Archive of Our Own

Act One

Scene: the Enterprise orbiting a planet.

Picard [voice over]: Captain's log, star date 47647.1. We are in orbit around the sixth planet of the 34-Tau Beta Delta system, where we have been conducting mineral surveys after long-range scans indicated the potential for significant dilithium deposits that could reduce the Federation's dependence on foreign sources. While our teams report the initial scans were correct, one of them also reports encountering a strange phenomenon in natural caves in the area—a phenomenon that initially seemed benign, but has now rendered two crew members unconscious.

Scene: Enterprise briefing room.

The usual bridge crew are seated at the table, along with two more. Lieutenant Adekoya, seated opposite Picard, is a short, dark-skinned African woman. Ensign Hajima Phyo is a tall Burmese woman, and stands at the view screen, which is now showing a short loop of what looks like a cave with lights sparkling off wet limestone formations.

Picard: And you say this phenomenon was initially harmless?

Adekoya: That's right. It wasn't until the fifth or sixth time that it hurt anyone.

Phyo: For the first few days it was just pretty. Most of us went in to look at it between mapping runs.

Riker [suspicious]: Luring you in?

Adekoya: No, I don't think so. Everything was fine at first.

Riker: Everything's always fine until it's not, Lieutenant.

Picard: And what about the victims? Can you be more specific about what happened?

Adekoya: We found Ensign Martinez unconscious in the cave about ten meters from the scanning equipment.

Picard: So you called for assistance.

Adekoya: Yes, sir. Lieutenant Worf responded. His team began to search the area while he accompanied Ensign Chitsamahan into the cave.

Picard turns to Worf.

Worf: We were attacked.

Picard: By what?

Worf: I do not know.

Riker: Describe the attack, Lieutenant.

Worf: We did not encounter any obvious signs of hostility. Ensign Chitsamahan reached the sensor equipment and reviewed the work Ensign Martinez had been doing. I reviewed the recordings he'd made, but he'd walked outside the range of the visual scanner. Since the next scan in the sequence could be performed remotely, Ensign Chitsamahan initiated it, and then we began to examine the area. Approximately three minutes later, the walls began flashing, and then my head hurt. When I turned around, Ensign Chitsamahan was unconscious. I called for beam-up, and had my team seal the cave entrance.

Picard: Dr Crusher?

Crusher: Ensigns Martinez and Chitsamahan both presented as unconscious but stable on arrival. Scans indicated symptoms akin to a concussion, but without the signs of concussive force. We treated them using the standard concussion protocol, but both of them are still exhibiting symptoms, and neither remembers the hour or so prior to losing consciousness. It's like they were hit, but not with anything physical. Worf's symptoms, however, while diffuse in nature, were inconsistent with a blow to the head.

Worf: I had a mild, dull headache.

Crusher: Which could be almost anything.

Riker: But not a blow to the head?

Crusher: The Klingon brain reacts differently to concussive trauma.

Data: Ensign Phyo, your report mentioned the possibility of patterns in the lights. Simple patterns, or complex?

Phyo: Very complex.

Data: And there are recordings?

Phyo: There should be. We always set up recorders before we begin work. I don't know how much of the cave walls they covered, though.

Adekoya: The recorders picked up some flashing around the time of both incidents.

Data: Captain, I will review those and attempt to determine whether patterns are truly present.

Riker: Could these attacks be deliberate? Someone or something is trying to drive us from the caves?

Data: Sir, your question presumes they are attacks, and not merely random phenomena.

Crusher: It does seem a little convenient that these "random phenomena" only occur when there are people in the cave scanning it.

Data: Even so, the presumption of violent intent—

Worf: I agree with the Doctor. Something is hostile to our team.

Data: If it is a created phenomenon by some creature or being, then article 82 clearly states that its safety must come above the mining potential for the planet, despite the dilithium deposits.

Picard: Yes, I have gathered the admiralty want to begin mining operations as soon as possible, and they are not pleased at the idea that this phenomenon might prevent that. I sent a request for an inorganic biology team, and they are considering the request; but in the meantime, we are ordered to do what we can to expedite the process so that mining can begin immediately. Indeed, I am instructed to determine whether the inorganic team is even necessary.

Phyo: But sir, if it is some sort of living thing—

Picard: I understand, Ensign. I too would like to know what it is we're dealing with before we begin strip-mining what may be its home, but we have our orders.

Troi: If it is a creature of some sort that is becoming upset by our activities, perhaps I could sense something. With your permission, Captain, I'd like to go down and see these caves for myself.

Crusher: I'd like to go too, and take some of our medical scanners. Our instruments are calibrated differently than the survey team's.

Adekoya: We were looking for rocks. If it's not a rock, our instruments wouldn't care about it.

Crusher: Exactly. Medical scanners will pick up things geology scanners won't. And I'd like someone from Engineering—while our medical equipment is sophisticated, it's not intended to be used from the inside out. We may need to make alterations on the spot.

Picard: Very well. Will, you go with them, and Geordi, assign someone who can help Dr Crusher. Meanwhile, I'd like to work on what we can detect from orbit. If this is a small portion of a larger organism—a sort of matrix in the cave system that has somehow developed life, perhaps—there may be patterns we can detect from orbit.

Geordi: Like a giant neural pattern scanner. I'll start recalibrating the sensors and deflector dish.

Picard: Make it so.

Scene : A cave.

This is recognizable as the cave from the recording during the briefing. There are some lights sparkling on the walls, but only faintly. There's a loose half-circle of equipment and several lights pointed at the walls.

Riker enters first, then Worf, then Crusher and Troi, and finally Barclay, who is pulling a trolley with several large equipment cases. All of them are wearing helmets with headlamps.

Barclay pulls the trolley over to the area that already has equipment and starts unloading it, completing another section of the circle. The others begin looking around.

