“Encounter at Farpoint: Part 2” is the second episode of the two-part premier of season one of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In the previous episode, “Encounter at Farpoint: Part 1”, the Enterprise was stopped by a powerful entity called Q, who decided to judge humanity. Captain Picard suggested they be tested, and the test turns out to be Farpoint Station. The remaining members of the crew met them there, and these had already noticed there was something odd; things requested suddenly appearing. Q told them they had 24 hours before receiving summary judgment.
According to the captain’s log, they are now 11 hours in with no incident. Commander Riker is briefing the captain on the Bandi. Their world has an abundance of geothermal energy, and that’s it. He assumes they have traded surplus energy for materials, as many of those used in the construction are not found on the world. The captain mentions the almost magical incidents Riker reported; Riker states that they did happen. The captain is looking forward to meeting Groppler Zorn, and has invited Counselor Troi to join them at the meeting. It seems the two have met before. Captain Picard thinks it’s important that key officers know each other’s’ abilities, although the relationship seems like it might have been personal, not professional.
Picard tells Zorn he needs to know more before making a recommendation to Starfleet. Zorn is puzzled they would bring a Betazoid; Troi explains she is only half Betazoid. Zorn isn’t interested in the suggestion that the Bandi build other bases for Starfleet, or lending their architects and engineers to demonstrate their techniques. He suggests that perhaps the Ferengi would be interested if Starfleet isn’t. Troi feels something at this point; pain, loneliness, despair. Not from Zorn or any of the others, but someone very close. Zorn has no idea what it might be from. He’s probably lying, given that he told something off for materialising a bowl of apples.
Riker is looking for Data and an ensign explains how to use the ship to find him. Data is in a holodeck that has been formed into a forest, attempting wo whistle. He needs more practice. The commander tells Data that the captain wants him to join Riker on the away team. He also inquires as to Data being a machine. Indeed, he is. Data asks if Riker finds this troubling. He does, a little. Data expects prejudice from humans. When asked if he considers himself to be superior to humans, Data replies that he is in many ways. But would give it up to be human. To which Riker calls him Pinocchio.
Geordi LaForge has seen Dr Crusher, in order to get an explanation as to the visor he wears. Now, Wesley wants to take a look at the bridge and starts wheedling his mother to let him. His mother tells Wesley that his father liked Captain Picard very much, but great explorers are often lonely.
Riker, Data, Troi, Yar and LaForge are all at Farpoint Station. Data and Riker are going to poke around topside whilst the others explore the tunnels beneath the station. The material topside is ordinary, almost identical to what Starfleet uses. According to Geordi, whose visor allows him to see many different things, the tunnels are of no material he has ever encountered before. Troi has avoided opening her mind, but does on Riker’s request, and discovers more of the same. Data and Riker beam into the tunnels also. The counselor says that the feelings come from no life form like them.
Picard isn’t pleased to see Wesley in the turbolift leading to the bridge, but Dr Crusher tells him that he isn’t on the bridge. And tells him that Wesley is her son. Whop the captain has met before, when he brought Wesley’s father’s body home. He does allow Wesley onto the bridge, and Wesley seems very familiar with bridge operation, but goes a bit too far and touches something when there’s an alert. Wesley was right, though. An unknown, and very large, saucer-shaped starship has appeared.
With the deadline getting close, Q appears again. For a supposedly superior lifeform, Q spends a lot of time taunting and interfering, trying to goad the captain into making the wrong decision.