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Changed line(s) 32,33 (click to see context) from:
It is a bittersweet conclusion for Picard. The discovery his friend had sacrificed so much for, including his life, has fallen on deaf ears. That is, until he receives a message from the Romulan commander, who says something rather unexpected in parting.
to:
It is a [[BittersweetEnding bittersweet conclusion conclusion]] for Picard. The discovery his friend had sacrificed so much for, including his life, has fallen on deaf ears. That is, until he receives a message from the Romulan commander, who says something rather unexpected in parting.
Changed line(s) 60 (click to see context) from:
* PlotHole: So, why exactly ''did'' the Yridian ship explode so easily? According to Memory Alpha, there was line scripted for Data that was cut which explained that it was overloading its power generators and this combined with the phaser blast caused it to explode. Though even in the script it wasn't explained ''why'' they were overloading them.
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* PlotHole: So, why exactly ''did'' the Yridian ship explode so easily? According to Memory Alpha, there was line scripted for Data that was cut which explained that it was overloading its power generators and this combined with the phaser blast caused it to explode. Though even in the script it [[VoodooShark wasn't explained explained]] ''why'' they were overloading them.
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Changed line(s) 6,7 (click to see context) from:
The captain is overjoyed at this surprise visit. After they exchange heartfelt greetings, he eagerly resumes the role of pupil as Galen quizzes him on the Kurlan ''naiskos'' sitting on the table. Picard gushes over the extraordinarily rare find, in excellent condition despite how distant -- both in space and time -- its origin is from the Federation.
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The captain is overjoyed at this surprise visit. After they exchange heartfelt greetings, he eagerly resumes the role of pupil as Galen quizzes him on the Kurlan ''naiskos'' ''naiskos'', a gift from his recent explorations, sitting on the table. Picard gushes over the extraordinarily rare find, in excellent condition despite how distant -- both in space and time -- its origin is from the Federation.
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->'''Galen:''' Jean-Luc... I was too harsh.
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->'''Galen:''' Jean-Luc... [[PartingWordsRegret I was too harsh.
harsh]].
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It is a bittersweet conclusion for Picard, particularly since the message went over everyone's heads. That is, until he receives a message from the Romulan commander, who says something rather unexpected in parting.
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It is a bittersweet conclusion for Picard, particularly since the message went over everyone's heads.Picard. The discovery his friend had sacrificed so much for, including his life, has fallen on deaf ears. That is, until he receives a message from the Romulan commander, who says something rather unexpected in parting.
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Expanded synopsis
Changed line(s) 4,5 (click to see context) from:
Picard's old archaeology professor arrives with what he believes is the greatest discovery of their time. However, when he's killed for it, Picard takes up his quest and finds himself racing to complete the professor's work before anyone else can.
to:
The ''Enterprise'' is on a routine science mission, studying protostars in the Volterra Nebula, when Picard receives a puzzling invitation to the observation lounge from Riker. Entering to see a statuette highlighted on the table, Riker brings the lights up to reveal a guest, Professon Galen, Picard's old archaeology mentor from his days as a xenoarchaeology student.
The captain is overjoyed at this surprise visit. After they exchange heartfelt greetings, he eagerly resumes the role of pupil as Galen quizzes him on the Kurlan ''naiskos'' sitting on the table. Picard gushes over the extraordinarily rare find, in excellent condition despite how distant -- both in space and time -- its origin is from the Federation.
The conversation turns serious as Galen teases Picard about some new research he has been doing over the past decade, an impending discovery that he claims will shake the galactic community to its core. But he won't say any more unless Picard agrees to help him finish the work in what will be a long and potentially dangerous journey into the frontier. It would mean giving up his command, perhaps his entire career in Starfleet. Picard can't bring himself to do that, no matter how tempting the adventure. The professor is personally affronted at being refused -- again -- by his favorite student, throwing back several cutting invectives before storming back to his shuttle.
Some days later, the ''Enterprise'' receives a distress call from Galen's shuttle, which has been boarded by a hostile Yridian ship. Picard orders it disabled, but somehow even a single low-power phaser beam causes it to explode spectacularly. Galen, mortally wounded by a disruptor, is beamed to sickbay. He only manages to say one thing as he dies.
->'''Galen:''' Jean-Luc... I was too harsh.
With both Galen and his attackers dead, the crew have only the shuttle's computers to shed light on what happened. What little data they can retrieve, a series of numbers, is presumably part of Galen's mysterious research and what the Yridians were after, but means nothing to them without further context.