Little lights embedded in the walls pick up and amplify the away team's headlamps. As they move into the cavern, a shimmer goes through it, and then the lights brighten and begin twinkling slowly. Worf plants himself halfway between entrance and equipment and crosses his arms. Crusher takes out her standard issue tricorder and begins scanning the walls near where Barclay is working. Meanwhile, Troi moves into the center of the cavern and looks around, then up. Riker half-follows her, but stays roughly between her and Crusher.

Troi: It's bright in here.

Riker: You're right. Is it just me or is there more light than there should be?

Worf: I believe you are right, sir. Our lamps are not that powerful.

Riker looks at Crusher, who has her tricorder out and is scanning the room.

Riker: Anything?

Crusher: My tricorder is only picking up small traces of once-organic fossils. This world used to support life, but I don't think it ever got much above moss and algae. Nothing else jumps out at me.

Riker: I hope it stays that way.

Worf: Whatever it did, sir, it did not 'jump.'

Riker: What about you, Deanna?

Troi: I don't know.

Troi walks slowly around the room while Crusher joins Barclay and they begin working with their equipment. Barclay plugs a few things into the equipment that's already there, and frowns at it.

Crusher: Alright, let's start with a basic sensor sweep, and then a standard medical series.

Barclay: Should I adjust the modulation? It is rock, not flesh.

Crusher: Same protocol as for any unknown species.

Barclay: Start standard, adjust to increase resolution?

Crusher: Exactly. When you're ready, Lieutenant.

Troi: There's something—it's right on the edge of what I can sense. Like a sound so deep you feel it in your bones.

Riker: But it's not a literal sound, right?

Troi: No, it's definitely happening in my mind. My empathy.

Riker: Your mind-bones are vibrating.

Troi: [laughs] Will, you make it sound so—wait.

The walls briefly change pattern.

Crusher: Hang on, I think that—Lieutenant, go back a setting.

Barclay: Which setting?

Crusher: Whichever one you changed just then.

Barclay adjusts a slider on a screen.

Barclay: I think I was about here—

Once again the walls change pattern. Crusher leans over one of the consoles, pointing enthusiastically.

Crusher: There! Do you see that?

Riker: What is it?

Crusher: A whole network of linked crystals through the cave. Like a spiderweb, running through the rock.

Troi: Like neurons?

Crusher: It could be. Hard to tell from just this.

Riker: How'd the survey team miss it?

Crusher: It's not organic, but it's not something the survey team would pick up on easily either. They're not trying to scan for brainwave patterns. I don't think their equipment can. Even this equipment can't see much past this one room. I can't tell how far it goes, or what kind of activity is present—if any. All I can tell you right now is that it picked up the energy from our active sensors and transmitted it along the web lines.

Riker: Do we need to get different equipment down here?

Barclay: Sir, I don't think we have anything that's right for this. It's more of an … alignment. Like the old fiber optics cables. And the dilithium in the walls—

Riker: Just do your best.

Crusher: Barclay, try boosting the carrier signal.

Barclay: Doctor, if it is like an optical system, that could cause feedback. Resonance.

Crusher: That's what I'm hoping. I want to see how long the pulses take to come back to us.

Barclay: Yes, ma'am.

He adjusts another slider.

The walls grow brighter and begin flashing. Barclay winces and shades his eyes. He's twitching away like it hurts, but still trying to monitor the equipment. Worf glares. The other three stare around in fascination

Riker: Well, that's certainly doing something.

Troi: I think I feel something.

Riker: Can you boost it further?

Barclay: Sir, I'm not sure that's a good idea. If this system has loops anywhere—

Riker: Just do it, Lieutenant.

Barclay: Yes, sir.

Barclay is covering his eyes with one hand while adjusting the equipment with the other. He immediately flinches away like it hurts.

Riker and Crusher squint, then shake their heads like they've been slapped. Barclay sinks down until he's half-crouching. Troi cries out.

Worf: Counselor!

Riker [simultaneously]: Deanna!

Both of them lunge forward. Riker gets there first; Worf pulls his phaser and retreats to cover Dr Crusher. He grunts and seems to be pushing through pain. Dr Crusher is holding her head. Barclay is crouching behind the console, barely visible.

Troi: Will, I—it hurts, it hurts—

Troi collapses. Riker catches her.

Riker [bellowing]: Turn that damn thing off!

Barclay is half-collapsed like he's in pain, but he stretches up and finds a button. The hum from the equipment vanishes, and the lights in the walls go dark.

Riker slaps his communicator.

Riker: Five to beam directly to sickbay!

The away team dematerializes. As soon as they're gone, a sheen runs through the room, and then the soft sparkling effect returns.

Act Two

Scene: sickbay.

Barclay is sitting on a treatment bed. Picard comes in.

Picard: Lieutenant Barclay. How are you feeling?

Barclay: A bit shaken, sir, but I'll be fine.

Picard [distracted, looking around]: Good, good.

Barclay: Sir, I think I know what happened.

Picard: Where's Will and the others?

Barclay: They took Commander Troi into treatment room C, and I think Commander Riker is with them. Lieutenant Worf—I don't know, I think Nurse Ogawa took him for some scans. Sir, I think I recognized what happened.

Picard: You recognized what happened?

Barclay: Yes, sir, I—

Picard: I was not aware you had completed any courses in xenobiology, Lieutenant.

Barclay: Well, I haven't, sir, but—

Nurse Ogawa: Captain, right this way.

Picard: If you believe you have some special insight, Lieutenant, put it in your report. I look forward to reading it.

Barclay [deflated]: Yes, sir.

We follow Picard and Nurse Ogawa. Troi is lying on a bed with Dr Crusher placing neural scanning devices around her head. Riker is there, looking upset.

Riker: Captain.

Picard: How is she?

Crusher: I don't know. In almost all respects, she's fine. But then, her brain—see here?

She brings a scan up on the bedside display.

