PICARD: Commander Riker, report to the Bridge.
On the way.
WOMAN: Oh!
MAN: Harry, Harry, come back here!
( grunts )
What's your hurry, Harry?
Oops. Sorry, Commander.
I was just...
Harry!
I'm sorry if he bothered you.
No bother, Dr. Bernard.
I'm not going back.
I hate that teacher, and I hate calculus.
Everyone needs an understanding of basic calculus--
whether they like it or not.
Why?
( console beeping )
BEVERLY: You're limping.
I had a small run-in with an aspiring sprinter.
Number One.
Problem, Captain?
More a curiosity.
For the past few hours
we've been tracking faint energy readings
in an attempt to locate its source.
It's like following a trail of bread crumbs.
The path finally led us here and then stopped--
which is what I knew would interest you.
What's our position, Geordi?
The Epsilon Mynos system, sir.
RIKER: Thank you, Captain. you're right.
I wouldn't miss this for anything.
What's so interesting about this system?
Aldea.
Tasha, I'm surprised you haven't heard the stories of Aldea--
the wondrous, mythical world
like Atlantis of ancient Earth
or Neinman of Xerxes VII--
advanced culture, centuries old, self-contained, peaceful
incredible technical sophistication
providing the daily needs of all the citizens
so that they could turn themselves over
to art and culture.
Where's it supposed to be?
That's the myth.
Somehow, as the legend goes
the Aldeans were able to cloak
their planet in darkness
and go unseen by marauders
and other hostile passersby
who might rob and plunder.
YAR: What a wonderful fairy tale.
Scanners still show nothing, sir.
Scanners may show nothing, sir
but I'm sensing something very strong--
thousands of minds.
From where?
Very close.
All stop and hold this position.
Aye, sir.
All stop
and hold.
Anything?
Captain, I'm recording a distortion
in Quadrant 1, mark, 9-0.
On screen.
( screen beeps )
Shields and deflectors up.
Aye, sir. ( console beeps )
It's Aldea, Captain.
It has to be.
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.
Captain's Log, Stardate 41509.1:
Either by chance or intent
we've been led to the planet Aldea
which appeared out of nowhere
hidden behind a sophisticated shielding device.
Sensors indicate that the shield is electromagnetic--
a complicated light- refracting mechanism.
A cloaking device.
Aye, sir.
It's got to be pretty sophisticated
to hide an entire planet.
We're being scanned, sir.
Hmm. We'll let them know our peaceful intention.
Open hailing frequencies, Lieutenant Yar.
Frequencies open, sir.
I am Rashella.
Welcome to Aldea.
I, uh...
( clears throat )
I am Jean-Luc Picard, Captain of the USS Enterprise.
We come in peace.
We know.
We've heard stories about Aldea
but, frankly, I never believed they could be true.
Our shield has confused outsiders
for millennia, Captain.
That's a very long time to have such technology.
Why do you reveal yourselves to us now?
We are eager to meet in person to discuss that
and other subjects of mutual interest.
We're ready anytime.
Excellent.
( screen beeps off, alarm sounds )
We mean no harm.
Our arrival seems to have startled you.
It was a little sudden.
I'm Radue--
First Appointee to Aldea.
Welcome aboard.
Captain, they haven't been through decontamination.
PICARD: Our medical doctor is concerned
that you didn't go through
the regular transporting procedure.
You couldn't transport us.
The only way through our shield is our way, Captain.
Our cloaking device may be off
but our shield is operating.
We've brought you small tokens of welcome.
And a personal invitation
to a celebration on Aldea.
That would be delightful.
Number One, assemble the away team.
We will prepare
for your arrival, Commander Riker.
How do you know...?
...your name?
Well, we've been monitoring your ship's communications.
We must now return to Aldea.
Our eyes are very sensitive to the bright light.
Rashella.
( device beeping )
Amazing!
To exist only in that dream world of mythology
and then suddenly to be here, right in front of us.
Now we know who placed the bread crumbs.
We're not here by accident.
Counselor, do you sense anything?
They want something from us-- something we value greatly--
so much, that they're afraid we won't part with it.
