♪
Good afternoon.
I am Captain Vadic.
You are harboring one
Jack Crusher.
And we are taking him.
♪
RAFFI: I've been trying to figure out who stole
these goddamn experimental weapons
from Daystrom Station and why.
Who stole weapons from Daystrom?
- [growling]: I did! - Who with?
TITUS: Like-minded souls.
Enemies of the Federation.
- [Titus groaning] - Okay, so,
that's not withdrawal.
JACK: His face-- it moved.
There's a Changeling on board.
SHAW: They're goo-people. Walking, talking clay-dough.
They can replicate a person on sight.
SIDNEY: Commander, it's me.
Commander what, La Forge?
Commander Hansen.
RAFFI: What is it they want?
I believe they may be planning another attack.
RAFFI: What could be so big that they would use
a portal weapon as just a distraction?
To draw attention from something else that was stolen.
The real weapon.
We should get to Daystrom Station now.
Your life in Starfleet-- did you have a life outside of that?
Starfleet has been the only family
I have ever needed.
- [thunder crashing] - [gasping]
[groans]
WHISPERING VOICE: Find me.
♪
T'VEEN: ...used a drone to extract a sample of the nebula event
from crevasses in the hull.
Bioelectrical composition is fascinating.
So, how soon before we head home?
They're saying all systems will be back on line
in the next few hours.
SIDNEY: Thrusters on line.
RCS, ICS...
[yawning]: already in.
Excuse me.
What are you doing?
[shouting, grunting]
ESMAR: You.
I know what you really are.
Aah!
[Beverly's voice echoing indistinctly]
BEVERLY: Jack.
Come home.
♪
RIKER: Acting captain's log:
stardate 78186.03.
We've limped to the edge of the Alpha quadrant
to pause for repairs to our warp core
and other essential systems.
Still no sign of Vadic and theShrike.
Perhaps our return to Federation space
has offered us a bit of a reprieve.
So now we have a chance to focs
on all the other pressing matters.
PICARD: How the hell did a Changeling
get aboard this ship undetected?
RIKER: As I recall, Changelings
can mimic most species on sight alone,
but certainly not their internal physiology.
Every crew member passes through an internal imaging chamber
before reporting. It's standard protocol
since the Dominion War.
Verifies that they're not a shape-shifter.
I'm sure Starfleet will be looking into that.
But I'm afraid they'll be interested
in something else as well.
They're gonna want answers. From us.
About our part in commandeering this ship
and endangering her crew.
Time to go home and face the music.
Captain Shaw, I believe I have something to return to you.
Computer, return all command codes to Captain Liam Shaw,
voice authorization Riker-3-8-alpha, echo.
COMPUTER: Transfer complete.
I relieve you, sir.
- I stand relieved. - SHAW: So,
now that that is sorted,
I should tell you that I have already contacted Starfleet
and... they're on their way.
So, Commander, would you like to face said music
- stated or un-instated? - Stated.
I reinstate you.
Oh, and, um,
as a courtesy,
because of the harrowing ordeal that we all survived together,
I'm gonna step outside so the three of you
can get your bullshit story straight.
[taps table]
When Starfleet arrives,
I'll bear the brunt of it.
I should be responsible for everything.
Starfleet is on its way.
And I will handle the situation as best I can.
We put you in such a difficult position.
I'm so sorry, I wish...
Most important is that you are safe.
You have a chance to return to your lives.
And... [sighs]
I hope to be a part of them.
Jean-Luc, I don't think this is over yet.
Not by a long shot.
Somehow, a Changeling bypassed
the ship's internal security system.
I want to know how.
I would like permission to examine the Changeling's body.
Do it. Anything that shines a light on Vadic's intentions
for you and Jack will strengthen our case with Starfleet.
So, shall I find a comfortable pair of restraints?
Starfleet's an organization
built on the ideals of reason,
and I can be persuasive when I need to be.
That I believe.
You know, many a rebel
from all reaches of the galaxy
have found their way
to Starfleet.
Perhaps you might consider choosing a more
honest vocation.
Starfleet? Me?
For such a brilliant man, you haven't really
been paying much attention, have you?
