Captain's log, stardate 45047.2. The Enterprise is en route to the uninhabited El-Adrel system,
its location is near the territory occupied by an enigmatic race known as The Children
of Tama. [Observation lounge]
Apparently the Tamarians arrived at El-Adrel Four nearly three weeks ago. They have been
transmitting a subspace signal towards Federation space ever since.
The signal is a standard mathematical progression. It does not carry a specific message.
But they wanted us to know they were there. Apparently so, Number One. Starfleet believes
that their presence is an attempt at communication. Commander.
Federation vessels have encountered Tamarian ships seven times over the past one hundred
years. Each meeting went without incident, however formal relations were not established
because communication was not possible. Why?
The Children of Tama were called incomprehensible by Captain Silvestri of the Shiku Maru. Other
accounts were comparable. WORF: A cause for concern. For all we know,
they could be threatening our border. Everything in the previous encounters suggests
a peaceable race. We have to start from there. Agreed. I appreciate your prudence, Mister
Worf, but Starfleet believes that the Tamarians have extended a hand. We must do the same.
The Children of Tama. I've heard rumours about them for years.
Indeed. Are they truly incomprehensible? In my experience, communication is a matter of
patience, imagination. I would like to believe these are qualities we have in sufficient
measure. [Bridge]
DATHON [on viewscreen]: Rai and Jiri at Lungha. Rai of Lowani. Lowani under two moons. Jiri
of Ubaya. Ubaya of crossed roads at Lungha. Lungha, her sky grey. Rai and Jiri at Lungha.
Counsellor? I'm sense nothing but good intentions from
them, Captain. Mister Data?
The Tamarian seems to be stating the proper names of individuals and locations.
Yes, but what does it all mean? I am at a loss, sir.
Captain, would you be prepared to consider the creation of a mutual non-aggression pact
between our two peoples, possibly leading to a trade agreement and cultural interchange.
Does this sound like a reasonable course of action to you?
(the Tamarian crew find this funny) TAMARIAN [on viewscreen]: Kadir beneath Mo
Moteh. DATHON [on viewscreen]: The river Temarc!
In winter. (that wipes the smiles off their races)
Impressions, Number One? It appears they're trying their best.
As are we. For what it's worth. DATHON [on viewscreen]: Shaka, when the walls
fell. (to his officer) Darmok. TAMARIAN [on viewscreen]: (aghast) Darmok?
Rai and Jiri at Lungha! DATHON [on viewscreen]: Shaka. When the walls
fell. TAMARIAN [on viewscreen]: Zima at Anzo. Zima
and Bakor. DATHON [on viewscreen]: Darmok at Tanagra.
TAMARIAN [on viewscreen]: Shaka! Mirab, his sails unfurled.
DATHON [on viewscreen]: Darmok. TAMARIAN [on viewscreen]: Mirab.
DATHON [on viewscreen]: Temarc! The river Temarc.
(Dathon takes his aides dagger, and his own, and holds them out)
DATHON [on viewscreen]: Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra.
(Dathon beams away, then Picard) Block their transporter with the shields!
Extend to maximum range! Not enough time.
Where is he? The Tamarians have transported Captain Picard
to the planet surface along with their own captain.
Riker to O'Brien. It will not be possible to transport, sir.
The Tamarian ship has created a particle scattering field on the planet's ionosphere.
(Music)