( communications beep )
RADUE: We're ready to receive you, Commander Riker
and two of your colleagues.
Interesting choices.
I hope that Duana and I know how
to greet you properly, Commander.
How do they cloak the planet?
The theory is simple--
the shield bends light rays around the planet's contour--
similar to the Romulan cloaking device
but the implementation is quite difficult.
WORF: Captain!
Data, what do you read?
Some sort of scanning device, sir.
PICARD: Don't touch him!
This beam is emanating from Aldea.
Shields up. La Forge, contact Commander Riker.
Worf, check all decks.
Shields inoperable, sir.
All decks being probed in a methodical pattern, sir.
All decks, everywhere-- the entire ship?
DATA: Aye, sir.
LA FORGE: Can't reach the Commander--
we're being blocked.
Wesley, are you all right?
It was scary at first
but I didn't really feel anything.
WORF: Sir, similar incidents, all decks...
but only with the children.
Yes, we are an ancient power, Commander
but we've suffered for it.
Our history is littered with the deaths
of those Aldeans who wanted more and more things.
Nothing was ever enough
so we've evolved a very simple way of living--
for whatever is taken, something is given in return.
That seems an equitable code.
Hmm, it's brought us peace.
Unfortunately, there are very few of us left to enjoy it.
Why?
That is part of what we wish to discuss.
We need help from the Federation to rebuild our heritage.
We need a younger generation, strong and healthy
following in the Aldean traditions.
I don't understand.
How can the Federation
help influence your children in your traditions?
Because we have no children, Commander.
Rashella was the last child born on this planet.
And your medical community can do nothing?
They've tried, Dr. Crusher, and failed.
Perhaps we can help.
Radue, exactly why were we invited here?
We propose a trade:
one which would solve our problem
and give something back to the Federation.
And the nature of this trade?
We need some of your children.
In payment, we will give you information
that would take you centuries to acquire.
That might be acceptable to some other races
but, uh, humans are unusually attached to their offspring.
Our children are not for sale at any price.
RIKER: We sympathize with your situation
but what you ask is not possible.
And that's your final answer?
That's my only answer.
Now, if there's some other way
that we could help you...
I'm sorry you are so intransigent.
( high-pitched tone )
Still no response, sir.
( beeping )
Wesley!
They've taken my son.
Alexandra!
( plucking notes )
( alarm sounding )
Captain, saucer section reports six more children are gone.
It's the children.
That's why we've been brought here.
That's what they wanted.
And that's what they have!
Status?
Aldean shields still up.
Hailing frequencies open; no response.
Keep trying.
Counselor, you'll have to gather the parents.
They'll need to speak to you as well, Captain.
( communications beep )
RADUE: Captain, your children are with us.
My word of honor-- no harm will ever come to them.
Harm has already come to them.
Captain, let us begin discussions
regarding appropriate compensation.
Compensation?
You have stolen our children away from...
away from their classrooms, away from their bedrooms
and you talk about compensation!
You claim to be a civilized world
and yet you've just committed an act of utter barbarity!
Captain, we will continue these discussions
when you've calmed down.
Wesley, I'm frightened.
I know you are, Katie--
we all are--
but we're going to be all right.
Everyone knows where we are
and no one is going to hurt you.
I promise.
( door opens )
Greetings
Wesley Crusher.
The Custodian indicated that you would be the leader.
The Custodian?
Who is The Custodian?
The Custodian is not a person.
RASHELLA: You have been brought to Aldea
as our guests.
We'll provide anything you need or want.
We want to go home.
Wesley, all of you have been chosen because you are special.
Just ask for anything you want
and you shall have it.
What's happened to Alexandra and the other children, Captain?
How are you getting them back?
Toya, sit down.
Don't give in to fear.
Now, we all knew what the risks were when we signed on
and that's the choice we made.
Now, Captain Picard will do everything possible
to bring our children back.
The Aldeans are anxious to discuss compensation.
Compensation?
That will buy us time.
I've asked Dr. Crusher
to be involved in these negotiations
as your representative.
Why were these specific children taken?
We can't be sure.
We do know the Aldeans can't have children of their own.
