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Peak Performance

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Captain's log, Stardate 42923.4.

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Despite misgivings

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I have agreed to Starfleet's request

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that the Enterprise divert to the Braslota system

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to take part in a war game exercise.

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Joining us as observer and mediator

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is the Zakdorn master strategist, Sirna Kolrami.

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Mr. Kolrami.

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Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Welcome aboard.

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Captain, I bring you greetings from those at Starfleet Command.

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Would you care to be shown to your quarters?

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I require little rest, Captain.

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I prefer that we commence with our mission.

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Despite their reputations, this Zakdorn does not appear to be a very formidable warrior.

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In the game of military brinksmanship individual physical prowess is less important than the perception of a species as a whole.

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For over nine millennia potential foes have regarded the Zakdorns as having the greatest innately strategic minds in the galaxy.

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So no one is willing to test that perception in combat.

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Exactly.

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Then the reputation means nothing.

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The Braslota system.

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In orbit around the second planet is the 80-year-old Starcruiser Hathaway.

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He is still your first choice?

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Commander Riker will captain the Hathaway.

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You will have 48 hours to ready your vessel before the Enterprise attacks.

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And we'll experience actual battle conditions?

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Correct.

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Engineering will disconnect the Enterprise's weapons and link the system with a modified laser pulse beam.

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All hits will be recorded electronically.

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If the computer registers damage, it will act accordingly shutting down the affected areas for the appropriate repair time.

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Additional questions?

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Captain Picard, it is my understanding that you initially resisted

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Starfleet's request for this simulation.

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Yes.

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May I know why?

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Starfleet is not a military organization.

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Its purpose is exploration.

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Then why am I here?

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With the Borg threat

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I decided that my officers and I needed... to hone our tactical skills.

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In a crisis situation it is prudent to have several options.

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Ah.

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RIKER: I prefer brains over brawn, as well.

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I think it's a waste of effort to test our combat skills.

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It's a minor province in the makeup of a starship captain.

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Your objection is noted.

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Let us hope that your distaste for the exercise will not affect your strategic abilities.

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Mr. Kolrami, when I agree to do something,

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I do it.

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Would you care to surrender now, Captain?

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PICARD: Space, the final frontier.

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These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise.

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Its continuing mission--

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to explore strange new worlds

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to seek out new life

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and new civilizations

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to boldly go where no one has gone before.

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♪♪

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Well, Number One, you are allowed a complement of 40 so select whom you will.

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Save, of course, Mr. Data who will serve as my First Officer during your absence.

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I had envisioned you defining the crew.

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On my ship, the leader of an away team has total control of the mission.

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If you want to judge leadership, why not start at the beginning?

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Very well

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Captain.

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Hmm.

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Oh, my.

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What a charmer.

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Doctor.

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Captain, he needs an attitude adjustment.

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The Zakdornian culture is replete with self-assuredness and confidence.

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Seldom is it undeserved.

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For example, Kolrami is a third-level grand master at the game of Strategema.

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Another millimeter.

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That's it. A little more.

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There.

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That's excellent.

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RIKER: Lieutenant.

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Yes, Commander.

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You've heard about the simulation aboard the Hathaway?

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Oh, yes, sir, and the best of luck to you.

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I've researched those old Avidyne engines.

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They're archaic by our standards, very touchy.

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Anticipating the worst do you think they can be whipped into shape in 48 hours?

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I've already taken the liberty of putting together a few necessities.

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( door chime )

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Enter!

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Am I disturbing you?

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Just finished.

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You know of the simulation, what do you think?

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Waste of time.

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It's just designed to be an exercise.

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Useless.

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If there is nothing to lose, no sacrifice then there is nothing to gain.

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You mean besides pride.

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Well, in this case, it doesn't matter.

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I probably haven't got a chance.

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There is always a chance.

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Slim.

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The Hathaway's most sophisticated weapons system-- even in a computer mock-up-- can't hope to defeat the Enterprise.

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Well, still...

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You're outmanned, you're outgunned, you're out-equipped.

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What else have you got?

