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New Ground

Captain's Log, Stardate 45376.3.

We're approaching the planet Bilana III

where a new method of propulsion

known as the "soliton wave" is being developed.

The Enterprise has been asked

to participate in one of the first tests

of this new technology.

Data.

Data, isn't this exciting?

We are going to witness a moment in history.

Every nanosecond in this continuum is a moment in history once it has elapsed.

No, no, no.

I mean we are going to see something that people will talk about for years.

I mean, think about it no more bulky warp engines or nacelles.

A ship just generates a soliton wave and then rides it through space like a surfboard.

This is going to be like being there to watch Chuck Yeager break the sound barrier or Zefram Cochrane engage the first warp drive.

It should be interesting.

Very exciting.

I'm talking to the wrong crowd.

Donaldson.

Donaldson, you're an engineer.

OFFICER: Lieutenant Worf, you have a subspace communication from the transport ship Milan.

Transfer the signal to this station.

Hello, Worf.

Mother.

I hope you don't mind us dropping in on you like this but when I heard the Enterprise was to be in this sector we took the first transport, and here we are.

Is Father with you?

No, but I-I-I brought Alexander with me.

I thought the two of you would like the chance to visit.

Very well. I will make arrangements for you to come aboard.

Good.

Worf.

Worf.

It's so good to see you.

You look wonderful.

Is that a touch of gray in your beard?

Don't worry.

The Rozhenko men have always had beards of iron gray.

Hello, Alexander.

Hello.

It's good to see you both.

How long can you stay?

I'm not going back.

PICARD: 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.

Did you see the look on Alexander's face when he saw the play area?

He's going to love it here.

Mother, why does Alexander believe he is remaining?

Lapsang souchong tea, please.

Are you eating?

You look thin.

Mother.

When your father was in Starfleet

I always had to make sure that I was...

Mother we need to talk about Alexander.

Alexander is a, is a fine boy, Worf.

He's, he's smart and he's high-spirited-- a lot like you were at that age.

And sometimes, when he comes running through the house and he knocks over that big green lamp just like you used to do.

Well, I don't remember you smiling when I knocked over that lamp.

Well, maybe once... when you weren't looking.

When we learned Alexander was to come to live with us we were so happy.

The house had been so empty since you left and we thought, "here is our chance to fill it with the sound of children again."

But the truth is, Worf, your father and I, we're getting old.

Mother, you both have many years.

Oh, I don't mean we're ready for the grave.

Not yet anyway, but... we're a little less active and it's harder for us to keep up with Alexander.

We're ready to be just grandparents.

Alexander needs to be with his father, Worf.

Mother, that is not possible.

We must find another option.

He needs his father, Worf.

Alexander's... he's having difficulties.

Difficulties?

He's disobedient.

Mother...

Klingon children are often difficult to control.

I do know something about how Klingon children behave.

It's not just his willful attitude.

He doesn't always tell the truth.

My son is a liar?

He is a boy, Worf and-and boys sometimes take the wrong path.

They need guidance.

He needs a father-- his father-- to give him that guidance.

I have to leave soon.

The transport will be leaving for Earth.

You must do what you think is best for him.

That's all a parent can hope to do.

Did you enjoy going to school on Earth?

Yes.

Did you like your teachers?

Yes.

Good.

I understand you lived in my old room.

Uh-huh.

Good.

Come in.

Lieutenant Worf.

Very nice to see you again.

And you must be Alexander.

I hear you'll be coming to school with us for a while.

Well, we're very excited to have you with us.

I know the other boys and girls will be happy to have a new classmate.

Uh, first, I need to get some information from you.

Let's start with... your name.

Alexander... Rozhenko.

Hmm. That's a tough one.

Maybe you could help me with that.

Could you spell your last name for me?

Alexander.

The teacher asked you a question.

It doesn't matter.

I think I can figure it out.

Date of birth.

( sighing )

The 43rd day of Maktag, Stardate 43205.

Yes.

Yes, of course.

I'll get the rest of his personal records from the school on Earth.

And, oh, one last question.

How long will he be staying aboard ship?

It has not been decided.

( door chimes )

Come.

Mr. Worf, I thought our meeting was scheduled for 1100 hours.

I apologize for being late, Captain.

I was detained in school.

I-I was enrolling my son in class.

I see.

Well, Mr. Worf, as you are aware several new security officers will be transferred into the Enterprise next week and I would like to discuss...

Kyle to Lieutenant Worf.

Worf here. I'm sorry to bother you again,

Lieutenant, but I forgot to mention that we need to arrange for a series of placement examinations for Alexander.

