1:[2,#B],26:[1,#I],102:[1,#I],129:[2,#I],151:[16,#I]@1“Brothers” (TNG)@2Stardate 44085.7. En route to Starbase 416 for emergency medical treatment of Willie Potts, Lieutenant Commander Data exhibits severely aberrant behavior, commandeering the Enterprise -D to a distant planet. Beaming down to the planet, Data discovers he had been summoned by his creator, Dr. Noonien Soong, long thought to be dead. Also arriving is Lore, Data’s android brother, who was thought destroyed in 2364 near Omicron Theta. Soong informs his two creations that he is dying, but attempts unsuccessfully to install a new circuit chip in Data, a modification which would have permitted Data to experience human emotions. An Enterprise -D away team investigating Soong’s lab reports Soong to have died and Lore to have departed. Data, having fulfilled his creator’s command, returns to normal operation.
U.S.S. Enterprise -D proceeds to Starbase 416 for emergency care of Willie Potts. The treatment is successful in restoring Potts to health.
Editors’ Note: Dr. Soong’s emotion chip was later featured in “Descent, Part II” (TNG) and in Star Trek: Generations.
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],82:[1,#I]@1“Suddenly Human” (TNG)@2Stardate 44143.7. U.S.S. Enterprise -D in sector 21947 in response to a distress call from a Talarian observation craft. Among the survivors is a young human, Jeremiah Rossa, found to be the grandson of Starfleet admiral Connaught Rossa. Investigation determines that Jeremiah had been raised by a Talarian captain, Endar, in keeping with a Talarian tradition permitting a warrior to claim the son of a slain enemy. Admiral Rossa requests her grandson be returned to her care, but Enterprise -D captain Picard rules the child’s interests would be better served by returning him to his adoptive family, since Jeremiah now considers Endar to be his father.
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],103:[1,#I],107:[16,#I]@1“Remember Me” (TNG)@2Stardate 44161.2. U.S.S. Enterprise -D at Starbase 133 for crew rotation. Also on board for passage to planet Kenda II is Dr. Dalen Quaice, mentor to Dr. Beverly Crusher. Upon departing for planet Durenia IV, a freak accident in a warp field experiment causes Dr. Crusher to be trapped for several hours inside a static warp bubble. She is rescued, unharmed, by the efforts of her son, Ensign Wesley Crusher, with the assistance of the individual called the Traveler, a native of planet Tau Alpha C. The Traveler had previously participated in a warp propulsion system experiment aboard the Enterprise -D in 2364.
Editors’ Note: Picard noted the ship’s complement at the end of the episode was 1,014 people.
~1:[2,#B],5:[2,#I],26:[1,#I],41:[1,#I],87:[1,#I],114:[27,#I],143:[27,#I],175:[22,#I],199:[11,#I],212:[5,#I]@1“Legacy” (TNG)@2Stardate 44215.2. U.S.S. Enterprise -D bypasses a scheduled archaeological survey of planet Camus II in response to a distress call from Federation freighter Arcos, in orbit around planet Turkana IV. Upon arrival at Turkana, two survivors from the Arcos are discovered to have landed on the planet surface. The two are discovered to have been captured by one of two rival gangs now in control of the colony. One of the gangs offers assistance in the person of Ishara Yar, sister to the late Enterprise -D security chief. The rescue is successful, although Yar is discovered to be using the operation to attempt to gain an advantage over her rival gang.
Editors’ Note: The bypassed archaeological survey of planet Camus II referred to in Picard’s opening log was intended as an “inside” joke, a salute to the original Star Trek television series. The seventy-ninth and final episode of that show, “Turnabout Intruder” (TOS), involved an archaeological expedition on Camus II. “Legacy” (TNG) is the eightieth episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The gag was the brainchild of executive producer Rick Berman, actor Jonathan Frakes, and script coordinator Eric Stillwell. The reference to the Starship Potemkin (See 2361), also mentioned in the last episode of the original Star Trek, is another such inside joke.
~1:[2,#B],5:[2,#I],19:[2,#I],28:[1,#I],34:[1,#I],65:[1,#I],89:[1,#I],159:[1,#I],241:[2,#I],274:[3,#I],305:[15,#I]@1“Reunion” (TNG)@2Stardate 44246.3. U.S.S. Enterprise -D investigating radiation anomalies in the Gamma Arigulon system reported by the Starship LaSalle. The study is cut short when the Enterprise -D is met by a Vor’cha class Klingon attack cruiser bearing Klingon high council leader K’mpec, who requests a meeting with Captain Picard. Also aboard the attack cruiser is Klingon emissary K’Ehleyr, who comes aboard the Enterprise -D with a child, Alexander. K’Ehleyr informs Lieutenant Worf that Alexander is his son from their encounter during her previous visit to the Enterprise -D.
