Post by magicmuggle01 on Aug 12, 2019 11:54:08 GMT
The Borg begin an invasion of Federation space much sooner than was expected. With the Enterprise unable to affect them, the Borg capture Captain Picard and turn him into one of their own. (Season finale)
Summary
The remains of New Providence
"Captain's log, Stardate 43989.1. The Enterprise has arrived at Jouret IV in response to a distress signal from one of the Federation's outermost colonies."
Commander Riker, Data, Worf, and Geordi La Forge file into a transporter room. Worf notifies Riker that there has been no contact from the surface of Jouret IV for over twelve hours, nor any signs of life. Immediately after the away team is beamed down by Transporter Chief Miles O'Brien, the team finds not only that the entire colony of New Providence has been completely destroyed but also that the colony's former town center is now nothing more than a giant crater.
Act One
"Captain's log, Stardate 43992.6. Admiral Hanson and Lieutenant Commander Shelby of Starfleet Tactical have arrived to review the disappearance of New Providence colony. No sign remains of the nine hundred inhabitants."
As the USS Enterprise travels alongside an Excelsior-class starship, Hanson and Shelby inform Captain Picard and Riker – in Picard's ready room – that Starfleet is unprepared for a potential Borg incursion, despite having known for over a year that they are coming. The officers discuss whether the colony was destroyed by the Borg and refer to the Enterprise's first contact with them, at System J-25 a year previously. Hanson asserts that Shelby – an expert on the Borg – will lead the investigation.
Before leaving with Shelby, Riker
invites Hanson to the Enterprise's
poker night.
She is eager to view the colony site but the next away mission there will not be until dawn. Before taking Shelby to her quarters, Riker invites Hanson to the Enterprise's upcoming poker night but the admiral instead recommends Shelby as a rumored poker player as he and Picard have much to discuss. Alone with Picard, Hanson details his approval of Shelby. He tries to encourage the captain to accept her as his first officer and convince Riker to assume captaincy of the USS Melbourne, a command offer that Picard was heretofore unaware of and follows two previous proposals – the USS Drake and the USS Aries – that Riker has declined. Hanson suggests that Picard kicks Riker in the rear end for his own good, and notes that his staying on the Enterprise is hurting his career.
Entering her quarters with Riker, Shelby reveals she has an uncertain theory about how to search for the Borg, extrapolating a "Borg footprint" from their previous encounter with the Enterprise. Unusual magnetic resonance traces were left on the damaged sections of the Enterprise's hull that were tested. Discussion turns to the forthcoming mission and, even though Shelby takes the initiative to select away team members, Riker interjects that not only has he already assigned them to the away team but will be joining the team himself. Shelby lets Riker know, in no uncertain terms, that she wants his job but then apologetically claims she was unaware that he has no intention of leaving the Enterprise. Riker responds that she will be the first to know if he does decide to leave. On his way out of the quarters, Riker tells Shelby the details of that night's poker game.
They, Wesley Crusher, Deanna Troi, Data, and Geordi La Forge are later at the game, which results in Riker fooling Wesley – inexperienced at poker – into suspecting that Riker has an impressive hand. By confronting Riker, Shelby wins the game.
Friction mounts between Shelby and Riker after he, attending the mission with La Forge, learns that she and Data beamed down to the colony an hour beforehand. On the planet surface, he authoritatively draws her away.
Data is confused by Shelby's statement that the "early bird gets the worm" and confers with La Forge, saying she made a mistake because there are no "avifaunal or vermicular lifeforms" on Jouret IV. La Forge tells Data that's not what she meant, but she did make an error.
Shelby privately tells Riker that her expediency was due to an approaching storm front that could have potentially affected their readings and Data was available to go right away. Riker reminds her of regulations, of which she takes note. Shelby reports that the area's soil contains their Borg footprint, confirming that the colony's decimation was due to the Borg.
Act Two
"Captain's log, Stardate 43993.5. With confirmation of the Borg's presence in Federation space, Admiral Hanson has returned to Starbase 324 to discuss strategy with Starfleet Command. Lieutenant Commander Shelby remains on board to continue tactical preparations."
With the Enterprise now in a solitary orbit, Riker notifies Picard of the efforts being made to ready the ship and Starfleet for the impending Borg invasion. When Picard asks for his assessment of Shelby, Riker admits that she knows her stuff but has not earned his full confidence, noting her initiative and taking risks. Humorously, Picard indirectly likens those qualities to a younger Riker. The captain then questions why Riker is still on the Enterprise, since he's been offered command of the Melbourne. Although Riker answers that he has not decided to pursue that commission, Picard lengthily urges him to reconsider, noting that he is ready to take command, and the Enterprise will be just fine without him.