If you could...

This is not a good time.

I will contact you shortly, Ms. Kyle.

Sorry, Captain.

I would like to discuss with you the specific areas of ship security that I would like...

Sick Bay to Worf.

Yes, Doctor?

I need to schedule a physical examination for Alexander.

I also need his complete medical records from Earth and the medical records of his...

I would rather discuss this at a later time.

There's no rush. Crusher out.

Mr. Worf, you are not the first officer on this ship to have a new family member.

Take care of your son.

The security matters can wait.

Thank you, Captain.

23 field coils working in concert will generate the soliton wave from this point on the planet surface.

We will have our test ship towed to a position approximately two million kilometers from Bilana III.

If our theories are correct the wave will envelope the ship and push it into warp.

Warp without warp drive.

They're going to put you out of a job, Geordi.

I hope so, Commander.

DATA: Dr. Ja'Dar how closely will the Enterprise need to follow the test vehicle?

The soliton emits a great deal of subspace radio interference.

You'll need to remain within 20 kilometers in order to receive telemetry.

Doctor, how will you end the experiment?

The wave will be directed toward Lemma II about three light-years' distance.

Our sister facility there will generate a scattering field which will dissipate the wave and bring the ship out of warp.

I'll be sending you more detailed operational plans within the hour.

Very well, Doctor.

We'll contact you again when we've finished studying the mission specs.

Worf.

I was just talking to Mrs. Kyle, the primary school teacher.

She told me you'd enrolled Alexander in her class this morning.

Yes.

I'm sure he'll do very well.

She's a wonderful teacher.

Good.

Did she tell you about the father/son field trip this afternoon?

Yes. We cannot attend.

Why not?

I have a personnel review scheduled at 1300 hours.

This would be a good opportunity for you to meet some of the other students and parents.

Well, I might be able to reschedule the review.

Good.

I'll let them know you're coming.

KYLE: As the value of their horns increased the number of white rhinos in the wild kept falling until they finally became extinct about two centuries ago.

Now, I'd like to show you a pair of animals that we're trying to save from extinction.

Would you follow me?

( quiet conversations )

They're from Corvan II where their homes in the rain forests are being threatened by industrial pollutants.

They're called Corvan gilvos.

Well, they're a little shy.

Oh... Oh...

Wow.

The eating habits of the gilvos are very similar to those of Earth's Draco lizards which died out over 300 years ago.

There are only 14 gilvos left on Corvan II.

We're transplanting these two to the protected planet Brentalia where they should thrive.

Well, why don't you all have a look around on your own for a while and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Alexander

I'm sorry. I forgot to tell everyone that the models on the tables were for everyone to play with.

So I guess you didn't know you weren't supposed to take them.

I saw you playing with the lizard model a while ago.

Do you still have it?

Are you accusing him of stealing?

Lieutenant Worf, I can only tell you...

Alexander.

Did you take the model of the lizard from the table?

No, sir.

Lieutenant

I saw Alexander put the model inside of his jacket.

Lieutenant Worf, Personal Log, Stardate 45376.8.

Alexander has acted shamefully

and, as his father, I must now deal with him

but I find that I would rather fight ten Balduk warriors

than face one small child.

A Klingon's honor is more important to him than his life.

A Klingon would gladly face the most horrible punishment rather than bring shame or disgrace to his family name.

His word is his bond.

Without it, he is nothing.

Do you understand?

Why did you lie to me?

I don't know.

Did you fear the punishment you would receive?

I don't know.

You don't know why you lied, and yet you did.

You don't know why you stole and yet you did!

Alexander, come here.

When I was a child, younger than you

I lost my parents... my family... my people.

Everything I had was taken from me except my sense of honor.

It was the one thing I had that was truly Klingon which no one could take away.

Do you know who they are?

Kahless?

And his brother Morath.

They fought for 12 days and 12 nights because Morath had broken his word and brought shame to his family.

When you lie or steal, you not only dishonor yourself but your family.

You dishonor me.

I'm sorry, Father.

I won't do it ever again.

I promise.

I accept your word.

We will not speak of this again.

Worf?

Counselor.

I just wanted to know how the field trip went yesterday.

You have not heard?

No. Why?

Bridge.

There was an... incident.

Alexander stole a small model and then told a falsehood but I have remedied the situation.

May I ask how?

I pointed out his error told him about Kahless and Morath and explained the value of honor.

The boy understood.

I see.

Sometimes these things aren't over as quickly as they seem to be.

I'd be happy to help if you have any further problems.

Thank you.

