Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994): Season 3, Episode 26 - The Best of Both Worlds - full transcript
Admiral J. P. Hanson personally boarded the Enterprise to join the investigation of a destroyed Federation-colonized planet, suspecting the feared Borg. Before this is confirmed, he points out Commander William T. Riker has for the third time refused a command, preferring the Enterprise. Shortly after an enormous Borg ship is found, it engages in battle with the Enterprise, which draws it away. Novel tactics are conceived. Captain Jean-Luc Picard is ordered to come aboard for unprecedented discussions, and kidnapped when he refuses. He finds they tolerate no resistance, and intend to turn him into a Borg. Riker suddenly finds himself acting captain....
PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 43989.1.
The Enterprise has arrived
at Jouret IV
in response to a distress signal
from one of the Federation's
outermost colonies.
RIKER: Anything from the surface?
- No, sir.
There have been no communications
from the colony for over 12 hours.
Sensors picking up
any signs of life?
None.
The surface environment
is safe for transport, commander.
Mr. O'Brien.
Verify these are accurate coordinates
for the New Providence colony.
Coordinates verified, sir.
You're at the center of town.
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.
PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 43992.6.
Admiral Hanson
and Lieutenant Commander Shelby
of Starfleet Tactical have arrived
to review the disappearance
of New Providence colony.
No sign remains
of the 900 inhabitants.
The truth is,
hell, we are not ready.
We've known they were coming
for over a year.
We've thrown every resource
we have into this, but still--
Then you're convinced it is the Borg?
That's what I'm here to find out.
The initial descriptions
of these surface conditions
are almost identical
to your report from System J-25.
PICARD: Commander Riker wrote
those reports. He agrees with you.
Commander Shelby took over
Borg tactical analysis six months ago.
I've learned to give her a wide latitude
when I want to get things done.
That's how I intend to operate here.
My priority has been to develop some
kind, any kind, of defense strategy.
Obviously, nothing we have now
can stop them.
We've been designing
new weapons,
but they're all still
on the drawing board.
We expected much more lead time.
Your encounter with the Borg
was over 7000 light-years away.
If this is the Borg, it would indicate
they have a source of power
far superior to our own.
I'd like to see the colony site
as soon as possible, captain.
It'll be dark there in 30 minutes.
We've scheduled an Away Team
for dawn.
PICARD: Number One, why don't you
show the commander to her quarters?
It's our poker night, admiral.
There's always an open seat
for you.
Another time, commander.
Your captain and I have a lot to cover.
But rumor has it, Commander Shelby
has played a hand or two.
Keep your eye on her, Jean-Luc.
She's one very impressive
young lady.
You seem rather taken
with her, J.P.
Just an old man's fantasies.
When Shelby came into Tactical,
every admiral's uncle had a take
on this Borg business.
She cut through it.
She put us on track.
- Earl Grey?
- Please.
She'd make you
one hell of a first officer.
Already have a hell of a first officer.
Don't tell me he's gonna pass up
another commission.
- One's available?
- The Melbourne.
It's his, if he wants it.
Hasn't he told you?
He'll make a fine captain, J.P.
You may wanna tell him that.
We're still waiting on his decision.
This is the third time we've pulled out
the captain's chair for Riker.
He just won't sit down.
Well, let me tell you something,
Jean-Luc.
There are a lot of young hotshots
like Shelby on the way up.
Riker could suddenly look like
he's standing still next to them.
He's hurting his career
by staying put.
And if I were you, I'd kick him
in the rear end for his own good.
I don't know exactly
what I'm looking for,
but we've tested the sections
of the Enterprise's hull
that were damaged by the Borg.
There were some unusual
magnetic resonance traces.
A Borg footprint?
That's my theory.
I'll see if it holds up tomorrow.
I've reviewed your personnel.
I'll be assigning Mr. La Forge
and Mr. Data
to accompany me
on the Away Team.
I've already assigned them
to the Away Team.
And I'll be with you
as well, commander.
Of course. I appreciate
any assistance you can offer.
Tell me, commander,
is serving aboard the Enterprise
as extraordinary an experience
as I've heard?
Every bit.
Good, because I intend
to convince Captain Picard
that I'm the right choice for the job.
Job? Which job?
Yours, of course.
I'm sorry.
I heard that you were leaving.
If I were,
I'm sure you'd be the first to know.
Poker's at 1700 hours,
in my quarters. Deck 8.
WESLEY: Got another king
in the hole, eh, Data?
I am afraid
I cannot answer that, Wesley.
And as you are a newcomer
to the game,
may I say, it is inappropriate
for you to ask.
[MEN CHUCKLING]
I will buy another card, counselor.
No help there.
LA FORGE:
Ugh. Fold, again.
Three jacks looking back
for the handsome young ensign.
Pair of deuces stands.
Flush, possible straight flush.
Hmm.
Your bet, Mr. Crusher.
WESLEY: I'm in for ten.
- Call.
Well, it's time for the long pants.
There's your ten, 100.
He's got the straight flush, folks.
Not necessarily. Commander Riker
may be bluffing, Wesley.
I don't think so. Fold.
With three jacks?
What, are you kidding?
Wesley, you may get
straight A's in school,
but there's a lot you need
to learn about poker.
Well, I've only got two pair,
but I've got to see your hole card.
I'll call.
[LA FORGE CHUCKLING]
LA FORGE:
You got him.
[CHIPS RATTLING]
Mr. Data and our guest
appear to be tardy.
Sir, Commander Shelby
and Data beamed down
to the planet surface an hour ago.
- On whose authority?
- On hers, sir.
SHELBY:
Morning. Early bird gets the worm, eh?
We've had some interesting results.
Commander Shelby.
Walk with me, commander.
Early bird...?
I believe Commander Shelby erred.
There is no evidence of avifaunal
or crawling vermicular life forms
on Jouret IV.
That's not what she meant, Data.
But you're right, she erred.
I'm sorry, but I woke up early
and I saw that a weather system
was moving in.
It could have
affected the soil readings.
So without any regard for the risk
of coming down here alone--
Really, commander,
if we ran into the Borg here,
two extra bodies wouldn't have made
a hell of difference, now, would they?
We had three hours
before the storm front hit,
less than two hours now.
Data was available.
I took him, we came.
I don't see your problem.
My problem, commander,
is I expect to be notified
before there's a change
in my orders.
Noted for future reference.
Do you wish to hear my report, sir?
Go ahead.
The soil contains
the same magnetic resonance traces.
That's our footprint.
There's no doubt anymore.
It is the Borg.
PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 43993.5.
With confirmation of the Borg's
presence in Federation space,
Admiral Hanson has returned
to Starbase 324
to discuss strategy
with Starfleet Command.