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Guile.

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Join me.

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The honor is to serve.

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PICARD: Begin long-range scanning of all sectors within three light-years of Braslota.

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How's your crew shaping up?

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It's complete, but I would like to request an addition.

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Anyone in particular?

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With your permission I would like acting Ensign Crusher on board for educational observation.

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Thank you, Captain.

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It appears we'll have some time before reaching Braslota.

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I was wondering if you'd agree to play me in a game of Strategema.

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Although I'm intrigued by the audacity of your request

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I can't fathom why you would wish the encounter.

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I enjoy a challenge.

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Very well.

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An opponent of limited dimensions can often be quite diverting.

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Thank you.

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So you're going to beat him, huh?

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No.

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Well, then it's going to be a close one?

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Nope.

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But you have got a chance?

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Nah.

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Are you even going to bother to show up?

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Sure, Kolrami is the best ever at Strategema.

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Just to get to play him is a privilege.

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So, aside from your being privileged is there anything else I can look forward to?

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Nope.

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This is going to be exciting.

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Against an opponent of approximate skill

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Strategema can last well over 1,000 moves.

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I wouldn't bet on us being here that long.

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I have wagered heavily in the ship's pool that you will take him past the sixth plateau.

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And if I don't?

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I will be... irritated.

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Forever curious, this urge to compete.

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It's a human response.

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That inborn craving to gauge your capabilities through conflict.

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Doctor, there are other ways to challenge oneself.

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Well, perhaps, but they all lack a certain thrill.

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Data, humans sometimes find it helpful to have an outsider set the standard by which they're judged.

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To avoid deceiving oneself.

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Maybe you should challenge

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Kolrami to Strategema.

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Why, Doctor?

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Because, when someone is that smug you occasionally have to deflate them, just a little.

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Yeah, Data.

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I'd like to see your neural flecks tear him down a peg.

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To what end?

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WORF: Computer... actuation positions for Strategema.

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Ready?

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Begin.

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LA FORGE: Come on, Commander.

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Come on now.

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You can do it.

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You can get him.

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Come on, Commander, come on.

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You got him, you got him. Watch him now.

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( observers encouraging and commenting )

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( computer beeps )

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Hmm.

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That's it?

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I'm afraid so.

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But you only made 23 moves.

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Yes.

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Congratulations.

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Hmm, hmm-hmm.

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Commander Riker, there's your next challenge.

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WORF: Away team assembled and ready to transport, Commander.

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I may get over there and want to come right home.

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Good luck, Number One...

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Captain.

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The simulation will commence in 48 hours.

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LA FORGE: There should be some emergency bridge lighting here.

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( beeping )

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( whirring )

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Not good.

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Ah, you're wrong, Mr. Worf.

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It's fantastic.

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And it's ours.

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Mr. Worf.

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Sir...

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Lieutenant La Forge is a superior officer.

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The honor should be his.

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Worf, this is a battle simulation.

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You're my tactical officer.

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Discussed this with Geordi, and we agreed.

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I need you by my side.

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LA FORGE: Besides, Worf, if Engineering is anything like the Bridge

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I'm going to have my hands full.

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( ship's whistle sounds )

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Attention crew of the USS Hathaway.

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This is your Captain.

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Over the next two days, you might lose a lot of sleep but with your skill and your stamina we'll have this old lady ready to fly.

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I want hourly progress reports from all stations.

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Riker out.

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( generators coming on-line )

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( engines powering up )

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Nice job, Geordi.

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Now what are the possibilities of warp drive?

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Hmm... not good.

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There are only a few dilithium fragments left in the holding clamps.

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Even if we had crystals that were intact there's no antimatter to fuel the drive.

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RIKER: Any recommendations?

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No, sir.

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We haven't got a prayer.

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Would you like to transfer back to the Enterprise, Mr. Crusher?

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No, sir.

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Wes, remember our purpose is to improvise.

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It's the effort that counts.

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Open.

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I believe the rules are understood by all.

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Weapons conversion, Lieutenant Burke?

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Complete, Captain.

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Signal received.

