Picard can't confirm or deny Gowron's accusations. Responding to a distress call from Starbase 180, the Enterprise encounters the Tholians again, damaging their flagship. With the Tholian commander injured, the First Officer confronts Picard, explaining that they are attacking because Klingons attacked Tholian colonies. Picard must find a rogue Klingon ship whose last known coordinates are near the planet which is home to Hugh and his renegade Borg.