Lieutenant Commander Shelby
remains onboard
to continue tactical preparations.
RIKER: I've also ordered
a standing yellow alert.
All Federation allied outposts
have been warned.
Ops will continue
to monitor long-range sensors.
I've assigned Data, La Forge
and Mr. Crusher
to work with Commander Shelby.
Good. You've covered all the bases.
What's your impression of Shelby?
- She knows her stuff.
- She has your full confidence?
Well, I think she needs supervision.
She takes the initiative a little
too easily, sometimes with risks.
Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk.
Sounds like
a young lieutenant commander
I recruited as a first officer.
Perhaps.
Will,
what the hell
are you still doing here?
- Sir?
- You've been offered the Melbourne.
I've decided not to pursue
that commission at this time.
She's a fine ship, Will.
Yes, but she's not the Enterprise.
With all due respect, sir,
you need me, particularly now.
Indeed. Starfleet needs good captains,
particularly now.
Reconsider your decision.
Are you telling me to leave, captain?
I'm asking you
to look at your career objectively.
Will,
you're ready to work without a net.
You're ready to take command.
And you know, the Enterprise
will go along just fine without you.
What am I still doing here?
Deanna, I pushed myself hard
to get this far.
I sacrificed a lot.
I always said
I wanted my own command
and yet,
something's holding me back.
- Is it wrong for me to want to stay?
- What do you think?
[SIGHS]
Maybe I'm just afraid
of the big chair.
I don't think so.
The captain says Shelby reminds him
of the way that I used to be,
and he's right.
She comes in here full of drive
and ambition, impatient, taking risks.
I look at her and I wonder
what happened to those things in me?
I liked those things about me.
I've lost something.
You mean you're older,
more experienced,
a little more seasoned.
Seasoned? That's a horrible thing
to say to a man.
I don't think you've lost a thing.
And I think you've gained
more than you realize.
You're much more comfortable
with yourself than you used to be.
Maybe that's the problem.
I'm too comfortable here.
I'm not sure I know
what that means.
You're happy here, happier
than I've ever known you to be.
So it comes down
to a simple question.
What do you want, Will Riker?
SHELBY: A manipulation effect
in the Borg ship's subspace field.
A definite pattern.
At 4.8-minute intervals during
your first confrontation with them.
Might indicate high-output
auxiliary generators kicking in.
One theory is that their systems
are decentralized
with redundant power sources
located throughout the ship.
That is a reasonable conclusion.
Borg technology has given
each member of their society
the ability to interface
and function collectively.
It is likely they have constructed
their ship with the same philosophy.
WESLEY:
You knock out one generator
and another one takes over
without interruption.
What kind of damage would we have
to do to shut them down?
Projections suggest
that a Borg ship like this one
could continue to function effectively
even if 78 percent of it was inoperable.
And our best shot
barely scratched the surface.
Well, from what I've seen,
I can't believe that any of these
new weapon systems can be ready
in less than 18 months,
commander.
We've been projecting 24.
Is there anything we could do here
to adapt our current defense systems?
We'll have to go
through the specs again, but...
I don't know.
My mind's turned to clay.
Mine too.
I think we should look at modifying
the plasma phaser design.
Commander, I think
we should call it a night.
That's an order.
We'll reconvene at 0500.
Sir, if I may be allowed to continue with
Mr. Data, who does not require rest.
You need rest, commander.
If we have a confrontation
with the Borg
without improving
our defense systems--
If we have a confrontation,
I don't want a crew fighting the Borg
at the same time they're fighting
their own fatigue. Dismissed.
At 1900 hours yesterday,
the U.S.S. Lalo departed Zeta Alpha Il
on a freight run to Sentinel Minor IV.
At 2200 hours and 12 minutes,
a distress signal was received
at Starbase 157.
The Lalo reported contact
with an alien vessel
described as "cube-shaped.”
The distress signal ended abruptly
and she's not been heard from since.
Mr. Data, how long would it take
to get there at warp 97?
- One hour, 17 minutes, sir.
- Make it so.
We're coming with every available
starship to assist, captain.
But the closest help
is six days away.
We'll try and keep them occupied
until you arrive.
I know you will.
Hanson out.
RIKER:
All hands stand to battle stations.
Commander Shelby, what is the status
of our defense preparations?
Mr. La Forge has a plan
to modulate shield nutation.
Hopefully, that'll hold them off
for a while.
At the same time,
we'll be retuning phasers
to higher EM base-emitting
frequencies,
try to disrupt their subspace field.
What's your assessment
of our potential effectiveness?
[SIGHS]
It's a shot in the dark, captain.
But for now, it's the best we can do.
Dismissed.
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
Sir, reading unidentified vessel
just entering sensor range.
Bearing 210, mark 151.
PICARD:
Hail them, Mr. Worf.
No response, sir.
PICARD: Move to intercept.
WESLEY: Aye, sir.
Sir, the vessel has already
changed course to intercept us.
Approaching at warp 9.3.
- Entering visual range.
- On-screen.
Magnify.
Mr. Worf, dispatch a subspace
message to Admiral Hanson.
We have engaged the Borg.
WORF:
Captain, you are being hailed.
[ALARM WAILING]
PICARD: I am?
- Yes, captain. By name.
Data, is it the same ship
we faced at J-257
Uncertain, commander, but
the dimensions are precisely the same.
On-screen.
- I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard--
BORG LEADER: Jean-Luc Picard,
captain of the Starship Enterprise,
registry NCC-1701-D.
You will lower your shields
and prepare to transport yourself
aboard our vessel.
If you do not cooperate,
we will destroy your ship.
You have committed acts
of aggression
against the United Federation
of Planets.
If you do not withdraw immediately--
BORG LEADER: You will surrender
yourself or we will destroy your ship.
Your defensive capabilities
are unable to withstand the--
What the hell do they want
with you?
I thought they weren't interested in
human life forms, only our technology.
Their priorities seem
to have changed.
- Open.
WORF: Channel open.
We have developed
new defense capabilities
since our last meeting,
and we are prepared to use them
if you do not withdraw
from Federation space.
LA FORGE:
Captain, shields are being probed.
I am modulating nutation.
Captain, the Borg are attempting
to lock on to us with their tractor beam.
Load torpedo bays, arm phasers.
Lock coordinates on the source
of the tractor beam.
Shield status?
Holding, sir.
The nutation modulation
has them confused.
They have the ability to analyze
and adapt, commander.
[ALARM WAILING]
Shield modulation has failed.
They've locked on.
Shields are being drained.
Ninety percent, 80.
