Picard enters the Neutral Zone to meet up with an old friend Varley, the Captain of the Yomato, a ship nearly identical to the Enterprise. This is dangerous because the dreaded Romulans are in the vicinity and don't like others imposing on the Neutral Zone. As Picard dialogues with his friend, it is revealed the the Yomato has been functioning strangely. There are ripples and vibrations. Something is missing in Captain Varley's explanation of things. He does hint at a kind of quest for a culture that existed eons ago. Before he can say much more, there is a breach of some kind and the Yomato is destroyed. All aboard are killed. Soon a Romulan War Bird uncloaks and the confrontation begins. The commander of this ship insists she had nothing to do with the explosion, and had she done this, she would not have stopped at one starship. What ensues is an effort to figure out precisely what has happened. Picard insists on going down to the mysterious planet, putting himself in danger. The Enterprise begins to be compromised by whatever forces there are. To their benefit, the same thing is happening to the Romulans. Data and Worf,go down with Picard and what ensues is quite fascinating. He does some translating of ancient languages and is able to start up the computer. He discovers a portal which includes a quick trip back to the bridge of the Enterprise. Unfortunately, he receives a major jolt from the ancient machine and is disabled. PIcard feels he must destroy this device but has to find a way out. Excellent episode.
