1 00:00:10,552 --> 00:00:12,471 Computer, dispatches. 2 00:00:12,679 --> 00:00:13,805 Computer: A research inquiry 3 00:00:14,014 --> 00:00:16,683 from the manitoba journal of interplanetary psychology 4 00:00:16,892 --> 00:00:19,853 and three communique's from your mother. 5 00:00:22,981 --> 00:00:26,568 Transfer the letters from my mother to the viewscreen. 6 00:00:29,947 --> 00:00:32,324 And, computer, 7 00:00:32,533 --> 00:00:35,869 I would like a real chocolate sundae. 8 00:00:36,078 --> 00:00:38,997 Computer: Define "real" in context, please. 9 00:00:40,666 --> 00:00:47,673 Not one of your perfectly synthesized, ingeniously enhanced imitations. 10 00:00:49,216 --> 00:00:55,389 I would like real chocolate ice cream, real whipped cream... 11 00:00:55,597 --> 00:00:56,877 Computer: This unit is programmed 12 00:00:57,015 --> 00:01:00,018 to provide sources of acceptable nutritional value. 13 00:01:00,227 --> 00:01:03,021 Your request does not fall within current guidelines. 14 00:01:03,230 --> 00:01:06,608 Please indicate whether you wish to override the specified program. 15 00:01:06,775 --> 00:01:07,818 Listen... 16 00:01:09,194 --> 00:01:10,612 Picard: Picard to counselor troi. 17 00:01:10,821 --> 00:01:12,781 Now what? 18 00:01:13,532 --> 00:01:14,866 Yes, captain? 19 00:01:15,075 --> 00:01:17,869 The pleasure of your company is requested, counselor. We are... 20 00:01:18,078 --> 00:01:20,956 We're having a little impromptu reception for the arriving delegates. 21 00:01:21,498 --> 00:01:23,667 Captain, I'm not really dressed for a reception. 22 00:01:23,875 --> 00:01:26,003 Oh, counselor, just throw on any old thing. 23 00:01:26,211 --> 00:01:28,213 We're about to get our first look at the wormhole. 24 00:01:28,422 --> 00:01:31,842 Troi: Of course, captain. I'm on my way. 25 00:01:34,261 --> 00:01:37,723 God forbid I should miss my first look at the wormhole. 26 00:01:42,686 --> 00:01:44,146 May I escort you, miss troi? 27 00:01:44,354 --> 00:01:46,148 Just tell me there's some chocolate here. 28 00:01:46,356 --> 00:01:50,068 Counselor troi. Will you allow me to do the introductions? 29 00:01:50,569 --> 00:01:53,947 This is premier bhavani of barzen, counselor Deanna troi. 30 00:01:54,156 --> 00:01:57,451 Your discovery has produced a great deal of excitement, premier. 31 00:01:57,659 --> 00:02:01,913 Hopefully, it will also produce a new era of prosperity for my people. 32 00:02:04,166 --> 00:02:06,209 You know Mr. Mendoza, the federation negotiator. 33 00:02:06,877 --> 00:02:08,879 A pleasure to see you again, counselor troi. 34 00:02:09,671 --> 00:02:14,551 This is a worthy federation competitor in the bidding, leyor of the caldonians. 35 00:02:14,760 --> 00:02:15,802 Madame. 36 00:02:16,470 --> 00:02:19,139 Ral: And I'm devinoni ral. 37 00:02:22,517 --> 00:02:24,436 Ship's counselor, Deanna troi. 38 00:02:25,354 --> 00:02:29,149 My good friend ral is the best hired gun in the business. 39 00:02:30,192 --> 00:02:31,652 Hired gun? 40 00:02:31,860 --> 00:02:34,905 My good friend mendoza means that I'm a negotiator 41 00:02:35,113 --> 00:02:37,407 who serves a variety of clients. 42 00:02:37,616 --> 00:02:40,619 On this particular occasion I represent the chrysalians. 43 00:02:40,827 --> 00:02:43,121 Bhavani: I believe it's almost time, isn't it, captain? 44 00:02:43,330 --> 00:02:46,500 Indeed. It will be visible directly ahead. 45 00:02:52,255 --> 00:02:54,966 - Is it always on time, bhavani? - Always. 46 00:02:55,509 --> 00:02:59,513 We see it every 233 minutes. 47 00:02:59,721 --> 00:03:02,307 Our scientists say it's due to radiation buildup 48 00:03:02,516 --> 00:03:04,017 in the accretion disk. 49 00:03:04,226 --> 00:03:07,896 The visible burst is very brief. 50 00:03:11,483 --> 00:03:13,110 There it is, ladies and gentlemen. 51 00:03:13,318 --> 00:03:17,781 The first and only stable wormhole known to exist. 52 00:03:18,824 --> 00:03:21,993 It's yours for the right price. 53 00:03:54,484 --> 00:03:58,739 Picard: Space, the final frontier. 54 00:03:59,281 --> 00:04:03,243 These are the voyages of the starship enterprise. 55 00:04:03,452 --> 00:04:08,623 Its continuing mission: To explore strange new worlds, 56 00:04:08,915 --> 00:04:13,003 to seek out new life and new civilizations, 57 00:04:13,503 --> 00:04:17,883 to boldly go where no one has gone before. 58 00:05:16,650 --> 00:05:19,820 Picard: Captain's log, stardate 43385.6. 59 00:05:19,986 --> 00:05:21,905 We are orbiting barzan ii, 60 00:05:22,113 --> 00:05:23,907 which is entertaining bids for control 61 00:05:24,115 --> 00:05:26,701 of what appears to be a stable wormhole, 62 00:05:26,910 --> 00:05:28,787 which could provide a permanent shortcut 63 00:05:28,995 --> 00:05:30,831 to the distant gamma quadrant. 64 00:05:31,039 --> 00:05:32,707 As you all know, 65 00:05:32,916 --> 00:05:36,419 the environment on my planet is completely inhospitable 66 00:05:36,628 --> 00:05:38,296 to most other life forms. 67 00:05:39,214 --> 00:05:43,426 So I'd like to express my appreciation to you, captain picard, 68 00:05:43,635 --> 00:05:46,012 for hosting these negotiations. 69 00:05:46,555 --> 00:05:50,684 The barzan has been a society dependent on others for generations. 70 00:05:50,892 --> 00:05:53,520 We want that to end. 71 00:05:53,728 --> 00:05:57,774 The appearance of this stable wormhole in our space 72 00:05:57,983 --> 00:06:01,444 provides us with our first true natural resource. 73 00:06:02,028 --> 00:06:07,659 We have neither the experience nor the technology to exploit it. 74 00:06:07,868 --> 00:06:09,494 But you do. 75 00:06:09,703 --> 00:06:10,745 Riker: Excuse me. 76 00:06:10,954 --> 00:06:15,000 There's a delegation of ferengi that wishes to be beamed aboard, sir. 77 00:06:16,835 --> 00:06:18,712 Were you expecting the ferengi, premier? 78 00:06:19,337 --> 00:06:23,008 No. But I do not wish to create ill will, captain. 79 00:06:23,216 --> 00:06:25,719 If they are interested in bidding, I have no objection. 80 00:06:27,762 --> 00:06:30,265 Chief o'brien, this is captain picard. 81 00:06:30,473 --> 00:06:33,018 Will you beam the ferengi directly to the observation lounge? 