Season 2

S2E1 · The Child

The new Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur), is brought aboard the Enterprise as it prepares to travel to Aucdet IX in order to take on dangerous virus samples, which will be carried to a Starfleet Medical station, hoping they will be able to devise a cure for a plague epidemic in the Rachelis System. After taking aboard the new doctor, the ship is traveling at sub-light speed when a ball of energy passes in through the hull, eventually settling in the womb of Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis).

Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) wonders why the new doctor hadn't checked in with him, and locates her in the Ten Forward lounge, where the bartender, Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), works. Picard finds Doctor Pulaski talking with Troi about her unexpected pregnancy. The senior officers meet to discuss the pregnancy. The fetus is developing at an accelerated rate and would be fully developed in 36 hours. Troi does not know who the father is, but was aware of a "presence" entering her body the night before. Though the senior staff debate terminating the pregnancy, Troi decides she will carry the child to term.

The Enterprise arrives at Aucdet IX to pick up the plague samples, which are stored in a highly secure storage vessel. Troi gives birth to an apparently normal boy, whom she names Ian Andrew after her father. Ian continues to develop rapidly; within a day, he appears as a four-year-old child with corresponding mental faculties. When asked if he is ready to explain who or what he is, Ian responds "not yet." Having completed the transfer of the virus samples, the Enterprise heads for the Starfleet Medical station. En route, the crew finds one of the plague strains is growing inexplicably; should it continue growing, it will rupture the storage vessel and result in the catastrophic exposure of all on board.

They discover that an unknown source of Eichner radiation is causing the growth. Ian (R. J. Williams), now appearing as an eight-year-old, confides to Troi that he is the source of the crew's problems and will have to leave. Troi realizes Ian is dying and calls for medical assistance. Ian dies in Troi's arms and returns to his energy form. The energy being contacts Troi's mind, and explains that he impregnated her in order to discover what it was like to be human. With Ian gone, the plague sample returns to normal and the crew continues on their mission.

Meanwhile, Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) has been trying to cope with leaving the Enterprise to join his mother on Earth after her promotion to director of Starfleet Medical. After receiving guidance from Guinan, he decides he wants to remain on the Enterprise.

S2E2 · Where Silence Has Lease

While on a charting mission, the Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, discovers a zone of pure blackness in space; probes launched into the area simply disappear. As they continually move closer to study it further, the zone expands and soon envelops the Enterprise, leaving them in a black void with sensors reporting nothing outside. Picard orders the ship on a return course but they find that they cannot escape. They leave a stationary beacon behind them, only to have it reappear ahead of them.

A Romulan Warbird suddenly decloaks in front of the ship and attacks. Picard orders the crew to return fire; they destroy the Warbird, but Picard is suspicious of how easily this occurs. The crew then detect what appears to be their sister ship, the USS Yamato, approaching them, but it does not respond to hails. Commander Riker and Lt. Worf beam over to search the ship, where they find it empty with various inconsistencies in its construction, including more seemingly impossible physical loops. The Enterprise then detects an exit from the darkness but cannot lock onto the away team to retrieve them before the opening disappears.

The Yamato begins to fade away, but the Enterprise is able to beam Riker and Worf back just in time. More openings appear in the blackness, each closing as soon as the Enterprise approaches them. Picard realizes that they are being manipulated and orders a full stop.

An entity called Nagilum, appearing as a face, on the bridge viewscreen, announces its curiosity about humans has prompted it test the limits of the human body. After causing Ensign Haskell to die via intracerebral hemorrhage, it states that it wants to know everything about death. It estimates it will take between a third and a half of the crew to complete its experiments. Picard activates the ship's self-destruct sequence rather than to submit to Nagilum's whims. As the crew prepares for their end, Picard is tested once more by Nagilum via the peculiar behavior displayed by doppelgangers of Counselor Troi and Lt.

Commander Data, both of whom question the self-destruct order. Once the duplicates are gone and the countdown nears zero, the void vanishes, leaving the Enterprise in normal space. Picard orders the ship to move away at high speed, but cancels the self-destruct only when he is satisfied that they are truly free.

As the Enterprise continues on its mission, Nagilum appears on the ready-room computer. It offers its dismissive evaluation of humanity. Picard disagrees, pointing out that their recent encounter shows that both species are curious. Nagilum concedes this point before disappearing.

S2E3 · Elementary, Dear Data

As the Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, waits to rendezvous with the USS Victory, Chief Engineer La Forge and Commander Data go to the holodeck to recreate a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Data, playing Holmes, has memorized all of the Holmes stories, and recognizes and solves the mystery within minutes. Frustrated, Geordi leaves the holodeck, leaving Data confused. In Ten Forward, Geordi explains that the fun is in solving the unknown; Data does not understand. Overhearing their conversation, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pulaski asserts that Data is incapable of solving a mystery to which he does not already know the outcome. Data accepts Dr. Pulaski's challenge and invites her to join them on the holodeck. There, Geordi instructs the computer to create a unique Sherlock Holmes mystery with an adversary who is capable of defeating Data.

In the new program, Dr. Pulaski is kidnapped, and Data investigates. They soon discover that Professor Moriarty is responsible, but when they find him with Pulaski in his hideout, they are shocked when they learn that Moriarty is aware of the holodeck program being a simulation, and is able to access the holodeck computer, showing them a sketch of the Enterprise he has drawn based on the computer's description. Data and Geordi leave the holodeck to alert the captain, and Geordi realizes that when he asked the computer to create the program he had asked for an adversary who could defeat Data, not Sherlock Holmes; as a result, the computer gave the holodeck character, Professor Moriarty, the intelligence and cunning needed to challenge Data, plus the ability to access the ship's computer. When Moriarty gains access to ship stabilizer controls, Data returns to the holodeck with Captain Picard.

Picard meets Moriarty, who demonstrates that he has evolved beyond his original programming and asks to continue to exist in the real world. Picard tells Moriarty that this would not be possible; instead, he saves the program and tells Moriarty that if they ever discover a way to convert holodeck matter into a permanent form they will bring him back. Picard discontinues the program and the USS Victory arrives, with La Forge preparing to present a model of the historic HMS Victory.

