1. Commander
Riker, report to the Bridge.
Copy !req
2. On the way.
Copy !req
3. Harry. Harry, come back here.
Copy !req
4. - What's your hurry, Harry?
- I'm sorry, commander.
Copy !req
5. I was just...
Copy !req
6. Harry.
Copy !req
7. I'm sorry if he bothered you.
Copy !req
8. No bother, Dr. Bernard.
Copy !req
9. I'm not going back.
Copy !req
10. I hate that teacher and I hate calculus.
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11. Everyone needs an understanding
of basic calculus,
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12. whether they like it or not.
Copy !req
13. Why?
Copy !req
14. You're limping.
Copy !req
15. I had a small run-in
with an aspiring sprinter.
Copy !req
16. - Number One.
- Problem, captain?
Copy !req
17. More a curiosity.
For the past few hours,
Copy !req
18. we've been tracking
faint energy readings
Copy !req
19. in an attempt to locate its source.
Copy !req
20. It's like following a trail
of breadcrumbs.
Copy !req
21. The pathfinder led us here
and then stopped.
Copy !req
22. Which is what I knew
would interest you.
Copy !req
23. What's our position, Geordi?
Copy !req
24. The Epsilon Mynos system, sir.
Copy !req
25. Thank you, captain, you're right.
I wouldn't miss this for anything.
Copy !req
26. What's so interesting
about this system?
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27. Aldea.
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28. Tasha, I'm surprised you haven't heard
the stories of Aldea,
Copy !req
29. the wondrous, mythical world.
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30. Like Atlantis of ancient Earth,
or Neinman of Xerxes 7.
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31. Advanced culture, centuries old.
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32. Self-contained, peaceful,
incredible technical sophistication,
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33. providing the daily needs
of all the citizens
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34. so that they can tum themselves over
to art and culture.
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35. Where is it supposed to be?
Copy !req
36. That's the myth.
Somehow, as legend goes,
Copy !req
37. the Aldeans were able
to cloak their planet in darkness
Copy !req
38. and go unseen by marauders
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39. and other hostile passersby
who might rob and plunder.
Copy !req
40. What a wonderful fairy tale.
Copy !req
41. Scanners still show nothing, sir.
Copy !req
42. Scanners may show nothing, sir,
but I'm sensing something very strong.
Copy !req
43. - Thousands of minds.
- From where?
Copy !req
44. Very close.
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45. All stop.
Copy !req
46. And hold this position.
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47. Aye, sir.
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48. All stop. And hold.
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49. Anything?
Copy !req
50. Captain, I'm recording a distortion
in quadrant one, mark nine-zero.
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51. On screen.
Copy !req
52. - Shields and deflectors up.
- Aye, sir.
Copy !req
53. It's Aldea, captain.
Copy !req
54. It has to be.
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55. Space, the final frontier.
Copy !req
56. These are the voyages
of the starship Enterprise.
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57. Its continuing mission:
to explore strange new worlds,
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58. to seek out new life
and new civilizations,
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59. to boldly go
where no one has gone before.
Copy !req
60. Captain's log, stardate 41509.1.
Copy !req
61. Either by chance or intent,
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62. we've been led to the planet Aldea,
which appeared out of nowhere,
Copy !req
63. hidden behind
a sophisticated shielding device.
Copy !req
64. Sensors indicate
that the shield is electromagnetic,
Copy !req
65. a complicated
light-refracting mechanism.
Copy !req
66. - A cloaking device.
- Aye, sir.
Copy !req
67. It's gotta be pretty sophisticated
to hide an entire planet.
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68. We're being scanned, sir.
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69. Hmm. We'll let them know
our peaceful intention.
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70. Open hailing frequencies,
Lieutenant Yar.
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71. Frequencies open, sir.
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72. I am Rashella.
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73. Welcome to Aldea.
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74. I, uh...
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75. I am Jean-Luc Picard,
captain of the USS Enterprise.
Copy !req
76. We come in peace.
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77. We know.
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78. We've heard stories about Aldea,
Copy !req
79. but frankly,
I never believed they could be true.
Copy !req
80. Our shield has confused outsiders
for millennia, captain.
Copy !req
81. That's a very long time
to have such technology.
Copy !req
82. Why do you reveal yourselves
to us now?
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83. We are eager to meet in person
to discuss that
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84. and other subjects of mutual interest.
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85. We're ready anytime.
Copy !req
86. Excellent.
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87. We mean no harm.
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88. Our arrival seems to have startled you.
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89. It was a little sudden.
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90. I'm Radue, first appointee to Aldea.
Copy !req
91. - Welcome aboard.
