A Matter Of Time Trivia Quiz

Answer: Panthera IV

Panthera IV is a Federation colony that has been hit by an asteroid. No one was hurt, but the resulting dust-cloud is blocking sunlight from the rest of the planet. Sooner or later every colonist will freeze to death. The Enterprise is rushing at warp speed to assist.

It will arrive soon and Geordi and Data have a solution, so there is no great urgency. So when Worf detects a strange temporal distortion, Captain Picard decides it won't hurt to stop to investigate. Little does he know...

Answer: Matt Frewer

(25 years ago, Matt Frewer played the unforgettable computer-generated character Max Headroom, plus roles like Mike from "Doctor Doctor".)
A strange small craft hovers before the Enterprise. Worf hails it, and reports to the Captain uncertainly "They want you to move over, sir." Picard misunderstands. "Reply that the Enterprise isn't going anywhere, Lt." Worf explains he meant actually Picard himself, not the ship. Picard moves closer "What are you trying to tell me, Mr. Worf?" when suddenly there's a flash of light and a man is standing next to him!
"Whoops! Excuse me Captain, but you were standing right where I needed to be." he shakes the stunned Picard's hand. What's going on?
The strangely-dressed, unusually tall man introduces himself as Professor Berlinghoff Rasmussen. He is twitching with excitement and constantly grinning with glee. He all but jumps up and down with excitement. He looks round "Where I come from, every historian knows the bridge of old 1701-D!" Everyone stares at him curiously. "And where exactly DO you come from?" asks the Captain slowly.
"Why, Earth. The late 26th century Earth to be exact. I've traveled back nearly 300 years just to find you."
The 24th century space-farers cannot believe their ears.

Answer: To witness that particular day's events

At least that's what he claims. But is he telling the truth? Picard and rest of the senior staff meet this strange professor in the observation lounge to hear his story. They agree to store his time-pod in the shuttle bay. He politely declines to answer any questions they have about the future.

He's not allowed to reveal anything (it's a temporal equivalent of their own Prime Directive). He promises to have questionnaires ready for each of them soon. Then Data takes him to the guest quarters. Once the excited man is out of earshot, Deanna Troi confides she sensed he's hiding something. Beverly Crusher does not understand "Of course he is. All the things he could tell us...all the things that he'd like to tell us." Deanna admits that might be it, but she is not sure.

But Picard decides they may as well "extend every courtesy" since the visitor seems harmless enough. But then again, don't they always?

Answer: The location of a book

Rassmussen is so excited! He keeps twitching with glee and saying to everybody "I wish I could describe what a thrill this is!" He reminds them of a big kid with a new toy. In the captain's ready-room he explains he focuses on the 22nd - 24th centuries (early interstellar history, to be exact).

He is surprised that a book of Picard's sits inside a glass case, "You know, it was always believed this was on your desk, not here." he grins "Don't you move it on my account." Picard cannot believe the layout of his office of all things could be of interest to future historians. Rasmussen grins, unsurprised "No less so than than your legendary modesty, Captain."

Answer: He doesn't say

That is one of the first things Riker asks their mysterious guest. "Now, now, Commander," the cocky historian mildly chides the first officer "You know better than that. I've studied a great deal about your century - including the fact that you're all quite aware of the dangers of anyone altering the past. And that's exactly what I'd be doing if I were to divulge information like that." Pretty much every answer he gives about the future is phrased that way. Later in Ten Forward he's sitting with Riker, Worf and Beverly (Beverly comments he's probably being discussed at every table!). Riker has thought of another pertinent question: "Why is there no record of other future historians traveling back to witness important events?" Rasmussen explains that obviously he and his colleagues have to be very careful. Odd. If so, then why is Rasmussen being so overt now?

Answer: The colony's scientific liason

The crew are trying to get on with their work whilst Rasmussen moves around watching and chatting to them. Geordi assumes he is here to witness this mission. Rasmussen just smiles with no comment. Panthera IV is covered with snow and Geordi and Picard visit Moseley in the planet's operations room to explain Data's idea. Moseley agrees to let them use the Enterprise's phasers to drill some holes in his planet. That should release enough CO2 gas to hold in enough heat, and give the planet enough time to mend itself. (Back on the Enterprise Rasmussen cannot help smiling at the irony of the use of the word "time".)