S2E4 · The Outrageous Okona

As the Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, passes through the Coalition of Madena, it detects a small cargo ship, under manual control by its occupant. The crew makes contact with the pilot, Captain Thadiun Okona (William O. Campbell), who requests help to repair a part on his ship. Captain Picard agrees and the Enterprise tows Okona's ship while Okona is brought on board. The crew soon finds that Okona has taken a keen interest in the women on the ship, beginning with Transporter Chief Robinson (Teri Hatcher in an uncredited role) and is in no rush to effect repairs.

Continuing through the sector, the Enterprise is set upon by ships from two planets, each of which locks its weapons upon the Enterprise, though both are vastly outclassed. Debin (Douglas Rowe), from the planet Atlec, accuses Okona of impregnating his daughter Yanar (Rosalind Ingledew), while Kushell (Albert Stratton) from the planet Straleb asserts that Okona has stolen a state treasure, the Jewel of Thesia. The two leaders clearly know each other and both demand that their claim on Okona takes precedence. Okona denies both allegations but offers nothing to defend himself with. Picard offers to arbitrate the dispute and brings Debin, Yanar, Kushell, and Benzan (Kieran Mulroney), Kushell's son, aboard the Enterprise. Okona sits and quietly listens to both Debin and Kushell's arguments but does not offer any evidence to defend himself from both allegations.

After much more arguing amongst the two leaders, Okona then declares that he is the father of Yanar's child and offers to marry her. Benzan then declares that the Jewel of Thesia hasn't been stolen: it is revealed that Okona has been acting as a go-between for Yanar and Benzan, who are in love with each other, and that Yanar is pregnant with Benzan's child; Benzan has offered to marry Yanar, intending to present the Jewel of Thesia, which he asserts is rightly his, as a courting gift. Okona was carrying the jewel between the two planets when he suffered engine trouble and he falsely claimed to be the father to force the two lovers to reveal the truth.

Embarrassed and frustrated with how her relationship with Benzan has caused Okona to get into trouble and the quarreling of their parents, especially her father's pressuring her to marry to preserve her family's honor, an exasperated Yanar declares that she is not marrying Benzan or Okona. Okona has a heart-to-heart conversation with Yanar about how she cannot throw away her relationship simply because their parents cannot "behave themselves". Yanar takes heed to Okona's advice. She and Benzan profess their love to each other in front of Debin and Kushell, who finally realize how happy their children are with each other.

Picard cannot get involved in the internal political disputes between the two planets and allows Okona to go on his way once his ship is repaired; Debin and Kushell are left to argue (in a friendly manner) about wedding details.

Lt. Commander Data is motivated to explore the concept of humor after meeting Okona. Prompted by Guinan, Data uses the holodeck to generate a comedy club setting and stand-up comic (played by Joe Piscopo) as his adviser but when he performs in front of the holographic audience, he is dismayed to find that they laugh at anything he says or does. Guinan cheers Data up by explaining that being able to laugh or make people laugh is not the final result of becoming human. As the Enterprise parts with Okona, Data is able to unintentionally make the crew laugh but does not at first understand the joke.

S2E5 · Loud as a Whisper

The Federation starship Enterprise, commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), is set to take aboard Riva (Howie Seago), a renowned negotiator, to help resolve a centuries-old war between two tribes on planet Solais V. Riva is deaf due to a hereditary lack of the gene for hearing in the royal family. He uses sign language and lip reading but travels with a "chorus" (Marnie Mosiman, Thomas Oglesby, and Leo Damian), an entourage in telepathic communication with him, who are able to enunciate his thoughts. Riva dismisses the Enterprise crew's briefing on the history of the conflict, explaining that the dispute has long since become personal, regardless of the tangible concerns that may have started it.

When Riva, his chorus and several Enterprise officers beam down for the meeting, one tribal delegate fires upon them, killing the chorus. The tribe's leader immediately brands him a traitor and executes him, begging for the talks to continue but the away team has already begun emergency transport back to the Enterprise amid the chaos.

Riva, frustrated and agitated, struggles to communicate with the crew, so Picard orders Commander Data (Brent Spiner) to find and learn Riva's sign language and act as translator. Picard offers to take Riva's place at the mediation but Riva believes the Solaian tribes will only cooperate with him. Riva is prepared to abandon the peace process and return to his home planet, accepting his failure but Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) inspires him to stay, suggesting that he turn his disadvantage into an advantage, recalling Riva's negotiating tactic. Riva returns to the meeting spot on the planet and to the crew's surprise, tells them that they should leave and that he will signal Starfleet when the negotiations are complete, as they may take several months.

For the tribes to work with Riva, they will have to learn sign language from Riva, which will create a shared experience between them. Thus, Riva is turning his disadvantage of being unable to communicate into an advantage. The crew leaves Riva to await the tribe representatives.

S2E6 · The Schizoid Man

The Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is en route to provide medical care for the reclusive but respected scientist Dr. Ira Graves, who lives with only his assistant, Kareen Brianon, on a remote planet. When the crew receives an emergency distress call from a nearby transport ship, Captain Picard elects to send an away team composed of Data, Counselor Troi, Lt. Worf, and Dr. Selar to see to Dr. Graves while Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pulaski stays aboard the Enterprise, which leaves to attend to the transport.

The away team finds that the request for medical assistance was made by Kareen without Graves' knowledge, and though resentful, he allows Selar to examine him. Selar determines that Graves has Darnay's disease, an incurable terminal disease and has only three weeks to live, so the team begins to collect Graves' research and records to preserve them after his death. Graves recognizes Data as Noonien Soong 's creation and claims that he taught Soong everything he knew and asserts that if Soong is considered Data's "father", that would make Graves his "grandfather". Graves and Data begin to spend time alone, during which Graves reveals that he has developed a method to transfer his consciousness to a computer, allowing him to live indefinitely. Data in turn reveals that he has an off switch, which he says could be used to precipitate a version of death.

Later, Data reports to the away team that Graves has died. The Enterprise returns and retrieves the away team along with Kareen and Graves' body; Graves is given a funeral. Data delivers a glowing eulogy, surprising the crew. When he later whistles " If I Only Had a Brain ", echoing a habit of Graves' (who had told Data he resembled the Tin Woodman), when entering a turbolift, Picard decides that his uncharacteristic behavior warrants an examination. Although no physical anomalies are detected, Troi's psychotronic stability tests suggest there are two personalities within Data: his original personality, and an additional personality that is foreign and dominant, and which threatens to replace Data's personality. Picard soon realizes that Graves has transferred his mind into Data.

