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Face of the Enemy

( gasping )

( groans )

Computer, lights.

Computer, turn on the lights.

( groans )

( gasps )

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.

Good, you're awake.

Who are you?

Please, Counselor, there is little time.

The Commander will be calling for you at any moment.

Where am I? You are aboard the imperial Romulan warbird Khazara.

I am Subcommander N'vek.

Warbird?

I-- I was at the, uh... neuropsychology seminar at Bokara VI.

The last thing I remember was returning to my quarters.

I was attacked.

I felt a hypospray.

It was necessary. I could not be certain you would come voluntarily.

Oh, God, my head's still spinning.

There are drugs in your system, but they've nearly dissipated.

The disorientation will soon pass.

Why have you brought me here?

Listen to me carefully.

You are no longer Deanna Troi.

You are Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar-- the Imperial intelligence.

Commander Toreth-- Am I a prisoner?

There is no time to explain everything.

You must listen.

Commander Toreth will want to know your mission.

Tell her nothing.

Simply instruct her to proceed to the Kaleb sector.

Heading 102 mark 4.

The Kaleb sector?

Repeat it. Heading 102 mark 4.

( sighs ): Heading 102 mark 4.

And she'll take orders from me?

You are an officer of the Tal Shiar.

She will obey you, but do not push her too far.

FEMALE: Subcommander N'vek, we are approaching the loading point.

Bring our guest to the bridge.

Yes, Commander, immediately.

Please, we must hurry.

I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what's going on.

You are a Starfleet officer disguised as a Romulan.

Unless you trust me and do exactly as I have said,

Toreth will discover you, and you will be killed.

How do I know I won't be killed anyway?

Your only chance to get off this ship alive is to do as I say.

You are an empath.

You would know if I am lying-- am I?

No.

Then let us go see the commander.

Orbit established, Commander.

Commence loading of the cargo.

Notify me when the transfer is complete.

Yes, sir.

Commander, may I present

Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar.

This is Commander Toreth.

Attend to your station.

Why are you here without your guards?

Well?

The mission is one of utmost secrecy.

I could not risk bringing guards.

And what exactly is the nature of this clandestine assignment?

I cannot reveal that.

Oh?

Why not?

I'm under orders.

You don't act like a member of the Tal Shiar.

How long have you been with intelligence?

Several months.

Ahh. ( console beeping )

Commander, cargo is on board and secure.

Tell me-- is there a reason why the commander of the ship is kept ignorant of its cargo?

TROI: I don't know what you mean.

I have been ordered to take on cargo, but its contents are unknown to me.

Does that seem wise?

I am responsible for the safety of this ship and its crew.

How do I know this cargo is safe to transport?

I'm sure it is safe.

Otherwise, it would not have been loaded.

Ahh.

The Tal Shiar is deeply concerned for the safety and the well-being of the military.

I'm sure that every person on the bridge of this ship could offer testimony about personal experiences with the Tal Shiar, but I doubt that many could recall those encounters as tender and caring.

So I must ask you to forgive me, Major, if I hesitate to accept your assurances that that cargo presents no danger to my crew.

I intend to open those containers.

That cargo is the property of the Tal Shiar.

You will not touch it.

On whose authority?

Mine. And if you do not wish to undergo another "personal experience" with the Tal Shiar,

I suggest you not question me again.

Now, proceed on course bearing 102 mark 4 to the Kaleb sector.

Why should we go to the Kaleb sector?

It's virtually deserted.

Because those are your orders.

Pilot, set course.

102 mark 4.

Warp six.

PILOT: Yes, Commander.

Captain's Log, Stardate 46519.1.

We have arrived at Research Station 75

to take on a rather unique passenger,

one whose homecoming will undoubtedly be difficult.

The man acted dishonorably.

He is a traitor.

He risked his life to get here.

Spent two weeks alone in a scout ship.

That does not excuse his original actions.

Well, maybe he finally realized he made a mistake.

It's 20 years too late.

Energize.

Ensign Deseve, by order of Starfleet command,

I am placing you under arrest for treason.

I understand.

After Dr. Crusher declares you medically fit, you will be confined to your quarters until a court-martial can be convened.

