While rushing to aid the survivors on a planet rocked by a lethal explosion, the U.S.S. Enterprise is stopped by the dangerous 'Q' entity who had interfered with their Farpoint mission several months earlier. The powerful 'Q' demands they abandon their rescue mission and partake in a deadly game which, according to 'Q', could result in either 'the greatest possible future' for the crew... or death! The game involves surviving a confrontation with fanged, animal soldiers created by 'Q'. Strangely, the major player in the game turns out to be Commander Riker, who is given Q's power and offered full membership in his continuum. After using his new-found power to save Wesley and Lt. Worf from the hostile creatures, Riker meets with the crew to discuss Q's proposal.
