All language subtitles for StarTrek.TNG-s07e25.All.Good.Things

That was an incredible program.

I am glad you approve.

I have always found
the Black Sea at night

to be a most stimulating
experience.

Worf, we were walking
barefoot on the beach

with balalaika music in the air

ocean breeze washing over us

stars in the sky,
a full moon rising

and the most you can say
is "stimulating"?

It was...

very stimulating.

What?

You know, I don't spend

nearly enough time
on the holodeck.

I should take my own advice
and go there to relax.

Next time, I'll choose
the program.

If you liked the Black Sea

you're going to love
Lake Cataria on Betazed.

Deanna, perhaps before
there is a next time

we should discuss
Commander Riker.

Why, is he coming along?

No

but I do not wish...

I mean, it would be
unfortunate if he...

If you and I are going
to continue

I do not wish
to hurt his feelings.

Worf, I think it's all right
to concentrate on our feelings...

yours and mine.

Counselor...

what's today's date?

The date.

Stardate 47988.

47988.

Captain, what's wrong?

47988.

I'm not sure.

I don't know... how or why

but... I'm moving
back and forth through time.

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.

I had this feeling that I'd
physically left the Enterprise.

I was in another time,
another place.

I was somewhere in the past.

Can you describe where you were?

What it looked like?

You see, it's all
slipping away so fast.

I-It's like...

it's like waking up
from a nightmare.

I, uh...

It was years ago.

I-I-It was before I took command
of the Enterprise.

I was talking to someone.

I can't remember who.

And then it all changed.

I was no longer in the past.

I was now... I was now
an old man in the future.

And... I was outside,
and I was doing something.

I can't remember what it was.

I'm sorry.

It's, it's all gone.

I just can't remember.

It's all right.

Have you considered
the possibility

that this was just a dream?

It... No, no.

It was much more than a dream.

The-the smells, the sounds...

the, the very touch of things...

much more real than a dream.

How long did you spend
in each time period?

Did it seem like minutes?

Hours?

You see, I can't say.

At first, I had a sense of...

a sense of confusion,
disorientation.

I wasn't sure where I was.

And then all of that passed

and it all seemed
perfectly natural

as though I belonged
in that time.

But... I can't...

Captain Picard to the Bridge.

Captain, we've got a problem

with the warp core
or the phase inducers

or some other damn thing.

Geordi.

Hello, Captain.

Or should I call you Ambassador?

Oh, I haven't been called that
for some time, either.

How about "Mr. Picard"?

How about "Jean-Luc"?

I don't think I could
get used to that.

Good Lord, Geordi.

Well... how long has it been?

Nine years.

No, no, no, since you
last called me Captain...

since we were all together
on the Enterprise.

Close to 25 years.

25 years.

Well, time has been good to you.

A little too good
in some places.

Can I give you a hand here?

Oh, well, I'm, uh...

I'm just tying up some vines.

Mmm, you've got leaf miners.

You might want to try
a bacillus spray.

My wife is quite a gardener.

I've picked up
a little bit of it.

How is Leah?

Just wonderful, busy as ever.

She's just been made director
of the Daystrom Institute.

What about the little ones...

Brett, Alandra, and, um...?

Sydney.

Sydney.

Yeah.

Well, they're not
so little anymore.

Brett is applying
to Starfleet Academy

next year.

So, what brings you here?

Oh, I just thought I'd stop by.

Been thinking about
the old days on the Enterprise.

I was in the neighborhood.

Geordi...

you don't make the trip
from Rigel III to Earth

just to drop by.

No.

So...

you heard.

Leah's got a few friends
at Starfleet Medical.

Word gets around.

I'm not an invalid.

Irumodic Syndrome can take years
to run its course.

I know.

But once I heard...

well, I just wanted
to stop by, just the same.

Well, now that you're here

you can help me carry
those tools.

Well, my cooking may not
be up to Leah's standards

but I can still make
a decent cup of tea.

Oh, I read your last novel.

I thought that, uh,
the protagonist

was a little too flamboyant

but for the rest, I...

Captain, are you all right?

Captain!

Captain?

Will this be your first time
on a Galaxy-class starship?

Are you all right, sir?

Sir?

I'm... I'm sorry, Lieutenant.

My mind must have wandered.

What were you saying?

I was asking if you'd ever been

aboard a Galaxy-class
starship before.

No.

Of course, I'm familiar
with the blueprints

and the specifications

but this will be
my first time on board.

Well, then, if I
may be so bold, sir

you're in for a treat.

The Enterprise is quite a ship.

I'm sure she is.

Have I done something wrong,
sir?

No.

It's just that you look
very familiar.

Enterprise
to Shuttlecraft Galileo.

You are cleared for arrival

in Shuttle Bay Two.

Acknowledged, Enterprise.

And there she is.

Captain?

Captain?

Tasha.

I was just with Tasha
in the shuttle.

I just finished
the neurographic scan.

I didn't find anything that
would cause hallucinations

or a psychogenic reaction.

Is there any indication
of temporal displacement?

No. Usually, a temporal
shift would leave some sort

of tripamine residue
in the cerebral cortex

but the scan didn't show any.

Personally, I think you just
enjoy waking everybody up

in the middle of the night.

Actually, I really like

running around the ship
in my bare feet.

The biospectral
test results, Doctor.

Your blood gas analysis
is consistent with someone

who's been breathing
the ship's air for weeks.

If you'd been anywhere else

there would have been
an indication of change

in the oxygen isotope ratios.

Thanks.

Deanna, would you
excuse us, please?

Of course.

Jean-Luc, I scanned you

for evidence
of Irumodic Syndrome

as you suggested.

There wasn't any.

But I did find

a small structural defect
in the parietal lobe.

A defect that you
hadn't noticed before?

It's the kind of defect
that would only show up

on a level-4 neurographic scan

that could cause you to be
susceptible to several kinds

of neurological disorders,
including Irumodic Syndrome.

Now, it's possible for you
to live with this defect

for the rest of your life
without developing a problem.

Or even if you do,
many people continue

to live normal lives
for a long time

after the onset
of Irumodic Syndrome.

If that's so, why do you look

as if you've just signed
my death sentence?

I'm sorry.

I guess...
it caught me off guard.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Something tells me
that you're going to have

to put up with me
for a long time to come.

Well, it won't be
easy, but I'll manage.

Captain?

Has Worf found anything?

No, sir, his security scans
came up negative.

They're still checking
the sensor logs

but there is no indication
that you ever left the ship.

I wasn't dreaming.

Something happened.

Worf to Captain.

Go ahead, Mr. Worf.

Sir, there is
an incoming transmission

from Admiral Nakamura.

It is a priority one message.

Beverly.

Mr. Worf,
will you route the call through

to Dr. Crusher's office?

Aye, sir.

Captain.

Admiral.

I am initiating
a fleet-wide Yellow Alert.

Starfleet Intelligence
has picked up

some alarming reports
from the Romulan Empire.

