Trekipedia

Guises of the Mind

The crew of the Starship Enterprise must prevent a ruthless dictator from taking over a planet!

• Stardate 45741.9
• Released September 1993

The world Capulon IV is finally ready to join the Federation after years of waiting. All that remains is the ruler’s coronation and a routine signing of the final treaty. When the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise and their passengers—a group of women from a religious order dedicated to helping the downtrodden—arrive for the event, they expect to find a world willing and happy to receive them. Instead, they encounter deceit and treachery. The crown prince, once excited and eager to join the Federation, now refuses even to speak with Captain Picard.

Beaming to the surface in an attempt to work out the problem, Picard, Troi, and Mother Veronica, the abbess of the nuns, are drugged and captured. Now they must somehow escape and stop the crowning. If they cannot prevent it, the King will be omnipotent, with the power to destroy the Starship Enterprise and all of Capulon IV as well…

Written by: Rebecca Neason

Cast:

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard
• Commander William T. Riker
• Dr. Beverly Crusher
• Counselor Deanna Troi
• Lieutenant Commander Data
• Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge
• Lieutenant Worf

Guest Cast:

• Mother Veronica

---

Excerpt

“Greetings, your majesty,” Picard said. “The Enterprise will arrive on schedule for your coronation.”

The King’s eyes shifted. “I’m not sure that is necessary, Captain,” he said. “As my coronation approaches, I am no longer certain that joining your Federation would be the best thing for my people.”

Troi shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The King was radiating deceit in waves that were almost visible to the empath.

“You and your people are welcome to come to Capulon, but I cannot guarantee I will sign your treaty.” The transmission ended abruptly.

There was a gasp behind her. Troi turned.

Mother Veronica stood by the turbolift, white with shock and terror. Her eyes were wide with the horror of whatever she had perceived in the King’s mind.

“Such hate,” she whispered. “Darkness . . . black hatred.”

She turned and fled into the turbolift.

“Go after her, Counselor,” Picard ordered. “Find out what she knows.”