Trying to recalibrate nutation.
Damn!
Shields have failed.
Fire all weapons.
Their subspace field is intact.
New phaser frequencies
had no impact.
- Reverse engines.
LA FORGE: Full reverse.
[MACHINE BEEPING]
LA FORGE:
We're not moving.
- Fire at will.
- Launching torpedoes.
Phaser spread continuing.
Still no damage
to the Borg vessel, sir.
COMPUTER:
Warning. Outer hull breach.
They are cutting into the hull,
Engineering section.
Geordi, evacuate Engineering.
Computer, evacuation sequence!
COMPUTER:
Sealing doors...
Come on now, let's move it, people,
let's move! Go, go!
COMPUTER: Decompression danger,
Deck 36, section four.
Sealing Main Engineering.
Data, fluctuate phaser resonance
frequencies.
Random settings,
keep them changing.
Don't give them time to adapt.
The tractor beam has been released.
Warp 9. Course 151, mark 330.
Engage.
They are in pursuit, captain.
Maintain course.
Damage report, Geordi.
Hull rupture in Main Engineering.
The damage is pretty heavy.
We lost a lot of good people
down there.
Eleven dead,
eight more unaccounted for, captain.
Repair teams to Engineering,
seal hull breach.
They didn't get to the core.
I can control functions from here.
Now approaching
the Paulson Nebula, sir.
Drop to impulse.
Take us in, ensign.
- The field's getting too dense, sir.
- Steady.
Analysis of the nebula cloud, Mr. Data.
Eighty-two percent dilithium hydroxyls,
magnesium chromium.
Should provide an effective screen
against their sensors, captain.
Mr. La Forge,
prepare to reverse engines, full stop.
The Borg ship is continuing scans,
attempting to locate us.
Good. As long as they're looking
for us, they won't hurt anyone else.
SHELBY:
Time index 514.
Data started to fluctuate
phaser resonance frequencies.
The Borg's beam breaks contact.
Slow playback.
Take a closer look, commander.
Mr. La Forge?
LA FORGE: There's a two-percent
drop in power for an instant,
but it is system-wide.
The phaser-frequency spread
was in a high, narrow band.
Conceivably,
the ship's power distribution nodes
are vulnerable to those frequencies.
If we can generate
a concentrated burst of power
at that same frequency distribution,
I mean, a lot more than anything
our phasers or photon torpedoes
could ever provide...
- How do we do that?
- The main deflector dish.
It's the only component
designed to channel
that much power
at controlled frequencies.
End program.
Unfortunately,
there is one slight detail.
In the process, the blast completely
destroys the Enterprise as well.
If we could get further away,
increase the deflector's range...
SHELBY:
It could work.
In the meantime,
we should retune all phasers,
including the hand units,
to the same frequency.
Proceed. I'll inform the captain.
There is one other recommendation
I'd like to make, commander.
Separate the saucer section.
Assign a skeleton crew
to create a diversion.
We may need the power
from the saucer's impulse engines.
It would give them more
than one target to worry about.
It's too great a risk.
I'd like the captain
to make that decision, sir.
Commander, I bring all the alternatives
to the captain's attention.
That'll be all.
I'm gonna install higher-capacity
power transformers
to the deflector dish.
- How long?
- Better part of a day.
She gets a full head of steam,
doesn't she?
Mm-hm. She's a formidable presence,
to say the least,
but I'm convinced
she can help us here, commander.
I am too.
Don't worry about it.
I can handle Shelby.
[DOOR CHIRPS]
Come.
Come in, Number One.
Commander Shelby was just telling me
of your concerns about her plan.
I'm sorry she troubled you, sir.
I have already informed her--
Yes, I entirely agree with you,
Number One. It's not the time.
But the time may come when we will
be required to take greater risks.
I want you to consider her plan
as a fallback position.
Make the necessary preparations.
Very good, sir.
- Deck 8, Battle Bridge.
- Halt.
Commander, you and I need
to have a conversation.
You never ordered me
not to discuss this with the captain.
You disagree with me, fine.
You need to take it to the captain, fine.
Through me.
You do an end run around me again,
I'll snap you back so hard, you'll think
you're a first-year cadet again.
- May I speak frankly, sir?
- By all means.
You're in my way.
Really? How terrible for you.
All you know how to do
is play it safe.
I suppose that's why someone like you
sits in the shadow of a great man
for as long as you have,
passing up one command
after another.
Proceed to Deck 8.
When it comes to this ship
and this crew,
you're damned right, I play it safe.
If you can't make
the big decisions, commander,
I suggest you make room
for someone who can.
PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 43996.2.
The Enterprise remains concealed
in the dust cloud.
And to my surprise, the Borg
have maintained their position,
waiting for us to come out of hiding.
I have no explanation for their
special interest in me or this ship.
We continue to prepare our defenses
for the inevitable confrontation.
But I must admit, on this night,
I contemplate the distinct possibility
that no defense may be adequate
against this enemy.
Captain?
GUINAN:
Trouble sleeping?
It's something of a tradition, Guinan,
the captain touring the ship
before a battle.
Hmm.
Before a hopeless battle,
if I remember the tradition correctly.
Not necessarily.
Nelson toured the H.M.S. Victory
before Trafalgar.
Yes, but Nelson never returned
from Trafalgar, did he?
No, but the battle was won.
Do you expect this battle to be won?
PICARD:
We may yet prevail.
That's a conceit,
but it's a healthy one.
I wonder if the Emperor Honorius,
watching the Visigoths
coming over the seventh hill,
truly realized that the Roman Empire
was about to fall.
This is just another page
in history, isn't it?
Will this be the end
of our civilization?
Turn the page.
This isn't the end.
You say that
with remarkable assuredness.
With experience.
When the Borg destroyed my world,
my people were scattered
throughout the universe.
We survived,
as will humanity survive.
As long as there's a handful of you
to keep the spirit alive, you will prevail,
even if it takes a millennium.
[ELECTRICAL CHARGES
CRACKLING]
WORF:
Captain Picard, report to the Bridge.
I'm on my way, lieutenant.
[ELECTRICAL CHARGES
CRACKLING]
They're some sort
of magnetometric-guided charges.
- Status of shields.
WORF: Back to 48 percent, captain.
Mr. La Forge, I may have
to take us out of the nebula.
I'll want all the power
you can give me.
LA FORGE:
Engines are ready, captain.
Recommend you adjust
shield harmonics
to favor the upper EM band
when you proceed.
PICARD:
Acknowledged.
- Direct hit, Deck 9.
- Damage report.
Structural latching system integrity
breached.
Prepare to take us out of here,
Number One.