Riker confides in Troi
Later in Ten Forward, Riker discusses his uncertainty with Counselor Troi, noting that he had pushed himself hard and sacrificed much, even in the end their romance, to get where he is, and had always said he wanted his own command, and yet he's now hesitating. As he considers reasons why he is still aboard the ship, Troi doubts each one. He agrees with Picard that there is a similarity between Shelby and his younger self, and wonders why he seems to have lost attributes that he liked about himself she now possesses – such as impatience, ambition and risk-taking. Troi reassures him that, on the contrary, he has matured and thereby gained more than he realizes. He is much more comfortable with himself, though Riker wonders if he's too comfortable. She's not sure what he means by that, but she does know that he's happier than he's ever been. Giving him pause for thought, she asks him what he wants.
In engineering, Shelby and a team that includes Data, Geordi La Forge and Wesley Crusher deduce that a Borg cube's systems are likely interconnected, like the Borg themselves. The team debate their own ship's available technologies but La Forge and Crusher confess to being overly tired. Despite Shelby wanting their work to continue, Riker insists otherwise, due to the team's exhaustion. Eventually, Riker dismisses Shelby.
On the next day, most of the ship's senior officers are in the observation lounge while Admiral Hanson remotely notifies them that the USS Lalo recently reported (via a distress call) contact with an alien, "cube-shaped" vessel but subsequently went missing. On Picard's direction, the Enterprise starts to head there at maximum warp. Meanwhile, Hansen informs Picard that every available starship is en route to assist the Enterprise but are still six days away from their destination. Picard vows that the Enterprise will try to keep the Borg occupied and Hanson then ends his message.
"We have engaged the Borg."
While some of the senior officers exit to man their battle stations, Picard questions La Forge about the Enterprise's state of combat readiness but the engineer relates that the situation seems grim.
With the Enterprise continuing at warp, the bridge officers later detect the invading Borg cube, which moves to intercept the Starfleet vessel. Picard instructs Worf that Hanson is to be contacted with news that the engagement has begun.
Act Three
The Enterprise under attack by
the Borg
With the two ships face-to-face, Picard is hailed by the Borg. Data is unsure if the cube is the same ship the Enterprise encountered at J-25 but says their dimensions match exactly. The Borg demand that Picard personally surrenders to them, influencing the bridge officers to realize that the Borg's priorities have changed from an interest exclusively in technology. Picard defiantly refuses and continues to threaten the Borg to withdraw. A skirmish ensues, in which the cube makes an eventually successful attempt to trap the Enterprise in a tractor beam. Whereas the Enterprise's weapons do no damage to the cube, the Borg's use of a cutting beam forces La Forge to evacuate engineering. Thanks to Shelby's quick-witted strategy and technical knowledge, the Enterprise breaks away using multiple phaser hits with random frequencies. On a course set by Picard, the ship speedily departs, pursued by the cube moments later. La Forge arrives on the bridge, while Data reports that eleven crewmembers were killed when the Borg attacked, along with eight more missing. Picard supervises the ship's entry into the sensor-blinding Paulson Nebula, a hiding spot into which the cube does not follow.
Riker, Shelby, and the engineering team in the observation lounge review their escape from the cube's tractor beam, finding that a high narrow band of phaser frequencies momentarily nullified the cube's power. La Forge and Crusher come up with a plan to fire a concentrated blast of those same frequencies from the main deflector dish. Shelby fears that such a blast would also destroy the Enterprise but Riker proposes that the plan could still work, if some distance was put between the ship and its target. Although Riker approves of Shelby suggesting that all phasers are retuned to the same band of frequencies, he repeatedly dismisses her recommending that they separate the vessel's saucer section and use it to divert the Borg. Shelby insists that Captain Picard be given the option of deciding on her proposal, but – after Riker replies that he personally presents all ideas to Picard – she finally desists and exits with Data and Wesley, leaving Riker and La Forge to remark on her stubbornness. They nevertheless agree that she can help the Enterprise crew.
Riker later enters Picard's ready room to find Shelby there, having brought her controversial suggestion to the captain. Picard agrees with an uncomfortable Riker that the right time for Shelby's plan is not yet but dictates that her proposed stratagem should be used as a fall-back. Riker accepts Picard telling him to make the necessary preparations to enact her plan.
Riker and Shelby board a turbolift via the bridge but Riker immediately stalls their journey to the battle bridge on deck eight. Fuming about her insubordination, he warns Shelby not to bypass his authority again. After he grants her permission to speak freely, she irritatedly emotes that Riker is obstructing her career. Riker mocks her frustration but she then criticizes the cautiousness of his shipboard service, telling him that – if he cannot make the big choices that go with his rank – he should abdicate to someone who can.
Act Four
"Captain's log, Stardate 43996.2. The Enterprise remains concealed in the dust cloud. And to my surprise, the Borg have maintained their position, waiting for us to come out of hiding. I have no explanation for their special interest in me or this ship. We continue to prepare our defenses for the inevitable confrontation. But, I must admit, on this night I contemplate the distinct possibility that no defense may be adequate against this enemy."
