Haven (TNG episode)

?Haven? is a first season episode of ', first broadcast November 30, 1987. It is episode #10, production #105, teleplay written by Tracy Torme, based on a story by Tracy Torme and Lan O'Kun, and directed by Richard Compton.

Related Topics:
November 30 - 1987 - Tracy Torme - Lan O'Kun - Richard Compton

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Quick Overview: Counselor Troi is visited by her mother who prepares her for an arranged marriage.

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On stardate 41294.5, the USS Enterprise arrives at Beta Cassius for shore leave. The planet is also known as "Haven", a world renown for its majestic beauty, and mystical healing powers, although there is no solid scientific evidence for the latter. Upon arrival, Commander Riker is called by Lt. Yar about an unauthorized transporter signal from Haven, reporting it is a package for Counselor Troi.

Related Topics:
Stardate - USS ''Enterprise'' - Commander Riker - Lt. Yar - Transporter

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Riker and Troi arrive as object materializes. It is a silver box, with a strange face on one side. The face suddenly animates to life, announcing "Lwaxana Troi and the honorable Miller Family will soon arrive! A momentous day is close at hand! Rejoice!" Troi gasps in disbelief. The box suddenly pops open, spilling a wealth of trinkets and jewels. Riker asks Troi what this is all about, and she replies they are "bonding gifts" what he would call wedding presents. Riker is confused, who is getting married? Troi quietly replies "I am". The words immobilize Riker.

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Troi sits with Riker and Captain Picard. She tries to explain what is going on, saying she was certain the traditions of her home world, Betazed, would never followed her into space. Betazoids have planned marriages. They are chosen a mate from childbirth. Riker is confused, mentioning The Millers and Deanna's father were human, why the arranged marriage? Troi explains when her father and the Millers moved to Betazed, they loved the world so much that they adopted the planet's traditions. Picard asks her if she and her new husband will be staying aboard the Enterprise. She says no, looking to Riker, knowing the answer has significance to him. Picard simply offers congratulations, and excuses himself, leaving Troi and Riker uncomfortably staring at each other. Troi knows how deeply Riker loves her. She tells him she's sorry, but wants to honor her father with the bonding. Riker quietly replies that he's sorry too.

Related Topics:
Captain Picard - Betazed - Betazoids

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In the transporter room, Picard and Troi greet The Millers. Three figures appear, Steven Miller, the father, a balding middle-aged man, his prim and proper wife, Victoria, and the couple's handsome son, Wyatt, Troi's husband to be. Steven instantly compliments Picard's starship, while Victoria embraces Deanna for the first time. Wyatt comes forth and introduces himself to Deanna. The two hug bringing a tear to Victoria's eye. Wyatt offers Deanna a gift, a chameleon rose, that changes color reflecting the wearer's mood. Steven asks if Deanna liked their gift; the faced box. She says she was delighted, especially how it rolled its eyes at her.

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Deanna asks why her mother, Lwaxana, didn't beam up with them. This brings a curious reaction from the Millers who decide to rush off to their quarters before Deanna's mother arrives. Picard indicates Wyatt seems like a nice fellow, but Deanna senses that she isn't what he expected. She also warns that her mother is a bit eccentric. Lwaxana materializes, looking like a Bohemian Queen. She is accompanied by her tall, gaunt servant, Mr. Homn. Behind them is a large pile of ornate luggage. Lwaxana greets her daughter with telepathy, but Troi considers it rude in the company of non-telepaths, and prefers to speak. Her mother tells Captain Picard to carry her luggage. Troi is shocked by her mother's rudeness, but Picard says it's quite alright, and fetches the rather heavy bags.

Related Topics:
Bohemian - Telepathy

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Once alone, Deanna and her mother talk telepathically. Lwaxana believes her daughter's time among humans has made her mental powers slack, but Deanna informs her that not using it avoids confusion. Humans constantly think one thing and speak another. Her mother agrees, wishing humans would say what they think instead of hiding it. She then apologizes for having brought the bonding issue back into Deanna's life, but Steven Miller tracked her down and reminded her of their family's vows. Deanna has trouble believing in those vows as she once did, but says she will honor them as a Betazed.

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On the bridge, Picard speaks with Velada Innis, First Electorine of Haven who welcomes him to her planet, but indicates she has a problem. An unidentified vessel is approaching the planet and is not responding to hails. Picard is bound to protect Haven from threats and assures her he will check it out.

