"Everything is O.K."

"Everything is O.K."

Episode 27: The Child

Captain's log, Stardate 42073.1 (Year 2365)

There has been an outbreak of an unclassified plasma plague in the Rachelis System. The USS Enterprise is on an emergency mission to collect specimens of the deadly plague and transport them to science station Tango Sierra where hopefully an antidote can be produced.

There is a new doctor on board and yet she has not yet checked in with Captain Picard. However, he learns that she has found time to discover Ten Forward. Irritated, he goes to go find her. On the way, he bumps into Wesley Crusher on the turbo lift and engages in awkward conversation.

In Ten Forward, Picard asks Guinan to locate Dr. Pulaski. As he begins to lecture the doctor on standard protocol, she interrupts and asks him to sit down to discuss an important matter. She is sitting with Counselor Troi. 

Back at the observatory lounge, Picard announces to the staff that Troi is pregnant and is going to have a baby. While the room is in shock, she explains that it is more of a surprise to her. Dr. Pulaski explains to the crew that the conception is believed to be 11 hours ago, although the fetus is developing at a rapid pace. Riker wants to know who the father is and she can only describe a "presence" that entered her body while she was asleep. While the crew debates about aborting the fetus, Deanna turns to the captain and tells him she will be having this baby. He respects her decision and ends the discussion.

Later, back on the bridge, a visibly pregnant Troi enters and Picard asks her how she is feeling.  Later in the day she goes into labor. After Dr. Pulaski delivers Troi's baby, she joins Picard on the bridge, who officially welcomes her. She describes Troi's delivery as highly unusual. Picard hands over the bridge to Riker so he can meet the newborn baby and pay his respects to Deanna. When he and Dr. Pulaski enter Troi's quarters, they are alarmed to meet what looks like a four-year old boy who can speak.  

"Please don't worry. Everything is O.K."

Now Picard is faced with two major problems: Troi's child and the deadly cargo they are about to take on. Picard visits Troi and her son again who now appears to be an eight-year old boy. He engages in conversation with Ian about a new puppy litter. Picard asks Ian if he knows why he is here but Ian is not ready to tell anyone anything. Troi believes that once his cognitive powers have fully developed he will be able to articulate it.

The specimen has successfully transferred on board and Picard directs 

the ship to carry on to Rachelis at Warp 6. However, on the way, the containment malfunctions and there is growth showing. The threat is serious. La Forge is unable to identify the cause. Riker recommends moving all non-essential personnel to the saucer in case of a need to execute a saucer separation.

Later that night, Ian tells Deanna he must leave because he is dangerous to the ship. She worries he is dying and calls the doctor. By the time Dr. Pulaski arrives, he is already dead. He then transfers to a ball of light and exits the ship. Troi explains to the others that Ian was a lifeform, curious to understand Humans and therefore entered her body to be born and go through the process. He didn't mean any harm. 

Now that everything is under control, Picard directs the transfer of the specimen cargo to Rachelis. Wesley wishes to speak to the Captain and he allows him to enter his ready room. He tells Picard he wants to remain on he Enterprise. Without giving a decision right away, Picard orders Wesley back to his position on the bridge.  

When Picard comes back to join the others on the bridge, he explains to the team that Wesley wants to stay on the ship, but cannot solely make the decision, as Wesley will need guidance. Picard appoints Data to assist with his studies and Worf reluctantly offers to tuck him in at night. Picard appoints Riker to supervise his personal growth. He gives Wesley his final permission to stay aboard the Enterprise, under the condition that his mother approves. 

What did I learn about Picard's leadership?

• Picard respects protocol and condones those that do not follow established protocol. In this episode, he begins to lecture Dr. Pulaski about her lack of proper introduction upon arrival.
• Picard shows respect for women. In this episode, while the others are debating on whether or not Troi should abort her unborn child, Picard does not state an opinion and respects Deanna's wishes to carry on with the birth of her child. He also pays his respect to Deanna after the birth of Ian. 
• While often Picard comes off as stern, he has the ability to show authentic compassion at the same time. He cares about Deanna's well-being and asks her how she is feeling. He also shows compassion towards Ian even though he is not comfortable around children. He also shows compassion for a young Wesley who chooses to serve the USS Enterprise. 
• Picard, a busy captain, often delegates tasks to his crew. Sometimes, however, he delegates tasks that he knows he is not well suited for, such as Wesley's practical and personal development.