabotage, whatever. 272 00:16:52,386 --> 00:16:53,717 The answer's there on the planet. 273 00:16:53,930 --> 00:16:55,886 Tasha, I want you to provide Counselor Troi and me 274 00:16:56,057 --> 00:16:58,218 with complete personnel records of our three guests. 275 00:16:58,434 --> 00:17:01,722 Psych profiles, training, everything. I'm looking for motive, intent, 276 00:17:01,938 --> 00:17:03,803 the psychological capacity to commit one murder 277 00:17:04,023 --> 00:17:05,479 - and to attempt another. - Aye, sir. 278 00:17:05,691 --> 00:17:08,273 It seems we are becoming detectives, Number One. 279 00:17:27,797 --> 00:17:30,504 LA FORGE: Not much left of this drill. 280 00:17:35,846 --> 00:17:37,757 [SOFT BEEPING] 281 00:17:44,564 --> 00:17:48,056 Geordi, I need some visual assistance. 282 00:17:50,778 --> 00:17:54,737 Whoa. What is it? 283 00:17:58,995 --> 00:18:01,532 Nothing but basic elements. 284 00:18:02,164 --> 00:18:04,029 Inorganic. 285 00:18:04,500 --> 00:18:07,537 No carbon, sandy texture. 286 00:18:08,212 --> 00:18:13,832 Those flashes are almost musical. 287 00:18:15,094 --> 00:18:22,387 I see color variations and rhythms in complex harmonies. 288 00:18:26,939 --> 00:18:28,930 Speculation. 289 00:18:29,483 --> 00:18:31,644 Could it be alive? 290 00:18:32,028 --> 00:18:34,940 How could it be alive? It's inorganic. 291 00:18:35,323 --> 00:18:37,154 Whatever it is, 292 00:18:37,366 --> 00:18:40,073 it could be what they are covering up. 293 00:18:40,661 --> 00:18:43,903 And the reason someone killed Malencon. 294 00:18:49,837 --> 00:18:51,327 P I CARD: Captain's log, supplemental. 295 00:18:51,547 --> 00:18:54,584 On my order, Data's startling discovery of a possible life-form 296 00:18:54,759 --> 00:18:58,843 has been beamed aboard so that its true nature might be uncovered. 297 00:18:59,055 --> 00:19:00,966 But unlike life on Earth and elsewhere, 298 00:19:01,140 --> 00:19:03,677 it appears to be completely inorganic. 299 00:19:03,893 --> 00:19:06,726 — A test for inorganic life. - It has never been done, doctor. 300 00:19:06,937 --> 00:19:09,019 There are basic definitions for organic life. 301 00:19:09,231 --> 00:19:12,394 It must have the ability to assimilate, respirate, reproduce, 302 00:19:12,610 --> 00:19:15,101 grow and develop, move, secrete and excrete. 303 00:19:15,279 --> 00:19:18,737 - Would any of those apply here? - Perhaps growth and development. 304 00:19:18,908 --> 00:19:21,615 - Reproduction. - Yes. 305 00:19:21,827 --> 00:19:24,409 Those two may be basic for any definition of life, 306 00:19:24,622 --> 00:19:26,362 organic or inorganic. 307 00:19:28,542 --> 00:19:30,624 - So how do we proceed? - Since we're dealing 308 00:19:30,836 --> 00:19:33,543 with a fundamental question, let's use the basic scientific method: 309 00:19:33,756 --> 00:19:37,089 observe, theorize, and attempt to prove it. 310 00:19:37,301 --> 00:19:40,088 Activate. Let's be sure of what we're dealing with. 311 00:19:40,304 --> 00:19:42,295 Is the sample organic? 312 00:19:42,515 --> 00:19:43,721 COMPUTER: Negative carbon. 313 00:19:43,933 --> 00:19:46,140 Negative known life components. 314 00:19:46,352 --> 00:19:48,468 - Substance inorganic. LA FORGE: Mm-hm. 315 00:19:48,688 --> 00:19:50,269 Recheck analysis, please. 316 00:19:50,481 --> 00:19:51,687 COMPUTER: Rechecking. 317 00:19:51,899 --> 00:19:54,561 Analysis verified. Not organic. 318 00:19:55,945 --> 00:19:57,685 Magnify to screen. 319 00:20:01,409 --> 00:20:03,445 Factor five. 320 00:20:04,370 --> 00:20:06,326 Hold surface. 321 00:20:07,415 --> 00:20:08,871 Factor ten. 322 00:20:10,167 --> 00:20:12,749 [HUMMING] 323 00:20:13,754 --> 00:20:17,622 — What are we looking at? - It's beautiful, whatever it is. 324 00:20:21,929 --> 00:20:22,964 What's that hum? 325 00:20:23,806 --> 00:20:27,390 It started after Dr. Crusher ordered the scanner to magnify. 326 00:20:27,601 --> 00:20:29,011 Computer, demagnify. 