While touring the Enterprise (after surveying engineering), Picard visits an empty Ten Forward, where Guinan, sitting off to the side in the dark, is puzzled to see that he is awake. He tells her of his tour and, as they converse over the tradition of such a tour, Guinan intuits that Picard is not confident about the imminent clash with the Borg. He admits as much, anticipating that the conflict may spell the end for his civilization. She assures him that – even in the face of almost certain obliteration – Humanity, like her own people have done, will prevail against the Borg by surviving. Explosions outside the ship's hull and a communication from Worf summon the captain to the bridge.
The Borg begin invading the
Enterprise
There, Picard learns that the blasts are due to magnetometric guided charges from the Borg cube.
Soon thereafter, the Enterprise speeds out of the nebula under Riker's supervision, as requested by Picard, but is struck by one of the charges. The cube gives chase, soon managing to tractor onto the Enterprise, and Borg intruders begin to transport onto the bridge. Although Worf manages to disable the first with his own phaser, he and Riker are forcefully discarded when they consecutively try to assault a second Borg, who resists Worf's phaser. A third appears beside Picard and restrains the captain before both vanish. He and the two Borg survivors are transported from the bridge, leaving the disabled one to self-destruct. Recovering, Riker and Worf find that the Borg are making a quick getaway, so Riker orders pursuit. O'Brien is unable to beam Picard back due to interference. Worf shockingly discovers the course the Borg has set will lead them to Sector 001. Riker grimly identifies the Borg's exact target: Earth.
Picard stands amid the Borg
cube
Picard is escorted to face the cube's interior, where the Borg Collective inform him that he has been chosen to become a liaison between the Borg and Humanity, to expedite the assimilation of Earth into the Collective. Picard refuses to comply, saying that Humans would rather die, but the Borg maintain that his efforts to resist them will not succeed.
La Forge meanwhile informs Riker, on the Enterprise's bridge, that their deflector is nearly weaponized but will require an abundance of power from the warp engines. Riker arranges an away team to retrieve Picard and, on Shelby's advice, he also prioritizes inducing the cube to drop out of warp. Riker plans to lead the away team himself, leaving Shelby to coordinate with Starfleet from the bridge, but she objects that the team could use Shelby's knowledge of the Borg. Riker cuts Shelby off mid-sentence but listens to Troi's objection that protocol dictates that Riker's place is on the bridge as he is the highest ranked officer, and the Federation is currently in a state of war. Reluctantly, he assigns command of the team to Shelby.
Act Five
"First officer's log, Stardate 43998.5. Our pursuit of the Borg continues on a course that will take us to the very core of the Federation. The devastation they could bring is beyond imagination."
After preparing to board the cube, the away team members – Shelby, Worf, Data and Dr. Crusher – are transported over to the Borg craft, armed with newly retuned phasers. Shelby reminds the team that their phasers would work once or twice before the Borg learn to adapt. Dr. Crusher, who was heading up Starfleet Medical when the Enterprise first encountered the Borg near J-25, questions what kind of resistance they should expect. Data replies that the Borg ignored them when they originally beamed aboard their vessel as they did not see their presence as a threat. Shelby pipes up that may change should they begin to interfere with their plans. They begin their quest for Picard, whom Worf is unable to detect using a tricorder. As predicted, the Borg take no action against the the away team. Dr. Crusher notices a Borg linkup and metaphorically suggests – likening the away team to mosquitoes – that vandalizing the cube's systems could hinder the Borg. In another section of corridor, Data finds more distribution nodes and Worf's tricorder detects Picard's combadge but the communicator is unresponsive, so the team start heading towards it.
In the Enterprise's ready room, Riker strongly advises Admiral Hanson – via the room's desktop monitor – that Earth's protection be prioritized. By way of acknowledgment, the admiral says his fleet will intercept the Borg at Wolf 359. Riker notifies Hanson of the Enterprise's situation, worriedly implying to a curious Hanson that there has not yet been any sign of Picard.
The away team find Picard's discarded uniform and combadge. Shelby apprises Riker (now on the bridge) of this news, just before he is told – by Wesley and La Forge – that the deflector weapon is ready but due to the radiation danger, the forward half of the secondary hull and lowest three decks of the saucer section will require evacuation, which Troi goes to organize. Riker orders the away team to find a way to disengage the cube from warp. Shelby oversees the experimental destruction of one of the distribution nodes, requiring the combined phaser power of Data and Worf. The disturbance influences the Borg to become energized but the team manages to shatter two more nodes.
Their sabotage causes the Borg cube to drop out of warp, a development that Wesley reports on the Enterprise's bridge, and enables La Forge to divert power from warp to the weaponized deflector. Riker supervises final preparations for using the weapon.
