Journey's End (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

"Journey's End" is the 172nd episode of the science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. The 20th episode of the seventh season.

Wesley Crusher questions his future as the Enterprise is under orders to forcibly remove the descendants of native North Americans (here called 'Indians') from a planet being yielded to the Cardassians.

Plot

As a result of a long-disputed treaty with the Cardassians, the Federation has agreed to return several planets to Cardassian control. Therefore, all colonists on these planets must be relocated by Starfleet. One such planet, Dorvan V, is inhabited by Native American settlers who left Earth to preserve their culture in a new home. They spent 200 years searching for a world before choosing Dorvan V; they are understandably unwilling to leave. Captain Picard believes they are right but pleads with them to leave telling them the Cardassians insist on removing all inhabitants. During one debate the leader of the tribal council, Anthwara, tells Picard that according to their research Picard's ancestor had been involved in a massacre related to the Pueblo Revolt in New Mexico in the 17th century; they believe Picard's involvement in their case is thus a form of kismet, an idea Picard finds disturbing.

Meanwhile, Wesley has returned from Starfleet Academy for a vacation aboard the Enterprise. He's out-of-character though, snappish and depressed and he appears even slightly ill, which really worries Dr. Crusher. He is rude to La Forge in the engine room. Dr. Crusher tries to talk to her son, but initially gets nowhere.

At a reception on the Enterprise, Wesley comes in contact with Lakanta, an Indian holy man of sorts. He guides Wesley on a journey of self-discovery, in which he talks to his long-dead father, who tells Wesley that he is destined to go down a path different from his own.

Meanwhile, a group of Cardassians arrives on the planet to scout buildings and equipment being left behind, and raises tensions among the settlers further. Picard realizes he has no choice but to force the Indians to leave. He plans to secretly beam them up to the ship, but Wesley finds out and warns the people. When Picard criticizes his actions, Wesley quits Starfleet.

Soon the Indians capture some of the Cardassians on the planet, and a fight breaks out. The Cardassian gul is willing to send reinforcements to attack the Indians, but Picard warns him that, as the Indians are Federation citizens, he would be required to stop the Cardassians, which could lead to more violence between the two groups. Gul Evek reluctantly agrees, and beams up the Cardassians from the planet to prevent more violence.

Eventually Wesley's spirit guide reveals himself as the Traveler, with whom Wesley had contact years ago. Wesley decides to leave Starfleet and explore the universe with him. Wesley tells Beverly this and reveals that he feared disappointing others. Beverly reassures him that she's still proud of him, no matter what he decides to do with his life.

The Indians, still insistent on staying on the planet, decide to forgo Federation citizenship and remain on the planet under the Cardassians' control. The Cardassians agree to leave them alone.

References

• Star Trek The Next Generation DVD set, volume 7, disc 5, selection 4.

External links

• "Journey's End" at the Internet Movie Database
• "Journey's End" at TV.com
• Journey's End at Memory Alpha (a Star Trek wiki)
• Journey's End at StarTrek.com