STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION
Season 4, Episode 12

The Wounded

Series: The Next Generation - (1987-1994)
Season: 4
Episode #: 4.12
Production #: 40274-186
Original Airdate: 01/28/1991

Writer(s): Stuart Charno, Sara Charno, Cy Chermak, and Jeri Taylor
Director(s): Chip Chalmers

Guest Stars
Bob Gunton as Captain Benjamin Maxwell
Rosalind Chao as Keiko O'Brien
Marc Alaimo as Gul Macet
Colm Meaney as Chief Miles O'Brien
Marco Rodriguez as Glinn Telle
Time Winters as Glinn Daro
John Hancock as Vice Admiral Haden

Uncredited Guest Stars
Majel Barrett as the Voice of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D Computer
Tracee Lee Cocco as Ltjg. Jae
Denise Deuschle as a Sciences Division Officer
Michele Gerren as a Sciences Division Officer
Eben Ham as an Operations Division Ensign
Hirner as a Ten Forward Waiter
James McElroy as a Command Division Officer
Michael Moorehead as a Civilian
Noriko Suzuki as an Operations Division Ensign
Talbot as a Ten Forward Waitress
Guy Vardaman as Lt. Darien Wallace

Stardate: 44429.6

Synopsis

After a Cardassian warship fires on the U.S.S. Enterprise, the ship's captain informs Picard that he is acting in retaliation against a Federation starship that has recently destroyed an unarmed Cardassian space station. This is unusual because there is now a treaty between the Federation and the Cardassians, who were once bitter enemies. As a goodwill gesture, Picard invites the Cardassian captain aboard to aid in the search for the renegade Federation vessel, despite the objections of some crew members who still mistrust their former enemy. Starfleet informs Picard that the errant Federation ship is the U.S.S. Phoenix, commanded by Captain Benjamin Maxwell.

Picard asks Transporter Chief O'Brien, who once served under Maxwell, for some insight into the man. O'Brien reveals that the captain's family was killed by the Cardassian militia before their truce with the Federation, but cannot believe he is seeking vengeance. At that moment, the U.S.S. Enterprise locates the Phoenix. Macet, the Cardassian captain, tries to convince Picard to reveal the ship's location, but Picard refuses. Later, Picard determines that the Phoenix is pursuing another Cardassian supply ship. When the U.S.S. Phoenix fails to acknowledge the Enterprise's calls, Picard orders Worf to make the ship's coordinates available to the Cardassians.

[ Complete Screencap Index ]

A nearby Cardassian warship sets out after the U.S.S. Phoenix, but the Federation starship destroys it and the cargo ship as well. Soon afterwards, Data locates the U.S.S. Phoenix, and the U.S.S. Enterprise intercepts it. Captain Maxwell transports aboard, and after a warm reunion with O'Brien, goes on to explain his actions to Picard. He informs his fellow captain that he believes the Cardassians are rearming and have developed one of the most powerful weapons in the galaxy. However, he lacks proof of his accusations, and Picard informs him that he must be returned to a starbase to face a board of inquiry.

Maxwell agrees to follow the U.S.S. Enterprise to the nearest starbase, but the Phoenix almost immediately changes course and begins pursuing another Cardassian vessel. Maxwell insists to an angry Picard that the Cardassian ship is transporting arms. Macet denies the charge, but refuses to let a Federation member board the ship. Maxwell continues his pursuit, daring Picard to board the Cardassian ship to see for himself. Instead, Picard threatens to turn his weapons on the U.S.S. Phoenix if it does not retreat. During the ensuing standoff, O'Brien transports to the Phoenix, where he is able to convince Maxwell to stop the killing and return to the U.S.S. Enterprise. As the Enterprise heads towards a starbase, Picard warns Macet that, while he went after the Phoenix to avoid starting a war, he knows Maxwell is right about the rearming, and tells him that if they don't cease, he will lead the charge against the Cardassians in battle.

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