Captain's log, star date 45233.1.
Our terraforming mission to Doraf I has been cancelled
and the Enterprise recalled to Star base 234.
Fleet Admiral Brackett would not discuss the matter on subspace
for reasons she said would soon be clear.
I apologize, Captain, for the mystery, but we must attempt
to contain this information at least as long as possible.
I must admit you've piqued my curiosity, Admiral.
Three weeks ago, one of our most celebrated ambassadors,
an adviser to Federation leaders for generations, disappeared.
He left no word of his destination.
Two days ago, intelligence reports placed him on Romulus.
I assure you, it was an unauthorized visit.
Computer, initiate linkage with Star base computer system Alpha 29.
- Linkage complete. - A defection?
If it is, the damage to Federation security would be immeasurable.
Taken on Romulus by long-range scanner.
Computer, enhance image in section four delta.
Captain's log, star date 45236.4.
As I study the reports on Spock's disappearance,
I cannot help but feel a deeper,
more personal concern about this mission,
for I know this man through his father.
Barely a year ago, I shared a mind-meld with the Vulcan, Sarek.
Now we must meet again,
as I attempt to find an explanation for his son's actions.
We'll reach Vulcan in less than an hour, Captain.
Inform Sarek's wife of our plans.
It's taken care of. She's transporting over at 0700.
- And Sarek? - He's too ill to make the trip.
The man is dying.
It's my honour to tell him his son may have betrayed the Federation.
How well do you know Spock?
I only met him once.
What I know is out of history books, and my mind-meld with his father.
That covers a lot of ground.
Not as much as you'd imagine.
Sarek and Spock...
Well, sometimes, fathers and sons...
Understood.
One other thing.
Look at this. Turned up in an intelligence sweep.
- Metal fragments. - What do you think?
Possibly components, identified as Vulcan. From a Ferengi ship?
They were in crates marked "Medical Supplies".
Contraband.
It's been sent to Vulcan for identification.
Starfleet have requested that we lend a hand.
Mint tea. It's been years since I've had any.
Vulcans have some strange concoction they call mint.
You'd never recognize it.
Perrin, do you know why I've come to Vulcan?
I must talk to you about Spock.
He didn't even say goodbye to his father before he left.
Is it possible he could have been abducted?
No!
He wrapped up all his affairs carefully.
He knew he was going.
Do you have any idea why he might have disappeared like this?
Captain, as far as I'm concerned, he disappeared a long time ago.
Is it inappropriate to ask what happened between you?
Not between us. Between Spock and his father.
They had argued for years. That was family.
But when the debates over the Cardassian War began,
he attacked Sarek's position.
Publicly. He showed no loyalty for his father.
I was not aware Sarek was offended by Spock's opposition.
I was offended. I made sure that Spock knew it.
I'm very protective of my husband.
I do not apologize for it.
Does Sarek have any idea why Spock might have left?
I don't know.
If you could see Sarek as I do,
wasting in bed, whispering to himself...
He wants to see his son.
He wants to heal any rift that may still remain.
Now, it may be too late.
Perrin, would you allow me to see Sarek?
If it were anyone else, I would never permit it.
But you are a part of him, and he of you.
The Vulcans can't identify the fragments,
but they've determined the metal is a dentarium alloy.
That indicates they're Vulcan.
It also means that whatever this was, it was designed for use in space.
From the damage, it was a high-speed impact.
A Ferengi ship went down in the Hanolin asteroid belt.
Debris covered 100 square kilometers.
- Is it a weapons array? - I thought so.
But the Vulcans have no record of stolen weapons or parts.
This is going to be like doing a jigsaw puzzle
with no idea what the picture should be.
Yep.
He is like this most of the time.
His emotions have taken over.
Sometimes, I can bring him out of it.
Sarek!
You will listen.
Go from me.
Picard is here.
No more chaos!
No more.
I will leave you alone with him.
He will either acknowledge you or he won't.
Sarek!
I've come a long way to see you.
I will not answer.
- I must talk to you about your son. - I wish no one with me.
About Spock.
Spock?
Yes.
He's missing.
Is that you?
Picard?
Hello, old friend.
- You're here, on Vulcan. - I need your help.
I must find Spock.
- He's not here. - I know.
He's been reported on Romulus.
- Romulus? - Yes.
