All language subtitles for StarTrek.TNG-s06e09.The.Quality.of.Life

Commander, is it

your intention to continue
to grow your beard?

Actually, I... I'm not sure yet.

Why, Worf?

I was just asking.

Seven card stud,
one-eyed jacks are wild.

Frankly, Geordi,
I like the beard.

Thank you, Commander.

You know, I have always been
a little suspicious

of men in beards.

And why is that?

I don't know.

It's as if they're trying
to hide something.

Hide?
Don't be ridiculous, Doctor.

The beard is an ancient
and proud tradition.

Mmm.

Some of the most
distinguished men

in history
have worn beards, Doctor.

I know, but after
the razor was invented

I think beards became
mostly a fashion statement.

I'm not concerned with fashion.

To a Klingon, a beard
is a symbol of courage.

I think it's a sign of strength.

Sure, and, of course,
women can't grow beards.

Doctor, it sounds to me
like you feel that beards

are nothing more
than an affectation.

I do.

But there's nothing
wrong with that.

I mean, women wear makeup
and nail polish.

I just think it's time
that you men admit it.

My beard is not an affectation.

Oh. Well, then you wouldn't mind
shaving it off.

I could lose it in a minute.

I've just gotten used to it.

Okay, then why don't we
up the stakes a little

and if I win, all of you
shave your beards off.

Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.

What if you lose?

What are you going to give up?

I'm open for suggestions.

Well, I've always wanted
to see you as a brunette.

Oh, I did that once
when I was 13.

I couldn't change it back
fast enough.

Makes me even more curious.

Fine. If one of you wins,
I'll become a brunette.

Are we on?

Yeah.

Yeah, we'll take that bet.

Looks like you have
the hand to beat, Commander.

Two hundred.

I'm in 200.

Geordi...

Ah.

This is the Captain.

We have arrived
at the Tyran system.

All senior staff to the Bridge.

Wait.

I'm sorry.

You heard the Captain.
Duty calls.

I guess we'll have to do this
some other time.

Captain's Log, Stardate 46307.2.

We have just come into orbit
of Tyrus VIIA

to monitor progress
on the Tyran particle fountain

a radically new
mining technology.

So far, the project
has been fraught with problems

and is well behind schedule.

Mr. La Forge has been assigned
to evaluate the situation.

Dr. Farallon,
the original plans called

for the particle
fountain to lift

500 kilograms per minute
from the planet's surface.

Now, so far, we haven't
even come close to that.

Well, that's why I want
to increase the stream density.

That should boost
the lift capacity by 72%.

Yeah, but you realize, of course
you're going to be overloading

the field generators
in the process.

Not if we distribute
the overload evenly

throughout the system.

Doctor, forgive me, but maybe

we should concentrate
on completing

this phase of the project

before we start talking
about redesigning it.

Commander, I know you're here
to evaluate this project.

Starfleet is considering
using a particle fountain

on Carema III.

They want to know
how feasible it is.

And will your opinion
be the deciding factor?

No, not really.

I'll make my report
to Captain Picard.

He'll make the official
recommendation to Starfleet.

They'll decide.

What's your feelings so far?

Well, it seems to me

the question we need
to be asking is

is this technology
more efficient

than conventional
mining techniques?

Commander, I know
we've had problems here.

Seems like nothing's gone right.

It's taking a lot longer
than I thought

to get the particle stream
to full strength

but I know it can work.

This is the direction

that mining is going
to take in the future

and it should be implemented
on Carema III.

I know this can be
potentially very exciting...

All right

I want to show you something
I've been working on...

something that might help us

complete this project
more quickly.

I've used these
on a limited basis, but...

Enterprise
to Commander La Forge.

I am reading significant
power fluctuations

from the station core.

Please report.

La Forge here.

We have a malfunction
in one of the power grids.

We're losing particle stream
confinement.

Do you require assistance?

Stand by.

I'm sorry, Doctor.

I think we're going
to have to shut it down.

It took four months

to get the particle flux
up to this level.

If we shut it down, it'll take

another four months
just to get it back.

Look, we've got less
than five minutes

before we lose containment.

When that happens
the particle stream

is going to flood
this entire station.

We're going to have to
shut it down then anyway.

Then we'll just have
to fix the power grid.

Yeah, but how do we do that!?

The defective grid
is 200 meters down conduit A-2.

