Act 1 | Scene 2: The Bridge of the USS Enterprise-D

Commander Riker occupies the captain's chair, diligently studying mission reports on his PADD. Worf is stationed at tactical, while Counselor Deanna Troi is at her usual post.

Worf: “Commander, all other members of the away team report no signs of memory loss. We still have three crew members on Rystopv IV preparing for extraction.”

Riker: “Acknowledged, Lieutenant. That narrows down our options. Maintain open lines of communication.”

Worf: “Understood, sir.”

Counselor Troi: “This is quite unusual. Memory loss that selectively affects specific memories related to certain individuals. It surpasses standard neurological complications.”

Riker: “Could it be that some entity is involved?”

Counselor Troi: “I’m not detecting anything at the moment, but I doubt this is simply a subconscious manifestation. There are deeper issues at hand.”

Act 1 | Scene 3: Engineering

Geordi LaForge is engrossed in his work at a bench when Data enters.

Geordi: “You know, Data, warp core injectors are temperamental like moody artists. A tiny imbalance, and they react unpredictably.”

Data: “That’s an intriguing analogy, Geordi. While in Sickbay earlier, I reflected on the fascinating aspects of Wesley and Ensign Harrison’s condition. Counselor Troi and Dr. Crusher didn’t seem to share my enthusiasm.”

Geordi pauses, glancing up from his work.

Geordi: “Data, remember that not every mystery is thrilling to those affected. To you, it’s a puzzle; to them, it’s personal. They seek answers, not just questions.”

Data: “I comprehend. Speaking of enigmas, have you observed the strange readings from Rystopv IV?”

Geordi shifts his attention to Data’s projected data on another console, where graphs and figures flash across the screen.

Geordi: “Those certainly don’t resemble standard geological anomalies.”

Data: “The readings are intricate, and it would be premature to jump to conclusions.”

Geordi: “Let’s identify what this is first.”

Data: “Agreed. I will isolate these frequencies for further investigation.”

Geordi: “And I’ll conduct system diagnostics to eliminate any potential ship-wide effects.”

Geordi returns to his console, casting a thoughtful glance at Data.

Geordi: “And Data, the next time you’re in Sickbay, try leading with empathy before sharing your theories. It can make a significant difference.”

Data: “I will strive to do so. Thank you, Geordi.”

Act 1 | Scene 4: Cargo Bay 2

Emily, equipped with a flashing neurotransmitter device on her upper arm, finishes unpacking a shuttle.

Emily: “The potential for cultural exchange between these pre-warp civilizations, as indicated by these glyphs, is astonishing.”

Ensign Sara Wattfield: “What mechanisms are we discussing? Seeding? Alien visits? Convergence?”

Ensign Ahmed Khled: “Convergence seems unlikely given this level of homology. We might uncover surprising insights about the interconnectedness of life throughout the galaxy.”

Emily: “That’s precisely why we ventured out here.”

Wesley, also fitted with a device on his arm, leans against a bulkhead, listening.

Emily (looking up): “Wesley. How long have you been here?”

Wesley: “Just a couple of seconds.”

Emily: “And you still remember me?”

Wesley (waving at Ahmed): “Oh yes, it’s Professor Mirabell Hoffnagel, isn’t it? A pleasure to meet you.”

Emily (suppressing a grin): “Just call me Mira. I hope you caught the sub-space broadcast of my acceptance speech for the Howard Carter Award?”

Wes: “The HCA? Wouldn’t miss it… Can we speak privately?”

Emily (cleaning her hands with a Starfleet towel): “Of course. My shift just ended.”

Wes: “The anti-forgetting drug seems to be effective… for me as well.”

Wes waves again to Ahmed as he leads Emily out of the cargo bay.

Ahmed (nodding to Wes): “See you Tuesday night.”

Act 1 | Scene 5: Deck 17 Corridor

A bustling corridor.

Wes: “This is ridiculous. He’s discussing resuming a poker game… (shifts to an exasperated whisper) I don’t even recall lining up, much less playing.”

Emily: “I know. I’m supposed to have been there too. It’s only the events involving you that I can’t remember.”

Wes: “In engineering, I’ve pieced together our shared history from the logs. I thought we could review it… together.”

Emily: “How could I refuse? The allure of the warp core and di-lithium in the air.”

Wes (smiling): “Start at Ten Forward?”

Emily: “Absolutely, I’m starving.”

Turbo Lift J

Wes: “Deck 10.”

Emily: “It seems the corruption from our away mission has spread into our memories of everything else we’ve done together.”

Wes: “Exactly. And what if it continues to spread? We could end up… lobotomized.”

Emily: “I hadn’t considered that… so you mean it could be targeting neuronal engrams related to anything connected to… us?”

Wes: “I suppose so. That’s what’s transpired so far. And it might just be the medication we’re on that’s preventing it from progressing.”