It appears that at least

30 warbirds have been pulled
from other assignments

and are headed
for the Neutral Zone.

Is there any explanation
why they would make

such a blatantly
aggressive move?

Our operatives on Romulus
have indicated

that there appears
to be something happening

in the Neutral Zone

specifically
in the Devron system.

Our own long-range scans
have picked up

some kind of spatial anomaly
in the area.

We can't tell what it is.

What are our orders?

This is
a very delicate situation.

I'm deploying 15 starships
along our side

of the Neutral Zone.

I want you to go there, as well.

See if you can find out
what is going on

in the Devron system.

Hmm. Am I authorized
to enter the Neutral Zone?

Not yet.

Wait and see
what the Romulans do.

You can conduct
long-range scans...

send probes if necessary...

but do not cross the border
unless they do.

Understood.

Starfleet out.

Captain.

What's wrong?

This is not my time.

I don't belong here.

What?

I was somewhere else
a few moments ago.

What do you mean?

You-you've been
right here with me.

No! No! No!

I was somewhere else.

I was...

it was a long time ago.

There was someone talking.

I was... I-I...

I was talking to someone.

Beverly.

I was talking to Beverly.

It's okay, Captain.

Everything's going
to be all right.

I'm not senile, you know.

This did happen.

I-I-I was here.

I was talking to you,
and then...

and then I was somewhere else.

I was, uh...

I was on the Enterprise.

I was back on the Enterprise.

At least I...

I think that's where it was.

I was in Sick Bay.

I, uh, well, it might
have been a hospital.

Captain, I think we should
go back to the house

and call your doctor.

Yes, yes, I know
what you're thinking.

It's the Irumodic Syndrome.

"He's beginning to lose
his mind, the old man."

Well, it's not that,
and I'm not daydreaming either.

Well, all right.

All right.

So, what do you want
to do about it?

Data.

I want to see Data.

Data... why?

'Cause I think he can help.

Help how?

I don't know!
I don't know!

I want to see Data.

Well, okay, then.

All right, let's...
let's go see Data.

He's still at Cambridge,
isn't he?

I... Yes, I-I-I think he is.

You see them, don't you?

See who?

They're everywhere.

They're laughing at me.

Why are they laughing?

Come on, Captain.

Let's go see Data.

Yes.

Data.

We'll go see Data.

I know how it sounds,
but it happened.

It was real.

I was there, back on board
the Enterprise.

How do you like your tea?

Tea? Earl Grey. Hot.

Of course it's hot.

What do you want in it?

Nothing.

Well, Data, I must say

this is a fine place
you have here.

They certainly treat professors
very well at Cambridge.

Holding the Lucasian Chair
does have its perquisites.

This house originally belonged

to Sir Isaac Newton
when he held the position.

It's become
the traditional residence.

Here you go.

Thank you.

If you're really his friend

you'll get him to take that gray
out of his hair.

Jessel...

Looks like a bloody skunk.

Hmm.

She can be frightfully trying
at times

but she does make me laugh.

Data, what is it
with the hair, anyway?

Well, I found
that a touch of gray

adds an air of... distinction.

You say this is Earl Grey?

I'd swear
that it was Darjeeling.

Hmm.

Captain...

how long has it been
since you've seen a doctor

about your Irumodic Syndrome?

A week.

They prescribed peridaxon.

But, sir, peridaxon...

Yes, I know.
It's not a cure.

There's nothing that can prevent

the deterioration
of the synaptic pathways.

You think that I'm senile

that all this
is just a delusion.

Now, come on, Captain.

No one said anything
of the kind.

In all honesty, Captain

the thought has occurred to me.

However...

there's nothing to disprove

what you're saying.

So it's possible
something is happening to you.

The first thing we should do
is run a complete series

of neurographic scans.

We can use the equipment
in the biometric lab

here on the campus.

Jessel, ask Professor Rippert

to take over my lecture
for tomorrow

possibly for the rest
of the week.

Oh, dear...

Captain, we'll get
to the bottom of this.

That's the Data that I remember.

I knew
that I could count on you...

Commanding Officer

Enterprise arriving.

"To Captain Jean-Luc Picard,
Stardate 41148..."

"...you are hereby requested
and required to take command..."

"...to take... command
of the USS Enterprise

as of this date."

Signed, "Rear Admiral Norah
Satie, Starfleet Command."

Red Alert!

All crew to battle stations!

You heard him.

Move!

Personal log, Stardate 41153.7.

Recorded under security lockout
Omega three-two-seven.

I have decided not to inform
this crew of my experiences.

If it's true
that I've traveled to the past

I cannot risk
giving them foreknowledge

of what's to come.

Report.

We've completed
a full subspace scan

of the ship
and surrounding space.

We've detected no unusual
readings or anomalies.

With all due respect, sir,
it would be helpful

if we knew exactly
what we were looking for.

Noted.

Counselor, do you sense

anything unusual
on board the Enterprise?

Perhaps an alien presence
that doesn't belong here?

Maybe one operating
on a level of intelligence

far superior to our own?

No, sir, I'm only aware
of the crew and the families

on board the ship.

Mr. Worf, initiate
a level-2 security alert...

all decks...
until further notice.

With all due respect, sir

I'm the Security Chief
on this ship.

Unless... you're planning
to make a change.

No, uh... of course not.

Lieutenant, security alert 2.

Aye, sir.

Captain Picard to the Bridge,
please.

We're on our way, Chief.

Sir, Starfleet just issued
an alert.

It appears a number of vessels

are moving
toward the Neutral Zone

between Romulan
and Federation space.

What kind of vessels?

Freighters, transports.

All civilians...
none of them Starfleet ships.

This tells me
that a large spatial anomaly

has appeared
in the Neutral Zone.

In the Devron system.

Captain, it could be
a Romulan trick

to lure our ships
into the Neutral Zone

as an excuse
for a military strike.

Starfleet's canceling
our mission to Farpoint Station

and ordering us
to the Neutral Zone

as soon as we leave
the spacedock.

No, we'll proceed to Farpoint.

Sir?

You heard me.

Captain, the security
of the Federation

could be at stake.

Mr. Worf, will you man
your station?

Aye, sir.

Captain, perhaps
if we understood

your thinking,
if you could explain...?

I have no intention
of explaining to anyone.

We will proceed with our mission
to Farpoint as planned.

Chief O'Brien,
am I right in thinking

that you're having a problem
with the warp plasma inducers?

That's right, sir.

Well, I know
how to get them back on line.

You're with me.
We'll be in Main Engineering.

Mr. O'Brien, will you use
these specifications

to bypass the secondary
plasma inducer?

You have to realize, sir

this isn't exactly
my area of expertise.

The Chief Engineer

should be making
these modifications.

But the Chief Engineer
isn't on board.

Mr. O'Brien, trust me.

I know you can do it.

All those years
you spent as a child

building those model
starship engines?

They were well worth it.

How did you know that, sir?

From your Starfleet records.

Oh.

Yes, sir.

I'll get right
to these modifications.

