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{{realworld}}
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{{real world}}
{{sidebar episode|
+
{{sidebar episode
<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Episode data project]] -->
+
|<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Projects/Episode data project]] -->
| aSelf = The Next Phase
+
|image = Ro and Geordi connect.jpg
| sTitle = The Next Phase
+
|writer = [[Ronald D. Moore]]
| sSeries = TNG
+
|director = [[David Carson]]
| nSeason = 5
+
|date = 45892.4 ([[2368]])
| nEpisode = 24
 
|sProductionSerialNumber = 40275-224
 
| nAirdateYear = 1992
 
| sAirdateMonth = May
 
| nAirdateDay = 18
 
| sImage = Ro and Geordi connect.jpg
 
| wsWrittenBy = [[Ronald D. Moore]]
 
| wsTeleplayBy =
 
| wsStoryBy =
 
| wsDirectedBy = [[David Carson]]
 
| nNthProducedInSeries = 123
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 123
 
| nNthReleasedInAll = 231
 
| bFeatureLength = 0
 
| nSerialAirdate = 19920518
 
| wsDate = 45892.4 ([[2368]])
 
| aNextReleasedInAll = The Inner Light (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInAll = I Borg (episode)
 
| aNextReleasedInSeries = The Inner Light (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInSeries = I Borg (episode)
 
| aNextProducedInSeries = The Inner Light (episode)
 
| aPrevProducedInSeries = I Borg (episode)
 
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = The Inner Light (episode)
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = I Borg (episode)
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
Geordi La Forge and Ensign Ro are believed dead after a transporter malfunction. However, they soon discover that their state may not actually be "death".
 
Geordi La Forge and Ensign Ro are believed dead after a transporter malfunction. However, they soon discover that their state may not actually be "death".
Line 35: Line 11:
 
==Summary==
 
==Summary==
 
===Teaser===
 
===Teaser===
[[File:Romulan science vessel, forward.jpg|thumb|A damaged Romulan science vessel]]
+
[[File:Romulan science vessel, forward.jpg|thumb|A damaged Romulan science ship]]
The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} is called to render assistance to a crippled [[Romulan]] [[starship|vessel]]. When they arrive, the vessel is adrift and has taken heavy damage. [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker]], [[Lt. Commander]] [[Geordi La Forge]], [[Ensign]] [[Ro Laren]], and [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]] [[beam]] over. When La Forge surveys the damage, he determines that the [[graviton generator]] needs to be replaced, and beams himself and Ro back to the ship along with the damaged part.
+
The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} is called to render assistance to a crippled [[Romulan]] [[Romulan science ship|vessel]]. When they arrive, the vessel is adrift and has taken heavy damage. [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker]], [[Lt. Commander]] [[Geordi La Forge]], [[Ensign]] [[Ro Laren]], and [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]] [[beam]] over. Riker orders La Forge and Ro to disarm their [[phaser]]s before going over, which Ro says is not a bright idea, drawing Riker's ire. When La Forge surveys the damage after beaming aboard, he determines that the [[graviton generator]] needs to be replaced, and beams himself and Ro back to the ship along with the damaged part.
   
However, during transport, something happens to their patterns. The [[transporter chief]] cannot get them to rematerialize, so she aborts. However, they do not rematerialize at the original coordinates as the safety protocols indicated. Riker and the [[engineer]] conclude they are gone.
+
However, during transport, something happens to their patterns. [[Transporter chief]] [[Brossmer]] cannot get their patterns to rematerialize, so she aborts the transport. However, they do not rematerialize at the original coordinates as the safety protocols indicated. Riker and the [[engineer]] conclude they are gone.
   
 
===Act One===
 
===Act One===
The Romulans are still looking at a [[core breach]]. Lt. Commander [[Data]] and two more engineers go to the ship in a [[shuttle]]. When the pressure in the core jumps up, Riker, Worf, and the Romulans are forced to [[Warp core ejection system|eject]] it manually, and do so just in time.
+
The Romulan ship is still in danger of a [[core breach|warp core breach]]. Lt. Commander [[Data]] and two more engineers go to the ship in a [[shuttle]]. When the pressure in the core suddenly rises, Riker, Worf, and the Romulans are forced to [[Warp core ejection system|eject]] it manually, doing so just in time. Riker also has the ''Enterprise'' extend [[deflector shield|shields]] around the Romulan vessel to protect it from the blast of the core breach.
   
Ensign Ro wakes up near [[sickbay]], finds that she cannot use the [[communications system]], nor does anyone notice her. She enters sickbay, only to hear from [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher]] and [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]] that she and La Forge are dead. She cannot get their attention, and when she blocks his path, Picard walks right through her.
+
Ensign Ro wakes up in a [[corridor]] in Section 23 Baker near [[sickbay]] and finds that she cannot use the [[communications system]], nor does anyone notice her. She enters sickbay, only to hear [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher]] and [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]] discussing the supposed transporter accident that caused her and La Forge to be killed. Crusher, at first, insists that Ro and La Forge may have survived and that other possibilities should be explored before declaring the missing officers dead. Picard, in turn, asserts that all possibilities have been exhausted while Crusher sadly laments that she hates making out [[death certificate]]s. As Ro overhears their conversation, she cannot get their attention, and when she tries to block his path, Picard walks right through her.
   
 
===Act Two===
 
===Act Two===
The ''Enterprise'' begins to transfer [[power]] to the Romulan ship, as Data examines the transporters for anything that could cause the safety systems to fail. He finds an [[energy]] fluctuation and begins investigating it. He also asks if he may arrange the memorial service, and Captain Picard grants his request.
+
The ''Enterprise'' begins to transfer {{dis|power|physics}} to the Romulan ship, as Data examines the transporters for anything that could cause the safety systems to fail. He finds an [[energy]] fluctuation and begins investigating it. He also asks if he may arrange the memorial service, and Captain Picard grants his request.
   
  +
On board the Romulan vessel, Worf tells Riker that the Romulans have requested a Starfleet computer, which Worf believes is a severe security risk. Riker agrees and recommends that the Romulans be given a computer system from thirty to forty years ago. This would be technology that the Romulans would already be familiar with. Worf agrees and Riker gives Worf the approval to have the equipment manufactured and the leeway to make sure that his concerns be addressed before it is installed. Worf thanks Riker for hearing out his concerns.
La Forge also soon finds that he has the same problems as Ro. When she finds him, they start speculating about what happened. La Forge and Ro take two different approaches to their apparent [[death]]. Ro tries to accept her death and be at peace with herself. La Forge is determined to figure out what happened, convinced they are still alive.
 
  +
 
La Forge also soon finds that he has the same problems as Ro. After waking up in the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s [[arboretum]] with a splitting headache, he headed for engineering. When she finds him, they start speculating about what happened. La Forge and Ro take two different approaches to their apparent [[death]]. Ro tries to accept her death and be at peace with herself, believing themselves to be [[borhya]]s, or spirits. La Forge is determined to figure out what happened, convinced they are still alive. He tells Ro he is going to Transporter Room 3 to figure a way out of the situation they are in, passing through an engineering console on his way out.
   
 
===Act Three===
 
===Act Three===
While the [[chief engineer]] begins to follow Data's investigation, Ro wanders around the ship, and finds herself in the [[captain's ready room]] when Commander Riker tells Picard that he wants to say a few words about her. This surprises and upsets her, given that she doesn't think he knows her that well. She also begins to speak her mind to the captain and others who can't hear her, telling Picard that she was glad he trusted her. After that, La Forge enters and talks her into going over to the Romulan vessel, where Data believes the problem originated. They take his shuttle, and overhear Data talking to Worf about the memorial service (to which Ro responds with a groan, "''Please, not the [[Bajoran death chant|death chant]].''")
+
While the [[chief engineer]] begins to follow Data's investigation, Ro wanders around the ship, and finds herself in the [[captain's ready room]] when Commander Riker tells Picard that he wants to say a few words about her at the memorial. She also begins to speak her mind to the captain and others who can't hear her, telling Picard that even though she is dead, and he can't see her, Ro is still intimidated by him. She thanks Picard and tells him she was glad he trusted her. After that, La Forge enters and talks her into going over to the Romulan vessel, where Data believes the problem originated. They take his shuttle and overhear Data talking to Worf about the memorial service, including whether or not it would be practical to incorporate [[Bajoran]] elements (to which Ro responds with a groan, "''Oh please, not the [[Bajoran death chant|death chant]].''")
  +
 
Using his ability to look through the casing, La Forge discovers that a central device in the Romulan engine room is a [[molecular phase inverter]], which can transform normal [[matter]] so it will pass through other matter and energy. He remembers hearing at classified briefings that the Romulans have been trying to combine inversion and [[cloaking technology]]. He realizes this explains the [[chroniton]] fields, and the pair's abilities; they ''are'' alive, just "[[out of phase]]" with normal matter and energy.
   