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Locked on.

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She's really been stripped down, Captain.

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The only offensive systems you'll need will be simulated by computer.

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What's the Zakdornian word for mismatch?

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Challenge.

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We do not whine about the inequities of life.

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And how you perform in a mismatch is precisely what is of interest to Starfleet.

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After all, when one is in the superior position one is expected to win.

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Screen off.

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You have the Bridge, Mr. Data. Aye, sir.

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Lieutenant Commander Data, I'm intrigued by your challenge.

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Dr. Pulaski informed me of your desire to play a game of Strategema.

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But I expressed no such interest.

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What Commander Data means is that he would never have asked you himself.

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But I know that he's very interested in pitting his skill against yours.

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Play against a machine. Hmm.

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Why should I wish to?

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I don't blame you.

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It's no fun going into a game when you know you're going to lose.

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But I wouldn't lose.

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Now you're no doubt going to tell me that I have to prove it to you.

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Come on, Data, you can't let that pass.

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Indeed, I...

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( inaudible )

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Cannot.

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Then you will play for the honor of your ship.

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Hmm, hmm-hmm.

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The honor of the ship?

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It's your reputation that's on the line.

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With my knowledge of the Enterprise's security override we may be able to convince the sensors that an enemy ship is approaching.

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Their instruments would... lie to them.

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If you can pull that off, Mr. Worf you might give us the edge we're looking for.

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But what about the viewscreen?

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If I am successful, the computer will project a false image of the enemy ship on the main viewscreen.

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So unless someone runs to a window and looks out...

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They're going to fall for it.

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The lining's still smooth.

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We should be able to do something with these dilithium fragments we scavenged.

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Sure, the system's functional but, without antimatter, what difference does it make?

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Geordi, I have to return to the Enterprise.

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Wes, we've only got 32 hours.

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This is important.

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And this isn't?

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Attempt the routing bypass here.

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If it works, they will be surprised.

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Where I'm I going to get the opti-cable?

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Anywhere.

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Captain.

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I left an experiment running back on the Enterprise.

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May I go back and shut it down?

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It's that important?

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Well, it has to be monitored.

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And it is my final grade in plasma physics.

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Message from the Hathaway, sir.

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On screen.

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RIKER: Request permission for Ensign Crusher to reboard the Enterprise.

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Why?

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Apparently, he was so anxious to join the away team he left a very critical experiment unattended.

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Do you have any objection?

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He should be escorted and have no contact with anything save his research.

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Permission granted.

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Mr. Burke, will you handle that?

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Aye, sir.

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I saw no sense in Riker choosing him anyway.

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He's just a noncommissioned child.

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I can't believe I forgot about this.

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It's a good lesson not to let excitement cloud your judgment.

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Yeah.

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This is very delicate.

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I spent six weeks setting this up.

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That's a lot of work.

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Oh, no. This is ruined.

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That's too bad.

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Look, uh, is this going to take much longer?

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I'm going to have to dispose of this safely.

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This is very volatile.

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I'll beam it off the Enterprise and leave it particalized.

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That's fine. Let's just do it.

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All right, I'll transfer the coordinates to the Transporter Room.

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( clinks )

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( inaudible whisper )

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In the present context what did she mean by "bust him up"?

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In her own way

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Dr. Pulaski was instructing you to take the shortest route to victory.

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As opposed to what?

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Ready?

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Begin.

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( observers calling out encouragement )

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WOMAN: Good, good.

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MAN: Oh, look at them.

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Good, Data.

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WOMAN: Oh...

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MAN: Harder, harder.

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WOMAN: Look.

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MAN: Watch it, watch it.

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WOMAN: One more, one more.

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There.

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MAN: Come on.

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( computer beeps )

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I can't believe it.

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A computer beaten by flesh and blood?

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( hissing )

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You advanced quite far against such a worthy opponent.

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Thoroughly enjoyable, Mr. Data.

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I'm at your disposal for a rematch.

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Thank you, but what would be the point?

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Hmm, hmm-hmm.

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How can you lose?

