Preemptive Strike (episode)
Lieutenant Ro is sent undercover to root out a Maquis cell.

Summary

Teaser
"Captain's log, stardate 47941.7. The Enterprise is en route to a briefing on the situation in the demilitarized zone along the Cardassian border. Meanwhile, we're celebrating the return of an old friend."

Lieutenant Ro Laren is back on board the . She walks into Ten Forward and is congratulated by Deanna Troi, Beverly Crusher, and Geordi La Forge for completing Advanced Tactical Training at Starfleet Tactical. During their conversation, Captain Picard calls her to the bridge, but surprises her when she finds him standing outside Ten Forward. Ro thanks Picard for recommending her for the training and for having faith in her as an officer. She notes that if it was not for him, her life would be very different right now.

Commander Riker, who reports that a Cardassian ship is being attacked and needs help, calls Picard to the bridge. Assuming her old post at the helm, Ro determines there are several small ships attacking, but aren't immediately identifiable as they are not transmitting identification codes. Scanning their warp signatures, Data is able to determine that the ships, surprisingly, are Federation.

Act One
Isolating one of the ships and magnifying it on the viewscreen, Picard identifies the vessels as being from the Maquis and orders them to withdraw, but there's no response. Picard tells them they are Federation citizens and that their actions are in violation of the Federation-Cardassian Treaty. Picard demands again that they call off their attack but the Maquis will still not comply. A surgical photon torpedo spread from Worf between the attacking ships and the Cardassian ship prompts the Maquis to withdraw. The Enterprise beams Cardassian survivors aboard and Dr. Crusher treats their wounded. Gul Evek and Picard exchange words in sickbay, each accusing the other of not doing enough to suppress the skirmishes in the Demilitarized Zone. Evek tells Picard that the situation between the Cardassians and the Maquis will only escalate, until the Cardassian military will have no choice but to take matters into their own hands.

Admiral Alynna Nechayev comes aboard the Enterprise and shares tea with Picard in his ready room. They discuss the mounting tension in the Zone between the Cardassians and Maquis. Picard tells her that she missed Gul Evek by a matter of hours. He thought that an admiral's assurance would convince him that Starfleet is doing everything it can to deal with the Maquis situation. Nechayev admits that the situation has her worried and that Starfleet cannot track down the various Maquis cells. Nechayev tells Picard that she is sending in a Starfleet operative undercover to infiltrate the Maquis and gather intelligence to expose the cells. Nechayev recommends Lieutenant Ro for the assignment given her recent tactical training, her previous problems with Starfleet and the fact that she is Bajoran. 

Ro and Picard discuss the mission in her quarters and Ro agrees to accept the assignment. Although she is uncomfortable accepting a mission that will require her to help the Cardassians, she agrees if only to prove the trust that Picard has shown for her.

Act Two
Ro, disguised as a civilian, walks into a bar on the Ronara Prime colony followed closely by Lieutenant Commander Data and Lieutenant Worf. They announce that they are seeking a Bajoran woman with dark hair who killed a Cardassian soldier. Worf tells the bar patrons that if the Bajoran woman has been in here, the establishment will be closed down. Ro grabs an unsuspecting man and starts kissing him, hiding her face from Data and Worf. Another bar patron, Santos, tells them that she was in the bar but had just left. 

Ro approaches the bar and thanks Santos. She mentions that she would like to meet other people who oppose the Cardassians. Santos stuns her with a phaser and she is rendered unconscious. She awakens in the presence of an older man (Macias), a woman (Kalita), and Santos. They question her and when she attempts to leave, Kalita aims a phaser at her. She tells them some of the truth and a few lies; she also admits to killing a Cardassian soldier. She then goes for a walk with Macias while the other two check out her story. 

