S4E20 · Qpid

Captain Picard is writing a speech that he plans to present to archaeologists visiting the USS Enterprise. Counselor Troi tells him that the council members have arrived and been assigned quarters. Picard returns to his quarters and finds Vash waiting for him, and they kiss. The next morning, Picard and Vash are sharing breakfast when Doctor Crusher arrives and offers to give Vash a tour of the starship. Vash expresses surprise and offense that the Captain has not mentioned his encounter with her to his friends, and confronts him at a reception for the delegates.

Picard maintains that his professional responsibilities restrict him from discussing his personal life with the crew; Vash remains offended. After the reception, Q returns to repay Captain Picard for saving him in " Deja Q " but Picard rejects his offers. On observing Picard's strained relationship with Vash, Q decides to assist him by helping Picard prove his love for her.

While Picard is addressing the delegates, Q transports the bridge crew to medieval England. Picard is transformed into Robin Hood and the bridge crew are transformed into the Merry Men. Soldiers attack the group, and the group retreats into Sherwood Forest. Q assumes the role of the Sheriff of Nottingham and reveals to Picard that he has transformed Vash into Maid Marian and imprisoned her in Nottingham Castle. Picard must rescue Vash as she is sentenced to die for treason, though Vash manipulates Sir Guy of Gisbourne into sparing her life by professing love and promising marriage. Picard orders his officers to remain in the woods, then disguises himself as a peasant worker and infiltrates the castle.

Picard re-unites with Vash by climbing through a window, and the two bicker over the merits of Picard's rescue plan. With Vash refusing to leave, Picard tries to carry her away. A group of guards enter and seize Picard. Vash tries to send a hand-written message to Commander Riker, but it is intercepted by Q, who reveals his true nature to Vash and has her taken away to be executed. As Picard and Vash approach the executioner 's block, Picard's officers reveal themselves disguised as monks and create a diversion.

Picard and his staff prove themselves formidable fighters and win, and Picard kills Gisbourne in a sword fight. Q returns the crew and Vash to the Enterprise, where Vash reveals that she is leaving with Q to explore the galaxy. Q guarantees Vash will be safe with him; Picard considers Q's debt paid in full. Picard and Vash share a final kiss before she departs with Q.