K’mpec reveals that he has been fatally poisoned by political enemies, and appoints Picard to mediate the rite of succession. K’mpec explains the highly unusual request on the basis of his fears that factions within the Klingon High Council may plunge the empire into civil war. Picard accepts, and K’mpec dies shortly thereafter.
Picard hears claims from council member Duras and political newcomer Gowron as part of the ja’chuq (succession) process. Emissary K’Ehleyr uncovers suppressed evidence that Duras’s father had betrayed the Klingon people at the Khitomer massacre of 2346. Duras murders K’Ehleyr in an attempt to prevent her from reporting these findings, but Worf later claims the right of vengeance and kills Duras. Gowron remains as the sole contender for leadership of the Klingon High Council and is subsequently installed in that position. Worf is officially reprimanded by Captain Picard for his actions in the death of Duras.
• U.S.S. Enterprise -D at Starbase 73. Lieutenant Worf is met by his adoptive parents, Sergey and Helena Rozhenko, who take custody of Worf’s son, Alexander. They return to Earth to raise the child.
After “Reunion” (TNG).
• Bajoran Kohn-Ma terrorist Tahna Los, in Cardassian captivity, suffers a brutal, disfiguring beating. It is not his first experience with torture at the hands of the Cardassians.
“Past Prologue” (DS9). About two and a half years prior to the episode (late 2369).
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],75:[1,#I],116:[5,#I]@1“Future Imperfect” (TNG)@2Stardate 44286.5. U.S.S. Enterprise -D is conducting a security survey of the Onias sector near the Romulan Neutral Zone. Evidence of activity at planet Alpha Onias III, a barren and inhospitable Class-M world, necessitates an away mission to the planet’s surface. Commander William Riker is diverted during the beam-up process, and detained by an alien called Barash. The alien eventually agrees to release Riker and to be a guest on the Enterprise -D.
Riker celebrates his 32nd birthday.
• Captain Picard is asked to mediate a dispute among the salenite miners on planet Pentarus V.
Wesley Crusher is accepted to Starfleet Academy when a position opens up in the current year’s class.
Prior to “Final Mission” (TNG).
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],42:[1,#I],61:[1,#I],89:[1,#I],103:[1,#I],156:[1,#I],166:[1,#I],175:[4,#I]@1“Final Mission” (TNG)@2Stardate 44307.3. U.S.S. Enterprise -D receives a distress call from planet Gamelan V. Gamelan chairman Songi reports an unidentified spacecraft has entered orbit around her planet, resulting in significant increases in atmospheric radiation levels. Commander Riker orders the Enterprise -D diverted to Gamelan V, and determines the spacecraft to be an ancient freighter carrying unstable nuclear wastes. Enterprise -D personnel are successful in sending the freighter through the Meltasion Asteroid Belt and into the Gamelan sun, although the operation entails hazardous radiation exposure to the Enterprise -D crew.
Captain Picard departs for Pentarus V, aboard the Pentaran mining shuttle Nenebek. Also aboard the shuttlecraft is pilot Dirgo and Ensign Wesley Crusher. A malfunction of the shuttle’s propulsion system forces a crash landing on Lambda Paz, a moon of Pentarus III. Although no one is immediately killed in the crash, Dirgo dies in an attempt to secure water for the survivors before the Enterprise -D can locate them.
• Wesley Crusher leaves the Enterprise -D to enroll in Starfleet Academy on Earth.
After “Final Mission” (TNG).
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],66:[1,#I],111:[1,#I],116:[34,#I],154:[2,#I],164:[7,#I]@1“The Loss” (TNG)@2Stardate 44356.9. U.S.S. Enterprise -D, on course for planet T’lli Beta, delays to investigate anomalous sensor readings. While studying the area, a warp drive malfunction is detected, apparently caused by a school of two-dimensional life-forms discovered nearby. Attempts to restore engine function are unsuccessful until it is determined that the life-forms are attempting to return to a nearby cosmic string fragment. The Enterprise -D main deflector is used to simulate the string’s natural harmonics in a successful effort to guide the life-forms to the string, apparently their natural home.
A side effect of the presence of the two-dimensional life-forms is the temporary loss of empathic powers by Enterprise -D counselor Deanna Troi.
Editors’ Note: Planet T’lli Beta was named by episode writer Hillary Bader for her grandmother, Tillie Bader. A planet labeled T’lli Beta can be barely glimpsed on the huge stellar cartography wall display in Star Trek: Generations.
• U.S.S. Enterprise -D arrives at designated coordinates for rendezvous with U.S.S. Zhukov.
Just before “Data’s Day” (TNG).
