Captain's log, stardate 42923.4.
Despite misgivings, I have agreed to Starfleet's request
that the Enterprise divert to the Braslota system
to take part in a war game exercise.
Joining us as observer and mediator
is the Zakdorn master strategist, Sirna Kolrami.
Mr. Kolrami, Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Welcome aboard.
Captain, I bring you greetings from those at Starfleet Command.
Would you care to be shown to your quarters?
I require little rest, captain.
I prefer that we commence with our mission.
Despite their reputations,
this Zakdorn does not appear to be a very formidable warrior.
In the game of military brinksmanship,
individual physical prowess is less important
than the perception of a species as a whole.
For over nine millennia, potential foes have regarded the Zakdorns
as having the greatest innately strategic minds in the galaxy.
So no one is willing to test that perception in combat.
Exactly.
Then the reputation means nothing.
The Braslota system.
In orbit around the second planet
is the 80-year-old starcruiser, Hathaway.
He is still your first choice?
Commander Riker will captain the Hathaway.
You will have 48 hours to ready your vessel
before the Enterprise attacks.
And we'll experience actual battle conditions?
Correct.
Engineering will disconnect the Enterprise's weapons
and link the system with the modified laser-pulse beam.
All hits will be recorded electronically.
If the computer registers damage, it will act accordingly,
shutting down the affected areas for the appropriate repair time.
Additional questions?
Captain Picard, it is my understanding
that you initially resisted Starfleet's request for this simulation.
Yes.
Well, may I know why?
Starfleet is not a military organization. Its purpose is exploration.
Then why am I here?
With the Borg threat,
I decided that my officers and I needed to hone our tactical skills.
In a crisis situation,
- it is prudent to have several options. - Ah.
I prefer brains over brawn as well.
I think it's a waste of effort to test our combat skills.
It's a minor province in the makeup of a starship captain.
Your objection is noted.
Let us hope that your distaste for the exercise
will not affect your strategic abilities.
Mr. Kolrami, when I agree to do something, I do it.
Do you care to surrender now, captain?
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.
Well, Number One, you are allowed a complement of 40,
so select whom you will. Save, of course, Mr. Data,
who will serve as my first officer during your absence.
I had envisioned you defining the crew.
On my ship, the leader of an away team
has total control of the mission.
If you want to judge leadership, why not start at the beginning?
Very well, captain.
My, what a charmer.
Doctor.
Captain, he needs an attitude adjustment.
The Zakdornian culture is replete with self-assuredness and confidence.
Seldom is it undeserved.
For example, Kolrami is a third-level grand master
at the game of Strategema.
Another millimeter.
That's it, a little more. There. That's excellent.
Lieutenant?
Yes, commander?
Heard about the simulation aboard Hathaway?
Oh, yes, sir, and the best of luck to you.
I've researched those old Avidyne engines.
They're archaic by our standards. Very touchy.
Anticipating the worst,
do you think they can be whipped into shape in 48 hours?
I've already taken the liberty of putting together a few necessities.
Enter.
Am I disturbing you?
Just finished.
You know of the simulation. What do you think?
Waste of time.
It's just designed to be an exercise.
Useless.
If there is nothing to lose, no sacrifice,
then there is nothing to gain.
You mean, besides pride.
Well, in this case, it doesn't matter. I probably haven't got a chance.
There is always a chance.
Slim. The Hathaway's most sophisticated weapon system,
even in a computer mock-up, can't hope to defeat the Enterprise.
Well, still...
You're out-manned, you're out-gunned, you're out-equipped.
What else have you got?
Guile.
Join me.
The honor is to serve.
Begin long-range scanning of all sectors
within three light years of Braslota.
How's your crew shaping up?
It's complete. But I would like to request an addition.
Anyone in particular?
With your permission, I would like Ensign Crusher on board
for educational observation.
Thank you, captain.
It appears we will have some time before reaching Braslota.
I was wondering if you'd agree to play me in a game of Strategema.
Although I'm intrigued by the audacity of your request,
I can't fathom why you would wish the encounter.
- I enjoy a challenge. - Very well.
An opponent of limited dimensions can often be quite diverting.
Thank you.
- So you're gonna beat him, huh? - No.
- Well, then, it's gonna be a close one. - No.