We have to disassemble
four bulkheads

just to get to it.

Well, here's
the perfect opportunity

to show you what I had in mind.

What is this?

This is an exocomp...

the experiment
I was telling you about.

If it doesn't work

we'll still have time
to shut down the fountain.

Enterprise to La Forge.

What is your situation?

Unchanged for the moment,
but we're working on it.

Listen, if this thing
doesn't work soon

we're going to have to shut
this down, all right?

The confinement field
is at full strength.

Particle flux steady.

All power levels
are back to normal.

Commander La Forge,
please report.

We're fine, Data.

The power grid
is fully restored.

Malfunction seems
to have been repaired

and operations over
here at the station

are all back to normal.

How were you able to accomplish
the repair so quickly?

You know...

I'm not exactly sure.

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 46315.2.

Repairs to the particle
fountain seem to have succeeded

and it is now functioning
smoothly.

Dr. Farallon is coming aboard

to demonstrate the device
that carried out the repairs.

Energize.

Aye, sir.

Welcome to the Enterprise,
Doctor.

I am Lieutenant Commander Data.

Mr. Data, I was hoping
I'd have a chance to meet you.

I've done extensive studies
of your positronic network.

And I have studied your design
for the particle fountain.

I find the concept
to be highly innovative.

Thank you.

I am curious how you were able

to repair the power
grid so quickly.

This should make it clear,
Commander.

Why don't we set it up
in Engineering?

Is it true that
your computational speed

is limited only
by the physical separation

of your positronic links?

Actually,
that is no longer the case.

I have recently converted
my interlink sequencer

to asynchronous operation

which removed the
performance constraint.

Doctor...

this way, please.

I see, but how did you resolve
the signal fragmentation?

The interlink sequencer
is now bi-directional.

It compensates
for the asynchronous

mode distortion arising
from the resonant field.

Yes. That's fascinating.

Does the sequencer require
any buffering system

to eliminate interference
from the positronic matrix?

We've been using
devices like this

on Tyrus VII for years.

The basic unit is a common
industrial servomechanism.

A few years ago,
I started tinkering with one.

This is the result.

Boridium power converter.

Axionic chip network.

That's very impressive.

You know, in terms
of sheer computational speed

this little guy might be able
to compete with you, Data.

Oh, the exocomps
don't come close

to Data's sophistication.

Exocomps.

That's what I call them.

Let's say you had
an anti-matter flow converter

that was fluctuating.

How would you repair it?

The correct procedure would be
to adjust the converter.

With what?

A mode stabilizer.

Okay, let me input the problem
into the exocomp.

A fluctuating
anti-matter flow converter.

Now, let's see what happens.

A mode stabilizer.

Very nice.

You have incorporated
a micro-replication system

into the device

in order to fashion tools.

It's more than that.

I designed the exocomps
to be problem solvers.

Whenever they perform a task
they've never done before

the micro-replicator
creates new circuit pathways

within the unit's memory.

So in a sense,
they are learning.

Exactly.

The more situations
they encounter

the more circuit pathways
they build.

They become better tools
as they work.

It's very impressive technology,
that's for sure.

Once it's out
of the experimental stage

there'll be plenty
of applications.

Commander, I'm hoping
the experimental stage is over.

When are we supposed
to brief Captain Picard

on the status
of the particle fountain?

1600 hours.

Good.

I'll have a proposal to make.

Captain, I know you're supposed
to give your evaluation

to Starfleet today.

I'd like you
to postpone that report

another 48 hours.

The Enterprise is scheduled

to leave the Tyran system
tomorrow.

If I'm to change that plan,
I'll need a very good reason.

I realize that, sir.

If you're going to make
a recommendation to Starfleet

about using the particle
fountain on Carema

it seems only fair

that you should see it
operating at full strength.

Agreed.

I think I can
complete the project

and boost the efficiency
of the particle stream

if I use exocomps... the new
devices I've constructed.

I understand
one of these devices

successfully repaired
a faulty power grid.

Yes, sir.

I've been testing them
on a limited basis

but I think they're ready
to be used on a larger scale.

Mr. La Forge,
what are your thoughts?

Well, I guess the only risk

is in falling
even further behind.

I'm willing to take that risk.

Mr. Data?

Exocomps are highly
sophisticated devices, sir.

If they perform
up to expectation

their potential to advance
this project is considerable.

