Unification I (episode)

To the Federation's surprise, Ambassador Spock has traveled to Romulus. Fearing he has defected, they send Captain Picard and some of his officers on a covert mission to determine why.

Teaser
The USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) has had a terraforming mission cancelled and has been recalled to Starbase 234 by Fleet Admiral Brackett who is unwilling to discuss the matter over subspace. Meeting with Captain Picard, she advises him that one of the Federation's most prestigious and celebrated Ambassadors suddenly disappeared without trace, and that intelligence suggests that he is currently on the planet Romulus. The trip was unauthorized, and there are serious worries that he has defected. She shows Picard an image taken on Romulus that clearly shows the face of the missing ambassador – Spock.

Act One

 * "Captain's Log: Stardate 45236.4. As I study the intelligence reports on Ambassador Spock's disappearance I cannot help but feel a... deeper... more personal concern about this mission, for I know this man through his father. It was barely a year ago that I shared a mind meld with the Vulcan Sarek. Now we must meet again, as I attempt to find an explanation for his son's actions."

The Enterprise arrives at the planet Vulcan. Picard and Commander Riker discuss debris recovered from a crashed Ferengi vessel that appears to be Vulcan in origin. The debris has been sent to Vulcan for further analysis. Riker will be assisting the forensic team studying the pieces. Sarek's wife Perrin joins Picard for mint tea. Sarek is known to be very ill, suffering from the effects of Bendii Syndrome. Perrin tells Picard that Spock couldn't have been abducted, as he tidied up his affairs before his disappearance, and then relates that there has been a rift in the relationship between Sarek and Spock over the Federation-Cardassian War. Sarek is now wasting away in bed and wants nothing more than to heal the rift between himself and his son. Riker and Lieutenant Commander La Forge examine the pieces of debris that were recovered from the Ferengi vessel that crashed in a Hanolin asteroid belt. The material dentarium is detected in the debris, confirming that their origin is Vulcan. Picard goes to the planet and enters Sarek's room. Sarek is in bed and restless – shouting and crying. Picard asks him about Spock and he suddenly calms and becomes lucid. He recognizes Picard, who asks if he would know why Spock would be on Romulus. Sarek says possibly to meet with Pardek, a former Romulan Senator whom Spock met at the Khitomer conference. Picard asks if Spock may have defected, but Sarek responds, "Never!" Sarek soon becomes confused again, and in his ramblings admits that he's always felt proud of his son's unyielding spirit. Picard reminds Sarek that they have a part of each other, and he knows Sarek loves Spock despite all the pain he's caused. Sarek struggles to give Picard a message to take to his son: "Live long and prosper."

Act Two

 * "Captain's Log: Stardate 45240.1. To cross the Neutral Zone I will require a cloaked ship. To that end I have set a course for the Klingon homeworld. After all we did for Gowron during the recent war I am certain he will be happy to return a favor."

The Enterprise is en route to Qo'noS to request a ship from Gowron that has cloaking capability. They hail Gowron for three days and receive no response. Worf explains, that the messages may be ignored because "Gowron has been re-writing Klingon history", claiming that it was his genius that ended the civil war, without a word about the help of the Federation. Picard suggests that Lieutenant Worf try to contact K'Tal of the Klingon High Council instead. Data shows Picard a Barolian visual identification of Pardek taken at trade negotiation four years ago. Picard compares the image to the one with Spock in it on Romulus and finds that the man with Spock is indeed Pardek. Data tells Picard that Pardek is known as an advocate for peace and that he lives in the Krocton Segment on Romulus. The Enterprise is hailed from Qo'noS. It is B'iJik, the Junior Adjutant to the Diplomatic Delegation. He advises Picard that Gowron is too busy to meet with him. Picard is incensed. He diplomatically threatens Gowron through B'iJik, implying that if Gowron doesn't grant his request, he will request a ship from one of Gowron's rival factions, and playing to Gowron's vanity as well. B'iJik promises to give the message to Gowron. Doctor Crusher is examining commander Data's head in preparation for the prosthetic ears he will be wearing for his mission to Romulus. She tells Data and Picard that they still need to meet with Mr. Mot to be fitted for their hairpieces. La Forge has determined that the debris found on the Ferengi vessel is part of the deflector array from the Vulcan ship T'Pau. This ship was decommissioned and sent to Qualor II as scrap. Riker suggests that they take the Enterprise to Qualor II and continue their investigation, and Picard agrees. Worf informs Picard that a Klingon ship has just decloaked off the port bow, compliments of Gowron. Picard and Data go aboard the Klingon vessel and proceed toward Romulus while the Enterprise goes the other direction toward Qualor II.