A new clue emerges at Galen's intended destination, Indri VIII, which has been scoured of what little plant life it had by an unknown party. With the presumption that it is related to the research, the computer identifies the data as an assortment of ancient DNA fragments from across the quadrant. Such disparate fragments should have no relation to each other, but Crusher notes that they have similar protein configurations. They connect to form an algorithm that could only have been deliberately engineered.
->'''Crusher:''' This fragment has been a part of every DNA strand on Earth since life began there, and the other fragments are just as old. Someone must have written this program over four billion years ago.
They must find the missing fragments to discover the purpose of the program. It seems they are out of leads, until Picard remembers Galen's gift from the Kurlan system. The only life-bearing planet there, Loren III, is not among the DNA fragments, possibly stolen by the Yridians.
The ''Enterprise'' arriveswith to find not one, but two interested parties: the Cardassians and the Klingons, neither of whom are interested in sharing what he believes they are convinced will be some cool ancient technology. Picard convinces the captains, Gul Ocett and Captain Nu'Daq, to see reason. If they don't cooperate, [[NoMacguffinNoWinner no one will find all the pieces]]. As luck would have it, there is only one piece missing between the three of them, so they have the computer search for it by analyzing the existing fragments for a pattern.
As soon as it spits out the result, Gul Ocett turns on them. She retreats to her ships, disables her erstwhile allies, and takes off towards Rahm-Izad.
Which is thegreatest discovery of their time. However, when he's killed for it, wrong system. Ocett apparently made a botched attempt to subvert the ''Enterprise'''s defenses, so Picard takes up and Nu'Daq were prepared for her betrayal and decided to [[OutGambitted turn the tables]] by giving her a false lead. Nu'Daq's engineer wasn't quite on the ball and let some damage through, putting his quest ship out of the running as well.
Their real destination is the Vilmoran system, where they find one planet with trace amounts of organic lichen that promises to be the final piece. On the surface, the crew (plus Nu'Daq) are soon joined by a very annoyed Gul Ocett... andfinds himself racing to complete a party of Romulans, whose cloaked ship has been tailing them from the professor's work before anyone else can.
start. A MexicanStandoff ensues. While everyone is busy bickering over who gets the prize, Picard and Crusher surreptitiously scrape some fossilized residue into a container. Their tricorder puts the last piece into place, and then...
A recording plays from one of the billions-old race that created the puzzle. She gives a heartfelt (and somewhat ironic) speech congratulating them for coming together in a spirit of friendship to find their secret message, explaining how the various humanoids across the quadrant were seeded by them eons ago. The audience, apart from Starfleet, is clearly not pleased by their reward, and go right back to insulting each other as they leave.
It is a bittersweet conclusion for Picard, particularly since the message went over everyone's heads. That is, until he receives a message from the Romulan commander, who says something rather unexpected in parting.
->'''Romulan:''' It would seem that we are not completely dissimilar after all. In our hopes, or in our fears.\\
'''Picard:''' Yes.\\
'''Romulan:''' Well then, perhaps... one day.\\
'''Picard:''' One day.
The captain is overjoyed at this surprise visit. After they exchange heartfelt greetings, he eagerly resumes the role of pupil as Galen quizzes him on the Kurlan ''naiskos'' sitting on the table. Picard gushes over the extraordinarily rare find, in excellent condition despite how distant -- both in space and time -- its origin is from the Federation.
The conversation turns serious as Galen teases Picard about some new research he has been doing over the past decade, an impending discovery that he claims will shake the galactic community to its core. But he won't say any more unless Picard agrees to help him finish the work in what will be a long and potentially dangerous journey into the frontier. It would mean giving up his command, perhaps his entire career in Starfleet. Picard can't bring himself to do that, no matter how tempting the adventure. The professor is personally affronted at being refused -- again -- by his favorite student, throwing back several cutting invectives before storming back to his shuttle.
Some days later, the ''Enterprise'' receives a distress call from Galen's shuttle, which has been boarded by a hostile Yridian ship. Picard orders it disabled, but somehow even a single low-power phaser beam causes it to explode spectacularly. Galen, mortally wounded by a disruptor, is beamed to sickbay. He only manages to say one thing as he dies.
->'''Galen:''' Jean-Luc... I was too harsh.
With both Galen and his attackers dead, the crew have only the shuttle's computers to shed light on what happened. What little data they can retrieve, a series of numbers, is presumably part of Galen's mysterious research and what the Yridians were after, but means nothing to them without further context.
A new clue emerges at Galen's intended destination, Indri VIII, which has been scoured of what little plant life it had by an unknown party. With the presumption that it is related to the research, the computer identifies the data as an assortment of ancient DNA fragments from across the quadrant. Such disparate fragments should have no relation to each other, but Crusher notes that they have similar protein configurations. They connect to form an algorithm that could only have been deliberately engineered.