Crusher: Her neural activity is all wrong. It's like she's both deeply asleep and also has just finished drinking a few gallons of coffee. However, thanks to Lieutenant Worf, I have an idea what happened. See, Klingons react to telepathic trauma differently than humans. With humans, it mostly looks like any other brain injury, but in Klingons—well, I'll spare you the details.

Picard: A telepathic attack? You're sure?

Crusher: Reasonably sure. Both our symptoms and experiences are consistent with getting slapped by a very strong telepathic wave. Counselor Troi must have got the worst of it, whatever it was.

Picard: Can it be treated?

Crusher: Maybe. There was an article in last year's Journal of Federation Medicine concerning telepaths who were exposed to tremendous mental disruption, and their scans showed similar signs.

Picard: The Cygnus Fifteen disaster?

Crusher: Precisely. In that case, a telepathic communications device malfunctioned and began broadcasting waves of noise at random intervals. Anyone passing through the vicinity with even a smidge of telepathic ability was affected, and most of them showed the same symptoms as the survey teams—and us.

Picard: Are you sure you should be handling this? After all, you were affected as well.

Crusher: Commander Riker and I only got hit lightly. I've done brain scans, and administered hexabetaxinopterol for neuronal regrowth just in case. Lieutenant Worf should take it easy for a few days, but I'll be fine.

Picard looks at Riker.

Riker: I've got a bit of a headache, but I passed a cognitive screening test. So did Dr Crusher. And frankly, sir, she's our best hope for helping Deanna.

Crusher moves back to Troi's side. Riker watches her, visibly upset. Picard looks between the two of them.

Crusher [gesturing as if constructing a box]: In the Cygnus 15 disaster, those with training were able to partially shield their minds, and so their mental faculties initially remained intact. Now, what they found was that prompt treatment was important. After about a day, the brain began to adapt to the new patterns, and those woken after that never recovered fully.

Picard: You seem to be implying that some were 'woken' before that.

Crusher: Yes. The people who successfully shielded their minds had, all of them, retreated inside themselves to get away from the noise. Another person had to make telepathic contact with them to bring them out of it.

Picard: And you theorize Counselor Troi has done this.

Crusher: Yes. Luckily, Cygnus Exosystem days are longer than ours, but even so, I'm afraid we're on a tight deadline.

Picard: Do we have any other telepaths on the ship?

Riker: None that are trained for this sort of thing, sir. We have a few Vulcans, one woman from Cygnus Fifteen Tau, ironically enough, and a handful of others with extremely limited abilities.

Crusher: Once the Cygnus team realized that speed was of the essence, they rewired several of their neural scanners to act as a crude telepathic interface, then allowed volunteers to attempt to contact the people the telepaths wouldn't get to in time. The details are included in an appendix to the published article.

Picard: And did it work?

Crusher: Mostly.

Picard: Can you be more precise, Doctor?

Crusher: Computer, bring up reference Tsuuk Sifeng et al, published in JOFM last year, title "Artificially induced telepathic defensive behavior", then summarize appendix A table three.

Computer: Out of five hundred and thirteen patients, two hundred and thirty nine were treated using the artificially supported method. One hundred and sixty-six were successfully treated with no additional adverse effects. Another forty-seven regained consciousness but had additional lasting symptoms in one or both persons.

Picard: and the remaining twenty-six?

Computer: One or both of the pair died.

Crusher: Mostly the volunteers. They halted the experiment after the second patient death.

Picard: Those are not the odds I would prefer.

Riker: Ninety percent probability that both of us survive, Captain.

Crusher: Eighty-nine.

Riker: We've taken worse odds before.

Picard [sharply]: Are you proposing that you should do this, Number One?

Riker: I'm willing. She knows and trusts me. And I've been in her mind before, which should improve my chance of success. Also, this is my fault. Sir, please allow me to try to fix it.

Picard: Will, this was not your fault.

Riker: It was my away team. My responsibility.

Picard: I understand, but—you're a very valuable officer.

Riker: So's she, and if we do nothing, there is nearly a one hundred percent chance that she'll have some sort of lasting brain trauma, Captain. With this, it's a seventy percent chance we're both fine. Eighty-nine percent chance we're no worse off than we are now.

Picard: And an eleven percent chance that we lose one or both of you. Brain trauma is unpleasant, but survivable.

Riker: It's a risk I'm willing to take, sir. And I believe Deanna would too.

Crusher: It is in line with her filed medical directives, Captain.

Picard: Very well. Make the modifications, Doctor. But I want to be here when you do this.

Riker: Yes, sir. Thank you. [to Deanna] Don't worry, Imzadi. I'm going to come to help you.

Scene: Main Engineering.

Geordi is working at the central Engineering console. Barclay enters.

Geordi [not sounding thrilled to see him]: I thought the away team was all in sickbay.

Barclay: I wasn't too badly affected, so Nurse Ogawa said I could leave. Sir—

Geordi: Good, I could use your help with these sensor recalibrations.

Data enters and hands a PADD to Geordi.

Data: Here are my calculated specifications for minimum sensor power given a three-degree sweep pattern and a desired resolution of one meter.

Geordi: Oof, that's still a lot of power.

Data: I am aware. I will remain and assist in the calibration.

Data begins working at a wall console.

Barclay: Sir? I think I—what happened in the cave, it was—familiar.

Geordi: Familiar how? Like you've seen it before?

Barclay: Sort of. See, it reminded me of … well, me.

Geordi: Lieutenant, I think it's pretty unlikely that there's much similarity between you and a limestone cave.

Barclay: Well, I suppose, but—

Geordi: Just concentrate on your work, and let the experts do their thing.

Barclay [subdued]: Yes, sir.

Geordi leaves. Data approaches and begins working at the console opposite Barclay.

Data: I have reviewed the recordings from the cave.

Barclay: Yes, sir.

Data: I am interested in what aspect you believe was familiar.

Barclay: Commander La Forge is right. I'm not a cave. I'm not even a xenobiologist. I'm just the equipment tech.

