Captain's Log, Stardate 44741.9.
We have arrived at Tagus III
where the Enterprise is to serve as host
for the Federation Archeology Council's annual symposium.
I look forward to giving tomorrow's keynote address
with great anticipation.
( door chimes )
Come.
I thought you'd like to know
the Council members have beamed aboard
and been assigned their quarters.
Excellent.
Captain, it really is quite late.
Tell me, Counselor
with a regard to my lecture
what do you think will provide the greater clarity?
A chronological structure
or the division of each expedition's findings
into various religious, sociological
and environmental subgroupings?
I thought you'd already decided
on a chronological structure.
But there is something to be said
for a more scientific approach.
May I make a suggestion?
By all means.
Relax.
You've written a brilliant speech.
It will need to be.
Tomorrow, I'm going to be addressing
some of the greatest scientific minds
in the Federation.
Switzer, Klarc-Tarn-Droth...
McFarland!
Giants in the field of archeology.
Compared to them, I'm just an enthusiastic amateur.
I doubt they see you as an amateur
not when it comes to Tagus III.
Well, it's true.
I have done my homework.
I have examined the findings
of every archeological expedition conducted
on the planet's surface.
It is unfortunate that the Taguans
no longer allow outsiders to visit the ruins.
Indeed.
Especially since we know so little about their origins.
But I think...
I think that I have constructed
some plausible theories of my own.
And I'm sure the Council members will agree with you.
Your support is appreciated, Counselor.
Now, good night, Captain.
( sighs )
WOMAN: Bring back any memories?
Vash.
How did you get in here?
I came in through the window.
( clattering )
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.
[Captioning sponsored by PARAMOUNT PICTURES]
I had no idea
you were a member of the Archeology Council.
You are a member
aren't you?
More or less.
Why did you come to Tagus III?
To see you, of course.
Is that the only reason?
Isn't it enough?
I wish I could believe you.
( sighs )
I really have missed you, Jean-Luc.
( door chimes )
Excuse me.
I'm sorry I'm late.
Oh.
Excuse me.
I didn't realize you had company.
Uh, that's all right.
Uh, allow me to introduce you.
This is Beverly.
Dr. Beverly... Dr.-Dr. Beverly Crusher.
This is, um... Vash.
She's a friend of mine from the Archeology Council.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
The Captain and I often share morning tea together.
Yes, I know.
Jean-Luc has told me all about you.
Really?
When was that?
On Risa, where we met.
I see.
Well, that must have been during your vacation last year.
No.
Yes.
Well, I'm surprised
he didn't mention you.
So am I.
Doctor, are you busy?
Not at the moment.
I was wondering...
I would love to see some more of this marvelous ship.
I would be delighted to show it to you.
I, um...
That is...
if it's all right with you, Jean-Luc.
Of course.
Don't worry.
I promise to behave myself.
And this is Ten-Forward, where the Council's
welcoming reception will be held today.
Well, I can't think of a better location.
Tell me, does Jean-Luc come here often?
Not often.
The Captain is a very private man.
Would you like something to drink?
Please.
Eternity never looked so lovely.
Excuse me?
Oh, I was referring to the view-- eternity.
It never looked so lovely.
You must be Commander Riker.
I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage.
I didn't mean to interrupt.
I believe you were about to tell me
that... my eyes are as mysterious as the stars.
You're a Betazoid.
Not at all.
It's just that Jean-Luc does a very good imitation of you.
He does?
Hmm.
I see you two have met.
Not exactly.
This is Vash, a member of the Archeology Council
and a friend of the Captain's.
So I gathered.
They met during his visit to Risa.
On Risa.
That vacation must have been better than he let on.
You mean he never mentioned me to you either?
MAN: Dr. Crusher, please report to Sick Bay.
I'm afraid I won't be able to finish our tour.
But perhaps Commander Riker could take over for me.
It would be my pleasure.
This is the Main Bridge
the command center of the Enterprise
and our last stop.
Vash, Commander La Forge.
Vash.
Hello. Hello.
Commander Data.
Hello.
How do you do?
And this is Lieutenant Worf.
Hello.
Something wrong, Lieutenant?
I had not been informed that Council members
had been granted Bridge clearance.
Well, I think we can make an exception in this case.
Vash is a guest of the Captain.
Welcome aboard.
Thank you.
Is this where Jean-Luc sits?
RIKER: That's the big chair.
( sighs )
Well, I can see where being
a Starship Captain has its rewards.
I'm glad that you approve.
I suppose I'll go back to my room now
and get ready for the reception.
