Heart of Glory (TNG episode)

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Star Trek: TNG episode
"Heart of Glory"
Korris wants to show Worf what it means to be a Klingon, in "Heart of Glory".
Episode no.	20
Prod. code	120
Airdate	March 21, 1988
Writer(s)	Maurice Hurley
Director	Robert Bowman
Guest star(s)	Vaughn Armstrong, David Froman, Charles H. Hyman
Year	2364
Stardate	41503.7
Episode chronology
Previous	"Coming of Age"
Next	"The Arsenal of Freedom"

"Heart of Glory" is a first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, first broadcast March 21, 1988. It is episode #20, production #120, teleplay written by Maurice Hurley, based on a story by Maurice Hurley, Herbert Wright, and D.C. Fontana, and directed by Robert Bowman.

It is the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation to feature Klingons other than Lt. Worf. This was Vaughn Armstrong's first appearance on a Star Trek series.

Overview: Fugitive Klingons try to hijack the Enterprise.

[edit] Plot

On stardate 41503.7, the USS Enterprise heads to the Neutral Zone to investigate the report of a battle in space. Upon arriving there, they find a crippled Talarian freighter called The Batris. No other ships are detected, but to be safe, Captain Picard has shields raised, and weapons ready. Sensors detect the energy signatures of the recent weapons fire, however, the type is uncertain; possibly Ferengi or Romulan. Data indicates the life-support systems of the freighter are failing, and navigation, propulsion, and communications are all inoperative. He detects three life signs toward the ship's engineering section. Picard orders the transporter room to lock on, and beam the survivors aboard, but due to their proximity to the ship's damaged reactor, there is too much interference for a positive lock.

Commander Riker offers to lead a rescue party. The passengers may be trapped, and could be led to a safer location for beam out. Picard approves, and sends him over with Geordi La Forge, and Mr. Data. Picard believes this is the perfect opportunity for Geordi to test his new "visual acuity sensor", a device that attaches to his VISOR and relays what he sees back to the bridge viewer. The party beams over to the freighter, and moves aft through scorched bulkheads and fallen support beams. Geordi activates his sensor, and what he sees is revealed to the bridge crew. Picard finds it difficult to make out anything in the kaleidoscopic array of images and color. He never realized how differently Geordi views the world. He asks Geordi how he can cope with all the visual "noise", to which Geordi states that he has trained himself to focus on what he wants to look at, and mentally disregard the rest. It's similar to how one can make out a single voice in a crowded room. Riker tells Geordi to scan a fracture in a nearby bulkhead. Geordi can see stress lines forming. The freighter could to break apart any minute. Data also detects a deuterium gas leak coming from the damaged reactor core. The levels are becoming dangerous, so they must hurry.

Data leads them back as they dodge bouts of fire and steam along the way. Geordi's transmission from his VISOR eventually ceases. He indicates the sensor has overloaded. He's surprised it lasted this long. The group reaches engineering, and finds a jammed hatchway. Data's scans reveal that someone is on the other side, and he pries open the door. Riker calls to them, explaining they are here to help. They see humanoid figures move from the shadows. Riker is stunned by what he sees, Klingons! One is badly wounded. The first speaks identifying himself as Captain Korris, but Riker tells him there is no time for formalities. They have to get out of here. With the Klingons in tow, the group heads out. They signal to return to the Enterprise, but Lt. Yar is unable to get a lock on them. She tells them to get farther away from engineering, but an explosion ahead blocks their path. Riker tells her that's the best they can do. With fingers crossed, she energizes the beam. Outside the Enterprise, the Batris explodes in a shower of debris. There is a tense moment of uncertainty, but then Riker calls from the transporter room. They made it.

The injured Klingon, Kunivas, is rushed to sickbay, while Korris and his lieutenant, Konmel, follow. Picard decides to meet the new "guests". Worf asks to accompany him. Dr. Crusher works urgently to save Kunivas' life, but he's unresponsive. The Klingons watch her work, then raise their thick brows when they see a fellow Klingon, dressed in a Starfleet uniform, enter the room. Picard asks Korris about why they were aboard a Talarian freighter in the middle of the Neutral Zone. Korris explains the Talarian's were transporting them to Outpost M-Zed Five. They were attacked without warning by a Ferengi vessel. During the course of the battle, they must have unknowingly drifted into the Neutral Zone. Worf responds, indicating the weapons used were not Ferengi. Korris states the ship was Ferengi, however they were using Klingon weapons. An unlikely story, but Picard doesn't press the issue. He wonders instead, what precipitated the attack? Korris says he doesn't know. He and his colleagues were in their quarters. He states the Talarians couldn't handle the situation, so they took charge. The Ferengi demanded their surrender to which Korris told the Talarian Captain to accept. It tricked the Ferengi into lowering their shields. When they did so, they attacked them with a battery of old Merculite rockets. The attack was sufficient to destroy the Ferengi ship. Picard would like more explanations, but Korris tells him they a fatigued and hungry. Picard has Worf show them to their quarters. Riker wonders why three Klingon officers would hitch a ride on a broken down freighter? Picard is just as confused. He knows none of it makes sense. In the meantime, he tells Riker to contact Starfleet to see what they know of Captain Korris and his associates.