- Why? - I hoped to find that out from you.
On Romulus.
You're going there, aren't you?
- To find him. - Yes.
Do you have any idea what might have taken him to Romulus?
No.
Is there anyone on Romulus he might know or choose to contact?
Pardek?
Who is Pardek?
It could be Pardek.
Who is Pardek?
He is a Romulan senator.
Spock has maintained a relationship with him.
I don't know how they met.
At the Khitomer conference, I'd imagine.
- Pardek represented Romulus? - Yes. I'm sure he did.
In fact, I recall Spock coming to me with optimism
about maintaining a continual dialogue with the Romulans.
I told him it was illogical to maintain such an expectation.
Spock was always so impressionable.
This Romulan, Pardek, had no support at home.
Of course, in the end, I was proven correct.
I gave Spock the benefit of experience, of logic.
He never listened.
Never listened.
It has been suggested that Spock might have defected.
Never.
I will accept many things, but never that.
But you believe he might have gone to see Pardek?
The Romulan senator?
How do you know Pardek?
I've heard of him.
That's what he's done.
He's gone to see Pardek.
Do you know what business they may have?
No, I never knew what Spock was doing.
As a boy, he would disappear into the mountains.
I would ask what he'd done. He refused to tell me.
I insisted that he tell me. He would not.
I forbade him to go. He ignored me.
I punished him. He endured it, silently.
But always he returned to the mountains.
One might as well ask the river not to run.
But secretly, I admired him,
the proud core of him that would not yield.
Sarek.
We're a part of each other.
I know that he has caused you pain.
But I also know that you love him.
Tell him, Picard.
Peace and long life.
Live long and...
Spock.
My son.
And prosper.
Captain's log, star date 45240. 1.
To cross the Neutral Zone, I require a cloaked ship.
To that end, I have set a course for the Klingon Homeworld.
After all we did for Gowron in the recent war,
I'm certain he'll be happy to return a favour.
- Still no reply from the Klingons? - No, sir.
He's ignoring me. He has to be.
After three days, he could find a minute for you.
- Sir. - Yes, Lieutenant?
I believe I know why our messages are not being answered.
Gowron has been rewriting history.
Rewriting history?
He is claiming it was his courage, his genius, that ended the civil war.
I see.
The new version makes no mention
of the Federation's help in his rise to power.
If Worf's right, we'll be an uncomfortable reminder.
He can take all the credit, I don't care. But I do need a ship.
If Gowron won't talk to me, get me someone on the High Council. K'tal?
- Yes, sir. - Captain.
I have a visual identification of Senator Pardek of Romulus.
This is a Barolian record
of a trade negotiation in which Pardek participated four years ago.
- That's all? - Yes.
Run it again.
Computer, freeze.
Call up the intelligence scan of Spock on Romulus.
Computer, enhance far left figure and compare.
Same man. Pardek.
One question answered. What do we know of him?
He has been in public service since his youth,
a senator for nine decades.
He is considered a man of the people. He has sponsored many reforms.
Reportedly, Romulan leadership considers him to be a radical.
He has advocated peace throughout his career.
I can see why Spock would cultivate a relationship with him.
Where would we find him, other than at the Romulan Senate?
He represents the Krocton segment. He maintains a dwelling there.
- Thank you, Mr. Data. - There is more, sir.
I took the liberty of expanding my search
and found that Pardek has several relatives in the Krocton segment.
You can locate him there,
on the third day of the week when the Senate is not in session.
Mr. Data, your resourcefulness never ceases to amaze me.
Thank you, sir.
Captain, we are being hailed by the Klingon Homeworld.
Gowron or K'tal?
Neither, sir. The junior adjutant to the diplomatic delegation.
Junior adjutant!
Name?
B'iJik, sir.
- On screen. - Greetings, Captain.
I regret that Gowron and the High Council are too busy to talk to you.
Is Gowron aware that we have been transmitting messages for three days?
Gowron wishes he could talk with everyone who wants an audience,
but the demands on his time are formidable.
- If you would leave a message? - A message?
Very well.
Tell Gowron, leader of the High Council of the Klingon Empire,
that his Arbiter of Succession, Jean-Luc Picard, needs a favour.
A favour?
I require a cloaked vessel.
A cloaked vessel? This is no small favour, Captain.
