Four junior officers are involved in a secret Cardassian mission.
The story follows four junior officers on the Enterprise as they go about their duties and hope for promotion. They include Sito Jaxa, a young Bajoran officer who has a history with Picard, and Ensign Ogawa, a nurse. The senior officers are seen only from the viewpoint of the junior crew.
The plot takes a serious turn when Sito is chosen for a dangerous secret mission, with Riker and Picard setting the stakes. The episode is a refreshing change of perspective, showing life on the ship from below. It has a bittersweet ending, and it is considered one of the best of the final season. Its approach later inspired an animated series.