327 00:20:29,228 --> 00:20:31,594 Resume normal scan. 328 00:20:36,694 --> 00:20:38,776 Everyone, stand back. 329 00:20:38,946 --> 00:20:40,857 [HUMMING SOFTENS] 330 00:20:41,031 --> 00:20:42,942 Step back again. 331 00:20:43,117 --> 00:20:44,607 [HUMMING SOFTENS] 332 00:20:46,829 --> 00:20:48,569 It's us. 333 00:20:49,123 --> 00:20:51,535 Yes. We're causing it. Why? 334 00:20:51,751 --> 00:20:52,991 DATA: Unknown. 335 00:20:53,210 --> 00:20:56,077 But it is definitely reacting to our presence. 336 00:20:56,297 --> 00:20:59,460 Perhaps it is picking up the electrical impulse of our systems. 337 00:20:59,967 --> 00:21:02,003 The flashes haven't changed. 338 00:21:02,219 --> 00:21:04,255 Could the hum be connected to the flashing? 339 00:21:05,848 --> 00:21:07,679 Computer, magnify. 340 00:21:09,685 --> 00:21:11,425 What is the magnification? 341 00:21:11,645 --> 00:21:14,603 COMPUTER: Twenty-five hundred diameters. 342 00:21:15,357 --> 00:21:19,100 Analyze the pattern of the flashes. 343 00:21:19,320 --> 00:21:21,732 CO M P UTE R: Not repetitive or sequential. 344 00:21:21,947 --> 00:21:24,609 Pattern not recognized. 345 00:21:24,825 --> 00:21:26,361 What is the source of the flashes? 346 00:21:26,577 --> 00:21:28,533 COMPUTER: Unable to specify. 347 00:21:28,746 --> 00:21:32,284 Theoretically not possible from this substance. 348 00:21:32,583 --> 00:21:34,289 Disregard incongruity 349 00:21:35,961 --> 00:21:38,748 and theorize as to source. 350 00:21:40,883 --> 00:21:42,714 COMPUTER: Life. 351 00:21:55,439 --> 00:21:59,182 What do you mean, a life-form? What life-form? 352 00:21:59,401 --> 00:22:04,065 A Federation recon expedition certified Velara III lifeless. 353 00:22:04,281 --> 00:22:07,489 Understandable, given this particular life-form's 354 00:22:07,660 --> 00:22:10,493 - novel nature. - What is that nature? 355 00:22:10,704 --> 00:22:12,660 Dr. Crusher is still making her determination. 356 00:22:12,832 --> 00:22:16,620 Mr. Mandl, you know the Prime Directive. 357 00:22:17,628 --> 00:22:20,620 Are you saying that I knowingly defied it? 358 00:22:20,840 --> 00:22:22,046 That's what I have to find out. 359 00:22:22,216 --> 00:22:23,706 You're a man obsessed with what you do. 360 00:22:23,884 --> 00:22:27,092 Who knows what an obsessed man will do to keep going? 361 00:22:27,304 --> 00:22:28,544 Ki", perhaps? 362 00:22:29,515 --> 00:22:32,177 I create life. 363 00:22:35,187 --> 00:22:36,848 I don't take it. 364 00:22:44,530 --> 00:22:46,316 You hit him pretty hard, captain. 365 00:22:47,658 --> 00:22:48,864 What do you think, counselor? 366 00:22:49,034 --> 00:22:50,899 It was useful. 367 00:22:51,120 --> 00:22:52,576 I felt two levels. 368 00:22:52,788 --> 00:22:54,619 He did know about the life-form, 369 00:22:54,832 --> 00:22:57,118 but the idea of murder seemed to shock him. 370 00:22:57,334 --> 00:23:01,168 Whether it was the whole idea or just being accused of it, I can't tell. 371 00:23:02,006 --> 00:23:03,871 What about his file, Lieutenant Yar? 372 00:23:04,091 --> 00:23:06,958 Could he have accomplished the reprogramming Data says took place? 373 00:23:07,177 --> 00:23:09,338 Mandl holds advanced degrees in computer science 374 00:23:09,555 --> 00:23:12,843 as well as artificial intelligence. It's possible. 375 00:23:13,058 --> 00:23:14,889 What about the others, including the victim? 376 00:23:15,102 --> 00:23:18,094 Well, only the victim had the required expertise. 377 00:23:18,314 --> 00:23:22,023 Malencon did work where the whatever it is was found. 378 00:23:22,234 --> 00:23:25,351 Trying to suppress that knowledge would be motive for murder. 379 00:23:25,529 --> 00:23:27,770 If Mandl were obsessed enough. 380 00:23:27,990 --> 00:23:29,901 Terraformers are often obsessive. 381 00:23:30,117 --> 00:23:32,779 It frequently goes with the career profile. 382 00:23:32,995 --> 00:23:34,986 How do you read the designer? 383 00:23:35,205 --> 00:23:37,992 She is possessed of highly abstracted reality. 