Captain,
Copy !req
92. they haven't been
through decontamination.
Copy !req
93. Our medical doctor is concerned
Copy !req
94. that you didn't go through
the regular transporting procedure.
Copy !req
95. You couldn't transport us.
Copy !req
96. The only way through our shield
is our way, captain.
Copy !req
97. Our cloaking device may be off,
but our shield is operating.
Copy !req
98. We've brought you small tokens
of welcome.
Copy !req
99. And a personal invitation
to a celebration on Aldea.
Copy !req
100. That would be delightful.
Copy !req
101. Number One,
assemble the away team.
Copy !req
102. We will prepare for your arrival,
Commander Riker.
Copy !req
103. - How do you know—?
- Your name?
Copy !req
104. Well, we've been monitoring
your ship's communications.
Copy !req
105. We must now return to Aldea.
Copy !req
106. Our eyes are very sensitive
to bright light.
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107. Rashella.
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108. Amazing.
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109. To exist only in that dream world
of mythology,
Copy !req
110. and then suddenly to be here
right in front of us?
Copy !req
111. Now we know
who placed the breadcrumbs.
Copy !req
112. We're not here by accident.
Copy !req
113. Counselor, do you sense anything?
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114. They want something from us,
something we value greatly.
Copy !req
115. So much that they're afraid
we won't part with it.
Copy !req
116. We're ready
to receive you, Commander Riker.
Copy !req
117. And two of your colleagues.
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118. Interesting choices.
Copy !req
119. I hope that Duana and I know how
to greet you properly, commander.
Copy !req
120. How do they cloak the planet?
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121. The theory is simple.
Copy !req
122. The shield bends light rays
around the planet's contour,
Copy !req
123. similar to the Romulan
cloaking device.
Copy !req
124. But the implementation
is quite difficult.
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125. Captain?
- Data, what do you read?
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126. Some sort of scanning device, sir.
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127. Don'! touch him.
- This beam is emanating from Aldea.
Copy !req
128. Shields up. Contact Commander
Riker. Worf, check all decks.
Copy !req
129. Shields inoperable, sir.
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130. All decks being probed
in a methodical pattern, sir.
Copy !req
131. - All decks, everywhere? Entire ship?
Aye, sir.
Copy !req
132. Can't read the
commander. We're being blocked.
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133. Wesley?
Copy !req
134. You all right?
Copy !req
135. It was scary at first
Copy !req
136. but I didn't really feel anything.
Copy !req
137. Sir, similar incidents, all decks.
Copy !req
138. But only with the children.
Copy !req
139. Yes, we are an ancient power,
commander.
Copy !req
140. But we've suffered for it.
Copy !req
141. Our history is littered
with the deaths of those Aldeans
Copy !req
142. who wanted more and more things.
Nothing was ever enough.
Copy !req
143. So we've evolved
a very simple way of living.
Copy !req
144. For whatever is taken,
something is given in return.
Copy !req
145. It seems an equitable code.
Copy !req
146. It's brought us peace.
Copy !req
147. Unfortunately, there are very few of us
left to enjoy it.
Copy !req
148. Why?
Copy !req
149. That is part of what
we wish to discuss.
Copy !req
150. We need help from the Federation
to rebuild our heritage.
Copy !req
151. We need a younger generation,
strong and healthy,
Copy !req
152. following in the Aldean traditions.
Copy !req
153. I don't understand. How can the
Federation help influence your children
Copy !req
154. in your traditions?
Copy !req
155. Because we have no children,
commander.
Copy !req
156. Rashella was the last child born
on this planet.
Copy !req
157. And your medical community
can do nothing?
Copy !req
158. They've tried, Dr. Crusher, and failed.
Copy !req
159. Perhaps we can help.
Copy !req
160. Radue, exactly why
were we invited here?
Copy !req
161. We propose a trade.
Copy !req
162. One which would solve our problem
Copy !req
163. and give something back
to the Federation.
Copy !req
164. And the nature of this trade?
Copy !req
165. We need some of your children.
Copy !req
166. In payment,
we will give you information
Copy !req
167. that would take you centuries
to acquire.
Copy !req
168. That might be acceptable
to some other races,
Copy !req
169. but, uh, humans are unusually
attached to their offspring.
Copy !req
170. Our children are not for sale
at any price.
Copy !req
171. We sympathize with your situation,
but what you ask is not possible.
Copy !req
172. And that's your final answer?
Copy !req
173. It's my only answer.
Copy !req
174. If there's some other way
that we could help...
Copy !req
175. I am sorry you are so intransigent.
Copy !req
176. Still no response, sir.
Copy !req
177. Wesley.
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178. They've taken my son.