Find some civilian clothes.

I don't want to see you in that uniform.

Yes, sir.

Commander?

I must speak with Captain Picard.

He's a busy man.

Please.

It's important.

Urgent.

I'll tell him.

Commander.

At ease.

It's Captain, actually.

Of course. Um... sorry, sir.

You said it was important that I see you.

Yes, Captain.

I have a message from Ambassador Spock.

He said it involves further...

"cowboy diplomacy."

He said you would understand.

There's a Corvallen freighter arriving in the Kaleb sector in the next 12 hours.

Spock wants you to... rendezvous?-- with that ship, bring its cargo back to Federation space.

What kind of cargo?

He said it was... important... to the future of the Romulans and the Federation.

And you have returned in order to give me this message?

Partly.

In order to know whether Ambassador Spock's message is being delivered accurately,

I need to understand something about the messenger.

I was ready to come back.

Romulus had... lost its appeal.

Yet, at one time you found something very appealing about it.

The Romulans are very moral, Captain.

They have an absolute certainty about what is right and what is wrong, who is a friend and who is an enemy-- a strict moral compass, which provides them with a clarity of purpose.

At one time, I found their sense of purpose, their passion and commitment, to be very compelling.

But not anymore.

As I've grown older, I realize that clarity of purpose is a more ambiguous matter than I had thought in my youth.

Commander Riker, set a course for the Kaleb sector.

Warp factor eight.

RIKER: Aye, aye, sir.

You may wait outside.

Make certain we're not disturbed.

They're terrified of me.

The purpose of the Tal Shiar is to ensure loyalty.

To defy them is to invite imprisonment or death.

I think it's time you told me what this is all about.

That is why I called you here.

These are the cargo containers we brought on board earlier.

What's in it?

He's alive in stasis.

Who is it?

Vice-Proconsul M'ret of the Imperial Senate and his two top aides.

M'ret?

He's one of the highest-ranking members of the Romulan government.

His defection will be a profound blow to Romulus.

Why is he doing this?

M'ret had questioned the repressive activities of the government and was in danger of being imprisoned.

He is willing to take this risk in order to protest Romulan policy and support the dissident movement.

You are part of Ambassador Spock's underground movement.

Yes.

If we're able to deliver M'ret safely,

Spock is hopeful that we can establish an escape route for thousands of dissidents who live in fear of their lives.

Now you realize why we are willing to go to such extraordinary lengths-- even kidnapping you-- to make sure we succeed.

You've given me the identity of a Tal Shiar officer.

Is there a real Major Rakal?

There was.

She was killed so that you could take her place.

Only a member of the Tal Shiar would have the authority to alter a ship's mission.

Why me? You could have found a Romulan to play this role.

Yes, for the first part of the plan, but if anything goes wrong, we will need a Starfleet officer.

Why?

There's no need to go into that unless it becomes necessary.

For your own sake, Counselor, the less you know about the specifics of this plan, the better.

What is your plan?

When we reach the Kaleb sector, we will rendezvous with a Corvallen freighter.

You will take these containers into their ship and accompany them back to Starfleet headquarters.

The Corvallens are mercenaries.

Do they know what's in these containers?

No, they were hired simply to take you to Federation space.

Very well.

We are due in the wardroom shortly.

The senior officers always dine together.

I'll go to my quarters-- I think it would be best if I stayed out of the way of the commander.

No, you will be expected to attend.

I'll go ahead.

Follow me after a few moments.

Commander Toreth must not feel that anything is unusual.

( door opens, closes )

We had been told that the Klingon outpost was undefended.

So when their warships decloaked... they took us completely by surprise.

The Klingons managed to destroy half my squadron before we even opened fire, but when we did... ha!

They were no match for us.

I destroyed their flagship myself.

I received the Sotarek citation for my actions that day.

The intelligence officer in charge of that mission was executed.

Major.

Welcome to our table.

Commander.

I suggest you try the viinerine.

It's quite good.

I realize that it's nothing compared to what you're accustomed to on Romulus, but you could at least try the viinerine.

I've smelled better viinerine on prison ships.

No doubt.

Tell me, Major.