By all means.
Well, I suppose I'll see you then, then.
I look forward to it.
Fascinating woman.
I don't understand.
I thought being the ship's Counselor
meant the Captain confided in you.
He does, when he thinks it's necessary.
And he never spoke to you about me?
Not that I recall.
Not even a hint?
You must understand, the Captain is a very
Private man. private man.
I know.
Excuse me.
Of course.
Nice legs.
For a human.
But, unfortunately...
Jean-Luc? We need to talk.
Excuse me.
Well, the reception seems to be going well.
Forget the reception for a moment.
Why have you never mentioned me to your friends?
What would you have me tell them?
That we met, for one thing.
That we had an adventure together, some fun...
It wouldn't be possible.
Why not?
It would be, uh...
inappropriate.
I wasn't expecting you to go into intimate details.
A Captain does not reveal his personal feelings
to his crew.
Is that a Starfleet regulation
or did you just make that up yourself?
I'm sorry if you're upset.
And I'm sorry if my being here embarrasses you.
How was the reception?
Splendid.
Jean-Luc, it's wonderful to see you again.
How about a big hug?
Well, don't just stand there. Say something.
Get out of my chair!
Oh, and I was hoping for something
more along the lines of, "Welcome back, Q.
It's a pleasure to see you again, my old friend."
We're not friends.
You wound me, mon Capitain.
There.
Perhaps now your manners will show some improvement.
What brings you here, Q?
Have you been banished by the Continuum once again?
Oh, hardly.
They're still apologizing to me for the last time.
Then what is it you want?
Do I always have to have a reason to stop by?
I was merely in the sector.
I was, uh...
( chuckles )
Oh, you force a confession from me.
The truth is, I have a debt to repay.
A debt? To you.
And it gnaws at me
and it interferes with each of my days.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Without your assistance in our last encounter
I would never have survived.
I would have taken my own life but for you.
We all make mistakes.
Your good deed made possible
my reinstatement in the Continuum
and I resent owing you anything.
So, I'm here to pay up.
Tell me, what is it you wish? And I'll be gone.
Just be gone.
That'll do nicely.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
It has to be something more-more... constructive.
That's my new word for the day.
Some other time, Q.
Right now, I have other matters to attend to.
Yes, your speech. I read it.
It's dull, plodding, pedantic--
much like yourself.
I could help you with it.
No, thank you.
You've never actually been
to the ruins of Tagus III, have you?
No, they were sealed off more than a century ago.
Well, that explains it, then.
How can you write about something
that you've never seen?
I know.
Why don't I take you there?
Out of the question.
That would mean breaking Taguan law.
Must you always be so ethical?
I suppose we could travel back in time.
You could see what Tagus was like two billion years ago.
They really knew how to party back in those days.
My answer is still no.
My lecture will have to stand on its own.
And now, will you please leave my ship?
You are simply the most impossible person
to buy a gift for.
Commander Riker, will you report to my ready room?
Yes, Captain?
I've just been paid a visit from Q.
Q?
Any idea what he's up to?
He wants to do something nice for me.
I'll alert the crew.
Captain.
( door chimes )
VASH: Who's there?
It's me.
Who?
Jean-Luc.
Yes?
May I come in?
Let me try to explain.
I... I am by no means
embarrassed by your presence here.
On the contrary.
What's this?
A map of the ruins?
( sighs )
I thought that I was
the only reason you came to Tagus.
I never fooled you for a second.
Still, you are the most important reason.
Am I?
That's the problem
with being such a well-known liar.
Even when I'm telling the truth
no one believes me.
This equipment will have to be confiscated.
Is that necessary?
If the Taguans were to catch you down there...
Oh, come on.
You gave me the same warning
about Sarthong V. I remember.
Well, it didn't stop me from going there.
I brought back some very impressive artifacts, too.
Which no doubt you sold for a very impressive profit.
That's what I do.
Not on board my ship.
I will not allow it.
Let's get one thing straight
though, Picard.
I cannot change who I am for you or anyone else.
Nor can I change who I am.
Then we have nothing more to say to one another.
So it would seem.
( door closes )
Sleeping alone?
( sighs )
I'm in no mood for your foolishness, Q.
I knew there was something different about you.
You seemed tense, preoccupied, somewhat smaller.
At first, I thought it was
that horrible lecture of yours, but I was mistaken.
Whatever game it is you want to play
will have to wait until tomorrow.
I had such high hopes for you, Picard.
I thought you were a bit more evolved
than the rest of your species.
