“Journey’s End” is episode twenty of season seven of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The Enterprise has stopped at Starbase 310 for a meeting with Fleet Admiral Nechayev and to pick up a member of the family. This is Wesley, who is being shown his quarters by Dr Crusher. Geordi and Data arrive and ask how life at the Academy is. Wesley says it’s great. His face does not agree. His mother says they will let him settle in and all three leave. Wesley does not seem enthused.
Riker enters the observation lounge to tell Captain Picard that Admiral Nechayev is on her way. He comments on the canapes the captain is laying out for the admiral and asks if Picard is up for promotion. The captain is trying to establish a new relationship with the admiral. They don’t have to like her but do have to follow her orders and the attitude of confrontation serves no purpose.
Nechayev arrives and tells Riker he can leave. She starts talking to the captain about a situation on the Cardassian border, then notices the canapes. The captain spoke to her aide, who said the admiral was particular to them. Nechayev seems appreciative. She continues. The Cardassians and Federation have come to an agreement over a border and a demilitarised zone along it. Some Federation colonies are now in Cardassian space, some Cardassian ones in Federation. The admiral says those on the wrong side must be moved.
The captain says the colonists won’t be happy. The admiral agrees it won’t be easy, but it’s a reasonable price to pay for peace. His mission is to evacuate Dorvan V. Picard knows it was settled by Native Americans and points out some unfortunate parallels to what happened to them. Nechayev says a representative from the colony was involved and his objections were discussed and rejected. The inhabitants are a nomadic group and were warned that ownership was disputed by the Cardassians when they settled. Which means they have colonised land they had no right to. Someone did not think that through.
Captain Picard makes a number of arguments, which the admiral has already made. This treaty took three years and some concessions are necessary. If the colonists refuse to leave, they must be removed by any means necessary. Nechayev will understand if the captain wants someone else to take over. She doesn’t envy his task but does believe it’s for the greater good. And thanks for making her feel welcome.
Wesley arrives in engineering and Geordi wants to show him something. Wesley is less than polite and Geordi ends up dismissing him.
Captain Picard and Troi speak to the tribal council on Dorvan V. They say they have searched for a home for 200 years and don’t want to do it again. And this world is not just a world; it has deep spiritual significance for them and cannot easily be replaced. Troi suggests they adjourn. This is agreed and the captain invites them onto the Enterprise.
Dr Crusher is talking to Wesley about his behaviour. He starts shouting that maybe he’s tired of living up to everyone else’s expectations.
At a reception in Ten Forward, Captain Picard speaks to the leader, Anthwara. They talk about his grandfather, and Captain Picard’s family. Anthwara says it’s always good to understand one’s adversary in any negotiation. The captain hopes by the end they are not adversaries.
Wesley arrives and apologises to his mother, then goes to sit by himself. A local introduces himself as Lakanta, and says he’s known Wesley has been coming for the past two years, ever since he did a vision quest. Lakanta says Wesley has come to find the answers he seeks.
Dr Crusher speaks to the captain about Wesley. His grades are dropping and he’s set to wash out next term. Maybe the captain could speak to Wesley. Picard doesn’t think Wesley wants to talk to either of them. If he needs their help, he’s got to want it.
Wesley arrives on the planet and finds Lakanta. Lakanta talks about what’s sacred to his people, which is everything, and asks what’s sacred to Wesley. Wesley doesn’t know. Lakanta tells Wesley he’s a sacred person, and if he is sacred, he should treat himself with respect.
Wesley is clearing dealing with a crisis of some kind. Anthwara is certain that Captain Picard will not force them to leave. Then the Cardassians arrive and the situation gets very tense.