Fletcher, tell Munoz and Lee
to get up here right away.

Aye, sir.

We have to realign
the entire power grid.

We'll all be burning
the midnight oil on this one.

That would be inadvisable.

Excuse me?

If you attempt to ignite
a petroleum product

on this ship at 00:00 hours,
you will activate

the fire suppression system

which would seal off
this entire compartment.

That was just an expression.

Expression of what?

A figure of speech.

I was trying to tell him
that we'd be working late.

Ah. Then "to burn
the midnight oil"

implies late work.

That's right.

Hmm. I am curious.

What is the etymology
of that idiom?

Hmm?

How did it come to be used

in contemporary language?

Well, I-I don't know, sir.

Commander Data...

welcome on board.

It's so very good to see you.

It is good to see you, too, sir.

I could use your help
with the infuser array.

Certainly.

As you can see

we're having problems
with the plasma conduits.

This will need a completely new
field induction subprocessor.

It appears we will be required

to ignite
the midnight petroleum, sir.

Jean-Luc, what's going on?

It happened again.

A time shift?

Yeah.

What happened?

It's still a little vague

but I can remember
more this time.

It seems that every time
I shift periods

I can retain more memory.

At first, it appeared
that I was in the future...

years from now...

and then, I was in the past

just before our first mission.

What is it?

I just scanned his temporal lobe
and compared it with the scan

I performed
just a few minutes before.

There's a 13% increase

in the acetylcholine
of the hippocampus.

Within a matter of minutes,
you have accumulated

over two days' worth
of memories.

Counselor, do you remember

when I first came
on board the Enterprise?

Yes.

What happened
after the welcoming ceremony?

There was a reception
in Ten-Forward.

I introduced you to Worf
and the other senior officers.

Do you have any memory
of my calling Red Alert

in the spacedock?

Do you remember Starfleet
diverting us

from Farpoint
to the Neutral Zone

to investigate
a spatial anomaly?

No.

It would appear
there is a discontinuity

between the time periods
you described.

Events in one time period

would seem to have
no effect on the other two.

Yet, in both the past
and the present

there was a report of the same
anomaly in the Devron system.

I find it hard to believe
that that's a coincidence.

For all I know, I may find
the same thing in the future.

Perhaps the anomaly is

a temporal disturbance
of some kind.

How is all this related
to your time shifting?

These are all
very important questions

and perhaps I will find
answers to them in the past.

But now, we have
a potentially dangerous threat

from the Romulans.

I want all departments
to present

a battle readiness report
to me at 0800 hours

tomorrow morning.
Dismissed.

Deanna, it's going to be
a late night.

Would you like to have
some dinner first?

Actually, I...

We have plans.

Oh, I see.
I'm sorry.

I'll see you in the morning.

Good night, sir.

Worf.

I want continual
subspace sweeps.

We may be able to detect
a temporal disturbance.

Aye, sir.

Will... this time shifting...

when it happens, I experience
a momentary disorientation.

If that should happen
during a crisis, Will

I want you
to take command immediately.

Number One?

I'm sorry.

Be prepared to take command.
Aye, sir.

Speaking of disorientation,
are you all right?

I'm just a little distracted.
I'm fine.

You have the Bridge, Number One.

I'II... I'll be
in my ready room.

Come.

Milk, warm.

A dash of nutmeg.

What's this?

A prescription.

A glass of warm milk

and eight hours'
uninterrupted sleep.

Beverly...?

Doctor's orders.

You're exhausted.

Look, I don't know
whether you slept

in the past or in the future

but I'm sure you haven't
slept in the present.

Now, get some rest,
or I'll have you relieved

and sedated.

Yes, sir.

What?

Hey.

Beverly?

As a physician,
it's often my job

to give people unpleasant news...

to tell them
that they need surgery

or that they can't have children

or that they might be facing
a difficult illness.

But you said yourself
that this is only a possibility.

But you've been to the future.

You know it's going to happen.

I prefer to look on the future

as something
which is not written in stone.

A lot of things can happen
in 25 years.

A lot of things can happen.

Captain?

Yeah?

Captain, wake up.

Yes.

What is it?

Have we reached
the Neutral Zone?

The Neutral Zone?

Oh...

I'm sorry.

I was in the past again.

What's going on?

Data's arranged for us
to run those tests on you

in the biometrics lab.

We're ready to go, if you are.

No, no, no, no.

We have to get
to the Neutral Zone.

The Neutral Zone? Why?

In the other two time periods

Starfleet reported... a...

a-a-a sort of a...

a spatial anomaly in-in-in...

in the Devron system.

In the Devron system
in the Neutral Zone.

Captain...?

I-I-lf the anomaly
appeared there in the past

then it might be here, too,
and we have to find out.

Just because you've seen it
in two other time frames

doesn't mean that
it's going to be here.

Yeah, but if it is here,
then it means something!

Damn it, Geordi!

I-I know what we have to do!

All right.

Okay, but first,
there is no Neutral Zone.

Remember?

Right.

Right. Klingons.

In this time period

the Klingons have taken over
the Romulan Empire.

And right now,
relations between us

and the Klingons
aren't too cozy.

I know that!

I haven't completely lost
my mind, you know.

Well... if we're going
to the Devron system

we're going to need a ship.

Right.

Now...

I think it's time
to call in some old favors.

Contact...

Admiral Riker, Starbase 247.

Jean-Luc, you know
I'd like to help

but frankly, what you're asking
for is impossible.

The Klingons have closed
their borders

to all Federation starships.

Will,
what if this spatial anomaly

really is
in the Devron system?

I saw a report
from Starfleet Intelligence

this morning on that sector.

There is no activity.

There is nothing unusual
going on in the Devron system.

Well, I don't believe it.

What if their
long-range scans are faulty?

We have to go there
and see for ourselves.

Look, I've got the Yorktown
out near the border.

I'll have her run
some long-range scans

in the Devron system.

If she finds out anything,
I'll let you know.

Will, that is just not
good enough.

It's going to have to be.
I'm sorry.

It's all I can do.
Riker out.

Computer, restore
holographic image.

Damn him, anyway.

After all we've
been through together.

He's been sitting
behind that desk too long.

Captain, I'm sorry.

I guess all we can do
now is wait and see

if the Yorktown finds anything.

There is another option.

We could arrange passage
aboard a medical ship.

Medical ship?

Yes, sir. There was an outbreak
of Terrellian plague on Romulus.

The Klingons have been allowing

Federation medical ships
to cross the border.

Yes! Yes!

So, what we need now
is a medical ship.

I think I can arrange that.

Data, find the USS Pasteur.

I...

I have some pull
with the Captain.

At least, I used to have.

Well, this is a page
from the past.

I never thought
I'd see either of you

on a starship again.

Hello, Doctor.

Geordi.

Doctor.

Data.

Uh...

Let's just choose one.

All right...

Oh.

So, did you get my message?

Yes. Jean-Luc, crossing
into Klingon territory...

it's absurd.

