Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994): Season 2, Episode 15 - Pen Pals - full transcript

PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 42695.3.

We are the first manned vessel
to enter the Selcundi Drema sector.

Unmanned probes have recorded
unusual levels of geological activity

in all five planetary systems.

I am hoping the Enterprise
will find the answer to this enigma.

Commander, I have been reviewing
the unmanned probe scans.

At some point
during the last 1 50 years,

the fifth planet of Selcundi Drema
has shattered,

forming an asteroid belt.

I'd call that geological instability.

Is there any indication
that this is the work



of an unknown intelligence?

This is geology, not malevolence.

These planets live fast and die hard.

The question is, why?

- You're sure you won't reconsider?
- No.

I'll just watch you and be impressed.

An optimistic vote of confidence
from the non-rider.

You know, I never particularly thought
of you as an animal person.

Small animals, no.

But horses...

Computer, program the holodeck
for a woodland setting

with a bridle path
and an appropriate mount.

COMPUTER: Type of mount:
Andorian Zabathu, Klingon Sark--?

Horse. Earth horse.



COMPUTER: Breed?
- Arabian.

The Arabs believed that Allah gathered
the south wind and made the horse.

On the holodeck,
we've made that legend come true.

PICARD:
Hmm.

I like that.

Oh, yes, computer.

English tack,
and I will control the animal myself.

COMPUTER:
Enter when ready.

TROI:
So you like horses for the romance?

Oh, it goes deeper than that.

A fine war horse would sleep
in a Bedouin's tent,

carry him into battle,

feed his children with her milk.

There is a bond which is created
by mutual need.

Hello, beautiful.

Now, I understand.

You don't want the comfort of a pet.

You want a companion.

Thank you.

I don't want
to anthropomorphize anything.

It seems that some creatures
have the capacity

to fill spaces
you never knew were empty.

I had a Betazoid kitten once.

My mother and the cat reacted badly
to one another.

Sure you don't want to try?

It's very relaxing.

We can find you something
that would be quiet and gentle.

No. I prefer a mode of transportation
that doesn't have a mind of its own.

Strange.

I would expect Betazoids
to be outstanding animal trainers.

We become too involved

in the thoughts and shifting passions
of the beast.

We lose our way
and get swept up in emotion.

I would have thought
the shifting passions of this beast

would be far more terrifying.

RIKER [OVER COM]:
Captain.

Yes, Number One?

We've entered the first system.

I think you might wanna come
to the Bridge.

Something interesting?

RIKER:
Spectacular. And a little terrifying.

[SIGHS]

I'm on my way.

[HORSE WHINNIES]

Play one of the best new FPS shooters,
search Steam for PROJECT WARLOCK

[DOOR OPENS]

The first long-range reading.
Magnification ten to the sixth.

- Quite impressive.
- And deadly.

The last unmanned probe
showed a thriving ecosystem.

Now there's nothing.

PICARD:
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.

This is Commander Riker's meeting.

RIKER: I'll need your advice
and your recommendations.

I've been given the responsibility
of overseeing Wesley's education.

To further that,
I would like to put him in charge

of the planetary mineral surveys.

That's a big job
with a lot of responsibility.

Well, the game isn't big enough
unless it scares you a little.

To do the job,
Wesley's going to need a team.

Takes command presence to lead.
Do you think he's ready for that?

Leadership grows
from self-confidence,

which is also part
of a Starfleet's officer's education.

All of this is true,

but there's an old
horse trainer's adage

about putting too much weight
on a young back.

We don't want him to break
under pressure.

PULASKI:
We seem to be shifting the focus here.

Are we talking about a young officer
on the fast track to the Academy

or are we talking about a young man

that we are guiding
through adolescence

and into adulthood?

You can't guide someone
into adulthood.

The experiences are unique
to each person.

Whether Wes succeeds or fails,
he will learn from the experience.

I agree.