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You're supposed to be infallible.

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Obviously, I am not.

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Ensign, where is Commander Data?

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He has temporarily removed himself from Bridge duty, sir.

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Your crew is excellently trained, Captain.

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A tribute to your leadership.

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Although I doubt their extensive preparation will be needed.

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Why is that?

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I do not expect "Captain" Riker will present much of a challenge.

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Mr. Kolrami, may I speak with you in private?

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I would like to know the root of your prejudice for my First Officer. Oh, Captain, I don't...

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Mr. Kolrami, you have been nothing but denigrating and abusive of Commander Riker since coming aboard this ship.

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Now, I would like some explanation.

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Having studied William Riker's file prior to this assignment

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I have found him... wanting.

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In what regard?

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His work record is exemplary.

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But, as you know a Starship Captain is not manufactured.

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He or she is born from-from inside from the character of the individual.

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My interviews have revealed a man who displays circumstantially inappropriate joviality belying the seriousness of his station.

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Don't confuse style with intent.

00:23:00

Only a fool would question

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Commander Riker's dedication to Starfleet and the men and women under his command.

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He is simply the finest officer with whom I have ever served.

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We shall see if your faith is well-founded.

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The test is whether the crew will follow where Commander Riker leads.

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His...

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His joviality is the means by which he creates that loyalty.

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And I will match his command style with your statistics anytime.

00:23:34

Hmm.

00:23:40

( door chime )

00:23:41

Come in, please.

00:23:46

Data.

00:23:48

Counselor is something the matter?

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That was going to be my question.

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With my repository of knowledge

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I expected to perform better against a humanoid life-form.

00:24:00

You know, some of our greatest advances have come from analyzing failure.

00:24:06

While it can be ego-bruising...

00:24:08

But, Counselor, I do not have an ego.

00:24:11

Yes.

00:24:13

Well, um... a loss can be disheartening...

00:24:17

But, Counselor, I do not have a...

00:24:18

Data.

00:24:22

You can handle defeat in two ways.

00:24:25

You can lose confidence or you can learn from your mistakes.

00:24:29

That is what troubles me.

00:24:31

I made no mistakes.

00:24:34

I have conducted a diagnostic check of all of my programs.

00:24:37

I'm now cross-checking with the ship's computer.

00:24:40

Is that all necessary?

00:24:42

I believe so.

00:24:43

I have proven to be vulnerable.

00:24:46

At the present time, my deductions should be treated with skepticism.

00:24:50

So, that's why you haven't been on the Bridge.

00:24:52

Yes.

00:24:54

The Captain would be ill-advised to rely upon my judgment.

00:25:00

I think you're overreacting.

00:25:01

I'm sure you're all right.

00:25:04

I, however, am not sure.

00:25:17

Easy now.

00:25:19

Is that it?

00:25:20

Yeah.

00:25:22

Good work.

00:25:24

All right.

00:25:25

Hand me that connector on the kit.

00:25:34

RIKER: What is that?

00:25:35

My experiment from the Enterprise.

00:25:37

Wes.

00:25:39

It deals with high-energy plasma reactions with antimatter.

00:25:45

You went back to the Enterprise for that?

00:25:49

Wes, you cheated.

00:25:50

No, sir.

00:25:51

You told me to improvise.

00:25:53

LA FORGE: The hard part is going to be calibrating the thermal curve necessary to start a controlled reaction.

00:26:00

Assuming you can, can you regulate the reaction?

00:26:07

There's just enough crystal left to do it.

00:26:12

We plan to channel the reaction through the chips.

00:26:15

Are we good?

00:26:16

You're better than good.

00:26:17

Great, brilliant.

00:26:19

It's going to be fun.

00:26:20

Carry on.

00:26:26

( door chime )

00:26:28

Come in, please.

00:26:32

All right, Data, enough of this.

00:26:35

Doctor?

00:26:36

How long are you going to sit sulking like Achilles in his tent?

00:26:39

I'm conducting diagnostic...

00:26:41

You may be able to sell Troi that story but not me.

