Stardate not given: The Enterprise is on an urgent mission to destroy an asteroid on a collision course with an inhabited planet. The asteroid is obliterated, but a metal-consuming substance riding the asteroid transfers to the hull of the Enterprise. Later, Worf and Alexander argue in Troi’s office about their latest father-son dispute over the family rules, and as if that experience isn’t enough of a headache, Lwaxana Troi beams aboard on her way to get married to Campio, a member of another planet’s royalty (and Mrs. Troi reluctantly admits she hasn’t actually met him yet), and she begins to interfere with Worf’s relationship with Alexander, trying to show the boy how to revel in rebelling against authority. While Counselor Troi tells her mother not to intercede in Worf’s family affairs, a problem is discovered with the ship’s systems, caused by the metal “virus” (of which the crew is not yet aware). Mrs. Troi later reveals to Alexander that she isn’t entirely sure about her upcoming marriage to Campio (who beams aboard with an ever-present aide whose duty seems to be that of making sure all of Campio’s actions are as neutral and inoffensive as possible). The life support systems come under attack by the erosive substance, and when Picard orders the ship to warp to the nearest starbase, the engines are the next target of the virus, jeopardizing the Enterprise and everyone aboard.
written by Peter Allan Fields
directed by Winrich Kolbe
music by Dennis McCarthyCast: Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard), Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker), LeVar Burton (Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge), Michael Dorn (Lt. Worf), Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher), Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi), Brent Spiner (Lt. Commander Data), Majel Barrett (Lwaxana Troi), Brian Bonsall (Alexander), Tony Jay (Campio), Carel Struycken (Mr. Homn), David Oliver (Young Man), Albie Selznick (Juggler), Patrick Cronn (Erko), Tracy D’Arcy (Young Woman), George Ede (Poet), Christopher Halste (First Learner), Majel Barrett (Computer Voice)
LogBook entry by Earl Green