Once a violent, primitive race, Vulcans renounced their warlike nature for logic. But a small faction established the Romulan Empire, where the old Vulcan way flourished. Now, deep in Romulan territory, an underground movement to reunite two worlds of common ancestry is under way - a reunion some have waited a lifetime to see and others would give their lives to stop. Continuing the mission he began in Unification, Starfleet Ambassador Spock endeavors to impart the logic of the Vulcans to a small band of Romulans. But Spock and his students are taken hostage. Fearful that Spock's knowledge of Federation security will fall into enemy hands, Starfleet dispatches the U.S.S. Enterprise 1701-D, and Jean-Luc Picard, to secure the hostages' release. Ambassador McCoy - more than 140 years old - is brought in to consult on the negotiations. Their situation is further complicated when Captain Montgomery Scott confiscates an out-of-service starship and effects his own daring rescue of Spock. Picard must now find a way to preserve the Federation's security and prevent a war while dealing with deadly Romulan politics that threaten his ship, his crew, and the Federation.