Then they won't let them go easily.
I won't insult you by pretending that any of this will be easy.
But I can tell you that the Enterprise
will not leave them behind.
You can be assured of that.
Can we talk with our children
give them some reassurance
let them know that we are here
and that they will be safe?
I'll do my best to arrange that.
The last time I saw him, I yelled at him.
There you are!
I have you now!
Come in.
Don't be alarmed.
The other children have been assigned to their units.
Units?
A unit is a group where those of similar talents
and interests live together.
Do you mean like a family?
RADUE: Yes, you could call it that.
We already have families.
Does Captain Picard know you're doing this?
We keep nothing from him.
We've been waiting for you so long, Harry.
We are artists, just like you.
We see within you the potential of what you can be.
I'm not an artist.
You will be
and a great one.
This way, Harry.
Unit B, three, seven, five.
Katie.
I am honored.
Thank you.
Melian is the foremost musician on Aldea.
Music speaks its own language.
I know we'll have much to learn
from each other.
Don't worry, Katie.
You'll be seeing Wesley soon.
What about me?
Don't I get a say in this?
Wesley, sometimes something happens
which you just must accept.
You and the other children
are now members of this society.
That will not change.
It is up to you to make the transition
as easy as possible for the others.
It's your duty, because you are their leader.
Help them to accept it.
Because nothing you
or those on the starship can do can change it.
Because, like you, we also have no choice.
( laughter )
Where have you been, Rashella?
Zena and Aran are waiting to take Alexandra.
No.
No? I told you that she...
No, Radue.
They can't have her.
I will never let her go.
Any response from Aldea, Lieutenant?
Not yet, sir.
Captain, Data has found something interesting.
The Aldean shield gives evidence of random fluctuations
weakening its structure in isolated sections.
Are you saying that there are holes
in their defense system?
In essence, yes.
I find it surprising that after all these eons
the Aldeans have not perfected their technology.
One would assume, they'd be aware
of the weakness and repair it.
Could we beam an away team through one of those holes?
It's a possibility.
It would have to be perfectly timed
and there's no guarantee.
We may be more successful
in deciphering the code they use
to transport through the magnetic shield.
Can you do that?
DATA: Eventually, sir. I am working on it now
but the number of permutations is almost endless.
Keep trying.
While he's doing that, Number One
I want you and La Forge to try and find some way
of getting through one of those holes
because... one way or another
we have got to get an away team on the planet
to locate power source for the shield
and neutralize it.
You're certain they'll negotiate?
Oh, they'll negotiate
or they'll call it that.
They've taken what they want.
Now they'll rationalize it
by throwing us some sort of bone.
And when we don't accept their offer?
The minute that they believe that we won't accept
their compensation for the children
they'll break off the discussion
they'll disappear behind their shield
locking us out, and the children in--
forever.
That's why I've got to keep them talking.
Custodian.
Wesley Crusher's voice will be entered
into the authorized file for third-level clearance.
CUSTODIAN: Proceed, Duana.
Announce yourself to The Custodian.
Hello, Custodian.
I am Wesley Crusher.
Hello, Wesley.
Your voice will now activate third-level clearance.
What does that mean?
You may ask any questions you wish.
Thank you.
Duana, what does The Custodian do?
It frees us from all burden.
It takes care of all our needs.
It regulates our lives.
Who built it?
The progenitors.
When?
Oh, hundreds of centuries ago.
What is its power source?
Wesley, why is that important?
It does what we ask it to; it always has.
What difference does it make how it works?
If you don't know how it works
then how can you repair it?
Why would we want to repair it?
From time to time, every computer...
I mean, Custodian, requires maintenance.
Wesley, Radue is right.
You ask questions I can't answer.
Ask The Custodian instead.
Custodian
can you show me where Harry is?
Yes.
Custodian, show me Harry.
( Custodian beeps )
( instrument buzzing )
I never did this before.
Oh.
It's fun.
( laughs )
You are going to make him into a sculptor?
He already is.
He was just never encouraged properly.
The tool Leda is giving him
will allow him to bring out his visions.
It will take him years to learn to do that.
Oh, no
it will happen quite quickly.