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],11:[2,#I],40:[1,#I],88:[1,#I],111:[1,#I],184:[65,#I],250:[31,#I],282:[19,#I],303:[143,#I],447:[58,#I],507:[15,#I],523:[2,#I],531:[5,#I],549:[2,#I],591:[6,#I]@1“Data’s Day” (TNG)@2Stardate 44390.1. U.S.S. Enterprise -D rendezvous with U.S.S. Zhukov to transport Vulcan ambassador T’Pel to the Romulan Neutral Zone for negotiations. T’Pel is apparently killed in a transporter accident while beaming over to the Romulan ship Devoras. Investigation reveals the accident to have been staged by the Romulans, and it is later revealed that T’Pel is in reality Romulan subcommander Selok, who had been an undercover agent in Federation territory. The incident had been staged in order to facilitate her return to Romulan space.
Enterprise -D crew member Francisca Juarez gives birth to a baby boy. The child’s father, Alfredo Juarez, is also a member of the Enterprise -D crew. Chief Miles Edward O’Brien is married to botanist Keiko Ishikawa in a ceremony held in the Ten Forward lounge. Captain Jean-Luc Picard officiates, and Lieutenant Commander Data serves as father of the bride.
Long-range sensors continue to gather scientific data on the Murasaki Quasar.
Lieutenant Commander Data records personal log for transmission to Commander Bruce Maddox, Cybernetics Division, Daystrom Institute. The recording is made to provide information on Data’s programming.
Editors’ Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Data’s pet cat, whose name is later established to be Spot. Captain Picard’s introduction to the O’Brien wedding ceremony is an homage by writer Ron Moore to a similar speech given by Captain Kirk at the Tomlinson wedding in “The Balance of Terror” (TOS). In “Data’s Day” (TNG), we also get our first glimpse of the Enterprise -D barbershop. The Murasaki Quasar was a reference to the original series episode “The Galileo Seven” (TOS).
Data noted that this episode marked the 1550th day since the commissioning of the Enterprise -D. We tried to project this back to determine when the ship was commissioned. Our theory was this: With Next Generation stardates, you can sometimes get a pretty good idea of when an episode theoretically occurs within a given year by treating the last three digits as measuring thousandths of a year. (This means that a stardate with the last three digits of 500 would be about halfway through a given year.) The resulting date is a rough estimate at best, given the number of cases where things don’t line up properly. (See Appendix D for more on stardates.) Nevertheless, we tried it anyhow.
Given a stardate of 44390, this yields an estimated date of late May 2367 for the episode. Subtracting 1550 days gives an approximate commissioning date of late February 2363. This might be inconsistent with the first season episode, “Lonely Among Us” (TNG), which suggests the ship was launched in the latter half of 2363 (because of Picard’s line that the Enterprise -D is less than a year old in that episode). We rationalize that the ship was commissioned in February but officially launched several months later.
For whatever it’s worth, the dedication plaque on the bridge bears a launch stardate of 40759.5, corresponding to an approximate calendar date of October 4, 2363. It’s no coincidence that the launch of Sputnik I, which many regard as the dawn of the Space Age, was on October 4, 1957.
• U.S.S. Enterprise -D travels to planet Adelphous IV.
Just after “Data’s Day” (TNG).
• A Cardassian science station in the Cuellar system is destroyed by the U.S.S. Phoenix under the command of Captain Benjamin Maxwell. The action is in violation of the peace treaty between the Cardassians and the Federation, although Captain Maxwell claims to have evidence that the science station was in fact a military transport facility.
Two days before “The Wounded” (TNG).
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],20:[1,#I],24:[1,#I],32:[1,#I],156:[19,#I],180:[5,#I],190:[42,#I],233:[10,#I],244:[12,#I],257:[10,#I],268:[65,#I],334:[2,#I],340:[5,#I],394:[6,#I]@1“The Wounded” (TNG)@2Stardate 44429.6. U.S.S. Enterprise -D, on mapping survey near Cardassian space, is attacked by a Cardassian Galor -class warship, the Trager. The commander of the attacking vessel informs Enterprise -D captain Picard that the attack is in response to the destruction of the Cardassian station in the Cuellar system two days ago. Captain Picard is instructed by Starfleet admiral Haden to investigate Maxwell’s attack.
Picard determines Maxwell’s actions against Cardassian forces to be due to Maxwell’s theory that the Cardassians are about to launch an unprovoked military offensive against the Federation. Captain Picard, acting under direct orders from Starfleet, prevents Maxwell from taking further action against the Cardassians. Two Cardassian spacecraft are destroyed before Maxwell is relieved of his command. While Maxwell is placed in custody, Picard instructs Cardassian officer Gul Macet to inform his government that Starfleet is aware that Maxwell’s charges of covert military preparations have a basis in fact.