82 00:06:33,226 --> 00:06:34,519 O'brien: Aye, sir. 83 00:06:40,525 --> 00:06:42,903 On behalf of all ferengi, I protest. 84 00:06:43,111 --> 00:06:45,196 Why were we not invited to these negotiations? 85 00:06:45,405 --> 00:06:46,698 Bhavani: My apologies. 86 00:06:46,907 --> 00:06:48,700 We did not anticipate your interest. 87 00:06:48,909 --> 00:06:50,619 You're welcome to join us. 88 00:06:50,827 --> 00:06:52,245 My name is daimon goss. 89 00:06:52,454 --> 00:06:55,665 And these are my consuls, kol and Dr. Arridor. 90 00:06:55,874 --> 00:06:58,960 - We'll need chairs. - I'm captain picard of the enterprise. 91 00:06:59,169 --> 00:07:01,421 I am serving as host for these proceedings. 92 00:07:01,630 --> 00:07:03,632 Good. Then see to it we get some chairs. 93 00:07:03,840 --> 00:07:05,258 Let me explain. 94 00:07:05,467 --> 00:07:08,345 Fine, fine, just have your klingon servant get us some chairs. 95 00:07:08,553 --> 00:07:10,138 I'm in charge of security. 96 00:07:10,847 --> 00:07:12,724 Then who gets the chairs? 97 00:07:13,892 --> 00:07:18,647 Daimon, due to the delicate nature of these negotiations, 98 00:07:18,855 --> 00:07:22,359 all parties have agreed that one representative will suffice. 99 00:07:22,567 --> 00:07:25,445 Now, I will be happy to provide your consuls with accommodations, 100 00:07:25,654 --> 00:07:28,782 and you may have my chair. 101 00:07:29,282 --> 00:07:31,159 Oh, very well. 102 00:07:31,368 --> 00:07:32,953 Premier? 103 00:07:40,961 --> 00:07:42,379 Kol, the bag. 104 00:07:42,587 --> 00:07:44,923 Riker: Gentlemen, this way. 105 00:07:45,131 --> 00:07:47,801 We can handle all the pleasantries later. 106 00:07:48,009 --> 00:07:50,303 Now, let's get down to business. 107 00:07:53,515 --> 00:07:59,437 I'll match anyone's best offer and add the gold on top of it. 108 00:08:04,150 --> 00:08:06,820 Computer: Devinoni ral, human, age 41. 109 00:08:07,028 --> 00:08:09,406 Born Brussels, European alliance. 110 00:08:09,614 --> 00:08:11,866 Relocated at age 19 to hurkos III. 111 00:08:13,284 --> 00:08:14,911 Come in. 112 00:08:21,418 --> 00:08:23,003 Should I call for an appointment? 113 00:08:25,422 --> 00:08:27,632 I was just looking over some personnel files. 114 00:08:27,841 --> 00:08:29,759 Well, that's too bad. 115 00:08:29,968 --> 00:08:32,345 Thought you might be thinking about me. 116 00:08:32,554 --> 00:08:35,682 I thought you'd be deep in negotiations by now. 117 00:08:35,890 --> 00:08:37,350 In recess. 118 00:08:39,227 --> 00:08:41,312 I never play the opening rounds anyway. 119 00:08:41,521 --> 00:08:43,523 Inconsequenfial 120 00:08:44,357 --> 00:08:47,527 besides, there are much better things to negotiate on this ship. 121 00:08:48,987 --> 00:08:51,031 Like dinner tonight? 122 00:08:51,322 --> 00:08:53,908 What about your traveling companion? 123 00:08:55,160 --> 00:08:59,080 My traveling companion is traveling. 124 00:09:00,373 --> 00:09:02,250 I sent her home. 125 00:09:02,834 --> 00:09:04,461 Why? 126 00:09:05,086 --> 00:09:06,880 You know why. 127 00:09:08,298 --> 00:09:10,884 Weren't you getting along? 128 00:09:11,468 --> 00:09:13,595 - Don't do that. - What? 129 00:09:13,803 --> 00:09:16,931 Don't do counselor troi. 130 00:09:17,640 --> 00:09:20,310 - Was I? - Yes, you were. 131 00:09:26,691 --> 00:09:31,362 When you leave this office, who are you? 132 00:09:32,781 --> 00:09:35,742 Oh, so that's how it goes. 133 00:09:36,117 --> 00:09:38,119 You never do. 134 00:09:39,579 --> 00:09:43,208 You never do leave 135 00:09:44,042 --> 00:09:45,585 the office. 136 00:09:45,794 --> 00:09:48,880 - Wha...? - Shh, shh, shh. 137 00:10:03,103 --> 00:10:04,813 Dinner at 8? 138 00:10:23,498 --> 00:10:25,792 The readings from the barzan's probe of the wormhole 139 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:27,585 are quite impressive, captain. 140 00:10:27,794 --> 00:10:31,548 The wormhole delivered the probe beyond the denkiri arm 141 00:10:31,756 --> 00:10:32,841 in the gamma quadrant. 142 00:10:36,094 --> 00:10:39,305 It would take nearly a century at warp 9 to cover that distance. 143 00:10:39,514 --> 00:10:40,874 The same distance could be achieved 144 00:10:41,057 --> 00:10:43,685 in a matter of seconds through the wormhole. 145 00:10:44,102 --> 00:10:47,021 Imagine the ferengi collecting tolls if we lose to them. 146 00:10:47,230 --> 00:10:50,859 I don't think the ferengi are the greatest threat at the table. 147 00:10:51,067 --> 00:10:53,444 With all of daimon goss' bluster, 148 00:10:53,653 --> 00:10:56,322 they don't have the resources the barzans need. 149 00:10:56,531 --> 00:11:01,119 I think that devinoni is the one that we need to watch out for. 150 00:11:01,536 --> 00:11:03,454 An accurate observation. 151 00:11:03,663 --> 00:11:04,914 How did you recognize that? 152 00:11:05,123 --> 00:11:07,125 Well, he was the most comfortable one in the group. 153 00:11:07,333 --> 00:11:09,085 You must play poker, commander. 154 00:11:09,294 --> 00:11:10,545 Poker? 155 00:11:10,753 --> 00:11:12,547 Is that a game of some sort? 156 00:11:12,755 --> 00:11:15,884 Commander riker conducts master classes in poker. 157 00:11:16,926 --> 00:11:19,387 Our skills are not dissimilar, commander. 158 00:11:19,596 --> 00:11:23,016 Mr. Mendoza, if this lives up to its billing, 159 00:11:23,224 --> 00:11:27,020 it will be a discovery of extraordinary value. 160 00:11:27,228 --> 00:11:29,439 But it is a very big "if." 161 00:11:29,647 --> 00:11:31,727 The wormhole is there one moment, then gone the next. 162 00:11:31,900 --> 00:11:33,776 A stable wormhole is unheard of. 163 00:11:33,985 --> 00:11:36,154 Are you saying this may not be what it seems? 164 00:11:36,362 --> 00:11:38,448 The barzans do not have manned space travel, 165 00:11:38,656 --> 00:11:40,658 so they had to resort to an automated probe. 166 00:11:40,867 --> 00:11:42,285 Its findings are limited. 167 00:11:42,493 --> 00:11:44,454 It cannot be determined from these charts 168 00:11:44,662 --> 00:11:48,625 how stable the wormhole really is, or how long it will remain intact. 169 00:11:48,833 --> 00:11:52,670 The federation could end up buying a proverbial lemon. 