All language subtitles for StarTrek.TNG-s07e09.Force.of.Nature

Geordi?

In here, Data.

I've got her now.

She's trapped.

Come on out of there,
you ungra...

Hey, hey, don't you spit at me.

Why is Spot under the bed?

Probably because she knows
if I catch her

I'm going to kill her.

Has Spot been misbehaving?

So far, she's broken a vase,
a teapot

she's ruined one of my chairs

using it as a scratch post

and she's coughing

hair balls up
all over my carpet.

These incidents are common
to cat owners.

When you borrowed Spot, you said
you wanted to experience

the full range
of feline behavior

before getting a cat yourself.

Yeah, well, I'm not ready.

You can take her back
with my blessings.

Go ahead, call her.

Spot does not respond
to verbal commands.

She doesn't come
when you call her?

Data...

have you ever considered
training this cat?

I never found it
to be necessary.

Necessary? Data,
the cat is out of control.

Half the time, I didn't know
if she was going lick me

or scratch my face off.

I have never experienced
this kind of behavior in Spot.

Although she does have
the unfortunate habit

of jumping on my computer
console when I am working.

She needs training.

Riker to senior staff.

Please report
to the observation lounge.

Mission briefing in ten minutes.

All right, we have to get
her out of here.

I'll scare her, you grab her
when she comes out, okay?

I do not think it would be
wise to startle her.

Training... definitely.

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 47310.2.

We are investigating

the disappearance
of the Medical Transport Fleming

somewhere
in the Hekaras Corridor.

Our search is complicated
by the unique properties

of this particular
region of space.

The Fleming last contacted
Starfleet four days ago.

According to them, there was
nothing out of the ordinary

when they entered the Corridor.

Data.

The unusually intense
tetryon field in this sector

poses a severe
navigational hazard

to warp-driven vessels.

The Hekaras Corridor

is the only route in this sector
which is free of tetryon fields.

Ships traveling at warp
must use the Corridor

to ensure safe passage

through the region.

How long will it take
to complete a level-1 search?

At least two days, sir.

The Corridor is over
12 light-years long

and the surrounding
tetryon interference

will limit our sensor range.

Could we send out
reconnaissance probes

to supplement the sensors?

Won't be very effective.

The interference
will make it difficult

to maintain contact
with the probes.

Best we could do is
to increase sensor efficiency.

We've installed
multiphase buffers

on all the sensor modules,
Captain.

It should help a little.

Hekaras II is inhabited,
isn't it?

Maybe they've had
contact with the Fleming.

They haven't.

I've already spoken
to the Hekaran government.

According to them, only one ship

has passed through the system
in the last week.

It was a Ferengi trader.

The Fleming was carrying
a supply of rare biomimetic gel

which is very valuable.

Is it possible that the Ferengi
might have hijacked it?

I wouldn't put it past them.

I think we should prepare
for that contingency.

I agree.

All right then.

Mr. Worf, initiate
your search pattern.

Let's head in.

Geordi?

There has been a slight drop
in sensor efficiency.

Perhaps we should examine
the phase buffers.

No, problem, Data.
I'll be right with you.

Okay, Hansen, transfer
the EPS conduit 13

to the stabilizer matrix.

Aye, sir.

Is there a problem
with the engines?

No.

Then why are you stabilizing
the EPS conduit?

Just trying to get a slightly
higher power conversion level.

But that would not affect
the engines in any way.

I know that, Data.

It's not the point.

What is the point?

I'm just trying to get

a higher conversion level,
that's all.

Why?

You know the Intrepid.

Yes.

Well, their Chief Engineer
is Commander Donald Kaplan.

He and I went through
the Academy together.

I just like to make sure

that our power conversion levels

are a little bit higher
than theirs.

I understand.

You are in competition
with Mr. Kaplan.

You might say that.

This is the flagship.

We should be better
than everybody else.

Then you are trying
to outperform the Intrepid?

Actually, it's more
a matter of personal pride.

I mean, these are my engines.

There's nothing wrong
with a little friendly rivalry.

Okay. Computer

how much have the conversion
levels increased?

Levels are unchanged.

All right, I'll deal
with this later.

Let me give you a hand
with those sensors.

How's that?

One moment.

The phase buffer is operating
within normal parameters.