  +
After Data is called away, the two of them then hear the Romulan bridge officers [[Mirok]] and {{dis|Varel|Romulan}} conspiratorially discussing the danger of the Starfleet officers discovering the inverter and plotting to destroy the ''Enterprise'' by creating an undetectable [[muon]] feedback ray through the power transfer beam; as soon as the ''Enterprise'' goes to warp, her engines will explode.
Using his ability to look through the casing, he discovers that a central device in the Romulan engine room is a [[phase inverter]], which can transform normal [[matter]] so it will pass through other matter and energy. He realizes this explains the [[chroniton fields]], and the pair's abilities; they ''are'' alive, just "out of phase" with normal matter and energy.
 
   
  +
Ro and La Forge say they must return to the ''Enterprise'' immediately and find a way to reverse their condition, so they can warn the crew about the Romulan trap. As they leave the bridge, a Romulan, [[Parem]], who has been sitting in one of the bridge chairs gets up and follows them, passing through a console, showing that he is also phased and has overheard them.
After Data is called away, the two of them then hear a Romulan plot to destroy the ''Enterprise'' so they don't find out about the technology, and when they return to the ship, a phased Romulan follows them.
 
   
 
===Act Four===
 
===Act Four===
When Data and the transporter chief [[scan]] for chroniton fields, using [[anyon]]s to eliminate them, La Forge realizes that he and Ro are leaving [[chroniton]] particles behind them. La Forge tries to get Data to recognize the pattern of his movements, and accidentally finds the solution to his problem; a "careless" sweep from from Data hits Geordi on the hand, stinging him - and after discovering that this hand no longer went right through the [[master systems display table]] as easily, he realizes that the anyons partially re-phased his hand. He doubles his efforts, desperately hoping to make Data turn up the intensity so he will be brought back, but to no avail. Data gives up.
+
When Data and the transporter chief Brossmer [[scan]] for chroniton fields, using [[anyon]]s to eliminate them, La Forge realizes that he and Ro are leaving [[chroniton]] particles behind them when they go through solid objects. La Forge tries to get Data to recognize the pattern of his movements, and accidentally finds the solution to his problem; a "careless" sweep from Data hits La Forge on the hand, stinging him &ndash; and after discovering that this hand no longer went right through the [[master systems display table]] as easily, he realizes that the anyons partially re-phased his hand. He doubles his efforts, desperately hoping to make Data turn up the intensity so he will be brought back, but to no avail. Data ends his search.
   
Unfortunately, when Ro is following the transporter chief, the Romulan confronts her with a "phased" [[disruptor]]. He forces Ro to take him to La Forge, but on the other side of a wall, she jumps him, and knocks him down. A chase ensues, and Ro gets shot in the leg with the disruptor. A fist fight ensues, and La Forge enters (following Data to a very large chroniton field created by the weapon's fire) and knocks the Romulan through the ship's [[hull]], and out into [[space]], an action that saves Ro's life.
+
Unfortunately, when Ro is following the transporter chief, the Romulan confronts her on the bridge with a "phased" [[disruptor]]. He forces Ro to take him to La Forge, but on the other side of a wall, she jumps him, and knocks him down. A chase ensues, and Ro gets shot in the leg with the disruptor. A fist fight ensues, and La Forge enters (following Data to a very large chroniton field created by the weapon's fire) and knocks Parem through the ship's [[hull]], and out into [[space]], an action that saves Ro's life.
   
 
===Act Five===
 
===Act Five===
Afterward, the [[power transfer beam]] is disconnected, Picard is thanked, and they are about to engage at warp, when the transporter chief reminds him the decontamination is still going on, and they shouldn't use any major system until it has been completed. La Forge figures that for them to be returned to normal, they will have to be hit with a very large anyon field, and since it will only work for a [[millisecond]], someone will need to be looking right at them. When the memorial service in [[Ten Forward]] is announced, they go there. Joining Picard and Riker in the [[turbolift]], La Forge hears the captain, practicing his eulogy, recall their first meeting years before, while Ro anxiously wonders what Riker will say about her - but they reach Ten Forward first, leaving her even more frustrated. To Ro's shock and La Forge's pleasant surprise, the atmosphere in Ten Forward is rather festive (complete with a [[jazz]] band, which Riker eventually joins) as everyone mingles and reminisces.
+
Afterward, the [[power transfer beam]] is disconnected, Picard is thanked by Mirok and they are about to engage at warp, when the transporter chief reminds him that the decontamination is still going on, and they shouldn't use any major system until it has been completed. La Forge figures that for them to be returned to normal, they will have to be hit with a very large anyon field, and since it will only work for a [[millisecond]], someone will need to be looking right at them. Ro suggests they go somewhere where there are lots of people. When the [[memorial service]] in [[Ten Forward]] is announced, they go there. Joining Picard and Riker in the [[turbolift]], La Forge hears the captain, practicing his [[eulogy]], recalls their first meeting years before during an [[inspection tour]] on a shuttle while Ro anxiously wonders what Riker will say about her &ndash; but they reach Ten Forward first, leaving her even more frustrated. To Ro's shock and La Forge's pleasant surprise, the atmosphere in Ten Forward is rather festive (complete with a [[jazz]] band, which Riker eventually joins) as everyone mingles and reminisces.
   
  +
[[File:Geordi La Forge thanks Data for his funeral.jpg|thumb|"''Geordi, it is good to see you.''"<br />"''Thanks, Data. I've never been to a better funeral.''"]]
They start shooting everything with the disruptor - approaching Riker, Ro sarcastically notes that she would ''never'' know what he was to say about her before putting a shot through his head. Soon, the chief finds the very large field forming in Ten Forward. However, their attempts to get attention when the field strength is increased fail, and the ''Enterprise'' will need to get to [[Garadius IV]] soon. So, they make the disruptor overload, and sure enough, a much larger decontamination is attempted. This time, they are seen by Data and the Captain. As Picard wonders what they have just seen, only now does Data put their appearances together with all of the chroniton phenomena - they had been "[[cloak]]ed" in some manner, and the anyons "de-cloaked" them. When the anyon field is put on its highest setting, all of the particles are purged, and the mourners look on is disbelief as the "dearly departed" reappear at their own memorial. Right away, La Forge gives the order to take the [[warp engine]]s off line - when the ensign in charge at engineering, understandably suspicious of a command from his dead superior, contacts Picard, the captain assures him that he heard right, and the order was valid - and the [[muon]] wave is removed before they get underway. With that crisis averted, Geordi calls on the party to continue, which does with a much more joyous atmosphere.
+
They start shooting everything with the disruptor &ndash; approaching Riker, Ro sarcastically notes that she would ''never'' know what he was to say about her before putting a shot through his head. Soon, the chief finds the very large field forming in Ten Forward. However, their attempts to get attention when the field strength is increased fail, and the ''Enterprise'' will need to get to [[Garadius IV]] soon, as the diplomatic situation on the planet is worsening. So, they make the disruptor overload, and sure enough, a much larger decontamination is attempted. This time, they are seen by Data and Picard. As Picard wonders what they have just seen, only now does Data put their appearances together with all of the chroniton phenomena &ndash; they had been "[[cloak]]ed" in some manner, and the anyons "de-cloaked" them. When the anyon field is put on its highest setting, all of the particles are purged, and the mourners look on in disbelief as the "dearly departed" reappear at their own memorial. Right away, La Forge taps his [[combadge]] and gives the order to take the [[warp engine]]s offline &ndash; when the ensign in charge at engineering, understandably suspicious of a command from his dead superior, contacts Picard, the captain assures him that he heard right, and the order was valid &ndash; and the [[muon]] wave is removed before they get underway. With that crisis averted, La Forge calls on the party to continue, which does with a much more joyous atmosphere.
   