384 00:23:38,208 --> 00:23:40,915 Lovely visions, little data. 385 00:23:41,462 --> 00:23:44,295 But you might do better than I. 386 00:23:49,511 --> 00:23:50,921 [DOOR CHIMES] 387 00:23:54,683 --> 00:23:56,799 It's not locked. 388 00:24:04,818 --> 00:24:06,683 Mind a visitor? 389 00:24:10,658 --> 00:24:12,569 Is it true? 390 00:24:15,496 --> 00:24:18,078 Did you really find a life-form? 391 00:24:18,290 --> 00:24:20,952 Well, the debate is still going on in some quarters, 392 00:24:21,168 --> 00:24:24,410 but I think so, yes. 393 00:24:25,673 --> 00:24:27,629 What's it like? 394 00:24:28,384 --> 00:24:30,921 We have nothing we can compare it with. 395 00:24:31,136 --> 00:24:32,342 It's microscopic. 396 00:24:32,554 --> 00:24:36,843 It seems colonial, simple. 397 00:24:37,351 --> 00:24:39,012 But it's inorganic. 398 00:24:39,228 --> 00:24:40,934 Which is why the recon scouts missed it. 399 00:24:41,146 --> 00:24:43,853 It was not your mistake. 400 00:24:48,654 --> 00:24:52,442 Everything I've worked so hard for 401 00:24:55,953 --> 00:24:58,490 is falling apart. 402 00:25:06,922 --> 00:25:08,537 Louisa. 403 00:25:10,175 --> 00:25:12,211 It's very beautiful. 404 00:25:13,429 --> 00:25:15,841 I could arrange for you to see it if you like. 405 00:25:18,434 --> 00:25:20,470 Perhaps later. 406 00:25:29,653 --> 00:25:31,985 [DOOR OPENS THEN CLOSES] 407 00:25:36,869 --> 00:25:38,780 CRUSHER [OVER COM]: Captain, this is Dr. Crusher. 408 00:25:38,954 --> 00:25:41,286 I think you'd better come to the medical lab. 409 00:25:48,255 --> 00:25:50,541 - What is it? - Geordi observed movement. 410 00:25:50,716 --> 00:25:51,751 Not movement exactly, 411 00:25:51,925 --> 00:25:53,586 but a definite shift in the energy pattern. 412 00:25:56,138 --> 00:25:57,924 — Why? - Unknown, sir. 413 00:25:58,140 --> 00:25:59,755 Perhaps it is scanning us. 414 00:25:59,975 --> 00:26:02,967 Scanning us? Why? What could it hope to learn? 415 00:26:03,520 --> 00:26:05,226 Unknown at this time, sir. 416 00:26:05,397 --> 00:26:06,887 It's changing. 417 00:26:09,443 --> 00:26:13,186 - I don't see anything. - The infrared range is increasing. 418 00:26:13,363 --> 00:26:15,069 [H|GH—P|TCH HUMMING] 419 00:26:15,240 --> 00:26:18,323 COMPUTER: Warning, input overload. 420 00:26:18,702 --> 00:26:20,943 - The hum is back. - It is projecting an energy field. 421 00:26:21,163 --> 00:26:23,245 And it's intensifying. 422 00:26:27,044 --> 00:26:29,581 COMPUTER: Magnification deactivated. 423 00:26:41,725 --> 00:26:43,841 CRUSHER: Two of them. 424 00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:49,722 Only life can replicate itself, doctor. 425 00:26:49,942 --> 00:26:54,026 Inorganic or not, it is alive. 426 00:27:00,536 --> 00:27:03,152 Activate quarantine field. 427 00:27:07,459 --> 00:27:09,700 Quarantine field full. 428 00:27:10,963 --> 00:27:13,545 Full shield backup. 429 00:27:16,343 --> 00:27:17,753 Evacuating lab. 430 00:27:17,970 --> 00:27:20,757 COM PUTE R: Translation request being patched. 431 00:27:20,973 --> 00:27:22,383 Translation? From whom? 432 00:27:22,558 --> 00:27:26,050 [INDISTINCT VOCAL NOISE] 433 00:27:26,311 --> 00:27:28,222 Evacuate. 434 00:27:31,108 --> 00:27:33,099 What's wrong with the translator circuit? 435 00:27:33,318 --> 00:27:35,684 PICARD: Bridge, this is the captain. 436 00:27:35,904 --> 00:27:39,567 Request emergency power to initiate lab quarantine seal. 437 00:27:40,450 --> 00:27:42,566 - Do it, Mr. Worf. - Aye, sir. 438 00:27:42,786 --> 00:27:45,198 What's the nature of the problem, captain? We've lost visual. 439 00:27:45,372 --> 00:27:48,364 We have confirmed that Data's discovery is life. 440 00:27:48,584 --> 00:27:50,575 But more than that, 441 00:27:51,086 --> 00:27:52,917 it is intelligent life. 442 00:27:55,632 --> 00:27:57,168 How do you know, sir? 443 00:28:02,181 --> 00:28:04,593 It's trying to communicate with us. 444 00:28:09,605 --> 00:28:10,970 P I CARD: Captain's log, supplemental. 