That will not be necessary.

Alexander will not repeat this mistake.

DATA: The prototype has been towed into position, Captain.

RIKER: Initiate a radio link to the ship.

LA FORGE: Link established.

Receiving prelaunch telemetry now.

Incoming message from Dr. Ja'Dar.

On screen.

Captain, we're ready to begin the launch sequence.

Mr. Riker.

RIKER: All science labs standing by.

Course laid in, sir.

PICARD: The Enterprise is ready, Doctor.

This is Dr. Ja'Dar to all stations.

You may begin the launch sequence.

And, Doctor... good luck.

Thank you, Captain.

DATA: Sensors indicate the field generators on the planet surface are charging, Captain.

The soliton wave has been initiated.

It's heading for the test ship.

The test ship has successfully entered warp, sir.

Ensign, engage.

Ensign, bring us to within 20 kilometers of the test ship.

Aye, sir.

Telemetry looks good.

Soliton wave is steady.

The test ship is maintaining at warp 2.35, sir.

That's a little faster than they anticipated but still, well within mission parameters.

We're at 20 kilometers, Captain.

Mr. Data, is the wave affecting our warp drive?

No, sir.

The effect has been localized to within two kilometers of the wave front.

Mr. La Forge, what's the power efficiency of the wave?

Energy transfer is... 98%!

RIKER: 98?

LA FORGE: Yes, sir. There's less than two percent energy loss between the wave and the ship.

That is 450% more efficient than our own warp drive.

Astonishing.

Commander Riker, have Science Lab Three begin a series of gamma emission tests.

Sir, the wave's power signature is fluctuating.

Wave efficiency has dropped to 73%.

The test ship's warp field is becoming unstable.

Sensors show multiple disruptions.

I'm reading a severe subspace distortion, sir.

It is expanding toward us.

It appears to be interfering with our engines, Captain.

I can't compensate for it!

Bring us out of warp, Ensign. All stop.

Aye, sir.

All stop.

Hold on!

RIKER: Damage report.

LA FORGE: Sensors and warp drive are off-line.

Deflectors down to 15%.

WORF: Several injuries reported on deck 27.

No fatalities.

What happened to the test ship?

Our last readings indicate the craft exploded due to extreme shearing stress.

Incoming message from Bilana III, Captain.

On screen.

Captain, are you all right?

Was anyone hurt?

We sustained some minor damage.

Do you know what happened?

The preliminary data we've received indicate a transient power imbalance.

That would be consistent with our telemetry readings from the ship.

We detected a sudden drop in transfer efficiency just before the explosion.

Are you still tracking the wave?

No. The explosion damaged our main sensor array but I think we'll have it repaired in a couple of hours.

We'll contact you as soon as the sensors are back on line.

LA FORGE: Doctor... you did it-- warp without warp drive.

For a while there, it was really something to see.

Well, I hope you're here to see it next time we try, Mr. La Forge.

LA FORGE: So do I, Doctor.

I apologize.

I was detained.

It's quite all right.

Please, sit down.

Thank you.

Lieutenant, your son is a very bright very spirited young man.

From his test scores

I'm sure he'll turn out to be one of my best students.

However, from his behavior in class so far

I do have some concerns.

What sort of concerns?

Frankly, he's defiant.

He's overly aggressive toward the other students and he has a great deal of difficulty paying attention.

Perhaps you do not have experience dealing with Klingon children.

They require a firm hand.

And he seems to still have difficulty telling the truth.

He takes toys from the other students and then denies taking them.

He acts like a bully and then says someone else started the fight

and he's bluntly told me you said

"Klingons do not listen to teachers."

I did not tell him that.

No, of course not.

He's acting on his internal feelings and then making up stories to explain them.

It might be a good idea for the two of you to sit down with Counselor Troi and try...

Computer, where is Alexander Rozhenko?

Alexander Rozhenko is on Holodeck Four.

Lieutenant, I-I think we should...

I will handle this.

Computer, what program is being run?

Calisthenics program of Lieutenant Worf.

Difficulty level: novice.

( growling )

( grunting )

( grunting with exertion )

Computer, freeze program.

Did you see it, Father?

I won!

Yes, I saw.

Why are you here?

I'm training.

But you did not ask permission to take my bat'leth or permission to use the holodeck.

But you said you wanted me to be a warrior.

I also said I wanted you to obey your teachers and keep your promise to me.

Ms. Kyle told me about your behavior... about your lies.

I have not lied!

Alexander, do not continue to... She's lying!

She hates me.

That's why she makes up stories about me.