Sensor efficiency
has increased by... 6.7%.

Six point seven?

One of the stages must
still be out of alignment.

Let's try junction A-9.

Geordi, I have taken
your suggestion regarding Spot.

Coming down.

I have begun training her.

Really?

Yes, I am studying
several new techniques.

Huh.

I began with simple
conditioned response exercises

and followed
with environmental enhancement.

Next, I plan to explore
bioconditioning devices.

Devices?!

Such as sensor nets
for behavior modification

or biofeedback motivators.

Unfortunately, I have been
less than successful.

I've got an idea.

How about a phaser?

A low stun setting
at just the right moment

might do the trick.

Geordi, I cannot stun my cat.

I was kidding, Data.

Let's see what we've got.

No, this isn't it, either.

Clearly, there is a misalignment
somewhere in this system.

That's for sure.

Well, we've got
one more possibility.

Junction at C-12?

I am somewhat concerned
that my training efforts

will ultimately fail.

Maybe you're just going about it
the wrong way, Data.

I have consulted numerous
animal training manuals.

Some of them claim that cats
are inherently untrainable.

Ah, I don't believe
that for a second.

Listen to me...

my sister didn't know
a thing about animals

and she was able
to train her cat.

How complicated could it be?

What did she train
her cat to do?

She had that cat jumping
into her arm on command.

Interesting.

Perhaps I could modify
your sister's techniques

to keep Spot from
jumping on the console.

Do you know how she was able
to train her cat?

Well, as I recall, she walked
around for two months

with a piece of tuna
in her blouse.

Hmm.

I was right.

This buffer is out of alignment.

Okay, try that.

Phase alignment is stabilized.

However, sensor efficiency

has increased by only
an additional 1.3%.

Well, it's not much

but every little
bit's going to help.

Riker to Data.

Data here.

We're picking up a ship ahead
on long-range sensors.

If you and Geordi
are through down there

we'd like to have you
on the Bridge.

We're not going to squeeze

anything else
out of these systems.

Acknowledged, sir.
We are on our way.

We are within visual range, sir.

On screen.

It is a Ferengi transport ship.

D'Kora-class.

That's the same Ferengi vessel

that entered the Corridor
a week ago.

Captain, there are no emissions
from their plasma vents.

Their warp drive
must be completely inactive.

That is correct, sir.

Their impulse system
is down as well.

Power generation
is at extremely low levels.

What about life signs?

Life-support systems are also
functioning at low levels.

There are approximately
450 Ferengi on board.

That is a standard complement
for a ship of that class.

Mr. Worf,
open a hailing frequency.

There is no response
on any channel, sir.

I'm not picking up

any subspace emissions
from the ship at all, Captain.

Looks like every one of their
field coils has been overloaded.

That would explain why they
haven't responded to our hails.

It would also explain
the failure of their warp drive.

Captain, the Ferengi sensors
are still on line.

I could modify one
of our deflector emitters

to transmit
old-style delta waves.

If I modulate that
with a com signal

the Ferengi should be able
to pick that up.

Make it so.

If they did hijack the Fleming

they sure didn't get
very far with the cargo.

Mr. Worf, have tractor
beams standing by.

We may have to take
them under tow.

Helm, take us
within tractor range.

Aye, sir.

Captain I am picking up
power emissions

from the Ferengi vessel.

They are locking weapons.

Shields up!

Ready phasers.
Prepare to return fire.

Target their weapons array only.

Phasers locked.

Fire!

Direct hit...
their weapon systems are down.

Damage report.

We sustained minimal damage

to decks five and seven, sir.

Captain, the Ferengi ship's
power has stabilized.

They appear to have
impulse capability.

They were just playing dead...

conserving power until
we got in close enough.

Then why would they attack us
in the first place?

Somehow, I don't think

they'll let us beam
over there and ask them.

Mr. La Forge, how are you coming
with that com link?

Almost ready, Captain.

All right, let's give it a try.

Open a channel.

This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard
of the Enterprise.

Will you please explain
why you attacked us?

Our attack?

We were defending ourselves.

Do you deny
that you are responsible

for disabling my vessel?

DaiMon, your ship was adrift,
your communications inoperable.

We were attempting
to assess your status.

You were attempting to move in
for the kill.

Do not toy with me, Picard.