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Meanwhile, Troi enters Wyatt's quarters to get to know him. He is a bit nervous, but she breaks the ice, asking what he does for a living. He explains he's a medical doctor, to which Troi indicates, being a psychologist, she is delighted they have something in common. She was hoping Wyatt was going to say he was an artist, referring to a series of renderings of a beautiful woman, her face portrayed from childhood to adult. She senses some odd connection between Wyatt and the pictured woman. He confesses he doesn't know who she is, just a woman from his dreams and he was hoping it would be her. Knowing Deanna was a Betazed, he assumed it was her projecting herself into his mind. Troi is sorry she isn't what he expected, but he tells her that it is okay, she is so beautiful, and he is honored to marry her. The woman doesn't matter anymore, just a childish fantasy.

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Meanwhile, the Enterprise makes visual contact with the approaching ship. It is clearly alien looking, with a slender, wedge shaped hull and a soft, glowing sphere occupying the center. Its graceful design hardly appears threatening. Data and Lt. La Forge report the ship is moving at sublight speed, and will take a several hours to reach Haven. Picard squints at the vessel, but then becomes alarmed. He realizes it's a Tarellian ship. Riker can't believe his eyes either, thinking the Tarellians were finished. Picard calls for Dr. Crusher, swearing that he will not allow the Tarellians to destroy them or the world below.

Related Topics:
Data - Lt. La Forge - Dr. Crusher

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Picard assembles his staff in the observation lounge. Data leads the debriefing. He focuses their attention on the viewer which shows a system of planets. One planet is zoomed into, showing an Earth-like world with two large landmasses. Data explains, decades ago, the Tarellians consisted of two distinct cultures that were at war with each other. As the old story goes, their hatred outran their intelligence, and the pre-warp civilization engineered a very deadly virus to annihilate each other. Some Tarellians escaped their world during the conflict, but they were hunted down and destroyed by the biological contamination. The last Tarellian vessel was reported to have been destroyed eight years ago.

Related Topics:
Earth - Warp

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Picard realizes the ship may have been drifting in space for years, but may still hold survivors. However, if the plague has followed them, he cannot allow them to make it to Haven. He is bound by the Federation treaty to protect the planet, however he is also bound to render aid to lifeforms in need. Data reports the ship is still 13 hours away. Picard hopes to find the answers by then. In the meantime, he has a dinner party to attend to.

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The dinner begins with the bridge crew gathering with Troi's mother, and the Millers. Wyatt's mother, Victoria, tells Picard that she would like him to perform the traditional Earth wedding ceremony, since the Millers live on Earth now. He is honored, but almost immediately, Lwaxana starts an argument that the wedding should be a Betazed joining. The "barbaric human ritual" is out of the question. Victoria and Lwaxana start to bicker back and fourth until Picard interrupts with a toast; "To the young couple and their families. May this union be a happy and productive one."

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Wyatt changes subjects, asking Picard about the Tarellian ship. Wyatt offers assistance, indicating viral analysis was his favorite subject at medical school. Beverly is pleased to have a medical colleague aboard and appreciates the offer. All notice that when Lwaxana takes a bite of food, Mr. Homn chimes a gong behind her, which further annoys Victoria. Lwaxana claims it's Betazoid tradition, a way of offering thanks. Deanna notices Riker hasn't touched a bit of food, and senses he is uncomfortable. He rises and asks to be excused, saying he'd like to get back to the Tarellian situation. He bids everyone a good evening and leaves.

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Data inquires more about the Betazoid joining ceremony. Lwaxana is delighted to explain it, saying it's one of the most beautiful ceremonies. The bride and groom remove their clothing. Tasha is stunned; "they get naked?" Lwaxana indicates all marriage guests undress. It honors the act of love being celebrated. Victoria nearly chokes on her food, but Lwaxana tells her she not to worry, her body doesn't look "that" bad. Lwaxana adds; "Besides, your husband quite likes the idea of seeing me unclothed." Steven's eyes widen as Victoria gasps in horror. Lwaxana acts just as startled when she realizes Victoria didn't know her husband was attracted to her. Another argument ensues but Deanna has heard enough. She hotly demands for the women to stop arguing. Mr. Homn chimes the gong again and Deanna knocks it off the table as she storms out. A dark cloud hangs over the dinner table, but Data breaks the ice; "Could you please continue your bickering? I find it intriguing".

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Deanna finds Riker on a holodeck. He sits on a boulder, staring out over a darkened desert backdrop. He replies "It matches my mood. Empty." He admits he lost her once before, and is about to lose her again. She tries to comfort him, calling him her "Imzadi", (my beloved forever), which he claims is inappropriate now, since she cannot possibly share him with Wyatt. She means it more that her love for him will go on despite not being together. Riker cannot bear the thought. Wyatt invites himself into the holodeck, to which Riker replies ?Next!? and walks out. Wyatt is more chipper; overwhelmed by the magnificence of the holodeck. Wyatt tells Troi he respected her outburst. It shamed their parents into finally reaching a compromise. The wedding ceremony will be half-Terran and half-Betazoid. They will be naked, Troi's mother, his father, but not his mother. He laughs saying his father is already checking his figure in the mirror. He realizes Troi looks troubled, and asks if she really wants to go through with this. Troi expresses that she truly does, to which Wyatt says he's a lucky man. They share a kiss.