- But you have got a chance? - Ah.
Are you even gonna bother to show up?
Sure. Kolrami is the best ever at Strategema.
- To play him is a privilege. - So aside from your being privileged,
is there anything else I can look forward to?
- No. - This is gonna be exciting.
Against an opponent of approximate skill,
Strategema can last well over 1,000 moves.
I wouldn't bet on us being here that long.
I have wagered heavily in the ship's pool
that you will take him past the sixth plateau.
And if I don't?
I will be irritated.
Forever curious, this urge to compete.
Oh, it's a human response.
That inborn craving to gauge your capabilities through conflict.
Doctor, there are other ways to challenge oneself.
Well, perhaps, but they all lack a certain thrill.
Data, humans sometimes find it helpful
to have an outsider set the standard by which they're judged.
To avoid deceiving oneself.
Maybe you should challenge Kolrami to Strategema.
Why, doctor?
Because when someone is that smug,
you occasionally have to deflate them, just a little.
Yeah, Data.
I'd like to see your neural-flecks tear him down a peg.
To what end?
Computer, actuation positions for Strategema.
Ready? Begin.
Come on, commander. Come on now.
- Will. - You can do it.
You can get him. Come on, commander.
Come on, you got him, you got him. Watch it now.
- Just counter. Counter. One more. - Watch it.
- There you go, you got it. - Try—
Oh.
- That's it? - I'm afraid so.
- But you only made 23 moves. - Yes.
Congratulations.
Commander Riker, there's your next challenge.
Away team assembled
and ready to transport, commander.
I may get over there and want to come right home.
Good luck, Number One.
Captain.
The simulation will commence in 48 hours.
There should be some emergency Bridge lighting here.
Not good.
You're wrong, Mr. Worf. It's fantastic.
And it's ours.
Mr. Worf.
Sir, Lieutenant La Forge is a superior officer.
- The honor should be his. - This is a battle simulation.
You're my tactical officer.
I discussed this with Geordi and we agreed,
I need you by my side.
Besides, Worf, if Engineering is anything like the Bridge,
I'm gonna have my hands full.
Attention, crew of the USS Hathaway,
this is your captain.
Over the next two days, you might lose a lot of sleep,
but with your skill and your stamina, we'll have this old lady ready to fly.
I want hourly progress reports from all stations.
Riker out.
Nice job, Geordi.
Now, what are the possibilities of warp drive?
Hm.
Not good.
There are only a few dilithium fragments left in the holding clamps.
Even if we had crystals that were intact, there's no antimatter to fuel the drive.
- Any recommendations? - No, sir.
We haven't got a prayer.
Would you like to transfer back to the Enterprise, Mr. Crusher?
No, sir.
Wes, remember, our purpose is to improvise.
It's the effort that counts.
Open.
I believe the rules are understood by all.
Weapons conversion, Lieutenant Burke?
Complete, captain.
Signal received. Locked on.
She's really been stripped down, captain.
The only offensive systems you'll need will be simulated by computer.
What's the Zakdornian word for "mismatch"?
Challenge.
We do not whine about the inequities of life.
And how you perform in a mismatch
is precisely what is of interest to Starfleet.
After all, when one is in the superior position,
one is expected to win.
Screen off.
- You have the Bridge, Mr. Data. - Aye, sir.
Lieutenant Commander Data, I'm intrigued by your challenge.
Dr. Pulaski informed me of your desire to play a game of Strategema.
But I expressed no such interest.
What Commander Data means
is that he would never have asked you himself,
but I know that he's very interested in pitting his skill against yours.
Play against a machine. Hm.
Why should I wish to?
I don't blame you.
It's no fun going into a game when you know you're going to lose.
But I wouldn't lose.
Now, you're no doubt going to tell me that I have to prove it to you.
Come on, Data, you can't let that pass.
- Indeed, I— - Please.
Cannot.
Then you will play for the honor of your ship.
The honor of the ship.
It's your reputation that's on the line.
With my knowledge of the Enterprise's security override,
we may be able to convince the sensors
that an enemy ship is approaching.
Their instruments would lie to them.
If you can pull that off, Mr. Worf,
you might give us the edge we're looking for.
But what about the viewscreen?