00:26:44

Now, you're smarting because you were beaten.

00:26:46

Well, it happens.

00:26:48

No, Doctor, this is not about ego.

00:26:51

I am concerned about giving the Captain unsound advice.

00:26:56

I wish I had never maneuvered you into playing that game.

00:27:00

I'm sorry.

00:27:02

Why, Doctor?

00:27:03

It is done, and perhaps just as well.

00:27:06

This has indicated that I am damaged in some fashion.

00:27:09

I must find the malfunction.

00:27:24

RIKER: The simulation begins in one hour.

00:27:25

You'll have warp drive, Captain though it may not be what you expected.

00:27:29

I think that deserves some kind of explanation.

00:27:30

We'll have warp 1 for about...

00:27:33

Just under two seconds.

00:27:34

That's not long enough or an escape but, used as a surprise it may give a strategic advantage.

00:27:38

Sir, all of this is theoretical.

00:27:40

And if your theory fails to pay off?

00:27:42

Have you ever driven a Grenthemen water hopper? Sure.

00:27:45

Ever popped the clutch?

00:27:46

You're saying we're going to stall the Hathaway?

00:27:48

And the Enterprise will waltz right over and pulverize us.

00:28:04

Now, let me try to understand.

00:28:06

You're saying that Commander Data is suffering from a profound loss of confidence and that you believe that only I can restore the balance?

00:28:16

Yes, sir.

00:28:17

Both Deanna and I have tried but we're not getting through to him.

00:28:22

Don't you think you both might be overreacting?

00:28:25

Data is not capable of the emotions which you're assigning him.

00:28:28

The effects are the same whether they're caused by human emotions or android algorithms.

00:28:34

Data's not on the Bridge, and I don't think

00:28:35

Data's going to be on the Bridge until we find some way to address his problem.

00:28:42

I'm less than one hour away from a battle simulation and I have to handhold an android.

00:28:48

The burdens of command.

00:28:57

( door chime )

00:28:58

Come in, please.

00:29:02

Commander, I require your presence on the Bridge.

00:29:04

Captain, with all due respect perhaps it would be better if you choose another to serve as your First Officer.

00:29:10

Data, you are my First Officer.

00:29:13

I have not been able to isolate the problem, sir.

00:29:16

I might make a mistake.

00:29:19

Yes, you might but that does not alter your duty to me and to this ship.

00:29:25

Now, do you know how to formulate a premise?

00:29:28

Yes, sir. Then formulate this one.

00:29:30

How do I deal with Commander Riker and the Hathaway?

00:29:34

I will await your answer on the Bridge.

00:29:38

And, Commander... it is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose.

00:29:47

That is not a weakness.

00:29:49

That is life.

00:29:54

I believe I understand, sir.

00:29:56

And, Data, will you leave your hesitation and self-doubt here in your quarters.

00:30:13

I have several examples of Commander Riker's battle technique.

00:30:17

At the Academy, he calculated a sensory blind spot on a Tholian vessel and hid within it during a battle simulation.

00:30:25

And, as a Lieutenant aboard the Potemkin his solution to a crisis was to shut down all power and hang over a planet's magnetic poles thus confusing his opponent's sensors.

00:30:36

And from these specifics what general conclusion can you extrapolate?

00:30:42

Only 21% of the time does he rely on traditional tactics.

00:30:47

So... the Captain must be prepared for unusual cunning.

00:30:54

Counselor, Commander Riker will assume we have made this analysis and knowing that we know his methods he will alter them.

00:31:03

But knowing that he knows that we know that he knows he might choose to return to his usual pattern.

00:31:09

Wait, wait, you're overanalyzing, Data.

00:31:14

One cannot deny human nature.

00:31:17

What kind of a man is Commander Riker?

00:31:22

A fighter?

00:31:23

Yes.

00:31:26

The weaker his position the more aggressive will be his posture.

00:31:29

And he won't give up.

00:31:32

Then, despite whatever options he is given he must be...

00:31:37

The man that he is. Exactly.

00:31:43

Is that a failing in humans?