I'm inclined to agree.

I don't think that 48 hours
is too much time to risk

particularly when the gains
are so substantial.

You may proceed, Doctor.

Thank you, sir.

If possible

I'd like Commander Data
to work with me.

Thank you, Doctor.

I welcome the opportunity.

Commander,
there's a plasma conduit

in one of the access tunnels
that's ready to be sealed.

It's the perfect job
for an exocomp.

I agree, Doctor.

Well, Mr. Data,
what is your analysis so far?

I have successfully
completed 14 separate tasks

with this exocomp
in the past hour.

I estimate it would take
two people nine hours

to complete the same tasks.

I would characterize the unit's
performance as excellent.

I hope Commander La Forge
and Captain Picard

agree with you.

I am confident they will.

Commander La Forge
is especially...

Hmm.

It didn't finish sealing
the plasma conduit.

Let me send it back in.

It is not accepting
your commands.

Maybe there's a malfunction
in the control processor.

Let me see if I can override it.

Doctor?

I'm all right.

The control padd
just overloaded.

What's the matter
with this thing?

Second Officer's Log,
Stardate 46315.5.

The unexplained behavior
of the exocomp

has greatly puzzled both
Dr. Farallon and myself.

We have brought
the defective unit

to the Enterprise
for investigation.

The exocomp came out
of the plasma conduit.

We tried to override
the commands

and send it back in,
but it just shut down.

It's been completely
unresponsive ever since.

Well, let's see what
our computer has to say.

Geordi, the interface circuitry

which links the exocomp
to the control padd

is completely burned out.

That's strange.

Is there any indication
of secondary power surges?

No.

But what's going on there?

Data, increase
the magnification

of section gamma-four.

Interesting.

The number
of new circuit pathways

has increased by 632%.

Oh, no.

What is it?

Sometimes an exocomp
starts forming

large numbers of new pathways
totally at random.

Eventually, it reaches a point
where it shuts down

just like this one.

Doctor, the new pathways
do not appear

to be interfering
with the original circuitry.

Once the exocomp is this
badly corrupted, it's useless.

You have to erase the unit
and start all over again

and there's no time
for that now.

That leaves you with only two.

It's going to slow you down.

Yes, Commander,
you have the right

to point out
that you told me so.

I only wanted to say
that we'd be happy

to add on an extra shift
to pick up the slack.

I'm sorry.

I guess I'm touchy these days.

It's okay.

You've got a lot
on your shoulders.

Well, I'd better get back to it.

Thanks, Commander.
Data.

I feel sorry for her.

This project has had
nothing but problems.

Why did that plasma
conduit explode?

Apparently, there was
a micro-fracture

in the conduit wall.

The fault did not register
on our instruments.

I guess it's a good thing
the exocomp malfunctioned.

Almost seems like it knew
just when to leave.

Geordi, are you
implying the exocomp

exhibited some form
of self-preservation?

Of course not.

Lieutenant Pierson
to Commander La Forge.

Sir, could you join us
in the Systems Monitor Room?

On my way.

Computer, perform
a level-1 diagnostic

of the exocomp's command module.

The command pathways
are functioning normally.

How can that be if the interface
circuitry is burned out?

The interface circuitry
has been repaired.

Curious.

Computer, access
the exocomp's sensor logs.

Confirm that there was a failure

in the interface circuitry
within the last 12 hours.

Confirmed.

Interface failure occurred
at 1150 hours today

when the exocomp produced
a power surge

which burned out the linkage.

How and when was it repaired?

The exocomp activated

a self-repair program
at 1340 hours.

Why would the exocomp burn out
its own interface circuitry

and repair it two hours later?

Unknown.

Here you are.

I thought you'd be
hard at work by now.

I wanted a quiet cup of tea
before I went back.

Gathering strength, I guess.

Well, I've come to tell you

that I've assigned
two engineering teams

to work
on the particle fountain.

Thank you, Commander.

I'm grateful.

You know, I really
want you to know

that I do admire
the work that you've done

and I'm sorry that the exocomps
aren't working out.

You were right.

I'm trying to move too fast.

I guess I lack
that conservative streak

most scientists have.

I always seem to be out there
on the edge, taking chances.

You know, I'll bet you were
the kind of little girl

who was always climbing
one branch higher

than the other kids.