Data: It is true that you lack qualifications to perform the duties of a xenobiology specialist. However, I have found that the human mind is capable of remarkable feats of analogy, and that those analogies often have epistemological merit.

Barclay: What?

Data: Your intuition is often useful.

Barclay: No, I got that. You … believe me?

Data: I am interested to hear your theory, at least. These calibrations will take some time, and any minor loss of efficiency is likely to be within acceptable parameters.

Barclay: Right, so … see, I really don't like bright lights. Especially flashing ones.

Data: The experience in the cave would have been painful for you.

Barclay: Exactly, that's what got me thinking. This one time, when I was a kid—you see, my mom had these strands of flashing lights she'd put up every winter. Like gobs and gobs of them, all around the house. In the bushes, in the trees, everywhere.

Data: I have heard of this tradition among some Earth cultures.

Barclay: Well, anyway, it hurt to look at. And she said I just had to get used to it. So one year, I took the trimmer we used on our bushes, and I cut all of the strands into tiny pieces. Then, for a whole week, we didn't have any lights.

Data: Was such an extreme reaction warranted?

Barclay: Well, it hurt. And they weren't listening to me when I told them that.

Data: I see. You are theorizing that perhaps the caves wish to remove a painful stimulus, and they are reacting with violence because no other method has been effective.

Barclay: Yes, sir. I know it's sort of—out there.

Data: Lieutenant, by most reasonable definitions, this planet is also "out there."

Barclay: I guess it is.

Data: I will assist you to bring your theory to the attention of others.

Barclay: They won't listen. I've tried.

Data frowns and works for a few seconds.

Data: Perhaps they would accept the idea more readily if they believed it came from a different source.

Barclay: Maybe.

He looks down at his work. His mouth twists like he's thinking about something bitter.

Barclay: You know what? You take the credit. Maybe they'll listen if it's you.

Data: Thank you. I will see what I can do.

Barclay [defeated]: Yeah, okay.

Geordi re-enters, sets down a PADD, and checks Barclay's work.

Geordi: You sure you aren't concussed? You usually work faster than this.

Barclay: It's nothing. I guess I'm just bothered by watching that happen to Counselor Troi.

Geordi: Well, the faster we figure out what's going on, the sooner we can make sure it doesn't happen again.

Data: Geordi, I have reviewed the files from the away team and the survey team, and I believe I have a theory as to what may be occurring.

Geordi [sounding enthusiastic]: Yeah?

Data: The "attacks" occur directly following the onset of probing activities aimed at mapping the cavern network.

Geordi: You think something doesn't want them to be mapped?

Data: I think it is more simple than that. I think the probing activities may be noxious to this network. It is acting to make an unpleasant stimulus stop.

Geordi [thoughtful]: You think the sensors are hurting it.

Data: Not quite that simple. Geordi, you see many types of electromagnetic radiation in your VISOR as part of its normal functioning. This is its purpose. But if you were to encounter a very large, very bright source radiating across multiple frequencies—

Geordi: It overloads the system. And hurts like hell, too.

Data: Precisely. The cave does not react adversely to small, local sensor readings because they are not unpleasant in themselves. It is only when the sensors are powered up that it acts to remove the stimulus.

Geordi: Because it's too much for the creature. You might be onto something, Data.

Scene: Picard's Ready Room.

Picard is sitting at his desk taking a video call. He looks frustrated.

Picard: I understand, Admiral, but this creature—

Admiral: Captain, it is vital to the safety of the Federation that we establish our own sources of dilithium. You don't know this thing even is a creature.

Picard: My ship's counselor made contact.

Admiral: And was subsequently attacked. If it is a creature, it's obviously a hostile one. Find a way to deal with it, Captain. Admiral Aesholé out.

Picard looks annoyed. The door chime sounds.

Picard: Enter.

It's Data and Geordi.

Picard: Please tell me your sensor readings have yielded some results.

Geordi: Eh, well, not exactly. We're still working on it.

Picard: You are aware that time is of the essence?

Geordi: Yes, sir. This is important, sir. Data has a theory, and from what I've seen of the survey team's readings, it makes a lot of sense.

Data: I believe the entity is being overwhelmed by the sensors we are using on it. It is experiencing painful sensory overload, if you will forgive the word play, and the 'attacks' are the only way it has to make its displeasure known.

Picard: So you think it is an entity, and not some mindless … thing?

Data: It would seem likely, sir. Ensign Phyo was correct: there are patterns in the lights from the cave. Also, Counselor Troi sensed something shortly before collapsing. It is possible it is a coincidence, but unlikely.

Picard: So what do you propose?

Data: The fact that it is reacting to certain sensor bands implies that it can feel the energy output from the sensors. Therefore, I suggest that we repurpose the sensors to communicate with it.

Picard: It's worth a try.

Data: I will need assistance.

Picard [to Geordi]: Help him with whatever he needs. We need to figure this out, gentlemen, and fast. The admiralty is becoming impatient.

Geordi: When are they not?

Data cocks his head.

Data: I did not observe impatience on approximately thirty-seven percent—

Geordi: It was rhetorical, Data.

Data: Ah.

Captain Picard's communicator sounds.

Picard: Picard here.

Crusher [voice only]: Captain, we're ready down here.

Picard: On my way. Picard out.

Picard stands and addresses the two officers in the room.

Picard: Hand off the sensor recalibration to someone else. If you're right about this, using them would only hurt it worse. Data, this is your idea, so you're in charge. Find me a way to communicate with this entity, before the Admiralty decide they need the dilithium badly enough to send the mining team in anyway.

Data: Yes, sir.

Picard: Now if you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I must supervise some gambling.

Data looks confused, then turns to Geordi, who shrugs.

Scene: Sickbay treatment room C

Dr Crusher has Riker on a treatment bed next to Troi. Both of them are hooked up to contraptions that look like props from Frankenstein.