Graves, still in Data's body, reveals the truth to Kareen. While passionately proposing that she do the same so they can spend eternity together, Graves accidentally breaks two bones in her hand due to Data's superhuman strength. Picard tries to persuade Graves to give up Data's body voluntarily, noting the harm he is causing to those he loves. Graves knocks the captain unconscious. When Picard awakens, he and a security team find Data in his quarters. Data is back to his old self and Kareen finds that Graves has transferred himself out of Data and into the Enterprise's computer but only his knowledge, not his consciousness; the "human" part of Dr. Graves has been lost.

S2E7 · Unnatural Selection

The Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), receives a distress call from the USS Lantree and finds it adrift. The Enterprise taps into the Lantree ' s viewer and finds that the crew appear to have died from old age, even though many were as young as the Enterprise crew. The only evidence of any medical problems was a harmless case of Thelusian flu in one of the ship's officers. They discover that the Lantree ' s last port-of-call was the Darwin Genetic Research Station on Gagarin IV. Captain Picard orders a quarantine warning broadcast to be set on the Lantree and orders the Enterprise to Gagarin IV. As they near the planet, they receive another distress call from the station's researchers, all of whom have started a rapid onset of geriatric phenomena they believe is tied to the Lantree.

When the Enterprise arrives in orbit, the research team's leader pleads to have the station's genetically engineered children brought aboard, asserting that they are safe, as they have been in isolation from the rest of the station. Picard is concerned with exposing the Enterprise to the same phenomenon that is affecting the station but allows his Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) to have one of the children beamed aboard encased in styrolite, which shields the rest of the ship from possible contamination. The child, a male teenager, is brought to sick bay and Dr. Pulaski is fascinated by him, describing him as the "next step in human evolution".

She convinces Picard to allow her to take a shuttle away from the Enterprise, so that she can examine the child outside of the styrolite without exposing the rest of the crew and recruits Commander Data (Brent Spiner) as pilot, who as an android is immune to infection. When she removes the protective material, the boy awakens and telepathically communicates with her. She is suddenly struck by joint pain and recognizes that she must be experiencing with the same condition as the Lantree and station crew, so instead of returning to the Enterprise she orders Data to pilot the shuttle to the research station.

Dr. Pulaski continues to investigate the cause of the syndrome at the station. She learns that the children have been genetically engineered with highly aggressive immune systems that fight pathogens by genetically altering them – not just inside the children's bodies, but also in the environment outside of their bodies. Recalling the Lantree officer with Thelusian flu, Dr. Pulaski postulates that the children's immune systems' reaction to the virus has created airborne antibodies that are attacking all living things, and this manifests as altering the DNA of normal humanoids to cause them to age rapidly and die.

With this information, the crew of the Enterprise determine that the transporters may be able to remove the antibodies and re-code an infected individual's DNA to normal - but only with a previous bio-pattern of that individual, which at first they do not have for Dr. Pulaski due to her avoidance of transporter technology. The crew solves this by finding samples of Pulaski's hair in her quarters and using that DNA as a template to restore her to full health. The Enterprise then uses the same procedure to restore the station's staff, noting that the children will never be able to live with other humans, and then returns to the contaminated Lantree to destroy the ill-fated vessel.

S2E8 · A Matter of Honor

As part of an officer exchange program, Benzite Ensign Mendon is brought aboard the Federation starship Enterprise. Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher mistakes Mendon for Mordock, another Benzite who took the Starfleet entrance examination with him (in " Coming of Age "). Captain Picard suggests a similar officer exchange with the Klingons, and Commander Riker readily volunteers. Riker is assigned to the Klingon ship IKS Pagh, captained by Kargan. Before Riker departs for the Pagh, Lt. Worf briefs Riker on Klingon customs, and gives him a transponder to signal the Enterprise in the event of an emergency. Riker embraces his role as the Klingon First Officer and when challenged by Second Officer Klag, subdues him by force, pleasing Captain Kargan and earning respect from the crew.

Before the ships move away, Mendon scans the Klingon vessel and discovers a patch of strange organic material on its hull but does not bring it to Picard's attention. Worf soon discovers a similar patch on the Enterprise hull, identifying it as a lifeform. Mendon reveals his previous discovery of the same matter on the Klingon ship and when asked why he withheld the information, explains that on Benzite ships, it is considered improper to bring up a problem before you have a solution. Picard chastises him and orders the Enterprise to intercept the Pagh, as the Klingon ship is even more susceptible to damage from the organism. While en route, Mendon discovers a method to remove the organism.

The Klingon crew also discovers the organism eating away at their hull. Kargan concludes that it must be a new Federation weapon, noting that the Enterprise had thoroughly scanned the area during their rendezvous and orders the Pagh to cloak and prepare to attack the Enterprise. Riker is unable to convince Kargan to stand down, even after the Enterprise sends a message with instructions for removing the organism. Suspicious of the radio silence, the Enterprise raises its shields. Seemingly accepting his fate, Riker convinces Kargan to close to a distance of 40,000 kilometers before attacking the Enterprise.

He activates the transponder he got from Worf and tricks Kargan into taking it. The Enterprise locks onto the transponder signal and waits for the Pagh to get within 40,000 kilometers, the range of the Enterprise ' s transporters. Kargan is beamed to the Enterprise ' s bridge and draws his disruptor but Worf fires first and stuns him. Riker assumes command of the Pagh, decloaks and demands that the Enterprise surrender, which Picard agrees to, disgracing Kargan further. The Enterprise cleans the organism from the Klingon ship and Kargan is returned. Riker allows Kargan to hit him and order him off the ship to allow the Klingon to regain some of his dignity before the Pagh departs.

S2E9 · The Measure of a Man

While the Enterprise is visiting Starbase 173 for routine maintenance, cyberneticist Commander Bruce Maddox (Brian Brophy) comes aboard to pay a visit to Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), wishing to better understand Data's positronic brain. It quickly becomes clear that Maddox has an ulterior motive of transferring the contents of Data's memory to the starbase mainframe computer and shutting down and dismantling him to learn how to recreate the technology. Though Maddox promises to restore Data following his analysis and assures him his memories will be intact, Data is concerned that the procedure is riskier than Maddox is letting on, and argues that while the factual details of his memories will be preserved, the nuances of his experiences may not be.