Uh, no offense, but when Starfleet is done with me,
I'll be on my way.
Like you said.
Of course.
Uh...
[door whooshes shut]
- [grunting] - [swords clanging]
[laughs]
Your enemy's aggression will always reveal their weakness.
You could've sacrificed a move to reveal mine.
I already know yours.
It's talking!
Impulsiveness,
stubbornness, and shortsightedness is yours.
[chuckles] Oh, yeah, do that meditation thing.
You knew I was gonna win.
COMPUTER: Priority communications alert.
Incoming encrypted message from Starfleet Intelligence.
- Your handler? - Yes.
Finally.
It's been almost 24 hours since you contacted them.
- Patience, Raffaela. - Patience my ass.
If that attack on Starfleet recruiting
was just a distraction, that means as we speak
there's a bunch of terrorists goo-freaks out there
planning their next attack.
Precisely why I requested access to Daystrom Station.
We need to find out what else
the Changelings stole from that vault.
What?
No.
[Raffi sighs]
We've been denied access to investigate Daystrom.
But why deny us and still tell us to pursue?
I have to assume the denial came from someone above my handler.
They're hiding something. [scoffs]
You know,
I am so done with all this pushback.
The key to this entire conspiracy
could be inside Daystrom.
I'll break in there myself if I have to.
We are standing down.
No.
If you've sacrificed half as much as I...
[shouts]
Can you not put holes in my floor
every time you need to make a point?
Do not presume to know what I have and have not
sacrificed for this.
Need I remind you the Daystrom Station
is guarded by a sophisticated AI system?
Access is impossible without authorization
from Starfleet Command.
Then how did a bunch of morphing lowlifes
from District Six break into it?
That is a question only Sneed can answer.
Had you not cut off his head.
- To save someone who disobeyed orders. - All right, all right.
Fine.
But someone out there knows how the Changelings
got into Daystrom.
So let's ask ourselves who else is in Sneed's orbit.
I think I may know of someone.
Krinn.
Kingpin of the V'Lashi crime syndicate.
Specializes in high-security infiltration.
They're coming! Go, go, go!
WORF: Wanted for multiple counts
of grand theft, racketeering, and murder across
multiple systems. If anyone knows something
about the break-in at Daystrom,
it will be Krinn.
Looks like a good place to start.
What's all this? What's happening?
We are feared.
We have successfully destabilized
the criminal element here.
Congratulations.
We are now the alphas of District Six.
[chuckles]
You know what? Sometimes work is fun.
Listen up!
We're looking for Krinn.
An associate of Sneed.
Let's get out of here.
RAFFI: Where is he?
Did you not hear me?
What happened to Sneed
is gonna happen to every person in this damn city
unless you turn him over right now.
What are you doing?
I am waiting.
For what?
For the ecology of District Six to right itself.
Great.
We're gonna need a backup plan.
MALE: Titan, this is the USSIntrepid.
Power down and await further instructions.
Captain, it's the Intrepid.
We're being hailed on a secure channel.
Sir, they're sending over a shuttle of security officers.
Shuttle?
Something wrong with their transporters?
Apparently the security officer is insisting on a shuttle.
Strange.
Shuttle en route, Captain.
Seven, I may have to ask you for one more favor.
Better do it while you can.
[Shaw humming a tune]
- Do you mind? - Oh.
Sorry.
Just feeling chipper.
Not because you're about to have your asses handed to you.
No. Just... chipper.
You know, we have saved the galaxy more than a few times.
And hopefully they'll remember.
Or they might remember that time
that someone hot-dropped the saucer section
of the Enterprise-Don a planet.
Or that time that someone
threw the Prime Directive out the window
so they could snog a villager on Ba'ku.
Or the time that you boys nearly wiped out all of humanity
by creating a time paradox
in the Devron system.
Basically, when it comes to rescues from danger...
...you two have a real "chicken and egg" thing happening.
Those were the days.
Ro Laren.
Captain Shaw. Permission to come aboard.
Permission granted.
Oh, hello. Where we going?
Somewhere they can't find you.
RO: Admiral Picard.
Captain Riker.
Starfleet requests that you submit to questioning.
I should inform you that anything you say
can be used as evidence
in case charges are introduced against you.