Afterward, with the pair eating after the party has concluded, Ro notes that she gained a new appreciation for her culture's [[Bajoran religion|religious beliefs]] that she once dismissed. At this confession, La Forge playfully suggests they should develop their own interphase device since if it can teach Ensign Ro humility, then it is surely capable of anything.
+
Afterward, with the pair eating after the party has concluded, Ro notes that she gained a new appreciation for her culture's [[Bajoran religion|religious beliefs]] that she once dismissed. At this confession, La Forge playfully suggests they should develop their own interphase device since if it can teach Ensign Ro humility, then it is surely capable of anything. The two share a hearty laugh.
   
 
==Memorable quotes==
 
==Memorable quotes==
"''But my [[uniform]] - my [[VISOR]] - are you saying I'm some [[blindness|blind]] [[ghost]] with clothes!?''"<br />
+
"''But my [[uniform]] &ndash; my [[VISOR]] &ndash; are you saying I'm some [[blind]] [[ghost]] with clothes!?''"<br />
 
"''I don't have all the answers! I've never been dead before!''"
 
"''I don't have all the answers! I've never been dead before!''"
 
:- '''La Forge''' and '''Ro'''
 
:- '''La Forge''' and '''Ro'''
   
   
"''I might like to say a few words...''"<br />
+
"''I might like to say a few words&hellip;''"<br />
 
"''You'' did ''know La Forge longer than any of us.''"<br />
 
"''You'' did ''know La Forge longer than any of us.''"<br />
 
"''Actually, I was thinking more about Ensign Ro''."
 
"''Actually, I was thinking more about Ensign Ro''."
Line 81: Line 62:
   
   
''"Me?!?!...Wait a minute, what're you gonna say about me?!''"
+
''"Me?!?!&hellip;'' ''Wait a minute, what're you gonna say about me?!''"
 
: - '''Ro''', overhearing Riker
 
: - '''Ro''', overhearing Riker
   
   
"''I just... wanted to say thank you...for trusting in me when no one else would.''"
+
"''I don't believe this. I'm dead, you can't even hear me and I'm still intimidated by you.''"
 
: - '''Ro''', to Picard
  +
  +
  +
"''I just&hellip; wanted to say thank you&hellip;for trusting in me when no one else would.''"
 
: - '''Ro''', believing she's dead, saying "goodbye" to Picard
 
: - '''Ro''', believing she's dead, saying "goodbye" to Picard
   
   
"''Why can't you just accept the fact...''"<br />
+
"''Why can't you just accept the fact&hellip;''"<br />
"''Look - if you're right, then we're dead, and this doesn't make any difference. But if'' I'm ''right, then we're still'' alive'' - and I'm gonna need your help!''"
+
"''Look &ndash; if you're right, then we're dead, and this doesn't make any difference. But if'' I'm ''right, then we're still'' alive'' &ndash; and I'm gonna need your help!''"
 
:- '''Ro''' and '''La Forge'''
 
:- '''Ro''' and '''La Forge'''
   
   
"''I never knew what a friend was, until I met Geordi. He spoke to me as though I were Human. He treated me no differently from anyone else. He accepted me for what I am. And that - I have learned - is friendship.''"
+
"''I never knew what a friend was, until I met Geordi. He spoke to me as though I were Human. He treated me no differently from anyone else. He accepted me for what I am. And that &ndash; I have learned &ndash; is friendship.''"
:- '''Data''' to Worf, about La Forge - who heard the whole thing
+
:- '''Data''' to Worf, about La Forge &ndash; who heard the whole thing
   
   
  +
"''Seems almost Human, doesn't he?''"
"''Data, that's a nice sentiment - but a little premature.''"
 
:- '''La Forge''', in response to Data's speech
+
: - '''Ro''', after Data calls La Forge his best friend
   
   
 
"''Data, that's a nice sentiment &ndash; but a little premature.''"
"''I'm dead!''"
 
  +
:- '''La Forge''', in response to Data's speech
: - '''Ro'''
 
   
   
"''I've been thinking about the first time I met Geordi La Forge. He was a young [[officer]], assigned to pilot me on an inspection tour, and... I made some off-hand remark about the... the shuttle's engine efficiency not being what it should, and the next morning I found that... he'd stayed up all night, re-fitting the [[fusion initiators]]. Well, I knew then that I wanted to have him with me on my next command.''"
+
"''I've been thinking about the first time I met Geordi La Forge. He was a young [[officer]], assigned to pilot me on an inspection tour, and&hellip; I made some off-hand remark about the&hellip; the shuttle's engine efficiency not being what it should, and the next morning I found that&hellip; he'd stayed up all night, re-fitting the [[Laser fusion initiator|fusion initiator]]s. Well, I knew then that I wanted to have him with me on my next command.''"
 
: - '''Picard''', practicing a eulogy he wouldn't have to give
 
: - '''Picard''', practicing a eulogy he wouldn't have to give
   
   
 
"''Have you decided what you're going to say about Ensign Ro?''"<br />
 
"''Have you decided what you're going to say about Ensign Ro?''"<br />
"''Yes I have. It wasn't easy...''"
+
"''Yes, I have. It wasn't easy&hellip;''"
 
: - '''Picard''' and '''Riker''', arriving at Ten Forward
 
: - '''Picard''' and '''Riker''', arriving at Ten Forward
   
   
"''What... ''What ''wasn't easy?!...''WHAT?!?!?!''"
+
"''What&hellip; ''What'' wasn't easy?!&hellip;'' WHAT?!?!?!''"''
 
: - '''Ro''', once again hearing not quite enough from Riker
 
: - '''Ro''', once again hearing not quite enough from Riker
   
   
"''Well, this is... unusual.''"<br />
+
"''Well, this is&hellip; unusual.''"<br />
 
(grinning widely) "''Yeah. I think I like it!''"
 
(grinning widely) "''Yeah. I think I like it!''"
:- '''Picard''' and '''Riker''' at La Forge and Ro's highly festive funeral.
+
:- '''Picard''' and '''Riker''' at La Forge and Ro's highly festive funeral
   
   
Line 128: Line 113:
   
   
"''C'mon, Data - put it all together now!!!''"
+
"''C'mon, Data &ndash; put it all together now!!!''"
 
:- '''La Forge''', having been seen by Data and Picard
 
:- '''La Forge''', having been seen by Data and Picard
   
   
"''These were not ghosts - what did we see?''"<br />
+
"''These were not ghosts &ndash; what did we see?''"<br />
"''I believe I may know what has happened, sir...''"<br />
+
"''I believe I may know what has happened, sir&hellip;''"<br />
 
"''Oh, Data,'' PLEASE ''be right!''"<br />
 
"''Oh, Data,'' PLEASE ''be right!''"<br />
"''...it would explain the mysterious chroniton fields...if they were'' cloaked ''in some way!''"<br />
+
"''&hellip;it would explain the mysterious chroniton fields&hellip;'' ''if they were'' cloaked ''in some way!''"<br />
 
"''You're saying that they're still alive?!''"<br />
 
"''You're saying that they're still alive?!''"<br />
"''If I am right, sir, they are - and in this room. Their brief appearance coincided with the anyon sweep - perhaps the anyons'' neutralize ''the cloaking effect.''"
+
"''If I am right, sir, they are &ndash; and in this room. Their brief appearance coincided with the anyon sweep &ndash; perhaps the anyons'' neutralize ''the cloaking effect.''"
 
:- '''Picard''', and '''Data''' (with a little encouragement from '''La Forge'''), figuring out what happened
 
:- '''Picard''', and '''Data''' (with a little encouragement from '''La Forge'''), figuring out what happened
   
Line 143: Line 128:
 
"''Data, do you see us?''"<br />
 
"''Data, do you see us?''"<br />
 
"''Of course.''"
 
