Enterprise is on a survey mission to monitor a system of planets, when it is learned that Data has secretly been communicating with a "pen pal" on Drema IV, one of the planets being investigated. Although he was contacted by accident by the little girl, his response back was still a major breach of protocol, and Picard is quite displeased. However, Data has learned through his contact, that conditions on Drema IV are deteriorating and the planet's life is about to be extinguished.

Meanwhile, as part of his ship board studies to become a full officer, Riker puts Wesley in charge of the team performing the mineral studies being done on the planet. Wesley finds that being in charge of a team composed of more senior adults a big challenge, as they begin to dismiss his directions and instead try to convince him to follow their lead.

Will Data be allowed to rescue his new found friend on the planet, and will Wesley be able to reign in the scientists under his temporary command?

MacGyver and Pete are captured by terrorists intent on wiping out a nearby city with an electromagnetic pulse, unless their leader is freed.

ALF prepares for the worst after experiencing a mild earthquake.

While Murphy is grilling him on the show, a judge dies of a heart attack. This causes Murphy to lose her edge, so she attends a group therapy session.