All language subtitles for StarTrek.TNG-s03e08.The.Price

Computer, dispatches.

A research inquiry

from the Manitoba Journal
of lnterplanetary Psychology

and three communiques
from your mother.

Transfer the letters from
my mother to the viewscreen.

And, computer, I would like
a real chocolate sundae.

Define "real" in context,
please.

Real.

Not one of your
perfectly synthesized

ingeniously enhanced imitations.

I would like
real chocolate ice cream

real whipped cream...

This unit is programmed

to provide sources
of acceptable nutritional value.

Your request does not fall
within current guidelines.

Please indicate whether you wish

to override
the specified program.

Listen...

Picard to Counselor Troi.

Now what?

Yes, Captain?

The pleasure of your company
is requested, Counselor.

We are, um... we're having
a little impromptu reception

for the arriving delegates.

Captain, I'm not really dressed
for a reception.

Oh, Counselor

just throw on any old thing.

We're about to get
our first look at the wormhole.

Of course, Captain.

I'm on my way.

God forbid I should miss
my first look at the wormhole.

May I escort you, Miss Troi?

Just tell me there's
some chocolate here.

Ah, Counselor Troi.

Will you allow me to do
the introductions?

This is Premier Bhavani
of Barzan.

Counselor Deanna Troi.

Your discovery has produced

a great deal of excitement,
Premier.

Hopefully, it will also produce

a new era of prosperity
for my people.

We'll see to that.

You know Mr. Mendoza,
the Federation negotiator.

A pleasure to see you again,
Counselor Troi.

This is a worthy Federation
competitor in the bidding

Leyor of the Caldonians.

Madam.

And I am Devinoni Ral.

Ship's Counselor Deanna Troi.

My good friend Ral

is the best hired gun
in the business.

Hired gun?

My good friend Mendoza means
that I'm a negotiator

who serves a variety of clients.

On this particular occasion,
I represent the Chrysalians.

I believe it's almost time,
isn't it, Captain?

Indeed.

It will be visible
directly ahead.

Is it always on time, Bhavani?

Always.

We see it every 233 minutes.

Our scientists say

it's due to radiation buildup
in the accretion disk.

The visible burst is very brief.

There it is, ladies and
gentlemen, the first

and only stable wormhole
known to exist.

It's yours, for the right price.

Space, the final frontier.

These are the voyages
of the Starship Enterprise.

Its continuing mission--

to explore strange new worlds

to seek out new life
and new civilizations

to boldly go
where no one has gone before.

Captain's Log, Stardate 43385.6.

We are orbiting Barzan ll,
which is entertaining bids

for control of what appears
to be a stable wormhole

which could provide
a permanent shortcut

to the distant Gamma Quadrant.

As you all know, the
environment on my planet

is completely inhospitable
to most other life-forms.

So I'd like to express
my appreciation to you

Captain Picard

for hosting these negotiations.

The Barzan has been a society

dependent on others
for generations.

We want that to end.

The appearance of this stable
wormhole in our space

provides us with our first
true natural resource.

We have neither the experience

nor the technology
to exploit it.

But you do.

Excuse me.

There's a delegation of Ferengi

that wishes to be
beamed aboard, sir.

Were you expecting the Ferengi,
Premier?

No, but I do not wish
to create ill will, Captain.

If they are interested in
bidding, I have no objection.

Chief O'Brien,
this is Captain Picard.

Will you beam the Ferengi

directly
to the observation lounge?

Aye, sir.

On behalf of all Ferengi,
I protest.

Why were we not invited
to these negotiations?

My apologies.

We did not anticipate
your interest.

You're welcome to join us.

My name is DaiMon Goss

and these are my consuls--
Kol and Dr. Arridor.

We'll need chairs.

I'm Captain Picard
of the Enterprise.

I am serving as host
for these proceedings.

Good.

Then see to it
we get some chairs.

Let me explain...

Fine, fine-- just have
your Klingon servant

get us some chairs.

I'm in charge of security.

Then who gets the chairs?

DaiMon,
due to the delicate nature

of these negotiations,
all parties

have agreed that one
representative will suffice.

Now, I will be happy to provide

your consuls with accommodations

and you may have my chair.

Very well.

Premier.

Kol, the bag.

Gentlemen, this way.