Dr. Crusher engaging the Borg.
Meanwhile, the away team manages to disable several approaching Borg but they soon adapt to the modified frequencies. As the Borg close in on the away team, Beverly notices Picard in the distance and calls out to him, but, as the Captain turns to face his crew, his features reveal the implementation of Borg implants and hardware throughout his body - he has been physically altered into a Borg. Worf, shocked, determinedly heads towards his former captain but a powerful force field blocks his way and knocks Worf to the floor. On Shelby's command, the team makes a hasty escape to the Enterprise, leaving Picard behind.
They somberly arrive on the bridge and regrettably notify Riker that the captain "has been altered by the Borg" as Worf disgustedly clarifies that Picard is a Borg. Riker is disturbed by this news, as both Shelby and Dr. Crusher are intent on making another recovery attempt but, as the Borg cube re-energizes, Riker insists that they instead use their deflector weapon as this is the only chance to destroy them - should the Borg regain warp drive, the Enterprise's weapon will become useless.
The Borg hail the Enterprise. The crew watches in horror as Captain Picard, now calling himself "Locutus of Borg", intones the Collective's intention file info to assimilate the Enterprise and destroy the Federation. Determined, and with no other option, Commander Riker makes the ultimate decision...
"Mr. Worf... fire."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Memorable quotes
"The truth of the matter is... hell, we are not ready. We knew they were coming for over a year. We've thrown every resource we have into this, but still..."
"Then you are convinced it is the Borg?"
"That's what I'm here to find out. The initial descriptions of these surface conditions are almost identical to your reports from system J-25."
- J.P. Hanson, William T. Riker and Shelby, about assessing Starfleet's ability to confront the Borg
"He's hurting his career by staying put. If I were you, I'd kick him in the rear end for his own good."
- J.P. Hanson, to Picard about Riker
"Well, I've only got two pair, but I've got to see your hole card. I'll call."
- Shelby, forcing Riker to reveal he was bluffing about having a straight flush
"Morning. Early bird gets the worm, eh? We've had some interesting results."
"Commander Shelby. Walk with me, Commander."
(confused) "Early bird...? I believe Commander Shelby erred. There is no evidence of avifaunal or crawling vermicular lifeforms on Jouret IV."
"That's not what she meant, Data... but you're right: she erred."
- Shelby, Riker, Data and La Forge
"The soil contains the same magnetic resonance traces. That's our footprint. There's no doubt anymore. It is the Borg."
- Shelby, to Riker
"Will... what the hell are you still doing here?"
- Picard, to Riker when he refuses his third offer of command from Starfleet to stay on the Enterprise
"Mr. Worf, dispatch a subspace message to Admiral Hanson. We have engaged the Borg."
- Picard
"Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the starship Enterprise, registry NCC-1701-D, you will lower your shields and prepare to transport yourself aboard our vessel. If you do not co-operate, we will destroy your ship."
"You have committed acts of aggression against the United Federation of Planets!"
- Borg Collective and Picard
"What the hell do they want with you?"
"I thought they weren't interested in Human lifeforms, only our technology."
"Their priorities seem to have changed."
- Riker, Shelby, and Picard, after the Borg demand that Picard surrender himself
"You disagree with me, fine. You need to take it to the captain, fine; through me. You do an end run around me again, I'll snap you back so hard you'll think you're a first-year cadet again."
"May I speak frankly, commander?"
"By all means."
"You're in my way.
"Really? (Unpleasant smile and sarcastic tone) How terrible for you."
- Riker and Shelby
"This is... just another page in history, isn't it? Will this be the end of our civilization? Turn the page."
- Picard, to Guinan shortly before the Enterprise faces the Borg cube
"When it comes to this ship and this crew, you're damned right I play it safe."
"If you can't make the big decisions, commander, I suggest you make room for someone who can."
- Riker and Shelby
"Captain Jean-Luc Picard, you lead the strongest ship of the Federation fleet. You speak for your people."
"I have nothing to say to you! And I will resist you with my last ounce of strength!"
"Strength is irrelevant. Resistance is futile. We wish to improve ourselves. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service ours."
"Impossible! My culture is based on freedom and self-determination!"
"Freedom is irrelevant. Self-determination is irrelevant. You must comply."
"We would rather die!"
"Death is irrelevant. Your archaic cultures are authority-driven. To facilitate our introduction into your societies, it has been decided that a Human voice will speak for us in all communications. You have been chosen to be that voice."
- Borg Collective and Picard
"The captain has been altered by the Borg."
"Altered?"
"He IS a Borg!
- Data, Riker, and Worf
Locutus on viewscreen
Locutus contacts the Enterprise
"I am Locutus... of Borg. Resistance... is futile. Your life, as it has been... is over. From this time forward... you will service... us."