I'm just questioning the speed
at which we're moving.

You think we're pushing him
too hard?

I think that's a valid concern.

Tempering is taken to extremes.

He is a boy, not a sword.

Who will one day become a man.
And...

To extend the metaphor,

will need a fine edge
that won't dull

at the first touch of resistance.

Sooner or later he'll have to feel
the burden of command.

Ensign Crusher,
report to the observation lounge.

Wesley.

I've assigned you the command
of the planetary mineral surveys.

Sir?

Thank you, sir.

You may not thank me
after you see how much work it entails.

Assemble a team.

Take a look at the records
of the Drema quadrant.

There's a mystery here.
We've gotta solve it.

Yes, sir.

A team, sir?

Ensign,
this is a serious responsibility.

I know, sir.

These officers are here to assist you,
not judge.

Help you.

Now, you should make use of them.
They are a valuable resource.

And, by the way,

I respect an officer
who is prepared to admit ignorance

and ask a question,

rather than one, who out of pride,
will blunder blindly forward.

I understand, sir.

Ensign.

You're dismissed.

I'll try not to disappoint you.

WORF:
Is this part of your regular duties?

No. It is a personal project.

I have reset the sensors
to scan for frequencies

outside their usual range.

Hmm. Such as?

The dips and peaks
of the galaxy's magnetic field,

organic molecules
and nebular clouds.

Energetic cosmic rays.

Interesting.

Would these scans also detect
artificial transmissions

as well as naturally occurring
signals?

- Of course.
- Good.

Those signals are very faint

and difficult to distinguish
from background noise.

That is why I am boosting
the power.

I will be removing that equipment
to my quarters.

Good.

[TROI CHUCKLES]

- Hi. Can I walk with you?
TROI:: Yes.

WESLEY: I need a little advice.
RIKER: Well, it's free.

WESLEY: Walking or advice?
RIKER: Both.

It's about my team.

I'm considering so many factors
I'm confusing myself.

What have you done so far?

I've broken down the task and picked
the best people in those disciplines.

So who have you got so far?

I've got Prixus
in mineralogy and metallurgy,

Alans and Hildebrant
for volcanology and geomechanics.

I want Davies for geochemistry,
but--

TROI:: But they're all much older
than you are.

Right, and it makes me feel strange.
What about personality conflicts?

Completely irrelevant.
These people are professionals.

If there is a personality conflict,
you're in charge, you settle it.

You not only
have to understand the job,

you also have to be a ship's
counselor?

Sometimes.

Well, thank you.

PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 42696.3.

We are entering
the second Selcundi star system,

where Acting Ensign Crusher
will begin

his planetary mineral survey,

the results of which may help
unlock the geological puzzle.

- Ensign Davies?
- You got him.

Wesley Crusher.

I've been put in charge
of the planetary geological surveys,

- and I'd like you on my team.
- Sounds great.

Who else is on it?

I have Prixus
and Alans and Hildebrant.

Ah, it's a shame you
didn't talk to me first.

It's just a personal opinion,
but I like to break up married teams.

Hmm. I hadn't thought of that.

Don't worry.
They'll probably work out fine.

And, uh, if you need any help,

just give me a signal
and I'll take over for you.

We don't want you to get
too beat up on your first command.

Uh, thanks,
but I'm pretty sure I'll be all right.

Computer, identify please.

COMPUTER:
Sensors indicate low level RF waves.

Is there a pattern?

COMPUTER:
Affirmative.

Naturally occurring?

COMPUTER:
Negative.

Key universal translator, please.

COMPUTER:
Unable to comply. Weak signal.

Lock on comlink and boost.

COMPUTER:
Lock on complete.

Read, please.

[JUMBLED NOISE
OVER SPEAKER]

COMPUTER:
Insufficient signal strength.

Enhance, please.

GIRL [OVER SPEAKER]:
Is anybody out there?

Yes.

Wes?