Custodian, show me Alexandra.
( beeps )
( laughs )
Yeah.
( laughs )
Custodian, show me Mason.
Stop, Custodian.
We must work now.
There's much to learn.
What's in there?
The power source?
I don't know.
Captain's Log, supplemental:
We remain in orbit around Aldea.
It's becoming all too evident
that talk will not effect the return of our children.
We must neutralize the Aldean shield.
Until then, we are helpless.
Sir, Radue is hailing us.
( communications beep )
RADUE: Captain Picard.
Dr. Crusher and I are ready, Radue.
Are you ill, Captain?
No, Doctor Crusher is a staff officer.
Starfleet Regulation 6.57 requires that at least
two staff officers are present
during any treaty or contract negotiations.
Very well.
( communications beep )
Not much on pleasantries, is he?
Captain, I am not aware of Regulation 6.57.
No, Data, neither am I.
I see, sir.
Oh, I see, sir.
Dr. Crusher, please report to the Bridge.
Now we'll see what they have in mind.
( electrical whine )
Before we begin
we want to see the children.
No, we're here to negotiate appropriate compensation
not to pander to emotions.
Please, sit.
We do not condone your actions.
You're attempting to salve your conscience
by offering us goods
in exchange for our children.
Why do you want them back so badly?
You can always have more.
You're trifling with the primal instincts of our species.
I must warn you that human parents
are quite willing to die for their children.
Returning the children is nonnegotiable.
I promise you, they will have a beautiful life with us
and they'll be father and mother to a new breed
born of an ancient culture.
But how can you be so sure that they can have children?
You can't.
But they will.
Our inability to bear children
is a genetic dysfunction.
It's not contagious.
We sympathize with your situation.
Surely, there is a solution
that can be mutually satisfactory.
For us, the problem is solved
and we're offering you information
on areas of the galaxy you do not even know exist.
What more can we offer?
What more would you like?
A significant beginning
but first, I must ask that Dr. Crusher
be allowed to see her son before we continue.
( laughter )
Oh, you are a stubborn people.
Ah, well, that too can be a positive trait.
You may see him.
Mom!
Wes.
( clicking )
I knew Captain Picard would get us home.
Not yet, Wes.
Oh.
Are you okay?
And the others?
Okay, really okay.
We've been assigned to our units--
like families.
They're treating us like gods.
( laughs )
Well, don't let it go to your head.
I won't.
( door opening )
Wes seems fine.
He says the other children are, too.
Of course they're well.
Captain Picard, you have our offer.
It is final.
Rashella.
( electrical whine )
( communications beep )
RADUE: Captain.
We want you to understand the nature of your choice.
A small demonstration of our power.
( whooshing )
( thundering )
( alarm sounding )
( roaring )
( alarm sounding )
( roaring subsides )
( alarm continuing )
What was that?
I believe it was a repulsor beam.
Position report.
This is unbelievable, sir.
According to my calculations, we're three days from Aldea.
At warp nine.
And they call that a "small demonstration"?
Geordi, get us back to Aldea-- warp nine.
Aye, sir.
( communications beep )
RADUE: Captain--
if you don't accept our terms
the Enterprise will be pushed so far away
that by the time you return
your children will be grandparents.
Captain's Log, Stardate 41512.4:
We are 20 hours away from Aldea and no closer to a solution.
Their deliberate show of force pushed us out of orbit
and could've easily disintegrated the ship.
Now hold it a little bit more firmly.
That's it-- perfect.
Now, think...
No, think's not right.
Feel the notes inside your head.
( musical discord )
Sorry!
Did I break it?
No, it's all right.
You can't break this.
Did, did exactly what I thought...
I mean, felt.
Yes, it's a direct reflection of the music within.
Now we have to teach you to structure that feeling.
Try it again.
( melancholy tune plays )
That was beautiful.
Now...
play something happier.
That's not the way I feel.
I don't want to do this anymore.
( instrument buzzing )
You see, Harry?
I told you, you were going to be an artist.
Are you sure?
Did I really do this?
Oh, yes.
Your talent has always been there.
The sculpting tool is just helping you develop it.
