Captain's Log, Stardate 41636.9:
As feared, our examination
of the seven-year-overdue Federation freighter, Odin
disabled by an asteroid collision
revealed no life signs.
However, three escape pods were missing
suggesting the possibility of survivors.
Ready to begin orbit of Angel One, Captain.
Make it so, Mr. La Forge.
What kind of place is this, Data?
Angel One is a class-M planet, sir
supporting carbon-based flora and fauna.
Sparsely populated with intelligent life-forms.
It is similar in technological development
to mid-twentieth century Earth.
Kind of like being marooned at home.
Assuming any of the survivors made it this far.
Admittedly, it is the closest planet to the Odin.
To travel the distance we did in two days at warp one
would have taken the Odin escape pod five months.
Five months, six days, 11 hours, two minutes...
Thank you, Data.
And 57 seconds.
Captain, we're receiving
an audio signal from Angel One.
Starfleet are adamant that we maintain
excellent diplomatic relations with this planet.
Mr. Data
is there any other
pertinent information before we reply?
Angel One has evolved
into a constitutional oligarchy.
It is governed by a parliamentary body
consisting of six elected mistresses
and headed by a female they refer to as
"The Elected One."
It sounds like my own planet.
Klingons appreciate strong women.
How current is this information, Mr. Data?
A Federation vessel last visited this planet
62 years ago, Captain.
Counselor, as this is a female-dominated society
you might wish to make the initial contact.
Thank you, sir.
Open hailing frequencies.
Hailing frequencies open, sir.
This is Counselor Deanna Troi from the USS Enterprise.
I am Beata, The Elected One.
How may we assist you, Counselor?
The Federation has neglected to visit your planet
for far too long.
With your permission
we would like to correct that oversight.
We feel in no way neglected, Counselor.
A diplomatic courtesy call
is neither expected nor required.
We also come in search of possible survivors
from one of our freighters.
A brief visit will be tolerated.
TASHA: They've broken off
transmission.
Ever feel like you're not really wanted?
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.
Where are you fellas off to?
Our ski instructor has us scheduled
for the Denubian Alps, sir.
Well, save us some deep powder.
No problem, sir.
The holodecks have all you'd ever need.
The away team is ready, sir.
Angel One's strategic importance
in this quadrant may become vital.
Starfleet's hope is that one day
this world may become part of the Federation.
We'll do our best
to make a good impression, Captain.
Energize.
Captain's Log, supplemental:
Our away team has beamed down
to an unusual matriarchal society
where the female is as aggressively dominant
as the male gender was on Earth hundreds of years ago.
Here, the female is the hunter, the soldier
larger and stronger than the male...
an arrangement considered most sensible and natural.
I am Beata
The Elected One of Angel One.
Representatives of the Starfleet Enterprise
do you wish to petition?
We do.
We have reason
to hope that survivors
from a damaged Federation freighter
may be marooned on your planet.
We are seeking to learn
if this is so.
Even a world as remote as Angel One
has heard of Starfleet.
Searching the galaxy for survivors
seems a petty task
for one of their mighty vessels.
We don't consider even one survivor petty.
Is this man implying that we put a lesser value on life
than you do?
Not at all.
Our discovery of the freighter was unexpected.
We have a duty to investigate.
I see.
And if you find any survivors
what then?
We would take them with us
and see that they were reunited
with their families.
Are we to take these strangers
at their word?
Good question.
What reason could we possibly have
to deceive you?
Another good question.
Are there survivors
from the freighter Odin on your planet?
I'm not prepared to answer--
yet.
See to their comforts.
( whispers ): What's going on?
You will remain here until summoned.
Is this area secure?
Can we talk?
Yes, tricorder doesn't show any listening devices
or anything else of a threatening nature.
Good. Troi?
There was much fear in that room.
Paranoia, I'd say. But of what?
I cannot say.
But their fear was not focused.
I sensed they were all
not concerned for the same reason.