Worf escorts the Klingons to their quarters. Once there, Konmel orders up some Klingon food and ale from the replicator. Korris invites Worf to sit with them. He didn't know there were Klingons serving aboard Federation starships. Worf replies he is the only one. Korris wonders then, "how does the hunter feel lying with the prey?" Has it tamed his heart for peace? Worf is not amused by their teasing and asks why they wish to anger him. Korris answers; "Only to see if it is still possible." Worf assures him it is. Picard calls Korris to notify him that Kunivas' condition is worsening. They head to sickbay where Dr. Crusher explains she has done all she can. His wounds are too critical. The three Klingons approach the dying warrior. Korris holds the Kunivas' eyes open with his thumbs, and looks hard into them. The three Klingons look quickly up to the ceiling and bellow a fierce roar. The sound awes Picard and Crusher as they witness the strange ritual. Kunivas gasps his last breath and falls limp. The three Klingons lower their heads quietly for a moment. Beverly asks if there are any special arrangements to be made for the body, to which Korris replies; "It is only an empty shell now. Please treat it as such."

The three Klingons leave, and as they walk, Konmel mentions Kunivas' death would have been more glorious had he been killed by an enemy. Worf is confused, and asks if he wasn't killed by an enemy, who was it that attacked them? Korris switches subjects however, asking Worf to explain his reason for joining Starfleet. Worf tells his tale of how after the Romulans attacked the Khitomer outpost, he was left for dead in the rubble. A Starfleet officer found him and took him to Gault to raise him as a son. Korris mentions Gault is a farming colony with some disdain. No place for a Klingon warrior to be raised. Worf continues his story, mentioning when they were of age, he and his foster brother joined Starfleet Academy together. His brother later dropped out, and returned to Gault. Worf stayed. Konmel realizes Worf hasn't spent much time among his own kind.

Korris knows that Worf felt the call of a warrior within him, and like the hunter that spawned him, he joined the struggle of life and death. However, there were those who shunned and insulted him because he was different. He never knew why he was driven. There were no other Klingons in his life to lead him to that knowledge. Worf acknowledges having felt those barbaric feelings, but states he can control them. Korris see that life among the humans has forced Worf to change what he cannot. Because he can't is the true mark of a warrior and Korris salutes him for it. He believes however, the peace between the Federation and Klingons is a living death for warriors like themselves. He admits lying to Picard about their situation. They in fact, commandeered the freighter to search for a place they could live their lives as true Klingons. It was one of their own ships they had battled with, that was sent to bring them back. Worf is stunned they dare attack one of their own ships, but Korris confesses they didn't want to battle their brothers, but they had no choice. Their leaders have been corrupted by the illusion of peace. That peace, Korris claims, makes his Klingon heart wither and die. Worf believes their dreams of glory no longer fit the time. They belong buried in the past. The Klingons continue their tour of the ship, as Konmel ponders about the magnificent battles they could wage at the helm of the Enterprise.

On the bridge, Data reports a vessel approaching the area. Picard is still thinking about the Klingon death ritual. He wonders about the howl they made at the moment of death, to which Data indicates is a warning to the dead; "Beware. A Klingon warrior is about to arrive." The other ship comes within visual range. It is a Klingon cruiser. Picard opens hailing frequencies and gets a reply from Commander K'Nera. Picard explains they investigated a battle, and have brought three Klingon survivors aboard. K'Nera asks if they are from the cruiser T'Acog, but Picard indicates they were aboard the freighter. Their leader is Captain Korris. K'Nera reacts with anger, and explains Korris is a criminal. The renegade stole the freighter, and somehow destroyed the cruiser sent to bring them back. He tells Picard to return them as soon as they are within transport range. Picard has Lt. Yar locate the Klingon's position. She finds them on Deck 17 near the Battle Bridge. He tells her to send a security team down to arrest them. Riker wonders if the Captain thinks Worf would allow them access to the Battle Bridge, but at this point Picard cannot assume anything.

Down on Deck 17, Korris mentions he has heard the Enterprise can separate the saucer section. Worf confirms, explaining that when shed of its bulk, the ship is a formidable weapon. Suddenly, Worf spots Tasha leading an armed detail that blocks both ways of the corridor. Tasha indicates the Captain wants the Klingons in custody and tells Worf to step away from them. Korris whispers; "Do not let them take us Worf. Listen to the voice of your blood. You are not 'of' these people." Worf hesitates for a moment. Suddenly, a lift door opens behind them and a little girl runs out and right into Korris. Korris picks up the child, while the mother gasps in terror. Tasha knows the dynamics of the situation have changed, and informs Picard a hostage has been taken. Korris shoots her a glance, then slowly sets the child back down. She runs to her terrified mother. Tasha relaxes, and calls to disregard the last message. Korris and Konmel peacefully surrender, and the security team takes them away. Tasha approaches Worf who appears confused. She is relived that Korris didn't take the child hostage. Worf replies; "Cowards take hostages. Klingons do not."