We are obviously at your mercy,
but know this:

When the Ferengi Council
learns of your actions

they will consider this
an act of war.

DaiMon, clearly, there has been
some misunderstanding.

I think it would be
in all our interests

if you were to come aboard
and we discussed this situation.

I see no reason to trust you,
human.

In that case,
we'll be on our way.

I will relay your position
to your government, if you wish

in case you're unable
to complete your repairs

and you remain stranded.

Perhaps, uh...

it would be better
to discuss the situation.

We detected what appeared to be
a Federation signal buoy.

When we approached it

it emitted
a massive verteron pulse.

Our warp drive, our sensors

our communications systems
were all disabled.

We assumed we were the victims
of a new Federation weapon.

The Federation
established this corridor

to ensure a safe access
through this sector.

We have nothing to gain
by mining it.

Whatever happened to your ship

may not have been
an isolated incident.

A Federation medical transport

was recently lost
in that corridor.

We passed a Federation ship
several days ago.

It did not appear
to be in any distress.

Can you give us an idea
of its heading?

It is possible
that information was recorded

in our sensor logs, Commander.

Unfortunately, my entire crew
is occupied with our repairs!

I don't think there will be time
to search our records.

DaiMon, if we assigned
an engineering team

to assist you
with your repair efforts

would that give you time
to retrieve your logs?

I believe it would, Captain.

Spot?

Spot.

Spot... down.

Spot... down.

Down.

Spot...

down.

This is down.

Down is good.

This is up.

Up is no.

One moment.
Come in.

Data, I had
another idea that might help

boost the power
conversion levels.

Can you give me a hand?

I would be happy to.

Don't tell me you're
trying to teach the cat

to use the console.

It is part
of her training program.

I am teaching Spot to jump down
from the desk on my command.

How's it going?

I have not been
entirely successful.

Feline supplement number 221.

Data

that cat definitely
has a mind of her own.

Maybe she's just not trainable.

I suppose I must accept
that possibility.

It may be that Spot lacks
the intelligence necessary

to learn the appropriate
responses to my commands.

Hmm?

Hmm.

I don't know about Spot

but, seems to me, your training
is coming along just fine.

Come on, let's go.

Data, keep the EPS
constant, will you

while I remodulate
the power taps?

This procedure
will only increase

the conversion level by 0.8%.

I know, but it could
be just enough.

Enough?

I just received this from
Commander Kaplan, subspace.

"La Forge, I got

"the Intrepid's power
conversion levels up to 97.1%.

"Maybe you should try cleaning

your plasma grid
once in a while."

Can you believe
the nerve of that guy?

We perform maintenance
on the plasma grid

at regular intervals.

I know.

He's just trying
to get me angry.

There.

That should do it.

Computer, what are the current
power conversion levels?

Power conversion levels
are at 97.2%.

Too bad, Mr. Kaplan.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

We have traced the Fleming's
most likely course.

It now appears that the vessel

may have come
to an unfortunate end.

What's the origin
of this debris field?

Unknown, sir.

It does not appear

in any of the Federation charts
of the Corridor.

Could it be what's left
of the Fleming?

It is a possibility.

The debris consists primarily

of duranium
and polycomposite fragments

which suggest a ship.

Furthermore, the field
contains sufficient mass

to account for the Fleming.

All right.

Let's take a closer look.

Maybe we can find
something that will give us

a more positive identification.

Helm, take us through
the debris field.

Ahead slow.

Captain, I am picking up
a small, metallic object

approximately 3.5 meters
in diameter.

Could be a ship's log recorder,
or a probe casing.

I do not believe so.

It is emitting
an unusual signal.

Captain, it is
beginning to generate

a verteron field.

Shields up!

Full reverse! Now!

Damage report.

Warp engines are off-line.

Shields are down.

All subspace systems
are inoperative.

Just like the Ferengi vessel.

Unidentified ship

heading toward us...
two life-forms are aboard.

On screen.

Captain, they are initiating
their transporter system.

Can we get more power
to the shields?

No, sir.

All decks, security alert!

Captain, we are being boarded.

La Forge to Bridge.

We have intruders
in Main Engineering.

I need a security team
down here immediately.

It's on its way.

What do you want?

We're trying to make you listen.

You're killing us.

You have made
a very serious accusation.

I want you to explain it.

