When an explosion damages the Enterprise's warp engine, a retired Starfleet admiral boards the ship and begins an investigation that ultimately leads her to suspect Captain Picard of participating in a treasonous conspiracy.

While on a peacekeeping mission to the Peliar system, a Trill ambassador begins a relationship with Dr. Crusher, but when he is injured in a surprise attack, he must confess to the doctor that his body is merely a host for a parasite.