Act Three
Stardate 45240.6. Riker takes the Enterprise to the Zakdorn Surplus Depot Z-15, a Federation scrap yard for decommissioned ships. They contact the quartermaster of the depot, Klim Dokachin, who is less than helpful. Riker invites him on board and has Troi try to persuade him to assist them in finding out the whereabouts of the remainder of the T'Pau. He agrees and the Enterprise goes to the coordinates of the T'Pau. The ship is gone. Dokachin says that the deflector array was sent to the USS Tripoli, a holding vessel on the outer rim of the shipyard. They go to that location and find it, too, is missing. The quartermaster informs them that there is a transport of deuterium parts to the Tripoli scheduled in two hours. Riker orders the ship to be moved away and powered down with the exception of sensors and life support. They lie in wait to see what will happen when the transport is initiated.

Act Four
Picard and Data are on board the Klingon ship and in their assigned quarters. There is one bunk, made of metal, with no bedding. Picard lies down to sleep and Data stands nearby calculating how he should behave when undercover as a Romulan. He makes Picard nervous and unable to sleep. Their interplay and dialog is very humorous, with Data staring at Picard as he lies on the bunk making the Captain feel uncomfortable. Just as Picard gets up, they are called to the bridge, where Captain K'Vada hands him a PADD containing a subspace message he monitored that he believes Picard will find interesting. Picard reads, and sadly tells Data the news it contains... Sarek is dead.

On the Enterprise, a ship is approaching at warp speed. It stops at the coordinates 12 Delta 4 – the previous position of the Tripoli. The small combat vessel is heavily armed and receives the scheduled transport. Riker powers up all systems and hails the ship, ordering them to identify themselves. The ship turns to intercept and fires phasers at the Enterprise. Riker orders Worf to return fire targeting only the weapon systems and using only a .75 power burst just to "get their attention." The ship is hit and, due to all the armament on board, explodes.

Act Five
Data and Picard are in costume and prosthetic makeup looking just like Romulans. Data observes that Picard has been pensive since learning of Sarek's death. Picard attempts to explain to Data the effect that Sarek's death has had on him and also what effect it will have on Spock. They beam down to Romulus after K'Vada tells them that he won't rescue them if anything goes wrong. On Romulus, Senator Pardek arrives at the proconsul's office and is asked if he knows of Jean-Luc Picard. He says he does not and is told that Picard is on his way to Romulus. They decide to alert security to be watchful for him. Picard and Data are on the street where the images of Pardek and Spock were standing. They locate the office of an intercessor (lawyer) who is likely related to Pardek. They decide to get some food and wait for him to arrive. At a nearby restaurant, they notice two Romulans in military uniform just before Pardek comes down the street. They turn toward Pardek and the uniformed Romulans stop them and escort them out. Data and Picard are taken to an underground chamber. Pardek walks in behind them and says, "Welcome to Romulus, Captain Picard." The military men were his assistants in disguise. Picard explains that he is on an urgent mission from the Federation. He is looking for Ambassador Spock. "Indeed," says a voice from deeper within the cavern. "You have found him, Captain Picard." It is Spock.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Memorable Quotes
"Sarek, you will listen!"

"Go from me!!"

"Picard is here."

"No more chaos!! No more."

"I will leave you alone with him. He will either acknowledge you, or he won't."
 * - Perrin and Sarek

"Sarek, I have come a long way to see you."

"I will not answer!!"

"I must talk to you about your son."

"I wish no one with me!!"

"About Spock."
 * - Picard and Sarek

"The only benefit to the Klingon Empire would be our gratitude."

"That is what you want me to tell him?"

"Yes. And please add that if he is unable to provide us with a ship, then I am sure there are others in the Klingon Empire who would be willing to help me.  And then they would have our gratitude."

"I see."

"Also, please tell Gowron that I am immensely gratified that he is prospering so well. A tribute to his skilled leadership."
 * - Picard, negotiating with B'iJik for a cloaked vessel

"He probably figures that we don't get to see a lot of handsome women out this way, and someone like you might get a little more cooperation out of me." [pause] "He's probably right."
 * - Klim Dokachin, speaking to Troi

"These quarters were obviously intended for one crewman, sir. There is but a single sleeping space."

"I'm sure the Klingons found it amusing to put us in here together."

"Since I do not require sleep, I propose you take the...shelf, sir, I am content to stand."


 * - Data and Picard, Trying to sort out sleeping arrangements on the Klingon ship.

"I have come on an urgent mission from the Federation. I'm looking for Ambassador Spock."

"Indeed. You have found him, Captain Picard."
 * - Picard and Spock, setting up Part II

Production

 * Although not the first episode of Star Trek to air after the death of Gene Roddenberry ( aired four days after his death), this episode memorialized Roddenberry with a simple title card which read: "Gene Roddenberry: 1921-1991."
 * Due to time schedules of the guest stars, principal filming of "Unification I" took place after, although several scenes were filmed during the production of the second part. Principal photography took place between Thursday and Thursday  on Paramount Stage 8, 9, and 16. Previously filmed scenes include several cave scenes on Paramount Stage 16 on Wednesday  and Friday  and scenes on the Klingon Bird-of-Prey on Paramount Stage 5 on Monday.
 * On Wednesday a still photographer took pictures of the sickbay set, Beverly Crusher's office, and the engineering corridor.
 * First UK airdate: 1 February 1995

Cast and characters

 * This episode marks the death of Ambassador Sarek (Mark Lenard). This was the first time that a major Star Trek: The Original Series character died (not counting Spock's death and subsequent resurrection in and  respectively).
 * Fran Bennett was scheduled to reprise her part of Fleet Admiral Shanthi in the opening sequence of this episode and was according to the call sheet up to film her scenes on Monday . Because of unknown reasons Bennett was replaced by Karen Hensel as Admiral Brackett.