170 00:11:52,879 --> 00:11:54,255 Proverbial lemon? 171 00:11:54,464 --> 00:11:56,007 - Later, data. - Aye, sir. 172 00:11:56,216 --> 00:11:59,052 And, of course, that means once the contract is negotiated 173 00:11:59,260 --> 00:12:02,305 and closed, we would be obliged to fulfill the terms. 174 00:12:02,513 --> 00:12:04,432 I think we should take a look for ourselves. 175 00:12:04,641 --> 00:12:06,321 I don't think bhavani could object to that. 176 00:12:06,517 --> 00:12:09,357 Geordi has been in continuous visual contact with the wormhole, captain. 177 00:12:09,562 --> 00:12:10,842 I think he's the logical choice. 178 00:12:11,022 --> 00:12:12,482 I would also like to volunteer, sir. 179 00:12:12,690 --> 00:12:16,402 Nobody's going in there until we have done a full sensor analysis. 180 00:12:16,611 --> 00:12:19,405 I want to do everything possible to determine that it is safe, 181 00:12:19,614 --> 00:12:22,283 and when I am satisfied, then you, data, 182 00:12:22,492 --> 00:12:27,372 and commander la forge will enter the wormhole tomorrow. 183 00:12:28,164 --> 00:12:29,707 Aah. Arridor: Just a moment 184 00:12:29,916 --> 00:12:33,127 of discomfort for a good cause, daimon. 185 00:12:33,336 --> 00:12:36,589 You understand this will not be lethal. 186 00:12:36,798 --> 00:12:38,258 Doctor, you surprise me. 187 00:12:38,466 --> 00:12:40,468 I have no wish to kill anyone. 188 00:12:40,677 --> 00:12:42,887 A short-term crippling will suffice. Ha-ha-ha. 189 00:12:43,096 --> 00:12:45,848 Then this will be just fine. 190 00:12:46,349 --> 00:12:49,394 A distillation of your own blood pyrocytes. 191 00:12:50,061 --> 00:12:54,148 Harmless to you, undetectable by the ship's biofilters. 192 00:12:54,357 --> 00:12:57,360 But when absorbed through your victim's skin, 193 00:12:57,568 --> 00:13:01,239 it will provoke an extreme allergic reaction. 194 00:13:01,447 --> 00:13:04,033 I'd say it's time to extend the hand of the ferengi 195 00:13:04,242 --> 00:13:07,203 to the representative of the federation. 196 00:13:15,712 --> 00:13:17,255 Much better. 197 00:13:17,797 --> 00:13:19,424 Thank you. 198 00:13:20,258 --> 00:13:21,676 Come in for a drink? 199 00:13:25,638 --> 00:13:28,516 Ah, federation décor. 200 00:13:28,725 --> 00:13:29,851 Not your style? 201 00:13:30,059 --> 00:13:34,564 Well, conformity is not my style. 202 00:13:35,273 --> 00:13:37,233 What would you like? 203 00:13:44,782 --> 00:13:46,993 I'd even like another. 204 00:13:51,998 --> 00:13:54,625 Well, there she is again. Counselor troi. 205 00:13:54,834 --> 00:13:56,669 I'm not. 206 00:13:57,795 --> 00:14:01,924 - Computer, champagne. - For two. 207 00:14:12,477 --> 00:14:15,188 Am I moving too fast for you? 208 00:14:18,900 --> 00:14:21,652 I'm moving too fast for me. 209 00:14:21,861 --> 00:14:23,821 I like that better. 210 00:14:29,660 --> 00:14:33,373 I haven't been able to stop thinking about you all day. 211 00:14:51,224 --> 00:14:53,851 You must have had a nice day. 212 00:14:54,143 --> 00:14:56,938 Anticipation is fun. 213 00:15:04,821 --> 00:15:06,656 We'll be late for dinner. 214 00:15:11,786 --> 00:15:13,579 Very late. 215 00:15:28,177 --> 00:15:29,262 Mr. Mendoza. 216 00:15:29,470 --> 00:15:32,473 I seem to be a bit warm. 217 00:15:33,224 --> 00:15:35,309 I need some help here. 218 00:15:37,270 --> 00:15:40,189 You attempt to gain every unfair advantage, picard. 219 00:15:40,398 --> 00:15:42,442 Premier bhavani has no objection. 220 00:15:42,650 --> 00:15:44,068 Well, I most certainly do. 221 00:15:44,277 --> 00:15:47,196 First, you conveniently arrange to play host. 222 00:15:47,405 --> 00:15:50,950 Then you plan to send a manned probe into the wormhole. 223 00:15:51,159 --> 00:15:53,744 The federation thinks it can do anything it wants to. 224 00:15:53,953 --> 00:15:55,163 Well, I will not tolerate it. 225 00:15:55,371 --> 00:15:58,291 I will gladly share the results of our explorations 226 00:15:58,499 --> 00:15:59,917 with all the delegates. 227 00:16:01,627 --> 00:16:05,173 And you expect us to believe what you report? 228 00:16:05,381 --> 00:16:07,216 Then send in your own probe, goss. 229 00:16:07,425 --> 00:16:09,302 That's exactly what I intend to do. 230 00:16:09,510 --> 00:16:12,346 And I should strongly suggest that you stay out of our way. 231 00:16:20,062 --> 00:16:22,440 Tell data and la forge to do themselves a favor 232 00:16:22,648 --> 00:16:24,025 and stay out of their way. 233 00:16:28,613 --> 00:16:30,573 Crusher: Captain picard, please come to sickbay. 234 00:16:30,740 --> 00:16:32,450 Acknowledged, doctor. 235 00:16:35,786 --> 00:16:38,915 Whatever he's got is obviously not life-threatening. 236 00:16:39,123 --> 00:16:42,543 It's some kind of system-wide histaminic reaction. 237 00:16:42,752 --> 00:16:46,839 He certainly can't go back to negotiations for several days. 238 00:16:47,632 --> 00:16:50,259 - Will you keep me informed? - Mm. 239 00:16:57,183 --> 00:17:01,938 The federation's top negotiator taken out by a mysterious ailment. 240 00:17:02,146 --> 00:17:03,272 Suspicions? 241 00:17:03,481 --> 00:17:06,150 With the ferengi around? Always. 242 00:17:06,359 --> 00:17:08,778 - You'll have to fill in, number one. - Me? 243 00:17:08,986 --> 00:17:10,780 Well, I'm the designated host. 244 00:17:10,988 --> 00:17:13,616 It would be a most awkward transition. 245 00:17:13,824 --> 00:17:15,701 You're the next likely choice. 246 00:17:15,910 --> 00:17:18,371 And Mr. Mendoza will certainly agree. 247 00:17:18,579 --> 00:17:20,873 He's quite impressed by your natural instincts. 248 00:17:21,082 --> 00:17:23,122 Excuse me, sir, but those weren't natural instincts. 249 00:17:23,292 --> 00:17:24,710 Those were poker instincts. 250 00:17:24,919 --> 00:17:27,129 A card game doesn't exactly prepare me for this. 251 00:17:27,338 --> 00:17:29,257 Yes, the stakes are higher. 252 00:17:29,465 --> 00:17:32,885 But then, isn't that when the game gets interesting, commander? 253 00:17:39,600 --> 00:17:41,644 The wormhole will reappear in 30 seconds, sir. 254 00:17:41,852 --> 00:17:44,063 The ferengi pod is moving into position. 