If I am successful, the computer will project a false image
of the enemy ship on the main viewscreen.
So unless someone runs to a window and looks out...
They're going to fall for it.
The lining's still smooth.
We should be able to do something
with these dilithium fragments we scavenged.
Sure, the system's functional,
but without antimatter, what difference does it make?
Geordi, I have to return to the Enterprise.
Wes, we've only got 32 hours.
- This is important. - And this isn't?
Attempt the routing bypass here.
If it works, they will be surprised.
Where am I going to get the opti-cable?
Anywhere.
Captain, I left an experiment running back on the Enterprise.
May I go back and shut it down?
- It's that important? - Well, it has to be monitored.
And it is my final grade in plasma physics.
Message from the Hathaway, sir.
On-screen.
Request permission for Ensign Crusher to reboard the Enterprise.
Why?
Apparently, he was so anxious to join the away team,
he left a very critical experiment unattended.
- Do you have any objection? - He should be escorted
and have no contact with anything save his research.
Permission granted.
- Mr. Burke, will you handle that? - Aye, sir.
I saw no sense in Riker choosing him anyway.
He's just a non-commissioned child.
I can't believe I forgot this. It's a good lesson not to let excitement
- cloud your judgment. - Yeah.
This is very delicate. I spent six weeks setting this up.
- That's a lot of work. - Oh, no.
- This is ruined. - That's too bad.
Look, is this going to take much longer?
I have to dispose of this safely. This is very volatile.
Beam it off the Enterprise, leave it particalized.
That's fine. Let's just do it.
Right. I'll transfer the coordinates to the Transporter Room.
In the present context, what did she mean by, "Bust him up"?
In her own way, Dr. Pulaski was instructing you
to take the shortest route to victory.
As opposed to what?
Ready?
- Begin. - Go. Take him.
- All right. Come on. - Yes. Yes, go.
- Come on. - Good one. Good, good.
- Oh, look at them. Come on. - Go.
- So fast. - Harder, harder. Watch it!
- Watch it, watch it. - One more, one more.
- That's it. - Come on.
I can't believe it.
The computer beaten by flesh and blood?
You advanced quite far against such a worthy opponent.
Thoroughly enjoyable, Mr. Data.
I am at your disposal for a rematch.
Thank you. But what would be the point?
How can you lose?
You're supposed to be infallible.
Obviously, I am not.
Ensign, where is Commander Data?
He has temporarily removed himself from Bridge duty, sir.
Your crew is excellently trained, captain.
A tribute to your leadership.
Although, I doubt their extensive preparation will be needed.
Why is that?
I do not expect Captain Riker will present much of a challenge.
Mr. Kolrami, may I speak with you in private?
I would like to know the root of your prejudice for my first officer.
Oh, captain, I—
Mr. Kolrami, you have been nothing but denigrating and abusive
of Commander Riker since coming aboard this ship.
Now, I would like some explanation.
Having studied William Riker's file prior to this assignment,
I have found him wanting.
In what regard?
His work record is exemplary,
but, as you know, a starship captain is not manufactured.
He, or she, is born from inside.
From the character of the individual.
My interviews have revealed a man
who displays circumstantially inappropriate joviality,
belying the seriousness of his station.
Don't confuse style with intent.
Only a fool would question
Commander Riker's dedication to Starfleet
and the men and women under his command.
He is simply the finest officer with whom I have ever served.
We shall see if your faith is well-founded.
The test is whether the crew will follow where Commander Riker leads.
His...
His joviality is the means by which he creates that loyalty.
And I will match his command style with your statistics anytime.
Hm...
Come in, please.
- Data. - Counselor, is something the matter?
That was going to be my question.
With my repository of knowledge,
I expected to perform better against a humanoid life form.
You know, some of our greatest advances
have come from analyzing failure.
- While it can be ego-bruising— - But, counselor, I do not have an ego.
Yes.
Well, um, a loss can be disheartening.
- But, counselor, I do not have a— - Data.
You can handle defeat in two ways.
You can lose confidence or you can learn from your mistakes.
That is what troubles me. I made no mistakes.
I have conducted a diagnostic check of all of my programs.
I am now cross-checking with the ship's computer.
- Is that all necessary? - I believe so.
I have proven to be vulnerable.