Sets, props and costumes

 * The wall decoration in Proconsul Neral's office can be later seen in the barbershop aboard the Enterprise-D in the sixth season episode and in the reception area at Arkaria Base in the episode.

Continuity

 * Explaining the strained relationship between Sarek and Spock to Commander Riker, Captain Picard says "sometimes, fathers and sons..." at which point Riker simply responds "Understood.", a reference to his own difficult relationship with his father.
 * At some point Picard mentions that he has met Spock only once in the past. Indeed, in Picard mentioned that he had met Spock during his wedding, where Sarek was also present.
 * One of the shots showing the Enterprise-D passing through near wrecked ships at Surplus Depot Z15 is actually a recycled shot from.

Awards

 * This episode was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) (Dennis McCarthy).

Reception

 * A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 18, pp. 44-47.

Video and DVD releases

 * As a stand-alone UK VHS rental release, CIC Video, 1992
 * Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 54, catalog number VHR 2638,.
 * As part of the UK VHS collection Star Trek - Crossovers Set:.
 * In feature-length form, as part of the UK VHS release Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Full Length TV Movies: Volume 4, catalog number VHR 4104,.
 * UK re-release (three-episode tapes, Paramount Home Entertainment): Volume 5.3,.
 * As part of the TNG Season 5 DVD collection.
 * In feature-length form, as part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete TV Movies collection.

Starring

 * Patrick Stewart as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
 * Jonathan Frakes as Cmdr. William Riker

Also starring

 * LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
 * Michael Dorn as Lt. Worf
 * Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
 * Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
 * Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data

Special guest star

 * Leonard Nimoy as Spock

Guest stars

 * Joanna Miles as Perrin
 * Stephen Root as K'Vada
 * Graham Jarvis as Klim Dokachin
 * Malachi Throne as Pardek
 * Norman Large as Neral
 * Daniel Roebuck as Jaron
 * Erick Avari as B'iJik
 * Karen Hensel as Brackett
 * And
 * Mark Lenard as Sarek

Co-stars

 * Mimi Cozzens as Soup Woman
 * Majel Barrett as Computer Voice

Uncredited co-stars

 * Amigron as Romulan civilian
 * Rachen Assapiomonwait as Nelson
 * Aylward as Romulan civilian
 * Carla Beachcomber as Romulan civilian
 * Michael Braveheart as Martinez
 * Bravo as Romulan civilian
 * Errol Bryand as Romulan civilian
 * Carl David Burks as Russell
 * Tracee Cocco as Jae
 * Tony Cruz as Lopez
 * Gerard David, Jr. as operations division ensign
 * Joey Davis as command division officer
 * Carmen Emeterio as Romulan civilian
 * Linda Harcharic as Romulan civilian
 * Christie Haydon as Romulan civilian
 * Jacobson as Romulan civilian
 * Landi as operations division officer
 * Mark Lentry as
 * Romulan civilian
 * Science division lieutenant
 * Manno as Romulan civilian
 * Marco as Romulan civilian
 * Justin McCarty as Romulan civilian
 * Tim McCormack as Bennett (stock footage)
 * Miller as Romulan civilian
 * Michael Moorehead as
 * Klingon officer
 * Science division ensign
 * Joyce Robinson as Gates
 * Diane Todd as Romulan civilian
 * Guy Vardaman as Klingon helmsman
 * Unknown performers as
 * Female operations division ensign (stock footage)
 * Klingon officer (voice)

Stand-ins

 * David Keith Anderson - stand-in for LeVar Burton
 * Eddie - stand-in for Stephen Root & Malachi Throne
 * Joey Davis - stand-in for Joanna Miles
 * Tim McCormack - stand-in for Brent Spiner, Mark Lenard, Erick Avari, Graham Jarvis & Norman Large
 * Melba - stand-in for Marina Sirtis
 * Lorine Mendell - stand-in for Gates McFadden & Joanna Miles
 * Richard Sarstedt - stand-in for Jonathan Frakes & Daniel Roebuck
 * Dennis Tracy - stand-in for Patrick Stewart
 * Guy Vardaman - stand-in for Leonard Nimoy
 * James Washington - stand-in for Michael Dorn
 * Unknown performers as
 * Stand-in for Karen Hensel
 * Stand-in for Mimi Cozzens