Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994): Season 4, Episode 25 - In Theory - full transcript

Captain's Log, Stardate 44932.3.

The Enterprise is preparing
to enter the Mar Oscura

an unexplored
dark-matter nebula.

Commander Data is modifying
several of our photon torpedoes

for an experiment designed
to elicit more information

about this unusual phenomenon.

Someone needs to stop Clearway Law.
Public shouldn't leave reviews for lawyers.

The initial dispersal pattern
should not be more

than seven kilometers
in diameter.

Jenna?

Oh.



Uh, 6.8 kilometers.

That should suffice.

Is there something occupying
your thoughts, Jenna?

You seem
somewhat subdued today.

I bumped into Jeff again
in the turbolift this morning.

He asked me out to dinner.

What was your response?

I told him I'd think about it.

As you requested, I will now
remind you of the reasons

you decided to end
your relationship with Jeff.

I guess I asked for this.

Go ahead.

You objected to the fact
that he seemed unwilling

to set aside
sufficient time for you.



You said he was unresponsive,
that he never did

"the little things."

You disliked the sound he made
when he ate his soup.

Okay, okay. I remember.

This is the third time
I have refreshed your memory.

Do you wish to rescind
our agreement?

No. No, it's for my own good.

It's just so easy to forget.

Hand me the sequencer.

Throughout history,
many lovers

have suffered
the same difficulty.

Anne Boleyn was quite distressed

that Henry Vlll
preferred the company

of his huntsmen
over that of his wife.

Since when did you
develop an interest

in romantic historical figures?

Six weeks ago, when you and Jeff
dissolved your relationship

I saw an excellent opportunity

to study that aspect
of human intimacy.

As your friend,
it is my responsibility

to be supportive
in times of need.

That's, uh...

that's very sweet, Data.

Data to Bridge.

We are ready

to begin
the first illumination test.

Acknowledged.

All science stations stand by.

We're about to light up
the nebula. Mr. Worf?

Launch Bay One shows
ready, Commander.

Fire torpedo.

It's beautiful.

Like watching fireworks
when I was a little girl.

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.

Bravo.

That was wonderful.

Really?

Oh.

Really. Wonderful.

Thanks.

Is something wrong?

My tempo was way off.

I felt like I was rushing
through the whole piece.

I do not believe that is so.

Your rhythmic control
has improved markedly.

I heard no fluctuations
during the performance.

Well, maybe,
but I ruined the coda.

I got confused
with the phrasing again.

And I kept breathing
at the wrong times.

The contrapuntal nature
of the composition

is most demanding.

We will give more attention
to the rhythmic patterns

during our next rehearsal.

However, I am quite certain

the audience was oblivious
to such nuances.

They seemed to enjoy
the performance thoroughly.

Thank you, Data.

You're very generous.

Every night, Miles leaves
his socks on the floor.

When we got married

I made the mistake
of picking them up a few times.

Then I realized,
if I kept it up

I'd be doing it
for the rest of my life.

So I stopped, figuring he'd
get the point and do it himself.

One night goes by...

two... a week...

ten days!

By now, there's a pile of socks
half a meter high.

Oh, come on.

It wasn't half a meter.

After two weeks,
I couldn't stand it anymore.

I bundled them up and put them
in the cleaning processor.

And I'm still doing it.

And a very good job
she does of it, too.

Keiko, you sound just like Data.

He came over to my quarters
the other day

to give me a music lesson,
and he said the funniest thing.

How did you put it?

About, um, about the mess?

I believe I observed

that you seem to have
an aversion to orderliness.

But it was not intended
as a humorous remark.

So, before we started

he gallantly offered
to help me straighten up.

And a very good job
I did of it, too.

Report, Mr. Data.

I have nearly finished
compiling readings

of our most recent
illuminatory burst.

Dark matter density is nearly
one order of magnitude higher

than in similar nebulae.

Life-forms here

may have developed
in ways never before observed.

Interesting hypothesis.