Undoubtedly, there are survivors from the Odin on this planet.
I agree.
Otherwise, why would they be so circumspect?
As Mistress Beata is so fond of saying--
good question.
What do we do if they deny the existence of survivors?
Let's not look for problems.
I want all departments to prepare for a warp six trip
into the neutral zone
as soon as the away team completes its mission.
Trouble, Captain?
Insurance.
Romulan battle cruisers have been detected
near one of our border posts.
They've requested our assistance as soon as...
Ahh!
Report, Mr. Crusher.
We finished our ski lesson, sir
and it kind of just happened.
On the Enterprise, Mr. Crusher
nothing "just happens."
What is that smell?
WORF: Hmm, yes
slightly reminiscent
of Night-Blooming throgni, Captain.
From home.
Quite stimulating, wouldn't you say?
No.
I don't smell anything.
I'm a little congested with snow.
Don't let this "just happen" again
Mr. Crusher.
Yes, sir.
Hmm!
Interesting.
An alcohol-based synthetic
artificially reproducing a floral scent.
It's called perfume, Data.
The purpose of which is...
Certain cultures consider perfume an aphrodisiac.
I am unfamiliar with that term.
An aphrodisiac is something used
to stimulate or enhance sexual pleasure.
How does stimulation of the olfactory nerves
affect the enjoyment of sex?
The Elected One will see you now.
You claim you intend
to remove these survivors from our world.
Are you prepared to give your solemn word on that?
We are.
You should know that the vote was not unanimous.
Some of those among us are suspicious.
Yet, the majority feel
we have no choice but to trust you.
We don't understand the source of your misgivings, Mistress
but we appreciate your faith in us.
Make certain that faith is not misplaced.
There are four survivors
from the ship you call Odin.
All male.
Their leader is a man who calls himself Ramsey.
If you'll deliver these men to us
we'll have them off your planet immediately.
If they were mine to deliver
I would do it without hesitation.
Unfortunately, their hiding place
has long eluded us.
Hiding place?
Why are they in hiding?
Because they're fugitives on Angel One.
And the quicker we get rid of them, the better.
When these men came to us seven years ago
they accepted our hospitality quickly enough
but they gradually became restive.
Started making unreasonable demands.
Went against the natural order.
Using the technology of the Enterprise
we might be able to find these men.
I assumed as much.
But be warned, Counselor.
These men are dangerous.
( coughing )
CRUSHER: Sick Bay to Captain Picard.
Picard here.
Wesley and one of his friends
have contracted some form of respiratory ailment.
A respiratory ailment? Is it contained?
I hope so. I've isolated the 12 students
who were on the Quazulu VIII field trip.
How contagious is it?
Still running tests.
The key is to figure how the virus is transmitted.
So far, I've been able to rule out
person to person contact.
Keep with it, Doctor.
Starfleet has very important business for us
as soon as the away team returns.
I don't fancy the idea of my crew being infected.
Data, what's the best way
to go about finding Ramsey and the other survivors?
If we can isolate something unique
to the Odin survivors
perhaps an element not otherwise found
on Angel One, we can utilize
the Enterprise scanners.
Mr. Data will need access to your library.
Our library is far too sophisticated
for a man to comprehend.
I am an android, Mistress
though anatomically, I am a male.
An amusing notion.
Maybe you can teach our males a thing or two.
Trent, see to the android's needs.
Bridge to Captain Picard.
Go ahead, Lieutenant.
The away team requests
that we scan the planet's surface
for traces of platinum.
Have Mr. La Forge break fixed orbit
and initiate a search pattern.
Aye, Captain.
Geordi.
Search pattern initiated... now.
This was delivered for you.
Good.
It's for my meeting with Beata.
You're not going to wear that.
Of course.
Part of this mission is diplomatic.
I have requested an audience with a head of state
and I will honor her by wearing indigenous apparel.
I don't believe this.
You're going to put that thing on
and parade around like one of them?