But now I realize you're just as weak as all the others.
Still, it pains me to see the great Jean-Luc Picard
brought down... by a woman.
What woman?
Don't play coy with me, Captain.
I witnessed your little spat with Vash.
Nor will I soon forget
the look of anguish on your face--
the pain, the misery.
If I didn't know better
( whispers ): I would have thought
you were already married.
You must be very bored, Q.
Your imagination is running away with you.
This human emotion-- love--
it's a dangerous thing, Picard.
And obviously
you're ill-equipped to handle it.
She's found a vulnerability in you.
A vulnerability
I've been looking for for years.
If I had known sooner
I would have appeared as a female.
Mark my words, Picard.
This is your Achilles heel.
Believe what you wish.
Do you deny that you care for this woman?
Believe me, I'd be doing you a big favor
if I turned her into a Klabnian eel.
Stay away from her, Q.
( chuckles ): I was just trying to help.
My debt to you...
is hereby nullified.
I don't want your help
your advice, your favors
or, for that matter, you.
Do you understand? Once and for all.
You would have me stand idly by
as she led you to your destruction?
Yes!
As you wish.
( audience talking quietly )
Hello, Doctor.
Ladies and gentlemen
members of the Archeology Council
welcome.
Mystery.
It is the mystery of Tagus III
that brings us here together today.
It is a mystery that has invited
more argument, more deduction, more speculation
than the best works of fiction.
And if you will excuse the conceit
I want to tell you about my detective story.
For several years now
I have been trying to unravel
the secrets of Tagus III.
Psst!
Needless to say, I have not succeeded.
However, I have, I believe
turned up some new information that, if nothing else
only raises a new set of mysteries.
And I hope that we can discuss them here together.
There have been 947 known archeological excavations
conducted on the planet's surface.
Of those, some 74
are generally believed to have revealed
findings of major importance.
The earliest were some 22,000
years ago...
( audience murmuring )
What the hell...?
( sighs )
Q!
Is this Tagus III?
I doubt there are many oak trees on Tagus.
No, I think this is supposed to be Earth
somewhere around about the 12th century.
And this is England-- or to be more precise-- Sherwood Forest
at least Q's re-creation of it.
That would explain these costumes.
Quite right, Number One.
Or should I say, John Little.
CRUSHER: Well, if he's Little John
that makes you... I know.
Robin Hood.
Sir, I protest.
I am not a merry man.
On the contrary, Lieutenant Worf.
Your clothing identifies you
with the character of Will Scarlett.
Just as Geordi's mandolin identifies him
as Alan-a-Dale.
And you, Mr. Data
bear a striking resemblance to Friar Tuck.
I will not play the fool for Q's amusement!
( hoofbeats, horse neighs )
( horse snorts )
I have you at last, Robin Hood.
( growling )
Quick, into the forest!
Mr. Worf!
That's an order!
( men shouting )
MAN: Enough, you fools!
We'll never find them in the Greenwood.
DATA: Make sure to keep the elbow straight.
TROI: Like this?
Yes. Yes.
No, no. Straight.
I've managed to stop the bleeding.
( hoofbeats, horse neighs )
( neighs )
( snorts )
Q.
It's about time you showed up.
I would prefer if you addressed me
as His Honor, the High Sheriff of Nottingham.
We will no longer share
in this pointless fantasy of yours.
Fine, stay here and do nothing.
By midday tomorrow
your crew will be safely aboard their ship.
Of course, you will have to accept
the consequences of your inaction.
Consequences?
What is the one thing
that Robin Hood is most famous for?
He robs from the rich and gives to the poor.
Besides that.
Perhaps you are referring to the rescue of Maid Marian
from Nottingham Castle.
Yes, Data.
And it just so happens that Sir Guy of Gisbourne
has decreed that Marian's head shall come off tomorrow at noon.
Vash.
It's your choice, Robin.
You can either take your ease in this sylvan glade
or risk your life
to save the woman you care nothing about.
My feelings toward Vash are irrelevant.
I would attempt to save any innocent life, as you well know.
Yes, but what about your Merry Men?
Are you willing to jeopardize their lives, as well?
Is Vash's life
worth more than Data's or Troi's
or Worf's?
You know, Worf
you'd make a perfect throw rug in Nottingham Castle.
Q, I ask you
to put an end to this, before someone gets hurt.
Oh, that's impossible.
You see, I've given this fantasy--
as you call it-- a life of its own.
I have no more idea
what's going to happen than you do.
But of one thing I'm absolutely sure.