At the present time, my deductions should be treated with skepticism.
So that's why you haven't been on the Bridge.
Yes. The captain would be ill-advised to rely upon my judgment.
I think you're overreacting.
I'm sure you're all right.
I, however, am not sure.
Easy now.
- Is that it? - Yeah.
Good. Good work. All right.
Hand me that connector on the kit.
What is that?
My experiment from the Enterprise.
Wes?
It deals with high-energy plasma reactions with antimatter.
You went back to the Enterprise for that?
- Wes, you cheated. - No, sir.
You told me to improvise.
Well, the hard part's gonna be calibrating the thermal curve
necessary to start a controlled reaction.
Assuming you can, can you regulate the reaction?
There's just enough crystal left to do it.
We plan to channel the reaction through the chips.
Are we good?
You're better than good. Great. Brilliant.
It's gonna be fun. Carry on.
Come in, please.
- All right, Data. Enough of this. - Doctor?
How long are you gonna sit sulking like Achilles in his tent?
I'm conducting diagnostic—
You may be able to sell Troi that story but not me.
And you're smarting because you were beaten.
Well, it happens.
No, doctor, this is not about ego.
I am concerned about giving the captain unsound advice.
I wish I had never maneuvered you into playing that game.
I'm sorry.
Why, doctor?
It is done, and perhaps just as well.
This has indicated that I am damaged in some fashion.
I must find the malfunction.
- Simulation begins in one hour. - You'll have warp drive, captain,
though it may not be what you expected.
I think that deserves some kind of explanation.
- We'll have warp 1 for about... - Just under two seconds.
That's not long enough for an escape.
But used as a surprise, it may give a strategic advantage.
- Sir, all of this is theoretical. - And if your theory fails to pay off?
Have you ever driven a Grenthemen water hopper?
- Sure. - Ever popped the clutch?
You're saying we're gonna stall the Hathaway?
And the Enterprise will waltz right over and pulverize us.
Now let me try to understand.
You're saying that Commander Data is suffering
from a profound loss of confidence,
and that you believe that only I can restore the balance?
Yes, sir.
Both Deanna and I have tried but we're not getting through to him.
Don't you think you both might be overreacting?
Data is not capable of the emotions which you're assigning him.
The effects are the same.
Whether they're caused by human emotions
or android algorithms.
Data's not on the Bridge, and I don't think Data's going to be on the Bridge
until we find some way to address his problem.
I'm less than one hour away from a battle simulation
and I have to hand-hold an android.
The burdens of command.
Come in, please.
Commander, I require your presence on the Bridge.
Captain, with all due respect, perhaps it would be better
if you choose another to serve as your first officer.
Data, you are my first officer.
I have not been able to isolate the problem, sir.
I might make a mistake.
Yes, you might.
But that does not alter your duty to me and to this ship.
Now, do you know how to formulate a premise?
- Yes, sir. - Then formulate this one.
How do I deal with Commander Riker and the Hathaway?
I'll await your answer on the Bridge.
And commander?
It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose.
That is not a weakness.
That is life.
I believe I understand, sir.
And, Data, will you leave your hesitation and self-doubt
here in your quarters.
I have several examples of Commander Riker's battle technique.
At the academy, he calculated a sensory blind spot
on a Tholian vessel and hid within it during a battle simulation.
And as a lieutenant aboard the Potemkin,
his solution to a crisis was to shut down all power
and hang over a planet's magnetic poles,
thus confusing his opponent's sensors.
And from these specifics, what general conclusion can you extrapolate?
Only 21 percent of the time does he rely on traditional tactics.
So the captain must be prepared for unusual cunning.
Counselor.
Commander Riker will assume we have made this analysis,
and knowing that we know his methods, he will alter them.
But knowing that he knows that we know that he knows,
he might choose to return to his usual pattern.
Wait, wait. You're over-analyzing, Data.
One cannot deny human nature.
What kind of a man is Commander Riker?
- A fighter? - Yes.
The weaker his position,
the more aggressive will be his posture.
And he won't give up.
Then despite whatever options he is given, he must be—
- The man that he is. Exactly. - Hm.
Is that a failing in humans?
You'll have to decide that for yourself.
On-screen.
