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Devil's Due

You don't believe in me.

I don't.

What evidence would you have of my reality beyond that of your senses?

I don't know.

Why do you doubt your senses?

Because... a little thing affects them.

A slight disorder of the stomach makes them cheats.

You may be a bit of undigested beef a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese a fragment of an underdone potato.

Why, there's more of gravy than of grave about you whatever you are.

Humbug, I tell you.

Humbug.

( screaming )

( fearful cry )

Freeze program.

Very well done, Data.

Your performance skills really are improving.

Your courtesy is appreciated, sir but I am aware that I do not effectively convey the fear called for in the story.

Well, you've never known fear, Data but as an acute observer of behavior you should be able to approximate it.

Sir, that is not an appropriate basis for an effective performance.

Not by the standards set by my mentors.

Your mentors?

Yes, sir.

I have studied the philosophies of virtually every known acting master.

I find myself attracted to Stanislavsky, Adler, Garnav-- proponents of an acting technique known as "The Method."

Method acting, huh?

I'm vaguely familiar with it but why would you choose such an old-fashioned approach?

Perhaps because the technique requires an actor to seek his own emotional awareness to understand the character he plays.

But, surely, that's an impossible task for you, Data.

Sir, I have modified the method for my own uses.

Since I have no emotional awareness to create a performance

I am attempting to use performance to create emotional awareness.

I believe if I can learn to duplicate the fear of Ebenezer Scrooge

I will be one step closer to truly understanding humanity.

RIKER: Captain Picard, please report to the Bridge.

On my way, Number One.

Data, the moment that you decided to stop imitating other actors and create your own interpretation you were already one step closer to understanding humanity.

We've received an emergency transmission from the science station on Ventax II, sir.

What's the nature of the emergency?

Uncertain. The signal was interrupted...

Contact reestablished with Ventax II, sir.

On screen.

I am Dr. Howard Clark, director of the science station here on Ventax II.

Thank you for responding.

Mr. Worf, can you improve our reception?

The trouble is at the transmission source, sir.

Dr. Clark, we're barely able to maintain communication with you.

Can you boost the level of your power source?

I'm afraid not, Captain. It's under attack.

Under attack?

There's a mob outside the door trying to break into the station.

The planet is in chaos-- lootings, fires mass hysteria.

These people are all convinced that their world is coming to an end tomorrow.

Please, we must have your immediate...

Space, the final frontier.

These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise.

Its continuing mission--

to explore strange new worlds

to seek out new life and new civilizations

to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Captain's Log, Stardate 44474.5.

We have reached Ventax II

and are attempting to contact the Federation science station

which at last report was under siege by an angry mob.

They are transmitting again.

On screen, before we lose contact.

Enterprise.

Enterprise, do you read me?!

Emergency! We need help.

Dr. Clark, this is Captain Picard.

We are ready to beam you and your team on board...

( explosion )

They're in! They're in!

Transporter Room Three lock onto the science team, beam them aboard.

I've locked onto Dr. Clark.

I can't pick out the others.

It's a mess down there.

Then beam Dr. Clark aboard by himself.

Yes, Captain.

Mr. Worf, will you escort him to my ready room.

Aye, sir.

Number One, try and make some sense out of this mess.

The people in Ventax II live in an agrarian society.

At least, they do now.

What do you mean "now"?

It's an interesting anthropological question one we were studying before the... trouble began.

In the distant past the Ventaxian culture had achieved an extremely, um, advanced scientific level but a millennium ago they turned their backs on technology.

They reverted to a simpler existence.

And remained that way for centuries.

First contact was made by a Klingon expedition

70 years ago.

Since then, the new technology's been available to the Ventaxians.

They simply are not interested in it.

Virtually no social problems can be found on this planet.

In fact, I would have described their society as idyllic, until...

Until what, Doctor?

It's hard to believe.

Several years ago, Acost Jared, the Ventaxian head of state began to grow increasingly obsessed with the legend of Ardra.

With each passing day, he grew more anxious and he'd talk about little else.

"Ardra is coming back.

"Ardra will be here soon.

"We must all leave before Ardra returns."

And who is this Ardra?

For all intents and purposes... the devil.

Captain, these people actually believe they've sold their souls to the devil.

Riker to Captain Picard.

Have you located the science team, Number One?

Evidently, they're being held hostage.

Hostage?

There's a Ventaxian leader on the viewscreen, name of Acost Jared.

Doctor.

Jared, you must secure the release of my people.