Hi, Doctor Pulaski.

You have trouble behind that door?

My team is in there.

I've got to assign planets,
set a schedule.

It sounds like you've got everything
under control.

I haven't had to deal with them yet.
Not together, not professionally.

Wes, the minute
you walk through that door,

they're your team.

You have nothing to prove.

You've got the authority.

That's just because
Commander Riker says I do.

It's up to you to hang onto it.

Now, you better get in there.
And, Wes.

For whatever it's worth,
I think you're gonna do just fine.

PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 42737.3.

It has been six weeks
since our entrance

into the Selcundi Drema sector.

Each system has revealed
the same disturbing

geological upheavals
on every planet.

HILDEBRANT:
It seems to me at this point,

we can expect
the greatest tectonic stresses.

I agree. Nice job.

Here are the results of my scan
on the third Selcundi system.

It's just the same old song.

Now, didn't you tell me
that UV absorptions like these

are indicative of traker deposits?

Where there's traker,
there's generally dilithium. Yes, I did.

So we ought to run
an icospectrogram.

Well, Wes,
these traker readings are really faint.

- It's probably just a fool's echo.
- Well, I think I'd still run an icogram.

Wesley, it's a major undertaking
to set up the scanner.

We're looking
at five hours minimum.

I know, I know.
I don't want to do a halfway job.

Well, Wes, there's being thorough,
and then there's wasting time.

It's also the mark of a good officer
to recognize the difference.

[SIGHS]

Maybe you're right.

Computer.

Please access all volcanic
and tectonic plate activity

in Drema IV.

COMPUTER:
Accessing.

[PANEL BEEPING]

Computer, locate Captain Picard.

COMPUTER:
Captain Picard is on Holodeck 3.

Data.

An excellent steed, sir.

Sorry to disturb you, captain.

It's quite all right. It must be important
or you wouldn't be here.

Yes, sir, it is important.

Very.

Eight weeks ago,
I received a transmission.

A simple four-word message:

"ls anybody out there?"

I answered it.

There is a loneliness

inherent in that whisper
from the darkness.

Yes, sir.
I am glad you understand, sir.

But it didn't end there.

No, sir. We speak often.

It is a young female. Humanoid.

PICARD: Her society is aware
that there is interstellar life?

No, sir.

PICARD:
Oops.

Just where does she think
you're calling from?

I have kept that
somewhat vague, sir.

But Sarjenka--

That is her name.
--has been quite specific,

telling me details
of her family and friends.

And interspersed
among these confidences

have been
some alarming references.

- Go on.
- Drema IV has been enduring

the same geological stresses
we have found in the other systems.

- Then your friend is in trouble.
- Yes, sir.

Well, what are you proposing?

If we can determine the cause
of these geological disturbances,

we might be able
to reverse the process.

Violate the Prime Directive?

I was hoping
you might have another option, sir.

We don't even know if this catastrophe
is preventable.

Call a conference in my quarters.
All senior staff.

Yes, sir.

And, Data.

All communication with this life-form
must cease.

Yes, sir. I understand, sir.

[CHATTERING]

RIKER:
...seen the look on his face.

[WOMAN LAUGHING]

I'll get you another drink.

Two more.

Thank you.

- Family emergency.
- Oh.

You don't look like a person
who came here to relax.

I didn't. I need your advice.

Yesterday, when Ensign Davies
turned in his geological survey,

I asked him
to run an icospectrogram.

He didn't agree.

- Do you think you were right?
- Yes.

I guess.

And I could have just been
picking nits.

Or you could have been intimidated.

It's tough
to tell other people what to do.

I suppose
I could have made it an order.

But how do you give orders

to someone who's older
and more experienced than you?

The difference in ages
between you and Davies

- is not the issue here.
- I guess not.

Think it might have something to do
with ego?

No. It's just the opposite of ego.

Because every time
I try to give an order,

something inside of me says,

"What makes my judgment so superior
to these people?"