The hunt begins, Number One.
We're ready. Just remember, Enterprise,
Captain Riker has never lost.
Begin now.
Screen off.
Set course 223, mark 357.
Full impulse power. Initiate Kumeh maneuver.
Kumeh maneuver?
Why would they start out with such a recognizable ploy?
He's teasing. He wants us to reveal our tactics on his terms.
Mr. Worf?
Counter with the Talupian maneuver, on instrument sighting.
Agreed. Three-quarter impulse, full on my command.
Ensign Nagel, maximum shields.
Mr. Worf, prepare your little surprise.
Aye, sir.
Set course 317, mark 73. Present minimal aspect.
Ready warp 1, optimal spread on simulated torpedoes.
Captain, Romulan warship approaching fast from astern.
- What the—? - It came out of nowhere, sir.
Bring us about, ensign. Maximum shields.
Full weapon systems. Disengage modified beam.
- Open a hailing frequency. - I can't, sir. There's nothing there.
Warp 3, evasive. Stand by.
Disengage weapons and shields.
Re-engage modified beam.
- He's quite good. - He's the best.
Computer reports simulated damage to several aft decks, sir.
Repair time, 3.6 days.
How did he do that?
Mr. Worf must have overridden the sensor codes,
played some holographic games. Mr. Data, input a new code.
Attack posture, circumvental attitude.
Prepare beams for photon mode.
Bye-bye, Hathaway.
Computers report heavy damage to the Enterprise.
They're moving off, sir. Why not go after them?
They're not through coming after us. Wesley, Geordi, prepare warp jump.
- There are no guarantees here, sir. - There never are, lieutenant.
I'm gonna trust your expertise. Secure your stations.
Stand by for my signal.
Ready the photon torpedoes.
Captain, sensors picking up a Ferengi warship closing at warp 5.
- Did you input that new code? - Aye, sir.
Mr. Worf, I didn't give you enough credit.
Continue the simulation.
Divert all power to shields.
- Sever modified beams. - Stay between Ferengi and Hathaway.
- Engage phasers and target. - Fire when ready.
That's no ghost attacking the Enterprise. That's real.
We must assist, sir.
With what? We have no offensive weapons.
- Where are my weapons? - Unavailable, sir.
We cannot disengage modified beams. The connections have been fused.
- We must retreat. - Unacceptable.
The Ferengi have broken off their attack.
Drop shields. Transport the away team aboard.
- Transporter function's gone, sir. - Shields reduced to one-fifth intensity.
Use their moment of indecision to escape.
I have 40 crewmembers on board the Hathaway.
Who should be sacrificed to save a thousand!
Acceptable tactical losses considering the circumstances.
Not to me.
Notify Starfleet, priority.
Hail the Ferengi on my command. Formulate alternatives.
As the Starfleet observer, I am ordering you to withdraw!
I am the captain of this vessel! Your order is nullified.
Ferengi on main viewscreen.
I am Captain Jean-Luc Picard
of the Federation starship USS Enterprise.
Why have you attacked my vessel?
Why was your ship combative
with another Federation vessel of lesser design?
Why do you now protect your former target?
What is its value to you?
Our probes indicate you were aware of our approach yet took no action.
Your answers will dictate our response.
We have refrained from launching a counterattack
in the hope that this can be resolved peacefully.
Our probes indicate that you are crippled
and the ship you protect has no weaponry,
no light-speed drive, and only a scarce crew.
This makes no sense to us.
Unless it contains something very valuable.
I am Bractor, leader of the Ferengi attack vessel Kreechta.
I will have the secret of the other Federation ship.
Surrender it to me
and I will allow your Enterprise to leave unharmed.
You have ten of your minutes.
Sir, they're massing a surge of power.
We're being scanned. They've locked on.
- Data? - Our shields will not withstand
another assault, sir.
Then there are no options.
Retreat or die.
Captain's log, supplemental.
Due to a miscalculation on my part,
the Enterprise has been subjected to a surprise attack by the Ferengi.
I find myself with little time to decide the fate of 40 of my crew
stranded aboard the derelict Hathaway.
I am open to suggestions.
Captain, we are now capable of launching
a limited number of photon torpedoes.
I've already given you my advice, captain.
The Hathaway is expendable.