What is this attitude?
On Kabatris, I had to wear furs
to meet with the leadership council
and on Armus IX I wore feathers.
This objection doesn't have anything to do
with the fact that Beata is a woman
and an attractive one, does it?
This is quite unnecessary, Doctor.
I'm fine!
You're infected with the virus, Captain.
In my opinion, you are no longer physically able
to effectively command this vessel.
That is ridiculous, Doctor!
I've an away team down there in less than friendly territory
and, in addition, I have an appointment
with several Romulan battle cruisers...
You have an appointment
in your cabin, Captain
with your bed.
Is that an order, Doctor?
Yes.
I think I may sneeze.
A Klingon sneeze?
Only kind I know.
Lieutenant La Forge
you have command until further notice.
Please make the proper ship's log entries.
Aye, sir.
Scanners indicate a platinum trace.
Should I notify the away team?
Make it so.
( whispers ): Tasha.
What do you think?
( laughs )
Uh...
Well...
I got to say, it's kind of sexy.
Thank you, Lieutenant.
Actually, it feels quite comfortable.
( giggles )
How handsome you look.
Thank you.
The Enterprise reports
a possible location for Mr. Ramsey
and the other survivors.
So soon?
I'm impressed.
I am suspicious.
You don't believe me?
Not yet.
I hear the words, but not the sincerity.
You had your opportunity to object, Ariel.
You were in the minority.
ARIEL: After seven years, the great ship Enterprise
comes to repatriate a small group
of insignificant people.
Mistress Ariel, I hear the words
but not the sincerity.
You should listen more carefully.
Excuse me, Mistress.
I have matters to attend to elsewhere.
With your permission
we'd like to begin our search immediately.
By all means.
But I'm sure Counselor Troi and the others
can see to that without you.
If I recall, you had a gesture of goodwill to give me.
Certainly that can wait
until we've recovered the survivors.
Are you suggesting that the women in your party
are incapable of accomplishing that task
without the help of a man?
Not at all.
Lieutenant Yar and Counselor Troi
are completely qualified.
You're very generous with your praise.
Inform them that you will remain here with me.
Riker to Lieutenant Yar.
This is Yar.
In the interest
of diplomatic relations
I will remain here with Mistress Beata
while you conduct our search.
Commander?
You have your instructions.
Relax, we have much to discuss.
Set phasers to stun.
I wish they weren't necessary.
A justified precaution, Counselor.
Mistress Beata observed
that Mr. Ramsey and his men are dangerous.
Lieutenant Yar to Enterprise.
LA FORGE: Go ahead, Tasha.
Three to beam to the location of that platinum trace, Geordi.
Coordinates set.
Energize.
Tasha!
Welcome.
I've been expecting you.
Picard to Bridge.
( Klingon sneeze )
La Forge here.
Status report.
82 more reported cases of the virus, sir.
Dr. Crusher has converted the holodeck
into an isolation ward.
And the... the away team?
Well, no recent contact, sir.
But I have informed them of the medical situation up here
and the growing Romulan threat to our neutral zone outpost.
Keep me advised.
You have the Bridge until Commander Riker returns.
Engineering reports a computer mal...
( Klingon sneeze )
I'm sorry.
I'm getting sick.
I'm sure half the ship knows that by now.
Report to Sick Bay, Lieutenant.
Engineering to Bridge.
( sighs )
La Forge here.
The computer won't accept the varying climate controls.
On my way.
With all respect, Lieutenant
there are people to do that job now.
La Forge to Engineering.
Lieutenant Wong knows that system.
I'm sure she'll be able to resolve all problems.
Worf...
thanks for the advice.
( Klingon sneeze )
RAMSEY: How did you find me?
DATA: Actually, it was quite simple.
Angel One has no platinum.
Enterprise scanners did the rest.
Platinum, was it?
My wings.
I kept them for their sentimental value.
Where are the other survivors, Mr. Ramsey?
Oh, they're nearby.
