Best Of Both Worlds, part 1

The Borg invade Federation space and destroy a colony, Shelby arrives as a tactical expert and clashes with Riker, and after a costly battle Picard is captured and returns on screen as Locutus of Borg.

• Follows Q Who? (S02E16): Picard and Guinan predict in Q Who? that the Borg will return; in part 1 they arrive in Federation space.
• Leads to Best of Both Worlds, part 2 (S04E01): Resolves the cliffhanger: Riker fires on the cube with Picard aboard as Locutus.
• Leads to Family (S04E02): Picard recovers from assimilation at his family vineyard.
• Leads to I, Borg (S05E23): Picard, taken as Locutus in part 1, first refuses to treat Hugh as a person, then plays Locutus to test him.

Captain's log, Stardate 43989.1. The Enterprise has arrived at Jouret Four in response to a distress signal from one of the Federation's outermost colonies.

Captain's log, Stardate 43992.6. Admiral Hanson and Lieutenant Commander Shelby of Starfleet Tactical have arrived to review the disappearance of New Providence colony. No sign remains of the nine hundred inhabitants.

Captain's log, stardate 43993.5. With confirmation of the Borg's presence in Federation space, Admiral Hanson has returned to Starbase three two four to discuss strategy with Starfleet Command. Lieutenant Commander Shelby remains on board to continue tactical preparations.

Captain's log, stardate 43996.2. The Enterprise remains concealed in the dust cloud. And to my surprise, the Borg have maintained their position, waiting for us to come out of hiding. I have no explanation for their special interest in me or this ship. We continue to prepare our defences for the inevitable confrontation, but I must admit, on this night I contemplate the distinct possibility that no defence may be adequate against this enemy.

First officer's log, stardate 43998.5. Our pursuit of the Borg continues on a course that will take us to the very core of the Federation. The devastation they could bring is beyond imagination.

From Memory Alpha. Linked where the credit could be matched to a transcript label.

Starring

• Patrick Stewart as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Captain Jean-Luc Picard)
• Jonathan Frakes as Commander William Riker (Commander William T. Riker)

Also starring

• LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge)
• Michael Dorn as Lieutenant Worf (Lieutenant Worf)
• Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher (Dr Beverly Crusher)
• Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi (Counselor Deanna Troi)
• Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data (Lieutenant Commander Data)
• Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher (Wesley Crusher)

Guest Stars

• Elizabeth Dennehy as Shelby (Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Shelby)
• George Murdock as J.P. Hanson (Admiral J. P. Hanson)
• Colm Meaney as Miles O'Brien (Chief Miles O'Brien)

Special Guest Star

• Whoopi Goldberg as Guinan (Guinan)

Uncredited Co-Stars

• Rachen Assapiomonwait as Nelson
• Majel Barrett as Computer Voice
• Sedena Cappannelli as ops ensign
• Nyra Crenshaw as ops officer
• Robert Daniels as ops officer
• Debbie David as Russell
• Chris Doyle, Keith Rayve, Lynn Salvatori, Adrian Tafoya as Borg drone (4 performers)
• Eben Ham as ops ensign
• Tim McCormack as Bennett
• Michael Moorehead as civilian
• Randy Pflug as Jones