It's what you were meant to do.
You mean, I don't have to take calculus anymore?
You don't have to do anything
you don't want to.
What's calculus?
Nothing important.
Can I do some more?
( instrument buzzing )
Captain's Log, supplemental:
It has been three days since the Aldeans pushed us away.
We have had no contact with Radue since then.
Open hailing frequencies, Lieutenant Yar.
( communications beep )
Frequencies open, sir.
Radue, this is Picard.
( communications beep )
Welcome back, Captain.
What have you decided?
That there is room for discussion, Radue.
We will bring you down when we're ready.
( communications beep )
Data, find a way to defeat that shield.
That may be impossible, sir.
Things are only impossible until they're not.
Yes, sir.
Captain...
...here's what I've learned so far.
Duana is dying.
I have no reason to believe
the other Aldeans are any healthier.
They're suffering from a kind of chromosomal damage.
It could be genetic or environmental.
And is that why they can't conceive?
Yes. It also explains their lack of appetite
extreme pallor and sensitivity to light.
An entire civilization that's terminally ill.
Is it reversible?
I won't know until I find the cause
and you don't need to tell me--
time is running out.
Good work, Doctor.
Have the lesions gone?
Yes.
The medicine worked again.
Good.
Come see what Harry's doing.
Beautiful!
Yeah.
It really turned out well.
It's so alive and graceful.
What do you call it?
It's a dolphin.
LEDA: Dolphin?
You know, it swims in the ocean--
like a fish, only it's not a fish.
Ah, a fish!
We used to have those in our oceans.
I've never seen one before.
I used to live near the ocean
on Zadar IV.
My dad's an oceanographer.
He says that, well...
...never mind.
It... it doesn't matter.
( humming softly )
Shh, shh.
I want Mommy.
Shh, shh...
I want Mommy. Shh...
You haven't eaten.
You didn't eat anything.
We need very little.
We know you miss your family
but you'll grow accustomed to us.
I promise you'll be happy.
We were happy before we came.
We are offering more, especially for you.
Duana...
I feel badly for you that you have no children
but I have to tell you
that we don't want to be here
and we will not cooperate.
Custodian's room.
( whispering ): Custodian, this is Wesley Crusher.
Proceed, Wesley.
Shh!
Show me where the Enterprise children are
in relation to this room.
( beeps )
Thank you.
Good night.
Good night, Wesley. ( beeps )
( gasps )
Shh!
( whispering ): I think I know a way to get us home.
I need your help.
Chief Medical Officer's Log, Stardate 41512.9:
I've begun to suspect
that whatever is killing the Aldeans
is related to a danger faced by Earth in the 21st century.
Can it be that Aldea's ozone layer
has been weakened?
KATIE: Why will not talking or eating make them send us home?
It's called passive resistance.
We don't do what they want us to do
and they won't want us.
Will they get mad at us?
WESLEY: They won't hurt us.
But, Wes, I do kind of like them.
So do I
but I don't want to stay here forever, do you?
No.
But I like working with the wood.
WESLEY: Harry...
we all have to be in this together
or it's not going to work.
Okay.
I'll do it.
What are you all doing here together?
What is going on here?
( console beeping )
I've got it, Captain.
The Aldeans are suffering
from radiation poisoning.
Is that what made them sterile?
Yes.
Is it reversible?
With proper treatment, yes.
DATA: Captain
sir.
These permutations will take time.
How long?
Weeks.
RIKER: There is the other option.
LA FORGE: We were able to further define
the weakness in their shield.
It's not so much a hole as it is a fluctuation.
If the timing is precise, it is possible
to beam through and onto the planet.
Why don't we just beam the children up through the hole?
The timing would be more difficult and the risk greater.
All right, you and Data beam down.
Locate the power source of that shield.
Knock it out.
I'll, uh, delay the Aldeans till you're ready.
( giggling )
Shh.
Will you at least eat?
No, Alexandra.
Why?
We can't eat.
I know you're hungry--
we all are--
but it's our way of telling them
that we want to go home.
Understand?
Yeah.
( communications beep )
We're ready, Lieutenant Worf.