"''Of course.''"
:- '''La Forge''', back in phase and '''Data'''
+
:- '''La Forge''', back in phase, and '''Data'''
   
   
"''Take the warp engines off-line until further notice...there's a muon wave building up in the [[dilithium chamber]].''"<br />
+
"''Take the warp engines off-line until further notice&hellip; there's a muon wave building up in the [[dilithium chamber]].''"<br />
"''Captain...'' who ''gave that order?!''"<br />
+
"''Captain&hellip;'' who ''gave that order?!''"<br />
"''That was Commander Geordi La Forge, Ensign - please follow his instructions.''"
+
"''That was Commander Geordi La Forge, ensign &ndash; please follow his instructions.''"
:- '''La Forge''' (aware of the Romulan sabotage), '''Engineering Ensign''' (suspicious of an order from his "dead" superior), and '''Picard''' (assuring him that it ''was'' in fact Geordi)
+
:- '''La Forge''' (aware of the Romulan sabotage), '''Engineering ensign''' (suspicious of an order from his "dead" superior), and '''Picard''' (assuring him that it ''was'' in fact La Forge)
   
   
"''Looks like a great party - mind if we join you?''"
+
"''Looks like a great party &ndash; mind if we join you?''"
 
:- '''La Forge''', having re-appeared at his own funeral
 
:- '''La Forge''', having re-appeared at his own funeral
   
Line 163: Line 148:
 
:- '''La Forge'''
 
:- '''La Forge'''
   
==Background Information==
+
==Background information==
=== Story and production ===
+
=== Production history ===
 
* Production meeting: {{d|13|March|1992}} ("I Borg" call sheet)
* According to [[Michael Piller]], "''I get a little tired of Romulans and I was a little reluctant to make this a Romulan show...It had been pitched as actually similar stories by two people. We brought the ideas and combined them into one and [[Ronald D. Moore|Ron]] developed the story and wrote it. I think it's terribly important to give credit to Ron Moore for the work he did this season.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
  +
* Final draft script: [[15 March]] 1992 {{Star Trek Minutiae|resources/scripts/224.txt}}
* According to [[Brannon Braga]], the story originally involved Troi rather than Ro. He noted, "''Troi's had enough running and jumping this year. We felt why not give Ro something and I'm glad she did, because she kicks a Romulan in the chest and does a kick worthy of {{w|Bruce Lee}}. She's some sort of acrobat. That scene in my opinion makes the whole show.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
 
* Premiere airdate: {{d|18|May|1992}}
* While originally intended to be a cost-cutting [[bottle show]], this episode ended up being one of the most expensive of the season due to the special effects required. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
 
  +
* First UK airdate: {{d|31|May|1995}}
* Director [[David Carson]] recalled, "''This was an extremely difficult episode to do, because it dealt with special effects of a type people were familiar with from ''{{w|Ghost (film)|Ghost}}'', which ''Star Trek'' had never attempted before. It was one of the most difficult technical episodes they'd ever done just by the nature of having people walk through people and an environment where people exist in different phases. I thought the story hung together quite well, and it turned out in quite a good way.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
  +
* [[Rick Berman]] added, "''It was very difficult to shoot in blue screen with people putting their hands through consoles and walls. It looked relatively easy on paper, but took a lot of time to make the visual effects work.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
  +
=== Story and script ===
* Production Meeting for this episode took place on Friday {{d|13|March|1992}} at 2:00 p.m. ("I Borg" call sheet)
 
  +
* The story originated with two pitches which were both purchased and combined into one. [[Michael Piller]] was at first hesitant to use the [[Romulan]]s as he felt they were overused on the series. (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 246)
* The second [[Jazz]] piece played during the funeral service is "When the Saints Go Marching In".
 
 
* The story originally involved Troi rather than Ro. [[Brannon Braga]] recalled, "''Troi's had enough running and jumping this year. We felt why not give Ro something and I'm glad she did, because she kicks a Romulan in the chest and does a kick worthy of {{w|Bruce Lee}}. She's some sort of acrobat. That scene in my opinion makes the whole show.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', pp. 246-247)
* First UK airdate: 31 May 1995
 
  +
* [[Ronald D. Moore]] noted, "''We were always trying to find ways to work Ro into our scripts. She was someone you could count on to bring spark into any scene and stir up conflict with the other characters. That's the kind of thing a writer is always looking for.''" (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation 365]]'', p. 261)
  +
  +
=== Production ===
 
* While originally intended to be a cost-cutting [[bottle show]], this episode ended up being one of the most expensive of the season due to the special effects required. ({{tngc|2|203}})
 
* Director [[David Carson]] recalled, "''This was an extremely difficult episode to do, because it dealt with special effects of a type people were familiar with from ''{{wt|Ghost (1990 film)|Ghost}}'', which ''Star Trek'' had never attempted before. It was one of the most difficult technical episodes they'd ever done just by the nature of having people walk through people and an environment where people exist in different phases.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 246)
 
* [[Rick Berman]] added, "''It was very difficult to shoot in blue screen with people putting their hands through consoles and walls. It looked relatively easy on paper, but took a lot of time to make the visual effects work.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 246)
  +
* [[Michelle Forbes]] and [[LeVar Burton]] spent two long days filming the necessary blue screen sequences, which required many takes. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation 365]]'', p. 261)
  +
* The production meeting for this episode took place on Friday {{d|13|March|1992}} at 2:00 pm. ("I Borg" call sheet)
 
* The first [[Jazz]] piece played during the funeral service is "[[Down by the Riverside]]". The second is "[[When the Saints Go Marching In]]".
  +
  +
=== Cast and characters ===
  +
* All three of the guest actors playing Romulans ([[Thomas Kopache]], [[Susanna Thompson]], and [[Brian Cousins]]) went on to play numerous other roles in various ''Star Trek'' episodes and films.
   
 
=== Continuity ===
 
=== Continuity ===
*The Romulans were experimenting with a [[molecular phase inverter]] to create an [[Phasing cloaking device|interphase cloak]]. This is similar to what the {{USS|Pegasus}} illegally attempted to test in {{e|The Pegasus}}. Geordi ominously foreshadows this in his penultimate sentence: ''"Well, maybe we should develop our own interphase device."''
+
* The Romulans were experimenting with a [[molecular phase inverter]] to create an [[phasing cloaking device|interphase cloak]]. This is similar to what the {{USS|Pegasus}} illegally attempted to test in {{e|The Pegasus}}. La Forge foreshadows this in his penultimate sentence: "''Well, maybe we should develop our own interphase device.''" According to [[Ron D. Moore]], the technology seen in this episode and in ''The Pegasus'' were indeed meant to be based on the same technology. {{AOLchat|Ronald D. Moore|ron046|1997}}
*The [[stardate]] of this episode is derived from Ro's [[death certificate]].
+
* The [[stardate]] of this episode is derived from Ro's [[death certificate]].
*In {{e|Timescape}}, the ''Enterprise''-D would also transfer power to a Romulan vessel via a [[power transfer beam]] which, if uninterrupted, would destroy the ship.
+
* In {{e|Timescape}}, the ''Enterprise''-D also transferred power to a Romulan vessel via a [[power transfer beam]] which, if uninterrupted, would destroy the ship.
  +
* No explanation is provided on how Ro and La Forge can pass through walls but not fall through the floor.
  +
  +
=== Apocrypha ===
  +
*The ''Enterprise''{{'}}s next assignment to Garadius IV would be detailed in the ''[[Star Trek: Titan]]'' novella ''[[Absent Enemies]]''.
   