Where did you train?

The Intelligence Academy or the Imperial War College?

The Academy. Oh.

So you must know Commander Konsab.

I know of him.

I assume you sat in military history with him.

Yes.

Tell me, Major... what do you think about his theories on the differences between the military and the Tal Shiar?

Which aspects are you referring to?

Oh, come now, Major.

Surely you attended his classes regularly.

It was Konsab's main theme.

Do you have a point to make, Commander?

If so, it has escaped me.

Commander Konsab... believes that, in order to function, military officers have to trust each other.

The Tal Shiar, on the other hand, trust no one.

They expect deception, so they always find it.

Your opinion of the Tal Shiar is quite clear, Commander.

I hope so.

We ensure the loyalty of the people.

Do you believe the Empire would be better off without our protection?

Protection? From what?

How was the Empire threatened by the words of an old man, a devoted citizen who merely tried to speak his mind?

How did the Tal Shiar protect the Empire by dragging him, my father, out of his home in the middle of the night?

Clearly, your father was a traitor.

No.

He was just an idealistic old man.

I never saw him again.

I don't need your devotion, Commander, just your obedience.

And that's all you have.

MALE VOICE: Commander, sensors are picking up an unidentified ship on an intercept course.

What is the configuration?

It appears to be a freighter, Commander.

Hail them.

Visual.

Commander, we are glad to see you.

We are prepared to transfer your cargo, as agreed.

And with whom do you have this agreement?

Our arrangements were made with Major Rakal.

You may rest assured, your cargo will be taken safely to its destination.

We will transmit coordinates for you to beam it aboard.

He's lying. Very well.

They have no intention of keeping their word.

Are you certain? Yes.

Why did you destroy that vessel?!

I beg forgiveness, Commander, but Major Rakal ordered me to fire.

The Corvallen freighter has been completely destroyed, Commander.

There are no survivors.

I demand an explanation.

How many people were on that ship?

Approximately 18 people, sir.

I don't care if there were 18 or 800.

On this ship, I give the command to fire, Major.

You have no right.

This gives me the right!

Even you eventually will have to answer to someone.

You will be held accountable.

I have been given broad discretionary powers.

Subcommander N'vek acted under my authority-- the authority of the Tal Shiar.

I assure you, this action will not be questioned.

I will, nonetheless, make an entry in my log that I am not responsible for those 18 lives and that I deplore their loss.

Do whatever you feel is necessary.

In the meantime, we must protect ourselves.

Engage the cloaking device.

And what are my orders now, Major?

Hold position and wait.

There is no sign of the freighter, sir.

We are the only ship in the area.

Ensign, verify our position.

We are holding at the coordinates specified by Ensign Deseve, sir.

Anything on long-range sensors?

Sensors indicate no other ships within three light-years.

Could this have been a hoax?

That's one possibility.

Mr. Worf, bring Ensign Deseve to my ready room.

Aye, sir.

Ensign Deseve, you promised me a freighter with an important cargo.

The only thing here is empty space.

Do you have an explanation?

I don't understand.

Captain, he has deceived us.

No, I was told that the ship would be at these coordinates.

You said... that the message came directly from Ambassador Spock.

Yes.

Well... not exactly.

And what does that mean?

Someone else relayed the message to me, but he said Spock spoke directly to him.

I trust the man who spoke to me.

He would not have lied.

Was he a Romulan?

Yes, he's a member of the underground-- a dissident.

He risks his life to work with those who want a different future for Romulus.

Captain, he could be leading us into a trap.

No, that is not so.

It would be risky to set a trap here so close to Federation space, but the fact remains, here we are... there is no freighter.

Did your contact tell you anything else that might be helpful?

The freighter is an old Antares-class vessel with limited speed and range.

It couldn't have taken on its cargo more than a day ago which means it must be within

15 light-years of here.

Why didn't you mention this earlier?

It didn't seem necessary.

And, on Romulus, you learn not to volunteer information.

It's a hard habit to break.

Well, maybe now would be a good time to start.

Follow me, gentlemen.

Our plan has collapsed.

Our plan?

What about the people on that freighter?

Why did you fire?

There was no alternative.