Picard: And these are the … telepathic device? It seems rather … crude.

Crusher: You try gutting three neural scanners in under an hour and making the results look pretty.

Picard: Point taken. [To Riker] You're sure about this, Number One?

Riker: It's Deanna.

Picard: I understand.

Crusher: Alright. This will feel a little strange.

She lowers a final contraption over Riker's face, then picks up a hypospray.

Crusher: Whenever you're ready.

Riker: Go for it.

Crusher presses the hypospray to Riker's upper arm. Riker's eyes suddenly dilate and then roll back in his head.

Act Three

Scene: Main Engineering.

Geordi enters engineering carrying a crate. Barclay and Data are working together, changing out parts on a piece of equipment.

Geordi: Alright, here we go. I had to dig them out of storage. These old modulators don't get much use anymore.

Geordi sets down the box. Data takes one and begins attaching it.

Geordi [to Barclay]: I've got this, you can go back to what you were doing.

Data: Actually, Commander, I asked Lieutenant Barclay to assist us.

Geordi: Why? We've got this, Data. We don't need help.

Data: Unlike us, he was present for the previous scanning attempt. His insight may be useful, and he is a competent engineer.

Geordi [dubiously]: Alright. You're the one in charge, Data.

Data: Indeed. Lieutenant Barclay, how are you proceeding?

Barclay: Three more plugs.

Geordi: Alright, well, I guess I'll start working on the programming while you two finish up the hardware.

Data: Thank you, Geordi. [to Barclay] These boards have indicator lights that will flash as we initialize the device. You may wish to look away.

Barclay [surprised]: Thank you, Commander, but I'm used to it.

Data: Very well. Beginning initialization sequence.

Barclay turns his head away slightly as the interior lights flash on the device, then looks up at Data with a thoughtful expression.

Scene: Sickbay treatment room C

Troi and Riker lie on the beds, unmoving. Crusher moves between them checking readouts. Picard is standing nearby. He taps his fingers together twice, then stops.

Crusher: Jean-Luc, you don't need to wait here the whole time.

Picard frowns at her.

Crusher: From what I understand, it's going to look like this the whole time. Go do something useful, and quit fidgeting in my sickbay.

Picard: I was not fidgeting.

Crusher: You wanted to be.

Picard: if there's any changes—

Crusher: I'll call you. Now go on.

He hesitates, then addresses his unconscious officers.

Picard: Commander, Counselor, I will see you shortly.

He pauses again.

Picard: That's an order.

Picard leaves. Crusher smiles at his back, then looks at the two officers with a worried expression.

Scene: Interior of Deanna's mind.

Riker is in some sort of formless space. As he moves through it, images and sounds appear. Many are from former episodes. There's the time he snapped at Deanna about her bridge officer's test.

Riker: Look, I was just doing that to try to give you a hint! Which I wasn't supposed to, you know.

There's a moment when she was hurt during an away team Riker was leading.

Riker: I forgot about that one. I should have had your back, huh? Are you showing me these because you're mad at me? Is that what's happening?

This continues as Riker sees and reacts to more scenes.

Riker: wow, you really have a lot of things to be pissed off about, huh? I had no idea you were holding onto all that.

He sees the scene of him taking the assignment that took him away from her.

Riker: Okay, that one, sure. I'm not sure I've forgiven myself for that one.

We see him watching more and more of them, pushing through, looking increasingly troubled.

Riker: If this is how you think of me, I wonder that you can stand being around me at all.

He finds an area that looks like a cloud of smoke. Taking a deep breath, he plunges into it.

Another vision appears, and now Riker is seeing the two of them, appearing much younger, having a picnic together. He smiles.

Riker: I remember that day. I didn't think it was so bad.

Then Deanna turns, and she's her current age.

Riker: Deanna!

The scene vanishes. He pushes further into the smoke.

Scene: Enterprise transporter room.

Barclay is arranging the device they were assembling on a transporter pad. Another pad holds more crates.

Barclay: There. We're ready, sir.

Barclay takes his place on the back pad. Geordi gets onto the pad, but Data does not.

Data: A moment, Geordi. I have committed deliberate misdirection.

Geordi: What?

Data: This idea was not mine, nor did I design the solution. It was the work of Lieutenant Barclay.

Barclay turns red and ducks his head as Geordi turns to look at him.

Data is unaffected by Geordi's frown. Behind him, the Transporter Tech looks like she would rather be anywhere else.

Geordi: Barclay? You've got to be—I mean—

Data: He did indicate that he doubted the idea would be taken seriously if he proposed it. It seems he was correct.

Geordi: Well—I mean, he's a competent engineer, but—

Data: And yet, when you believed the idea was mine, you were enthusiastic.

Geordi: Because it's you!

Data: The content of the idea does not change, Geordi.

Geordi frowns.

Geordi: I don't know, Data. Experience matters.

Data: Perhaps. I would submit that Lieutenant Barclay has more experience with being a creature exposed to sensory overload than I do.

Geordi: Maybe. But you didn't have to—couldn't you have just—I don't know, said that you believe him or something?

Data: I believe that is what I am doing now.

Geordi: Right.

Data: Since it is his idea and his experience, I wish Lieutenant Barclay to lead the away team.

Barclay and Geordi, simultaneously: What?

Geordi: Data, he's a junior officer.

Data: I believe it is common to give junior officers temporary command over senior officers when the situation warrants it. You yourself have led multiple away teams with more experienced officers under your command.

Geordi: But the Captain gave you command.

Data: Which I am delegating to Lieutenant Barclay.

Geordi: This isn't some milk run, Data. This is serious.

Data: If you feel unable to work under Lieutenant Barclay's command, you may remain on the ship. I believe the two of us will be able to complete our mission adequately.

Geordi: You're being a little bit hard-nosed about this.

Data: I do not see what the firmness of my nasal passages has to do with the command of an away team.