But then, I never
could say no to you.

Oh, so that's why
you married me.

Well, now,
the first order of business

is to get clearance

to cross the Klingon border.

Agreed.

What about Worf?

Yes! That's it! Worf.

Yes, that's the answer.

Worf will help us.

Data, isn't Worf still a member
of the Klingon High Council?

I'm not sure.

Information on the Klingon
political structure

is hard to come by these days.

However, at last report,
Worf was Governor of H'atoria

a small Klingon colony
near the border.

Captain Picard?

- Yes?
- Yes?

Captain, McKinley
Station is signaling.

They want to know
when we'll be docking.

Tell McKinley
we've been called away

on a priority mission.

Aye, sir.

So, you kept the name.

I've prepared quarters
for you on deck five.

You might want to get some rest.

No, I'm fine.
I don't need rest.

Nell, please escort
the Ambassador to his quarters.

Look, you are treating me
as if I am an invalid.

I do have a few years
left in me yet.

I do not want to be led around

and I do not want
to be patronized.

You're right.

I'm sorry.

Now, I'll go and get some rest.

How long since
his last neurological scan?

I'm not sure

but I wouldn't try
suggesting it.

He says he's not taking
any more damn tests.

Do you really think
he's moving through time?

I'm not sure I do, either.

But he's Jean-Luc Picard

and if he wants to go
on one more mission

that's what we're going to do.

We'll find the anomaly.

I know we will.

Report.

We're nearing the coordinates
you gave me, sir.

Is there anything unusual
in the vicinity, Mr. Data?

How would you define
"unusual," sir?

Every region of space
has its own unique properties

that cannot be found
anywhere else.

There should be
a barrier of some sort nearby...

a large plasma field

highly disruptive.

Nothing, sir.

This is the right time,
the right place.

He should be here now.

Who, sir?

Q! We're here.

This has gone on long enough.

Counselor, do you sense
an alien presence?

No, sir.

What is a "Q?"

It's a letter of the alphabet
as far as I know.

I don't understand.

This is not the way
it's supposed to happen.

Maintain this position.

I'll be in my ready room.

Mon Capitain.

I thought you'd never get here.

Q, I knew it.

What's going on?

It's "Judge Q" to you.

And isn't it obvious
what's going on?

The last time that I stood here
was seven years ago.

Seven years ago?

How little do you mortals
understand time.

Must you be so linear, Jean-Luc?

You accused me
of being the representative

of a... a barbarous species.

I believe my exact words were

"a dangerous,
savage, child-race."

We demonstrated to you

that mankind had become
peaceful and benevolent.

You agreed,
and you let us go on our way.

Now, why am I standing
here again?

Oh, you'd like me
to connect the dots for you...

lead you from "a" to "b" to "c"

so that your puny mind
could comprehend.

How boring.

They'd be so much
more entertained

if you just tried
to figure it out.

I'll answer any ten questions

that call for a "yes" or a "no."

Well?

Are you putting mankind
on trial again?

No.

Is there any connection

between the trial
seven years ago

and what's happening now?

I'd have to say yes.

The spatial anomaly
in the Neutral Zone...

is it related
to what's going on?

Most definitely yes.

Is it part of a Romulan plot...
a ploy to start a war?

No and no.

Five down!

That's only four.

Is it a Romulan plot?

Is it a ploy to start a war?

Those are separate questions.

Did you create the anomaly?

No, no, no.

You're going to be so surprised

when you realize
where it came from...

if you ever figure it out.

Are you responsible
for my shifting through time?

I'll answer that question

if you promise
you won't tell anyone.

Yes.

Why?

Sorry!

That's not a "yes"
or "no" question.

You forfeit the rest
of your questions.

Oh, I expected as much.

You're such
a limited creature...

a perfect example
of why we made our decision.

The trial never ended, Captain.

We never reached a verdict.

But now we have.

You're guilty.

Guilty of what?

Of being inferior.

Seven years ago,
I said we'd be watching you

and we have been.

Hoping that your ape-like race

would demonstrate some growth,
give some indication

that your minds
had room for expansion.

But what have we seen, instead?

You worrying about
Commander Riker's career...

listening to Counselor Troi's
pedantic psycho-babble...

indulging Data in his witless
exploration of humanity.

We've journeyed
to countless new worlds.

We've contacted new species.

We have expanded

our understanding
of the universe.

In your own paltry, limited way.

You have no idea
how far you still have to go.

But instead of using
the last seven years

to change and to grow,
you have squandered them.

We are what we are,
and we're doing the best we can.

It is not for you
to set the standards

by which we should be judged.

Oh, but it is, and we have.

Time may be eternal, Captain,
but our patience is not.

It's time to put an end
to your trek through the stars

make room for other
more worthy species.

You're going to deny us
travel through space?

No...

You obtuse piece of flotsam.

You're to be denied existence.

Humanity's fate has been sealed.

You will be destroyed.

Q, I do not believe

that even you
are capable of such an act.

"L"?
There you go again...

always blaming me
for everything.

Well, this time,
I'm not your enemy.

I'm not the one that causes
the annihilation of mankind.

You are.

Me?

That's right.

You're doing it right now.

You did it before,
and you'll do it yet again.

What sort of meaningless
double-talk is this?

He doesn't understand.

I have only myself to blame,
I suppose.

I believed in you.

I thought you had potential

but, apparently, I was wrong.

May whatever god
you believe in...

have mercy on your soul.

This court stands adjourned.

Commander, assemble
the senior staff

and go to Red Alert.

We have a bigger problem
than I thought.

Red Alert!

I don't believe him.

This has to be another one
of Q's games.

He's probably listening
to us right now

getting a big laugh

out of watching us
jump through his hoops.

And normally, I would
agree with you

but this time I feel
that somehow it is different.

There was a deadly earnestness
about him.

I think he's serious...

which means that,
in some fashion

I am going to be the cause
of the destruction of humanity.

But didn't Q say
you already had caused it?

And that you
were causing it now?

Given the fact that there
is an apparent discontinuity

between the three time periods
the Captain has visited

Q's statement may be accurate,
if confusing.

So, what am I going to do?

Lock myself in a room

in all the three
different time periods?

Captain, maybe not
acting is what causes

the destruction of mankind.

What if you were needed
on the Bridge

and at a key moment,
you weren't there?

I don't think we can start
second-guessing ourselves.

I think we have
to proceed normally

and deal with each situation
as it occurs.

Agreed.

I've been thinking
about my conversation with Q.

He admitted
that he was responsible

for my shifting through time.

Now, it occurred to me that...

he might be giving me a chance
somehow to save humanity.

What makes you say that?

Well, he's always had

a certain fascination
with humanity

with myself, in particular.

I think he has more
than a passing interest

in what happens to me.

That is true.

Q's interest in you
has always been

very similar to that of a master

and his beloved pet.

That was only an analogy,
Captain.

Captain Picard?

Go ahead.

We're approaching
the Neutral Zone, Captain.

We're on our way.