255 00:17:44,272 --> 00:17:46,274 Shuttle 9, stand by. 256 00:17:51,195 --> 00:17:54,031 Ferengi pod, this is lieutenant commander la forge 257 00:17:54,240 --> 00:17:55,658 in the enterprise shuttle. 258 00:17:55,866 --> 00:17:58,286 Arridor: This is Dr. Arridor. Go ahead. 259 00:17:58,494 --> 00:18:00,663 Would you care to take the point, doctor? 260 00:18:01,247 --> 00:18:05,793 We will gladly yield that honor to you, lieutenant commander. 261 00:18:08,546 --> 00:18:10,506 You know, if this doesn't work, the thought 262 00:18:10,715 --> 00:18:14,510 of spending the rest of my life in here is none too appealing. 263 00:18:15,011 --> 00:18:16,929 There is a bright side, geordi. 264 00:18:17,138 --> 00:18:19,473 You will have me to talk to. 265 00:18:24,645 --> 00:18:26,772 Data: It is visible, captain. 266 00:18:26,981 --> 00:18:28,733 Proceed when ready. 267 00:18:36,782 --> 00:18:43,122 Data: And intense energy fields which appear to be stable... 268 00:18:43,539 --> 00:18:46,709 They've traveled beyond our communication capabilities, sir. 269 00:18:46,917 --> 00:18:49,837 A complete analysis of our bid is available on the ship's computer 270 00:18:50,046 --> 00:18:51,547 for your consideration. 271 00:18:51,756 --> 00:18:55,551 Commander, I realize what a difficult position this must be for you. 272 00:18:55,760 --> 00:18:57,928 If you don't understand something, 273 00:18:58,137 --> 00:19:00,431 I hope you won't be too embarrassed to ask me. 274 00:19:01,015 --> 00:19:03,142 I think I have an idea what the rules are. 275 00:19:03,684 --> 00:19:06,145 Well, that's what makes it so interesting. 276 00:19:06,354 --> 00:19:08,814 The rules of the game change to fit the moment. 277 00:19:09,023 --> 00:19:11,734 Not unlike commanding a starship, Mr. Ral. 278 00:19:12,693 --> 00:19:17,073 Well, Mr. Riker's placed a great deal of emphasis on defense, 279 00:19:17,281 --> 00:19:19,450 a subject he obviously knows well 280 00:19:19,659 --> 00:19:23,412 having served starfleet in a number of conflicts. 281 00:19:23,621 --> 00:19:25,623 Now, the chrysalians, 282 00:19:26,374 --> 00:19:28,084 we're enemies to no one. 283 00:19:28,292 --> 00:19:30,503 And we choose to remain that way. 284 00:19:30,711 --> 00:19:32,338 Neutral. 285 00:19:34,131 --> 00:19:37,301 Neutral and uninvolved, sir, 286 00:19:37,510 --> 00:19:40,763 in virtually all interstellar matters of consequence. 287 00:19:41,931 --> 00:19:44,392 No one would claim that the chrysalians are as powerful 288 00:19:44,600 --> 00:19:46,936 as the mighty federation, 289 00:19:47,228 --> 00:19:52,274 but we have resources and technology and scientists too. 290 00:19:53,067 --> 00:19:57,196 But we also have had peace for ten generations. 291 00:20:03,035 --> 00:20:06,580 Ral: You know, I was thinking. Troi: Hmm? 292 00:20:06,789 --> 00:20:11,127 Ral: Maybe I could stretch out these negotiations for a few days. 293 00:20:11,752 --> 00:20:15,131 - Would you like that? - Troi: Mm-hm. 294 00:20:19,635 --> 00:20:22,263 Devinoni ral, 295 00:20:22,763 --> 00:20:24,890 who are you? 296 00:20:25,224 --> 00:20:28,936 Well, what do your betazoid senses tell you about me? 297 00:20:29,520 --> 00:20:31,188 Not much. 298 00:20:32,857 --> 00:20:37,194 My human physical response must be blocking them out. 299 00:20:41,282 --> 00:20:43,451 It never happened to me before. 300 00:20:46,120 --> 00:20:50,416 I rather like that I'm more difficult to read than your other men. 301 00:20:51,250 --> 00:20:53,586 There aren't any others. 302 00:20:54,754 --> 00:20:56,255 Currently. 303 00:20:56,797 --> 00:20:58,674 What about commander riker? 304 00:21:06,223 --> 00:21:08,350 - Who have you been talking to? - No one. 305 00:21:08,559 --> 00:21:13,272 No one. I just sensed something when I saw the two of you together. 306 00:21:13,814 --> 00:21:17,109 Will riker and I are good friends. 307 00:21:27,703 --> 00:21:30,456 It was once a little more than that. 308 00:21:30,748 --> 00:21:32,708 Aah. 309 00:21:35,878 --> 00:21:39,507 How come we're talking about me instead of you? 310 00:21:39,965 --> 00:21:43,385 Don't you have enough people talk about their lives to you? 311 00:21:44,220 --> 00:21:45,971 Who counsels the counselor? 312 00:21:46,180 --> 00:21:47,890 Oh, no. 313 00:21:48,098 --> 00:21:49,725 I want to know about you. 314 00:21:50,559 --> 00:21:52,937 I'm what you see right now. 315 00:21:53,312 --> 00:21:55,064 Just me. 316 00:21:55,940 --> 00:21:57,650 Wanting to run away with you. 317 00:21:58,567 --> 00:22:01,445 But knowing you'd never leave this damned ship. 318 00:22:02,613 --> 00:22:05,074 When I first saw you, 319 00:22:07,034 --> 00:22:09,537 I felt as if I'd been waiting for you. 320 00:22:11,622 --> 00:22:17,127 I'm trying to understand why or how that's possible. 321 00:22:17,962 --> 00:22:19,213 Does it matter? 322 00:22:24,260 --> 00:22:27,513 Well, it will when I tell you. 323 00:22:27,888 --> 00:22:30,015 But you must promise never to tell anyone else. 324 00:22:32,017 --> 00:22:33,644 What? 325 00:22:35,980 --> 00:22:37,898 I am part betazoid too. 326 00:22:39,358 --> 00:22:42,319 My mother was one-half. I am one-quarter. 327 00:22:43,237 --> 00:22:44,613 You're empathic? 328 00:22:45,322 --> 00:22:48,075 The only one of five children. 329 00:22:48,534 --> 00:22:50,786 But I must admit I was... 330 00:22:51,161 --> 00:22:54,915 I was never as comfortable sensing emotions as you seem to be. 331 00:22:55,749 --> 00:22:57,918 So that's why you left earth. 332 00:23:01,046 --> 00:23:05,384 I learned to live with it, use it, as you have. 333 00:23:06,302 --> 00:23:08,137 But still, 334 00:23:09,597 --> 00:23:11,473 it isolates us, doesn't it? 335 00:23:12,766 --> 00:23:14,560 And I thought it always would. 336 00:23:14,768 --> 00:23:16,729 So I tucked my heart away. 337 00:23:16,937 --> 00:23:19,690 I didn't need it. I didn't want it. 338 00:23:21,609 --> 00:23:24,194 At the negotiating table, 339 00:23:25,279 --> 00:23:27,948 it can be fatal to have a heart. 340 00:23:30,618 --> 00:23:34,079 But I never realized how much I needed mine 341 00:23:35,372 --> 00:23:37,541 until I looked at you. 342 00:23:52,765 --> 00:23:56,602 I'm picking up an increase in accretion matter filtering in from the terminus. 