While visiting the Enterprise, Wesley Crusher protests the removal of American Indians from a planet ceded to the Cardassians.
Summary
As a result of a long-disputed treaty with the Cardassians, the Federation has agreed to return several planets to Cardassian control. One such planet is inhabited by the decendents of Native Americans. They do not wish to leave their new home, which they had spent many years searching for. Picard pleads with them, saying that the Cardassians insist on the removal of all inhabitants.
Meanwhile, Wesley Crusher has returned from Starfleet Academy for a vacation. He's out-of-character though, snappy and caustic in manner. He is rude to Geordi La Forge in the engine room. Dr. Crusher tries to talk to her son, but gets nowhere.
On the planet, Wesley comes in contact with one of the inhabitants, a Native American holy man of sorts. He guides Wesley on a journey of self-discovery, in which he talks to his father.
Eventually his guide reveals himself as The Traveler, with whom Wesley had contact years ago. Wesley decides to leave Starfleet and explore the universe with him.
The Native Americans, still insistent on staying on the planet, decide to forgo Federation citizenship and remain on the planet under the Cardassians' control.
Memorable Quotes
"Now, you be sure and dress warmly on those other planes of existance."
- - Dr. Crusher, to Wesley
"Have faith in their abilities to solve their problems on their own."
- - The Traveler
Background Information
- This episode marks the creation of the DMZ and the beginning of the Maquis. The Maquis are formed in the DS9 episodes "The Maquis, Parts I and II". They later go on to appear in Star Trek: Voyager as well.
- This was Wil Wheaton's last appearance on television as Wesley Crusher. He would later reprise the role for a cameo in Star Trek: Nemesis.
Links and References
Guest Stars
- Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher
- Eric Menyuk as The Traveler
- Doug Wert as Jack Crusher
- Tom Jackson as Lakanta
- Natalia Nogulich as Alynna Nechayev
- Ned Romero as Anthwara
- George Aguilar as Wakasa
- Richard Poe as Evek
References
2370; Dorvan V; Dorvan system; Native Americans ; Starbase 310 ; Vetar; Katowa; Pueblo Revolt; Javier Maribona Picard
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Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7 |
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