They're packing, as a matter of fact
since we can no longer remain here.
Seven years on an alien planet
and I sense no anticipation, no excitement at being rescued?
What is it that you think that you're rescuing me from?
My shipmates and I have all taken wives.
A few even have children.
You can't rescue a man from a place that he calls his home.
Why were you so hesitant at first
to tell us about the Odin survivors?
Because Ramsey and his men are anarchists.
I had to make sure you weren't here
to fuel their struggle.
I like the way your eyes pick up
the color of your tunic.
It's not our position to interfere
in the domestic affairs of other societies.
But you can interact?
Of course.
Otherwise, how can we learn?
Is that why you're here with me tonight?
To learn?
Yes.
About our society?
Yes.
Well, in our society
it is the men who are the fortunate ones
enjoying all life has to offer
while we women devote ourselves
to the obligation of making life work.
In our society we share the responsibilities
and the pleasures equally.
Which is why I'm able to be here with you
while the women of the away team go to find Ramsey.
You have to remind me to thank them when they come back
for giving us this time.
You resist.
Don't you find me attractive?
Yes, I find you very attractive.
You attract me like no man ever has.
It's not my function to seduce or be seduced
by the leader of another world.
That's not the reason.
No, it's not.
But will you still respect me in the morning?
I hope so.
Thank you, Trent.
You may go.
Compliments of the USS Enterprise.
It's called an Albeni meditation crystal.
Very impressive.
And now, I must repay you in kind.
Five months in a rescue pod no bigger than this room
is an eternity I hope none of you will ever have to face.
When we finally made it here
we thought we'd died and gone to heaven.
You've seen the women on this planet.
They're tall and strong and very lovely.
But after the newness wore off
we started to see how the men were treated.
There's no votes, there's no opinions
there's no respect.
None of which is your concern
any longer, Mr. Ramsey.
Call the others in, please.
It's time to leave.
Despite their problems, Lieutenant
we happen to like it here on Angel One.
We're not going anywhere.
But Mistress Beata...
Mistress Beata be damned!
Her wish is not my command, and neither is yours.
You can't force us to go.
DATA: Mr. Ramsey is correct, Counselor.
The Odin was not a starship, which means her crew
is not bound by the prime directive.
If he and the others wish to stay here
there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.
( coughing )
LA FORGE: Bridge to Sick Bay.
How are you doing, Doctor?
We have more sick than we do beds.
So far, I've been forced to confine over 300
to their private quarters.
We're going to be seriously undermanned
if we're forced to engage the Romulans in battle.
The Romulans are your problem, Lieutenant--
trying to find an inoculant is mine.
This virus mutates every 20 minutes.
But we haven't had any fatalities... yet.
If this continues, there will be no one left to run the ship.
If this continues, Lieutenant La Forge
nobody will be healthy enough to care.
Yar to Enterprise.
Enterprise here, go ahead.
Prepare to beam three to our previous location, Geordi.
After regrouping with Commander Riker
we'll return to the ship.
I suggest you make that on the double, Tasha.
We have a real medical emergency brewing up here.
One-third of the crew is down
and the latest information from the neutral zone outpost
is that more Romulan vessels are converging on that area.
YAR: I'll inform the Commander.
Yar out.
One thing before we go.
You said you were expecting us.
Why?
I can't answer that.
We wish you well, Mr. Ramsey.
Energize.
They're gone.
BEATA: What a refreshing change--
to be with a man who knows what he wants.
RIKER: And doesn't have to be told by a woman?
Exactly.
I knew you were bright enough to understand.
See, women, by our very nature
want only what is best for their men.
Men are not objects to be possessed, Mistress Beata.
Of course they're not.
It was merely a figure of speech.
( doorbell rings )
Enter.
What is so important you find it necessary
to intrude upon my privacy?
They have returned, Mistress
but without Ramsey or the others.
Your advanced technology has proven inadequate?
What happened, Tasha?
