Suspicions

TNG Season 6 Episode 22
Air Date: May 10th, 1993

Doctor Crusher learns about a Ferengi scientist that has made a revolutionary breakthrough, metaphasic shielding which would let a ship enter the corona of a star. But nobody believes that a Ferengi could make such a discovery. But Doctor Crusher believes it is sound research and convinces some scientists to come to the Enterprise to look at his research.

They eventually test it out with Jo'Bril, the Takaran as pilot. But things go wrong, and the air becomes toxic in the shuttle. They are able to get Jo'Bril out but he dies in sickbay. Shortly after the Ferengi scientist is found dead, he committed suicide. But Doctor Crusher believes he was murdered. She disobeys orders and does an autopsy which reveled no useful information.

Because of her disobedience she is relieved of duty. But Guinan shows up and convinces her to keep looking. She realizes that the metaphasic shields do work and they were sabotaged. She steals the shuttle and goes back into the star's corona and everything works. But then Jo'Bril appears. Turns out the Takaran can stop their bodily functions and simulate death. He wanted to steal the metaphasic shield technology.

I believe this technology does get used in a future episode where the Enterprise is able to enter the corona to hide.

Quotes

"You know, I've never been to a formal inquiry." - Guinan
"Well, I'll see if I can arrange one for you. All you have to do is disobey orders, violate medical ethics and cause an interstellar incident." - Doctor Crusher

"Jean-Luc, I want to tell you something that you need to know, but you're not going to like it. I did an autopsy on Doctor Reyga." - Doctor Crusher
"What did you find?" - Captain Picard
"Nothing. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have done it." - Doctor Crusher
"You most certainly should not. I made it clear to you that the family would not allow it. Not only have you disobeyed my orders, but you've interfered in the burial rituals of another culture. You've put both of us in a very difficult position. The family will have to be notified. I don't doubt that they will react strongly. If the Ferengi government becomes involved, as I'm certain they will, this could have very significant repercussions. I'm not sure how much I can protect you." - Captain Picard
"You don't have to, Jean-Luc. I knew what I was doing and I'm prepared to accept the consequences." - Doctor Crusher