Data refuses, causing Maddox to turn to Starfleet to order him to comply. Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) supports Data's position and is advised that the only way for Data to evade the order is to resign from Starfleet, which Data does. Maddox argues that Data is Starfleet property, not a sentient being, and as such, does not have the right to choose to resign.

Picard has to deal with the presiding judge advocate general for the sector, Captain Philippa Louvois (Amanda McBroom), who was a former love interest until she aggressively prosecuted Picard in a court-martial involving his actions on the USS Stargazer. When Louvois rules for Maddox, Picard requests a formal hearing to challenge the ruling. Louvois agrees and allows Picard to represent Data during the proceedings. Due to a shortage of qualified legal staff, Louvois compels Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) to represent Maddox. Riker's arguments portray Data as merely a machine constructed by man and no more than the sum of his parts.

In a striking final demonstration, Riker activates Data's "off switch", causing the android to shut down. Picard calls for a recess, during which he meets in Ten Forward with Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), who suggests that regardless of whether Data is a machine or not, Maddox's plans for reproducing him would lead to a situation tantamount to slavery. Picard uses this to defuse Riker's arguments, and turns the discussion to metaphysical matters of Data's sentience, using Data and Maddox as witnesses. Picard points out that Data meets two of the three criteria that Maddox uses to define sentient life. Data is intelligent and self-aware, and Picard asks anyone in the court to show a means of measuring consciousness.

With no one able to answer this, Louvois acknowledges that neither she nor anyone else can measure this in Data, and rules that he has the right to choose. Upon the court's ruling, Data formally refuses to undergo the procedure. After the hearing, Data clearly holds no ill will against Maddox; Data reminds the scientist that his work remains intriguing and offers to assist in further research after Maddox has had more time to study and perfect his techniques. Maddox, for his part, refers to Data for the first time as "he" rather than "it".

Later, during a party celebrating Data's victory, Data finds Riker alone in a conference room, ashamed of having had to argue against his friend in the hearing. Data cheers him up by telling him that his action was an act of self-sacrifice that gave Data the chance to win his freedom, as had Riker refused to participate, Louvois' original judgement in favor of Maddox would have been final. The two then happily return to the celebration together.

S2E10 · The Dauphin

The Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is assigned to transport the beautiful Salia, future ruler of Daled IV and her governess Anya, from a planet to which she has voluntarily exiled herself. Her parents, rulers of two opposing factions on Daled IV, have died and Salia represents a chance to unify the two factions. Anya is fiercely protective of her.

On board, Salia meets young Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher, who instantly becomes smitten. Wesley receives courtship advice from the crew members (including Worf, who explains that with Klingons it consists of "the male grunting and growling, followed by the female bellowing and hurling heavy objects, as the male reads love poetry"). The two young people bond. He introduces her to Thalian chocolate mousse, and takes her to the holodeck to show her several other worlds after she expresses an interest in exploring the galaxy.

Anya, touring the ship, first gives advice on warp engines and then discovers a crew member with a virulent disease being in a containment field in sick bay. She demands the crew member be killed to protect Salia. The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pulaski, refuses and insists the disease is contained but Anya transforms into a large monstrous form, easily matching Worf's strength when he tries to intervene. When Captain Picard arrives, Anya reverts to her petite humanoid form and defiantly explains her actions. Dr. Pulaski identifies Anya as an allasomorph, a shapeshifter, who could present a danger for the crew. Picard orders Anya to be confined to quarters and Worf, as head of security, promises Anya he will watch over Salia.

Picard, aware of Wesley's attraction to Salia, asks him to stay away from her, to which he agrees. At night, as Anya is sleeping, Salia slips out of their quarters and visits Wesley and the two share a kiss. They are interrupted when Anya bursts into his quarters in her beast form. To Wesley's horror, Salia also transforms into a similar beast, holding Anya at bay. Both revert to their human forms as security arrives. Later, Salia attempts to apologize to Wesley for her deception but Wesley, appalled by seeing Salia's appearance was not the real her, is too upset and refuses to listen.

The Enterprise arrives at Daled IV with no further incidents. As Salia prepares to depart, Anya reveals she will not be going with her, instead returning to her home on an orbiting moon. Anya also warns her that she will likely be unable to leave the planet once she has taken the leadership role. Salia thanks Anya for her upbringing before Anya departs. Just before Salia is to be beamed down to the planet, Wesley arrives to say his goodbyes, bringing her one last taste of chocolate mousse. Salia thanks him, and transforms into her natural form, a luminous figure of energy, before she is beamed down to the planet.

S2E11 · Contagion

The Enterprise receives a distress signal from the USS Yamato within the Romulan Neutral Zone, and travels to assist. After the Enterprise arrives, the Yamato suddenly explodes. Shortly afterwards, a Romulan Warbird, the Haakona, demands the Enterprise retreat from the Neutral Zone. Captain Jean-Luc Picard responds that they will not leave until they have determined why the Yamato was destroyed.

Picard reviews the logs of the Yamato ' s Captain Varley. Varley, an archeology buff like Picard, believed he had found the fabled planet of Iconia within the Neutral Zone, and feared that the Romulans might be attempting to acquire advanced Iconian technology for use against the Federation. However, when the Yamato neared the planet, it was scanned by a probe, and began to experience system failures. The Enterprise begins experiencing similar issues. Picard orders the Enterprise to Iconia to see if a solution can be found there.

When they enter the planet's orbit, a probe is launched from the surface. Chief Engineer La Forge deduces that the probe carries a computer virus that caused the Yamato ' s destruction, and insists on destroying the probe. However, a portion of the virus stored in the Yamato logs has infected the Enterprise, threatening to destroy it in a matter of hours. Picard, Lt. Commander Data, and Lt. Worf beam to the planet. They find a transportation portal that allows instantaneous travel to a number of destinations, including the Enterprise and Haakona bridges. Data becomes infected with the virus, but retains enough function to instruct Picard on how to destroy the base.