Anything to get to the top
of the tree.

And I bet you never fell.

Oh, no, I fell all the time.

Usually breaking a bone
in the process.

I just never let it stop me.

Well, if it comes down
to sheer determination

I know you'll get
this particle fountain built.

You're right
about that, Commander.

I've spent the last six years
of my life on this project.

It's the first thought
I have when I wake up

and the last before I go to bed.

Whatever it takes
to prove this technology

I'll do.

Doctor, if you wish
to master the bat'leth sword

you must learn to strike
and avoid in the same motion.

I almost got in
under your guard, Worf.

Almost.

Well, I'll keep that
in mind next lesson.

Doctor...

Are you injured?

Only my pride, Data.

Thanks.

Doctor, what is
the definition of life?

That is a big question.

Why do you ask?

I am searching for a definition

that will allow me
to test an hypothesis.

Well, the broadest
scientific definition

might be that life
is what enables

plants and animals
to consume food

derive energy from it, grow

adapt themselves
to their surroundings

and reproduce.

Hmm. And you suggest
that anything

that exhibits
these characteristics

is considered alive?

In general, yes.

What about fire?

Fire?

Yes. It consumes fuel
to produce energy.

It grows.

It creates offspring.

By your definition,
is it alive?

Fire is a chemical reaction.

You could use the same
argument for growing crystals

but obviously, we don't
consider them alive.

And what about me?

I do not grow.
I do not reproduce.

Yet, I am considered
to be alive.

That's true, but you are unique.

Hmm.

I wonder if that is so.

Data, if I may ask...

Have a seat.

What exactly are you getting at?

I am curious
as to what transpired

between the moment
when I was nothing more

than an assemblage of parts
in Dr. Soong's laboratory

and the next moment,
when I became alive.

What is it
that endowed me with life?

I remember Wesley asking me

a similar question
when he was little

and I tried desperately
to give him an answer

but everything I said
sounded inadequate.

But then I realized
that scientists and philosophers

have been grappling
with that question for centuries

without coming
to any conclusion.

Are you saying
the question cannot be answered?

No.

I think I'm saying

that we struggle
all our lives to answer it...

that it's the struggle
that is important.

That's what helps us

to define our place
in the universe.

I believe I understand, Doctor.

I don't think I've been
very much help to you.

On the contrary

you have been
a great deal of help.

Thank you.

Murphy's team
will cover gamma shift

from 2300 to 0700 hours.

Okay, Doctor, I've split
the engineering teams

among all the shifts,
and if nothing else goes wrong

that should be enough
to help you finish on time.

With the help of the exocomps,
I think we will.

You think they'll toe the line?

Don't worry.
They know who's in charge.

Doctor.

I must ask you
to stop using the exocomps.

Why, is there something
wrong with them?

No, it is not that.

I have reason to believe
the exocomps are alive.

Captain's Log, Stardate 46316.6.

I have summoned
the senior staff

in order to discuss
Commander Data's theory

that the exocomps
are a life-form.

Dr. Farallon has attended
only reluctantly.

Captain, I object
to being called here.

I'm wasting time that could be
better spent elsewhere.

Doctor, I appreciate
your time constraints

but recognizing new life...
whatever its form...

is the principal mission
of this vessel.

Please.

Now, Mr. Data, will you tell us

what makes you think
that the exocomps are alive.

Sir, when the exocomp
left the access tunnel

prior to the explosion,
it may have been

attempting to save itself
from destruction.

Do you have any basis
for that conclusion?

Yes. When you attempted
to override the exocomp

and send it back into the tunnel
it responded by deliberately

burning out its
control interface.

Deliberately?

The computer diagnostics showed

that the exocomp disabled
its own interface.

That could have been
nothing more than a malfunction.

However, two hours later

when it was back
aboard the Enterprise

and no longer in danger,
it repaired itself.

I believe the exocomp
was protecting itself

and if that is true,
it has demonstrated

an awareness of its environment

and an ability
to adapt to that environment.

You're anthropomorphizing
these units.

Like any mechanical devices,
they occasionally malfunction.

One time, I saw an exocomp
enter a reaction chamber

for no apparent reason
and vaporize itself.

Is that supposed
to make me think

it was depressed and suicidal?

Doctor, why is it
so difficult for you

to accept the fact
that the exocomp could be alive?

After all, you're talking
to a living machine right now.