I can't believe you would allow this.

Howard, my friend, you know how I abhor all acts of violence but events are out of my control.

I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

Is there nothing you can do?

As the hour of Ardra's return approaches, fear has overwhelmed my people.

It has been a thousand years!

The prophecies have come true.

Prophecies?

Ardra's arrival was supposed to be heralded with the shaking of the cities.

Now, there has been a series of geological tremors on the planet-- minor quakes.

Nothing extraordinary.

But poorly timed.

There is more.

For several nights, there have been visions of Ardra.

Again, just as the contract said would occur before her return.

Visions? You mean dreams.

No. She has appeared.

I, myself, have seen her.

Jared, tell your people, if the hostages are released

I am prepared to offer Federation assistance should this... this Ardra return.

I'm afraid it will not matter.

They know your weapons are useless against her, Captain.

I will make inquiries concerning the hostages.

The innocent should not suffer for our sins but I can make no promises.

This situation is deteriorating, Captain.

The people are reaching levels of anxiety that could lead to suicide.

Mr. Data, what do we know about this Ardra?

She is a cornerstone of Ventaxian theology.

It seems Ardra came to Ventax II and promised 1,000 years of peace and prosperity for a price-- upon her return she would enslave the entire population.

In Ventaxian culture, it is considered bad luck to speak her name out loud.

CLARK: There are ancient scrolls concerning Ardra that are stored in the Atheneum Vaults.

Scholars study them.

They've been of little public interest until recently.

I think I should meet with this Acost Jared.

He's still our best hope for a release of the hostages.

I'll arrange to have him transported on board.

No, I'm going down to the planet myself.

Sir, you'd run the risk of being taken as an additional hostage.

Mr. Worf, you and Mr. Data will accompany me.

Mr. O'Brien can keep a lock on our communicators.

He can pull us out if necessary.

Yes, sir.

PICARD: Counselor, I want you to come, too.

( screams and distant explosions )

Captain Picard, you shouldn't have come.

Your life is in danger here.

You must calm your people.

There is no reason for panic.

No reason?

If these tremors have frightened them leading to this hysteria over Ardra let us reassure them.

We have scanned the tectonic stress patterns of your planet's crust.

There is no evidence that the quakes pose any kind of threat.

No, no, no. The threat is from Ardra.

You cannot understand.

If you can at least help us to locate our people.

( rumbling )

She is here.

Nonsense. It is only...

Time's up.

( people screaming )

I'm disappointed.

I expected my tenants to take better care of my property.

Ardra, most powerful one

I am Jared, leader of Ventax II.

I take responsibility for all that displeases you.

Please, do not punish my people.

Punish? Who said anything about punishing?

I merely expect your end of our contract to be upheld.

Thank you, Ardra.

And don't talk like some ancient prophet around me with "thees" and "thous" and "most powerful ones."

It was appealing for a few centuries but I bore easily.

And stop cowering.

When I want you on your knees, I'll let you know.

Much better.

A fine example for the others.

Who would you be?

I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise.

Keep up the good work.

Now, the first thing we'll need is an accounting of all you've been accumulating for me.

This form will provide guidelines for a full census of the population with emphasis on productivity and economic forecasts.

Who are you?

My, you are forceful, aren't you?

Good. I like my men to be forceful at least, at the start.

If your intention is to intimidate you're not succeeding.

That's all right.

I like a challenge.

TROI: An entire planet has been terrorized because of the suggestion that you're going to enslave the population.

Well, it's true.

Of course, I wouldn't put it so melodramatically.

It's just a standard contract with an unusually long term.

So you do purport to be the mythic figure Ardra?

I have many names, my pale friend.

I am Mendora in the Berussian Cluster.

Torak to the Drellians.

The Klingons call me Fek'lhr.

You are not Fek'lhr.

Ah, but I am.

I am the Guardian of Gre'thor where the dishonored go when they die.

But here on Ventax II, I am called Ardra.

The same Ardra who negotiated a contract with these people ten centuries ago today.

Oh, you doubt me.

A non-believer.

Really, Jean-Luc Picard of the Federation Starship Enterprise no doubt you have traveled the galaxy encountered a diverse universe of creatures.

Is there no room for the likes of me?

I've encountered many who are more credibly to be called the devil than you.

The devil.

Now there's one I haven't heard in a long time.

You claim you visited this planet 1,000 years ago and negotiated a contract?

That's correct.

I would like to see that contract.

The scrolls of Ardra, Captain.

