Riker is accused of murder, and a holodeck reconstruction tests the evidence.
Dr. Nel Apgar, a scientist working on a new energy source at a research station orbiting Tanuga IV, dies when the station explodes just after Riker beams away. Tanugan investigator Krag accuses Riker of murder and seeks his extradition.
Picard holds an inquiry on the holodeck, where the events are reconstructed from the testimony of Riker, Apgar's wife Manua and his assistant Tayna. Each version differs, especially about Riker's behaviour toward Manua. Meanwhile mysterious bursts of energy begin to strike the Enterprise.
Data and Geordi trace the energy to Apgar's research, which was producing radiation. Apgar had planned to kill Riker to stop him reporting his work, but his weapon set off his own station's destruction, clearing Riker.