Charges of what?
Treason.
Is this really necessary?
I'm perfectly capable of handling all this myself.
Your father asked me to hide you.
Put this on.
No. No.
- No, no, no. I can't do this. - Just do it.
If security officers come looking,
it's best to hide you in plain sight.
BEVERLY: For the record, the subject
is a suspected shapeshifter,
a known threat to the safety of the crew.
Ensign La Forge, can you please verify for the recording
that this corpse is indeed not you?
[gags, coughs]
[retches]
For the record,
Ensign La Forge has indicated yes.
First, what we do know.
Typically, upon death,
Changelings revert to liquid state.
But somehow, this one
has retained its last replicated form.
I'll start by examining the epidermis.
Curious.
No DNA represented whatsoever.
And yet there's bloodlike plasma.
This Changeling
could pass the traditional blood test.
So, what does that mean?
How the hell is Ro Laren back in Starfleet?
She should be in prison for what she did.
That was 30 years ago.
The Maquis are no longer an enemy.
She had a mission to protect the Federation from terrorists.
Instead, she became one.
- Jean-Luc... - The last time you saw her,
she pulled a phaser on you.
Ro has always been an outsider.
You're the one who sent her to infiltrate the Maquis
- knowing she might empathize. - Empathy is one thing.
Betraying a commanding officer is another.
And now she dares to show up here and accuse us of treason?
We have absolutely no reason to believe
that she will treat us justly.
You mentored her.
You trusted in her when no one else would.
You had a bond.
And she broke it.
Better let me do the talking.
I've notified Captain Shaw
that the Titanis under official security review.
We've begun the process of transporting
most of the ship's crew to the Intrepidfor reassignment.
You will be questioned separately.
This tone...
sounds to me as if our guilt has already been predetermined.
Well, your full cooperation can bear weight on your sentence.
Come on, Ro. You know us.
For these proceedings, you will address me as Commander.
Commander?
I'll start with Admiral Picard.
Please escort Captain Riker out.
[door whooshes shut]
I'm curious,
how does a lieutenant who betrayed Starfleet
and her commanding officer
get reinstated?
Did you or did you not board the Titan
under the guise of conducting an official inspection
in order to steal a shuttle?
And how does a traitor stand here
posing as a commander in Starfleet?
Posing?
As if I'm an impostor?
Yes, Captain Shaw said you had a Changeling issue on board.
Let's just get this out of the way, shall we?
Blood or no blood, you...
Your Bajoran earring.
You're not wearing it.
I thought it was a symbol of your faith.
Or is this you
turning your back on another institution?
Save your animosity, Admiral.
This isn't entirely about you.
Let's talk about your son.
BEVERLY [echoing]: Find me.
Hear me.
Connect us.
[door whooshes open]
Unit four, step up.
Energizing.
[crew screaming]
...hear me?
Were you ordered
to beam onto the Intrepidyet?
What?
Is...
- Intrepid? - Yes.
No.
Is there somewhere else I can go?
Anywhere, please.
Another planet.
Anywhere else as long as it's not a Starfleet ship.
No.
Hey, you all right?
[door whooshes open]
Worf.
I had a Vulcan master...
...who taught me about pride once.
The natural evolution of pride
is downfall.
And here come you two.
You killed Sneed
right here, in public.
And what did we learn?
Pride leads us into traps.
But patience...
Patience brings great rewards.
We seek information
regarding your criminal activity.
You will yield your weapons.
I assure you, we have the upper hand.
Were you under the impression
I would not recognize a mobile emitter?
How disappointing.
[male whistles]
KRINN: It would be illogical not to suspect
that you would prepare for me.
So I prepared for you.
BEVERLY: Given these findings, it's become clear
how the subject managed to avoid detection until now.
Somehow, this Changeling's been able to completely
replicate internal human organs.
Only under intense dissection
does the tissue revert to its natural state...
Is this a new species?
No.
It's evolution.
Which means they could be anywhere.
Or...
anyone.
And we would never know.
RO: Tell me about Jack.
I'm not sure I can do that.
Why not? He's your son, isn't he?
I've only known him a few days.
How is he relevant
to your investigation?