Fire up the engines,
half impulse till we clear the nebula,
then punch it up to warp 9.
Ready phasers,
load forward torpedo bays. Engage.
Borg tractor beam
is attempting to lock on.
Fire at will.
Continue rotating shield frequency.
Shields failing.
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
Tractor beam has locked on.
It's no use. They've already adapted
to the new frequencies.
[GRUNTS]
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
WORF: The Borg ship is disengaging,
leaving at warp speed.
Maintain pursuit.
Borg vessel has reached warp 9.
Nine point four, 9.6.
Stay with them.
Riker to O'Brien.
Can you get a fix on the captain?
O'BRIEN: Negative, sir.
There's some kind of interference.
I can't lock in on his signal.
Senior officers, report to the Bridge.
Sir, the coordinates they have set,
they are on a direct course
to Sector 001, the Terran System.
Earth.
BORG LEADER:
Captain Jean-Luc Picard,
you lead the strongest ship
of the Federation fleet.
You speak for your people.
I have nothing to say to you.
And I will resist you
with my last ounce of strength.
BORG LEADER:
Strength is irrelevant.
Resistance is futile.
We wish to improve ourselves.
We will add your biological
and technological distinctiveness
to our own.
Your culture will adapt
to service ours.
Impossible.
My culture is based on freedom
and self-determination.
BORG LEADER:
Freedom is irrelevant.
Self-determination is irrelevant.
You must comply.
We would rather die.
BORG LEADER:
Death is irrelevant.
Your archaic cultures
are authority-driven.
To facilitate our introduction
into your societies,
it has been decided
that a human voice
will speak for us
in all communications.
You have been chosen
to be that voice.
WORF: Commander, they are leading
us into the heart of our own defenses.
Yeah, well, so far,
they haven't had much of a reason
to worry about our defenses.
Commander, if the Borg stay
at warp 9.6,
we'll be forced to discontinue pursuit
and power down
in less than three hours.
Two hours, 40 minutes,
three seconds.
How long
before the deflector's ready?
We're close. A few hours, maybe.
I know,
I'll get it done in two somehow.
But I'm gonna need serious power
from the warp engines
to make this weapon work.
So far, we're using everything
we've got just to keep up with them.
Sir, we've got to get that ship
down to impulse.
RIKER: I'm leading an Away Team
over there to get the captain back.
We'll find a way
to get them out of warp.
Ensign Crusher, you continue
to assist Mr. La Forge.
Commander Shelby, you'll take the
Bridge and coordinate with Starfleet.
Data, Worf, doctor, you're with me.
Excuse me, sir,
with my knowledge of the Borg--
Those are my orders, commander.
TROI:
Commander Riker.
It is inappropriate for you
to lead the Away Team.
Until the return of Captain Picard,
you are in command of the Enterprise.
We are in a state of war
and your place is on the Bridge.
Commander Shelby,
you'll lead the Away Team.
Make it so.
RIKER:
First officer's log, stardate 43998.5.
Our pursuit of the Borg
continues on a course
that will take us to the very core
of the Federation.
The devastation they could bring
is beyond imagination.
These phasers have been retuned.
Each has a different frequency span
in the upper EM band.
All right, a reminder.
We only get to use each of these once,
maybe twice,
before the Borg learn to adapt.
Don't fire until you have to.
What kind of resistance
should we expect?
At our first encounter,
the Borg virtually ignored us
when we beamed
aboard their vessel.
Clearly, they did not consider
our being there a threat.
That may change, however,
if we start interfering with their plans.
Shelby to Bridge. Away Team ready.
We've got 58 minutes before we have
to power down and disengage.
SHELBY: Understood.
- Proceed.
Commander,
no unnecessary risks. Clear?
Very clear, sir. Shelby out.
We've matched warp velocity
for transport, commander.
Energize.
WORF:
Tricorder functions minimal.
Any signs of human life?
Inconclusive.
Look at this. This is extraordinary.
These appear to be some kind
of power-wave guide conduits
which allow them to work collectively
as they perform ship functions.
There's no way to take out enough
of these to disable them.
What if we look at this
from the mosquito's point of view?
Interesting metaphor, doctor.
What is your idea?
If we sting them in a tender spot,
they might stop for a minute
to scratch.
DATA:
Distribution nodes.
SHELBY:
If we take out a few of these,
it just might make them scratch.
The captain's communicator.
It is still activated.
Crusher to Picard.
Can you hear me?
Can you locate it, Worf?
[BEEPING]
This way.
I strongly recommend redeploying
all available defenses
to protect Sector 001, admiral.
We're moving to intercept at Wolf 359.
We'll make our stand there.
How much longer
can you maintain pursuit?
Twenty-two minutes,
if they stay at their current speed.
If we can't bring them out of warp,
we'll do as much damage as we can
before we have to disengage.
Picard?
Nothing yet, sir.
In here.
[BEEPING RAPIDLY]
- Shelby to Enterprise.
- Go ahead.
SHELBY: We found the captain's
uniform and his communicator.
We're resuming our search.
Stand by, commander.
We're in business.
It'll burn out the main deflector,
but it'll be one hell of a bang.
Radiation danger?
We're gonna have to evacuate
the forward half of the secondary hull
and the lower three decks
of the saucer.
I'll see to that.
Commander Shelby.
We have only 17 minutes
of warp power left.
Do whatever you can
to get them out of warp.
Acknowledged. Shelby out.
Let's take out some
of these distribution nodes
and see what happens.
Sir, they've done it.
The Borg ship is dropping out of warp.
- Go to impulse.
WESLEY: Aye, sir.
Diverting more power
to main deflector.
Move us to within 40,000 kilometers,
match velocity.
Commence arming sequence.
Increase deflector modulation
to upper frequency band.
Shelby to Enterprise.
Encountering resistance.
Prepare to beam us back
on my signal.
SHELBY:
They're adapting to the frequencies.
Jean-Luc.
Captain.
[WORF GRUNTS]
Enterprise, get us out of here.
The captain?
We were unable to retrieve him, sir.
The captain has been altered
by the Borg.
Altered?
He is a Borg.
We'll go back. I need more people.
We need to retune the phasers again.
We'll get him out of there.
Commander,
reading subspace field fluctuations
from within the Borg ship.
Looks like they're regenerating,
restoring power.
They could be capable
of warp any minute.
Is the deflector ready?
It's ready.
Will, he's alive.
If we could get him back,
I might be able to restore--
This is our only chance
to destroy them.
If they get back into warp,
our weapon is useless.
We'll sabotage them again
if we have to.
We can't maintain power.
We don't have the time.
Prepare to fire.
At least consult
with Starfleet Command.