We can handle
all the pleasantries later.

Now, let's get down to business.

I'll match anyone's best offer

and add the gold
on top of it.

Devinoni Ral, human, age 41.

Born Brussels,
European Alliance.

Relocated at age 19
to Hurkos lll...

Come in.

Should I call
for an appointment?

No, I was just looking
over some personnel files.

Well, that's too bad.

I thought you might
be thinking about me.

I thought you'd be deep
in negotiations by now.

In recess.

I never play
the opening rounds, anyway.

Inconsequential.

Besides, there are
much better things

to negotiate on this ship...

Iike dinner tonight.

What about your
traveling companion?

My traveling companion
is... traveling.

I sent her home.

Why?

You know why.

Weren't you getting along?

Don't do that.

What?

Don't do "Counselor" Troi.

Was l?

Yes, you were.

When you leave this office

who are you?

Oh, so that's how it goes?

You never do.

You never do...

Ieave the office.

What are...?

Shh-shh-shh-shh-shh...

Dinner at 8:00?

The readings from the Barzans'
probe of the wormhole

are quite impressive, Captain.

The wormhole delivered
the probe beyond the Denkiri Arm

in the Gamma Quadrant.

It would take nearly
a century at warp 9

to cover that distance.

The same distance
could be achieved

in a matter of seconds
through the wormhole.

Imagine the Ferengi collecting
tolls if we lose to them.

I don't think the Ferengi

are the greatest threat
at the table.

With all of DaiMon Goss' bluster

they don't have the resources
the Barzans need.

Mm-hmm.

I think that Devinoni

is the one we need
to watch out for.

An accurate observation.

How did you recognize that?

Well, he was the most
comfortable one in the group.

You must play poker, Commander.

Poker?
Is that a game of some sort?

Commander Riker conducts
master classes in poker.

Our skills are
not dissimilar, Commander.

Mr. Mendoza, if this
lives up to its billing

it will be a discovery
of extraordinary value

but it is a very big "if."

A wormhole is there one moment
and then gone the next.

A stable wormhole is unheard of.

Are you saying
this may not be what it seems?

The Barzans do not have
manned space travel

so they had to resort
to an automated probe.

Its findings are limited.

It cannot be determined
from these charts

how stable the wormhole
really is

or how long it will
remain intact.

The Federation
could end up buying

a proverbial lemon.

"Proverbial lemon"?

Later, Data.

Aye, sir.

And, of course, that means

once the contract is
negotiated and closed

we would be obliged
to fulfill the terms.

I think we should
take a look for ourselves.

I don't think Bhavani
could object to that.

Geordi has been
in continuous visual contact

with the wormhole, Captain.

I think he's a logical choice.

I would also like
to volunteer, sir.

Hmm. Nobody's going in there

until we have done
a full sensor analysis.

I want to do everything possible
to determine that it is safe

and when I am satisfied,
then you, Data

and Commander La Forge
will enter the wormhole

tomorrow.

Just a moment of discomfort
for a good cause, DaiMon.

You understand
this will not be lethal?

Doctor, you surprise me.

I have no wish to kill anyone.

A short-term crippling
will suffice.

Then, this will be just fine.

A distillation of your
own blood pyrocytes--

harmless to you, undetectable
by the ship's bio-filters

but, when absorbed
through your victim's skin

it will provoke
an extreme allergic reaction.

I'd say it's time to extend
the hand of the Ferengi

to the Representative
of the Federation.

Much better.

Thank you.

Come in for a drink?

Ah, Federation decor.

Not your style?

Well, conformity
is not my style.

What would you like?

I'd even like another.

Well, there she is again.

Counselor Troi.

I'm not.

Computer, champagne.

For two.

Am I moving too fast for you?

No, I'm moving too fast for me.

I like that better.

I haven't been able to stop
thinking about you all day.

You must have had a nice day.

Anticipation is fun.

We'll be late for dinner.

Very late.

Mr. Mendoza?

I seem to be a bit warm...

I need some help here.

You attempt to gain
every unfair advantage, Picard.

Premier Bhavani
has no objection.

Well, I most certainly do.

First, you conveniently
arrange to play host

then you plan
to send a manned probe

into the wormhole.

The Federation

thinks it can do anything
it wants to.