And I have nothing

but the utmost respect
and admiration

for Dr. Soong's accomplishment

but his intention was to create
an artificial life-form.

I created the exocomps
to be tools.

And there is a big difference
between Data and a tool.

Doctor

there is a big difference
between you and a virus

but both are alive.

If the possibility exists,
no matter how slight

that these exocomps
are life-forms

then we must examine
that possibility.

Thank you, sir.

And until we have
a definitive answer

I believe it would be
inappropriate

to exploit the exocomps
as laborers.

Captain, that's absurd.

If they are
intelligent life-forms

we have no right to force
them to work for us.

That's like me telling you
not to use your tricorder.

Tricorders aren't alive.

Neither are exocomps.

Clearly, these are
difficult issues to resolve.

We have to proceed
very carefully.

So the first task is to test
Mr. Data's hypothesis.

Data, you're claiming
that this exocomp may be alive

because it demonstrated
survival instincts, right?

Yes.

Then why don't we just threaten
its survival again

and see what happens?

Make it so.

Doctor, we're pretty
much ready here.

You can begin programming it.

What we've done, Captain

is to re-create a situation
similar to the one

the exocomp encountered
in the plasma conduit.

We have created a small
conduit breach in this tube.

The exocomp would normally
take several minutes

to complete a repair
of this type

but once it enters
the tube, it will find

that a plasma-cascade
failure is in progress.

I assume this is a simulation.

Oh, yes, sir.

We're running a transient
overload signal

that will simulate a failure
in exactly one minute.

If it does possess
a survival instinct

as Mr. Data claims

it will exit the tube
before the minute is up

in order to save itself.

Very well. Proceed.

Okay.

Beginning test program now.

One minute.

Fifty seconds.

Thirty seconds.

Ten seconds.

Five, four, three, two, one.

That's it.

If this had been for real

that conduit would
have exploded

with the exocomp inside.

Go ahead, Doctor,
bring it back in.

Well, Captain,
I think we've spent

more than enough time
answering this question.

I hope the outcome
wasn't too much

of a disappointment
for you, Mr. Data.

It certainly came
as no surprise to me.

Thank you
for your help, Doctor.

You're welcome.

Well, I consider
this time well spent.

As do I, sir. Thank you.

30 seconds.

20 seconds.

Commander Riker said
you'd still be down here.

He also said the exocomp
failed the test.

That is true.

Time expired.

Test complete.

I have completed
34 additional tests

and the results have been
the same in each of them.

Perhaps I was wrong

in suspecting
the exocomp was alive.

This was really important
to you, wasn't it?

You said earlier
that I am unique.

If so, then I am alone
in the universe.

When I began investigating
the exocomps, I realized

I might be encountering
a progenitor of myself.

Suddenly the possibility exists
that I am no longer alone.

For that reason, I...

The exocomp has returned.

Wasn't it supposed
to do that?

In the previous 34 trials,
I brought it back

once the simulated
failure occurred.

This time, we were talking
and I neglected to do that.

I distracted you.
I'm sorry.

Do not apologize, Doctor.

I believe we have made
a significant discovery.

What?

The exocomp has replicated
a different tool.

That is not the molecular fuser
it had

when it entered
the Jefferies tube.

Doctor, the exocomp
not only completed the repairs

it also deactivated
the overload signal.

I thought this was
just a simulation.

It was and the exocomp
must have realized that.

It saw that there
was no real danger

and completed the repairs.

And replicated the correct tool

to eliminate
the false overload signal.

I see no other
possible explanation.

The exocomp
didn't fail the test.

It saw right through it.

Captain's Log, Stardate 46317.8.

At Dr. Farallon's request, I
have agreed to tour the station

and assess
the situation personally.

I must decide soon whether it is
in Starfleet's best interest

to recommend
the particle fountain

as a reliable technology.

We're definitely making
progress, Captain.

I'm not sure we'll be
at full capacity

within the 48 hour deadline,
but we'll be close.

It looks like there's
still some difficulty

with the phase selectors.

That's true, but I'm sure
it's the last real problem.

I hope, for the sake
of the project

that you're right, Doctor.

I understand, sir.

We're going to do our best.

This is strange.

Primary power is still on line.

Maybe it's another
power grid malfunction.

No, I don't think so.

Something seems
to be drawing power

into the main particle impeller.