All stop.

Initiate long-range scans.

Captain, there are four warbirds
holding position

on the Romulan side
of the Neutral Zone.

The Federation starships
Concord and Bozeman

are holding position
on our side.

A face-off.

The question is,
who's going to move first?

We are.

Mr. Worf,
hail the Romulan flagship.

The Warbird Terix is responding.

Captain Picard.

Hello, Worf.

It's been a long time.

It is good to see you again.

Have you had a chance
to read our request?

Yes, but you must realize

I am no longer a member
of the High Council.

But surely, Worf, you must
still have some influence.

We have to get
into the Neutral Zone.

Can't you just get us permission
to cross the border?

I must refuse.

It is for your own safety.

The Neutral Zone
is extremely volatile.

If Admiral Riker had given you
a starship with a cloak

you would have been safe.

It is hard to believe

that even he would refuse
to help you.

I don't care
what kind of ship we go in!

We have to get
to the Devron system.

I am sorry.

My first duty is to the Empire.

I must adhere to regulations.

Well, I know
that I am an old man

and I'm out of touch

but the Worf that I remember
was more concerned with things

like honor and Ioyalty

than rules and regulations.

But that was a long time ago.

And maybe you're not
the Worf I once knew.

Dor-sHo GHA!

You have always used

your knowledge
of Klingon honor and tradition

to get what you want from me.

Because it always works, Worf!

Your problem is

that you really do
have a sense of honor

and you really do care
about trust and Ioyalty.

Don't blame me
for knowing you so well.

Very well.

You may cross the border.

But...

only if I come with you.

I am familiar
with the Neutral Zone.

Terms accepted.

Inform Transporter Room Two
to beam the Governor aboard.

I must make one thing
very clear, Jean-Luc.

If we run into
any serious opposition

I'm taking us back
into Federation territory.

We aren't well-armed and
wouldn't last long in a fight.

Governor Worf is aboard,
Captain.

All right.

Set course
for the Devron system.

Warp 13.

Once more,
for old time's sake?

Engage.

Engage to where, sir?

Uh, set a course
for the Devron system

and engage at warp nine.

The Devron system is inside
the Neutral Zone, sir.

I am aware of that, Lieutenant.

Carry out my orders, Chief.

Aye, sir.

Captain, may I have a word
with you in private?

Yes, of course, Counselor.

Contact Farpoint Station.

I wish to speak
with Commander Riker.

Aye, sir.

Captain, I just wanted
to voice my concerns

about the way
the crew is responding

to your unexpected orders.

They don't trust me.

They think
that I'm behaving erratically.

Some do.

Others are confused.

It takes some time
for a new crew

to get to know their Captain

and for him to know them.

I understand, but I also know

what this crew is capable of,
even if they don't.

It would also help
if they knew what was going on.

I know it's difficult
operating in the dark

but, right now, I don't think
I have any other choice.

Yar to Captain Picard.

I have Commander Riker
for you, sir.

Excuse me.

Put him through here.

Commander Riker,
I wanted to inform you

that we will be delayed
picking you up

at Farpoint Station.

I see.
May I ask how long?

I can't say.

I'll keep you updated.

Will you inform Dr. Crusher

and Lieutenant La Forge
of our delay?

Understood.

Riker out.

Is there anything else,
Counselor?

Actually, sir, there is.

I was debating
whether to mention it

and perhaps...

It's about Commander Riker.

What about him?

I think you should know
that he and I have had a...

prior relationship.

I see.

Do you think this will
interfere with your duties?

Not at all.

It happened several years ago

and it's well behind
both of us now.

I just thought you should know.

Well, I appreciate
your telling me

but I'm quite sure
that the two of you

will find some way
to deal with the situation.

Thank you, sir.

Tea, Earl Grey. Hot.

That beverage
has not been programmed

into the replication system.

So, Captain...

how long shall we
stare at each other

across the Neutral Zone?

There is an alternative,
Tomalak.

We each know why we're here.

We could each send one ship
into the Neutral Zone

to investigate the anomaly
in the Devron system.

Has Starfleet Command
approved this arrangement?

No.

I like it already.

Agreed.

One ship from each side.

But I warn you,
if another Federation starship

tries to enter the zone...

There is no need
to make threats.

We each know the consequences.

Very well.

I'll see you
in the Devron system.

Helm, set a course
for the Devron system.

Warp five.

Aye, sir.

Engage.

Sensors are picking up
a large subspace anomaly

directly ahead.

All stop.

On screen.

Full scan, Mr. Data.

Aye, sir.

We have to get
as much information

as possible about that anomaly.

We are approaching
the Devron system, Captain.

Sensors are picking up
a large subspace anomaly

directly ahead.

All stop.
On screen.

Then it is larger in the past.

Sir?

Nothing.

Full scan, Mr. Data.

Aye, sir.

On screen! On screen!
Let's see it!

As you can see, sir,
there's nothing there.

Still nothing, Captain.

I've conducted
a full sensor sweep

out to one light-year
from the Pasteur.

No temporal anomalies

no particle fluctuations,
nothing.

I don't understand.

It was here
in the other two time periods.

Why isn't it here now?

Captain, I have been monitoring
Klingon communications channels.

Several warships
have been dispatched

to this sector to search

for a renegade
Federation vessel.

You're not thinking of leaving?

There's nothing here, Jean-Luc.

But there should be.
There has to be!

Data, is there some other way

to scan for temporal
disturbances?

Something that isn't covered
in a normal sensor sweep?

There are several methods

of detecting
temporal disturbances

but we're limited
by the equipment on the Pasteur.

We should head back
to Federation territory.

However, it may be possible
to modify the main deflector

to emit
an inverse tachyon pulse

which could scan
beyond the subspace barrier.

That's it.
Make it so.

Wait a minute.

Data, how long would this take?

To make the modifications

and search
the entire Devron system

would take
approximately 14 hours.

All right.

Data, begin to modify
the tachyon pulse.

Ensign Chilton, lay in a course
back to the Federation.

We'll stay here
for six more hours.

And if we haven't found anything

we're heading back,
maximum warp.

Aye, sir.

But six more hours
may not be enough.

We have to stay here
until we find it

no matter how long it takes.

Carry out my orders.

May I see you a moment?

Beverly, I cannot believe

that you are not willing
to stay here until we...

Don't you ever question

my orders on the Bridge
of my ship again.

Damn it!
I was just trying to...

Look, there are
larger concerns here.

What you don't understand is...

I understand that you
would never have

tolerated that kind of behavior

back on the Enterprise,
and I won't here.

I don't care if you're
my ex-Captain or my ex-husband.

You're right.

I was out of line.

It won't happen again.

But what you have
to understand is

what is at stake here.

Q has said that all of humanity
will be destroyed.

I know.

That's why I've allowed
us to stay here longer

and keep looking.

But I also want you
to allow for the possibility

that none of what you're saying
is real.

What?

Jean-Luc, I care
for you too much

not to tell you the truth.

You have advanced
Irumodic Syndrome.