00:31:48

You'll have to decide that for yourself.

00:32:02

On screen.

00:32:07

The hunt begins, Number One.

00:32:09

We're ready.

00:32:10

Just remember, Enterprise

00:32:12

Captain Riker's never lost.

00:32:15

KOLRAMI: Begin now.

00:32:18

Screen off.

00:32:19

Set course 2-2-3 mark 3-5-7, full impulse power.

00:32:24

Initiate Kumeh maneuver.

00:32:31

Kumeh maneuver?

00:32:32

Why would they start out with such a recognizable ploy?

00:32:34

He's teasing.

00:32:36

He wants us to reveal our tactics on his terms.

00:32:38

Mr. Worf?

00:32:39

Counter with the Talupian maneuver on instrument sighting.

00:32:42

Agreed. Three-quarter impulse, full on my command.

00:32:44

Ensign Nagel, maximum shields.

00:32:46

Mr. Worf, prepare your little surprise.

00:32:49

Aye, sir.

00:32:51

PICARD: Set course 3-1-7 mark 7-3.

00:32:54

Present minimal aspect.

00:32:56

Ready warp 1.

00:32:58

Optimal spread on simulated torpedoes.

00:33:01

BURKE: Captain

00:33:02

Romulan warship approaching fast from astern.

00:33:04

What the...

00:33:05

He came out of nowhere, sir.

00:33:07

Bring us about, Ensign. Maximum shields.

00:33:09

( alarm sounding )

00:33:10

Full weapon systems. DATA: Disengage...

00:33:11

Lock on, open a hailing frequency.

00:33:13

I can't, sir. There's nothing there.

00:33:15

( loud electronic beeps )

00:33:22

Warp 3, evasive.

00:33:23

Stand by.

00:33:24

Disengage weapons and shields.

00:33:27

Reengage modified beam.

00:33:29

He's quite good.

00:33:30

He's the best.

00:33:32

Computer reports simulated damage to several aft decks, sir.

00:33:35

Repair time 3.6 Days.

00:33:37

How did he do that?

00:33:39

Mr. Worf must have overridden the sensor codes played some holographic games.

00:33:44

Mr. Data, input a new code.

00:33:47

Attack posture, circumvental attitude.

00:33:51

Prepare beams for photon mode.

00:33:58

( quietly): Bye-bye, Hathaway.

00:34:02

Computers report heavy damage to the Enterprise.

00:34:03

WESLEY: They're moving off, sir.

00:34:04

Why not go after them?

00:34:06

Because they're not through coming after us.

00:34:07

Wesley, Geordi, prepare to warp jump.

00:34:09

There are no guarantees here, sir.

00:34:11

There never are, Lieutenant.

00:34:12

I'm going to trust your expertise.

00:34:13

Secure your stations.

00:34:15

Stand by for my signal.

00:34:18

Ready the photon torpedoes.

00:34:20

Captain, sensors picking up a Ferengi warship closing at warp 5.

00:34:25

Did you input that new code?

00:34:26

Aye, sir.

00:34:29

Mr. Worf, I didn't give you enough credit.

00:34:33

Continue the simulation.

00:34:35

Divert all power to shields.

00:34:37

Sever modified beams.

00:34:38

Stay between the Ferengi and the Hathaway.

00:34:40

Engage phasers and target.

00:34:41

PICARD: Fire when ready.

00:34:45

That's no ghost attacking the Enterprise.

00:34:47

That's real.

00:34:48

We must assist, sir.

00:34:49

With what?

00:34:50

We have no offensive weapons.

00:34:52

Where are my weapons?

00:34:53

BURKE: Unavailable, sir.

00:34:55

We cannot disengage the modified beams.

00:34:56

The connections have been fused.

00:35:02

We must retreat.

00:35:03

Unacceptable.

00:35:04

The Ferengi have broken off their attack.

00:35:06

Drop shields, transport the away team aboard.

00:35:08

Transporter functions gone, sir.

00:35:10

Shields reduced to 1/5 intensity.

00:35:12

Use their moment of indecision to escape.