Macias expresses his outrage with the Cardassians and admits to Ro that many of the settlers living in the compound they are touring are Maquis. He orders hasperat from the food dispenser. Ro is surprised that he likes it and tells him that she knows a recipe for a very spicy hasperat that her father used to make on Bajor. It is clear that Ro regards Macias as a father figure, having lost her own father during the Cardassian occupation of Bajor when she was just a child. Santos walks up to Ro and Macias, along with Kalita. He informs Macias that he has spoken with his sources in Starfleet and Ro's story checks out. Macias knew it would and tells Kalita that Ro will stay with her until they can find her a room.

Ro is brought to a meeting with several Maquis. They have received word that the Cardassians are planning to use biogenic weapons against them. They decide that a preemptive strike is needed to keep the Cardassians from poisoning them. Macias says they cannot strike because they are so low on medical supplies. Ro volunteers to steal medical kits from the Enterprise, she tells them that she used to serve on the ship. Kalita is incredulous, noting that the Enterprise is a fortress. Ro assures her that she knows the ship's security systems and that she can steal the medical supplies. Kalita says that she will go along with her. Ro welcomes her both as a helper and a witness.

Act Three

The Enterprise receives a distress signal from a Starfleet science ship in the Topin system. The Topin star renders communication and sensors nearly useless, and the Enterprise does not detect Ro and Kalita's ship, which is hidden near a planet. Ro piggybacks a message on the distress signal to alert Picard to her presence on the ship. Worf decodes the message just as Ro and Kalita are about to penetrate the Enterprises aft deflectors. Picard has the ship be let through and Ro beams the stockpile of medical kits onto the ship. As they leave, Picard orders Worf to fire phasers on their previous position to make it look like they are trying to stop them. Riker tells Picard that now they know what Starfleet means by Advanced Tactical Training.

After Ro and Kalita return to the Maquis compound, Kalita praises Ro for her bravery and Macias remarks that he could tell, despite the Maquis being suspicious of outsiders, he knew from the start that in her heart, Ro was one of them.

Act Four
Having gained the trust of the Maquis cell, Ro is given a ship and is allowed to leave the colony alone. She reports to Picard everything she has learned, including the Cardassian plan to use biogenic weapons against them. While they talk in the observation lounge, Picard tells her they have come up with a plan to severely weaken the Maquis; they intend to present a target so threatening that they would commit a large number of ships to stop it. The prospect of biogenic weapons would be a perfect bait and tells Ro to make the Maquis believe that the Cardassians have already finished a biogenic weapon and are supplying it to the colonists via a third party. He intends to send a convoy through the demilitarized zone, and when the Maquis attack the convoy, Starfleet would be waiting in the nearby Hugora Nebula to strike and arrest everyone involved. Ro seems to be uncomfortable betraying her new friends, but she tells Picard that she will do her duty. Picard tells Ro that he knew he could count on her.

She then returns to the colony planet and tells the Maquis that she intercepted a Federation transmission about a Yridian convoy of freighters coming from Deep Space 9. This convoy supposedly carries the last components the Cardassians need to complete their biogenic weapon having already taken possession of others from Ferengi and Pakled transports. Macias decides to tell the other cell leaders and get their help to attack the convoy. 

Later, Macias and Ro are sitting in the courtyard of the compound. Macias talks to Ro about the grand feast he is planning when the Maquis finally make the Cardassians leave their homes. Ro tells him it will be a long time before they do celebrating of any kind. Macias tells her she must not give up hope. He remarks that they will make blueberry pie along with hasperat and he will play the belaklavion. Ro remembers her father had played the musical instrument when she was younger and afraid to go to sleep. As she tearfully recalls this, Macias suggests they celebrate tonight, anyway. As Ro and Macias go to the colony's market to pick up food, three hooded figures climb the central steps and open fire on the settlers with phasers. Macias, while trying to help an injured colonist, is shot by a Cardassian. Ro kills the Cardassian and goes over to help the dying old man. Macias tells Ro, just before he dies, that when an old fighter dies, another always steps up to take his place. Ro looks up at the sky with a tear rolling down her face.