Captain, according to our
research, warp fields cause

a dangerous reaction
in this region of space.

Our planet is
already being affected.

We have measured large
gravitational shifts

throughout our system.

If something isn't done

our planet will
become uninhabitable.

Captain, I've heard
this theory before.

Their research was evaluated by
the Federation Science Council

a few years ago.

Quite frankly,
it didn't hold up.

That research
was only preliminary.

Our original analysis
was incomplete.

If you wanted us
to review your research

you should have made a request
through the Science Council.

Their resources are limited.

It would have taken over a year

before they dispatched
a science ship

to come and evaluate our work.

We were not willing to wait
any longer.

We knew that
if we disabled enough ships

Starfleet would come.

Then, at least, we would be able
to present our case.

That's how you rationalize
these attacks?

Neither you nor the Ferengi

suffered any casualties,
Commander.

The actual damage
to your vessels was negligible.

We dispersed verteron probes
in the Corridor

merely to disable warp-driven
ships... nothing more.

You can call it whatever you
like, the fact remains

you deliberately disguised
your probes.

You made them
look like signal markers.

You hid them
in the debris field.

You mined the Corridor!

Mr. La Forge,
how long do you estimate

it will take
to restore the engines?

Their verteron pulse overloaded
our field coils, Captain.

It'll take at least 36 hours
to get underway.

I know precisely how our pulse
affected your field coils.

With my help, your ship could be
operational in ten hours...

provided you agree
to review our research.

Because of the seriousness
of your claim

I am willing
to listen to your case.

But let there be no mistake...

our priority here is
the recovery of the Fleming.

Now, I expect you to help us
restore our engines

and deactivate all
of the remaining probes

in the Corridor.

If you do not, you will both
be taken to the brig

and from there
to the nearest Starbase

where you will answer charges
for what you have done.

My sister and I do not wish
to impede your rescue process.

Rabal, don't.

The probes are the only leverage
we have.

Serova.

We will do as you ask, Captain,
but please, reexamine our data.

We will.

It is part of our job
to retain an open mind

even under these circumstances.

Mr. La Forge, take them
to Engineering.

Get the core back on line.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Data, I want you
to review their research.

I'd like your report
as soon as possible.

There.
Shields have been restored.

You will be able
to reengage your engines

in approximately eight hours.

You know, even when we get
the engines on line

it's going to take
at least a week

to recalibrate them properly.

I'm sorry you've been
inconvenienced

but that's all it is...
an inconvenience.

Our concerns are
much more important

than the condition
of your engines.

What if the Fleming
had been transporting

perishable supplies
or was on an emergency mission?

Your little plan might
have cost a lot of lives.

That didn't happen, Commander.

And saving lives is precisely
what we're trying to do.

Yeah, well, you have a very

interesting way
of going about it.

There's no point
in trying to talk to you.

You've already decided
not to listen.

Commander, I know my sister
can be somewhat, uh...

aggravating.

I'd have to agree with that.

But, please, try to understand...

she believes profoundly
in this cause.

She has sworn to dedicate
her life

to exposing the dangers
of warp drive.

Warp drive has been around
for three centuries.

It's a proven technology.

And you sound just like I did...
about four years ago.

You mean, you didn't
believe her either?

No. What I didn't realize was
just how brilliant my sister is.

It took two years
of study for me

to even grasp the principles
behind her theoretical models.

They're that sophisticated.

Well, our Commander Data
is no slouch.

If there's anything there,
he'll find it.

Well, I hope so.

Because once we persuade
Starfleet

to stop warp travel
through the Corridor

we're going to have
to convince our own people

to give up warp drive
completely.

Hekaras II is the only
inhabited world in this region.

Without warp drive,
you'd be completely isolated

from the rest of the Federation.

Are you really willing
to take that step?

Yes, and if you were
in my position

I hope you'd be willing
to do the same thing.

Serova and Rabal believe
that there are regions

of potential subspace
instability within the Corridor.

They believe
that if these regions

continue to be exposed
to warp field energy

they will rupture.

Subspace will extrude into
normal space, forming a rift.

It's like pacing up and down
on the same piece of carpet...

eventually you wear it out.

That analogy
is essentially correct, sir.

Can this theory be proven?

Not at this time, sir.

There is insufficient
evidence to do so.

