Editor's Note: This is Part II of a twelve part television script graciously given to us by our own member John Comeaux. I hope you enjoy it and will look forward to each subsequent installment.

Author's preface: This episode occurs about two years after the episode "Pen Pals" and is a sequel to it. Thus, it fits in about the fourth season. That's all you need to know to enjoy the story.

Scene: CONFERENCE ROOM.

Picard, Riker, Troi, Worf, Crusher, Geordi, Data and Kitsman.

PICARD - Mr. Data has prepared a report for us on Drema Four and the Klingon observations.

DATA - The population of Drema Four is approximately three billion one hundred twenty-two million six hundred eleven thousand two hundred twelve. Their civilization is remarkably uniform, and shows a balanced respect for life, growth, and preservation. There is an excellent food distribution system and communications network.

GEORDI - What about space travel?

DATA - The Dremans apparently have not attempted manned or unmanned space travel, although astronomy is an active scientific pursuit. Klingon observations and our deep space probes have recorded planetary transmissions similar to radio and television from Earth's history. In fact, the parallels to late-Twentieth Century Earth are remarkable, except for space exploitation.

KITSMAN - And in the coming Dreman civil war.

DATA - The Ambassador is referring to differing viewpoints as to why Drema Four's tectonic breakup ceased so abruptly, after bringing the planet to the brink of destruction. The religious sector of the population has claimed that a "god" has caused the near-catastrophe as a lesson for the people to repent from their evil ways.

KITSMAN - It's worse than that. They offer daily prayers and petitions for mercy to their "god". It's broadcast planet-wide. The fanaticism is out of control.

TROI - Ambassador, the words "fanaticism" and "out of control" are opinions.

DATA - The anti-theists, on the other hand, point to the recorded orbit of the Enterprise as proof of alien life. Although their orbit scans are fragmentary because of the turmoil on the planet, a record of a vessel in orbit around Drema Four is otherwise unexplainable.

KITSMAN - Come on, Data. Tell them what it's really like. There is talk on the news broadcasts of censoring the religions. And there's a possibility of making a hasty entrance into a space program for which they are not prepared.

RIKER - I think you've extrapolated the facts a little too far.

TROI - In this case I must agree with the First Officer.

KITSMAN - Okay, point. Your favor. What now?

PICARD - It appears our shields are not sufficient to bring the Enterprise close to Drema Four without being detected.

WORF - A cloaking device would provide an effective means of observation at close range.

PICARD - Yes, Mr. Worf, but the Enterprise does not go sneaking about the galaxy in hiding. However, a little discretion is called for here.

GEORDI - By coming in behind the Dreman moon, we can certainly move close enough for shuttle transport. I don't think they will detect such a small ship.

PICARD - Good. My plan is to visit the planet in appropriate disguise, and get first-hand observations of the situation. I don't suppose I can talk the Ambassador into staying on the Enterprise ...

KITSMAN - No way.

PICARD - ... so I'll personally take this mission. But let me make this clear: The first visit is for data gathering only. We will refrain from making official First Contact just yet. Dr. Crusher, your artistic skills will be needed to create suitable skin for us, and to join us on the planet in case of a medical need. And Commander Data will accompany us. We will need his experience with the Dremans.

WORF - Sir, I request permission to join the away team.

PICARD - I don't think there is a danger here, Mr. Worf. I will need you to maintain constant contact with us on the planet. Would you please fashion appropriate communication devices to replace our emblems.

WORF - Yes, Captain.

RIKER - Captain, I don't think you should take this mission. I recommend that I go instead.

PICARD - Your protest is noted and logged.

RIKER - Does you decision to leave me out of the away team have anything to do with my performance on the Malcorian mission?

PICARD - Oh, no, Number One. That's not it at all. The fact is, considering our disguises and make-up, we don't even know if the Dremans have beards.