343 00:24:04,652 --> 00:24:06,528 Monitors are functioning normally again. 344 00:24:06,737 --> 00:24:10,532 Ferengi pod, everybody in one piece over there? 345 00:24:10,741 --> 00:24:14,662 Our condition is no concern of yours, enterprise shuttle. 346 00:24:14,870 --> 00:24:17,748 We are competitors in this venture, not partners. 347 00:24:17,957 --> 00:24:20,417 Ferengi pod out. 348 00:24:20,626 --> 00:24:23,295 Yeah, happy landings to you too. 349 00:24:23,504 --> 00:24:25,631 - Curious. - Hm? 350 00:24:25,839 --> 00:24:28,968 We are not where we are supposed to be. 351 00:24:29,176 --> 00:24:32,179 What do you mean? We're on the other side of the wormhole, aren't we? 352 00:24:32,388 --> 00:24:35,349 According to the barzan probe, we should be in the gamma quadrant. 353 00:24:35,557 --> 00:24:39,186 But these readings clearly indicate we're nearly 200 light years away, 354 00:24:39,395 --> 00:24:42,940 in sector 3556 of the delta quadrant. 355 00:24:43,524 --> 00:24:45,651 Maybe the barzan readings were wrong. 356 00:24:46,777 --> 00:24:49,071 Perhaps their readings were correct. 357 00:24:49,279 --> 00:24:51,365 Their probe could have exited the wormhole 358 00:24:51,573 --> 00:24:54,493 - at a completely different location. La forge: Mm. 359 00:24:54,702 --> 00:24:59,123 Data, my visor's picking up subatomic fluctuations. 360 00:24:59,331 --> 00:25:02,167 Meson and lepton activity is definitely increasing. 361 00:25:02,376 --> 00:25:04,878 Gravitational acceleration is also increasing. 362 00:25:06,672 --> 00:25:10,718 Something very strange is happening to this wormhole. 363 00:25:22,813 --> 00:25:24,982 Sorry. 364 00:25:30,195 --> 00:25:32,281 You're unusually limber this morning. 365 00:25:32,489 --> 00:25:34,533 I'll say. 366 00:25:35,492 --> 00:25:37,786 Devinoni ral. 367 00:25:39,705 --> 00:25:43,250 It's ridiculous and wonderful. 368 00:25:43,459 --> 00:25:46,211 I feel completely out of control. 369 00:25:46,420 --> 00:25:49,590 Happy. Terrified. 370 00:25:50,257 --> 00:25:52,468 But there's nothing rational about this. 371 00:25:52,676 --> 00:25:55,971 Who needs rational when your toes curl up? 372 00:26:02,061 --> 00:26:05,397 I'm afraid I'm going to lose myself. 373 00:26:06,273 --> 00:26:08,067 I can't get enough of him. 374 00:26:08,734 --> 00:26:11,070 Is it possible to fall in love in one day? 375 00:26:13,155 --> 00:26:15,449 - It was like this for you and Jack? - No. 376 00:26:15,657 --> 00:26:17,826 It was another fellow. 377 00:26:18,035 --> 00:26:21,580 I fell in love in a day. It lasted a week. 378 00:26:21,789 --> 00:26:22,873 But what a week. 379 00:26:26,335 --> 00:26:28,545 Then I met Jack. 380 00:26:28,754 --> 00:26:30,756 Took months to figure it out with him. 381 00:26:30,964 --> 00:26:33,675 Well, then maybe I should slow down. 382 00:26:33,884 --> 00:26:35,969 Catch my breath. 383 00:26:36,178 --> 00:26:40,307 Not let this thing get out of control. 384 00:26:44,311 --> 00:26:46,063 I get no complaints. He, he. 385 00:26:46,271 --> 00:26:48,690 No, no. 386 00:26:57,491 --> 00:26:59,451 To be honest, I was surprised 387 00:26:59,660 --> 00:27:02,663 to see the caldonians here at all, leyon 388 00:27:02,955 --> 00:27:05,958 you must think caldonia very insular, Mr. Ral. 389 00:27:06,166 --> 00:27:08,085 Oh, no, no, not at all. Not at all. 390 00:27:08,293 --> 00:27:11,880 On the contrary, I've always respected your world's commitment 391 00:27:12,089 --> 00:27:14,174 to pure research. 392 00:27:14,466 --> 00:27:17,261 It's just that, well... 393 00:27:17,511 --> 00:27:19,471 Go on, please. 394 00:27:20,389 --> 00:27:25,102 Well, scholars don't always enjoy administrative demands. 395 00:27:25,310 --> 00:27:26,603 And certainly we've seen here 396 00:27:26,812 --> 00:27:28,897 that the administration of the wormhole is... 397 00:27:29,106 --> 00:27:35,028 Yes. I must admit, I have begun to feel some trepidation about that. 398 00:27:38,657 --> 00:27:40,909 Yes, I'm sure you have, leyor. 399 00:27:41,451 --> 00:27:43,912 Heh. I'm sure we all have. 400 00:27:44,121 --> 00:27:48,584 Do you realize that in the next century, the number of ships that will pass... 401 00:27:48,792 --> 00:27:53,797 Gentlemen, this open session is called by request of the caldonian delegation. 402 00:27:55,549 --> 00:27:59,887 Madame bhavani, caldonia withdraws from these proceedings. 403 00:28:00,220 --> 00:28:02,347 For what reasons, leyor? 404 00:28:02,556 --> 00:28:03,682 It has been made very clear 405 00:28:03,891 --> 00:28:05,931 that the maintenance and administrative requirements 406 00:28:06,101 --> 00:28:08,228 are beyond our abilities. 407 00:28:08,437 --> 00:28:11,899 Leyor, the federation would like to negotiate a trade agreement 408 00:28:12,107 --> 00:28:15,986 in which we could acquire your planet's rich deposits of trillium 323, 409 00:28:16,195 --> 00:28:19,406 which we would add to our bid, premier bhavani. 410 00:28:19,615 --> 00:28:20,782 My apologies. 411 00:28:20,991 --> 00:28:23,702 We have already reached an agreement with the chrysalians. 412 00:28:30,083 --> 00:28:31,501 Riker: Mr. Ral, 413 00:28:32,044 --> 00:28:33,754 you either had very good instincts... 414 00:28:33,962 --> 00:28:36,465 Or a foreknowledge of the caldonian withdrawal. 415 00:28:37,674 --> 00:28:39,885 Well, some people just don't like to transact business 416 00:28:40,093 --> 00:28:42,137 with the federation, commander. 417 00:28:42,346 --> 00:28:46,892 The chrysalians hereby add the caldonian trillium 323 418 00:28:47,100 --> 00:28:49,061 to its bid, premier. 419 00:28:58,612 --> 00:29:00,447 I'm telling you, it's changing. 420 00:29:00,656 --> 00:29:02,115 I can see it with my visor. 421 00:29:02,324 --> 00:29:04,618 I have no intention of leaving yet. 422 00:29:04,826 --> 00:29:06,495 We have not finished taking our readings. 423 00:29:06,703 --> 00:29:07,746 La forge: Listen, doctor. 424 00:29:07,955 --> 00:29:10,475 Your readings must be telling you the same things we're getting. 425 00:29:10,666 --> 00:29:12,417 This is not the gamma quadrant. 426 00:29:12,626 --> 00:29:15,254 I will not confirm your speculations. 