Geordi: You know full well what I mean, Data.

Data: Yes. But as you have offered no cogent objections, I must conclude that your difficulty is with Lieutenant Barclay as a person, not as an officer, and so I cannot resolve your difficulty for you.

Geordi: Fine. I'll go. [To Barclay] Congratulations on your command. Don't get us killed.

Barclay: I'll, uh, try my best, sir.

Data takes his place finally. There's a pause.

Data: As the away team leader, you must give the order, Lieutenant.

Barclay: Oh! Uh, energize?

The three of them dematerialize. The Transporter Tech shakes her head like she doesn't quite believe what just happened.

Scene: In the cave.

Nothing has changed. The away team enters, then stands there for a moment.

Data: What are your orders, Lieutenant?

Barclay: Uh, help me get this set up. But don't turn anything on yet, okay?

Data: Understood, sir.

Barclay: You don't have to call me sir. Sir.

Data: You are, for the time being, our commanding officer. Where do you wish to place the sensor projection module, sir?

Barclay: Uh, point it at that wall there. The flat area. And uh, Commander La Forge, if you'd help me with these consoles?

Geordi: Sure thing. Sir.

Barclay: No, don't plug it in there. That's too much power. Use the one next to it.

Geordi: Are you sure? All of the responses have been to higher power levels.

Barclay: But we're trying not to hurt it this time.

Geordi: Well, it's your away mission.

Geordi swaps the cables, but looks troubled. His hand lingers on the plug.

Scene: Interior of Deanna's mind.

Riker wanders between happy scenes, many from previous episodes.

Riker: I didn't know you and Beverly were so close. I mean, I knew, but ….

Riker: I guess you have a lot of friends. That's good.

Riker sees an image of the two of them eating dinner in her quarters.

Riker: That was just last week.

Riker steps into the image, then walks to the table and sits down.

Riker: Deanna?

Troi: Will.

Riker: Deanna, how do I find you? The real you?

Troi: They're all me.

Riker: I mean … how do I find the core you? The Deanna who can follow me back?

Troi: We are all me.

Riker: You mean … I'm talking to you now?

Troi: Who else would you be talking to?

Riker: I don't know. A memory. An idea of you.

Troi: You always are.

Riker: What?

Troi: Never mind. What did you come to say?

Riker: I'm here to bring you back.

Troi [not enthusiastic]: Is it safe?

Riker: You remember what happened?

Troi: Mostly. I remember the cave. I remember it hurt. It hurt everywhere, so much.

Riker: It's over now. You'll be fine.

He pauses.

Riker [bitterly]: Not that I know why you'd believe me.

Troi: What?

Riker: I saw your memories of me.

Troi: And what did you see in them?

Riker: I hurt you. A lot.

Troi: Yes, you did.

Riker: Maybe someone else should have come.

Troi: Who else would you ask?

Riker: I don't know. Someone you care about. Someone who hasn't hurt you as much.

Troi: Will—it doesn't have to be one or the other, you know.

Riker: What?

Troi: I still care about you very deeply.

She looks around them.

Troi: Look where I ran to, when I needed a safe place to hide.

Riker looks around too.

Riker: My quarters.

Troi: And dinner with you.

Riker: But the things I saw—

Troi: Those are real too.

Riker: How can you remember those and not be furious at me?

Troi: Oh, I am. I'm angry at you a lot.

Riker: I'm sorry, for what it's worth. Especially … especially the big things. Like taking the posting to the Potemkin.

Troi: Good. You should be.

She leans forward.

Troi: I get angry. I also still love you, Will. I can do both.

She smiles.

Troi: You could be better at dealing with it when I am angry. But I love you anyway.

Riker: Well, maybe we could work on that, Counselor Troi.

Troi: Maybe we can.

Riker hesitates, then speaks as if he can't help himself.

Riker: I was afraid you'd leave. So I did, instead.

Troi: What?

Riker: Junior command officers are everywhere you look in Starfleet. I thought you'd get out there and discover a whole galaxy of better choices. So … I made the choice that would keep me safe.

Troi: You didn't trust me to stay with you.

Riker [softly]: No.

Troi: Then you made the right choice.

Riker: I did?

Troi: It wouldn't have worked without trust.

Riker: Oh.

Troi: That doesn't mean it hurt less. Or that it hurts less now.

Riker: Then I'm still sorry.

Troi: I know. [Smiles at him.] You said it was safe?

Riker: Yes. Assuming you trust me.

Troi: That's your hangup, Will, not mine.

Riker [smiling again]: Right.

He looks around.

Riker: Not that I'm sure which way 'back' is.

Troi [laughing]: I suppose you'll have to trust me, at least for a few minutes.

She stands and holds out a hand. Riker stands and puts his hand in hers. Troi uses it to draw him in. When he comes without hesitation, she pulls him down and kisses him.

Riker: Deanna? What was—?

Troi: For being honest with me. And yourself.

Riker: I'd be honest more often if I got rewarded like that.

Troi: You could.

Riker: … oh.

Troi: I do love you, Will. And I know you love me.

Riker: You mean—

Troi: We can talk about it later. Right now, you need to finish rescuing me. Ready?

Riker [smiling]: Lead the way.

Scene: the cave

The equipment is set up and the device Data was placing is sending energy at a large, flat area of the cave wall. This shows up like abstract images from a projector, playing on the wall. Sparkly bits in the rock reflect motes of light around the room, but there's no other immediate response.

Geordi: We're still not getting a response.

Barclay: Take the carrier frequency up half a step.

Geordi: That's not going to be enough, Barclay, and you know it!

Barclay: It's reacting, it's just not—

All of a sudden, the lights start flashing faster.

Barclay: What are you doing?

Geordi: I kept telling you, it wasn't working, we needed to increase the power.

Barclay: It was working, you just need to give things some time! Turn it down!

Geordi: All it was doing was sparkling at us!