Commander Riker is hailing, sir.
On-screen.
Number One, have you been monitoring communications?
Yes, sir. Kolrami's right. You've got to save the Enterprise.
That would leave you defenseless.
When Bractor closes in,
we'll hit our warp drive, take our chances.
Your what?
We have a limited, two-second warp capability.
Impossible. That ship was rendered warp-inactive.
I told you he was the best.
I'd like to hear more about this, Number One, later.
Right now I have to work something out with Mr. Data.
Premise. The Ferengi wish to capture the Hathaway,
believing it to be of value.
Therefore, we must remove the ship from their field of interest.
And they will soon relocate it after a two-second warp.
There is a way.
- Number One, can you hear this? - Yes, sir.
We're all here waiting for you to pull another rabbit out of your hat.
Mr. Data?
On the captain's command, we will fire four photon torpedoes
directly at the Hathaway.
One millisecond after its detonation,
the computer will trigger your warp jump.
I think I hate this plan.
Data, we're not even sure our warp jump will work.
If the warp engines fail to function, the result could be unfortunate.
Very unfortunate.
We will be dead.
Captain Riker, I cannot order you to do this.
What the hell? Nobody said life was safe.
The advantage is that it will appear from the Kreechta's perspective
as though...
As though you were destroyed in the explosion.
That will deceive them only for a few minutes.
Their sensors will soon locate us.
We'll only need a few minutes, Mr. Worf,
because you're going to prepare another surprise for them.
Then we're agreed.
On my mark, four minutes.
Remember, Geordi,
if the implementation is off by one millisecond,
the Hathaway will not survive.
Data, that's the one part of this plan that we're all absolutely sure about.
Are we ready, Number One?
- Ready, captain. - Ready, captain.
Good luck to both of you.
Bractor.
I will wait no longer, Picard.
You needn't. The answer is no.
Your actions have been wholly criminal. You will not profit by them.
You are a fool.
How can you stop us?
You believe the Hathaway has value?
We deny you your prize.
Fire.
Destroy your own, rather than suffer the ignominy of defeat and capture?
I did not think the Federation had such iron.
You had no claim on that vessel. It was ours to destroy.
As you are ours to destroy.
You can try.
Enterprise targeted, leader.
Leader, there is another Federation ship closing.
A starship.
Maximum shields.
We have been outmaneuvered.
Retreat.
Captain, our sensors show no Federation starship nearby.
Of course not, Mr. Burke. That was Klingon guile.
You made it, Number One. Smooth ride?
Well, it certainly was different.
We'll lock on and pick you up.
With pleasure, captain.
I must admit your Commander Riker acquitted himself quite admirably.
And so, captain, have you.
My report to Starfleet will be most favorable.
Thank you.
Initiate recovery procedures. Continue repairs.
Plot a course for the nearest starbase.
Captain's log, supplemental.
With the transporter repaired and my crew safely back aboard,
we have officially ended our first Starfleet battle simulation.
Come on, Data.
- Push it, push it. - Don't lose it. Don't lose it.
- He's got him. Go, Data. - You got him, you got him.
You can do it.
- Come on, come on. - Don't lose it. Don't lose it.
- Come on, Data. You got him. - Come on.
- Come on, come on, come on. - Come on, Data.
- Come on, Data. Come on. - You can do it.
- Come on, Data. Come on, Data. - You can do it. Come on. Yes!
- All right. - Go, go, go!
- You got him. Go get him. - Come on, Data.
Come on, Data. Come on.
Why have you suspended the game?
Because this is not a rematch.
You have made a mockery of me.
Data, you beat him.
No, sir. It is a stalemate.
No game of Strategema has ever gone this high.
What did you do?
I simply altered my premise for playing the game.
Explain.
Working under the assumption that Kolrami was attempting to win,
it is reasonable to assume
that he expected me to play for the same goal.
You didn't.
No. I was playing for a standoff. A draw.
While Kolrami was dedicated to winning,
I was able to pass up obvious avenues of advancement
and settle for a balance.
Theoretically, I should be able to challenge him indefinitely.
- Then you have beaten him. - Sure he has.
It is a matter of perspective, doctor.
In the strictest sense, I did not win.
Data.
- I busted him up. - Yes!