- Locutus of Borg, formerly Captain Picard
"Mr. Worf... fire."
- Riker, setting up Part II
Summary
The remains of New Providence
"Captain's log, Stardate 43989.1. The Enterprise has arrived at Jouret IV in response to a distress signal from one of the Federation's outermost colonies."
Commander Riker, Data, Worf, and Geordi La Forge file into a transporter room. Worf notifies Riker that there has been no contact from the surface of Jouret IV for over twelve hours, nor any signs of life. Immediately after the away team is beamed down by Transporter Chief Miles O'Brien, the team finds not only that the entire colony of New Providence has been completely destroyed but also that the colony's former town center is now nothing more than a giant crater.
Act One
"Captain's log, Stardate 43992.6. Admiral Hanson and Lieutenant Commander Shelby of Starfleet Tactical have arrived to review the disappearance of New Providence colony. No sign remains of the nine hundred inhabitants."
As the USS Enterprise travels alongside an Excelsior-class starship, Hanson and Shelby inform Captain Picard and Riker – in Picard's ready room – that Starfleet is unprepared for a potential Borg incursion, despite having known for over a year that they are coming. The officers discuss whether the colony was destroyed by the Borg and refer to the Enterprise's first contact with them, at System J-25 a year previously. Hanson asserts that Shelby – an expert on the Borg – will lead the investigation.
Before leaving with Shelby, Riker
invites Hanson to the Enterprise's
poker night.
She is eager to view the colony site but the next away mission there will not be until dawn. Before taking Shelby to her quarters, Riker invites Hanson to the Enterprise's upcoming poker night but the admiral instead recommends Shelby as a rumored poker player as he and Picard have much to discuss. Alone with Picard, Hanson details his approval of Shelby. He tries to encourage the captain to accept her as his first officer and convince Riker to assume captaincy of the USS Melbourne, a command offer that Picard was heretofore unaware of and follows two previous proposals – the USS Drake and the USS Aries – that Riker has declined. Hanson suggests that Picard kicks Riker in the rear end for his own good, and notes that his staying on the Enterprise is hurting his career.
Entering her quarters with Riker, Shelby reveals she has an uncertain theory about how to search for the Borg, extrapolating a "Borg footprint" from their previous encounter with the Enterprise. Unusual magnetic resonance traces were left on the damaged sections of the Enterprise's hull that were tested. Discussion turns to the forthcoming mission and, even though Shelby takes the initiative to select away team members, Riker interjects that not only has he already assigned them to the away team but will be joining the team himself. Shelby lets Riker know, in no uncertain terms, that she wants his job but then apologetically claims she was unaware that he has no intention of leaving the Enterprise. Riker responds that she will be the first to know if he does decide to leave. On his way out of the quarters, Riker tells Shelby the details of that night's poker game.
They, Wesley Crusher, Deanna Troi, Data, and Geordi La Forge are later at the game, which results in Riker fooling Wesley – inexperienced at poker – into suspecting that Riker has an impressive hand. By confronting Riker, Shelby wins the game.
Friction mounts between Shelby and Riker after he, attending the mission with La Forge, learns that she and Data beamed down to the colony an hour beforehand. On the planet surface, he authoritatively draws her away.
Data is confused by Shelby's statement that the "early bird gets the worm" and confers with La Forge, saying she made a mistake because there are no "avifaunal or vermicular lifeforms" on Jouret IV. La Forge tells Data that's not what she meant, but she did make an error.
Shelby privately tells Riker that her expediency was due to an approaching storm front that could have potentially affected their readings and Data was available to go right away. Riker reminds her of regulations, of which she takes note. Shelby reports that the area's soil contains their Borg footprint, confirming that the colony's decimation was due to the Borg.
Act Two
"Captain's log, Stardate 43993.5. With confirmation of the Borg's presence in Federation space, Admiral Hanson has returned to Starbase 324 to discuss strategy with Starfleet Command. Lieutenant Commander Shelby remains on board to continue tactical preparations."
With the Enterprise now in a solitary orbit, Riker notifies Picard of the efforts being made to ready the ship and Starfleet for the impending Borg invasion. When Picard asks for his assessment of Shelby, Riker admits that she knows her stuff but has not earned his full confidence, noting her initiative and taking risks. Humorously, Picard indirectly likens those qualities to a younger Riker. The captain then questions why Riker is still on the Enterprise, since he's been offered command of the Melbourne. Although Riker answers that he has not decided to pursue that commission, Picard lengthily urges him to reconsider, noting that he is ready to take command, and the Enterprise will be just fine without him.