Worf goes to the bridge where Picard explains that Korris and Konmel are fugitives, and the Klingons want them back. Worf indicates they will be tried and executed. There must be other options. Picard lets him know that he is not unmindful of Worf's mixed feelings, but he has no choice in the matter. Data reports the Klingon ship is within range for transport, and Picard hails them to prepare for transfer. Worf requests to speak with the Commander. There is something he must say. Picard allows it, and Worf steps forward to the viewscreen. Worf offers K'Nera a plead for Korris' and Konmel's freedom. K'Nera refuses, stating their actions have threatened the alliance. They disobeyed orders and must be punished. Worf agrees they must be punished, but not executed with dishonor. K'Nera wonder why he even cares, to which Worf states what burns in their eyes, fires his soul. He requests they be taken to the Halee system. Allow them to meet death on their feet with a weapon in their hand. Not tied and helpless. K'Nera feels for them too, mentioning when Klingons die that way, it diminishes them all. He too wishes they could fly free, but he has no choice.

Down in the brig, Korris and Konmel conspire to break out. The two begin to remove various objects from their uniforms. What appeared as decor on their armor, fashions together to make a wicked looking disruptor pistol. Konmel creeps forward and removes another ornament from his shoulder. The object instantly neutralizes the cell's force field. The guards react with surprise as Korris blasts one of them dead. The other runs back to take a defensive posture. He reports the Klingons are escaping and returns fire. The guard manages to hit Konmel as he flees but Korris runs out blasting wildly, killing the guard in the crossfire. Konmel lies dead as Korris runs down the corridor toward engineering. The desperate fugitive runs into the control room where technicians flee out of his way. He runs to the catwalk that surrounds the ship's warp core. Tasha and a security force enter and see Korris is pointing his weapon right at the dilithium chamber. If he fires the weapon, he will destroy the whole ship.

On the bridge, Picard is informed of the crisis. K'Nera reminds him that Korris is a trained warrior, perhaps more than they can handle. He offers to send a team aboard to assist, but Picard tells him he can handle it. Worf and Picard rush to engineering. Tasha suggests waiting him out, but Worf disagrees. Korris will wait as long as he feels he has an advantage. If not, he will fire the weapon and destroy the ship. Picard lets Worf go. Worf heads for a ladder and climbs it to the catwalk. Korris responds; "Brother! I knew you would come." He states he will not allow the "traitors of Kling" take him back and pick the meat off his bones. He will order Picard to surrender the battle bridge, then he and Worf will take the battle section of the Enterprise and light up the galaxy. Imagine the fear that will roll before them.

Worf orders him to put down the phaser, but Korris doesn't believe what he hears. He tells Worf not to deny the challenge of his destiny. Worf tells him he seeks battles in the wrong places. The test of a warrior is within and it is the weakness inside he must overcome. He tells Korris that he talks of glory and conquest, yet where are the words duty, honor, and loyalty, without which a warrior is nothing. Korris rails into Worf. He tells him living among the humans has made him weak. They have sucked the Klingon from his heart. He is nothing but a sham; a weakling just like them. He doesn't care what Worf looks like; he is no Klingon! Worf replies "perhaps not", and without warning, he blasts Korris with his phaser sending him crashing through a transparent deck plate to the floor of the lower engineering level. Worf heads down and steps over to Korris, taking the dying man's head in his hands to peers into his eyes. Suddenly, he lets out the ominous roar of the Klingon death ritual. A warning to those who have gone before; a warrior is coming.

Picard returns to the bridge to inform K'Nera that Korris is dead. K'Nera asks to speak with Worf who steps forward. K'Nera asks how they died? Worf responds; "They died well." Picard asks if he'd like the bodies sent over, but K'Nera says they are empty shells. Dispose of them as they see fit. Before signing off, K'Nera tells Worf, when his tour of duty expires aboard the Enterprise, he'd like him to serve aboard a Klingon ship. His training and experience would be a benefit to them. Worf appreciates the offer, and says he'll consider it. K'Nera signs off. Worf turns to see the rest of his colleagues staring at him with some tension. He assures them he was just being polite. He has no desire to leave the Enterprise. Picard lightens up and takes the center seat. He orders a course away from the Neutral Zone. Worf begins to head out, but Picard smiles and says "Mr. Worf! The bridge wouldn't be the same without you."

[edit] Trivia

This episode begins much like the Kobayashi Maru.

This episode marks the first appearance of Trek veteran Vaughn Armstrong (as Korris).

[edit] Bloopers

• The twin-barrel phaser that Korris and Konmel construct from pieces hidden in their uniforms appears rather flimsy when finally put together. So much so, Konmel has to keep his hand around the barrels to keep them from falling off the gun.

• Konmel is supposedly killed when the security officer shoots him several times. However, when Lt. Yar arrives and checks the security officer's corpse, you can clearly see him breathe and lick his lips.

Preceded by: "Coming of Age"

Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes

Followed by: "The Arsenal of Freedom"