->'''Crusher:''' This fragment has been a part of every DNA strand on Earth since life began there, and the other fragments are just as old. Someone must have written this program over four billion years ago.
They must find the missing fragments to discover the purpose of the program. It seems they are out of leads, until Picard remembers Galen's gift from the Kurlan system. The only life-bearing planet there, Loren III, is not among the DNA fragments, possibly stolen by the Yridians.
The ''Enterprise'' arrives
As soon as it spits out the result, Gul Ocett turns on them. She retreats to her ships, disables her erstwhile allies, and takes off towards Rahm-Izad.
Which is the
Their real destination is the Vilmoran system, where they find one planet with trace amounts of organic lichen that promises to be the final piece. On the surface, the crew (plus Nu'Daq) are soon joined by a very annoyed Gul Ocett... and
A recording plays from one of the billions-old race that created the puzzle. She gives a heartfelt (and somewhat ironic) speech congratulating them for coming together in a spirit of friendship to find their secret message, explaining how the various humanoids across the quadrant were seeded by them eons ago. The audience, apart from Starfleet, is clearly not pleased by their reward, and go right back to insulting each other as they leave.
It is a bittersweet conclusion for Picard, particularly since the message went over everyone's heads. That is, until he receives a message from the Romulan commander, who says something rather unexpected in parting.
->'''Romulan:''' It would seem that we are not completely dissimilar after all. In our hopes, or in our fears.\\
'''Picard:''' Yes.\\
'''Romulan:''' Well then, perhaps... one day.\\
'''Picard:''' One day.
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* FamousFamousFictional: As two examples of historically famous archaeologic discoveries, Galen mentions the city of Troy on Earth and an undescribed alien location called Ya'Seem.
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* BigShutUp: Picard has to yell at the Klingon and Cardassian captains to make them stop arguing.
--> "''mevyap''! Enough!"
--> "''mevyap''! Enough!"
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Changed line(s) 24 (click to see context) from:
* PlotHole: So, why exactly ''did'' the Yridian ship explode so easily?
to:
* PlotHole: So, why exactly ''did'' the Yridian ship explode so easily?easily? According to Memory Alpha, there was line scripted for Data that was cut which explained that it was overloading its power generators and this combined with the phaser blast caused it to explode. Though even in the script it wasn't explained ''why'' they were overloading them.
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[[quoteright:350:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/progenitor_5.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:350:"What is this 'Founder' that you speak of?"]]
[[caption-width-right:350:"What is this 'Founder' that you speak of?"]]
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* MexicanStandoff: Involving the Klingons, Romulans, and Cardassians. Picard and Crusher put an end to it when they collect the final DNA sample and finish the program.
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* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: It's the captain from the zenophobic and isolationist Romulans who's most impacted by the message.
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* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: It's the captain from the zenophobic xenophobic and isolationist Romulans who's most impacted by the message.
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Changed line(s) 11 (click to see context) from:
* FeedTheMole: When Geordi discovers the Cardassians' attempt to sabotage the ''Enterprise's'' DeflectorShields, Picard arranges for them to be given false information as to the whereabouts of the final genetic piece, and then has the Enterprise prepared to minimize the damage from the sabotage.
to:
* FeedTheMole: When Geordi discovers the Cardassians' attempt to sabotage the ''Enterprise's'' DeflectorShields, Picard arranges for them to be given false information as to the whereabouts of the final genetic piece, and then has the Enterprise ''Enterprise'' prepared to minimize the damage from the sabotage.
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* NoSell: Data completely tanks the headbutt that the Klingon captain gave him in anger after thoroughly trouncing him at klingon arm-wrestling. And then explains the technical details as to why he was completely unfazed by the assault.
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* NoSell: Data completely tanks the headbutt that the Klingon captain gave him in anger after thoroughly trouncing him at klingon Klingon arm-wrestling. And then explains the technical details as to why he was completely unfazed by the assault.
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Deleted line(s) 21 (click to see context) :
* {{Retcon}}: The episode is basically a giant excuse for the ''Trek'' franchise's multitudes of RubberForeheadAliens, with very few species outside that shape.
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* {{Retcon}}: The episode is basically a giant excuse for the ''Trek'' franchise's multitudes of RubberForeheadAliens, with very few species outside that shape.
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* ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight: Picard blows off a PeaceConference to finish Galen's work.
* SurvivorsGuilt: Picard briefly feels it for not going with Galen.
* SurvivorsGuilt: Picard briefly feels it for not going with Galen.