Our mission could have repercussions for the whole quadrant.
How would it benefit the Klingon Empire?
I'm sure Gowron will ask.
The only benefit to the Klingon Empire would be our gratitude.
- You want me to tell him that? - Yes.
And please add that if he is unable to provide us with a ship,
then I am sure there are others in the Klingon Empire
who would be willing to help me.
And then, they would have our gratitude.
I see.
Also, please tell Gowron that I am immensely gratified
that he is prospering so well.
A tribute to his skilled leadership.
They're not removable, are they?
- Removable? - Your ears.
No, Doctor. They are fully integrated components.
- We'll need moulds of his ears. - And his skin colour?
We'll need some tests on his skin pigmentation.
Making it look Romulan won't be difficult.
We just have to make sure we can change it back again.
Your right eye is .004 higher than your left.
Nobody's perfect. But...
If you want a proper fit to your prosthetic, trust your tailor.
- Anything from Gowron? - No, sir.
But Mr. La Forge has made progress with the metal fragments.
These two still have an appointment to have their hairpieces designed.
30 minutes, Number One.
What we have is a navigational deflector array.
- Or what's left of one. - Who would want a Vulcan deflector?
Beats me. Every question we answer brings up two more.
- Are you certain it's Vulcan? - Metallurgical analysis confirms it.
And a molecular pattern trace has identified the ship as T'Pau.
Decommissioned years ago and sent to the surplus depot at Qualor II.
It's meant to still be there.
- Worf to Capt Picard. - Yes, Lieutenant?
A Klingon vessel is decloaking off our port bow,
compliments of Gowron.
Mr. Worf, convey my gratitude to the Captain
and advise him that Mr. Data and I will be transporting over shortly.
I'd like to go to Qualor II, sir. See what's out there.
Agreed. Thank you, Mr. La Forge.
I know my duty, Captain.
When I am given orders, I follow them, but I do not like secrets.
I want to know why we are going on this mission.
I'm sorry. It's a classified matter.
You're going after the defector, aren't you?
Defector?
Do you think information like that stays a secret?
Ambassador Spock has gone to Romulus and you are going after him.
Captain, your orders are to take us to Romulus and to bring us back.
That is all I will discuss.
If we are discovered by the Romulans, it means death for us all.
I realize that.
Very well, Captain. We have set a course for Romulus.
It may not be what you're used to on a Starfleet ship.
Quite nice. Thank you.
Capt K'Vada, is this the Captain's quarters, or my own?
Both. We have limited space.
We are a military ship, not a pleasure craft.
Of course. This will be fine.
You will sleep Klingon-style.
We do not soften our bodies by putting down a pad.
Good! I prefer it that way.
You will take meals with us.
But we do not serve Federation food.
I've been looking forward to gagh. Haven't had it for ages. Very fresh.
Well, Captain, we're at the border of the Neutral Zone.
You mean to do this, do you?
Yes, I do.
First Officer's log, star date 45240.6.
We are nearing Qualor II,
home of a Federation surplus depot operated by the Zakdorn.
We hope to find out how the salvaged deflector array
ended up in the hands of the Ferengi.
- I've made contact, Commander. - On screen.
I'm Cmdr William Riker of the Starship Enterprise.
Klim Dokachin,
Quartermaster, Surplus Depot Z- 15.
I need information on a Vulcan ship, the T'Pau.
- You got it a few years ago. - Did you arrange an appointment?
An appointment? No.
Then I will be unable to help you.
You may communicate with Scheduling.
Who does he think he is?
The Quartermaster of the supply yard, with information you need.
Right.
Mr. Worf, re-establish communication.
Aye, sir.
Mr. Dokaychin?
Dokachin. Klim Dokachin.
Mr. Dokachin, the information I need
is of major importance to the Federation.
I need access to logs and files. My people can do the work.
I don't allow outsiders into my computer system.
Alright. One of your people can do the work.
I wish I had the people to spare. I don't.
Well, sir, what would you suggest?
I don't know. Contact me when you reach orbit.
I don't believe this!
He's king of his particular hill, Commander.
You have to treat him that way.
Counsellor, this feels like a perfect job for you.
Thank you for coming on board, Mr. Dokachin.
Quite a ship you have.
We're linked to your computer if you could access the files.
