Stardate 43462.5 Picking up a distress signal from a Romulan Scout Ship, the Enterprise moves in to help the vessel... as it is being chased by a Romulan Warbird. The lone Romulan aboard the Scout Ship is saved and brought aboard the Enterprise where he tells of a secret Romulan base in the Neutral Zone that is nearing completion. In 48 hours the base will go online and the Romulans will be that much closer to attacking the Federation. However, Picard and his senior staff are skeptical of the defector's story.

Corky is having a New Year's Eve party, and Murphy wants to avoid it. Everyone challenges her to be able enjoy the occasion without the her old vice. Sober, Murphy can still bring life to a dull party.