00:35:14

I have 40 crew members onboard the Hathaway...

00:35:16

Who should be sacrificed to save a thousand.

00:35:18

Acceptable tactical losses, considering the circumstances.

00:35:22

Not to me.

00:35:24

Notify Starfleet, priority.

00:35:25

Hail the Ferengi on my command.

00:35:26

Formulate alternatives.

00:35:27

As the Starfleet observer

00:35:29

I am ordering you to withdraw.

00:35:31

I am the Captain of this vessel.

00:35:32

Your order is nullified.

00:35:35

Ferengi on main viewscreen.

00:35:42

I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise.

00:35:47

Why have you attacked my vessel?

00:35:49

Why was your ship combative with another Federation vessel of lesser design?

00:35:56

Why do you now protect your former target?

00:36:00

What is its value to you?

00:36:03

Our probes indicate you were aware of our approach, yet took no action.

00:36:08

Your answers will dictate our response.

00:36:15

We have refrained from launching a counterattack in the hope that this can be resolved peacefully.

00:36:21

Our probes indicate that you are crippled and the ship you protect has no weaponry no light-speed drive and only a scarce crew.

00:36:32

This makes no sense to us.

00:36:35

Unless it contains something very valuable.

00:36:39

I am Bractor, leader of the Ferengi attack vessel Kreechta.

00:36:45

I will have the secret of the other Federation ship.

00:36:49

Surrender it to me and I will allow your Enterprise to leave unharmed.

00:37:02

You have ten of your minutes.

00:37:08

Sir, they're massing a surge of power.

00:37:10

We're being scanned.

00:37:11

They've locked on.

00:37:16

Data?

00:37:17

Our shields will not withstand another assault, sir.

00:37:20

Then there are no options.

00:37:22

Retreat... or die.

00:37:34

Captain's log, supplemental.

00:37:36

Due to a miscalculation on my part

00:37:38

the Enterprise has been subjected

00:37:40

to a surprise attack by the Ferengi.

00:37:43

I find myself with little time to decide the fate

00:37:46

of 40 of my crew stranded aboard the derelict Hathaway.

00:37:50

I am open to suggestions.

00:37:52

Captain, we are now capable of launching a limited number of photon torpedoes.

00:37:57

I've already given you my advice, Captain.

00:37:59

The Hathaway is expendable.

00:38:01

Commander Riker is hailing, sir.

00:38:04

On screen.

00:38:07

Number One, have you been monitoring communications?

00:38:09

Yes, sir. Kolrami's right.

00:38:11

You've got to save the Enterprise.

00:38:13

That would leave you defenseless.

00:38:15

When Bractor closes in, we'll hit our warp drive.

00:38:19

Take our chances.

00:38:21

Your what?

00:38:23

We have a limited two-second warp capability.

00:38:25

Impossible! That ship was rendered warp inactive.

00:38:28

I told you he was the best.

00:38:32

I'd like to hear more about this, Number One, later.

00:38:35

Right now, I have to work something out with Mr. Data.

00:38:38

Premise-- the Ferengi wish to capture the Hathaway believing it to be of value.

00:38:43

Therefore, we must remove the ship from their field of interest.

00:38:46

And they will soon relocate it after a two second warp...

00:38:49

There is a way.

00:38:51

Number One, can you hear this?

00:38:52

Yes, sir, we're all here.

00:38:54

Waiting for you to pull another rabbit out of your hat.

00:38:56

Mr. Data?

00:38:58

On the Captain's command we will fire four photon torpedoes directly at the Hathaway.

00:39:03

One millisecond after its detonation the computer will trigger your warp jump.

00:39:08

I think I hate this plan.

00:39:09

Data, we're not even sure our warp jump will work.

00:39:12

If the warp engines fail to function the result could be... unfortunate.

00:39:18

WORF: Very unfortunate.

00:39:21

We will be dead.

00:39:22

PICARD: Captain Riker

00:39:24

I cannot order you to do this.

00:39:26

What the hell, nobody said life was safe.

