Data breaks the Prime Directive to answer a young alien's distress call.
Data picks up a radio message from a young girl named Sarjenka on Drema IV, a world with a pre-warp civilization, and quietly begins a friendship with her. Meanwhile, the Enterprise discovers that the planet is going through severe geological upheavals that will soon destroy it. Picard has to decide whether the Prime Directive allows rescue.
Wesley Crusher is given his first chance to lead a science team, adding to the coming-of-age theme. Data's attachment to Sarjenka tests the line between duty and compassion. The episode is a gentle one about friendship, responsibility and when to bend a rule. The resolution, which leaves the girl with no memory of the contact, is both kind and sad.