A few weeks pass, and Bashir hasn't returned to Deep Space Nine. An investigation soon turns up the security tape of Bashir's dematerialization. Following the transporter trail, O'Brien discovers that Bashir was taken approximately 18 years into the past. "So we'll have to rescue him in order to maintain the integrity of the time stream?", asks Sisko. "I'm afraid so, sir", says O'Brien.

Time travel is a bit beyond the capabilities of a shuttle, but fortunately the Enterprise has just pulled into dock. "I'll send my best men", says Picard, who then humbly sends himself, bringing Riker and Wesley Crusher. Ten minutes worth of unconvincing special effects later, the Enterprise enters orbit around the High Priestess' planet, 18 years in the past. The away team beams down, quickly locating Bashir. Stunning the guards, they take the groggy Bashir, still intact, off of the operating table. It's at this point that Wesley is seen fondly gazing at a picture of himself that he keeps in his wallet. "Ensign Crusher, we all know about the affair that you're having with your right hand. Put that damned thing away, and help us with this crewman", says Picard. But Wesley isn't listening. In horror, he notices that he has begun to fade from the picture. "Wesley!", yells Picard. "Sorry, captain", says Wesley, "I'll be right there". Carelessly, Picard turns around, and Crusher phasers him and Riker in the back. Down they go for the count, reeling from a heavy stun. Wesley takes out his communicator. "He wasn't here, Chief", he says, "and the captain and commander Riker need immediate attention". The away team is brought back. The guards and surgical team awaken, and history resumes its course.

A small diplomatic incident has now become a large one, as the Priestess' homeworld becomes aware of the intrusion into their space by a federation warship, and quickly make an alliance with the Romulans, who begin patrolling their perimeter. A return mission is impossible. Bashir can now never be saved. It is not, however, too late to court martial Wesley, who is charged with dereliction of duty, collaboration with the enemy, assault of two federation officers, conspiracy in the rape and murder of a third, lying to a superior officer and falsifying a report. He is found guilty, and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Dilithium mines of Vega XII.

Taken in shackles into the penal colony, Wesley is brought into the showers to be deloused, and then left there. A huge Cardassian inmate, puss oozing out of every one of the many sores on his body, looks leeringly over Wesley's young form. "Hey, earth boy", he says, "ever been in a Turkish prison back home? Do you like gladiator movies?" Wesley's eyes go wide. "Mommmmeeeeeeee!!!!!!", he screams.

Fade to black.

................. ------------------> To be concluded