A long-winded description of a very simple business arrangement.

I did away with their wars, famine and economic ruin and provided them 1,000 years of paradise.

My terms were clearly stated.

They went into this with their eyes open.

I'm sure you'll find everything is in order.

You won't mind if I don't take your word for it.

Jared, with your permission

I'd like Mr. Data to review these scrolls thoroughly.

It is no longer my decision, Captain.

I have intrigued you, haven't I, Picard?

I am only here to secure the release of the Federation hostages.

Hostages?

Is this true?

Uh... yes, Ardra.

Panic gripped the people as the time of your return grew closer.

Yes, I do have that effect on people.

See that the hostages are released-- now!

Immediately.

Let us not cloud this with bit players, Picard.

You will not leave because you find me irresistible.

Enterprise, advise Dr. Clark that the hostages are being released.

This is Clark.

You did it, Captain.

Thank goodness.

Goodness had nothing to do with it.

Three to beam up.

Mr. Data will remain on the planet's surface.

Data, I want a complete report on the contents of these documents.

I refuse to abandon this planet to that woman.

Energize.

Could she be another refugee from the Q Continuum?

For that matter, could she be Q?

Q would never bother with contracts.

Or economic forecasts.

I noticed that, too, Counselor.

I had the distinct impression of being in the presence of a... a flimflam artist.

WORF: But her powers?

Her powers are, at the best, unclear.

Think about it, Mr. Worf.

Transporter technology can make things appear and disappear.

The illusion that she can transform herself into a Klingon creature could be created by holographic projection.

CLARK: And creating a minor tremor could be the result of a low-frequency tractor beam projected against the tectonic plates.

We are capable of recreating all of these events.

It's just that she dresses them up and she delivers them with more dramatic flair.

Like a magician.

Exactly.

TROI: She has an incredibly focused mind.

It was virtually impossible to sense any deception.

Or anything else, for that matter.

The best magicians will never let you see what's up their sleeve, Counselor.

She must be tapping into some sort of power source to produce those effects.

She's not hiding that up her sleeve.

Number One, I want you and Mr. Worf to run high-resolution scans of this star system.

Look for a ship, a base of operations anything large enough to generate that power.

Mr. La Forge, accompany Dr. Clark back to the science station.

See if you can trace the origin of these tremors.

Your chair offers a lovely view of my planet, Picard.

Come, sit with me.

Either leave my Bridge or I will remove you by force.

By force?

( laughing )

You disappoint me.

You didn't strike me as that sort, Picard.

But, by all means, try.

Mr. Worf?

I was really hoping you'd try it yourself.

Transporter Room Three, lock onto the intruder and transport her to the planet's surface.

Aye, sir.

Ensign, put up the shields until further notice.

Yes, sir, Captain, whatever you say.

We are not impressed with your magic tricks.

I pity you.

We live in a universe of magic which, evidently, you cannot see.

( door opening )

Ah, my pale friend has returned.

Have you finished examining the contract?

I have, sir.

Report, Mr. Data.

The contract agrees to deliver the people of Ventax II into the personal servitude of Ardra after 1,000 years of peace.

I have compared the terms to the body of laws which govern the planet.

The language of the agreement is correct in every detail, sir.

Such speed and accuracy.

You're much too talented to be human.

I am an android.

Android? Of course.

How wonderful-- an unexpected bonus.

Bonus?

Yes.

When the contract came to term

I gained clear title to the planet-- anything on the surface, in the air, or... in orbit.

So, you see, the Enterprise belongs to me now as well.

( chuckles )

I am afraid the contract could be interpreted in that way, sir.

Captain's Log, supplemental.

Although I consider this woman's claim upon my ship

to be an empty threat, it has further inspired

my determination to expose her for the fraud she is.

( door chimes )

Come.

You wish to see me, sir?

Yes, Mr. Data.

A wise man once said

"There is a sucker born every minute."

Barnum, sir. P.T.

I've been examining the dynamics of what used to be called

"the con game."

Quite fascinating-- worthy of your study, Data.

Sir, do you believe Ardra is-- to use the vernacular-- a con artist?

Yes, I do, Data.

And I believe it is our job to out-con the con artist.

Sir, I must point out that the Ventaxians did have 1,000 years of peace and tranquility as promised by Ardra.

We can only speculate what happened on that planet 1,000 years ago.

Maybe a Ventaxian leader saw the destruction of his society at hand and he conceived this "contract of Ardra" to motivate change.

Or maybe there was an Ardra of some sort who was the basis for this mythology.