Get Admiral Hanson on subspace.
Belay that order, lieutenant.
There's no time.
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
Sir, we are being hailed by the Borg.
On-screen.
I am Locutus of Borg.
Resistance is futile.
Your life, as it has been, is over.
From this time forward,
you will service us.
Mr. Worf, fire.
Captain's log, stardate 43989.1.
The Enterprise has arrived
at Jouret IV
in response to a distress signal
from one of the Federation's
outermost colonies.
RIKER: Anything from the surface?
- No, sir.
There have been no communications
from the colony for over 12 hours.
Sensors picking up
any signs of life?
None.
The surface environment
is safe for transport, commander.
Mr. O'Brien.
Verify these are accurate coordinates
for the New Providence colony.
Coordinates verified, sir.
You're at the center of town.
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.
PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 43992.6.
Admiral Hanson
and Lieutenant Commander Shelby
of Starfleet Tactical have arrived
to review the disappearance
of New Providence colony.
No sign remains
of the 900 inhabitants.
The truth is,
hell, we are not ready.
We've known they were coming
for over a year.
We've thrown every resource
we have into this, but still--
Then you're convinced it is the Borg?
That's what I'm here to find out.
The initial descriptions
of these surface conditions
are almost identical
to your report from System J-25.
PICARD: Commander Riker wrote
those reports. He agrees with you.
Commander Shelby took over
Borg tactical analysis six months ago.
I've learned to give her a wide latitude
when I want to get things done.
That's how I intend to operate here.
My priority has been to develop some
kind, any kind, of defense strategy.
Obviously, nothing we have now
can stop them.
We've been designing
new weapons,
but they're all still
on the drawing board.
We expected much more lead time.
Your encounter with the Borg
was over 7000 light-years away.
If this is the Borg, it would indicate
they have a source of power
far superior to our own.
I'd like to see the colony site
as soon as possible, captain.
It'll be dark there in 30 minutes.
We've scheduled an Away Team
for dawn.
PICARD: Number One, why don't you
show the commander to her quarters?
It's our poker night, admiral.
There's always an open seat
for you.
Another time, commander.
Your captain and I have a lot to cover.
But rumor has it, Commander Shelby
has played a hand or two.
Keep your eye on her, Jean-Luc.
She's one very impressive
young lady.
You seem rather taken
with her, J.P.
Just an old man's fantasies.
When Shelby came into Tactical,
every admiral's uncle had a take
on this Borg business.
She cut through it.
She put us on track.
- Earl Grey?
- Please.
She'd make you
one hell of a first officer.
Already have a hell of a first officer.
Don't tell me he's gonna pass up
another commission.
- One's available?
- The Melbourne.
It's his, if he wants it.
Hasn't he told you?
He'll make a fine captain, J.P.
You may wanna tell him that.
We're still waiting on his decision.
This is the third time we've pulled out
the captain's chair for Riker.
He just won't sit down.
Well, let me tell you something,
Jean-Luc.
There are a lot of young hotshots
like Shelby on the way up.
Riker could suddenly look like
he's standing still next to them.
He's hurting his career
by staying put.
And if I were you, I'd kick him
in the rear end for his own good.
I don't know exactly
what I'm looking for,
but we've tested the sections
of the Enterprise's hull
that were damaged by the Borg.
There were some unusual
magnetic resonance traces.
A Borg footprint?
That's my theory.
I'll see if it holds up tomorrow.
I've reviewed your personnel.
I'll be assigning Mr. La Forge
and Mr. Data
to accompany me
on the Away Team.
I've already assigned them
to the Away Team.
And I'll be with you
as well, commander.
Of course. I appreciate
any assistance you can offer.
Tell me, commander,
is serving aboard the Enterprise
as extraordinary an experience
as I've heard?
Every bit.
Good, because I intend
to convince Captain Picard
that I'm the right choice for the job.
Job? Which job?
Yours, of course.
I'm sorry.
I heard that you were leaving.
If I were,
I'm sure you'd be the first to know.
Poker's at 1700 hours,
in my quarters. Deck 8.
WESLEY: Got another king
in the hole, eh, Data?
I am afraid
I cannot answer that, Wesley.
And as you are a newcomer
to the game,
may I say, it is inappropriate
for you to ask.
[MEN CHUCKLING]
I will buy another card, counselor.
No help there.
LA FORGE:
Ugh. Fold, again.
Three jacks looking back
for the handsome young ensign.
Pair of deuces stands.
Flush, possible straight flush.
Hmm.
Your bet, Mr. Crusher.
WESLEY: I'm in for ten.
- Call.
Well, it's time for the long pants.
There's your ten, 100.
He's got the straight flush, folks.
Not necessarily. Commander Riker
may be bluffing, Wesley.
I don't think so. Fold.
With three jacks?
What, are you kidding?
Wesley, you may get
straight A's in school,
but there's a lot you need
to learn about poker.
Well, I've only got two pair,
but I've got to see your hole card.
I'll call.
[LA FORGE CHUCKLING]
LA FORGE:
You got him.
[CHIPS RATTLING]
Mr. Data and our guest
appear to be tardy.
Sir, Commander Shelby
and Data beamed down
to the planet surface an hour ago.
- On whose authority?
- On hers, sir.
SHELBY:
Morning. Early bird gets the worm, eh?
We've had some interesting results.
Commander Shelby.
Walk with me, commander.
Early bird...?
I believe Commander Shelby erred.
There is no evidence of avifaunal
or crawling vermicular life forms
on Jouret IV.
That's not what she meant, Data.
But you're right, she erred.
I'm sorry, but I woke up early
and I saw that a weather system
was moving in.
It could have
affected the soil readings.
So without any regard for the risk
of coming down here alone--
Really, commander,
if we ran into the Borg here,
two extra bodies wouldn't have made
a hell of difference, now, would they?
We had three hours
before the storm front hit,
less than two hours now.
Data was available.
I took him, we came.
I don't see your problem.
My problem, commander,
is I expect to be notified
before there's a change
in my orders.
Noted for future reference.
Do you wish to hear my report, sir?
Go ahead.
The soil contains
the same magnetic resonance traces.
That's our footprint.
There's no doubt anymore.
It is the Borg.
PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 43993.5.
With confirmation of the Borg's
presence in Federation space,
Admiral Hanson has returned
to Starbase 324
to discuss strategy
with Starfleet Command.
Lieutenant Commander Shelby
remains onboard
to continue tactical preparations.
RIKER: I've also ordered
a standing yellow alert.
All Federation allied outposts
have been warned.
Ops will continue
to monitor long-range sensors.
I've assigned Data, La Forge
and Mr. Crusher
to work with Commander Shelby.
