to the Starfleet?
It will not be easy,
but with Admiral Nechayev's support,
I think they will go along with it.
Then if there's nothing else,
I'll return.
I have a lengthy report to write.
Captain. Anthwara.
I was right, Captain.
You did not take us from our land,
and you have wiped clean
a very old stain of blood.
Captain's log, stardate 47755.3.
The Enterprise is preparing
to leave Dorvan V,
but former cadet Wesley Crusher
will be staying behind.
Where will you go?
The Traveller said that my studies
would begin with these people.
He said that they are aware
of many things.
I can learn a lot from them.
That's just what I need,
more studying.
- Somehow, I think you'll manage.
- Me, too.
Well, good luck, Mr...
- Good luck, Wesley.
- Thank you.
For a lot of things.
You be sure and dress warmly
on those other planes of existence.
I will.
- Bye, Mom.
- Goodbye.
Energise.As time passes,
a boy inevitably becomes a man.
But what is not inevitable
is that a man becomes a warrior.
A warrior must be forged,
like a sword, tempered by...
...by...
...tempered by experience.
The path of a warrior begins with...
- Alexander.
- No, wait!
Sorry. I didn't mean to hit you.
- What is the meaning of this?
- I'm sorry.
We made fullerenes at chemistry class
and filled them with water.
I asked you to meet me here.
I have been waiting.
I forgot.
You forgot because you allowed
yourself to be distracted.
I'm sorry.
There is something very important
I want to discuss.
It concerns your future. Sit.
As time passes,
a boy inevitably becomes a man,
but what is not inevitable
is that a man becomes a sword.
- What?
- I meant, warrior.
The path of a warrior begins
with the First Rite of Ascension.
When they hit you with painstiks?
No, that is the Second Rite.
You are approaching
the Age of Ascension.
- It is time for you to prepare.
- What do I have to do?
Your fighting skills will be tested
and your knowledge
of the teachings of Kahless.
It will be challenging,
but I will help you prepare.
These are the kor'tova candles.
They represent the fire
within the heart of a warrior.
When you light yours, you declare
your intention to become a warrior.
- Go ahead.
- What if I don't want to?
If you do not participate
in the rite before 13 years,
you will never become
a true Klingon warrior.
I don't care.
You may not now, but you might.
Mother said I didn't have to do this
Klingon stuff if I didn't want to.
- It is your decision...
- OK, then.
- I'm not going to do it.
- Alexander.
You said it was up to me.
I don't want to be a warrior.
Space, the final frontier.
These are the voyages
of the Starship Enterprise.
Its continuing mission,
to explore strange new worlds...
...to seek out new life
and new civilisations...
...to boldly go
where no one has gone before.
We can't rendezvous
with the Kearsarge for four days.
Will we hold position here?
Yes. And as we're in for
a relatively quiet time,
I shall visit the Hatarian system.
There are some ancient ruins
being excavated.
The delay allows Stellar Dynamics
to complete their study
of the Vodrey Nebula.
They can use the lateral-sensor grid.
We could use this time to recalibrate
the weapons-targeting system.
Mr Worf?
Yes. I will begin the procedure
immediately.
Very good. Dismissed.
Lieutenant, could I have
a word with you for a moment?
I noticed during the briefing
that you appeared
to be a bit distracted.
I apologise. My personal affairs
should not interfere with my duties.
Is everything alright?
I'm having problems with Alexander.
He does not wish to participate
in the First Rite of Ascension.
I see.
I try to tell him that it is
important in a young Klingon's life,
but he does not understand.
He's had so little opportunity
to spend time with Klingons.
You know, the Festival of Kot'baval
is tomorrow.
If he could take part in that,
he would more fully appreciate
his rich cultural