If you dare come to Nottingham Castle
blood will be spilt.
Oh, you'll wear yourself out
with all that pacing, milady.
I told you to stop calling me that.
The name is Vash.
Oh, my poor lamb.
You've got a brain sickness, for sure.
Oh, can't I get you
something to ease your suffering?
Yeah, I could use a drink.
Well, I wasn't thinking of spirits, milady
but I have some nice, fresh leeches...
to drain the fever.
Out. Get out.
Oh.
Oh, her mind's in an awful turmoil, Sir Guy.
Who the hell are you?
Milady, everyone in Nottingham knows--
Sir Guy of Gisbourne.
Sir Guy of what?
Leave us.
( door creaks )
Do not mock me, Lady Marian.
I'm prepared to offer you
one last chance to change your mind.
Will you marry me?
I see.
Then the execution will proceed as scheduled.
What execution?
I warn you, Marian
this pathetic attempt at feigning madness
will not save your life.
You mean, I'm the one being executed?
Sir Guy, wait a minute.
Couldn't we talk this over?
I admit, I haven't been myself lately.
Maybe we've both been a bit... hasty?
Please.
( playing tunelessly )
( strings twang )
Sorry.
TROI: Data!
Are you all right?
The arrow impacted just above my sixth intercostal support
penetrating my secondary subprocessor.
Fortunately, none of my biofunctions seem affected.
Do not be concerned, Counselor.
I believe your aim is improving.
We've got to get out of here, Captain.
Not we, Number One.
I want you and the others
to stay here until I return.
You're not going to try to save her yourself, sir?
This is not a mission.
It's personal.
It's between Q and myself.
I don't want the rest of you involved.
Captain...!
You have your orders, Commander
and I expect you to follow them.
( dog barking )
A touch sharper, shall we?
Such benevolence, Sir Guy.
Allowing the condemned prisoner
a breath of fresh air.
You're mistaken, Sheriff.
Maid Marian has promised to be my wife.
What?!
That's impossible.
VASH: Not at all.
Though I admit
a maiden seldom has the opportunity
to win herself such a noble husband.
Now toast.
To the most beautiful bride-to-be
in the whole of England.
Don't drink that!
It could be poisoned.
Have you taken leave of your senses?
A foul scheme of Robin Hood's.
She's in league with him, I'll warrant.
Robin Hood?
Oh, Robin Hood.
Oh, well, that was over long ago.
( scoffing ): All of Nottingham knows you're still in love with him.
That's a lie.
He-he bewitched me.
He put me under some evil spell.
I suspected as much.
You can add sorcery
to the list of charges against that rogue.
Sir Guy, if anyone's been bewitched here, it's you.
Silence.
Any more impudence, and it will be
your head on the block.
Guard.
Escort the Lady Marian to her chamber.
But I'd much rather stay here with you.
Of course you would, my child
but I have important business to attend to.
( dog barking )
Lovely creature.
Intriguing.
( chuckling )
( door closes )
( indistinct voices )
( scraping )
One step closer, I'll scream.
( grunting )
Vash, damn it, it's me.
Jean-Luc! Am I glad to see you.
You wouldn't believe what I've been going through.
One minute, I'm on the Enterprise.
The next thing I know, I'm here in Nottingham.
First, they're going to chop my head off.
Now, I'm supposed to marry
someone named Sir Guy
and everyone insists on calling me Marian.
Yes, I know.
You do? But how?
You're Robin Hood.
My staff and I were brought here
by an old adversary of mine named Q.
But I'll tell you the rest of that when we're safe.
Come on. We don't have much time.
And the others are outside?
They're waiting for us back at Sherwood Forest.
You mean, you came here alone?
That's right. Now, come on!
What kind of plan is that?
It's an excellent one, if you'll just hurry up.
Do you realize our lives are at stake here?
Only too well. And this is the best strategy
you could come up with?
One man against an entire castle?
You have a better one?
How about this?
You go, I'll stay here.
And do what?
Marry Sir Guy, if I have to.
Oh, that's brilliant.
If there's a way to escape, I'll find it... eventually
with my head still attached.
You really believe I would leave you here?
I can take care of myself.
You are the most stubborn woman I ever knew.
Hey!
There'll be no escape for you this time, Robin Hood.
You stay behind me.
You should have left while you had the chance.
Well done, my dear.
Consider it my wedding gift to you, darling.
( dog barking )
Congratulations, Sir Guy.
I see you snared the jackal.
It's Marian who deserves the credit.
Took him with his own sword.
You sent for me, milady?
