The *Enterprise* discovers a lifeless Federation research vessel, orbibting a planet hidden behind a mysterious energy shield. Over the strong objections of his senior officers, Captain Picard and an away team beam over in search of the missing crew — And vanish. But soon his captain’s disappearance is not the only problem facing Commander Riker. For a mysterious disease has begun ravaging the *Enterprise* crew. Now Riker must uravel the secrets of the planet below in order to rescue Picard — a prevent the starship’s destruction.