You told me they couldn't be trusted.

If I let them live, the whole mission would be in jeopardy.

18 people lost their lives.

Don't lecture me, Counselor.

A number of people have died in order to carry out this mission.

Believe me, those 18 won't be the last.

I'm sorry, but I can't dismiss those lives so easily.

Fine, agonize all you want, but don't let it get in the way of our plan.

You don't have a plan anymore.

You remember I told you if anything went wrong, we would need a Starfleet officer.

There is a Starfleet base on Draken IV.

It is two days away at maximum warp.

That's where we're going.

In a Romulan ship?

Yes.

It's your job to order Toreth to proceed into Federation territory.

We'll never get through the gravitic sensor nets.

We will, if you provide the correct access codes.

Do you really think this has a chance of succeeding?

If you have another idea,

I'll be happy to consider it.

TROI: You will plot a course for the Draken system.

Oh, you can't be serious.

Draken IV was the freighter's destination.

I ordered the freighter destroyed because I recognized the captain-- a known Federation spy.

Now we must deliver the cargo ourselves.

We...? I do not intend to explain myself to you.

You will set a course...

In order to reach Draken, we will have to travel through Federation space for nearly 20 hours.

That is not a problem.

Contrary to the propaganda that your superiors would have us believe,

Starfleet is neither weak nor foolish.

The chances of us reaching Draken undetected are not good.

We will be cloaked.

Oh, the cloaking device does not always make us invulnerable.

And you would know that if you had spent any time at all in the field.

The Federation has littered its borders with subspace listening posts with gravitic sensors.

They may even have a tachyon detection grid in operation, in which case, they will know that we're there.

If we are discovered in Federation territory, it will be interpreted as an act of war.

The Tal Shiar has obtained access codes to the sensor nets.

I will provide them if necessary.

That will be no guarantee that we will escape undetected.

Your cowardice does not befit a Romulan soldier.

People blame the military for the wars that we are asked to fight, but I think it is your kind, Major, that will be the death of us all.

TORETH: Plot a course for the Draken system.

Course plotted, sir.

Prepare for warp.

Commander, sensors are picking up a vessel.

Our cloaking device is still engaged.

They have not detected us.

Activate viewscreen.

Enlarge.

It is the Enterprise, Commander.

Well, Major, it appears your suspicions about the freighter were correct after all.

The Federation has come in search of its spies.

Status.

They are scanning the debris of the freighter.

Shield levels normal.

Weapons systems not active.

They are not prepared for battle, sir.

Well, they weren't expecting to find us here, and I see no reason to alter that perception.

The radiation from the debris field could make our cloak detectable if we engage warp engines.

Proceed at maneuvering speed.

One moment, Commander.

We should hold our position until the Enterprise has left the area.

We cannot risk detection.

Even if we are detected, they cannot track us once we go to warp.

We have not established their intentions.

Their intentions are obvious, Major, and are of no concern to us.

Proceed on course, maneuvering engines only.

Go to warp when we're clear of the debris field.

Yes, Commander.

We should clear the field in 27 minutes.

You will keep me informed of our progress.

It is not wise to challenge the Tal Shiar, Commander.

I will not let her tell me how to run my ship.

DATA: It appears to be the remains of a ship.

My analysis indicates that it was an Antares-class freighter.

That's the ship we were supposed to meet.

Could there have been some kind of malfunction-- a reactor core breach?

I do not believe so, sir.

That would not be consistent with the debris pattern.

However, sensors indicate extremely high levels of residual antiprotons.

Romulan disruptor fire.

Correct.

And based on the antiproton decay,

I would estimate the incident occurred within the last 4.3 hours.

Then the Romulans could still be in the vicinity.

Red alert. Shields at maximum.

Whatever that freighter was carrying, they certainly didn't want it to reach us.

Are you sure you don't know what it was?

No, sir, I swear it.

All we have here are questions.

Mr. Data, continue with your scan.

We have to get a message to the Enterprise.

That's impossible.

It's the perfect opportunity.

The Enterprise is nearby.

If we can communicate with them, they might be able to help us.

Counselor, this ship is traveling under cloak.

