Picard confers with Data, who asserts that if the U.S.S. Enterprise-C was destroyed while aiding the Klingon outpost, it would have been viewed as an honorable act, which means the current war with the Klingons may have been avoided. Faced with this knowledge, Picard decides to send the U.S.S. Enterprise-C back through the time rift, to face its tragic destiny.

Meanwhile, Tasha learns from Guinan that, in the correct time line, she died a meaningless death. In response, Tasha requests that she be allowed to serve on the doomed U.S.S. Enterprise-C crew so that she may die in the heroic battle with the Romulans. Picard reluctantly agrees.

As the U.S.S. Enterprise-C makes its way back through the time rift, three Klingon warships launch an attack on it. To assure that the U.S.S. Enterprise-C returns to its rightful place in time, Picard positions the U.S.S. Enterprise-D between the vessel and the Klingons, sustaining heavy losses in the process. Just as the U.S.S. Enterprise-D's engine core seems on the verge of exploding, Data announces that the rift has closed, and, unaware of the preceding events, the U.S.S. Enterprise returns to its original time line, heading for a cultural exchange program with a Klingon delegation.

In the alternate time-line, this episode's story writer Trent Christopher Ganino's name can be seen on a tactical situation monitor showing the progress of the Klingons in their war with the Federation.

Memorable Quotes:

Capt. Picard: Let's make sure that history never forgets the name Enterprise.

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Guinan: Tasha, you're not supposed to be here.
Natasha Yar: Where am I supposed to be?
Guinan: Dead.

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Guinan: It's an earth drink...prune juice.
Lieutenant Worf: A warrior's drink!