I don't usually see them in such good condition.
By the time they get to me, they're always falling apart.
We must find this ship and you're the only one who can help us.
- Who are you? - Deanna Troi, ship's Counsellor.
He must figure we don't get to see a lot of handsome women out here,
and someone like you might get a little more cooperation from me.
He's probably right.
What was the name of that ship? The T'Pau?
The T'Pau. Vulcan registry.
There. Logged in star date 41344.
- Where's the ship now? - Docked. Section 18, gamma 12.
- Want me to take you there? - I'd appreciate it.
Helmsman, lay in a heading 141 by 208, ahead slow, 200 kph.
I suppose this is your first visit to a junkyard, isn't it?
You'd be surprised at some of the things I find on board these ships!
I once found a 14-foot Caldorian eel
on board a freighter, in someone's locker.
Are you serious?
If there's time, I'll show it to you. I still have it.
Nursed her back to health.
We are approaching the coordinates.
On screen.
What? Where is it? What happened to it?
- These are the coordinates. - The T'Pau is missing?
The T'Pau is missing!
How can a ship disappear from your depot?
I am not used to losing things.
I will find your ship for you.
The T'Pau is cross-referenced in four directories.
When it arrived, was it stripped of armaments, sensors?
Of course.
Can you tell us what happened to its navigational deflector?
It went to the Tripoli, a holding vessel on the rim of the shipyard.
It's not there any more. What's left of it is in our cargo bay.
- How can that be? - Maybe we should visit the Tripoli.
In all the time that the Zakdorn have operated this depot,
nothing has ever been lost. Never.
- Approaching the coordinates, sir. - On screen.
I do not understand this.
This is not possible!
We beam goods to the Tripoli on a regular schedule.
We made a shipment yesterday.
Another is set for today. It must be there.
- When is today's transport? - Just over two hours from now.
A shipment of deuterium storage tanks.
Ensign, align the Enterprise like an abandoned ship.
Mr. La Forge, when we're in position, shut down the engines
and all systems except sensors and life support.
Someone will be here to receive those storage tanks.
I'd be interested to know who that is.
These quarters were intended for one, with but a single sleeping space.
I'm sure the Klingons found it amusing to put us here together.
Since I do not require sleep,
I propose you take the shelf, sir. I am content to stand.
Very well, Mr. Data, thank you.
- Are you comfortable, sir? - I suppose so.
Goodnight, Captain.
Sleep well, sir.
Thank you.
- What are you doing? - Sir? Was I making noise, sir?
No, not exactly.
I was processing the information we accumulated on Romulan society.
I am preparing to impersonate a Romulan.
I see.
- Shall I discontinue, sir? - No, please, go on.
- What are you looking at? - Nothing, sir.
- I am organising my files. - But you were looking at me.
I am sorry if I was disturbing you. I will not look in your direction.
Do you not wish to sleep, sir?
I don't think so, Mr. Data. Let's go on with the files.
I'd be happy to. I have studied the Krocton segment, as asked,
and have chosen a site for transport.
Capt K'Vada to Picard. Please come to the bridge.
Captain.
We've monitored a subspace message that might interest you.
Sarek is dead.
Commander, sensors detect a ship approaching at warp speed.
Identification?
Negative. No transponder signal, no subspace marker.
They don't want to be identified.
- It's coming out of warp, sir. - On screen.
Sensors indicate a combat vessel, origin undetermined,
heavily armed.
Mass and density suggest that it's fully loaded with cargo.
From these scans, a good deal of that cargo is weaponry.
The ship is entering sector 12, delta 4.
He's taking the position assigned to the Tripoli.
The coordinates are identical.
Readings show surface-to-ship transport has begun.
Bring the engines back on line and restore all systems to normal.
He's powering up, turning to starboard.
- Open a channel. - Open.
This is Cmdr William Riker of the USS Enterprise.
Identify yourself.
I repeat, you have entered a Federation depot. Identify yourself.
The ship is locking phasers.
Shields up. Red alert.
- They easily match our armament. - It's coming about.
If you do not respond, we will take that as hostile action.
There's an energy build-up in their phaser banks.
Sir, they're activating weapons.
- Forward shields at 72 percent. - Boost power to the shields.
Mr. Worf, lock on to their weapons systems only and prepare to fire.