Copy !req
179. Alexandra?
Copy !req
180. Captain, saucer section reports
six more children are gone.
Copy !req
181. It's the children.
That's why we've been brought here.
Copy !req
182. - That's what they wanted.
- And that's what they have.
Copy !req
183. - Status?
- Aldean shields still up.
Copy !req
184. Hailing frequencies open.
No response.
Copy !req
185. Keep trying. Counselor,
you'll have to gather the parents.
Copy !req
186. They'll need to speak to you
as well, captain.
Copy !req
187. Captain, your children are with us.
Copy !req
188. My word of honor,
no harm will ever come to them.
Copy !req
189. Harm has already come to them.
Copy !req
190. Captain, let us begin discussions
regarding appropriate compensation.
Copy !req
191. Compensation?
Copy !req
192. You have stolen our children
away from—
Copy !req
193. Away from their classrooms,
Copy !req
194. away from their bedrooms,
and you talk about compensation?
Copy !req
195. You claim to be a civilized world
Copy !req
196. and yet you've just committed
an act of utter barbarity.
Copy !req
197. Captain, we will continue
the discussions
Copy !req
198. when you've calmed down.
Copy !req
199. Wesley,
Copy !req
200. I'm frightened.
Copy !req
201. I know you are, Katie. We all are.
Copy !req
202. But we're gonna be all right.
Copy !req
203. Everyone knows where we are
and no one is going to hurt you.
Copy !req
204. I promise.
Copy !req
205. Greetings, Wesley Crusher.
Copy !req
206. The Custodian indicated
that you would be the leader.
Copy !req
207. The Custodian?
Copy !req
208. Who is the Custodian?
Copy !req
209. The Custodian is not a person.
Copy !req
210. You have been brought to Aldea
as our guests.
Copy !req
211. We'll provide anything you need
or want.
Copy !req
212. We wanna go home.
Copy !req
213. Wesley, all of you have been chosen
because you are special.
Copy !req
214. Just ask for anything you want
and you shall have it.
Copy !req
215. What's happened to Alexandra
and the other children, captain?
Copy !req
216. How are you getting them back?
Copy !req
217. Toya, sit down.
Copy !req
218. Don't give in to fear.
Copy !req
219. Now, we all knew what the risks were
when we signed on.
Copy !req
220. And that's the choice we made.
Copy !req
221. Now, Captain Picard
will do everything possible
Copy !req
222. to bring our children back.
Copy !req
223. The Aldeans are anxious
to discuss compensation.
Copy !req
224. - Compensation?
- That will buy us time.
Copy !req
225. I've asked Dr. Crusher to be involved
in these negotiations
Copy !req
226. as your representative.
Copy !req
227. Why were these
specific children taken?
Copy !req
228. We can't be sure.
Copy !req
229. We do know the Aldeans
can't have children of their own.
Copy !req
230. Then they won't let them go easily.
Copy !req
231. I won't insult you by pretending
that any of this will be easy.
Copy !req
232. But I can tell you that the Enterprise
will not leave them behind.
Copy !req
233. You can be assured of that.
Copy !req
234. Can we talk with our children?
Copy !req
235. Give them some reassurance.
Copy !req
236. Let them know that we are here
and that they will be safe.
Copy !req
237. I'll do my best to arrange that.
Copy !req
238. The last time I saw him,
I yelled at him.
Copy !req
239. There you are. I have you now.
Copy !req
240. Come in. Don't be alarmed.
Copy !req
241. The other children have been assigned
to their units.
Copy !req
242. Units?
- A unit is a group
Copy !req
243. where those of similar talents
and interests live together.
Copy !req
244. Do you mean like a family?
Copy !req
245. Yes, uh, you could call it that.
Copy !req
246. We already have families.
Copy !req
247. Does Captain Picard know
you're doing this?
Copy !req
248. We keep nothing from him.
Copy !req
249. We have been waiting for you
so long, Harry.
Copy !req
250. We are artists, just like you.
Copy !req
251. We see within you
the potential of what you can be.
Copy !req
252. I'm not an artist.
Copy !req
253. You will be.
Copy !req
254. And a great one.
Copy !req
255. This way, Harry.
Copy !req
256. Unit B, 375.
Copy !req
257. Katie.
Copy !req
258. I am honored.
Copy !req
259. Thank you.
Copy !req
260. Melian is the foremost musician
on Aldea.
Copy !req
261. Music speaks its own language.
Copy !req
262. I know we'll have much to learn
from each other.