Well, I will not tolerate it.

I will gladly share
the results of our explorations

with all the delegates.

And you expect us to believe
what you report?

Then send in your own probe,
Goss.

That's exactly
what I intend to do

and I should strongly suggest
that you stay out of our way.

Tell Data and La Forge
to do themselves a favor

and stay out of their way.

Captain Picard,
please come to Sick Bay.

Acknowledged, Doctor.

Whatever he's got

is obviously
not life-threatening.

It's some kind of system-wide
histaminic reaction.

He certainly can't go back

to negotiations
for several days.

Will you keep me informed?

The Federation's top negotiator

taken out
by a mysterious ailment.

Suspicions?

With the Ferengi around?

Always.

You'll have to fill in,
Number One.

Me?

Well, I'm the designated host.

It would be
a most awkward transition.

You're the next likely choice.

And Mr. Mendoza will
certainly agree.

He's quite impressed
by your natural instincts.

Excuse me, sir, but those
weren't natural instincts.

Those were poker instincts.

A card game doesn't exactly
prepare me for this.

Yes, the stakes are higher,
but then, isn't that

when the game gets
interesting, Commander?

The wormhole will reappear
in 30 seconds, sir.

The Ferengi pod is moving
into position.

Shuttle 9, stand by.

Ferengi Pod, this is
Lieutenant Commander La Forge

in the Enterprise shuttle.

This is Dr. Arridor.
Go ahead.

Would you care to take
the point, Doctor?

We will gladly yield that honor
to you, Lieutenant Commander.

You know, if this doesn't work

the thought of spending
the rest of my life in here

is none too appealing.

There is a bright side, Geordi.

You will have me to talk to.

It is visible, Captain.

Proceed when ready.

...and intense energy fields

which appear to be stabil...

They've traveled beyond our
communication capabilities, sir.

A complete analysis of our bid

is available on the ship's
computer for your consideration.

Commander, I realize
what a difficult position

this must be for you.

If you don't understand
something

I hope you won't be
too embarrassed to ask me.

I think I have an idea
what the rules are.

Well, that's what makes it
so interesting.

The rules of the game
change to fit the moment.

Not unlike commanding
a starship, Mr. Ral.

Well, Mr. Riker's placed a...

a great deal of emphasis
on defense--

a subject he obviously
knows well

having served Starfleet

in a number of conflicts.

Now, the Chrysalians--
we're enemies to no one

and we choose
to remain that way.

Neutral.

Neutral and uninvolved, sir

in virtually all interstellar
matters of consequence.

No one would claim that
the Chrysalians are as powerful

as the mighty Federation,
but we have resources

and technology
and scientists, too.

But we also have had peace
for ten generations.

You know, I was thinking...

Mmm?

Maybe I could stretch
out these negotiations

for a few days.

Would you like that?

Mm-hmm.

Devinoni Ral...

who are you?

Well, what do your Betazoid
senses tell you about me?

Not much.

My human physical response
must be blocking them out.

Good.

It never happened to me before.

I rather like
that I'm more difficult to read

than your other men.

There aren't any others...
currently.

What about Commander Riker?

Who have you been talking to?

No one. No one.

I just, uh... sensed something

when I saw the two
of you together.

Will Riker and l
are good friends.

Uh-huh.

It was once a little more
than that.

Ah...

How come we're talking
about me instead of you?

Haven't you had enough people
talk about their lives to you?

Who counsels the Counselor?

Oh, no.

I want to know about you.

I'm what you see right now.

Just me... wanting
to run away with you

but knowing you'd never
leave this damned ship.

When I first saw you

I felt as if I'd been waiting
for you.

I'm trying to understand

why or how that's possible.

Does it matter?

Well, it will, when I tell you.

But you must promise
never to tell anyone else.

What?

I am part Betazoid, too.

My mother was one-half.

I am one-quarter.

You're empathic?

The only one of five children.

And I must admit, I was...
I was never as comfortable

sensing emotions
as you seem to be.

So that's why you left Earth.

Yes.

I learned to live with it,
use it, as you have.

But still...

it isolates us, doesn't it?

And I thought it always would

so I tucked my heart away.

I didn't need it.

I didn't want it.

At the negotiating table,
it can be fatal to have a heart.

But I never realized
how much I needed mine

until I looked at you.