It's possible that all
of this is in your mind.

I'll stay here six hours longer
and then we're heading home.

I want you to remember...

if it were anyone else but you,
we wouldn't even be here.

Eh? What was that she said,
sonny?

I couldn't quite hear her.

Q?

What is going on here?

Where is the anomaly?

Where's your mommy?

Well, I don't know.

Answer me!

There is an answer, Jean-Luc

but I can't hand it to you.

Although you do have help.

What help?

You're not alone, you know.

What you were,
and what you are to become

will always be with you.

My time shifting...

the answer does lie there,
doesn't it?

Now, tell me one thing.

This anomaly we're looking for
will that destroy humanity?

You're forgetting, Jean-Luc.

You destroy humanity.

By-by doing what?

When?

How can...?

Report, Mr. Data.

The anomaly is 200 million
kilometers in diameter.

It is a highly-focused
temporal energy source

which is emitting approximately
the same energy output

as ten G-type stars.

What is the source
of this energy?

I am uncertain, sir.

Sensors are unable
to penetrate the anomaly.

What if we modified
the main deflector

to emit an inverse tachyon pulse

that might be able to scan
beyond the subspace barrier?

That might give us some idea

of what the interior
of this thing looks like.

That is
a most intriguing idea, sir.

I do not believe a tachyon beam
was ever used in such a way.

I had no idea you were so versed

in the intricacies
of temporal theory, sir.

I have some friends
who are well-versed in it.

Make it so.

I believe we can make
the necessary modifications

in Main Engineering, sir.

We can get more power
if we reroute

the primary EPS taps
to the deflector array.

Agreed.

Initiating tachyon pulse.

Okay.

The pulse is holding steady.

We're starting to receive data
from the scan.

It will take the computer
some time to give us

a complete picture
of the anomaly's interior.

I suggest we...

Geordi?

Oh!

What is wrong?

I don't know.

It's like somebody's sticking
an ice pick in my temples.

Hmm...

My VISOR's picking up

all kinds of electromagnetic
fluctuations.

Data to Sick Bay.

Medical emergency
in Main Engineering.

This is amazing.

The DNA in his optic nerves
is regenerating.

Geordi, it's as if
you're growing new eyes.

How is this possible?

It shouldn't be possible at all.

There's no medical explanation

for spontaneous regeneration
of an organ.

Doctor, we've just gotten
reports from two crew members

who say they have old scars

which are healing themselves.

Captain, I believe I have
a partial explanation.

I have completed my analysis
of the anomaly.

It appears to be a multiphasic
temporal convergence

in the space-time continuum.

In English, Data.

It is, in essence,
an eruption of anti-time.

Anti-time?

A relatively new concept
in temporal mechanics.

The relationship between
anti-time and normal time

is analogous to the relationship
between anti-matter

and normal matter.

So, if time and anti-time
were to collide...?

They would annihilate
one another

causing a rupture in space.

I believe this is what happened
in the Devron system.

The rupture may be sending out
waves of temporal energy

which are disrupting
the normal flow of time.

Data, what could have caused

this collision
of time and anti-time?

"Anti-time," sir?

I believe that if you modify
the deflectors to send out

an inverse tachyon pulse,
then you'll find

that the anomaly is a rupture
between time and anti-time.

That is a fascinating
hypothesis.

How did you find...?

I don't have time
to discuss it now, Mr. Data.

Do the modifications,
and send out the pulse.

Then try working on a theory
as to what caused this rupture.

Mr. O'Brien,
how large is this anomaly?

Approximately

400 million kilometers
in diameter, sir.

I don't understand
why it's bigger in the past.

Lieutenant, you have the Bridge.

I'll be in my ready room.

Aye, sir.

What's going on?

We're under attack.

Shield strength down to 52%.

Minor damage
to the port nacelle.

Two Klingon attack cruisers

decloaking to port
and starboard.

Warp speed.
Get us out of here.

Warp power's off-line, sir.

Heading 148, mark 215.

Full impulse.

Impulse power's fluctuating.

Shields down to 30%.

Weapons status.

These weapons are no match
for their shields.

Geordi, we need
more warp power... now.

I'm trying, Captain.
They're too much for us.

I can't keep the phase
inducers on line.

Shields down to nine percent.

One more hit,
and they'll collapse.

Open a channel.

Open.

This is Captain Beverly Picard.

We are a medical ship
on a mission of mercy.

Please break off all...

Worf, signal our surrender.

Tos Vah'cha do Worf.

Do'lo jegh!

Our shields have collapsed.
We are defenseless.

Captain?

Another ship is decloaking...

bearing 215, mark 310.

It's the Enterprise.

They're hailing us.

On screen.

I had a feeling you weren't
going to listen to me.

Stand by.

I'll see if I can get
the Klingons' attention.

The Enterprise is drawing
their fire.

Damage report.

The warp core
has been badly damaged.

There's a breach in progress.

We have to stop it.

The Klingon ship is disengaging.

Admiral Riker is hailing us.

Our sensors indicate
your ship has

a warp core breach in progress.

Prepare for emergency beam-out.

All the Pasteur's crew are
safely on board, Admiral.

Raise the shields.
Where are the Klingons?

They're still moving off, sir.

Half a light-year away.

They'll be back.

As I said, I figured

you wouldn't take no
for an answer.

But I thought you had more sense

than to send a defenseless ship
across the border

into hostile territory
with no escort.

If you had not turned down
the Captain

when he came to you for help

none of this
would have happened!

But unlike you,
I still have a sense of honor

and Ioyalty.

We don't have time for this!

The Pasteur's core
is going to breach!

Take us out of here.

Full impulse.

All right,
let's get out of here.

No, Will, we can't!

We have to save humanity!

Engage cloak.

Admiral, we took a direct hit

to the starboard plasma coil.

Our cloak isn't functioning.

Engineering reports it'll be

seven hours before
we can cloak again.

Al right, we'll do it
the old-fashioned way.

Set a course
for Federation space, warp 13.

Will, don't leave.
We have to stay here

and find out what is causing
the temporal anomaly!

We can't stay, Captain.

We have to.
Everything depends on it.

We can't leave now.

Please, listen to me!

Your visual acuity is improving
by the hour, Geordi.

I'm sorry, Alyssa.

May I take another look?

You'll have a little
tenderness for a few days.

That's to be expected.

Jean-Luc.

I'll be right back, Alyssa.

Alyssa lost the baby.

I think it's
the same phenomenon

that affected Geordi.

Somehow, the temporal energy
from the anomaly

caused the fetal tissue
to revert

to an earlier stage
of development.

It's as if the unborn child
began to grow younger

until finally the DNA itself
began to break down.

How is she?

Physically, she's fine, for now.

But if this
temporal reversion continues

I don't think any of us

are going to be fine
for much longer.

So this is affecting
the entire crew.

Our cellular structures
appear to be coalescing...

reverting to earlier forms.

In some cases

this has caused
old injuries to be healed

but the effect
is only temporary.