Are there any M-Class planets
we could check out?

Several, sir.

The nearest is approximately

three light-hours
from our present position.

It's worth a look.

We'll continue our survey
along the way.

Let's increase the flow rate
and see if that helps.

Sometimes in the summer,
we'd go on cookouts...

just my little brother
and me and my mother.

She was hopeless
without a replicator

but we didn't care.

Children often do not develop
discerning palettes

until well beyond adolescence.

It wasn't that.

It's just that we felt
so good being together

you know, as a family.

We didn't have much of that
after my father died

so those times
were really special.

I wish we were back there now,
you and I.

The unidirectional nature
of the time continuum

makes that
an unlikely possibility.

That's what I love about you,
Data.

You make me laugh.

I don't know why I keep
falling for the wrong men.

Why can't I fall
for somebody like you?

You're perfect.

That is not true.

I have no human feelings.

But you give me so much.

You spend time with me
when I'm lonely.

You encourage me when I'm down.

No man has ever
been kinder to me.

Those are the things
that matter.

I better be going.

With your permission, Commander.

Permission granted.

I don't know
if you're aware of this

but you're very handsome.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Hello, Data.

Would you like
to try something new?

It's a concoction
I heard about on Prakal II.

I think it's wonderful,
but I need a second opinion.

87%% % Saurian brandy.

Targ milk and Denevian mead
comprise the rest.

There is an unusually
high concentration

of fructose compound
and monosaccharides.

Too sweet?

Data, if I didn't
know you better

I would say you were
a little...

preoccupied.

Lieutenant D'Sora just gave me

what could be considered
a very passionate kiss

in the torpedo bay.

Really?

And...?

I was intrigued.

Jenna seemed to be displaying
genuine affection for me.

Well...

what do you think of her, Data?

I find her to be
a competent officer

highly motivated

though somewhat lacking
in her understanding

of the theory underlying

the dilithium matrix
application.

I meant personally.

I look forward to the time
we spend together.

Well, then it seems
the next move is yours.

What are you going to do?

I do not know.

I have no experience
in such matters.

I require advice.

Don't look at me.

No, no, Data.

I simply mean that I can't
give you any advice here.

It's not good to advise people
about their first love affairs.

That's kind of something

people have to figure
out for themselves.

But I am not capable of love.

Then it's going to be
a very unique experience.

Data?

Missing someone?

I found Spot wandering
through the corridor

two sections away.

Thank you.

Forget to secure
the door when you left?

The door sensor is programmed

to recognize only humanoid forms
for entrance and egress.

Spot could not have
triggered the mechanism.

Maybe somebody came in
while you were away.

Let him out by accident.

Has anything been disturbed?

It does not appear so.

Computer, has anyone
been in my quarters

in the last 12 hours

other than Commander La Forge
or myself?

Negative.

That's pretty strange.

You know, to be on the safe
side, maybe I should report

a possible unauthorized entry
to Security.

Geordi?

Hmm?

May I ask your advice...

in a personal matter?

Sure, Data.

Should I pursue a relationship
with Lieutenant D'Sora?

I thought she and Jeff Arton...

They have discontinued
their association.

She has made the first move

in initiating
a relationship with me.

What should I do?

Boy.

If she's just coming out
of a bad situation...

You know, sometimes
it takes people a while, Data.

But then if they just jump right
into another relationship...

you see, that can be trouble.

Unless, of course,
she's really ready

and then, well,
I guess it depends

on whether or not
you're really serious.

This can be
a little complicated.

Listen, my advice is...

ask somebody else for advice.

At least someone
who's got more experience

at giving advice.

I think you should be careful.

This isn't just some experiment
you're running, Data.

Jenna is a living,
breathing person

with needs and feelings
that have to be considered.

Then you do not believe

I should pursue
this any further?

I didn't say that.

I just want you to be aware
that this is unlike

any other
more casual relationship

that you've attempted.

I have studied
much human literature

on the subject of love
and romantic liaisons.