Copy !req
263. Don't worry, Katie.
Copy !req
264. You'll be seeing Wesley soon.
Copy !req
265. What about me?
Copy !req
266. Don't I get a say in this?
Copy !req
267. Wesley, sometimes something
happens which you just
Copy !req
268. must accept.
Copy !req
269. You and the other children
are now members of this society.
Copy !req
270. That will not change.
Copy !req
271. It is up to you to make the transition
as easy as possible for the others.
Copy !req
272. It's your duty
because you are their leader.
Copy !req
273. Help them to accept it
Copy !req
274. because nothing you or those
on the starship can do can change it.
Copy !req
275. Because like you,
Copy !req
276. we also have no choice.
Copy !req
277. Where have you been, Rashella?
Copy !req
278. Zena and Aran are waiting
to take Alexandra.
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279. - No.
- No?
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280. - I told you that she-
- No, Radue.
Copy !req
281. They can't have her.
Copy !req
282. I will never let her go.
Copy !req
283. - Any response from Aldea, lieutenant?
- Not yet, sir.
Copy !req
284. Captain.
Copy !req
285. Data has found something interesting.
Copy !req
286. The Aldean shield gives evidence
of random fluctuations,
Copy !req
287. weakening its structure
in isolated sections.
Copy !req
288. You're saying there are holes
in their defense system?
Copy !req
289. In essence, yes.
Copy !req
290. I find it surprising that,
after all these eons,
Copy !req
291. the Aldeans have not perfected
their technology.
Copy !req
292. One would assume they'd be aware
of the weakness and repair it.
Copy !req
293. Could we beam an away team
through one of those holes?
Copy !req
294. It's a possibility. It would have to be
perfectly timed, there's no guarantee.
Copy !req
295. We may be more successful
in deciphering the code they use
Copy !req
296. to transport through
the magnetic shield.
Copy !req
297. - Can you do that?
Eventually, sir.
Copy !req
298. I am working on it now.
Copy !req
299. But the number of permutations
is almost endless.
Copy !req
300. Keep trying. While he's doing that,
Number One, I want you and La Forge
Copy !req
301. to try and find some way
of getting through one of those holes.
Copy !req
302. Because one way or another,
Copy !req
303. we have got to get an away team down
on the planet
Copy !req
304. to locate the power source
for the shield and neutralize it.
Copy !req
305. You're certain they'll negotiate?
Copy !req
306. Oh, they'll negotiate.
Or they'll call it that.
Copy !req
307. They've taken what they want.
Copy !req
308. Now, they'll rationalize it
by throwing us some sort of a bone.
Copy !req
309. And when we don't accept their offer?
Copy !req
310. The minute they believe
we won't accept their compensation
Copy !req
311. for the children,
they'll break off the discussion,
Copy !req
312. they'll disappear behind their shield,
Copy !req
313. locking us out
and the children in forever.
Copy !req
314. That's why I've gotta
keep them talking.
Copy !req
315. Custodian, Wesley Crusher's voice
will be entered
Copy !req
316. into the authorized file
for third-level clearance.
Copy !req
317. Proceed, Duana.
Copy !req
318. Announce yourself to the Custodian.
Copy !req
319. Hello, Custodian.
Copy !req
320. I am Wesley Crusher.
Copy !req
321. Hello, Wesley.
Copy !req
322. Your voice will now activate
third-level clearance.
Copy !req
323. What does that mean?
Copy !req
324. You may ask any questions you wish.
Copy !req
325. Thank you.
Copy !req
326. Duana, what does the Custodian do?
Copy !req
327. It frees us from all burden.
Copy !req
328. It takes care of all our needs.
Copy !req
329. It regulates our lives.
Copy !req
330. - Who built it?
- The Progenitors.
Copy !req
331. - When?
- Oh, hundreds of centuries ago.
Copy !req
332. What is its power source?
Copy !req
333. Wesley, why is that important?
Copy !req
334. It does what we ask it to.
It always has.
Copy !req
335. What difference does it make
how it works?
Copy !req
336. If you don't know how it works,
then how can you repair it?
Copy !req
337. Why would we want to repair it?
Copy !req
338. From time to time, every computer—
Copy !req
339. I mean, Custodian,
requires maintenance.
Copy !req
340. Wesley, Radue is right.
Copy !req
341. You ask questions I can't answer.
Copy !req
342. Ask the Custodian instead.
Copy !req
343. Custodian,
Copy !req
344. can you show me where Harry is?
Copy !req
345. Yes.
Copy !req
346. Custodian, show me Harry.
Copy !req
347. - I never did this before'
Ah.
Copy !req
348. - It's fun.
Ha, ha.