KITSMAN - Quite frankly, the issue is on Picard's shoulders. If he screws up a second time, well... (putting his hand across his throat, makes a cutting sound)

RIKER - Ambassador, you're out of line.

PICARD - As I recall, young Wesley Crusher led the geologic team for the Selcundi Drema System. Mr. La Forge, will you work with any members on his team to provide a status check on our tectonic handiwork of two years ago.

GEORDI - Yes sir. I believe Mr. Davies is on board.

PICARD - That leaves you in charge, Number One. Any questions?

RIKER - Other than direct contact, what are our options, Captain?

PICARD - That depends on our findings.

KITSMAN - What a cop out, Picard... (Stops when Troi gives him a hard look.) Okay, okay. That's the plan. When in Rome, dress like Romans.

Scene: READY ROOM

Picard and Kitsman are looking at the table viewscreen. Admiral Hayden is talking.

HAYDEN - Captain Picard, I find it very disturbing that you are only two days from Drema Four, and you don't have a plan for this mission other than "observations". The Federation has not seen such a blunder since the Nantokin observation post was discovered.

PICARD - Admiral, I will not jump to conclusions and risk further damage with a hasty plan. After our observations confirm the Klingon reports, we will be prepared to make First Contact in accordance with Starfleet regulations. That IS why Ambassador Kitsman is here, isn't it?

HAYDEN - I've put Kitsman with you to make sure you realize the implications of the success of this mission. I do not want to hear that the Federation's Flagship is the laughingstock of the galaxy. If civil war does break out, you will carry that burden for the rest of your life, Picard. Hayden out.

KITSMAN - I told you so.

PICARD - Kitsman, let's get one thing straight here and now. I don't like you. You are caustic, callous, and crude. But I'm going to work with you anyway. We have a mission, and we're going to carry out the plan with my officers. And you are not going to play these childish games anymore. One more word about taking my place and I'll throw you into the Brig and lose the key.

KITSMAN - Captain, really. I'm not a commissioned officer that you can order around.

PICARD - And neither are you the Queen of England. On this ship you are to follow my orders. Those are Starfleet regulations.

KITSMAN - Such a nervous fellow. You should spend an hour or so on Troi's couch, Captain. The therapy may do you some good. Or, it may not.

Kitsman exits.

Scene: CAPTAIN'S READY ROOM

Picard is looking out the window. Door chime rings.

PICARD - Come. (Troi enters.) Please sit down. What do you remember from our visit to Drema Four?

TROI - I take it you mean beyond the record. The one thing that stands out in my mind is the conference. You admitted that you could not see every possible outcome of your decision. Commander Riker and Lieutenant Worf were positive that we should not interfere with the planet's breakup. Dr. Pulaski and Lt. Cmdr. LaForge were positive that we should take every step to help those people. And Mr. Data, of course, agreed.

PICARD - Yes, Mr. Data. The one who reminded us of our humanity. The one who brought us to this fork in the road. He reached out to a young girl, both of them in perfect innocence.

TROI - In our discussion, you had made the decision to break contact with the planet. To leave Sarjenka to the fate of her dying world. Then you reversed that decision.

PICARD - Why? I am asking myself over and over. Was it the pressure to set an example? Was it the sound of the girl's plea for help? Was it a moment of weakness?

TROI - Or a moment of strength? I know it's not just Ambassador Kitsman that is causing your doubts...

PICARD - What? No, Kitsman is nothing but an annoyance.

TROI - And it's not just the young girl, Sarjenka.

PICARD - No... So what is it about that decision that is so troubling?

TROI - I have heard enough lectures about command decisions from you to write a book, so I won't repeat them now. But I can offer you this. The entire crew trusts you, you know that. But they have complete trust in you for one reason: You have faith in yourself. Authority is not imposed, it is accepted. We're still here -- we haven't moved. You can continue to be in command, or you can hand it over. Personally I hope you stay.

Troi exits. Picard sits, thinking.

-- to be continued