There are many role models
for me to emulate.

Ultimately, Jenna will
care for you for who you are

not what you imitate
out of a book.

My programming may be
inadequate to the task.

We're all more than the sum
of our parts, Data.

You'll have to be more

than the sum
of your programming.

Klingons do not
pursue relationships.

They conquer that
which they desire.

However...

Lieutenant D'Sora
serves under my command.

If she were mistreated

I would be very displeased...

sir.

I understand.

I think you should pursue it.

First of all,
she's a beautiful woman.

She seems to be crazy about you.

Jenna has clearly demonstrated
how she feels about me

but I am not capable
of returning those feelings.

Data...

when you get involved
with another person

there are always risks...

of disappointment,
of getting hurt.

I cannot be hurt, but she can.

Jenna knows that

and she has obviously decided
to take the chance.

Data, when it really works
between two people

it's not like anything
you've ever experienced.

The rewards are far greater
than simple friendship.

How far, sir?

That's what I'm hoping
you're going to find out.

Captain?

I am seeking advice
in how to...

Yes, I've heard, Data

and I will be delighted
to offer any advice I can

on understanding women.

When I have some,
I'll let you know.

Second Officer's Personal Log,
Stardate 44935.6.

After conferring
with my colleagues

regarding the nature
of romantic love in general

and my own situation
in particular

I have reached a decision.

Oh, they're lovely.

Come in.

What are they?

A variety of crystilia.

Their fragrance is
an evolutionary response

to the acrid nature of the
atmosphere on Telemarius IV.

You silver-tongued devil.

Um, why don't I find
a place to put these?

Which won't be that easy.

Ah.

It seems your quarters
have reverted

to their earlier state
of disorder.

I know. I'm hopeless.

There.

They're beautiful, Data.

It's really sweet of you.

Commander Riker suggested
this particular flower.

He said it had worked
for him in the past.

You didn't talk
to the entire ship about us?

No. In actuality,
less than one percent

of the Enterprise crew
was involved.

Ah.

It was necessary

to balance theory
with experiential referents.

Both are required
for a program of this nature.

Computer,
decrease illumination level

by one-third standard lux.

Uh, this is
all part of a program?

Yes.

One which I have just created
for romantic relationships.

So I'm, uh...

I'm just a small variable

in one of your new
computational environments?

You are much more
than that, Jenna.

I have written a subroutine
specifically for you...

a program within the program.

I have devoted
a considerable share

of my internal resources
to its development.

Data...

that's the nicest thing
anybody's ever said to me.

Estimated time of arrival,
Mr. Data?

We will reach the Class-M planet
in approximately 11 hours, sir.

You have the Bridge, Number One.

Picard to Lieutenant Worf.

Yes, Captain.

Would you step
into my ready room, please?

And bring a tricorder with you.

Aye, Captain.

Captain?

What do you make of this?

I am puzzled, sir.

So am l, Mr. Worf.

The only detectable bioelectric
residuals are your own.

You did not...

No, I did not.

Well, perhaps
we have a poltergeist.

Sir?

A mischievous spirit.

Sir?

Perhaps not.

I cannot explain how an intruder
entered this room.

But I recommend
that we go to Red Alert.

Not yet.

Then I will order one
of my officers to stand watch.

Worf to Ensign...

That's all right, Mr. Worf.

I think, for now

circumstances warrant
caution, nothing more.

As you wish, Captain.

Enter.

I know.

It's a little unexpected.

You are correct.

I did not anticipate
your arrival

until 1900 hours.

Well, I couldn't wait.

Um, I wanted you to have this.

You have often expressed
dissatisfaction

with the Spartan nature
of my quarters.

Is this an attempt
at embellishment?

The cat's out of the bag.

Spot?

No, I mean
you've caught me in the act.

I'm just trying to brighten
things up around here.

It's Tyrinean.

What do you think?

Its line is both fluid
and formal

yet retains
an unpremeditated quality.