Eventually,
it may kill all of us.

We have to determine
how widespread this effect is.

Contact Starbase 23.

That's the nearest outpost.

Have them check their personnel
to see if there are

any signs of temporal reversion.

Aye, sir.

Mr. Data, how close are you
to completing the tachyon scan?

Approximately one hour,
45 minutes, sir.

Good. When it's done,
I want you

to find some way
of collapsing this anomaly

without making things worse.

Give me a risk analysis

of whatever solution
you come up with.

Aye, sir.

Dismissed.

It's a pretty big decision,
Jean-Luc.

Tinkering with an anomaly
you know nothing about.

Trying to collapse it.

Isn't that risky?

Why? Will that cause
the destruction of mankind?

Maybe.

On the other hand,
maybe leaving it alone

would be the wrong thing to do.

It's a pretty big decision,
all right.

Would it help to have
a different perspective?

Welcome home.

Home?

Don't you recognize
your old stomping grounds?

This is Earth...

France, about, oh...

three and a half
billion years ago.

Give or take an eon or two.

Smells awful, doesn't it?

All that sulfur
and volcanic ash.

I really must speak
to the maid.

Q, is there any point
to all this?

Look.

So, the anomaly is here, too.

At Earth.

At this point in history

the anomaly fills your entire
quadrant of the galaxy.

The further back in time...

the larger the anomaly.

Come here.

There's something
I want to show you.

You see this?

This is you.

I'm serious.

Right here...

life is about to form
on this planet

for the very first time.

A group of amino acids
are about to combine

to form the first protein.

The building blocks...

of what you call life.

Strange, isn't it?

Everything you know...
your entire civilization...

it all begins right here
in this little pond of goo.

Appropriate somehow, isn't it?

Too bad you didn't bring
your microscope.

It's really quite fascinating.
Oh, look!

There they go.

The amino acids
are moving closer

and closer...

and closer.

Aw...

nothing happened.

See what you've done?

Are you saying
that I caused the anomaly?

And that the anomaly somehow

disrupted the beginnings
of life on Earth?

Congratulations.

Let's concentrate
on how this anomaly

was initially formed.
Speculation.

Our tachyon pulse
has been unable

to completely penetrate
the anomaly.

If we had information
on the center of the phenomenon

we might have a basis
for speculation.

Is there any way
that we can scan the interior?

I've tried everything I know.

There's just
too much interference.

There's nothing on board
that'll do the job.

Do you know what could?

In theory, a tomographic
imaging scanner

capable of multiphasic
resolution

would be able to penetrate
this much interference.

The Daystrom Institute

has been working
on such a device

but it is still
only theoretical.

Data, do we have a tomographic
imaging scanner on board?

Yes, sir.

Can you use it to scan
the interior of the anomaly?

Possibly.

There is a great deal
of interference

but I am getting some readings.

This is very unusual.

What is it?

It appears
that our tachyon pulse

is converging
with two other tachyon pulses

at the center of the anomaly.

The two other pulses

have the exact same
amplitude modulation

as our own pulse.

It is as if all three

originated from the Enterprise.

Three pulses...

from three time periods

converging
at one point in space.

Captain, what are
you suggesting?

Computer,
where is Admiral Riker?

Admiral Riker is in Ten-Forward.

The ship has held up
pretty well over the years.

They tried to decommission her
about five years ago.

One of the advantages
of being an Admiral

is you get to choose
your own ship.

Will?

How long is this thing
between you and Worf

going to go on?

It's been going on
for over 20 years.

Doesn't look like it's going
to end anytime soon.

I suspect the last thing
Counselor Troi would have wanted

is for the two of you
to be alienated.

I agree.

I think it's time
to put it behind you.

I tried at Deanna's funeral.

He wouldn't even talk with me.

Might have been tough
for him then.

He took her death pretty hard.

Oh, yeah?

Well, he wasn't the only one.

I know, but I think, in his
mind, you were the reason

that he and Deanna
never got together.

I never did anything
to stand in his way.

Didn't you, Will?

Did I?

I didn't want to admit
that it was over.

I always thought that we
would get together again.

And then she was gone.

You think you have all the time
in the world, until...

Yeah.

Ensign...

how do I get to Ten-Forward?

It's four decks down, sir.
Section 005.

Thank you.

Oh, my God.

Will...

Will, I know why it's happening.

I know what's causing
the anomaly.

We have to go back.

The only place we're going
back to, sir, is bed.

Damn it, Will, I know
why it's happening!

We caused the anomaly
with the tachyon pulse.

It happened three times, Will.

We did it
in three different time periods.

I think you better come with me.

Will you leave me alone?

Damn it, I'm not stupid!

Will, the tachyon pulses...
they were used

in the same spot in three
different time periods.

Don't you see?

Wh-when the tachyon pulse
used...

I mean, uh...

I mean, when the Pasteur

used the tachyon pulse,
then, then...

we, uh...

I mean, everything started,
Will.

We-we set everything in motion.

It... it's like the
chicken and the egg, Will.

The chicken and the egg!

We think it started
in the past, but it didn't.

It started right here,
in the future.

That's why it's getting
larger in the past.

I think I know what the Captain
is talking about.

If I'm not mistaken,
he's describing a paradox.

Yes! Right, that's it.

Intriguing.

It is possible...

We could have caused
the very anomaly

we have been looking for.

Let us assume for a moment

that the Captain has been
traveling through time.

Let us also assume
he has initiated a tachyon pulse

at the same coordinates
in all three time periods.

In that case, it is possible

that the convergence
of three tachyon pulses

could have ruptured
the subspace barrier

and created
an anti-time reaction.

I see
where you're going, Data.

And because anti-time operates

opposite the way
normal time does

the effects
would travel backwards

through the space-time
continuum.

Yes! That's why it gets
larger in the past.

It grows as it travels
backwards in time.

All right, just for the moment

let's say that you're right.

What do we do?

Back, Will... we go back
to the Devron system.

He may be right.

If we go back
to the Devron system now

we might be able to see

the initial formation
of the anomaly.

Riker to Bridge.

Set a course for
the Devron system, maximum warp.

Aye, sir.

Worf, we could use a hand.

Entering the Devron system, sir.

Full stop.

Sensors are picking up

a small temporal anomaly
off the port bow.

On screen.

I was right.

It's an anti-time eruption.

It seems to have been formed
within the last six hours.

We must stop it here

so that it can't travel
back through time.

Mr. Data, we need a solution
and we need it now.

The anomaly is being sustained
by the continuing tachyon pulses

from the other two time periods.

I suggest shutting them down.

The next time I'm there,
it's the first thing I'll do.

Isn't there something
more we can do here?

Seal the rupture somehow?

I'll investigate the options.

Data, disengage
the tachyon pulse.

Sir?

Do it!

The convergence
of the tachyon pulses

from the three time periods
is what is causing the anomaly.

Aye, sir.

Is there any change
in the anomaly?

No, sir.

Disengage the tachyon pulse.