427 00:29:15,462 --> 00:29:17,214 This is not a speculation, doctor. 428 00:29:17,422 --> 00:29:19,424 We are not where the barzan said we should be, 429 00:29:19,633 --> 00:29:22,552 which would indicate this side of the wormhole is not stable. 430 00:29:22,761 --> 00:29:25,472 There are meson and lepton fluctuations. 431 00:29:25,681 --> 00:29:28,392 Local gravitational fields are increasing exponentially. 432 00:29:28,600 --> 00:29:30,394 Everything says we better get out of here. 433 00:29:30,602 --> 00:29:33,188 It will be visible again in 40 seconds. 434 00:29:33,397 --> 00:29:35,148 We will make our own judgments then. 435 00:29:35,357 --> 00:29:38,360 I can see it now, and I'm telling you you don't have time to wait. 436 00:29:38,568 --> 00:29:39,903 Not even 40 seconds. 437 00:29:40,112 --> 00:29:41,280 Arridor: Ferengi pod out. 438 00:29:41,488 --> 00:29:42,823 Damn it, arridor! 439 00:29:43,031 --> 00:29:45,534 We're 70,000 light years away from our ships. 440 00:29:45,742 --> 00:29:49,204 Come on, now. Follow us in. We'll lead you. 441 00:29:52,457 --> 00:29:54,334 Idiots. 442 00:29:56,670 --> 00:29:58,797 It's getting worse. 443 00:29:59,172 --> 00:30:02,259 I'm taking us in, data, with or without them. 444 00:30:02,467 --> 00:30:05,387 Thrusters at half-power. Three-quarters. 445 00:30:05,595 --> 00:30:08,390 La forge: Entering outer event horizon. 446 00:30:14,187 --> 00:30:17,274 They panic quickly under pressure. 447 00:30:19,735 --> 00:30:21,945 There. Precisely as scheduled. 448 00:30:22,154 --> 00:30:24,489 Right where I expected it to be. 449 00:30:35,542 --> 00:30:36,877 Everyone was talking today 450 00:30:37,085 --> 00:30:40,922 about the way you absorbed the caldonian bid. 451 00:30:41,131 --> 00:30:44,134 Ral: Well, the opening was there. I took it. 452 00:30:44,343 --> 00:30:46,970 Commander riker didn't know how you managed it. 453 00:30:48,263 --> 00:30:51,266 Let me tell you something about commander riker. 454 00:30:51,475 --> 00:30:52,768 He's good. 455 00:30:52,976 --> 00:30:55,103 He's the most dangerous man in that room to me. 456 00:30:55,312 --> 00:31:00,192 But he doesn't have an edge, youredge. 457 00:31:00,400 --> 00:31:02,819 Our edge. 458 00:31:03,570 --> 00:31:05,197 You make it sound unethical. 459 00:31:06,406 --> 00:31:07,657 Isn't it? 460 00:31:09,034 --> 00:31:12,788 Deanna, it's just business. 461 00:31:17,709 --> 00:31:20,545 Why haven't you told anyone you're an empath? 462 00:31:21,838 --> 00:31:24,341 Because I find it makes people uncomfortable. 463 00:31:26,343 --> 00:31:30,847 I think you don't tell them so you can gain an advantage. 464 00:31:31,765 --> 00:31:34,351 Well, I gained an advantage by using it with you. 465 00:31:35,268 --> 00:31:37,771 You didn't seem to mind that. 466 00:31:43,068 --> 00:31:44,903 Look, Deanna. 467 00:31:46,238 --> 00:31:49,866 The point of negotiating is to take advantage. 468 00:31:50,075 --> 00:31:51,835 I don't know what the other side is offering, 469 00:31:52,035 --> 00:31:54,079 and they don't know what I'm offering. 470 00:31:54,287 --> 00:31:57,416 So we dance around each other until somebody wins. 471 00:31:57,624 --> 00:32:00,419 I never cry foul when I lose. 472 00:32:00,669 --> 00:32:03,839 But you're reading their emotional states, 473 00:32:04,047 --> 00:32:07,300 their inner selves, and then using that to manipulate them. 474 00:32:07,509 --> 00:32:10,429 Well, people have been doing that for thousands of years. 475 00:32:10,637 --> 00:32:12,347 Just by listening carefully. 476 00:32:12,556 --> 00:32:14,683 By watching body language. 477 00:32:14,891 --> 00:32:16,852 I just happen to be better at it. 478 00:32:18,979 --> 00:32:23,483 I do it to help my crew, not outmaneuver them. 479 00:32:23,984 --> 00:32:26,153 And I don't hide that I'm an empath. 480 00:32:26,361 --> 00:32:30,657 Oh, so you announce it to every alien culture you encounter? 481 00:32:30,866 --> 00:32:33,952 Or do you use it to give your side an advantage? 482 00:32:35,245 --> 00:32:37,289 Do you tell the romulan that's about to attack 483 00:32:37,497 --> 00:32:39,666 that you sense that he may be bluffing? 484 00:32:39,875 --> 00:32:41,877 Or do you just tell it to your captain? 485 00:32:47,716 --> 00:32:49,801 That's different. 486 00:32:50,218 --> 00:32:52,095 That's a matter of protection. 487 00:32:52,304 --> 00:32:55,557 Yes. Protection. Your protection. 488 00:32:55,765 --> 00:33:00,270 Your captain, your crew, your edge. 489 00:33:04,232 --> 00:33:07,736 Now it's a matter of life and death when you take the advantage. Me? 490 00:33:07,944 --> 00:33:09,821 I deal in property. 491 00:33:10,030 --> 00:33:11,948 Exchanges. 492 00:33:12,157 --> 00:33:13,742 Nobody gets hurt. 493 00:33:14,868 --> 00:33:16,870 So you tell me, 494 00:33:17,162 --> 00:33:21,249 which one of us would you say has more of a problem with ethics? 495 00:33:23,251 --> 00:33:25,086 Excuse me. 496 00:33:52,656 --> 00:33:54,741 May I join you, commander? 497 00:33:57,160 --> 00:33:59,204 Bought out the ferengi yet, ral? 498 00:33:59,412 --> 00:34:01,812 - Think I should give it a try? - — no, but I think you will. 499 00:34:01,957 --> 00:34:04,793 One way or another, it's gonna come down to you and me. 500 00:34:05,085 --> 00:34:06,545 You know, you're very good at this. 501 00:34:06,753 --> 00:34:08,797 Very good. Much better than you realize. 502 00:34:09,005 --> 00:34:11,216 Oh, I hope I'm better than you realize. 503 00:34:11,424 --> 00:34:14,469 The last mile of the marathon is always the toughest. 504 00:34:14,678 --> 00:34:18,098 That's when the winners are willing to take the big risks. 505 00:34:18,890 --> 00:34:21,017 - Are you willing to do that? - We'll see, won't we? 506 00:34:21,226 --> 00:34:22,561 Well, let's see now. 507 00:34:23,103 --> 00:34:25,522 I'm prepared to reach a firm agreement with bhavani 508 00:34:25,730 --> 00:34:28,483 before we learn the outcome of your probe's expedition. 509 00:34:28,692 --> 00:34:30,235 Are you? 510 00:34:31,444 --> 00:34:32,904 Well, well, well, 511 00:34:33,113 --> 00:34:34,948 that would not be looked upon favorably 512 00:34:35,156 --> 00:34:37,158 by the federation, I'd imagine. 