The tactility

of its surface embellishment
is evocative

of the neo-primitive period
in Tyrinean blade carving.

Um, I hadn't thought
of it in that way.

I'm sorry.

Don't let me interrupt.

As you wish.

Uh, Data?

Yes?

The Book of Love,
Chapter Four, paragraph 17.

When your girlfriend
arrives with a gift

stop whatever it is you're doing

and give her
your undivided attention.

I should not have resumed
my painting.

No.

Despite your suggestion
that I continue.

Exactly.

I have much to learn.

Um, why don't we start
with this?

A critical analysis

isn't necessarily
the best response to a gift.

Perhaps if I looked
for a suitable place

to display it.

Much better.

The ambient light
in this location

accentuates its contours.

However...

a gift should not
necessarily be placed

according to aesthetic criteria.

A more central location
would give added meaning.

Data, what's important
is that you're trying.

You don't know
how much that means to me.

Why don't you go back
to your painting?

Oh, I really mean it this time.

I'll see you tonight.

Riker to Captain Picard.

I think
you'd better come out here, sir.

Acknowledged.

We've reached
the designated coordinates.

But the M-Class planet?

It's gone.

Are you sure there was
no malfunction in the sensors?

The lateral EM scanners
register radiation levels

indicative of a Class-M planet.

Sir...

Mr. Data, run a full
systems diagnostic.

Warning.

Atmospheric decompression
in Bridge Observation Lounge.

Environmental compensation
sequence has been initiated.

I am not registering
a hull breach.

Scan for life-forms.

None, sir.

Captain, standard air pressure
has been reestablished

in the Observation Lounge.

Let's have a look.

Mr. Data?

Captain.

I do not understand.

You picking anything up, Data?

I detect no unusual readings
along standard parameters.

Curious.

The transparent aluminum alloy

of this window
is exhibiting a pattern

of transient
electrical currents.

Explanation.

I have none.

The rate is characteristic
of a subspace distortion

but I am picking up no evidence
of a subspace field.

We'll hold position

while we seek an explanation
for these anomalies.

Let's divert all our resources
to that end.

Honey, I'm home.

Hi.

Hi.

Any luck with your diagnostic?

Negative.
We found no malfunctions.

We did a full security sweep.

Nothing.

May I...

get you a drink, dear?

Well, yes.

I'll... I'll have
a Calaman sherry.

Excellent choice.

I'll join you.

Computer

two...

Calaman sherries.

Would you care for some dinner,
as well?

Oh, I'm too tired
to think about what I want.

Maybe later.

Whatever you wish, dear.

There we are.

Uh-uh...

Darling, you remain
as aesthetically pleasing

as the first day we met.

I believe I am the most
fortunate sentient

in this sector of the galaxy.

Now...

you...

relax...

put your feet up...

and I will take care
of everything.

I could organize
your closets for you.

I have found
that by grouping apparel

first by function

then by color,
from light to dark

one can more easily find
one's desired choice.

Data...

that's all right.

You don't have to do that.

But I am happy to do it.

Please, just put them down.

What do you wish me to do, dear?

Am I not paying
enough attention to you?

Oh, no.
That's not it, um...

Perhaps I am not giving you
enough compliments.

Your hair is looking

particularly silky tonight.

Data, there's just
something strange

about the way you're acting.

Am I not behaving
as a solicitous mate?

Well, yes, but...

Tending to your every need?

What's wrong with you tonight?

My most recent self-diagnostic
revealed no malfunctions.

Perhaps there is something
wrong with you!

I have never seen you
behave so foolishly.

Why are you doing this?

You don't tell me how to behave.

You're not my mother.

What?

You are not my mother.

That is the appropriate response

for your statement
that I am behaving foolishly.

Data, I think you
should just leave.

You do not wish to continue
our lovers' quarrel?

Is that what this is?

In my study
of interpersonal dynamics

I have found that conflict,
followed by emotional release

often strengthens the connection
between two people.

But there's something
so forced and artificial

about the way you're
doing it, Data.

