Evolution

TNG Season 3 Episode 1
Air Date: September 25th, 1989

Plot

Dr. Paul Stubbs, an astrophysicist is using the Enterprise to monitor a binary star system that has a stellar phenomenon similar to Old Faithful, one star builds up mass from the other then explodes it back out once every 196 years. But his observations are thwarted by a science experment that Wesley was working on that got out of control. He was working with nanite, small machines only he was able to make them self replicating and intelligent. They start to take over the ships computer.

Dr Stubbs tries to kill them to protect his research but instead gets them angry. Only with Picard's help to plea for forgiveness the nanites agree to help. And it turns out the binary star is a perfect place for them to continue developing.

Quotes

"A mother shapes her child in ways she doesn't even realize. Sometimes just by listening." - Guinan

"It's just a science project." - Wesley

"You know, a doctor friend once said the same thing to me. Frankenstein was his name." - Guinan