Captain's log, supplemental. In orbit of a mysterious planet,
whose unexplained forcefield has seized us with a power almost beyond imagination.
If there is a solution to this, it almost certainly will involve
cooperation from the Ferengi. (TNG theme music)
[Bridge] Ship's power drain is critical, Captain.
I must now shut down our shields to maintain life support systems.
Understood. Open hailing frequencies.
Hailing frequencies open, sir. Ferengi vessel from Enterprise,
come in. TARR [on viewscreen]:
Your alien images again shock us. With regard to the surrender, DaiMon
Tarr. The facts are somewhat different. TARR [on viewscreen]: Our own probe has
already shown us your trickery, human. We withdraw our surrender.
Agreed. Perhaps you would agree to a more productive relationship?
TARR [on viewscreen]: I prefer a more profitable one, human.
Yankee trader. TARR [on viewscreen]: Explain
what means yankee traders? He heard that.
He recognises your interest in profit. Or is that an incorrect assumption?
TARR [on viewscreen]: We seek only what is equitable. What do
you seek? Why did you begin by attacking us? We did not attack you. We gave chase in order
to recover a Federation-owned energy device which TARR [on viewscreen]: Which we know is ours. Your
barbarous Federation placed it on one of our planets!
On the contrary, Gamma Tauri Four is recognised by all civilised members of
TARR [on viewscreen]: The Ferengi are not uncivilised, human! Are you suggesting otherwise?
All I'm saying is that you removed something which clearly did not belong to you.
TARR [on viewscreen]: Are you now calling us thieves?!
On the contrary, I have no wish to discuss issues of property or of territory,
when our mutual problem remains. Like it or not, we are both trapped by this
energy draining forcefield from the planet. TARR [on viewscreen]:
On that matter there can be no argument.
I would like to propose a swap. TARR [on viewscreen]: And what is a swap?
It's a trade, an exchange. TARR [on viewscreen]: Yes,
trade, human. What do you offer? We will tell you what we know about the planet,
and in trade, you will give us your information. TARR [on viewscreen]: Ridiculous. How will
we know you will not withhold information?
We must trust each other, Tarr. TARR [on viewscreen]:
Amusing, human. Trust each other? I propose
that we test this relationship by cooperating in a joint exploration of the planet surface.
TARR [on viewscreen]: And what profit is in this, Picard Captain?
The profit, DaiMon Tarr, of saving all our lives. TARR [on viewscreen]: We will agree, no doubt
foolishly. But you are warned that any further trickery on your part will be met with no mercy.
Agreed. If you care to join us, we have a well-proven transporter device
TARR [on viewscreen]: We have a matter-energy device of our own. We will beam a science team
of three to whatever co-ordinates you propose. Excellent. We will transmit the information
shortly. Enterprise out. Hailing frequencies off.
I would log that agreement as promising, at least.
I wonder, Captain. I'm not usually one for distrust at
first sight, but this may be an exception. Especially in view of the fact the image he
transmitted, sir, was somehow distorted. TROI: I sensed the same thing,
Captain. He's hiding something. With this power drain we can't delay. Now,
I'd like some additional help in case we run into trouble. Can you spare Worf?
Take him. And be careful, Number One.
[Transporter room] (music)
With this power drain, we may have trouble communicating with the Enterprise, sir.
Understood. Anything else? Due to this forcefield,
there is presently no way to beam us back, sir.
You had to ask. Understood. Energise.(music)