Good. You've covered all the bases.
What's your impression of Shelby?
- She knows her stuff.
- She has your full confidence?
Well, I think she needs supervision.
She takes the initiative a little
too easily, sometimes with risks.
Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk.
Sounds like
a young lieutenant commander
I recruited as a first officer.
Perhaps.
Will,
what the hell
are you still doing here?
- Sir?
- You've been offered the Melbourne.
I've decided not to pursue
that commission at this time.
She's a fine ship, Will.
Yes, but she's not the Enterprise.
With all due respect, sir,
you need me, particularly now.
Indeed. Starfleet needs good captains,
particularly now.
Reconsider your decision.
Are you telling me to leave, captain?
I'm asking you
to look at your career objectively.
Will,
you're ready to work without a net.
You're ready to take command.
And you know, the Enterprise
will go along just fine without you.
What am I still doing here?
Deanna, I pushed myself hard
to get this far.
I sacrificed a lot.
I always said
I wanted my own command
and yet,
something's holding me back.
- Is it wrong for me to want to stay?
- What do you think?
[SIGHS]
Maybe I'm just afraid
of the big chair.
I don't think so.
The captain says Shelby reminds him
of the way that I used to be,
and he's right.
She comes in here full of drive
and ambition, impatient, taking risks.
I look at her and I wonder
what happened to those things in me?
I liked those things about me.
I've lost something.
You mean you're older,
more experienced,
a little more seasoned.
Seasoned? That's a horrible thing
to say to a man.
I don't think you've lost a thing.
And I think you've gained
more than you realize.
You're much more comfortable
with yourself than you used to be.
Maybe that's the problem.
I'm too comfortable here.
I'm not sure I know
what that means.
You're happy here, happier
than I've ever known you to be.
So it comes down
to a simple question.
What do you want, Will Riker?
SHELBY: A manipulation effect
in the Borg ship's subspace field.
A definite pattern.
At 4.8-minute intervals during
your first confrontation with them.
Might indicate high-output
auxiliary generators kicking in.
One theory is that their systems
are decentralized
with redundant power sources
located throughout the ship.
That is a reasonable conclusion.
Borg technology has given
each member of their society
the ability to interface
and function collectively.
It is likely they have constructed
their ship with the same philosophy.
WESLEY:
You knock out one generator
and another one takes over
without interruption.
What kind of damage would we have
to do to shut them down?
Projections suggest
that a Borg ship like this one
could continue to function effectively
even if 78 percent of it was inoperable.
And our best shot
barely scratched the surface.
Well, from what I've seen,
I can't believe that any of these
new weapon systems can be ready
in less than 18 months,
commander.
We've been projecting 24.
Is there anything we could do here
to adapt our current defense systems?
We'll have to go
through the specs again, but...
I don't know.
My mind's turned to clay.
Mine too.
I think we should look at modifying
the plasma phaser design.
Commander, I think
we should call it a night.
That's an order.
We'll reconvene at 0500.
Sir, if I may be allowed to continue with
Mr. Data, who does not require rest.
You need rest, commander.
If we have a confrontation
with the Borg
without improving
our defense systems--
If we have a confrontation,
I don't want a crew fighting the Borg
at the same time they're fighting
their own fatigue. Dismissed.
At 1900 hours yesterday,
the U.S.S. Lalo departed Zeta Alpha Il
on a freight run to Sentinel Minor IV.
At 2200 hours and 12 minutes,
a distress signal was received
at Starbase 157.
The Lalo reported contact
with an alien vessel
described as "cube-shaped.”
The distress signal ended abruptly
and she's not been heard from since.
Mr. Data, how long would it take
to get there at warp 97?
- One hour, 17 minutes, sir.
- Make it so.
We're coming with every available
starship to assist, captain.
But the closest help
is six days away.
We'll try and keep them occupied
until you arrive.
I know you will.
Hanson out.
RIKER:
All hands stand to battle stations.
Commander Shelby, what is the status
of our defense preparations?
Mr. La Forge has a plan
to modulate shield nutation.
Hopefully, that'll hold them off
for a while.
At the same time,
we'll be retuning phasers
to higher EM base-emitting
frequencies,
try to disrupt their subspace field.
What's your assessment
of our potential effectiveness?
[SIGHS]
It's a shot in the dark, captain.
But for now, it's the best we can do.
Dismissed.
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
Sir, reading unidentified vessel
just entering sensor range.
Bearing 210, mark 151.
PICARD:
Hail them, Mr. Worf.
No response, sir.
PICARD: Move to intercept.
WESLEY: Aye, sir.
Sir, the vessel has already
changed course to intercept us.
Approaching at warp 9.3.
- Entering visual range.
- On-screen.
Magnify.
Mr. Worf, dispatch a subspace
message to Admiral Hanson.
We have engaged the Borg.
WORF:
Captain, you are being hailed.
[ALARM WAILING]
PICARD: I am?
- Yes, captain. By name.
Data, is it the same ship
we faced at J-257
Uncertain, commander, but
the dimensions are precisely the same.
On-screen.
- I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard--
BORG LEADER: Jean-Luc Picard,
captain of the Starship Enterprise,
registry NCC-1701-D.
You will lower your shields
and prepare to transport yourself
aboard our vessel.
If you do not cooperate,
we will destroy your ship.
You have committed acts
of aggression
against the United Federation
of Planets.
If you do not withdraw immediately--
BORG LEADER: You will surrender
yourself or we will destroy your ship.
Your defensive capabilities
are unable to withstand the--
What the hell do they want
with you?
I thought they weren't interested in
human life forms, only our technology.
Their priorities seem
to have changed.
- Open.
WORF: Channel open.
We have developed
new defense capabilities
since our last meeting,
and we are prepared to use them
if you do not withdraw
from Federation space.
LA FORGE:
Captain, shields are being probed.
I am modulating nutation.
Captain, the Borg are attempting
to lock on to us with their tractor beam.
Load torpedo bays, arm phasers.
Lock coordinates on the source
of the tractor beam.
Shield status?
Holding, sir.
The nutation modulation
has them confused.
They have the ability to analyze
and adapt, commander.
[ALARM WAILING]
Shield modulation has failed.
They've locked on.
Shields are being drained.
Ninety percent, 80.
Trying to recalibrate nutation.
Damn!
Shields have failed.
Fire all weapons.
Their subspace field is intact.
New phaser frequencies
had no impact.
- Reverse engines.
LA FORGE: Full reverse.
[MACHINE BEEPING]
LA FORGE:
We're not moving.
- Fire at will.
- Launching torpedoes.
Phaser spread continuing.