All of our electromagnetic emissions are being monitored.

Any attempt at communication whatsoever, and we would be discovered instantly.

It could not succeed.

We must continue to Draken IV.

That is the safest course.

Is there anything you can do to the ship or to the cloaking device that would let the Enterprise track us?

Track us?

No.

We want to get into Federation territory undetected.

What we want is to get the dissidents to safety.

Now, answer the question-- is there a way?

If there were, I wouldn't do it.

Yes, you will. Counselor.

We're not playing it your way anymore, N'vek!

I've been kidnapped, surgically altered, put in danger--

I've gone along with all your plans.

Now you are going to listen to me!

You find a way to let the Enterprise track us, or I will go to Toreth and tell her I've discovered you're a traitor!

I'll have you ejected into space!

Is that clear, Subcommander?!

( sighs )

There is one possibility.

In order for a ship to remain undetectable while cloaked, the radiative emissions from the warp engines must be precisely balanced.

The ship's engineer is a sympathizer.

He may be able to slightly misalign one of the nullifier cores.

It would create... a small magnetic disruption in space whenever we were in motion.

Good. Do it.

The effect would only be intermittent.

They might not even detect it.

If it's the best we can do, we have to try it.

Anything more would be immediately registered on the bridge.

Even this slight misalignment may be detected.

It's a risk we have to take.

You're the one that outlined the stakes to me, N'vek.

Are you getting squeamish now just because things are getting a little more dangerous?

Sensors are picking up a polarized magnetic distortion to our portside.

Analysis.

The distortion is extremely weak.

It appears to be moving slowly.

It... it is gone, sir.

Gone?

The distortion no longer registers on our instruments.

Could this distortion be caused by a cloaked ship?

Unknown, sir.

Our understanding of Romulan technology is still limited.

Captain?

Romulan ships use a forced quantum singularity as a power source.

If that system is not functioning perfectly or is damaged even slightly, it might show through the cloak as a magnetic disturbance of some kind.

The distortion has reappeared, sir.

Bearing 337 mark 10.

It... it has disappeared again, sir.

Mr. Deseve, in your opinion, is it possible that we're picking up a cloaked Romulan ship?

It's a strong possibility, sir.

( sighs )

Mr. Data, continue your scan.

Ensign, link navigational control to Mr. Data's console and plot a course for that distortion.

Commander, the Enterprise is underway.

Good, what is their course?

They're heading for us, sir.

What?

They appear to be on an intercept course.

What is the status of our cloaking device?

Is there a malfunction of any kind?

PILOT: Cloaking device functioning correctly, sir.

All shipboard emissions within proper range.

TORETH: Maintain full sensor scans.

Commander.

The Enterprise may simply be engaged in search operations.

Perhaps.

Where is it now, Mr. Data?

DATA: It has disappeared once again, sir.

I believe it may have been coming to a halt.

Stop engines. ENSIGN: Aye, sir.

If this is a Romulan ship, will it stay in position until we leave?

I don't think so, sir.

A Romulan commander's instinct would be to attack.

Engage maneuvering engines.

Forward 0.1.

Take us directly under their hull.

Yes, Commander.

What are you doing?

It seems that the Enterprise can track us even though we are cloaked.

I intend to find out if they can or they cannot.

N'vek, ready attack procedure.

Sir, disruptors are standing by.

Ready to disengage cloak.

We cannot risk an engagement here.

Considering the nature of our mission,

I would have preferred to have avoided it as well, but I see no other alternative.

What do you intend to do?

We will pass as close as we possibly can.

If they do have the ability to track us, they will move to avoid a collision.

If they do...

I will destroy them.

Sir, the magnetic distortion has reappeared.

Bearing and speed?

It appears to be moving toward us, closing slowly.

Its bearing indicates a possible collision course.

RIKER: Time to impact?

I am unable to get a precise measurement.

However, I would estimate impact within 90 seconds.

It doesn't make any sense.

Why would they run into us?

If they were, why would they do it at full speed?

I don't know, sir.

The Romulans will sometimes make suicide attacks but only as a last resort.

There's no reason for it here.

DATA: Time to impact approximately 60 seconds.