I want you to take this letter to Robin's men.
You want me to go to Sherwood Forest
at this time of night?
You'll leave immediately.
But it's dark.
I'll get lost.
Besides, it's not safe, what with all
them hedge robbers and worse lurking about.
Please, this is urgent.
If you ask me, you'd be better off with Sir Guy.
He's got a future.
Why, you'll be living in London afore you know it.
But you must go.
Otherwise, they'll kill him.
Out.
How dare you barge in here like this?
I've come to apologize for my harsh words.
I had no idea that you were so ruthless.
That's most gracious of you.
I admit, I was surprised
but no more surprised than Jean-Luc.
You're Q.
Yes.
And you are a very interesting woman.
What is this?
Give that to me.
A letter to Riker.
"Quick, come to the castle.
Save the Captain."
Why, this is wonderful.
What marvelous duplicity.
You certainly fooled Sir Guy
and me, as well.
I think you're worth further study.
Am I?
Yes, but unfortunately
we just don't have the time.
Guards!
Take this traitor away.
It appears there's going to be a double execution.
( crowd murmuring )
VASH: This whole thing is your fault.
PICARD: My fault?
Yes, your fault.
If you hadn't grabbed my sword
we'd be back in Sherwood by now.
I grabbed your sword
You know I had no intention
of going through with that.
Do I?
You should never have interfered.
You're the one interfering.
I was just trying to rescue you.
Well, next time, don't bother.
Don't you worry. I won't.
Q: Don't the two of you ever stop arguing?
Now, tell me, Robin, as you stand here
facing the termination of your insect existence
do you see what brought you to this end?
Was she worth it?
Can we just get this over with?
Are you implying that I'm not worth it?
Q, your game was for my benefit.
She is innocent in all of this.
Q: Ha! She is many things, none of them innocent.
PICARD: Let her go.
VASH: Jean-Luc, you do care.
Q: A gallant gesture, Robin, but a futile one.
Farewell.
I hope the two of you are happy together.
You have been found guilty
of outlawry and high treason.
Do you have anything to say
before sentence is carried out?
I...
Prepare them for the block.
( excited voices )
MAN: Off with their heads.
There are too many of them.
Data, we need a diversion now.
MAN: He'll be saying his prayers.
( man laughs )
( confused shouting )
( groans )
( grunts )
Guards, take Marian to the tower!
I'll have you know, I'm the greatest swordsman
in all of Nottingham.
( shouting )
Very impressive.
There's something you should know.
And what would that be?
I'm not from Nottingham.
( sword fighting continues )
Jean-Luc.
Oh...
( sighs )
It's over, Q!
Get us out of here!
( clapping )
My compliments, Picard.
I doubt Robin Hood, himself
could have done much better.
If you have hurt any of my people...
Sadly enough, they're all fine.
But my point is, they could have been killed
and so might have you...
all for the love of a maid.
My debt to you, Picard, is paid
if you've learned how weak
and vulnerable you really are.
If you finally see how love has brought out the worst in you.
Nonsense. You're absolutely wrong.
It's brought out the best in him--
his nobility, courage
self-sacrifice
tenderness.
Oh, you're good.
You're really good.
Enough of this.
Ah... indeed.
Is everyone here?
Where's Vash?
Computer, locate Council Member Vash.
Council Member Vash is not aboard the Enterprise.
Hello, Jean-Luc.
( sighs )
Well, this is a relief.
I thought that perhaps Q had found you...
Well, he had some things to discuss with me.
Indeed.
I'm surprised he's not busy gloating over his victory.
He was right about one thing, you know.
As ridiculous as it was
his game did prove that you still care.
I may not show my feelings to my crew
but I do have them.
I'm going to miss you, Jean-Luc.
So, where are you off to now?
I haven't made up my mind.
After all, she has the entire universe to choose from.
Meet my new partner.
Him?
Why not?
I'll tell you why not.
Now, Jean-Luc
let's not be unkind.
He's devious
and amoral and unreliable
and irresponsible
and...
and definitely not to be trusted.
Remind you of someone you know?
As a matter of fact, it does.
We're going to have fun.
I'm going to take her places no human has ever seen.
Now, who can resist an offer like that?
As payment in full of your debt to me
you will guarantee her safety.
She will not be harmed, Jean-Luc.
I promise you that.
Well, are you going to kiss her good-bye?
All right.
Well, aren't you?
Oh, I-I'm sorry.
I-I... I forgot my hat.
Good-bye, Jean-Luc.
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Captioned by The Caption Center WGBH Educational Foundation]