 
=== Reception ===
 
=== Reception ===
  +
* Ronald D. Moore commented, "''The episode was a kick. I really enjoyed the ghost story aspect of it. You know: getting to go to your own funeral, walking around on the ''Enterprise'' with people mourning you, watching Riker play his [[trombone]] at your wake.''" (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation 365]]'', p. 261)
* Rick Berman remarked, "''I hate that title, but I'm very pleased with the episode. It's a wonderful high concept story. The story really pumps along and there's great Romulan mystique and some wonderful things with people running through walls and the audience gets to see two different realities...It's a great piece of science fiction.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
+
* Rick Berman remarked, "''I hate that title, but I'm very pleased with the episode. It's a wonderful high concept story. The story really pumps along and there's great Romulan mystique and some wonderful things with people running through walls and the audience gets to see two different realities [&hellip;] It's a great piece of science fiction.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 246)
  +
* David Carson stated, "''I thought the story hung together quite well, and it turned out in quite a good way.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 246)
  +
* A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in {{STNG|21|54-56}}.
   
 
===Awards===
 
===Awards===
Line 186: Line 190:
   
 
===Video and DVD releases===
 
===Video and DVD releases===
*Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 62, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|15|March|1993}}
+
* Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 62, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|15|March|1993}}
*As part of the UK VHS collection ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition]]'', under the "La Forge" section, {{d|29|September|1997}}
+
* As part of the UK VHS collection ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - 10th Anniversary Collector's Edition]]'', under the "La Forge" section, {{d|29|September|1997}}
*UK re-release (three-episode tapes, [[Paramount Home Entertainment]]): Volume 5.8, {{d|23|December|2002}}
+
* UK re-release (three-episode tapes, [[Paramount Home Entertainment]]): Volume 5.8, {{d|23|December|2002}}
*As part of the [[TNG Season 5 DVD]] collection
+
* As part of the [[TNG Season 5 DVD]] collection
   
 
== Links and references ==
 
== Links and references ==
 
=== Starring ===
 
=== Starring ===
* [[Patrick Stewart]] as [[Captain|Capt.]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]]
+
* [[Patrick Stewart]] as [[Capt.]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]]
* [[Jonathan Frakes]] as [[Commander|Cmdr.]] [[William T. Riker|William Riker]]
+
* [[Jonathan Frakes]] as [[Cmdr.]] [[William T. Riker|William Riker]]
   
 
=== Also starring ===
 
=== Also starring ===
 
* [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Cmdr.]] [[Geordi La Forge]]
 
* [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Cmdr.]] [[Geordi La Forge]]
 
* [[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Worf]]
 
* [[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Worf]]
* [[Gates McFadden]] as [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher]]
+
* [[Gates McFadden]] as [[Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher]]
 
* [[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]]
 
* [[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]]
 
* [[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Commander]] [[Data]]
 
* [[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Commander]] [[Data]]
Line 206: Line 210:
 
* [[Michelle Forbes]] as [[Ro Laren]]
 
* [[Michelle Forbes]] as [[Ro Laren]]
 
* [[Thomas Kopache]] as [[Mirok]]
 
* [[Thomas Kopache]] as [[Mirok]]
* [[Susanna Thompson]] as [[Varel]]
+
* [[Susanna Thompson]] as {{dis|Varel|Romulan}}
 
* [[Shelby Leverington]] as [[Brossmer]]
 
* [[Shelby Leverington]] as [[Brossmer]]
 
* [[Brian Cousins]] as [[Parem]]
 
* [[Brian Cousins]] as [[Parem]]
Line 214: Line 218:
   
 
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
 
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
* [[K.C. Amos]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Male operations division officer (2368)|operations division officer]]
+
* [[K.C. Amos]] as [[USS Enterprise-D engineer 016|operations division officer]]
 
* [[David Keith Anderson]] as [[Armstrong]]
 
* [[David Keith Anderson]] as [[Armstrong]]
* [[Rachen Assapiomonwait]] as [[Nelson (Starfleet)|Nelson]]
+
* [[Arratia]] as [[Alfonse Pacelli]]
  +
* [[Rachen Assapiomonwait]] as {{dis|Nelson|Starfleet}}
* [[Lena Banks]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female Engineer Ensign|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Steven Bosnyak]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Security ensign (2369)|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Lena Banks]] as [[USS Enterprise-D engineer ensign 004|operations division ensign]]
  +
* [[Cece Bell]] as [[Enterprise-D command female officer 005|command division officer]]
 
* [[Steven Bosnyak]] as [[USS Enterprise-D tactical operations 007|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Michael Braveheart]] as [[Martinez]]
 
* [[Michael Braveheart]] as [[Martinez]]
* [[Carl David Burks]] as [[Russell]]
+
* [[Debbie David]] as [[Russell]]
 
* [[Tracee Lee Cocco]] as [[Jae]]
 
* [[Tracee Lee Cocco]] as [[Jae]]
 
* [[Cooper]] as [[Reel]]
 
* [[Cooper]] as [[Reel]]
* [[Tony Cruz]] as [[Lopez (Ensign)|Lopez]]
+
* [[Tony Cruz]] as {{dis|Lopez|Ensign}}
* [[Denise Deuschle]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Bridge science division officer (2367-2368)|science division officer]]
+
* [[Denise Deuschle]] as [[Enterprise-D science bridge officer 002|science division officer]]
* [[Elliot Durant III]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Operations division Ensign|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Elliot Durant III]] as [[USS Enterprise-D ops operations 009|operations division ensign]]
* [[Lanier Edwards]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command division lieutenant (2368)|command division lieutenant]]
+
* [[Lanier Edwards]] as [[Enterprise-D command lieutenant 002|command division lieutenant]]
* [[Gunnel Eriksson]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female science division officer (2368-2371)|science division officer]]
+
* [[Gunnel Eriksson]] as [[Enterprise-D science officer 006|science division officer]]
* [[Gina Gallante]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Nurse (2368)|science division officer]]
+
* [[Gina Gallante]] as [[Enterprise-D science nurse 006|science division officer]]
* [[Keith Gearhart]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Operations/ Science division crewman|science division officer]]
+
* [[Keith Gearhart]] as [[USS Enterprise-D ops officer 003|science division officer]]
* [[Eben Ham]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Security ensign|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Melba Gonzalez]] as [[Enterprise-D memorial service 002|command officer]]
 
* [[Eben Ham]] as [[USS Enterprise-D tactical operations 006|operations division ensign]]
* [[Linda Harcharic]] as [[Sousa]]
 
* [[Grace Harrell]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female operations officer|operations division officer]]
+
* [[Linda Harcharic]] as [[USS Enterprise-D conn officer 006|command division ensign]]
* [[Christie Haydon]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Flight controller (2369)|command division ensign]]
+
* [[Grace Harrell]] as [[USS Enterprise-D engineer 020|operations division officer]]
  +
* [[Melanie Hathorn]] as [[Enterprise-D science officer 004|civilian]]
* [[Arvo Katajisto]] as [[Unnamed Romulans (24th century)#Science vessel personnel|Romulan officer]]
 
* [[Mark Lentry]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Candlelight lieutenant|lieutenant]]
+
* [[Christie Haydon]] as [[USS Enterprise-D conn officers command 012|command division ensign]]
* [[Debbie Marsh]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female bridge command officer (2366)|command division ensign]]
+
* {{dis|Hunt|actor}} as [[USS Enterprise-D security guard 021|operations division officer]]
* [[Melba]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command division memorial service attendee|command division officer]]
+
* [[Gary Hunter]] as [[Enterprise-D science officer 016|science division officer]]
 
* [[Arvo Katajisto]] as [[Romulan 24th officer 015|Romulan officer]]
  +
* [[Mark Lentry]] as [[Enterprise-D science lieutenant 001|lieutenant]]
  +
* [[Debbie Marsh]] as [[Enterprise-D command female bridge officer 002|command division ensign]]
 
* [[Lorine Mendell]] as [[Diana Giddings]]
 
* [[Lorine Mendell]] as [[Diana Giddings]]
* [[Michael Moorehead]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Bridge science ensign|science division ensign]]
+
* [[Rad Milo]] as [[USS Enterprise-D ops officer 001|civilian]]
  +
* [[Michael Moorehead]] as [[Enterprise-D science bridge ensign 001|science division ensign]]
* [[Randy Pflug]] as [[Jones (Lieutenant)|Jones]]
 
* [[Joyce Robinson]] as [[Gates]]
+
* [[Randy Pflug]] as {{dis|Jones|Lieutenant}}
* [[Victor Sein]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command division officer|command division officer]]
+
* [[Brandy Pickett]] as [[Enterprise-D science officer 005|science division officer]]
 