We don't have the luxury to speculate.

Back us away from the disruption, Ensign-- one-half impulse.

Aye, sir.

They are moving away, commander.

Prepare attack sequence.

All sections report ready for battle, Commander.

Disruptors fully charged.

Disengage cloak on my command.

Prepare to fire... Disregard that order.

What?

I do not authorize this attack.

You will cease battle operations immediately.

I do not need your authorization to attack, Major-- this is my ship.

How typical of the military to resort to brute force when discretion is required.

The Enterprise has demonstrated that it can track us.

They must be destroyed.

Yes, they can track us, so, if we attack them, they will return fire, and since we have no shields when we're cloaked, they will destroy us.

Are you questioning my ability to command?

You are not fit to command.

Step down.

Step down, or I will have you removed.

Do you think anyone here will listen to you?

If any one of you defies the Tal Shiar, you will not bear the punishment alone.

Your families, all of them, will be there beside you.

I am now commander of this ship-- you will take orders from me and no one else.

Remove Commander Toreth from her station.

If she resists, shoot her.

Commander... please step down.

Remove her weapon.

Now, Commander... watch and learn.

In order to defeat your enemy, you must first understand them.

The Federation wishes to avoid war at all costs, so I will offer them a diplomatic solution-- get them to lower their shields... and then... destroy them.

Captain, we are being hailed.

PICARD: On screen.

I am Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar.

I'm Jean-Luc Picard of the Enterprise.

How can we be of help?

A Corvallen freighter has been destroyed not far from here.

We have detected the residual effects of disruptor fire.

Can you shed any light on this?

A regrettable incident, Captain.

The freighter was fired upon by the former commander of this vessel.

I have now taken control, and, I assure you, there will be no more attacks.

Still, there was considerable loss of life.

Captain, we do not want to exaggerate this incident.

You and I can discuss it calmly.

We can defuse it before it becomes inflated.

I agree.

I will come onto your ship.

Please lower your shields and prepare to beam me aboard.

Very well.

Mr. Worf, lock onto Major Rakal.

Transport on my command.

Aye, sir.

Thank you.

What's she doing on that ship?

I don't know, Number One... but she needs our help to get back.

Mr. Worf, keep that lock on her, no matter what happens.

Yes, sir.

Lower shields.

Their shields are dropping.

Activate forward disruptor array.

Fire when ready.

Yes, Major. Firing.

WORF: Captain, they have fired on us.

Shields up. Stand by phasers.

Damage report.

WORF: we sustained a direct hit, but the damage was negligible.

The disruptor had almost no power.

This is Proconsul M'ret and his aides.

They're part of the underground movement.

They're in stasis. Medical team to the bridge.

MALE VOICE: Aye, sir.

Where's Deanna?

Disruptors were ineffective.

The Enterprise was not damaged.

They have reestablished full shields.

I am reading a malfunction in the forward disruptor array.

The power system is destabilized.

You're lying.

The disruptor beam has been purposely sabotaged to conceal a transporter beam within.

Quickly, pilot.

Locate transport coordinates.

What have you done?

PILOT: The transporter beam originated in our cargo bay.

Something was transported from there to the Enterprise.

So, Major... the mysterious cargo brought on board by Major Rakal of the Tal Shiar has been transported to the Starfleet vessel.

I see two traitors in our midst.

So, Major... now that you can no longer take refuge behind the shield of the Tal Shiar, it's time to answer a few questions.

What was in those cargo containers?

Well, no matter.

We will soon know all that we need to know... and then we will execute you.

Pilot, drop shields and cloak the ship.

Prepare to go to warp.

Aye, sir.

Mr. Worf, now.

Counselor.

Are you all right?

Yes.

Let's get you to sick bay.

Ensign, get us out of here-- warp nine.

Aye, sir.

Well, that about does it.

How does it feel to have your own face back?

Just right. Thank you.

The men you helped rescue are all safe.

Proconsul M'ret is deeply grateful for your help.

The thanks should go to N'vek.

He sacrificed himself to save them... and me.

Well, thanks to the two of you, the way has been paved for further rescue operations.

N'vek's efforts and his sacrifice were not in vain.