Meanwhile, on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, the false Picard arouses the suspicions of the crew when he begins acting strangely, ordering the ship off course, leading the crew in drinking songs and making romantic overtures to Dr. Crusher. But when Riker finds traces of a sophisticated replicator in Picard's chambers and learns that the captain has led the U.S.S. Enterprise perilously close to a star emitting radiation, he overrides Picard's orders and takes command of the ship. Despite being called mutinous by the false Picard, the crew stands by Riker.

Back in the holding cell, the real Picard deduces that Haro is the captor among them. When she tries to deny the accusation, Picard points out that she exhibited knowledge of classified Starfleet information that would not be available to a cadet.

With that, Haro suddenly metamorphosizes into three identical aliens who are linked telepathically. The aliens explain that they were merely conducting an experiment to study leadership qualities among different species, since their race has no distinctions of authority. When one of the aliens accompanies Picard back to the U.S.S. Enterprise, the false Picard metamorphosizes into another alien.

Furious that he's been used as a guinea pig and that the lives of his crew have been needlessly endangered, Picard captures the two aliens in a forcefield. By this act, he is able to show how effective leadership really works and also that kidnapping is immoral. The point made, Picard send the aliens on their way.

Commander William T. Riker: What is our mission?
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: I'm under no obligation to tell you that.
Commander William T. Riker: If you don't, you force me to take command of this vessel.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: On what grounds?
Commander William T. Riker: You are endangering this ship for no reason.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: No reason you're aware of.
Commander William T. Riker: That's not good enough. Your behavior has been erratic.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Erratic enough to justify mutiny? Do you honestly believe you have sufficient evidence to convince a board of inquiry?
Commander William T. Riker: No, I don't. But I can't let you risk the lives of the crew.

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[after Picard's double is unmasked, and Picard returns to the Enterprise]
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: The replica was convincing?
Commander William T. Riker: Very convincing. But not perfect.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Not perfect? How so?
Commander William T. Riker: For one thing, sir, I find it hard to believe you're that good a singer.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Singer?
[Riker nods, grinning]
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: I look forward to your report, Number One. At least, I think I do