In the immediate aftermath of the 2385 Mars catastrophe, Picard and Raffi meet outside Starfleets San Francisco headquarters.

Raffi doesnt buy that for a second, and says, I smell the Tal Shiar.

She has no idea why the Romulans would want to sabotage their own rescue, and neither does Picard.

Nonetheless, hes immensely disappointed in the organization to which hes given his life.

Raffi is stunned, and hopes Picard has some last, desperate, wild solution thats what you do.

Alas, Picards resignationwasthat Hail Mary, and it failed.

I never believed they would accept it, he confesses.

Soji is different because she has compassion for those assimilated by the Borg.

When Soji arrives, the once-revered author is assembling a puzzle comprised of triangular pieces featuring tarot card-like symbols.

Back at Vasquez Rocks, Picard apologizes to Raffi for abandoning her.

Picard tells her its this very ability to see things that others dont that makes her invaluable.

This pleases Rios, who counters with, Im not in the habit of consulting anybody about anything.

I can smell it on you.

Still tormented by the death of his last noble captain, Rios isnt quite as enthusiastic.

Before he can depart, Picard and his friends are attacked by Romulan assassins.

He then takes his own life.

At the same time, Soji chats with Ramdha.

When questioned about mythology, Ramdha states that she prefers the term The News a concept that pleases Soji.

More revealing still, Ramdha muses that she remembers Soji from tomorrow.

Ramdha suddenly asks Soji, Which sister are you?

The one who dies or the one who lives?

Ramdha tries to kill herself with the weapon, but Soji stops her.

Strangely, Soji then immediately passes out.

Awakened by Nareks arrival, she tells him she doesnt understand how she knew anything about Ramdhas ship.

Convinced that he can use Earths leading expert on synthetic life, Picard agrees to this arrangement.

The two subsequently beam up to Rios ship.

Raffi is already there and has found Maddoxs whereabouts hes on Freecloud.

With the ragtag crew complete, Picard gives a trademark forward thrust of his hand and commands, Engage.

Captains Log:

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