Meanwhile, the Haakona threatens to attack the Enterprise, but soon begins to suffer from similar system failures. Picard orders Worf to return with Data to the Enterprise using the Iconian gate, while he destroys the base. Before the structure explodes, Picard uses the gate to jump onto the Haakona ' s bridge and discovers that their ship is set on an auto-destruct sequence they cannot stop.

On the Enterprise, Data's systems are nearly overtaken by the virus. His body automatically shuts down as a protective measure, and then restarts, free of the virus. La Forge suggests a similar cold boot to clear the virus from the Enterprise. With the transporters back online, Picard is beamed off the Haakona, and Riker sends instructions to the Romulans on how to clear the virus. The Romulans successfully restart their computers, and both ships peacefully leave the Neutral Zone as the Iconian base destroys itself on the surface of the planet.

S2E12 · The Royale

The episode opens with a discussion between Captain Picard and Commander Riker about Fermat's Last Theorem, which in the canon of the series had remained unsolved for 800 years (the theorem was proved in 1995, six years after the episode aired).

Following a tip from a Klingon ship, the Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, finds debris from an Earth ship orbiting an uninhabitable alien planet. A sample of the debris beamed aboard shows NASA markings and a 52-star American flag, dating the ship to the mid-to-late 21st century and establishing that it had traveled far beyond the capability of ships of that era. Scans of the planet reveal a small anomalous area capable of supporting human life, so Commander Riker, Lt. Worf, and Lt. Commander Data beam down to investigate, and find a revolving door standing alone in a dark void. Upon entering, they find themselves in an old Earth-style hotel and casino called The Royale, where they are cut off from contact with the Enterprise.

The away team soon discovers they are trapped inside the casino, and after making several unsuccessful attempts to leave, they decide to explore the building. In a hotel room, they find the desiccated but preserved remains of Col. Stephen Richey, a NASA astronaut, and a pulp novel entitled Hotel Royale. Upon reading Richey's diary, they learn that his starship had launched in 2037, been accidentally contaminated by an unknown alien race, then transported through a wormhole across the galaxy; he was the only survivor. Taking pity on Richey, the aliens created The Royale for him, thinking the novel's story represented humans' preferred way of living, whereas Richey found it unbearable thanks to the poor quality of the novel. He lived there for 38 years until his death, and his remains have been in the room for 283 years.

Riker, Data, and Worf realize that the plot has been recreated in detail by the aliens and is playing out around them, and surmise that they might be able to leave if the story dictates that they do so. They assume the role of a trio of foreign investors described in the novel, who eventually leave the hotel after buying it for $12.5 million. Data begins to play craps, using his winnings from an earlier visit to the blackjack table, but soon senses that the dice are loaded to favor the house.

He compresses them in his hand to readjust their weight distribution in his favor, then goes on a winning streak that breaks the bank and wins over $24 million. The three Starfleet officers then announce themselves as the foreign investors and buy the hotel with $12 million of their winnings, give the rest of the money away to the staff and other gamblers, and depart as stated in the novel. After they return to the Enterprise, Riker and Picard speculate on the alien contamination of Richey's ship and how it could have ended up so far from Earth. Picard muses that the entire incident is a puzzle they may never be able to solve, similar to Fermat's Last Theorem.

S2E13 · Time Squared

While the Federation starship Enterprise is en route to their planned destination, ship's sensors detect a lone shuttlepod drifting through empty space with no power or fuel reserves. When Lt. Worf and Commander Riker use the tractor beam to bring it into the shuttlebay, they find it has the same name and registry as an Enterprise shuttle. Inside is a double of Captain Picard, barely clinging to life. After the double is brought to sickbay for treatment, Lt. Commander Data and Chief Engineer La Forge discover that the shuttle's internal clock is about six hours ahead of the ship's chronometer which means that the shuttle, and therefore Picard's double, is from six hours into the future. They recover a very poor quality sensor log video that shows the Enterprise falling into an energy vortex and being destroyed after the shuttle is launched.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pulaski determines that the incoherent double's biological functions are out of sync, but are improving as the future Picard draws nearer to his own time. Picard orders that his future self be revived, but is unsuccessful in extracting any information from him. Picard is disquieted at the idea that he would abandon his ship and its crew. The crew members decide to continue on their current course. They are suddenly stopped by the vortex seen in the shuttle log and are unable to escape. Scans emanating from the vortex appear to focus on Picard and an energy beam strikes him leading him to theorize that there is an intelligence controlling the vortex which seems to be interested in him personally, and that his double left the ship to draw its attention.

Picard's double, now almost completely aware and coherent, sets out to leave the Enterprise as he did before. Picard follows him, asserting that there must have been another option. As the double is boarding the shuttlepod, Picard proclaims that the cycle will be broken and kills him with a phaser. Picard returns to the bridge and orders that the Enterprise fly straight into the center of the vortex. The Enterprise comes through the other side into normal space, and the doubles of Picard and the shuttlepod disappear. The Enterprise resumes its course.

S2E14 · The Icarus Factor

While the Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is en route to Starbase Montgomery to run diagnostics on its engines, Picard receives a message from Starfleet offering Riker a command of his own, the Aries, on a potentially dangerous exploration mission in a distant sector. Picard advises Riker that while the Enterprise is a prestigious assignment, it cannot replace the experience of having one's own command, and gives him 12 hours—the duration of their stop at the starbase—to decide. Riker's decision is complicated by the fact that the civilian adviser Starfleet has sent to brief him on his mission turns out to be his father, Kyle Riker (Mitchell Ryan), with whom he has an antagonistic relationship.

Kyle makes several attempts to reconcile but is rebuffed by Will; the tension between the two finally boils over, and they agree to a match of Anbo-jyutsu, a form of martial arts in which the two had sparred while Will was growing up. They continue to argue during the match, with Will venting his bitterness over the death of his mother. Will interrupts the match, claiming that Kyle has used an illegal move, and realizes that Kyle had only been able to beat him in his youth by cheating. Kyle admits as much, saying that he had realized it was the only way to keep Will interested in the sport. The two are finally able to talk and reconcile, and Will admits he is glad his father came. Will decides that "[f]or now, the best place for me to be is here," on the Enterprise.