Answer: An automobile

Data notices Rasmussen stares at him more than anyone. "To think!" he exclaims "The Model T of androids." Data explains his brother Lore was actually built before him, so perhaps the Model A automobile would be a better analogy? "I stand corrected?" says the tall time-traveler cheerfully. (Later on Data asks the visitor if he still exists in the 26th century...but gives up when Rasmussen does not tell him.)
The crew cannot understand why Rasmussen has selected them, and today of all days, as a subject for his studies. He just grins mysteriously and assures them he picked the right day. He is so cocky and a bit annoying at times e.g. staring at Geordi's VISOR while Geordi's busy.
At one point Rasmussen admits to the Captain "I'd love to tell you, Picard - I really would! But...try and imagine what a young Caeser might have done differently had someone given him a hint of what lay ahead. Or if Lincoln had been coerced into changing his theater plans." (Picard undoubtedly feels funny being compared to those two...)

Answer: Dr. Crusher

The Enterprise's chirpy visitor now seems to be interested in Beverly. He visits Sickbay to question her about some things, and keeps finding reasons to hang around (e.g. he says to a small child "You'll be telling your grand-children how you were there at Panthera IV!").

He says he finds Beverly "curious"...curious as in "inquisitive", he quickly amends. He also keeps trying to move closer to the poor doctor. But Beverly tactfully points out "You're not supposed to be influencing the past, remember? And I am beginning to feel just a little bit...influenced." She also points out she could be one of his ancestors. (But, as we learn later, he is not.)

Answer: Deanna Troi

In Sick-Bay Dr. Crusher is trying to help Deanna and the quirky time-traveler get on better. She still doesn't understand why Deanna doesn't trust him, and leaves them to chat while she fetches a device to show Rasmussen. He asks Deanna "You don't like me, do you?" Deanna, trying to be diplomatic, says she doesn't DISlike him. "But you don't trust me. You should, you know."
Why, she asks. Rasmussen points out they have a lot in common. His knowledge of the future, and her empathic skills. He adds that before he left his own time his colleagues actually warned him "Picard's empath won't trust you!". Deanna, not exactly flattered by that name, admits "You're right Professor, I don't trust you."
"I knew you'd say that." the smug gentleman chuckles. (At that point Deanna leaves.)

Answer: False

Rasmussen is watching the whole show, and grinning confidently; he knows what's going to happen before anyone else. He is sitting with Riker and Picard on the bridge when the drilling commences. At first the plan seems to have worked and Rasmussen boasts "I always knew how you did it, but to experience the moment!" But hours later things go horribly wrong.

The ground on the planet starts quaking - right at the drill sites! Volcanic eruptions occur too...and the ash and dust will compound the existing problem. Riker curses.

They've only made the planet's condition worse. Why didn't Rasmussen warn them?! But the time-traveler has left the bridge.

Answer: Four

Rasmussen is pleased everyone has completed his questionnaires (especially since they're in the middle of dealing with a planetary disaster!). But he visits Data in his quarters because Data wrote too much. "You did ask me to be thorough." Data reminds their ubiquitous guest - after quietening his music playback. Rasmussen cannot understand how Data can listen to four loud pieces of music at the same time. Data points out he could actually listen to over 100.

The time-traveler shakes his head in disbelief.

Then he asks if he could have a copy of Data's schematics - since little of Dr. Noonian Soong's work survived to the 26th century. Data kindly agrees, not noticing the professor quietly pocketing something while his back's turned...

Answer: All

After the disastrous failure of their drilling plan, the Enterprise has to come up with a new solution. Geordi and Data may finally have one. Rasmussen is still in Data's quarters whilst Geordi discusses it over subspace. Before ending transmission, Geordi comments wryly "You'd better inform the captain of the good news ~and~ the bad news." Rasmussen cheerfully whispers "Which do you suppose he's doing to want to hear first?" 10 minutes later, Picard decides to hear the good news first (unsurprising, considering all the bad news already heard today). Data explains that all the dust is causing electro-static energy - which a modified phaser blast could use to channel harmlessly into space.

The bad news is it is exceedingly difficult. One tiny miscalculation would instantly incinerate every colonist. Oh dear. Picard wonders what he is supposed to do now? If they're wrong, everybody on Panthera IV will die. Perhaps he should ask Rasmussen...