* [[Joycelyn Robinson]] as [[Gates]]
* [[Noriko Suzuki]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female engineer|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[John Tampoya]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Operations/ Command Ensign|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Victor Sein]] as [[USS Enterprise-D command tech 001|command division officer]]
  +
* [[Noriko Suzuki]] as [[USS Enterprise-D engineer ensign 003|operations division ensign]]
  +
* [[John Tampoya]] as [[USS Enterprise-D ops officer 002|operations division ensign]]
  +
* [[Uchizono]] as [[USS Enterprise-D conn officers command 003|civilian]]
  +
* [[Louis Van Taylor]] as [[USS Enterprise-D musicians 001|musician]]
 
* [[Guy Vardaman]] as [[Darien Wallace]]
 
* [[Guy Vardaman]] as [[Darien Wallace]]
* [[Dru Wagner]] as [[Daniels (Chief)|Daniels]]
+
* [[Dru Wagner]] as {{dis|Daniels|Chief}}
* [[Christina Wegler Miles]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Flight controller (2368)|command division ensign]]
+
* [[Christina Wegler Miles]] as [[USS Enterprise-D conn officers command 010|command division ensign]]
 
* [[Unknown performers]] as
 
* [[Unknown performers]] as
  +
** [[Enterprise-D memorial service 001|Command division lieutenant]]
** [[Alfonse Pacelli]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female science officer at memorial service|Female science division officer]]
+
** [[USS Enterprise-D engineer 023|Female operations division officer]]
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Tuba player|Operations division ensign]]
+
** [[Enterprise-D science officer 001|Female science division officer]]
  +
** [[Enterprise-D science officer 012|Female science division officer]]
** [[Unnamed Romulans (24th century)#Science vessel personnel|Romulan voices]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Candlelight lieutenant|Science division lieutenant (voice)]]
+
** [[Enterprise-D science officer 029|Female science division officer]]
  +
** [[Enterprise-D command male officer 007|Male civilian]]
** [[Unnamed Romulans (24th century)#Science vessel personnel|Three Romulan officers]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Memorial service musicians|Two musicians]]
+
** [[USS Enterprise-D musicians 001|Musician]]
  +
** [[USS Enterprise-D operations ensign 004|Operations division ensign]]
  +
** [[USS Enterprise-D engineer 022|Operations division officer]]
  +
** [[Romulan 24th science officers 000|Romulan voices]]
  +
** [[Enterprise-D science lieutenant 001|Science division lieutenant (voice)]]
  +
** [[Ten Forward staff 002|Ten Forward waiter]]
  +
** [[Ten Forward staff 002|Ten Forward waiter]]
  +
** [[Romulan 24th officer 016|Three]] [[Romulan 24th officer 017|Romulan]] [[Romulan 24th officer 018|officers]]
   
 
=== Stunt doubles ===
 
=== Stunt doubles ===
* [[Irving E. Lewis]] as [[stunt double]] for [[LeVar Burton]]
+
* [[Irving Lewis]] as [[stunt double]] for [[LeVar Burton]]
 
* [[Tom Morga]] as stunt double for [[Brian Cousins]]
 
* [[Tom Morga]] as stunt double for [[Brian Cousins]]
 
* [[Patricia Tallman]] as stunt double for [[Michelle Forbes]]
 
* [[Patricia Tallman]] as stunt double for [[Michelle Forbes]]
   
 
=== Stand-ins ===
 
=== Stand-ins ===
* [[David Keith Anderson]] - [[stand-in]] for [[LeVar Burton]]
+
* [[David Keith Anderson]] &ndash; [[stand-in]] for [[LeVar Burton]]
* [[Nora Leonhardt]] - stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]]
+
* [[Nora Leonhardt]] &ndash; stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]]
* [[Tim McCormack]] - stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]]
+
* [[Tim McCormack]] &ndash; stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]]
* [[Lorine Mendell]] - stand-in for [[Gates McFadden]] & [[Michelle Forbes]]
+
* [[Lorine Mendell]] &ndash; stand-in for [[Gates McFadden]] and [[Michelle Forbes]]
* [[Richard Sarstedt]] - stand-in for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
+
* [[Richard Sarstedt]] &ndash; stand-in for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
* [[Dennis Tracy]] - stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]]
+
* [[Dennis Tracy]] &ndash; stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]]
* [[James Washington]] - stand-in for [[Michael Dorn]]
+
* [[James Washington]] &ndash; stand-in for [[Michael Dorn]]
  +
  +
=== References ===
 
[[2340]]; [[2358]]; [[2362]]; [[anyon]]; [[anyon emitter]]; [[arboretum]]; [[auto-eject system]]; [[Bajoran]]; [[Bajoran death chant]]; [[Bajoran Liaison Office]]; [[best friend]]; ''[[Borhya]]''; [[central computer]]; [[chroniton]]; [[cloaking device]]; [[computer core]]; [[containment chamber]]; [[death certificate]]; [[demotion]]; [[Dilithium crystal chamber|dilithium chamber]]; [[disruptor]]; "[[Down by the Riverside]]"; [[emergency bulkhead]]; [[energizing coil]]; [[engine core]]; [[ETA]]; [[euphonium]]; [[Federation]]; [[Galaxy class decks|''Galaxy'' class decks]]; [[Garadius IV]]; [[Garadius system]]; [[Garon II]] (Garon IV); [[ghost]]; ''[[Goddard]]''; [[graviton field generator]] ([[graviton generator]]); [[imaging scanner]]; [[inspection tour]]; [[interphase]]; [[interphase generator]]; [[jazz]]; [[kolem]]; [[lateral sensor array]]; [[level 1 diagnostic]]; [[level 3 diagnostic]]; [[line of duty]]; [[main shuttlebay]]; [[main power]]; [[melakol]]; [[memorial service]]; [[Mirok's science ship]]; [[molecular phase inverter]]; [[molecular structure]]; [[mourn]]; [[muon]]; [[number one]]; [[particles per second]]; [[percent]]; [[power transfer beam]]; [[prototype]]; [[replicator]]; [[resonator coil]]; [[roll]]; [[Romulan]]s; [[Romulan 24th captain 002|Romulan captain]]; [[Romulan science ship]]; [[Romulan space]]; [[Romulan Star Empire]]; [[push-up]]; [[science officer]]; [[scientific officer]]; [[splitting headache]] ([[headache]]); [[Ro Gale]]; [[Ro Talia]]; [[sensor return signal]]; [[subspace resonator]]; "[[This Land Is Your Land]]"; [[transporter]]; [[transporter beam]]; [[transporter malfunction]]; [[transporter range]]; [[transporter room|Transporter Room 3]]; [[transporter system]]; [[tricorder]]; [[trombone]]; [[trumpet]]; [[turbolift]]; [[Unnamed Federation shuttles#Data's shuttle|unnamed shuttle]]; ''[[Von Braun]]''; [[warp core breach]]; "[[When the Saints Go Marching In]]"
   
===References===
+
==== Other references ====
  +
* '''Personal appointment log:''' {{revname|Gabrielle|Beaumont|Commander}}; {{revname|Brannon|Braga|Commander}}; [[child psychology]]; {{revname|June|Haymore|Starfleet}}; {{revname|Chris|McBee|Starfleet}}; {{revname|Patricia|Miller|Lieutenant}}; [[Personal appointment log]]; {{revname|Gerald|Quist|Starfleet}}; {{revname|Elaina|Vescio|Lieutenant}}; {{revname|Lazard|Ward|Starfleet}}; {{revname|Joy|Zapata|Starfleet}}
[[anyon emitter]]; [[arboretum]]; [[auto-eject system]]; [[Bajoran death chant]]; [[Bajoran Liaison Office]]; ''[[Borhya]]''; [[central computer]]; [[chroniton]]; [[cloaking device]]; [[computer core]]; [[containment chamber]]; [[death certificate]]; [[Dilithium crystal chamber|dilithium chamber]]; [[disruptor]]; ''"[[Down by the Riverside]]"''; [[emergency bulkhead]]; [[energizing coil]]; [[engine core]]; [[Federation]]; [[Garadius IV]]; [[Garadius system]]; [[Garon IV]]; [[ghost]]; [[graviton field generator]] ([[graviton generator]]); [[imaging scanner]]; [[interphase generator]]; [[jazz]]; [[kolem]]; [[lateral sensor array]]; [[level 1 diagnostic]]; [[level 3 diagnostic]]; [[main power]]; [[melakol]]; [[memorial service]]; [[molecular phase inverter]]; [[muon]]; [[power transfer beam]]; [[prototype]]; [[replicator]]; [[resonator coil]]; [[Romulan]]s; [[Romulan Star Empire]]; [[push-up]]; [[science officer]]; [[Ro Gale]]; [[Ro Talia]]; [[sensor return signal]]; [[subspace resonator]]; [[tricorder]]; [[trombone]]; [[trumpet]]; [[tuba]]; [[turbolift]]; [[warp core breach]]; ''"[[When the Saints Go Marching In]]"''
 