RADUE: Captain
you may come down now to conclude our discussion
or your ship may leave.
It's your choice.
Dr. Crusher and I are prepared
to conclude our negotiations.
( transporter whines) ( communications beep )
Transporter room, now!
( transporter whines )
This is it, Commander.
It is programmed to accept only
authorized voice command.
There's no way we can override?
No, but I can scramble the input
so that nobody else can.
Before we begin, Captain
you must speak with the children.
It seems they're on some sort of "strike"?
I don't-I don't understand it.
You must deal with this, Captain.
I'm, uh, not very good with children.
Strike.
I'll see what I can do.
WESLEY: I'm sure if we stick together in this, guys
we'll all be...
Hi, Captain Picard.
Hi, Captain.
Sir, I knew you'd come.
It's not over yet, Wesley.
I think I figured out
their computer controls, sir
but I'm not sure.
It's a different system than ours.
Good, Wesley.
Now...
Captain?
Yes, Harry?
If something happens
and you have to leave us here
will you tell my dad
that I'm sorry I made him angry
and... that I miss him?
You will tell him that, Harry
and I will tell him how much I admire his son.
Hello, Alexandra.
Hi.
( high-pitched beeping )
What is this?
They want to go home.
No, they're staying.
( communicator beeps ) Number One.
RIKER: We're in position.
Hold for orders.
BEVERLY: The radiation levels on Aldea
have been building up over a long period of time.
It is similar to what was experienced
on Earth in the 21st century
when the ozone layer deteriorated
and surface of the planet was flooded
with ultraviolet radiation.
The shield that protected your world in one way
is weakening it in another.
It is the radiation of your own sun
that is destroying you.
You are trying to confuse the issue.
Please listen.
You're all suffering from radiation poisoning.
Sterility is only the latest symptom.
If the children remain, they will be affected as well.
That's impossible. Our scientists would have known.
How could they?
Your scientists have forgotten how everything works.
No, all lies.
No, wait.
Don't send them back yet.
What if they're right?
Instead of the children being our hope
what if we're condemning them to our fate?
Rashella, they're just protecting their own interests.
As are we.
But hear them out.
The Captain and Dr. Crusher are saying
that the very thing which has given us
this wonderful world
is what has caused this tragedy.
That's it, exactly.
Your Custodian has controlled you so completely
you've even lost the desire to question it.
Lies, and the discussion is over.
( faltering beeps )
( communicator beeps) Commander Riker.
Yes, sir?
I assume you have control of the computer.
We've disabled the system temporarily.
We found the power source of the shield
and we've neutralized it.
Good.
Enterprise, this is Picard.
Beam the children up.
Wait.
PICARD: Enterprise, hold.
Thank you.
Let me get the dolphin
for you to take with you.
No, you keep it.
I'll make another one.
All right, Harry?
Yes, Captain.
Okay, kids, let's go home.
PICARD: Beam them up.
( transporter whines )
You have destroyed us.
We're not here to destroy you, Radue.
We're going to help you.
What is it?
PICARD: The legacy of your progenitors, Radue.
The source of your power
and your problems.
DATA: It is reading
incredible amounts of energy, sir.
Even more since we've taken down the shield.
What are we going to do with it?
Learn all over again.
All this time we've been destroying ourselves.
So sure of our technological invulnerability.
Now we must learn to use this power, safely.
Will you let us help you?
Yes, please.
Dad, I want to be an artist
but I don't want to take calculus anymore.
You can be anything you want, Harry-- anything.
But you still have to take calculus.
Okay. Thanks, Dad.
It worked well, sir.
We have successfully re-seeded the ozone layer
but for their atmosphere to maintain its integrity
they can never use the shield.
Or be cloaked again.
You finished?
Yes, Captain.
And they're responding very well to the treatment.
The legend will die
but the people will live.
And we know they'll make good parents.
Wesley!
Sorry, Captain.
She just wanted to thank you
for bringing her home to her mother.
Thank you.
Come on, Alexandra.
( stifled giggling )
Mr. La Forge
out of orbit, warp five.
Yes, sir.
Certainly, sir.
( giggling )