Act Five 
Picard is sitting in the settlement bar on Ronara having a drink. Ro walks in and suggests that they take a table in the back, and begin acting like she is a prostitute and he is negotiating her fee. Ro tells him he needs to cancel the convoy trap as the Maquis haven't fallen for the bait, but Picard knows from intelligence reports that this isn't true. Ro attempts to explain away this discrepancy, but Picard immediately realizes she's lying and demands an explanation. Ro admits that although she was willing to complete the mission despite her hatred of the Cardassians at first, she is now starting to question what she's doing and the people she's supposed to betray despite her desire to not let Picard down. Picard tells Ro that it's too late for her to back out as Starfleet is committed to the operation and she has risked being put before a board of inquiry by lying to him in order to have it called off. He also tells her that he would not hesitate to have her court martialed if she does anything to sabotage the mission. Ro promises to follow her orders but Picard, now very wary of Ro's motives, tells her that Commander Riker will be joining her posing as her relative just to be certain that the plan goes through. 

The strike on the convoy is imminent and Riker and Ro are aboard a Maquis ship preparing to attack the convoy. Hidden in the Hugora Nebula, out of sight of the incoming ships, is the Enterprise and other Federation starships. Just as the Maquis are about to cross into Federation space, Ro fires a low intensity particle beam toward the nebula allowing the Maquis ships to see the trap, Riker confronts Ro, who pulls a phaser on him and announces that she can't go through with the plan. Once Starfleet is exposed, they break formation stopping just short of Federation space and Federation jurisdiction. Worf reports this to Picard and that Ro's fighter is heading toward the Enterprise. Picard coldly orders Worf to have Ro placed under arrest the moment she is aboard. Ro transports to Kalita's ship and leaves Riker to take the Maquis ship back to the Enterprise. Before she leaves, with tears in her eyes, she asks Riker to tell Picard she is sorry. He understands and sincerely wishes her the best before she is beamed away. 

Later, in Picard's ready room, Riker says that Ro felt she was doing the right thing and that she seemed more concerned that she was letting down Picard more than anything else. Picard remains silent and unmoving, not even taking Riker's report, so the commander places it on his desk and leaves. After Riker exits, Picard continues to sit silently, his face filled with anger because despite everything he did for her and how much he came to trust Ro, she still chose to betray him.

Log entries 
 Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2370

Memorable quotes
"Those are Federation ships."
"Isolate one and magnify. The Maquis."
 - Riker and Picard, identifying who is attacking the Cardassian ship Vetar

"You are Federation citizens. Your actions are in violation of our treaty with the Cardassians. Call off your attack!"
 - Picard, to the Maquis

"I never thought we'd be firing on our own people to protect a Cardassian ship."
 - Riker

"We are doing everything in our power to control them."
"The fact that my ship was attacked suggests your efforts have met with limited success."
 - Picard, discussing the Maquis situation with Evek

"I've spent the better part of my life fighting the Cardassians. I never thought I'd be helping them out."
 - Ro, agreeing to infiltrate the Maquis

"The way I see it, there's one good reason to take this mission and that's to validate your faith in me."
 - Ro, to Picard

"It was really nice meeting you."
 - Ro, to an unsuspecting man at the bar after having made out with him to disguise herself from Starfleet

"We've learned to be cautious of strangers."
"I understand."
"But I've known since I first met you, that in your heart, you're one of us."
 - Macias and Ro

"You have to hang on."
"When an old fighter like me dies… someone always steps forward to take his place."
 - Ro and Macias

"When she comes aboard, take her into custody."
 - Picard, to Worf about Ro after she betrays Starfleet

"You can take this ship back to the Enterprise."
"You're going with them?!"
"It's been a long time since I really felt like I belonged somewhere. Could you tell Captain Picard something for me?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"Tell him I'm sorry."
"So long, Ro. Take care of yourself."
"Goodbye, Will. Energize."
 - Ro and Riker

"She seemed very sure that she was doing the right thing. I think her only regret was that she let you down. Here's my report."
 - Riker, to Picard about Ro Laren