Meanwhile, Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher notices that Worf is acting particularly agitated, and enlists the help of Chief Engineer La Forge and Commander Data to find out why. The trio eventually learn that Worf is approaching the tenth anniversary of his Age of Ascension; Klingons are expected to celebrate the day with a ritual administered by their own kind. Wesley, Geordi, and Data program the holodeck as a site for the ritual, in which Worf must traverse a gauntlet of Klingon warriors and endure jolts from the pain sticks they carry. Surprised at the effort, Worf recites vows of honor as he walks the path as his crewmates observe, and he thanks them at its end for honoring him in this fashion.

S2E15 · Pen Pals

As the Enterprise surveys an area of unexplored planets with unusually short life spans due to severe geological changes, Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher is put in charge of a survey team in order to further his studies toward becoming a Starfleet officer. Wesley selects a team of highly competent science officers; however, as they are much older than he is, he worries that his authority will be challenged. One team member, Davies, rebuffs Wesley's request to run a time-consuming scan, causing Wesley to doubt himself.

Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Data receives a primitive radio signal from a young girl on one of the planets. Data makes contact with the girl, named Sarjenka, and continues to converse regularly with her over the course of the month, keeping the details of his identity secret, as Sarjenka's culture is unaware of life existing outside their planet. When Sarjenka reports that earthquakes are occurring with increasing frequency, Data realizes her planet is beginning to break down, and reports to Captain Picard in the hope that the Enterprise can find a way to reverse the process. Picard sympathizes with Data's case, but sternly orders him to cease communication with Sarjenka to avoid any further violations of the Prime Directive.

Wesley seeks Commander Riker for advice on handling his team. Riker stresses that Starfleet training is about both responsibility and authority, and commends Wesley for his record of responsibility, but urges him to exercise authority with the science team. Wesley returns to the team and requests in a more authoritative manner that Davies perform the planetary scan, and Davies complies without argument.

The scans prove to be key to understanding the planets' geological instability, and Wesley's team proposes a method to correct it. Data receives another signal from Sarjenka, who is now calling for help as volcanic eruptions threaten to wipe out her home. Picard recognizes they cannot ignore her pleas, and orders the Enterprise to Sarjenka's planet. He allows Data to beam down to take the girl to safety; running out of time, he takes her back to the Enterprise instead, much to Picard's dismay. The crew is able to safely restore the planet's geological system, and Picard orders Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pulaski to sedate Sarjenka and erase her memories of Data and the Enterprise. Data returns the sleeping girl to her home, now safe, leaving her with a "singing stone" that Dr. Pulaski had given her while in Sickbay.

S2E16 · Q Who?

On his way back to his quarters, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) steps off a turbolift and instead of finding himself in a corridor onboard the Enterprise, ends up on board a shuttlecraft with Q (John de Lancie) at the controls. Picard demands to be returned to the Enterprise; Q calls him "an impossibly stubborn human" and refuses to take him back until he agrees to at least hear Q's requests. Q then transports them to Ten Forward, where Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), who recognizes him, warns Picard not to trust him.

Q reveals that he wants to join the crew to assist them as they push further into unexplored regions of the galaxy, asserting they are not ready for the threats they will encounter. Picard chooses to make their own way into the unknown, and rejects Q's offer. Irritated by Picard's arrogance, Q sends the Enterprise thousands of light years across the galaxy, then disappears. Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) reports that the nearest starbase is over two years away at maximum warp. A fearful Guinan warns Picard to set course for home immediately, but Picard is curious to explore.

The crew discover a nearby planet that shows signs of a previous civilization but has been stripped of all industrial and mechanical elements, similar to destruction found several months ago at Federation outposts bordering the Romulan Neutral Zone. Moments later, they detect and are then met by a large, cube-shaped vessel which does not answer their hails. Guinan warns Picard that the ship belongs to the Borg, a powerful, cyborg-like race that nearly wiped out her people, scattering the survivors across the galaxy, and again urges Picard to leave immediately or face certain destruction.

Though Picard orders the Enterprise 's shields raised, a single, speechless Borg transports into Engineering and begins to probe the Enterprise ' s computer systems. Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) initially attempts to incapacitate the intruder with his phaser set on stun, which has no effect. Worf is forced to use the kill setting in order to neutralize the Borg. Immediately afterwards, a second Borg appears and continues probing the computer, now proving to be completely immune to phaser fire. Completing its mission, it strips several components from the dead Borg, then transports itself and the dead Borg away.

The Borg ship contacts the Enterprise and demands their surrender. The Borg then immobilizes the Enterprise with a tractor beam, disables the shields, and uses a cutting beam to slice into the saucer section to remove a cross-section of the ship, killing eighteen people.

Picard orders return fire, and the Enterprise apparently disables the Borg ship. Against Guinan's advice, Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) takes an away team to the immense Borg cube where they find mostly dormant Borg drones and a Borg nursery. Data discovers that the Borg ship is regenerating and repairing the damage made by the Enterprise. The away team is beamed directly to the bridge, and Picard orders that they depart at Warp 8. The Borg ship suddenly reactivates and begins pursuit, gaining on the Enterprise. Picard attempts to outrun the Borg by ordering Lt.

Commander La Forge (LeVar Burton) to engage maximum warp, but the Borg are able to keep up. Q appears on the bridge and warns Picard that the Borg will never stop chasing them, and cannot be defeated. Picard attempts to fight back against the Borg to no avail, and finally admits he needs Q's help. Q obliges, safely returning the Enterprise to its last position in Federation space. Picard, though thankful for Q's lesson, blames Q for the deaths of his crew. Q disappears, but not before reminding them again of their ill-preparedness.

Guinan warns Picard that now that the Borg are aware of the Federation's presence, they will be coming. Picard reflects that perhaps Q did the right thing for the wrong reasons by bringing forward their encounter with the Borg, as it has informed the Federation what lies ahead of them as they continue to explore.

S2E17 · Samaritan Snare

Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) refuses to have his artificial heart replaced on board the Enterprise by Doctor Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur), as he is concerned about his image with the crew. He instead heads to a nearby Starbase for the operation, travelling by shuttlecraft. Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) accompanies him, as he is due to undergo his Starfleet Academy entrance exams. Initially rebuffing Wesley's attempts to make conversation, Picard eventually softens and talks of his past. This includes the revelation that he received an artificial heart after being stabbed in the back by a Nausicaan in his days as a cocky young Starfleet cadet.

