Stardate 44704.2: During the inspection of a malfunctioning subspace telescope Lt. Reginald Barclay is hit by an energy surge from an unknown alien probe. After the incident Barclay shows amazing mental abilities he never had before. He has evolved to the most advanced human being to exist according to Dr. Crusher. Barclay saves the telescope's reactors from exploding by tapping into the Enterprise computer through a neural interface from which he cannot be separated without being killed. He then creates a subspace tunnel through which the ship travels to a point 30,000ly away. A Cytherian appears on the bridge and explains that they explore other civilizations by bringing them to their home system. The Cytherians restore Barclay to his normal condition. After an extensive exchange of information, the Enterprise leaves the Cytherians.

• E18 Previous
• E20 Next