Background information

Production history 
 Final draft script:  
 Filmed: 2 March 1994 – 10 March 1994 (7 days)
 Premiere airdate: 
 First UK airdate:

Story and production 

 The original title of this episode was "The Good Fight" but it was felt that this title was too similar to . ()
 "Preemptive Strike" was filmed between Wednesday  and Thursday .
 According to Jeri Taylor, this episode did not come from a desire to bring Ro Laren back one last time. In fact, after actress Michelle Forbes turned down the chance to take her character to  (in the role that became Kira Nerys), her relationship with the show wasn't the best. Yet, the series found itself rushing toward a deadline with no other workable story idea but this one, which depended on getting the actress back. Taylor was able to get on the phone directly with Michelle Forbes and pitch the story personally, convincing Forbes to commit to the series' penultimate episode. (Star Trek: The Next Generation 365)

Continuity 
 This is the only episode directed by Patrick Stewart not to feature Data in a prominent role.
 Like Patrick Stewart here, Avery Brooks also directed the penultimate episode of his series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; he directed .
 The appearance of Nechayev and Evek was intended to add continuity to the developing Maquis arc. Likewise, the use of Klingons, Vulcans, and Native Americans as village extras was a subtle setup for the cast of . ()
 The lieutenant commander who Ro Laren refers to as her instructor at Advanced Tactical Training in 2369/2370, and who joined the Maquis, was intended by the producers as a reference to Chakotay. As was the Native American connection made in that epsiode, and previously in . (} In fact, this information is included in Ro Laren's biography at StarTrek.com. While not canon in the truest sense, that intention was ultimately contradicted in the Voyager episode , in which Chakotay stated that he resigned his commission on , 2368.
 As part of the plan to lure the Maquis in with fears of a biogenic weapon, Ro mentions that one of the items being transported into the disputed area is bio-mimetic gel. She says that it is perfectly legal and does not seem concerned about it, stating that it is harmless on its own. However, when talking about this substance in , Captain Sisko states that it is "strictly controlled by the Federation, and not available at any price," implying that the substance is much more dangerous than stated here.
 This episode marks the fifth and last time Riker participates in an undercover assignment in the series and – like in , , and  – the mission does not end well for him. Riker is also seen going undercover on the planet Barkon IV, when he and Dr. Crusher are searching for Data in the episode .
 This episode includes the only time Ro is ever addressed by her given name (which is said when Picard meets with her undercover at the bar).

Sets and props 
 The reliable Varon-T disruptor prop makes an appearance as the weapon Kalita levels at Ro Laren during her interrogation.
 Picard's Kurlan naiskos makes another appearance following his previous ones in , , and . It will later appear in  and .
 The bird sculptures seen in the conference room of the Maquis previously appeared in Marla Aster's quarters in the third season episode  and in the reception area at Arkaria Base in the sixth season episode .
 The wall-mounted lights in the conference room are also seen in the Volan III council chamber in the episodes  and .

Cast and characters 
 Shannon Cochran later reprised her role as Kalita in the  third season episode . Jonathan Frakes also reprised his role as Thomas Riker from  in that episode.
 This is the last appearance of Michelle Forbes as Ro Laren.
 This is Natalija Nogulich's last appearance as Alynna Nechayev in ; although she had also appeared in the DS9 episode , and went on to star in the DS9 episode  (although her appearance in that episode is actually part of a virtual reality simulation and is not the real Nechayev).