Barclay: And now you're hurting it! Turn it down, that's an order!

Geordi: Barclay, I've been patient with you, but we need to—

Geordi cries out.

Barclay lunges for the control board. Data catches Geordi as he falls.

Barclay: This is wrong, this is all wrong, it's like he wasn't even listening!

Geordi cries out again. Data taps his communicator.

Data: Two to beam up.

Transporter Tech [off screen]: Sir, there's some sort of pulsed interference. It's going to take a few minutes.

Barclay: Get him out of this cave, Commander. I think it'll stop.

Data: Yes, sir.

Data picks Geordi up and carries him out of the cavern.

Barclay adjusts something and the lights stop flashing.

Barclay: I said half a step, not two steps, what was he—

Barclay adjusts another thing, and suddenly the lights begin pulsing in time with one of the indicators on the console.

Barclay: There we go. Okay. Here goes nothing.

He picks up a communicator that has wires running off into the console.

Barclay: Hello.

As he speaks, the lights from the projector form patterns.

The lights sparkle, then return to pulsing.

Barclay: Does that mean hello? I'm, uh, I'm just a tech. I'm probably not even supposed to be talking to you. I should probably call up to the ship and get a—I don't know, a linguist? Someone who's better at this.

Around the corner, just outside the cavern, Data has opened a medical kit and is putting away a hypospray. Geordi's head turns.

Geordi: He's right. He shouldn't be doing this. Shouldn't you go do something?

Data: My first priority is to ensure you are stabilized. How are you feeling?

Geordi: Like I fell off a horse.

Data: Tinnitus? Nausea?

Geordi: No. I don't think it hit me that hard.

Back in the main cave, Barclay adjusts something. The console in front of him shows a series of patterns, with new ones being added every second or so.

Barclay: Well, before I do, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I know you can't understand me, but I'll say it anyway. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I brought him here.

Geordi [sotto voice]: He's sorry he brought me?

Barclay: I understand. Or, I think I do. Sometimes humans feel things differently too. I do. There's things that hurt me, and people around me do them anyway. Sometimes they think it's for my own good, that forcing me to 'learn to deal with it' will help me somehow. Or sometimes they're impatient. Like just now. He wanted to make you respond, so he hurt you. Because you were taking too long.

Barclay looks down at the console.

Barclay: And then they act like you should be grateful that they hurt you. Because it's more important that you do things on their schedule, the way they want. More important than hurting you.

Barclay addresses the cave again.

Barclay: I understand. And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought someone who'd do that to you. I'm really sorry.

Geordi is frowning.

Transporter Tech: Lock established. Initiating transport.

Geordi and Data materialize on the pad. Data helps Geordi to stand.

Data: I will assist you to sickbay.

Geordi nods and the two of them walk into the corridor.

Geordi: Do I really do that?

Data: Do what?

Geordi: What Barclay was saying. Do things that hurt him because it's convenient for me.

Data: Yes.

Geordi: Really?

Data: You are not the only one. I have observed this behavior from many humans over the years. Humans frequently expect others to fit into what is comfortable for them, even if it is distressing for the other person.

Geordi: Wait, you have that happen too?

Data: Yes. [Pause] You have done it yourself, on occasion.

Geordi: But I thought you wanted to be more human!

Data: Lieutenant Barclay is also human.

Geordi: I suppose. He's a weird one, though.

Data: There is more than one way to 'be human', Geordi. Your way is not always the best for everyone.

Geordi: I guess. But why didn't you say anything?

They reach sickbay.

Data: Nurse Ogawa. Geordi experienced a mild episode of the creature's repellent stimulus. Please do what you can to ensure that he recovers fully.

Geordi: I'm fine now.

Data: I must insist. We do not always listen to our friends when we believe we know best.

Geordi: Giving me a taste of my own medicine, huh?

Data: Medicine administered by hypospray rarely has a taste, Geordi. I must return to the planet. I will check on you when we return.

Act Four

Scene: Ten-Forward.

Riker and Deanna are sitting at a table with a large chocolate concoction between them, both holding spoons. Behind them, out of focus, are other tables. One group are Barclay, Geordi, and Data.

Riker: You know, I didn't like chocolate that much until I met you. You love it so much, so I decided I should learn to like it.

Troi: You didn't have to. People can like different things.

Riker: People who don't want to split dessert with their girlfriends.

Troi: Will ….

Riker: I meant back then.

Troi: Ah.

Riker. Unless you wanted me to mean now.

Troi: I don't know. A lot has changed. We've both changed. Neither of us are who we were.

Riker: I'm better at trusting you. I hope.

Troi: You are. But there's other things, Will. We can't go back.

Riker: Who said anything about going back?

Troi: Then what do you want?

Riker: You.

Troi turns red and laughs.

Troi: Will!

Riker: In my life. I want … I want what we had in the dream. That closeness.

Troi: I liked that too.

Riker: And I want … to keep that. To have you in my life for a long time.

Troi: How long is a long time?

Riker: Well, Betazoids live longer than humans, on average. So … probably not for life. For you.

Troi: That is a very unromantic way of saying it, Will.

Riker: Good. Because … I don't want to talk you into something. I want honesty.

Troi: Alright. Then, honestly?

Riker: Hit me.

Troi: I'm never going to trust you the way I would have back then.

Riker's face falls.

Troi: You chose walking your path over finding one we could walk together. So I found mine, too, and I like it.

Riker: Right.

Troi: But since our paths found each other again … we could see if we can find turns we can make together.

Riker starts smiling again.

Troi: And who knows? Maybe if we walk together long enough, we'll find they're the same path after all.

Riker: That's good enough for me. And after that dessert, I think I need a walk.

Troi [laughing]: I hear the rear botany lab is beautiful this time of night.

Riker: Is that an invitation?

Troi: Yes. [She stands.] Walk with me?

Riker [standing]: Lead on, Counselor.