Wes, responsibility and authority
go hand in hand.

Now, I know you're responsible.

Now we've gotta teach you
a bit of authority.

One of the reasons
you've been given command

is so you can make
a few right decisions,

which will lead to a pattern of success
and help build self-confidence.

If you don't trust
your own judgment,

you don't belong
in the command chair.

But what if I'm wrong?

Then you're wrong. It's arrogant to
think that you'll never make a mistake.

But what if it's something
really important?

I mean, not just a mineral survey.

What if somebody dies
because I made a mistake?

In your position, it's important
to ask yourself one question:

What would Picard do?

He'd listen to everyone's opinion
and then make his own decision.

- But he's Captain Picard.
- Well, it doesn't matter.

Once Picard makes his decision,
does anyone question it?

- Heh, no way.
- And why not?

I'm not sure.

DATA [OVER COM]:
Commander Riker.

Report to the captain's quarters.

When you figure it out,
you'll understand command.

I'm on my way.

I hope I've been able to help.
You'll let me know what you decide?

I've made my decision.

I'm gonna have Davies
run that icogram.

- Thank you, sir.
- You're welcome.

- I'll see you later.
- Okay. Heh.

Ensign Davies?

I want that icospectrogram run
on the Selcundi Drema system.

You got it.

PICARD: It is no longer a matter
of how wrong Data was.

Or why he did it.
The dilemma exists.

We have to discuss the options.
And please, talk freely.

There are no options.

The Prime Directive
is not a matter of degrees.

It is an absolute.

I have a problem
with that kind of rigidity.

It seems callous,
and even a little cowardly.

Doctor, I'm sure that is not
what the lieutenant meant,

but in a situation like this,
we have to be cautious.

What we do today
may profoundly affect the future.

If we could see
every possible outcome...

RIKER:
We'd be gods.

Which we're not.

If there is a cosmic plan,

is it not the height of hubris to think
that we can or should interfere?

So, what are you saying?
That the Dremans are fated to die?

I think that's an option
that we should be considering.

Consider it considered and rejected.

If there is a cosmic plan,
are we not a part of it?

Our presence at this place
at this moment in time

could be a part of that fate.

Right, and it could be part
of that plan that we interfere.

Well, that eliminates
the possibility of fate.

DATA:
But, commander,

the Dremans are not a subject
for philosophical debate.

They are a people.

So we make an exception
in the deaths of millions.

Yes.

And is it the same situation

if it's an epidemic
and not a geological calamity?

Absolutely.

PICARD:
What about a war?

If generations of conflict
is killing millions,

do we interfere?

Well, we're all a little less secure
in our moral certitude.

And what if it's not just killings?

If an oppressive government
is enslaving millions?

You see, the Prime Directive
has many different functions,

not the least of which
is to protect us.

To prevent us
from allowing our emotions

to overwhelm our judgment.

My emotions are involved.

Data's friend is going to die.
That means something.

To Data.

Does that invalidate the emotion?

[SIGHS]

What if the Dremans asked
for our help?

Yes.

Sarjenka's transmission
could be viewed as a call for help.

Sophistry.

PULASKI:
I'll buy that excuse.

We're all jigging madly
on the head of a pin anyway.

She cannot ask for help
from someone she does not know.

She knows me.

What a perfectly vicious little circle.

We are going to allow her to die,
are we not?

Data, I want you to sever the contact
with Drema IV.

COMPUTER:
Isolating frequency.

[JUMBLED NOISE
OVER SPEAKER]

SARJENKA [OVER SPEAKER]:
Data? Data, where are you?

Why won't you answer?
Are you angry with me?

Please, please, I'm so afraid.

Data? Data, where are you?

PICARD:
Wait.

[SIGHS]

Data.

Your whisper from the dark
has now become a plea.

We cannot turn our backs.

PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 42741 .3.