513 00:34:37,367 --> 00:34:41,454 You see, you have to be willing to take that last step alone, 514 00:34:41,663 --> 00:34:43,456 or it just isn't worth playing. 515 00:34:43,665 --> 00:34:44,958 Your point of view, not mine. 516 00:34:45,166 --> 00:34:47,627 Oh, I see that, commander, I see that. 517 00:34:47,836 --> 00:34:51,089 Otherwise you wouldn't be second in command 518 00:34:51,298 --> 00:34:52,799 of this starship. 519 00:34:53,383 --> 00:34:57,220 You know, I feel responsible for you in a way. 520 00:35:00,265 --> 00:35:01,933 Deanna. 521 00:35:03,101 --> 00:35:05,312 We both love Deanna. 522 00:35:05,604 --> 00:35:07,814 Oh, in different ways, of course. 523 00:35:08,023 --> 00:35:11,735 I will remove that burden of responsibility right now. 524 00:35:11,943 --> 00:35:14,487 My relationship with Deanna stands very well on its own, 525 00:35:14,696 --> 00:35:15,739 without any help from you. 526 00:35:15,947 --> 00:35:19,159 Of course it does, of course it does. It's just that... 527 00:35:19,367 --> 00:35:23,288 Well, she's a remarkable woman. 528 00:35:23,580 --> 00:35:27,042 Brilliant. Lovely. 529 00:35:28,209 --> 00:35:29,544 Very passionate. 530 00:35:30,545 --> 00:35:32,380 And she could have been yours, will, 531 00:35:32,589 --> 00:35:36,009 but you just didn't do enough to keep her. 532 00:35:36,426 --> 00:35:38,762 And now, well, 533 00:35:39,387 --> 00:35:41,222 I'm here, 534 00:35:42,182 --> 00:35:44,100 and I'm going to take her too. 535 00:35:48,355 --> 00:35:50,398 That's the first bad play I've seen you make. 536 00:35:51,066 --> 00:35:53,777 If you can bring happiness into Deanna's life, 537 00:35:53,985 --> 00:35:56,821 nothing would please me more. 538 00:35:57,030 --> 00:35:59,616 You know, you're really not such a bad sort, ral. 539 00:35:59,824 --> 00:36:04,621 Except you don't have any values beyond the value of today's bid, that is. 540 00:36:06,039 --> 00:36:08,416 Deanna is just the woman 541 00:36:08,625 --> 00:36:11,670 to bring some meaning to your sorry existence, 542 00:36:11,878 --> 00:36:14,089 if you're smart enough to take it. 543 00:36:14,297 --> 00:36:16,758 I doubt that you are. 544 00:36:18,426 --> 00:36:20,428 To the last mile. 545 00:36:33,066 --> 00:36:37,070 Sir, the ferengi vessel is moving out of orbit. 546 00:36:37,278 --> 00:36:38,863 Impulse power. 547 00:36:39,072 --> 00:36:42,534 They are approaching the entry to the wormhole, sir. 548 00:36:42,992 --> 00:36:46,121 Computer, is the ferengi goss still on board the enterprise? 549 00:36:46,329 --> 00:36:49,249 Computer: Daimon goss departed the enterprise at 1400 hours. 550 00:36:49,457 --> 00:36:51,209 They are powering forward missile launchers. 551 00:36:51,418 --> 00:36:54,254 Yellow alert. Hail the ferengi. 552 00:36:56,005 --> 00:36:58,425 Request an explanation of your actions, daimon goss. 553 00:36:58,633 --> 00:37:00,760 I've learned from informed sources 554 00:37:00,969 --> 00:37:03,638 that the federation has manipulated these negotiations 555 00:37:03,847 --> 00:37:04,889 from the very beginning, 556 00:37:05,098 --> 00:37:08,143 and has already signed a secret agreement with the barzans. 557 00:37:08,351 --> 00:37:09,561 That is not true. 558 00:37:09,769 --> 00:37:12,439 The ferengi offer was never seriously considered. 559 00:37:13,189 --> 00:37:16,109 Premier bhavani welcomed you to these proceedings, 560 00:37:16,317 --> 00:37:17,986 despite my betterjudgment. 561 00:37:18,194 --> 00:37:20,989 We will be ignored no longer. 562 00:37:22,157 --> 00:37:24,284 They've fired a missile directly at the opening, sir. 563 00:37:24,492 --> 00:37:26,286 Destroy it. Worf: On-screen. 564 00:37:26,494 --> 00:37:28,329 Firing phasers. 565 00:37:32,542 --> 00:37:36,045 Your offers both have merit, gentlemen. 566 00:37:36,588 --> 00:37:38,028 If I could find a deciding factor... 567 00:37:40,258 --> 00:37:42,343 Riker to picard. What's happening, captain? 568 00:37:42,552 --> 00:37:44,888 Goss has fired a missile at the wormhole. 569 00:37:45,096 --> 00:37:46,514 [Need you on the bridge, number one. 570 00:37:46,723 --> 00:37:48,141 Excuse me. 571 00:37:51,770 --> 00:37:54,856 Excuse me for saying so under the circumstances, premier, 572 00:37:55,064 --> 00:37:57,358 but this fight seems to really be 573 00:37:57,567 --> 00:38:00,570 between the federation and the ferengi. 574 00:38:00,779 --> 00:38:03,615 Now, it seems unconscionable that your wormhole 575 00:38:03,823 --> 00:38:07,452 is being used as a pawn in their power struggle. 576 00:38:08,286 --> 00:38:10,288 You must know we will not allow you to do this. 577 00:38:10,497 --> 00:38:13,666 Goss: If the ferengi cannot have the wormhole, no one will. 578 00:38:13,875 --> 00:38:16,836 A missile will have no destructive effect on a wormhole. 579 00:38:17,045 --> 00:38:18,885 But if it should explode near the shuttlecraft, 580 00:38:19,088 --> 00:38:20,340 they will be destroyed. 581 00:38:20,548 --> 00:38:22,592 Casualties of war, captain. 582 00:38:22,801 --> 00:38:26,054 My men are prepared to die. Are yours? 583 00:38:26,679 --> 00:38:29,474 Captain, he's lying. 584 00:38:29,682 --> 00:38:32,060 I'm almost sure of it. He doesn't mean what he says. 585 00:38:32,602 --> 00:38:34,979 Why? What is he doing it for then? 586 00:38:38,817 --> 00:38:40,527 Permission to enter the bridge, captain. 587 00:38:40,735 --> 00:38:42,015 Premier, with all due respect... 588 00:38:42,153 --> 00:38:44,030 Captain, I believe I'm in a better position 589 00:38:44,239 --> 00:38:46,699 to settle this with daimon goss than you are. 590 00:38:46,908 --> 00:38:48,868 May I address him? 591 00:38:50,954 --> 00:38:52,497 Premier. 592 00:39:01,047 --> 00:39:03,550 Daimon goss, this is devinoni ral. 593 00:39:03,758 --> 00:39:05,718 I have nothing to say to you, ral. 594 00:39:05,927 --> 00:39:07,679 Well, then just listen. 595 00:39:08,179 --> 00:39:12,058 The planet barzan has reached an agreement with the chrysalians 596 00:39:12,267 --> 00:39:14,936 for long term control of the wormhole. 