Copy !req
349. You were going to make him
into a sculptor'!
Copy !req
350. He already is.
Copy !req
351. He was just never
encouraged properly.
Copy !req
352. The tool Leda is giving him will
allow him to bring out his visions.
Copy !req
353. It will take him years
to learn how to do that.
Copy !req
354. Oh, no.
Copy !req
355. It will happen quite quickly.
Copy !req
356. Custodian, show me Alexandra.
Copy !req
357. Yeah.
Copy !req
358. Custodian, show me Mason.
Copy !req
359. Stop, Custodian.
Copy !req
360. We must work now.
Copy !req
361. There's much to learn.
Copy !req
362. What's in there?
Copy !req
363. The power source?
Copy !req
364. I don't know.
Copy !req
365. Captain's log, supplemental.
Copy !req
366. We remain in orbit around Aldea.
Copy !req
367. It's becoming all too evident
Copy !req
368. that talk will not effect the return
of our children.
Copy !req
369. We must neutralize
the Aldean shield.
Copy !req
370. Until then, we are helpless.
Copy !req
371. Sir, Radue is hailing us.
Copy !req
372. Captain Picard.
Copy !req
373. Dr. Crusher and I are ready, Radue.
Copy !req
374. Are you ill, captain?
Copy !req
375. No, Dr. Crusher is a staff officer.
Copy !req
376. Starfleet Regulation 6.57 requires that
at least two staff officers are present
Copy !req
377. during any treaty
or contract negotiations.
Copy !req
378. Very well.
Copy !req
379. Not much on pleasantries, is he?
Copy !req
380. Captain, I am not aware
of Regulation 6.57.
Copy !req
381. No, Data, neither am I.
Copy !req
382. I see, sir. Oh.
Copy !req
383. I see, sir.
Copy !req
384. Dr. Crusher,
please report to the Bridge.
Copy !req
385. Now, let's see
what they have in mind.
Copy !req
386. Before we begin,
we want to see the children.
Copy !req
387. No.
Copy !req
388. We're here to negotiate
appropriate compensation,
Copy !req
389. not to pander to emotions.
Copy !req
390. Please sit.
Copy !req
391. We do not condone your actions.
Copy !req
392. You're attempting
to salve your conscience
Copy !req
393. by offering us goods
in exchange for our children.
Copy !req
394. Why do you want them back
so badly?
Copy !req
395. You can always have more.
Copy !req
396. You are trifling with the primal instincts
of our species.
Copy !req
397. I must warn you that human parents
Copy !req
398. are quite willing to die
for their children.
Copy !req
399. Returning the children
is non-negotiable.
Copy !req
400. I promise you,
they will have a beautiful life with us.
Copy !req
401. And they'll be father and mother to a
new breed born of an ancient culture.
Copy !req
402. But how can you be so sure
that they can have children?
Copy !req
403. - You can't.
- But they will.
Copy !req
404. Our inability to bear children
is a genetic dysfunction.
Copy !req
405. It's not contagious.
Copy !req
406. We sympathize with your situation.
Copy !req
407. Surely there is a solution
that can be mutually satisfactory.
Copy !req
408. For us, the problem is solved.
Copy !req
409. And we're offering you information
Copy !req
410. on areas of the galaxy
you do not even know exist.
Copy !req
411. What more can we offer?
Copy !req
412. What more would you like?
Copy !req
413. A significant beginning.
Copy !req
414. But first, I must ask that
Dr. Crusher be allowed to see her son
Copy !req
415. before we continue.
Copy !req
416. Oh, you are a stubborn people.
Copy !req
417. Oh, well.
Copy !req
418. That too can be a positive trait.
Copy !req
419. You may see him.
Copy !req
420. Mom.
- Wes.
Copy !req
421. I knew Captain Picard
would get us home.
Copy !req
422. Not yet, Wes.
Copy !req
423. Oh.
Copy !req
424. Are you okay?
Copy !req
425. And the others?
Copy !req
426. Okay. Really okay.
Copy !req
427. We've been assigned to our units.
Copy !req
428. Like families.
Copy !req
429. They're treating us like gods.
Copy !req
430. Well, don't let it go to your head.
Copy !req
431. I won't.
Copy !req
432. Wes seems fine.
Copy !req
433. He says the other children are too.
Copy !req
434. Of course they're well.
Copy !req
435. Captain Picard, you have our offer.
Copy !req
436. It is final.
Copy !req
437. Rashella.
Copy !req
438. Captain, we want you to understand
the nature of your choice.
Copy !req
439. A small demonstration
of our power...
Copy !req
440. What was that?
- I believe it was a repulsor beam.