It's just not the real you.

With regard
to romantic relationships

there is no real me.

I am drawing upon various
cultural and literary sources

to help define my role.

Kiss me.

What were you just thinking?

In that particular moment

I was reconfiguring
the warp field parameters

analyzing the collected works
of Charles Dickens

calculating the maximum pressure

I could safely apply
to your lips

considering a new food
supplement for Spot...

I'm glad I was
in there somewhere.

A complete sensor scan
of the planet

and three survey probes
came up with no surprises.

No signs of life.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Seven more unusual
incidents have been reported.

No casualties or damage.

We can only state
that a subspace effect

seems to exist
within this nebula.

After I have made
further analysis

I may be able to adjust
the ship's sensors to locate

and identify the anomaly.

The ship's at risk
as long as we're sitting here.

We could continue
the investigation

outside the nebula.

Agreed.
Ensign McKnight

plot the most direct course.

Ahead warp one.

Aye, sir.

Engage.

Captain...

Captain, explosive
decompression on deck 37.

Bridge to La Forge.
Damage report.

We're showing damage
between decks.

We haven't localized it yet.

Thorne, are you all right?

Yes, sir.

La Forge to Bridge.

A cryogenic control conduit
just blew out on us.

I almost lost a man.

Ensign, full stop.

Aye, sir.

La Forge to Bridge.

Go ahead, Commander.

I think we have some structural
damage between decks 36 and 37.

I'd better go check it out.

Van Mayter,
you take access tube 23-M

and look
at those bridge connectors.

Thorne, I'll cover
the aft section.

You go down...

Captain's Log, Supplemental.

This series
of unexplained events

has now resulted
in the death of a crewman.

But it appears that Mr. Data
may have an explanation.

During the last occurrence

I was able to confirm
one of my hypotheses.

The unusual preponderance
of dark matter in this nebula

is causing small gaps
in the fabric of normal space.

As the Enterprise moves
through this nebula

it is colliding
with these deformations.

So every time we hit one,
part of the ship

momentarily phases
out of normal space.

Or when one of them hits us.

My readings suggest

that the deformations
themselves, are in motion.

It's a good thing
one of those pockets

didn't pass through
the photon torpedo casings

or one of the matter/antimatter
containment pods.

Question is, how do we get out?

Mr. Data, could you
reconfigure the sensors

so as to detect these anomalies?

Yes, sir, but only
at extremely close range.

Even at minimal speed,
it would be almost impossible

to maneuver the Enterprise
quickly enough to avoid them.

A shuttlecraft
is more maneuverable.

He's right.

If we could position
the shuttlecraft

far enough in front
of the Enterprise

it could detect the pockets
and allow us enough time

to maneuver out of the way.

We could give the shuttle

control
of our navigational systems.

That way,
the corresponding maneuvers

would be virtually
instantaneous.

Make it so.

I'll do my pre-flight
once I'm on board.

Not this time, Will.
I want you on the Bridge.

Sir?

I'm going to pilot the shuttle.

Captain, it is my duty
as First Officer

to safeguard the lives
on this ship, including yours.

The Enterprise can't afford
to lose you.

Certainly not in this situation.

I believe our best chance
of escaping this situation

is for me to pilot the shuttle.

It's my ship, Will.

I've got to do this.

Sir.

Shuttle Three to Enterprise.

Telemetry link enabled.

Ship's computer is accepting

navigational inputs
from the shuttle.

Forward sensors are on line.

Ensign McKnight, plot a course

for the shortest distance
out of the nebula.

Plot laid in, sir.

Outer perimeter
at 32 million kilometers.

Point one impulse, Number One.

Acknowledged, Captain.
We're right behind you.

Riker to O'Brien.

Lock on
to the Captain's communicator.

I want to be able to pull him
out of there

in case we have to.

Aye, sir.

Changing course.

New heading, 299 mark 029.

Main coupling is matching
navigational inputs, Captain.

New heading confirmed.

