Wesley and Picard are stranded on a desert moon.
Wesley Crusher is about to leave the Enterprise to attend Starfleet Academy. He is invited to join Captain Picard on a shuttle to a mining dispute. When the shuttle crashes on a desolate moon, the two are stranded with an injured Picard and a limited water supply. The Enterprise crew must race to find them.
The episode offers a farewell to Wesley as a regular character, and a chance for the Captain and his young friend to grow closer. It deals with themes of leadership, courage and the passing of the baton. Wesley later returns in occasional appearances, and this episode is the culmination of his years aboard the ship, with the mentor-student relationship at the center.