Meanwhile, the crew launches a signal probe to locate Geordi. As he frees himself from the pit and makes his way toward the beacon, Geordi is ambushed and taken prisoner by Bochra, a second survivor of the Romulan crash. Before long, however, the electrical storms on Galorndon wreak havoc on Bochra's nervous system and render Geordi's visor inoperable, temporarily blinding him. Geordi is able to convince the critically ill Romulan that their only hope for survival is to beam aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, and the two enemies join forces to locate the beacon.

Back on the starship, Dr. Crusher informs Worf that a transfusion of his ribosome's is the only hope for Patahk's survival. But the Klingon officer refuses to help because his parents were killed by Romulans years earlier. Although Picard explains the drastic political implications of a Romulan dying in Federation hands, Worf stands firm. When Patahk dies, Tomalak prepares to retaliate by attacking the U.S.S. Enterprise. Tomalak's actions force Picard to raise his ship's shields, preventing transporting activity, just as a window in the storm appears.

With time running out, Picard informs Tomalak that the U.S.S. Enterprise is lowering its shields to beam Geordi and a Romulan officer aboard. Knowing that an aggressive response could lead to an all-out war between the Federation and Romulans, Tomalak allows Picard to proceed. Geordi and Bochra return to the U.S.S. Enterprise, where they regain their neural functions and bid each other farewell.

Graduated University of Southern California School of Theatre

1 son, 1980, decided by the courts after paternity suit. He won joint custody.

LeVar Burton's father, Levardis Robert Burton Senior, was a career Army NCO from 1954 to 1976. Levardis Burton retired in the rank of Sergeant First Class, just as his son's acting career was beginning to gain notoriety.

As of November 2003 holds the record for the most number of Star Trek episodes directed by a Star Trek actor. He has directed more than two-dozen episodes for every one of the four "modern era" Trek series.

While co-starring in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987), was also continuing his role as host of "Reading Rainbow" (1983).

His character Geordi La Forge on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) was named after George La Forge, a Star Trek fan who died from muscular dystrophy.

Is a strong supporter of literacy in children.

On "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987), his character's parents were played by two of his "Roots" (1977) (mini) co-stars: Ben Vereen played his father on "Star Trek TNG" and his grandson in "Roots" (1977) (mini) and Madge Sinclair played his character's wife in "Roots" (1977) (mini) and his mother on "Star Trek TNG".

At age 13, entered a Catholic seminary to study for the priesthood.

In the original Next Generation script, Burton's character, Geordi LaForge, was going to be gay.

Author of a science fiction novel, Aftermath.