   
===External link===
+
=== External links ===
*{{Wikipedia|The Next Phase}}
+
* {{startrek.com|database_article/next-phase|"The Next Phase"|external}}
  +
* {{mbeta-quote|The Next Phase}}
  +
* {{Wikipedia-quote|The Next Phase}}
  +
* {{ml|the-next-phase|"The Next Phase"|external}}
  +
* {{st-minutiae|resources/scripts/224.txt|"The Next Phase" script|external}}
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=5|last={{e|I Borg}}|next={{e|The Inner Light}}}}
 
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[[de:So nah und doch so fern]]
 
[[de:So nah und doch so fern]]
 
[[es:The Next Phase]]
 
[[es:The Next Phase]]
[[fr:The Next Phase]]
+
[[fr:The Next Phase (épisode)]]
 
[[it:Un'altra dimensione (episodio)]]
 
[[it:Un'altra dimensione (episodio)]]
[[ja:TNG:転送事故の謎]]
+
[[ja:転送事故の謎(エピソード)]]
 
[[nl:The Next Phase]]
 
[[nl:The Next Phase]]
 
[[pl:The Next Phase]]
 
[[pl:The Next Phase]]

Latest revision as of 06:22, 6 February 2024

Real world article
(written from a Production point of view)

Geordi La Forge and Ensign Ro are believed dead after a transporter malfunction. However, they soon discover that their state may not actually be "death".

Summary

Teaser

Romulan science vessel, forward

A damaged Romulan science ship

The USS Enterprise-D is called to render assistance to a crippled Romulan vessel. When they arrive, the vessel is adrift and has taken heavy damage. Commander William T. Riker, Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge, Ensign Ro Laren, and Lieutenant Worf beam over. Riker orders La Forge and Ro to disarm their phasers before going over, which Ro says is not a bright idea, drawing Riker's ire. When La Forge surveys the damage after beaming aboard, he determines that the graviton generator needs to be replaced, and beams himself and Ro back to the ship along with the damaged part.

However, during transport, something happens to their patterns. Transporter chief Brossmer cannot get their patterns to rematerialize, so she aborts the transport. However, they do not rematerialize at the original coordinates as the safety protocols indicated. Riker and the engineer conclude they are gone.

Act One

The Romulan ship is still in danger of a warp core breach. Lt. Commander Data and two more engineers go to the ship in a shuttle. When the pressure in the core suddenly rises, Riker, Worf, and the Romulans are forced to eject it manually, doing so just in time. Riker also has the Enterprise extend shields around the Romulan vessel to protect it from the blast of the core breach.

Ensign Ro wakes up in a corridor in Section 23 Baker near sickbay and finds that she cannot use the communications system, nor does anyone notice her. She enters sickbay, only to hear Doctor Beverly Crusher and Captain Jean-Luc Picard discussing the supposed transporter accident that caused her and La Forge to be killed. Crusher, at first, insists that Ro and La Forge may have survived and that other possibilities should be explored before declaring the missing officers dead. Picard, in turn, asserts that all possibilities have been exhausted while Crusher sadly laments that she hates making out death certificates. As Ro overhears their conversation, she cannot get their attention, and when she tries to block his path, Picard walks right through her.

Act Two

The Enterprise begins to transfer power to the Romulan ship, as Data examines the transporters for anything that could cause the safety systems to fail. He finds an energy fluctuation and begins investigating it. He also asks if he may arrange the memorial service, and Captain Picard grants his request.

On board the Romulan vessel, Worf tells Riker that the Romulans have requested a Starfleet computer, which Worf believes is a severe security risk. Riker agrees and recommends that the Romulans be given a computer system from thirty to forty years ago. This would be technology that the Romulans would already be familiar with. Worf agrees and Riker gives Worf the approval to have the equipment manufactured and the leeway to make sure that his concerns be addressed before it is installed. Worf thanks Riker for hearing out his concerns.

La Forge also soon finds that he has the same problems as Ro. After waking up in the Enterprise's arboretum with a splitting headache, he headed for engineering. When she finds him, they start speculating about what happened. La Forge and Ro take two different approaches to their apparent death. Ro tries to accept her death and be at peace with herself, believing themselves to be borhyas, or spirits. La Forge is determined to figure out what happened, convinced they are still alive. He tells Ro he is going to Transporter Room 3 to figure a way out of the situation they are in, passing through an engineering console on his way out.

Act Three

While the chief engineer begins to follow Data's investigation, Ro wanders around the ship, and finds herself in the captain's ready room when Commander Riker tells Picard that he wants to say a few words about her at the memorial. She also begins to speak her mind to the captain and others who can't hear her, telling Picard that even though she is dead, and he can't see her, Ro is still intimidated by him. She thanks Picard and tells him she was glad he trusted her. After that, La Forge enters and talks her into going over to the Romulan vessel, where Data believes the problem originated. They take his shuttle and overhear Data talking to Worf about the memorial service, including whether or not it would be practical to incorporate Bajoran elements (to which Ro responds with a groan, "Oh please, not the death chant.")

Using his ability to look through the casing, La Forge discovers that a central device in the Romulan engine room is a molecular phase inverter, which can transform normal matter so it will pass through other matter and energy. He remembers hearing at classified briefings that the Romulans have been trying to combine inversion and cloaking technology. He realizes this explains the chroniton fields, and the pair's abilities; they are alive, just "out of phase" with normal matter and energy.

After Data is called away, the two of them then hear the Romulan bridge officers Mirok and Varel conspiratorially discussing the danger of the Starfleet officers discovering the inverter and plotting to destroy the Enterprise by creating an undetectable muon feedback ray through the power transfer beam; as soon as the Enterprise goes to warp, her engines will explode.

Ro and La Forge say they must return to the Enterprise immediately and find a way to reverse their condition, so they can warn the crew about the Romulan trap. As they leave the bridge, a Romulan, Parem, who has been sitting in one of the bridge chairs gets up and follows them, passing through a console, showing that he is also phased and has overheard them.

Act Four

When Data and the transporter chief Brossmer scan for chroniton fields, using anyons to eliminate them, La Forge realizes that he and Ro are leaving chroniton particles behind them when they go through solid objects. La Forge tries to get Data to recognize the pattern of his movements, and accidentally finds the solution to his problem; a "careless" sweep from Data hits La Forge on the hand, stinging him – and after discovering that this hand no longer went right through the master systems display table as easily, he realizes that the anyons partially re-phased his hand. He doubles his efforts, desperately hoping to make Data turn up the intensity so he will be brought back, but to no avail. Data ends his search.

Unfortunately, when Ro is following the transporter chief, the Romulan confronts her on the bridge with a "phased" disruptor. He forces Ro to take him to La Forge, but on the other side of a wall, she jumps him, and knocks him down. A chase ensues, and Ro gets shot in the leg with the disruptor. A fist fight ensues, and La Forge enters (following Data to a very large chroniton field created by the weapon's fire) and knocks Parem through the ship's hull, and out into space, an action that saves Ro's life.

