Story by: Rick Berman and Michael Piller
Producer: David Livingston
Ex. Producer: Michael Piller
Created by: Gene Roddenberry
Dir.: Les Landau

Ambassador Spock: Leonard Nimoy
Capt. Jean - Luc Picard: Patrick Steward
Cmdr. William Riker: Jonathan Frakes
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge: Levar Burton
Lt. Worf: Michael Dorn
Dr. Beverly Crusher: Gates McFadden
Sarek: Mark Lennard
Counselor Deanna Troi: Marina Sirtis
Lt. Cmdr. Data: Brent Spiner
Sela: Denise Crosby
Pardek: Malachi Throne

Stardate 45233.1

The Enterprise under Captain Picard is called back to Starbase 2-34 where Admiral Bracket informs the captain about an interesting fact: Three weeks ago one of the Federation's most famous and popular ambassadors has vanished. Now he's been spotted on Romulus. The admiral insures Picard that his presence there has not been authorized. The ambassador's name is Mr. Spock. If Ambassador Spock was a traitor the ramifications would not be possible to be determined at all. 

Picard decides to meet Sarek. Some time ago he has had a mind melt with Spock's father and now he hopes to find an explanation for Spock's behavior with him. He only met him once and got most of his knowledge about Spock through history books or the mind meld with his father. Now Picard worries: He has to tell his friend that his son might be a traitor. 

But Sarek is ill. Being very familiar with his condition Perrin would never allow a visitor, but makes an exception with Picard. Though Sarek only is able to provide little information, he remembers one name: "Pardek," and he is absolutely sure that Spock is no traitor. Sarek remembers that Spock always had his way and is proud of Spock that he never gave in. Picard understands Sarek: He loves his son. Now Sarek asks him to tell Spock. 

Worf informs Picard that Gowron has rewritten Klingon history by that denying the fact that the Federation had any part in the peace process. Ready to accept his decision Picard needs a Klingon ship anyway - to approach Romulus. 

After finding photos which show Spock with Pardek, Data fills Picard in: Pardek is Senator since 9 decades. He has backed up reforms and is seen as a man of the people. By his own senate Pardek is seen as dangerous because he always has been an advocate of peace. Now Picard understands why Spock is interested to see Pardek. 

In spite of trouble Picard and Data manage to get a Klingon ship. It is arranged that both are brought to a certain spot near Romulus and back. The Klingon captain obviously is not happy to assist them, but follows his orders. While preparing to pose as a Romulan, Picard receives the message about Sarek's death... Their lives have touched each other and Picard now feels the changes inside himself. First it had been their mission to find Ambassador Spock, now he has to tell Spock about his father's death. Data inquires about Spock and Sarek and his captain shares about the differences Sarek and Spock have had for some time. 

Disguised as Romulans they beam down onto Romulus. After they inquire about an office of a person who works for the people they are arrested by soldiers of the state. Soon Pardek approaches them, identifies Picard and explains that they are not in jeopardy, the soldiers are their own men. As they ask for Spock, Spock joins them. He tells them that he is on Romulus in effort to create peace - independent on the Federation. But Picard is not happy with the answer. He needs to talk to Spock and he has to bring him a sad message. Spock senses what kind of message it is. His father has died. 

Having asked Picard to follow him, both men talk in privacy. Now Spock says that he knows about the mind meld Picard has had with his father and Picard tells Spock that his father has loved him. Not really believing this Spock explains this with his father's illness, but Picard can assure Spock: It was in his father's heart. Spock turns away and talks about his presence on Romulus. He knows that his father would not have approved. Spock tells Picard that here are some people on Romulus who would like to learn more about Vulcan philosophy. They were classified as enemies of the state. Pardek is an exception, he is sympathizing with them. Therefore Pardek has invited Spock to come to Romulus in order to make a first step towards unification. 

Picard expresses his doubts. And Spock agrees. He also sees hardly any chance for success. But Spock cannot ignore the slightest chance for peace between both cultures. Because Pardek trusts a young proconsul who has initiated many reforms, both, Spock and Pardek, see a chance to open a discussion for peace. Though both cultures do not know anything but hostilities since so many centuries it might be possible. Still Picard's questions are not answered yet. Why did Spock not tell this the Vulcan council or the Federation? Spock shares his personal reasons: When he had initiated the peace process between the Klingon Empire and the Federation he had made captain Kirk and the crew to carry out the task. Spock had been responsible for him and for the crew and is not willing any more to risk anybody's life except his own. 