In order to determine
whether or not a rift will form

a region must be exposed
to warp field energy

approximately
one million times greater

than that normally generated
by a starship.

Commander, we believe the warp
field effect is cumulative.

Each starship that passes
through the Corridor at warp

brings us one step closer
to forming a rift.

I agree that is a possibility.

Captain, I suggest we ask
the Federation Science Council

to send a research vessel
to this area.

A more detailed investigation

would resolve
many of our questions.

That's your response...
more research, more delays.

I suppose I shouldn't have
expected anything different.

Bridge to Captain Picard.

Go ahead, Number One.

We've located the Fleming
on long-range sensors...

approximately
0.3 light years away.

What's her condition?

The vessel appears to be intact.

They have shields, but it looks

like their subspace systems
are out.

Very well.

We'll be under way as soon
as our engines are on line.

Aye, sir.

I would like you all
to put together

a research proposal
for the Science Council.

I will give it
my full recommendation.

Captain, I appreciate the
opportunity you're giving us.

It's a beginning that we...

Not "we."

You can do whatever you want,
Rabal.

I'll have no part of this.

It's just another delay.

Captain, the engines
are back on line.

All systems are ready.

Very good.

Helm, lay in a course
for the Fleming.

Aye, sir.

They appear to be
in pretty good condition.

Our sensors show their shields
are back to full strength.

Captain, the Hekaran ship
is moving off.

There is one person on board.

It is Serova.

Doctor, what is going on?

I don't know.

Captain, may I speak to her?

Mr. Worf, open a channel.

Serova, what are you
trying to do?

They wanted proof.

I'm going to give it to them.

I'm sorry.

Captain,
the Hekaran ship's engines

are beginning to overload.

I believe Serova
is attempting to create

a warp core breach.

No.

Prepare for impact.

Shields at maximum.
Full reverse.

Report.

We are clear of the shock wave.

However, tetryon flux in
the area is increasing rapidly.

It's incredible.

Mr. Data,
what's your analysis?

The event is approximately
0.1 light years in diameter

and it is emitting
extremely high levels

of tetryon radiation.

It appears to be what Rabal
and Serova predicted...

a subspace rift.

She was right.

Can you get a fix
on the Fleming?

Is she still in one piece?

Scanning.

The Fleming is near
its previous coordinates.

It appears to be intact,
but it is now within the rift.

Doctor, is it possible
for a ship to survive in there?

Doctor, I'm sorry about your
loss, but we need your help now.

Of course, Captain.

Does the rift pose any danger
to the Fleming?

I don't know.

What was that?

Some kind of high-energy
distortion wave

Looks like they're being
generated from within the rift.

If we maintain
our current position

our shields should provide
sufficient protection.

What about the Fleming?

How long can they survive
in there?

The waves are even more intense
within the rift.

I estimate her shields will fail

in approximately 12 hours.

Can we risk going in there
to get them out?

Not at warp, Commander.

According to these readings

the rift is in a state
of accelerating instability

which would make it
extremely sensitive

to warp field energies.

If we go in at warp

we might expand it even further.

I don't think we have a choice.

It would take weeks
to reach them at impulse.

I want some better options.

Data, Geordi, take Dr. Rabal
and begin an analysis

of the rift.

We need to find some way to get
the Fleming out of there.

Second Officer's Log,
Stardate 47312.1.

Our new sensor readings
have greatly improved

our understanding of the rift.

However, we have been
unable to find

any way to counteract it.

Everything here supports
Serova's theories.

I can't find any way

to close the rift
or even reduce its size.

Doctor, is it possible

there are areas inside
the rift which are stable

where we can safely
use our warp engines?

Perhaps.

Computer, scan the rift
for regions of low instability.

There's no area stable enough
to withstand a warp pulse.

Wait a minute.

This is strange.

Computer, display grid delta-17.

Enhance and magnify.

What do you make of that?

It's a subspace instability...
outside the rift.

That should not be possible.

Commander, I'm going to begin

a field-enhanced scan
of this sector.

I'd like to get
a closer look at this.

In the meantime,
we'd better tell the Captain

we don't know how to get
to the Fleming.

I am not certain that is true.

I believe I have an idea.

I suggest
we coast into the rift.

Coast?

We can initiate a brief,
high-intensity warp pulse

from our current position.