BEVERLY [over comm]: Crusher to Picard.
Answer it.
Dr. Crusher, I'm with Commander Ro.
I understand, but I have your test results.
My recommendation is you look at them as soon as possible.
Send them here. Thank you.
Uh, if you'll excuse me,
this is a private and urgent medical issue.
Everything all right, Admiral?
Why are you so interested in my son?
Perhaps because you are avoiding my questions about him.
He's now central to this investigation.
Central?
It's strange, though, you haven't asked me
about Vadic or the Shrike.
The Ro I remember
was much more thorough.
Well, perhaps you didn't know me at all.
Then enlighten me.
How did you claw your way
back into Starfleet?
[chuckles]
After years with the Maquis,
I turned myself in to Starfleet.
I was court-martialed. I was sent to prison again.
But due to my history with, uh, terrorist groups,
I was recruited into Starfleet Intelligence.
They put me into an arduous rehabilitation program.
Where I proved myself.
Worked my way up slowly, again.
These are mere facts.
That's not what I want to know.
So, what is it you want to know?
Why did you join the enemy?
Why did you betray your honor?
My honor?
Or do you mean Starfleet's?
[scoffs]
Blind faith in any institution
does not make one honorable.
You tell me everything you know about the Changeling on board.
We know nothing. We killed it.
Then I'd like to see the remains.
MALE [over P.A.]: All nonessential crew,
continue to beam over to theIntrepid for debriefing.
We should alert sickbay that we're on our way to them.
Change of plans, Admiral.
Step into the holodeck.
[door whooshes shut]
Computer, lock entry.
[lock clicks, beeps]
PICARD: What will it be?
Bajoran springwine?
Hands above the bar.
Of course.
Top-shelf only.
The walls are a little thin on this ship.
This place have music?
Computer, music.
Guinan's.
You do remember Guinan, don't you?
Put it down.
- I will kill you. - Tell me who you really are.
You tell me.
How do I know you're not compromised?
When you first came on the Enterprise,
your Bajoran earring violated
the uniform dress code.
We've been through all of this.
Yes, but you claimed
it represented the family you'd lost.
And I allowed it only to realize it was for your ego.
- Your Bajoran has improved. - Oh, I have been
rehearsing this conversation for 30 years.
[scoffs]
You have no idea what it was like
living under your relentless judgement.
This wasn't about judgement.
We had a bond
based on mutual respect.
Based on...
You and I...
- You and I what? - You betrayed
- everything I believed in. - No.
You wanted to mold me in your image.
Your mentorship. Your affection. It was conditional.
You dare to question my honor?
I joined the Maquis because belonging there
meant standing up to injustice.
Even if it meant betraying
your beloved Starfleet.
That was me.
But you could never understand that
because you confuse morality with duty.
And that, Admiral, is your dishonor.
- I believed in you. - Only when it was
easy for you.
If I meant so much, you would have understood.
You broke my heart.
And you broke mine.
Well...
if that pain tells us anything,
it's that we are who we say we are.
Why are you here, Ro?
Starfleet is compromised.
At the highest level.
Jean-Luc, I need you to tell me right now.
Do you trust me?
Yes.
[grunting]
Do you remember this place?
I hope you do.
It's where you took poor Sneed's head.
Not a kind fate for my brother.
Unless I am mistaken, you are Vulcan.
Hence Sneed, a Ferengi, is not your brother.
Not by birth.
But we grew up together.
Scavengers of District Seven.
We protected each other.
Like family.
Way to go.
KRINN: He was loyal.
In my world, loyalty is what passes for family.
He and I had a blood oath, and I see your bond.
So you know what comes next.
WORF: Understand,
we are with Starfleet Intelligence.
Sneed was responsible for the death of hundreds of...
KRINN: Hundreds of innocent people, yes.
You learned that Sneed was the Changeling's intermediary.
You realized I facilitated the break-in at Daystrom Station,
and I'm sure Starfleet Intelligence
thanks you for your service.
Never imagined a Vulcan being dumb enough
to become a gangster.
There can be no utopia without crime.
Ergo, an organized criminal enterprise is logical.
Ye olde fight to the death?
How original.