Meanwhile, the Enterprise encounters the Mondor, a Pakled ship. The aliens request help to fix their vessel. Based on the Pakleds' rudimentary communication skills and apparent lack of understanding of the basic operations of their ship, Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) judges them to be inept and harmless, and agrees to send Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) to assist them. After boarding the Pakled ship, La Forge repairs the navigational system, when main power fails. On the Enterprise, Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), an empath, warns Riker that La Forge is in danger, but Riker hesitates to act upon her warning, judging from the Pakleds' appearance that they are not dangerous.

Upon finally completing the repairs, La Forge prepares to leave, but a Pakled incapacitates him with his own phaser, and raises the ship's shields. Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) determines that the Pakleds have acquired advanced technology from other races, and the ship's malfunctions were a ruse. Riker demands they return La Forge, but the Pakleds refuse, and stun him again with his phaser. Riker and Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn) develop a ruse of their own, which they communicate to La Forge in code.

At the Starbase, complications arise during Picard's transplant, and the doctors realize that unless they can locate an expert with the necessary expertise, he will die. As Riker sets up the ruse, Worf receives a message from the Starbase that Picard is close to death. The Pakleds seek to attack the Enterprise, but La Forge persuades the Pakleds to delay firing until a specific range. In response, the Enterprise generates a spectacular but harmless pyrotechnic display, and La Forge simultaneously disables their weapon systems. The Pakleds, convinced they have been defeated, back down and allow La Forge's return and the Enterprise races to the Starbase. Picard is dismayed upon waking up to find that Pulaski has completed his procedure. While Pulaski assures him she will keep his secret, he returns to the Enterprise ' s bridge to applause, which he quickly silences.

S2E18 · Up the Long Ladder

The Enterprise receives an automated distress call from a human colony on the planet Bringloid V, which is in danger from solar flares from its star. The colony turns out to have been founded by the crew of the SS Mariposa, a freighter launched from Earth several hundred years earlier.

As the Enterprise approaches the planet, Worf collapses on the bridge. When he regains consciousness in sick bay, he is embarrassed to admit suffering a Klingon childhood illness equivalent to measles. Dr. Pulaski agrees to protect his privacy. In gratitude, Worf later approaches her to offer a Klingon tea ceremony. He warns that the tea is deadly to humans and explains it is just a gesture which would be important in his culture. Pulaski suggests he is a romantic and takes an antidote to allow herself to drink the tea with him safely.

The "Bringloidi" colony, now led by an Irishman named Danilo Odell and his hot-tempered daughter Brenna, are followers of an early 22nd-century philosopher who advocated returning to a pre-industrial agrarian lifestyle, and when taken aboard the Enterprise, must quickly adapt to the 24th-century technology. Odell informs Picard of another colony, also planted by the Mariposa. The Enterprise proceeds to the second colony—which has named itself "Mariposa" after their ship—half a light year away. The colony's Prime Minister, Wilson Granger, is happy to see the Enterprise and welcomes them to visit, so Commander Riker beams down with Lieutenant Worf and Chief Medical Officer Doctor Pulaski.

The Mariposa colony has kept their advanced technology, and appear refined and cultured in contrast to the Bringloidi's relatively primitive existence. Pulaski quickly ascertains that all of the inhabitants are clones. Granger reveals that their ship crashed while landing, and only five survivors were left to start the colony. As this was insufficient to establish a stable gene pool, and the survivors were all scientists, they turned exclusively to cloning instead and consequently no longer have any desire for biological reproduction. For almost three centuries, every Mariposan has been a clone derived from one of the five original colonists, and now the colony is in danger of dying out because of replicative fading: each subsequent generation introduces additional minor flaws in the genetic code, which within only a few more generations will make further clones nonviable.

The Mariposans ask the Enterprise crew for samples of their DNA to create new clones. Riker refuses, as he values his uniqueness, and Picard advises that the rest of the crew is likely to feel the same, so the Mariposans kidnap Riker and Pulaski to steal their DNA. Upon discovering this, the away team beams directly to the colony's cloning labs, where they are repulsed to find copies of themselves being grown, which Riker destroys. Granger is furious and appeals to Picard, but Pulaski argues that a new batch of clones will only delay the inevitable. Instead, she advises that they consider partnering with the Bringloidi to create a viable gene pool. Initially, each colony's leader treats the other society with disdain, but they eventually agree to merge their colonies and disparate cultures.

S2E19 · Manhunt

The Federation starship Enterprise is ordered to escort two Antedean ambassadors to an important conference on the planet Pacifica. The Antedeans are transported aboard in a self-induced catatonic state—to reduce the stress of space travel—along with a plentiful food supply for when they awaken, in accordance with their custom.

En route, the Enterprise is ordered to rendezvous with a shuttlecraft carrying the Betazoid telepath ambassador Lwaxana Troi, mother of ship's counselor Deanna Troi, and her mute manservant Mr. Homn. Due to his previous experience with her (see " Haven "), Captain Jean-Luc Picard does not entirely welcome Lwaxana's presence, as she tends to be overbearing and lack tact, but Starfleet 's instructions are that she be afforded full diplomatic courtesy. Lwaxana invites Picard to dinner, and he is surprised to find that rather than the formal diplomatic function for the entire senior staff that he expected, it is a romantic setting for just the two of them. Picard evades her advances, inviting android Lieutenant Commander Data to join them, and manipulating him into taking over the conversation with long-winded anecdotes.

Troi explains that her mother has entered "The Phase": a stage in the life of a Betazoid woman when her sex drive drastically increases, and that she is searching for a new husband (having been long-since widowed). Moreover, her telepathy is clouded as a side effect, causing her to misread Picard's thoughts as indicating sexual desire for her. Picard retreats to the Holodeck to hide from her, leaving Commander Riker in charge. Frustrated by Picard's absence, Lwaxana targets Riker instead, and makes a surprise announcement to the bridge crew that they will be married.

The Antedeans have meanwhile revived, and Riker goes to the holodeck to notify Picard. Lwaxana follows, and having determined that Riker is not interested either, switches her attention to a character from Picard's Dixon Hill simulation, who returns her affections. Picard somewhat reluctantly informs her that her new husband-to-be is merely a holographic projection.

