Data Stellare 43385.6: I delegati della Federazione, dei Ferengi, dei Caldoniani, il Primo Ministro di Barzan Bhavani e il rappresentante dei Chrysalians, sono a bordo dell'Enterprise per negoziare l'uso di un fenomeno naturale fino ad allora ritenuto pericoloso e incontrollabile: il primo e unico wormhole stabile conosciuto. Una sonda lanciata dentro il wormhole rimanda i suoi segnali da milioni di anni luce: l'uscita del condotto si trova apparentemente in un settore raggiungibile in centinaia di anni con i normali motori a curvatura. Nonostante il generale entusiasmo il negoziato si rivela difficile, a causa della diffidenza dei delegati e della strana influenza del rappresentante dei Chrysalians, Devinoni Ral.

Troi: And, computer, I would like a real Chocolate sundae.
Computer: Define 'real' in context, please.
Troi: 'Real', not one of your perfectly synthesized and geniously enhanced imitations. I would like real chocolate ice cream with real whipped cream.

Goss: I am DaiMon Goss. And these are my counsels Kole and Doctor Arridor. We'll need chairs.
Picard: I'm Captain Picard of the Enterprise. I am serving as host for these proceedings.
DaiMon Goss: Good. Then see to it we get some chairs.
Picard: Let me explain.
Goss: Fine, fine. Just have your Klingon servant get us some chairs.
Worf: I am in charge of security.
Goss: Then who gets the chairs?
Picard: DaiMon, due to the delicate nature of these negotiations, all parties have agreed that one representative will suffice. Now, I will be happy to provide your counsels with accommodations, and you may have my chair.

Bhavani: Here it is, ladies and gentlemen. The first and only stable wormhole known to exist. It's yours, for the right price.

Mendoza (a Riker): You must play poker, Commander.
Riker: Poker? Is that a game of some sort?
Picard: Commander Riker conducts master classes in poker.

Picard: Suspicions?
Riker: With the Ferengi around, always.

Beverly: You're unusually limber this morning.
Troi: I'll say. Devinoni Ral. It's ridiculous and wonderful. I feel completely out of control. Happy, terrified, but there's nothing rational about this.
Beverly: Who needs rational when your toes curl up.
Troi: I'm afraid I'm going to loose myself. I can't get enough of him. Is it possible to fall in love in one day?
Beverly: I did.
Troi: It was like this for you and Jack?
Beverly: No, it was another fellow. I fell in love in a day, it lasted a week. But what a week! Then I met Jack. Took months to figure it out with him.
Troi: Well then, maybe I should slow down, catch my breath, not let this thing get out of control.
Beverly e Troi: Nah!