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** EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: The Cardassian military is later established as a male preserve, with women dominating the science area. Though this is never established as an actual law, so there may be exceptions.
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** EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: The Cardassian military is later established as a male preserve, with women dominating the science area. Though this is [[KlingonScientistsGetNoRespect never established as an actual law, being forbidden by law or regulation]], so there may be exceptions.
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** EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: The Cardassian military is later established as a male preserve, with women dominating the science area. Though this is never established as an actual law, so there may be exceptions.
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* OneSidedArmWrestling: Nu'Daq challenges Data to ''B'aht Qul'' (Klingon arm wrestling). Data wins in .47 seconds.
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* OneSidedArmWrestling: Nu'Daq challenges Data to ''B'aht Qul'' (Klingon arm wrestling). Data wins in .in [[The47Society .47 seconds.seconds]].
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: It's the captain from the zenophobic and isolationist Romulans who's most impacted by the message.
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: It's the captain from the zenophobic and isolationist Romulans who's most impacted by the message.
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Deleted line(s) 20 (click to see context) :
* RetroactiveRecognition: Apparently, [[Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine the Founders]] gave life to more species than just the Vorta and the Jem'Hadar.
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* WorthlessTreasureTwist: The result of the episode-long chase isn't a weapon or a power source, but a message from the beings responsible for humans and humanoid aliens. The Klingons and the Cardassians are ''not'' pleased.
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Changed line(s) 5 (click to see context) from:
* ApocalypseHow: The Klingons trigger one on Indri VIII.
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* ApocalypseHow: The Klingons trigger one a Class 6 on Indri VIII.
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* PlotHole: So, why exactly ''did'' the Yridian ship explode so easily?
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* {{Retcon}}: The episode is basically a giant excuse for the ''Trek'' franchise's multitudes of RubberForeheadAliens, with very few species outside that shape.
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Changed line(s) 14 (click to see context) from:
'''Data''': My upper spinal column is a poly-alloy, designed to withstand extreme stress. My skull is comprised of [[{{Unobtanium}} cortenide and duranium]].
to:
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Changed line(s) 11 (click to see context) from:
* FeedTheMole: When Geordi discovers the Cardassians' attempt to sabotage the ''Enterprise's'' DeflectorShields, Picard arranges for them to be given false information as to the whereabouts of the final genetic piece.
to:
* FeedTheMole: When Geordi discovers the Cardassians' attempt to sabotage the ''Enterprise's'' DeflectorShields, Picard arranges for them to be given false information as to the whereabouts of the final genetic piece.piece, and then has the Enterprise prepared to minimize the damage from the sabotage.
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* NoSell: Data completely tanks the headbutt that the Klingon captain gave him in anger after thoroughly trouncing him at klingon arm-wrestling. And then explains the technical details as to why he was completely unfazed by the assault.
'''Data''': My upper spinal column is a poly-alloy, designed to withstand extreme stress. My skull is comprised of [[{{Unobtanium}} cortenide and duranium]].
'''Data''': My upper spinal column is a poly-alloy, designed to withstand extreme stress. My skull is comprised of [[{{Unobtanium}} cortenide and duranium]].
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Changed line(s) 12 (click to see context) from:
* MySpeciesDothProtestTooMuch: Played with. Gul Occett is the only female in the Cardassian military, and is more reasonable and less arrogant than the typical Gul, but it doesn't stop her from holding Cardassian interests above others and cheat.
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* MySpeciesDothProtestTooMuch: Played with. Gul Occett is the only female in the Cardassian military, military shown in the entire franchise, and is more reasonable and less arrogant than the typical Gul, but it doesn't stop her from holding Cardassian interests above others and cheat.
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* MySpeciesDothProtestTooMuch: Played with. Gul Occett is the only female in the Cardassian military, and is more reasonable and less arrogant than the typical Gul, but it doesn't stop her from holding Cardassian interests above others and cheat.
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* BittersweetEnding: Picard finishes Galen's work, but the Klingons and Cardassians completely ignore the lesson it teaches. The Romulans, on the other hand, are more receptive.
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Changed line(s) 8,9 (click to see context) from:
* CurbStompBattle: Nu'Daq challenges Data to ''B'aht Qul'' (Klingon arm wrestling). Data wins in .47 seconds.
** The Cardassians think they pull one on the ''Enterprise'', but [[OutGambitted Picard is ready for it]].
** The Cardassians think they pull one on the ''Enterprise'', but [[OutGambitted Picard is ready for it]].
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* CurbStompBattle: Nu'Daq challenges Data to ''B'aht Qul'' (Klingon arm wrestling). Data wins in .47 seconds.