I will not listen to more lies.

Return to our quarters.

But you said we could go see the gilvos again.

Not now, not after you have broken your word.

You promised. You said that we could.

Enough!

It is now clear to me that I have failed in my duties as your father.

You have no understanding about what it means to be Klingon.

I will arrange for you to attend a Klingon school.

There you will learn the lessons

I have failed to teach you.

No. I won't go!

Would you further dishonor our family with your disobedience?

No, sir.

You will go to our quarters and remain there until I return.

Riker to Engineering.

What's your estimate on the engines, Geordi?

I need another hour, Commander.

I still have to replace three power couplings.

Understood.

Sir, sensors are coming back on line.

Good.

Begin a sensor sweep for the soliton wave.

Aye, sir.

The wave is continuing on a course to the Lemma II colony.

It is bearing 020 mark 329.

Open a channel back here to Dr. Ja'Dar.

Sir, the wave has increased in velocity to warp 4.1.

Doctor, we've located the soliton wave.

It's still on a course to Lemma II.

However, the velocity has increased to warp 4.1.

Have you checked the frequency resonance of the subspace...?

Sir, the energy level of the wave has increased by a factor of 12.

At this rate, it will have increased by a factor of 200 by the time it reaches Lemma II.

Will we still be able to dissipate the wave?

Commander, at that energy level the wave will not only destroy the colony it'll take most of the planet with it.

Are you sure this is what you want?

It is not a question of what I want.

It is a question of what is best for the boy.

He will be better off at a Klingon school.

Have you discussed this with Alexander?

He is a child.

I informed him of my decision.

I see.

You disapprove.

I'm not here to approve or disapprove of the way you raise your son.

My concern right now is how this decision is going to affect you.

How will you feel when Alexander's gone?

I will be pleased that he is receiving the guidance he requires.

Is that how you felt when he left to live with your parents?

That was different.

At the time, I felt he needed a home, a family-- the things I could not provide for him.

I understand.

The idea of raising a child can seem a tremendous burden especially to a solitary parent.

He was no burden.

I simply knew that a Klingon child required more... attention than I could provide.

I see.

Have you ever wondered how Alexander felt about being sent away?

He was... very young.

I am sure that he was confused.

Do you think he felt abandoned?

After all he left very soon after K'Ehleyr's death.

In a way, he not only lost his mother he lost his father as well.

Are you saying that his misconduct is a result of feeling abandoned?

It's possible.

Children don't have the experience to handle emotional crises.

Instead of dealing with their feelings they act on them.

Tell me about the last time you spoke with K'Ehleyr... the night she died.

We argued.

About what?

Alexander.

About how she did not tell me about him when he was born.

So you were angry with her.

Yes.

Are you still angry with her?

Of course not.

It would be very normal to be angry with her-- angry because she died and left you alone with a son you never knew you had.

Being angry doesn't mean you loved her any less, Worf, but you can't hide from your feelings just as Alexander can't hide from his.

You both have a lot of healing to do.

Perhaps you should think about doing it together.

( door opens )

Alexander...

I'm almost done.

Stop for a moment.

Let us talk.

Why?

I want you to understand why you are going away.

I understand.

You're ashamed of me.

You do not understand.

I'm concerned about your future.

A Klingon school will be a better environment for you.

You don't care about me.

That is not true.

All you care about is your honor.

Alex...

If your mother were here

I do not think that she would want us to fight like this.

My mother wouldn't send me away.

RIKER: Lieutenant Worf please report to the observation lounge.

Acknowledged.

Remain here.

I will return shortly.

( breathing heavily )

Report.

The soliton wave has continued to increase in...

Excuse me.

DATA: The soliton wave has continued to increase in power.

Its energy level has risen by a factor of 96.

At its current rate of acceleration, the wave should hit the planet in a couple of hours.

How do we stop it?

Well, there are two possibilities.

We could attempt to use our own warp engines to generate an inverse resonance wave.

If we could match the exact frequency and amplitude of the soliton, then we should be able to neutralize it.

You don't sound very confident.

DATA: Because the soliton is constantly changing in both frequency and amplitude it will be extremely difficult to achieve an exact match.

Let's hear the second option.

Well, it's a little more dangerous but I think there's a better chance for success.

We could create a backfire-- an explosive force set off just in front of the soliton wave.

A large enough explosion, say five photon torpedoes should be enough to disrupt the wave and allow it to dissipate.

How fast is the wave traveling now?

Warp 6.37, Sir.

The good news is we can catch it but the bad news is that in order to set up this backfire we have to be in front of it.