We are entering into orbit
of Drema IV,

the planet from which Data received
the distress signal.

Sensors indicate
that the volcanic activity is increasing.

We found the reason
for the geological instability.

- Excellent.
- We would have missed it

if Ensign Crusher hadn't requested
an icogram, but he did, and...

Drema IV has the largest deposit
of dilithium ore ever recorded.

It's also laid out
in a very unusual pattern.

The crystals are growing
to form perfectly aligned lattices.

The ore is forming generator strata.

Which creates a piezoelectric effect.

In plain English,
you're saying that the dilithium

Right. The crystals take
the natural radiant heat of the planet...

Focus it
and turn it into mechanical energy.

Which increases tectonic stresses.

HILDEBRANT:
That tear the planet apart.

And then the crystals break down,

which is why we found
all these traces of Ilium 629.

So that takes care of the why.
Now what can you do?

That is gonna take
a little more work.

Can you reverse the process?

We think so.

No.

No theories, no half answers.
Yes or no?

We'll get to work on it.

Sir.

Data's out there right now,
monitoring the condition on Drema IV.

The situation has become
pretty desperate for his friend.

He's calculated the safest location
on the planet's surface.

You can guess why.

[PICARD SIGHS]

We're just getting
deeper and deeper in, aren't we?

She's going to die.
They're all going to die.

- Unless...
- Yes, unless.

All right,
you can tell Commander Data

he has my permission
to contact his, uh, friend

and conduct her to a safer location.

Number One,
you know where we are now?

Sir?

[JUMBLED NOISE
OVER SPEAKER]

Sarjenka, this is Data.

Please respond.

COMPUTER:
Unable to complete transmission.

Reason for failure?

Atmospheric activity
interfering with RF signal.

We are modifying class-1 probes
so they become resonators.

We will then use torpedo casings
to protect them

once they begin burrowing
beneath the surface.

How will these resonators
destroy the crystals?

By emitting harmonic vibrations
which will shatter the lattices.

The Enterprise will monitor

and adjust the frequency
of the resonators.

Sounds like a plan. Let's get started.

- Captain.
- Tea, Earl Grey, hot.

Captain, permission to beam down
to Drema IV.

- What?
- I have been unable

to contact Sarjenka.

Data, I appreciate your concern.

Transporting to the surface

is only gonna make a bad situation
worse.

Sir, I feel it is important
to determine the reason for--

Come on, Data.

Captain, your orders
were to deliver the message, correct?

- Yes.
DATA: Then what is the difference

between sending the message
and delivering it personally?

A whopping big one,
and you know it.

Sir, we have come this far.

In for a penny, in for a pound.

Is that what you're saying,
Mr. Data?

Yes, sir.

Oh, hell.

Go.

Sir?

Number One, handle the transport.

Go.

Where would you say we are now,
sir?

O'Brien, take a nap. You didn't see any
of this, you're not involved.

Right, sir. I'll just be standing over here
dozing off.

Data, you've got ten minutes, that's it.
If you see anybody but Sarjenka...

I will signal for immediate beam out.

PICARD [OVER COM]:
Commander Riker to the Bridge.

- Damn.
- I just woke up, sir.

- You know what to do?
- No problem, sir.

I'll have him out of there
as smooth as ice.

[RUMBLING OUTSIDE]
[TRICORDER BEEPING]

[DOOR HUMMING]

Sarjenka?

Wait. I am Data.

Data.

Data, you came.

Data, where have you been?

It would take too long to explain.

You and your family must leave.

We already have.

We ran when the tremors began.

Then why are you here?

My father wouldn't let us
take anything.

But I had to have my transmitter.

I knew you would come back,

and I didn't want you to find
only silence.

The way I did.

I am sorry for that.

But it is very complicated.

Does your family know
where you are?

No.

You cannot survive in this.

What are we going to do?

Enterprise. Two to beam up.

- You must come with me.
- Where are we going?