When the ship arrives at the conference and collected ambassadors prepare to beam down to the planet, Lwaxana offhandedly informs the crew that the Antedeans are actually assassins. Though they deny this, scans show they are carrying explosives, just as Lwaxana indicated, and they are taken into custody. She remarks that while she did not find a new husband, at least she saved the conference, and as she is beaming away, playfully chastises Picard for having "such naughty thoughts" about her, much to his dismay.

S2E20 · The Emissary

The Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, rendezvouses with a Federation emissary: K'Ehleyr, a half- Klingon half-human woman who has a history with Lt. Worf. K'Ehleyr informs the command staff that Starfleet has detected a Klingon battlecruiser called the T'Ong, whose crew has been in suspended animation for over 75 years, since the Klingons and the Federation were at war. Its crew are about to awaken, at which point it is feared they will attack the nearest Federation outpost. As the nearest Klingon ship is three days away, the Enterprise is to intercept them instead. Though K'Ehleyr believes that any attempt to reason with the Klingons will fail, and advises that Picard plan to destroy the ship, Picard disagrees and orders the staff to come up with peaceful alternatives.

Picard orders Worf to work with K'Ehleyr over Worf's objections. Worf and his ex-lover have a heated argument, barely managing to concentrate on their task. At Counselor Troi 's suggestion, K'Ehleyr goes to the holodeck to vent her frustrations in one of Worf's hand-to-hand combat simulations. Worf finds her there and joins her, and, stimulated by the battle, they mate. Following tradition, Worf starts the Klingon vow of marriage, but K'Ehleyr refuses to take the vow and storms out.

When the T'Ong is detected, it fires on the Enterprise, cloaks, and moves away. The Enterprise is able to track the older vessel and pursues it. K'Ehleyr urges Picard to let the Klingons die with honor, in battle. However, Worf comes up with another option: Worf and K'Ehleyr, clad in Klingon command uniforms, appear as captain and first officer of the Enterprise, informing Captain K'Temoc of the T'Ong that the war is over and ordering them to surrender. K'Temoc initially refuses, but when Worf, in typical Klingon manner, shows his resolve and threatens to destroy the T'Ong, K'Temoc grudgingly agrees.

K'Ehleyr transports to the T'Ong to begin the process of acclimating the Klingons to life in the 24th century and await the arrival of the Klingon escort. Before departing, she admits to Worf that she was tempted to take the marriage vow with him, and implies that their paths will cross again.

S2E21 · Peak Performance

To prepare for the Borg threat, the Enterprise is ordered to participate in combat simulations. Sirna Kolrami, a renowned Zakdorn strategist, will observe and mediate the exercise. Commander Riker challenges Kolrami to a game of Strategema despite knowing he cannot win, just for the honor of playing a grandmaster. Doctor Pulaski pushes Data to challenge the arrogant Kolrami, assuming he will be no match for Data's android capabilities. However, Data is also soundly beaten, causing him to believe he is malfunctioning and remove himself from duty.

For the simulation, Riker will command an 80-year-old retired Federation ship, Hathaway, with Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge, Lt. Worf and Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher as his senior staff. Hathaway is easily outclassed by Enterprise, and as it has no antimatter, warp speed is impossible. Wesley slips back aboard the Enterprise and transports a school project containing trace amounts of antimatter, potentially allowing Hathaway a short warp burst.

Pulaski and Counselor Troi are unable to persuade Data that he is not malfunctioning, but Captain Picard reminds him of his duty, advising him, "It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life.” Data returns to the bridge, his confidence restored.

As the battle begins, Worf creates a distraction by using Enterprise's sensors to generate an illusory Romulan warship, and the Hathaway scores the first hits. As Enterprise prepares to retaliate, another ship — a Ferengi marauder — appears. Picard realizes too late that this ship is genuine, and the Ferengi attack leaves the Enterprise's phasers locked in simulation mode, unable to return fire.

Ferengi commander DaiMon Bractor, unaware of the wargames, concludes the Hathaway must be valuable and demands that Picard surrender it to him. Picard and Riker devise a risky plan: the Enterprise fires photon torpedoes at the Hathaway, who use their short warp burst to jump to safety just before impact. Believing their prize has been destroyed, the Ferengi target the Enterprise, but Worf tricks their sensors into detecting another Federation ship, causing them to flee.

With the wargames over, Data challenges Kolrami to a Strategema rematch. This time, Data holds Kolrami in check, leading Kolrami to quit in frustration. Data explains that he gave up opportunities for advancement in order to maintain a stalemate; he initially regards the result as a draw, but after prodding from Pulaski, admits his victory.

S2E22 · Shades of Gray

During a geological survey on Surata IV, Commander William Riker is struck by a thorn growing on a motile vine plant. The away team immediately beams back to the Enterprise, where Dr. Katherine Pulaski finds out that the thorn has released a deadly virus into Riker's body. Within a matter of hours, the virus will reach Riker's brain, killing him. To try to save Riker's life, Pulaski puts him into a machine that will artificially stimulate his brain neurons, keeping them active and resisting the virus. This causes Riker to dream of his past adventures aboard the Enterprise.

Riker's first dreams are of reasonably neutral occasions, such as his first meeting with Lieutenant Commander Data. He soon moves on to more passionate and even erotic dreams, such as meeting the cheerful young Edo women on Rubicon III, the matriarch Beata on Angel One, and the computer-generated holodeck woman Minuet (Carolyn McCormick from " 11001001 ").

However, while pleasing to Riker's mind, the passionate dreams only worsen Riker's condition, as the virus feeds on the positive endorphins his brain is creating. Pulaski and Counselor Deanna Troi therefore agree to try to make the machine evoke negative dreams instead. Thus Riker dreams of Lieutenant Tasha Yar 's death, and the apparent death of Deanna Troi's child. This has the desired effect, as the negative endorphins drive the virus away, but the endorphins are not strong enough. As a last resort, Pulaski uses the machine to evoke dreams of raw, primitive feelings of fear and survival. Thus Riker dreams of fighting the tar creature Armus, the alien-controlled Admiral Gregory Quinn, and the Klingon officer Klag on board the warship Pagh. Seeing that the raw emotions work best, Pulaski intensifies the dreams to come at a more rapid pace. This finally kills the virus and Riker recovers.