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.
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 VIII 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.
JENNA: 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.
[Captioning sponsored by PARAMOUNT PICTURES]
( playing Reicha's "Woodwind Quintet in E-Flat Major" )
WOMAN: Bravo.
That was wonderful.
Really?
Oh.
Really. Wonderful.
Thanks.
( sighs )
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.
KEIKO: 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.
( groans )
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.
( metallic clink )
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.
GUINAN: 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?
( meowing )
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?
( sighs )
Boy.
If she's just coming out of a bad situation...
( sighs )
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.
( laughs )
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.
DATA: 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 I, 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.
( door chimes )
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.
PICARD: 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.
COMPUTER: 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.
WORF: I do not understand.
( tricorder beeping )
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.
Any luck with your diagnostic?
Negative. We found no malfunctions.
( sighs )
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.
( singing aria from La Bohème )
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.
RIKER: 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.
DATA: Captain...
Captain, explosive decompression on deck 37.
( alarm blares )
Bridge to La Forge. Damage report.
We're showing damage between decks.
We haven't localized it yet.
( moaning )
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...
( woman screams )
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.
DATA: 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.
RIKER: 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.
DATA: 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.
McKNIGHT: Plot laid in, sir.
Outer perimeter at 32 million kilometers.
PICARD: 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.
McKNIGHT: Confirmed.
Outer perimeter now at 30.1 million kilometers.
Changing course.
Heading 073 mark 288.
New heading, 284 mark 01...
( whooshing )
Enterprise, I'm losing maneuverability.
LA FORGE: 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.
McKNIGHT: Yes, sir. I've got it.
Course corrected.
Enterprise, hard starboard!
McKNIGHT: 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.
LA FORGE: 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?
DATA: 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.
( alarm blaring )
Commander, the shuttle is out of control.
Mr. O'Brien, do you have the Captain's signal?
O'BRIEN: 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?
O'BRIEN: Aye, sir, we got him.
PICARD: 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.
McKNIGHT: Aye, sir.
We're clear of the nebula, sir.
Ensign, plot a course for Starbase 260.
Warp two.
Aye, sir.
Engage.
( door chimes )
Enter.
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.
( meows )
Hello, Spot.
( purring )
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