**The Cardassians think they pull one on the ''Enterprise'', but [[OutGambitted Picard is ready for it]].
**
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* OneSidedArmWrestling: Nu'Daq challenges Data to ''B'aht Qul'' (Klingon arm wrestling). Data wins in .47 seconds.
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Changed line(s) 17 (click to see context) from:
* RocksFallEveryoneDies: Occet comes close to invoking this when Picard and Crusher complete the genetic program.
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* RocksFallEveryoneDies: Occet comes close to invoking this when before Picard and Crusher complete the genetic program.program.
* YesNoAnswerInterpretation: When Picard tells Nu'Daq and Occet that he knows they're both trying to complete Galen's genetic research, neither one of them says anything, which Picard takes as a confirmation.
* YesNoAnswerInterpretation: When Picard tells Nu'Daq and Occet that he knows they're both trying to complete Galen's genetic research, neither one of them says anything, which Picard takes as a confirmation.
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* FeedTheMole: When Geordi discovers the Cardassians' attempt to sabotage the ''Enterprise's'' DeflectorShields, Picard arranges for them to be given false information as to the whereabouts of the final genetic piece.
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* PardonMyKlingon: Nu'Daq [[SirSwearsALot does this a lot]]. So does Picard at one point.
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* PardonMyKlingon: Nu'Daq [[LargeHam Nu'Daq]] [[SirSwearsALot does this a lot]]. So does Picard at one point.
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** Turns into PartingWordsRegret when Galen is killed by the Yridians.
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** Turns into PartingWordsRegret when Galen is killed by the Yridians.Yridians.
* RocksFallEveryoneDies: Occet comes close to invoking this when Picard and Crusher complete the genetic program.
* RocksFallEveryoneDies: Occet comes close to invoking this when Picard and Crusher complete the genetic program.
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* BribeBackfire: Nu'Daq tries to subtly bribe Data, who sees right through it.
* CurbStompBattle: Nu'Daq challenges Data to ''B'aht Qul'' (Klingon arm wrestling). Data wins in .47 seconds.
** The Cardassians think they pull one on the ''Enterprise'', but [[OutGambitted Picard is ready for it]].
* CurbStompBattle: Nu'Daq challenges Data to ''B'aht Qul'' (Klingon arm wrestling). Data wins in .47 seconds.
** The Cardassians think they pull one on the ''Enterprise'', but [[OutGambitted Picard is ready for it]].
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Added line(s) 7 (click to see context) :
* ApocalypseHow: The Klingons trigger one on Indri VIII.
Added line(s) 7 (click to see context) :
* EitherWorldDominationOrSomethingAboutBananas: A non-linguistic variant--Nu'Daq and Gul Ocett argue over whether the genetic program is a weapon, a power source, or [[RuleOfThree a recipe for biscuits]].
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* PardonMyKlingon: Nu'Daq [[SirSwearsALot does this a lot]].
to:
* PardonMyKlingon: Nu'Daq [[SirSwearsALot does this a lot]]. So does Picard at one point.
* RetroactiveRecognition: Apparently, [[Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine the Founders]] gave life to more species than just the Vorta and the Jem'Hadar.
* RetroactiveRecognition: Apparently, [[Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine the Founders]] gave life to more species than just the Vorta and the Jem'Hadar.
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** Turns into PartingWordsRegret when he's killed by the Yridians.
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** Turns into PartingWordsRegret when he's Galen is killed by the Yridians.
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Picard's old archaeology professor arrives with what he believes is the greatest discovery of their time. However, when he's killed for it, Picard takes up his quest and finds himself racing to complete the professor's work before anyone else can.
!!Tropes:
* BigWhat: Nu'Daq, when his incompetent NumberTwo is unprepared for the Cardassians' attack.
* NotSoDifferent: The Romulan commander acknowledges this between his people and humans.
* PardonMyKlingon: Nu'Daq [[SirSwearsALot does this a lot]].
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Professor Galen gives Picard one for staying on the ''Enterprise'' instead of joining him.
** Turns into PartingWordsRegret when he's killed by the Yridians.
!!Tropes:
* BigWhat: Nu'Daq, when his incompetent NumberTwo is unprepared for the Cardassians' attack.
* NotSoDifferent: The Romulan commander acknowledges this between his people and humans.
* PardonMyKlingon: Nu'Daq [[SirSwearsALot does this a lot]].
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Professor Galen gives Picard one for staying on the ''Enterprise'' instead of joining him.
** Turns into PartingWordsRegret when he's killed by the Yridians.
