Data must persuade a colony to leave before the Sheliak arrive.
Data is sent to Tau Cygna V to persuade a community of human colonists to leave their homes before the Sheliak, an aloof and technologically advanced species, claim the planet under an old treaty. The colonists are not willing to leave. The Sheliak are not interested in anything other than the letter of the law.
Data must use patience and ingenuity to negotiate with both parties, and the story shows him as a leader and a thoughtful problem solver. Picard tangles with the Sheliak's bureaucratic mind, and the resolution depends on clever use of the treaty's own words. The episode is a fan favorite and a showcase for Data's growth. It is also notable for a memorable scene in which Data plays the violin.