I'm picking up an increase
in accretion matter

filtering in from the terminus.

Monitors are functioning
normally again.

Ferengi Pod...

everybody in one piece
over there?

Our condition

is no concern of yours,
Enterprise Shuttle.

We are competitors
in this venture, not partners.

Ferengi Pod out.

Happy landings to you, too.

Curious.

Hmm?

We are not where we
are supposed to be.

What do you mean?

We're on the other side
of the wormhole, aren't we?

According to the Barzan probe

we should be
in the Gamma Quadrant

but these readings
clearly indicate

we are nearly
200 light-years away

in sector 3556

of the Delta Quadrant.

Maybe the Barzan readings
were wrong.

Perhaps their readings
were correct.

Their probe could have exited
the wormhole

at a completely different
location.

Hmm. Data, my visor's picking up

subatomic fluctuations.

Meson and lepton activity
is definitely increasing.

Gravitational acceleration
is also increasing.

Something very strange
is happening to this wormhole.

Sorry.

You're unusually limber
this morning.

I'll say.

Devinoni Ral.

It's ridiculous and wonderful.

I feel completely
out of control.

Happy, terrified...

but there's nothing
rational about this.

Who needs rational
when your toes curl up?

I'm afraid
I'm going to lose myself.

I can't get enough of him.

Is it possible
to fall in love in one day?

I did.

It was like this
for you and Jack?

No, it was another fellow.

I fell in love in a day.

It lasted a week,
but what a week.

Then I met Jack.

Took months to figure it out
with him.

Well, then maybe l
should slow down.

Catch my breath.

Not let this thing
get out of control.

Nah.

I get no complaints.

Uh, no.

Hi.

To be honest, I was surprised

to see the Caldonians
here at all, Leyor.

You must think Caldonia
very insular, Mr. Ral.

Oh, no, no, not at all,
not at all.

On the contrary,
I've always respected

your world's commitment
to pure research.

It's just that...

well...

Go on, please.

Well, scholars don't always
enjoy administrative demands

and certainly we've seen here

that the administration

of the wormhole is...

Yes, I must admit

I have begun to feel
some trepidation about that.

Yes.

Yes, I'm sure you have, Leyor.

I'm sure we all have.

Do you realize
that in the next century

the number of ships
that will pass...

Gentlemen, this open session

is called by request
of the Caldonian delegation.

Madame Bhavani

Caldonia withdraws
from these proceedings.

For what reasons, Leyor?

It has been made very clear

that the maintenance
and administrative requirements

are beyond our abilities.

Leyor, the Federation
would like to negotiate

a trade agreement

in which we could acquire
your planet's rich deposits

of trillium 323,
which we would add to our bid

Premier Bhavani.

My apologies.

We have already reached
an agreement

with the Chrysalians.

Mr. Ral

you either had
very good instincts

or a foreknowledge
of the Caldonian withdrawal.

Well, some people
just don't like

to transact business
with the Federation

Commander.

The Chrysalians hereby add
the Caldonian trillium 323

to its bid, Premier.

I'm telling you, it's changing.

I can see it with my VlSOR.

I have no intention
of leaving yet.

We have not finished
taking our readings.

Listen, Doctor.

Your readings must
be telling you

the same things we're getting.

This is not the Gamma Quadrant.

I will not confirm
your speculations.

This is not a speculation,
Doctor.

We are not where the Barzans
said we should be

which would indicate

this side of the wormhole
is not stable.

There are meson and lepton
fluctuations.

Local gravitational fields
are increasing exponentially.

Everything says we better
get the hell out of here.

It will be visible again
in... 40 seconds.

We will make
our own judgments then.

I can see it now,
and I'm telling you

you don't have time to wait,
not even 40 seconds.

Ferengi Pod out.

Damn it, Arridor!

We're 70,000 light-years

away from our ships.

Come on now-- follow us in.

We'll lead you.

Idiots.

It's getting worse.

I'm taking us in, Data

with or without them.

Thrusters at half power.

Three-quarters.

Entering outer event horizon.

They panic quickly
under pressure.

There.

Precisely as scheduled.

Right where I expected it to be.

Everyone was talking today

about the way you absorbed
the Caldonian bid.

Well, the opening was there.

I took it.