A few tables over, Data and Barclay are talking about the mission.

Data: These symbols occur too often to be verbs as we understand them.

Barclay: I—I mean, it was just a guess. I'm not really—

Data: Unless it is highly agglutinating. An interesting hypothesis.

Barclay: Sure, whatever you say.

Geordi: You really think we're going to be able to talk to this thing?

Data: Perhaps. It may take some time.

Geordi: If we crack it before we leave, I guess so owe it an apology, huh?

Data: Yes, I believe that would be warranted.

Geordi [to Barclay]: And I guess I should apologize to you, too, Lieutenant. I'm sorry if you felt disrespected.

Barclay: Uh … thanks.

Geordi: Well. Anyway, I—

Data: Geordi, I do not believe that was an apology.

Geordi: What? Of course it was.

Data: I have been told that an apology should contain, at a minimum, a statement demonstrating understanding of wrongdoing and a pledge to improve. Yours contains neither. You have indicated sorrow if Lieutenant Barclay felt negatively, but not remorse for your actions.

Geordi: But I ….

Data: If you do not intend to apologize, that is your right. However, I must note that Lieutenant Barclay would have been correct had he chosen to report you for insubordination.

Geordi: What?!

Barclay: No, I wouldn't!

Data: I understand that you do not wish to make things awkward with your commanding officer, Lieutenant Barclay, and I apologize for placing you in this position. I will enter a note into your file so that any negative evaluations are considered in light of this incident.

Barclay: You really don't—that's—I mean—

Data and Geordi stare at each other while Barclay protests.

Geordi: Fine.

Geordi turns to Barclay.

Geordi: I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. You were right, but also, Data put you in charge, and he's right that I was being insubordinate. I should have had the guts to either be a good subordinate to you, or to refuse and stay behind when he offered. So, I'm sorry about that.

Data: Much improved. Do you accept the apology, Lieutenant Barclay?

Barclay: I—yeah, of course.

Geordi: Look, I still don't like you. I've tried, because you really are a good engineer, but … I just don't. You're weird and hard to work with. But Data was right—you had insight I don't. I should have respected that. I was mad because Data lied to me, and I felt like you two were trying to pull a fast one on me.

Data: It was my decision, not Lieutenant Barclay's.

Geordi: Yeah. And I know you tried to tell me about your idea and I didn't listen. You're a good engineer and a good officer, so as much as I don't like you, I should have respected you enough to listen.

Barclay nods.

Geordi: So I guess I'm trying to say … I am sorry for screwing this up. And I'm sorry for not respecting you more. As a person, not just an engineer. I don't think I'll ever like you, but I respect you as a person a lot more than I did a few days ago.

Barclay: Thanks.

Geordi: So. I'm going to go. See you at poker night, Data.

He gets up and leaves. Barclay sighs and stares at his drink.

Data: In my attempt to resolve the difficulty, I have caused more difficulty. I am sorry too, Lieutenant Barclay.

Barclay: It's fine. I'm used to it, you know? At least he respects me now. That's better than it was before.

Data: Used to 'it'?

Barclay: People not liking me. This is how it always goes. I'm not the worst engineer around, and sometimes people figure that out, but no matter what I do, somehow nobody ever likes me.

Data: I see.

Barclay: Really?

Data: As I am an android, the nuances of liking and disliking among a social group are generally an abstraction which I approximate with the use of heuristics.

Barclay: Sounds kind of familiar, actually.

Data: Nevertheless, I have observed the distress that general dislike brings to humans, both in fiction and reality, and I regret that I may have made that worse for you.

Barclay: No, I don't think you did. It's fine.

Data regards him for a few seconds while he sips his drink and looks morose.

Data: I heard much of what you said to the creature, and I reviewed the log file later.

Barclay: You—I mean, I was just kind of babbling, it wasn't—

Data: In light of the new information you have shared about human variation, I have begun modifying my communication and socialization protocols to accommodate a wider variety of preferences. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to refine them, if you would not mind assisting me.

Barclay: Really? That's—yeah, I'd like that!

Data: Would you like to meet Spot?

Barclay: Uh, who?

Data: My cat.

Barclay: You want me to meet your cat?

Data: Like the creature, she is also easily overwhelmed, but I believe you will similarly be capable of interacting with her in the way that she prefers.

Barclay: Oh. Okay.

Data: Also, she is very soft. I am told this is a pleasant stimulus for humans.

Barclay: Okay. Yeah. I'd love to meet your cat.

Scene: Picard's Ready Room.

Picard is on a video call with an admiral, a Vulcan this time.

Admiral: The captain of the T'Pol asked me to convey her gratitude for the log notes as well as the recordings you sent, and indicated that they will be of great use in establishing further communication.

Picard: I will pass that along to my team. Thank you.

Admiral: Assuming no delays in transit, the T'Pol will arrive in four days. Until then, Captain T'Prava has asked that your Lieutenant Barclay continue his current approach, and that you forward his recordings as they are available.

Picard: I shall. And may I say, it is a pleasure to speak to someone who is not hostile to the notion that this may be a sentient creature.

Admiral: Is that not part of Starfleet's primary purpose? To seek out new life forms?

Picard: I would not have known it from the conversations I have had with the admiralty over the last few weeks.

Admiral: Indeed. I am sure you are aware of the pressures under which my colleagues are operating.

Picard: I understand there is a great deal of 'pressure' to find and access dilithium of our own, but it frequently seemed as if they were not listening at all. Even when they acknowledged it might be a creature, it seemed as if they had written it off as hostile and not worth their concern. With all due respect, sir, I believe that there should be greater emphasis placed on understanding.

Admiral: On understanding.

Picard: Yes, sir. Perhaps our teams, on encountering hostility, might consider whether they have done something which would warrant such a reaction.

Admiral: Yes, I have observed this is a common human failing. Live long and prosper, Captain Picard. Admiral Stolan out.

[Roll credits.]