To the stars?

There's gonna be hell to pay.

Where is Commander Riker?

On the Bridge.

Where are you going?

To the Bridge.

And you're going to take that?

Don't leave me here.
Please don't leave me here.

Quite impossible.

[SIGHS]

Sir,
three minutes to resonator launch.

- Where is he?
- He'll be here.

He has brought a child
onto my ship.

And on my Bridge.

I'm sure Mr. Data
has a very good explanation.

I do, sir.

She was frightened
and did not wish to be--

Mr. Data,
kindly assume your station.

Counselor,
will you escort her to Sickbay?

No, Data.

No, I'm scared. Don't make me go.

It's all right,
no one's going to hurt you.

No.

- We'll just go and get a treat, then--
- No.

Captain, I will see to it
that she is not in the way.

One minute to launch.

- Come on, it'll be all right.
- No.

Just leave me alone.

I want Data.

Counselor, allow me. Please.

Sarjenka, no one will harm you.

These are my friends.

PICARD:
Mr. Data.

Take your station
and keep her with you.

This does concern her.

Ten seconds.

I will require my hand.

Thank you.

Firing torpedoes.

Sensors locked on probes.

WORF: Torpedoes have
reached their targets.

Resonators activated.

Harmonic sequences have begun.

What are you doing?

We are attempting
to quiet your planet.

If we succeed, there will be
no more quakes, no more volcanoes.

Ensign,
when shall the results be known?

They should happen very quickly,
sir.

And my parents and brothers?

[PANEL BEEPING]

Captain, sensors indicate
a planetwide reduction

in tectonic stress levels.

It worked. We did it.

Your parents will be safe now.

You did this for me?

Look, Sarjenka, there is your home.

Data.

Escort her to Sickbay.

Aye, sir.

PICARD:
Number One, you have the Bridge.

Doctor?

PULASKI [OVER COM]:
Yes, captain?

Data and the alien
are on their way down.

What would be involved
in removing all memory

of her communication with Data
and her visit to this ship?

Assuming that her brain structure
is similar to ours,

the memories will be stored chemically
on the neurons of the cerebral cortex.

They are also time dependent.

I would have to scan
for the age of the chemical links

and try to find the relevant neurons.

Well, do your best.

You have many different kinds
of people here.

Yes.

When I'm bigger,
can I be on your ship?

I am certain that you could.

I wish I could come with you now.

- I am afraid that is not possible.
- I know.

But I can still wish for it.

Doctor Pulaski.

This is Sarjenka.

- Hello, Sarjenka.
- Hello.

[STONE HUMMING FAINTLY]

What is this?

That's an Elenin singer stone.

It sings a different song
for each person.

What does it sing for you?

It does not sing for me.

Why not?

Because I am a machine.

Sarjenka,
we're going to run a few scans

just to be sure you're all right.

Data will be right here. Don't worry.

You did a good thing, Data.

But are we doing a good thing now,
doctor?

This is to protect her as much as us.

By robbing her of her memories?

To remember you and this ship
would complicate her future.

She has to be the person
she was born to be.

And you'll remember.

[STONE HUMMING FAINTLY]

Enterprise. One to beam up.

Wes.

Sit down.

No, thank you, sir.

It's gonna be a long time
before I'm qualified enough to sit there.

You did a good job, I'm proud of you.

Thank you, sir.

Does it get any easier?

No.

[DOOR CHIMES]

Come.

I came to apologize, sir.

No apologies are necessary.

You reminded us
that there are obligations

that go beyond duty.

I appreciate your seeking
other options, sir.

Your decision
could have been unilateral.

One of my officers,
one of my friends was troubled.

I had to help.

Is Sarjenka safely home?

Yes, sir.

She will not remember me, sir.

But I will remember her.

Remembrance and regrets,
they, too, are a part of friendship.

Yes, sir.

And understanding that

has brought you a step closer
to understanding humanity.