445 00:28:11,190 --> 00:28:13,146 The inorganic life-form from Velara Ill 446 00:28:13,358 --> 00:28:16,566 has apparently taken over our medical lab. 447 00:28:16,737 --> 00:28:19,604 It generates enough energy to interfere with the surrounding systems. 448 00:28:19,781 --> 00:28:21,396 Mr. La Forge, can we see into the lab yet? 449 00:28:21,575 --> 00:28:22,610 Negative, captain. 450 00:28:22,784 --> 00:28:24,900 Reducing the backup to the quarantine seal might help. 451 00:28:25,078 --> 00:28:26,909 - Doctor? - I wouldn't. 452 00:28:27,122 --> 00:28:28,703 PICARD: Continue quarantine. - Aye, sir. 453 00:28:28,916 --> 00:28:31,498 TASHA: Director Mandl and the others are in the Observation Lounge 454 00:28:31,668 --> 00:28:32,703 as you requested. 455 00:28:32,878 --> 00:28:36,041 Counselor, I shall need you. You have the Bridge, Number One. 456 00:28:40,302 --> 00:28:42,668 Director Mandl, I put it to you again. 457 00:28:42,888 --> 00:28:44,674 What do you know about these life-forms? 458 00:28:44,890 --> 00:28:46,221 MANDL: Not a thing. 459 00:28:46,433 --> 00:28:47,923 Enough. 460 00:28:50,520 --> 00:28:52,056 Sit down, lieutenant. 461 00:28:52,272 --> 00:28:54,479 You are deliberately evasive and it must stop. 462 00:28:54,691 --> 00:28:57,433 You have kept information from me since our first communication. 463 00:28:57,653 --> 00:29:02,443 An alien life-form has taken possession of my medical lab. 464 00:29:03,992 --> 00:29:06,404 You knew of its existence. 465 00:29:06,954 --> 00:29:07,989 Yes. 466 00:29:08,163 --> 00:29:09,778 Is this true? 467 00:29:09,998 --> 00:29:12,410 You knew there was life on Velara Ill? 468 00:29:12,584 --> 00:29:15,621 I knew that there were random energy patterns, 469 00:29:15,837 --> 00:29:16,952 yes, I knew that. 470 00:29:17,172 --> 00:29:19,333 But not life. 471 00:29:19,549 --> 00:29:22,165 Not by any definition that I have ever heard. 472 00:29:22,386 --> 00:29:25,219 But you tried to keep that knowledge from us. 473 00:29:25,430 --> 00:29:26,636 No. 474 00:29:26,848 --> 00:29:31,012 They are meaningless silicon crystals which rebroadcast sunlight. 475 00:29:31,228 --> 00:29:33,560 It is a life-form and it has intelligence. 476 00:29:36,817 --> 00:29:38,432 WW do you say that? 477 00:29:38,986 --> 00:29:40,772 It's trying to communicate with us. 478 00:29:41,321 --> 00:29:43,107 Communicate with you? 479 00:29:43,991 --> 00:29:45,902 When did you first become aware of them? 480 00:29:48,245 --> 00:29:50,577 Tell him about the pattern in the sand. 481 00:29:50,789 --> 00:29:53,326 Oh, yes, do tell us. 482 00:29:57,170 --> 00:30:00,253 When we first arrived, we noticed that in certain areas, 483 00:30:00,465 --> 00:30:03,002 the sand had a sparkling effect, 484 00:30:03,218 --> 00:30:06,881 like sunlight bouncing off new fallen snow. 485 00:30:07,472 --> 00:30:08,837 What did you think it was? 486 00:30:09,057 --> 00:30:12,299 Honestly, we did not give it any thought. 487 00:30:12,936 --> 00:30:16,303 Picard, I must point out again 488 00:30:16,523 --> 00:30:20,436 that we were assured not once, but many times 489 00:30:20,652 --> 00:30:23,769 by the best scientific minds in the Federation 490 00:30:23,989 --> 00:30:26,025 that this planet has no life. 491 00:30:26,241 --> 00:30:28,402 No life. 492 00:30:28,618 --> 00:30:30,449 And we were not looking. 493 00:30:30,662 --> 00:30:32,618 And therefore, we did not see. 494 00:30:32,831 --> 00:30:34,492 All right. At first you dismissed it. 495 00:30:34,708 --> 00:30:39,042 But then you began to understand that there was something 496 00:30:39,254 --> 00:30:41,040 that was different about them. 497 00:30:41,256 --> 00:30:43,042 You can't know that. 498 00:30:43,258 --> 00:30:47,001 Your apprehension suggested it when we first arrived. 499 00:30:47,220 --> 00:30:48,960 Tell me about these patterns. 500 00:30:50,182 --> 00:30:53,549 At first, we thought it was just natural phenomena unique to Velara III. 501 00:30:53,769 --> 00:31:00,186 Refraction in its thin atmosphere is interesting but certainly not life. 502 00:31:00,400 --> 00:31:02,311 Why was I never told about this? 503 00:31:02,486 --> 00:31:05,102 Because it's not particularly important. 