Still no damage
to the Borg vessel, sir.
COMPUTER:
Warning. Outer hull breach.
They are cutting into the hull,
Engineering section.
Geordi, evacuate Engineering.
Computer, evacuation sequence!
COMPUTER:
Sealing doors...
Come on now, let's move it, people,
let's move! Go, go!
COMPUTER: Decompression danger,
Deck 36, section four.
Sealing Main Engineering.
Data, fluctuate phaser resonance
frequencies.
Random settings,
keep them changing.
Don't give them time to adapt.
The tractor beam has been released.
Warp 9. Course 151, mark 330.
Engage.
They are in pursuit, captain.
Maintain course.
Damage report, Geordi.
Hull rupture in Main Engineering.
The damage is pretty heavy.
We lost a lot of good people
down there.
Eleven dead,
eight more unaccounted for, captain.
Repair teams to Engineering,
seal hull breach.
They didn't get to the core.
I can control functions from here.
Now approaching
the Paulson Nebula, sir.
Drop to impulse.
Take us in, ensign.
- The field's getting too dense, sir.
- Steady.
Analysis of the nebula cloud, Mr. Data.
Eighty-two percent dilithium hydroxyls,
magnesium chromium.
Should provide an effective screen
against their sensors, captain.
Mr. La Forge,
prepare to reverse engines, full stop.
The Borg ship is continuing scans,
attempting to locate us.
Good. As long as they're looking
for us, they won't hurt anyone else.
SHELBY:
Time index 514.
Data started to fluctuate
phaser resonance frequencies.
The Borg's beam breaks contact.
Slow playback.
Take a closer look, commander.
Mr. La Forge?
LA FORGE: There's a two-percent
drop in power for an instant,
but it is system-wide.
The phaser-frequency spread
was in a high, narrow band.
Conceivably,
the ship's power distribution nodes
are vulnerable to those frequencies.
If we can generate
a concentrated burst of power
at that same frequency distribution,
I mean, a lot more than anything
our phasers or photon torpedoes
could ever provide...
- How do we do that?
- The main deflector dish.
It's the only component
designed to channel
that much power
at controlled frequencies.
End program.
Unfortunately,
there is one slight detail.
In the process, the blast completely
destroys the Enterprise as well.
If we could get further away,
increase the deflector's range...
SHELBY:
It could work.
In the meantime,
we should retune all phasers,
including the hand units,
to the same frequency.
Proceed. I'll inform the captain.
There is one other recommendation
I'd like to make, commander.
Separate the saucer section.
Assign a skeleton crew
to create a diversion.
We may need the power
from the saucer's impulse engines.
It would give them more
than one target to worry about.
It's too great a risk.
I'd like the captain
to make that decision, sir.
Commander, I bring all the alternatives
to the captain's attention.
That'll be all.
I'm gonna install higher-capacity
power transformers
to the deflector dish.
- How long?
- Better part of a day.
She gets a full head of steam,
doesn't she?
Mm-hm. She's a formidable presence,
to say the least,
but I'm convinced
she can help us here, commander.
I am too.
Don't worry about it.
I can handle Shelby.
[DOOR CHIRPS]
Come.
Come in, Number One.
Commander Shelby was just telling me
of your concerns about her plan.
I'm sorry she troubled you, sir.
I have already informed her--
Yes, I entirely agree with you,
Number One. It's not the time.
But the time may come when we will
be required to take greater risks.
I want you to consider her plan
as a fallback position.
Make the necessary preparations.
Very good, sir.
- Deck 8, Battle Bridge.
- Halt.
Commander, you and I need
to have a conversation.
You never ordered me
not to discuss this with the captain.
You disagree with me, fine.
You need to take it to the captain, fine.
Through me.
You do an end run around me again,
I'll snap you back so hard, you'll think
you're a first-year cadet again.
- May I speak frankly, sir?
- By all means.
You're in my way.
Really? How terrible for you.
All you know how to do
is play it safe.
I suppose that's why someone like you
sits in the shadow of a great man
for as long as you have,
passing up one command
after another.
Proceed to Deck 8.
When it comes to this ship
and this crew,
you're damned right, I play it safe.
If you can't make
the big decisions, commander,
I suggest you make room
for someone who can.
PICARD:
Captain's log, stardate 43996.2.
The Enterprise remains concealed
in the dust cloud.
And to my surprise, the Borg
have maintained their position,
waiting for us to come out of hiding.
I have no explanation for their
special interest in me or this ship.
We continue to prepare our defenses
for the inevitable confrontation.
But I must admit, on this night,
I contemplate the distinct possibility
that no defense may be adequate
against this enemy.
Captain?
GUINAN:
Trouble sleeping?
It's something of a tradition, Guinan,
the captain touring the ship
before a battle.
Hmm.
Before a hopeless battle,
if I remember the tradition correctly.
Not necessarily.
Nelson toured the H.M.S. Victory
before Trafalgar.
Yes, but Nelson never returned
from Trafalgar, did he?
No, but the battle was won.
Do you expect this battle to be won?
PICARD:
We may yet prevail.
That's a conceit,
but it's a healthy one.
I wonder if the Emperor Honorius,
watching the Visigoths
coming over the seventh hill,
truly realized that the Roman Empire
was about to fall.
This is just another page
in history, isn't it?
Will this be the end
of our civilization?
Turn the page.
This isn't the end.
You say that
with remarkable assuredness.
With experience.
When the Borg destroyed my world,
my people were scattered
throughout the universe.
We survived,
as will humanity survive.
As long as there's a handful of you
to keep the spirit alive, you will prevail,
even if it takes a millennium.
[ELECTRICAL CHARGES
CRACKLING]
WORF:
Captain Picard, report to the Bridge.
I'm on my way, lieutenant.
[ELECTRICAL CHARGES
CRACKLING]
They're some sort
of magnetometric-guided charges.
- Status of shields.
WORF: Back to 48 percent, captain.
Mr. La Forge, I may have
to take us out of the nebula.
I'll want all the power
you can give me.
LA FORGE:
Engines are ready, captain.
Recommend you adjust
shield harmonics
to favor the upper EM band
when you proceed.
PICARD:
Acknowledged.
- Direct hit, Deck 9.
- Damage report.
Structural latching system integrity
breached.
Prepare to take us out of here,
Number One.
Fire up the engines,
half impulse till we clear the nebula,
then punch it up to warp 9.
Ready phasers,
load forward torpedo bays. Engage.
Borg tractor beam
is attempting to lock on.
Fire at will.
Continue rotating shield frequency.
Shields failing.
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
Tractor beam has locked on.
It's no use. They've already adapted
to the new frequencies.