597 00:39:15,144 --> 00:39:18,606 Now, on behalf of the chrysalians, I'm prepared to offer the ferengi 598 00:39:18,815 --> 00:39:22,068 free access to the wormhole in perpetuity. 599 00:39:22,277 --> 00:39:23,820 I have your word on this? 600 00:39:24,028 --> 00:39:26,239 Yes. My word, sir. 601 00:39:26,447 --> 00:39:28,658 In exchange for ferengi convoy privileges 602 00:39:28,867 --> 00:39:31,077 to be negotiated in good faith. 603 00:39:31,286 --> 00:39:33,580 This is an acceptable offer. 604 00:39:35,039 --> 00:39:38,293 The ferengi vessel has shut down its forward missile launcher. 605 00:39:38,501 --> 00:39:40,503 Stand down red alert. 606 00:39:40,712 --> 00:39:42,714 Commander riker. 607 00:39:43,506 --> 00:39:47,176 I'm sorry you had to learn about my decision this way. 608 00:39:47,385 --> 00:39:49,596 You represented the federation well. 609 00:39:50,138 --> 00:39:53,725 But I have come to believe that the chrysalians' tradition of peace 610 00:39:53,933 --> 00:39:56,561 is more desirable to my planet. 611 00:39:57,395 --> 00:39:59,814 Excuse me, premier, there's something you should know. 612 00:40:03,526 --> 00:40:05,987 I'm sorry, was there something you wanted to say? 613 00:40:06,195 --> 00:40:08,281 No. Not at all. 614 00:40:08,489 --> 00:40:10,783 I've sensed you suddenly felt uncomfortable. 615 00:40:11,868 --> 00:40:15,163 Well, after all, it was a very tense situation. 616 00:40:15,371 --> 00:40:16,915 But that's what's so odd. 617 00:40:17,123 --> 00:40:18,875 It wasn't tense at all. 618 00:40:19,083 --> 00:40:21,878 In fact, I sensed no tension from you or goss. 619 00:40:22,086 --> 00:40:24,130 What? I was tense. 620 00:40:24,339 --> 00:40:25,632 I was ready to blow it up. 621 00:40:25,840 --> 00:40:29,552 - What... I strongly protest! - Screen off. 622 00:40:29,761 --> 00:40:33,306 It was as though you were performing a scene for all of us. 623 00:40:34,182 --> 00:40:38,061 Pardon me, captain, I believe there's a slight conflict of interest here. 624 00:40:38,269 --> 00:40:40,563 Troi: I agree. Entirely. 625 00:40:40,772 --> 00:40:45,276 Mr. Ral asked me not to tell anyone he has empathic powers 626 00:40:45,860 --> 00:40:49,781 which he uses to manipulate his competitors in a negotiation. 627 00:40:49,989 --> 00:40:53,618 And, yes, it did put me in a conflict of interest 628 00:40:53,826 --> 00:40:56,788 which I hope I have now resolved. 629 00:40:57,455 --> 00:41:00,208 Premier, I believe ral has used your fear 630 00:41:00,416 --> 00:41:01,584 of continuing aggression 631 00:41:01,793 --> 00:41:03,753 between the federation and its enemies 632 00:41:03,962 --> 00:41:06,130 to undermine our position. 633 00:41:07,173 --> 00:41:11,511 I also believe that this incident was staged by ral and goss 634 00:41:11,719 --> 00:41:15,890 to provide you a reason to choose in favor of the chrysalians. 635 00:41:17,058 --> 00:41:19,936 Captain, it's the shuttlecraft. They're coming back through. 636 00:41:23,189 --> 00:41:25,149 La forge: Shuttle 9 to enterprise. 637 00:41:25,358 --> 00:41:26,943 Picard: On-screen. 638 00:41:28,945 --> 00:41:31,406 La forge: This is shuttle 9 reporting in. 639 00:41:32,073 --> 00:41:33,157 Barely. 640 00:41:33,366 --> 00:41:34,993 Picard: And the ferengi pod, commander? 641 00:41:35,201 --> 00:41:37,245 Trapped. On the other side, sir. 642 00:41:37,453 --> 00:41:39,706 Delta quadrant. We tried to warn them. 643 00:41:39,914 --> 00:41:41,416 They wouldn't follow us. 644 00:41:41,624 --> 00:41:42,750 Elaborate. 645 00:41:42,959 --> 00:41:46,963 Captain, this end of the wormhole is currently stable, 646 00:41:47,171 --> 00:41:50,341 but the other end apparently shifts positions periodically. 647 00:41:50,550 --> 00:41:53,177 The barzan probe had no way to recognize this. 648 00:41:53,386 --> 00:41:56,597 Eventually, both sides will be unstable. 649 00:41:56,806 --> 00:41:59,475 La forge: It's a dry well, captain. Worthless. 650 00:41:59,684 --> 00:42:01,519 Acknowledged, shuttle. 651 00:42:01,728 --> 00:42:03,396 Main shuttlebay, 652 00:42:03,604 --> 00:42:05,690 - prepare for final approach. Crew member: Aye, sir. 653 00:42:05,898 --> 00:42:10,820 Captain, daimon goss is demanding to know where his men are. 654 00:42:11,612 --> 00:42:14,699 Advise him to set his coordinates for the delta quadrant. 655 00:42:14,907 --> 00:42:19,203 He may run into them in 80 years or so. 656 00:42:23,708 --> 00:42:26,794 Congratulations on winning the rights to the barzan wormhole. 657 00:42:27,712 --> 00:42:30,298 I take the risks, Mr. Riker. 658 00:42:30,506 --> 00:42:33,676 And I stand by my agreements. 659 00:42:37,388 --> 00:42:39,015 Come in. 660 00:42:47,774 --> 00:42:50,234 - When do you leave? - Soon. 661 00:42:50,443 --> 00:42:52,487 I've been recalled by the chrysalians. 662 00:42:52,695 --> 00:42:55,031 Explanations demanded and so forth. 663 00:42:55,239 --> 00:42:56,491 I'm sorry. 664 00:42:56,699 --> 00:42:58,701 Well, I've done well for them over the years. 665 00:42:58,910 --> 00:43:00,244 They understand the stakes. 666 00:43:00,870 --> 00:43:02,747 It'll be fine. 667 00:43:04,582 --> 00:43:06,167 I had to do it, troi. 668 00:43:07,043 --> 00:43:09,420 Bhavani was ready to go with the federation. 669 00:43:09,962 --> 00:43:11,756 Isensedit 670 00:43:12,340 --> 00:43:14,509 I'd used up every card in the deck. 671 00:43:14,717 --> 00:43:16,469 I needed to change the rules. 672 00:43:16,677 --> 00:43:19,764 You must have known I couldn't allow you to do that. 673 00:43:21,641 --> 00:43:23,142 My human physical response 674 00:43:23,351 --> 00:43:27,146 must have been blocking my betazoid senses. 675 00:43:30,817 --> 00:43:33,861 I'm very grateful for what you did in a way. 676 00:43:35,029 --> 00:43:37,865 It's made me take a hard look at who I am. 677 00:43:39,826 --> 00:43:41,536 I don't like what I see. 678 00:43:42,787 --> 00:43:46,124 I once asked you to run away with me. 679 00:43:46,332 --> 00:43:48,709 Now I'm asking again. 680 00:43:50,002 --> 00:43:51,838 I need you. 681 00:43:53,297 --> 00:43:55,133 You could help me change. You could... 682 00:43:55,341 --> 00:43:57,760 You could be my conscience. 683 00:44:10,731 --> 00:44:13,860 I already have a job as counselor.