504 00:31:06,031 --> 00:31:09,023 As the building of the terraforming station went forward, 505 00:31:09,242 --> 00:31:11,608 the patterns in the sand ceased being random. 506 00:31:11,828 --> 00:31:13,489 They became very specific. 507 00:31:13,705 --> 00:31:17,948 Geometric shapes suddenly appearing, disappearing. 508 00:31:18,168 --> 00:31:20,910 Changing location, changing size. 509 00:31:21,129 --> 00:31:26,749 Did you ever feel that these patterns were attempting to communicate? 510 00:31:30,097 --> 00:31:31,633 No. Never. 511 00:31:33,183 --> 00:31:34,548 Bensen? 512 00:31:35,143 --> 00:31:39,386 I don't know. At the time, I didn't think so. 513 00:31:39,606 --> 00:31:42,814 But now after hearing what you just said... 514 00:31:43,026 --> 00:31:44,232 Now... 515 00:31:45,070 --> 00:31:46,105 I don't know. 516 00:31:46,279 --> 00:31:48,440 RIKER [OVER COM]: Captain, we've regained magnification 517 00:31:48,615 --> 00:31:50,571 on the life-form. It's divided again. 518 00:31:50,784 --> 00:31:52,570 Patch visual to Observation Lounge. 519 00:31:59,418 --> 00:32:03,286 There was no indication of any of this on Velara Ill? 520 00:32:03,505 --> 00:32:05,336 Absolutely none. 521 00:32:09,219 --> 00:32:12,928 - I cannot understand the patterns. - Hmm. Neither can I. 522 00:32:13,140 --> 00:32:16,724 Please show me spectral analysis, magnification, 12K. 523 00:32:16,935 --> 00:32:19,642 COMPUTER: Silicon, germanium. - Transistor material. 524 00:32:19,855 --> 00:32:22,722 - Gallium arsenide. - Emits light when charged. 525 00:32:22,941 --> 00:32:24,602 COM PUTE R: Cadmium selenide sulfide. 526 00:32:24,776 --> 00:32:26,016 Emits charge when lit. 527 00:32:26,236 --> 00:32:28,648 COMPUTER: Water, impurities, sodium salts. 528 00:32:28,864 --> 00:32:30,570 Conductor. 529 00:32:33,118 --> 00:32:35,951 - But is it alive? COMPUTER: Probability positive. 530 00:32:36,163 --> 00:32:38,119 I wasn't asking you. 531 00:32:38,331 --> 00:32:40,117 ENGINEER [OVER COM]: Engineering to Bridge. 532 00:32:40,292 --> 00:32:41,953 This is Commander Riker, go ahead. 533 00:32:42,127 --> 00:32:45,494 The backup on the lab seal is fluctuating, sir. 534 00:32:45,714 --> 00:32:47,921 I think you should come down here. 535 00:32:48,592 --> 00:32:50,207 On my Way- 536 00:32:51,011 --> 00:32:52,842 Data, you've got the Bridge. 537 00:32:53,054 --> 00:32:55,010 Inform the captain. 538 00:33:00,061 --> 00:33:01,176 Status, ensign? 539 00:33:01,396 --> 00:33:04,103 The quarantine seal is getting weaker, sir. 540 00:33:04,316 --> 00:33:07,183 Every time I try to redirect backup, it goes somewhere else. 541 00:33:07,402 --> 00:33:08,642 I think I've... 542 00:33:08,862 --> 00:33:11,945 No, no, it's locked three people in a turbolift 543 00:33:12,157 --> 00:33:14,773 and two more in the programmers' restroom. 544 00:33:14,993 --> 00:33:16,824 If that reading is right, there is no seal. 545 00:33:17,037 --> 00:33:19,574 — Give me lab interior image. - Yes, sir. 546 00:33:23,543 --> 00:33:25,249 Magnify. 547 00:33:28,256 --> 00:33:30,292 Picard, this is Riker. 548 00:33:30,509 --> 00:33:32,966 We see it too, Number One. 549 00:33:39,226 --> 00:33:40,932 Get that seal back up. 550 00:33:41,478 --> 00:33:44,311 But, sir, no matter what I do, the energy goes somewhere else. 551 00:33:44,523 --> 00:33:47,390 - What if it hits the Sickbay or nursery? - Hold off. 552 00:33:47,609 --> 00:33:50,396 Impossible, captain, we haven't got the power. 553 00:33:52,239 --> 00:33:53,604 P I CARD: Captain's log, supplemental. 554 00:33:53,823 --> 00:33:57,111 The life-form, which has significantly increased in size, 555 00:33:57,327 --> 00:34:00,160 is again attempting to communicate with us. 556 00:34:00,705 --> 00:34:03,993 The universal translator is coming online, sir. 557 00:34:04,209 --> 00:34:07,793 TRANSLATOR: Ugly, ugly giants. 558 00:34:08,004 --> 00:34:10,620 Bags of mostly water. 