Picard does not accept Spock's logic. "If I did not know better I would say your decisions are based on emotions", he says. "You are speaking like my father," Spock tells him. "I am speaking as a Starfleet captain, Sir," Picard answers and decides to stay as long as Spock's mission will take. "On one hand you are as stubborn as a certain captain of the Enterprise I used to know," Spock confronts Picard. "Then I am in good company," the captain agrees. 

On board of the Klingon ship Data makes sure he is allowed access to the Klingon computer. He intends to get into the Romulan computer system. 

On Romulus Picard and Spock meet in a restaurant. "Jolan Tru" - they are greeted by a helper who puts a flower on their desk. "May this enlighten your table!", he says. Now Picard learns from Spock about movements in all 4 Romulan regions who are interested in peace with Vulcan. As Picard wonders whether this was enough for a change Spock refers to the little flower which already made a change. A teenager, D'Tan, comes to their table and Spock introduces his friend to captain Picard. It is a young man who is very interested in learning about the Vulcan culture. After Detan showed Spock an ancient Vulcan book they use in the secret meetings he asks whether Spock will tell them more about Vulcan. Spock promises him to do so. 

Pardek approaches them. They rather talk in a place which is not as easily overheard. "Children like Detan are our future," Pardek says and tells Spock and Picard that the proconsul has agreed to a meeting. Meeting the proconsul Spock is amazed. "I did not expect to hear the Romulan proconsul speak like a member of his own underground organization," Spock says. The proconsul insures him that he will convince the senate that new ways are necessary. Both people need each other, he says and he wants to know how Vulcan might react. "Very cautiously," Spock answers, knowing that this sounds too easy to be true. 

Gathering with people from the underground organizations, Ambassador Spock and Picard do not share their enthusiasm. The honest people interested in peace and a good relationship with both peoples see their chance to be heard. Spock decides to go on meeting with the proconsul, but agrees with Picard: The proconsul should know he would never change the senate's mind. 

Discussing the events Picard challenges Spock. He knows Spock is skeptical, too and sees an immanent danger in meeting with the proconsul again. He confronts him by saying he should honestly listen to his skeptical feeling. When Spock wonders whether Picard might be influenced by Sarek, Picard has enough. "This is the second time you accuse me to speak for another person," he states. "I will always have a part of Sarek in me," Picard is sure and goes on: "but I speak for myself." Spock is impressed and shares: "Suddenly I can hear him much clearer than before - since he is dead. The arguments between us is all we had. If I transfer this onto you, Picard, I beg your pardon." 

"Your argument with Sarek is over," Picard states. "And you do not have an argument with me." "I will miss the arguments," Spock admits. "I always looked beyond logic and my father saw this as a weakness. I see it as a fountain for extraordinary strength. Sarek would have seen my mission for unification on Romulus as foolish. I cannot explain it logically, but I know I have to go on." 

"Even if you fall into a trap of the Romulans?" 

"It is best for all involved to find out what kind of trap this is. This is why I will play the role they want me to play." Now Picard looks at Spock with admiration. 

On board of the Klingon ship, Data informs them that he was not able to break through the Romulan codes. "May I assist you?" Spock offers, "I have got some experience in this." Very gladly Data accepts. Talking with Data Spock shares he is intrigued by Picard. He admires that he is analytical and without passion. "I understand why my father allowed a mind melt with him. He has nearly got Vulcan qualities." This is very interesting for Data and he tells Spock that Picard is the ideal person to him for learning how to become more human. "You have got an efficient intellect, extraordinary physical abilities; you are not hindered by emotions. Most Vulcans try to achieve what you have by your technical construction." 

"Hm!" Data's answer reveals total astonishment. "You are half human and you have chosen the Vulcan way?" 

"I have." 

"Then you have abandoned what I have tried to achieve all my life?" A noise from the PC shows Spock that he has managed to crack the code. He turns towards the consoles attempting to get access to the Romulan network. Watching Spock Data hesitates to ask. "May I ask a personal question?", he finally approaches Spock and gets permission. "When you analyze your life - do you think you have neglected your human side?" Data asks Spock. 

"I do not regret this." 

"Regret? ... quite a human expression?" Data wonders. 

"Yes, fascinating." 