Some of my associates have wagered
the Klingon, by nature,
will kill the human within 30 seconds.
Others, the inverse.
Let's settle the wager.
60 seconds or you both die.
Begin.
An enemy's aggression shows their weakness.
We spoke of sacrifice earlier.
Know that I have also sacrificed much for this mission.
And it is clear
sacrifice is required again.
Raffaela, house of Musiker...
...it has been an honor.
Klingons seldom disappoint.
Worf.
Do not hold back. Because I cannot!
[both grunting]
Aah!
I'm so sorry, Worf.
Do not be.
Today was a good day to die.
[groaning]
You are a warrior,
and this...
...is a worthy death.
[grunts]
[chittering]
RO: I believe
the Changelings have infiltrated
every sphere of power at Starfleet,
including key personnel.
Ro, how is that possible?
I don't know yet.
I think that there are more on the Intrepid.
I don't trust anyone.
Not the Captain. I-I don't even
trust the transporters on the ship.
There have been fleet-wide issues in four months. I...
What do you know about the plans for Frontier Day?
Oh, it's Starfleet's anniversary.
Pomp and circumstance.
- I was supposed to give a speech. - Well, our
entire fleet is on display.
And what worries me
is that security preparations are classified.
It's days away and even I don't have access.
But that's not evidence of conspiracy.
Jean-Luc, your ship is not the only one
with a Changeling problem.
There have been 12 incidents across multiple starships,
all being kept quiet.
I'm just connecting the dots.
What does this have to do with Jack?
All I know is that Starfleet insisted that I retrieve him.
But it's not the first time that I've heard his name
amongst intelligence chatter.
Plus, a few days ago,
Changeling terrorists destroyed a Starfleet recruitment center
with a portal weapon.
Does that sound familiar?
The same used by Vadic.
Mm.
Let's take this to Admiral Janeway
- or Chancellor Roll. - I've tried.
Well, then let me. I certainly have some sway.
Well, if you can get past their gatekeepers.
I certainly couldn't.
I even tried to open an investigation
but I was denied access at every turn.
I even went to the media.
All I have are a pair of intelligence assets
on the ground that I trust,
and we've been busy gathering evidence
connecting the portal weapon to something else
that the Changelings want.
They're close.
Even as we speak.
KRINN: Most unexpected.
Check him.
Fascinating.
My calculations had the Klingon prevailing, ten-to-one.
That smell-- Klingon blood.
Makes me sick.
Get rid of him.
You work for me now, Starfleet.
You do have far more to lose.
I know you have people here.
An ex-husband, a son,
granddaughter.
You'll never own me.
I'll kill you first.
Would you care to wager on that?
[male grunting]
Klingons never disappoint.
How you doing, big guy?
I hope I didn't go too deep.
I have lost a considerable amount of blood.
You were dead.
I have mastered the Kahless technique
of regulating my heart rate to nearly impercep... [grunts]
Let us skip to the interrogation.
I am in desperate need of medical attention.
Talk now.
Reason suggests
that you won't kill me
because you need more information.
My friend is bleeding pretty badly.
How much of his impatience have you factored in there?
Daystrom Station
is guarded by a highly sophisticated
AI system.
But it has flaws that are most...
illogical.
I brokered
for a device that exploits the.
Without it, no one can get in.
And you'll give us that device.
That...
...would be logical.
I've transferred most of the Titancrew to the Intrepid.
I have left you with a skeleton crew.
You must make sure that they are loyal.
Jean-Luc, you need to take the ship and run.
Run?
What about the Intrepid?
I'm headed there now to buy you some time.
MALE: Commander, we located you
in the holodeck but were unable to gain entry.
Are you all right?
Prepare the shuttle. We're leaving. Excuse us.
Ro...
I wish, just once...
...that you could look into my heart
and understand that I only did what I thought was best.
All these years
that I wish you'd known me.
And that I'd known you.
Goodbye, Admiral.
Commander, we were instructed to return with Jack Crusher.
We're leaving. That's an order.
Fastest court-martial I've ever seen.
Captain Shaw, you must listen carefully.
We must run.
Run? From what?
I don't have time to explain.
But Starfleet is compromised
and so is that ship.