Video and DVD releases 
 UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 88, 
 As part of the TNG Season 7 DVD collection

Links and references

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

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

Guest stars 
 Michelle Forbes as Ro Laren
 John Franklyn-Robbins as Macias
 Natalija Nogulich as Alynna Nechayev
 William Thomas, Jr. as Santos
 Shannon Cochran as Kalita
 Richard Poe as Evek

Uncredited co-stars 
 Sam Alejan as Ronara bar patron
 Rick Avery as Human colonist
 Steve Blalock as Cardassian spy
 Renna Bogdanowicz as Human colonist
 Michael Braveheart as Martinez
 Debbie David as Russell
 Cameron as Cardassian officer
 David Paul Christian as Ten Forward waiter
 Tracee Lee Cocco as Jae
 John Copage as civilian
 Holiday Freeman as command officer
 Loretta Gordon as Human colonist
 Fumiko Hamada as command officer 
 Grace Harrell as operations officer
 Red Horton as Human colonist
  as sciences officer
 Ron Large as command officer
 Dawn Lovett as Klingon bar patron
 Buck McDancer as Cardassian spy
 Michael Moorehead as sciences ensign
 Tom Morga as Cardassian spy
 Bobby Parker as Human colonist
 Rebecca Parker as Human colonist
 Shawn Michael Perry as Human colonist
 Keith Rayve as civilian
 Robin Ritter as Bajoran bar patron
 Joycelyn Robinson as Gates
 Bob Shuttleworth as Ronara bar patron
 Theresa St. Clair as Ten Forward waitress
 Noriko Suzuki as operations ensign
 Oliver Theess as command officer
 Christina Wegler Miles as Starfleet command ensign
 Unknown performers as
 Two alien colonists
 Bajoran bar patron
 Bajoran waiter
 Two Cardassian officers
 Female command division officer
 Human female civilian
 Nine Human colonists
 Kobliad bar patron
 Six Ronara bar patrons
 Vulcan female bar patron
 Vulcan male bar patron

Photo double 
 Richard Sarstedt – photo double for John Franklyn-Robbins

Stand-ins 
 David Keith Anderson – stand-in for LeVar Burton
 Debbie David – stand-in for Brent Spiner
 Michael Echols – stand-in for Michael Dorn
 Nora Leonhardt – stand-in for Marina Sirtis
 Lorine Mendell – stand-in for Gates McFadden
 Richard Sarstedt – stand-in for Jonathan Frakes
 Dennis Tracy – stand-in for Patrick Stewart

References 
2368; Advanced Tactical Training; Bajor; Bajoran; belaklavion; berry; biogenic weapon (aka biogenic device); bio-mimetic gel; bird; blueberry; blueberry pie; board of inquiry; brine; Bularian canapé; "by comparison"; Cardassia; Cardassian; Cardassian border; Cardassian government; Cardassian military; Cardassian territory; court martial; Deep Space 9; Demilitarized Zone; desertion; eye; Federation; firing range; foraiga; Galaxy class decks; hasperat; heart; Hugora Nebula; isomiotic hypospray; Juhraya; Juhryan freighter; Klingon; Kurlan naiskos; leader; magnetascopic interference; Maquis; medkit; ; Occupation of Bajor; Ornara; outlaw; painting; palm beacon; paramilitary; particle beam; Pendi II; piggyback; ; preemptive strike; protostar; quarantine pod; red alert; refugee; refugee camp; relief mission; retroviral vaccine; Ro Gale; Ronara Prime; rumor; science ship; sculpture; sensor buoy; sensor range; sickbay; spy; squad leader; Tactical Training instructor; tongue; Topin system; type 8 phaser; Vulcan; Yridian

Starship references 
Alpha Nine; Alpha Seven; Bajoran interceptor (unnamed); Bajoran raider (unnamed); Deep Space 9; ; ; Federation attack fighter (unnamed 1 and 2); Federation starships in Hugora Nebula; Ferengi transport; ; ; ; Maquis fighter (unnamed); Pakled transport; Santos' ship; Vetar; Yridian ship

External links
 
 
 
 

de:Die Rückkehr von Ro Laren
es:Preemptive Strike
fr:Preemptive Strike (épisode)
it:Il tenente Ro (episodio)
ja:惑星連邦“ゲリラ部隊”（エピソード）
nl:Preemptive Strike
sv:Preemptive Strike
TNG episodes