Detan meets Spock and shows him some toys he grew up with. The basics of Vulcan language are written on them. Spock learns that D'Tan grew up with parents who wanted him to learn Vulcan - in hope for unification. 

Secretly Spock, Pardek, Data, Picard and others meet in the cave below the surface of Romulus. Picard got notice from Data that the Romulans have sent a subspace message saying "1400". Spock knows what it means. It is the time the announcement of the time the peace talks are scheduled for tomorrow. Suddenly a high official from Romulus and guards surround and arrest them. "Someone is a traitor!" Pardek calls out. 

"Yes, you are," Spock calmly states. 

"But, Spock, we are friends since 80 years," Pardek seems desperate. 

"You knew about Picard and Data and you knew about me," Spock continues. 

The Romulan officer turns out to be Sela, Tasha Yar's daughter. While she is still pointing her gun at Spock, the high official addresses him: "The famous Spock! Very nice. Senator Pardek, your services for the Romulan Empire will be well remembered" 

"Jolan Tru, Spock," and Senator Pardek leaves. 

Don't be sad,", the high official goes on. "Your dreams of unification are not shattered, they only will be altered: Romulus will conquer Vulcan." When Spock, Picard and Data are lead into the high official's office, she tells them that she is writing... Spock's speech. She says she loves writing, but hardly has time for it when thinking of her busy profession. 

"Maybe you would be happier in another job?" Data suggests and earns a strange look from her. All are informed that Spock will hold a speech informing the Federation and Vulcan that a group of ships with the peace mission is on the way towards Vulcan. Then the ships will take over the planet. Of course Spock does not even think of cooperating. Even as the official threatens to kill him if he did not. 

"I recon you will kill us anyway," Spock is sure. "This is why I will not cooperate." A very angry Sela snatches the speech out of Spock's hand. "I hate Vulcans. I hate their logic. I hate their arrogance! Watch!" she commands and shows a three dimensional Spock - video where he is holding the speech. Being sure it easily will be detected as a fake, Picard confronts the official. But she is sure the time of the confusion created by this will be enough to conquer Vulcan. All but Data, Spock and Picard leave in order to send the ship towards Vulcan. As the three are left alone, Spock wonders whether the Romulans know that they have cracked their code. Data is sure they did not. "Maybe we can create some trouble," Spock suggests. 

While Sela sends the ships towards Vulcan, Spock, Data and Picard have used holograms to hide themselves. When the officials and the guards come back into the room they are overwhelmed by the three who appear out of the holographic space which has covered them. The guards are knocked down and the official is held at gunpoint. Still the official is absolutely convinced that Vulcan will be taken before anybody can possibly be warned because of Spock's speech which is being aired now. 

Indeed the Federation receives a message from Ambassador Spock which is also watched by the crew of the Enterprise: "The ships approaching Vulcan are invaders which must be stopped! The ships approaching..." Suddenly the message is stopped. 

Ready to encounter the ships Riker and crew watch a Romulan bird of prey materialize in front of the ships. It destroys all of them - each having 2000 men on board. The Romulans destroyed their own forces so that no prisoners are taken. 

Data has studied the structure of the house and knows a way how to get out, because he has cared for some cameras to malfunction. "I am afraid we cannot allow you to call the guards," Data says and renders her unconscious by using the Vulcan neck pinch. 

"Not bad," Spock remarks. 

Back with the people of the underground Spock, Picard and Data learn that they intend to go on working for peace and to hope for unification. Picard expresses his best wishes and adds that the Federation, too, is looking forward to seeing that day. 

As the three leave to be beamed upon the Klingon ship Spock informs Picard that he is not coming with them. Never before has he been aware how important his presence on Romulus was. The people go through the same development the Vulcan people have gone through long ago. Spock is sure to see a development towards Vulcan philosophy on Romulus. It might take centuries and Spock sees his task in helping this development. 

"I learned it does not make sense to argue with you," Picard tells Spock. 

"But, Captain, no," Spock intervenes. "I look at our arguments as being very useful. Nearly as useful as those I had with my father." 

"Would you be surprised to hear that he, too, felt that they were as useful?" 

"What an irony, perhaps you know my father better than his own son did. My father and me never had a mind meld." 

"I offer you the chance to experience what he shared with me." Picard says and Spock takes the offer. They engage in a mind meld and Spock experiences how deeply his father has loved him. While Spock is being touched by his father's loving thoughts, gladness shows on Picard's face when Spock's and Sarek's thoughts meet.