Who knows?

The point is... that somehow a fundamental theology was created which transformed this society but in the process of change created this latent fear which has been passed down through generations.

Data, from your own experience of performing Ebenezer Scrooge you're aware how fear can be a very powerful motivator.

Indeed, sir.

In the story, the spirits used fear to motivate Scrooge to reform his character.

And in the hands of a con artist fear can be used to motivate obedience, capitulation the exploitation of innocent people and that is what I believe has happened here and I intend to prove that.

I need to find a loophole-- some way of challenging the validity of this contract.

Sir, the language of the contract seems carefully chosen to avoid any loopholes.

Check it again, Mr. Data and check every Ventaxian legal precedent for the last 1,000 years.

We'll talk again in the morning.

Aye, sir.

( wind whistling )

Picard to Bridge.

Intruder alert.

Picard to Bridge.

Oh, I've arranged for a bit of privacy.

( buzzing )

Just the two of us.

( seductive laughter )

This is becoming very tiresome.

Oh, come now, Picard.

You know you find me tantalizing.

Give in to your desires.

You know, there's nothing about you I find tantalizing.

On the contrary I find you obvious and vulgar.

Easily fixed.

I can be your ideal woman, Picard-- prim and proper and chaste until I succumb to your charms.

Or would your fantasies turn more toward a professional woman?

One, perhaps, who wears a Starfleet uniform?

Perhaps I could even be...

...someone close at hand, yet unattainable.

I can do anything for you, Captain...

Anything you could ever imagine.

I could give you a night that would light fire in your dreams until you die and you would reject me?

Oh, yes.

You shall regret that.

I think not.

Oh, but you will.

Captain Picard.

Captain, I-I wasn't expecting you here.

Neither was I.

La Forge to Enterprise.

Go ahead.

Worf, Captain Picard is here.

You'd better transport him back on board.

The Captain? But I have no...

PICARD: It's all right, Mr. Worf.

Ardra somehow transported me here.

Will you beam me directly to my quarters?

Aye, sir.

We're locked onto you.

Transporter is malfunctioning, Captain.

Some sort of interference.

Checking.

Just have Mr. Data fetch me in a shuttle and have him bring along a uniform.

Did you say "uniform"?

Yes, I did.

Aye, sir.

Mr. La Forge and Dr. Clark have made no headway.

Commander Riker and Lieutenant Worf have picked nothing up on their scans.

Sir, I believe I have found an obscure precedent in Ventaxian law which may be of interest.

Yes?

The case involves a contract dispute over services rendered by a Klingon craftsman on the construction of a Ventaxian home.

Because the dispute involved an alien culture the parties decided that arbitration rather than the courts, should resolve the issue.

Both parties agreed to chose an arbitrator.

It is the only known case involving an alien claimant.

That's exactly what I needed.

Well done, Data.

Shuttlecraft One to Enterprise.

Prepare for docking sequence.

RIKER: Proceed, Shuttle One.

( consoles beeping )

Enterprise?

Enterprise, do you read me?

Enterprise, come in.

I cannot locate the Enterprise anywhere within one light-year of the planet, sir.

I don't believe Ardra is capable of transporting the Enterprise a light-year away.

Keep hailing them, Mr. Data.

Repeat on all frequencies.

Hey, I think we found something here.

There's a sudden jump in Z-particle readings just about the time the Enterprise disappeared.

Where did it originate?

It was too brief to pinpoint.

But it could suggest a hidden power source.

Gentlemen, we need to find that source if we are to defeat this woman.

Well, if you can get her to perform a few more magic tricks like that one we just might be able to track it down.

So, I trust you have a bit more respect for me now.

What have you done with my ship?

I've done nothing with your ship.

My ship is safely in my possession.

I do not recognize your claim on the Enterprise nor on this world for that matter and in accordance with Ventaxian legal precedent

I call for an arbitration.

An arbitration?

There's nothing here to arbitrate.

PICARD: Oh, but there is.

You're a fraud, madam, and I intend to prove that you could not have effected the changes that took place on this planet.

Do you not believe what you see with your own eyes?

Your ship is gone, Captain.

An illusion.

Magicians have been making things of all sort disappear for ages.

Oh, you underestimate me but then, most people do, until it's too late.

But if you are who you say you are then you have nothing to lose.

I also have nothing to gain.

I already have possession of this planet and your ship.

I am prepared to offer an added incentive.

If you win...

I'll take you to the ruins of Ligillium.