[GRUNTS]
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
WORF: The Borg ship is disengaging,
leaving at warp speed.
Maintain pursuit.
Borg vessel has reached warp 9.
Nine point four, 9.6.
Stay with them.
Riker to O'Brien.
Can you get a fix on the captain?
O'BRIEN: Negative, sir.
There's some kind of interference.
I can't lock in on his signal.
Senior officers, report to the Bridge.
Sir, the coordinates they have set,
they are on a direct course
to Sector 001, the Terran System.
Earth.
BORG LEADER:
Captain Jean-Luc Picard,
you lead the strongest ship
of the Federation fleet.
You speak for your people.
I have nothing to say to you.
And I will resist you
with my last ounce of strength.
BORG LEADER:
Strength is irrelevant.
Resistance is futile.
We wish to improve ourselves.
We will add your biological
and technological distinctiveness
to our own.
Your culture will adapt
to service ours.
Impossible.
My culture is based on freedom
and self-determination.
BORG LEADER:
Freedom is irrelevant.
Self-determination is irrelevant.
You must comply.
We would rather die.
BORG LEADER:
Death is irrelevant.
Your archaic cultures
are authority-driven.
To facilitate our introduction
into your societies,
it has been decided
that a human voice
will speak for us
in all communications.
You have been chosen
to be that voice.
WORF: Commander, they are leading
us into the heart of our own defenses.
Yeah, well, so far,
they haven't had much of a reason
to worry about our defenses.
Commander, if the Borg stay
at warp 9.6,
we'll be forced to discontinue pursuit
and power down
in less than three hours.
Two hours, 40 minutes,
three seconds.
How long
before the deflector's ready?
We're close. A few hours, maybe.
I know,
I'll get it done in two somehow.
But I'm gonna need serious power
from the warp engines
to make this weapon work.
So far, we're using everything
we've got just to keep up with them.
Sir, we've got to get that ship
down to impulse.
RIKER: I'm leading an Away Team
over there to get the captain back.
We'll find a way
to get them out of warp.
Ensign Crusher, you continue
to assist Mr. La Forge.
Commander Shelby, you'll take the
Bridge and coordinate with Starfleet.
Data, Worf, doctor, you're with me.
Excuse me, sir,
with my knowledge of the Borg--
Those are my orders, commander.
TROI:
Commander Riker.
It is inappropriate for you
to lead the Away Team.
Until the return of Captain Picard,
you are in command of the Enterprise.
We are in a state of war
and your place is on the Bridge.
Commander Shelby,
you'll lead the Away Team.
Make it so.
RIKER:
First officer's log, stardate 43998.5.
Our pursuit of the Borg
continues on a course
that will take us to the very core
of the Federation.
The devastation they could bring
is beyond imagination.
These phasers have been retuned.
Each has a different frequency span
in the upper EM band.
All right, a reminder.
We only get to use each of these once,
maybe twice,
before the Borg learn to adapt.
Don't fire until you have to.
What kind of resistance
should we expect?
At our first encounter,
the Borg virtually ignored us
when we beamed
aboard their vessel.
Clearly, they did not consider
our being there a threat.
That may change, however,
if we start interfering with their plans.
Shelby to Bridge. Away Team ready.
We've got 58 minutes before we have
to power down and disengage.
SHELBY: Understood.
- Proceed.
Commander,
no unnecessary risks. Clear?
Very clear, sir. Shelby out.
We've matched warp velocity
for transport, commander.
Energize.
WORF:
Tricorder functions minimal.
Any signs of human life?
Inconclusive.
Look at this. This is extraordinary.
These appear to be some kind
of power-wave guide conduits
which allow them to work collectively
as they perform ship functions.
There's no way to take out enough
of these to disable them.
What if we look at this
from the mosquito's point of view?
Interesting metaphor, doctor.
What is your idea?
If we sting them in a tender spot,
they might stop for a minute
to scratch.
DATA:
Distribution nodes.
SHELBY:
If we take out a few of these,
it just might make them scratch.
The captain's communicator.
It is still activated.
Crusher to Picard.
Can you hear me?
Can you locate it, Worf?
[BEEPING]
This way.
I strongly recommend redeploying
all available defenses
to protect Sector 001, admiral.
We're moving to intercept at Wolf 359.
We'll make our stand there.
How much longer
can you maintain pursuit?
Twenty-two minutes,
if they stay at their current speed.
If we can't bring them out of warp,
we'll do as much damage as we can
before we have to disengage.
Picard?
Nothing yet, sir.
In here.
[BEEPING RAPIDLY]
- Shelby to Enterprise.
- Go ahead.
SHELBY: We found the captain's
uniform and his communicator.
We're resuming our search.
Stand by, commander.
We're in business.
It'll burn out the main deflector,
but it'll be one hell of a bang.
Radiation danger?
We're gonna have to evacuate
the forward half of the secondary hull
and the lower three decks
of the saucer.
I'll see to that.
Commander Shelby.
We have only 17 minutes
of warp power left.
Do whatever you can
to get them out of warp.
Acknowledged. Shelby out.
Let's take out some
of these distribution nodes
and see what happens.
Sir, they've done it.
The Borg ship is dropping out of warp.
- Go to impulse.
WESLEY: Aye, sir.
Diverting more power
to main deflector.
Move us to within 40,000 kilometers,
match velocity.
Commence arming sequence.
Increase deflector modulation
to upper frequency band.
Shelby to Enterprise.
Encountering resistance.
Prepare to beam us back
on my signal.
SHELBY:
They're adapting to the frequencies.
Jean-Luc.
Captain.
[WORF GRUNTS]
Enterprise, get us out of here.
The captain?
We were unable to retrieve him, sir.
The captain has been altered
by the Borg.
Altered?
He is a Borg.
We'll go back. I need more people.
We need to retune the phasers again.
We'll get him out of there.
Commander,
reading subspace field fluctuations
from within the Borg ship.
Looks like they're regenerating,
restoring power.
They could be capable
of warp any minute.
Is the deflector ready?
It's ready.
Will, he's alive.
If we could get him back,
I might be able to restore--
This is our only chance
to destroy them.
If they get back into warp,
our weapon is useless.
We'll sabotage them again
if we have to.
We can't maintain power.
We don't have the time.
Prepare to fire.
At least consult
with Starfleet Command.
Get Admiral Hanson on subspace.
Belay that order, lieutenant.
There's no time.
[COMPUTER BEEPING]
Sir, we are being hailed by the Borg.
On-screen.
I am Locutus of Borg.
Resistance is futile.
Your life, as it has been, is over.
From this time forward,
you will service us.
Mr. Worf, fire.