Which would require the Enterprise to go through the wave.

Why can't we go around it?

The wave has been growing in size as well as power.

There's insufficient time remaining for us to circumvent it before it reaches Lemma II.

How much protection will the shields provide if we attempt to penetrate the wave?

The shields have not been fully restored.

Shield strength is down to 33%.

It's going to be quite a ride.

( sighing )

It's the better choice.

Lay in a course for the soliton wave.

Ensign, after we've passed through the wave

I want you to take us to a relative position

23 kilometers in front of it.

Aye, sir.

Alert Sick Bay to prepare for possible casualties.

Aye, sir.

The wave has increased in speed to warp 7.2., Captain.

Ensign, take her to warp 7.21.

We're approaching the wave, Captain. Distance...

200 kilometers.

Let's see it.

PICARD: Stand by to increase speed to warp 7.3-- on my mark.

Red Alert!

Load torpedo bays.

Set warhead yields to level 16.

Aye, sir.

All decks, this is the Bridge.

Brace for impact.

Torpedoes loaded.

Engage.

( squeaky trilling )

Report.

DATA: We have passed through the wave, Captain.

We have dropped to warp 7.2.

The wave is directly astern at a distance of 23 kilometers.

WORF: Deflector strength is down to 12%.

There are fluctuations in several warp transfer conduits.

Tractor beams and transporters off-line.

We have some gaps in the aft shields, Captain.

When the torpedoes explode these areas will be contaminated with ion radiation.

We need to evacuate sections 24 to 47 decks 35 to 38.

Make it so.

WORF: Sir, there is a fire in Biolab Four.

The fire suppression apparatus is not functioning.

Seal off that compartment.

Prepare to vent the air...

Sir, there are life-forms present in that biolab.

We're transporting endangered animals from Corvan II.

DATA: Readings also indicate the presence of a humanoid, Captain.

Computer, identify humanoid life-form in Biolab Four.

Life-form is identified as Alexander Rozhenko.

Bridge to Biolab Four.

Alexander, can you hear us?

Sensors show he is alive. He may be injured.

Can we transport him out of there?

Transporters are still off-line.

Captain, warp power is dropping.

We're losing speed.

Riker to Engineering. Geordi, what is going on?

We lost four warp transfer conduits, Commander.

RIKER: The wave is gaining on us. We need more speed.

LA FORGE: I doubt that I can keep this speed up much longer, Commander.

You'd better fire those torpedoes while we're still in front of the wave.

Mr. Data, how long before the wave overtakes us?

At our current speed, four minutes

30 seconds, sir.

Captain, permission to leave the Bridge.

Granted. Commander, will you accompany Mr. Worf to Biolab Four.

DATA: Captain, Biolab Four is one of the areas that will be flooded with ion radiation.

Commander, I can't let the soliton wave hit the colony.

You have three minutes, not one second more.

Primary control's shorted out.

( grunting )

Stand clear.

( alarm wailing )

WORF: Alexander!

RIKER: Alexander!

Can you hear me?

Alexander!

The soliton wave has closed to ten kilometers, Captain.

Stand by to fire torpedoes on my command.

RIKER: Alexander!

Commander, I've found him.

Worf!

Where are you, Worf?

Over here.

( coughing )

Help me.

It's too heavy. I've got to find something to help us.

( groaning )

Father?

Be still. I am here.

My leg hurts.

I'm scared.

The gilvos!

There's no time.

Please! They'll die!

The wave has closed to one kilometer, Captain.

Picard to Commander Riker.

Bridge to Lieutenant Worf.

Acknowledge.

The wave is about to overtake us, sir.

Commander Riker, acknowledge!

Fire torpedoes.

( all coughing )

The wave has been disrupted, sir.

Picard to Riker.

Riker here, Captain.

We made it, sir.

The boy's going to be all right.

You're a very lucky little boy.

Just some minor smoke inhalation and a hairline fracture of the tibia.

That's a bone in your leg.

I'd like to keep him here overnight but he should be fine by tomorrow.

Thank you, Doctor.

Are you going to get in trouble because of me?

Do not concern yourself with that.

Am I in trouble?

Yes... but we will discuss that at a later time.

I'm sorry.

I promise I'll be good at the Klingon school.

I'll make you proud of me.

Klingon schools are designed to be difficult.

The physical and mental hardships faced by the students are meant to build character and strength.

However... if you wish to face a greater challenge you may stay here with me.

It will not be easy... for either of us but perhaps we can face the challenge together.

I accept your challenge, Father.

I will stay.

I believe your mother would be pleased.