Answer: False

The tall man is summoned to the Captain's ready-room. Although he must already know, Picard explains the situation. Data and Geordi's latest plan is tempting, but the margins of error are horribly slim, and the Enterprise doesn't want to be responsible for wiping out the colony. Rasmussen nods thoughtfully. "So, do nothing, and 1000s ~will~ die. Do something, and millions ~could~ die. That's a tough choice."
"Not if you were to help me." Picard points out.
Rasmussen cannot believe his ears. Surely Picard doesn't expect him to reveal what the 26th century history books say will happen if he tries? Picard tries to reason with the professor. He himself has disobeyed the Prime Directive in the past, "because it was the right thing to do". Surely Rasmussen can see this is the right moment to make an exception? But the lanky professor still refuses to reveal anything. He remain irritatingly cheerful, despite the fact 20 million lives hang in the balance. He points out they all died before he was born. So he can't get quite as "worked up" as his hosts.
Picard adds angrily "You ask me to believe that if I make a choice other than the one that appears in your history books, then your past will be irrevocably altered? Well maybe I don't care Professor because your past is my FUTURE! And as far as I am concerned, it hasn't been written yet!"
He waits for Rasmussen to respond. But Rasmussen says nothing. In fact Picard has never seen him looked so helpless. The familiar cocky confidence is gone. "Please don't ask me Captain," he whispers weakly "I can't help you. I'm sorry."
Picard marches out onto the bridge. He has decided to try anyway. He gives the order and Riker, Data and Geordi on the surface all begin preparations. Picard tells Rasmussen he helped after all. How? By refusing to help he reminded the Captain one's right to choose without knowledge of the future is precious.

Answer: True

After the Enterprise attempts the revised plan...sunshine returns to Panthera IV! Dr. Moseley and the others profoundly thank the Captain on the viewscreen.
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief - Panthera IV will survive after all! Phew! Then Rasmussen announces it's time for him to leave. He cheerfully exits the bridge, taking a final look at Riker "You know, you're taller in person, Commander." (He does not see the first officer nodding at the Captain.)
When he enter the cargo bay with his bag he is surprised to see Picard and co waiting. "Well, will you look at this!" he laughs "Who would have expected a tearful farewell party?"
But the Captain and his crew are not smiling. "I'm afraid we're going to have to take a look at your vessel, Professor."
Rasmussen, realising he's not joking, once again protests that they've been over this enough times already. He cannot allow 24th century inhabitants to see 26th century technology. Picard says a number of items have been lost since the professor came aboard, and if they're in his timepod they want them returned. Rasmussen gulps. They certainly won't be able to force the vessel open; they don't have the means. But Riker and Worf won't let him in unless he allows them to search. Uh oh. Now he's panicking. What can he do? Then he has an idea. "Considering the sensitive nature of my equipment, I request that only Mr. Data be allowed on board." That makes sense. If Data is ordered never to reveal what he sees, everyone knows he must obey. Picard adds "With the exception of anything that might belong to us." The professor presses his hand on the futuristic time-pod and its door opens. Data enters and he follows him inside. Inside the gleaming interior of the otherwordly craft the android spots a stolen tricorder, a knife of Worf's, one of Geordi's spare VISORS, medical hypo-sprays and one of his own data-pads. He turns to Rasmussen for an explanation...and freezes when he sees a stolen phaser pointing at him.

Answer: The 22nd Century

As Deanna suspected, Rasmussen has been lying all along. He is indeed a time-traveler and his vessel does indeed come from the 26th century. But the man himself is a dishonest failed inventor from 22nd Century New Jersey. He stole this machine from a genuine 26th century explorer (plus his clothes!) who visited his hometown.

He confesses all as he points the stolen phaser at Data. "What are your intentions, Professor?" asked the startled android. Rasmussen explains he originally just planned to pinch a few items of 24th century technology, then return home and get rich by "inventing" one every year.

But now he will make even more money by "inventing" Data too! He cackles as he squeezes the gun's trigger...but nothing happens. He turns pale. Data, unsurprised, leads him back outside. Data reveals all to the others. No wonder Rasmussen wouldn't reveal anything about the future - he doesn't even know! He also doesn't know why the stolen gun didn't work.

As Worf enters the ship and retrieves all stolen equipment, Picard explains why. Once the timepod's shields were down they were able to quickly transmit a signal de-activating any Starfleet equipment. Beverley glowers at their "guest". "A very nice performance." Rasmussen tries to convince her he did genuinely fancy her, but it's little consolation.

As Worf comes back the nervous thief pleads with them to let him back in the pod. It could leave any second...without him! And he is quite right: suddenly it vanishes - no one knows to where. "No!" Rasmussen stares helplessly at the empty spot on the shuttle-bay floor. "Welcome to the 24th Century," says the captain coldly. It's probably not much consolation to the stranded "historian" but there are several genuine historians who will be interested to meet him - in prison.