Copy !req
441. - Position report.
- This is unbelievable, sir.
Copy !req
442. According to my calculations,
we're three days from Aldea.
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443. - At warp 9.
- They call that a small demonstration.
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444. - Geordi, get us back to Aldea. Warp 9.
- Aye, sir.
Copy !req
445. Captain, if you don't accept our terms,
Copy !req
446. the Enterprise will be pushed
so far away
Copy !req
447. that by the time you return,
your children will be grandparents.
Copy !req
448. Captain's log, stardate 41512.4.
Copy !req
449. We are 20 hours away from Aldea
and no closer to a solution.
Copy !req
450. Their deliberate show of force
pushed us out of orbit
Copy !req
451. and could have easily disintegrated
the ship.
Copy !req
452. Now, hold it a little bit more firmly.
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453. That's it, perfect.
Copy !req
454. Now, think.
Copy !req
455. No, think's not right.
Copy !req
456. Feel the notes inside your head.
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457. I'm sorry. Did I break it?
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458. No, it's all right.
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459. You can't break this.
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460. It did exactly what I thought.
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461. I mean, felt.
Copy !req
462. Yes, ifs a direct reflection
of the music within.
Copy !req
463. Now, we just have to teach you
to structure that feeling.
Copy !req
464. Try it again.
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465. That was beautiful.
Copy !req
466. Now,
Copy !req
467. play something happier.
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468. It's not the way I feel.
Copy !req
469. I don't wanna do this anymore.
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470. You see, Harry?
Copy !req
471. I told you you were going to be
an artist.
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472. Are you sure?
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473. Did I really do this?
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474. Oh, yes.
Copy !req
475. Your talent has always been there.
Copy !req
476. The sculpting tool
is just helping you to develop it.
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477. It's what you were meant to do.
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478. You mean I don't have to
take calculus anymore?
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479. You don't have to do anything
you don't want to do.
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480. - What's calculus?
- Ha, ha. Nothing important.
Copy !req
481. Can I do some more?
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482. Captain's log, supplemental.
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483. It has been three days
since the Aldeans pushed us away.
Copy !req
484. We have had no contact with Radue
since then.
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485. Open hailing frequencies,
Lieutenant Yar.
Copy !req
486. Frequencies open, sir.
Copy !req
487. Radue, this is Picard.
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488. Welcome back, captain.
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489. What have you decided?
Copy !req
490. That there is room
for discussion, Radue.
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491. We will bring you down
when we're ready.
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492. - Data, find a way to defeat that shield.
- That may be impossible, sir.
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493. Things are only impossible
until they're not.
Copy !req
494. Yes, sir.
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495. Captain.
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496. Here's what I've learned so far.
Copy !req
497. Duana is dying.
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498. I have no reason to believe
the other Aldeans are any healthier.
Copy !req
499. They're suffering
from a kind of chromosomal damage.
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500. It could be genetic or environmental.
Copy !req
501. - And is that why they can't conceive?
- Yes.
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502. It also explains their lack of appetite,
extreme pallor and sensitivity to light.
Copy !req
503. An entire civilization
that's terminally iii. Is it reversible?
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504. I won't know until I find the cause.
Copy !req
505. And you don't need to tell me
time is running out.
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506. Good work, doctor.
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507. Have the lesions gone?
Copy !req
508. Yes.
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509. The medicine worked again.
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510. Good.
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511. Come see what Harry's doing.
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512. Beautiful.
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513. Yeah. It really turned out well.
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514. It's so alive and graceful.
What do you call it?
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515. It's a dolphin.
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516. Dolphin?
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517. You know, it swims in the ocean,
like a fish, only it's not a fish.
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518. Eh. A fish.
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519. Oh, we used to have those
in our oceans.
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520. I've never seen one before.
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521. I used to live near the ocean
on Zadar IV.
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522. My dad's an oceanographer.
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523. He says that, well—
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524. Never mind.
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525. It doesn't matter.
Copy !req
526. - I want Mommy.
- Shh.
Copy !req
527. I want Mommy.
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528. You haven't eaten.
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529. You didn't eat anything.
Copy !req
530. We need very little.
Copy !req
531. We know you miss your family.
Copy !req
532. But you'll grow accustomed to us.
Copy !req
533. I promise you'll be happy.
Copy !req
534. We were happy before we came.
Copy !req
535. We are offering more,
especially for you.
Copy !req
536. Duana,
Copy !req
537. I feel badly for you
that you have no children.
Copy !req
538. But I have to tell you
that we don't wanna be here.
