With the disappearance of a Federation colony, the Enterprise warp speeds to action to uncover if the reason was political or something much more sinister. Along their travels, the crew must escort a scientist who may hold the key to a malfunction that places the crew in danger. Prime Directives are broken as Picard is taken for a god on a primitive world. The Romulans continue to notice Federation intrusion into the Neutral Zone and threatens war against the Enterprise. Things become much more complex as an old enemy stops by and Picard must decide if he should offer solace or choose to remain enemies as a precaution. All leading up to finally answering the motives of Starfleet and the Federation as the Enterprise continues on its mission to explore the galaxy.