We should be able to attain

sufficient velocity
to enter the rift

beam the crew off the Fleming

and exit without using
our warp engines.

All right, let's say we initiate
a full-power warp pulse.

How much time do we need
to drop out of warp?

If we field-saturate
the nacelles

we should be able
to sustain warp speed

for approximately two minutes.

That doesn't give us much time.

And it could get
pretty rough in there.

Our timing will be critical.

Begin your calculations,
Mr. Data.

We'll go as soon
as you're ready.

Aye, sir.

I believe the maximum saturation
level should be 18.3%.

All right.

With these parameters

we should be able
to maintain warp speed

for... two minutes,
eight seconds.

I don't think we can get
any more than that.

I agree, but based
on the size of the rift

it should give us sufficient
time to complete the rescue.

Computer, initiate
nacelle field saturation.

How did we miss it, Data?

I beg your pardon.

How did we miss the connection

between warp drive
and the formation of the rift?

Between the two of us

we've logged thousands of hours
on these engines.

We're supposed
to be warp field experts.

We certainly were wrong
this time.

Technically, Geordi,
we were not wrong.

Serova's theories
rested on assumptions

which were unprovable.

Seems to me, she managed
to prove them

pretty conclusively.

By using methods

any reputable scientist
would never employ.

Yeah, she was willing to die
in order to make her point.

We should have listened to her
more closely, Data.

We reviewed Serova's research
to the best of our abilities

and we were prepared to continue
studying the problem

but that was unsatisfactory.

Yeah, I can remember times
when I was a little stubborn.

Trying to get people
to believe me

when I didn't have enough proof.

I do not believe you would have
resorted to such extremes.

But she had to...

just to get us to listen.

Why was I so resistant?

Perhaps because
her aggressive methods

created
an adversarial situation.

Yeah.

Maybe I was taking
the whole thing personally.

I do not understand.

Maybe... I was
a little threatened.

The thought that warp engines

might be doing
some kind of damage.

It's going to take
another half an hour

for the nacelles to saturate.

Will you call me
when they're done?

Commander.

May I join you?

I wanted to say I'm sorry
about your sister.

Thank you.

I'm trying to tell myself

that she died
for what she believed in

but, somehow,
that isn't much comfort.

I wish it could have happened
differently.

Maybe I should have looked
at the research more closely.

It's possible there's something
that I missed.

No, you didn't miss anything.

The problem was time.

We needed more time
to do the proper research.

Serova wasn't willing to wait.

No. I guess the question is,
now, where do we go from here?

I don't think we can look
at space travel

the same way anymore.

We're going to have to change.

I've been in Starfleet
a long time.

We depend on warp drive.

I just don't know how easy
it's going to be to change.

It won't be easy at all.

Captain, warp pulse calculations
are complete.

We will be firing the engines
at maximum intensity

for 6.3 seconds
before disengaging.

Damage control teams
are standing by on all decks.

The course to the Fleming
is plotted and laid in, sir.

Mr. La Forge,
whenever you're ready.

Aye, sir.

Initiating warp pulse... now.

Engines disengaged.

We are now entering the rift.

Hull stress is increasing...

83% of maximum tolerance
and rising.

How long until we reach
the Fleming?

One minute, 22 seconds.

All transporter rooms
are standing by.

Captain, I'm picking up power
emissions from the Fleming.

They may be attempting
to initiate their warp drives.

They might have been able
to repair their engines.

Captain, if they activate...

I know, Mr. Data.

Can we establish communication?

No, sir... subspace interference
is too high.

How long until we reach
transporter range?

53 seconds.

I don't think
we're going to make it.

Captain, they have initiated
their warp drive.

Report.

Damage on decks six and 14.

Our structural integrity field
is holding.

What about the Fleming?

They are badly damaged, sir.

Their life-support
systems are failing.

All transporter rooms

prepare emergency
evacuation procedures.

Captain, when the Fleming
activated their warp drive

the rift increased by 2.3%.

We no longer have
sufficient momentum to escape.

Distortion wave intensity has
increased by a factor of ten.

We are within transporter range
of the Fleming, sir.

Commencing evacuation
procedures.

Distortion waves occurring
every 59 seconds.

Hull stress is nearing
maximum tolerance.