Copy !req
539. And we will not cooperate.
Copy !req
540. Custodian's room.
Copy !req
541. Custodian, this is Wesley Crusher.
Copy !req
542. Proceed, Wesley.
- Shh.
Copy !req
543. Show me where
the Enterprise children are
Copy !req
544. in relation to this room.
Copy !req
545. Thank you. Good night.
Copy !req
546. Good night, Wesley.
Copy !req
547. Shh.
Copy !req
548. I think I know a way to get us home.
Copy !req
549. I need your help.
Copy !req
550. Chief medical
officer's log, stardate 41512.9.
Copy !req
551. I've begun to suspect
that whatever is killing the Aldeans
Copy !req
552. is related to a danger faced by Earth
in the 21st century.
Copy !req
553. Can if be that Aldea's ozone layer
has been weakened?
Copy !req
554. Why will not talking or eating
make them send us home?
Copy !req
555. It's called passive resistance.
Copy !req
556. We don't do what they want us to do,
then they won't want us.
Copy !req
557. Will they get mad at us?
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558. They won't hurt us.
Copy !req
559. But, Wes, I do kind of like them.
Copy !req
560. So do I.
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561. But I don't wanna stay here forever.
Copy !req
562. Do you?
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563. No.
Copy !req
564. But I like working with the wood.
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565. Harry, we all have to be in this together
or it's not gonna work.
Copy !req
566. Okay.
Copy !req
567. I'll do it.
Copy !req
568. What are you all
doing here together?
Copy !req
569. What is going on here?
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570. I've got it, captain.
Copy !req
571. The Aldeans are suffering
from a form of radiation poisoning.
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572. - Is that what made them sterile?
- Yes.
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573. - Is it reversible?
- With the proper treatment, yes.
Copy !req
574. Captain.
- Sir.
Copy !req
575. These permutations
are going to take a very long time.
Copy !req
576. - How long?
- Weeks.
Copy !req
577. There is the other option.
Copy !req
578. We were able to further define
the weakness in their shield.
Copy !req
579. It's not so much a hole
as it is a fluctuation.
Copy !req
580. If the timing is precise, it is possible
to beam through and onto the planet.
Copy !req
581. Why don't we beam the children up
through the hole?
Copy !req
582. The timing would be more difficult
and the risk greater.
Copy !req
583. All right, you and Data, beam down,
locate the power source, knock it out.
Copy !req
584. I'll, uh, delay the Aldeans
until you're ready.
Copy !req
585. Shh.
Copy !req
586. Will you at least eat?
Copy !req
587. No, Alexandra.
Copy !req
588. Why?
Copy !req
589. We can't eat.
Copy !req
590. I know you're hungry. We all are.
Copy !req
591. But it's our way of telling them
that we wanna go home.
Copy !req
592. - Understand?
- Yeah.
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593. We're ready, Lieutenant Worf.
Copy !req
594. Captain, you may come down now
to conclude our discussion.
Copy !req
595. Or your ship may leave.
Copy !req
596. It's your choice.
Copy !req
597. Dr. Crusher and I are prepared
to conclude our negotiations.
Copy !req
598. Transporter Room, now.
Copy !req
599. This is it, commander.
Copy !req
600. It is programmed to accept
only authorized voice command.
Copy !req
601. There's no way we can override?
Copy !req
602. No.
Copy !req
603. But I can scramble the input
so that nobody else can.
Copy !req
604. Before we begin, captain,
you must speak with the children.
Copy !req
605. It seems they are
on some sort of strike.
Copy !req
606. I don't understand it.
Copy !req
607. You must deal with this, captain.
Copy !req
608. I'm, uh,
Copy !req
609. not very good with children.
Copy !req
610. A strike?
Copy !req
611. I'll see what I can do.
Copy !req
612. I'm sure if we just stick together
in this, guys, we'll all be—
Copy !req
613. Hi, Captain Picard.
Hi, captain.
Copy !req
614. Sir, I knew you'd come.
Copy !req
615. It's not over yet, Wesley.
Copy !req
616. I think I figured out
their computer controls, sir.
Copy !req
617. But I'm not sure.
Copy !req
618. It's a much different system than ours.
Copy !req
619. Good, Wesley.
Copy !req
620. - Now—
- Captain?
Copy !req
621. Yes, Harry.
Copy !req
622. If something happens
and you have to leave us here,
Copy !req
623. will you tell my dad
that I'm sorry that I made him angry,
Copy !req
624. and that I miss him.
Copy !req
625. You will tell him that, Harry.
Copy !req
626. And I will tell him
how much I admire his son.