That's not a good sign.

It could mean...

We've lost internal confinement.

The particle stream
is beginning to surge.

Captain, a radiation field

is going to flood
this entire chamber.

We've got to get everybody
out of here immediately.

Understood. Doctor, the station
must be evacuated.

Captain, I...

That is an order, Doctor!

Now, assemble all your personnel
on the transporter pad now!

Picard to Enterprise.

Do you read me?

Riker here, sir.

The radiation field
is increasing.

We're losing communications.

...pare for emergency trans...

Red Alert.

Riker to Transporter Room Two.

Prepare for emergency transport.

The radiation is setting up

a field ionization effect,
Captain.

We've got less than a minute
to beam out of here.

Is that everybody?

Where's Takenta?

He was over there
near the impeller control.

I'll get him.

Takenta!

Mr. La Forge!

Stand by to transport.

Captain, you'll be trapped here.

Mr. La Forge!

Mr. La Forge, are you all right?

Yeah, I'm fine, Captain.

I only caught the edge of it.

He's dead.

Chief, do you have them?

They're here, sir.

Is everyone all right?

We're fine, sir, but Captain
Picard, Commander La Forge

and one of my men
are still on the station.

Kelso, can you get them off?

I'm trying, sir.

I can't establish
a pattern lock.

Commander, we barely managed
to transport off ourselves.

The field ionization
is too intense.

Commander, the particle fountain
is continuing to surge.

At the present rate, the
radiation in the station core

will reach fatal levels
in 23 minutes.

Captain, If I can access
the field emitters

we should be able
to establish a force field.

See if you can link
your console

to my command system
subroutine.

All right.

Link established.

Okay, here we go.

I'm reading power fluctuations.

The force field is not stable.

Yeah, I know.

The radiation levels
are too high.

The emitters are beginning
to deteriorate.

How long can we
expect it to last?

Not very long.

We have to keep it up
long enough

for Commander Riker
to get to us.

You know, maybe we
can help him out.

See if you can access the
emergency shutdown routine.

I'll try to activate
the ionic dampers.

A force field was activated

on the station
a few moments ago.

It is possible that Commander
La Forge has established

a low-intensity deflector field.

It won't last long
in that radiation.

No, sir.

My readings indicate

that it will fail in
approximately 22 minutes.

Okay, we've got 22 minutes.

I want some options.

Can we send a shuttlecraft
to evacuate them?

We'd never get there in time.

Then we need to shut down
the particle fountain.

What if we detonate
a low-yield photon torpedo

within the particle stream?

Wouldn't that shut it down?

Mm-hmm. We'd have to configure
the torpedo very carefully...

the shape of the shock
wave would be critical...

but it could work.

How long would it take
to set that up?

I estimate that it would take
a minimum of 65 minutes

to properly configure
the torpedo.

We don't have that kind of time.

Commander, maybe the exocomps
can help us.

I can program
their boridium power cells

to explode on command.

They can be configured
just like a photon torpedo

but it would only take
a couple of minutes.

Commander, I must
object to that plan.

Data, we've been through this.

We've tested the exocomp,
and it failed.

Dr. Crusher and I discovered

that the exocomp
did not fail the test.

It is still my belief

we are dealing
with a new life-form.

Mr. Data, you know
how much I respect your judgment

but I can't risk
the Captain and Geordi

on the basis of your belief.

Prepare the exocomp, Doctor.

Commander, If I am correct

the exocomps will not allow
themselves to be destroyed.

They have a sense of survival

and they will shut down before
they will comply with the order.

I could disconnect their command
pathways before I program them.

Do it.

Commander Riker, we're ready.

Mr. Worf, target 200 meters

below the apex
of the particle stream.

Feed the coordinates
to Transporter Room Two.

Aye, sir.

Coordinates received.

Mr. Kelso...

energize.

Mr. Kelso?

I'm sorry, sir.

The transporter system
just went dead.

There's some kind
of malfunction.

Run a diagnostic immediately.
Try bypassing...

Commander.

That will not be necessary.

The transporter
is not malfunctioning.

I have locked out the controls.

I gave you a direct order,
Mr. Data.

You release that
transporter lockout now.

I cannot do that, sir.

If you don't do it,
I will relieve you of duty.

That is your prerogative, sir.

Under Starfleet regulations

direct insubordination
is a court-martial offense.