Commander Riker didn't know
how you managed it.

Let me tell you something
about Commander Riker.

He's good.

He's the most dangerous man
in that room to me.

But he doesn't have an edge...

your edge.

Our edge.

You make it sound unethical.

Isn't it?

Deanna, it's just business.

Why haven't you told anyone
you're an empath?

Because I find it makes people
uncomfortable.

I think you don't tell them
so you can gain an advantage.

Well, I gained an advantage
by using it with you.

You didn't seem to mind that.

Look, Deanna.

The point of negotiating
is to take advantage.

I don't know what the other side
is offering

and they don't know
what I'm offering

so we dance around each other
until somebody wins.

I never cry foul when I lose.

But you're reading
their emotional states

their inner selves

and then using that
to manipulate them.

Well, people have been doing
that for thousands of years

just by listening carefully

by-by watching body language.

I just happen
to be better at it.

You do it.

I do it to help my crew,
not outmaneuver them

and I don't hide
that I'm an empath.

Oh, so you announce it

to every alien culture
you encounter?

Or do you use it
to give your side an advantage?

Do you tell the Romulan
that's about to attack

that you sense
that he may be bluffing

or do you just tell it
to your Captain?

That's different.

That's a matter of protection.

Yes, protection--

your protection,
your Captain, your crew

your edge.

Yes.

Now, it's a matter
of life and death

when you take the advantage.

Me, I deal in property,
exchanges.

Nobody gets hurt.

So you tell me--

which one of us would you say

has more of a problem
with ethics?

Excuse me.

May I join you, Commander?

Bought out the Ferengi yet, Ral?

Think I should give it a try?

No, but I think that you will.

One way or another

it's going to come down
to you and me.

You know,
you're very good at this.

Very good.

Much better than you realize.

Well, I hope I'm better
than you realize.

The last mile of the marathon

is always the toughest.

That's when the winners are
willing to take the big risks.

You willing to do that?

We'll see, won't we?

Well, let's see now.

I'm prepared to reach a firm
agreement with Bhavani

before we learn the outcome
of your probe's expedition.

Are you?

Well, well, well.

That would not be
looked upon favorably

by the Federation, I'd imagine.

You see, you have to be willing
to take that last step alone

or it just isn't worth playing.

Your point of view, not mine.

Oh, I see that,
Commander, I see that.

Otherwise, you wouldn't be
second in command

of this starship.

You know

I feel responsible for you
in a way... related.

Deanna.

We both love Deanna.

Oh, in different ways,
of course.

I will remove that burden
of responsibility right now.

My relationship with Deanna
stands very well on its own

without any help from you.

Of course it does,
of course it does.

It's just that, well...

She's a remarkable woman.

Brilliant, lovely...

very passionate.

And she could have been yours,
Will.

But you just didn't do enough
to keep her.

And now, well...

I'm here

and I'm going to take her, too.

That's the first bad play
I've seen you make.

If you can bring happiness
into Deanna's life

nothing would please me more.

You know, you're really
not such a bad sort, Ral

except you don't have
any values--

beyond the value
of today's bid, that is.

Deanna is just the woman
to bring some meaning

to your sorry existence

if you're smart enough
to take it.

I doubt that you are.

To the last mile.

Sir, the Ferengi vessel
is moving out of orbit.

Impulse power.

They are approaching
the entry to the wormhole, sir.

Computer, is the Ferengi Goss
still on board the Enterprise?

DaiMon Goss departed
the Enterprise at 1400 hours.

They are powering
forward missile launchers, sir.

Yellow Alert.

Hail the Ferengi.

Request an explanation
of your actions, DaiMon Goss.

I've learned from informed
sources that the Federation

has manipulated
these negotiations

from the very beginning

and has already signed a secret
agreement with the Barzans.

That is not true.

The Ferengi offer was
never seriously considered.

Premier Bhavani welcomed you
to these proceedings

despite my better judgment.

We will be ignored no longer.

They fired a missile
directly at the opening, sir.

Destroy it.

On screen.

Firing phasers.

Your offers both have merit,
gentlemen.

If I could find a deciding
factor...

Riker to Picard.

What's happening, Captain?

Goss has fired a missile
at the wormhole.

I need you on the Bridge,
Number One.

Excuse me.