Mr. Ramsey and the other survivors refuse to leave.
You gave me your solemn word.
I'm sorry, there's nothing else we can do.
I'm sorry as well.
Since you refuse to take them with you
I am left with no choice
but to sentence them all to death.
Come.
It looks horrible
tastes worse
but it's absolutely guaranteed
to make you feel better.
I knew you'd like it.
Are you wearing cologne?
Like something I smelled earlier
something Klingon.
Lieutenant Worf and I
detected the same scent
when we bumped
into your son
at the holodeck.
It's that smell.
That's how the virus travels.
An airborne particle
whose sweet scent
inspires deep inhalation.
And once inside the body
becomes that damn virus!
I have work to do.
You are excused, Doctor.
What's the latest on the Enterprise's medical situation?
Dr. Crusher feels the virus
will undoubtedly run unchecked
through the entire ship.
Attempts to develop an inoculant
have so far ended in failure.
Lieutenant La Forge still has Bridge command
pending your return, sir.
And what about the Romulans entering the neutral zone?
The border outpost reports a contingent
of seven Romulan battle cruisers
within sensor range.
The USS Berlin has answered the distress call.
However, should hostilities erupt
both the outpost and the starship
will be outgunned.
It is felt that the Enterprise's presence
in the area will be a vital show of force.
Some show of force.
The Enterprise could fly on autopilot
but with that virus knocking down our crew
we're going to be in sorry shape
if things turn ugly.
I think it's time we leave this place.
It doesn't feel right to leave
while Beata is determined to execute those people.
She has to find them first.
Ramsey and his bunch have been fugitives for years.
I suspect he's pretty good at evading capture.
Something's wrong.
Before you go back to your ship
there's something I want you to see.
We were no harm to anyone.
Why did you tell them where to find us?
You brought this upon yourself.
You and the traitor.
One does not need the technology of the Enterprise
to follow Mistress Ariel
sneaking out to warn her husband.
Let her stand with him now!
For tomorrow they will die together.
You claim to be an advanced society
and yet you resort to executions
in order to suppress those who don't share your views.
I don't expect you to understand.
Why? Because I'm only a man?
You'll accomplish nothing with that attitude.
Mistress Beata
if you had an alternative to the execution of Ramsey
and his followers, would you take it?
Is that not the way of an advanced society?
Then let us meet with the men from the Odin one last time.
Let me try to convince them to leave here with us.
Will you also include those from this world
who unwisely choose to follow Ramsey and his group?
Yes. All of them.
( murmuring )
Mistress Beata is willing to give you a second chance.
We're prepared to take your entire group with us.
That's very kind of you.
But we're not going.
Haven't you been paying attention, Ramsey?
You're scheduled to be executed tomorrow.
We don't want to die.
We don't want to leave, either.
There's no time to debate the issues.
You're going with us
whether you choose to go or not.
DATA: Excuse me, Commander
but removing any of these people against their will
would be a violation of several Starfleet regulations
not the least of which would be the prime directive.
I realize that, Mr. Data.
I'd rather face a court-martial
than live with the guilt
of leaving these people to their death.
Commander Riker to the Enterprise.
This is the Enterprise, Crusher here.
It must be worse up there than we thought.
Doctor, where is Lieutenant La Forge?
He's right here, but he's in bad shape.
Notify the transporter room I have 14 to beam up.
I can't allow it.
This virus is totally out of control here.
Doctor, these people are facing their death down here.
They might be facing the same thing up here.
Until I have a better idea what I'm dealing with
no one can beam up.
I'm sorry, Will, but you must wait.
Understood.
Doctor, would this virus have any effect on Mr. Data?
Not likely.
You're going back there alone.
I want you to get the Enterprise
into the neutral zone before it's too late.
This is Data standing by to beam up.
What of them?
I don't know, Deanna.
Mistress Beata invites you to witness
this morning's reaffirmation
of Angel One's moral imperative.