The Zaterl emerald?

You know where it is?

Yes, I do.

Oh...

You are too clever, Captain but I have enough jewels.

If you wish this foolish arbitration

I will choose my own prize.

And what would that be?

You.

By all rights, your body is already mine but I want more.

I want your heart, your mind, your soul and I want you to give them to me without resistance of your own free will.

So, do you still wish to pursue this most dangerous game?

I agree to your terms.

Oh, Picard, I will enjoy you morning, noon and night.

But... we must agree to an arbitrator.

Very well.

I choose Mr. Data.

Any objections?

But Mr. Data is a member of my crew.

Of my crew and he's an android.

He is incapable of deceit or bias.

He has no feelings to get in the way of his judgment.

Ardra, before he responds may I have a word in private with Captain Picard?

Sir, I request you reject me as an arbitrator.

Why?

Ardra is right.

If I am chosen, I will perform my duties without bias or sentiment.

I cannot guarantee

I will deliver a verdict in your favor.

Data, where else on this planet can I find someone she cannot intimidate?

Sir, I will have to follow the rules of conduct for a Ventaxian jurist.

I understand.

You'll make a fine judge.

1,000 years ago, our planet was dying.

Overcrowded and dangerous city-states warred unceasingly with each other.

The air and water were polluted with industrial waste and there was a constant threat of starvation and epidemic.

Then what happened?

And then... you came.

Objection.

There is no conclusive evidence that this woman ever visited this planet 1,000 years ago.

And I suppose you want a thousand-year-old witness?

That would be acceptable.

Jared, in the contract does it specify how you would know me when I return?

Yes, by the date.

Anything else?

By the shaking of the cities and by the visions.

And all of these occurred on schedule?

Yes.

Thank you.

Your Honor, I submit that I have established my identity as stated by the contract.

Captain Picard my interpretation of Ventaxian law suggests that, under these circumstances this is acceptable.

Your objection is overruled.

But, Your Honor...

Sir

I have ruled.

Please sit down.

You may proceed.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Now, when I first set foot on Ventax II what did I offer your people?

According to the scrolls you offered us 1,000 years of peace and prosperity if we would promise to surrender ourselves to you at the end of the term.

And why do you think they would strike such a bargain?

We had nothing to lose.

There was no hope in sight.

Until I came along.

Objection!

I withdraw the observation.

No further questions.

Your Honor, nothing in this testament proves that Ardra had the power to affect the lives of the Ventaxians.

My opponent has failed to prove her case and I move that her claim be summarily dismissed.

I find no cause to invalidate the contract at this time.

The arbitration will continue.

Your Honor, Captain Picard, as a new visitor to my planet has been a consistent doubter of my abilities.

I would like to ask him a few questions, if I may.

DATA: It is highly irregular to question the opposing advocate but I see no reason to deny it.

Proceed.

Please do not take any offense to these questions, Captain.

You know how fond I am of you.

Objection.

Sustained.

The advocate will refrain from expressing personal affections for her opponent.

You do not believe my powers are real, do you?

No, I don't.

Then, sir, may I ask you to explain this?

( rumbling )

You are out of order.

Or this?

The advocate will refrain from making her opponent disappear.

Or this?

( growls )

Can you explain it, Picard?

Any more disruptions and I will rule you in contempt of court.

Is that understood?

I am sorry, Your Honor but can you explain it, Picard?

Yes or no?

No.

I rest my case, Your Honor.

( chuckles )

The decay rate of these Z-particles make it almost impossible to trace the source.

I'm correlating the particle trajectories.

They're beginning to align.

Wait a minute.

( chuckling )

I have coordinates.

34 degrees north, 62 degrees east, at an altitude of 210 kilometers.

That would put it in orbit, uh, above the Western magnetic pole.

Running visual scan.

Nothing.

Uh-uh. This time, I don't buy the magic.

Something's got to be there.

Jared, you've described quite thoroughly the history of your people before and after Ardra's first visit but I am a little unclear about the change itself.

Did Ardra simply... snap her fingers and transform the planet into this paradise?

No. The changes occurred gradually over a long period of time.

Did she personally form the government that so peacefully ruled this planet for a millennium?

No.

Historical records indicate a council was convened to assess our options.

They drew up a new constitution which the population later ratified.

I see. So she advised this council?

No.

No?

Then she must have destroyed all the weapons on the planet.

No, our leaders did that and they signed a treaty of non-aggression.

Well, then, let's move on to the environmental gains on Ventax II.