Copy !req
627. Hello, Alexandra.
Copy !req
628. Hi.
Copy !req
629. What is this?
Copy !req
630. They want to go home.
Copy !req
631. No. They're staying.
Copy !req
632. Number One.
Copy !req
633. We're in position.
Copy !req
634. Hold for orders.
Copy !req
635. Radiation levels on Aldea have been
building up over a long period of time.
Copy !req
636. It is similar to what was experienced
on Earth in the 21st century,
Copy !req
637. when the ozone layer had deteriorated
Copy !req
638. and the surface of the planet
was flooded with ultraviolet radiation.
Copy !req
639. The shield that protected your world
in one way is weakening it in another.
Copy !req
640. It is the radiation of your own sun
that is destroying you.
Copy !req
641. You are trying to confuse the issue.
Copy !req
642. Please, listen.
Copy !req
643. You are all suffering
from radiation poisoning.
Copy !req
644. Sterility is only the latest symptom.
Copy !req
645. If the children remain,
they will be affected as well.
Copy !req
646. That's impossible.
Our scientists would have known.
Copy !req
647. How could they? Your scientists
have forgotten how everything works.
Copy !req
648. No. All lies.
Copy !req
649. No, wait.
Copy !req
650. Don't send them back yet.
Copy !req
651. What if they're right?
Copy !req
652. Instead of the children
being our hope,
Copy !req
653. what if we're just condemning them
to our fate?
Copy !req
654. Rashella, they're just protecting
their own interests.
Copy !req
655. As are we.
Copy !req
656. But hear them out.
Copy !req
657. The captain and Dr. Crusher
are saying
Copy !req
658. that the very thing which
has given us this wonderful world
Copy !req
659. is what has caused this tragedy.
Copy !req
660. That's it, exactly.
Copy !req
661. Your Custodian
has controlled you so completely,
Copy !req
662. you've lost even the desire
to question it.
Copy !req
663. Lies. And the discussion is over.
Copy !req
664. Commander Riker?
Yes, sir?
Copy !req
665. I assume you have control
of the computer.
Copy !req
666. We've disabled the system
temporarily.
Copy !req
667. We've found the power source
to the shield and neutralized it.
Copy !req
668. Good. Enterprise, this is Picard.
Beam the children up.
Copy !req
669. Wait.
Copy !req
670. Enterprise, hold.
Copy !req
671. Thank you.
Copy !req
672. Let me get the dolphin
for you to take with you.
Copy !req
673. No, you keep it.
Copy !req
674. I'll make another one.
Copy !req
675. - All right, Harry?
- Yes, captain.
Copy !req
676. Okay, kids. Let's go home.
Copy !req
677. Beam them up.
Copy !req
678. You have destroyed us.
Copy !req
679. We're not here
to destroy you, Radue.
Copy !req
680. We're gonna help you.
Copy !req
681. What is it?
Copy !req
682. The legacy of your Progenitors, Radue.
Copy !req
683. The source of your power.
Copy !req
684. And of your problems.
Copy !req
685. It is reading incredible amounts
of energy, sir.
Copy !req
686. Even more since we've taken down
the shield.
Copy !req
687. What are we going to do with it?
Copy !req
688. Learn all over again.
Copy !req
689. All this time,
we've been destroying ourselves.
Copy !req
690. So sure
of our technological invulnerability.
Copy !req
691. Now we must learn
to use this power safely.
Copy !req
692. Will you let us help you?
Copy !req
693. Yes. Please.
Copy !req
694. Dad, I wanna be an artist.
Copy !req
695. But I don't wanna
take calculus anymore.
Copy !req
696. You can be anything you want, Harry.
Copy !req
697. Anything.
Copy !req
698. But you still have to take calculus.
Copy !req
699. Okay. Thanks, Dad.
Copy !req
700. It worked well, sir.
Copy !req
701. And we have successfully reseeded
the ozone layer.
Copy !req
702. But for their atmosphere
to maintain its integrity,
Copy !req
703. they can never use the shield.
Copy !req
704. Or be cloaked again.
Copy !req
705. Are you finished?
Copy !req
706. Yes, captain.
Copy !req
707. And they're responding very well
to the treatment.
Copy !req
708. The legend will die,
Copy !req
709. but the people will live.
Copy !req
710. And we know
they'll make good parents.
Copy !req
711. - Wesley.
- Sorry, captain.
Copy !req
712. She just wanted to thank you
for bringing her home to her mother.
Copy !req
713. Thank you.
Copy !req
714. Come on now.
Copy !req
715. Mr. La Forge,
Copy !req
716. out of orbit, warp 5.
Copy !req
717. Yes, sir. Certainly, sir.
Copy !req