Riker confides in Troi
Later in Ten Forward, Riker discusses his uncertainty with Counselor Troi, noting that he had pushed himself hard and sacrificed much, even in the end their romance, to get where he is, and had always said he wanted his own command, and yet he's now hesitating. As he considers reasons why he is still aboard the ship, Troi doubts each one. He agrees with Picard that there is a similarity between Shelby and his younger self, and wonders why he seems to have lost attributes that he liked about himself she now possesses – such as impatience, ambition and risk-taking. Troi reassures him that, on the contrary, he has matured and thereby gained more than he realizes. He is much more comfortable with himself, though Riker wonders if he's too comfortable. She's not sure what he means by that, but she does know that he's happier than he's ever been. Giving him pause for thought, she asks him what he wants.
In engineering, Shelby and a team that includes Data, Geordi La Forge and Wesley Crusher deduce that a Borg cube's systems are likely interconnected, like the Borg themselves. The team debate their own ship's available technologies but La Forge and Crusher confess to being overly tired. Despite Shelby wanting their work to continue, Riker insists otherwise, due to the team's exhaustion. Eventually, Riker dismisses Shelby.
On the next day, most of the ship's senior officers are in the observation lounge while Admiral Hanson remotely notifies them that the USS Lalo recently reported (via a distress call) contact with an alien, "cube-shaped" vessel but subsequently went missing. On Picard's direction, the Enterprise starts to head there at maximum warp. Meanwhile, Hansen informs Picard that every available starship is en route to assist the Enterprise but are still six days away from their destination. Picard vows that the Enterprise will try to keep the Borg occupied and Hanson then ends his message.
"We have engaged the Borg."
While some of the senior officers exit to man their battle stations, Picard questions La Forge about the Enterprise's state of combat readiness but the engineer relates that the situation seems grim.
With the Enterprise continuing at warp, the bridge officers later detect the invading Borg cube, which moves to intercept the Starfleet vessel. Picard instructs Worf that Hanson is to be contacted with news that the engagement has begun.
Act Three
The Enterprise under attack by
the Borg
With the two ships face-to-face, Picard is hailed by the Borg. Data is unsure if the cube is the same ship the Enterprise encountered at J-25 but says their dimensions match exactly. The Borg demand that Picard personally surrenders to them, influencing the bridge officers to realize that the Borg's priorities have changed from an interest exclusively in technology. Picard defiantly refuses and continues to threaten the Borg to withdraw. A skirmish ensues, in which the cube makes an eventually successful attempt to trap the Enterprise in a tractor beam. Whereas the Enterprise's weapons do no damage to the cube, the Borg's use of a cutting beam forces La Forge to evacuate engineering. Thanks to Shelby's quick-witted strategy and technical knowledge, the Enterprise breaks away using multiple phaser hits with random frequencies. On a course set by Picard, the ship speedily departs, pursued by the cube moments later. La Forge arrives on the bridge, while Data reports that eleven crewmembers were killed when the Borg attacked, along with eight more missing. Picard supervises the ship's entry into the sensor-blinding Paulson Nebula, a hiding spot into which the cube does not follow.
Riker, Shelby, and the engineering team in the observation lounge review their escape from the cube's tractor beam, finding that a high narrow band of phaser frequencies momentarily nullified the cube's power. La Forge and Crusher come up with a plan to fire a concentrated blast of those same frequencies from the main deflector dish. Shelby fears that such a blast would also destroy the Enterprise but Riker proposes that the plan could still work, if some distance was put between the ship and its target. Although Riker approves of Shelby suggesting that all phasers are retuned to the same band of frequencies, he repeatedly dismisses her recommending that they separate the vessel's saucer section and use it to divert the Borg. Shelby insists that Captain Picard be given the option of deciding on her proposal, but – after Riker replies that he personally presents all ideas to Picard – she finally desists and exits with Data and Wesley, leaving Riker and La Forge to remark on her stubbornness. They nevertheless agree that she can help the Enterprise crew.
Riker later enters Picard's ready room to find Shelby there, having brought her controversial suggestion to the captain. Picard agrees with an uncomfortable Riker that the right time for Shelby's plan is not yet but dictates that her proposed stratagem should be used as a fall-back. Riker accepts Picard telling him to make the necessary preparations to enact her plan.
Riker and Shelby board a turbolift via the bridge but Riker immediately stalls their journey to the battle bridge on deck eight. Fuming about her insubordination, he warns Shelby not to bypass his authority again. After he grants her permission to speak freely, she irritatedly emotes that Riker is obstructing her career. Riker mocks her frustration but she then criticizes the cautiousness of his shipboard service, telling him that – if he cannot make the big choices that go with his rank – he should abdicate to someone who can.
Act Four
"Captain's log, Stardate 43996.2. The Enterprise remains concealed in the dust cloud. And to my surprise, the Borg have maintained their position, waiting for us to come out of hiding. I have no explanation for their special interest in me or this ship. We continue to prepare our defenses for the inevitable confrontation. But, I must admit, on this night I contemplate the distinct possibility that no defense may be adequate against this enemy."