Editors’ Note: This episode marks the first appearance of the Cardassians, a group of adversaries that would recur in Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes as well as in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. (The back story established in “The Wounded” [TNG] suggests, however, that hostilities between the Federation and the Cardassians had existed for at least several years prior to the episode. Picard notes he had fled from the Cardassians while in command of the Stargazer, suggesting these hostilities had existed earlier than 2355, when the Stargazer was destroyed.)
“The Wounded” (TNG) also marks the first appearance of the Nebula -class starship, although an earlier preliminary “study model” of the Nebula -class design might be spotted among the wreckage in the spaceship “graveyard” in “The Best of Both Worlds, Part II” (TNG), “Emissary, Part I” (DS9), and in the junkyard from “Unification” (TNG). A second study model of that ship graced Captain Riker’s desk in his imaginary ready room in “Future Imperfect” (TNG). The same model was also seen in Sisko’s office on Deep Space 9.
• Starship Phoenix returns to Starbase 211.
Just after “The Wounded” (TNG).
• Inhabitants on planet Ventax II are terrified by visions of the mythical figure Ardra, coinciding with legends predicting Ardra would return to Ventax a thousand years after her earlier visit, a millennium ago. The visions of Ardra are accompanied by a series of geologic tremors in Ventaxian cities.
Several days before “Devil’s Due” (TNG).
~1:[3,#B],6:[2,#I],55:[1,#I],87:[16,#I],106:[19,#I],130:[6,#I],137:[2,#I],163:[5,#I]@1“Devil’s Due” (TNG)@2Stardate 44474.5. U.S.S. Enterprise -D responds to emergency transmission from Federation science station on planet Ventax II. Station director Howard Clark reports widespread panic among the local population, due to the anticipated arrival of Ardra, a legendary supernatural being. A humanoid identifying herself as Ardra does arrive at Ventax II, but Enterprise -D captain Picard is able to convince local authorities that this individual is not the legendary supernatural figure and that they are therefore not bound by an ancient contract with Ardra.
Editors’ Note: This episode was originally written back in 1978 for Kirk and company for the Star Trek II television series that was never produced. It is the second script from that project to have been resurrected for Star Trek: The Next Generation. (The first was “The Child” [TNG].)
• U.S.S. Enterprise -D completes a mission at planet Harrakis V ahead of schedule, permitting Captain Picard to grant extra personal time for many of the crew.
Just prior to “Clues” (TNG).
~1:[2,#B],5:[2,#I],40:[1,#I],57:[1,#I],78:[9,#I],88:[34,#I],123:[12,#I],136:[40,#I],177:[2,#I],185:[3,#I],220:[19,#I],240:[2,#I],259:[1,#I],268:[14,#I],283:[1,#I],295:[21,#I],317:[2,#I],380:[5,#I]@1“Clues” (TNG)@2Stardate 44502.7. Starship Enterprise -D passing through the Ngame Nebula to a diplomatic assignment to the Evadne system. While en route, a T-tauri–type star with a single Class-M planet is discovered. While investigating this anomalous planet, the Enterprise -D accidentally passes through an unstable wormhole, displacing the ship approximately 0.54 parsecs from previous position. Enterprise -D captain Picard orders a hazard advisory issued to Starfleet regarding the wormhole, and orders course resumed for Evadne IV.
Editors’ Note: The main story of “Clues” (TNG), the Enterprise -D encounter with the reclusive Paxans and their efforts to erase all human and computer memories of the incident, is not described above because we assume the second attempt at erasing the memories of Enterprise -D personnel was successful. A historical record that includes information based on Enterprise -D records would therefore have no mention of this incident. (Data does retain a memory of the encounter, but he was ordered by Captain Picard never to reveal this information, not even to Picard or the authors of this book.)
• U.S.S. Enterprise -D goes to planet Evadne IV.
After “Clues” (TNG).
• The unmanned Argus subspace telescope array, located near the edge of Federation space, mysteriously stops relaying its information. This is later discovered to be due to a probe from the Cytherians.
“The Nth Degree” (TNG). Picard’s log notes the array had stopped transmitting nearly two months prior to the episode.
• U.S.S. Brattain issues a distress call, the last known signal from the ship. It is later learned that the Miranda -class starship was trapped in a Tyken’s Rift.
“Night Terrors” (TNG). The distress call was sent 29 days prior to the episode.
• Enterprise -D botanist Keiko O’Brien and her husband, Miles, conceive a child.
“Disaster” (TNG). Date is conjecture, but about eight months prior to the episode, given the suggestion that Molly’s delivery was premature.
• U.S.S. Enterprise -D at planet Malcor III to conduct covert sociological surveillance as prelude to possible first contact. Malcor III is currently under Prime Directive protection, but is believed to be on the verge of developing interstellar spaceflight capability and may therefore be eligible shortly for first contact. Commander William Riker is transported to the planet’s surface as part of the observation team.