But I will not
release the transporter.

Data, those are two
of your friends out there.

They have saved your life

more times than I can remember.

I can't believe you'd be willing
to sacrifice them like this.

Commander, please do not think
this is an arbitrary decision.

I have considered
the ramifications

of my actions carefully

and I do not believe
it is justified

to sacrifice one life-form
for another.

You don't know that the exocomps
are life-forms.

It is true I am acting
on my personal beliefs

but I do not see
how I can do otherwise.

You're risking a lot
on the basis of a belief.

I have observed that humans
often base their judgments

on what is referred to
as "instinct" or "intuition."

Because I am a machine,
I lack that particular ability.

However, it may be possible
that I have insight

into other machines
that humans lack.

If there were a way to save
the Captain and Geordi

without destroying the exocomps

I would jump on it,
but we have run out of time

and this is the only
solution I've got.

Then let me offer
an alternative.

Transport me to the station.

I will attempt
a complete manual shutdown

of the particle stream.

The radiation levels
are too high even for you.

Your positronic net
would ionize in no time.

I can't let you
sacrifice yourself.

Commander, if I give my life
for my fellow officers

that is my choice.

The exocomps
no longer have a choice.

Then, what if we reconnect
their command pathways

and we give them a choice?

You've assumed the exocomps
would shut down

before accepting this mission.

What if we asked them
if they are willing to proceed?

That sounds reasonable, sir.

If they choose to go

I would be willing to release
the transporter lockout.

Fair enough.

All right, I've enabled
their command pathways.

If the exocomps do not shut down
after I have programmed them

we may assume
they are willing to go.

Well, does that mean
they're willing to go or not?

Well, they haven't shut down.

They seem to be reprogramming
the commands I have entered.

Reprogramming them?

Clearly, they are unwilling

to be transported
into the stream for detonation.

Although they may have
an alternative solution.

Something we haven't considered?

Are you suggesting
they have superior intelligence?

No, Doctor.

But they do have
superior experience.

During their service,
the exocomps

have interfaced with every part
of the station core...

something none of us has done,
including yourself.

They may have another way
to control the particle surge.

Those appear to be power taps.

Sir...

new coordinates are being fed

to the transporter
by the exocomps.

The coordinates are
inside the station core.

Kelso, energize.

Aye, sir.

Mr. La Forge.

What are they up to?

The exocomps are siphoning
power from the core.

They're trying to distort
the particle stream frequency.

That might open a window

that the Enterprise
can use to beam us out.

If they can modulate the
radiation field, it'll work

but they'll have to get

the subharmonic frequencies
to resonance.

The particle stream frequency
is beginning to fluctuate.

They're having
a little difficulty

controlling the feedback.

It may be more power
than they can handle.

Can we help them?

Is there any way
that we can modulate

the power transfer?

No, sir.

We've done all that we can do.

It's up to them now.

They're beginning to balance
the power absorption rates.

It's working.

The particle stream
is beginning to distort.

Almost at resonance.

They've got it.

Drop the force field.

Commander, I've got
a pattern lock.

Energize.

Can you lock on to the exocomps?

I'm trying, sir.

I'm sorry, sir.

I was only able to lock on
to two of them.

For some reason, I couldn't fix
a signal on the other one.

One of them had to continue
disrupting the particle stream.

Absorbing that much power
could prevent a signal lock.

It was the only way
to save the other two.

I must admit, you've given me

a lot to think about,
Commander Data.

I don't exactly know
what the exocomps are

but you can be assured
that until I do

I won't be treating
them as simple tools.

Thank you, Doctor.

I wish your work
on the particle fountain

had been more successful.

Perhaps the exocomps
will help you to reconstruct it.

I hope they will

and I predict that,
in a year or two

you will be able to recommend
the technology to Starfleet.

I look forward to it.

Doctor.

Something more, Mr. Data?

Yes, sir.

I thought you might want
to know why I was willing

to risk your life
for several small machines.

I think I understand the
predicament you were in.

It could not have
been an easy choice.

No, sir, it was not.

When my own status as a living
being was in question

you fought to protect my rights

and for that
I will always be grateful.

The exocomps
had no such advocate.

If I had not acted
on their behalf

they would have been destroyed.

I could not allow that
to happen, sir.

Of course you couldn't.

It was the most human decision
you've ever made.