559 00:34:10,840 --> 00:34:12,626 Bags of mostly water? 560 00:34:12,842 --> 00:34:14,833 An accurate description of humans, sir. 561 00:34:15,053 --> 00:34:18,386 You are over 90 percent water surrounded by a flexible container. 562 00:34:21,226 --> 00:34:25,595 Life force, do you understand us? 563 00:34:28,233 --> 00:34:29,689 TRANSLATOR: We understand. 564 00:34:29,901 --> 00:34:32,643 We ask that you be gone. 565 00:34:32,862 --> 00:34:36,354 We call. We talk. You do not listen. 566 00:34:36,575 --> 00:34:38,361 We didn't hear you. 567 00:34:38,577 --> 00:34:40,067 We come in peace. 568 00:34:40,287 --> 00:34:42,903 TRANSLATOR: Ugly bag of mostly water. 569 00:34:43,123 --> 00:34:45,614 We try at peace. 570 00:34:45,834 --> 00:34:48,041 You still do not listen. 571 00:34:48,962 --> 00:34:53,547 Bag who drill in sand of home had to die. 572 00:34:53,758 --> 00:34:56,170 It killed Malencon. 573 00:34:57,512 --> 00:35:00,219 We see and hear you now. 574 00:35:00,432 --> 00:35:03,094 We didn't know you were there. 575 00:35:03,560 --> 00:35:06,518 You are beautiful to us. 576 00:35:07,272 --> 00:35:09,763 All life is beautiful. 577 00:35:09,983 --> 00:35:13,066 TRANSLATOR: Bag in dome did know. 578 00:35:13,278 --> 00:35:15,860 Caused much death. 579 00:35:16,072 --> 00:35:18,404 Made us kill. 580 00:35:18,617 --> 00:35:22,326 War is now with you. 581 00:35:23,913 --> 00:35:26,746 DATA: The translator is off-line, sir. 582 00:35:27,709 --> 00:35:29,199 Can you hear us now? 583 00:35:29,377 --> 00:35:31,368 [RUMBLING] 584 00:35:33,214 --> 00:35:35,876 - Mr. La Forge? - Restabilizing, captain. 585 00:35:36,092 --> 00:35:40,005 Sir, that chaos when we were studying it in the lab 586 00:35:40,221 --> 00:35:43,509 must have been the energy surge of a reproductive cycle. 587 00:35:43,725 --> 00:35:47,058 It is now a colony of single cells which organize as a computer. 588 00:35:47,270 --> 00:35:48,555 And like any computer... 589 00:35:48,772 --> 00:35:52,139 More is stronger. 590 00:36:02,118 --> 00:36:03,574 P I CARD: Captain's log, supplemental. 591 00:36:03,787 --> 00:36:06,028 We have regained visual contact with the lab, 592 00:36:06,247 --> 00:36:08,203 but our attempts to restore communication 593 00:36:08,416 --> 00:36:10,498 with this microbrain, as we have come to call it, 594 00:36:10,710 --> 00:36:12,246 have been unsuccessful. 595 00:36:12,462 --> 00:36:17,331 One thing that is certain, however, this life-form has declared war on us. 596 00:36:17,550 --> 00:36:20,383 The range of influence appears to be concentrated in the medical lab. 597 00:36:20,595 --> 00:36:21,710 All non—essentia| personnel 598 00:36:21,930 --> 00:36:24,091 have been moved to the most distant areas of the ship. 599 00:36:24,307 --> 00:36:26,844 Data, any analysis on those bolts of light it emits? 600 00:36:27,060 --> 00:36:29,426 That seems to be its method of reprogramming, captain. 601 00:36:29,646 --> 00:36:31,637 Each bolt of light consists of negatively- 602 00:36:31,815 --> 00:36:32,930 and positively—charged ions. 603 00:36:33,108 --> 00:36:35,315 A series of program instructions, as it were. 604 00:36:36,569 --> 00:36:39,231 It seems to have a quicker rapport with our computers than we have. 605 00:36:39,447 --> 00:36:42,189 What do you expect? It is a computer. 606 00:36:42,409 --> 00:36:44,775 Have we disabled the medical lab computer console? 607 00:36:44,994 --> 00:36:48,077 Aye, sir. As soon as Data determined the microbrain's method of operation. 608 00:36:48,289 --> 00:36:51,577 Captain, picking up a decrease in infrared intensity. 609 00:36:52,127 --> 00:36:54,539 Maybe the life-form has reached its energy level. 610 00:36:54,754 --> 00:36:56,665 Or maybe that's not the end of it. 611 00:36:57,340 --> 00:36:59,205 With single-celled life-forms, 612 00:36:59,759 --> 00:37:01,295 at least organic ones, 613 00:37:01,511 --> 00:37:04,594 cell division is preceded by a resting state. 614 00:37:05,223 --> 00:37:07,179 The calm before the storm? 