It's all so much worse than we thought.
Security.
Belay that.
Don't you dare.
PICARD: Captain, please.
You must trust me.
FEMALE: Intrepid to shuttle.
You are clear to approach starboard bay.
Copy, Intrepid.
What are you doing?
Commander Ro to Intrepid.
I just lost my security officers.
What the hell is happening?
[radio static]
Commander Ro to Intrepid. Do you copy?
Captain, we're being hailed.
On screen.
- Ro? Are you all right? - They know.
My security team was just beamed off.
They planted an explosive on my shuttle.
Beam her out of there, now.
There's some kind of inhibitor
on the shuttle blocking her signal.
If she gets closer, we might be able to get a lock on her.
Ro, turn back toward the Titan.
We need you to get closer.
I don't have time to disarm it.
Sir, she's moving away from us.
Ro, what are you doing?
Jean-Luc,
it's up to you now.
- You finish what I started. - SEVEN OF NINE: She's heading for
the Intrepid'sport nacelle.
Ro, don't do this.
I'm giving you what you gave me all those years ago.
A fighting chance.
Ro, I...
I do see you.
Everything.
Forgive me. It's only now.
Ro?
♪
[alarm blaring]
Intrepidis raising shields.
They're arming torpedoes.
We're being ordered to surrender.
- Surrender? Why? - Don't you get it?
We're being framed for what just happened.
The Changelings masquerading as officers aboard that ship.
♪
- [alarm blaring] - RIKER: Shaw.
We need to run, now.
I can't turn this entire crew into fugitives.
SEVEN OF NINE: Most of our crew was transported onto that ship.
You engage with it, and you engage them.
If we don't run, Ro will have died for nothing.
And many more will follow.
Captain Shaw-- Liam--
if you still can't trust us, fine.
At least trust your own eyes.
Red alert.
La Forge, get us out of here
the second the warp core comes back on line.
[boatswain's whistle blows]
Battle stations. Head to your nearest designated post
and prepare for further instructions.
All nonessential personnel, return to quarters.
Starfleet has been compromised.
Emergency order 7-6-2-alpha now in effect.
He's here. Deck Ten.
Don't move.
We're attaching a transport beacon to beam you away.
[grunting]
[alarm continues blaring]
SHAW: Now, hard to port. Evasive maneuvers.
SEVEN OF NINE: The Intrepidis giving us one final warning.
SIDNEY: Warp drive on line in ten seconds.
Intrepidtargeting. Torpedo bays hot.
- We got to go. - SIDNEY: Warp core on line.
Let's get out of here.
They're coming for us.
Yeah.
But who, exactly?
Everyone.
[door whooshes open]
[door whooshes shut]
I'm sorry.
I know what she meant to you.
No, Will.
I don't think you do.
I don't even think I did.
She gave me this
just before she...
RIKER: Her Bajoran earring.
I don't know why.
I do.
Look.
Old-school spycraft.
It's a data chip.
But what are we looking at?
Her entire investigation.
She died for this.
Look at it all.
All the way up to Starfleet Command.
Jean-Luc?
[chuckles softly]
Mr. Worf?
Admiral.
Captain.
This is unexpected.
We're just as surprised as you are, old friend.
Wait.
Where is Commander Ro?
SHAW: Four?
On one Starfleet ship?
[scoffs]
Nice shooting, kid.
Can we have a moment alone please?
Of course.
[door whooshes shut]
You can't hide from me, Jack.
I know when you're not sleeping.
Your eyes sink back into your head.
You look hollow.
Yeah.
I'm not sleeping.
Who is? [chuckles softly]
You know, I remember a time...
...when you were so little
you basically stopped sleeping.
You were afraid to.
Afraid of what you'd see if you did.
- Nightmares? - Mm.
I don't remember that.
I do.
I was there.
And you got through them.
And whatever this is, you can get through this too.
But you've got to talk to me.
You're not okay.
All of the stress, your father,
attempts on your life...
I need to know.
Four.
Remarkable odds.
Tell me, Jack.
How did you know they were all Changelings?
I didn't.
I think...
...there's something very wrong with me.
Captioning sponsored by CBS
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org