00:39:29

The advantage is that it will appear from the Kreechta's perspective as though... as though you were destroyed in the explosion.

00:39:40

That will deceive them only for a few minutes.

00:39:43

Their sensors will soon locate us.

00:39:45

We'll only need a few minutes, Mr. Worf because you're going to prepare another surprise for them.

00:39:50

PICARD: Then we're agreed.

00:39:53

On my mark, four minutes.

00:39:55

DATA: Remember, Geordi... if the implementation is off by one millisecond the Hathaway will not survive.

00:40:01

Data, that's the one part of this plan that we're all absolutely sure about.

00:40:14

Are we ready, Number One?

00:40:16

Ready, Captain. Ready, Captain.

00:40:19

Good luck to both of you.

00:40:23

Bractor.

00:40:29

I will wait no longer, Picard.

00:40:31

You needn't.

00:40:32

The answer is no.

00:40:33

Your actions have been wholly criminal.

00:40:35

You will not profit by them.

00:40:37

You are a fool.

00:40:40

How can you stop us?

00:40:42

You believe the Hathaway has value?

00:40:45

We deny you your prize.

00:40:47

Fire.

00:40:54

Destroy your own rather than suffer the ignominy of defeat and capture?

00:40:59

I did not think the Federation had such iron.

00:41:03

You had no claim on that vessel.

00:41:05

It was ours to destroy.

00:41:07

As you are ours to destroy.

00:41:11

You can try.

00:41:15

Enterprise targeted, Leader.

00:41:17

Leader, there is another Federation ship closing.

00:41:22

A starship.

00:41:23

Maximum shields.

00:41:26

We have been outmaneuvered.

00:41:27

Retreat.

00:41:33

Captain, our sensors show no Federation starship nearby.

00:41:36

RIKER: Of course not, Mr. Burke.

00:41:38

That was Klingon guile.

00:41:39

You made it, Number One.

00:41:42

Smooth ride?

00:41:43

Well, it certainly was different.

00:41:45

We'll lock on and pick you up.

00:41:48

With pleasure, Captain.

00:41:54

Uh... I must admit, your Commander Riker acquitted himself quite admirably.

00:42:05

And so, Captain have you.

00:42:09

My report to Starfleet will be most favorable.

00:42:14

Thank you.

00:42:15

Hmm, hmm-hmm.

00:42:18

Initiate recovery procedures.

00:42:19

Continue repairs.

00:42:22

Plot a course for the nearest Starbase.

00:42:28

Captain's log, supplemental.

00:42:30

With the transporter repaired and my crew safely back aboard

00:42:33

we have officially ended

00:42:35

our first Starfleet battle simulation.

00:42:38

( excited voices in the distance )

00:42:48

Come on, come on.

00:42:49

Don't lose it. Don't lose it.

00:42:50

Come on. You've got him.

00:42:51

Come on, Data. Come on, Data.

00:42:53

Come on, Data. Come on.

00:42:55

( encouragement continues )

00:43:21

( exclamation of disgust )

00:43:24

Why have you suspended the game?

00:43:25

Because this is not a rematch.

00:43:28

You have made a mockery of me.

00:43:34

Data, you beat him.

00:43:35

No, sir, it is a stalemate.

00:43:37

No game of Strategema has ever gone this high.

00:43:40

What did you do?

00:43:41

I simply altered my premise for playing the game.

00:43:43

Explain.

00:43:44

Working under the assumption that Kolrami was attempting to win it is reasonable to assume that he expected me to play for the same goal.

00:43:51

You didn't.

00:43:52

No, I was playing for a standoff.

00:43:55

A draw.

00:43:57

While Kolrami was dedicated to winning

00:43:59

I was able to pass up obvious avenues of advancement and settle for a balance.

00:44:04

Theoretically, I should be able to challenge him indefinitely.

00:44:07

Then you have beaten him.

00:44:10

It is a matter of perspective, Doctor.

00:44:12

In the strictest sense, I did not win.

00:44:15

Data. Data.

00:44:18

I busted him up.

00:44:19

( all cheering )

00:44:37

♪♪