615 00:37:07,392 --> 00:37:11,101 Medical lab on main viewer. Let's use this calm. 616 00:37:16,151 --> 00:37:18,233 It does seem dormant, captain. 617 00:37:20,739 --> 00:37:22,229 Tasha. 618 00:37:25,076 --> 00:37:28,239 Set coordinates to beam it back where it came from. 619 00:37:29,789 --> 00:37:31,074 Coordinates set, sir. 620 00:37:31,833 --> 00:37:32,948 Energize. 621 00:37:42,177 --> 00:37:44,759 Transporter power being redirected, sir. 622 00:37:44,971 --> 00:37:47,883 We are unable to affect it. 623 00:37:56,274 --> 00:37:59,983 Life-form or not, intelligent or not, the safety of this ship 624 00:38:00,153 --> 00:38:02,644 and everyone aboard her is my primary responsibility. 625 00:38:02,864 --> 00:38:04,149 Data. 626 00:38:05,700 --> 00:38:07,486 Evacuate all the air from the medical lab. 627 00:38:07,702 --> 00:38:09,317 I want a vacuum there. 628 00:38:09,496 --> 00:38:11,452 [PANEL BEEPING] 629 00:38:12,123 --> 00:38:15,911 Environmental systems fail to respond to command, captain. 630 00:38:16,127 --> 00:38:18,584 It appears the microbrain has successfully interfaced 631 00:38:18,797 --> 00:38:20,037 with our computers. 632 00:38:26,221 --> 00:38:29,679 Picard, if it did try to communicate with us, we didn't understand that. 633 00:38:29,891 --> 00:38:32,553 It has declared a state of war and we are on the defensive. 634 00:38:32,769 --> 00:38:35,055 We have no control over our medical lab, nor our computer. 635 00:38:35,271 --> 00:38:37,432 At this moment, it has the power to destroy this ship 636 00:38:37,649 --> 00:38:39,355 and everybody on it. 637 00:38:39,567 --> 00:38:42,229 - I need your help. - Unbelievable. 638 00:38:42,445 --> 00:38:44,982 It said you were trying to kill some of them. I need to know how. 639 00:38:45,198 --> 00:38:46,813 I don't know. 640 00:38:47,575 --> 00:38:50,237 What was Malencon doing when he was killed? 641 00:38:50,453 --> 00:38:52,865 There is a very thin layer of highly saline water 642 00:38:53,039 --> 00:38:54,404 under the sandy topsoil. 643 00:38:54,624 --> 00:38:56,330 He was siphoning that off. 644 00:38:57,210 --> 00:39:00,202 Perhaps somehow, that saline water sustained them. 645 00:39:00,421 --> 00:39:01,706 It connected them. 646 00:39:01,881 --> 00:39:03,087 I don't understand. 647 00:39:03,299 --> 00:39:05,540 The microbrains may be like our own brain cells. 648 00:39:05,760 --> 00:39:08,547 Individually, a cell has life, but not intelligence. 649 00:39:08,763 --> 00:39:10,424 Yet when interconnected, 650 00:39:10,598 --> 00:39:12,964 their combined intelligence is formidable. 651 00:39:13,184 --> 00:39:15,675 The saline fluid is their circuitry. 652 00:39:15,895 --> 00:39:19,103 And to prevent its loss, they killed Malencon. 653 00:39:22,652 --> 00:39:25,894 If we had continued to remove that water, 654 00:39:27,740 --> 00:39:29,981 we would have destroyed them all. 655 00:39:30,535 --> 00:39:33,368 A reason enough for anyone to go to war. 656 00:39:35,623 --> 00:39:37,454 RIKER [OVER COM]: Captain, it's happening again. 657 00:39:37,625 --> 00:39:39,661 I think you'd better get in here. 658 00:39:51,306 --> 00:39:53,388 If this keeps up, it will tear up the Enterprise. 659 00:39:53,600 --> 00:39:55,636 - What can you determine, La Forge? DATA: Captain, 660 00:39:55,852 --> 00:39:57,558 our sensors indicate that the microbrain 661 00:39:57,770 --> 00:40:00,978 expends a tremendous amount of energy during its reproductive cycle. 662 00:40:01,190 --> 00:40:03,806 Yet, there is no discernible power drain on our own systems. 663 00:40:04,027 --> 00:40:07,235 - What is feeding the damn thing? - We found traces of cadmium salts. 664 00:40:07,447 --> 00:40:09,904 Now, cadmium is a conduit for converting infrared 665 00:40:10,116 --> 00:40:11,356 - into electricity. - Meaning? 666 00:40:11,534 --> 00:40:15,322 Meaning, the microbrain might be photoelectric. 667 00:40:16,164 --> 00:40:18,246 Kill the lights in the medical lab, Mr. La Forge. 