How were they accomplished?

We shifted our economy from an industrial to an agrarian base.

It was more ecologically sound.

But Ardra must have purified the polluted water and air.

No, the record shows there were a series of initiatives covering everything from atmospheric contaminants to... waste disposal.

Did she not even pick up one piece of trash?

Ardra had left Ventax II before the environmental reforms began.

Forgive me, but it sounds as if... with a lot of courage and hard work your ancestors changed this world all by themselves.

Objection. The advocate is drawing conclusions.

Sustained. I will draw my own conclusions if you do not mind... sir.

No further questions.

Rebuttal?

Just two questions.

Is there any doubt in your mind any doubt at all-- that if I had not intervened the terrible conditions here would have continued?

I remind you that you're under oath.

No doubt at all.

Then, as former head of state for the Ventaxian people you are satisfied that I fulfilled my part of the bargain?

Yes, Ardra.

Thank you.

Your Honor, what more can be said?

Both sides agree the terms of the contract have been fulfilled.

Captain Picard, do you have any further evidence to present before I render judgment? ( door closes )

I believe my associate, Mr. La Forge may be bringing the answer to that question.

I request a recess.

Hi, Data.

Geordi.

One hour recess is granted.

( bangs gavel )

( door closes )

Mr. La Forge, my reputation as a litigator-- not to mention my immortal soul-- is in serious jeopardy.

Well, whatever's been going on over here gave us exactly what we needed.

Have you identified the source of her power?

A cloaked ship.

She has a Romulan cloaking device?

More likely a bad copy of one.

We picked it up on a wavelength stretchout.

And the Enterprise?

Exactly where it's supposed to be.

Ardra extended her cloaking shields around it-- set up a subspace damping field to interfere with normal operations.

I've isolated the frequency spread and penetrated the field.

Can you make contact?

Already have.

This is what I want to do but we have less than an hour...

Jared, you are a wise and experienced leader and I assume that you trust your senses.

Yes, I would say so.

And all your senses tell you that this woman here is the most powerful force on this planet, don't they?

Yes.

And what would you say if I were to tell you that she has no powers whatsoever?

But we have seen her powers here.

ARDRA: That's right and you will again.

Oh, yes-- Ardra's magic.

Jared, would you believe me if I told you that I could steal her powers and perform the same magic acts as she does?

I'm sorry, Captain Picard, but you are not Ardra.

No, that's true.

I'm not Ardra but I can create tremors just as she did.

( rumbling )

Objection, Your Honor.

I think he deserves some leeway.

Overruled.

But that will be quite enough, Captain.

Of course.

Ardra, will you do the honors and stop the tremors?

Uh... of course.

Is something the matter?

I like the tremors.

Well, I don't.

PICARD: Do you recognize the same old bag of tricks?

What about this one?

Come back, Ardra, if you can.

No?

Fine. Allow me.

Of all the impudence.

Impudence?

Impudence is pretending to be Fek'lhr of Klingon.

Your leeway has run out, Captain.

( roaring )

Your Honor

I appreciate your indulgence.

Allow me to explain.

A team from the Enterprise has taken control of... this woman's ship now in orbit around Ventax II.

Thank you for your help, Number One.

RIKER: Glad to be of service, sir.

They have been monitoring me on my communicator.

Executing a prearranged program on her ship's computer-- a fairly ingenious combination of force field projection holography and transporter effects.

Ardra controls her "magic" literally by the blink of an eye-- centuries-old technology.

An implant which permits the movements of her eye to choose and activate each illusion.

Ardra once told us that she is known by many names.

Well, at least in that, she was being honest.

Her crew have admitted that she is known by 23 aliases in this sector alone.

You had no right.

Deceiving innocent people with her petty schemes for years.

Ventax II must have offered her the greatest opportunity of her nefarious career.

She learned of the myth of Ardra, studied it and so expertly played on your fears that your people were ready to virtually surrender to her.

Your Honor, under the circumstances

I believe it is only fair that I release the Ventaxians from their obligation and I will let them keep the peace they have and I will just be on my way.

With the advocate's withdrawal the contract is hereby dissolved.

This arbitration is adjourned.

( bangs gavel )

Thank you, Captain Picard.

You saved our lives.

No, Jared, as I've tried to tell you you saved your own lives a long time ago.

Congratulations, sir.

Your Honor.

( tsking )

You would have had a lot more fun if you'd lost.

Till we meet again, Jean-Luc Picard of the Starship Enterprise.

( laughing )