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Meanwhile, the Tarellian ship draws closer. Picard wonders if they are receiving their transmissions, but Data explains they registered a responder echo. Electorine Valeda calls the Enterprise, warning the Tarellian ship is nearing transporter range and demands Picard take action. Picard assures her he is doing what he can save for destroying the vessel outright. Back in sickbay, Wyatt helps Beverly ready the viral immunology supplies. He watches the Tarellian vessel on the screen, admiring its beauty. He indicates the ship was built three miles underwater. Beverly wonders how he'd know that, but he isn't sure, saying he just heard it somewhere. Data indicates the ship in transporter range. Picard tries one last time to make contact, then orders it captured by tractor beam. The Enterprise grabs hold of the ship. Worf indicates they aren't going anywhere now. Picard wonders if they're all dead. Perhaps the ship made it here through automation.

Related Topics:
Sickbay - Tractor beam - Worf

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Suddenly a transmission comes through. Troi is shocked when the face of the woman in Wyatt's drawings appears on the viewscreen. The woman steps aside and the face of an older man appears. He identifies himself as Wrenn. Before he inquires why Picard has captured their spacecraft, he asks for Wyatt. Wyatt comes to the bridge and is stunned to see the woman from his dreams. The girl is excited and identifies herself as Ariana. She tells Wyatt he has come to her just as he promised. Wyatt doesn't understand, indicating he never met her before, but only in dreams. Picard interrupts, notifying Wrenn of the potential danger of their presence. Wrenn understands and confirms that they still carry the virus. Picard asks if they came to come to Haven thinking the planet cures sickness, but Wrenn assures they have given up on such a notion. He knows Haven is a beautiful world, and simply requests a peaceful resting place for the last of his people, away from the inhabitants, an isolated island or far away peninsula. Picard explains that decision rests with the people below; he will ask in the meantime.

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Wyatt goes to Lwaxana's quarters. He hopes the Betazed will make some sense of all this. Perhaps examine his thoughts and explain what the feelings mean. He finds her trying out an exotic dress, but she is saddened that she won't really be wearing it at the nude wedding. He asks about the woman on the Tarellian ship, the one he dreamed of. She replies the whole encounter is strange, but explains the meaning is so simple; humans go to great lengths to reject their true feelings. She tells him all consciousness, wherever or whenever it occurs is bound together. Ariana knows this, which allowed her to make contact with him.

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Wyatt returns to sickbay and tells Beverly that he will take the medical supplies to the transporter room. He heads off, sneaking away with a hyposprayer. Wyatt heads to his parent's quarters. He stares at them as if trying to memorize the scene. Troi stops by, sensing the turmoil building inside him. She asks if he is alright but he only tells her again how beautiful she is and gives her a deep kiss. He takes the supplies to the transporter room where he jumps the technician and knocks him unconscious with the hyposprayer. On the bridge, Geordi alerts someone is beaming over to the Tarellian ship, but he too late to stop them.

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Wyatt materializes in a small alcove aboard the Tarellian vessel. He walks into a gallery where the walls are adorned by portraits of his face. He turns to discover a group of Tarellians behind him. Wrenn welcomes him, stating they thought he was a dream. Ariana approaches. Wyatt's heart pounds wildly, her beauty is just as he imagined. She takes his hand and states she knew he'd beam over. He explains he is a doctor and brought medical supplies to help.

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Back on the Enterprise, Wyatt's parents storm onto the bridge. Victoria demands that Picard beam Wyatt back, but he explains he can never return or risk infecting the whole ship. The Tarellians call over. Wrenn explains that Picard can release the tractor beam, his people will not be going down to Haven. Wyatt steps from the background, he apologizes to Troi and his parents, and announces he wants to try and help these people. He knew he was coming to Haven to meet his destiny and he has found it. Deanna tells Wyatt she is happy for him and wishes him the best. Wrenn bids farewell and thanks Picard, who returns the gesture and wishes the best of luck. The Enterprise lets the Tarellian ship go, and it heads away from Haven.

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Later, Deanna bids goodbye to her mother. Lwaxana is sorry to see such her wedding dress go to waste. She mentions perhaps it's her time to seek a mate. After mentioning Picard, she suggests Riker looks mighty handsome, but Deanna tells her he has other obligations.

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