But we haven't finished
the scan, sir.

I know that.

But it is imperative

that you disengage
the tachyon pulse immediately.

Aye, sir.
Disengaging.

Why isn't the anomaly
being affected?

Why would it be, sir?

I've shut off the tachyon pulses
in the other two time periods

but it hasn't changed
the anomaly.

It remains unaffected
here, as well, sir.

What do we do?

The only way to stop this thing

is to repair the rupture
at the focal point

where time and anti-time
are converging.

How do we do that?

It would require

taking the ship into
the anomaly itself.

Once inside, we may be able
to use the engines

to create a static warp shell.

Yeah, Data, that's right.

And the shell would act

as an artificial
subspace barrier

separating time and anti-time.

Collapsing the anomaly

and restoring
the normal flow of time.

But this would have to be done

in the other two time periods,
as well.

That could be a problem.

The anomaly is so much larger
in the other two time periods.

It may be dangerous
to take the ship in.

Take the ship in where, sir?

Into the anomaly, Chief.

Lay in a course
for the exact center

and transfer all available power
to the shields.

Sir, can you give us
some explanation?

No, Lieutenant, I cannot.

Captain, so far,
we've obeyed every order

no matter how farfetched
it might have seemed

but if we're to risk
the safety of the ship and crew

I think we have to ask you
for an explanation.

I understand your concerns,
Lieutenant.

And I know
that if I were in your position

I would be doing the same
thing... looking for answers.

But you're not going to find any

because I don't have any
to give you.

I know it is difficult
for you to understand

but we have to take the ship

into the very center
of the phenomenon

and create a static warp shell.

Now, this will put
the ship at risk.

Quite frankly,
we may not survive.

But I want you to believe
that I'm doing this

for a greater purpose

and that what is at stake here

is more than any of you
can possibly imagine.

I know you have your doubts
about me...

about each other...

about the ship.

All I can say is

that although we have
only been together

for a short time

I know that you are
the finest crew in the fleet

and I would trust
each of you with my life.

So, I am asking you
for a leap of faith...

and to trust me.

Shields up, maximum strength.

Boosting field integrity
to the warp nacelles.

We may encounter shearing forces
once we enter the anomaly.

I am preparing to initiate
a static warp shell.

Course laid in, sir.

All decks report ready, sir.

Take us in, Chief.

Captain, I have an idea.

If we take the ship
to the center

of the anomaly and create...

...a static warp shell...

It could repair the barrier
and collapse the anomaly.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Data, you are
a clever man...

in any time period.

Helm?

Lay in a course
for the center of the anomaly

and prepare to initiate
a static warp shell.

Aye, sir.

The other two Enterprises...

they're on their way.

Very well.

Ensign, take us in.

We're entering the anomaly, sir.

All hands brace for impact.

The temporal energy
is interfering with main power.

Switching to...

Auxiliary power!

I'm having trouble keeping
the impulse engines on line.

I've got power fluctuations
all across the board.

Maintain course and speed.

Mr. Data, how long
until we reach the center?

At least 30 seconds, sir.

We've entered the anomaly.

We have reached the center, sir.

Initiate warp shell.

Initiating
static warp shell now.

Is it having any effect?

Something is happening.

A new subspace barrier
appears to be forming.

Captain, the sensors
are picking up two other ships.

Captain,
it appears to be working.

The anomaly
is beginning to collapse.

I think...

The temporal energy is rupturing
our warp containment system.

We must eject the core.

No. We have to maintain

the static warp shell
as long as possible.

We're losing containment,
Captain.

I-I can't stop it.
It's going to...

Transfer emergency power

to the anti-matter
containment system.

I'm trying, but there's
a lot of interference.

The warp shell is definitely
having an effect, sir.

The anomaly is collapsing.

I can't hold it.

The containment system is going.

Maintain your position.

Mr. La Forge...

Both of the other ships
have been destroyed.

Two down, one to go.

Data, report.

The anomaly is nearly collapsed.

We're losing containment.

Good-bye, Jean-Luc.

I'm going to miss you.

You had such potential.

But then again, all good things
must come to an end.

Containment field
is at critical!

I'm losing it!

The Continuum didn't think
you had it in you, Jean-Luc

but I knew you did.

Are you saying that it worked?

We collapsed the anomaly?

Is that all this meant to you?

Just another spatial anomaly?

Just another day at the office?

Did it work?

Well, you're here, aren't you?

You're talking to me,
aren't you?

What about my crew?

"The anomaly...
my ship... my crew..."

I suppose you're worried
about your fish, too.

Well, if it puts
your mind at ease

you've saved humanity...

once again.

Thank you.

For what?

You had a hand
in helping me get out of this.

I was the one
that got you into it...

a directive from the Continuum.

The part about
the helping hand, though...

was my idea.

I sincerely hope

that this is the last time
that I find myself here.

You just don't get it,
do you, Jean-Luc?

The trial never ends.

We wanted to see
if you had the ability

to expand your mind
and your horizons.

And for one brief moment,
you did.

When I realized the paradox.

Exactly.

For that one fraction
of a second

you were open to options
you had never considered.

That is the exploration
that awaits you.

Not mapping stars
and studying nebulae

but charting the unknown
possibilities of existence.

Q, what is it that you're
trying to tell me?

You'll find out.

In any case, I'll be watching.

And if you're very lucky

I'll drop by to say hello
from time to time.

See you... out there.

Captain, are you all right?

Mr. Worf, what's the date?

Stardate 47988.

Is something wrong, sir?

No. No.

No, uh...

I, uh, I think
I'll get back to bed.

I, uh...

I could use some sleep.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

Starfleet Command reports
no unusual activity

along the Neutral Zone

and there is no sign
of a temporal anomaly.

It would appear that I am
the only member of the crew

to retain any knowledge
of the events I experienced.

Take it.

Anytime, Doctor.

Four hands in a row.

How does he do it?

I cheat.

I'm kidding.

You know, I was thinking

about what the Captain
told us all

about the future...

about how we all changed
and drifted apart.

Why would he want to tell us
what's to come?

It sure goes against everything
we've always heard

about not polluting
the timeline, doesn't it?

I believe, however,
this situation is unique.

Since the anomaly did not occur,
there have already been changes

in the way
this timeline is unfolding.

The future we experience
will undoubtedly be different

from the one
the Captain encountered.

Maybe that's why he told us.

Knowing what happens
in that future

allows us to change things now

so that some things
never happen.

Agreed.

Come in.

Am I too late?

Of course not.

Pull up a chair.

Five card draw, deuces wild.

Come in.

Is there a problem, sir?

No. I, uh...

I just thought
that I might, um...

I might join you this evening.

Uh, if there's room.

Of course.

Have a seat.

Would you care to deal, sir?

Oh, thank you, Mr. Data.

Actually, I, uh...

I used to be quite a card player
in my youth, you know.

I should have done this
a long time ago.

You were always welcome.

So...

five card stud, nothing wild...

and the sky's the limit.