Excuse me for saying so
under the circumstances, Premier

but... this fight
seems to really be

between the Federation
and the Ferengi.

Now, it seems unconscionable
that your wormhole

is being used as a pawn
in their power struggle.

You must know we will not
allow you to do this.

If the Ferengi cannot have
the wormhole, no one will.

A missile will have no
destructive effect on a wormhole

but, if it should explode
near the shuttlecraft

they will be destroyed.

Casualties of war, Captain.

My men are prepared to die.

Are yours?

Captain.

He's lying.

I'm almost sure if it.

He doesn't mean what he says.

Why?
What is he doing it for, then?

Permission to enter the Bridge,
Captain.

Premier, with all due respect...

Captain.

I believe I am
in a better position

to settle this with DaiMon Goss

than you are.

May I address him?

Premier?

DaiMon Goss?

This is Devinoni Ral.

I have nothing to say
to you, Ral.

Well, then just listen.

The planet Barzan has reached an
agreement with the Chrysalians

for long-term control
of the wormhole.

Now, on behalf
of the Chrysalians

I am prepared to offer
the Ferengi

free access
to the wormhole in perpetuity.

I have your word on this?

Yes, my word, sir.

In exchange for Ferengi
convoy privileges

to be negotiated in good faith.

This is an acceptable offer.

The Ferengi vessel has shut down
its forward missile launcher.

Stand down Red Alert.

Commander Riker

I'm sorry you had to learn

about my decision this way.

You represented
the Federation well

but I have come to believe
that the Chrysalians'

tradition of peace
is more desirable to my planet.

Excuse me, Premier.

There's something
you should know.

I'm sorry.

Was there something
you wanted to say?

No, not at all.

I sensed you suddenly
felt uncomfortable.

Well, after all,
it was a very tense situation.

But that's what's so odd.

It wasn't tense at all.

In fact, I sensed no tension

from you or Goss.

I was tense!

I was ready to blow it up.

Wha... I strongly protest!

Screen off.

It was as though

you were performing a scene
for all of us.

Pardon me, Captain.

I... I believe there's a slight
conflict of interest here.

I agree entirely.

Mr. Ral asked me
not to tell anyone

he has empathic powers

which he uses
to manipulate his competitors

in a negotiation.

And, yes, it did put me
in a conflict of interest

which I hope
I have now resolved.

Premier, I believe Ral

has used your fear
of continuing aggression

between the Federation
and its enemies

to undermine our position.

I also believe

that this incident
was staged by Ral and Goss

to provide you a reason

to choose in favor
of the Chrysalians.

Captain

it's the shuttlecraft.

They're coming back through.

Shuttle 9 to Enterprise.

On screen.

This is Shuttle 9 reporting in.

Barely.

And the Ferengi pod, Commander?

Trapped on the other side, sir.

In Delta Quadrant.

We tried to warn them.

They wouldn't follow us.

Elaborate.

Captain, this end of the
wormhole is currently stable

but the other end apparently
shifts positions periodically.

The Barzan probe had no way
to recognize this.

Eventually, both sides
will be unstable.

It's a dry well, Captain,
worthless.

Acknowledged, Shuttle.

Main Shuttle Bay,
prepare for final approach.

Aye, sir.

Captain, DaiMon Goss
is demanding

to know where his men are.

Advise him to set
his coordinates

for the Delta Quadrant.

He may run into them
in... 80 years or so.

Mr. Ral...

congratulations
on winning the rights

to the Barzan wormhole.

I take the risks, Mr. Riker

and I stand by my agreements.

Come in.

When do you leave?

Soon.

I've been recalled
by the Chrysalians.

Explanations demanded,
and so forth.

I'm sorry.

Well, I've done well for them
over the years.

They understand the stakes.

It'll be fine.

I had to do it, Troi.

Bhavani was ready to go
with the Federation.

I sensed it.

I'd used up every card
in the deck.

I needed to change the rules.

You must have known
I couldn't allow you to do that.

My human physical response

must have been blocking
my Betazoid senses.

I'm very grateful
for what you did, in a way.

It's made me take a hard look
at who I am.

I don't like what I see.

I once asked you
to run away with me.

And now I'm asking again.

I need you.

You could help me change.

You could...
you could be my conscience.

I already have a job
as counselor.