The Battle

Next Generation Episode #9

Written by Herbert Wright. Story by Larry Forrester. Directed by Rob Bowman.

Stardate: 41723.9 First aired: 14 November 1987

DaiMon Bok, of the Ferengi demands the Enterprise meets him in the Xendi Sabu system. Once there, they find an old Federation ship - Picard's last command, the USS Stargazer, a 'gift' from Bok to Picard, who he calls 'the hero of the Battle of Maxia'. Nine years ago, when he commanded the Stargazer, Picard destroyed a ship that attacked him at Maxia Zeta. This was captained by Bok's son. Picard apologises to Bok, but says he was defending himself from an unprovoked attack. Picard leads an Away Team to the Stargazer and discovers a spherical device that begins to affect his mind, making him believe he is fighting the Battle of Maxia again - and he targets the Enterprise. Every Starfleet Academy cadet is taught the brilliant 'Picard Maneuver' he used to win the original battle, so Riker is able to anticipate it. Riker contacts the Ferengi, who have mutinied against Bok's unprofitable scheme for revenge. Picard manages to destroy the sphere and escape its influence.

Guest Cast

Frank Corsentino as "Bok", Robert Towers as "Rata", Doug Warhit as "Kazago".

Trivia

• A number of scenes on the Ferengi ship that filled in details about their culture were dropped, as it was felt the Ferengi weren't working as the major villains they'd been designed to be.

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