February 13, 2020 - Thoughts on Star Trek: Picard - Episode 4

Episode 4 of Star Trek: Picard opens by revealing that at least one Romulan relocation hub had been prepared, christened as Vashti, and Romulans were already settled there. Picard is seen as a hero among these individuals that were already evacuated to safety and he is seen as a fatherly figure to the young Elnor, enough that he practices swordsmanship and reads classical literature to him. The news of the synths attacking Mars reaches him via Raffi while he is carrying out these simple pleasures and he leaves with the promise that Starfleet will continue to help the Romulans, as he himself believes that to be the case. Unfortunately, the Mars attacks cause Starfleet to become selfish and uncaring about promises they made and they also do not care how their dishonesty makes Picard look in the eyes of those already rescued. In his rage over the abandoned plan, Picard obviously forgot about the impact his resignation would have on the promises he made.

In the present, it is very clear that Rios is a bitter introvert who finds very little joy in interacting with anything besides literary works and holograms. Jurati, on the other hand, is eager to bond with her new crewmates and doesn't seem to be aware or care that she is easily irritating Rios. The EMH/Hospitality Hologram has done his best to make Picard comfortable by providing Picard with his familiar office, but Raffi is doing everything she can to question what Picard is doing. Picard is doing his best to ignore her bitter cynicism and everything Rios is telling him as he strives to reconnect with Elnor on Vashti. I do not believe that Picard has told Raffi about his illness, but it is very much on his mind as he says, "I may never pass this way again" and there is opportunity to tell her, but he does not do it. Why?

The mismatched crew is not welcomed with open arms to Vashti and after debating how to get access to it without being killed, Picard goes down alone. He is dismayed to see that his greetings are responded to with ignorance and hostility, but there is a small beacon of hope when the Qowat Milat greet him with civility. Elnor, however, does not look delighted to see his old mentor and it is clear that he has grown into what he is because of broken promises. Picard is brought to the realization that his inability to even attempt to keep his promise has made him someone to hate among both the people of Vashti and in the eyes of his mentee, Elnor.

Instead of abandoning Elnor a second time, however, Picard uses absolute candor and the memories of Data to attempt an emotional connection. He uses his missing Data to emphasize to Elnor that he too was dearly missed. Picard invites Elnor to come with him and help find both Maddox and Soji, but Elnor is too bitter and angry about being only needed now that he has evolved into someone who can be useful. He refuses bitterly and runs away like a child having a tantrum. Picard then decides to try his luck among the people of Vashti and the people express an equal amount of bitterness at his inability to keep his promises.

The Romulans surround him with the intent to fight and spew more hateful bitterness before forcing him into a sword fight that he has little chance of winning. When all hope is fading, Elnor arrives and decapitates one of the attackers, declaring that he has bonded with Picard's cause and will protect him at all cost. Picard apologizes to the Vashti, but they are not having it and prepare to attack. Fortunately, the ship beams Picard and Elnor up and Picard reprimands Elnor for killing without cause and makes Elnor swear through a hand ritual that he will act only when commanded to act, making it a requirement for joining his cause. Elnor agrees without hesitation, indicating that he may yet have respect for what Picard has taught him and their past.

In the safety and security of the Borg Cube Romulan Reclamation Site, meanwhile, Soji is obsessed with trying to help the woman who went crazy and called her the 'Destroyer'. Narek is also doing his best to find the line between his romantic feelings for Soji and his desperation to accomplish the mission he was dispatched to accomplish. Soji is heckbent on getting as much information as she can from Narek and Narek is clearly struggling to keep his undercover resolve together. There is a moment of romantic playfulness between the two, however, that evolves into passion. Narek ruins the moment by accusing Soji of lying and snooping where she should not and Soji abandons him, her anger strong and resolute. Soji is now aware that Narek's advances towards her had ulterior motive. Narek's sister happens upon him and they discuss how they will find where the rest of the synths are before they kill them and their creator.

The ship ends up being attacked by Romulans who are made aware of Picard's return and hate the very idea of what he represents. As the ship struggles in battle, a rogue ship suddenly comes out of nowhere and they beam the pilot over before the ship is destroyed in Vashti's defense network. The pilot is Seven of Nine and she tells Picard he owes her a ship before fainting. Why is Seven here and how will she help in the search for Maddox and Soji?