Is that the civilized word for murder on this world?
Send Mistress Beata our regrets.
The Elected One will not look fondly...
DATA: Enterprise to Commander Riker.
They're still here.
Riker here.
Data, I gave you direct orders
to get to the neutral zone immediately.
Explain the delay.
To be precise, Commander
you ordered me to reach the neutral zone
before it is too late.
After relieving Lieutenant La Forge
I computed the length of time the border outpost
and the USS Berlin
can safely withstand a Romulan attack--
deducted our time to destination at maximum warp speed.
That leaves Dr. Crusher 48 minutes
to develop an inoculant to the virus.
Which means there's still time
for us to do something.
48 minutes.
Ah, 47, sir.
Perhaps, Data, perhaps.
Thank you
for following my orders so precisely, Data.
On second thought, Trent, we would be honored
to witness your moral imperative in action.
We have determined that the heretical teachings
of Ramsey and his followers are inconsistent
with harmonious life on Angel One.
Our patient efforts
to silence revolutionary voices have failed.
Therefore, we are left with none
but the most final alternative.
( sizzling sound )
BEATA: As you can see
we are not without compassion.
Your deaths will be
swift and painless.
Mistress Beata
before we see living examples
of your compassion, may I speak?
Is this a plea for leniency?
Nothing of the sort.
As the governing body of Angel One
you're entitled to execute your laws
or your citizens as you see fit.
Make your point so we can proceed
with this unpleasant business.
When you spoke of the prisoners
you used the term revolutionary.
Indeed, death has been known to stop revolutions.
But I suspect it's not a revolution
that Angel One is hoping to stop.
It's evolution.
Mr. Ramsey and the Odin survivors
did not initiate the waves of dissent
that are rippling through your planet.
Their presence here merely reinforced
the change in attitudes between men and women
that was already well underway.
They became symbols around whom others
who shared their views could gather.
You may eliminate the symbols
but that does not mean death to the issues
which those symbols represent.
No power in the universe can hope to stop
the force of evolution.
Be warned.
The execution of Mr. Ramsey and his followers
may elevate them to the status of martyrs.
Martyrs cannot be silenced.
Beata!
Stop.
We will adjourn to consider your words.
Thank you.
I don't know if it was enough.
Sick Bay to Bridge.
Go ahead, Doctor.
Bingo, Data.
Bingo?
I fail to see the relevance, Doctor.
Is that not a reference to an ancient Earth game?
It's also a reference to success, Data.
I've got the inoculant.
Excellent, Doctor.
We still have 17 minutes left.
I will inform the away team immediately.
Enterprise to Riker.
We are now ready to have you beamed up, Commander.
Data, Ramsey and the prisoners
are with us in the Great Hall.
I want you to lock in the transporter.
Prepare to evacuate the entire group
but for now, stand by.
Understood, Commander.
After careful consideration, this legislature has voted
to stay the execution of the prisoners.
Their children will be returned to them immediately.
Do not rejoice prematurely.
Ramsey and his followers are to be exiled
to a distant and unpopulated region.
Life will be difficult there
with little time
left for revolutionary...
or evolutionary upheaval.
As some have observed
we may not be able to stop evolution
but perhaps we can reduce it to a slow crawl.
For a man, you can be very clever, Commander Riker.
Riker to Enterprise.
Belay my previous order, Mr. Data.
There will now be only three to beam up.
Energize.
Welcome home.
It's good to be back.
Are they recovering?
Slowly, but yes.
And the Captain?
( hoarsely ): The Captain is fine, thank you.
PICARD: Mr. Data has been briefing me
on the away team's comportment, Number One.
TROI: We, uh...
improvised, sir.
Mmm... I look forward to your reports.
Don't we have a call to pay on the Romulans, Captain?
Indeed, we do.
Mr. Data, set course for the neutral zone.
Warp six.
Coordinates set, warp six.
On your mark, sir.
( barely audible ) Engage.
Sir?
Engage.