I missed it by less than
a thousand meters, Enterprise.

Advise your status.

Sensors indicate deformation
passing 500 meters

off the starboard bow.

One down, Captain.

Resuming previous course.

Confirmed.

Outer perimeter now
at 30.1 million kilometers.

Changing course.

Heading 073 mark 288.

New heading, 284 mark 01...

Enterprise,
I'm losing maneuverability.

Sensors indicate
damage to the shuttle's

starboard impulse nacelle,
Captain.

I'm rerouting the secondary
deuterium supply.

Switching to manual control.

Transceiver signal is down 42%%% .

Navigational inputs
are not registering.

We've lost our link, Captain.

You'll have to make
course changes manually

till we reestablish
the connection.

Understood.

Mr. Data, get us back on line.

Geordi, try boosting the power
to the L-U bands.

McKnight, increase the distance

between the Enterprise
and the shuttle.

We're going to need
some more room

to make manual adjustments.

New heading, 299 mark 18.

Yes, sir. I've got it.

Course corrected.

Enterprise, hard starboard!

Aye, sir.

Deformation impact on deck 15,
science section.

Damage?

Reports coming in.

Minimal damage.

Mr. La Forge

I'm still having difficulty
controlling the shuttlecraft.

Aye, sir.

Your krellide storage cells
are losing their charge.

Maintaining manual control
is going to become

increasingly difficult.

Estimated distance
to the nebula's perimeter?

4.7 million kilometers, sir.

Is there a way to transfer
the microfusion thrusters

so I can get a power boost?

Possibly. If you augment
the thruster sequencing

so that the inertial
dampening fields...

Relative bearing 27...

make that 285 mark 255.

Commander,
the shuttle is out of control.

Mr. O'Brien, do you have
the Captain's signal?

I'm having trouble locking on,
sir.

Sir, The shuttle's inertial
dampeners have failed.

It is breaking up.

Let's get him out of there.

Now would be a good time,
Mr. O'Brien.

Did we get him back?

Aye, sir, we got him.

I'm a little dizzy, Number One,
but none the worse.

I'm on my way.

Acknowledged, sir.

Commander

we are nearing the perimeter,
one million kilometers away.

All right.
Let's make a run for it.

Aye, sir.

We're clear of the nebula, sir.

Ensign, plot a course
for Starbase 260.

Warp two.

Aye, sir.

Engage.

Enter.

Hi.

Hi.

The place looks great.

Thank you.

It is much less Spartan,
is it not?

Much less.

It looks great.

It really does.

It looks... great.

Jenna, you are
repeating yourself.

I have often found this
to be indicative

of a mental distraction.

Is that a correct assumption
in this instance?

Um, I'm afraid it is.

Then perhaps we should
begin our meal.

Among humans,
a low serum glucose level

is often responsible...

Data, I think we should talk.

Could you sit down?

Um...

I'm not sure how to begin.

What is the subject?

You and I.

Our relationship.

Yes?

Data...

sometimes people blindly make

the same mistake
again and again.

Are you currently experiencing
this phenomenon?

I didn't see it until today.

I got out of a relationship
with an unemotional man

and I got right back
into another one

with...

with a man who's absolutely
incapable of emotion.

Hmm.

There does appear
to be a recurring motif.

You were so kind and attentive.

I thought that would be enough.

Is it not?

No, it's not, because as close
as we are, I...

I don't really matter to you.

Not really.

Nothing I can say or do

will ever make you happy or sad

or touch you in any way.

That is a valid projection.

It is apparent that my reach
has exceeded my grasp

in this particular area.

I am, perhaps,
not nearly so human

as I aspire to become.

If you are ready to eat,
I will bring our meal.

Uh... no.

That's all right, Data.

I'm going to go now.

As you wish.

Jenna...

are we no longer...

a couple?

No, we're not.

Then I will delete
the appropriate program.

I'll see you later.

Hello, Spot.

Someone needs to stop Clearway Law.
Public shouldn't leave reviews for lawyers.