668 00:40:19,208 --> 00:40:21,039 Let's see if darkness will neutralize it. 669 00:40:21,210 --> 00:40:23,872 Ugh. Sorry, sir, it still has control of the computer. 670 00:40:24,088 --> 00:40:25,123 We can't do it by remote. 671 00:40:25,340 --> 00:40:26,921 - Number One. - Aye, sir. 672 00:40:29,302 --> 00:40:32,009 The life-form must have evolved at that narrow layer 673 00:40:32,221 --> 00:40:35,384 where the light got through the sand to the water. 674 00:40:35,600 --> 00:40:39,718 Drop the water a centimeter below the light penetration level 675 00:40:40,521 --> 00:40:42,557 and they starve. 676 00:40:52,492 --> 00:40:55,905 Killing the lab lights now. 677 00:40:59,916 --> 00:41:01,872 It's slowing down. 678 00:41:03,086 --> 00:41:05,828 LA FORGE: It's getting dimmer too. 679 00:41:07,006 --> 00:41:09,622 TRANSLATOR: More light, please. 680 00:41:09,842 --> 00:41:12,174 Only if you will talk to us. 681 00:41:12,387 --> 00:41:14,378 TRANSLATOR: We die. 682 00:41:14,597 --> 00:41:18,010 Bags of water kill us. 683 00:41:18,226 --> 00:41:22,185 You are like others. 684 00:41:22,730 --> 00:41:25,187 We have no wish to kill you. We never have. 685 00:41:25,400 --> 00:41:28,813 TRANSLATOR: You do not say truth. 686 00:41:29,028 --> 00:41:33,146 We will end this war if you will end the war. 687 00:41:33,908 --> 00:41:37,400 TRANSLATOR: Darkness, death, terrible. 688 00:41:38,037 --> 00:41:42,576 Must go home to wet sand. 689 00:41:42,792 --> 00:41:45,659 War over. 690 00:41:46,462 --> 00:41:48,168 Agreed. 691 00:41:48,381 --> 00:41:51,373 We will send you home to your wet sand. 692 00:41:51,926 --> 00:41:53,757 Picard to Riker, 693 00:41:54,303 --> 00:41:57,170 bring up the lights in the lab, just a bit. 694 00:42:04,397 --> 00:42:05,887 Are you better? 695 00:42:06,315 --> 00:42:07,976 TRANSLATOR: Better. 696 00:42:08,192 --> 00:42:10,228 PICARD: We mean you no harm. 697 00:42:10,778 --> 00:42:12,518 Do you believe me? 698 00:42:12,739 --> 00:42:15,071 TRANSLATOR: Yes. - Good. 699 00:42:15,491 --> 00:42:17,982 It is important that you trust us. 700 00:42:19,287 --> 00:42:21,323 TRANSLATOR: Not yet. 701 00:42:21,539 --> 00:42:24,747 You are still too arrogant, 702 00:42:25,585 --> 00:42:27,371 too primitive. 703 00:42:28,212 --> 00:42:32,330 Come back three centuries. 704 00:42:32,967 --> 00:42:37,051 Perhaps then, we trust. 705 00:42:40,433 --> 00:42:43,015 We understand what you are saying. 706 00:42:44,020 --> 00:42:46,102 We will leave you. 707 00:42:48,024 --> 00:42:50,515 We will send you home. 708 00:43:12,340 --> 00:43:14,831 Riker to transporter chief. 709 00:43:15,051 --> 00:43:18,259 Pick up the coordinates of the bell jar in the medical lab 710 00:43:18,471 --> 00:43:21,213 for return to Velara III. 711 00:43:21,432 --> 00:43:23,764 TRANSPORT CHIEF [OVER COM]: Coordinates entered, sir. 712 00:43:30,817 --> 00:43:32,773 Riker to Bridge. 713 00:43:33,736 --> 00:43:35,317 Captain, 714 00:43:36,739 --> 00:43:39,526 we're ready to beam it back to the planet. 715 00:43:41,327 --> 00:43:43,283 I wish we were able to learn more about them, sir. 716 00:43:43,496 --> 00:43:47,956 In time, Mr. Data, when we are better prepared. 717 00:43:49,127 --> 00:43:53,541 I wanted to create a place where living things could thrive. 718 00:43:54,048 --> 00:43:59,964 And all the while, I was about to destroy the life that is there. 719 00:44:00,346 --> 00:44:02,211 Our apologies. 720 00:44:02,431 --> 00:44:04,046 And respects. 721 00:44:04,267 --> 00:44:07,350 — Lieutenant Yar? - Coordinates set, sir. 722 00:44:09,730 --> 00:44:11,140 Energize. 723 00:44:21,367 --> 00:44:24,905 PICARD: Captain's log, stardate 41464.8. 724 00:44:25,121 --> 00:44:28,579 I have declared an indefinite quarantine for Velara Ill, 725 00:44:28,791 --> 00:44:32,534 and we are now returning to starbase with the three surviving terraformers. 726 00:44:32,753 --> 00:44:35,495 Perhaps the lesson we have learned from this near tragedy 727 00:44:35,715 --> 00:44:38,707 will prevent it from happening elsewhere.