Forward shields down to 68 percent. Aft shields, 40 percent.
On my mark, .75 burst. We just want to get their attention.
- Ready, sir. - Fire.
Their forward shields are damaged.
We destroyed one of their phaser arrays.
There's collateral damage in the cargo area.
I'm picking up massive power fluctuations, internal explosions.
With all those armaments, that ship will blow.
Well, Mr. Data, what do you think?
I would not have thought it possible, sir.
I am eager to test the success of our efforts.
It does remain to be seen whether the Romulans will accept us.
Captain, you have seemed unusually pensive
since we received the news of Ambassador Sarek's death.
Sarek and I share a particular bond. Our lives touched in an unusual way.
I admit I feel the effects of his death.
The tenor of this mission has changed, at least for me.
We were sent to confront Spock about his disappearance.
Now I also have to tell him that his father is dead.
I do not entirely understand, sir.
As a Vulcan, Ambassador Spock would simply see death
as the logical result of his father's illness.
It's never quite that simple, not even for a Vulcan.
Certainly not for Spock, who is half-human.
Years spent in conflict.
And now the chance to resolve those differences is gone.
Considering the long life span of Vulcans, it does seem odd
they chose not to resolve those differences in the time allowed.
Father and son.
Both proud, stubborn, more alike than either is prepared to admit.
A lifetime spent building emotional barriers.
They're very difficult to break down.
And now the time has come when it's too late.
It's a difficult moment.
It's a lonely one.
It's a moment that Spock is about to face.
Don't you two look sweet?
Be careful, Android. Some Romulan beauty might take a liking to you.
Lick that paint right off your ears.
You! Do you know what the Romulans will do to you
if they discover who you are?
I have a good idea. We're ready to transport to the surface.
Just so we understand each other,
my orders don't include rescue missions!
Senator Pardek. You received my message.
I got here as quickly as I could, Proconsul.
What do you know of this human?
Jean-Luc Picard, a Starfleet captain.
- I know nothing of him. - You haven't seen him recently?
To my knowledge, I have never seen him.
I have received intelligence indicating he's on his way here,
perhaps here already.
Here on Romulus?
Yes. Curious, isn't it?
We'd better find out if the report is accurate or merely rumour.
Circulate his likeness to the security forces.
Remind them that he's probably disguised as one of us.
I'll see to it.
This is the street where the scan of Spock and Pardek was taken, sir.
Allowing for distortions, I can verify the architectural features.
Where were they standing?
Data, you're moving about in a very, well, android way.
I am sorry, Captain. I will be more careful.
Don't call me Captain.
I understand, sir. I have found the place where they were standing.
- Where? - It is here.
At this doorway.
A legal intercessor's office.
The name is similar to Pardek's. It would appear to be a relative.
Not open for business yet.
Nonetheless, I recommend we keep this location under observation.
I determined Pardek's routine. When the Senate is not in session,
he invariably comes to this section after the median hour.
Very well. Let's sample the local cuisine, shall we?
Do you know what time the intercessor's office opens?
Why do you want to know?
I need his services. He was recommended.
I haven't seen you here before.
We're here for the day, from the city of Rateg.
- Rateg? I don't think so! - Why do you say that?
You don't sound like it.
It is a misconception that all Rategs have the same inflection. In fact...
We come from several kilometers outside the city.
Or from the security forces to watch the intercessor's office?
- Is he in trouble? - You are mistaken, madam.
Doesn't matter to me. I don't know when he opens.
Eat your soup, courtesy of a loyal establishment.
Jolan true.
I don't think we can stay here too long.
We may not have to.
Direct your view to the far corner, sir.
Very good, Senator.
Senator. We seem to be having some problems...
- Is that not Pardek? - I believe it is.
Perhaps you should appear to enjoy your soup, sir.
I'll take care of that. Come.
- Do not move! - What? You've made a mistake.
Quiet! Come with us.
Wait here.
What for? What have you brought us here for?
Welcome to Romulus, Capt Picard.
Don't let our soldiers frighten you.
We had to get you off the street as quickly as we could.
Romulan Security knows that you're here.
I am Pardek. You are among friends, Captain.
I have come on an urgent mission from the Federation.
- I'm looking for Ambassador Spock. - Indeed.
You have found him, Capt Picard.