As part of an officer exchange program, Benzite Ensign Mendon is brought aboard the Federation starship "Enterprise". Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher mistakes Mendon for Mordock, another Benzite who took the Starfleet entrance examination with him (in ""). Captain Picard suggests a similar officer exchange with the Klingons, and Commander Riker readily volunteers. Riker is assigned to the Klingon ship IKS "Pagh", captained by Kargan. Before Riker departs for the "Pagh", Lt. Worf briefs Riker on Klingon customs, and gives him a transponder to signal the "Enterprise" in the event of an emergency. Riker embraces his role as the Klingon First Officer, and when challenged by Second Officer Klag, subdues him by force, pleasing Captain Kargan and earning respect from the crew.