Data, what if we forced
an EPS discharge

through the impulse reactor?

Would that be enough
to get us out of here?

I do not believe so, sir

and the resulting explosion
would likely destroy

the saucer section
in the process.

Captain, we may be able
to get out of here

without using the warp engines.

How, Geordi?

When was the last time
you went surfing, Commander?

A distortion wave?

Exactly, Captain.

If we can phase-match
our deflector shield

to the EM variants
of the distortion wave

when the next one hits

we'll be pulled along with it.

We could ride it
through the rift

and then break away
once we're clear...

that is, if we survive the ride.

Is everyone off the Fleming?

The last of the crew
has beamed aboard, sir.

All right, Mr. La Forge.

Get us out of here.

Yes, sir.

Phase matching
the deflector shields now.

The next distortion wave
will impact in 14 seconds.

Matching phases...

Prepare to engage
the deflector shield on my mark.

Ten seconds.

And... mark!

Engage deflector shield,
full power.

We lost it.

We were unable to maintain
phase match

with the distortion wave, sir.

What went wrong, Mr. La Forge?

The speed differential
was too high, Captain.

Another distortion wave
approaching.

Impact in 26 seconds.

Our hull stress is
already critical.

We can't handle
many more jolts like that.

Captain, I suggest we take
the ship to full impulse.

If we can attain
sufficient speed

it will lessen the impact
when the wave hits.

Helm, full impulse.

Head us out of the rift.

Mr. Worf, channel
all available power

to the structural
integrity fields.

Aye, sir.

Stand by, deflector shields.

We're ready, Captain.

Distortion wave impact
in five seconds.

Engage deflector shield... now!

We are now
within the distortion wave.

Hull stresses have
exceeded maximum tolerance.

Structural integrity fields
are failing on decks ten

through 16.

Switching to backups.

We're separating
from the distortion wave.

I'm attempting to compensate.

How much longer
until we clear the rift?

Approximately 12 seconds, sir.

Hull stress
is 120% above tolerance.

A structural breach is imminent.

We have cleared the rift, sir.

Hull stress has
returned to normal.

Cancel Red Alert.

Captain's Log, Stardate 47314.5.

We have been continuing
our research

while the Federation Council

studies our preliminary reports
on the subspace rift.

It now appears certain
that what we've seen here

will have repercussions
for many years to come.

Our scans show a lot
of subspace instabilities

throughout the sector.

If they're exposed
to enough warp energies

they could eventually
create other rifts.

Dr. Rabal?

Based on current
warp drive patterns

in this sector, we've projected
where subspace rifts

will be most likely to be formed
over the next 40 years.

This is how things are now.

This is how they'll look
in ten years...

20 years...

30 years...

40 years.

Thank you, Doctor.

Mr. La Forge.

Ah...

We've received new directives

from the Federation Council
on this matter.

Until we can find a way

to counteract
the warp field effect

the Council feels
our best course

is to slow the damage
as much as possible.

Therefore, areas of space
found susceptible to warp fields

will be restricted
to essential travel only

and, effective immediately,
all Federation vessels

will be limited to a speed...

of warp five

except in cases
of extreme emergency.

Well, the Klingons
will observe these restrictions

but the Romulans will not.

And what about the Ferengi

and the Cardassians,
for that matter?

The Federation
is sharing all our data

with warp-capable species.

We can only hope
that they realize

it's in their own interests
and take similar action.

Putting limits on warp speed

is only going to prevent
other rifts from forming.

What are we going
to do about this one?

Unfortunately, right now,
there's not much we can do.

The gravitational shifts

have already begun
to affect my planet's orbit.

Our climate is changing.

The Federation is setting up

a weather control matrix
on Hekaras II.

It's only a temporary solution,
but it should suffice for now.

We're lucky the rift took place

as far away
from the planet as it did.

It gives us some time
to consider our options.

If there are no more questions,
you're all dismissed.

We should have
those thermal stabilizers ready

for the Hekarans in another day,
sir.

Very well.

You know, Geordi

I've spent the better part
of my life exploring space.

I've charted new worlds,
I've met dozens of new species

and I believe that these were
all valuable ends in themselves.

And now it seems that...
all this while

I was helping to damage
the thing that I hold most dear.

It won't turn out that way,
Captain.

We still have time
to make it better.