While touring the Enterprise (after surveying engineering), Picard visits an empty Ten Forward, where Guinan, sitting off to the side in the dark, is puzzled to see that he is awake. He tells her of his tour and, as they converse over the tradition of such a tour, Guinan intuits that Picard is not confident about the imminent clash with the Borg. He admits as much, anticipating that the conflict may spell the end for his civilization. She assures him that – even in the face of almost certain obliteration – Humanity, like her own people have done, will prevail against the Borg by surviving. Explosions outside the ship's hull and a communication from Worf summon the captain to the bridge.
The Borg begin invading the
Enterprise
There, Picard learns that the blasts are due to magnetometric guided charges from the Borg cube.
Soon thereafter, the Enterprise speeds out of the nebula under Riker's supervision, as requested by Picard, but is struck by one of the charges. The cube gives chase, soon managing to tractor onto the Enterprise, and Borg intruders begin to transport onto the bridge. Although Worf manages to disable the first with his own phaser, he and Riker are forcefully discarded when they consecutively try to assault a second Borg, who resists Worf's phaser. A third appears beside Picard and restrains the captain before both vanish. He and the two Borg survivors are transported from the bridge, leaving the disabled one to self-destruct. Recovering, Riker and Worf find that the Borg are making a quick getaway, so Riker orders pursuit. O'Brien is unable to beam Picard back due to interference. Worf shockingly discovers the course the Borg has set will lead them to Sector 001. Riker grimly identifies the Borg's exact target: Earth.
Picard stands amid the Borg
cube
Picard is escorted to face the cube's interior, where the Borg Collective inform him that he has been chosen to become a liaison between the Borg and Humanity, to expedite the assimilation of Earth into the Collective. Picard refuses to comply, saying that Humans would rather die, but the Borg maintain that his efforts to resist them will not succeed.
La Forge meanwhile informs Riker, on the Enterprise's bridge, that their deflector is nearly weaponized but will require an abundance of power from the warp engines. Riker arranges an away team to retrieve Picard and, on Shelby's advice, he also prioritizes inducing the cube to drop out of warp. Riker plans to lead the away team himself, leaving Shelby to coordinate with Starfleet from the bridge, but she objects that the team could use Shelby's knowledge of the Borg. Riker cuts Shelby off mid-sentence but listens to Troi's objection that protocol dictates that Riker's place is on the bridge as he is the highest ranked officer, and the Federation is currently in a state of war. Reluctantly, he assigns command of the team to Shelby.
Act Five
"First officer's log, Stardate 43998.5. Our pursuit of the Borg continues on a course that will take us to the very core of the Federation. The devastation they could bring is beyond imagination."
After preparing to board the cube, the away team members – Shelby, Worf, Data and Dr. Crusher – are transported over to the Borg craft, armed with newly retuned phasers. Shelby reminds the team that their phasers would work once or twice before the Borg learn to adapt. Dr. Crusher, who was heading up Starfleet Medical when the Enterprise first encountered the Borg near J-25, questions what kind of resistance they should expect. Data replies that the Borg ignored them when they originally beamed aboard their vessel as they did not see their presence as a threat. Shelby pipes up that may change should they begin to interfere with their plans. They begin their quest for Picard, whom Worf is unable to detect using a tricorder. As predicted, the Borg take no action against the the away team. Dr. Crusher notices a Borg linkup and metaphorically suggests – likening the away team to mosquitoes – that vandalizing the cube's systems could hinder the Borg. In another section of corridor, Data finds more distribution nodes and Worf's tricorder detects Picard's combadge but the communicator is unresponsive, so the team start heading towards it.
In the Enterprise's ready room, Riker strongly advises Admiral Hanson – via the room's desktop monitor – that Earth's protection be prioritized. By way of acknowledgment, the admiral says his fleet will intercept the Borg at Wolf 359. Riker notifies Hanson of the Enterprise's situation, worriedly implying to a curious Hanson that there has not yet been any sign of Picard.
The away team find Picard's discarded uniform and combadge. Shelby apprises Riker (now on the bridge) of this news, just before he is told – by Wesley and La Forge – that the deflector weapon is ready but due to the radiation danger, the forward half of the secondary hull and lowest three decks of the saucer section will require evacuation, which Troi goes to organize. Riker orders the away team to find a way to disengage the cube from warp. Shelby oversees the experimental destruction of one of the distribution nodes, requiring the combined phaser power of Data and Worf. The disturbance influences the Borg to become energized but the team manages to shatter two more nodes.
Their sabotage causes the Borg cube to drop out of warp, a development that Wesley reports on the Enterprise's bridge, and enables La Forge to divert power from warp to the weaponized deflector. Riker supervises final preparations for using the weapon.
Dr. Crusher engaging the Borg.