Act Five

Afterward, the power transfer beam is disconnected, Picard is thanked by Mirok and they are about to engage at warp, when the transporter chief reminds him that the decontamination is still going on, and they shouldn't use any major system until it has been completed. La Forge figures that for them to be returned to normal, they will have to be hit with a very large anyon field, and since it will only work for a millisecond, someone will need to be looking right at them. Ro suggests they go somewhere where there are lots of people. When the memorial service in Ten Forward is announced, they go there. Joining Picard and Riker in the turbolift, La Forge hears the captain, practicing his eulogy, recalls their first meeting years before during an inspection tour on a shuttle while Ro anxiously wonders what Riker will say about her – but they reach Ten Forward first, leaving her even more frustrated. To Ro's shock and La Forge's pleasant surprise, the atmosphere in Ten Forward is rather festive (complete with a jazz band, which Riker eventually joins) as everyone mingles and reminisces.

Geordi La Forge thanks Data for his funeral

"Geordi, it is good to see you."
"Thanks, Data. I've never been to a better funeral."

They start shooting everything with the disruptor – approaching Riker, Ro sarcastically notes that she would never know what he was to say about her before putting a shot through his head. Soon, the chief finds the very large field forming in Ten Forward. However, their attempts to get attention when the field strength is increased fail, and the Enterprise will need to get to Garadius IV soon, as the diplomatic situation on the planet is worsening. So, they make the disruptor overload, and sure enough, a much larger decontamination is attempted. This time, they are seen by Data and Picard. As Picard wonders what they have just seen, only now does Data put their appearances together with all of the chroniton phenomena – they had been "cloaked" in some manner, and the anyons "de-cloaked" them. When the anyon field is put on its highest setting, all of the particles are purged, and the mourners look on in disbelief as the "dearly departed" reappear at their own memorial. Right away, La Forge taps his combadge and gives the order to take the warp engines offline – when the ensign in charge at engineering, understandably suspicious of a command from his dead superior, contacts Picard, the captain assures him that he heard right, and the order was valid – and the muon wave is removed before they get underway. With that crisis averted, La Forge calls on the party to continue, which does with a much more joyous atmosphere.

Afterward, with the pair eating after the party has concluded, Ro notes that she gained a new appreciation for her culture's religious beliefs that she once dismissed. At this confession, La Forge playfully suggests they should develop their own interphase device since if it can teach Ensign Ro humility, then it is surely capable of anything. The two share a hearty laugh.

Memorable quotes

"But my uniform – my VISOR – are you saying I'm some blind ghost with clothes!?"
"I don't have all the answers! I've never been dead before!"

- La Forge and Ro


"I might like to say a few words…"
"You did know La Forge longer than any of us."
"Actually, I was thinking more about Ensign Ro."

- Riker and Picard


"Me?!?!… Wait a minute, what're you gonna say about me?!"

- Ro, overhearing Riker


"I don't believe this. I'm dead, you can't even hear me and I'm still intimidated by you."

- Ro, to Picard


"I just… wanted to say thank you…for trusting in me when no one else would."

- Ro, believing she's dead, saying "goodbye" to Picard


"Why can't you just accept the fact…"
"Look – if you're right, then we're dead, and this doesn't make any difference. But if I'm right, then we're still alive – and I'm gonna need your help!"

- Ro and La Forge


"I never knew what a friend was, until I met Geordi. He spoke to me as though I were Human. He treated me no differently from anyone else. He accepted me for what I am. And that – I have learned – is friendship."

- Data to Worf, about La Forge – who heard the whole thing


"Seems almost Human, doesn't he?"

- Ro, after Data calls La Forge his best friend


"Data, that's a nice sentiment – but a little premature."

- La Forge, in response to Data's speech


"I've been thinking about the first time I met Geordi La Forge. He was a young officer, assigned to pilot me on an inspection tour, and… I made some off-hand remark about the… the shuttle's engine efficiency not being what it should, and the next morning I found that… he'd stayed up all night, re-fitting the fusion initiators. Well, I knew then that I wanted to have him with me on my next command."

- Picard, practicing a eulogy he wouldn't have to give


"Have you decided what you're going to say about Ensign Ro?"
"Yes, I have. It wasn't easy…"

- Picard and Riker, arriving at Ten Forward


"What… What wasn't easy?!… WHAT?!?!?!"

- Ro, once again hearing not quite enough from Riker


"Well, this is… unusual."
(grinning widely) "Yeah. I think I like it!"

- Picard and Riker at La Forge and Ro's highly festive funeral


"Now I suppose I'll never know what you were gonna say about me!"

- Ro, to Riker who can't hear her, before "shooting" him in the head with a phased (and therefore harmless) disruptor


"C'mon, Data – put it all together now!!!"

- La Forge, having been seen by Data and Picard


"These were not ghosts – what did we see?"
"I believe I may know what has happened, sir…"
"Oh, Data, PLEASE be right!"
"…it would explain the mysterious chroniton fields… if they were cloaked in some way!"
"You're saying that they're still alive?!"
"If I am right, sir, they are – and in this room. Their brief appearance coincided with the anyon sweep – perhaps the anyons neutralize the cloaking effect."

- Picard, and Data (with a little encouragement from La Forge), figuring out what happened


"Data, do you see us?"
"Of course."

- La Forge, back in phase, and Data


"Take the warp engines off-line until further notice… there's a muon wave building up in the dilithium chamber."
"Captain… who gave that order?!"
"That was Commander Geordi La Forge, ensign – please follow his instructions."

- La Forge (aware of the Romulan sabotage), Engineering ensign (suspicious of an order from his "dead" superior), and Picard (assuring him that it was in fact La Forge)


"Looks like a great party – mind if we join you?"

- La Forge, having re-appeared at his own funeral


"Thanks, Data. I've never been to a better funeral."

- La Forge


"We should develop our own interphase device. If it can teach Ro Laren humility, it can do anything."

- La Forge

Background information

Production history

Story and script

Production

Cast and characters

Continuity

  • The Romulans were experimenting with a molecular phase inverter to create an interphase cloak. This is similar to what the USS Pegasus illegally attempted to test in "The Pegasus". La Forge foreshadows this in his penultimate sentence: "Well, maybe we should develop our own interphase device." According to Ron D. Moore, the technology seen in this episode and in The Pegasus were indeed meant to be based on the same technology. (AOL chat, 1997)
  • The stardate of this episode is derived from Ro's death certificate.
  • In "Timescape", the Enterprise-D also transferred power to a Romulan vessel via a power transfer beam which, if uninterrupted, would destroy the ship.
  • No explanation is provided on how Ro and La Forge can pass through walls but not fall through the floor.

Apocrypha

Reception

Awards

  • This episode was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Drama Series.

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Co-star

Uncredited co-stars

Stunt doubles

Stand-ins

References

2340; 2358; 2362; anyon; anyon emitter; arboretum; auto-eject system; Bajoran; Bajoran death chant; Bajoran Liaison Office; best friend; Borhya; central computer; chroniton; cloaking device; computer core; containment chamber; death certificate; demotion; dilithium chamber; disruptor; "Down by the Riverside"; emergency bulkhead; energizing coil; engine core; ETA; euphonium; Federation; Galaxy class decks; Garadius IV; Garadius system; Garon II (Garon IV); ghost; Goddard; graviton field generator (graviton generator); imaging scanner; inspection tour; interphase; interphase generator; jazz; kolem; lateral sensor array; level 1 diagnostic; level 3 diagnostic; line of duty; main shuttlebay; main power; melakol; memorial service; Mirok's science ship; molecular phase inverter; molecular structure; mourn; muon; number one; particles per second; percent; power transfer beam; prototype; replicator; resonator coil; roll; Romulans; Romulan captain; Romulan science ship; Romulan space; Romulan Star Empire; push-up; science officer; scientific officer; splitting headache (headache); Ro Gale; Ro Talia; sensor return signal; subspace resonator; "This Land Is Your Land"; transporter; transporter beam; transporter malfunction; transporter range; Transporter Room 3; transporter system; tricorder; trombone; trumpet; turbolift; unnamed shuttle; Von Braun; warp core breach; "When the Saints Go Marching In"

Other references

External links

Previous episode:
"I Borg"
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 5
Next episode:
"The Inner Light"