Meanwhile, the away team manages to disable several approaching Borg but they soon adapt to the modified frequencies. As the Borg close in on the away team, Beverly notices Picard in the distance and calls out to him, but, as the Captain turns to face his crew, his features reveal the implementation of Borg implants and hardware throughout his body - he has been physically altered into a Borg. Worf, shocked, determinedly heads towards his former captain but a powerful force field blocks his way and knocks Worf to the floor. On Shelby's command, the team makes a hasty escape to the Enterprise, leaving Picard behind.
They somberly arrive on the bridge and regrettably notify Riker that the captain "has been altered by the Borg" as Worf disgustedly clarifies that Picard is a Borg. Riker is disturbed by this news, as both Shelby and Dr. Crusher are intent on making another recovery attempt but, as the Borg cube re-energizes, Riker insists that they instead use their deflector weapon as this is the only chance to destroy them - should the Borg regain warp drive, the Enterprise's weapon will become useless.
The Borg hail the Enterprise. The crew watches in horror as Captain Picard, now calling himself "Locutus of Borg", intones the Collective's intention file info to assimilate the Enterprise and destroy the Federation. Determined, and with no other option, Commander Riker makes the ultimate decision...
"Mr. Worf... fire."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Memorable quotes
"The truth of the matter is... hell, we are not ready. We knew they were coming for over a year. We've thrown every resource we have into this, but still..."
"Then you are convinced it is the Borg?"
"That's what I'm here to find out. The initial descriptions of these surface conditions are almost identical to your reports from system J-25."
- J.P. Hanson, William T. Riker and Shelby, about assessing Starfleet's ability to confront the Borg
"He's hurting his career by staying put. If I were you, I'd kick him in the rear end for his own good."
- J.P. Hanson, to Picard about Riker
"Well, I've only got two pair, but I've got to see your hole card. I'll call."
- Shelby, forcing Riker to reveal he was bluffing about having a straight flush
"Morning. Early bird gets the worm, eh? We've had some interesting results."
"Commander Shelby. Walk with me, Commander."
(confused) "Early bird...? I believe Commander Shelby erred. There is no evidence of avifaunal or crawling vermicular lifeforms on Jouret IV."
"That's not what she meant, Data... but you're right: she erred."
- Shelby, Riker, Data and La Forge
"The soil contains the same magnetic resonance traces. That's our footprint. There's no doubt anymore. It is the Borg."
- Shelby, to Riker
"Will... what the hell are you still doing here?"
- Picard, to Riker when he refuses his third offer of command from Starfleet to stay on the Enterprise
"Mr. Worf, dispatch a subspace message to Admiral Hanson. We have engaged the Borg."
- Picard
"Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the starship Enterprise, registry NCC-1701-D, you will lower your shields and prepare to transport yourself aboard our vessel. If you do not co-operate, we will destroy your ship."
"You have committed acts of aggression against the United Federation of Planets!"
- Borg Collective and Picard
"What the hell do they want with you?"
"I thought they weren't interested in Human lifeforms, only our technology."
"Their priorities seem to have changed."
- Riker, Shelby, and Picard, after the Borg demand that Picard surrender himself
"You disagree with me, fine. You need to take it to the captain, fine; through me. You do an end run around me again, I'll snap you back so hard you'll think you're a first-year cadet again."
"May I speak frankly, commander?"
"By all means."
"You're in my way.
"Really? (Unpleasant smile and sarcastic tone) How terrible for you."
- Riker and Shelby
"This is... just another page in history, isn't it? Will this be the end of our civilization? Turn the page."
- Picard, to Guinan shortly before the Enterprise faces the Borg cube
"When it comes to this ship and this crew, you're damned right I play it safe."
"If you can't make the big decisions, commander, I suggest you make room for someone who can."
- Riker and Shelby
"Captain Jean-Luc Picard, you lead the strongest ship of the Federation fleet. You speak for your people."
"I have nothing to say to you! And I will resist you with my last ounce of strength!"
"Strength is irrelevant. Resistance is futile. We wish to improve ourselves. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service ours."
"Impossible! My culture is based on freedom and self-determination!"
"Freedom is irrelevant. Self-determination is irrelevant. You must comply."
"We would rather die!"
"Death is irrelevant. Your archaic cultures are authority-driven. To facilitate our introduction into your societies, it has been decided that a Human voice will speak for us in all communications. You have been chosen to be that voice."
- Borg Collective and Picard
"The captain has been altered by the Borg."
"Altered?"
"He IS a Borg!
- Data, Riker, and Worf
Locutus on viewscreen
Locutus contacts the Enterprise
"I am Locutus... of Borg. Resistance... is futile. Your life, as it has been... is over. From this time forward... you will service... us."
- Locutus of Borg, formerly Captain Picard
"Mr. Worf... fire."
- Riker, setting up Part II
